The Guardians of Harmony - Book 1: Rise of the Dark Queen (Old Version)

Chapters

Chapter 2 - Fanged Fledglings
Chapter 3 - Arrival In Ponyville
Chapter 4 - Bubbly Balloons and Mirthful Melons
Chapter 5 - Honest Apples and Chipper Blooms
Chapter 6 - Loyal Bolts, Blossoming Flowers, and Kickers of Clouds
Chapter 7 - Generous Gems and Melodic Belles
Chapter 8 - Kind Butterflies and Timid Angel
Chapter 9 - Magical Stars, Crescent Moons, Draconic Colts
Chapter 10 - Return of the Dark Queen
Chapter 11 - Explanations
Chapter 12 - Formation of the Super Seven
Chapter 14 - The Feathered Raider
Chapter 15 - A Beetle Black Rescue
Chapter 16 - Birth of a Nightmare
Chapter 17 - Talons of Death
Chapter 18 - Invasion
Chapter 19 - Apples in Action
Chapter 20 - The Striped Assassin
Chapter 21 - An Honest Heart
Chapter 22 - Sparking Diamonds and Blossoming Flowers
Chapter 23 - Break In
Chapter 24 - Golden Flames
Chapter 25 - The Wooden Army
Chapter 26 - Recovery
Chapter 27 - Blades of Indigo
Chapter 28 - The Trap
Chapter 29 - Canine Vs Equine
Chapter 30 - Escape
Chapter 31 - Gleaming Shields
Chapter 32 - Wings of Thunder and Hooves of Earth
Chapter 33 - The Lone Soldier
Chapter 34 - Bolts in the Shadows
Chapter 35 - Reunion
Chapter 37 - The Golden King
Chapter 38 - A Kindhearted Soul
Chapter 39 - Bonding in the Barn
Chapter 40 - Bolts of the Sky
Chapter 41 - Memories of the Fallen Moon
Chapter 42 - The Ravenous Colony
Chapter 43 - Trek through the Underground
Chapter 45 - Battle to the Top
Chapter 46 - Cruising in the Clubhouse
Chapter 47 - Arrows of Speed
Chapter 49 - The Murderous Mob
Chapter 50 - The Medicine of Laughter
Chapter 51 - Setting the Sails
Chapter 52 - Ranger of the Sky
Chapter 53 - Dukes of Death and Slicers of Wind
Chapter 54 - Alpha of the Seas
Chapter 55 - Burning Fangs and Crimson Petals
Chapter 56 - The Unholy Offspring of Lightning and Death
Chapter 57 - A Generous Spirit
Chapter 58 - The Spotted Ninja
Chapter 59 - Kicker of the Clouds
Chapter 60 - Wands of Stars
Chapter 61 - The Demons of Speed
Chapter 63 - Stars of the Galaxy
Chapter 64 - A Loyal Comrade
Chapter 65 - Wings of the Black Abyss
Chapter 66 - Flames of the Amethyst
Chapter 67 - Fury of the Fillies
Chapter 68 - Blaze of the Night
Chapter 69 - The Savage Six
Chapter 70 - The Magic Ignites
Chapter 71 - Reinforcements
Chapter 72 - Lasers and Lightning
Chapter 73 - Elemental Streamers and Knives of Blood
Chapter 74 - Obsidian Scales and Emerald Diamonds
Chapter 75 - Clash of the Six Powers
Chapter 76 - Divine Judgement
Chapter 77 - Wrath of the Magical Star
Chapter 78 - From Darkness into Light
Chapter 80 - Defeat of the Dark Army (Part 2)
Chapter 80 - Fall of the Dark Queen
Chapter 81 - Sisters Reunited
Chapter 82: A Celebration to Remember
Chapter 1 - Prologue
Chapter 13 - Rise of the Light and Dark Armies
Chapter 36 - Sweet Melons and Sour Diamonds
Chapter 44 - Claws of Space
Chapter 48 - An Unwelcome Greeting
Chapter 62 - The Great and Powerful Magician
Chapter 79 - Defeat of the Dark Army (Part 1)

Chapter 2 - Fanged Fledglings

The day shined brightly in the vast and magical land of Equestria, the golden yellow sun gleaming over the land, basking it in its warmth. The bright cyan sky loomed over the shining orb of light, making it washed out among the atmosphere as the cool breeze washed through the air. The dark green trees in the trees blow gently rustled in unison with the wind as the grass fluttered along with the trees. The field of grass was split right in the middle, leaving a large dirt trail to take its place as it led south one way to more of the luscious, healthy green forest. On the northern part of the dirt path however, it led farther up, into the same grove of trees, but also leading to something, or rather, somewhere that one would find civilization. One of the many places where one would find the number one species in the world thriving, and living, today. Including the very one that watched over and protected them each and every day, that dominated all of Equestria, and the entire earth.

The City of Canterlot.

Canterlot wasn’t just any city however, not like any of the other cities that were found across the land. It was a city where the high class and elite ponies could be found, happily showing and and strutting their stuff around to anypony who happened to be passing by. That was usually just more high-class pony groups, which made it all the more worth it, because they were seen as equals in their eyes, and not lowlife like the one who were not of high class. The Canterlot elite looked down upon and shunned those who were not of high-class society, and kept as far away from them as possible. Those who experience this kind of negative attention and hostility found it very hard to be accepted into their environment, let alone live in it without facing even the slightest of discrimination and humiliation.

On the far outskirts of Canterlot city, right smack dab at the far end, hanging high atop a high mountain, was possibly the biggest castle anypony had ever seen, bigger than any royal building found anywhere in Equestria. Th castle itself had many decorative paintings that went from the very floors to the top of the small tent-like roofs. The far-right side of the castle stretched well beyond the cliff, having a set of towers that went even higher than the last. It was quite a big castle too, looking like it could fall at even the slightest of impacts, while the left side of it had the main entrance of the castle that had a large river around it, leading down to water falls at the far left.

The interior of Canterlot Castle had typical long and huge hallways, lined with large statues and beautiful crystal mirrors of the ponies from the past, those that aided to Queen in creating the land what it was today. They could all be seen in each and every single hallway, with additional decoration of flowers lining them, along with a large rug that was redder than roses lining the floors, going straight as an arrow. Each of these hallways led to many different rooms, be it offices, conference rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, reservation rooms. There were even large balconies where ponies could just look outside and enjoy the view of the city. These were the things that can usually be found in any home or building of royalty, except for here, it was a bit more luxurious, to say the least.

Despite these many features found in it, Canterlot Castle wasn’t just any typical royal castle like those that are found and read and fairy tales. No, this was the castle that was the very embodiment of the city itself. It was where the one protector of Equestria, the Queen could be found living inside, along with many of the ponies that she saw as her own children, be it guards, high class ponies or mere peasants, it did not matter. Anypony was welcome into her home, even if they never seen very often in places like this, and for one particular group of ponies, it was certainly no exception.

Somewhere deep inside the beautiful royal castle, in one of the many long hallways, lied a section where the castle bedrooms were lined up on either side. Each of them had signs displaying the name of the residents staying inside, some containing more names than others, so it can be known just how many ponies were staying inside. One room in particular at the largest group of ponies, due to the large sign that hung above the door, and the coiled magical looking pure golden dragon that hung right in front of the door way. Just under the dragon, that was a small four-worded sign that said, ‘Room of the Shenron Nightstalker Sisters’, and there, was where somepony would find the most well-known ponies in all the land.

The interior of the room was quite large, larger than any room found anywhere else, even inside castle. On either side of the walls and at the far end of the room, three marvelous looking queen-sized beds lay, displayed proudly out in the opening, having large desks with lamps on either side. There were large posters with those that were known worldwide with symbols in the form of ponies, magic, nature, and even dragons, along with numerous smaller pictures of ponies, looking to have been in there for quite some time.

Out of the four beds that should’ve contained lump under the large soft and comfortable covers, only one lump could be scene. The very center of the beautiful bed moved up and down so slightly, showing just what, or rather who, was snuggled under it, looking quite comfortable in the position they were in. It seemed like it would be one of those typical lazy days where everypony decided to sleep in until noon.

That is, until an alarm call decided to ruin that chance, in the loudest, and most annoying way possible.

The pony that laid the closest to the now violently buzzing alarm clock gave an ever so slight jump as they recovered from the startling awakening. A few moments later, pony let out a soft feminine moan as they reluctantly shifted their position on the bed, reaching out with a foreleg towards the clock to click the button capable of stopping the ridiculously loud clock from trying to rupture their eardrums. After a few sluggishly unsuccessful attempts, the pony finally gathered enough strength to practically slam her hoof down on the clock, so much in fact, that the device gave way under the pressure and broke apart like an egg, the screws and wheels scattering about all over the floor. In addition, due to the force put into smashing the clock, the table it was sitting on also had a large crack in the wood. A few more moments were spent letting their hoof dangle over the bed, before the pony let out another soft groan and shifted to push the covers off of them and sit upright. They gave a smack of their lips as they rubbed their eyes with both of their forehooves, before gently pulling the covers off of them and slowly getting out of the bed.

The pony that had just been rudely awakened by the alarm clock, and still looking to be in a sluggish state, was a young Pegasus mare, and a very attractive mare at that. If anypony else had come in to see her, they would have admitted that she was quite a sight to see. She had a smooth and soft creamy beige orange tinged coat that gave off a glistening shine in the light of the sun. A long silky and spikey jet-black mane spilled over her face, reaching all the way down to the ground in a big pile. The same could be said with her tail, it being in a bigger pile, with both having midnight blue highlights at the tips and edges.

All four of said legs had three various and vibrant colors adorning the young mare. The lower half of her legs were covered in deep leaf green fur, and the upper half in crimson red, with the center of the legs having a midnight blue stripe going vertically across. Her large wing feathers had a mixture of all the colors on her legs, along with her fur, mane and eyes. Her chest was covered in a large mass of the colors as well, also having feathers, with some just above the base of her overextended tail.

There were also appendages on her sticking out of her wings and tail feathers that many wouldn’t really find. Those being wing membranes and tail fins that were the same color as her eyes. Said eyes were a beautiful mesmerizing golden yellow color, able to capture anypony that looked into them. Atop her ears were fluffy tufts, a set of upper canine teeth could be seen protruding from her lips, and large wing claws protruding out of her feathered wings. To top her appearance off, there was no Cutie Mark upon her flank, leaving ponies to wonder what her special talent could be. This strange, yet beautiful looking young mare was Son Goku Kakarot Nightstalker Shenron, member of the Thestral and Shenron clan, and third born of three other siblings.

Goku was one of the many residents that lived in Canterlot City, known there, and inside the very castle she and her family lived in along with the Queen. Somepony who was a kindhearted pony, having a caring nature and a gentle hoof. She was known to be a very good listener for anypony who wanted to talk about their problems with her, and incredibly good comforting others and making their fears go away, filling them with newfound hope. She had a practically boundless amount of optimism packed within her, and could really liven up a party and bring smiles, even when there was a group of young foals. Goku had a very generous spirit as well, willing to go as far as to give the bits in her saddleback to anypony that needed it, especially if it was a pony living on the streets of Canterlot. She really didn’t like it when somepony refused to be generous to another, even when it was warranted and wouldn’t take very long.

The mare was also known to be fiercely loyal to those that she cared about, from both sides of her family, always willing to help them out. She was never one for leaving those to the wolves, even if it was somepony who she didn’t particularly like. Goku was also known to be very honest and upfront with ponies, and never one to beat around the bush, which would only make it that much harder for her to say what she wanted, or had, to say. While she was sometimes blunt with some ponies, she’d always make sure to be gentle about it, not wanting to come off as careless or callous. Both sides of her family were known for being honest and truthful and unlike most other ponies, they were not painfully blunt, and made sure to be upfront with care.

Out of all of these qualities that Goku had, there was one that stood out above all the rest, one quality that helped both her and her siblings find a special place in the Queen's life. She had an amazing ability to do all types of offensive and defensive magic, with magical reserves that were on par with even that of a dragon. She was excellent at controlling the abilities she and her siblings were blessed with by their family, and was able to use magic belonging to all three Pony Tribes, which was only amplified by her dragon abilities, mastering them as if they were foal's play. This was the main reason why the Queen had her go to her magic school, and gave her and her family a place to stay in her castle, feeling that the mare had the potential to be something great. That wasn't to say that Goku didn't have any competition when it came to special talents like her's, and by Faust did she have a lot of competition. This only made her that much more excited to go to the school, for she was one that loved a good challenge. Especially if those challenges could benefit ones that she believes she could be great friends with.

Little did Goku realize that in just a few short hours she’d be sent on a task that would reunite her with a group of ponies well known in her foalhood. Friends that she would soon embark on an epic adventure with to save the world, with many more to come.

The tan multi-colored hybrid Pegasus let out a loud long yawn as she stretched her upper body down like a cat. She let the bones in her body snap back into place while she flared her feathered bat wings, which seemed to stretch across the entirety of the giant room. Giving a soft sigh, she gave her body a shake, before looking around the room, finding she was the only one inside.

“Hmmm…looks like the others woke up before me,” Goku said softly to nopony in particular. “Must’ve let me sleep in for the day…as always.”

The mare gave another cute yawn as she rubbed at her eyes again, looking over at the remains of the clock that she had destroyed in her half a sleep state. She blinked a couple of times as she wondered how it got like that, before it clicked, a blush formed on her tan cheeks.

“Whoops…guess I lost control of my strength for a second there.” She said sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, before heading to the bathroom. “No matter, the Queen can take care of it…”

With a twitch of one of her tufted ears, she looked around the room again, a frown coming to her fanged face. “Can’t smell Midnight or Snowflake in here anymore…guess they’ve woken up before me again. No doubt they, Mom, Dad and Sheton are starting breakfast without me…as usual.” She murmured to herself, giving a little snort as she flicked her tail. “Looks like I’ll need to give them a little reminder of waking me up for breakfast…again.”

Goku walked with a light skip in her step as she made her way down one of the many large hallways of the Canterlot Castle, admiring the stone statues and exotic paintings adorning either side. She gave a light wave to the guards that were adorning the halls, who gave her a short salute back as she passed by them. The tan Pegasus began giggling quietly as she nodded back, batting her eyes at them seductively. As she walked passed them, she gave a little sway of her hips, making her rump shake in the process. Goku looked out of the corner of her sharp eyes, giggling again when she saw the guards’ cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink.

‘Heh, looks like I’m still managing to make those studs blush like cute little colts.’ The tan mare thought ‘It’s too bad that I won’t be seeing them as often as I want to after today. I had a really good time getting to know them. Maybe if I come back here for the holidays or something like that, I’ll get them the kind of greeting that my Mom gives them. Heehee, now that’ll be fun to do!’

As she continued walking down the hallway, her nostrils were suddenly and quite viciously assaulted by a wonderful smell. It was so good that it made her feel like she could float in the air without flapping her wings, which is exactly what happened. Her eyes became half lidded as a small goofy smile came over her face, her tufted ears flopping to the back of her head. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as her eyes became hearts, her hybrid wings falling to either side of her.

“Whoa…what is this…wonderful scent I’m smelling? Is this the oh so wonderful smell of delicious food?” she murmured to herself as she took in another, deeper inhale, giving feeling a shiver course through her body. “Oh my Celestia…I don’t think I’ve ever smelled something so good in my life. I think I’d better go check it out…have a feeling that I know who’s makin’ it, heeheehee!”

With an even lighter skip in her step, she followed to the sweet scent down the hallway completely ignoring everything else around her as she made her way to the kitchen and dining room. As she got closer to the kitchen, the heavenly smell she was following grew stronger, making her quicken her pace. She gave even bigger sway of her hips as her enormous wings ruffling excitedly in anticipation of what she would find. After several seconds of pursuing that taste bud tingling scent, her patience was rewarded as she found herself in front of the kitchen dining room door. The sweet scent was now burning inside her nostrils, filling her entire mind with its intoxicating goodness. Unable to wait any longer, Goku squealed and practically barged through the door, nearly breaking it off its hinges.

No sooner did she set foot inside the large room, her hooves grinded across the floor as she skidded to a halt, her golden eyes widening at the sight before her. The interior of the dining room had numerous pictures with very artistic paintings decorating the wall as the ones outside in the hall. There were also tables holding picture frames and beautiful looking dishes and utensils that looked like they had come from some vast place. In the middle of the room had a dining table big enough for at least fifteen ponies, and on the table were numerous different breakfast foods. Large stacks of pancakes that had glistening trails of maple syrup slowing trailing down them. There were also plates filled with fresh eggs, hash browns, and even bacon and sausage set on the table, with large bowls filled with fruits, and gemstones of all kinds. There were also some cups filled to the brim with clear water, orange juice, apple juice, which glistened in the light of the room.

Goku felt her mouth begin to water as her lips started quiver, her golden eyes taking in each and every delicious food that the table had to offer. Her tongue ran across her lips as a river of drool ran down her chin. She slowly began to walk towards the table, a dreamy expression on her face as though she were in a trance by the food. She stopped just a hoof’s length away from the table, her fangs glistening as her eyes sparkled. Putting her forehooves on the table Goku, opening her mouth wide to take a nice large bite. Before she could even sink her teeth into a single strip of food however, another voice snapped her out of her pleasantly dazed state.

“My goodness, somepony’s eager to chow down today, isn’t she?” The voice said, sounding melodic and filled with amusement. “Don’t tell me that you’re going to start eating without us, little sister.”

The beige Pegasus mare froze when she heard the room, looking like a foal that had just been caught with their hoof in the cookie jar before dinner. A snarl escaped her throat as she thought of what to say to the pony who stopped her from enjoying the most memorable breakfast that she ever had. Baring her fangs, she opened her mouth to give the pony a verbal tongue lashing, only for her face to flush when she saw who it was.

Like her, the pony standing before her was a hybrid Pegasus mare, who looked to be just as attractive as Goku was. She had mountain blue fur that looked to be just a shade darker than that of the beautiful cyan sky. A long curly cumulus white mane and tail ran down her neck and hung from one side of her face, having crystal blue highlights running through them. A beautiful shade of greenish icy blue eyes adorned her, looking just as striking as Goku’s. Her wings were a combination of cumulus white and mountain blue, having glistening greenish blue membranes sticking out from the feathers. A crimson-eyed metal dragon hung from a chained color around her neck, much like Goku’s, and she had a fluffy chest of cumulus white and mountain blue feathers.

A pair icy blue angel dragon wings were embedded on her back like a tattoo, having draconic membranes sticking out of them. Her ears had tufts at the top as well, and she had her own set of bat-like fangs poking from her lips, and her Cutie Mark was of a large spiraling crystal blue magical symbol with smaller white stars scattered around it. This lovely and elegant looking mare was known as Snowflake Icestorm Nightstalker Shenron, the middle sister in Goku’s family, and a fellow member of the Nightstalker Shenron clan.

Snowflake was another one of the many residents of Canterlot City and one of the very few ponies that lived in the castle with the Queen and her other residents, along with going to the Queen's School for Gifted Ponies. She had the same magical prowess and abilities that Goku had at her disposal, though she was, if only slightly better at it than her younger sister. That didn't mean she liked to flaunt her talents very much, especially at the risk of hurting her dear little sister. So she was usually a very modest pony that only really showed her talents unless asked or necessary.

Snowflake was known to be a very calm, cool-headed, and levelheaded young mare, never one to get stressed easily, if at all for that matter, and able to keep herself under control even in the most toughest situations. She was just as attractive as her younger sister, only added by her gentle and caring personality, with elegance and grace to match. Snowflake was also the complete opposite of most of the Canterlot Nobles and Lords living there. The mare was kinder, sweeter, more accepting and welcoming, and not one to judge anypony based on their looks or where they were from or what species they were. Nor did she mind if they were old-fashioned and would rather have the simpler things in life than the finer things in life. She was also known to calm anypony that was worried about things, and didn't call them out on it, no matter how silly others thought it was.

Despite her soothing and gentle nature, Snowflake, like her sister, was not somepony to be messed with for reasons similar to Goku's. She wasn't one to get physical with ponies, unless it was during training in her magical abilities, and was pretty difficult to anger or annoy, but when she did get into a dispute or confrontation with somepony, she would just her words alone to settle it. Snowflake was known to have quite the sharp tongue, and anypony that tried to mess with her or her sisters would find themselves and their egos toned down quite a notch if it came to that point. Of course, that didn't mean that Snowflake didn't get into scuffles with ponies herself, though on a less violent level. When she did though, she made sure that they all walked away chilled to their very bone.

"Good morning Goku, I see that you're up bright and early for breakfast today." Snowflake continued gently. The small smile on her face growing slightly wider as she her younger sister glare back at her. “And I see that you’re just as eager to fill that adorable little tummy of yours as ever.

“Good morning to you too Snowflake.” Goku deadpanned, plopping back down on all fours. “I take it that you’re going to get mad at me and scold me for being the last one here at the dinner table? Even when you Midnight, Mom and Dad all failed to wake me up for our family breakfast again?”

“Hmhmhm, relax, little sister, I’m not upset that you wanted to go right ahead and dig in, especially after we decided to let you sleep in today.” Snowflake replied with a giggle as she walked over and gave her sister a gentle pat on the head. “Though, the least you could’ve done was wait until all of us were at the table before you stuffed your cute little face in.”

Goku snorted and lightly swatted the mountain blue mare’s hoof away. “Oh don’t you give me that Snowy! You and I both know that you all-well, at least you Midnight, and Dad would just go on ahead and eat without me and hog all the food for yourself!” She pointed and accusing hoof at Snowflake before she could even respond. “And don’t you even go say that I would’ve eaten it all, because you all would’ve done the same thing! We’re all Kirins, and we all have stomachs bigger than the average pony, and the fact that we’re half Thestral doesn’t help our matters either!”

“Yes, we do have those unique traits and abilities little sister. Passed down to us by the founders of our dear mother and father’s clans themselves.” Snowflake murmured with a nod of agreement. “You are right about one thing we might’ve eaten all the food without you, hmhm.”

“Exactly!” Goku shouted, stomping her hoof. “So why are you getting on my case about devouring all of this delicious food when you’d all do it yourselves?!”

“Because…” Snowflake began, putting a hoof to her mouth. “It would be so adorable to see you just pegging us to give you even a scarp, hmhmhm!”

A tick mark appeared on Goku’s head as her left eye twitched. “You are such a bitchy little ass you know that?”

“Maybe I am, but you are my youngest sister. So I can be more or less of a jerk to you if I wanted.” Snowflake giggled, booping Goku on her nose. “Even if it means watching you practically hugging my legs and begging me for food.”

“If that were to happen, I would be threating to burn you to a crisp and rip the very meat off of your bones.” Goku said bluntly, baring her fangs as her eyes gleamed. “Then Sheton and Mom would be riding your ass for not letting me stuff my gut to my heart’s content, like Mom and Dad do with all of us.”

“Well luckily for you, me and Midnight made more enough food that should be able to fill that cute little bottomless pit of yours.” Snowflake grinned, tossing her mane. “Assuming that you’ll actually be full by then, and we won’t have to cook again. ”

“Well, judging by how much of this scrumptious food is covering the table with all of these drinks, fruit and gemstones, I’d say it most certainly will be!” Goku replied, her eyes once again scanning over the breakfast filled table as she went back to drooling. “Speaking of which, where are Mom, Dad, and Sheton anyway?”

Before Snowflake could respond, both Pegasi sisters’ ears perked up at the sound of dishes clinking together and a mare’s soft voice. They could also hear the clopping sound of hoof steps coming from the doorway on the far side of the dining room. The beige and mountain blue hybrid mares turned to the doorway as a shadow started to grow from the entrance of the kitchen. A few seconds later, another pony walked out and into the room, carrying more plates that had fresh batches of breakfast ready to be eaten.

As with Goku and Snowflake, the pony was a Pegasus/Thestral mare, and out of the three of them, she was the biggest of them all. She looked to be almost twice the size of the average stallion, with her back well-toned, and her legs well built. Her fur was the darkest out of the three, blacker then the shell of a Rhino Beetle. The mare long navy-blue mane and tail that reached all the way to the ground in a pile, looking to be longer than Goku’s, with eyes that were a deep shade of navy blue. Her wings were a combination of beetle black and navy blue, with navy blue membranes adorning them and her tail feathers. A pair of pure silver dragon-bird hybrid wings on her back, having the same membranes on the mare’s wings. A necklace with a violet-eyed metal dragon could be seen hanging her neck, and her Cutie Mark was of a grey storm cloud with lightning bolts emitting from it. This mare was known as Midnight Thunderstorm Shenron, the eldest mare out of the four Kirin Thestral siblings.

“There we go…that’s the last of the plates. Now all I have to do is set them here and wait for Goku, Mom, Dad and Sheton to come and then we can all eat.” The mare said in a soft cute, and gentle voice as she set the plates on the table with her wings. One she turned around, she gave a jump as she noticed both of her younger sisters in there. When her eyes laid on Goku, her muzzle broke out into a bright, yet gentle smile as she exclaimed, “Oh, hello there Goku! It looks like you’re already up! How did you sleep sweetie?”

“Like a nice, big, giant, log.” The tan mare replied watching as Midnight set the plates on the table. "I would’ve been able to sleep more, if it hadn’t been for that goddamn alarm clock nearly making my eardrums explode! The very same one that you had set up without me noticing it; like you always do!” Goku’s eyes narrowed as she frowned hard, walking up to her sister and prodding her huge fluffy chest. “Maybe if you hadn't done that, I would've woken up in a more relaxed manner."

"Oh don't be like that, Goku. I know that you like you like to get in your beauty sleep every now and again, but how else were we going to get you out of bed?" Midnight asked, leaning down and nuzzling her sister. "You're one of the heaviest sleepers in this whole entire castle, and in the whole family. There can be a massive earthquake outside and you'd sleep through it as if it was nothing more than the chirping of the crickets at night. When it’s all over, you’ll wake up, you'd be left wondering what had happened. If that doesn't give me a reason to have you set an alarm clock for morning, I don't know what does."

“What about the risk of making my ears feel as if they’re going to be blown off my head?” Goku asked, both of her ears flattening in annoyance. “Is that a good enough reason for not setting up that bucking curse that you call an alarm.”

The beetle black mare paused, blushing sheepishly as she turned to the side, her mane covering most of her face. Seeing her eldest sister at a loss for words Snowflake intervened. “Oh, don’t be like that Goku…we all know that we have such super sensitive hearing. It really wouldn’t have mattered if I had set the alarm or not. Something would’ve woken you up anyway, and it most certainly would’ve made you feel like you were going to go deaf.”

"Yeah...I guess you do have a point there Snowy." Goku said as she gave a little sigh of defeat, before snapping her gaze back up to her sister. "Still, try to make the alarm a little quieter next time will ya big sis? It felt like my eardrums were going to explode for all of that noise, and you know how sensitive a Kirin's hearing is, so try not to make it so loud okay?"

"Hmhmhm, I won't make any promises, Goku." Midnight replied sweetly, giving her little sister a wink.

As with Goku and Snowflake, Midnight was one of the few residents given the privilege of living with Queen Celestia, along with being one of the few students allowed to go to her School and excel in whatever talents that she possessed. Out of all the three, she was the strongest out of all of them, with the biggest possible reserves of magic, which allowed her to not only graduate at the top of her game of all her other classmates, but also to graduate two years early with flying colors, and get a job in Queen Celestia's castle as a cook. Of course, that didn't mean that she didn't have other talents as well, like interacting with animals, due to the family that she came from, and having a very sharp eye for weather, the former of which she and her sisters shared with their family, which was why they had such a close bond. Although she was excellent at the things that she did, she didn't really show it, being pretty modest about the things that she did, sometimes to the point where she doesn't really take pride in her work, something that doesn't sit well with Goku and Snowflake.

Out of the three sisters, Midnight was the nicest and most gentlest one there, known to be very soft spoken, extremely kind-hearted, and very patient. She a love for foals and animals bigger than any muscle in her body, a trait passed down from her parents. She was known to be pretty shy and timid though, and had somewhat of a hard time talking to ponies. Because of this, she didn't really have a big circle of friends, save for some that she and her sisters had meet during their time college. Still, even with the ones they had made in those four years, that wasn't very much. It didn't really bother her much though, for she was perfectly content with having her siblings, their family. Even the Queen was on her list of friends, though that did not mean she didn't have any friends outside of Canterlot.

Despite her gentle nature, Midnight was known to be pretty sensitive about what other ponies said or thought about her. The mare didn't like it when ponies taunt her or tease her about being so big and bulky, even though the latter was not true. Unless it was about things like that, she's usually able to take things that would make most other ponies flip their lid. However, if said things were told to her siblings instead of her, her personality would very slowly do a complete one-eighty. Midnight will go from being a soft gentle cloud one moment to a raging thunderstorm the next, hence her name. When that happened nopony wanted to be caught in the middle of that type of storm when it erupted.

Despite her gentle nature, Midnight was known to be pretty sensitive about what other ponies say about her, and didn't like it when ponies taunt her or tease her about being so big and bulky, even though the latter was not true. Unless it was about things like that, she's usually able to take things that would make most other ponies, the short-tempered ones included; explode with anger, and not really react to it any severe way. However, if said things were told to her siblings instead of her, her personality would very slowly do a complete one-eighty, and she'd go from being a soft gentle cloud one moment to a raging thunderstorm the next, and when that happened...well, let's just say that ponies did not want to be caught in the middle of that type of storm when it erupted.

“For the record, I was just the slightest bit upset that you guys left me to sleep in for who knows how many times. Especially considering what’s going to happen tonight, but since you two took that time to make us an absolutely wonderful breakfast, I suppose I can let it slide…once.” Goku said softly, gaining a small smirk at the end of her sentence.

“We’re sorry little sister, we had already gotten up and planned to make breakfast for the four of us. So, we didn’t want to wake you." Midnight said kindly as she reached over and patted Goku on her head, emitting a pink blush from the beige mare. The beetle black mare's own cheeks flushed a light pink as she put both of her forehooves on them. “You just looked so cute the way you were sleeping when we pulled away the covers!”

“Yeah, I’m sure I did look cute, just like Sheton does whenever I let him sleep in.” Goku said dryly, giving her middle eldest sister a light punch on the shoulder. She gave a pause as she blinked a couple of times, looking around the kitchen for a few moments, before looking back to her sisters and asking. “Speaking of which, where is the little cutie pie? I didn’t see him in his bed or anywhere near the room, so I thought that he was here.”

“We think so, I think either Mom or Dad came in the room and woke him up while the rest of us woke ourselves up.” Snowflake replied, putting a hoof to her chin. “No doubt Mom is flirting with him and making him blush his cute little head off.”

Goku giggled. “Hmhmhm, yeah, that’s our Mom for you there Midnight. Always being all sensual and touchy feely with anypony she meets, even all those cute little foals. Poor little brothers gonna look like a cherry by the time Mom’s done with him. I almost feel sorry for the poor baby, especially with all the ponies he’s going to be meeting later on today.”

“Oh, you all of our friends and the other that we’ll be meeting later on today?” Midnight asked, her eyes widening in recognition. At Goku’s nod, the beetle black hybrid mare giggled. “Yeah, I was just thinking about that too. All of our dear friends back in the town we used to live in, and all of those adorable little foals that Sheton will meet along the way. Oh, I’m getting a blush just thinking about how adorable those interactions will be! I bet he’ll make so many friends, and maybe get some cute little fillies too!”

“Assuming that they get past the fact that he’s half Thestral.” Snowflake pointed out. “Along with the fact that he’s also a Kirin, don’t forget that big sister.”

Midnight stopped in her swooning, a large sweat drop appearing on the side of her head. “Oh right, I forgot…Thestrals and Kirins aren’t exactly accepted where most ponies are.”

“Which is exactly why us taking him to Ponyville is the perfect choice. Not only for the chance for him to not be looked down for once, but for him actually make friends that’re like him and accept him for who he is.” Goku said, walking in between her two sisters. “I know that the two of you and Mom are worried about how his new life in Ponyville is going to go; so am I. Even so, I don’t want him to have to continue living in a life where he’s constantly being ridiculed for what he is. I want him to experience all the joys that life has to offer, and not the bad ones that this place has given him and us. He’s gotten way too much of that from the foals at his school, along with the few friends he made. If he has to suffer even another minute of that, I’m going to go on a bucking rampage and burn everypony who made him cry to a crisp.”

“We know how you feel, Goku…trust me, we all want what’s best for our little brother like you do. We all want him to have the best foalhood that we can possibly give him and so much more, so he’ll have plenty of memories to look back on when he’s a grown stallion.” Snowflake said putting a wing over her youngest sister’s shoulder. “It’s just…we can’t help but feel a little worried about how everypony will take the fact that our brother is a hybrid with a Thestral and a Kirin.”

“Yeah…” Midnight nodded, brushing her mane form her face. “It was hard enough for us to be accepted by the few ponies that weren’t used to pony hybrids. If…if they see Sheton the way he is, especially the foals, we’re worried that they’d…”

“And weren’t you the one who was saying that he’s bound to get so many friends when he goes there?” Goku asked, making the beetle black mare blush again. “Listen girls, I know that not everypony in Ponyville will be okay with Sheton’s form, let alone ours. However, there are ponies that won’t really give a flying buck about it, and even think its unique. Six of those mares being the very same ones that now live together in the very same town that we used to live, and are going back today. Isn’t that reason enough to not be so worried as to how things will go when Sheton’s there?”

Snowflake paused, mulling Goku’s words before she nodded. “You…do have a point there, little sister. There are all of those ponies along with the ones we’ve been in the towns, farms, and cities we visited. Still, there are those that won’t really be pleased to see us, especially of there was a fourth one among us. We’re just worried that it may not go as well as we’re hoping that it is.”

“I know…which is why we’ll be there to make sure that nopony tries to give Sheton any crap when we do bring him with us.” Goku said, glancing over at the mountain blue mare. Twin trails of smoke flowed form her nostrils as she bared her fangs. “If they do, they’re gonna get burnt to a crisp and find their coats being a very pale color than they already were. Just wait you two, Sheton’s going will get some friend eventually. It happened with us before, and it’ll surely happen with him too.”
“We hope so Goku.” Midnight nodded, sighing softly as she closed her eyes. “Or all of this will have been for nothing.”

At that moment the door to the kitchen opened, making the three hybrid mares turn over to it and see who had entered inside. The creaking of the door was the only thing that was heard as three ponies walked inside of the kitchen. When Goku, Midnight and Snowflake all saw who it was that entered, the last one especially, warm smiles broke onto all of their faces.

The first pony that had entered was a large Pegasus stallion, looking to be a male version of Goku, with some slight differences in appearance. He had a creamy tan coat that was brighter and fluffier than Goku’s, with a hint of mountain blue in it. His mane and tail are also jet-black and color that was longer and even spikier, with snow white and navy-blue streaks in them both. He has crimson red and safari green stockings on all four of his legs, and his eyes were actually two different colors instead of one color. The left being teal blue and the right one being navy blue, with a mix of emerald blue in it as well, and his Cutie Mark was of a white angelic winged dragon with its wings spread wide. This imposing looking stallion was known as Bardock White Fang Shenron, the father of the three sisters and the former Captain of the Solar Guard Division.

The second pony there was a mare, and unlike the stallion, she was actually a Thestral, or Bat Pony as her kind were more commonly known. To any other stallion that may see her, they’d be unable to keep themselves admit that she was quite the looker, and by Faust was she. The Thestral mare had a long jet-black mane and tail skirt that’s smooth and silky to the touch, with midnight blue streaks running down both of them, seeming to flow like water. Her fur is a deep stormy grey in color, a shade lighter than the storm clouds that come in the rainy season, having a silvery tinge to it. The mare’s eyes are a blazing cat-like golden yellow in color that seem to be mesmerizing to those that look into them, and she has a set of midnight blue stockings on her legs. Her appearance is a mixture of slenderness and muscularity that made her attractive and tough looking at the same time, with curves plumpness in all of the right places. This lovely looking mare was Evening Glory Nightstalker Shenron, the mother of the Shenron sisters, the wife of Bardock, and the former Captain of the Lunar Division.

The third and final pony with the two was actually a foal, and instead of it being a cute little filly, it was an adorable young colt. Like Evening Glory and her three daughters, he was a Thestral/Kirin hybrid, with grey fur that was the same shade as the older Thestral mare. He had a long mane and tail that was as black as an underground cave, having midnight blue streaks in them, like Evening Glory. His wings were a combination of stormy grey, abyss black, and midnight blue, with emerald blue membranes sticking out from under his wings. A large grey fedora on his head having a jet-black black ribbon around it, looking to be just a bit too big for him to wear. He had a beautiful and adorable set of emerald blue eyes, and like his third sister, his flank bore no Cutie Mark. This little one was known as Sheton Crimson Flash Nightstalker Shenron, the youngest of the Thestrals Shenron siblings and the only son of Bardock and Evening Glory.

“Mom, Dad, Sheton! You’re all up!” Goku cried, running up to the two older ponies and hugging them both around their necks. “I was beginning to think that none of you would be coming!”

“Why would you think that honey? We’d never miss out on a chance to eat together as a family!” Bardock chuckled patting his youngest daughter on the head. He looked behind her at the food covered table, and his expression bore the same dreamy one as Goku’s did. “Especially with a big bounty of a fist this big! Ooooh, I can’t wait to sink me teeth into those big juicy sausages!”

“Now now Bardock, take it easy dear. We haven’t gotten everypony seated at the dinner table yet; you could wait for a few minutes more.” Evening said gently, sultry sensualness flowing her voice as she stroked her husband’s mane. “Besides, I haven’t given a proper greeting to any of my dear daughters yet. Not like how I did to my dear little Sheton, isn’t that right sweetie?”

The young colt said nothing, his eyes squeezing shut as his mother gently ran her right wing claw over his burning red cheeks. She leaned down and lightly nibbled on Sheton’s ear, before gingerly rubbing her muzzle against his cheek as he timidly said, “Y-yes mama…i-it is.”

“Oh, come on Mom, give the poor baby a break.” Goku said, giggling at her little brother’s blushing face. “He’s already had an extra couple of hours for you to be all flirty and touchy with him; you go on any longer and he may just go completely red with embarrassment.

Evening Glory giggled softly, planting a soft kiss on Sheton’s cheek before walking off towards her daughters, letting her tail slowly run across her son’s chin. Nuzzling her nose against her youngest daughter’s, she asked, “And why would I ever even think of doing that my dear? You, Snowflake, and Midnight know how I am about this, along with all of the other Thestrals in my family. We just love giving each other so much affection, even if it’s one of our adorable little fledglings.”

“Even if it means making it look like your trying to get under one another’s tails or between their legs?” Goku asked dryly, her tan cheeks flushing pink as her mother slowly her nose up and down her neck. “’Cause that may give somepony the wrong impression. Even if it’s not what you’re really intending.”

Bardock laughed, ruffling his son’s mane before they both walked to the dinner table. “Oh, don’t be suck a party pooper G! You and your sisters know how your momma gets when she’s like this; always wanting to show that bigger bit of affection to everypony around her.” She said, kissing his wife on his cheek before he hugged the smaller tan mare. “And don’t tell me that you and your sisters don’t do the same, at least with your little brother.”

“Y-yes well, e-even so, we don’t try to make it look like we’re coming onto them.” Snowflake protested, squeaking as Evening nibbled on one of her ears. A blush came to her blue cheeks as her mother brushed up against her, her wings and tail running across her body and chin as she continued, “A-at least, n-not with Sheton…”

“Oh, is that so my little Snowy?” Evening asked slyly, sensually brushing her cheek against her middle daughter’s. “So you’re telling me that none of you nibble on his ears, run your tails along his chin, tickle his neck?”

“She has a point there sweetie.” Bardock chuckled, grinning widely. “I see you three with him from time to time, and I notice the way you coddle him. It’s always so hilarious whenever I see my little stallion all shy and bashful, especially around the girls, haha!”

Sheton frowned up at his father, his ears falling limp as he whined, “Daaaaaad!”

“What?!” Bardock laughed, playfully punching his son on the shoulder. “It is!”

“You two are so mean.” The stormy grey colt pouted, looking of to the side as his ears flattened. As he looked to the side, he noticed the large table of food and he immediately brightened as he squealed, “Fooooooood!!!”

“Oh, so you’re telling us that you don’t get the same from Mom?” Goku asked, raising a jet-black eyebrow. “Don’t think that we haven’t noticed you acting all close with some of the mare’s here in the city besides Mom. Out of all the ponies whose saying that we shouldn’t get so worked up about somepony coming onto us, you have no room to talk.”

“She got you there, daddy.” Midnight giggled, watching as her father blushed. “Your also like that with some of the other mare’s out in town. Even if you’re not doing it with Mom, your pretty much doing it with some other poor mare, hmhm!”

“Hey! That is so not fair, and you know it Midnight!” Bardock shouted, stomping his hoof as he looked sternly at his eldest daughter. “It isn’t my fault that I can’t help but talk to any mare that I see that’s as kind and as attractive as your mother is! I’m a Sheron and a Nightstalker all in one, and our kind as known to be veeeeeery physically and emotionally attracted to the opposite se-er, gender.” He gave a glance down at his son, before looking back up at his children. “Besides, you know how much I love mares, and not just in looks or in scent either! You really think I go after them just because of how hot and incredible sexy they look? No! I look for a physical and emotional connection in mares Kirin, Thestral, or Pony, otherwise, I just give them a wide birth, and go on my way!”

“That you do my dear Bardock.” Evening said sensually, nuzzling under Midnight’s chin. “And that’s exactly why I love you so much, and why you have a mare like me. Not just interested in a mare’s looks but also in their personality as well. It’s no wonder why I felt so attracted to you when we first met, or why I always let you go about your business with mares lucky enough to meet you.”

The tan stallion blushed, lookin off to the side as he rubbed one of his forelegs. “Yeah…I am still having a hard time believing that you’re okay with me doing that.”

“Now why would you think that?” Evening asked, giggling as she brushed her tail under her eldest daughter’s chin. “You and I both come from families where open relationships are not only tolerated, but even supported and encouraged. We’re both allowed to bring other ponies into our love life, though I prefer if it was mares instead of stallions. Because your kind are the only kind of stallions that I’ll ever need, especially if its you.” She walked over to her husband and brushed her head across the tan stallion’s chin, running a hoof across his huge mass of chest fluff. “So you don’t have to worry about me getting mad with you about interacting with other mares in ways that most others wouldn’t like. Because you and I are from families where love can run truly wild and free and not be enclosed in such things like singular relationships.”

“Yeah, I know…one of the many reasons why I love you so much.” Bardock chuckled, leaning and planting a kiss right on his wife’s lips. “Have I ever told you how incredible lucky i am to have such a wonderful mare like you?”

“Only about one million, three hundred and seventy-five thousand, four hundred and six times.” Evening giggled, winking at Bardock. She paused, looked off to the side, and giggled. “Though since you just asked it again, it’s one million, three hundred and seventy-five thousand, four hundred and seven, hmhmhm!”

Bardock laughed, nuzzling his wife. “Still managing to keep count, haha!”

“Ahem, Mom, Dad, uh…not to interrupt your little love bird moment, but can we get to eating now?” Goku asked, coughing into her hoof. “If we let Sheton drool at the food any longer he’s going to flood the entire place with his saliva.”

Both parents looked at their youngest daughter, before looking over at their only son, and sure enough, he was still staring at the food with his mouth agape. Upon seeing just how much drool was coming out of his mouth, Evening rushed over and clapped her son’s mouth shut.

“Sheton, calm down dear!” Evening said, cupping her son’s face in her hooves. “I know that you want to eat with the rest of us, but don’t make it so openly obvious. Your developing the same habits with food that your father gets whenever he’s sees food like this.”

“Hey, I don’t drool” Said stallion cried, frowning at his wife. “T-that much!”

“Oh yeah?” Goku asked with a giggle. “Some of us may beg to differ…”

“You stay out of this Goku!” The tan Pegasus hissed, glaring daggers at his daughter as a tick mark formed on his head. "This is between me and your mother!"

“Sorry mama…I didn’t mean to get the floor dirty.” Sheton said guiltily hanging his head. “I just saw all of this food and I just couldn’t help myself. All I could think about was getting all of it in my stomach, so my tummy wouldn’t rumble so much.”

Evening Glory smiled, nuzzling her son on the cheek as she picked him up. “That’s okay sweetie, it’s not your fault. Besides being half Thestral, you’re also a Kirin, and they tend to lose it a bit whenever they see any delectable food. Especially of its in big quantities like this, so you shouldn’t feel too bad.”

“Okay, now it sounds like you guys are making me look like the bad guy here.” Bardock huffed, a rather cute pout coming to his face as he crossed his forehooves. “It’s not my fault I have these habits! I just do, and so do all the other Kirins! I’m sorry, it’s just something that we can’t control!”

“I know honey, I’m sorry.” Evening cooed, wrapping a bat wing around her husband. “Come on, why don’t we go on and sate these various appetites of ours. And later on, you and I can take some quality time together to savor…another one of our appetites.” She winked at him, running a hoof under the tan stallion’s chin. “If you can catch my drift~!”

“Oh, I think I do…” Bardock said, giggling a bit perversely as his cheeks flushed.

Snowflake slammed her hoof onto the dinner table, causing it, and the food covered plates to rattle as she cleared her throat. “Alright, that’s enough out of you father, mother…remember there is a seven-year-old colt here in the dining room with us.” She chided lightly, gesturing to her little brother, who was still in one of Evening’s forelegs. “You might want to save doing that in front of him until he’s at least six years older.”

“Right, sorry Snowy.” Evening said bashfully, giggling in her other hoof as she flew over and set her son in one of the chairs next to the Goku. Once she was seated at the left corner of her husband, who was sitting at the very front, she looked at her family and sweetly asked, “Now, are my children and my little fledglings ready to stuff there little tummies in.”

“We’ve been ready ever since we saw all of this delicious food sitting here!” Goku replied, her dreamy expression coming back as she drooled once more. “I just wanna get this stuff in my stomach so I won’t have to mooch off of anypony back in Ponyville!”

“Of course, you do little sister.” Snowflake said with a roll of her eyes, knowing full well that the tan hybrid mare would be hungry long after they left. “To answer your question more simply, mother, yes we are.”

“Well then my dear wife and children…” Bardock said, opening his mouth and displaying his fangs, which seemed to elongate. “…let’s dig in!”

“Aye!” Sheton squeaked, making his mother and Midnight giggle.

Unfortunately for the three hybrid siblings, the Kirin and Thestral, they were not able to get a single bite out of their large bounty of food. Just as they were about to sink their teeth into the first batch of pancakes, a gentle knocking came from the kitchen door. The sound was enough to make them all stop dead in their tracks, Goku especially, whose face went right into stack of pancakes.

“Oh my, who could that be?” Midnight asked as Goku righted herself. “I wasn’t expecting anypony else at this time.”

“I don’t know but whoever it is, they’re making us miss out on one of the best breakfasts of our lives.” Goku grumbled, licking the syrup form her face. “Whoever it is it’d better not be some damn stuck up noble, or else they’re gonna get their hides brunt to a crisp and then drained dry.”

“That makes two of us sweetheart.” Bardock murmured, letting out a snort.

With a hiss, Goku trotted over to the door, listening as the pony behind it knocked on it again, perhaps thinking they weren’t heard. Reaching out with a hoof, she grabbed the door knob and swung the door open, already ready to give the pony behind it a stern tongue lashing for interrupting her family time meal. When she saw who it was however, all the words died in her throat and her demeanor did a complete one eighty.

Standing in right in the door way was a Solar Royal Guard, and like Goku’s father, he was a full-blooded Pegasus, and quite the looker as well. He had a royal blue coat that that was as dark as the night sky whenever Moon rose, with a midnight blue mane and tail having brilliant yellow streaks the same color as Goku’s eyes. His wings, tail feathers, and chest fluff are a combination of both colors in his mane and tail, with his hooves being a bright yellow color. His eyes were a beautiful turquoise blue, and his Cutie Mark was of a yellow and blue dragon winged shield, with a midnight blue star right in the very center. This young stallion was known as Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron, member of the Sheron Clan and the third in command of Queen Celestia’s royal guard.

“Aaaaay, it’s my boy Zephyr!” Bardock exclaimed, his annoyed expression turning into a cheerful one. “How the hay are ya doin’ buddy? I didn’t think you’d be coming here today!”

“Language Bardock.” Evening Glory chided gently. “Remember, Sheton’s still here at the table.”

“Too late for that mother.” Snowflake murmured, sighing softly.

Zephyr chuckled softly, wrapping a muscular foreleg around Goku as she cheerfully hugged him around the neck. “I’m doing good Bardock thanks…morning to you and Goku by the way. You too Evening, Midnight, Snowflake, and you too Sheton.”

“Morning to you too Zephyr!” Sheton said happily as he smiled brightly, his small yet sharp fangs glistening as his mother giggled. “So what’re you doing here today? Are you here to join us for breakfast? There’s lots and lots of food here if you wanna eat with us!”

“I appreciate the offer kiddo, but I’m gonna half to decline.” Zephyr replied, as he walked into the kitchen. “I only had a few or so hours before I need to head to base to patrol the city with Captain Shining Armor and Vice-Captain Spearhead, so I came here to say a quick hello.” He reached under his wing and pulled out a note. “And so I can also give you and your sisters this letter; the Queen told me to give it to you. Saying that she has a little surprise of you when you all read it.”

“A surprise?” Midnight asked. “What kind of surprise?”

“I asked her myself, but she told me that only you, your parents, Goku, Snowflake, and Sheton are allowed to see for yourselves.” Zephyr replied handing the tan mare the scroll. “It has to do with the fact that you four are going to be going back to Ponyville today.”

Evening raised an eyebrow. “Does it have to do with the fact that they’re going to be moving back there?”

“Beats me.” Zephyr shrugged. “You’ll just have to see once you all read the letter.”

Evening Glory, Bardock, their daughters and son all looked at each other, before getting up from their seats and walking over to where Goku was standing. They stood and hovered on either side of her as they watched her unfurl the scroll. Holding out so everypony, Zephyr included, could see it, she silently began to read.

To my dearest Goku Kakarot Shenron,

First off, I would like to say that I hope that you and your siblings have all had a restful night, and I apologize if I had interrupted you in anything important, especially if it was breakfast. I just didn’t want to wake any of you up and have you deprived of any bit of your sleep. So I decided to have one of my guards wait until at least one of you were awake before I sent this letter to you. I have something very special in store for you and your siblings, given how things were, and still are, going for you while living here in Canterlot. I couldn’t find the appropriate time to discuss this with you all in private, given how many duties I have to attend to, so I chose to address you by letter instead.

As you all know, tomorrow will begin the start of the Summer Sun Celebration, where my little ponies and I celebrate the longest day of the entire year. The one day that I get to bond with all the ponies in the very place that the celebration is held in Equestria. However, sometimes I have some trouble picking somepony who would be the perfect supervisor for the celebration. For many of them are either too…how shall I say, posh and stuck up, or overly critical and honest to the point where ponies’ feelings are intentionally hurt. Which is why I’m giving you Son Goku, the honor of being the supervisor for this year’s Summer Sun Celebration. In our newest destination, and the one place that you’re planning to permanently move back to; the town of Ponyville.

I figured that that would be the safest most peaceful place to host the celebration, especially since that was the very same place where you were known to live in with your two older sisters when Midnight came of age. You three have quite the reputation there and I’ve met more than my fair share if ponies who’ve been saying a lot of great things about you, the foals especially. The fact that you’re all planning to move back there is what makes it all the more worthwhile and it only shows why I’ll have the celebration held in Ponyville and have you as the supervisor. Think of it as one big giant reward for making it as far as you are now, where everypony knows both your name and your family, even if your parents aren’t really in the picture. I’m sure your siblings will be more than on board with you when you do leave, and I'm most certain that everypony back in Ponyville will be happy to see your faces again. Along with getting to be that charming sweetheart of a little brother you have. I eagerly await your reply to this request, for I feel that this is a decision you will not regret.

Your beloved Ruler of Equestria and protector of equines, Queen Celestia Daybringer. Queen of the Day and the Goddess of the Sun.

P.S. Just a little tip, I had chosen a group of mares to be on charge of the very tasks that, you will be supervising, should you choose to do so. A group of mares that I know that you’ll be absolutely delighted to see. I’ve written each of their names at the bottom of this letter, so you should be able to figure out who they’ll be. Oh, and be sure to tell your little brother hello and good luck in seeing what is soon to be his new home.

By the time they were finished, each of the Shenron Kirin siblings, Zephyr, Evening Glory and Bardock had wide-eyed looks on their faces. It only amplified when all of their eyes scrolled down to the very bottom of the list, seeing the names that the Queen had written. As soon as Goku’s eyes laid on them, a gasp escaped her throat as the letter fell from her winged grasp, letting it float down to the floor in front of her shaking legs. For those next few moments, silence reined, the tan Pegasus not making a single peep as she stared down at the letter. Finally, unable to take the silence anymore, and fearing that her sister may be broken, Midnight spoke up.

“Um, Goku…are you alr-” The beetle black mare began to ask, but was cut off when Goku suddenly took to the air. She did large loops around the air, cheering at the top of her lungs as her mane and tail trailed behind her like twin flags, while her siblings just stared up at her, slack-jawed.

“Um, Midnight, Snowflake…is Goku okay?” Sheton asked softly and warily after a long moment of silence. “S-she’s kind of…c-creeping me out right now.

“I have a feeling that Goku is more than okay, sweetheart.” Snowflake replied softly, a small smile growing on her face as Goku landed back down on the ground, her expression as bright as the Sun. “She is absolutely elated.”

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my GOSH! Did you two just read that like I did just now?! Did you see the same names that I when I looked at them?!” Goku asked, pressing her nose against her mother’s as her wings fluttered in excitement. “Cause I am having a really, really hard time believing it myself!”

“We most certainly did honey, and while we didn’t really show it in the same overly excited, yet adorable manner that you did just a minute ago…” Evening replied calmly, gently pushing her overjoyed daughter away. “…Something tells us that’s not the only reason why you’re excited, is it?”

“Heeheehee, you bet it’s not Mom! With the ponies that the Queen chose to be in charge for the preparations for the celebration, it makes going there all the more exciting!” the beige Pegasus replied, bouncing in place. “Plus, while we were still living there, we were there to see that they had become big sisters four years before we all came back here to Canterlot to go to college.” A sly smile slowly grew on her face. “I think you know what that means…”

Evening looked at her youngest daughter with slight perplexation, before it clicked, and a fanged grin of her own made its way to her face. “Oh…I think I know what you mean sweetheart, hmhmhm.”

“W-what? What does it mean?” Sheton asked apprehensively, hiding behind his dad. “A-and why are you giving me all of those sly smiles?”

“You mean you’ve already forgotten?” Snowflake asked, shaking her head. “Silly little brother, we told you a week ago before today. You’d be coming with us to wherever the Summer Sun Celebration would be held at by the Queen and Celebrating it.”

Sheton frowned up at the mountain blue Pegasus. “Y-yeah, I know that! W-what I’m trying to ask is…w-why does that excite you so much. Especially since I’m gonna be going along with you?”

“Because, it gives a certain sweetheart of a little brother of ours the perfect opportunities to make some friends.” Midnight cooed, her voice a little sweeter than usual. “Especially the siblings of the very same mares I’m friends with. The fact that their all fillies makes it all the more worth it…wouldn’t you agree Sheton?”

“Oooooooh, now get what you all mean!” Bardock said are a taking a few moments to mull over his thoughts. With a laugh, he scooped his only son up in his wing and gave him a hard noggie. “Hahaha, not even thirteen years old yet and my little stallion’s already going to have a chance to get it going with the girls! Oh, if only me and your mother could go with you to see it…you have made your father so proud!”

“Dad!” Sheton whined as his father hugged him tight, anime tears falling from his eyes. “Please stop doing that; it’s embarrassing!”

“What’s embarrassing my dear little Tony?” Goku asked, grinning widely down at her brother. “I thought that you were excited about the prospect of meeting new ponies. Especially ones of your age like your other two friends Crescent Shield and Spike.”

“I…I-I am big sis!” The stormy grey Thestral hybrid exclaimed, wriggling out of Bardock’s hold as he adjusted his fedora. “It’s just, I can’t but be a little worried about how me coming with you all to Ponyville is going to go down. Y-you know, with me being half Thestral and half Kirin, no offense to you Mom and Dad, and the fact that nopony’s really used to seeing Thestrals and Kirins, let along hybrids of them. I’m just…scared that they may not accept me for what I really am, no matter how nice I am to them.”

Evening Glory’s sly expression softened, already knowing what her son was talking about. “You mean the fact that Thestrals and Kirins have a rather bad reputation amongst the pony community because of the inconceivable rumors they spread about us?”

The stormy grey colt nodded, pressing the side of his face against his mother’s fluffy chest. “Mhm, that’s the one thing that I’m worried about; the ponies in Ponyville judging me for what I am. I’ve seen how Spike and Crescent Shield are treated by the school they used to go to before they and Twilight moved away a couple years ago, and I’m worried that it’ll happen again. I…I’m not doubting my sister’s words about some of the ponies not minding my appearance, b-but still. I-I’m scared that they may be hostile towards me the family that we all come from and…and what I am too.”

Zephyr, Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight and their parent’s expressions all turned into ones of sympathy upon hearing this statement from the stormy grey colt. They all knew what Sheton meant, and honesty, they really couldn’t blame him feeling the way that he was. They could easily relate to him on what he was feeling in more ways than one, and all of them knew what he was going through. The only difference between them and him was that they were used to far more backlash than he was from the ponies in Canterlot city, and the reason for that, was that they were not used to seeing ponies like them around their parts.

In fact, four siblings, Zephyr himself included, weren’t really normal ponies at all, based on their appearances and beautiful accessories they obtained. Especially given the two races they came from, one of them being one that their dear mother came from that is still elusive to this very day. Goku, Snowflake, Midnight, and Sheton all came from clans that dated far back, thousands of years into the past, long before Equestria was even founded, and long before even the reign of the Two Royal Sisters. They were clans that, many ponies believed were myths dating back thousands of years ago, back in the old days. Clans that exceeded others never seen before, putting even the most powerful families to shame.

The legendary and ancient Shenron and Nightstalker Clan, the clans of the elusive Kirins and nocturnal Thestrals.

These clans were known to be two of the most powerful and respected clan that ever existed on the face of Equis, and for good reason. The Kirins and Thestrals had magical prowess that put even the most powerful of Unicorns, Earth Ponies, of Pegasi, to shame. They were even known to possess the speed, agility, power, endurance and magic of that of a dragon, even though one clan was consisted of Thestrals. Even more so, they were known to actually be crossbred hybrids of ponies and dragons and bats all together. Which is what made them famous in the first place in the eyes of ponies Celestia and Luna. Along with being despised in the eyes of a some members of the Equestrian community, especially Canterlot City.

Despite the fact that many of the communities that Goku went to as a filly accepted her and her family, she knew that she would be acceptance everywhere. She was proven right when she entered Canterlot College after graduating from high school. Or more precisely, Queen Celestia’s College for Gifted Ponies, where the most gifted and talented ponies got to. Thus, giving them the opportunity show off their talents to their very ruler, talents that could benefit not only them, but all of Equestria as well. It was there that Goku experienced what it meant to be bullied for being different from everyone else. From to teasing, harassment, name calling, insults, and even physical confrontations. There were even some occasional attempts at trying to trip her up, but were never able to. Mainly because she was able to predict what they’d do less than a split second before they were actually able to do it.

It was indeed an eventful time for the tan Thestral, and she was glad to have been finally freed from her Magic College after four years of Tartarus. However, she knew that this was not going to be the last time she’d be seen as a non-pony. That there would be more ponies to try to put her down and convince her she didn’t belong with them. She, Snowflake, and Midnight had all experienced that at some point in their lives, and knew that Sheton would be next in line. Now, here was their sweet little brother and son, having those very same fears of what would inevitably happen to him. All of which were stopping him from forming the bonds that they knew he would make in the future.

Well, time to give the little fledgling some reassurance.

“Oh Sheton…c’mere baby.” Goku cooed softly as she sat on her haunches and spread out her forearms, letting the young colt walk over and snuggle into her embrace. He pressed side of her face into her warm chest fur as she nuzzled the top of his head, her overextended mane spilling over his small form. “I know why you’re so apprehensive about going to a brand-new town, with brand new environments, and brand-new ponies. You’re worried that what you went through here will happen again in where we’re going to see the Summer Sun Celebration and to stay from now on, aren’t you?”

Sheton’s emerald blue irises looked up into the transfixing golden ones of his third eldest sister. His midnight blue streaked mane spilled over his face as she gently it out of the way, before he nodded slightly.

“Of course you are, why wouldn’t you? With the way you were bullied some fillies and colts, I’m not surprised why you would think my idea wouldn’t be so great.” She gave him a reassuring smile as she saw him tense up and shrank back a bit under her gaze. “Trust me sweetie, I know how you feel, because I was subjected to the very same thing you’re going through right now.”

“Really?” Sheton asked tentatively, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Indeed it was honey, more than you think in fact. When your sister came back here sometime after her eighteenth birthday and came here to Canterlot College for Gifted Ponies, she went through what you’re going through not. I can’t even count how many times me and your father had to go to either the teachers, or the Queen, because my daughters were getting bullied.” Evening Glory replied, baring her canines as memories of her daughters being bullied came back to her. She gave a quick shake of her head to clear the memories before addressing her son once again. “Anyway, the point is, for your sisters whole foalhood, she’s endured all the negative backlash you’ve endured despite some ponies taking a liking to them. Even though there were times where even they felt that they wouldn’t get through it. Even so, they all had something, besides you, your father and I, to help me get through it. Do you know what it was honey?”

“Um…it was their friends?” he asked hesitantly. “T-Twilight and Zephyr

“Exactly!” Bardock replied cheerfully, giving the stormy grey colt a strong pat on his head, causing his fedora to completely engulf it. He lifted it back up on his head taking a moment to straighten it back up before his sister continued; “It was you sister’s friends who stood by their sides. Not that I’m saying they could do it all the time, but you get the idea, son?”

“Yeah Dad, I do.” Sheton replied softly. “There are sometimes that you’ll have to stand up for yourself, and not keep relying on those doing it for you.” He paused to clear his throat before he continued. “A-and even if we couldn’t do that all the time, we’d be able to count on our friends when we really need them.”

“That’s right kiddo, and just because you’ve meet ponies who won’t accept you for who and what you are, doesn’t mean that you won’t find ponies who will.” Zephyr nodded, winking down at the stormy grey colt. “I can certainly think of one certain pony. Or three who’s more than capable of doing just that.”

“You mean that dear bookworm of a fillyfriend of yours and her two adorable little siblings of her’s?” Evening asked, glancing up at the royal blue stallion. “Yeah, I can see why you may think that Zephie. Not because they’re also, in some way unusual forms of nature, but also because they know what my children and you are going through. Good choice of words there dear.”

“T-thank you, Evening.” Zephyr nodded politely, ignoring Bardock’s mirthful laughter as his cheeks flushed. “And Twilight isn’t my fillyfriend.”

“Hmhm, of course she’s not; keep telling yourself that.” Snowflake said in amusement, leaning over and planting a soft kiss on Zephyr’s cheek. With another giggle, she looked back down at her little brother and continued where the Solar Royal Guard left off. “Now Sheton we’re not saying that you should try to be friends with everypony. I’m just saying to at least give it another try. I’ve seen what anti-social personalities can do to a pony, and I don’t want you to be one of those ponies who goes through that.”

“Please Sheton, if not for us, or even Zephyr, then do it for yourself.” Midnight said softly, reaching and putting a hoof on her only brother’s shoulder. “If you do, I promise you won’t be disappointed by the decision. The more you learn about it, the more you’ll come to realize how good it is to had friends in your life. As the Queen always said to all of us, friendship is magic, and if you open your heart to at least one pony, in time, you’ll understand it too.”

When they were all finished, the whole dining room was silent, the only sound being the breathing of the ponies in the room. Sheton was the quietest of them all, his emerald blue eyes staring up into his sisters’ honest and kind, caring eyes, soaking up their words like a sponge in water. He blinked a couple of times before looking down at the ground for a few moments, before asking, “Do...do you really think it’ll be different this time?”

“Sweetheart, if I wasn’t honestly sure that it would be, I wouldn’t even be suggesting this in the first place.” Goku snorted dryly. “I may be many things, but I am by no means a liar.”

“No, you are most certainly not.” Bardock replied, wrapping a foreleg around his youngest daughter and giving her a noogie. “You’re our little hungry fluffy tanned bat!”

“Dad!” Goku grunted playfully, trying to wriggle out of her father’s hold.

Sheton closed his eyes as he lowered his head, his fedora covering his face as his mane spilled over it. His big sister’s words played over and over again his head at a rapid pace as he weighed his options, while all three of the mares waited patiently for his response. After a full minute, he took in a long deep breath and exhaled, before looking back up at Goku with a small smile on his face.

“Okay sis…I’ll do it.” He finally replied as his smile faltered ever so slightly. “I…I don’t know how it’ll turn out but…I’ll do it. I’ll do it for you…all of you.”

“Heh, that’s my boy!” Bardock said, smiling with approval.

Goku gave a joyful smile as she got up to her hooves and wrapped a wing around the stormy grey colt and pulling him to her once again. She gave him a big affectionate nuzzle as she laughed, “That’s my sweet little brother! Trust me, you will not regret this, I’ve seen how the colts and fillies treat each other in Ponyville, so there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll be welcomed with open hooves!” Her expression turned to a sly one that only a sibling planning to tease the other would have. “Who knows…maybe the fillies will want to be…morethan friends with you, wouldn’t you agree everypony?”

“Oh, I most certainly do my dear daughter.” Evening Glory said, giggling. “I’ve always dreamed of my little Tony having so many little fillies hogging him to themselves. I really wish that I could be there to see it, but alas, I cannot. Still doesn’t mean I can get any intel on what’s going on between Sheton and those little fillies though.”

“Same here.” Bardock chuckled, grinning in a way similar to Goku’s. “Seeing my little stallion having all the mares grabbing for his attention, first his heart and then his-”

“Daddy!” Midnight exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. “Not in front of Sheton!”

“Package Midnight, I was going to say package.” Bardock said, chuckling a bit as his eldest daughter frowned at him. “Of course, you all know what I mean.”

Snowflake nodded. “Yes father, we do.”

Sheton’s cheeks erupted into a deep blushed as steam burst out of his ears. With a whine, he wriggled out of his mother’s wing embrace. “You guuuuuys, come on! Is now really the time to be talking about that?!”

“Heeheehee! Sorry little brother, just wanted to have a little fun, hmhmhmhm!!” the beige Pegasus replied giving him a little kiss on the cheek, which caused him to blush even more. “Now come on, let’s eat! I have a feeling we’ll need it, along with a lot more when we get to Ponyville! This will be a biiiiiiiiiiiiiig celebration after all!”

“Finally, I was beginning to think that we’d never be able to chow down!” Bardock said, his mouth hanging open as drool flowed out of his mouth. As his stomach loudly growled, he turned to look over at Zephyr. “Hey Zeph, are you sure that you don’t wanna join us for breakfast? We have more than enough plates here, and I don’t think we’re going to be able to eat all of this by ourselves.”

The royal blue stallion shook his head, holding a hoof up. “Really you, I’m fine. I can get something else when I get back to base with the others. Seriously you don’t need to-”

That was all that Zephyr managed to say before he found a large gemstone shoved into his mouth, effectively stopping him from talking. He looked down, to see Goku with the gemstone in her head, giving him a deadpan expression.

“Zephyr, if there is one thing that we Shenrons and Thestrals are all taught growing up, is to be generous, honest and kind to others. Especially if it means sharing such unfathomable amounts of food with one another. You and I both know that whatever shitload of food that those guards have for you is not going to be anywhere near enough to fill that giant bottomless tank of yours.” She said, taking her hoof away as she gave a big flick of her tail. “My Mom and Dad are choosing new to show you such generosity and kindness, which in the form of this supply of food right in front of you. So, if I were you, I’d shut that fire-breathing mouth of yours up, your blue ass down at one of those chairs and fill your stomach to your heart’s content.”

Zephyr munched on the gemstone and swallowed it after a few moments, before opening his mouth to once again decline the offer. His stomach however, had other ideas, and made the final decision for him by rumbling painfully loudly. The royal blue stallion’s face twisted into a pain grimace as he clenched his teeth to bit back a groan. A few moments later, he let that groan out and hung his head in defeat.

“Alright Goku, you win…I guess I could stay here for an hour or two.” He murmured, staring at the food in front of them. “Besides, I don’t think I can really take any of the food that the base serves us anyway. Besides, that stuff tastes like utter shit!”

“That’s more like it, speaking like a true Shenron, just like me dear husband!” Evening Glory said, smiling in approval as she patted her husband on his head. “Now come on, go over and pick yourself a chair so you can stuff you face in!”

“Sure thing Evening.” Zephyr nodded, making his way towards the table. “Come on Sheton, let’s get gettin’ this food in our bellies. It’d be good for you to get plenty of strength for when you face off against anypony that my try to kick your ass. Or, in your case, a filly or mare that may try to take you for themselves in a cat fight.”

Mumbling under his breath and ignoring the giggles of his sisters, Sheton nodded and followed them back to the table. Soon they were all back to eating their big overloaded breakfast, with an additional guest in the mix.

Author's Note

Alright, no I know what you guys may be thinking right now...why is it that I suddenly made Goku and her sisters hybrids between Kirins and Thestrals? The reason for that is because long before I had decided to go through this rewrite, I was thinking about how who Goku, Snowflake, Midnight and Sheton's parents were and what species they may be. I already knew who Goku's father was going to be, that certain individual being Bardock, from the DB movie of Bardock: Father of Goku who is in the first DBZ Special of the DBZ. I won't spoil anything for the sake of those who have not seen it before, but I will say, that this Bardock, will be very different in personality than the one in that DBZ Special. Along with, obviously, being a pony and will also have the last name of Shenron in his name, since he is part of the Saiyan Kirin clan that I had initially created form watching DBZ. Plus, he would have an appearance and title that would not only explain why he's so feared, admired and respected, but also to explain why each of his children look so different from one another. Especially since not all of them looked exactly alike and that only one of their parents is a Pegasus, despite the fact that he's a Kirin in his true form, and can turn into a dragon if he wanted to.

Another reason for why I had changed the four siblings appearances is because of their mother, who I had made into species that was only seen for a few short seconds in the MLP Season 4 Episode of 'Luna Eclipsed'. Eeyup, that's right, the proud mother of all four of the Kirin Thestral siblings, is a Thestral herself, a mare who I had created long before I had decided to rewrite this story. Looking back on the last copy of this chapter, I felt that I should've not only added Goku and her siblings new appearance, in because of what species of pony that their mother was, but I also should've added both parents in this series themselves :ajbemused: . Especially since they all lived in the same city, the same castle, and both them were former captains of two of the most powerful soldier divisions in Equestria. I don't know why I decided not to do that, especially because in the fist DBZ special, they gave no mention of Goku's mother, who I think is named Gaine, but now I'm glad that I did :twilightsmile: . Since I wanted to add the whole family, I should add the whole family in it, unless I had decided to make it how DBZ made it with Goku's canon parents in the DBZ Special...something that I don't think I could ever do :fluttershysad: . As for Zephyr...well, he's not a member of Goku's biological family, despite both of them being from the same dragon pony clan, but she and her own family see him as one of their own :twilightsmile: . Speaking of said Third in Command of the Royal Guard, he's going to be seen a lot more in this new special edition of 'Rise of the Dark Queen', and while I'm still trying to figure that out, he'll totally be seen a lot more :raritywink: .

Chapter 3 - Arrival In Ponyville

The sound of the blue feathered wings of the Solar Guard Pegasi could be heard flapping at a steady pace as they pulled the golden chariot carrying the four passengers that were on board. Sheton, Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight all sat in their passenger seats, silently waiting for their ride to get them to their destination. The wind blew in each of their manes as they all took in the sights of the large cumulus clouds floating in the cyan sky. The lush green forests below rustling in the breeze down below, having the large dirt path that led to back Canterlot City in towards where they were going. The beautiful golden sun shined its light down on the chariot and the guard’s armor, causing its light to reflect off of them. A bright yet beautiful rose from the stallion’s armor they powered through the air with seemingly now effort. This was to be expected from ponies like them, since they were Royal Guards who dedicated their lives to protect their ruler.

Goku sat in the front of the chariot, or rather, she stood at the front of it, with her forehooves on the front edge as she held her head up high, her mane flowed in the breeze as her tail followed closely behind her. Sheton giggled continuously as his sister’s tail brushed up against him, giving in indication of just how ticklish. He rolled onto his back as he pawed at it like a cat would ball of yarn, while Snowflake and Midnight silently watched.

“You seem to be pretty excited about this little sister.” Came the dry voice of Snowdrop from behind the beige Pegasus. She looked behind her to see the amused faced of her middle sister. “I haven’t seen you like this since mother and father told us that Sheton was going to be born.”

“Can you really blame me, Snowy? This is the first time that I get to see the girls outside of anything related to school or the holidays.” Goku giggled merrily, using a hoof to keep some of her flowing mane out of her face. “I mean, I know it’s only been four years since I last saw them but still. It feels like it’s been a lot longer than that, and now, here I am, going back to the one, and possibly the only place I’ll ever call home. I’m finally getting to see their faces again after so long.” she lowered her head and rubbed her forelegs together. “I have to admit, I’m am a little bit nervous about our reunion. Especially since I haven’t really been keeping in contact all that much. I hope none of them are mad at me for not being able to see them.”

“Oh, don’t worry little sister.” Midnight said soothingly as she got up from her seat, walking up and wrapping a comporting forehoof around her youngest sister’s neck, giving her a little nuzzle. “You had a lot on your plate since you came to Queen Celestia’s Magic School for Gifted Ponies, so you really didn’t have the time to write them letters to let them know how you’re doing. You all went to some pretty faraway places when you left Ponyville, so there wasn’t really much chance for them to visit their families, let alone you. I’m sure they wanted to keep in touch just as much as you wanted to. So, don’t be too hard on yourself.”

“Thanks Middy, that really means a lot coming from you.” Goku replied, smiling up at her eldest sister as she gave the beetle black mare a strong hug. As she pulled away, the tan hybrid mare gained a thoughtful expression as she murmured, “Now that I think about it, the last letter that was sent to me said that they had all returned a couple of years before I graduated. That was the first letter that had every single one of them in there…and the longest one too. Especially by Twilight’s standards…heh, typical bookworm.”

“Yes, that is typical of her, isn’t it? To be honest, it gives me another reason to be happy that we get to see them again. Even more so since it’s going to be today of all days. I really did miss their antics while we were away, and now we all get to refill those holes once again.” Snowdrop nodded, giving a little smile as she turned to Sheton. “Plus, they did have little bundles of joy that we had the pleasure of knowing the last four years before we left home. I wonder how they’ll react they see our wonderful little brother…don’t you, big sister?”

“Oh certainly Snowflake, I can already picture those sweet little fillies gushing all over him, hmhmhmhm!” Midnight held a hoof to her mouth as she giggled, much to their brother’s dismay. “I almost can’t to see that happen!”

“Oh come on you guys!” Sheton whined in a high-pitched squeak as he squirmed in Snowflake’s wing embrace, bowing his head so low that his large fedora and long mane completely covered his face. “Stop it, you’re both embarrassing me!!”

“Oh we know little brother, we know.” Goku said sweetly as she gave him an affectionate nuzzle. He looked up at her with one visible eye, only to freeze upon seeing a small smirk adorning her face as she added, “We just can’t help it; whenever we think of a filly or fillies, connecting with a little colt as sweet and cute as you, we just can’t help but tease you about it.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear in a warm, tender, yet mischievous tone, “When you meet my friends' little sisters, you’re going to have to endure even more teasing, and we’re gonna enjoy it. Every. Single. Minute.”

“Uuuuuuuugh…” Sheton could only let out a dreadful groan as cupped his face in his forehooves, pulling his hat over his head to both cover the deep red blush on his cheeks, and use his wings wrap around himself while his elder sisters laughed good-naturedly. Even though he knew that they weren’t really trying to be outright mean and they meant it all in good fun, he was not anticipating being repeatedly teased by his big sisters for befriending other foals, especially if they were fillies. He could literally picture himself being swarmed by a large mini herd of them, while his sisters relished watching him go through his ‘torture’.

‘Oh Celestia, why did I have to be born this way? Did the Goddess of Luck really bless me, or did she do it just to mess with me?’ he thought as he rocked back in forth. All the while, somewhere in the deep dark parts of his mind that what he was thinking was true. ‘I hate my life…I hate it so so much!’

Just as this thought flew through his mind, he suddenly felt himself being shot into the air, before falling hard on his rump. Before he could even register what happened, he felt his body shaking as the chariot started to become quite bumpy. Goku immediately scooped him up into her forearms and held him close.

“Oh my, the roads gotten a lot bumpier than usual hasn’t it?” Midnight asked as she spread all four of her hooves to the sides of the chariot to keep her balance. “I certainly don’t remember it being this bumpy the last time we were here.”

“Neither do I. It would seem that the Ponyville Weather Team was pretty busy the last four years.” Snowflake murmured, her voice vibration from the bumping as she leaned onto Midnight and wrapped a foreleg around one of Midnight’s own.

“That’s an understatement, Snowy.” Goku dryly snorted as she held Sheton tightly to her chest. “Then again, nothing really lasts forever, and the change in the environment and the climate is no exception.”

Nothing was said between the three Pegasi sisters for the next couple minutes after that last comment. They all stayed silent and waited out the bumpy stop as the Solar Guards pulling the chariot slowly came to a stop, using their wings to decrease the speed. Eventually, after just a few more moments of enduring the constant bumping, the chariot stopped, just outside of the forest.

There were a couple of moments of silence as the Shenron Thestral siblings all regained their balance on the chariot. Sheton feeling the chariot stop, brought his head out of Goku’s chest fur and looked around timidly, before asking, “Is it over now?”

“Yes baby, it’s all over. Good thing you landed on me when you did, huh?” Goku replied with a comforting smile as Sheton weakly nodded. With a little reluctance, he let her gently set him down on the chariot floor, and the second all four of his hooves hit the ground, he wasted no time leaping out and practically plopping the upper half of his body in the dirt.

“Oh sweet sweet ground, how I’ve missed you so.” He whispered as his whole body shook with relief, recovering from having to endure the constant bumping.

“Sheton! Please don’t do that, sweetheart.” Midnight scolded in a gentle, yet firm tone as she walked over and picked up the still shaking colt from up off the ground. She used one of her wings to brush off the dust and rocks out of his mane, while roughly patting his fedora to get them out of there as well. “I know you were scared that you would fall out of the carriage, but please don’t get yourself all dirty like that. You could get cut by one of those rocks, or get dust in your nose and eyes, or worse!”

“Sorry Midnight.” the stormy grey colt murmured as he lowered his head with his ears pinned down as he twirled his front hooves together. "I was just happy to be back down on the ground again. I really don't like flying very high...or being very high off the ground for that matter.

The beetle black hybrid mare let out a soft sigh, her expression softening upon seeing the guilty look on his face, looking like he was about to cry. She simply gave him a sweet smile and set him back down on the ground.

“It’s alright Sheton, I know you really didn’t mean to.” She cooed soothingly, stroking his back with a wing. “I just don’t want you to get hurt and get all dirty for the Summer Sun Celebration later on, especially when we meet Goku’s friends. So just let us know before you do something like that, and be more careful next time okay?”

“Okay.” Sheton softly replied with a nod, blushing as his eldest sister gave him a warm kiss on the cheek.

“Wow, that sure was a long and really bumpy ride isn’t it? It certainly made my rump a little sore.” Goku giggled as she gave her body a few stretches. She walked over to the two Pegasi guards, batting her eyelashes as she said sweetly, “Thank you for the ride to our foalhood home my dear gentlecolts. I apologize if we made the trip too tedious due to all of us being in there.”

“It was out pleasure Ms. Shenron, and please don’t apologize. We’ve carried more than one passenger before, and it certainly won’t be the last.” The first Pegasus guard replied with a polite nod. Upon close expression, Goku could see just the tiniest of blushes adorning his snow-white cheeks.

“Of course you aren’t, you’re the Solar Guards for the very Queen of our whole land. It’s only natural for you all to be so used to things like this, due to how amazingly strong and endurable you all are.” Goku giggled as she draped one of her feathered bat wings over both of the stallions. “You know, I’m feeling a bit generous with the two of you today. So I think I’ll give you two fine stallions a little reward for going through all this trouble for us.”

Using her right wing claw, she lifted one of the flaps of the saddlebags that was hanging from her barrel, before taking out a small bag. She gave it a few shakes, which made the bag give a few light jingles, before she opened it and looked inside. After a moment, she gave nod as she smiled in satisfaction, before handing the bag to the second Pegasus guard. Without a word, they accepted it, silently taken aback by how heavy it felt in his hoof.

“There you are, a nice fresh bag of bits! I figured due to the amount of time you were spending carrying us, you should be given a little reward for your services.” Goku chirped as she folded her wing back to her side. Before either of the guards could say or do anything, she walked closer and leaned in between them. She put her mouth between both of their ears as she whispered sensually, “Between you and me, due to the amount of work you do and the amount of time you spend doing it, I feel like you ponies aren’t being rewarded enough. Think of this as a little thank you present as well, but don’t tell the Queen about what I did or what I said. This is a secret between us, okay boys?”

“Of course, Ms. Shenron.” The second Pegasus Solar Guard replied with a nod, giving her another salute. A second later, both he and the first guard unfurled their wings. “You and your siblings have a nice day.”

“You too!” the beige Pegasus replied sweetly, running her overextended tail under both of their chins just. Without another word they, took off, leaving the four hybrid siblings to themselves. Giggling to herself, she turned to her siblings, only to see Snowflake looking at her with a raised cumulus eyebrow. “What? Why're you staring at me like that?”

“Honestly little sister, did you really have to go and tease those poor stallions like that?” she scolded her youngest sister, though the playfulness could easily be detected in her tone. “Those poor stallions looked like they were going to melt like pudding. Besides, that’s supposed to be mother’s job to make ponies all flustered.”

“Oh don’t worry about it Snowy, they both know that I was just teasing them. Besides, neither you or Middy can deny that you probably would’ve done the same.” Goku replied nonchalantly as she walked passed Snowflake and over to Snowflake and Sheton. Goku scooped Sheton up in her arms and gently hoisted him up onto her back. “Well, not as cute as you, Tony…” she added softly looking back at him affectionately.

With no other words said, all four hybrid siblings made their way over the bridge and into the town of Ponyville. The moment they did, they all felt an incredible sense of warmth and joy take over their bodies by the place they used to live in. Every step they took, every breath they inhaled, and each sway of the cool gentle wind brought back wonderful memories of Ponyville that they were all very fond of. It was as the young Kirins had never left and they were just returning back to their nice warm nest.

By closer inspection, the town looked more like a larger-than-normal-neighborhood than anything else, with large wooden houses have either small window gardens outside the windows, or large roofs covered in hay. Some of them even had a combination of all the appendages, making them that much more unique. In the distance, they four siblings could even see a few houses that looked like tents, though they knew that those houses were being used for anything but camping. Ponies could be seen in walking about the streets, or selling items behind booths, while foals ran or flew around, giggling and laughing as they chased each other, something that made Goku’s heart melt.

With a gentle content sigh, Midnight gave a toss of her head as she said, “I can see that this town has certainly gotten bigger the last time we were here, hasn’t it?”

“Indeed it has, it’s even bigger than the last time we saw it; twice as big if what we saw on the chariot was anything to go by.” Snowflake nodded taking in the sight of the brand-new houses, stores, and buildings. There were even a few mansions that she could spot here and there, though not very much. “It would seem that our beloved town has gotten more welcoming over the last four years. Much more welcoming…”

“Well, whatever happened here, I am loving it!” Goku exclaimed gleefully as she turned her head back to them. “You know what would make this trip even better? If a familiar face or two would happen to show up somewhere around here! Hay, I wouldn’t care if they’d happen to fall out of the sky right at this very moment!”

Just as she said this, her hybrid ears picked up the sound of what sounded like loud screaming coming from above her. Looking up, Goku’s sharp golden eyes was able to pick up the very faint of something careening through the sky. Unfortunately, due to it being so far away she could see it as no more than a dot.

“Hey, girls…do either of you see that?” she asked slowly, raising her left tri-stocked foreleg to point up into the air. “What is that?”

“I don’t know; it looks like…” Snowflake replied softly, squinting her teal eyes ever so slightly. “It looks like somepony falling from out of the sky…a Pegasus to be exact.”

“Um, Snowflake, Goku…” Sheton said nervously, sinking behind Goku’s mane. “I think that is somepony falling out of the sky.”

Giving their youngest sibling perplexed looks; the three mares looked back up again, and saw that their brother statement was ultimately justified. There was indeed, a Pegasus pony, falling out of the sky and spinning out of control, as if she was a tornado that was about the strike the earth. Goku, Snowflake and Midnight all took a few steps back, obviously taken aback by this revelation.

“Um, everypony…” Midnight said softly as she started to back away faster. “I think we may want to move…um, now please.”

“Great idea, Middy.” Goku squeaked as she flared her gigantic wings out and took off with a single flap. As her elder sisters followed the hybrid tan mare screamed out to the ponies on the streets. "EVERYPONY LOOK OUT ABOVE!!!"

Just as those words left the tan mare's mouth, the diving Pegasus made impact with the ground.

The crash land to the ground that the Pegasus made was certainly not a soft one. In fact, it looked like it should’ve left her a bloody mess from the force. Large clouds of dust and huge pieces of earth exploded as if a bomb had just gone off from under the ground as it began to split and crack. Ponies nearby gave cries of surprise, shock and worried fear for the Pegasus as they slid and tumbled hard across the ground. The pony left a deep dirt trail behind them all before stopping one hundred or so feet away. They dove out of the way as the large chunks of minerals and clouds of dust enveloped some of them. This in turn causing them to go into a loud coughing fit and get covered in dirt and nearly crushed. Luckily for them, this only lasted for a short time before the dust cloud was blown away by the wings by three hybrid mare.

“Now that…had to hurt.” Snowflake grimaced as her youngest sister galloped over to the downed pony. She, Midnight and Sheton all followed after her as crowd of ponies gathering around them.

“Oh my Celestia! Miss, are you alright?” Goku asked worriedly as she knelt in front of the downed pony and gently lifted her out of the dirt trail. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Can you…get…up?”

Upon closer inspection, she could see the pony that had crashed was a indeed Pegasus a mare like her and her sisters. She had a solid shade of grey fur that was just a shade darker that that of Sheton’s, with a long sunflower sandy yellow extended mane and tail, her mane covered her eyes, which was disheveled and covered in dirt. Her wings were a combination of solid grey and sandy sunflower yellow feathers, the same with her furry chest and tail feathers, all of which looked to be loose, unpreened, and all over the place. A dog-like necklace could be seen around her neck, having a red eyed cross-like roseray right in the center. A tattoo of a beautiful pair of angel wings could be seen on her back, and her Cutie Mark was of a large flock of bubbles.

“Oooooooh…my head…what happened?” the mare moaned out as she rubbed her head with a hoof, shaking it to clear the dizziness from the hard crash she had. Her golden yellow eyes seem to be out of focus as she looked at stared down at the ground. “Oh, right…I ran into that flock of geese on my way to the office. Ugh, if only I could see normally like in my other form then this wouldn’t be happening so much! I really gotta get these damn bucking eyes of mine checked out, cause this is driving me nuts!”

As the silvery grey mare got to her hooves, she looked up to thank the pony that had pulled her out of the ground. The moment she saw who it was however, she froze, her crossed eyes widening as her jaw fell unhinged. Goku had an expression similar to the other mare’s and they kept that stare for a few moments, before somepony eventually broke the silence.

“Oh…oh my goodness…that can’t be.” Snowflake whispered. “That couldn’t be who I think it is?”

“Who? Who is she?” Sheton asked, looking in between his sisters. “Do you two and Goku know that mare?”

Midnight nodded, a small shaky smile coming to her face. “Yes, little brother…we most certainly do.”

“Oh…my…Faust…” Goku whispered, her eyes as hive as her hooves as she stared back at the equally shocked mare. “D…D-D-Derpy? Is...i-is that you?”

A glistening shine danced across the silvery grey mare’s eyes as she asked back, “Goku? Is that really you?”

A gasp of recognition was the response that Goku gave to Derpy’s question, before a loud equal erupted from her mouth. Derpy was given no time to prepare herself as the tan Thestral hybrid mare tackled her to the demolished ground. Her whole vision was filled in multi-colored chest fluff as Goku rolled her across the ground with her, forelegs wrapped tightly around the other mare’s neck.

“Oh my goodness, Derpy! It’s really really you!” Goku squealed, yanking the other mare by her hooves and holding her by the shoulders. “I knew I recognized something on you, but I never expected those adorable crossed eyes of yours to be the first thing I’d see!”

“I could say the same to you Goku.” Derpy said as she dusted herself off. “Out of all the things I could remember about you, it’s those sharp fangs, webbed wings, and those adorable fluffy ears of yours!” She reached out and scratched Goku’s left ear, emitting a dreamy eyed look from the Pegasus as she leaned into the touch. “And I can see that your love for them getting scratched certainly hasn’t changed either.”

“No, it really hasn’t.” Snowflake said, walking up to the two mares. “And it’s to see that your bubbliness hasn’t disappeared either Derpy.”

“Snowflake Midnight!” Derpy cried, running over and wrapping her forelegs around both mare’s necks. Both hybrid mares went stiff as the silvery grey mare’s strength began to squeeze the life out of them. “Oh, I’m so happy to see the both of you again! You have no idea how much I’ve been wanting you to see the three of you again! It’s been, what four years since I last saw you all?”

“Y-yes, it has been about t-that much time that’s p-passed!” Midnight replied, straining against Derpy’s powerful hold. “U-um, Derpy…c-could you please let go of us?”

“Y-yes dear…” Snowflake nodded, desperately tapping at Derpy’s back. “W-we c-c-can’t breathe!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry girls!” Derpy releasing both mares form her strong grip and smiling sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to do that, honest. I just…oh, I was just so excited to see the three of you again after all this time!”

“We could say the same to you Derpy, I can see you haven’t changed one bit.” Goku laughed, taking in the mare’s appearance. Her smile grew slyer as she noticed the slenderness, plumpness, and curves around the mare. “And I see that you’ve become quite the looker as well during our time away. You’ve really been packing on the attractiveness the last time we say you haven’t you?”

Derpy blinked, looking around at her body for a moment, before looking back at Goku with a low laugh. “Oh, so you’ve noticed have you? I’m not surprised that you did; I’d expect somepony with eyes as sharp as yours to be able to notice something like that. That isn’t to say that none of you don’t look too bad yourselves. Your looks have improved a lot since I last saw you all back in Cloudsdale, hmhm.”

“Why thank you Derpy, we’re so glad that you took notice of that as well. To be honest, we weren’t really expecting you to be the first pony to run into.” Snowflake said softly. “Then again, given the circumstances, and just how randomly you end up falling form the sky from time to time, I suppose it was bound to happen.”

“Yeah, it totally was! Lucky for the three of you huh?” Derpy giggled spreading her wings and wrapping all three hybrid mare’s in a hug. “It’s so wonderful to see all of you again! I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed those adorable fluffy faces of yours!”

“And it’s very sweet to see those cute little crossed eyes of yours again Derps.” Midnight giggled, nuzzling against the bluish silvery grey mare’s cheeks. “Speaking of which, we’re not the only ones here whose gracing this wonderful town with our adorableness.”

Derpy tilted her head to the side, her extended mane falling over her face. “What do you mean by that? I don’t see anypony…else…here…”

The crossed eyed Pegasus slowly trailed off when she took notice of who else was with Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight. That individual being a certain stormy grey colt who was hovering just behind his three sisters with a concerned expression. When he noticed Derpy looking at him, he flinched and slowly hovered down to the ground, hiding most of his face behind his mane.

“U-um…hello miss.” He said in a polite, yet timid tone as he smiled shyly. “I-it, um…it’s really nice to meet yo-whoa!”

“Awww!” Derpy cooed, grabbing the young colt and pulling him into an embrace. “Aren’t you just the cutest little colt that I’ve ever seen!”

Sheton, who was smothered in Derpy’s chest fluff, looked up at her with a single emerald blue eye. “W-wha…? Y-you’re not…”

“Wow Derpy, you took notice of my little brother pretty fast, didn’t you?” Gou asked, watching as the sandy yellow maned mare rocked Sheton back and forth. “And here I was going to introduce you to him, but it looks like he got that taken care of.”

“I didn’t even tell her my name yet!” Sheton cried as Derpy continued to hug him. “She just grabbed me out of the blue before I could finish my sentence!”

“Sorry about that sweetheart, I didn’t mean to cut you off like that.” Derpy said kindly, pulling the colt away from her chest. “It’s just…oh, I just couldn’t believe how adorable you looked! I just couldn’t help myself and I lost it! I’ve seen a lot of cute foals in my time, but never ones quite as adorable as you!”

“That’s because you never saw foals quite like him.” Snowflake murmured dryly. “Especially those form our dear mother’s family.”

Sheton sighed, adjusting his fedora as Derpy set him down to the ground. “No, it’s okay Miss Derpy…I’m used to getting hugs like this. At least from my momma and the rest of the Thestrals form her family.” He looked back up at Derpy, flashing her a small fanged smile. “My name is Sheton Nightstalker Shenron, and I’m Goku, Snowflake and Midnights little brother.”

“Little…brother?” Derpy repeated, looking from the stormy grey colt to the three mares. “Wait, you wouldn’t happen to be the son of Bardock the White Flash and Evening Glory the Shadow Bat, would you?”

“Wait, what?!” Sheton cried, looking up at the silvery grey mare with wide eyes. “You…y-you know my parents?!”

“Well, not personally, but I’ve definitely heard of them.” Derpy replied, giggling at the young colt’s gob smacked expression. “They’re known around here and many parts of Equestria as the strongest most feared soldiers that anypony has ever seen. Mainly because the both of them came from some of the most powerful families in all of Harmonia. They were known to be legends, so much so that many ponies wondered why they’d ever retire from the positions that they were all in.”

“Probably because they decided they had fulfilled their duties and wanted the one thing both Kirins and Thestrals treasure most?” Goku suggested, gesturing to herself, her sisters, and to Sheton.

Derpy laughed sheepishly. “Yeah…that could’ve been the reason.”

“Wow…so they’re really that famous huh?” Sheton murmured to himself as he stared at the ground. “I knew they were known by a lot of ponies, but I never thought it’d by this caliber. I guess our families are more famous than I thought.”

“Got the muffin in the oven on that one.” Derpy giggled, lightly patting Sheton on his head. “My name is Derpy Hooves Kindheart Rosario; I’m Ponyville’s resident mailmare. It’s really nice to meet you Sheton.”

“Y-yeah, you too Ms. Derpy.” Sheton said bashfully, blushing as the mare wrapped wing around him, planting a kiss on his forehead.

Derpy Hooves was one of the ponies that Goku, Snowflake and Midnight while living in Ponyville together, only with her, she didn’t come from Ponyville. They had met the wall-eyed mare in a place not very far away from Ponyville, one where all of the Pegasi had probably originated from. That town being the City of Cloudsdale, the famous City in the Sky, a place where Earth Ponies and Unicorns can find many Pegasi populating the clouds. The three hybrid sisters, Midnight being a young adult while Snowflake and Goku were young foals, had met Derpy one time while touring through the city. As just now, she had fallen out of the sky while trying, in vain, to keep balance despite her wall eyes, landing right into Goku. The mare feared that she’d be mad about it, but Goku just laughed the experience off, saying that it was no big deal.

After that unexpected yet humorous experience, Derpy and the three Kirin Thestral sisters started coming to Cloudsdale more frequently. This was mainly because so they could see Derpy, since all three sisters had taken quick liking to her. In the time they got to know Derpy, they saw her as a mare who was very bubbly and optimistic, always looking to the brighter side of things. The fact that her eyes went in different directions made her that much more likeable to the Kirins, even if others believed that it made her weird. Sure, there were times when she was sad, and there were more than a few times where Goku found her crying along by her lonesome. Still, the mare managed to keep her head up high through her foalhood and teen years, even while she was continuously bullied for her crossed eyes.

Despite the fact that Derpy was a kind, sweet and cheerful mare, not one to get into conflict unless warranted, she was not a mare to be taken lightly. She could pretty much blow off anything that was said about her in general, even more if it was her eyes. However, when it involved her friends, she was willing to throw everything down to protect those she loved, even if it meant zapping them with thunderclouds. However, that was not the only thing that made Derpy so terrifying, especially since she came from one of the secret clans of Equestria.

The clan that Derpy came from was one that had the ability to transform into the supernatural equines. The ones that were only heard about in myth and legend, since the roseray’s they wore not only stored their powers away, and helped them control them. They had the ability to transform into ponies that were not that much different from Thestrals. This was more or less a false form of their true forms, allowing them to not cause too much damage when fighting their enemies. Whenever the Rosarios were in these forms, they were able to achieve speed, magic and strength that would make them ponies thing that they were actual Vampires. Or more commonly, Vampony’s, despite the fact that said creatures were known to be nothing but myths.

There was one major setback to having this incredible power, something that the Rosario and Shenron clan both share. When any member of these clans reaches a certain power level, they would have to wear that magical item around their necks for the rest of the lives. From the moment they way up to the moment they close their eyes and fall asleep, the necklace had to remain on them at all times. For if they tried to force the necklaces off of the ones that wielded them, the magical knots tying the necklace’s magic, and the magic of the pony together will snap. This in turn would sending an electrical shock wave of indescribable pain throughout the pony’s body they’d die from the shock. It was because of this, along with the indescribably devastating power that they’d have if the necklace were to be taken off, that they’d rather go into their false forms. If, however, they were to take their necklaces off, ponies nearby had better watch out, or any nearby towns and cities would be the only ones in danger.

“So, what’re you all doing here?” Derpy asked, turning away from Sheton and back to the three other hybrid ponies. “Not that I’m not happy to see you all, but I didn’t really expect to see you all here today?”

“Now why would you think that Derpy?” Goku asked innocently. “Oh you didn’t know? Queen Celestia had chosen me to be the supervisor for the Summer Sun Celebration taking place in Ponyville, along my sisters! Oh, and in case you’re wondering why Sheton’s here, we’re letting him get a feel of the place before bring him here to move back with us.”

“Wait, seriously?!” Derpy gasped her eyes widening. “T-the Queen chose you to be the supervisor for the Summer Sun Celebration?!”

“She most certainly did Derpy.” Midnight nodded. “She felt that it would be an even better fit rather than the usual ponies that she has supervising it. I guess she couldn’t tolerate how all of the nobles and lords kept being overly critical, so she decided to get somepony who was more fit for the role.”

“And she was wise to do so.” Snowflake nodded, looking over at her younger sister. “While our dear sister can be pretty blunt sometimes, she always make sure that she’s not being overly critical to the point where she’s coming off as rude. We Shenron’s and Nightstalkers may be honest and upfront, but even we are really overly blunt unless it is really warranted.”

“Heheheh, yeah, I sure know that; you’ve told off a lot of the ponies that used to bully me to prove that much.” Derpy giggled, brushing her overly long mane out of her face. “Wait, didn’t you also say that you were all going to be moving back to Ponyville?”

“Planning to move back.” Goku corrected politely. “But yes, we most certainly are. After the Summer Sun Celebration, we are planning to permanently move back to Ponyville. Mainly because we want to be closer to our friends and try to rekindle our connection with them after so long apart.” She grabbed Sheton and pulled him onto one of her wings. “That and because we want our little brother to be in an environment where ponies are more…accepting of his appearance.”

“You mean because of the fact that he’s half Thestral?” Derpy asked simply, making Sheton’s jaw hit the floor.

“H-h-how…” He stuttered, his eyes going anime white. “H-how did you know?”

“How wouldn’t I know honey?” Derpy asked, smirking at the stormy grey colt. “I mean come on, it was so obvious! With those tufted ears, oval shaped pupils, tiny canines, and membranes under your wings, who wouldn’t notice? Somepony would either have to be very blind, or very oblivious not to notice glaring features like that.”

“Yeah, you have a point there.” Sheton said with a sweat drop. “W-wait, so…you’re not…creeped out that I look like this?”

Derpy gasped as if Sheton had asked her something completely against her nature. “Creeped out? Now why in the world would you think that I would ever be scared of the fact that you’re a hybrid?! Especially since I can turn into a pony looking similar to a Thestral?”

“W-what?!” Sheton gasped, doing a double take. “Y-you can?!”

“I sure can honey. You see the necklace that I’m wearing here?” Derpy asked, tapping at the roseray hanging from her neck. “This allows me to go into the form of a bat winged pony that’s different yet very similar to a Thestral. Although, I don’t usually prefer to use it that much, if it all if I can avoid it.”

Sheton tilted his head. “Why not Ms. Derpy?”

“Because, we have another kind of Bat Pony form that lets us go into that without having to take off our roseray.” Derpy replied with a shrug. “It’s more easier for us to control and causes less destruction than for when we take our roseray off. The power we hold when we do take it off…well…” She shivered as her face flushed blue. “Let’s just say that you won’t want to be within twenty miles of this town when we do take it off…!”

“Seriously?” Sheton gulped, his own face flushing. “I-It’s that scary?!”

“You don’t even know the half of it dear.” Derpy said with a weak smile. “Word of advice; get away as far as you if you see me so much as grab at my roseray okay? It’ll save you a lot of destruction if you do.”

“A-aye ma’am.” Sheton replied with a slight squeak.

“Wow, thanks for scaring him half to death there Derpy.” Goku said dryly deadpanning at the silvery grey mare. “And just when he was starting to warm up to you too.”

“Sorry, I just wanted him to be sure to watch his fluffy little back whenever I do have to take this thing off.” Derpy said sheepishly, shrinking under the dark look the tan Pegasus was giving her. Regaining her composure, she looked back down at Sheton. “So anyway, back to what I was saying, no, I’m not in the least bit disturbed by your appearance. I understand that not all the ponies here in Ponyville will look the same or even have the same abilities. To be honest, I was more or less expecting at least one of the ponies here to look more or less like you and your sisters.” She laughed and looked off to the side, muttering under her breath. “I know one mare who certainly is.”

“Really? You’re okay with me looking like this?” Sheton asked in disbelief, earning another nod from Derpy. “W-wow…I thought for sure that there was somepony here who’d be creeped out by my appearance. I didn’t really think I’d met anypony who’d not only not be bothered by it, but actually think that I look…” A blush came to his face as he stammered out, “…c-cute like this…”

“Well, luckily for you, I’m one of those ponies!” Derpy chirped, bringing the stormy grey colt into another hug. ‘I’m not the only one either! My daughters Amethyst and Dinky are really accepting of hybrid ponies too! And I’m sure that if you meant them, they wouldn’t mind you being half Thestral either!”

“Wait a minute, you have another daughter Derpy?!” Goku gasped, her golden eyes nearly bugging. “W…when?! How?! When did that happen?!”

“Sometime after you and your sisters had left to go hone your magical powers and get a degree.” Derpy replied. “I’m not going to go into too much detail, because I don’t really wanna talk about it. I’m just say that I got too damn drunk, got had a little too much fun with a stallion, and we did the-”

“Alright, you don’t have to go any farther!” Midnight exclaimed, holding her hooves out as a massive blush came to her face. “I think we know that happened after that…”

“I think we all do.” Snowflake nodded, fanning her blushing face with a hoof. “Well, we give you our congratulations on having another child Derpy. Even if the new was a bit late, we’re happy that you’ve welcomed another little bundle of joy into the world.”

“Hmhm, thanks you three! I can’t wait to introduce her to all of you!” Derpy said sweetly, before looking back down at Sheton. “Especially you Sheton! Trust me, you are going to love my little muffin of joy when you see her! She is just the more adorable thing ever!”

“Really? You really want me to meet her?” Sheton asked, a hopeful look coming into his blue eyes. “A-are you sure that she’ll like me?”

“Like you? With a look like that, she is going to love becoming friends with you sweetie! Who knows? Maybe your sisters will wanna set up a little playdate for you and my little muffin so you two can get to know each other.” Derpy replied, winking down at the young colt. She then looked over at Goku and her two sisters. “That is, if you’re up for something like that Goku.”

Before the tan hybrid mare could reply, she noticed from behind the mailmare that somepony was make their way through the crowd. The ponies in the front made a path for the other pony, who trotted inside the circle. It was an Earth Pony mare, with a light grayish amber coat, and a long wavy bluish white cornflower mane and tail. Her eyes were moderate phthalo blue and violet color, with a white green fluffed collar around her neck. He wore a pair of yellow glasses that covered the lower half of her eyes, and her Cutie Mark was of a scroll tied by a blue ribbon.

“What’s going on here? What is all the commotion, everypony?” The mare asked as she looked around the center of the grown that had gathered around Derpy and Goku. When her eyes fell upon the grey mare, her eyes widened and shock and worry as she ran up to her. “Oh, my goodness! Derpy! Are you alright, dear?”

“Oh, hi Miss Mayor Mare!” Derpy exclaimed cheerfully with a cute wave towards the Earth Pony. She set Sheton down in front of her, who spat out some feathers that had somehow gotten into his mouth. “Don’t worry about me, I’m okay! Just got a little off course with the direction of the wind that’s all! And I ran into a couple of old friends along the way, as you can see, hmhmhm!”

“If you had to endure a crash like that, then that must’ve been one strong wing current!” Mayor Mare said, stopping into the center of the crowd. “I mean honestly, did you see the size of the crater that you left behind? Or how deep and long that dirt trail you created was? There’s no way that you should even be movingright now! Let alone standing up! How in the world were you able to survive an impact like that?!”

“Mayor mare, you’ve known me for the last fifteen years since I came here to Ponyville. You should know that I’m able to survive crashes like this, especially since I’m a Rosario!” Derpy giggled as she ruffled her messy wings. “Look on the bright side, at least I didn’t crash into any buildings or trees this time! So that means I’m getting better; slowly but surely!”

“Well…yes, you are Derpy.” Mayor Mare sighed with a shake of her head. “Still though, you may want to go to a hospital or a clinic to get yourself looked over. It’s not that I don’t trust your word Derpy, it’s just…well, you never know what could happen.”

If the bubbly grey mare showed any signed of even being remotely offended or annoyed by the mare’s words, she either hid it very well, or didn’t feel any. It was only more apparent by what she said next. “You got it Ms. Mayor! I’ll head right over to Ponyville Urgent Medical Magic Care and get myself fixed up in no time!” her expression turned sheepish as she flared her wings, revealing the mess of tangle feathers. “Um…maybe with a little help that is?”

“Of course dear.” Mayor Mare nodded, grimacing at the state of the grey mare’s wings. “With tangled wings like that, it’d be best not to go taking off into the air again.”

“Duly noted.” Derpy nodded, before turning to Goku and her siblings. “Sorry you guys, but I gotta go now. My wings need a looking over by the doctor, and I gotta go get Dinky ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. I’ll see you there okay?”

“Sure thing Derps!” Goku replied waving to the air as Mayor Mare led the silvery grey mare out of the crowd. “Be sure to say hi to Amethyst for us, and that we have a new little tag along she’ll love to meet!”

Sheton blushed. “Really sis?”

“Sure thing Goku!” Derpy said, before glancing down at Sheton. “Bye-Bye Sheton, I’ll see you later sweetie! I can’t wait for when I can introduce you to Dinky and Amethyst! Dinky’s quite the hugger, so be prepared for some any affection thrown at you from her way!”

“Y-yeah, sure thing Ms. Derpy.” Sheton said, blushing timidly waving at the mailmare. “S-see you at the celebration.”

Mayor Mare then took a couple of minutes to disperse the crowd, having to give more than a few extra reassurances that Derpy would be fine. After they had gone, Mayor Mare went back to the four Pegasi, a thankful expression adorning her lips.

“I’m so very sorry that you had to see that. You have no idea how many crashes that poor mare had over the past month alone! At this rate the next fall she has is one that she may not be able to get back up from.” Mayor Mare said with a shake of her head, before a small smile graced her lips. “Regardless, I would like to thank you for helping her out of that mess and immediately coming to her aid. It’s great to see someone as big hearted and helpful as you are Goku…you and your sisters.”

The look on Goku Snowflake and Midnight’s faces was nothing short of surprised as they looked at the amber Earth Pony with wide eyes. This caused the mare’s expression to go from thankful to that of amusement as she chuckled dryly. “What? Did you really think that I’d forget you three of all ponies after four years away from your own hometown? Please, with colors, looks, appendages, and necklaces like that, I find that very hard to do so.”

“Good point…” Goku murmured as the Mayor let out a laugh.

“Well, that aside, it’s good to see you all back here in Ponyville! You’ve all certainly grown into beautiful young mares that last time I saw you.” she said with a warm smile, which grew slightly wider as she saw a blush form on Midnight’s face. She was about to say something else, until she noticed the colt standing just next to Goku. “Oh my, who is this little one?”

Sheton shrunk back a bit as Mayor Mare’s eyes landed on him, a nervous whimper escaping his throat. He soon relaxed a bit after Goku gave him a gentle nuzzle, a reassuring smile on her face. Reaching a hoof out, she gently pushed him in front of her, keeping one of her wings out as to not let him hide behind her.

“You probably won’t remember this Ms. Mayor, but back in Canterlot, my parents had another foal. This one being a colt instead of a filly while me Midnight and Goku were all staying here in Ponyville.” Snowflake explained. “This is our little brother Sheton Shenron, the youngest, most adorable and sweetest colt of our little group.”

“Well, he certainly is a cute little colt, isn’t he?” Mayor Mare giggled as she walked over and put a hoof under his chin, lifting his head up to get a better look at him. “Oh, and I see that he’s half Thestral just like you three. Though I probably should’ve expected that, since your mother is a full blooded Thestral herself.” She leaned in closer, her phthalo blue/violet eyes staring into Sheton’s emerald blue ones. “My, has such beautiful blue eyes. And that fedora makes him look even more adorable!”

Sheton’s ears fattened against his head as a dark blush made its way to his cheeks. A small smile making its way to his own face as he looked back up at the Earth Pony mare. He rubbed his left wing with his right foreleg as he quietly said, “Its…um, nice to meet you too…Ms. Mayor.”

“My my, such a polite little colt, isn’t he? I think I’m going to have a wonderful time getting to know him.” Mayor Mare murmured with a smirk as she patted the young colt on the head. “I’d like to give you a proper welcoming to Ponyville Sheton. I hope you find your visit, and your permanent stay here to be most pleasant, especially since you’ll be having your sisters here with you.”

“Oh, I think our sweet little brother will enjoy his visit here quite well Mayor Mare.” Goku said, smiling down at her little brother. “Especially since he’s going to be staying here from now on…oh I can only imagine what he’s going to get into. The friends he’ll make, the adventures they’ll go on, the things they’ll learn…and all the little fillyfriends he’ll make!”

Sheton flinched a half-lidded expression coming to his face as he turned to look at the beetle black mare. “One of these days Midnight…one of these days. I am so gonna get back at you for all the teasing you’re all putting me through.”

“Oh, we don’t doubt it little brother.” Snowflake said innocently, batting her eyelashes at the stormy grey thestral hybrid. “Until then, we’ll be waiting, while you are put through the relentless teasing of your three loving big sisters!”

“Someday…” Sheton whispered, glaring up at the mountain blue mare.

“Anyway, what brings you all back here to Ponyville?” Mayor Mare asked. “While I’m sure you’re planning to move back her, I have feeling that it’s not just for that reason. Am I correct?”

“Always as sharp as ever Ms. Mayor, you haven’t changed a bit, have you?” Midnight smiled with a soft laugh, her navy-blue mane giving the lightest of bounces. “You see, just earlier this morning, we were given a letter by Queen Celestia saying that we were the ones who would be supervising the Summer Sun Celebration the day after tomorrow.” She reached into one of the bags of her saddlebag and pulled out a clipboard with her right wing as she gave it to the Mayor. “We were given this list that had the names of the ponies that she chose would be in charge of the tasks needed for it, and we were wondering if you could help us with something.”

“Why whatever do you need my help for?” Mayor Mare asked quizzically as she looked over the list. “Everything you need to know and do is right here on the list, so I don’t why you would need-” she suddenly gave an abrupt pause as she stared at the list for a few more moments, her expression slowly turning to realization as she murmured, “Oh…I see…”

“Yeah…we weren’t given a map.” Goku said sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head. “As much as we’ve grown fond of the places that we went to when we were foals, we got so caught up on our long, yet amazing college years, that I pretty much forgot where those places were.”

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be ashamed of my dears.” Mayor Mare said with a reassuring smile and a wave of her hoof. “I really didn’t expect you all to recognize your hometown so quickly, especially due to how much and how fast it had changed in just four years. I’d be more than happy to help you all show you the places you loved to go to when you were foals.” Just as she said this, she looked back down at the clipboard and a grin slowly made its way to her muzzle. “In fact, since it shows that your first stop is Sugarcube Corner, I think I know one of the ponies on this here list who has more than enough of the resources that you need to get your way around town now that is bigger and more productive.”

“Oh trust us Ms. Mayor, you’re not the only one who believes so.” Snowflake said with a chuckle. "Not by a long shot."

“Well let’s not waste any more time then, let’s get right to it!” the Mayor exclaimed happily as she gave Midnight the clipboard back and trotted ahead of the Shenron siblings. “None of the other girls have seen you in over four years. I just know they’ll be absolutely delighted to see you all again. I sure it’ll be quite the reunion between the nine of you!”

“Oh, it most certainly will be!” Midnight said happily, with an agreeable nod, her wings giving a gentle ruffle of excitement.

Goku gave a soft and cute giggled, blowing some of her overextended jet-black mane out of her face as she walked ahead of her siblings. “Not gonna disagree with you on that one, Ms. Mayor, I’ll tell you that. Though something tells me that one of them will make sure that this reunion with be one hay of a blast! I can almost see it happening!” Her whole body gave a heavy shiver of excitement at the thought as she added, “And I have a feeling that somepony else is going to get a nice good dose of sweetness as well!”

At this, Sheton, who was walking in between Snowflake and Midnight flinched, and looked over at his sister. His face became a sweating mess as he saw the smirk that the tan hybrid mare was shooting down at him.

“U-um…what do you mean by t-that sis?” The stormy grey colt asked, gulping. “I-is there something that you want to tell me?”

“Oh nothing!” Goku chirped, gently smacking her brother’s face with her tail. “I just can’t help that you’re going to get a new friend in just a short while. And she is going to be sweeter than the sweets found at a candy shop!”

“Oh, I see…okay then.” Sheton nodded, giving Goku his best smile as tried his best not to blush again. As soon as the tan mare turned her head away, his entire face burned as he pulled his fedora over her head. ‘Oh Faust, please help me now!’

Author's Note

Hmmm...there isn't really much that I changed with this chapter, other than the fact that I had shortened some sentences and things like that, along with making the interacting with Derpy and the four Shenron/Nightstalker Siblings longer. I also decided that, since the three sisters met Rainbow Dash back in Cloudsdale, back in the old version of chapter six, that I'd make it seem as they've met Derpy there as well. Since I'm pretty sure that both she and Rainbow Dash were both born and raised in Cloudsdale, which would only make sense for Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight to have met them there :derpytongue2: . Other than that, the fact hat I had the description of the Rosario Clan more or less with Derpy instead of Fluttershy, and the mentioning go Goku's parents, there wasn't really much to add to this chapter to make it too different.

The interaction with Mayor Mare and how Derpy and the four siblings ran into each other was change a little, but at the same time still remained pretty much the same; except for the slight change in the chapter's title :applejackunsure: . I was thinking about adding another group of ponies to the mix, like the Flower Ponies or something like that, but then I decided not to, since I didn't really know who I could make that work. Still, I'm more okay with how this chapter went, especially with just how bad it was last time, and the more I look back on it, the more I'm glad that I'm going through rewrite of this :twilightblush: . And I have lots and lots more to go... :facehoof: . Oh, and one more thing, just like how many of you have probably scene in Fairy Tail, Magnolia is a pretty big town, and, with time, I will be planning to make Ponyville as big as said town :raritywink: .

Well, that's all for this chapter; next time we're going back to our favorite bakers! With a little sweet melon goodness to match :ajsmug: .

Chapter 4 - Bubbly Balloons and Mirthful Melons

Despite the fact that they had somepony with them to help navigate their way through the streets of the ever larger and more populated Ponyville, it took Mayor Mare, Goku, Snowflake, Midnight, and Sheton a while to get to their desired destination. The Shenron siblings didn’t really mind, since it gave them that much more time to meet the ponies and foals in town, and even run into a few familiar faces along the way. With each minute that passed, they felt like they were more and more at home, as if they had stayed even through their college years, never having left their nests.

Eventually they finally made it to Sugarcube Corner, and the three sisters could not have been happier to see it the one place where they could satisfy their sweet teeth. While a good portion of the bakery was made out of wood, most of it being painted a pale-yellow frosty color. While majority of the building was made out of the sugary sweets that could be found in any other bakery. The roof of the building was that of gingerbread covered in a sugary frosty substance, having a window on the middle left side. A small birds nest resting on the far right, and the shape of a mare holding a candy cane on a far left.

The higher part of the roof was covered in a pink and white cake frosting color, having two windows on either side, with a cupcake at the very top. There were also three purple candles at the top, with a window just below it. The far bottom of the bakery had a cellar looked to be filled with donuts, but were actually flowers. The far lower right side of the bakery had the sign of a pink frosted sprinkled cupcake on it. A mailbox stood just in front of the bakery, with a large purple door having two large pink candy canes on either side.

“Well girls, here we are! Sugarcube Corner! The one and only bakery where you can find the most delicious treats in Ponyville!” Mayor Mare exclaimed, wiping sweat from her forehead. “Oh my, that certainly took a while didn’t it?”

“Oh, it’s no worries Ms. Mayor. It only took us half an hour to get around the place.” Midnight said reassuringly, using one of her wings to fan of the amber Earth mare. “Even if it didn’t, we did leave Canterlot pretty early today.”

“Yes, we did. Though I do wish you had let both of us have our beauty sleep a little bit longer. At least one of us got to…” Snowflake remarked, mumbling the last part as Midnight and Goku bot giggled quietly. “Regardless, I thank you very kindly for your help Ms. Mayor. It was wonderful seeing you again.”

“Oh it was not trouble at all, I’m just happy that I got to help the wonderful little fillies I had known since I became Ponyville’s Mayor.” The amber Earth Pony replied with a warm smile. “I must be going no. I have to get ready for my big announcement for the celebration tonight. I hope you have a good day! Oh, and it was so nice meeting you Sheton. You take care now alright dear?”

“T-thank you Mayor Mare.” Sheton nodded with a smile. “It was nice meeting you as well.”

“Thanks Mayor Mare, it was great seeing you again too! See you at the celebration!” Goku shouted to the Mayor as she trotted off. The tan mare then turned her attention back to her siblings. “Well girls…here we are. I have to say, the place really hasn’t changed that much has it?”

“No, it certainly has not.” Snowflake replied a small smile gracing her pale features. “It exactly how I remember it…how we remember it.”

Midnight took in a long gentle inhale of breath from her flared nostrils. “Hmmmm, whatever is being baked in there, it smells lovely.” She turned back to her younger sisters, an excited smile adorning her muzzle. “I think we can guess who that is, can’t we?”

“Heeheehee, I sure can big sis! I can’t wait to get in there and give them the biggest wing hug they’ve ever had!” Goku said gleefully trotting in place, before she turned to look at Sheton. “Here we go Sheton! Because we’re gonna meet some real nice ponies here right in this very bakery! Are you ready honey?”

The stormy grey colt gave a few twiddles of his hooves, not replying for a moment. He then took a deep breath and looked his sister in the eyes. “Y-yeah…I’m ready…as ready as I’ll ever be at least.” He said softly.

Smiling warmly, Goku leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek and ruffle his mane with a hoof. After putting it back on his head, she gave him a wink, before turning and opening the door, trotting into the bakery.

The first thing that happened when they all went inside was the scent of sweet sugary goodness. It enveloped all of their nostrils, as if their noses were the only things that were working for them. They all stayed silent, their mouths quivering and their taste buds tingling as their minds were swept into a sea of wonderful imaginary flavor. Nothing else mattered for those few blissful moments; just that sweet feeling of sweet blissfulness.

Then, in an instant, just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped, and the four siblings were brought back to reality. The moment they gained control of their senses, they were greeted with the interior of the bakery. There were several or so tables that were set up for anypony that wanted to take a seat and relax with either waiting or eating their snacks. On a few tables, were displays of cookies, cupcakes, and other goods set up for ponies to see. The far right of the bakery displayed drinks liquidly goodness that ponies would want to try, and the upper roof having numerous pictures of cupcakes. At the very front, was the counter for those who wanted to take their orders to go, also having sets of pastries there.

It was also that very same part of the bakery where there was complete and utter chaos.

Yes, the four siblings were being graced with a sight that was most certainly not most other bakeries. At the same time, it was something that they had seen before in this type of bakery, and even then, it was only when there was an order placed. One so important, that it would inflict the kind of chaos that was happening right before them. The very same chaos that Goku was trying very hard not to laugh at too.

Two ponies, one mare and the other a stallion, were running about the bakery as if they were farm chickens with their heads cut off. On both of their backs and in their mouths, were the large boxes on what could only be assumed as the very same sweets that were dotting the entire bakery. A glistening shine could be seen from their fur, showing that they were both sweating quite heavily, which indicated just how hard they were working. The three mares and colt could also see, just behind the counter, was a set of large double doors. A thin cloud of grey smoke could be seen emitting from it, something that the mare caught onto right away.

“Carrot! Did you leave my peanut butter cookies in the oven again?!” She indignantly shouted as she set three larger boxes on the floor next to a larger pile. Like the four Shenron siblings, she was a beautiful Pegasus, with a very light shade of cerulean fur, with a light crimson mane and tail having pale light grayish crimson stripes in them. Her eyes were shade of brilliant rose red and she wore a bright orange apron with pink feathers adorning the front. Her wings were a wonderful combination of light crimson, light grayish crimson stripes and light cerulean. Her Cutie Mark was of three strawberry frosted cupcakes, having cherries on top for each, and a white apron could be seen hugging her barrel. “I told you not to put them in there for no more than twenty minutes! Last time that happened, we had to use the fire extinguisher to put them out! I do not want to have to throw away another batch of burnt cookies again! And certainly not today of all days!”

“No Cupcake, I didn’t!” The stallion replied as he levitated several more boxes with some more. Unlike the five Pegasi in the bakery, he was a muscular and handsome looking Unicorn. He had a light brilliant amber yellow coat, and a long, somewhat wild, light brilliant orange mane and tail skirt. His eyes were a moderate shade of pistachio green and light brilliant orange freckles could be seen on his upper muzzle. He wore a plain white apron with a black and white striped neck bow, and his Cutie Mark was of three while frosted carrot cakes. “That smoke was from the last batch of cookies that I had thrown away! Yours were only in the oven for five minutes!”

“Well, be more careful next time honey! We can’t afford to make a single mistake! The Summer Sun Celebration is only hours away, so we can’t afford to waste any time!” Cupcake exclaimed, letting a large box slide off of her outstretched right wing. “This isn’t just some ordinary order that we’re dealing with here! This is for the event where the very Queen herself graces us with her presence and raises the Sun, right in front of us! I haven’t been this worried since we got that order for a cake at the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“Hey…don’t worry honeybun, there’s nothing to be scared of. Remember, we have the girls with us to help out with this.” Carrot said soothingly, wrapping a muscular forehoof around her neck. “This isn’t the first time they’ve helped us find a solution to these problems. Besides, this is the Queen we’re talking about. She’s kind, generous, and always happy to see us whenever she can. She doesn’t really mind if everything we do for her isn’t perfect, so I’m sure she’ll understand.”

Cupcake flinched, slowly looking up at her husband with a slightly twitch in her eye. With her eyes flashing a brilliant red, she took to the air and shouted, “Understand? Understand?! Are you insane, Carrot?! What in the name of all that is harmonious makes you think that the Queen will understand?!” She leaned in until her muzzle was pressed against the amber yellow Unicorn’s own. “I can guarantee you, she’ll be anything but understanding of even a single chocolate chip is out of place!! Do you really want to be the center of her wrath?! Especially since the controls the very Sun that she raises and lowers every day?! Because I sure don’t; and I don’t think you do either!”

“Cup…” Carrot said, a hurt look coming to his face as he frowned up at his wife.

The cerulean blue mare paused, cringing at the pained expression on the Unicorn’s face. Closing her eyes, Cup hovered back down to the ground as her wings folded back to her sides. She took a deep breath to calm herself, her swirly mane drooping slightly. “I’m sorry Carrot, I didn’t mean to shout at you like that. I-it’s just, I’m worried, like really really worried. If this was any other Queen, I might agree with you, but this is not just any other Queen, honeybun. This is Queen Celestia Daybringer, the very raiser of the Sun and the Moon, the bringer of both Day and Night, and the most powerful equine in all of existence! It’s apparent for both us that she likes-no, loves what we have for her! If she doesn’t, we very well may get our reputation ruined, or get put out of business, or worse!”

“Oh now you’re just over reacting.” Carrot said with an optimistic smile as he gently set it wife down. He was only to get a mild glare from his wife, causing him to chuckle. “I can tell you without a doubt, that the Queen will love what we baked for her. And I don’t just think it, I know it honeybun.”

“Yeah right…” Cupcake snorted as she sat on her haunches and crossed her forehooves. “I’ll believe that, when I see it with my own eyes.”

“You should listen to your husband, Mrs. Cake.” Goku said softly, deciding at that moment that she should finally jump in. “I’ve known the Queen since my foalhood, and if I know her, she won’t give flying feather what your treats look like. Just as long as they taste good that is.”

“Goku! Please watch your language!” Midnight chastised with a disapproving frown, only for her youngest sister to giggle it off. “I know your excited to see Mr. and Mrs. Cake again, but you don’t have to use such colorful language!”

I don’t know what you’re talking about big sis!" Goku giggled, smiling cheekily at her sister. “I was just stating the obvious.”

“Yes...” Snowflake snorted softly. "Sure you were little sister."

“Is that really you and your sisters, Goku?!” Cupcake asked with a rather loud gasp as her brilliant rose eyes widened. Upon seeing the hybrid mare nod, the cerulean mare let out a joyful squeal as she flew over to them. Cupcake enveloped Goku and nowflake in a hug, with both her forelegs and her wings, the strength behind her wings allowing her to lift them off of the ground. “The three of you are back! I can’t believe that you’re already back in Ponyville after so long!”

“Me neither, but it’s a real treat to have you here again.” Carrot said with a wink, making Midnight giggle. “We’re sorry that we didn’t here you come in the door. We were just so focused on the orders that we hadn’t really had time to take anypony’s orders and what not.”

“Oh, no worries Mr. Cake. You were just completing some last-minute orders for the celebration, that’s all.” Snowflake said gently, nuzzling Cupcake. “If anything, we had come in at the wrong time. Had we known you were still working, we would’ve given you a few more minutes.”

“Oh it’s no trouble at all you three. It was worth it to see you all again, even if it is today of all days.” Carrot said with a chuckle, as he looked each of the girls up and down. “You’ve certainly grown fine young mares, haven’t you? I could never forget those tufted ears fangs and bat wings on any of you. No matter how long I go without seeing them, I can always picture it. The same can be said for you too Midnight. You've certainly bigger than all the other fillies when you were younger. Still, I never thought you’d reach this level of size in such a short time.”

The beetle black gentle mare’s cheeks turned a deep red in response. She looked off to the side, her mane falling in front of her face as she rubbed her left foreleg. “Oh, I didn’t really do anything special. I just ate and trained a lot whenever I had the time. A-and during that time, I guess got carried away a little.” Without warning, she swept Carrot into a big, warm, and very, tight hug. “It’s still so very wonderful to see you two again. You don’t know how much we’ve missed you or this wonderful bakery of yours!”

“W-we’ve missed y-you too, g-g-girls…!” Carrot said, his voice strained the mare’s hug. “U-um…M-Midnight, sweetheart, can you let me go? I-I…c-can’t breathe!"

Midnight, upon seeing the amber yellow Unicorn’s face start to turn blue, let out a gasp. She put both forehooves to her mouth as he fell to the floor gasping. “Oh! I’m sorry, Mr. Cake, I guess I got a little caught up in the joy of them moment. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” she asked, using one of her wings to help the stallion get back up.

“N-no, I’m fine…you just caught me off guard as all.” Carrot replied, wheezing as he sucked in large gulps of air. “I haven’t been hugged that tight since the day I asked Cupcake to marry me.” he muttered so low that his wife wasn't able to hear it.

“None of you have changed a bit since you left Ponyville. Well, except for Midnight, I can see she’s certainly backed on the um…strength the last time we saw her.” Cupcake sighed happily as she looked all three mares over. “All of you still look just like how you were as fillies, and now you’ve become beautiful mares. Oh, I really miss those days where I could sweep you in my forearms, smother you senseless, and fill your little cheeks with goods.” She said, her warm joyful tone carrying just a hint of solemnness.

As soon as she said that, Sheton felt a knot form in his stomach as he looked at the expression on the cerulean mare's face. It only grew bigger and tighter when he noticed Goku looking at him, a small devilish grin forming on her face.

“It’s funny you should say that Mrs. Cake, because I may have found a certain somepony to help fill that void in your heart.” She said in a cheerful, yet mischievous tone. Before Sheton could do anything to stop her, he himself being pushed in front of all three of his sisters. “Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I would like the both of you to meet our little brother Sheton! I don’t know if Pinkie or anypony else told you that I was going to be a big sister, but in case you didn’t, well…here he is!”

She the lowered her head to his level and gently nuzzled his cheek, gently saying, “It’s okay baby, they’re not gonna bite. Go on up to them and say hi.”

Shaking slightly, Sheton slowly walked up to the bakers, both staring wide eyed at the young colt. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop him from swallowing his nervousness and politely greeting the two bakers. “H-hello…it’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Cake.” He said softly, giving a polite nod of his head.

“Oh my goodness, just look at him!” Mrs. Cake squealed as both of her forehooves flew to her muzzle, doing absolutely nothing to hide the large grin on her face. She swept the colt up in her wings, smothering his face in her chest fluff. “Aren’t you just the cutest little thing?!”

‘Seriously…?’ Sheton thought, a muffled moan coming from him as he sweat dropped. ‘First Ms. Derpy and now, Ms. Cake?! Just how many mares are going to hug me like this?!'

“Whoa there honeybun, easy there.” Carrot said dryly, putting a hoof on his wife’s shoulder. “You’re gonna squeeze the life out of the poor kiddo if you keep hugging him like that.”

Cupcake looked over at her husband. “Now why would I do that Carrot? I’ve hugged foals like this before, and none of them went blue in the face.”

“Because the very last foal that you hugged, you squeezed her so hard you nearly made her head pop like a balloon.” The amber yellow stallion replied somewhat bluntly. “I’m still amazed that Melon Cake was able to handle that, and still keep smiling throughout it.”

“It’s not my fault that Melon was so adorable that I lost control of my strength!” Cupcake shouted, a pout coming to her face. “And like you’re one to talk! When you first saw her, you looked very close to glomping her too!”

“True, but…” Carrot grinned, holding a hoof up. “The only difference between that is because I had more self-restraint. Something that can’t really be said the same about you, honeybun.”

“Yes well, at least I took care as to not actually make her pass out!” Cupcake retorted, her cheeks heating. “And it’s a good thing that I was the first one to hug Melon too! Otherwise, you would’ve seriously hurt the poor dear!”

“Whatever you say honeybun.” Carrot chuckled, giving a little shrug. “Whatever you say.”

Cupcake then felt a light tap on her shoulder, and she looked down to see Sheton looking back up at her. With another smile, she set the colt back down, allowing him to take in precious gulps of air and recover from the tight hug.

“Sorry baby, I didn’t mean to squeeze you so tight.” Cupcake said sheepishly. “It’s just…ooooh, you just look so adorable like that! I don’t know what came over me and-”

“Oh, no…it’s okay Mrs. Cake.” Sheton said politely, brushing his long mane away. “You didn’t hurt me or anything like that. You just, um…kind of caught me off guard with the sudden hug…I know you didn’t mean anything bad by it.”

“Thanks kiddo, glad you’re not holding it against my wife for acting so adorably energetic around new foals.” Carrot said gently, ignoring the small glare the cerulean mare sent him. The amber yellow Unicorn stallion gave Sheton a thorough look over, looking impressed by what he saw. “So, you’re the youngest out of your three sisters huh? I can see why, with those canines, webbed wings, and fluffy ears it’s hard not to. That hat looks a bit big for you to wear on his head though. Are you sure that it’s a good fit?”

“Don’t worry, the inside is small enough for him, and there are cuts inside for his ears to poke out and hold the fedora in place. So his face won’t be hidden under it whenever he decides to wear it. Our Mom made sure of that, since she was the one who gave it to him.” Goku replied, smiling reassuringly. “Even if it wasn’t, I’d still let him wear it. Besides, I think it looks absolutely adorable to see him wearing things that're too big for him!”

“It certainly is.” Snowflake nodded. “For both us and our dear mother.”

“So, what’re you three doing back here in Ponyville?” Cupcake asked curiously, turning away from Carrot. “I don’t mean to sound rude but, we didn’t think we were going to see you here today. You know, with the Summer Sun Celebration happening today and the Queen coming to visit the town.”

“Actually that’s exactly why we’re here Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and not just to partake in the celebration either.” Goku replied, grinning widely. “We're really here because Queen Celestia chose us to be the supervisors for this year’s Summer Sun Celebration, mainly because we know every part of this town. That, and just how much of a fun place that I can be for those that come here.”

“You’re the supervisors for the Summer Sun Celebrations?!” Cupcake gasped as Carrot’s eyes widened. The three sisters nodded, and the cerulean Pegasus suddenly found herself falling to her haunches, letting out a huge relieved sigh. “Oh, my goodness, that’s…that just wonderful to hear! With you being the supervisors for the most important celebration of the year, we don’t have to worry so much about getting criticized for our cooking! Especially since you three tried it lots of times before!”

“Now, Ms. Cake, we would never ever criticize your cooking in any bad way. You’re one of the best cooks here in Ponyville, so I don’t see any reason why anypony would say that your food is bad.” Goku said with a shake of her head as Carrot rubbed his wife’s back. She reached into Midnight’s saddlebag with a hoof and held out a clipboard. “This list holds all the ponies that were given tasks for the event by the Queen. As you can see, your place was the first on our list of places to see. No offense Mr. and Mrs. Cake but, you weren’t exactly the ponies we needed to see today.”

“None taken dear, me and Carrot hardly get chosen for anything this important. So, it’s not really anything new for us.” Cupcake said as she looked over the list, holding it on her right wing. Her rose eyes widened as she held a hoof to her mouth, gasping, “Oh my, it says here the first pony that you’re supposed to see is…Pinkie Pie!!”

“That it does Mrs. Cake! I have to say; the Queen could not have picked better ponies to be in charge of the Summer Sun Celebration tasks than those on that list! Goku giggled, her feathered bat wings giving an exited ruffle. “Even if she didn’t, we’ve been dying to see them again after four years away. It's been way too long since I've seen that infectious little smile of her's. How is she doing anyway?”

“She’s doing great! Lending us a helping hoof in keeping the bakery in balance and running like she always does.” Carrot said cheerfully, before he gave a gentle shake of his head. “I swear, I don’t know how that filly does it, but she just does it! Of all ponies, she was the last one we expected to actually want to work for us, especially at the age she was back then. I think she was like, eight or nine when she game here. With the work schedule that we had, I didn’t think could get anypony would want to be our apprentice.”

“So did I, Carrot. I remember the first time she walked in here. Oh, she was just the cutest little thing I had ever seen!” Cupcake cooed, putting both of her forehooves to her cheeks as her wings fluttered. “Those big blue eyes, that adorable curly and poofy mane and tail, that infectious little smile, oh! Everything about her just screamed party pony!”

“You can say that again. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony throw more parties as fun or party as hard as Pinkie Pie.” Carrot added with a nod of agreement. “Sometimes I think she’s on a continuous sugar rush or something.”

“That may be the case as to why she has so much energy, she's high on sugar.” Snowflake remarked dryly, earning a laugh from the Cakes. “Or maybe it’s just Pinkie being Pinkie in her own unique way. Which would explain how she’ s able to plan all the exciting events the way she does.”

“That would make more sense.” Carrot murmured with a nod of agreement, before his eyes lit up in recognition. “Oh that’s right, you were here to see Pinkie, weren’t you?”

“Ugh, I can’t believe I forgot about that! I was so caught up in telling you how things were with her ever since you left, and marveling at how adorable your brother is that I forgot you were here to see had completed the task she was assigned by the Queen!" She reached out with a hoof and poked Sheton’s barrel, emitting a small giggle from the colt. "Wait right here dearies, I’ll go get here right now! I just know she’ll be absolutely thrilled to see you again!”

“No need to Mrs. Cake! I’m already here!” a cheerful and bubbly voice, said, sounding as sweet as sugar. A blur of pink suddenly appeared in between the six ponies; a large and wide pair of blue eyes staring right into Cupcakes rosy ones. The baker couple, Midnight, and Sheton let out cries or shrieks of surprise as they leapt back a full ten feet as the mare fell from the ceiling and did a side flip, before landing on her hooves.

“Pinkie Pie! How many times have I told you not to jump out of nowhere like that; especially so close to ponies?!” Mrs. Cake said hotly, becoming slightly upset with her apprentice as she put a hoof to her chest in an attempt to calm her rapidly beating heart. “That’s got be the fifth heart attack that you’ve given me this month!”

“Sorry Mrs. Cake, I admit I got a little carried away there. I just got so excited when I hear you say that there was somepony here that I would be ‘absolutely overjoyed’, to see again.” Pinkie Pie, giggled cutely, her mane bouncing slightly. Now that she was far away enough to see, Goku and her siblings could see which Pony Tribe she Belonged to. The mare in front of them was an Earth Pony, somewhat on the chubby side, but in a way to still look attractive. She had a pale light grayish raspberry pink coat; like that of bubblegum, that looked very fluffy. A mass of feathers adorning her chest and the base of her tail, making it look like she had at least one generation of Pegasus in her.

She had a long brilliant raspberry mane and tail, done up in the curliest and poofy style they’d ever seen. It looked to be just millimeters from touching the ground, hanging over one side of her face, framing it rather attractively. Her eyes were a bright cerulean blue color, the same color as Cupcakes fur, only a bit lighter. They shone with such brightness, innocence, and mirth that it would be on par with that of a newborn foal. Imprinted on her back, was the red-eyed multi-pointed symbol of chaos, with beautiful prismatic wings on either side. To top her appearance off, her Cutie Mark was of three balloons the middle one being yellow and the other two being blue.

“Honeybun, you should know by now that Pinkie doesn’t give anypony any warnings when it comes to situations like this.” Carrot said softly, shaking his head. “We also know that no matter how much we prepare ourselves, we will never be able to keep ourselves from nearly jumping out of our fur and screaming like monkeys.”

Cupcake sighed as she took a few deep breaths to calm the rapid beating of her heart. Once she was sure it was back to a normal rate, she replied, “Yes…I know…you’ve got a point there, Carrot. Still though, Pinkie, please don’t do that! I can’t take another jump scare like that again! Next time I might actually faint!”

“Don’t you worry Mrs. Cake; I Pinkie Promise that I’ll give you and Mr. Cake a nice big super-duper extra-large heads-up of where I’m going to pop up!” Pinkie replied happily with a salute, as if she were a soldier standing in front of a military officer. Then her eyes lit up, letting out a gasp of realization as she exclaimed, “Oh! That’s right, you said that there was someone here to see me! Well who is it? Is it my family?! My friends?! Oh, Oh! Or maybe it’s the-”

Whatever the Earth Pony was going to say next caught right into her throat as she turned around. Her whole body freezing the moment she laid her eyes onto the three hybrid mares in the room. Her eyes widened pupils expanded very nearly causing her cerulean irises to disappear and leave them as orbs of blue. Her jaw slowly fell open, going well beyond the length that any other pony’s jaw should, making Sheton nervously step back. She remained like that for a few long silent moments, before her jaw snapped back into place and she gave a hard blink. Just a few seconds later, her lower lip began to quiver as her eyes glazed over and grew misty, and the faintest hint of a smile on her face.

“G-Goku…Snowflake…Midnight…” she said shakily, once she finally found her voice. “Is…is that really you?”

Goku’s face lit up with a small smile as she took a couple of steps closer to the bubblegum pink mare. Her golden eyes peered right into Pinkie’s blue ones as she said softly, “Hey there Pinks…it’s certainly been a long time, hasn’t it? I could never forget that bouncy mane and that infectious smile of yours, even after all this time.”

The shaky, barely visible smile slowly grew on Pinkie’s face as she let out a loud overly extended gasp. Her body shaked over more as the smile on her face morphed into a large grin, biting her lip as her eyes squeezed tight, her mane covering her eyes as she lowered her head. Then, abruptly, a loud ear-piercing squeal erupted from her throat as she leapt high into the air. The sound of a cannon exploding appeared from out of nowhere along with streamers and confetti, causing Sheton’s eyes to widen in surprise. Before the hybrid colt could do anything, Pinkie brought all three of his sisters in a strong grasp. She stood on her hind legs and spun around in the air, laughing merrily.

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!” she squealed as she hugged the three hybrid mares with all her might. “I can’t believe it I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it; it really you girls!! I haven’t seen any of you in so so so LONG!”

“Can’t really say we can’t say the same Pinkie. It feels like it’s been forever since we last seen each other.” Goku said with a soft laugh, wrapping her feathered bat wings around the bubblegum pink mare. “Regardless, it’s great to see you again. I could never forget that cute infectious little smile of yours, no matter how many times I close my eyes.”

“And I can never forget those cute little fangs and those super-duper cool wings of yours!” Pinkie Pie retorted slightly, booping the tan mare on her nose. “Or Midnight and Snowflakes; oh, I’m so so SO happy that you’re all back!”

Pinkie Pie, also known as Pinkamena Diane Pie Soshi, was the very first friend that Goku, had made during her time living in Ponyville, and one of the best friends that she could’ve asked for. She had met the party mare the day she had fully moved to the peaceful community, having not been there for even a whole day before running into her into Sugarcube Corner. Goku had went to the store to satisfy he sweet tooth soon after, only to find an energetic pink filly there instead. That was also the day that she had meet Cupcake and Carrot Cake, who were barely adults at the time, but no less warm and welcoming.

The beige multi-colored filly was not prepared for the reaction she got from Cupcake when she first met her. Nor was she prepared by the unexpected surprise hello and welcome from a certain pink filly Pinkie Pie. Goku had to admit one thing; she certainly had an amount of energy that could not be put into even the most intelligent of words. So much so that it took both Cupcake, Carrot cake, and Goku herself her to physically restrain Pinkie so the tan hybrid filly could answer her questions. Nonetheless, she did not hesitate to accept Pinkie’s offer to be her friend, something she never once regretted ever since. Never could Goku remembered being happier than she was that. Well, aside from the day her little brother was born when she was fourteen.

As the years went by, Goku came to know Pinkie Pie as the very embodiment of joy for all of Ponyville. A pony that wanted to spread smiles and laughs to everypony around her and make their day shine brighter every day. Practically everypony in Ponyville knew Pinkie, with said mare having told Goku that she took the time to learn every single pony’s name. She was known to be quite the baker, able to bake treats that would make even the most elderly of pony’s taste buds’ water with anticipation. However, it was nothing compared to the way that she was able to plan any kind of party that could be thought of, be it a holiday, party, wedding, anniversary, or anything out of the ordinary. Thanks to this, Pinkie Pie had earned the reputation of being known as ‘The Pink Party Pony of Ponyville’.

Despite her cheerful, sweet and bubbly nature, Pinkie Pie was not a mare that was to be underestimated. As fun loving as she was, even she knew when it was time to get serious, and when she got serious, everypony was warned to watch out. Especially with the crazy and inconceivably impossible abilities that she had. The same ones that she used very efficiently to get to the bottom of things. If there was one thing that she took more seriously than anything, it was promises. Most especially the famous ‘Pinkie Promise’ that she always made to ponies whenever Pinkie Pie saw it fit. To some who didn’t know Pinkie, it was just a silly and cute nickname she had come up with for the promises that she made. To Goku however, and the rest of their friends, it was something much, much more than that. It was a trait passed down from Pinkie’s family for countless generations, dating back to the very first Pie, something that was very sacred and traditional amongst their family. The Pinkie Promise was a promise that nopony, Pie or not, was ever allowed to break under any circumstance, unless forced to for the sake of others, and under absolute necessity. For those who broke the Pinkie Promise under any other circumstance, would face the full wrath of the Pies Pinkie Pie was known to be very persistent in making sure that those who broke their Pinkie Promises would pay dearly. Once they did, they’d be sure to never break it again, no matter what the reason.

Like Goku's family, Pinkie Pie also came from a clan, which was known from controlling for being able to wield the five Elements of Nature known to either be created or emerge themselves through the different seasons, called the Soshi clan. However, they would not be given the five of the powers of the elements unless they trained hard enough to the point where the mastered-on element and could move onto another. The more elements they mastered, the more symbols they would get on their shoulders, and the stronger they’d get. If they gained all five of them, they would be able to use all five elements with ease and possibly earn even more, and used them in unpredictable ways. There have been many in Pinkie’s family that have both tried, and utterly failed to reach that scale. The only one that came was Pinkie’s grandmother Surprise Pie, and even then, it took her a long time to get there. Even so, with the crazy powers and abilities that she had, Goku wouldn’t put it past the mare in the least to gain more, especially with the trump card Pinkie had with her powers.

“Oh you have no idea how happy I am to see you girls right now! I didn’t think you were going to show up the day after tomorrow, when the Summer Sun Celebration begins, but the fact that you did makes it even more super-duper fantastic to see you!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, finally letting the three hybrid sisters out of her overly tight hug, Midnight being the only one not ruffling her wings and rubbing her sides. “You came a just the right time, too! I’ve wanted somepony to try out the treats that I’ve been making over since it was in charge of the treats and pastries, and you happen to be just the first ponies that I want to try! Trust me, you will love it, heeheehee!”

“Is that so? Well thank you Pinkie, it really means a lot to us that you’d save your delectable treats for us!” Snowflake replied sweetly, wrapping her right wing around the Earth mare’s neck and nuzzling her, earning an adorable giggle from the mare. “Though, we’re going to have to correct you on something, sweetheart. About there being only being three of us here.”

“What do you mean? There’s you, Goku, and Middy here, so that means all of you are here, doesn’t it?” Pinkie Pie asked as she gave a cute tilt of her head. Her eyes then widened before, a she smirked and asked, “Unless you have a, special guest, with you?”

“Funny you should ask that, Pinkie. As a matter of a fact, we do!” Midnight chirped as she turned around and extended her wing, gently pushing Sheton forward. Despite his shyness, the stormy grey colt slowly made his way in front of his sisters, giving Pinkie Pie a small smile. “You may not remember this Pinkie, but Goku Snowflake and me had told you and the rest of the girls that we were all going to be big sisters. You had call come to Canterlot to see our brother, Sheton, the way he was born. You remember that don’t yo-”

The beetle back mare was interrupted when Pinkie Pie interrupted her by letting out a squeal that nearly made the four hybrid ponies eardrums explode. Everypony in the bakery jammed their hooves into their ears, trying to block out the volume as the while bakery shook and the windows rattled. Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the squealing stopped, before Pinkie Pie swept Sheton up in a warm hug. It was gentler than Cupcake’s, but still tight enough to the point where the colt a bit of trouble breathing.

“Oh I definitely remember this little cutie, hmhm! How could not remember a colt with the most adorable face ever?!” Pinkie Pie replied as she nuzzled the colt warmly. “I’ll never forget when the girls and me went to Canterlot Hospital and saw him for the first time Oh, he was so adorable back then, I could’ve eaten him up, heeheehee!!”

“Oh don’t remind me Pinkie, we all remember all too well the reactions that you all had when you saw my brother for the first time.” Goku said dryly with a small smile. “I can very vividly remember your reaction. Not did you only shatter every single one of the windows, but you also woke up every single foal in the nursery.”

“That and you also left most of us, including the girls, partially deaf.” Snowdrop added. “Not the best move if you ask me, dear…”

The bubblegum pink mare rubbed the back of her poofy maned head with a hoof, her eyes looking off to the side sheepishly. "Eheheheheh...yeah, I know...I did get pretty carried away back there. I just can't help but get excited when I meet new ponies of for the first time, especially of their foals, hmhm!"

“You sure do Pinkie Pie.” Snowflake murmured. “As you have mad so plainly obvious just a moment ago.”

Pinkie Pie giggled into one of her hooves, causing her mane to bounce in rhythm again. She then looked down at Sheton, who was staring rather intently at her with his head tilted. That action sparked something that immediately peeked her curiosity, leading Pinkie Pie to ask, "What is it, lil cutie? Is there frosting somewhere on my face?"

The stormy grey colt snapped out of his stupor, before quickly shaking his head. He looked down as he poked his hooves together, stuttering as he replied, "Oh, n-no Ms. Pinkie Pie, it’s was nothing, really. I-I was just, um...looking at, um...your mane." He gulped, choosing his next words carefully. “It’s um…r-really…p-poofy and…curly.”

"Hmhm, yeah, it is really poofy isn’t it? It’s been like that since I was like, eight, ever since I saw a huge rainbow that nearly shot me away from my farm!” Pinkie Pie giggle wrapping a little curl of her mane around her hoof. She then used both hooves to really get a feel at it before asking, "Does it still have extra flower from when I baked those triple chocolate chip cookies? If it does then you have a really good eye there, Tony!"

"Hey! Don't steal my brother's nickname Pinkie!" Goku chastised playfully. "Only I'm supposed to call him that!"

Sheton paused momentarily, and blushing at the nickname. "Oh, no no no no no! It’s not that! Its clean, so you don’t have to worry about that. It’s just..." He looked back up at Pinkie's mane as it gave a few more bounces before going still once more. "I've never seen a mane like that before...it’s the curliest and most poofiest one I've ever seen."

A smile that was sweeter than candy made its way across Pinkie's muzzle at the colt's kind words. Taking it as a compliment, she wrapped a foreleg around his neck and pulled him in a tight hug, practically burying his face into her chest fur. Sheton's nose was instantly assaulted by the scent of mixed sweets emitting from her body as she nuzzled the top of his head affectionately.

"Awwww, that is so sweet of you to say!" She cooed, pulling away from colt just enough to look him in the eyes. "Nopony's really given me very much compliments on my mane before! Most of them think that it doesn't really suit me or that I should go for a different style. I might have went ahead and done just that, but I have a best friend that always tells me that she likes it just the way it is, saying that it really add to my character! She was the first pony to complement me on my mane style and say that it really suits my character! Not only that, but she was also a foal like you Sheton! So that makes you the second foal to like the style of my main and tail!"

"Really? I'm only the second?" Sheton asked curiously as he tilted his head. "Who was the first?"

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out, little cutie! However, just for that little compliment about my mane, you're gonna get a special treat!" Pinkie giggled as she poked his belly, earning a few little giggles form the colt. After giving him a little kiss on the nose, she suddenly gasped before standing up stiff. Facing Goku, Snowflake and Midnight once again, her cerulean eyes widened as she shouted "Oh right, I almost forgot! You haven't seen or tried out the treats that me, Mr. and Mrs. Cake made for the Summer Sun Celebration starting tonight! Ok, wait right here Tony, and don't go anywhere! I'll be right back!"

With that, the bubblegum pink mare zoomed back into the kitchen, leaving a pink blur in her wake as Mrs. and Mrs. Cake felt their manes being blown form the wind created by Pinkie's unnatural speed. All six ponies could hear the sound of the double doors to the kitchen being banged open, before the whole bakery became silent once more.

"Well, I can see that she hasn’t changed a bit." Snowflake said dryly as she gave a chuckle, brushing some of her cumulus mane out of her face. "She's just as jovial as she was when we were fillies. I could never forget her smile, no matter how long I go without seeing it."

"Uh, isn’t that what I just said a moment ago Snowy? Don't go stealing my thunder!" Goku said as she elbowed her middle sister in the side. After giving off a soft laugh, she looked around the baker at the number of boxes that were stacked either next to or on top of each other. "Wow, you’ve certainly been busy before we got here haven't you, Mr. and Mrs. Cake? I don't remember you making anywhere near this many boxes when I was a filly."

"Yes, there is a lot more boxes than usual, isn’t there? You can thank our dear Pinkie Pie for that." Cupcake replied with a small smile, looking around the bakery at the various boxes that she and her husband tirelessly worked to fill. "When me and Carrot had first opened our business, we definitely did not have anywhere near as many customers here as we do now. In fact, we were barely fully-fledged adults when we tried to make it out on our own together. We did have a regular bound of customers coming in from time to time, and we made a fairly decent amount of money...but, it wasn’t enough to...really get the business going. In fact, it was barely more than several months after we opened our business that it was already on the verge of going into foreclosure."

A shudder ran down the cerulean mare's spin and her husband ran a hoof down her back to comfort her. "Oh, that was the worst day of our lives! It was at that moment that we started looking for some pony, anypony to hire, to help us not lose their business in any way they could, but they just couldn't keep up with our work schedule, and many of them lasted no more than a week before finally quitting! I really thought that we were going to lose everything and possible end up homeless and, on the street, something that I never ever wanted to think about." The mare gave a few more deep breaths to calm herself, her husband still doing all he can to sooth her, before her expression changed from that of dread to that of thankfulness and fondness. "Well...that is, until we meet Pinkie."

"Let me guess...she was the one who helped you get your bakery back on track?" Goku asked, already knowing what the answer was going to be.

"Oh she was more than that. She was the very pony that helped us both make Sugarcube corner into what it is today." Carrot replied, as if the mountain blue Pegasus's guess was a mere understatement. "I will admit we were hesitant to hire her, especially since we knew next to nothing about her and well...because she was just a filly. Still, there was just something in her. that drew us to her. The way she walked, the way she talked…hay, even in the way that she moved. Just that little something in the back of our minds telling us, as unbelievable as it sounded, that Pinkie was the answer to our problems, and if we didn't hire her at that moment...we'd come to regret it in the long run. So, that's what we did. Well, right after she practically fell to her knees and begged us to let her work for us.” He chuckled a bit. “Even though she was just a filly, we still gave her a salary, since we didn’t want her working for free.”

"It wasn't long when we came to realize that hiring her was the best decision we ever made in our entire lives!" Cupcake gushed as her wings fluttered. "She practically brought this whole bakery to life before we could even blink! She helped us change the stature of both the interior and the exterior of the bakery! Get best ingredients for treats, and find the best ways to get ponies even more interested in the bakery. Before we knew, it we had customers coming left and right, and our safe was filled with more bits than we could even count! By the time the day came to pay our debt to Filthy Rich, we had enough money to create several more bakeries if we wanted!

"Oh my, you were able to make that much in such a short amount of time?" Midnight asked, her eyes going wide. "Pinkie Pie must've really helped you pack on the pounds when it came to the bits, didn't she?"

"Oh you have no idea. By the time we had finished paying our debt, we still had quite a bit of money left over." Carrot chuckled, giving a light shake of his head. "We had already paid our bills for everything else, and we had a bit in our savings too so, we insisted on giving it all to the Pinkie, since she was the one to help us." he then gave sigh, brilliant green eyes trailing down to the ground. "Celestia knows where we'd be without her...I so glad that we took her in and hired her!"

"Took the words right out of my mouth Mr. Cake. I don't how happy me, my sisters or the rest of our friends would be without Pinkie Pie in our lives either." Goku nodded as she too gave a sigh. "I swear, I've never meet anypony who's just as, if not more, happy and carefree then I am. I don't think I'll ever meet another pony like her who can smile, laugh, and do all the random things that she can as much as she can."

At these words, Cupcake and Carrot Cake both paused, taking a moment to look at each other as grins slowly made their way towards their faces. They looked back to the four hybrid mares, their grins making them pause as well.

“Um, why’re you looking at us like that?” Snowflake asked, raising an eyebrow. “Was it something we said?”

“Oh, nothing dear.” Cupcake replied, giggling mirthfully. “It’s just that we can’t help but be a little amused by what you just said. About how you think that Pinkie Pie is the only pony to make you smile the way she does.”

“Why?” Midnight asked. “What about it?”

“Well…” Cupcake said, waving a hoof. “Let’s just say that we found another pony that may rival Pinkie Pie in making ponies, foals especially, smile and laugh.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, back up!” Goku shouted. “You’re seriously saying there’s another pony that’s like Pinkie Pie?! Who in the world could that be?!”

“That would be meeeee!”

The incredibly sweet voice caught all four of the hybrid siblings off guard, sounding like a foal version of Pinkie Pie. They began to look around for the source of the voice, only to find nopony in sight anywhere in the bakery. Before they could question the cakes, a green blur shot descended out of nowhere and landed right in front of the four ponies and the cakes. As they got over their shock, they found themselves looking into the large multi-colored eyes of an Earth Pony foal. It was a filly, with a shade of soft green fur that was as green as different colored apple. She had a large spikey mass of mane and tail that were even a darker shade of green, like leaves in a bush. Her eyes were two different colors, the right one being a ruby red and the other being deep emerald green, and she had no Cutie Mark on her flank.

“Gah, what the hay?!” Goku shouted, reeling back. “Where the buck did she come from?!”

“I don’t have a clue.” Snowdrop replied, taking her hoof away from her chest. “She just…came out of nowhere.”

“Hey there! I’ve never seen you four ponies before!” The filly said, a sweet excited smile on her face. “Are you guys new here to Ponyville?”

“Um…y-yes, we are honey.” Midnight replied, getting over her surprise first. “How did, um…you do that just now?”

The soft green filly tilted her head. “Do what?”

“Do that…thing you did just now.” Goku replied. “Y-you just…came out of nowhere, and I didn’t even sense your magic!”

“Oh, that’s something that I do pretty much all the time!” The Earth filly replied, giving a little shrug. “One minute I’m right in front of you, and the next minute, I’m behind you, and the next minute, I’m not anywhere at all! like I’m some ghost or figment of your imagination! It’s kind of something that Pinkie Pie is known for, just like me ya know?”

“That…doesn’t really make any sense dear.” Snowflake said, sweat dropping a little.

“Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t, but hey! That’s just how me and Pinkie Pie roll!” The filly shrugged, letting out a little giggle. “Anyway, enough about me, I wanna know more about you guys! I’ve never ever everseen ponies like you here before? Are you all friends of Pinkie Pie like I am?”

“Er…yeah, we are.” Goku said, staring at the filly for a moment longer before sighing. “M-my name is Son Goku Kakarot Shenron…these are my siblings Snowflake Icestorm Shenron, Midnight Thunderstorm Shenron, and Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. It’s really nice to meet you Miss…”

“Oh, right! Sorry, I was so caught up in the fact that I was meeting new ponies that I didn’t tell you my name!” The soft green filly giggled, giving a twitch of her ear. “My name is Melon Cake Ryūko, but most ponies just call me Melon! I’m the resident Fun Filly, in Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner, and in Ponyville Elementary School!”

Sheton paused, looking at the filly with slight surprise. “…Fun Filly?”

“Wait a minute, Ryūko?” Goku asked, her golden eyes widening. “Doesn’t that mean ‘Draconic Tiger?’ in Neighponese?”

“Sure does!” Melon replied cheerfully, giving a couple of bounces. “I am a member of the all famous Dragon Tiger Clan that are masters of the Elements of Nature breathing fire, and is oh so super-duper secretly hidden from most of pony society!” She stood on her hind legs and spun around, allowing the four ponies to see the symbol of draconic tiger on her back, right in the middle of two multi-colored wings. “See? The big guy’s right there, looking as fierce as he always does!”

“Wow…that looks so cool.” Sheton breathed, his eyes shining as he stared at the symbol on Melon’s back. “I’ve never seen a tattoo like that before…I’ve heard of the Ryūko clan before but…I’ve never met one in pony.”

Melon giggled, spinning back around so she could face the stormy grey hybrid colt. “Well, luckily for you, I happen to be one of those ponies! I have the tattoos, and the powers to prove that I am a member of a family that holds the power of the biggest strongest cat and the most powerfully magical in the world!” She leaned in until their noses were nearly touching, a small smirk coming to her face as her teeth began to elongate. “If you want, I can show you just how strong I can be!”

“Uh n-no thank you! I-I think I’ll pass on that if you don’t mind!” Sheton replied, backing away some as his cheeks burned with embarrassment. ‘Wow this filly is scary, I’m gonna have to watch myself around her!’

“Alright Melon Cake, take it easy there, sweetie.” Carrot said, putting a hoof on the soft green filly. “Don’t wanna scare the poor colt on his first day here in Ponyville…you okay there Sheton?”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine, M-Melon just took me by surprise as all.” Sheton replied, taking a breath to calm himself. “I-It, um…it’s really nice to meet you by the way M-Melon Cake.”

“You too Sheton!” Melon replied, winking at the stormy grey hybrid colt. “You know, I’ve never seen a colt like you around Ponyville before. Do think you and I could be friends?”

“W…what? R-really?” Sheton asked in shock. “You…w-want to be friends with me? E-even though I’m half Thestral?”

“Of course I do! I know we’ve only just met, but I don’t like it when nopony has any friends, even in a friendly place like this! Plus, you don’t really see a lot of Thestrals around anywhere like this place, so it’d be super-duper swell if ponies learned to like them now!” Melon replied, nodding rapidly. “And you seem like a really sweet and awesome colt! I can totally see it in those big adorable emerald blue eyes of yours!”

‘Well this little filly has the sharp eyes, doesn’t she?’ Goku thought to herself, watching the scene with a smile. ‘She kind of reminds me of Pinkie Pie.’

“So whaddya say Sheton?” Melon Cake asked holding a hoof out. “You wanna be friends with Ponyville’s Fun Filly?”

For a moment, Sheton stayed where he was, glancing down at the soft green filly’s hoof, before looking into her multi-colored eyes. He stared into the twin orbs for some time, as if trying to see whether Melon’s intentions were true, or if she was just pulling his leg. Hesitantly, he raised his hoof up and wrapped it around Melon’s own, blushing slightly at how warm and soft it felt.

“S…sure Melon Cake, I-I would like that a lot. Y-you seem like a really nice filly too, a-and…I hope that we can be friends too.” Sheton said, smiling softly at the soft green filly. “O-oh, and…you have…r-r-really, p-pretty eyes. I-I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony with eyes that were two different colors, other than my dad.”

“Awww, you really think so?” Melon Cake asked, her expression softening. “Are my eyes really that pretty?”

“Mhm, I really do, honestly…t-they’re really pretty to look at.” Sheton replied, looking away shyly. “I…I’m a real sucker for f-fillies and mares with different colored eyes. B-because…it makes them look that much more, um…p-pretty.”

The next thing that Sheton knew, he found the life being squeezed out of him as Melon Cake brought him into an incredible tight hug. The soft green filly squealed loudly as she bounced on her hind legs spinning in the air not to different form that of a ballerina.

“Oh, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Sheton! That is one of the nicest sweetest things that anypony has ever said to me!” Melon Cake cried, happily. “Nopony has ever said that my eyes are pretty before, nopony except the ones who didn’t really mean it! I think this is the first time anypony has said my eyes are pretty and really mean it!”

“Really? Well, I guess I’m the first pony your meeting to say that.” Sheton giggled, blowing some of his mane away. “And the first pony to really mean it.”

“Hmhm, that you are Sheton!” Melon Cake nodded, giggling as she let out a little snort. “I think we are going to be the bestest of friends from here on out!”

“Y-yeah, I do too.” Sheton nodded. “A-and I promise, that I’ll be the best friend that you’ve ever had too.”

“Same here, and that’s not just any promise, that is a Pinkie Promise!!” Melon Cake declared, holding a hoof in the air. “Or in my case, a Melon Promise, hmhmhm!”

All eight ponies, all laughed at the promise made from the Earth Pony filly. Before Cupcake and Carrot could come up with a remark on that or say anything else a large object fell right in between them. The Cakes and the Shenron Siblings all jumped back in surprise as they all stared at what was in front of them. In between them was a gigantic plate filled with all the various treats found in the bakery, all giving off a scent of goodness so strong it was almost painful. Right at That moment, Pinkie Pie appeared from above them, hanging upside down from the ceiling bat-style, her hind hooves clutching the boars of the ceiling having the many engraved pictures of sweets on them.

"There we are! All of the super duper extra special delicious foods that I could find in the whole entire bakery! There’s, cupcakes éclairs, donuts, cookies, cake slices, all the treats that I'm planning to take to the Summer Sun Celebration to honor Queen Celestia!" Pinkie Pie said as she bounced in place, her broad grin still adorning her face. "I do want to say one itsy bitsy little thing though; the treats that we are taking to the celebration tonight are not to be eaten until after Queen Celly raises the Sun and gives of her super-duper extra important speech! These treats on the other hoof, are samples, so you can have as many as you want! Or well, as many as your body can handle, because we don't want any of you to get a tummy ache!"

"Hmhmhmhm, don’t worry Pinks, we'll all keep that in mind. I also appreciate how your being considerate about my little brother’s safety when it comes to eating too much sweets, but something tells me he'll be just fine." Goku giggled as he looked over at the stormy grey colt standing next to her. "In fact, since this is his first time at Sugarcube Corner, I think it’s only fitting if he tries the samples first."

Sheton looked up at his elder sister, his emerald blue eyes going wide with surprise. He then felt himself being gently pushed forward, until he was less than a foot away from the large plate. He stared at the pile of sweets for a few moments, before looking back at his sister, who have him a consensual nod in return. He then looked over at Pinkie, who gave a more vigorous nod, gesturing with an eager hoof.

"It’s alright dearie, try as many as you like." Cupcake cooed with a gentle smile. "You don’t even have to worry about paying us."

"Yeah, these ones are on the house." Carrot added, giving the colt a firm nod.

“Go on Sheton, take a bite!” Melon Cake urged, smiling sweetly. “They’re really good; we promise! Just one bite, and your taste buds will go straight to paradise!”

Having now gotten consent from the Cakes and Melon, Sheton smiled back at them before staring back down at the pile of treats laid out in front of him. His emerald eyes scanned each of the different foods stacked on top of each other, trying to see which one would taste the best. He finally settled one large strawberry frosted sprinkled vanilla cupcake, which was slightly glistening in the light of the Sun. Making his decision, Sheton reach out and took the cupcake in his right hoof. After staring at it for just a few more moments, he brought over to his mouth, took a rather large bite, and started to chew.

The reaction the everypony in the bakery got from the little colt came with major positive results. The second the cupcake touched his tongue, Sheton's blue eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets and began to sparkle. His feathered bat wings flared out involuntarily as his whole body froze on the spot. It was as if he had been blasted and encased in a large block of magic, the cupcake still held in his grasp. For a long moment, he didn't say a word nor make a single move, just staying in that same motionless position. After a few more seconds, Snowflake finally broke the ice.

"Um, Sheton?" She asked gently, her worried tone matching her expression. "Are you okay, dear?"

"So…oood.” He mumbled as he bowed his head low.

"What was that, sweetie?" Midnight asked, flicking her right ear as she lowered her head to hear better.

"SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOHOHOHOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!" He repeated as he lifted his head, his cheeks flushing red as his eyes shut tight. His wings ruffled as they folded back to his sides, completely oblivious to the amused looks shot his way.

"YAAAAAAY, he likes the cupcake!" Melon Cake cheered, bouncing around the comically teary eye colt. "He loves it he loves it he loves it! He really really loves it!!!"

"I'll take that as a yes..." Goku said after another moment of silence, her expression and shifting from that of worry to bemusement.

"Oh, I know you'd love it! That expression told me you did the second that it came on your cute little face!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, as she bounced around the large place, taking care not to run into the colt. "I mean why would you like it, let alone live it! They are the bestest most sure spectacular treats that you can't find anywhere here in Ponyville, made by yours truly!!" Right as she said this, she suddenly stopped hopping staying frozen in mid-air for a full three seconds, before landing back down again. Her head whipped around to face the cakes, before she zoomed in between them, pulling them both into a hug from either side of them, her smile growing somewhat sheepish. "Of course, I couldn't have done it without the help of the two most bests bakers in all of Ponyville...heehee..."

"Don't worry Pinkie Pie, we know what you meant!" Cupcake said giving her a loving motherly nuzzle. "Though you really should give yourself some more credit. We're not the only talented bakers here in this building."

“Mrs. Cake is right Pinkie Pie, you’re just as much of a talent baker as the cakes are!” Melon Cake nodded. “And maybe someday, when I’m big and strong like you, I’ll be a super-duper awesome baker like all three of you!”

"Melon's right Pinkie...with treats like that, the ponies at the Summer Sun Celebration will certainly have their taste buds on fire from just the sheer flavor! As my little brother had so kindly demonstrated." Goku added with a nod of agreement, before leaning down and nuzzling cheeks with her brother. She suddenly paused, giving a little sniff of the air. "Speaking of which...does anypony else smell smoke?"

As soon as those words came out of her mouth, Cupcake and Carrot both froze on the spot, looking to each other with wide eyes and contracted pupils as they screamed, "THE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIEEEEEES!!!" before they both zoomed into the kitchen with lightning speed almost blowing the double doors off of their hinges by their sheer force alone.

“Hold on Mr. and Mrs. Cake I’m coming!” Melon Cake shouted, zooming after the two bakers at the same speed Pinkie Pie had when she left.

“Oh those three...I told them that if they left the cookies in the oven for even a second longer than necessary that they would start to burn. Good thing they have me and Melon Cake to take care of that!" Pinkie Pie said, shaking her head as she turned back to the three mares and one colt. "Looks like they still got a few lose ends to tie up, and Melon’s there to help them."

"Yeah, it looks that way...” Midnight said with a gentle laugh. “It looks like you got your hooves full quite bit, huh Pinkie?"

"Yepperooni...I sure do. But, luckily for me, I have a sweet little filly here to keep not only the Cakes, but me in high spirits!” The bubblegum pink mare replied as she lowered her head and closed her eyes. “Oh, I don’t know they’d do without me, or me without Melon Cake!"

“Probably run themselves even more ragged than they already are.” Snowflake joked. “Then again, they already do that, so I guess it doesn’t really make a difference. Good thing they have somepony to help them keep their spirits up.”

“Totally.” Pinkie Pie said, laughing softly as she brushed her mane away. "I'm not gonna lie...I really missed you guys over the last four years that we were apart. Me and the girls all missed each other a lot, but we never missed anypony more than we did you four." her eyes then locked onto Sheton, who gave her a shy smile on return. "Now you're all here again, we can all be together! Plus, you've brought your little brother here too...which makes it even better, for both me and for Melon Cake! When the Summer Sun Celebration rolls around, we can all celebrate being together again! And Melon Cake can celebrate getting a new friend! Ooooh, I can hardly wait!"

"Neither can we Pinkie; I am looking forward to when we can all see each other in the same place. Plus, I'm wondering how a few...particular members of their families are doing." Goku replied with a genuine smile. The hybrid mare looked down at her brother for a split second before looking back up at Pinkie. "Oh...and I'm sorry that I wasn't able to keep in contact with you girls most of the time. I had a lot of college and magic training to deal with while I was gone, so I didn’t really have all that time to visit.”

Pinkie Pie walked up to all three mares and pulled them all into a tight hug. She used her tail to pull Sheton in as well, and bring him into the now complete hug.

"Oh Goku, there's nothing to be sorry for. I'm just so happy that I get to see you guys again, and that's all that matters. I am looking forward to catching up, and Melon getting to know your little brother more, and I think it’s gonna be a blast." Pinkie Pie replied sincerely, looking down at the colt with a small smirk at the end, before it turned into a gentler, warmer smile. "Just promise me one thing, okay?"

"What would that be Pinkie?" The tan hybrid mare asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

"If you ever plan to be away that long again, try keep in touch more often. I know that we really couldn’t do it, but still. It felt so wrong that we didn’t get to hear too much from each other." She said looking up at them with eyes that were like that of a sad puppy’s “So, promise me okay?”

Goku responded by wrapping her feathered bat wings around the bubblegum pink mare, pulling her even closer. She nuzzled her right cheek with Pinkie's left on as the mare began to shake.

"Of course Pinkie. We promise you, that we will keep in touch as much as we possibly can, with both you and the girls." She said softly, letting Pinkie Pie cry into her shoulder. "That is a promise, and not just any promise...but a Pinkie Promise.”

Pinkie Pie sniffled, smiling into Goku’s shoulder as she nuzzled it. “Thank you, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I know that this year’s Celebration is going to be one hay of a blast…especially with all of you here.”

“Oh, I know it will be!” Goku chirped, pulling away from Pinkie. “And with you and Melon there, it’s bound to be!”

A crash from inside the kitchen made all five ponies jump, and an angry voice followed soon after. “Carrot, what did I just say?! Don’t leave the cookies in the oven any longer than necessary?! What do you go and do?! Do you it anyway! I told you we can’t afford any mistakes today!”

“I thought that you were supposed watching them?!” The voice of Carrot asked. “Didn’t you say that you would watch the time while I took care of making the batch?! When did we suddenly switch rolls?!”

Melon Cake’s voice came shortly after. “Yeah! When I came to Sugarcube Corner this morning, you both said whose turn it was to take over the cooking and the baking! Don’t tell me that you guys forgot that already!”

“Oh dammit, we got so caught up about being happy about seeing Goku again that we completely forgot about that!” Cupcake swore. “Sorry honeybun, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”

“It’s alright honey, let’s just take care of this smoke before it-” Whatever Carrot was going to say when a blasting sound emitted from the kitchen. “SHIT, THE STOVES ON FIRE! MELON CAKE, QUICKLY, GET THE EXTINGUSHER!”

“ON IT!!!”

“OW OW OW OW OW! MY TAIL, IT’S ON FIRE!!!” Cupcake screamed. “MY TAIL IS ON FIRE!!! SOMEPONY PUT IT OUT!!! PUT THE GODDAMN FIRE OUT!!!”

“Hold on Cup! Melon hurry and get the bucking fire extinguisher already!”

“I’M GOING AS FAST AS I CAN!!!”

“Oh my…” Snowflake said. “It looks like they’re really going crazy back there aren’t they? I knew they were this worked up, but my word.”

Pinkie Pie laughed sheepishly, a huge sweat drop appearing on the back of her head. “Yeah, sorry about that you guys. The Summer Sun Celebration is only hours away, so it’s only understandable that they’re…a little stressed.”

“Just a little.” Goku snorted, rolling her eyes. “Right.”

“Um, do any of you, um…want us to help?” Midnight asked timidly. “I know we’re supposed to be on a schedule, but we’re not really in any rush. Plus, there’s still plenty of daylight left, and the Celebration isn’t till later on tonight, so…”

“Actually, you know what?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I think that’d be great, the Cakes are really stressed out right now, and I think it’d be best for all of us if we have a few extra hooves to help alleviate it.” She glanced down at Sheton with a small smile. “And an extra little ball of fluff to help keep them smiling.”

“Well, in that case, lead the way Pinkie Pie.” Goku said, spreading her hybrid wings and taking to the air. “Come on Sheton, let’s go!”

“Aye!” The stormy grey colt nodded as he and the other four mares stormed into the kitchen.

Author's Note

Whelp there you go, the 4th more or less edited chapter of the Guardians of Harmony starring out resident Party Pony Pinkie Pie, with a little admirer to match :raritywink: ! Now for this one, the last time that I was writing this, I was contemplating on whether or not to add Melon Cake into the mix, especially since I gave her only one or two scenes in the first version of this story. Now though, I can see that I really should've added her in it, cause in my present opinion, it made the chapter run a lot more smoothly than the last time I wrote it, and made it seem a bit more cuter :rainbowkiss: :heart: ! Since this is Pinkie Pie that we're talking about here, her powers are going to be more or less completely out of whack, and they won't be the only ones either :pinkiehappy: !

Welp, that's all for this chapter, next time we're going to pay a visit to Ponyville's favorite resident farmer :ajsmug: !

Chapter 5 - Honest Apples and Chipper Blooms

After the fun optimistic reunion with the Cakes and Pinkamena Diane Pie, and meeting Melon Cake Byakko, the Kirin siblings all left the bakery with infectious laughter and wide smiles. A majority of that time helping the Cakes, Melon and Pinkie take care of the over baked cookies but none of the siblings minded. Even Sheton was happy to lend a hoof, especially since his new friend Melon Cake, seemed happy that he’d be there for a bit longer. As a way to thank them for their generous offer to help, the Cakes let the Kirin siblings take a single box away with them. Even though they said that it was free of charge, Goku insisted on giving them some amount of payment, that being in a large bag of bits.

Once everything was taken care of, all four Pegasi left the bakery, with Pinkie Pie promising them all that they'd all get to have some fun together as soon as possible. The party pony also mentioned that she had a big surprise for them later on at dusk. Goku had a sneaking suspicion that it had something to do to with that little reunion celebration that she had mention to Mayor Mare.

"Oh man, the cakes have not been slacking off in their baking of goods ever since we were away." Goku exclaimed as her feathered bat wings ruffled. "I almost forgot what it tasted like on my own tongue.”

"It’s the same here with us, little sister." Snowflake said with an amused smirk. "Then again, I did miss being able to taste those. I will admit, the deserts that we had after dinner while living in Queen Celestia's castle were delicious and her maids are experts. It’s just that Pinkie's make it seem like we're still home, like we never left in the first place and stayed here all our lives."

"Oh yes, she's certainly good at making ponies feel like tha" Midnight chirped as she gave a slight nod. "Oh, I still remember that heartbroken look that she gave us when we said we had to leave. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it!”

"We both feel the same way big sis, trust me; we know what you’re going through. None of us liked saying goodbye to our friends any more than you did" Goku said looking over at her eldest sister’s comically teary eyes expression. "It doesn’t matter anymore now; it’s all in the past, and it’s high time we ahead. Besides, I'm really looking forward to catching up with each of them." The tan hybrid mare looked over to Sheton, who was resting on Midnight's back. "Not only that, I'm eager to see how many more friends our little bro can make than the one he just made."

At these words, Sheton, locked his eyes with Goku’s own, his expression one of confusion. Once Goku’s words fully sunk in, he lowered his head and poked his forehooves together.

“Oh, um…about that sis...I’m still a bit nervous about that. I-I know I was successful in getting Melon Cake as my friend, and she seems like a really sweet girl.” he admitted, still keeping his eyes on the beige Pegasus. “Do you really think that I’ll get along with all the other foals? I know I did with Melon Cake, but…w-what if I mess up on the next one?”

“Honey, that is not going to happen, okay? You’ll be fine, I have a hard time believing that all foals won’t want to have you as a friend. Especially since you got along so well with Melon Cake in the short time that you’ve known her.” Goku said, her tone filled with sincerity. “Besides, even if you mess up and make a mistake that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. You just gotta learn from those mistakes so you’ll know what to do next time, that’s all. one thing I’ve learned, is that friends can go through all sorts of tough times and come back stronger than ever. I’ll be honest when I say you won’t go through some hardships with your friends, but if you really value that friendship, then it’ll all be worth it in the end.” Her expression turned slyer as she gave her brother a mischievous smile. “It’ll be all the more worth it if your best friends are a bunch of cute little fillies.”

At those last words, Sheton’s body went rigid on the spot as a hard blush formed on his cheeks. He put his forehooves on his large fedora and pulled it down hard over his head, muffling the groan that escaped him.

"Sis, will you please stop bringing that up!" the stormy grey colt whined cutely, feeling his stormy grey cheeks heating up again. "You've been doing this ever since we left the city! How long are you gonna keep doing this to me?!"

"When I have a nice good bunch of nieces and nephews; plus, three days." Goku replied slyly. "Of course, if you decided you only want to go with a bachelor group I won't mind. Though I think it'd be better if you had some filly friends with you."

The stormy grey hybrid colt frowned. "What so you can tease me more?"

"Maybe, maybe not...either way, you'll have to find out for yourself sweetie." Goku replied sweetly as she gave her little brother a wink, giggling as she saw him lower his head, pulling his fedora over his eyes. "Anyway, can you be a little sweet heart and see who we're supposed to see next on the list? I sort of forgot who we're supposed to be seeing next."

Grumbling under his breath, Sheton flew over to the left side of Goku's barrel reaching onto her left saddlebag and pulling out the list. After scrolling through it for a few moments, he softly replied, "It says that our next stop is Sweet Apple Acres, with the mare in charge needing to bring a large feast to the celebration...and the mare in charge is going by the name...Applejack Sweet Apple..."

All three mares ears perked up at the name, immediately realized whom their brother was talking about. After a moment, a grin made its way across Goku’s face and her ears twitched in excitement.

“Applejack Sweet Apple, huh? Now there’s a name that I know close to home, given that she’s part of the core of Ponyville.” She murmured as she started going on a path up a hill that led outside of Ponyville. “That means that we’re going in the right direction!”

“Uh, why are we leaving Ponyville and going up this hill?” Sheton asked, looking back over his shoulder at the slowly shrinking town behind them. “Are we done with the supervising there already?”

“No we’re not, Sheton. We’re just going outside of town because the next pony we’re meeting lives s little less farther from home.” Snowdrop replied, patting the Pegasus on the head with a wing. “Its just up this hill and we’ll be there.”

“Up the hill? Why would she be-?” Sheton asked, but stopped mid-sentence as a terrifying thought entered his mind. “Wait, are you saying that…she’s a f-farmer? A-and actual farmer?”

“Eeyup! Applejack and her family are all farmers here in Ponyville, providing the whole town with the food beverages that they make. All of the money that they collect goes to maintaining their farmlands and keeping them running.” Midnight replied happily. “They actually play a very big role here in Ponyville. Something I’m sure you’ll learn at some point once we enroll you in school again.”

Sheton didn’t say anything, a low whimper from his throat as he buried his face in Midnight’s mane. Goku looked back at him and immediately noticing his shivering form, prompting her to ask, “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you scared of meeting Applejack because she’s a farmer?”

“Um…I…um…it’s just that…” he began his voice gaining a quiver, a lump forming in his throat. Snowflake extended her right wing and ran it soothingly down his back in an almost motherly way.

“It’s alright, dear. Just take a deep breath…in and out.” She cooed gently. “You can tell us whenever you’re ready.”

These gestures were all that were needed to sooth hybrid colt as he took several deep breaths to calm down. Once he had managed to collect himself, he cleared his throat and began to speak.

“W-well, um…its’ just that…I’ve heard a lot of stories about farmers. How they’re mostly consisted of Earth Ponies and they run huge acres of land. They have huge families, they’re are pretty competitive with each other, and very honest and loyal to their families.” He replied softly, memories of his lessons back in Canterlot beginning to come back to him. “I-I also heard that, t-they’re short tempered, a-and can sometimes lose it and become pretty violent, even around other foals. I-I heard that they um, s-spank them, sometimes w-with a paddle, o-or something like that.” He trailed off with a gulp as he held his own rump. “It…i-it’s really scary to think about.”

“Oh Sheton…is that why you’re scared of meeting the Apple Family?” Goku asked gently, getting a frightened nod from the colt in return. Giving him a gentle smile, she pulled her little brother off Midnight’s back and held him in her wings. “It’s alright baby, I can see why that’s th reason why you’re scared of meeting Applejack’s family. It’s true that many farmers can be pretty hotheaded and violent.” She gave a sigh. “It’s also true that they do spank their foals, cause that’s they’re way of disciplining them if they do something wrong. Even so, not all farmers do that, and you know that we wouldn’t right?”

Sheton slowly nodded his head. “Uh-huh…”

“Exactly, and neither side of our family would ever do that to any other foal, cause that’s not what we believe in. And that’s not something that anypony in Ponyville believe in either.” Goku continued as she stroked the colt’s mane. “If I know Applejack, it’s that the never lay a hoof on any of the foals in their family, even if they’re honorary. That and the only time that they ever get violent with anypony is if they, or anypony else they care about are in danger. Or if their protective instincts take over their rationality. That has totally happened plenty of times with Applejack and her family, I can tell you that much.”

“Mhm.” Midnight giggled.

“Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is, Applejack and her family are honest, sweet, loyal and the most dependable ponies her in Ponyville. What’s even better, is that they love making new friends, and I can guarantee that they’ll love you too. Especially the little members of the family that they have.” Goku said giving her brother a wink. “So, try to put aside your negative thought about them and give them a chance, okay? Can you be a brave big boy and do that for big sister?”

“Y…y-yeah, I’ll try. Sheton replied after a long moment of silence. “I’m still a bit nervous about meeting them, b-but…I’ll do it for you.”

“That’s a brave little colt!” Goku cooed as she nuzzled him. “Trust me, by time we get to the farm, you’ll be really happy to meet the Apple Family! I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they see you, hmhm!”

“I don’t think you’ll have to wait for that little sister.” Snowflake said with a chuckle as she gently pulled on her sister’s tail with her teeth, making her stop walking. The beige Pegasus looked back at her middle sister, only for the mountain blue Pegasus to point forward.

Following the line of Snowflake’s gaze, Goku looked ahead of her and gasped up seeing that they were at Sweet Apple Acres. From inside the white gate stretched far down on either side of the hill, they could see a well and a field of corn on the left side of the farm. There was also a chicken coop and tool houses on the right side of the large red barn at the very center. Behind the tool houses, there was a large field of large hay piles that stretched down to the far right. A gigantic fields of apple trees stretched across both sides of the barn seeming to go on vastly. A carrot storage building could also be seen stretching at the far back, with a little field of carrots accompanying it as well.

At the front, there were two large pots of plants and flowers and a large sign have an apple shaped hole in the center, with the label below saying, ‘Sweet Apple Acres’. The last thing that they noticed, was the large symbol that was just above the apple shaped whole. It was one of two large white and blue wings morphing in the shape of an ‘x’, both shining brightly in the Sun’s light.

“Whoa…it’s huge!” Sheton exclaimed, his eyes wide at the farm’s size.

“It certainly is, sweetie. If you thought that the farms were big in pictures and photos, then they’re absolute behemoths when you see them up close and personal.” Midnight said as they all made their way onto the farm. “Although, ponies do run smaller ones, but they tend to run larger ones, so they can make bigger profits. So it only makes sense that they’d run farms as big as this one.”

“Yeah, I’ve read a lot about that. Earth Ponies being the ones the plant the foods while the Pegasi are the ones who bring the clouds of water needed to help those plants grow. I guess that’s why farmers have such a high respect and fondness for Pegasi.” Sheton murmured, looking back at his own hybrid. “Is it…is it possible for Pegasus ponies to be farmers, too?”

“Of course! Nopony has to really be an Earth Pony to be a farmer. I was just saying that since Earth Ponies are the most physically strongest and endurable of the three Pony Tribes, they’re more fit to be farmers.” Goku replied. “It’s really not common for Pegasi and even Unicorns to be farmers if they chose to, but I think it’d be really beneficial. It would make things better because well if all three were on the same farm because, well, you’d have all three Pony Tribes working together. Plus, they’d use their skills to keep the farm running and maybe make bigger profits than any other family of farmers.” A thought then struck Goku, and she looked back at her brother. “Why do you ask sweetie? Do you want to become a farmer when you grow up too?”

“Oh, no! I was just curious if there ponies besides Earth Ponies who were farmers.” The stormy grey colt replied looking down at the ground in thought. “Though, now that I think about it, it probably wouldn’t be so bad. Well, besides all the numerous chores and whatnot.”

“Well, you’re not wrong about that sweetheart. It is a lot of hard work with long hours to boot, but if you have plenty of friends, it can ease the burden somewhat.” Snowdrop chuckled softly. “Still, we can talk to Applejack’s family at some point about giving you a part time job here when you’re older. Well, if you’re actually interested…”

All of a sudden four hybrid siblings n orange and yellow blur shot passed them leaving a large cloud of dust in its wake. They all coughed and snorted hard as they as they saw the blur shot past them. When it cleared, they pick up the sound of hooves beating against trees, and they looked over to see who it was.

Galloping from tree to tree, mane and tail billowing behind them as they ran, was a large Earth Pony mare. She had deep tangerine fur that looked to be from darkest and smoothest of oranges found in orange bushes. A long golden yellow mane and tail flowed from her neck and tailbone, as if it they were both kissed by the sun, and her eyes were beautiful orbs of emerald green. She had snow-white stockings on the lower half of her legs, stopping just above her golden yellow hooves, with a red bandana around her neck. The mare had a large Stetson hat resting atop of her head, with little white freckles adorning her face, with her whole muzzle being snow white. Feathers adorned her shoulders, chest, and the base of her tail, indicating that she had the blood and magic of a Pegasus in her veins. She had the white and blue wing symbol tattooed to her back, and her Cutie Mark was of three deep red apples.

The four Pegasi all watched as the mare galloped towards one last apple tree, her hooves pounding against the ground as if she were trying to buck somepony off of her back. At the last second, she whirled around and raised her hindlegs and launched her back hooves forward towards the tree. They slammed into the tree trunk the force of the kick so powerful that it made the giant thick tree shake violently. The apples hanging from the tree easily gave to the force, and fell right into the basket waiting below.

“Woo! That’s the fastest that Ah’ve ever bucked more than one tree on this here clearin’! That is definitely goin’ in mah record book!” The mare said proudly as she crossed her forelegs together. She gave a flick of her tail, which just touched the ground, with her mane brushing against it, held together by red hair bands. Her ears suddenly flicked, picking up sound of hoof steps making their way towards her. When she turned to greet who had come onto the farm, her eyes widened in surprised shock at who she saw.

“Oh mah stars…do mah eyes deceive me?” She asked herself, blinking a few times to make sure what she was seeing was real. “Goku…Snowflake, Midnight...is that really you three?”

“Well howdy there Applejack! Long time no see girl!” Goku, giving the tangerine mare a tip of her imaginary hat. “I can see that you’ve certainly grown into quite the strong experienced mare.”

Applejack’s surprised expression turned to that of utter joy as a wide grin made its way to her face. She reared up on her hindlegs and let out a happy whinny before she leapt forward and enveloped the tan hybrid mare in a powerful hug. Goku coughed a bit form the sudden action, but soon composed herself as she returned the hug, breathing in Applejack’s wonderful apple scent.

“Sweet Celestia’s flowin’ mane and tail, it really is you ya’ll! Land sake’s, Ah haven’t seen any o’ y’all in forever!” The farm mare said, pulling away from Goku. “Mah stars, ya’ll have certainly grown into a beautiful lookin mares, haven’t you?” Her emerald eyes then trailed up to Midnight, and she took a few steps back in surprise at the sheer size ad height that the beetle black mare was at. “Look at y’all, none o’ ya have changed a bit since Ah last saw ya! Still have them fancy lil’ features o’ yer’s as ever!”

“We sure do Applejack, and trust us, we know we’ve always had these. We’ve gotten plenty of compliments on it from the Cakes and Pinkie Pie, we can say that for sure.” Midnight said, giving Applejack in a warm smile. She then spread her hybrid wings and enveloping her in a warm, yet tight hug. “Even so…it’s wonderful to see you again! I can’t watch to catch up with you and the others on all the fun times that we missed.”

“M-me too, sugarcube…A-Ah’m happy to see ya’ll again as well…’’ the tangerine mare replied, trying to breathe through the mare’s impressively, strong wing hug. “M-M-Midnight, h-hon’…y-yer squeezin’ too tight there…A-Ah…c-c-can’t b-breathe!”

Applejack, also going by the name of Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, was the second mare in Goku’s close circle of friends that lived in Ponyville. Though she didn’t necessarily live inside the town, the barn farm that she lived on was certainly connected to it. Goku had meet the farmer a mere few days after she had meet Pinkie Pie, while playing with her elder sisters outside town and up in the forest of Apple trees. They didn’t realize was an entire orchard until one day, while they were playing there, they were found by Applejack’s parents, who were going through a stroll in the trees. At first, they sisters were scared shitless, since this was their first encounter with farmers outside of their home. The three farmers however, proved to be very kind and docile, and after some gentle coaxing, the sisters told them why they were there. After a brief conversing, the three farmers took to them to the farm for lunch, where they met Applejack and the rest of the family.

As they grew older, Goku got to know Applejack as a, not-at-Pinkie Pie-level, cheerful, hardworking and outgoing mare, wanting to help anypony in need. She and her family were known all around Ponyville as being honest, loyal, dependable, and sweeter than any of the apples or apple related food that they made. Applejack was also the owner of Sweet Apple Acres, an honor and a responsibility that was passed down to her by her father. She and her family were in charge of bringing in money from the food and fruit products that they sold across town, so they could make it through the winter. With so many siblings to help her, it wasn’t really that difficult to get a lot of money in. Though the apple bucking and money collecting was not an easy task, especially when you’re doing it by yourself.

Despite the positive traits, she and her family were known to be the most stubborn ponies ever to walk the streets of Ponyville, Applejack included. Whenever her stubborn pride would get the better of her, she would often reject the help of other ponies, and that would led to very disastrous situations. This led to Applejack being chastised by her family on numerous occasions due to the problems that would arise from it, annoying Applejack’s friend to no end. Nonetheless that didn’t stop their friendship from developing and growing, especially after the tragic passing of Applejack’s parents.

The giant two-toned wing symbol that Applejack had indicated that the whole Apple Family was a clan themselves, similar to the way that Pinkie Pie’s was, earth bound, unlike Goku’s. Like Pinkie’s clan, the Sweet Apple Titans had the power to control the elements of nature, be it fire, wind, lighting, and typically earth. They could also harden their legs and hooves into protective shells of crystals, allowing them to reduce the chance of their limbs breaking. The Apple Titan family also had the ability to grow literally grow into large impenetrable armored forms of themselves, with just a single bite into their forelegs. Their speed, agility, power, and endurance, increased tenfold, were more powerful than even the strongest of local farmers, putting those normal ones to shame. One other weapon in their arsenal were those called the Six Powers, six specific moves that came with them going in their armored titan forms. From stabbing right through objects like bullets, creating shape gusts of winds with their kicks, and jumping off the air as if they were walking right on it. To turning their bodies into a paper like substance that allows them to evade multiple attacks, turn turn their bodies even harder than the armor they adorned, and vanishing faster than the blink of an eye.

If that wasn’t enough, they had the alien like ability to heal any injury inflicted on them, as long as it wasn’t the head and the heart. That however, was nothing compared to the amount of power that they would achieve if they reached the very peak of their Titan abilities. When that happened, that would make any Apple Family member that achieved it truly worthy of being called a Titan. It was said that if they had managed to train themselves and hone their abilities to a certain extent, they would achieve gaining the power of the very symbol that gave them their name. Which will allow them be able to soar through the sky like their Pegasus counterparts and use them weapons. Very few ponies were able to master it, let along get to that level, with the exception of Applejack’s grandmother and parents. That however, didn’t mean that no Apple tried to do it. Even if they didn’t achieve it, at least they gave it their all, and that was all that truly mattered all apples.

“Anyway…what’re y’all doin’ back here?” Applejack said, taking a moment to catch her breath. “Ah can tell that ya’ll aren’t jus’ here fer a warm reunion, are ya?”

“You always had a good eye Applejack dear; using the Pegasus Magic wisely is see.” Snowdrop remarked. “Well, for starters, Queen Celestia chose us to be the supervisors for the Summer Sun Celebration happening later on tonight. We already went to Pinkie Pie for the treats that she’s brining, and now, we’re here to see the adequacy of the food that yourfamily is planning to bring. After this we’re also planning to move back to Ponyville shortly after the Celebration.”

“Wait a minute, Queen Celestia chose you all t’ be the supervisors?” Applejack asked in surprise. The three sisters nodded, and a dry snort emitted from Applejack’s nostrils. “Well shoot, figures that she would choose you of all ponies to go through with this. Since y’all are from Ponyville like th’ rest o’ th’ girls.”.

“You can say that again.” Midnight giggled. “I guess since it was being held one of Equestria’s most peaceful towns, she wanted somepony who was from there to supervisors.”

Applejack nodded. “Yeah, that would make sense…Ah honestly don’t think Ah could’ve handle all o’ those stuck nobles back in that fancy city. Ya know, with them bein’ all high in expectations an’ all.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it. You probably would’ve bucked them all to th’ other side of Equestria if they did that.” Goku said slyly, earning a laugh form the farmer. “Or probably make them into that all-time famous apple cider of yours.”

“Hey now, Ah wouldn’t go that far. They may deserve some good ol’ fashioned apple buckin’ for anything they may say ‘bout mah family an’ cookin’, but they don’t deserve anythin’ like that.” The tangerine mare said, rolling her eyes. “’Sides, Ah bet they probably wouldn’t have tasted all that good anyway, given how snooty an’ stuck up they are.”

“Eeyup, they most certainly would not have!” Goku said, putting a hoof to her chest as she struggled to stay on her hooves. She looked back up to say something else to Applejack, only to see that the farmer’s eyes were no longer directly locked onto her. Almost immediately, she knew exactly who she was looking at, as evident by the feeling of her brother shifting underneath her.

“Well now, who’s this lil’ sugar-foot?” she asked kindly as she lowered her face down to Sheton’s. “Don’t think Ah’ve ever seen him with any o’ y’all b’fore?”

“Really Applejack? Are you seriously saying that you don’t remember meeting this lil’ cutie?” Goku asked, raising an eyebrow at Applejack. “This is my little brother Sheton, he was born back in Canterlot city while I was still living here with you guys. We were all sent a letter by my Mom saying that he was born. I had also invited you all to Canterlot to come and see him while my Mom was still on the hospital remember?"

Applejack mulled over in her mind, trying to recall that day that she had seen Sheton back in her own foalhood days. A moment later it clicked, and she looked back up at Goku with recognition in her eyes.

“Oh yeah! Now Ah remember that day! Ah was takin’ a day off seein’ an’ trainin’ with y’all along with th’ rest o’ th’ girls when ya got that later.” She said, giving a little nod. “Ah also remember excited everypony was t’ see yer brother. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie included…heh, Pinks was jus’ goin’ on an’ on ‘bout how cute he’d looked, while Fluttershy couldn’t wait t’ see another foal an’ hold ‘im.”

“Heheh, yeah…if anything, I think my Mom was the most comfortable with Fluttershy being around my brother.” Goku nodded back, a slight blush coming to her face. “I’m, uh…sorry about how my Mom was towards most of you at first. It’s just…Thestrals can be quite protective of their offspring, even around their own mates. It certainly didn’t help that Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash didn’t ask before they could get so close to him, let alone hold him. Would’ve gotten their throats ripped out in the process if it hadn’t been for my dad calming her down.”

“Uh-huh, Ah remember that day alright; yer Ma was a real scary one she was. Though Ah can’t really blame her, RD, Pinks, an’ Rares weren’t really helpin’ a lot. Too damn impatient t’ see th’ baby an’ wait till yer Ma was comfortable enough with ‘em.” Applejack sighed. “Ah’m amazed that she let me, Twilight, an’ Fluttershy see yer brother…even more when she them hold ‘im.”

“You weren’t the only one.” Snowflake commented. “I guess it’s because since all three of you are used to being around children that you didn’t pose a threat to Sheton. Or maybe it’s because Fluttershy has the best way with foals out of all of you, and our dear mother could sense it in it.”

“Maybe.” Goku shrugged. “Or it’s probably because Fluttershy, along with Derpy, come from a clan that’s not too similar to the Nightstalker Clan. If any of you know what I mean.”

“Oh don’t worry G, we all know what ya mean.” Applejack chuckled, blowing her mane from her face as she looked down at Sheton. “Anyway, it’s real nice t’ meet ya Sheton. Mah names Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, and Ah’m the owner an’ manager o’ this entire farm.”

“Um…hello Ms. Applejack…” The stormy grey Pegasus colt said shyly, giving the farmer is best smile. He reached out with a hoof and shaking it with Applejack’s larger, and stronger one. “It’s really nice to meet you.”

“Hey now, no need fer that 'Ms.' bullshit there, sugarcube.” Applejack said, fighting back the urge to roll her eyes. “We apples are known for out hospitality ‘round ‘ere. Anypony that comes here an’ wants t’ be a part o’ th’ family, isa part o’ th’ family, an’ that means noformalities. Y’all can jus’ call us by our regular names, or nicknames, ya hear? Ya don’t need t’ treat us like we’re royalty ‘r anythin’ like that.”

“Yes ma’-I mean…A-AJ…” came the colts meek reply, earning an approving smile from the farm mare. The then found his face planted into the ground when Applejack gave him a hard pat on his head.

“Good, glad we’re on the same page.” She said as the colt struggled to get his face out of the ground. “Anyway, Ah don’t wanna keep you guys waiting here, Ah’ll go an’ get th’ rest o’ th’ family. Ah know they’ll be dyin’ to see ya’ll again, our youngest member o’ the family.”

Sheton, who had finally managed to get his face out from the ground, was just able to catch what Applejack had said, and a knot formed in his stomach. Before he could say anything else, he gave a cry as the sound of a dinner bell tore through his sensitive ears.

“RISE AN’ SINE EVERYPONY!!!” Applejack called out in a loud voice, stretching far outside of the farm. “WE GOT SOME NEW GUESTS ‘ERE!!!””

Immediately afterword, the four hybrid siblings all heard galloping hooves, feeling the ground shaking under their own. They only had enough time to turn around and see a huge heard of Earth Ponies before they were all swept off of their hooves. Before they knew it, they were all seated in in front of a large table, having a green white and red cover on it, with the Earth Pony herd crowding all around them.

“Now, I know that ya’ll been to our Apple family reunions while y’all were still livin’ here, but our families grown quite a bit since you last saw us, G.” Applejack said, wrapping a strong foreleg around the tan hybrid mare’s shoulders. “So Ah’m gonna introduce ya’ll, an’ yer brother, t’ every last pony an’ youngin here! Oh, an’ Ah’m sure ya won’t mind, but they all brought food here with ‘em in case ya’ll were hungry.”

“Well…we did have a nice big breakfast with our parents before we came here.” Goku said slowly, waving a hoof around. “But, if you insist, we’ll clean off every last plate of this food with our bare teeth!”

“Always thinking with your stomach whenever you see food.” Midnight sighed. “Why does this not surprise me?”

“Because our dear little sister has the stomach of an airship.” Snowflake replied slyly, smiling up at her eldest sister. “As do we, my dear sister, so I don’t think we have any room to talk.”

“No, we sure don’t!” Sheton chirped, staring up at the food with a watering mouth. “Come to me, you delicious food!”

With that, each of the Apple Family introduced themselves, or reconnected, with the Kirin siblings. They gave some special attention to Sheton, since most of the Apple family there were mares. Some of them couldn’t not help but fawn over the little colt, and there were even a few foals that went to greet him. The hybrid colt was nothing short of surprised upon just how open and friendly they were, and that they didn’t seem to be bothered by his hybrid appearance. He assumed that they had run into Thestrals before, and were used to seeing a few hybrid ones, but that didn’t stop him from greeting them back. Sheton was however, on the receiving end of endless amounts of affection from the mares, and even a few fillies couldn’t help but be a little physically affectionate with him.

At some point, the table soon begun to get over crowded with food, obscuring Sheton’s vision of his sisters and Applejack. Undeterred, he stood up on his stool and tried to see what was going on from behind the piles of food. It was to no avail, and before he knew it, he found himself slipping from his stool, and he fell.

“Whoa!” He cried, bracing himself for the impact of the cold hard ground. Instead, he felt something smooth soft and feathery touch his rump instead. He squeaked as he fell into it, his fedora falling over his head as he tumbled across the soft mass. After some rolling around, he adjusted himself and sat upright, letting out a little sneeze. He lifted his fedora out of his eyes and looked up to see who had caught him, only to freeze at what he saw.

Towering over him like a giant apple tree, was the biggest stallion Sheton had ever seen in his entire life. He was a Pegasus, with fur that looked as if it was painted in a bowl of deep scarlet paint, with a long, thick, slightly wild and untamed tangerine mane and tail that went all the way to the ground. His whole body was very buff, absolutely bulging with muscles, even more so than any guard that Sheton had seen ever seen. All of which giving the hybrid colt the impression that this stallion could squash him like a bug with ease.

The stallion had a massive wingspan that was as big as Midnight’s, making him look even more intimidating, along with his scars. His wings were a combination of scarlet red and tangerine orange and he had fetlocks of just atop his golden yellow hooves. The stallion also had a huge mass of scarlet and tangerine feathers adorning his chest, and a large yolk was hanging around his thick muscular neck. The winged symbol could be seen planted on his back like a tattoo, and his Cutie Mark was of a large green apple cut in half.

Sheton continued to stare wide eyed at the massive stallion above him, even as he set the young colt down. It was only when the stallion let out a deep snort that Sheton snapped out of his trance, and his expression went from that of shock to terrified awe.

“W-w-wow…y-y-you’re…y-you’re huge m-mister.” He finally said shaking slightly as he took a step back. “I…I-I-I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stallion a-as big as you b-before.”

“Ya haven’t?” Another voice said, sounding softer, more mature somewhat high-pitched. “Well, Ah can say the same fer you sugar-bun. Neither me nor Big Mach here have seen a lil’ colt like you ‘round here.”

Sheton jumped at the new voice, before looking around to see a Pegasus was mare that was just as big as the stallion, now name Big Mac, in front of him. She was a cute one, with a pink coat that was darker than Pinkie Pie’s, at least a brilliant raspberry pink. She also had a long smooth and silky tangerine mane and tail, with gentle sunset orange eyes. While she was nowhere near as buff as Big Mac, her legs back and neck were definitely well toned, allowing her to still look attractive. As with Big Mac, she also had a large yolk around her neck, though it looked slightly smaller.

Her beautiful wings were a beautiful combination of raspberry pink, tangerine orange, crimson red and golden yellow, with deep orange hooves. The mare’s wings looked to be even longer than the stallions next to her, with a mass of chest feathers. The white and blue winged symbol of her family shone on her back, and her Cutie Mark was also of an apple cut in half. However, this one was red instead of green, and had a seed-shaped star right in the middle, with a trail of fire behind it.

“What’s the matter hon’ bun? Apple got yer tongue?” The mare asked, smiling in amusement at the colt in front of her and Big Mac. “Or are ya that shocked that ya can’t even form single word outta yer lil’ word hole there?”

Sheton, realizing he was staring again, snapped his mouth shut, a blush erupting onto his cheeks. “I-I-I…n-no ma’am, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to stare, I-I was just…”

The scarlet red mare cut him off with a giggle. “Well shoot hon’, don’t tell me that Ah look old enough fer y’all t’ be callin’ me ma’am. Ah may look old ‘cause o’ mah size and looks, but Ah ain’t that old. Ah ain’t even in mah thirties yet, so y’all don’t need t’ waste yer time bein’ all formal an’ all that stuff.”

“O-oh…right, Applejack mentioned that to me.” Sheton murmured, bashfully looking away. “I guess I forgot that for a minute there.”

Big Mac chuckled. “Eeyup.”

“So, what’s yer name sugar?” The mare asked, tilting her head at the hybrid colt. “Ah get the feelin’ from them lil’ fangs and bat wings o’ yers, that you’re G’s little brother ‘r somethin’ like that.”

“O-oh, um…y-yeah, I am.” Sheton nodded, smiling shyly up at the two hulking ponies. “M-my name is Sheton Nightstalker Shenron, a-and I am Goku’s little brother. A-are, um…d-do you two also live on the farm here like Applejack?”

“Eeyup, we sure are sonny.” Big Mac replied, nodding slightly. “Me, Anna Applejack, our Granny, an’ our four other sisters live here on th’ farm with us. Even though AJ’s the owner here, we all run th’ farm together an’ keep it in tact. It’s a kind o’ tradition that we apples like to stick to, ‘specially with a family as big as ours.”

“Yeah, I can see the sense that makes.” Sheton murmured, looking over the two ponies’ hulking frames. “A-anyway, i-it’s really nice to meet you…uuuh…”

“Anna Blaze.” Anna finished for him. “Anna Blaze Sweet Apple Titan, and this is my twin brother, Big Macintosh Sweet Apple Titan, the eldest two outta our bunch o’ siblings.” She smiled as she leaned down and nuzzled the stormy grey colt. “It’s real nice t’ meet ya too Sheton…welcome t’ Sweet Apple Acres, an’ t’ Ponyville.”

Sheton giggled, smiling at Anna’s display of affection towards him. “T-thank you…”

“There y'all are! Ah was wonderin’ where you two were.?” Applejack said as she trotted over to her eldest siblings. A small grin etched onto her face as she watched the two scarlet twins interact with Sheton. “It looks like Sheton’s getting’ t’ know ya pretty well ain’t he?”

“Mhm, we sure do.” Anne Blaze nodded, wrapping a wing around Sheton before she looked eyes with the three hybrid mare’s behind Applejack. “An’ I can see a few familiar faces with ya too!”

“Your damn right you can! And we can never forget the two strongest ponies in the Apple Family! Goku replied as she trotted over to the two twins and hugging them tight. “I can’t believe how much you two have grown over the last four years! You’ve certainly done a lot of work along the farm and packed on the pounds haven’t you?”

“Eeyup.” The Big Macintosh replied, his voice deep and rumbling as he nuzzled the tan mare.

“Mhm.” Anna Blaze replied, doing the same with her right wing.

“We can also see that you two are still ponies of few words.” Snowflake commented. “You two have not changed one bit, have you?”

“Eenope.” Big mac replied with a grin as he hugged Midnight.

“Mm-mm.” Anna Blaze giggle, nuzzling the mountain blue mare’s cheek.

Big Macintosh and Anna Blaze were both members of the Apple family and the two eldest of the Apple siblings there were. They were actually born just a few minutes apart from each other, making them twins. They were the quietest and gentlest, and strongest of out of the apple siblings, able to plow through fields and buck down apples with little effort. They were also good at many academics, especially math, which made them capable of balancing out finances for business.

Due to their sizes, they found it difficult to try and converse and befriend somepony, especially that of foals, since they love then. Still, they were very kind, sweet and soft-spoken ponies, very difficult to anger and fiercely protective of their younger siblings. Though most of the time they didn’t really need to do anything, since their sheer size helped them in conflicts. Which is probably why they hardly used force to resolve it, let alone words.

“Well, I can see that you two have met my little brother, hm?” Goku asked, giving both twins a sly smile, most especially Anna. “Isn’t he just the most adorable little colt that you’ve ever seen?”

Both twins nodded, with Anna Blaze nuzzling Sheton again and even lightly nibbling at one of his ears. The stormy grey colt, trying to push the scarlet mare away as Big Mac watched form the side in amusement.

“Still as quiet and affectionate as ever.” Goku murmured shaking her head fondly. “You are still the same as you always were.”

“Hey now, don’t forget about us, Goku!” A new voice from behind her said. “They’re not the only ones here t’ see ya! There are a lot more than jus’ Mac an’ Anna!”

Goku jumped in slight surprise at the voice that made its way to her ears. Curious, she turned around, only to see three other mares making their way towards her. When they came within tails reach, Goku could tell that just by their appearance that they were other three siblings of the Apple family.

“Of course they’re not, Jubilee.” the beige hybrid mare said slyly to the mare that had spoken. “How could I forget all seven apple family members after only four years apart?”

“B’cause y’all have known us ever since we were fillies, that’s why. Even if we’ve only known your family for a month, we’d never forget all those fangs and bat wings on ya.” Jubilee replied with a grin. She was a rather short Earth Pony mare, with a shade of pale orange fur, and a long extended scarlet mane and tail having golden yellow streaks in it. A pair of scarlet red stockings could be seen on her forelegs, with snow white ones adorning her hindlegs, and beautiful sunset orange eyes. She had a mass of feathers adorning her shoulders and chest, and her face and upper legs had jet-black freckles, with a large jet-black Stetson atop her head. A large winged symbol shone on her back, and her Cutie Mark was of an Apple with a lasso around it.

“That reminds me why haven’t ya’ll kept in contact with us, sugarcube? You’ve hardly sent us any letters at all except for th' holidays. We were all beginning to think that somethin’ bad happened to ya’ll while you were away.” The second mare asked with narrowed eyes. She was a Pegasus mare with a pale green fur, a long scarlet red mane and tail, both braided and tied by red hair bands. Scarlet red stockings on three of her legs, with one snow white stocking on her left foreleg. The mare also had heterochromia, the left eye being emerald green, while the other being a sunset orange color. She had a large feathered mass of them adoring her chest, with wings were a combined color of her mane, fur, and eyes. On her back was adorned with the blue and white winged symbol, with a white striped apple red Stetson. Her Cutie Mark was of pies, and instead of being apple pies, they were prismatic colored pies.

“Oh come now Scarlet, no need to get upset. Ah’m sure Goku and her sisters have a reasonable explanation. Don’t ya honey bun?” The third mare said softy, giving the three hybrid mares a warm sweet smile. Like Annie, she was also a Pegasus, with deep scarlet red fur, a long braided pure golden yellow mane and tail having green bows holding them together. Her wings were a combination of scarlet red and golden yellow, and sunset orange, with a mass of them on her chest. A pair of snow-white stockings covering the lower half of all four of her legs, very much like Applejack’s. The blue and white wing symbol could be seen shining off of her back, and her Cutie Mark was of a pure golden apple with a blooming flower above it.

“Yeah, we’re sorry about that, Honey Blossom. We got caught up a lot on college work and magic training and bullshit.” Goku replied, rubbing the back of her head as a pink tint made its way to her beige cheeks. “We did the best we could though, besides it’s not like we had a whole lot of time on our hands anyway.”

Jubilee Sweet Apple Titan was the third sibling of the Apple family, the twin sister of Annie Sweet Apple Titan. She was the third eldest of the Apple family, having been born several or so years after Big Macintosh and Anna Blaze had been born. She was a very laid-back, patient, reliable mare, with tremendous physical strength. She also had a big adventurous side to her, which usually led to her getting into a lot of trouble as a filly.

The pale orange mare was also an expert in math, that she would use to sometimes help Anna Blaze and Big Macintosh with finances. She made sure that they bad food whenever they went into town and made their sales in order to avoid getting any pony sick. While she did have a stubborn streak to her, she was nowhere near as stubborn as Applejack. And unlike the darker orange mare, she was more open to accepting help, if only slightly.

She had a very strong and competitive personality, loving to compete in rodeos and do friendly competitions with her friends and family. Jubilee did however, also had a sweet side to her that she was didn’t mind showing, as long as nopony else was around to see it. Jubilee was also a real a tomboy, and didn’t like anything that was too girly. She didn’t mind getting dirty either, since she was so used to it from being on a farm all her life. Somepony could throw her into a huge pile of mud and she would not even bat an eye, and instead find it rather enjoyable.

As fun as Jubilee was be around for other ponies, there was one thing that ponies were advised never to do. Or rather, call her, whenever you’re around her. All her life, Jubilee had always been shorter than other ponies usually were, something she really wished didn’t happen. While she didn’t mind being teased about it much from her family and friends, she did get very angry when somepony called her ‘little’. It didn’t really escalate into an all-out fight fortunately, but there were a few tomes it did come to that. As long as nopony did that, they would be just fine, otherwise, they’d be in for a world of hurt.

Scarlet Sweet Apple Titan was the fourth sibling of the Apple family, and like some of her siblings, she was also a cook. Though she was more comfortable with making pies than anything else, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like making other apple related treats. For a Pegasus, she was very strong, with an excellent eye for anything weather related. She was a very fun mare to be around, happily engaging in lots of foalish activities. Which gave her quite the reputation for being one of the many ponies that foals loved being around the most. She was a very assertive mare, but made sure that she didn’t go too far with anything. While she would always be straight with somepony, she would always make sure to express that she wasn’t having a go at anypony.

Scarlet didn’t like it when she or any of her were teased in way not in good nature. Due to her having scarlet hair, she had a spurn for being called ‘tomato head’ by other ponies. This was one of the negative things that they had in common that allowed them to become so close as they were growing up. The only ones that didn’t make fun of her hair, were Goku and her two sisters, even if it was in good nature. Snowflake even once said that it had a fine touch to her, and would go better in some sort of style, which would make it look even better. It was then that Scarlet decided to get her mane and tail braided, with one large bang framing her face. Since then, nopony's said a single bad thing about her hair or it's color. Though there were still some smart-mouth comments here and there, something not out of the ordinary for Scarlet.

Honey Blossom Sweet Apple Titan was the elder twin sister of Applejack, being the fifth eldest of the Sweet Apple Titan siblings. Out of the six, she was the kindest, gentlest, and warmest out of the bunch, a real sweet talker with words that seemed to ooze honey. Her level of strength was literally at that of both of her eldest siblings combined, and she was a natural at making absolutely delicious apple treats. Honey Blossom was known to be a very patient mare, and absolutely adored the foals in Ponyville, playing with them whenever she had the time.

If there was one thing that she loved just as much as foals, it was nature, and the creatures that flourished with it. Whenever Honey Blossom wasn't playing with the foals, or doing the chores, she would take strolls through the forest. She would take in its mind blowing beauty, and try to befriend the animals that lived in it, and it was also a great way to clear her head. She also had a great knowledge for weather, and would offer to help the Ponyville Weather Team with the clouds and the weather. Thanks to her earth pony strength, she was able to endure the weather far longer and withstand the hazards that calm with it.

Despite her kind heart, special talents, and positive traits Honey Blossom was also a pretty sensitive mare by nature. She didn’t like it when ponies said mean things about her, especially if it hit very close to home. She despised those that harmed others, especially young foals and animals, be it wild or exotic. She would get very upset if that happening around her, and she would not hesitate to jump in and diffuse the situation should she so chose. While she was known to be the most even tempered out of all her siblings, she wasn’t a mare to get angry in the least. After all, it was the quietest, most docile of ponies that had the most ferocious of tempers, and some had to learn that the hard way with Honey Blossom.

“Yeah well, it certainly didn’t look that way to me, sugar pie.” Scarlet frowned as she crossed her forehooves together. “It seemed like ya’ll were stallin’ an’ waitn’ till the last moment, makin’ this lil’ meetin’ a surprise for all of us.” Her expression softened to a grin. “Still, it’s great to see you girls again. Y’all bein’ back here on th’ farm with th’ family after all this time is a blessin’ in itself.”

“Yeah, I bet it is, and it’s the same for us too.” Goku giggled as she returned the hug. “Still, it’s great to see you all again, and we’re here to stay for good.”

“You’d better honestly mean that, hon.” Jubilee said, giving the hybrid mare a playful jab in her barrel. “Or else me ‘n’ Annie Pie ‘r’ gonna show you just how strong we’ve gotten since we last saw ya.”

“Heehee I won’t!” Goku replied with a giggle. “Even though we were born in Canterlot, Ponyville is our true home! We lived her throughout most of our lives, and we’re not going anywhere!”

Suddenly, the beige Pegasus felt a few gentle tugs on her mane, making her head jerk to the right side. Figuring that it was Sheton, she looked to where she thought he was, only to see that it wasn’t Sheton. It was an adorable little Earth Pony filly, with a sun kissed yellow fur that was almost golden in color. She had a long fiery red mane and tail that both had three pink bows in them, one bow tied behind her mane, and a beautiful shade of sunset orange eyes. Like the rest of the Apple siblings, she had feathery fetlocks right in between her hooves and snow white stocked little legs, along with her chest and shoulders, all having a mixture of all three of her colors, and her flank currently had no Cutie Mark.

“Well, hello there little one.” Goku said sweetly, lowering her head to the filly’s level, who was smiling at her brightly. “I didn’t see you there, what’s your name?”

“Howdy there! Mah name’s Apple Bloom Sweet Apple Titan, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres!” Apple Bloom replied with a sweet southern drawl, holding out her hoof to shake the older mares, who paused momentarily when the filly said her name. “Are you another one of Mah sisters’ and brother’s friends?”

“Why yes, I am! You really wouldn’t remember me since you weren’t that much older than you are now, but I certainly remember you!” Goku replied, scratching Apple Bloom behind her ear. “In case you’re wondering, I was one of the ponies that was there when you were born, before me and my sisters left.”

Apple Bloom’s ears perked as recognition clicked in her eyes. “Oh yeah, now Ah remember that! Mah big sis told me ‘bout meetin’ ya sometime after Ah was born. She also told me that, you were part, uh…” She trailed off as a thoughtful look came to her face. “You were, um…part…how was that word pronounced again?

“Thestral?” Goku asked. “As in part Bat Pony?”

“Yeah, that one, that’s the word!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, giving a not of thanks. “Ah could tell that you were one when a saw them fangs on ya, and those membranes stickin’ outta yer wings.”

“Is that so? You have a good eye there, don’t you Apple Bloom?” Goku asked, smiling at the now blushing sun yellow filly. “I have to say though…I didn’t really expect you to be so relaxed about the fact that me, my sisters and brother are all half Thestral. Not to be mean or anything but…I was more or less expecting you to be having your tail between your legs.”

“Heehee, yeah, that probably would’ve been the more expected reaction at seein’ somepony that’s half Thestral, let alone a full blooded one.” Apple Bloom giggled, blowing her bang out of her face. “But Ah really don’t mind. Me an’ AJ have a couple o’ friends that’re more or less Thestrals themselves. At least, they kinda do, since they have looks that’re a lot like yers.”

“Really now?” Goku asked tilting her head to the side. “Well then, I take it that means you won’t be too bothered about meeting another foal that’s half Thestral?”

Apple Bloom tilted her head. “What do ya mean?”

The tan hybrid mare chuckled, looking over her shoulder at Sheton and gesturing him to come over with a wing. Silently, he obeyed, and stood just in front of his sister as he looked eyes with Apple Bloom, who was staring right back at him curiously.

“Apple Bloom…” Goku began gently. “This is my little brother Sheton Nightstalker Shenron; he’s here with us to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration. And to meet any foals that’re his age and see if he can get any friend before moving back here with us.”

“Wow…so he’s half Thestral too?” Apple Bloom asked, looking in between the brother and sister as the latter nodded. A bright smile came to her face as she looked back down at Sheton taking in his features. “Wow, that’s so amazin’! Who would’ve thought that Ah would meet somepony that’s actually half bat pony!”

“Wait a minute…” Sheton began softly, giving the filly a look of surprise. “Y-you’re…not bothered by my appearance?”

“Bothered? Didn’t ya hear what Ah had said t’ yer big sis?” Apple Bloom snorted dryly. “Ah said that Ah have another friend that looks like she’s half Thestral, so Ah’m not bothered by your appearance. Ah admit that I did make me nervous at first, but Ah grew used t’ it over time, an’ now, Ah actually think that it’s pretty fascinatin’.”

“You do? Wow…” Sheton murmured, looking down at the ground. “I didn’t think that I’d hear anypony say something like that before. Most of the foals at my school say that’s either weird or even creepy.”

“Seriously? Well that ain’t a very nice thing t’ do.” Apple Bloom frowned. “It doesn’t sound like ya have a lotta friends back where yer from do ya?”

“N-no, I really don’t. O-other than another Thestral a Kirin, and another filly that’s um…unique in her own way.” Sheton replied, rubbing his forehooves together. “I really would like to have more friends, but…it’s been hard. And it’s not like any I haven’t tried to make friends with those that weren’t Thestrals or Kirins.”

“Well, in that case…” Apple Bloom began, smiling warmly. “Why don’t Ah be yer friend then?”

Sheton paused, looking up at Apple Bloom with surprise as he asked, “W-what? You want to be friend with me?”

“Well, yeah! Why wouldn’t Ah? Everypony needs a friend here an’ there! Even if it’s a pony that’s known fer suckin’ th’ juice right outta an apple!” Apple Bloom said, giggling slightly as Sheton blushed. The filly winced upon seeing the embarrassed look on his face. “Sorry, that hit a lil’ too close t’ home, didn’t it?”

“No, not really. It’s just that I’m not used to somepony saying things like that about Thestrals and Bat Ponies. Though we do love drinking apple juice…” Sheton said, laughing a little as he rubbed the back of his head. “So…you really want to be my friend Apple Bloom?”

“Uh,duh! Ah jus’ said that nopony should be without a friend! ‘Specially ‘round these parts, and definitely not in Ponyville!” Apple Bloom replied, blowing out a raspberry. “So, whaddya say Sheton? Ya wanna included int’ mah lil’ friend group, or are ya gonna spend all day ponderin’ over th’ fact that somepony’s offerin’ friendship to a nighttime pony?”

Sheton blushed again, letting out a sheepishly laugh as he looked back up at his sister. After getting a light nudge from her, he looked back at Apple Bloom and her outstretched hoof. He took a deep breath and exhaled, before reaching his hoof out and shaking it with his own. No sooner did he do so, he found his back meeting the ground as Apple Bloom tackled him into a hug.

“Oh yes yes yes yes YES!” She squealed, hugging the colt tightly around his neck. “Thank you thank you thank you Sheton! Ah promise, ya won’t regret this; you an’ Ah are gonna be th’ best friends ever!”

“A-aye…happy to hear it!” Sheton gasped, wheezing as he struggled to breath. “C-can’t breath!”

Fortunately, or unfortunately for Sheton, his savior came just in the nick of time before he passed out from Apple Bloom’s hug. The next thing they both knew, they were in the warm embrace of Honey Blossom as she spun them around in the air.

“Oh, mah gosh! This is just th’ cutest darn thing Ah’ve ever seen!” She cooed as she nuzzled both foals. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever seen anything this cute since lil’ Apple Bloom was born!”

“Honey Blossom! Don’t embarrass me!” Apple Bloom cried, her face going as red as her mane. “That was a long time ago, and Ah’m not a baby anymore! Ah’m already seven years old fer corn’s sake!”

“It don’t matter one lickto me, honey-bun!” The scarlet mare said as she kissed the filly the nose. “No matter how old you get Ah’ll always find it so adorable t’ see ya hoggin’ yer friends like this”

Apple Bloom sighed dejectedly. “Oh Faust help me now…”

“It’s okay Apple Bloom, I know what you’re going through.” Sheton said as Honey Blossom kissed his cheek. “This is the same thing my sister does to me, I promise you’re not alone.”

“Thanks, Sheton.” Apple Bloom said, smiling at the stormy grey hybrid colt. “Yer so gosh darn sweet…”

“Hey now Honey! Don't go hoggin' 'im all to yerself!” Scarlet said, tugging on Honey’s tail. " Me and Jubilee want to meet th’ lil’ sugar pie too!"

"Yeah, let us get a look at th' lil' darlin'!" Jubilee huff, stomping her hoof down. “An’ let ‘im go b’fore ya squeeze him t’ death! Ah can already see his face turnin’ blue!”

Honey Blossom frowned at her two sisters, but nonetheless relented to their request and set both foals on the ground. After giving him one last gentle squeeze, she allowed Scarlet and Jubilee to come up to the colt and inspect him.

‘Oh wow…these mares are really pretty.’ Sheton though, his ears flattening as he stared into their narrowed eyes. ‘A-and scary…all of those scars they have…they must’ve gotten into a lot of fights.’

“So…yer Goku’s lil’ brother are ya?” Jubilee asked, leaning her head close to the colt. “Ah gotta say…wasn’t really expectin ya t’ look anythin’ like this. Though, Ah pretty much expectin’ ya t’ have them bat features on ya. What’s yer name hon’?”

“Um…S-Sheton.” The stormy grey hybrid colt replied. “Sheton Nightstalker Shenron.”

“Nightstalker…Ah have t’ be honest, it suits ya, given yer appearance.” Scarlet said, smiling a little. “This yer first time here in Ponyville?”

“Y-yes ma’am…it is.” Sheton replied as his wings ruffled. “I’m here with my sisters while they run the Summer Sun Celebration. T-they also wanted me to come here s-so they could see i-if I could make friends.”

“Hmhm, well, you’re certainly passin’ in that regard Ah can tell.” Jubilee chuckled, wrapping a foreleg around the colt’s neck. “Ah have t’ say, yer a might lucky t’ have somepony like Apple Bloom as yer friend, an’ ya better believe us when ya say that yer real lucky. There aren’t many ponies here that’re accetpin’ o’ ponies that can suck an apple dry in th’ blink of an eye, so consider yerself very lucky sugar.”

“Um…o-okay?” Sheton murmured, looking at the pale orange mare through her scarlet forest of a mane.

“Let’s jus’ get one thing straight here sugar pie.” Scarlet said, her multi-colored eyes locking right onto Sheton’s. “Each an’ every single one o’ us here are very protective of one another, especially our little sister here. While we may be hospitable, we don’t take no bullshit form anypony wantin’ t’ bring harm t’ one o’ our own. So ya better treat our lil’ AB here as kindly as we do you, ‘r else these apples ain’t the only things that’re gonna be sucked dry, ya hear?”

Sheton gulped, giving a hasty nod as he sweated bullets. “Y-y-y-yes ma’am, I perfectly understand! I-I’ll be sure to be v-very nice, a-a-and kind and g-g-gentle to Apple Bloom!”

“Good, glad that we’re on the same page.” Jubilee said, giving Sheton a firm kiss on his forehead. “It’s real nice t’ meet ya Sheton, Ah think you an’ Ah ‘r gonna get along jus’ fine.”

“Same here Lee.” Scarlet nodded, patting Sheton hard on his head. “An’ if anypony picks ‘r bullies ya, y’all can come t’ us an’ we’ll deal with ‘em lickety split!”

“Uh, y-yeah…s-sure thing.” Sheton nodded, his cheeks burning as Scarlet kissed his cheek rather roughly. “It…it’s really nice to meet you Scarlet…J-Jubilee…a-and the rest of your family.”

Both twin sisters smiled. “You too sugarcube.” They both said in unison.

"Boy, this day jus' keeps getting better an' better don't it girls?" Honey Blossom asked, coming up from behind Sheton and giving him a pat on the head. "First AJ gets assigned as one of the preparatory ponies for the Summer Sun Celebration, then Goku and her sisters come to see us, and now we get to meet their lil' bro? Shucks, it's like Faust herself is givin' us blessin's left an' right...Ah wonder what Granny Smith's gonna think 'bout all o' this good fortune?"

“Land sakes, that's right! Ah can’t believe AH completely forgot about that! Thanks fer remindin' me Honey!” Applejack exclaimed with wide eyes. She then gathered all four siblings away from the rest of the family over to one of the others. “Goku, Snowflake Midnight, Ah know that ya’ll remember our dear old Granny Smith, don’t you?”

“Of course we do, Applejack! How could we forget the leader of the whole Sweet Apple Titan Family?” Midnight asked with a chirp as she looked fondly at the Earth Pony mare sleeping in the rocking chair. She had a hide of mint green fur, though it looked aged and pale, having lost some of its solid pureness over the years. Upon closer inspection however, it shined brightly, making her look even younger. She had a mane and tail of ghostly yellowish white, both of them tied up in large long braids that reached the ground in a pile. Both of them were held together by orange hair bands, with two very long bangs framing her face, shadowing her eyes.

Snow-white stockings adorned her legs, the fetlocks just above her hooves looking to be very long due to the passing of time. An orange collar with miniature apples was wrapped around her neck, which did very little to conceal her huge mass of white chest fur. A huge brown Stetson with a red stripe could be seen hanging from behind her neck, a thick string tied to both sides of the hat. A huge pair of the Apple family's wing symbol could be seen imprinted onto her back, and her Cutie Mark was of a large apple pie.

“Wow…she looks so beautiful and...ancient.” Sheton murmured with wide eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony look like her before.”

“Sugarcube t’ say mah Granny is legendary would be a major insult. If ya ask me she’s more of a legend given how long she’s lived.” Applejack chuckled as she patted the colt’s head. She then before walking over to her grandmother and gently shook her. “Up an’ at ‘em Granny Smith, we got some special guests!”

The elderly mint mare’s eyes slowly opened, revealing two sunset orange irises that that glowed beautifully in the Sun’s light. With a yawn, she stretched out her legs, blowing out a loud hard snort from her nostrils. She soon locked eyes onto the ponies in front of her, and a smile broke out into her face.

“Well, well, well, isn’t this a mighty nice surprise, this is?” Granny Smith said softly, gazing lovingly at the Kirin sisters. Her voice sounded like it belonged to somepony who should've been long dead, yet at the same time sounded vigorously youthful. It held an incredible amount of warmth, love, kindness, power, and wisdom in it. “It looks like some o’ mah dear grandchildren have finally returned t' th' nest after so long."

“It’s great to see you too Granny Smith.” Snowflake said, smiling warmly at the elderly mare. “We can see that you haven’t changed a single bit the last time we saw you.”

“Well, I can certainly say the same fer all o’ ya’ll sugar foot!” Granny Smith replied as spread her forelegs out. “C’mere and give yer ol’ Granny a hug! Ah wanna feel how strong ya’ll got while you were away!”

“Only you would want that Granny Smith…only you.” Goku murmured with a chuckled as she and her siblings all hugged her simultaneously. “And we can see that you’re still the same strong resilient mare we’ve always known.”

Granny Smith, also known as Annie Smith Sweet Apple Titan was the final member of the Ponyville Apple Family, along with being the eldest. Out of all of the apple family, she was known by Ponyville and its civilians the most, and the longest. She not only lived in Ponyville, she was the very pony that founded the very town that Goku her siblings and all of her friends had lived in. Everypony saw her as the embodiment of Ponyville, that mare that helped shape Ponyville into what it was today. This in turn lead her to becoming the first and most respected mare in all of Ponyville, Mayor Mare being a very close second.

Granny Smith was a rather unique and goofy mare, doing things that many would not see an elderly mare doing that were really goofy. She could go from a drill sergeant one moment, to a mare that engaged with foals the next. Because of this, many saw her as a rather strange mare, which shouldn’t have really been a surprise due to her age. Still, many ponies saw her as a very cool and awesome mare to be around. This was especially true for Scarlet especially since she was a redheaded Pegasus embodiment of Granny Smith. Along with having the very same quirks the matriarch had that made her so unique.

Many dreaded the day that she would leave the world of the living and pass on into the Elysian Fields. Despite this, they knew they would have Annie to help them remember the one mare that founded the most gentle, peaceful, welcoming, and accepting town in all of the land. For now, she was still here, alive and still kicking endlessly. Though no longer in her prime, Granny Smith wasn’t kicking the bucket yet, much to her family and many foals' happiness.

“My my my, y’all have certainly gotten a might stronger. I can literally feel it in these ol’ bones ‘o’ mine.” Granny Smith said, nodding in satisfaction. “Takes me back to when Ah was that young an’ strong. Oh, those were th’ good ol’ days they were...yes they were indeed.”

“Trust me Granny Smith, there are many elderly ponies of our kind who know exactly how you are feeling.” Midnight smiled sweetly. “All joking aside, we didn’t just come here for a big family reunion, not when you haven’t meet all of us.”

At these words, Granny Smith raised a snow-white eyebrow, giving the beetle black hybrid mare a perplexed look. Before she could ask anything, she felt something bump into her forelegs. She looked down, only for her sunset yellow eyes to widen upon seeing Sheton there.

“Granny, I know that this is sudden, but we really couldn’t wait for this moment to come any sooner.” Snowflake said as she draped a feathered bat wing over the colt’s back. “Meet our little brother Sheton Nightstalker Shenron, the youngest out of us. You weren’t really there when he was born in Canterlot, but I’m sure at least oneof your granddaughters told you about him, didn’t they?”

The smile on Granny Smith’s face could not have gotten anymore wider than it did at that moment. “Ya think Ah have hay in mah ears?! O’ course Ah remember! Now Ah get to have more youngin’s on th’ farm!” She exclaimed as she swept the hybrid colt in her arms. “Oh, this day jus’ keeps getting better ‘n’ better! More grandfoals jus’ keep comin’ to me on after another!”

‘She…she called me her grandfoal.’ Sheton thought, stopping in his nuzzling into the elderly mare’s chest fluff. ‘I’ve just met her, and she’s calling me her grandfoal…why…does that make my happy?’

“Heh, it looks like he has them fancy bat features on him too.” The Apple Matriarch said, spreading one of Sheton’s feathered bat wings. Her orange eyes ran through the emerald blue membranes as one of her hoofs gently brushed at his tufted ears. “Hmhm…only other foal that Ah’ve seen with fangs is that rainbow maned mare an’ her lil’ sis, along with that librarian’s lil’ assistant o’ her’s. Only his is longer and visible, almost like them Timberwolves in that gigantic creepy forest they live in.”

“Well, he is half Thestral.” Goku pointed out with an eye roll. “Plus, our mom is a Thestral herself, so you really shouldn’t be surprise that he has all of those features. The only thing you should be surprised his how many apples he can suck dry.”

“Sis!” Sheton cried, whipping his head around to the tan hybrid mare. “I thought that we agreed that we’d never tell anypony about that!”

“I’m not!” Goku giggled as her brother’s face flushed red. “I’m just telling Granny Smith that whenever she decides to show you around the farm, that she should watch out for how many apples you can suck. I mean seriously, you definitely suck a mean apple little brother, no matter how big!”

“Heheheh, is that so? Well, Ah don’t think Ah need t’ worry ‘bout that. We have plenty o’ Fruit Bats here that drain our apples dry. Though its usually the ones that’re bad or goin’ bad, so Ah don’t really have t’ worry ‘bout it too much.” Granny Smith chuckled, brushing one of her bangs away from her eyes. “Still though, since ya like suckin’ apples so much, be sure t’ ask me before ya suck mah apples dry. Don’t wanna have to wake up one mornin’ t’ find a bunch o’ dry apples an’ piles o’ seeds whenever Ah’m takin’ mah stroll through the orchards.”

Sheton smiled up at the elderly mare, giggling a bit as he said, “Yeah, I’ll be sure to ask before I try to pick off the apples, especially night. The last thing I want is to be lassoed and hogged tied like a calf at a rodeo.” He sneezed a bit as Granny Smith let out a snort of laughter. “It’s really nice to meet you Granny Smith. You and all of the apple family. I’m…I’m starting to like my visit here to Ponyville more and more right now.”

“Well you should be, given that this town is one o’ th’ best places fer anypony to live in.” Granny Smith chuckled, bringing the hybrid colt’s face into her chest. “An’ if yer plannin’ t’ move here with your sisters, lemme jus’ say that anypony that comes here t’ this town, is welcome here on th’ farm. Which includes you, so anythin’ ya may need that we can provide, we’ll be more than happy to lend it t’ ya. We apples pride ourselves in our honesty, hospitality an’ desire t’ help others, no matter what their race. So ya don’t need to worry ‘bout many o’ us judgin’ ya ‘cause yer a Thestral, an’ like Jubilee an’ Scarlet said, anypony that does, we’ll take care o’ them, ‘okay sugar foot?”

‘How did she manage to hear what Scarlet and Jubilee said to me? Was she really awake all of this time?’ Sheton thought, sweat dropping as he looked up at the mint green mare. He eventually let the thought slide as he replied, “Yes Granny Smith, I’ll let you know if there’s anypony that’s bothering me about my appearance.”

“Glad t’ here it sugar foot.” Granny Smith nodded, bringing the colt in her chest again. “And it’s real nice t’ meet ya too.”

“Thank you…” Sheton said softly, breathing the sweet scent of apples on the mare’s fur. He sighed as his eyes closed, and he nuzzled deeper into Granny Smith’s chest fluff. ‘She smells just like apples…and she’s so warm, like mama.’

Everypony in the crowd, Apple Bloom included, let out multiple ‘awww’s at the tender scene between Sheton and Granny Smith, with the latter holding back a squeal. It was soon shattered when the sound of a stomach rumbling loudly snapped the mare and foal out of their hug. The Apple Matriarch slowly pulled away and looked down at the colt, whose eyes were squeezed shut and face redder than an apple.

“Sugar foot…tell me that Ah did not jus’ hear yer stomach growlin’ like a Timberwolf stalkin’ through the Everfree.” She said bluntly, gazing at him with a half-lidded gaze. “Cause Ah’m pretty sure that Ah’m hearin’ things right now.”

“N-n-no, you didn’t Granny Smith, that was totally my stomach.” Sheton squeaked, pulling his fedora over his head. “I-it looks like all of that breakfast that I ate earlier this morning got digested faster than I thought.”

“This wouldn’t happen t’ be ‘cause o’ th’ fact that yer a Kirin would it?” Granny Smith asked, a small knot forming in the pit of her gut. Another timid nod confirmed her suspicions, and she let out a long sigh. “O’ course it does…one o’ th’ things that Ah learned from yer sisters when Ah first fed ‘em here on th’ farm. Should’ve known that it would happen again, ‘specially with their little brother…alright then, come on!”

“W-whoa!” Sheton cried as Granny Smith grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and began carrying him off. “G-Granny Smith, what’re you doing?!”

“Goin’ t’ get that little stomach o’ yers filled up, that’s what.” Granny Smith replied simply through a mouthful of stormy grey fur. “No way in Tartarus Ah’m gonna let any youngin’ on this farm come in an’ go outta here without their lil’ barrel stuffed till they pop like a fritter. Jus’ you wait’ hon’ Ah’m gonna fill ya up so much that ya actually very well may pop.”

A shiver went down the bat winged colt’s spine, his eyes going comically white.

“Uh, what do you mean by that?” He fearfully asked as he was set down on his stool.

“You’ll see.” The mint green mare replied, a scary glint in her eyes as she grinned down at the colt. As Honey Blossom comforted him, Granny Smith turned to Sheton’s other three sisters. “Hey Goku, are you an’ yer sisters gonna join us? Or are ya gonna let yer poor brother hog all o’ the food fer himself?”

“Tch, as if we’d let our brother eat all of that food my himself!” Goku replied, her mouthwatering as she galloped over to the table. “Come on girls, let’s chow down!”

“Are you sure we have time for another breakfast Goku?” Midnight asked. “We still have a schedule we need to stick to, and it won’t really be good for us if we start slacking off.”

“Oh don’t worry dear sister…we have plenty of time. It still morning, and we don’t really need to worry about our schedule until sundown, which is the time our job will be over.” Snowdrop said, smiling reassuringly at her eldest sister. “Besides, I’ve been getting rather hungry myself, despite the wonderful breakfast mother and father prepared for us. And I know that you are too.”

As if to prove the mountain blue mare’s point, Midnight’s stomach growled painfully. She moaned softly as her feathered bat wings drooped and her expression became crestfallen.

“Y-you know what, I-I think I could go for a few more bites.” Midnight whined, following Snowflake as they joined the crowed of Apples. “Let’s just try to stay on schedule alright? The sooner we get this done, the sooner we get to hang out with our friends and relax, along with Sheton interacting with his new friends more.”

“Don’t worry big sister, we’ll remember.” Snowflake said, watching as her youngest sister wolfed down several fritters. “Though with how big our stomachs are, our dear sister and brother’s stomachs included, that may take a while.”

“Yeah, probably…” Midnight said sheepishly, moaning softly as she brushed her mane out of her face. With those words, both hybrid mares joined their siblings and the rest of the apple family in the brunch, eager to satisfy their near endless hunger once again.

Author's Note

Well, there's the third chapter, with a bit more change to it as it was for the third one involving Pinkie Pie and Melon Cake, though with this one, it was with a lot more changed detail. I had also shorted the description and made the interaction between Sheton, Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Anna Blaze a bit more restrained than in the last version that I wrote it in. I don't know why I had decided to write it the way that I did, probably because my brain was so out of whack and all of that stuff, despite how cute I believed that it would look for others to see, but...yeah, I can see that I didn't work out so well.

Anyway, I had decided to have that interaction restricted and more restrained for scenes much later on into the series, since Sheton was already getting that from Honey Blossom and Apple Bloom. The same thing goes with Granny Smith, since her scaring the ever living shit out of him, especially when they're just meeting, may give him the wrong impression about the mare, and be very scared to be around her. So I decided to make that scene a lot more relaxed and more tender than it was last time. Looking over it, I think that it was much more thoroughly executed and though out, and I think the same will eventually be said for the rest of my chapters of the girls, along with our dear animal care taker and librarian.

Well, that's all for this chapter; next time we're going through a polished interaction with everypony's favorite speedster Pegasus :raritywink: !

Chapter 6 - Loyal Bolts, Blossoming Flowers, and Kickers of Clouds

Goku could not remember a time where she was more stuffed that she did at Sweet Apple Acres. The Apple Family’s cooking easily rivaled Pinkie Pie, except with the tangerine mare she was more a breakfast, lunch and dinner type. Still, that didn’t make the brunch they made any less delicious. At Applejack’s offer, the Kirin siblings, literally stuffed their faces to the point where they were inflated like balloons. That time wasn’t just spent eating though, for Sheton spent some of that time playing with Apple Bloom and the rest of the apple foals. Something that delighted his sisters and Granny Smith to see.

By the time they were done they remembered that they still had the rest of the supervision to do, and it was just after morning. So, they quickly bid the Apple Family farewell, promising that they’d up again, and not just at the Summer Sun Celebration. This made Sheton’s heart flutter in excitement, having quickly grown to like Apple Bloom in their short time knowing her. Which was something that all three of his sisters took great pleasure in teasing him in.

“Wow! That was the second-best breakfast that I’ve ever had all day!” Goku exclaimed, licking her chops. “Of course, no offense to them, but your breakfast making talents will always be the best that I’ve ever tasted Midnight!”

“Thank you little sister, that means a lot to us.” Snowflake said gently, giving her youngest sister a pat on the head. “We know what you meant though, we didn’t take any offense to it. There are just some ponies out there who have better cooking talents than us.”

“Snowflake’s right Goku. It’s okay if you like Applejack’s food more than ours.” Midnight said with a slight wheeze. “Oooooooh, I think I ate way too much apple pie…”

“What’s wrong big sister? Has your large appetite finally reached its limit?” Goku asked, teasingly. “Come on, I thought that since you were the biggest that you could handle the most food in your stomach? Since Kirin stomachs are known have bottomless stomachs?”

“Just because I’m b-b-bigger than all of you…d-doesn’t mean that even I can’t get s-stomach aches from time to t-time.” The beetle back hybrid mare replied with a stutter, giving her youngest sister a slight scowl. She winced when she felt a small stab of pain shoot through her abdomen. “Besides Goku, you can eat more than any of us c-c-combined! I’m amazed that you don’t l-look like you’ve gotten f-filled to the brim b-by a Kirin stallion!”

“Well, I sure feel like my whole body was inflated by a helium machine meant for balloons.” Sheton whined as he rubbed his belly in pain. He rested atop Goku’s back, his fedora covering most of his face. “Uuuugh, why did I have to eat so many of those apple fritters?!"

“Because they’re the best bucking things that you've ever tasted in the whole entire world.” Goku replied slyly, looking back at her brother. “It’s alright though, you’re not the only one who eats that much. You certainly won’t be the last either! There will be plenty more Kirins who’ll probably eat more than all of us combined.” The tan hybrid mare looked over to Snowflake and asked, “Hey Snowy, do you know who we’re supposed to see next?”

The mountain blue mare reached into one of her saddlebags and pulled out the list. After flipping through the pages and looking down at the names, she softly replied, “The next pony is…Rainbow Dash, captain of the Ponyville Weather Team. It says that she’s supposed to be in charge of clearing the skies."

“I don’t really see much clouds being cleared in sky…or any clouds at all.” Sheton replied. “Do you think she’s having trouble?”

At these words, all three of her sisters paused, before they all gave off little giggles. Sheton was briefly taken aback by this, raising an eyebrow at his three sisters in confusion.

“What’s wrong?” he asked innocently. “Did I say something funny?”

“Oh sweet little brother. We find it rather adorable that you’d think that Rainbow Dash would have trouble clearing this many clouds.” She said, giving him an amused smile. “Had you known her as long as we have, you would think the opposite.”

Sheton tilted his head. “What you do mean?”

“In all the times that I’ve known Rainbow Dash, there is one thing that she is known for is her speed.” Goku explained. “When we were fillies, me and Rainbow were known as being the fastest fillies in Ponyville, and in Cloudsdale. Rainbow is all about flying, and one thing that she hates more than anything, besides math, science, and treachery, is going. Which is why she hates being confined somewhere where she won’t be able to stretch her wings. And before you ask, thank includes being in a classroom.”

The tan Pegasus shook her head as the memories flowed into her mind. “To her, going slow is like not wanting to fly, and that is one thing no Pegasus wants to experience. That’s why, as head of the Weather Team, she encourages and pushes all Pegasi to be everything that they could be. And the only reason why something like this hasn’t been done sooner is if they’re absolutely capable of doing it quickly and efficiently. That’s why Rainbow holds things out, because if she believes she can do it quickly, I can assure you she can get it done fast.” She chuckled. “That’s not to say that she would abandon her duties, because she wouldn’t. If there’s one thing that I also know, is that she would never leave anypony hanging. Be it me, her friends and family, and any other pony that she believes needs help.”

“You’ve got that right, G.” A raspy yet feminine voice said from behind her. “I find it pretty flattering that you’d say all that awesome stuff about me. Especially since it’s all right on the bat.”

All four Kirin siblings jumped at the sound of the raspy voice speaking to them from behind them. Before they could even make an attempt to turn around, they all felt themselves being blown off of their feet. A prismatic trail shot out from in-between them, causing them to spiral across the air due from the sudden speed and force. Luckily, they were able to catch themselves in the air, before hovering back to the ground. Sheton took a bit longer to gain control of his own body, due to him having not been prepared for the sudden flying. He was eventually able to prevent himself from crashing face first into the ground, having not been caught off guard enough.

Once they all landed, they looked up to the pony, only to see them zooming through the sky at speeds that’d make even the most agile of royal guards jealous. All they could see of the pony was a large prismatic rainbow trail darting through the sky. The watched as it zoomed across the sky; exploding through the clouds and disintegrating them into nothing.

“Um, is that…Rainbow Dash?” Sheton asked, looking at his sisters in confusion.

“Obviously.” Came Goku’s snort of reply as she watched the rainbow trail tears its way through the sky, letting the wind from the force of the pony’s speed make her mane and tail blow.

When the last of the clouds were out, the rainbow trail slowed to where the pony in it could be seen. It was a full-blooded Pegasus like them, a mare, and was quite the sight to see. To Sheton though, she was unlike any Pegasus, that he had ever seen in his entire life, not in size, but certainly in appearance. So much so that even if this were the only time that he would ever see her, he would never be able forget any part of her features.

The Pegasus had a pale light grayish cerulean coat, as if the cyan sky had painted her in its bright endless color. She had a long and gorgeous mane and tail that had all colors only found in that of the rainbow, which seemed to shine in the light of the sun, despite its messy state. Her eyes were stunningly beautiful, her irises a moderate cerise magenta pink color, one of the rarest eye colors to ever been seen on a pony.

Her wings were very large, looking sharp, curved and sleek, like the wings of a falcon, having feathers that were the same colors as her mane and tail. All seven in them could be seen adorning most of the feathers, making a beautiful combination of cyan and prismatic feathers. Right where her wing thumbs were supposed to be, a long cerise dagger like wing thumb claws could be seen jetting out from her wings, looking ready to slice somepony up. While her hooves were not the same color as her fur, they were definitely the same color as her eyes. A circle of prismatic rings could be seen on the top center of her back. Her chest had a mass of prismatic feathers adorning it, and her Cutie Mark was of a cumulus white cloud. It also had a lightning bolt jetting out of it, having the colors moderate blue, sun yellow and ruby red.

“Hello Rainbow Dash, I see that you’ve decided to show and grace us with your awesome speed and precision.” Snowflake murmured, running a hoof through her cumulus. “Though, did you really have to give us that kind?”

“Eh, I could’ve done that too, but that was just too good of an opportunity to pass up!” Rainbow Dash said as she let out a raspy laugh. A set of fangs could be seen gleaming from her mouth, much to Sheton’s surprise. “You should’ve seen the looks on your faces! You were like a flock of headless ducks flying out of control!”

“Yes Dash, you certainly nearly scared the Cutie Marks off of us with that trick.” Midnight said dryly, gently bopping the cyan mare on the nose. “Still, try to hold back next time alright? You almost seriously injured us back there.”

“Heh, sorry…I guess I did go a little overboard with that last trick.” Rainbow Dash said, giving off a little shrug. “I’ve spent so much time honing my speed and abilities that I didn’t really have time for something so…not fast.”

“Yeah, sure you did. I’m sure that you’ll get a lot better with Pinkie Pie helping ya.” Goku snorted dryly, giggling as Rainbow’s face paled. The tan hybrid mare spread her left wing and pulled the cyan mare into a side hug. “Either way, it’s totally awesome to see you again Rainbow Dash. We can’t tell you how much that we missed you.”

“Yeah well, I sure didn’t…at least not as much as you did me. Also, that’s my line by the way.” Rainbow Dash replied, draping a wing over Goku, a fanged grin making its way to her own face.

Rainbow Dash, also going by Rainbow Aurora Dash Wisp, was the third mare in Goku’s close group of friends that she had met in Ponyville. She was also one of the two full blooded Pegasi out of her small group of foalhood friends. Like the Kirin siblings, Derpy and Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash wasn’t from Ponyville, but city of Cloudsdale, where Derpy was born as well. Goku had meet the cyan Pegasus as a filly the same day that she had met Derpy. Only their meeting was more subdued and less of a little crash fest.

Goku had come across Dash and a group of Pegasus foals that were ganging up on the cyan filly. The tan filly wasted no time coming to the filly’s aid, all but demanding that the other foals stop picking on her. To Rainbow’s surprise, the bullies actually backed down, but not before one of them challenged her to a race. They betted that if she won, then they’d leave Rainbow Dash alone, but if they one, then she’d leave instead. Goku gladly took the deal, declaring to both the bullies and Rainbow with firm conviction that she was going to win that race and blow them away. Against everypony’s expectations, Goku one, and the bullies were forced to retreat with their heads hanging low. Soon after, the three Kirin siblings spent some time with Rainbow Dash, and the feral filly found herself liking the Kirin more and more as the day went by.

As the years went by, Goku and Rainbow Dash’s friendship only grew stronger, the tan and cyan filly meeting up with each other whenever they could. Be to go to special events, having sleepovers, or simply having races both in Ponyville and in Cloudsdale. The tan hybrid mare grew to know Dash as a mare that loved to fly, not wanting to go the least bit slow for any reason necessary. Like Applejack, she was a pretty stubborn mare, and just as, if not even less even-tempered than she was, just as hot-blooded as the farmer was. This led to her getting into fights with other ponies all her life, mostly because of what other ponies were saying about her. While she has been taught to control it, she hadn’t really made a lot of improvement, especially in the sparing sessions she and Goku had.

Rainbow Dash also came from a clan, which was evident by her last name and the rainbow ring tattoo on her back. Only with her, her clan had powers that were more...alien-like and out of this world, so to speak. By that, it meant that Rainbows family had powers that literally belonged to a race of aliens that lived in the very fragment of outer space. With powers that were given to an ancient and legendary defender of Equestria. With it, they had the power to literally move at speeds that far exceeded that of a pony, drill holes in the ground, shoot into the air like rockets, give off unicorn-like magical blasts, go in bodies of armor, and give off explosive attacks. They even had the power to go into a form that was only used as a last resort along with being more…brutal in nature. To put it simply, it was quite a family that was a force to be reckoned with, though it was nothing compared to that of the Kirins.

Out of all the qualities Rainbow Dash had, there was one thing that she took great pride in having and admired in anypony that had it. Rainbow admired a pony’s loyalty to another, and encouraged and taught other younger ponies to always be loyal to those they loved. That was the one thing that Rainbow hated more than losing, along with ponies hurting those she cared about. That being when one pony betrayed another, especially for no obvious reason than for their own gain.

Her whole family shared the exact same feelings, which is why they held on and prospered for so long along with their allies. The one thing that Goku and Rainbow Dash respected about each other, and made their friendship strong. One that would continue to do so for as long as either of them lived.

“So what the hay are you guys doing here in Ponyville?” Rainbow Dash asked, pulling away from Goku. “Other than the Summer Sun Celebration that’s going on tonight, there’s not really anything awesome happening at the moment.”

“Well if you must know Rainbow Dash” Snowdrop began, “We’re actually planning to move back here to Ponyville right after the Summer Sun Celebration. Though the reason why we’re hear so early isn’t because we finished moving. The Queen chose us to be the supervisors for the celebration, with my sister taking the lead. We had already checked off Pinkie Pie and Applejack, and we would’ve gotten to you and the others sooner, had we not decided to stay for brunch with the rest of her family.” She sighed as her feathered bat wings ruffled. “Oh why did they have to make all that food so good?”

“I can see that you three haven’t changed a single but. Still having those big dragon-sized bellies I see.” Rainbow Dash chuckled flashing a grin at the three sisters. Before she could say anything else, she noticed Sheton, who was right next to Midnight. “Hey, who’s the kid you have with ya?”

Goku’s hoof met her face so hard and so fast that it was amazing that she didn’t knock herself out and into a coma. Slamming her hoof back down, she looked up at Rainbow Dash with a rather annoyed expression. “Are you bucking kidding me right now Dash? First, it’s Applejack and now it’s you?! Seriously, you have to have at least some inking of seeing my little brother at some point and time! At least Pinkie Pie made some attempt to remember that I had at least one more sibling with me!” She gave a sigh as a hard snort blew from her nostrils. “I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised. This sort of thing happens with you often but seriously, if you remember all of our, you could also remember my brother’s name too!”

“Wait…oh yeah! He’s that colt that we all went to see back at Canterlot when you told us he was due that day!” the cyan mare’s cerise eyes widened as recognition came to her expression, looking down at the colt with a little grin as she flew over and ruffled his mane. “I can still remember when we all saw him for the first time, couldn’t get over how big his wings were, or that he was even half Thestral. Even more than the fact that your own mom was a full blooded Thestral too!”

“Yeah, you totally made that obvious with asking my Mom two hundred times if she was really a Thestral.” Goku deadpanned. “Every time I think I’ve seen just how patient she can be…she went and pulled that move. Then again, I tend to do the same thing whenever I’m in her position. I really am rubbing off of her along with Sheton, aren’t I?”

“Heheheheh, yeah, I guess you are.” Rainbow Dash replied, patting Goku on her back. “Still, it’s nice to see your little bro again. Gotta admit, he’s pretty cute…almost as cute as my little sister Fire Flash…almost.”

Sheton didn’t really say anything on that, just staring at the cyan mare with a somewhat fearful look in his eyes. He shrank away from her as he retreated behind Midnight, his ears flattened against his head. Rainbow Dash raised a prismatic eyebrow, a little taken aback by the colt’s behavior, not yet knowing what had frightened him.

“Uh, what’s the matter with him?” she asked, looking over at the three mares. “Is he afraid of me or something?”

“I wouldn’t say that he’s afraid of you, necessarily…but afraid of what’s on you.” Midnight replied, pointing to the cyan mare’s wings. “Look at your wings sweetie.”

“My wings? What’s wrong with my-” Rainbow Dash asked, but stopped short when she took a look at her wings. A set of large long cerise claws could be seen jetting out from where her wing thumbs were. The prismatic maned mare jumped in surprise, involuntarily flared her wings out as she backed away from the four siblings.

“Whoa! What the buck are those doing out?!” A large fanged sheepish smile made its way Rainbow’s face as she rubbed the back of her head, “S-s-sorry, I-I didn’t know they were visible this whole time! I thought they were tucked into my wings when I left my cloud house today.”

“No, it’s alright dear.” Snowflake said, holding a hoof up. “We just wanted to let you know that you had a little problem with your wings, that’s all.”

“Damn it, no wonder the Weather Team was on edge around me today. Ugh, I really gotta learn how to control these things.” After retracting her wing claws, Rainbow folded hem back to her sides as if they were swords being put back into their sheaths. Once they were secure, she looked down at Sheton and gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that squirt, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. I promise that I won’t happen again, forgive me?” She asked a sweat drop forming at the back of her head.

The stormy grey colt, seeing that the wing claws were no longer present, nodded slowly. Lifting shaky hoof to shake her’s for just a one solid second, before quickly retracting it. Rainbow Dash’s sheepish smile fell flat as she hung her head, a gloomy expression on her face as a gloomy cloud hovered over her. That was quickly banished when she felt Goku drape a wing over her back and smiled at her.

“It’s okay, Dash. We know you didn’t mean to scare out little brother.” She said looking down at her brother with a soft smile. “He was just a little taken aback by the claws he saw come out of your wings that’s all. He doesn’t hold it against you; though I think you should take yourself advice and making sure those claws of yours don’t show up at times where it isn’t needed.”

“Yeah, I can do that.” she nodded, her expression brightening a little. “Though it’s probably gonna take a long as time. Since I never really had any proper control over it since I was a filly.”

“So, Rainbow Dash,” Midnight began getting the cyan mare’s attention. “I heard something about you having a cloud house, what did you mean by that?”

To the mountain blue hybrid mare’s relief, Rainbow’s mood became positive again as she replied, “Oh yeah that’s right! I totally forgot to tell you guys! You know when we were fillies and teenagers that I always said that I’d get myself a nice big cloud mansion?”

“Oh yeah, we remember.” Goku nodded. “We remember how you went on and on about how you were going to get a house that was as cool as Rarity’s one day. Even cooler since it was going to be high in the clouds.”

“Well guess what?” Rainbow Dash asked, grinning excitedly. “When I moved her to Ponyville after getting a job on the Weather Team, I went to see Mayor Mare about any cloud houses that were for rent, and you will not believe what she showed me!”

Fighting back a squeal, she pointed out to the southeastern part of Ponyville, where a forested area could be seen. “That right there, right where I’m pointing is the awesomest most radical cloud house you’ll find! I mean, I knew that I’d get an awesome house, but I totally wasn’t expecting something like this!”

“Hmmm…yes, we can see it even from this far away. I can even see some structure to it, along with some rainbow waterfalls adorning it.” Midnight murmured as her sharp navy-blue eyes locked onto Rainbow’s cloud house. “Um, do you mind if we, um…take a closer look at it Dash? We have some time on us, and I think we can afford to take a little break before we have to do see the next pony.”

“That’s cool with me, I can totally take you guys if you want. All the more worth it to see the look on your faces when you when you actually see it.” Rainbow Dash giggled. “Plus, I have a couple other good friends of mine that’re watching it; ones that I think you’re gonna be real happy to see.”

With that, the cyan mare whirled around and shot off into the air, leaving a trail of prismatic colors in her wake. The Kirin siblings were not even a second behind her, as they too took off to the air, hot on Rainbow Dash’s trail.

All except for one that is.

Sheton was blown back by the combined force of all three of his sister’s used to take off into the air. He tumbled across the ground more than twenty feet away but managed to quickly recover and took back to here air. He noticed his hat lying only a foot away from him, and quickly grabbed it, before looking back up to see his sisters flying off.

“Hey, wait for me you guys!!” he yelled, spreading his own wings and taking off to the air after the other four Pegasi.

“Wow Rainbow Dash…you’ve really outdone yourself, haven’t you?” Goku asked as she stepped across the exterior of Rainbow Dash’s cloud house home. Each step she took made the cloud floor beneath her hooves give in somewhat and then inflate back into place. It made her feel like she was on a gigantic trampoline. “I haven’t seen a cloud house like this since those times we were at your parents’ house.”

I have to agree.” Snowflake nodded, giggling in amusement as Sheton bounce around on the front yard of the cloud house. “I’ve never felt a softer pair of clouds in all of my life.”

“It’s so big…almost as big as your family’s house!” Midnight said, looking around the cloud house exterior. “I can’t believe that you were even able to afford a house like this!”

Indeed, Rainbow Dash’s cloud house was quite a sight to behold, which wasn’t surprising due to her family being quite the wealthy one. The exterior of the cloud house looked more like a large towering mansion, and very wide in length. It had a large long cyan trail leading out to the large front yard of the cloud house, the left side having a little prismatic waterfall coming out of a large gaping hole. There was also a giant piece of cloud, which had a prismatic pond on top of it, the same color as Rainbow’s mane. The right side of the cloud house had another waterfall from a cloud that fell into one that was down below, connected to the house.

The block-like tower of the cloud house was cyan in color, with many windows carved into the house for all to look outside, having white pillars connected by large chunks of cloud that swirled both above and below the tower. The very top of the cloud house had the sculpture of a white stallion with a large magnificent pair of wings spread out for all to see. On the right side behind the cloud house, was a large prismatic rainbow that flowed right down to the large backyard of Rainbow Dash’s home.

“I know, it’s a pretty radical place isn’t it? What’d you expect? Did you honestly I’d get a house like the one’s in town?” The cyan mare asked, putting a magenta hoof to her chest. “As if! I need a place that’ll let me move around as much as I like!” She flared her wings out for emphasis as she extended her wings claws. “Plus, I need a place that doesn’t have deep slash marks in them if I accidentally slice the walls while doing my morning workouts.”

‘For some reason I feel like that’s the second biggest reason why she bought this place, so she won’t have to pay as much.’ Goku thought dryly. “Well Dash, it looks like you got a rather exquisite looking house here, just like you said you would.”

“Yep, I sure did! And you should’ve seen the look on Rarity’s face when she first saw me new home! She looked like she was going to fall on one of those dumbass fainting couches that she has!” Rainbow Dash nodded, holding back a fit of laughter. “Oh, it was so good! I’ve never seen anything more hilarious in my bucking life!”

“Of course you’d enjoy seeing flabbergasted looks on ponies faces when you prove them wrong and prove yourself right Dash.” Snowflake sighed, shaking her head. “You certainly have not changed a single bit dear…”

“Nope, you bet your sweet fanged ass I haven’t!” Rainbow Dash nodded, grinning widely. “And as long as I’m still in this awesome town, I’m still going to be known as the most awesomest hottest, and sexiest ass Pegasus ever!”

All of a sudden, there was a crash from the interior of the cloud house, making all four mares flinch and turn to the door. The sound of screaming and laughing could be heard from inside the house, along with some muffled indignant talking. Sheton, who had been bouncing on the clouds, stopped when he heard the sound, and looked up at Rainbow Dash.

“Uh, Miss Dash.” He began, brushing his mane away. “What was that sound? Did it come from inside your house.”

Rainbow Dash groaned, a hoof coming to her face as her ears flattened. “Ugh, yeah squirt, it did, and I think I know what, or rather, who, the buck it is that’s causing it!”

Before anypony could ask, Rainbow Dash turned around and bucked her door open before zooming inside, a very pissed off look on her face. Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight all looked at each other in perplexation, before flying into the house. Sheton, after a moment’s hesitation, followed after them, and all four of their jaws dropped at what they saw take place.

The interior of the Rainbow Dash’s cloud house looked to be just as glamorous as the exterior of it, with a cloud floor also inside of it. On the left side of the house was a red couch having a pillow and a pink blanket, with a few books a guitar, and a closet a few feet away from it. Next to that very same closet, was a large cloud staircase that led up to Rainbow Dash’s bedroom, with a hanger having a white coat and hat. Next to both appendages, was a large hallway leading into a rather large looking kitchen. On the right side of that hallway, was a large screen T.V. with a game system, and a huge purple family couch, having white clouds adorning it, with a large matching desk. At last, there a few or so posters adorning either part of the portion of the room on either side of the kitchen. Along with a symbol of the Moon hanging from the entrance of Rainbow Dash’s kitchen.

Despite all of the rather awesome things that was being presented in Rainbow Dash’s home, that was not what had the Kirin siblings gawking. Nor was it the thing that had Rainbow Dash looking like she was going to ring somepony’s neck.

What had them in such states was the fact that two Pegasus mares were flying around the cyan mare’s house. One of which looking scared out of her mind, while the other had a hungry and mischievous look in her eyes.

“Cloud Kicker, for the last time, we are not going to bang each other right here in Rainbow Dash’s home!” The first mare said, her tone filled with fright as she flew frantically around the cloud house. She had a pinkish grey coat that looked to be mostly white with closer inspection, and a brilliant cerise and grayish emerald green mane and tail. Her eyes were a beautiful brilliant cornflower blue, and her wings and tail feathers were a combination of her mane and eyes. Around Blossomforth’s neck, was the same dog-like collar and roseray that Derpy had, , and her Cutie Mark was of a red and blue flower. “We told her that we’d look after it while she was away, not stain the clouds even whiter than they already are!”

“Awww don’t be such a party pooper Blossomforth, it’s just gonna be a quickie that’s all!” The other Pegasus mare, Cloud Kicker said slyly a predatory grin plastered onto her face. She had a pale persian blue coat, with an amber yellow mane and tail that had a light-yellow streak in them. Her eyes were a grayish cerise color and she had the same color and chain hanging from her neck like Blossomforth. Only with her, it was in the shape of a dragon winged wolf, and her Cutie Mark was of a cloud with a sun in front of it. “And you and I both know what a quickie is!”

“Of course I do; at least for you! It means pinning me down and plowing me senseless until the Sun comes up! With a banana of all things!” Blossomforth retorted, hovering above Cloud Kicker. “Do you seriously wanna take the risk of Rainbow slicing us to bits because you wanna use me as your buck toy?!”

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.” Cloud Kicker chuckled, twirling the banana in her hoof. “Either way, it’d be worth the risk to see that cute face of yours go into a tomato!”

Blossomforth’s face erupted into a massive blush. “Goddammit Cloud Kicker…why do you have to be so sexually driven all the bucking time?”

“’Cause I’m one of the most sexually active ponies alive, that’s why.” Cloud Kicker giggled, flashing Blossomforth mare a toothy grin. “I proved it to you when we were teens, in Cloudsdale Magic College and long before we started working for Dash. And I’ll prove it to you again right here right now if you want.”

“Uh, c-could it at least wait until we get back to your place?” Blossomforth asked timidly as she slowly hovered away from Cloud Kicker. “R-Rainbow said that she’d be bag in twenty minutes, a-and it’s almost that time. S-she could be arriving here at any minute now…!”

“That’s fine with me. You know how I love it when somepony’s watching me get it on.” Cloud Kicker said, pressing her forehead directly against Blossomforth’s. “Who knows, maybe Boss will want to join us. I certainly wouldn’t be against it.” She brushed the banana against the other mare’s cheeks, causing them to grow a darker shade of red. “And I know deep down, you wouldn’t be either.”

“In that case why don’t I do just that?”

Both mares went as still as clouds in the air, the only thing on them making any sort of movement being their wings. Slowly turning around, they found themselves staring into the gleaming magenta eyes of Rainbow Dash, who looked like she was going to slice their throats open.

“Oh uh…h-h-hey Rainbow Dash.” Cloud Kicker said, her sensual mischievous tone turning to into one of terror and timidity. “W-welcome back home…w-we…we were just-”

“About to buck each other into my couch until its painted white?!” Rainbow Dash shouted baring her fangs. “Seriously, what the bucking hay is wrong with you two?! I go away for at least twenty minutes and this is what I find?! You two about to grind each other’s asses until you can’t walk?!”

Blossomforth’s mouth fumbled for words. “N-now Dash, i-it isn’t what it looks like-!”

“Shut, up! Just shut your sorry asses up! I don’t wanna here another bucking word!” Rainbow Dash shouted, holding a hoof up as she used the other to rub her forehead. “Just…warn me the next time you guys are gonna pull some crap like this alright? I seriously don’t wanna come home and see my couch all white and covered in a funky smell.”

“What does she mean by that?” Sheton asked, looking up at his older sisters. “The couch is on top of the cloud floor, and I don’t smell anything funky.”

“We’ll tell you when you’re older sweetie.” Goku murmured, smiling slightly at her little brother. “Trust me, the wait will be worth it.”

“We’re sorry Rainbow Dash.” Blossomforth said, hanging her head dejectedly. “I tried to stop her, but she just wouldn’t listen. She was so insistent on taking me that she didn’t think about how you would take this.”

“Didn’t you hear what I just said?!” Cloud Kicker shouted, glaring daggers at the pinkish grey Pegasus. “I said that she could join us whenever she wanted! I was trying to make sure that she didn’t feel left out if she wanted to have a go with both of us!”

“Yes, except we’d be doing it in her home without her permission!” Blossomforth retorted, pouting at the persian blue mare. “I know that Dash can be hospitable and all, but even she’d like us to ask her before we do something like…like this!”

Cloud Kicker giggled. “Well, we did ask her if we could crash over at her place, so…that kind of counts.”

“No it doesn’t!” Rainbow Dash shouted, a tick mark appearing on her forehead. A sigh escaped her throat as she snorted. “Anyway, if you two are done trying to eat each other’s asses out, I have a few new guests. I was going to find you sometime before the Summer Sun Celebration to introduce you to them, but since you’re here, I might as well-”

A squeal got Rainbow Dash’s off as Blossomforth soared passed the cyan mare and tackled her to the floor in a hug. Goku laughed as the pinkish grey mare hugged her tightly around her barrel and nuzzled their cheeks together.

“Well, I see the Flower Filly of Cloudsdale is happy to see me again.” The tan hybrid mare said, chuckling a bit as she hugged Blossomforth back. “Still, you could’ve held back a bit though. You almost shot me out of the door.”

“I’m sorry Goku. I’m just so happy to see that your back here in Ponyville again!” Blossomforth giggled, nuzzling her nose against Goku’s. “I haven’t seen you Snowflake, or Midnight in the last four years! It feels like it’s been forever!”

“Same here, we were wondering how long it would take before we’d get to see you and Cloud Kicker again.” Snowflake chuckled as her sister and Blossomforth both got up. “You two are looking quite well. I can see that you’ve become quite the lookers since we last saw each other.”

“We could say the same to you too Snowflake.” Cloud Kicker said sultrily as she walked up to the three mares. Her greyish cerise eyes scanned each other bodies, taking in the slenderness and curves on top of the well tone muscles they had. “All three of you have become quite the hotties ever these last four years, even more so than even I thought possible.”

“Well, we are members of the Secret Magic Clans of Equestria Cloud Kicker.” Blossomforth giggled. “Along with intense amounts of magical power, we also gain looks that would make other mares and stallions envious. So, we more or less should’ve been expecting it…but I admit, they do look very beautiful.”

“And you’re saying that you two don’t look the same?” Goku asked, wrapping a foreleg around Blossomforth. “I seem to recall you saying that you were going to become as beautiful as any other Rosario in your family.” She ran a hoof across Blossomforth’s cheeks a sultry look coming to her eyes. “And it looks like you succeeded my dear Blossom.”

Blossomforth blushed, smiling bashfully as Goku slowly and sensually rubbed her cheek against her own. “W-well…I-I was always insecure about my looks, a-and I always wanted to feel at least a little bit pretty. S-so…I did all I could to make sure that I did, and, well…here I am.”

“Oh Blossom, you don’t need to fell so self-conscious about your looks.” Cloud Kicker said, coming on the pinkish grey Pegasus’s side and brushing her tail under her chin. “Even if you don’t have a whole lot of outside beauty, you still have it inside of you. And it’s what’s inside that truly counts.”

“Y-yeah, I know.” Blossomforth said timidly as Midnight draped a wing over her. “Thanks Cloud Kicker.”

Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker were two other ponies that the Kirin Thestral sisters had met, coming from the exact same city as Derpy and Rainbow Dash. While their meeting wasn’t as active as it was with the former or unpleasant as it was with the latter, it was certainly a big surprise. One that Blossomforth would rather not discuss for the sake of not being embarrassed or teased by Cloud Kicker. The three sisters had run into the two as fillies after catching them being rather close to one another in ways left for ponies at least several years older. This also led to a rather awkward conversation between the five flyers that soon ended in them accepting the three siblings’ hooves in friendship.

As the Goku and the two other flyers grew, the tan mare and her sisters came to know Blossomforth as a mare that was a caring and always concerned for the safety of others around her. She had a very sweet side to her, her honied words able to draw almost anypony towards her and melt even the iciest of hearts and warm them. As with any Rosario, she had a motherly side to her, showing just how good she was with kids, making her a suitable foalsitter for anypony in Ponyville. Blossomforth was also a mare that loved being around nature as evident by her Cutie mark, also having quite the way with animals.

She had a loyal side to her that was as powerful as Rainbow Dash’s, not being one to abandon those that were clearly in need, and very kind hearted as well. Blossomforth also had a rather affectionate side to her, and loved showering foals in it, as she had a fondness for them as strong as that of animals. She could be a bit on the timid side, pretty nervous about meeting someone new for the first time. Despite her slight meekness, when the moment called for it, she could be very stern and firm, letting those around her to watch their step.

Cloud Kicker was a mare who was more laid back then Blossomforth, but was by no means any less kinder than she was. With her though, she was more on the sultry and sensual side, a pony that really likes getting rather personal with ponies that caught her eye. She was very cool and collected, not one to get angered very easily, able to blow off almost anything ponies said about her. Like Blossomforth, she also loved foals, and could be rather fiercely protective of them if she really wanted to, even if those foals aren’t really her’s. Cloud Kicker was also quite the sharp mare too, even if she didn’t really show it, and one who really new to be serious when the moment called for it. This made her quite efficient in the work that she did in the Cloudsdale Weather Factory, and somepony to look to for problems like weather management.

As with Rainbow Dash, Blossomforth and the Kirin Thestral siblings Cloud Kicker came from a clan that was not exactly as known as Goku and her friends own. It was one where ponies had the abilities to transform into either half breeds or full breeds of feral wild dogs, with senses of smell, sight and hearing, feeling, and taste that would be the equivalent of that of an entire back. Their connection to the earth would also be on par with that of the strongest Earth Pony, and were even able to dig and drill their ways through the ground like a mole. As if that wasn’t enough, this particular species of dog they could turn into allowed them to eat gems, and drain them of their magic power to increase their own. They also had another type of power hidden in the necklace she wore, similar to Blossomforth, Derpy and Goku’s own. One that was, despite the incredible power, only used as a last resort due to the destruction it left behind. If they were lucky, they wouldn’t have to use it, but when they did, may Faust have mercy on those who’re in the middle of it.

“Ahem! If the five of you are done being all mushy towards each other…” Rainbow Dash said, letting out a big cough. “…there’s somepony else that I think you should meet.”

The cyan mare tilted her head to the side, making the two Pegasus mares look in that direction as well. A gasp escaped Blossomforth as she and Cloud Kicker took notice of Sheton, who was busying himself with bouncing on the cloud floor. He didn’t take notice of the two mares staring at him, due to how much fun he was having, but when he did, he froze.

“O-oh, um…hello there.” He said, his timidity taking over as he shrunk away. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t say anything…I was, um…distracted.”

“Well hello there, sweetie!” Blossomforth cooed, walking over and crouching down in front of the colt. She made sure to keep just far away from Sheton, so he wouldn’t feel nervous or scared by her. “What’s your name?”

Sheton poked his hooves together, his mane spilling over his face as he smiled shyly at the pinkish blue mare. It took him a moment to reply, since was so transfixed at the gentleness in Blossomforth’s eyes and the sweetness in her tone, but he managed to reply back. “M…m-my name is Sheton…S-Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. I-I’m Goku, Snowflake, a-and Midnight’s little b-brother.”

“Oh, you’re their brother, are you?” Blossomforth asked, sitting on her haunches in front of Sheton. The colt blushed as the mare’s chest fur puffed out and bounced as she tucked her forelegs in between her hindlegs. “Well you certainly do have the appendages that show it…and you are an adorable little one!”

“Y-you…really think I’m cute?” Sheton asked, looking up at Blossomforth. “You’re not bothered by my appearance?”

Blossomforth shook her head, her smile as gentle as ever. “No, of course I’m not baby. I’ve known your sisters ever since I was a filly! I’ve long since gotten used to the fact that they’re Thestrals, so I’m not bothered that you’re one too.” She giggled, her watermelon mane bouncing slightly along with her chest fluff. “What I am surprised by the fact is that they have a little brother. One I had no idea about!”

“Same here. Not one time did I get any mentioning that they were gonna have a little brother.” Cloud Kicker said, looking down at the colt for a moment before looking over at his three sisters. “In fact, for a second there I thought that he was one of your foals.”

A look of bemusement came over Goku’s features. “And what, may I ask, gave you any indication that Sheton was my son?”

“Well, why wouldn’t I think that?” Cloud Kicker asked, tilting her head. “I mean look at him; the overly long mane and tail, the way he was standing beside you, and the fact that you look old enough to be his mom. It’s not too hard for ponies to think that you two are mother and son.”

“Okay, first of all Midnight and Goku both have extended manes, a habit that G may have picked up from her, no offense.” Rainbow Dash deadpanned. “Second of all, Goku is twenty-two years old, way too young to be the kid’s mom! Third, how does the way he was standing next to G give any hint that Sheton is Goku’s son?!”

“Well, you never really know Rainbow Dash.” Cloud Kicker replied giving a little shrug. “There are many foals that hang around adult ponies in a way that makes it seem like they’re parent and child. I took notice of with him and Goku a few moments ago and they looked to be with each other in a way that made it look like she was his Mom. Not that I was saying that Goku was the little cuties mom, but…just a hunch.”

“A hunch…” Snowflake muttered, giving a half-lidded stare at the persian blue mare. “…right.”

“Either way,” Cloud Kicker continued, looking back down at Sheton. “I have to say one thing, he’s certainly a little sight to see. I think this is the second time that I’ve seen somepony that looks like a Thestral, even if they are half of it.” She hovered closer and stopped just in front of the colt, slightly closer than Blossomforth was. A small grin came to her face as she looked him over, her eyes taking in all of his features. “Hmmm…yeah, he’s totally a cute one, and he looks even more so with that large hat on his head. And those fangs…they look pretty long and sharp too…interesting…”

Blossomforth glanced over at Cloud Kicker, her blue eyes narrowed. “Cloud, if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking-”

“No I’m not, relax there Blossom! I was just having a look at him that’s all.” Cloud Kicker said, patting the pinkish grey mare on her head. She then turned back to Sheton, a sultry, yet gentle smile on her face. “So little cutie, whatcha doing here with your big sisters in a big town like this? You lookin’ for any cute little fillies ya wanna hook up and spend a night with?”

“Cloud!” Blossomforth chided sharply.

‘Oh great, another mare who wants to tease me about fillies! Just my luck!’ Sheton thought dejectedly as he internally whined. “U-um, no, not really. I’m actually here with my sisters to help them supervise the Summer Sun Celebration…a-and…see if I can make any friends.”

“Make friends?” Blossomforth asked, blinking in surprise. “Are you meaning to say that you don’t have any friends back where you’re from?”

Sheton shook his head sadly, looking up at Blossomforth with a look of gloominess. “I do, but it’s only two or three friends. one is a Kirin like me, the others is a Thestral, while the other is a hybrid of two of the three Pony Tribes. Other than those three, I don’t have any friends at the school that I go to, a-and those that do talk to me are either bullies or those that tell me to stay away from them.” Tears built up in the colt’s eyes as he sniffled. “N-nopony else wanted to be my friend, and no matter how hard I try, it never worked. B-because…because they’re too afraid of p-ponies like me!”

A gut-wrenching whimper left Sheton as he closed his eyes, one of his hooves making its way to his face to brush away his tears. His three sisters and Rainbow Dash all looked down at the colt with sympathetic eyes, feeling their hearts break at the sight. Blossomforth, unable to take seeing the colt sad any longer, reached over and pulled him into a warm hug.

“Oh, you poor baby! It’s okay…there there, don’t cry.” She cooed softly as she rubbed his back, letting him cry into her shoulder. “It’s okay, I know how hard it is to be befriended by somepony because of what you are. Don’t worry, you’ll find somepony who’ll be your friend! You just need to search for the right ones who will.”

“Blossom’s right kiddo.” Cloud Kicker said, gingerly brushing the colt’s tears away. “Trust me, we know how you feel. We were the same way when we were your age, having trouble finding ponies who’ll accept us for who they are. I admit, it sucked big time, and we had those lame moments where we thought we wouldn’t find any friends. Still, we didn’t let that stop us, we stuck through thick and thin, toughed it out, and soon enough, me and Blossomforth found each other. So don’t worry, it may not seem like it will now, but trust me, you’ll find a group of friends who be just fine with ya. And if they don’t, well, then it’s their loss for judging ponies by their appearance.”

“That’s a good point there Cloud.” Midnight. “Speaking of which, you did happen to meet a couple of sweet little fillies earlier this morning, didn’t you little brother? They saw that you were a half Thestral and Kirin and neither of them were bothered by it. In fact, they seemed to be rather fascinated by it! You didn’t forget that, did you?”

Sheton sniffled, pulling his head away from Blossomforth’s shoulder as he shook his head. “N-no, I didn’t…I’m sorry sis. I-I was just reliving some bad memories of when I was going to the school in Canterlot that’s all. I’m sorry that I lost it back there.”

“That’s okay sweetheart, everypony needs a good cry every now again.” Blossomforth said kindly, kissing the colt on his forehead. “It always makes me feel better in the end, even if it leaves you with itchy eyes and a nasty headache. But still, Cloud Kicker’s point still stands; in time you’ll gain a lot of friends who’ll except you for who you are. And if they can’t get over their fear of you being a Thestral or a Kirin, then too bad for them…they’ll have no idea what they’re missing out on.” Her ears perked as her smile widened slightly. “Hey, me and Cloud Kicker could be your friends if you want!”

“Y…you do?” Sheton asked, sniffling slightly. “Y-you want to be my friends?”

“Yeah, if you want…like Blossom said, the friends that do count are the ones who’ll get past the bat fangs and scaly skin.” Cloud Kicker said, smiling at the stormy grey colt. “And luckily for you, we’re one of those ponies, especially since we share the same pain. So whaddya say little cutie? You want these two beautiful hot sexy assed mares as friends for a cute handsome little stud like you?”

“Did you really have to say sexy assed?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow at the persian blue mare. “What’re you trying to do, seduce the poor kid?”

“Yeah Cloud, he’s embarrassed enough already.” Blossomforth nodded, holding the colt close to her chest. “Don’t make it any worse by teasing and flirting with him.”

“Oh, like you’re one to talk.” Cloud Kicker snorted dryly, playfully punching the pinkish grey mare on his shoulder. “I wasn’t the one whose chest popped out when you greeted the kid.”

“Nor was I the one who made it look like I was coming onto him!” Blossomforth retorted. “I mean, honestly Cloud Kicker, were you trying to make the poor baby die of embarrassment!”

“No, I just wanted to let him know that he can always come to us whenever he feels like he needs somepony to talk to or hangout with.” Cloud Kicker replied, grinning slyly as she looked back down at Sheton. “And if he wants…maybe spend a night over with us and have some fun together.”

“Okay, now I know you are trying to seduce him!” Rainbow Dash snapped, a tick mark appearing on her forehead. “I can see it all over that dumb bitchy sly ass grin of yours!”

The persian blue mare batted her eye lashes innocently. “I don’t know what you mean. Why dumb bitchy sly ass grin are you talking about? I’m not planning anything even remotely inappropriate or embarrassing for our new little friend here whatsoever. Just telling him he’s always got friend in me and Blossom anytime! Nope, nothing mischievous here!”

“Inappropriate? No. Embarrassing? Abso-bucking-lutely.” Goku snorted. “You are such a liar Cloudy.”

“Actually, you know what? I think that’d be kind of nice.” Sheton replied, gaining both mare’s attention again. “T-the only other adult friends that I’ve had are my parents, my sisters and a couple of her friends too. I-I know I should have friends my own age, but it’d be nice to have a few adult friends too. P-plus, I’ll have somepony to go to and keep me safe if none of my sisters are around or if I’m in danger or something.”

“So I’d take that as a yes then?” Blossomforth asked, tilting her head to the side. At the colt’s nod, Blossomforth’s expression brightened before hugging the colt again. “Wonderful! I’m so happy that you’re letting us be your friends Sheton! I promise, I’ll treat you like any other pony would treat another here in this town!”

“That’s right.” Cloud Kicker said, booping Sheton on his nose. “And if anypony give you any trouble, give us the signal, and we’ll rip their little throats out with our bare teeth.”

Sheton gulped, his face flushing blue. “Uh is that supposed to be your own way of promising you’ll keep me safe or that anypony who tries to hurt me is dead meat?”

“Both.” Cloud Kicker winked. “And a sign that any little filly or mare that tries to take advantage of you in some way, they’re dead meat too.”

“Like how you try to seduce me in bed and plow me until your bed is covered in different types of juices?” Blossomforth asked, raising a watermelon eyebrow at the persian blue mare.

Cloud Kicker deadpanned. “You know what I meant.”

“Anyway, now that we’ve got all of the seducing and banging talk out of the way…” Rainbow Dash sighed, flying over to the trio and landing next to them. “So kiddo, you said you’re here with your big sisters to see if you can make some friends huh? Well, I think I may know somepony who’ll be the perfect fit for you.”

“You do?” Sheton asked curiously. “Who’s that?”

Wordlessly, Rainbow Dash zoomed off up the stairs and into the left hallway leading further upstairs. Just two seconds later, she came back down holding out a picture of what looked to be here giving a foal a noogie. Upon closer inspection, he could see that the foal was a Pegasus, a filly, with the reddest fur that he had ever seen as if it was that of blood. She had a mane and tail with a combination of orange, yellow, and red, giving of a fiery look to it, amplified by her blazing golden yellow eyes. No Cutie Mark was adorned on her flank, though she did have some bandages wrapped around her forehooves.

“Is this her?” Sheton asked putting his hoof on the picture.

“You bet, squirt! This is Fire Flash, the bestest little sister that I could ever ask for!” Rainbow Dash asked, beaming proudly as she turned the picture around and hugged it to her feathered chest. “I always wanted a little sis who not only looked up to me, but wanted to be just like me too! I couldn’t have asked for a better family or sister than my own!”

“Well she certainly is an adorable little one, isn’t she?” Midnight asked, smiling at the cyan mare’s reaction. “Something tells me that she’s gonna be a beautiful mare someday.”

“Well, I wouldn’t really say beautiful…because that just sounds girly, and you know how I hate mushy and girly things.” Rainbow Dash said, putting a hoof to her mouth and faking a gag. “I would say, she’ll be totally awesomely hot and radically sexy! With an even sexier ass to boot! That’s what I would say at least.”

“Oh, is that so?” Cloud Kicker chuckled. “And you’re saying that I don’t have a sexy ass? One so good that it can take a shit ton of spankings?”

“Shut it you.” Rainbow Dash hissed, eyes flashing as she glared at the persian blue mare. With a huff, the cyan mare turned to look back down at Sheton, only to see him staring at the picture with wonder. Her scowl slowly turned into a smirk as she put a foreleg roughly around the hybrid colt’s shoulder.

“What’s up there, little guy?” She asked teasingly. “You thinkin’ about hookin’ up with my awesome little sis when you’re older? ‘Cause of what I said about her bein’ hot and all?”

Sheton’s head snapped up so fast that his hat flew off. “No, that’s not true in the least!” he replied with a totally unconvincing smile on his face. “In fact…she’s not really my type…like at all.”

“Oh really?” Goku asked with a chuckle. “Then why were you constantly blushing around Apple Bloom and Melon Cake and giving them a dreamy expression when they weren’t looking?”

Sheton whipped his head around and glared hard at the tan mare. “Don’t you dare bring that up!” He shouted with a hiss, before turning back to Dash. “A-anyway, like I said, she’s totally not my type! I-I’m not really into the um…fillies that are feisty and full of s-spunk…

“Uh-huh, sure you’re not…” Rainbow Dash nodded grinning widely at the colt’s blushing face. “It’s okay, I don’t really blame you. She’s just too awesome, I know, which should be expected coming from a family like mine. Don’t worry, It’s totally cool with me if you want to date her when the time comes, cause with how hot she’s gonna get when she’s my age, I find it hard to believe you wouldn’t want to.”

Her expression suddenly became serious and stern as she leaned in closer to the colt. “I will say this though, if you are planning’ to hook up with my sister, then you’d better work yourself to the bone to make her feel like the happiest filly alive. Fire Flash made a fine group of friends since going to school here, and if there’s one thing that she won’t forgive so easily, is any of them betraying her, unless they had no choice. I love Fire Flash even more than I do my own mom and pop, and the last thing that I want is to see her hurt. And I won’t let anypony get away with that.” She said, lightly probing her hoof into his chest. “Not even cute fire breathing little colts like you.”

A cough made Rainbow Dash look over, and felt herself inwardly quivering at the piercing gazes directed at her by Sheton’s sisters. They didn’t even need to say anything to let the mare know that she should chose her words carefully, least she get burned to a crisp. Heading the warning, she looked back down at the colt with a softer look, and continued more calmly. “What I mean is, if you’re planning to be friends or something more with Fire Flash, then you’d better be by her side to the bitter end, as friends should do. Or else you and I are gonna be having a very uncool talk, are we clear?”

“C-c-crystal!” Sheton squeaked quietly. “I-I promise that I’ll-”

“That being said.” Rainbow Dash continued. “I’m also going to be expecting the same thing from Fire Flash when she meets you too. Meaning she’d better stick by you as much as you’ll do for her in the future, or else she’s gonna be getting it from me. To put it more simply, you both had better be there for each other and be by one another’s side, or else you’re both gonna be getting an uncool talk for me. You got that?”

Sheton, after getting over his surprise at what Rainbow Dash had said, nodded slowly. “I…yes Dash…I promise, on my Kirin honor, that I’ll always be there for F-Fire Flash. Especially when times get tough, e-especially when we’re in battle.”

“Good, glad to hear it.” Rainbow Dash said, brightening as she gave the colt a noogie. “I think you and I are gonna be really cool from now on.”

“Real cool, huh?” Cloud Kicker murmured to Blossomforth. “I wonder what she means by that.”

Blossomforth slapped her shoulder with a wing. “Shush you…”

Rainbow Dash stood back up and gave a little stretch, before sighing and looking back out at the window. Her eyes widened when she saw the sun was almost halfway down the horizon. “Oh buck me in the ass! You guys gotta go, the sun’s almost halfway across the sky and you still have like, two more ponies to meet before your supervision is complete!”

Goku gasped as her feathered bat wings flared out. “Oh man, I completely forgot this time! Dammit, I really need to stop getting so bucking sidetracked!” Running over, she pulled Sheton into her forelegs before making a beeline for the door. “See you later one tonight, Rainbow Dash! Say hi to your folks for me!” The tan hybrid mare yelled over her shoulder as she and her siblings flew out the door. “Bye Blossomforth, Cloud Kicker! See you at the Summer Sun Celebration too!”

“See ya! Don’t worry, I totally will!” Rainbow Dash called back, landing just outside her door.

“Bye Snowflake, Midnight, Goku! See you all later tonight!” Blossomforth called out, waving an enthusiastic hoof. “By Sheton! It was nice meeting you sweetie!”

“By Blossomforth, Cloud Kicker!” Sheton squeaked back. “It was nice meeting you too!”

“Oh those three, they haven’t changed one bit.” Cloud Kicker sighed, shaking her head. “Still the same old ponies they were four years ago…especially that Goku…the scary part of her too.”

“Heh, no they have not.” Rainbow Dash said, shaking her head. “It sure brings back memories doesn’t it? Having those three here with us all the time back in Cloudsdale…ugh, I’m getting all mushy just thinking about it!”

“Come on Rainbow, you know you love those memories.” Blossomforth giggled, smiling fondly at Rainbow Dash. “All those times you used to race Goku and her sisters and go to all those special flying events. It makes you feel as if you were just a filly yourself again doesn’t it?”

Rainbow Dash stared at the pinkish grey mare for a moment, before letting a little chuckle. “Heheh…yeah, I does…I admit those were some awesome times those were. Looking back on all that, I don’t think I have any regrets either. Those were the days they were…being able to fly wild and free, race all of those punks, and show why the Pegasi are the masters of the skies!”

“Yeah yeah Dash, we know…you were the awesomest filly in Cloudsdale. You don’t need to keep rubbing it in every time you talk about it.” Cloud Kicker said rolling her eyes. “Jeez, Fire Flash really does take after you.”

“You better believe she does! She is one awesome little filly, and the both of you know it!” The cyan mare boasted, puffing her chest out. “And by the time both she and G’s little bro meet each other he’s gonna think it too! Along with how incredibly drop dead hot she is! I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees-”

Rainbow Dash stopped abruptly as her sister’s name came back to her, her cerise eyes widening as a horrified expression came to her face. All the color left her face as the bottom of her stomach dropped like a Pegasus shot out of the sky.

“Um…Rainbow Dash?” Blossomforth asked worriedly. “Is there something wrong?”

The next words that came out of Rainbow’s mouth were said with such intensity that Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker jumped back a full ten feet. “Oh BUCK ME, FIRE FLASH!! I was supposed to pick her up two hours ago! Son of a bitch! She’s gonna be so pissed at me for making her wait, I gotta dash there NOW!”

Flaring her falconoid wings, she took off into the air, creating a powerful shockwave that blew back the clouds on her front yard. She only got twenty feet away before she stopped, and looked back down at Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker.

“Blossom, CK, sorry about cutting this short, but I have to go and pick up my little sis! You guys mind watching my house until I get back!”

“You got it boss!” Cloud Kicker replied, giving the cyan mare a salute. “Take all the time you need! Me and Blossom will keep it nice and clean!”

‘That is if you don’t try to bed me in her home first.’ Blossomforth thought, glancing at the persian blue mare with a slight blush. ‘Again…’

As if reading Blossomforth’s mind, Rainbow Dash bared her fangs and growled, “You’d better, cause if I come back and find even and inkling of you two bucking each other on my couch, I can assure you that it’s gonna take a major cut out of your paychecks! And you’ll be lucky if I do just that instead of going to Manager Silver Speed and telling her about what I caught you guys doing back at the Weather Factory! You got that?!”

“Y-yes ma’am!” Blossomforth squeaked, nodding rapidly as Cloud Kicker paled. “We promise, we don’t do anything sexual in your house while you’re away!”

“Good.” Rainbow Dash said nodding in satisfaction. “Alright, gotta go! Catch you guys later; I’ll be back in ten minutes flat!”

“See ya boss, we’ll be waiting right here!” Cloud Kicker shouted as the cyan mare zoomed off towards Cloudsdale. “Well, that was a rather pleasant meeting wasn’t it? Blossom?”

“Yeah, it sure was…never thought I’d see Goku and her sisters on a day like this.” Blossomforth nodded, sighing pleasantly. “Still, it’s great all the same to see them again. Including on this day…I can only imagine what the party will be like.”

“I bet that it’s going to be one hay of a bucking fest.” Cloud Kicker laughed as they walked back in Rainbow Dash’s house. “Speaking of which…you wanna release any pent-up energy you may have before tonight? It’s gonna be really early that we have to wake up, and we’re gonna need all the relaxation we can get.”

Blossomforth paused, looking at the persian blue mare with a nervous expression. “What do you mean by ‘relaxation’?”

Cloud Kicker said nothing, that same predatory grin from earlier coming to her face as her eyes gleamed. Immediately, Blossomforth got the hint, and she took off inside the house before Cloud Kicker could even grab her.

“NO, NO! WE WILL NOT BANG! I TOLD YOU THAT IS OFF LIMITS RIGHT NOW!” She screamed as Cloud Kicker shut the door behind them. “DIDN’T YOU HEAR WHAT DASH SAID?!”

“Oh I heard her loud and clear Blossom.” Cloud Kicker said sweetly, locking the door behind her. “She specifically told us that she’d better not catch us bucking each other on her couch, or else she’d go to Speedy.”

“E-exaclty!” The pinkish grey mare squeaked as she backed up against the wall. “S-so why are you risking that right now? E-epescially when Rainbow Dash knows what we were up to during our break two weeks ago?”

“Because, while boss said that we couldn’t buck each other on her couch…” Cloud Kicker replied as she sensually stalked. “…she said nothing about is banging on the nice soft cloud couch.”

Blossomforth paled, her pupils contracting. “Oh no…”

“Oh yes.” Cloud Kicker giggled, her grin growing wider. “…and while Dash is gone, we can take those ten minutes that she’s a away, nice…and…slow.”

“Cloud Kicker I swear to Natura herself, if you don’t get that banana away from me, I will give you a full dose of the Solar Stare!” Blossomforth hissed, her hind legs shaking as her face went beet red. Her brilliant blue eyes flashed a golden orange for a split second, her teeth bared as they seemed to elongate. “I’ll do it!”

“Go on and do it Blossom, it won’t matter to me. It’ll make you all the hotter when I take you as my own!” Cloud Kicker said, her own eyes flashing as she got within pouncing distance of Blossomforth. “Now, come to Mama Kicker and let me hear you scream!”

“AIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Author's Note

And now we have the sixth newly edited chapter of the Guardians of Harmony, with everypony's favorite flyer and creator of the Sonic Rainboom :rainbowdetermined2: ! Now, I know some of you may be wondering why I had added our dear sweet Blossomforth and our sexually active ass Cloud Kicker here in this chapter, and well...here's the thing. Since I had more or less done a proper spotlight of the two, along with Silver Speed, something that I'm still not sure was the appropriate thing to do, I felt that it would make more sense for them to be with Rainbow Dash. Since she not only seemed to know these two, but, form the stories that I've read, they seem to be good friends...not as close as Rainbow Dash is with the rest of the girls, but close enough that they're not just work partners and acquaintances. At least enough to the point where they visit each other and hang out with each other, other than at work whenever they're on their breaks or something like that.

In the last version of this, I didn't introduce them until later on in the battle of Nightmare Moon, along with Silver Speed, who I am presuming is Silver Spoon's mother or sister, and that was more or less hard for me to do. Looking back over that, I felt that this version would be more fit, especially since in this one, I wouldn't just be talking about Rainbow Dash, just like how I wasn't just talking about Pinkie Pie and the cakes in that special edition of her chapter. This one feels a lot more better than it did last time I walked about everypony's favorite watermelon maned and sex obsessed Pegasus :twilightsmile: , especially since I showed a bit of what they're relationship is like...at least to those who really truly know them.

Well, that's that for this chapter; next up is the newly edited version of everypony's favorite fashionista with a little sweet belle in the addition :raritywink: .

Chapter 7 - Generous Gems and Melodic Belles

Despite the fact that Rainbow Dash’s cloud house wasn’t too far from Ponyville, the Kirin Thestral siblings still got there in a rush. The Sun was only just hallway across the sky, meaning there was still time for them to complete their task. In their haste, Goku had a little run in with more than a few trees, leading to her getting lots of scratches and cuts by the branches, and getting a very disheveled mane. Luckily for her Sheton was able to get out of the way of danger and, trying to get his sister to stop, but ultimately failed. It was only when she was reminded by Snowflake that the celebration did not begin until later tonight that she finally calm down. However, that didn’t stop her from being gently scolded by Midnight for hurting herself like that. Nor did it stop the tan Pegasus from chastising herself for her forgetfulness.

“I am such a bucking idiot.” Goku chastised herself repeatedly, her tail lashing out continuously in self-directed anger. “Why did I have to forget that we were supposed to be supervising today? Was I really that happy to see Rainbow that I got totally side tracked”

“Sis, calm down!” Sheton cried, reaching out with his forehooves and grabbing his sister’s right foreleg. “We get it, you messed up on what we were supposed to do! There’s no need to keep beating yourself up over it! Please stop hitting yourself; I can already see a bruise forming!”

Goku blinked a couple of times and raised a hoof to her forehead and touched it. She winced as she felt a bruise forming right at the center, before looking back at her brother. “I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. It looks like I got myself more worked up than what was necessary huh?

“Yes, you definitely are. It looks like you’re rubbing off of Twilight a lot more than we thought.” Snowflake replied. “That doesn’t really matter right now. We need to see the next pony in charge and see if they’ll offer to…give you a new mane style.”

“Yeah, you’re right. These twigs in my mane are really getting on my nerves.” Goku sighed, pullin out a branch that was stuck in her mane. “Luckily for us, I know just the mare to do it! The best fashionista and mane designer in all of Ponyville, and she’s right here in this very building!”

Right in front of the three sisters was a building known as the Town Square, a special place where everypony in Ponyville came for special events. The exterior of the Town Square was a large tower like building having a balcony with wooden pillars holding it at the top and the bottom, going around in a full circle. Numerous pink windows could be seen going around the tower from the bottom and to the top in different numbers. There were also some at the top balcony, where a few large flags could be seen flowing in the wind around it.

The interior of the Town Square on the other hoof, was a different a story, looking to be more than twice as big as the outside. The whole floor was pure tannin in color, with numerous tables and large food line table at the very far right adorning it. Each of them had beautiful looking plates and utensils, along with vases of flowers right at the center of the tables. The upper parts of the town square had balconies, that having thick clothes of fabric tied in perfect knots.

On either side of the walls, symbols of both the Sun and the Moon could be seen sewn into large pieces of fabric, slightly obscuring the windows. In the very center of the building interior, was a long ruby red curtain that led down to a large stage, having to large wooden pillars. At the very same spot, the four Kirin siblings could see the next pony on the list and another one of their friends.

Standing in the center of the building, looking through a box of nearby ribbons, was one of the most beautiful ponies they had ever seen. It was a Unicorn mare, with an alabaster white fur that was whiter than the purest of snow in winter. She had a long curly indigo mane and a leonine tail; the skirt of it in the same color and style as her mane. With both appendages going well passed normal length of a pony. On all four of her legs were sapphire blue stockings going halfway up her legs, with both her hooves split and cloven.

Her eyes were a gorgeous sapphire blue color, shadowed by bluish gray eye shadow, with long eyelashes adorning her eyelids. Her horn was longer than that of the average unicorn, and sword-like in appearance. A tattoo of large bat wings was attached to her back, some feathers adorning the membranes. A cyan bow could be seen tied right at the base of her tail, and her Cutie Mark was of three beautiful sapphire gemstones.

Well, there she is…our beautiful fashion designer!” Goku exclaimed with a bright smile. “Looking as beautiful as ever I see.”

“Dramatic, too…don’t forget dramatic.” Snowflake added, making Midnight turn to her with a frown. The mountain blue hybrid raised an eyebrow at her. “What’s with that look, big sister? You and I know how our dear dramatic Rarity can be, and I don’t expect her to react and less differently once she realizes when we’re here.”

“I know that Snowflake but still, you could give her a break.” The beetle back mare suggested. “I know that Rarity has the tendency to overreact about somethings, but she usually doesn’t mean anything by it. She’s just…afraid of something happening that she doesn’t like.”

Snowflake rolled her eyes. “Tell that to the multiple stallions that dated her and found out how much of a nightmare she really is.”

“Well, either way I say that we go up here and give her a nice big hug!” Goku said as she walked towards the stage. “Right after she finishes designing the tow hall that is.”

“Hmmm…no, no. Goodness no, not that one either. Oh, one of these will work, oh there it is!” Rarity a bright smile coming to her face. She ignited her horn with cyan blue magic, and levitated to glittering red ribbons in the air. As tentatively as she could, she tied them both to the center of the pillars in between the stage. “There we are, glitter is always the best one. Oh, Rarity Belle Cifer you have certainly outdone yourself this time. Oh, I can’t wait until everypony comes here and see the marvelous decorations that I made!”

“In that case why don’t you tell them that yourself?” A soft gentle voice said from behind Rarity.

The alabaster Unicorn jumped at the voice, whirling around to see just who had come into the Town Square. The moment she laid her eyes on three of the four ponies, she went stock still as if she was frozen by a spell. Eyes wide and mouth agape, she stared at the four ponies in the room, Goku most especially, not even registering her ruined mane and tail.

“My stars…do my eyes deceive me?” Rarity whispered as she slowly began to lift a hoof to her chest, her lower lip quivering. “Goku, Snowflake, Midnight…is it really you?”

“Who else do you think it is, Rarity?” The tan hybrid mare asked sweetly, “After all, you wouldn’t be able to forget these ‘divine colors’ as you so elegantly put it?”

Rarity let out a gasp as her hoof flew to her mouth, stopping her lower lip from shaking. Her eyes grew misty as tears began to flow down her face, causing her mascara to stain it. With a shaky intake of breath, she all but leaped off the stage and fell into Goku’s outstretched forelegs. She buried her face into her large soft fluffy chest fur and wailing loudly, sobs racking her body as she clung tightly to the hybrid mare.

“Oh my stars, I-I can’t believe that it’s r-really you.” She sniffled, pulling her head away from Goku’s chest. “I…I-I never thought that I would…I would…”

“Oh, don’t be so overdramatic Rarity, of course you were…” the tan Pegasus said simply, rubbing the alabaster Unicorn’s back with a tri-colored foreleg. “It’s only been like, four years since we last seen each other.”

“Well it certainly felt like it was a lot longer than that, thank you very much.” Rarity said, lifting her head up out of Goku’s chest. “It felt like an eternity waiting all this time for my dear darling friends to return to me at last. You don’t know how long I’ve missed you all. I missed you all so, so much…more than you even realized.”

“We missed you too Rarity.” Snowflake said gently. “There’s no need to cry dear. You should be happy that we’re back here in Ponyville, not the other way around.”

“I know, I just…oh, I just can’t believe you’re back!” Rarity nodded, smiling at the mountain blue mare. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you all.”

“So are we Rarity.” Midnight said softly. “We’re sorry that we made you so worried, but you don’t have to worry about that anymore. We’re here to stay and we’re not going anywhere.”

“I’m doing to hold you to that, dear.” Rarity said, a small smirk coming to her face. “Otherwise, you three are going to be in for the longest modeling session of your lives.”

“Duly noted.” Goku giggled as they all resumed their hugging.

Rarity Belle Cifer was the fourth mare that Goku had befriended, and one of the most beautiful mare that could be found around the town as well. Rarity was born in Ponyville, or at least near it, and went to the same elementary school that Goku did. That was also the place where she had first met the tan hybrid mare as a little filly. As it was in Cloudsdale, Goku had protected Rarity against a group of bullies, except it was on school grounds and not anywhere else around town. She had found a Rarity being cornered a few foals that had decided that she would be their next victim, and Goku wasted no time stepping in. Afterword, Goku asked Rarity if they wanted to be friends, and the alabaster filly agreed, after getting over the fact that she was a Thestral. She also generously inviting the filly over to her parents’ house for dinner and a makeover, and after some mulling over, she agreed.

To this day, Goku could still remember how loud Rarity’s mother had squealed when she saw her for the first time.

From that moment forward, Goku and Rarity became the bestest of friends, closer than any of the other foals in their class. At school, they picked each other as partners for school assignments and projects, ate together at lunch, and went against anyone who tried to bully them. Whenever they weren’t going to school, they would go on play dates, have sleep overs, and meet up with each other for special events and have a great time. It was certainly a wonderful time for the alabaster filly, finally having found somepony that actually wanted to be her friend. Not even caring or having any worries about the fact that Goku was half Thestral.

As they grew older, Goku came to know Rarity as a mare who was very talented in many of the things that she did, at least when it came to fashion. Even as a filly, Rarity was somepony who got anything that she wanted, willing to use almost any means necessary, even in their teen years. She was also somepony who cared greatly about how she looked in appearance, didn’t like getting the least bit dirty, and overreacted at the littlest of things. It was something that annoyed most of her friends to no end, with only a few of them having the patience to continuously deal with it.

Despite the flaws, Rarity had a very kind and generous soul to many ponies, even if they deserved it. There were times where she would be seen generously giving the clothes and outfits that she had made to other ponies, asking for nothing in return. Having gotten a few tips from Goku, the alabaster Unicorn grew to be quite protective of her friends, keeping anypony from hurting them. If not with her hooves, which was usually left to either Applejack or Rainbow Dash, then certainly with her words. Rarity not only used her words to get ponies do what she wanted, but also to settle negotiations and diffuse arguments and fights. Combine that with her alluring beauty, ponies had a dangerous weapon on their hooves.

As much as good looks and a sharp tongue helped Rarity in times that she needed it the most, that was nothing compared to her magical power. The alabaster Unicorn came from a clan that had the ability to transform into one of the many creatures of supernatural legend. One that was eerily similar to that of a vampire pony, only in this form, she didn’t suck the blood their victims. It was said that in that form, the Cifer’s speed and strength increased exponentially, and use the power of spirit energy into any offensive or defensive way they wanted. They could grow of pair of large bat-like wings that could be used not for battle, said to be sharper that the cutting edge of a samurai sword. If that wasn’t enough, they even and alien-like ability to regrow lost body parts, a trait that they shared with the Sweet Apple Titan clan.

There was one drawback with that though when using this incredibly helpful ability. While they could regenerate their limbs and even their internal organs, the same could not be said for their hearts and heads. So, while in battle, the Cifers were very careful, knowing that one careless mistake would lead to their eminent demise. This was something that Rarity deeply to heart, as she didn’t intend on dying any time soon. Especially since she was so young and had so much of her longevity to live.

“I must say, you three have certainly become quite the beautiful mare’s haven’t you?” Rarity asked, looking the three mares over. “Ooh Snowflake, I see you decided to add a little color to your mane, darling?”

“Why yes, I did.” The mountain blue hybrid mare replied her fangs gleaming as she smiled. “It is beautiful, but I felt it…white for my tastes. So, I decided to give it a little style, and let it grow out a little.”

“I see…and I supposed that’s something that you and Goku got from your big sister, I presume?” Rarity asked teasingly as she looked up at Midnight.

“W-well, I wasn’t the one who created that habit. It’s just…something that we Kirins like to do.” The beetle black mare stuttered in replied. “O-our family has a habit of letting our hair grow out that’s all. Y-you should’ve seen some of the ponies that lived before our grandparents were even born. Their manes and tails were even longer than my own.”

“It’s true.” Goku nodded giving a flick of her tail. “My mane is normal in comparison to some of the members of my clan. Some of them were even longer than the Queen’s, and that is really saying something.”

“Indeed, I can picture that happening. Normally, I would detest ponies having manes and tails this long. With you three, it suits you in your own special way I suppose.” Rarity replied with a shrug. Her eyes suddenly widened when a thought entered her mind. “Wait a minute, that’s right! There were four of you! Sheton, wasn’t it?! Oh, where is the little darling? I haven’t seen him in so long since I last-oh!”

The alabaster Unicorn then felt her mane being tugged, looked down to see the stormy grey colt standing right in front of her. His blue eyes locked onto her own, a small shy smile on his face. The second the alabaster Unicorn saw him a wide smile stretched across her face as she put both hooves to her chest. Before Sheton realized it, he found himself levitated in her magic and brought into her cyan stocked forelegs, his buried into her chest fluff.

“Oh my Celestia look at him! I knew I recognized the most adorable little colt that I’ve ever seen in my life!” she squealed as she nuzzled him affectionately. “You certainly have grown into a rather handsome young colt these past four years. The very first time I saw you, you were nothing more than a little infant. It’s very nice to see you again darling.”

Sheton’s face flushed a brink pink, turning his head to the side as he poked his forehooves together. “H-hello Ms. Rarity, i-it’s very nice to meet you, too.”

“Oh, no need for the formalities dear.” Rarity said gently. “You’re the dear little brother of some of my closest friends, so you don’t need to be so formal. Just call me Rarity.”

“O-oh, okay then.” Sheton said, clearing his throat as he corrected himself. “I-it’s very nice to meet you...R-R-Rarity.”

“That’s better!” The alabaster Unicorn beamed, patting the colt on the head. “Now, what’s a young colt such as yourself doing here in a place like this?”

“W-well, um…I’m here to help my sister supervise the Summer Sun Celebration today.” Sheton replied softly. “I’m also here to see if, um…there are any friends that I can make while I’m here.”

“Make friends in Ponyville hm? Well, your sisters were quite wise in choosing this as the ideal place to make friends. Especially for somepony your age.” Rarity nodded, putting a hoof to her chin. “Speaking of which, just how old are you darling?”

“S-seven.” The stormy grey hybrid colt replied. “I-I have some other friends back in Canterlot that’re around the same age as me, m-maybe a year older. T-though it’s not by a lot…I only have, maybe…three or four of them.”

“Three or four hm? Well, I can see why, given that you come from Canterlot of all places.” Rarity murmured, holding back a look of disgust. Shaking her head, she looked back down at the colt with a tender expression. “I’ll tell you what darling…I’m just about finished setting up the decorations for the celebration. Why don’t you come with me and your sisters to meet my little sister?”

Sheton’s ears perked up. “Y…you’re sister?” He asked, not quite believing what the alabaster Unicorn had said. “You have a little sister?”

“Why yes, I most certainly do.” Rarity chirped with a wink. “Her name is Sweetie Belle Cifer, and she’s about the same age as you are; older by at least a few months. She is by far the sweetest little filly you’ll ever meet~! I’m sure that she’ll take a wonderful liking to you!”

Goku’s ears pinned against her head, a knot forming in her gut. ‘For some reason, I feel that the next filly we’re going to meet will be even sweeter.’

“A-are you sure she’ll like me?” Sheton asked, a nervous expression coming to her face. “I-I mean, I am half Thestral, and they’re not exactly common here.”

“Oh, now what kind of a question is that dear?” Rarity asked, letting out a little snort. “Me and my dear sister come from a family that basically turns into bat ponies ourselves. Even if it’s not exaclty the same species. Of course, she’ll like you, and I just know that you’ll like her too! And don’t worry, she won’t judge you for your appearance. If there’s one thing I taught my dear little Sweetie, is that we never judge anypony based on their face, or form other ponies perspective. I promise you, you two will get along just fine.”

“W-well, okay…if you say so.” Sheton said, looking down at the ground. “I’ve got along well so far with a couple fillies earlier today, and those meetings didn’t go too bad. So…I guess I could go with you and met your sister.”

“There we go! That’s much better!” Rarity said, smiling in approval. “Now, what do you say we leave here and go back to my humble abode? I believe I’ve kept my dear Sweetie waiting long enough.”

“Actually Rares, before we do that…” Goku said, walking over to the mare and foal. “…I need to ask you a little delicate, favor. It’s uh…a little complicated…”

“A favor? Why, whatever would you need me to do-UWAHAHAAA!!!” Rarity began to ask, only to let out shrill shriek a second later. “Oh my stars and garters darling! What in the world happened to your coiffure?!”

'It took her that long to notice it?' Sheton thought, a sweat drop forming on the side of his head.

“Calm down Rarity, its nothing that you need to get so worked up over.” Goku said dryly, even though she knew that it would not sooth the alabaster Unicorn’s anger in the slightest. “Long story short, we were visiting rainbow Dash’s cloud house, I lost track of the time, I rushed back and had a little…run in, with the trees in my haste…in more ways then one.”

“That’s an understatement of the century, darling. Oh this will simply not do at all!” Rarity said, giving an indignant huff. She levitated Sheton onto her back before bushing Goku to the back of the stage. “Follow me, I will make sure that beautiful mane and tail of yours are in shipshape in no time!”

As the mares and colt made their way out of the town square, Sheton couldn’t help but notice something peculiar about Rarity. Leaning down, he took in her scent shivering when he caught the scent of marshmallows. Luckily for him, she didn’t seem to notice, and if she did, she didn’t really seem to care.

‘Wow, Rarity really outdid herself in living fashionably hasn’t she?’ Goku though as looked about the alabaster Unicorn’s home. ‘Of course, I probably should’ve expected this…either way, it looks amazing.’

Indeed, Rarity’s home was quite the sight, though it was just a little more than the tan mare thought it would be. The exterior of the work home was in the ship of a large tent-like building, like the ones in circuses or amusement parks. It had two large circle shaped windows that had yellow striped covers at the very middle. A large pink white spotted cloth hovered over those windows, going around the Boutique held by thin yet strong iron bars. At the higher section of the Boutique there were to large iron objects in the shape of ponies that were displayed on either side held in place by iron bars. Just a little higher above a large window, was a large pink piece of fabric that went around that smaller roof, having white diamonds adorning it. To add as a finishing touch, was a tiny tent-like structure that had a small red flag.

The interior of the Boutique also looked to be larger than it was on the outside like most homes in Ponyville. The first thing that could be seen was a few chairs with mirrors in front of them, one of which that Goku was currently sitting in. On either side of the makeover desks, were wheeled bars used for fashion designers to hang their suits and dresses. There was also a large set of curtains on the further left side of the Boutique used for ponies to try on dresses. Along with another makeover desk, which was right next to a set of stairs. That last thing that could be seen in the Carousal interior was a large display floor for ponies to show off their dresses and suits. Finally, there was a set of double doors just behind it, leading to somewhere private and secret.

Goku closed her eyes as she let Rarity add a fresh smelling perfume to her mane and her tail, now free of any leaves and small branches. All the while, her elder sisters and younger brother tended to her feathers which wasn’t really hard due to how large they were. After a few more minutes of spraying and preening, all four ponies stepped back and admire their work on the tan bat winged mare.

“There we are darling, good as new!” Rarity said, gushing with happiness. “Your mane and tail are as good as new! It’s a good thing that I was born a Unicorn, or else it would’ve taken me a lot longer to do this. Especially with such an important event coming up and you being the one to supervise it.”

“Thank you Rarity, it looks so much better now! My mane and tai haven’t felt this soft and silky in, well…forever!” Goku said happily, running her hooves through both appendages, loving the smell of the perfume added to them. “Though, was the eye shadow really necessary? It’s not like I was wearing any when I came here.”

“Oh hush now dear! It looks positively marvelous on you! It really goes with those beautiful earrings too!” The alabaster unicorn snorted, giving a gentle flick of the other golden earrings. “I must ask, where ever did you get earrings like that? They would go absolutely wonderfully with my dresses.”

“I was given these on my sixteenth birthday by my Mom. I didn’t really ask her where she got them from thought, so I can’t really help you with the source.” The tan Pegasus replied, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish smile. Seeing the somber look on the alabaster Unicorn’s face, she added, “But, if you want, I could help you make earrings just like them if you want.”

“Whatever do you mean, darling?” Rarity asked, looking up at the Kirin with a raised indigo eyebrow. “How could I possibly make earrings as marvelous as yours?”

“I remember you mentioning sometime when we were teenagers that part of your special talent is finding gemstones. Which is what got you your Cutie Mark in the first place, based on the story you told me on how you had a magic surge and it lead you to a rock full of gems. You still have some saved over, don’t you?”

“Sure I do.” Rarity replied. “I go gem hunting every other week or so, so I can keep saving up on money should I start to run out. Why do you ask?”

Goku smiled excitedly at Rarity. “Well, I was thinking, whenever we’re both free, we can take some gemstones and carve them up into the shape of earrings like these!” She gave her left ear a swivel, making the earring sway. “That way, you’ll have earrings like mine, into any kind of color that you want! Only yours will look more pretty, because well…they’ll be made from gemstones. Not only that, you can make some extra money for ponies who want to add those specific earrings to their dresses or suits.”

Rarity sat on her haunches and contemplated the suggestion that Goku made for her. She looked around her home/workplace, looking at the various amounts of dresses hanging about in random spot. Her sapphire eyes stared at their colors intently with a thoughtful look as she rubbed her chin with a hoof. A gasp escaped her lips as her eyes sparkled, leaping to her hooves and squealing with glee.

“Yes…yes, YES! That’s a wonderful idea, Goku! I could use my gemstone collection make beautiful little earrings form my clients to anypony that wants them! If I do that, I could make even more money than I already am!” She cried as she began to bounce around the boutique. Her gleeful expression sagged again as she looked down at the ground, pawing at it dejectedly. “Of course, I won’t have nearly enough time to do it, since the Summer Sun Celebration is only hours away. Oh, why didn’t I think of this sooner?!” A thought suddenly crossed her mind as she looked at Goku curiously. “That reminds me, are you four going to the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“Uh, yeah we are. didn’t you hear my little brother saying that we were going to be the ones supervising it?” Goku asked, her bemused tone making Rarity smile sheepishly. “The Queen did so personally, and even added a little side not saying that she wasn’t going to pick any of the nobles from Canterlot to do it because, for one, we’re your best friends, and two, the ponies in Canterlot were way too stuck up for our tastes.”

“Hmm, is that so?” Rarity asked, a thoughtful expression coming to her face. “Now that I think about it…yes, you would the better choice. With an event as important as this, I don’t think I would’ve had the patience to deal with those...posh ponies. Plus I don’t think I could be able to stand how they may have treated my dear Sweetie Belle if they were hear instead of you. It really is a good thing that the Queen chose you three to supervise this.”

“That it is Rarity, that it is. And seeing as how you were getting along so well with my little brother, despite his appearance, I’m even more glad that I was chosen” Goku giggled, smiling as she saw both Rarity and Sheton blush. “Say Rarity, you’re not the only who’s going to come to the Summer Sun Celebration, are you? You mentioned that your little sister was hear with you too, so is she going to be coming with you as well?”

Rarity’s eyes widened in recognition at this question, before her expression brightened like a glittering gemstone. However, before she could respond, another voice rang through the air like a belle after a clock striking at midnight.

“Rarity! I’m hungry, can I get a snack please?!” A younger voice squeaked out from above the four mares and colt, sounding as sweet as candy. The sound of little hooves clopping drew the attention of the other ponies downstairs, making them turn to the staircase. The Kirin Thestral siblings eyes widened upon seeing a shadow morphing on the wall, steadily growing by the second. Sheton looked up at Rarity with a curious expression, only for the alabaster Unicorn to look down at him warmly.

“Is, um…that your sister?” He asked, just the slightest bit of hesitance in his voice.

“Yes darling it is.” She said softly, her voice dripping with tenderness. “The sweetest little darling that you’ll ever meet.”

Just as she said this, a young foal came trotting inside, their hooves making light clopping sounds each time they hit the stone floor. Like Rarity it was a Unicorn, a filly, with the same alabaster white fur as the older mare, although her fur resembled that of a marshmallow. Her mane and tail skirt were long and curly, slightly curlier than Rarity’s and having a mixture of lavender pink and purple. She had a beautiful set of emerald green eyes, and a pair of emerald green stockings on all four of her little legs. Like Sheton, who was staring wide eyed at the filly, she had no Cutie Mark, though she did have an unusually long horn sprouting from her head.

“Rarity, are you in here ?! I said that I wanted a-” The filly repeated again, only to stop short as she noticed the four siblings in the room. After blinking a few times, she turned to the fashionista and asked curiously, “Who are they? Are they a group of clients that are to buy your dresses? If they are then I’ll just go back upstairs and wait for you.”

“No, it’s okay Sweetie Belle, that won’t be necessary this time. As a matter of a fact, you came just at the right moment and time!” Rarity replied, giving her younger sister a reassuring smile. “Darling, I’d like you to meet me dear friends from Ponyville; Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight Shenron! There the mares that I always told you about during my years in Magic College, the ones I told you that moved out of Ponyville and were planning to come back?”

The marshmallow filly immediately picked up on what her sister was saying. “Oh yeah, I remember! You showed my pictures of them during that time we visited Mom and Dad for a family dinner!” Setting her emerald eyes on the three, she trotted up to Goku and held out her hoof. “Hello there, my name is Sweetie Belle Cifer, the little sister of the bestest big sister in the whole wide world!”

“Hmhm, hello Sweetie Belle, it’s very nice to meet you too.” Midnight said, reaching out with a forehoof and shaking the filly’s own. “I must say, you certainly are an adorable little one you are! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a filly as sweet looking as you.”

“O-oh, well…thank you Miss Midnight.” Sweetie Belle said, looking away as her white cheeks turned a bright pink. “I don’t usually get that a lot from most of the fillies and colts at school, even if they really do think so.”

“Is that right?” Snowflake asked, with a raised eyebrow. “Well, I think we may have somepony who’ll think the same.”

“Really who?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously. A light tap on her shoulder answered her question, and she turned around to see Sheton standing behind her. A squeak left the alabaster filly’s throat and she took a moment to collect herself before she asked, “Whoa! I totally did not notice you! Were you there behind me the whole time?”

“W-well, yeah I was. I wanted to introduce myself, b-but I didn’t want to be rude in and interrupt your talk with my sisters.” Sheton replied, bashfully looking off to the side. “M-my name is Sheton…S-Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. I-I’m Goku, Snowflake and M-Midnight’s little brother. I’m here with them to help with the Summer Sun Celebration tonight.”

“Wait you’re their little brother!” Sweetie Belle asked with a gasp. “My sister told me that they were all crosses between Thestrals. So…does that mean…you’re half Thestral too?”

Sheton said nothing, just choosing to nod instead as he slowly spread out his wings. Sweetie Belle and Rarity’s eyes widened as they took in the sight of the colt’s huge wings, the former being taken in by the beauty of the membranes.

“Wow…that looks so beautiful…!” Sweetie Belle said, rushing over to get a closer look at the membranes. She reached out with a hoof, only to stop as she looked over at Sheton. “Can…can I touch them?”

Sheton blinked in surprise at the request, obviously not having expected the filly to ask that question. Regardless, he gave a nod of consent as he shyly replied, “Y-yeah, you can touch them…b-be gentle please. M-my wings are strong, but…they’re really sensitive to touch, a-and be careful with the wing claws please.”

Nodding in affirmation, Sweetie Belle very gently ran a hoof through the feathers of Sheton’s right wing, taking care not to be too rough. The stormy grey colt blushed at the contact, fighting back the urge to flinch as the filly’s soft hooves delicately ran through the edges. After giving a little poke at the wing claws, she ran a hoof through the membranes, marveled by its blue colored beauty.

“Wow…the feathers feel so soft…and the membranes are so smooth!” The alabaster filly gushed, looking up at Sheton. “Are all Thestral wings like this?”

“A-aside from being larger than Pegasus wings, and being stronger and durable while in flight, yes.” Sheton replied with a flushed face. “T-the membranes may be see-through, but they’re very flexible and stretchable, k-kind of like a large rubber band or something like that.” He closed his eyes as a small jolt went down his spine. ‘Her hooves are so soft…almost as soft as mama’s.’

“Really? That’s so amazing…I’ve never met anypony with wings like that before.” Sweetie Belle said, taking her hooves away. “It must be pretty easy to fly around with wings like that huh?”

“Yeah, it really is. Plus, don’t have to worry about preening your wings, like most Pegasus ponies.” Sheton nodded, giving his wings a ruffle. “Well, unless you’re a fully blooded Thestral, like my Mom is, but it’s not really a problem. Most of my wings are bat winged, so I don’t have to really worry about crash landing as much.”

“Yeah I bet…and I also bet a lot of Pegasus ponies will want to have wings that’ll stay in place whenever they’re flying.” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle, earning a little laugh from Sheton in return. “So…what else are you doing here? You know, besides helping your big sisters and all?”

“Well, um…the main reason is because my big sisters wanted me to make some friend here while they’re supervising.” Sheton replied. “I-I’ve already made friends with a couple of fillies here…but I don’t know if there are any others who I think I can befriend.”

“Wait a second…” Sweetie Belle said, holding up a hoof. “Are you saying that you and your sisters are planning to move here?”

“Well…they’re planning to move back here and have me come with them.” Sheton corrected, giving a little shrug. “But yeah, I am going to be moving here to Ponyville after the Summer Sun Celebration is over. Hopefully after that, I can find some other foals my age who’ll wanna be friends with me…if they’re willing to look past the fangs and bat wings that is.”

“Oh…well, if accepting friends is what you’re looking for…” Sweetie Belle began, smiling sweetly at the colt. “…then I guess I could be one of those friends for you?”

Sheton looked up at her, emerald blue eyes wide. “Really?”

“Mhm! Nopony should be alone and without a friend just because they’re different form everypony else. And from what you’ve told me, you shouldn’t be along either!” Sweetie Belle said giving a little nod. She leaned in a bit close and smiled sweetly at Sheton. “So what do you say Sheton? Do you want me in your new little friend group? I promise to treat you really nicely if you do!”

Sheton looked deep into Sweetie Belle’s eyes for a moment, trying to discern whether or not she was really meaning what she was sayin. From the way she was smiling and the way her eyes were sparkling, it didn’t look like it, especially form the way her tail skirt was wagging. The stormy grey colt looked down, silently contemplating his options, before looking up at Sweetie Belle, smiling, and nodding his head.

The unicorn filly let out a squeal that Goku and her sisters found absolutely adorable as she lunged forward and tackled Sheton in a hug. Though Sweetie Belle was much gentler than Apple Bloom was, and did her best not to scare the colt, seeing just how shy he was just by looking at him.

“Oh thank you, Sheton! I’ve wanted to make another friend for such a long time! Oh, Fire Flash and the others are gonna be so happy when I tell them about this!” Sweetie Belle cried as she released Sheton from her hug. “Hey, you want to go play up in my room?”

Sheton blinked a couple of times at this request, before looking up at his elder sisters, silently asking them permission to go and play in Sweetie’s room. The three mares looked at one another, before taking a temporary glance out the window seeing that there was still quite a bit of daylight out. They then turned to Sheton, and nodded silently smiles of consent on plastered on their muzzles.

“Go on Sheton, we still have some time left. Don’t worry, we’ll let you know when it’s time to leave a bit.” Goku said, giving him a reassuring wink. ‘I’ll make sure not to lose track of the time again.’ She added mentally.

Seeing he had got his sister’s permission, Sheton turned to Sweetie Belle and nodded his head, shyly, yet enthusiastically. This earned a cute giggled from the little filly as she got to her hooves and ran towards the stairs. Sheton was about to follow, but he soon found himself encased in an emerald green aura of magic, before being pulled forward. He had just enough time to glance back at Rarity and his sisters before he disappeared up the staircase and out of sight.

“Sweetie Belle Cifer! That is not how we treat our guests in this house! Put that poor colt down this instant before you-!” That was all that Rarity was able to say before she heard a door upstairs slam shut, effectively cutting off her scolding of her sister. The fashionista gave a slow shake of her head, before turning to the other. “I’m terribly sorry about that darlings. Sweetie Belle was just being a bit…over excited when she meets new ponies. I’ll make sure to have her apologize properly to your brother when they’re through with their little play date."

“Oh it’s no trouble at all Rarity. Let the little sweetie have her fun. Besides, that’s not the first time my little brothers been carried in such an excited manner.” Goku said dismissively as she gave a little giggle. “Me and my sisters are usually like that when we ask him for something totally embarrassing. Though he goes along with it, only to make his big sisters happy…hmhm, the things he does for love.”

“Oh well…I suppose I can let it slide then.” Rarity murmured, before glaring back up at the stairs. “I’m still going to give her a little talk about how to properly treat our guests though. It’s certainly not the first time she’s acted so over excited like this. And unless I can properly teach her how to control her excitement, it certainly won’t be the last.”

“Yeah well, you know what they say Rarity…kids will be kids. And as long as your sister and my brother are kids, it’ll always stay that way.” Goku chuckled, earning one in return form Rarity. “Now, what do you say we take some time off of this supervision and decorating with a little a little girl time, eh? There’s still some time left, and I wanna see just what you’ve been up to these past four years while we were away Rarity. So how about it? Are you in for showing me some of those fabulous dresses of yours?”

The alabaster Unicorn’s response was to encase the three mares in cyan auras of magic and literally toss them into one of the giant closed curtains. Goku, Snowflake and Midnight only had time to shake off the shock, before a light was suddenly flicked on. After adjusting to it, they found themselves staring at a whole line of beautiful dresses that looked to have only been recently made, with Rarity right in the middle of it. A box of makeover and other materials encased in her magic, her eyes sparkling like gemstones in the light of the Moon.

“Am I in? Am I in?! What kind of a question is that now, darling?!” Rarity asked, grinning from ear to ear as she levitated a hoar of dresses in front of the three mares. “I can’t wait to show you just what I’ve been up to these last for years you were all away! And I just know that you’re going to love every bit of it! We’re going to have such an absolutely fabulous time, and trust me when I say, we will!”

‘Something tells me that I’m going to regret making this decision later on…’ Goku thought grimly, letting Rarity put her in the first dress she could find. She gave the mare the best smile she could, while trying not to look too apprehensive. ‘Then again…I could be wrong…depending on the next pony we meet. Oh, I really hope that they won’t be too upset with us for making them wait for who knows how long we’ll be here! That would be a really bad mark on my job as a supervisor!’

Author's Note

There's...not really much that I changed with this chapter, other than the tittle and the ridiculously long about of emphasizing that I had done, which looked really bad the last time I did it now that I think about it :facehoof: . A few things that I also changed as well as the run on sentences and the slight grammatical errors that I saw in the chapter when I wrote it the last time. Another one being the interaction between Rarity and the rest of her siblings, especially Sheton, and the one that the latter had with Sweetie Belle, which I also think could've been done differently looking back over it :facehoof: .

Now, you guys are probably wondering why I cut off all of that stuff with Rarity and Goku talking about the siblings and themselves in general, and to put it simply, I feel like it would be more suited for later in the more dramatic parts of the new special edition of this story :raritywink: . I just don't really think it could be done well here especially since I had already did it between Rarity, Goku, Midnight and Snowflake back in the Town Square; I don't even know why I had decided to add that a second time :rainbowlaugh: ! All and all, I think this new addition of the chapter went better than the last ones and I didn't drag it out as long as I did in the hold one, and it was more to the point while still keeping a good pace :raritywink: . Hopefully, the next chapters after this one will go as good as the last ones, and judging on the next ponies the Kirin Siblings are going to be meet, it's going to be quite the pleasant meeting :scootangel: !

Well, that's all for this chapter; next up we're getting a revisit to Ponyville's favorite motherly protecter of nature, with a little shy tag along butterfly coming along with her :heart: !

Chapter 8 - Kind Butterflies and Timid Angel

Rarity wasn’t kidding when she said the Thestral Kirin sisters were going to have a marvelous time in her Boutique, and by Celestia’s shining Sun did they. The alabaster Unicorn them try on every single dress that she could fine in her shop, from dresses that were the same colors as their manes, to ones showing color and style in all the right places. Each of the dresses felt like they had been made from the finest of silk, and with many of them speaking to each the girls, especially with the colors that Goku had. Then again, it didn’t really surprise them, since Rarity would only go for the best kind of material. Especially since she did want to make the best dresses, for those that walked into her shop.

All three sisters praised Rarity for the amazing job she did on her designs, something that the alabaster unicorn took with great happiness, unable to keep herself from bragging about her talents. It really seemed to be exactly what Rarity needed, since she felt like releasing some stress made from today’s labor, and it gave sometime for the mares to bond before they had to leave. By the end of their little girl time, the Sun was already beginning to set, the girls having spent a nice good portion of their time at Rarity’s home. When Goku realized how much time had passed, she wasted no time getting her siblings brother out of there, so they could go and meet the last pony they needed to see.

Luckily for them, Sheton and Sweetie Belle hadn’t been waiting that long at all, having come downstairs to remind the mares that still had a job to finish. After sharing quick goodbye hug with each other, they all hastily left Carousal Boutique to complete the last part of their job. Just before they did, Sweetie Belle gave Sheton a quick goodbye huh, saying that she couldn’t wait to see him again at the Summer Sun Celebration.

“Eeyup, I knew it! I knew I was going to regret making that offer!” Goku grumbled in a lowly. “I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! I could feel it right in the very pit of my gut!”

“And yet you ignored that warning to spend some time with our dear fashionista.” Snowflake said teasingly. “Don’t worry, we’re not mad at you for that. You just wanted to do something nice for Rarity and spend some time with her. I probably would’ve done the same thing if we were in your position.”

“Yeah, well, I wanted to make up for all that time that we didn’t get to see her during these four years.” Goku sighed. “I promised her that I was going to do all that I can to do it, and I’m not going to break it. We Kirins are ones to not go back on their words, as our dear daddy taught us when we were fillies.”

“Oh we know, Goku. The same thing goes with us, we keep our promises just as much as you do, along with our dear little brother” Midnight said softly, giving Sheton a sweet smile. “Though, I do agree with Snowdrop. We still have plenty of time before the Summer Sun Celebration starts. The Queen did mention in her that we have until it actually starts before our supervision is done, which is early at dawn.”

The tan hybrid mare stopped so suddenly that she almost fell off of her hooves, planting face first into the ground. She stayed as still as a statue as a reign of silence washed over the area for a few moments. Slowly Goku turned her head around, a deadpan expression drawn on her face as she looked as a creepy purple aura surrounded her.

“Really? You saw it in the letter exactly how much time we had and didn’t even bother to tell me about it?” she asked darkly. “Wouldn’t it have made sense to tell me about this sooner? So I wouldn’t have spent all that time running around like a hatchling that’s only halfway hatched?”

“Um, w-well…I uh, sort of forget to tell you about that. You had scanned through the letter so fast and were so focused on getting to see the girls again. It didn’t really cross my mind anyway.” The beetle black mare replied weakly. “P-plus…you did look pretty cute when you were acting all panicky like that. L-like how you were when we went to go see Rainbow Dash, Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker.

“Uh-huh, and it took a pile of leaves and twigs in my mane and tail, along with a mess of tangled feathers, for you to tell me that.” Goku said sarcastically as she rolled her golden eyes, making Midnight bow her head.

“Yeah, that was kind of um…mean, Midnight.” Sheton murmured with a nod of agreement. “I mean, Goku’s beatin herself up over that twice now. It would’ve saved us a lot of trouble of you had just been upfront with her sooner.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Goku! I didn’t mean to make you upset!” Midnight cried, bringing her youngest sister in a hug. “I was just so happy that you got a chance to see your friends again! It just slipped my mind! I’m so so sorry, please forgive me!”

Goku sighed, running a hoof across the beetle black mare’s back. “It’s alright big sis, I’m not mad…I’m just a little irritated that neither of you didn’t bother to tell me about this. If you had, Rarity wouldn’t have had to go through all that trouble cleaning my mane and tail, and you wouldn’t have to do the same with my wings.”

“Oh trust me little sister, me and Midnight know better than anypony that you love getting your feather’s preened.” Snowflake chuckled. “Still, we really didn’t mind at all. We actually kind of enjoyed it. It reminded us of all the times we used to preen each other’s wings as fillies.”

“Mhm, it was worth it, too. We got to hear you make those little squeaks every time we touch a sensitive spot.” Midnight nodded, putting her forehooves to her cheeks. “Oh, you just sounded so adorable!”

“Hmhm, yeah, I did sound pretty cute, didn’t I? Though, something tells me you two did that intentionally, just to get that rise out of me.” Goku said dryly, giving them both laugh in response. “Alright, I suppose I can let this slide once. Just remember to tell me something as important as this next time, okay? Or I’ll do to you what you did to me back at Rarity’s Boutique, got it?”

“Don’t worry honey, we won’t.” Midnight chirped, giving Goku a nuzzle. “We promise.’

“What are you, our mother?” Snowflake joked.

“No, but I sure do feel like I am your mom sometimes, including Sheton’s.” The tan Pegasus replied, giving the mountain blue mare’s shoulder a playful punch. “No offense, little bro.”

“None taken.” The stormy grey colt replied, smiling softly. He looked like was about to say something else, but stopped as his ears perked up. Goku, Snowflake and Midnight all noticed this felt their curiosity raise up.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Midnight asked gently as she walked up to Sheton, lowering her head and putting a wing on his back. “Do you hear something?”

“Yeah…I think I do.” Sheton replied softly. He turned his head to the right side and letting his left hear stick out. “Hmmm…yeah, yeah I definitely hear something. It sounds like there’s singing.”

“Singing?” Snowflake repeated, tilting her head to the side. “Who in the world could be singing all the way out-”

“No, that’s not it.” Sheton suddenly said. “I do hear singing, but it doesn’t sound like a pony is singing.” Closing his eyes, he inwardly channeled magic into his left ear to strengthen his hearing senses. “It’s getting louder, and it’s definitely not a pony singing. It sounds like…like birds singing!”

“You hear birds singing? How can you hear birds singing all the way out-” Goku began to ask, stopping as something entered her thoughts. “Wait…”

“Are you sure that’s what your hearing Sheton?” Midnight asked, having not figured it out yet.

“Uh-huh! Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m hearing! You know what that means, don’t you?!” he asked as he began jumping up and down. “Where there’s birds, there’s also animals!”

Before anypony could stop him, the stormy grey colt spread his feathered bat wings and took to the air. The three mares watched as he flew off with a giggle, leaving his three older sisters in bewilderment.

“Sheton, where are you going darling?! Come back!” Snowflake shouted, but was too late to stop her little brother. Blinking, the mountain blue mare turned to Goku and asked, “Where is he going?”

“What do you think? He’s going to where the singing birds are.” The tan hybrid mare replied, spreading her own wings. “Come on girls, after him!”

Nodding, the other two mares chased their excited little brother with Goku through the forest, making sure to stay on the dirt path, but also doing their best to keep Sheton on their line of sight. They made sharp turns across the trees and doing their best not to run into any branches, while keeping pace with their bother. Luckily for the, the trees here were split much wider apart than the ones on the northwestern side of Ponyville. So, they didn’t have to worry about any possible collisions.

At some point in the chase, Sheton had made an unexpected left turn into a grove of trees and out of the three mare’s sight. Fortunately for them, they were able to catch up, and soon spotted the young colt about thirty feet away. His sisters stopped and landed only a several feet away from the Sheton, before all three walked up to him.

“Sheton! Why did you go running off like that? You know how worried sick we get when you just take off unexpectedly without telling us where you’re going!” Midnight chastised as she came next to the stormy grey colt. “You’re lucky that there are no dangerous animals around here, or else you would’ve gotten attacked!”

The stormy grey hybrid colt said nothing, just staring ahead at whatever was in front of her with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. Midnight seeing the expression on the Thestral colt’s face, gained an expression of concern on her own.

“Um, Sheton…?” She asked, her tone gentler than it had been a moment ago. “Is there something the matter sweetie?”

“Oh my goodness.” A slow, soft gasp escaped from Snowflake as her greenish blue eyes widened, a hoof coming to her mouth. “It…it’s here…”

“What? What is it, Snowflake?” Midnight asked, looking up at her younger sister. “Is there somepony here?”

“Yes, Midnight there is, somepony I think you’ll recognize all too well.” Goku said as she came up to the right side of the beetle back mare. “Though you might want to take a look in front of you, to see what I mean.”

Curiosity peeked, Midnight looked in front of her, wanting to see what had her siblings so blown away. The moment she did, a loud gasp escaped the giant hybrid mare’s mouth, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks. Her huge feathered bat wings flaring upward at the sight before her jaw dropped, indeed blown away by what she was seeing.

Just a few feet away from the four Kirin siblings was a large oak tree, the leaves on its long wooden branches swaying ever so slightly in the breeze. Perched on every single branch from top to bottom were various species of all kinds of birds. All of them were lined up on each of the branches with the species of bird they belonged to. Each of them were swaying and singing un unison, their tweets echoing throughout the small clearing. It sounded absolutely beautiful, unlike anything the four Pegasi had ever heard from the animals they saw back in Canterlot. As beautiful and entrancing as the musical flock were however, that’s not what had the four siblings so shocked. It was the pony that was with them, letting both them and the birds see that they were not alone.

Hovering just a few feet away from the birds, was possible the most gorgeous mare that any of them had ever seen in their entire lives. If anypony else were to come into the clearing in see her, they would have an extremely hard time looking away from her. They would also admit that she looked even more beautiful than Rarity was, despite her own looks. The mare was a Pegasus, one that could only be described as an angel in equine's clothing, maybe even more than that. She had a buttermilk yellow fur that looked to be polished in the finest of gold. It seemed to glow brightly under the Sun’s beautiful light, giving anypony a clear view of her rather voluptuous hourglass figure. She had a long silky cherry blossom mane and tail that cascaded down her neck, face and rump like a waterfall in spring. Her tail rivaling even Goku’s in length, very nearly sweeping the ground. The mare also had an absolutely breathtaking pair gentle teal blue eyes that could’ve melted the ice and snow of an entire forest with just a single look. When the Kirin siblings looked into them, it felt like they were staring into an endless sky and sea of warmth, kindness, love, and indescribable power.

Her wings were a combination of her mane, fur and eye color, with her eyes being shadowed a darker pink, giving all four Kirin siblings the impression that she got the makeup from Rarity. As with Derpy and Blossomforth, the Pegasus mare had a roseray with a blood red eye right in the center of it, hanging from a chain and a collar around her neck. The mare also had a pair of pure white angel wings on her back, having golden draconic membranes poking out from under them, with a multi-colored orb in the center. Cherry blossom lipstick could be seen adorning her lips, and her Cutie Mark was of three pink butterfly’s having little flowers scattered around them.

Unlike their last meetings, the four Kirin Thestral siblings did not approach the mare to give her a hug or even a warm greeting. They were too taken aback by the absolute angel-like beauty that the pony in front of them held, allowing her to hover in silence. Sometime into the singing, the mare noticed that one of the birds sounded just the lightest of key, seeming to have trouble with their singing. Frowning in slight dissatisfaction, the buttermilk Pegasus slowly spread her wings, allowing the four siblings to see the jaw dropping size and shape. Had her wings been colored white, and a halo floating at the top of her head, she would’ve easily been mistaken for being a real angel.

With a gentle flap, the Pegasus mare flew to the tree and stopped at the branch that had the bird that was having trouble singing. Her flapping was so quiet that it rivaled even the silence of an owl’s wings whenever they were flying. She gently cleared her throat, and the other birds went quiet, before the bird noticed her hovering right in front of him. The moment he saw her he immediately stopped singing as he stood to attention. He is lifted his small head to meet the gentle eyes of the beautiful Pegasus, who looked down at the smaller winged creature the same way a mother would her foal.

“Excuse me Mr. Sparrow, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I couldn’t help but noticing you were just the tiniest bit off key.” She said, some of her silky mane falling in front of her face. “Now, remember what we discussed earlier. Keep that note just a little bit longer; at least three minutes okay?”

Her voice was very soft, carrying a sweetness that seemed to flow like the warmest of jarred honey. It also had a tenderness that could sooth even the most frightened of ponies and any other creature showing the least bit of anxiety and stress. There was also a gentleness to her words that could only belong to that of a mother. Something that made the Kirin Thestral siblings just want to close their eyes and listen to it.

Underneath that motherly voice however, laid a powerful undertone of assertiveness and authority and command. It was so powerful that it would’ve made even those of the Royal Guard seem like a simple cadet in training. That was the kind of voice that was found in all drill sergeants in training camps, and would make them proud to hear. It was certainly more than enough to make the four siblings stand to attention. It was the same thing with the Sparrow, who have a light tweet of reply as it ruffled its feathers. This earned an approving smile from the Pegasus mare, who patted the birds head before hovering away.

“Good boy! Now, let’s all start from the top, shall we?” She asked sweetly. “Here we go, is everyone ready? A one, and a two, and a-”

Just as the buttermilk Pegasus was about to give off the signal, an unexpected tweet cut her off. At first, she though it was the male Sparrow that she had spoken to only moments ago about his singing. A tweet from below her let her now that it was not the Sparrow, but a female Swallow. Curiously, she flew over to the fork-tailed bird, listening as to the bird as she continued to tweet.

“What is it Ms. Swallow? Are you having some trouble with your line, too?” She asked gently, giving the bird a worried expression. The female Swallow gave few tweets, and the mare’s eyes widened. “What, there’s somepony else here? Where?”

The mare had already fully turned around after she had asked that, and locked eyes with the four ponies behind her. She was so taken that she nearly lost control of her wings and fell to the ground. For what seemed like forever, not a single sound was made, and nopony moved either. Not even the birds, who were all wondering whether they should fly off, or stay and see what their master would do. They didn’t have to wait long as the buttermilk Pegasus slowly hovered down to the ground, her overextended tail being the first to touch the soft green grass. Slowly folded her angelic wings to her side, a gentle smile planted on the mare’s face, staring kindly at the newcomers.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” She giggled softly as she put a hoof to her mouth. “I certainly didn’t expect to get an audience so early before it was actually needed.”

This seemed to snap the four siblings, the shock of the Pegasus’s beauty finally wearing off as they began to regain their senses. They all fumbled for words, except for Sheton, who was still captivated by the buttermilk mare. Right at that moment, the tan hybrid mare was finally to speak, her words coming out in a large sputter.

“I…I-I…c-can’t b-believe it…” she whispered, her lip quivering as she took large slow, yet quiet breaths. “Fluttershy…i-is that…y-y-you?”

Fluttershy giggled again before she began to slowly walk towards her fellow winged ponies, her gentle teal eyes locking straight onto Goku. One she was within reach, she leaned in and tenderly nuzzled the other mare with all the care in the world. Goku gasped lightly as a warmth spread through her body, her eyes becoming half lidded as Fluttershy brushed her herself against that bat winged mare. Her gentle smile never once faltering for a second, even after she pulled away and looked back into the blushing face of the tan mare.

“I don’t know Goku, you tell shy little me. Am I the same Fluttershy you remember? The very same Fluttershy that always hid behind you as a filly?” She asked playfully, her mane falling gracefully over her face. “I think you both know the answer to that sweetie. After all, who else could you remember having a roseray and a pair of angel dragon wings attached to their back?”

Goku said nothing as she continued staring into those warm eyes that looked straight back at her with kindness that no words could describe. She then slowly looked Fluttershy up and down, taking in each and every one of her jaw dropping features. Her golden eyes then locked right on the cross-like rosary with the large blood red eye that gleamed back at her. Its iris glowing for three whole seconds, as if to tell her and her siblings, ‘welcome home’.

A light gasp escaped the tan mare’s mouth as she looked back up at Fluttershy, who’s smile was somewhat wider. Goku felt a smile of her own make its way to her face as she began to shake on the spot, her excitement getting the better of her. Fluttershy’s forelegs were already open before threw herself at the buttermilk Pegasus, knocking her right off her hooves. Just before they hit the ground, Goku’s feathered bat wings flared out and shot them into the air the latter laughing mirthfully.

“Oh my Celestia I can’t believe it! I cannot believe that it’s you!” Goku squealed gleefully. “I almost didn’t even recognize you!” She slowly hovered away from the mare and looked her over. “Seriously! I mean, you look so…so…”

“Exotic?” Fluttershy guessed. “I know, I really get that a lot from everypony that either sees me around Ponyville. Or comes to my cottage with a sick animal in tow or want to buy some flowers from me.” Her cheeks gained a tinge of pink as both she and Goku hovered to the ground. “I also get a lot of compliments form the stallions in Ponyville, as well as, um…t-the mares.”

“Well, what did you expect, going into town looking like that? With a mane, eyes, chest fluff, and a figure like that, you’re bound to get attention from both sexes dear.” Goku snorted. “I’d say you looked even more stunning than Rarity! A theory that I know that even she’ll agree with.”

“Now Goku, you shouldn’t say that out loud. Rarity might hear you and get upset.” The buttermilk Pegasus giggled, her wings giving a little ruffle. “You know how the poor things is about ponies judging her for her looks. If she hears you saying that, she may faint on the spot.”

“Oh please! As if Rarity would get angry at you for holding more beauty than her.” Goku replied dryly, earning another giggle from Fluttershy. “Though, I wouldn’t just say that you’d look extraordinary. No, I’d say that you look…” She moved her head to the side as she put her lips next to Pegasus’s ear and whispered quietly, “…absolutely angelic.”

A light gasp escaped the buttermilk Pegasus, a pink blush coming to her cheeks as the tan mare looked at her with a wide grin. A moment or two passed with neither of them speaking, before a grin of her own came to Fluttershy’s face. Without warning, she walked closer to Goku and put a hoof under her chin, her expression becoming half lidded once more.

“So…you think that I look angelic huh?” She asked, her gentle tone gaining a slight sultry edge to it. She tilted her head slightly, her silky mane slightly obscuring one of her teal eyes. “And who’s to say that you and your sisters don’t look as attractive as I do?”

“I never said that none of us were attractive.” Goku giggled, her own eyes becoming half lidded as her left tufted ear twitched. “I just said that out of the four of us, you seem to take the cake, along with any other member of any other clan that has any remote connection with nature.”

“You mean like Blossomforth and Derpy? Or even Cloud Kicker and Amethyst?” Fluttershy asked, running a hoof down Goku’s large fluffy chest. “Yes, admit, that they’re all attractive in their own way. Well, all of them except for dear Amethyst…I admit she’s a very pretty young mare, but she still has a bit of a ways to go before she reaches that of her mother’s. She is making progress, slowly mind you but surely. With you three however…well, you seem to have gotten a head start with that if you don’t mind me saying.”

“We could say the same for you dear.” Snowflake said, a little chuckle escaping her. “The years have done you well along with Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker. You’re all sure to have many mares and stallions chasing after you and claim you as their own.”

“Oh, now that would be just wonderful!” Midnight gushed giggling merrily. “The thought of so many young stallions and mares wanting to have somepony as special as Fluttershy…oh that would be just so adorable!”

“That is if they don’t try to get under her tail the minute they see her.” Goku muttered, looking off to the side. “One of the major downsides of being so beautiful…”

“We heard that.” Her sisters dryly said in unison, earning a little laugh from the tan hybrid mare.

“Now now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves girls. While I do have some thoughts on getting a special somepony, I’m taking it slow and biding my time.” Fluttershy said, running a gentle hoof up one of Goku’s tufted ears. “Besides, I have my animals and my little Loo-Loo that I need to take care right now. I may decide to go looking for a special somepony that I believe is suitable, but for now, I’m comfortable with being single and having you all instead.”

“Whatever you say Flutters. We’re just saying that you may not have a lot of time before a stallion or mare that catches your eye is snatched away.” Goku said, giving a little shrug as she ran a hoof down Fluttershy’s cheek. “Though, if you’d rather stick with us instead…we don’t have any objections.”

The buttermilk Pegasus giggled. “Oh, I know you don’t. From the families you come from, you wouldn’t have any objections with being a bit closer with ponies. Though I think we should take some time to catch up with each other before we start doing to each other the things that Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker like to do with one another.”

‘Why do I get the feeling it’s something I’m not supposed to know yet?’ Sheton thought, his tufted ears flattening. ‘And why the hay am I blushing at this?’

“Yeah, you have a point there.” Midnight giggled. “We should take things more slower before thinking about banging each other senseless. I really don’t wanna get into as many incidents as those to get whenever those two get into one of their lewd escapades. No matter how alluring or exciting it may be on a sexual matter.”

“Yes, that’d be a good idea.” Fluttershy giggled, running a hoof down Goku’s mane. “It’s so goo to see you again. I’ve missed you all so much, probably more than the others.” She lowered her head, her smile faltering. “It was hard for all of us without any of you here…especially on me.”

“Hearing that come from somepony like you, I can completely understand why.” Goku said gently, pulling Fluttershy into a tight hug. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, you don’t need to feel that way anymore. Like we told the others, we’re staying, and we’re not going anywhere.”

“Thank you, you have no idea how happy that makes me.” Fluttershy said softly as she leaned into the hug. “I missed you girls so much...”

“We did too, Fluttershy…we all did.” Midnight cooed as she and Snowflake hugged both mares on either side.

Fluttershy Tenshi Kindheart Rosario was the fifth mare in the small line of fillyhood friends that was made by Goku during her time living in Ponyville. Very much like Rainbow Dash, the buttermilk Pegasus came from the majestic city of Cloudsdale, and was not born in or near Ponyville, like Applejack and Rarity were. As it was with Rainbow and Rarity, the tan filly had meet Fluttershy when the buttermilk Pegasus was just a teenager. It was in the same scenario witnessing her being bullied by the very same ones that bullies Rainbow Dash. Only with Fluttershy, it was, if not a bit more violent, something that Goku put a stop to immediately. The fact that it was Rainbow Dash’s bullies was what really angered the hybrid filly, especially since she had already dealt with them before.

After really laying it into them, Goku comforted the distraught filly, before spending that time getting to know her more. Due to her shyness, Fluttershy was a bit reluctant to talk to the filly despite not being bothered by the fact she was half Thestral. Fortunately for her, the filly proved to be very respectful of her shyness and need for space, and didn’t force her in the conversation. It most certainly served well for the buttermilk filly, and the more she found herself talking to Goku, the more comfortable she felt around her.

After that fateful day, Fluttershy became the next filly to be added into Goku’s circle of friends that lived either in or near Ponyville, though she did not just have Fluttershy meet the whole gang in one go. Due to how painfully shy and timid she was, she decided to let Fluttershy get to know her first, which wasn’t really a problem, considering that she was also friends with Rainbow Dash, and since the cyan filly seemed to trust her, Fluttershy supposed she could too. One by one, Goku and Rainbow Dash introduced the buttermilk filly to each of their friends, every single one of them welcoming her with open hooves, and happily accepting her into their little girl group.

As the years passed, Fluttershy slowly, but surely, opened up to the four other mares and accepted them as her own friends. Despite her meekness around them, she happy that she had found ponies that accepted her for who she was and didn’t judge her due to her shy nature. Each of the mares came to know Fluttershy as, the kindest, gentlest most caring pony that any of them had ever meet, always worried and wanting to help those that were hurt or scared. Whenever they felt like they needed somepony to talk to or about their problems, or find a shoulder to cry on, Fluttershy was the pony available. She was always ready to lend a sympathetic ear and comfort them when they were ready to break down after a good vent. It didn’t matter how long it took for somepony let out their sadness and heartache, Fluttershy was always a calm and patient mare, willing to sit with them and hold them for hours if that’s what it took to help them feel better. Her shy nature did make it a little difficult for her to open up to anypony, and she was often viewed as a weak and spineless pony, much to her friends’ irritation. Fortunately for those ponies, they learned that despite her meekness, Fluttershy could be very assertive if she wanted to be. When she was, those who were the victims of it would find themselves on the verge of a glare so frightening they’d be sent walking away shaking like leaves in the wind.

Fluttershy loved foals, and offered to foalsit for anypony that needed a load off of their shoulders for a few hours. If that wasn’t enough for anypony to like her, she also had a big love for animals, and always dreamed about caring for them when she came of age, having taken care of a golden retriever puppy that her parents had given her when she was just a filly. Because of this, she was often the pony to go to for any animal that was hurt or sick, something that Applejack did from time to time, since she also had a female cattle dog, named Winona; that she would bring to Fluttershy so she could treat her for sickness or any wounds that may have been infected.

Like Derpy and Blossomforth, Fluttershy also came from a clan that had the ability to transform into the supernatural bat winged fanged equines. As evident by her roseray, the very same one that members of their clans wore that stored their true powers away. However, there was one other power that Fluttershy had at her disposal; one that she’d much rather use, than the one contained in the metallic item that she wore.

Though not known by many, Fluttershy came from a clan that had powers that would make them seem like angels from the very skies of paradise, called the Tenshi clan. Despite the name, members of this clan couldn’t really transform into actual angels; just go into forms and gain powers that were like that of a real-life angel. Due to their appearances whenever they transformed however, they could very well be mistaken for actual angels. Though the more appropriate term to call members of the Tenshi clan would be Angeloids.

It was said that whenever they went into this mode, they were either cloaked in battle robes or dressed in magnificent suits or armor, completed wings that radiated power. In this mode, the Angeloid’s strength was as if it belonged to an actual angel, and anypony, both friend or foe, were at great risk at being obliterated by those that couldn’t control it. Only those that had complete total control over their Angeloid powers were allowed to join in battles involving more than one, otherwise they would only bring that much more unnecessary destruction. All of that however, was nothing compared to the power that power that Fluttershy had deep inside of her, one that she only let a very select few see. One that would potentially put all of those around her in danger if not properly controlled.

“So, what are you doing back here in Ponyville?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “I didn’t know that you were going to be back so soon. I thought you were just getting everything packed up and ready.”

“Well, we woke up this morning and were planning to start packing after breakfast, but the Queen seemed to have other plans for us. She had given us a letter saying that we were to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration.” Goku replied giving her wings little ruffle. “In case you’re wondering why we got here so late, it’s because we made a few stops at Applejack Rainbow Dash and Rarity’s place for brunch, chillaxing, and…” A pink blush came to her tan cheeks. “…trying out new designs.”

“Oh not at all, I was actually at my cottage taking care of my little sister and my animal most of the day. I came out here not too long ago with some of my birds to practice their singing before tonight.” Fluttershy replied sweetly. “You came at just the right time, we were just about ready to finish. Though I suppose I can take a break since you’re all back here. Besides…” she looked down at Sheton, who was standing behind the other three hybrid mares. “…I can tell your little brother is curious about me.”

Blinking in recognition, Goku spun back around to her brother, who was still in his semi-shocked state. When he saw Fluttershy’s teal eyed gaze locked onto him, he snapped out of it and resumed to just looking at her curiously. They held that gaze for some time, and before he even knew what he was doing, Sheton found himself walking over to Fluttershy. The pink maned mare let him come to her, their eyes never separating even as he stopped within hoof’s length from the larger winged pony.

“Oh my goodness. He has such lovely eyes Goku.” Fluttershy said in a soft gush. “…I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful blue eyes before.”

Goku chuckled. “Well, he did get them from my dad…in his own way. Both of his eyes have to different colors in each, with only one eye containing similar blue colors. Still can’t understand how that’s possible, but my dad’s parents had heterochromia herself so…I guess it runs in the family.”

“Well, they certainly make him look more adorable, I must say.” Fluttershy giggled, looking back down at the stormy grey hybrid colt. She knelt down on her forelegs, so she was at eye level with the colt, her smile even sweeter than before. “Hello there sweetheart, my names Fluttershy Tenshi Kindheart Rosario. I’m one of your big sister’s friends in case she didn’t tell you…what’s your name?”

“S…Sheton…Sheton Nightstalker Shenron.” Sheton replied softly, only the slightest bit of shyness in his voice. “It’s very nice to meet you Ms. Fluttershy.”

As with most of the others, Fluttershy brushed off the formalities, letting out a little chuckled as she did so. “Oh, there’s no need to be so formal Sheton. You can just call me Fluttershy, my friends and most of ponies and foals that I know refer to me my that, so you don’t need to treat me as if I’m somepony important or anything.”

“U-um…okay.” Sheton said a little sheepishly. “It’s nice to meet you…F-F-Fluttershy.”

“That’s better!” Fluttershy gushed, standing back upright with a beaming smile. It softened as she walked closer to the colt, her long mane hanging just in front of his face. “Now, what’s handsome little colt like yourself doing here with your sisters?”

Sheton fidgeted slightly, a sweet flowery scent filling his nostrils as Fluttershy’s mane hung just in front of his face. Tearing his eyes away from her huge mass of chest fluff, he locked eyes with her and replied, “W-well, um…to put it simply, I-I’m here with me sisters to have a look around Ponyville. W-we’re going to be moving back here soon, a-and they wanted me to get a look at the place. A-and see if I can make some friends while I’m here.”

“Oh, so you’re moving here with your sisters, are you?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head as the colt nodded. “I see…and they want to see if you can make some friends here? How’s that going for you?”

“Surprisingly well actually.” Sheton replied, beaming. “I actually met three fillies today, Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, and Melon Cake. There was also another filly named Fire Flash that I think I was supposed to meet today, but wasn’t able to.” He looked down at the ground, his mane spilling over his face. “I didn’t think that I’d make that number of friends in such a short time…especially ones that’re so accepting of me.”

Fluttershy chuckled. “Well, from the names of the fillies that you told me, I’d say that you made quite the wise decisions when trying to make friends. I happen to know each of those fillies myself, along with the one that you weren’t able to see. They can be rather energetic and rambunctious at times, Fire Flash especially, but they really are sweet little fillies when you get to know them.”

“You really think so?” Sheton asked hopefully.

“Oh yes, they’re wonderful little fillies for anypony to be around, once you get to know them.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling in assurance. “Most ponies just see them as naïve fillies that don’t really know anything, and are more of a hindrance. However, if you really take the time to see what they’re like, you can see that they’re special fillies inside.” Her smile softened even more as she wrapped one wing around the colt. “And I can tell just by looking at you, that you’re quite the special little colt.”

“H-how can you know that?” Sheton asked, his stormy grey cheeks flushing pink. “You just met me Ms. Fluttershy.”

“Maybe so, but I have this knack for seeing just how special ponies are, even if I met them only once.” Fluttershy shrugged. “I don’t know why, but it’s just something I can do, and like all of my friends’ sisters, I can tell that you look quite special.”

“Oh, w-well…t-thank you M-Fluttershy.” Sheton murmured, looking off to the side. A moment or two of silence passed before he looked back up at her. “Um, can I ask you something.”

“What is it sweetie?” Fluttershy asked, tilted her head curiously.

“D-do you, um…” Sheton began poking his forehooves together as he struggled with his next words. “…do you have a younger sister?”

Fluttershy blinked a couple of times in surprise, before a small sly smile came to her face. “Why yes, I do have a younger sister. Her name is Scootaloo Tenshi Kindheart Rosario, and see is the sweetest, gentlest filly you could ever meet! Oh, and I case you’re wondering, yes, she does live with me like the rest of her friends. Why do you ask?”

“I-It’s nothing…” Sheton replied. “It’s just, um…since I’ve been doing so well in gaining potential friends in the f-future, m-m-maybe I could try my luck again, w-with your sister. If um, if that’s okay with you that is.” He finished, looking off to the side as he hid his face behind his mane.

“Okay with me? Okay with me?” Fluttershy repeated, looking at the Thestral colt as if he had asked something that he believed she wouldn’t agree to. “I would love for you to meet my little sister! Who wouldn’t want to meet such a sweet little filly like her? Especially since you and her both come from similar families?”

Sheton paused, looking at his large feathered bat wings and then back at the buttermilk Pegasus. His eyes locked onto her roseray seeing the blood red slitted eye in the center, before his face flushed in embarrassment.

“Uh, yeah…you make a good point there Fluttershy.” He said quietly, one of his hooves running through the membranes of his wings. “I guess I was just a little worried that she may get scared at seeing colt that looks eerily like that of a Vampony.”

Fluttershy’s gaze softened, a look of understanding coming to her face. “Oh…is that all honey? You’re afraid that my little Loo-Loo will be afraid of you because your half Bat Pony even though you don’t drink blood?”

“Well…” Sheton said hesitantly. “…kind of.”

“I see. Well, if that’s the case then I don’t think you really have anything to worry about.” Fluttershy said, smiling gently at the colt. “I’ll be honest, Scootaloo can be a bit, um…terrified of ponies that she’s never met. Even those that come from a species, pony or not, that she’s never seen before, but that doesn’t mean that she’s scared of them...most of the time.” She blushed sheepishly, looking down at the ground. “If there’s one thing Scootaloo’s not known to do, is judge others based on their appearance and race, even if they scare her to know end. Nor is she one to believe any rumors spread about said species, mainly the bad ones. She likes to see for herself if that individual really is what others say they are before making a conclusion. And even then, she’d rather be friends, or at least acquaintances with that individual, instead of enemies, as is the way of the Tenshi and Rosario clans.”

“Wow, really?” Sheton asked, his eyes wide with awe. “So, you really think that she’ll like me?”

“I know so.” Fluttershy replied, smiling brightly. “And I know for a fact that she’ll love you.”

The stormy grey hybrid colt blushed upon hearing the word ‘love’, but brushed it off as the buttermilk Pegasus playfully teasing him. he eventually regained his composure, before softly saying, “W-well, if you say so Fluttershy. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Wonderful!” Fluttershy gushed, kissing Sheton his forehead. As the blushing colt rubbed at the lipstick mark on his forehead, Fluttershy turned to his sisters. “Well then, are you ready to go to my cottage?”

“We sure are Fluttershy.” Goku nodded, giving a fanged smile. “Lead the way.”

Fluttershy smiled sweetly at the tan hybrid mare, before looking over at the birds still perched on the tree. They were all watching the scene intently, looking more relaxed that before.

“That’s all for today everyone! Keep practicing alright?” Fluttershy said, her motherly tone holding that same authoritive tone. “Remember, the Queen is the one that we need to please, do make sure you’re at your best!”

All of the birds gave off various sets of tweets, before flying off in different direction, leaving the tree they were perched on bared. Nodding in satisfaction, she looked back over at the Thestral Kirin siblings, who were all looking back at her.

“Well everypony….” She said sweetly, spreading her angelic wings. “Let’s go!”

The flight to Fluttershy’s cottage didn’t take as long as the Kirin Thestral siblings thought that it would. As a matter of a face her house was just outside the skirts of Ponyville, which wasn’t too far of a walk or fly from it. Like Applejack’s farm, Fluttershy’s home was just outside the town, except that Applejack’s farm was on the southern side of the town. Fluttershy’s was on the southeastern edge, and was much closer for anypony visiting her. Sheton couldn’t help but wonder why she would choose to live outside of town. Upon coming to her home a little while later however, he soon understood why.

Fluttershy’s cottage looked like it was built for living with or inside nature, with possibly every other creature doing the same. It was big, rivaling even Rainbow Dash’s home in size, with various little bird houses either hanging or sitting on the roof of the cottage. Small windows poking out from various spots, with a double door right in the center of the house, and another few bird houses perched near it. All the way down the dirt trail that led to the cottage a small bridge was perched over a small stream. It had a little platform under the bridge, and on the far end of it as well. There were a couple more bird houses were perched near it, with a nested log and tree only ten feet away.

“Well, here we are everypony. Welcome to my home!” Fluttershy said happily as she warmly greeting the birds and animals that living near her cottage. “I’m sorry if it’s a bit crowded here for you. It tends to be that way when your caring for so many animals.’’

“I can see why.” Goku chuckled softly, taking in the beautiful sight of the cottage. “Honestly, I’m not surprised that you would choose to live in a place like this. Since you loved being around nature, even as a filly. Ever since you got your Cutie Mark, there was always this little part of me that knew that this would be what you would do. And that this is what you were destined to do as well.”

“Wow…you sure do have a lot of animals here, Ms. Fluttershy.” Sheton said softly, watching as the little woodland creatures peeked at him from inside their burrows. Some of them retreated back slightly upon seeing the Thestral colt, a little bit intimidated by his bat like appearance and fangs. Others however, gathered up the courage to go up and sniff him, finding themselves relaxing almost immediately after. One bunny even climbed onto his back and sniffed at his mane, earning a giggle from the young colt.

“Of course she does, dear. Why wouldn’t she? Even when we were in high school, she always had some type of animal with her.” Snowflake said, letting some birds nestle into her mane. “Remember that time when she brought in those adorable little bunnies in biology class?”

“Oh I sure do! I noticed one of them pop their heads out of her saddlebags!” Midnight replied with a little squeal. “They were so cute! I just wanted to hug them and snuggle with them all!”

“I don’t doubt that you wanted to. You made that quite clear when you almost shattered the windows and made half the class go deaf.” Fluttershy stated syly. “Though there was a good chance that fi I let you do that, you would’ve crushed the poor things to death.”

“No, I wouldn’t have! I promise you, I was going to be very gentle with them! Honest!” Midnight cried, holding a hoof to her feathered chest. “I’ve gotten a lot better with controlling my strength the past for years!!”

“Really? Because I’m sure that you almost crushing Mr. Cake and Applejack to death would beg to differ.” Goku pointed out blowing a raspberry at the beetle black mare. “The poor stallion was going as blue as Mrs. Cakes fur, good thing you had the common sense to let him go, otherwise you really would’ve crushed him to death.”

“S-shut up Goku!” Midnight stammered, her face heating up as her younger sisters both laughed.

The sound of Fluttershy’s front door gently creaking snapped the three sisters to attention, and they soon found themselves in the mare’s home. As the door closed behind them, the Kirin siblings took a moment to take in the interior of the cottage, and they were impressed at what they saw. On the floor was a large deep red rug having a large flower sewn in the middle with a grey chimney to the left of it. In that chimney, was a large fireplace inside, and a birdhouse to the right of the rug. Far down the rug, there was a large couch and chair having a little tea table in the center, and books shelves containing various books behind them. A picture of a rainbow with butterfly’s framed on the wall, and a window containing doors that had pots engraved on them. Above them, there were a couple more birdhouses, with a large doggy bed next to the couch, where a staircase could be seen behind it, leading upstairs to where the bedrooms were supposed to be. To the left of the stars, a large opening could be seen where the kitchen was, as evident due to the dining room at the far left. To end the display, there was a refrigerator next to it on the other side of the wall.

“I gotta say Fluttershy, you’ve outdone yourself here.” Goku said, smiling slightly. “I figured you were going to settle down somewhere quiet, and it looks like you have. I can practically feel the quietness in this place, along with a lot of different animal scents.”

“I figured you would, especially since you’re half Thestral and have a heightened sense of smell.” The buttermilk Pegasus chuckled. “You’ll have to excuse me for that, a lot of the animals tend to make their own homes here with me. Some of them don’t really like being outside for many different reasons.”

“Oh don’t worry about that dear, we don’t mind you having so many animals here.” Snowflake said, waving a hoof dismissively. “To be honest we were pretty much expecting it. You did like being around animals more than ponies, and those that weren’t normal ponies.”

Fluttershy smiled gently at the mountain blue mare. “Yes well…animals do tend to get me a lot more than ponies that don’t. That’s one of the reasons why I love being around them so much; they’re quieter, they don’t judge, and they’d never hurt or betray you, even if it means giving their lives.” Her expression softened as she locked eyes with all three of the hybrid mares. “And it’s also ponies like you that get me so much, because you’re treated like many of the animals that I take care of. Feared for something that ponies don’t understand and judged just because of your appearance, and not doing anything to really see what you’re like. It’s why I don’t mind ponies like you, and want you to be more understood.”

“We know Fluttershy, we all feel the same way sweetie.” Midnight said, softly. “Unfortunately, there aren’t many ponies like you that are so tolerant and accepting of ponies like us. Which makes it all the more wonderful that we’re friends, right Sheton?”

“U-uh-huh…” Sheton replied, smiling at Fluttershy. “A-and since I’m here, you get to have another Thestral as a friend. O-of course, I’m only half Thestral, but…you get the point I’m trying to make right?”

“Yes honey, I do.” Fluttershy nodded, winking at the stormy grey colt. “And I’m glad that get to have another friend like the ones I have now. That friend being in the from of you.”

With those words, Fluttershy planted another kiss on the colt, this time on his cheek instead of his head. Sheton promptly blushed and looked away, gingerly rubbing at his cheek as a giggling Fluttershy walked over to the back door of her cottage. With the four siblings close behind her, they all walked out and into the backyard of the animal caretaker. It was quite large, seemingly as large as Rainbow Dash’s, having a large field that had groups of flowers planted here and there. There was also a large chicken coop on the far left, and a large pond that was sure to contain fish on the right, with lilies and frogs there as well. Just next to the cottage, was a large wooden table containing a few or so chairs, and a few large trees that had a few bird’s nests in them. All around them, they would see various other birds and animals roaming around the backyard, all of them being many different species. Mice, rabbits, and squirrels, and chickens, sheep, goats, deer and moose...the list went on, and they all seemed to be quite at home.

“Woooow…” Sheton breathed as he looked around the backyard of Fluttershy’s cottage. “It’s so beautiful Fluttershy.”

“Why thank you Sheton. It’s really a sight to see, isn’t it?” Fluttershy asked, giggling in amusement in at the colt’s reaction. “Many ponies wouldn’t expect to find something like this where I am. Especially if it has exotic animals such as these. That is, unless you’re a member of the Ponyville Critter Crew!”

“Oh we know that! I can totally see why you would choose a job like that.” The tan hybrid mare said. “It looks like my little brother is liking it a lot.”

“Oh, that’s right!” Snowflake exclaimed as she looked over at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, dear, didn’t you say that your sister was here?”

“Oh, yes I did! I almost forgot about that, thank you for the reminder Snowflake.” Fluttershy said thankfully at the mountain blue mare. She then began to look around the backyard, her teal eyes squinting in concentration. “Now, if I can just find her. She said she would be here in the backyard while I was gone, so I don’t-oh! There she is!”

All four siblings followed the line where Fluttershy’s hoof was pointing and came across a sight that made their eyes widen. There, sitting in the field of flowers on the far-left side of the cottage backyard, was a young Pegasus filly that looked to be about Sheton’s age, possibly a year older. She had bright orange fur that was a shade lighter than Applejack’s, with a long indigo mane and tail that hung all the way to the ground. Her mane completely obscured one of her eyes, the other being a captivating and gentle violet color. Her wings were folded neatly at her sides, all being a combination of her mane and tail color, along with that of Fluttershy’s eyes, and her Cutie Mark was nonexistent.

Sheton felt all the breath leave his body as his emerald blue eyes widened, the oval shaped pupils dilated as he stared at the filly. His heartbeat quickened as a pink tint appeared on his cheeks, his bat wings twitching slightly. As he continued to stare in awe at the filly before him, one thought crossed his mind. ‘So pretty…!’

“Is that her Fluttershy?” Goku asked, looking at the filly with a raised eyebrow. “Is that your little sister?”

“It sure is Goku!” Fluttershy gushed, her cheeks going as pink as her mane. “Doesn’t she look just precious?”

“She most certainly does dear…I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more adorable filly before.” Snowflake replied, smiling fondly at Scootaloo. “Then again, I’ve seen many cute foals in my lifetime, especially just today, but still…I think she takes the cake.”

“I think we can all agree with that.” Midnight said, letting out a little giggle. “I mean, just look at that beautiful mane and tail, and those eyes! Oh, I bet she’d look absolutely beautiful in one of Rarity’s dresses!”

“If you think she looks sweet now, just wait until you actually here her talk.” Fluttershy said, smiling in excitement at the three sisters. She then looked back to where Scootaloo was and cleared her throat, before saying, “Oh Scootaloo! Come here sweetie, we have some guests!”

Scootaloo’s ears perked at the sound of her older sister’s sweet voice, and her single visible violet eye locked onto her and the four siblings. Her eye widened slightly in surprise, but it soon beamed into a sweet smile that made Sheton’s heart skip a beat. Wordlessly, she got up from her spot in the flowers and galloped over to Fluttershy, her mane and tail flowing gracefully behind her. She slowed to a trot when she got within forelegs length, before stopping in front of Fluttershy, closing her eye as the older mare nuzzled her lovingly. Scootaloo then nuzzled into Fluttershy’s huge chest fluff, earning an ‘Awwww’ from the three Thestral Kirin sisters, before she pulled away.

“It’s wonderful to see you two against Scootaloo.” Fluttershy said sweetly. “I’m sorry that I didn’t get back here on time. I hope that I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.”

The bright orange filly shook her head, and, in what had to be the sweetest gentlest voice Goku and her siblings had ever heard, she said, “N-no…y-y-you didn’t keep me w-waiting for very long b-big sister. I-it was only half an hour ago w-when you left, s-so I wasn’t too worried.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.” Fluttershy said softly. “Did you stay in the backyard with the animals like I told you too?”

“Y-yes, I did.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling timidly. “I-I also didn’t let anypony that wasn’t your friends or mine in the cottage while you were away. I-I did see a few of them pass by here b-but, I didn’t really recognize them.”

“Good girl!” Fluttershy praised, planting a soft kiss on Scootaloo’s forehead. “What a good little filly you’ve been today! I knew I could count on you to look after the house while I was gone!

“W-well, I was only doing what you t-told me to do; l-looking after the animals and the cottage.” Scootaloo said bashfully, blushing slightly. “I-I couldn’t disappoint you, a-and I did want to d-do my part, s-so…t-t-that’s what I did.”

“Well, you certainly did a better job at doing that.” Fluttershy said, nuzzling Scootaloo on her cheek. “I’m so proud of you Loo-Loo; you’re growing up so fast!”

Scootaloo giggled. “B-big sister…I-I’m only e-eight years old, I have at least f-five years b-before I b-become a mare.”

“I know, but you’re already becoming a mare in your own special way. And I think the same can be said about your friends.” Fluttershy winked, letting out a little giggle of her own. “That reminds me, I have a few new faces that I want you to meet. Ones that I think that you’ll find quite pleasant.”

The bright orange filly tilted her head curiously, her violet mane swaying slightly as she followed the line of her sister’s gaze. Her single violet eye widened upon seeing the four Thestral Kirin sisters just next to Fluttershy, the last of which looking away when she looked at him. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she locked in place, her ears flopping back as a shy nervous look came across her face.

“It’s okay Scootaloo, they’re not going to hurt you.” Fluttershy said soothingly. “These are my other friends that I’ve been telling you about.”

“Y-you’re other f-friends?” Scootaloo asked, looking back at her sister. “Y-y-you mean they’re the…”

“Mhm, they’re the three Thestral Kirin sisters that I used to tell you about from time to time after I had come back to Ponyville.” Fluttershy replied, nodding as she looked back at the three mares. “This is Midnight Thunderstorm Nightstalker Shenron, Snowflake Icestorm Nightstalker Shenron, and Son Goku Kakarot Nightstalker Shenron. All three of them are part of the Nightstalker and Shenron clans in the Grove of the Kirins and in the Empire of Lunar Bay, you know the ones that can turn into Bat Pony and dragon pony hybrids.”

“Y-yeah, I know…I-I’ve heard that, um…they also have the, um, necklaces to show t-that they have that k-kind of power.” Scootaloo replied, looking back over at the three sisters. “I-its, um…v-v-very nice to meet y-you all. M-my name is S-Scootaloo Tenshi Kindheart R-Rosario.”

“Oh, we know that dear. Your big sister told us who you were already.” Snowflake said tenderly, her fangs gleaming as she smiled at the little filly. “Still, it’s very nice to meet you, your sister wasn’t kidding when she said that you were quite adorable.”

“Now Snowflake, don’t go teasing the poor thing.” Midnight chided lightly as Scootaloo blushed deeply. “She’s only just met us, and besides, she’s not the only adorable little one that we have here with us.”

“You’re right Midnight. I think it’d be best if we introduce them right now.” Goku said, smirking down at her little brother. She pushed Sheton forward in front of the Pegasus filly, who went wide eyed once again at seeing him so close to her. “Scootaloo, sweetie, I’d like you to meet our little brother, Sheton Crimson Flash Nightstalker Shenron. He’s here with us for the Summer Sun Celebration while we supervise it, and we felt that it’d be good for his social health if he made friends with ponies his age in the place we’re planning to move back to.”

The stormy grey hybrid colt gulped, his little heart beating fast as his cheeks flushed a deep pink red. With as much courage as he could muster, he managed to stutter out, “Um…h-h-hi Scootaloo…m-my name is S-Sheton…i-it’s really nice to m-meet you.”

Scootaloo didn’t say anything for a moment, her lone eye staring right into Sheton’s emerald blue orbs as the blush on her face grew even darker. The pupil in her eye dilated as her mouth hung open in a cute little ‘o’ shape. ‘So…cute!’ she thought internally.

“Scootaloo…” Fluttershy said firmly, yet gently. “It’s not polite to stare at others like that. I know Sheton looks cute and all, but could you at least respond to him honey?”

This snapped Scootaloo out of her daze as she glanced in between her sister and Sheton a couple of time, before settling back on the latter again. “S-sorry big sister…h-hello Sheton…i-it’s really nice t-to meet you t-too.”

‘Oh, look at those too!’ Goku thought, biting her lip to keep from giggling as she watched two foals act shyly towards one another. ‘I can already tell that these two are gonna get along quite well in the upcoming years. Oh, I can almost see the future cute moments coming!’

“S-so, um…Sheton?” Scootaloo asked, looking back up at the colt. “I-is this y-you’re first time here in P-Ponyville?”

“Um, y-yeah it is.” Sheton replied, smiling slightly. “I came here just a few hours ago, mainly because my sister wanted me to see if I can make any friends. I’ve actually been pretty successful so far…”

“Oh, y-you have?” Scootaloo asked, one of her ears flicking. “S-so they weren’t scared of the f-fact that you were a h-hybrid?”

“No, they weren’t.” Sheton said, smiling slightly. “I really thought that at least one of them would be at least a little nervous about seeing a pony with bat wings and fangs. I mean, Thestrals don’t exactly have a sunny reputation around Equestria, and neither do the Kirins, or anypony like them for that matter.”

“Y-yeah, I can see that.” Scootaloo nodded sympathetically, looking at the colt’s fangs, tufted ears, and his wings. “F-for the record, I’m not really bothered by your fangs or your bat wings, i-if you want m-my honest o-opinion.”

Sheton’s tufted bat ears perked. “You’re not?”

“Mm-mm…m-me and my big sister h-have a lot of b-bats at the c-c-cottage, though they don’t really l-like being out in the d-daytime.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling softly. “I admit, i-it can be a l-little n-nerve wracking s-seeing creatures with f-fangs. B-b-but…they can actually be pretty cute and sweet once you look past the, um…scary appearances. T-the same can be said for the T-Thestrals too, i-if ponies are willing to do the s-same thing.”

“Yeah, I hear you there…if only it were that easy.” Sheton nodded dejectedly. “Too bad there are a lot of ponies who see them as monsters, no matter how much good they’ve done. They’re just too overcome by fear and rumors to really see it.”

Goku sighed, a frown coming to her face. “Sad, but true…” She said, her voice low enough for only Fluttershy and her sisters to hear.

“So…a-about that…” Sheton continued. “W-what do you think of it?”

“H-huh?” Scootaloo asked. “W-what did you say?”

“My Thestral form.” Sheton specified. “What do you think of it?”

Scootaloo jumped, the question throwing her in a bit of a loop as she looked at Sheton in surprise. Once it sunk in, a thick blush spread across her face as she shrunk away, forehooves poking together in a gesture of hesitance. She closed her eye, inhaling deeply and exhaling rather shakily before looking back into the eyes of the stormy grey colt.

“D-do…do you want an h-honest a-answer?” She asked, her lower lip trembling slightly. “Y-you may be a little e-embarrassed by what I have to s-say.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry…I won’t be upset or embarrassed by your answer.” Sheton said reassuringly, reaching out with a hoof and putting it on Scootaloo’s. She gasped at the contact, but didn’t pull her hoof away, although her blush did grow slightly darker. “Go on, just tell me and get it off your chest. I promise I’m not going to hold it against you.”

“W-well…okay then.” Scootaloo said, hiding behind her mane a bit. “I-I, um…I think that you’re Thestral appearance is…r-really…c-c-c-c-cute!”

Sheton froze, his eyes widening slightly as his wings twitched. “You think it’s what?”

“M-mhm…” Scootaloo nodded, biting her lip. “…I t-think you T-Thestral form is r-really c-cute.”

“You…you do?” Sheton asked, a deep blush of his own coming to his cheeks. He pulled his shaking hoof away from Scootaloo’s, making the filly frown slightly. “Y-you really think that I look…cute like this?”

“Y-yes, I-I do.” The bright orange filly nodded. “I-I haven’t really seen that many Thestral ponies or foals before, since most of them live in the Luna Bay Kingdom. B-but, from all the photos that I’ve seen of their kids, t-they looked really, um…adorable. W-with those little fangs, the webbed wings, the t-tufted ears, and that f-fluffy fur, like what you have now.” Her smile grew slightly wider as she played with her mane. “It just makes you all look so…huggable.”

Sheton’s lips pursed, his pupils dilating as his blush grew even darker. “It…it does?”

Scootaloo nodded, pawing at the ground as her mane lightly swept at it. “Y-yes…a-and I also love the way that y-your wings are m-made. F-fearsome, yet b-beautiful at the same time, w-with the wing claws and the membranes, used for f-flight and f-f-fighting. I-I don’t think I’ve really s-seen wings like t-that before…e-especially ones t-that’re feathered.”

“Well, that’s probably because you haven’t seen Thestrals with feathered wings before dear.” Snowflake, spreading her own wings partially. “That is until now…”

“Hmhm, yeah, you make a good point.” Scootaloo said giggling a bit. “B-but…y-yeah, t-that’s what I think about you’re Thestral form S-Sheton. I-I don’t think that it’s scary at all…that I t-think it’s c-cute, and…f-fascinating to look at.”

“W…wow Scootaloo…I-I…don’t know what to say.” Sheton said, blinking a few times. “Thank you, that’s…one of the nicest things anypony’s said about my form.”

“I-It was nothing S-Sheton…I-I mean that w-with all my h-heart, and not just cause I’m b-being nice.” Scootaloo said, her smile turning gentler. “After all, w-what kind of f-friend would I b-be if I e-ever said that j-just to make you f-feel better?”

The stormy grey colt looked at Scootaloo in slight surprise. “F-friend?”

“Uh-huh.” The bright orange filly nodded as she walked a bit closer to Sheton. “I-I know that this is, u-um…out of the blue, a-and I’m n-normally not the f-first one a-ask it…but…um…” She looked away, mustering up the courage to say what she wanted to ask. “D-do you and I…think we could b-be…f-f-friends?”

“R…r-r-r-really?” Sheton stuttered. “Y-you really want the both of us to be friends?!”

“I…I-I really would.” Scootaloo replied, stepping just a bit closer to the colt. As with Fluttershy, her mane hung just in front of him, and even more frequent scent of flowers filled Sheton’s nostrils. “T-this is the very first-time t-that I’ve ever had any r-real encounters with T-Thestrals…l-let alone T-Thestral foals. P-plus, y-you seem like a r-really nice c-colt Sheton, and, y-y-you’re one of the f-first foals I’ve meet o-outside of Ponyville that’s been n-nice to me, a-and hasn’t thought of me as w-weird, a-and I’m happy f-for that.” Slowly and tentatively, she reached out and placed her hoof on Sheton’s, making the colt tense up. “S-so…w-w-what do you say Sheton? D-do you w-wanna be f-friends? Um…please?”

For once, Sheton didn’t have to really look into Scootaloo’s eyes to see if she really was being honest in her approach. He could tell it just by focusing on her body language alone and the shy, yet sweet and gentle tone in her voice. The filly herself even looked like thought that he wouldn’t accept her offer in friendship and give her another friend to have in her life. At that moment, Sheton had made his decision, almost without even having to think it over, and he made it clear, very openly.

“Scootaloo,” He said happily, taking Scootaloo’s left hoof into both of his own. “I would love to be your friend!”

The bright orange filly gasped, the blush on her face returning tenfold. “Y-you would?”

“Uh-huh! I admit, I was really apprehensive about how you’d react to first seeing me, being a Thestral and all.” Sheton nodded, glancing over at Fluttershy. “But your sister assured me that you wouldn’t be afraid of me because of my heritage, especially since you both held some admiration and respect for Thestrals, so I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.” He blushed a bit at the winking face of the buttermilk Pegasus, before turning back at the bright orange filly. “Plus, you were never really bothered by my appearance, or that I looked like a foal version of…you know. N-not only that, you seem like a really sweet filly, even if I just met you right now, so…yeah, I’d love to be friends with you.”

The surprised look on Scootaloo’s face slowly shifted to a small that steadily grew larger. It was nowhere near as wide as Pinkie Pie’s, but was enough to show just how happy she was. Her eye glazed over as tears built up in it, her lower tip trembling as she stammered, “S-Sheton…I…I don’t know what to say. I…I-I really thought that you really wouldn’t want to be friends with me…especially since, since your family is so…”

“Hated and feared?” Sheton finished, laughing a little. “Yeah, I can see how that may be the reason why you were so nervous about me wanting to be your friend or not. But you don’t need to worry about that, I’m not gonna let that be a reason to not be friends with me, no matter how true it may be. Sure, there are lots of ponies who fear us, but there are at least a few of us that’re willing to look past it, like you and your sister…and all the other ponies that I’ve met today.” He laughed sheepishly as Melon Cake, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and all of the other mares he met came flashing back to his mind. “That just shows that there are many ponies like you out there who don’t believe all the things that are said about Thestrals and Kirins. Which makes it all the more swell to have ponies like you as friends for ponies like me…and I think anypony would be pretty stupid not to be friends with a sweet and pretty filly like you.”

A pregnant silence washed over the entirety of Fluttershy’s backyard as the four mares standing behind the foals let out soft gasps. Scootaloo’s smile abruptly morphed into mini triangle as her single eye went comically purple, her whole body going as stiff as a board. Sheton, who had just realized what he had said, got the same expression as Scootaloo, and slowly looked over at his and her sister. All three of them looked like they were going do either double over in laughter or glomp the ever-living shit out of them out of the sheer sweetness of the scene. Blushing profusely, he slowly turned back to Scootaloo, only to see her staring back at him with what looked to be the reddest blush he had ever seen.

“Y-y-you…you t-t-think I-I-I l-look…” The poor filly stammered, shaking like a lead as she stayed locked in place. “…p-p-p-pretty?!”

“U-um…I-I…u-u-uh…” Sheton stammered, trying desperately to come up with the with a response to get himself out of the clear. As the quiet giggles of the four mares behind him registered in his ears, he found himself only able to say one thing. “Y…yes, I do…I-I think that you’re r-really p-p-pretty Scootaloo.”

“O-oh! I…um…uh…t-that’s…”Scootaloo stuttered, words forming and evaporating in her throat as she attempted to speak. Steam flew out of her ears as her face burned red, a small, shaky smile forming on her lips. Finally, after much fumbling, the Pegasus filly managed to pull herself together to form a proper sentence. “D-d-do…do you r-really mean t-that?”

Sheton gulped, giving a timid nod. “Y-yeah, I do mean it…and I’m not just saying it either. Y-you look really r-really pretty…o-one of the prettiest fillies I’ve s-seen.” He looked up at her, his blush as dark as her own. “A-and…you’re also…r-r-really cute too.”

Scootaloo squeaked, both of her hooves coming to her mouth as she blushed even harder than before, her single eye squeezing shut. A tiny squee left her throat as she tried desperately to calm the rapidly rising heat in her face. Nopony said anything, with Fluttershy, Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight all still standing off to the side as they all waited for the filly’s next response.

‘Cute…he said that I was cute! A-and really pretty too; one of the prettiest fillies he had ever seen! Did he say that just to be nice to me?’ Scootaloo thought, looking back into Sheton’s eyes through her mane. ‘No…he’s not…I can see it in his eyes, he’s not just saying that. He really does mean it…he really does thing that I’m pretty! This is the first compliment I’ve ever gotten form a colt about my looks that’s not from Ponyville! Oh, he’s such a sweet colt!’

“I-I’m sorry…t-that just came out! I didn’t mean to startle you like that!” Sheton said, letting out a little squeak of his own. “S-s-so, um…d-d-do you wanna still be f-friends?”

‘He…he’s apologizing for saying that I’m pretty?’ Scootaloo asked, pulling her hooves away from her face. Her single eye widened slightly upon seeing the guilty look on his face, and her lips pursed in panic. ‘Oh no! He must think that I didn’t like it, and that I’m silently judging him! Come on Scootaloo, say something quick before you make the poor thing cry!’

“Y…y-y-yes! I-I do…I’d like that a lot too.” She practically spat out, her eye temporarily closing for a moment. Taking a deep shaky breath, Scootaloo smiled at the colt and a held a hoof out in front of her. “T-thank you for saying t-that I was p-pretty b-by the way…t-t-that was r-really nice of you to s-say.”

“Yeah…n-no problem.” Sheton nodded, reaching out with his own hoof and shaking it with Scootaloo’s, thus sealing their newfound friendship.

At that moment, a curtain of spikey black mane fell next to Sheton, and he found himself being nuzzled by Goku. Her forehooves planted themselves on his shoulders as she cooed into his right ear. “My my, look at you Sheton…not even twelve and you’re already getting it on with the fillies! I am so proud of you!”

“Goku, you shouldn’t be saying such things!” Fluttershy chastised, although she too was smiling. “Like you said the poor dears aren’t even that old yet. Is now really the time to be going on about how much they like each other?”

“B-big sister! I-I-I, w-we don’t…i-it’s not t-that…I-I don’t…!” Scootaloo stammered, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to diffuse the situation. “We…we don’t f-f-feel that w-way about e-each other.”

“Doesn’t mean that you don’t sweetie.” Midnight chirped, winking at the tangerine filly. “It’s perfectly natural to be in denial about how you feel for one another, but that it’ll eventually go away. And soon, neither of you will be able to keep your hooves off of each other, and you’re going to both pour your hearts out!”

“Nu-uh! We totally do not feel that way!” Sheton cried, huffing as his cheeks puffed. “We’ve only just met and became friends twenty seconds ago!”

“True, but hey…” Goku shrugged, gently flicking Sheton’s nose with her tail. “…you just may never know when those feelings will change.”

Both foals paused at this looking over at each other and seeing each other’s embarrassed faces, before looking away again immediately after. They both rubbed their forelegs together and mumbled under their breaths, both of their faces as red as cherries.

Fortunately for them, Fluttershy intervened, having had her fill of the teasing of her little sister and her new friend. With a gentle giggled, she walked up to both foals and wrapped her wings around them, pulling them to her. “Alright girls, that’s enough…I think our little sweeties have their fill of our little torment for one day. If we keep on going the poor things may just die of embarrassment!”

“Oh, but that’s what we were aiming for!” Goku protested, her pout looking very familiar to Pinkie’s own. “I mean, it is a siblings job to tease the other isn’t it? Even if it involves a potential love interest in the future? Or maybe…a potential ha-”

“Don’t even finish that sentence!” Sheton said sharply as he glared up at his older sister. “I swear, don’t you even go there! It’s bad enough that you constantly tease me about liking Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and the other fillies I’ve met, but there’s no way that…that would happen! Especially with us!”

“Keep telling yourself that dear.” Snowflake said, smiling gently at the colt. “You just may never know what fate may have in store for you.”

“I was just about to say the same thing.” Fluttershy giggled, before looking down at the two deeply blushing foals. “Sheton, that was very nice of you to say that my sister was pretty. Not many colts at her school compliment her on her looks, so I’m sure that must’ve made her feel wonderful.”

“Y-you’re welcome F-Fluttershy.” Sheton stammered, using one of his bat wings to fan his red face. “I-I meant what I said…y-your sister does look really p-pretty…”

The buttermilk Pegasus giggled, leaning down and whispering into Sheton’s ear. “If you think that she looks pretty now, you’re gonna think she’s beautiful when you see her at the school you may be going to. My little Loo-Loo does like to keep herself presentable, even if she doesn’t really need to. I won’t spoil anything, but…let’s just say you’re going to need a big fan to keep your face cool.”

Sheton’s ears perked at this, looking into Fluttershy’ smirking face and then at Scootaloo, only to see her looking back at him. They held that gaze for a moment, and it was soon broken by the sweet smile that Scootaloo gave Sheton, one that he timidly returned. The foals eventually broke away from the gaze, only to hear the giggles of their sisters around them.

“Alright then, I think we’ve gotten enough of a laugh out of our adorable little siblings for one day.” Goku chuckled, ignoring the glare Sheton sent her. “What do you guys say that we head on inside and have a nice big batch of lunch, eh?”

“I think that’d be swell little sister.” Snowflake nodded. “It has been sometime since we last ate, and all of the stuff that we did with the rest of the girls has given me a rather ravenous appetite.”

“Me too…” Midnight moaned, holding her stomach as her hunger pains stabbed at her abdomen. “Fluttershy, I hope you don’t mind, but could we-”

“Absolutely.” Fluttershy said happily. “I’d never deny my friends the chance of sating their hunger, especially in a place like mine. Hunger one of the worst things anypony can go through, and I’d never wish that upon anypony or any animal. Not even the ones that live under the roof of my cottage!” Pushing both Scootaloo and Sheton forward, the animal caretaker trapped the other three mares in her wings and pushed them back towards the door of her cottage. “Now come along everypony, I’ll cook up a nice batch of whatever you’d like, and after that, we’ll all go and visit Twilight! I’m sure she’d love to see the three of you again.”

“Ha, I could never forget that little bookworm of a mare Flutters! I was planning to go find her after we finished up here, and I think that I have a pretty good idea on where to look.” Goku laughed, before looking down at her little brother. “Plus, something tells me that there’ll be a couple other familiar faces there waiting for us. Or rather…a certain little foal.”

Author's Note

Out of all these chapters, this one was probably the most easiest and quite possibly he most fun to be able to redo :scootangel: ! One of the major problems that I had with this chapter is first, the description of how Fluttershy had met the Thestral Kirin sisters, and what had happened to transpire the friendship between them. I feel like I added a bit too much of that description in this chapter that I feel could've been left for stories in the future involving how each of the Main Seven had met each other, so that was something that needed a nice good thorough going over :facehoof: . Something that I have to do with one final chapter before I start to redo the adventure and the action scenes in this 1st Book, something that definitely need a thorough redoing for everypony's enjoyment, especially for the new purple tag that I added on :ajsmug: .

Another thing that I decided to change was Fluttershy's powers...for that, I had decided to give her an additional power that, for anypony that has seen Heaven's Lost Property, would better suit her, besides the one that I had given Derpy in the third chapter. Now, before any of you go on and complain about me keeping that, let me just say that while I do plan to having Fluttershy show it, it'll be at such a capacity that it won't bet shown until much later on in the series. For now, I think that I'd be more appropriate for her to show off the powers of the Angeloids, though, with just how powerful they can be, they can be pretty terrifying, especially ones that's in the hooves of our favorite vet :twilightsmile: .

Well, that's it for this chapter; next up us everypony's favorite bookworm, and after that, we'll start getting back to the adventure to defeat the Dark Queen :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 9 - Magical Stars, Crescent Moons, Draconic Colts

Against the four siblings’ expectations, Fluttershy had managed to whip them up a rather large lunch to somehow satisfy all of their hunger. She wasn’t exaggerating when she said that she’d be able to feed all of them all, and she seemed to have plenty of ingredients in store to make what they liked. Unlike with the Apple Family, Fluttershy’s batch of food wasn’t quite as numerous, but the food size very well could’ve been. The veterinarian had gotten quite few giggles in watching the four hybrids stuff themselves, and even Scootaloo couldn’t help but laugh a bit at Sheton’s need to eat. They eventually got ahold of themselves though, and delved into a rather pleasant conversation with each other. Scootaloo and Sheton also took some time for more bonding as well, along with some more teasing by their sisters.

At around the beginning of dusk, the three mare and two foals decided that it was time to go and pay a visit to another one of their friends. Though not before the Nightstalker Shenron siblings all offered to help Fluttershy with feeding her animals. The veterinarian happily accepted the offer, and Scootaloo and Sheton were given even more time to spend with each other, along with helping with the animals as well.

“So Sheton, did you enjoy your stay over at my cottage?” Fluttershy asked sweetly, looking over at the young colt, who was walking alongside Scootaloo.

“Uh-huh, I sure did! It was a lot of fun being around so many animals!” Sheton replied, walking with a light skip in his step. “I’ve never seen so many animals in one place before; there were so many I couldn’t even count! Are you a veterinarian Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy paused, a slight blush coming to her face as she chuckled in embarrassment. “Well…yes dear, I am, but I’m not exactly you’re typical vet, and I’m certainly not one of the old-fashioned ones either. See, I’m not one of those vets who works at an office or inside an animal clinic or anything like that. I like to work in a place where I can both feel at home and allow the animals to come and go.”

“What do you mean?” Sheton asked, tilting his head. “If you’re a vet then shouldn’t you be going to one of the downtown ones and seeing the animals there?”

“Well, if I was like any other vet, I would, but that’s not how I do things.” Fluttershy explained patiently. “You see, the reason why I have so many animals with me isn’t just because I take them in at random. It’s also because my cottage is well, more or less a workplace in itself. It’s a place where I can both work and be at home at the same time.”

“Whoa, seriously?” The hybrid colt asked. “So, you’re saying that your home is just like Miss. Rarity’s boutique? A home and a workplace both combined into one?”

“Well, if you want to put it like that, then yes.” Fluttershy giggled, smiling in amusement. “I had come up with the idea when I had first come here to Ponyville. There are plenty of paces here that have plenty of jobs regarding training and caring for animals, and they all seemed quite wonderful for me to try. The problem with that is…well, I don’t really do so well in crowds, plus I don’t really like living in places where there’s so many ponies and um…noises.” She ran a hoof down her mane as her blush grew deeper. “I like to be in places where it and the ones in it are much quieter, and allows me to really think and move at my own pace. Plus, I like to be around animals more than ponies anyway…t-they’re easier to deal with.”

“Are you sure it’s not because they’re a lot cuter and not anywhere near as annoying?” Goku asked teasingly. “Other than our little brother and sister?”

“N-no, of course not!” Fluttershy defended, frowning at the tan hybrid mare. “Don’t get me wrong, it can get a little overwhelming having to watch both my sister and her friends at the same time. That doesn’t mean the reason why I don’t like be around so many ponies and foals is because they can be difficult to deal with! It’s just that’s what I’d rather prefer other than most ponies, okay? I do like socializing from time to time, but at the same time, I do like my privacy, and so does Scootaloo! We’re not like Derpy, Dinky, Pinkie Pie, or even Melon Cake!”

“I-I don’t do s-so well in l-l-large crowds e-e-either.” Scootaloo murmured, shaking her head. “A-at least not in o-ones where there are s-o many grown ponies…m-my s-sister and her f-f-friends a-re enough. I-I like being around foals my age t-that think m-more like I-I-I do, a-and don’t l-look s-s-so i-intimidating. M-Melon Cake’s r-really s-s-sweet, a-and she’s a lot of f-fun to b-b-be around, b-but…s-she can be a l-little, um…t-too energetic to k-keep up w-with.”

Sheton nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, I think I can see why. Me and my sisters were just over at Sugarcube Corner meeting with Miss Pinkie and the Cakes, and I got a taste of just how energetic she can be. Needless to say, it was, erm…a really, really scary sight to say the least!” A slight shiver went down his spine. “If Miss. Pinkie’s that energetic, then I can only imagine how much Melon will be when we grow up…ugh, I bet that’s gonna be a nightmare!”

“M-hm-h-h-hm…” Scootaloo whimpered, her own body shaking a little. “A b-b-big one…eep!”

“Yes dear, we know…we were just messing with you as all.” Snowflake nodded as Fluttershy pouted. “However, we can see you’re point on one thing. Everypony does like there dose of privacy in more ways than one. You just happen to choose it where it’s closer to the precious little lives that you love and care for Fluttershy.”

“And that’s exactly why I’m known as Mother Natura’s Personal Vet of Ponyville.” Fluttershy nodded, holding her head up. “Because I’m the mare to go to for any animal, wild or domestic, that’s in need of help!”

“That’s true.” Midnight chirped, before turning to Snowflake. “Though, you do realize that not all of the animals Fluttershy has are little, right Snowflake? There are some big animals there too…like Elk, Deer, Moose…there was even a bear that lives in a nearby cave!”

“Yes, big sister, I am aware of that.” The mountain blue mare nodded, patting the larger mare’s shoulder. “I’m just making a little expression about Fluttershy looking after so many lives that many won’t even think about doing. Especially the way that she does it…or rather, how we all do it.”

“Oh, right.” Midnight murmured, blushing a bit. “Sorry about that…I thought for a moment that you didn’t notice all the other animals on the outskirts of Fluttershy’s cottage.”

“That’s alright Midnight.” Snowflake smiled. “Even I had some trouble noticing them. There were just so many that I couldn’t really count…even with our eyes, it was pretty hard to see them though the shadows of the trees.”

“Heh, yeah, I bet it was.” Goku chuckled, flicking both her sisters with her tail. “And speaking of which, I think we’ve made it to another tree that looks more than a little cozy.”

At these words, all five other ponies stopped walking and looked in front of where the hybrid mare was pointing, and two of them felt their eyes widen in surprise. Just twenty or so feet away from the six ponies, was the biggest and thickest tree that they had ever seen. It looked like it would be found somewhere in far woods instead of in the middle of a town like Ponyville, and it was definitely wider than most trees. A large majority of the try was typically covered in large masses of leaves, with a few lavender windows on the upper left and right corner, all being covered in a roof of leaves. They could also see to balconies, one on the high left-hand corner, for reading and looking out into town, and the other at the very top, with an extendable telescope pointing out into the sky, giving anypony the ability to see stars up close at night. At the very bottom, right in the center of the tree, was a triangular set of double doors with a scroll at the very top, and a few feet away from the tree, was he painting of a book, with an engraving that said, ‘Golden Oaks Library’.

“Wait, this is a library?” Sheton asked as he read the sign. “There’s a sign on it that says that it is.”

“It sure is Sheton, this is where Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle lives, and she’s Ponyville’s resident librarian.” Fluttershy replied softly, looking back over at the stormy grey colt. “She moved here about four years ago, so she could be to be closer to us, and this has been her home ever since.”

“I see…I thought that she’d come to a place like this to away from all of the drama back in Canterlot City. Although, I never really expected Twilight to actually live in a tree of all things.” Goku murmured as she took in all the tree buildings features. “Then again, she did always want to live in place where there were plenty of books around, even if it was in a tree. Heh, it looks like she stuck to her vow and did just that, and it really shows too.”

“Well, I think that’s rather adorable, and quite smart of her. Trees are found all the way out into forests and jungles, and come in numerous shapes and sizes.” Snowdrop said chuckling with amusement. “In a way, it makes sense that she would pick someplace like this, and not just because she’s a ‘bookworm’.” She let out a giggle. “Since ponies like Twilight like to study or read in places that are nice and quiet, I wouldn’t expect Twilight herself to pick a home that was anything less than how she liked it. And it looks like she’s found that in this ideal place, even if it is in the form of a tree.”

“Me neither. I think the home she picked is lovely. With the way it’s structured, I bet she’s had a lot of fun in their since she first moved in with it” Midnight cooed softly, her face lightning up into a small yet warm smile. “I wonder how she’s doing, along with Spike and Crescent Shield…we haven’t seen any of them in a quite a while.”

Scootaloo’s ears perked as she looked over at Goku. ‘W-what did she say?’

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Goku said as she trotted over to the door. She lifted her right foreleg and gently rapped on the door. “Helloooo? Twilight, are you in there? It’s me Goku! I have my sisters and brother her with me, along with Fluttershy and her sister too. Is it okay if we come in? We wanted to pay you a little visit, we haven’t seen you in forever.”

For a few moments, there was no response through the other side of the door, giving the tan Pegasus and the others the impression that she was in the middle of studying something. Before they could decide on whether or not to come back later, a mare’s voice suddenly rang from inside the library, making them jump slightly.

“Goku?” A sweet and intelligent voice said from behind the door. “Oh, my Celestia, is that really you?!”

“It sure is Twi!” Goku replied, her voice equally as sweet as the other mares. “Your one and only favorite Thestral Kirin mare of Ponyville and Canterlot! I’m not the only one here either, I also have Midnight, Snowflake, and Sheton here with me too!”

Fluttershy softly coughed a couple of times, raising an eyebrow at the tan mare.

“Oh, and uh…” Goku murmured sheepishly. “…Fluttershy and Scootaloo are here too.”

“Well this is quite the surprise.” Twilight said, a muffled giggle coming from her as the sound of hoofsteps went towards the door. “I wasn’t expecting you guys to come visit here today. I thought that you were all still back in Canterlot City.”

“Well, we were, but we had a little message given to us by the Queen, she picked us for a special little job, and, well…we found ourselves here.” Goku shrugged. “Of course, even if she didn’t, we still may have come here anyway. Since tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration, and it’s going to be held here of all places.”

“Well, given that this is the place where you used to live with the rest of the girls, I’m not surprised.” Twilight said, the sound of a laugh escaping her from behind the door. “Anyway, do you guys wanna come in? I just have a few books that I need to reorganize and then I’ll be done for the day. Feel free to come inside, the door’s unlocked!”

Goku’s jet-black eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Twilight’s words as she took a step back from the doorway, her ear lowering. Something about the last thing that Twilight had said struck a very unsettling feeling in her stomach. Whenever she or her friends went to go visit her, she would be the one to and let them in, even if she was in the middle of studying something, school-related or not. The tan hybrid mare also knew that her bookworm of a friend would never leave her door unlocked for any reason. Even if it was to let somepony she knew personally in, especially since Twilight was a mare not known to take her chances very often.

Despite Ponyville having a very little crime rate, there was still the occasional break in of ponies’ homes, even though Ponyville was relatively one of Equestria’s safest towns to live in. That was why Twilight always kept her home nicely secured, having watched many episodes of crime when she was a teenager. The fact that she actually decided now to throw her caution aside and leave her door unlocked immediately set off red flags in Goku’s mind. Red flags that she knew did not fit Twilight’ character, especially due to the city that she was born and raised in.

She looked back over at her three siblings, who looked to be just as surprised and concerned as she was. Even Scootaloo looked somewhat frightened, having hidden behind Fluttershy, who, surprisingly, didn’t look the least bit worried or concerned. This confused Goku even more, and could not stop herself from narrowing her eyes at the calm expression on the veterinarian’s face.

‘Fluttershy knows something’s up here…I can see it in her eyes’ She thought as Fluttershy’s eyes locked with her’s, before flashing her a gentle, and all too innocent, smile. ‘She and I both know that Twilight would never leave her door unlocked for anypony, not even us. She’s too much of a cautious mare to do something like that, even in a town like this. So why is she doing it now of all times? And why is Fluttershy not looking worried at all at the potential of something having happened? Something’s not right here…’

“Um, sis?” Sheton asked softly, snapping the mare out of her thoughts. “Are you okay? You’re looking a little spaced out there.”

“Uh, y-yes Sheton, I’m alright…I was just thinking as all.” Goku replied as she quickly collected herself, still looking into Fluttershy’s eyes. Deciding to question the mare about her strange behavior later, she turned back to the door and said wearily, “Um…are you sure that it’s okay Twilight? I mean…you’re usually the one letting us in instead of vice versa…no offense, but you don’t normally do this, even for us.”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all!” Twilight replied, her voice never losing its sweet edge. “Please, don’t let yourselves stand outside out there in the cold. Come inside while its nice and warm and cozy, don’t worry! There’s plenty of space!”

Goku’s her lips formed an arrow-straight thin line, mulling over Twilight’s words and wondering if she should take her chances. She looked back over at the other mares and two foals again, before turning back to the door, gulping slightly. A moment later, she breathed out a soft sigh and put her hoof on the door knob. “Alright...if you say so. W-we’re coming in now, okay?”

The door creaked loudly as the tan Thestral hybrid pushed it open, her foreleg lowering to touch the ground as she slowly walked inside. After a moment’s hesitation, her sisters, Sheton, Scootaloo and Fluttershy all went after her. As the door slowly closed behind them, the first thing that they all noticed was that it was very warm inside the tree. The slight cold that they all felt outside seemed to whisk away like leaves being blown in the wind in fall. All of them felt their bodies begin to relax slightly under the gentle heat that radiated all around them, brushing off against their soft coats. The second thing that they noticed was that it was completely and utterly pitch-black dark. It was so dark that they couldn’t even see their own hooves, even with most of their enhanced night vision. It was also deathly quiet, so quiet they the four mares and two foals heard nothing but their own breathing, and feel nothing but their own magic.

“Um…Twilight…are you in here sweetie?” Goku asked uneasily as she looked around her. Her cat-like eyes scanned around her for any sign of the libraries interior, but was unable to see anything instead of the inky blackness. “Why are the light’s off? We can’t see you or anything else in here.”

“She probably didn’t hear you dear.” Snowflake said, her tone uneasy. “She’s probably upstairs somewhere in her room maybe.”

“I don’t think so” Midnight said as she pressed herself close to Snowdrop. “I can definitely sense her magic power here somewhere. I just can’t see where she is right now…it’s too dark even for our night vision”

“B-big sister…I don’t like this…” Scootaloo whimpered. “I-i-it’s so dark…I c-can’t see a t-t-thing…I’m r-r-really s-scared.”

“It’s okay, Loo-Loo…I’m here.” Fluttershy said calmly, reaching out with an angelic wing to bring the filly close to her. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you…I’m not going to let anything hurt you.”

“Alright Twilight, this isn’t funny anymore. You are really starting to creep me out right now with all of this, and it isn’t even close to Nightmare Night yet!” Goku said more firmly, her ears pinning back as she heard Scootaloo whimper behind her. “And you’re also scaring to foals too; seriously this is so not like you at all!”

“I can’t see a thing.” Sheton whined. “Normally I’d have no problem seeing in the dark at all but…I really can’t see anything-ow!” He cried out as he collided into something, only to feel something else fall on top of his head. “Ooooh, now that hurt.”

“Are you alright Sheton?” Snowflake asked, her voice etched with concern. “What happened?”

“I…I think I ran into a bookshelf and a book fell on top of my head.” The colt replied as he rubbed at his head. “And it felt really heavy…I seriously can’t see anything in here! Can any of you please find a light switch?!”

“Alright Twilight, enough messing around! If you wanted scare us shitless, then you definitely succeeded! Now it’s time for it ti stop right now! If you turn the lights on and tell us where you are, I may be willing to let this little thing slide.” Goku snapped, starting to feel annoyance and irritation rise up within her. She waited a few moments for the other mare to respond, but was once again met with the eerie silence of the darkness. Hissing softly, Goku stomped her hoof down, the sound of wood cracking echoing about the library as she snarled. “Twilight, I swear to Faust, if you don’t knock this off and come out right now, I promise you, I will light this place up with a fireball so powerful, that it will look like I’m bringing the very Sun down onto this library and incinerate it from the inside!”

“Goku, please, calm down!” Midnight protested, trying to ease her sister. “I know that your upset right now, but burning down Twilight’s home isn’t going to solve anything!”

“You have until the count of three!” Goku stated firmly as she flared her wings ignoring her eldest sister’s pleas. “One…”

“Wait…what is that smell?” Midnight asked herself as she took a sniff of the air. “Do all of you guys smell that too?”

“Yes, I do.” Snowdrop replied, the smell flowing into her nostrils. “It smells…very familiar.”

“Two…” Goku continued as she started to suck in air.

“Scootaloo…are you spelling what I’m smelling?” Sheton asked having also caught on. “It smells really…sweet.”

“Y-yeah…I-I s-s-smell it t-t-too.” the tangerine filly replied quietly, taking in a smell of the air, before her indigo brows furrowed in confusion. “i-it’s…c-cupcake f-f-frosting?”

“Two and a half…” Goku said, feeling her chest starting to swell.

“Cupcake frosting? Why would there be-” Snowflake asked before she stopped dead as a thought hit her. The memory of their meeting with Pinkie Pie, Melon Cake, and the Cakes themselves swam back into her mind, and she began to connect the dots. “Wait a minute…!”

“Oh no…” Midnight whispered as she too she realized what was going on. “Goku sweetie wait a second-!”

“Two and a quarter…” Goku said, her voice strained, sounding like she was ready to blow.

‘Come on Pinkie Pie, what are you and the other girls waiting for?’ Fluttershy thought as she bit her lip in worry. The growing aura of Goku’s magic could be felt across the room, and the buttermilk Pegasus could feel a bead of sweat rolling down her face in slight fear. ‘Goku and her siblings are here, so you can make the signal now! If you guys don’t come out now, she’s going to burn the entire library do-’

“THREE!!!”

Just as Goku was starting to release her fire, a loud chorus of voice suddenly rang out throughout the dark library. The sudden sound caused everypony inside to jump at the nearly falling onto their haunches or colliding with each other. Upon hearing the other voices, Goku’s hooves flew to her mouth as she released her breath through her nose. It felt as if thick streaks of smoke were shooting out of her nostrils like water form a sprinkler, and it made her hyper sensitive nose burn. She winced slightly when she felt the fire in her mouth scorch the bottom of her hooves, but she was able to keep them in place. Only when she was sure that the fire was completely gone, did she pull her hooves away from her mouth, letting out a few coughs. At that same moment, a bright white light flared out of nowhere in front of her, shining so bright that Goku had to shield her eyes with her wings. She could hear the cries of her siblings, Fluttershy and Scootaloo, letting her know that they saw the light too.

“What the hay is going on?!” She shouted. “Where is that light coming from?!”

“I don’t know, Goku…but whatever it is, we definitely weren’t prepared for it.” Snowflake replied, covering her sensitive eyes with a hoof.

“It’s so bright…I can’t see anything else!” Midnight moaned painfully as she squeezed her eye shut. “My eyes…they hurt really bad!”

“Me too!” Sheton cried, rubbing at his eyes. “My eyes hurt so bad, make the light go away!”

“D-d-don’t worry S-Sheton, I-I got you!” Scootaloo said, using one other wings to cover the colt’s face. “H-here, t-that should h-help w-with you e-eyes!”

“Girls, look…I think it’s dimming now.” Fluttershy murmured as she shielded Sheton and Scootaloo with her own wing. “The lights are coming on too, and…oh…oh my!”

“What is it, Fluttershy? What do…you…see…?” Goku asked as she slowly lowered her wings. She blinked a couple of times, trying to get rid of the blurriness that swam around her eyes like waves. After giving her eyes a few more rubs, her eyesight adjusted as she looked ahead of her, only for her eyes to pop at wha she saw.

When they had first entered the Golden Oaks Library, they were not able to see what the interior of the tree building looked like, to the darkness. Now that there was light shining practically everywhere, they could see it clearer than a glass cup. The interior of the library was almost as large as the exterior, with large gaping holes engraved in the wood of the tree, having shelves that contained multiple books. On the far left and right corner of the library, they could see two large standing desks meant for either reading or writing something. Right in the center, was a large table having two open books displayed and the head of a golden horse with a mow hawk mane. A large painting of the sun was on the roof above the table, and at the far left, was a set of stars having the paintings of hearts to the upstairs bedrooms.

As beautiful as all of these qualities were, it was not these things that made into such a state of shock. It was the fact that there was a herd of a hundred or more ponies in the library, belonging to all three tribes. Numerous balloons could be seen floating up in the air around large tables that had soft drinks and pastries laid out, confetti seeming to fall down from out of nowhere. Up above them, on an enormous white sheet of paper, where the words ‘Surprise! Welcome back to Ponyville!’, painted in numerous and elegant looking cursive words. Finally, standing in front of it all, with warm smiles on their faces, where Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.

“SURPRISE!!!” They all shouted, as Pinkie Pie leapt in the air, a large party cannon in her hooves as it shot out streams of confetti. The three Thestral Kirin sister all squealed as they leapt back, and it was only thanks to years of experience that they were not affected by the party pony’s random act. Sheton, however, was not prepared, and immediately hit behind Scootaloo, who silently looked back at the colt with a slight blush.

“I…I…what?!” Goku sputtered, unable to find anything else appropriate to say. “Wha…what the bucking hay is going on?! W-What the buck is all of this girls?!”

“Silly filly, what do you think it is?! Huh?!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced over to them. “It’s your ‘Welcome-Back-to-Ponyville’ party! A party to celebrate you all coming back to the most awesomest and fun filled town for anypony to live in!”

“A…a party?” Goku blinked as the shock of the surprise wore off. “You four planned a party for me and my sisters?”

“Make that six.” Fluttershy corrected gently as she walked up to the other mares. “Before you, Snowflake, Midnight and Sheton had come to see me, I was told by Pinkie Pie that you were all back in town, and she wanted me to bring you all here when you did come to see me, so we could throw you the party. She had a feeling that this would be the last place that you all would come by the end of the day, so I was planning to have you guys come with me if I ever did run into you guys last.” She let out a soft giggle, her mane bouncing slightly. “And it looks like the plan worked better than I thought it would.”

“So it would seem…good job there Fluttershy.” Goku deadpanned, giving the beautiful Pegasus a look that was blanker than a sheet of paper. It soon morphed into a somewhat forced smile as she looked up at Rainbow Dash, one of her eyes twitching. The cyan mare had a wide fanged grin on her face as she stared back down at the three hybrid mares. “So, I’m assuming that you were the one to keep them quite for so long?"

“Yep, that was totally all me G! You probably thought that it was Pinkie Pie doing it, but you know how surprises work with her! She lets it out the second ponies walk in and close the door, but that is so not my style!” Rainbow laughed, holding her stomach as she flew belly up. “I decided to go for something a little spookier, and it totally worked! You should’ve seen the looks on your faces, you looked like your eyes were going to fall out of your head!”

“Actually Rainbow, I didn’t think it was Pinkie, none of us did. We all thought that it was Twilight doing this to us on purpose, though now, I think we definitely should’ve seen this coming.” Goku said bluntly, not looking the least bit amused. “Though you do raise a good point, Pinkie is not the type of mare to hold out on surprises for this long.”

“Eenope, she most certainly is not.” Applejack nodded, shaking her head. “Which is exaclty why Dash wanted to do the surprisin fer once. And, she did a might good job o’ it…even if we did nearly get Twi’s whole place burned up in the process.”
“Yes well, our dear Twilight did mention that she put up a fire proof spell around her library to prevent any of her books, possessions or anything else from getting burnt.” Rarity pointed out, winking at the tangerine farmer. “So there was that to be kept in mind.”

“Maybe, but there wasn’t anything protecting you all from getting burnt yourselves and everypony else in here Rarity.” Goku countered, gesturing to the girls and everypony else in the room. “I mean, seriously what the hay were you all thinking?! Did you seriously think that surprising us like this was the best way to welcome us back?! I kept calling you, and none of you, or Twilight were answering! You scared us half to death, including Scootaloo! The poor think sounded like she was going to wet herself on Twilight’s floor!”

“A-actually…I-I had g-gone to t-the b-b-bathroom j-just before we l-left…” Scootaloo pointed out shyly. “So I don’t think there was any need to worry.”

“Oh…well, regardless, that wasn’t okay Rainbow Dash. You held out on this surprise a lot longer than you should have.” Goku chastised sharply, before letting out a soft sigh. “The again, I really shouldn’t be surprised, since this is something that your known to do from time to time. You also tend to get carried away with it a lot.”

“Hey! I do not get carried away with this! I just wanted to give you guys a little bit more of a scare that’s all.” Rainbow Dash protested with a hard snort through her nostrils. “Besides, it’s not like you guys were going to do anything over the top, right?”

This time, it was Snowflake’s turn to scold the speedster. “Dear, do you not recall my sister’s earlier comment on setting the inside of Twilight’s house on fire? You and I could both tell that just by the tone in her voice that she was not joking around. I was only seconds away from searching for you girls and pulling you all out myself.”

“Actually Snowflake, Goku said that she was gonna light up th’ tree house with a fireball powerful enough t’ make it seem like she was bringing th’ Sun down upon us.” Applejack said softly, politely correcting the alabaster Unicorn. “She didn’t really say that she was goin’ ‘t’ burn th’ tree house down, an’ you an’ I both know that she wouldn’t do that. ‘Specially with other ponies, foals included, inside sugarcube.”

“Still, she does have a point there, Dashie…did you really think that this plan was going to work?” Pinkie Pie asked, frowning at the athlete. “I sure didn’t! My Pinkie Sense told me that this plan of yours was going to go waaaaaaaay down the drain, and I tried to warn you, but you didn’t listen! I mean, did you feel the amount of power that G was spreading?! It felt like I was being cooked inside Mrs. Cake’s oven!”

“Seriously? I didn’t seem all that hot to me.” Rainbow Dash murmured, running her hooves through her cyan fur. She felt some unusual warmth from within it, but not enough to be painfully hot, though she could still feel it. “Oh wait, I take that back…I do feel it.”

“Oh good grief…” Rarity murmured as she facehoofed, before she looked down at Scootaloo with a softer expression. “Scootaloo, darling, we’re so sorry that we scared you like that. I swear, we were going to show our surprise for Goku as soon as you came inside.” She gave a side glare at Rainbow for a few seconds. “Unfortunately, one of us got a little too carried away…”

“More like a lot…” Sheton snorted, frowning up at Rainbow Dash. “…what a big meanie.”

“I-It’s okay M-Ms. Rarity. I-I’m not made it you. Y-you just wanted to give M-Ms. Goku, her sisters a-and Sheton a n-nice welcome back present, t-t-that’s all.” Scootaloo said softly, as Sheton rubbed her back comfortingly. “B-besides…I-It’s not like you and Rainbow Dash were really trying to scare me…r-r-right?”

The tangerine filly suddenly found herself encased in an aura of magic and levitated into the awaiting forelegs of Rarity. She closed her eyes as she felt the warmth of the fashionista’s cheek rub against hers in a comforting nuzzle. “Be that as it may, Scootaloo, we still managed to get quite a fright out of you, and that is absolutely inexcusable. I swear to you, I never ever wanted to scare you, darling.” She pulled the filly away to look her in the eyes, giving her a comforting smile. “I promise you that will never happen again, and to make up for my behavior, I’ll design you any type of dress you want for your birthday! I’ll even do a dress for when your old enough to go to the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“T-that…that’s not r-really n-n-necessary, Ms. R-Rarity…” Scootaloo protested weakly, smiling timidly at the alabaster Unicorn. Her cheeks then flared up as Rarity gave her a deep kiss on the forehead.

“Ah-Ah-Ah, not another word! I’m designing a dress for you, and that’s that!” Rarity stated firmly. “Also, how many times do I have to keep telling you, dear? You don’t need to add the ‘Ms.’ every time you see me! You can just call me Rarity! I’ve known you since you were just a little baby, so you don’t need to be so…formal with me, okay sweetie?” she closed her eyes as she shook her head, mumbling, “Good heavens, you really are too much like your sister.”

“W-what was t-that?” Scootaloo asked innocently as she tilted her head to the side. “D-did you s-say something R-Rarity?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it, darling.” She replied, stroking the filly’s mane. “Just drifting off into space as all.”

“Any who, do you guys like the surprise the we all made for you?! I’m sure you do, since it was planned by yours truly! Ponyville’s best party pony in all of Equestria!” Pinkie Pie asked as she prodded a hoof to her chest. “Oh, and just so you know, scaring you all willy nilly was not my idea since, well, I’m a party pony, not a spooky pony! I’m reeeeeeeally sorry if I scared the jeepers out of all of you, especially you Sheton! I just really wanted to surprise you guys and show you all a good time, that’s all!”

“No need to worry Pinkie Pie, we’re not mad at you.” Snowflake said gently. “To answer your question, yes, we do like the surprise that you and the other planned for us. In fact, we think it’s very, very lovely.”

“So do I.” Sheton said softly, smiling up at the pink mare. “I gotta admit it’s really…lively. A lot livelier then the parties that I’ve been to back at Canterlot City, and I really so mean that.”

“Awww, I knew you’d love it! I’m so happy to hear you say that!” Pinkie Pie squealed, hugging the mountain blue mare before kissing the stormy grey colt on his forehead. “Twilight will be extra happy, too! Since she’ll know that my surprise party went off without a single hitch!”

“Oh I’m sure she will be, because whenever she or all of us are in situations like this, she’d want everything to go exactly as planned. Even if she feels like she has to go over things repeatedly to the point where she nearly works herself to death.” Midnight said with a giggle. “Speaking of which, I haven’t seen her since you showed us all this party. Do any of you know where she is right now?”

At that moment, the four siblings all noticed a bright orb of pale light grayish orchid light appear in between them and their friends. It slowly grew into a large ball as small clouds of dust and wind began to appear form the wooden floor, swirling around it. The ponies all squinted their eyes from the brightness as small white crackles of electricity danced around the orb. With a loud crack the ball exploded into an almost painfully bright shining light, causing everypony turned their heads away. All closest to it waited until the light died down, before coming across one of the last members of the party.

Standing in between the Thestral siblings and the five mares, electrical magic swirling around them, was a pony that Goku and her sisters were very excited to see. It was a beautiful Unicorn mare, with a pale light grayish mulberry lavender fur coat. She a long flowing moderate blue mane and tail, having moderate violet and brilliant rose streaks in them, blending rather smoothly. Her eyes were two moderate violet irises, which were a much darker shade of purple than her own coat. On her back, was the tattoo of a large pure golden white star, having two pitch black bat wings half folded on either side. On her flanks were the Cutie Marks of two purple stars, having six points protruding from the sides, with several smaller stars hovering around them.

“You called?” The Unicorn asked sweetly, smiling slightly at the three Thestral sisters.

“Twilight!” Sheton squealed as he leaped forward and collided into the lavender Unicorn, hugging her tightly around her neck. Twilight giggled and embraced the young colt nuzzling the top of his head. “It’s really you! For a second there I thought that you were some other pony when I saw that bright orb of light!”

“How could you have possibly theorized that I was somepony else Sheton? When you see a wave of magic that bright and powerful, I find it pretty inconceivable that you didn’t know that was me.” Twilight in a mock incredulous tone as she set Sheton down. “Though, I’m even more surprised that you managed to remember me, since you were so young the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah…you make a good point there.” Goku admitted sheepishly as she rubbed th back of her head. “Still, it’s great to see you again Twi.”

“You too Goku, all of you.” Twilight said warmly as she brought the tan Thestral mare into another warm hug. “I’m glad to see all of you are back.”

Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle was another mare in the group of close-knit friends that Goku had befriended in her foalhood. Like

Goku had meet Twilight while going to one of the many schools founded by Queen Celestia, the lavender Unicorn having been one of the many to go. Both foals had met outside in the school’s playground, sitting under a tree with a pile of apples put to the side and a large stack of books with her. Deciding that she needed a friend, she went up to her, asking her if she could sit and read with her too. At first, the lavender Unicorn filly was a bit hesitant, as she wasn’t used to anypony actually wanting to be around her. Many of her classmates portrayed her as a geek, and she was more or less socially awkward, having never really been taught any social skills. However, Goku’s persistence and her interest in reading won the filly over, and from their then on, their friendship developed, regardless of the awkward start.

For the next three or four years, Goku spent as much time as she could with Twilight, both inside and outside of school. She’d would choose her as her partner in school projects and activities, eat with her at lunch, play with her at recess, and help each other with homework assignments. They would sometimes go play in the Canterlot Park, visit each other’s houses, have sleepovers; and get together on family outings. Goku even helped Twiligh out of her shell and get rid of her social awkwardness, and bring out her personality. Twilight was found to be a sweet little filly, who was very smart and intelligent, more so than any other foals Goku knew in Canterlot. She had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and if she found anything that was even remotely interesting to her, she would do everything in her power to find out more about it. This led to her running herself ragged for days, and there were times where her parents and Goku quite literally had to drag Twilight out of her room kicking and screaming, and force her to take a break. She didn't believe or accept anything that didn't make even the least bit of sense to her, which sometimes led to her having heated conflicts with her friends. Especially with a certain mare that was known to be the very definition of randomness.

Like the rest of her friends, Twilight came from a powerful clan, and like Fluttershy, Goku, and Pinkie Pie, she came from two, making her all the more powerful. The clan on her mother’s side, the Twinkleshines, allows her to use magic that is said to come from the very essence of outer space, giving them a practically limitless supply of magic. Said magic allows them to be able to conjure up any type of spells than imagine from the top of their heads, form the most basic combat spells, to spells that would take months to try to figure out. It was also said that if they managed to bring their magic to a certain height, they’d be able to gain magic and appearances that aren’t that aren’t that far off from an Alicorn. Although Twilight is working towards that, she hasn’t quite made it there yet, though that doesn’t stop her from trying.

The second clan Twilight came from, on father’s side, has the ability to transform into a powerful bat winged Unicorn, pretty much like Rarity, only Twilight’s form would look like she was a bat winged pony from the very depths of Tartarus. Her physical speed, strength, and magical power would be increased, and she’s even able to create her very own weapons out of thin are, and move faster than normal ponies would be able to. Though it takes quite a strong amount of concentration, something that Twilight always makes sure to work on. One other thing that the Sparkle Clan is able to do, is use their fangs to drain anypony of their own magic, adding it to their own as they continue to grow stronger. However, they couldn’t do drain too much of their enemies magic, for they wouldn’t be able to control the combined magical power they gain if they do.

By the time they reached their preteen years, Goku’s parents had decided that she and her sisters were going to live in a more peaceful town. They were unable to put up with the posh snobs in the city effecting their kids, and wanted them to go to a place where they were more accepted. Although they were sad to leave each other, Goku made a promise to Twilight that she would always keep in touch with her, and visit her as often as she could. For the next several years, the two fillies kept their promise to one another. They kept in contact, mostly through letters, and meeting with each other whenever they could spare the time. During the summers, Twilight went to stay with Goku in Ponyville, which was where she met the rest of the tan filly’s friends, all of which who she thought were absolutely crazy at first, meeting. Eventually, all seven teen mares were forced to say goodbye to each other, six out of seven of them going off to different colleges, with Goku and Twilight going back to Canterlot. Of all the seven mares, Twilight was the only one who didn’t go to a college, due to her being Celestia’s star student and getting private lessons by the Queen personally.

Sometime after Goku went to college, Twilight was sent to Ponyville to live with the rest of the girls, the Queen feeling the mare should work on her social skills. It was tough for th hybrid tan mare not to have her friends by her side with her all the time, but she managed. She had her sister, her parents, and her siblings to help pick up the pieces, along with the promise of being able to see her friends again. Now after four long years, that day had finally come, and Goku knew that their reunion would be a wonderful one.

“Anyway, what in the hay took you so long to answer me?” Goku asked, her eyes narrowing at Twilight. “You made me pretty suspicious when you actually said that your door was unlocked and that we could let ourselves into your home, which looks beautiful by the way.” Twilight smiled warmly at the compliment. “And you really gave me a scare when we saw that the whole place was completely dark, so much so that our enhanced Thestral vision couldn’t help us see what was in front of us. I was going to ask you why you did that after, uh…threatened to light this place with a giant ball of fire. Though it seems its already been given, so there’s that.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that Goku. Pinkie Pie told me that she was going to get the party going as soon as you walked in.” Twilight explained, glancing over at Rainbow Dash. “Unfortunately, somepony had to drag it out for the sake of wanting to scare you three and Sheton, along with Fluttershy and Scootaloo.”

“That’s okay Twi…I’m also more or less at fault for thinking you’d do something so mean, especially since you don’t really like pranking anypony. ” Goku said, flashing the lavender Unicorn an apologetic smile. “Now that I think about it, I should’ve known that Dash was the one who would do something like this.”

Goku’s gaze flickered up to Rainbow Dash in a small glare, followed by Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight a second later. The cyan mare laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head, sweating a bit at the tan hybrid mare’s look. After a moment, she looked back at Twilight, who was also giving Rainbow a stern glare, before the lavender Unicorn looked back at Goku with a softer expression.

“Thank you Goku, I’m glad that you’re not too mad at us.” The magic mage said softly. “I swear, that was not how we were planning to surprise you all, especially you Scootaloo.”

“I-I-I know.” Scootaloo nodded, looking up at the lavender Unicorn. “I-I a-already f-forgave R-Rarity, a-a-and I s-said that I’m n-not m-m-mad at you g-guys for d-doing it. S-so y-you don’t have to w-worry a-about me b-being m-mad at m-me or a-anything.”

“Thank you, I’m glad that you’re not holding it against us.” Scootaloo said softly, smiling gratefully at the tangerine filly. “Anyway Goku, the reason why I didn’t couldn’t here sooner is because I was getting some special guests ready. A couple of ponies who I’m sure that you, Snowflake, Midnight Sheton will be very happy to see again.”

“Some ponies that I’ll be happy to see again?” Sheton asked curiously. “Who?”

The lavender Unicorn simply smiled sweetly and gave him a wink, igniting her horn for a split second. A flurry of emerald green flames suddenly appeared in the right side of the lavender Unicorn, while an orb of teal magic appeared on the left, much in the same way that Twilight had appeared. The increasing flames swirled around the floor causing large clouds of smoke to join it in its dance, white the teal orb of magic grew larger and shined brighter. The flames and magical orb eventually materialized and disappeared in bright electrical sparks, leaving a bright shining light and a thick cloud of smoke in their wake. Once the light and the smoke dissipated, everypony’s eyes widened upon what they had saw next.

Standing in between the smiling lavender Unicorn were two young foals, both of which looking to be about the same age as Sheton. The first foal was an Kirin colt, with a shade of light mulberry scaly skin that sparkled and shined like a gem glinting in the daylight. His mane and tail were a beautiful emerald shade of moderate harlequin green, which seemed to shine even brighter than his scales body. The colt's mane tail were long, thick and spikey, with his mane blowing behind him, while his tail dragged behind him. His draconic eyes were an even more stunning emerald green, as were his claws, which were in the shape of hooves at the moment. The colt's underbelly was light spring budish gray, his pony like ears had light lime green ear fronds in them, and his flank currently held no Cutie Mark.

The second foal was an adorable little Unicorn filly with a coat that reminded the mares of looking out into the beautiful and vast ocean. Her mane and tail skirt were the same indigo color as Rarity’s, just barely touching the ground, styled in thick gentle waves. Her eyes looked to be made from the finest of gold, both of them seeming to glow with mirth and excitement. As extraordinary as she looked, there were two features that made her stand out, and took each of the girls, minus Goku, by surprise. Atop the young filly's head was a horn, looking to be slightly longer than that of a normal Unicorn foals, as well as pointer. The filly was also adorning a deep purple coat with a hoodie, with feathers adorning the base of her tail. Like the colt beside her, she had no Cutie Mark adorning her flank, showing she hadn’t found her special talent.

“Hello!” Both foals said in unison, bright smiles adorning their faces.

A huge gasp emerged from the mouth of Sheton, making those around him turn towards him in curiosity. The colt’s jaw was agape, his emerald blue eyes wide with shock as he stared at the two foals in front of him, who both looked right back. A moment later, they too went wide eyed as Sheton stepped closer to them, his lower lip beginning to quiver.

“S…Spike? C-Crescent Shield?” He asked, his voice just barely above a whisper. “I-Is…is that r-really…y-y-you?”

Both foals gasped quietly, looking at each other for a moment and then back at the stormy grey hybrid Thestral colt. Taking a step forward, the ocean blue filly asked in a soft, almost silky voice. “Sheton?”

Sheton’s pupils dilated, his mind freezing up for a moment as the filly’s voice made something click into his mind, before recognition came to his face. Before anypony knew what was going on, a squeal left the colt as he ran at the Unicorn filly and amethyst Kirin colt. Spreading his arms out, he tackled them in a hug, taking them both to the floor, and, after a moment of surprise, both foals hugged him back.

“Oh, wow it’s really you Sheton!” The Kirin colt, Spike said, his voice sounding somewhat low, yet cute. “I almost didn’t recognize you there!”

Sheton giggled, pulling both foals back up to their feet as he smiled widely at them. “Well, I certainly did recognize you too! Out of all the ponies that I expected to run into, you two were not on that list! I seriously thought you had moved somewhere else like Appleoosa or Manehatten; I didn’t expect you to be here!”

“Well Sheton, we are, in the flesh and in the magic!” Crescent Shield said, giggling as her main flowed and bounced. “And it’s really great to see you again!”

“I think so too~!” Spike said cutely, holding a paw up as Twilight giggled.

“Yeah, same here you guys!” Sheton smiled, laughing merrily. “I’m so happy all three of us are together again!”

At that moment, Scootaloo slowly trudged up to the three foals. “U-um…S-S-S-Sheton? I-I don’t m-mean to i-interrupt, b-but…d-do you k-know C-C-Crescent Shield a-and S-S-Spike?”

“Um…yeah, they’ve been my friends ever since we were both infants.” Sheton replied, blinking at the tangerine filly. “Why? Do you know them too?”

“U-um…y-y-yes, we are.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling slightly. “W-we’ve been f-f-friends s-since S-Spike and C-Crescent f-f-first came to P-Ponyville. I…I-I think w-we were a-about f-four years old a-at the t-t-time.”

“Four huh? I think…I remember being told something like that...” Sheton murmured, looking down at the ground. “I think it was my big sister that told me that you guys were moving away, and I was maybe about five too.”

“I can see that your memory is as strong as it’s always been.” Twilight said, booping Sheton on his nose. “You haven’t changed a single bit since the last time I saw that adorable little tufted eared self of yours!”

“We could say the same to you.” Goku snorted dryly, flicking her tail at the lavender mare. “Still that chipper little bookworm we all love to bits.”

“Wait, so Scootaloo…” Spike said, gently tapping the filly on her shoulder. “Do you happen to know Sheton too?”

“Um…w-w-well, not all t-that p-p-personally.” Scootaloo replied, blushing slightly. “I-I only j-just met h-him t-t-today w-when my b-big sister g-got back f-from p-practicing s-s-singing w-with her b-birds. I-it was l-later t-t-today, a-along with the r-r-rest of his s-sisters…t-t-they were all r-really n-nice, a-and S-Sheton was r-really s-sweet to m-me.”

“You bet he is dear.” Snowflake said sweetly. “Sheton’s one of the sweetest colts that you’ll ever meet, and somepony that I know that you’ll love to have as your friend. Me and my sisters have all seen how you and him have interacted with each other, and we’ve had quite a wonderful time observing it. Besides Spike, Crescent Shield, Golden Harvest and Sapphire Gemstone, Sheton doesn’t really have any other friends back in Canterlot City. So, it pleases us greatly to know that he’s making even more friends in a place he’s never been at before.”

“O-oh, i-it wasn’t r-really anything special…” Scootaloo said, looking off to the side as her blush darkened. “S-Sheton just s-saw somepony who he t-thought n-needed a f-friend…s-so…he d-did just that.”

“Hmhm, he sure did honey.” Midnight cooed, smiling gently at the tangerine filly. “And just after that, he was even sweeter to say that you were one of the prettiest little fillies he ever saw!”

Sheton glared up at the beetle black Thestral mare. “MIDNIGHT!”

“Wait, what?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking up at Midnight. “He really said that?”

“He most certainly did Dash.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling at Sheton and her blushing sister. “He looked my sweet little sister right in the eyes and said just how much of a beautiful filly she was. Oh, you should have seen the look on Loo-Loo’s face, she looked like she was going to faint right on the spot from all those compliments!”

“B-b-big s-sister!” Scootaloo whimpered, her lower lip trembling. “P-please don’t t-talk to t-them about t-that! I-It’s embarrassing!”

“Now why should you be embarrassed by being complimented by a sweet little colt?” Fluttershy asked, smiling slyly at her little sister. “He was only being honest and sincere about you’re looks; plus you never really get a lot of compliment from the boys at your school. So I think that it should be let known that you’re finally getting noticed for your adorable looks and your sweet heart.”

“That’s exactly why its embarrassing!” Sheton whined. “Because other ponies are finding out about it when we don’t want them to! Because they’re use to embarrass us so much!”

“Awww, well ain’t that just precious.” Applejack cooed, smiling down at the two foals. “Not even a full day and they’re already given each other them lil’ goo-goo eyes. They’re growin’ up so gosh darn fast~!”

“SEE?!” Sheton all but yelled, jabbing a hoof at the farmer.

Crescent Shield giggled, walking over to Sheton and nuzzling his cheek. “Oh there’s no need to be embarrassed Sheton! There’s nothing wrong with noticing more than one pretty filly here and there, not even me! I know I’m not the only cute and pretty filly here, and I know for certain that you and Spike aren’t the only cute colts around here either!”

Spike nodded, smiling toothily. “I think so too~!”

“I-If that’s true, then why do you keep sticking around me and Spike?” Sheton asked, blushing as the ocean blue filly smothered him with affection.

“Because you two aren’t just cute, but sweet and genuinely care about people.” Crescent replied, hopping onto the colt’s back. “I admit, there were some cute colts back at our old school that caught my eye, but none of them really stood out. That’s either because they were too snobbish or mean, or they didn’t look like they could be friend material. You two on the other hoof, were exceptions, and I have not regretted my decision ever since!” She put her lips to Sheton’s ears as she whispered. “Plus, I know a couple of other fillies who love being around you and Spike…two fillies who are just as batty as you.”

As soon as those last words left Crescent’s mouth, Sheton’s face heated up rapidly as he leapt away from the ocean blue filly. “D-d-don’t even think about mentioning those two Crescent! I so do not want to talk about that! I’ve had enough teasing from my sister when I was around Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Melon Cake! The last thing I need is any mentioning of Golden Star or Sapphire Flame being friends with me!”

“G-Golden Harvest a-and S-S-Sapphire G-Gemstone?” Scootaloo asked curiously. “W-who’re they?”

“Two Thestral fillies that I’ve known since I was in diapers.” Sheton said, his face still burning as red as a cherry. “That’s all you need to know for now.”

“O-oh, okay…” Scootaloo nodded, not wanting to push the colt. “W-well, I’m glad that y-you s-still managed to f-find friends i-in the rest of m-mine.”

“Yeah, I am…and I’m even more glad that I found a friend in you too.” Sheton nodded, smiling at the bright orange filly.

“Yaaaaay! New friends everywhere!!!” Pinkie Pie hollered as she leaped into the air. “Oh, this day is just turning out better and better every single time! First, I see my bestest friends in the whole wide world again after four long boring years, then I get to meet their cutie of a little brother, then Loo-Loo makes even more friends?!” She suddenly stopped bouncing as her body started to shake as if she had a vibrator implanted in her. “My Pinkie sense is really going absolutely super-duper crazy today! I don’t think I’ve ever felt my back tingle this much in forever! This really is the best day of my LIFE!"

“Your what sense?” Sheton asked innocently, looking at the bubblegum pink mare perplexedly.

“Her Pinkie Sense, sugarcube.” Applejack repeated, her tone soft and patient as she walked over to the stormy grey colt. “It’s a little trait that she inherited from her family, the Pies, a lil’ gift that was passed down from countless generations of Pies. It’s a real handy one too, if ya ask me.”

“Really? What does it do?” Sheton asked softly, his curiosity peeked.

“Uh, what doesn’t it do?!” Rainbow Dash asked, as if the ocean blue filly had asked the most ingenuous question in the world. “It gives Pinkie Pie the ability to actually predict things that will happen before they do happen!”

“Whoa! Seriously?!” Spike gasped, looking at the cyan mare with wide emerald eyes, before turning to Pinkie Pie. “Is that true? Can you really see into the future? That's so amazing!”

Pinkie Pie gave a little pause as she looked off to the side, a thoughtful expression coming to her face. “Weeeeeeeell…I wouldn’t necessarily say, ‘see into the future’. More like getting a really super-duper strong gut-wrenching feeling that something’s going to happen, be it good or bad, and most of the time it’s actually bad.”

Upon seeing the perplexed looks on Sheton’s face, the Earth mare decided to explain. “Okay, let me give you a little example of how it works. About a month ago, I was getting up early to get Mr. and Mrs. Cake their morning coffee since hey start their shifts really really really early in the morning. Before I could even make it two steps down the stairs, I got this big deep aching feeling in my gut that was churning really badly, like I had recently eaten a cupcake that was really moldy.”

She stuck her tongue out as a vulgar expression came to her face, shivering as Fluttershy gently patted her on the back. For a split second, it looked she was turning green, but no one was really able to get a good look before it vanished. “Anyway, I didn’t know why, but something told me that something really bad was going to happen to Rarity, and if I didn’t get to her, I’d be all my fault! So, I zoomed over to her Boutique, and found her on her display stage, showing off a beautiful dress to Dashie and the others, standing right below a light that looked like it was about to fall! So, I yelled out to Rarity to look out, and right at that moment, the light fell!”

Her cerulean eyes widened as her pupils contracted, and a look of terror came across her face. As she was going this, Sheton could’ve sworn they saw her coat turn lavender and her mane start to become a deep shade of purple for a few seconds. “Rarity saw it coming, but she didn’t have enough time to dodge, and the others weren’t able to react in time because they didn’t see it quick enough! I did though, and I practically leapt across that stage and rammed into her like a freight train, knocking her out of the way! I could also tell just be hearing that giant light crash to the ground that it would’ve ended really badly for Rarity had I not gotten there in time! She could’ve gotten a seriously injured back or a fractured skull, or worse!”

“Indeed I could have, and I am eternally grateful for what you did Pinkie Pie.” The alabaster Unicorn said gratefully. “I can’t even describe to how just how terrified I was when I saw that light coming down on me. I saw my life flash before my eyes, and for just a fleeting moment, I actually thought I was going to die!”

“Well, it’s a good thing that my Pinkie Sense went off at that time, didn’t I?” Pinkie Pie asked, wrapping a foreleg around Rarity’s back. “Oh…and I’m really sorry that I interrupted your fashion show. It’s just that I really thought something bad was going to happen to you and-”

Pinkie Pie was cut off when Rarity gave her a big warm kiss on the cheek. “Oh darling, you don’t have to apologize! I don’t care if you tore up a whole line of dresses that I made! I’m just so glad that I’m alive and intact, and not in the Ponyville Urgent Medical Care Center, hanging by a thread!” The alabaster Unicorn hugged Pinkie a bit tighter as she stroked her long poofy curly mane. “I simply cannot thank you enough for what you did for me that day…”

“Awww, no need to thank me! I was just following my gut and doing what I had to do!” The bubblegum pink mare giggled. “Isn’t that what friends do?”

“You bet it is Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash smirked, giving Pinkie Pie a hard pat on the back. “And that is the main reason why I think you’re Pinkie Sense is the most awesomest thing in the world!”

“So ya see, Sheton? Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense is the one thing that helped Ponyville stay relatively safe fer so long. Well, at least for some o’ th’ normal things.” Applejack said with a smile as she put a hoof on Pinkie’s back. “That’s not ‘t’ say that Ponyville hasn’t suffered any big attacks over the years, but Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense is able ‘t’ help us be somewhat prepared for anythin’ even remotely dangerous happenin’. Even if it’s somethin’ as little as a flower pot fallin’ on top ‘o’ yer head.” She rubbed her forehead as a grimace formed on her face. “It’s best if you stay clear of any high place that has a flower pot that looks like it’s about to fall. Trust me… ya how have no idea how much it hurts when it hits ya on the head. Seriously, you will have a big ass headache for at least a week.”

“Woooooooow…that’s amazing!” Sheton breathed, his pupils going wide as he stared at Pinkie Pie with newfound awe. “Will I ever see it?”

“Ya sure will, sugarcube. Though, allow me to offer you one small piece of advice.” The large cowpony replied, walking over to the colt and pulling him close with a powerful foreleg. “This is something that Ah’ve told countless ‘o’ ponies whenever they experience Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense, an’ most o’ th’ time they ignored it, only t’ regret it later on. Now, it’s completely up t’ you if you chose to take it or not, but Ah highly suggest that you do: when Pinkie’s a twitchin’ you’d better listen. It’ll do ya a lot of good in the long run if ya do that, no matter what situation that yer in, ‘kay?”

“Um…okay Applejack, duly noted.” The stormy grey colt murmured giving a firm nod of his head. “I’ll keep that in mind.

“Wise choice, little brother...very wise choice.” Goku said as she put a hoof in Sheton’s back, giving the colt an approving smile. “Now, what do you say we all get down to the beat and enjoy this party huh? I see that our guests are eager for us to join, and I’d hate to let Pinkie Pie’s party go to waste.” She turned to Twilight, who seemed to be talking with Spike and Crescent Shield. “I’d also hate to not take this time to catch up with Twilight’s adorable little sister and her Number One Assisstant after four long years away! And maybe after that, we can help our little bookworm of a friend with cleaning up all of Pinkie’s decorations.”

Twilight looked over to Goku and blinked a couple of times, having her what the tan hybrid mare had said, but not really paying attention. Once her words caught up with her, she gave her friend a smile and wave a hoof dismissively. “Oh, that’s okay Goku. You don’t need to do that for me. I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of times a party was thrown here, or the times that Pinkie Pie cleaned it up all by herself. You know how she is, she can clean up a party as quickly and as adequately as she can throw it.”

“Be that as it may, I still think that I’d be fair for all of us to pitch in and help out.” Goku insisted, looking at the other five mares. “After all, you did all take part in planning this, so wouldn’t be right to play a role in cleaning up after yourselves as well?”

“Of course it is dear. What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t help in some way shape or form?” Rarity asked, giving her mane a graceful toss. “It would be most unbecoming of us, especially me, since I am a lady.”

“Ya got that right Rarity. Ah’m not Ponyville’s most dependable civilian fer nothin’.” Applejack stated, giving a tip of her hat. “Ah’m always there fer anypony in need whenever they need me to. Always have, always will, as is th’ way o’ th’ Sweet Apple Titans.”

“Hey! Don’t forget about me, AJ! You’re not the only loyal pony around here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pushing the farm mare’s hat over her face. “I’m a Wisp! Part of the most loyal family of ponies there are! I don’t leave anypony hanging, and I’m certainly not going to start now!”

“We’d be more than happy to help Twilight clean up. Besides, we’d do a much better job and get it done faster if there was more than one of us.” Fluttershy added softly, draping an angelic wing over the lavender Unicorn’s back. “No offense to you Pinkie Pie.”

“Heeheehee! None taken, Flutters! I totally agree with you, Dashie and the others! I think it’d be super if we all lend a helping hoof and clean up the super-duper fantastic party that we had all planned for Goku! That way, we can have even more super-duper fantastic parties in the future!” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing around the mares and foals. “We can worry about that later though! For now, let’s shake our groove fangs and PARTY!!!”

With another chorus of laughs, Goku, her sisters, and her friends all followed the energetic mare into their party, where the rest of their guests were eagerly waiting for them to join. They partied well into the night, playing games, joining in dance offs, and having some friendly competitions. The whole group shared quite a lot of laughs, none of them remembering a time where they had so much fun in all of their lives. Not even at the going away party that Pinkie Pie had planned for all of them the night before they all went to earn their degrees. They didn’t let that bother them though; they were just happy that they were all reunited once more. And they eagerly awaited what adventures that they would soon face in the future together.

They were so focused on the party, they didn’t notice that the Moon had risen into the sky, casting all of Ponyville in a beautiful ghostly white glow. Had they been paying attention, they would’ve noticed a giant blotch of black in the shape of a unicorn head, painted over more than half of the Moon They would’ve also noticed that that very same pony-shaped black blotch…was completely gone.

Author's Note

And there we have it, the chapter of everypony's favorite bookworm of Ponyville, Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle herself :scootangel: ! Out of all of these chapters, besides chapter 8 and six, this one was probably the easiest to change up and edit with the quotations and the paragraph descriptions. There wasn't really anything that I think I really needed to change that much, other than rearranging the chapters, paragraphs, shortening the sentences, and having the interactions go on a bit longer. I also had the common sense to change the interaction between Spike, Crescent Shield and Sheton, especially since I had made it seem like they went to go live with Twilight sometime after Queen Celestia. That would mean that Scootaloo and the rest of her friends know Sheton's friends from his foalhood, and are also friends with them to, which is why I made it look like Scootaloo seem like she had known them as well. As for the other foals that were mentioned, they won't be seen for quite while, but I will say that when you do, it'll be worth your wait :ajsmug: .

Anyway, now that I've completed the reunions and the descriptions of all seven of our mars, with a few of our friends, I can finally go onto the beginning of the Main Seven's epic adventure into the Everfree :scootangel: !!! The updates may be slower, especially since I'm going to be doing some description of the powers that I plan to give the girls and their siblings, but I'll be sure that it's worth the wait :raritywink: . As I said sometime before, some of the chapters will stay the same and won't really be all that changed, but the chapters that I do think need changing will be :ajsmug: . As for the journey in the Everfree and the battle in Ponyville...well, let's just say things will be much more brutal and epic than they were before :pinkiecrazy: .

Next time, we have another terrifying encounter with the infamous Dark Queen of the Moon :yay: !!!

Chapter 10 - Return of the Dark Queen

Goku could not understand why, but for some very strange reason she had a very unsettling feeling in her gut that made her stomach turn uncomfortably. It was just a little unsettling feeling that had formed, one that she had just brushed off as a simple form of anxiety. As the party went on however, it slowly grew to the point where she could not ignore it at all. It was a big ache that had formed in her stomach, as if somepony took her intestines, and tied them in a giant knot. One that was so painful, that it almost felt like she was getting sick from insane food poisoning.

At first, she had just assumed that she was anxious to get to the Summer Sun Celebration on time, after all the times that she had lost track of when it was going to happen. However a little voice in the back of her head was telling her that it was something far worse. Something that neither she or her friends would be prepared for if they were not warned about it soon.

“Goku?” A melodic voice suddenly said, snapping the tan Pegasus from her cleaning as she turned to see Rarity standing behind her. The alabaster Unicorn was levitating a large pile of confetti and streamers, and giving her friend a look of concern. “Are you alright, darling?”

“Uh…I-I guess so…I don’t know…” she replied uneasily, brushing a pile of cupcake wrappers and crumbs into a trashcan in front of her. “Why do you ask?”

“Well…you have this…worried look on your face. You’ve had it ever since we began helping Twilight clean up her house.” Rarity replied softly, also dumping her pile in the trashcan, before walking up and taking Goku’s face in her hooves, her sapphire blue eyes looking into the tan Pegasus golden yellow ones. “Is there something bothering you, dear?”

Goku closed her eyes, making the black eye shadow, given to her by Rarity, on her eyelids visible as she took her. “Well…yes, there is…I don’t know what it is, but…there is something telling me that...something bad is going to happen tonight. At the Summer Sun Celebration, to us, to everypony, to the Queen.” She replied softly, opening her eyes and giving Rarity a look of worry and slight fear. “I’ve had it ever since the party you all planned for us ended. I didn’t really worry about it at first, but…it’s been growing and…I just…I just can’t ignore it.”

“Let me guess, you believe that somepony is going to either invade or attack everypony at the Town Square?” Rarity asked with a raised indigo eyebrow, earning a nod from the tan Pegasus. With a sigh, the alabaster Unicorn put both forehooves on the mare’s shoulders. “Goku darling, listen to me…I know that you like to follow you gut whenever you believe something horrid is about to happen, and I admire you for that…but I can assure you that nothing is going to happen tonight. Even if something does happen, it’s not like it’s going to be anything major…before you came back, me, Fluttershy and the rest of the girls have always been there to protect the town from any sort of danger, and so far, we’ve been successful. With a few, ehem, boo-boos, here and there…”

She looked off to the side as a blush formed on her face. “Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Especially tonight of all nights, when we’re supposed to be celebrating with the one pony who’s protected us for as long as she can remember. Speaking of which, the Queen will be there to protect us from any danger. Not that I believe that she’ll need to, since she's the most powerful being in all of Equestria. Though, you understand what I’m trying to say don’t you, dear?”

“Yeah…I do. Thank you for telling me that Rarity, and I’m sorry for acting so worried.” Goku replied, giving the alabaster Unicorn a grateful smile. “I just can’t help but feel worried.”

“Oh don’t be sorry, darling!” Rarity cooed, pulling Goku into a hug and bringing her head into her soft and fluffy chest fur. “I completely understand how you feel. You were just worried about our safety that’s all…nopony’s going to blame you for that.” She took the Thestral’s mare’s face in her hooves and looked into her eyes. “Though, I don’t think that you need to worry about that. Besides, this is supposed to be a time of happiness and joy, not of worry and anxiety! Heaven knows I’ve had more than enough of my fair share today.”

She threw her head back and draped a foreleg over her face, earning a giggle from Goku as the alabaster Unicorn sighed. “Anyway, if you still have some concerns about tonight, then we can always go to the Queen about, and let her fix it right up. For now, just focus on having the best day of your life, okay darling? With your sisters, brother, us, and all of our younger siblings here together, it’s just bound to be for all of you.”

“Well, when you put it like that, it does sound pretty helpful.” Goku replied, remembering that Sheton was there with her and her elder sisters. The thought that this was going to be his first Summer Sun Celebration, and the desire to make it the best day of his life was just enough for the tan hybrid mare’s mood to brighten again. “Okay Rarity, I’ll do it. I don’t know if I can ignore all of it, but…I’ll do my best. After all, this is my little brother’s very first Sun Celebration, and I do want him to have as much fun as possible, since that is my top priority today.”

“There you go dear!” Rarity said sweetly, giving the tan Pegasus a kiss on the forehead, making her cheeks erupt into a blush. “Now, why don’t you go wake your darling little brother and the other fillies up, hm? They’ve been sleeping upstairs in Twilight’s room for quite a while after partying their little hearts out, and I’m sure that they save up quite a lot of energy to run around and play with our sisters.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they see my little brother again.” Goku chuckled, her worries about tonight out to the side. “I can tell they all took a real liking to him when they first met him. Well, with the exception of Rainbow Dash’s little sister, Fire Flash.”

“That’s only because they haven’t meet yet, darling.” Rarity said dryly with a snort as she waved a hoof. “Though, I don’t doubt that she’ll take a liking to him, too…in more ways than one.”

“Me neither Rarity, me neither.” Goku giggled with a nod of agreement, before she walking to the staircase.

As the sound of talking, and cleaning began to grow quieter and more muffled, Goku trotted up the wooden stairs, the sound of her hooves clopping barely thanks to the noise. Once she reached the stairs, she trotted down the somewhat dark hallway, her sharp eyes allowing her to marvel at the numerous pictures on the wooden walls. She smiled warmly as she saw most of the pictures contained her, Twilight, Spike, Crescent Shield and the rest of the girls in them. A soft laugh escaped the Thestral hybrid as she continued to walk down the hallway. Twilight really did make sure to keep her foalhood memories during the years she was in Ponyville, and it most certainly showed.

As Goku continued to look at those pictures, her overly sensitive ears caught the sound of soft snoring coming from the door next to her. Abruptly coming to a halt, she turned to face the door, blinking a few times, before putting an ear to the door, wondering if she had misheard. She was soon proven wrong when she heard another soft snore come from inside the room, indicating that the foals were inside. Smiling softly, she lifted a hoof and put it on the doorknob, before turning it as she gently opening Twilight’s bedroom door and walked inside.

The interior of Twilight’s bedroom was eerily similar to the interior of what it looked like downstairs. It had several bookshelves around the room, with drawers right at the bottom containing what Goku could only guess were things like flashcards, pencils papers, which also had a large flower pot.

A large bed having a large blue blanket with the symbols of the sun moon was set next to a large bed, with a desk that had a unicorn horse head resting on it. A telescope next to it, and an alarm clock house implanted in the wall on the right side of the curtains, all sitting on the right side of the bed. Sitting on the bed, with the Moon shining down on them in a warm comforting glow, were her little brother, were all four foals, cuddled together in a large ball of fluff.

Goku could not stop the wide smile that spread across her face, her heart swelling with warmth, as she stared at the sight. She fought back a giggle that threatened to flow from her throat as she slowly walked over to the bed, making sure not to startle or scare them awake. As she got within range, she slowly reached out with a hoof and gently shook each of them awake.

“Kids...kids, it’s time to wake up,” The Thestral mare said gently. “Come on you lil’ cuties…wake up.”

After a few more shakes, the foals finally woke up for their slumber, Sheton being the first. His emerald blue eyes blinked as he slowly opened them, rubbing the sleepiness out of his eyes. Upon seeing his sister his eyes widened as he quickly sat up, causing Scootaloo, who was resting her head on his back, to fall off and jolt awake. She was quickly followed by Crescent Shield, who had been resting on the left side of Sheton and finally Spike, who had been resting on the colt’s right side.

“S-s-sis?!” The stormy grey colt squeaked as he shook his head to clear the remaining sleepiness out of it. “W-What are you doing here?”

“Rarity told me to and wake you four up, the party’s over.” Goku replied softly, gigging softly at the foals’ bed headed manes. “Me, her, and the rest of the girls are helping clean Twilight home before we head of to the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Oh…the Summer Sun Celebration.” Scootaloo mumbled softly as she scratched the back of her ear. It was a few moments later before the bright orange filly’s indigo eye widened as she shot to her hooves. “The Summer Sun Celebration! Oh, Fluttershy's going to be so upset! She’s probably wondering where I am and-”

Whatever Scootaloo was going to say next was cut off when she felt a tri-colored hoof press itself against her lips. She looked up to see the amused expression of Goku as she shut the filly’s mouth closed. “Easy there Scootaloo, no need to get so worried. Fluttershy knows that you’re here, so you don’t need to worry about her getting upset about you not being down there.” Her golden cat-like eyes flicked over to Crescent Shield and Amethyst and quickly added, “Twilight knows that you three are here as well, so you don’t have to worry about her going into one of her overactive fits.”

"Really?" Crescent Shield asked as she calmed down. “That’s good…”

“Well…that’s a relief…” Spike sighed as he flopped back down on the bed onto his back. “For a second there I really thought I was dead.”

“However,” Goku continued, her sly mischievous tone catching all four foals off guard. “You will have to worry about me telling them about how I found you all cuddling my little brother if you don’t get your cute little rumps off this bed, and get down stairs and help out.”

At this, all four foals eyes snapped open wide as they shot up into sitting positions, looking at the tan mare as if she was crazy. Scootaloo and Sheton seemed to be the most scared of them all, as evident by their shaking form and the fierce blush on their cheeks.

“You wouldn’t.” Sheton whispered, lowering his head slightly. “You wouldn’t dare tell them!”

“Oh I assure you baby, this is no idle threat.” Goku said her grin allowing her canines to flash in the darkness. “Now, are you gonna go down and help? Or am I going to have to get you subjected to the relentless teasing of your big sisters?”

The foals didn’t reply to her question. They all just sat there, eyes wide as all the color seemed to drain from each of their faces. This only served to make Goku grin even wider, and, just to see them get scared out of their wits, she decided to make do on her “threat”.

“Alright then, suit yourselves,” Goku chirped sweetly with a light shrug, before she turned her head and began yelling from upstairs. “Twilight, Snowflake, Midnight! Spike, Scootaloo, Crescent and Sheton are”

“WE’RE GOING!!!” The foals exclaimed as they leaped off the bed, dog piling over each other as they raced towards the door. They nearly stumbled over each other as they galloped towards the stairs, leaving a giggling Goku in Twilight’s bedroom.

‘Hmhm! They are just too adorable!’ She thought giddily as she trotted down out of the room and gently closed the door behind her. ‘They are just so fun to tease I can’t wait to see how many more friends my brother will make so I can tease them! Oh, it's going to be so much fun!’

It didn’t take as long as the girls thought that it would to clean Twilight’s librarty, especially with their added guests lending a helping hoof. That, and Pinkie Pie used a whacky vacuum tool of hers to help speed up the process when it seemed like nopony was getting anywhere. Sheton, Crescent Shield, Scootaloo, and Spike were all especially helpful, grabbing whatever piece of trash they could, and lending a hoof to anyone that seemed to be having trouble. Thanks to the sleep they decided to get sometime during the party, they were more awake didn’t have to worry about sleeping on the job.

After putting Twilight’s home in tight knit shape, Goku, her siblings all departed from the lavender Unicorn’s house, thanking her, Pinkie and the others for the party in their honor. The bubblegum pink mare and the rest of the girls departed back to their own homes to either double check something, or to bring some additional guests to the annual event. That left Goku, Snowflake, Midnight and Sheton to go to the Summer Sun Celebration themselves, all enjoying the nighttime scenery given to them by the night sky during their trip there.

Once they reached the Town Square, they were quite surprised to see the number of ponies inside the building. It was so crowded that they could barely see the tables and food stands others were standing or sitting by, and the stage didn’t have anypony on it. The Thestral Kirin siblings could however, see the beautiful decorations that Rarity had put up earlier that day. Including the beautiful red glittery ribbons that she had put up, which seemed to sparkle in the light of the moonlight from the windows above.

“Wow, there are so many ponies here.” Sheton whispered softly as he looked around the large building. “I’ve never seen this many ponies all in one place before…”

“Of course you haven’t Sheton. Why would you?” Goku giggled as she looked over at the stormy grey colt. “At special events such as this, you never expect to see a whole town population of ponies all in one place.”

“A whole population of ponies? What you do mean-” Sheton began to asked, but cut himself off as it clicked only two seconds later. “Wait, you mean…a-all of Ponyville is here at the Town Square?!”

“Yes, every last one of them.” Snowdrop replied softly, an amused look on her face as she watched Sheton’s jaw drop. “There’s really no reason to be surprise, little brother. This is how it’s like at every Summer Sun Celebration. The whole population where it’s going to be held comes to celebrate the event specifically made for the Queen herself. It doesn’t matter how big that one town is, if that event has anything to do with the Queen, they will drop anything and everything that they’re doing and go to that event.” Her ears flattened against her head as a grimace formed on her race, remembering just how many ponies back in Canterlot had come to last year’s Summer Sun Celebration. “I wouldn’t be surprised if all of Equestria and all the creatures that live here, pony or not, were to come to this celebration right now.”

“Oh wow, I knew that Queen Celestia was loved and respected but I never expected this.” Sheton murmured, looking around at the giant fabric pictures. As he did so, a thought then came to him, and he spoke again, his next words were chosen very carefully. “Wait a minute, what about…Queen Luna?”

His three sisters, who were all preparing to sit at a table they had found, stopped upon hearing their little brother mention the Lunar Queen’s name. They all looked over at him with surprised looks on their faces, which immediately caused him to shrink under them.

“Queen Luna?” Midnight asked, having not expected her brother to bring up the long lost Goddess of the Night. “What about Queen Luna?”

“Oh…um…n-n-nothing…I’m sorry.” He stuttered, hiding his face behind his mane. “F-forget I said anything.”

“No, it’s okay sweetheart. We’re not mad at you.” Goku said reassuringly, reaching over with a foreleg and stroking his mane. “What is it about Queen Luna that your curious about?”

“W-well…um…I-I was just wondering. If Queen Celestia is this loved and respected by everypony…t-then Queen Luna had to be too, r-right?” Sheton asked, climbing onto one of the seats at a table. “I-I mean…they’re both goddesses of the Sun and Moon after all. Both of them having come down from the very heavens themselves along with their whole family to protect all of pony kind. Though, Queen Celestia and Luna seemed to be the special ones…a-and I can understand that, since they rule over the day and night.

The stormy grey colt lowered his head, poking his hooves together as his expression became solemn. “Despite all of that that, it seemed like Queen Celestia was getting all of the attention, while Queen Luna…wasn’t. Because…Queen Celestia’s the older…and more powerful of the two sisters than Queen Luna was. Still…she had to havesome admirers…right?” He asked, looking up at his sisters with a hopeful expression.

For a few minutes, none of the mares said anything, silently contemplating on what their brother had said. After another moment or two of silence, Goku letting out a soft sigh as she looked at her brother, before finally speaking.

“Honestly little bro, I really don’t have any clue. Me, Snowy, and Middy were never really told what the relationship between the Royal Sisters was like a millennium ago.” She sighed, resting her head in one of her hooves. “We’ve only heard bits and pieces of what their relationship was like from the ponies back in Canterlot when we were just fillies. A lot of which I think is a bunch of bucking horse apples if you ask me.” She gave a light snort as she said this, her jet-black eyebrows furrowing in anger. “Some of them say that she gave into whatever voices that were inside her head, due to her having dark powers, and turned into some demonic equine and tried to kill her sister. Others even say that Queen Luna got jealous of her older sister, and planned to overthrow her and make herself the one and only Queen in Equestria, with her comrades, the Bat Ponies, or Thestrals; as they like to be called, at her side.”

“You mean the Thestrals and Bat Ponies like us?” Sheton asked, spreading his feathered bat wings.

“Yes, the ones that’re exaclty like us. ” Goku nodded, letting a forehoof fall into the dining table. “Unfortunately, ponies who say that aren’t necessarily wrong. I’ve read the story about the Queens, how Queen Luna had turned, and the bloody battle that transpired afterward. As much as I hate to admit it, I can see that most of what they’re saying is true. Though, you wanna know what I think about all that, Sheton?”

The stormy grey Thestral colt tilted his head. “What’s that big sis?”

she asked as she looked up at him with a sweet smile. “I think that even though many ponies were either weary or feared Queen Luna, at the same time, I honestly believe that that she had just as much who both respected and loved her. Unfortunately, thanks to the pain many ponies had put her through, she just wasn’t able to see it.” Her expression became solemn again as she said the last part, before her face brightened once more. “Still, I’m sure that were many out there who loved both her, and the beautiful night she ruled, once of which I know very well.’’

“Really?” Sheton asked as he leaned in, his interest peaked. “Who?”

Without warning, Goku lunged forward and hugged the stormy grey colt tightly, causing him to squeal as she pulled him into her chest. He giggled and flailed his hooves as she nuzzled his neck and belly, giving him little kisses on his nose and cheeks. Her sisters both smiled as they silently watched their younger sister smother their little brother with boundless affection, ignoring the odd looks sent their way.

“You are, you lil’ cutie pie!” she cooed, giving Sheton another big kiss on the nose. “I think it’s very sweet of you to think that Queen Luna deserves as much respect as her sister does, and I completely agree with you! It doesn’t matter who’s the older or the younger sibling, especially in Queen Celestia and Queen Luna’s case. In my eyes, allsiblings are equals, no matter how old oryoung they are! As is the way with us Kirins and Thestrals!”

“Took the words right out of my mouth, G.” A familiar voice rasped from behind the four siblings. “That’s the same thing that I always tell Fire Flash whenever she’s down in the dumps and needs words of encouragement.”

The three mare’s ears all perked up at the voice and turned around to the source of it. They all gasped as upon seeing each of their friends, along with their younger siblings. All of them were standing just several feet away from them, watching them with warm and curious expressions.

“Oh, hi girls! You all finally made it!” Midnight said cheerfully as she trotted over to the five mares. “We didn’t even here any of you come in. Why didn’t you let us know you were here?”

“Well, fer one, there are is a whole audience o’ ponies here in the Town Square talkin’ louder than a bunch o’ chicks squabblin’ over a bunch o’ seeds.” Applejack replied with a chuckle gesturing over to the hundreds of ponies inside that were the building. “Two, we jus’ found y’all sittin’ here at this table and were comin’ over to let you know we were here, Though, it looked like ya’ll were gettin’ in some extra siblin’ time before celebration started, so we decided ‘t’ wait till ya’ll were done.” She finished letting out a little chuckled as she put a hoof to her muzzle.

“It was certainly worth the wait, too!” Rarity cooed sweetly, her eyes sparkling. “Watching you smother that darling adorable little brother of yours was just too precious! Almost as precious as him playing with my little sister!”

“Speaking of which? Where is the little squirt?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking at the three siblings. “I want him to be here, so he can meet super awesome little sis!”

“My, you’re really eager for Sheton to meet Fire Flash, huh?” Goku asked as she turned around in her seat. “Well, to answer your question, he’s right here!” she said, gesturing over to her brother sitting in the seat next to her.

“Sheton, it’s you!” Sweetie Belle squeaked as she tackled the stormy grey colt in a hug, nuzzling her cheek against his. “Oh, I’m so happy to see you again! I missed you so much!”

“H-hi, Sweetie Belle…I-I missed you too…” Sheton murmured as he tried to sit back up, only for his front hooves to slip against the floor with a light squeak. He fell back to the floor with a cry, allowing Sweetie Belle to literally fall on top of him. “Um…Sweetie Belle…can you get off me…p-please?” he asked timidly, finding it hard to look her in the eyes due to them being so close.

Sweetie Belle didn’t reply, just letting out another giggle and continuing to hug the Pegasus, causing him to blush deeply. A few seconds later, the alabaster filly felt herself encased in an aura of magic before being set back down onto the ground.

“Sweetie Belle, did you not here what Sheton had just asked?” Rarity asked firmly, staring disapprovingly at her little sister. “He had politely asked you to get off him, but you didn’t do as he asked! You could’ve crushed the poor dear with all of that over excitement!”

“Oops…sorry Rarity, I kind of got carried away.” The alabaster filly murmured sheepishly, a blush forming on her cheeks. With a flick of her tail, she looked back over at the colt that she had tackled just moments before. “I’m sorry Sheton, didn’t mean to startle you like that. I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“No, it’s okay…I’m not hurt anywhere.” The stormy grey colt replied, ruffling his wings. “Just warn me next time you’re going to hug me like that, alright? I already got more than enough of that from Apple Bloom and her family.”

“Heehee…yeah…sorry ‘bout that.” the golden yellow Earth filly said with a sheepish smile of her own. “Ah, tend t’ get a little overexcited mahself, along with Melon Cake…Ah’m sorry if Ah accidentally hurt ya anywhere too.”

“Um, Sheton…girls?” Spike asked innocently, one of his hybrid ears flicking. “I don’t mean to interrupt but…has anypony seen Fire Flash?”

“Oh, t-that’s right!” Scootaloo gasped as her ears perked up, before looking back over at Rainbow Dash and asking. “Um, R-R-Rainbow Dash…d-didn’t you s-say that y-y-you were g-going to b-bring F-F-Fire Flash here t-too?”

“Yep, I sure did! What? Did you think that I wasn’t going to bring my little sis here to an event as important as this?” The cyan mare asked, gently elbowing the bright orange filly in her shoulder. “Heh, like hayI would! Especially when she hasn’t met the little brother of one of my most awesomest friends there is!”

“Oh, okay. I-I was just w-wondering why we h-haven’t really s-s-seen her around a-as all.” Scootaloo murmured with a soft nod. “S-so, um…w-w-where is she?”

“Right here!” The voice of a foal yelled out with a slight rasp as a fiery streak suddenly shot down from above the group of ponies. It soon circled around them, as if trying to envelope them into a large flickering gate of fire and heat. A few seconds later, it died down as a fiery bolt shot down right in the middle of the mares and foals, sending dust flying and creating a powerful shockwave.

Everypony let out loud coughs in an attempt to get the dust out of their throats, having not been prepared for their new guest to make such a landing. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, Goku and heir siblings both used their wings to clear the smoke away, silently waiting for the smoke to clear. When it vanished, they looked down at where the pony was, ready to give them a sharp scolding, only to stop short at what they saw.

Standing in the middle of the small group of ponies, smoke swirling around her in a perfectly round circle, was a Pegasus filly. It was the very same filly that Goku and her siblings had seen in the photo back at Rainbow Dash’s house, the one where they were hugging. In the picture, the filly had been quite the unique sight, but now that she was seeing her in pony, she looked even more amazing.

Just like in the picture, the filly had a deep red hide, redder than any other color that was ever seen by anypony, which was rare for anypony to have. She had a flowing fiery mane and tail that had all the colors expected to be found; tangerine orange, golden yellow, and crimson red, all making for a stunning combination. The filly’s wings were a combination of her coat and mane, while her hooves were a pure golden color, giving a slight gleam. Her eyes, which were closed, slowly opened, revealing two pure golden yellow irises that glowed in the darkness of the Town Square. Unlike in the picture, the four Thestral siblings could all see her flank, which, just like Sheton and the fillies, held no Cutie Mark, showing she had no special talent yet.

“Hey there everypony…” The filly said with a feral grin. “What’d I miss?”

“Howdy there, Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said nonchalantly as she strolled over to the crimson filly. “Mighty fine seein’ you here on this fine night tonight. I see you’ve made quite the fiery entrance there, as per usual.”

“Yep! Nothing else is expected from your number one best friend Fire Flash Dash Wisp! Little sister of the awesomest big sister in all of Equestria!” Fire Flash replied as she threw a foreleg around the sun yellow filly’s neck. “Of course, that doesn’t mean that you or the girls don’t make any fiery entrances of your own mind you.”

“Yeah, yeah…we know what you meant, Flashy.” Sweetie Belle giggled as hugged the crimson filly. “Though, was that landing really necessary? You did leave a rather big mark in the floor over there.” She emphasized this point by pointing to the pony-sized crater under Fire Flash’s hooves.

“Oh, right…sorry.” Fire Flash murmured, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. “Probably should’ve watched how hard I was landing…”

“You think?” Crescent Shield deadpanned, snorting some dust out of her nose.

“Hey, don’t give her such a hard time you guys. She didn’t mean any harm by it, she was just trying to make a grand entrance for her best friends, that’s all.” Rainbow Dash said coolly, bringing Fire Flash into a one-sided hug. “Besides, its’ not like that hole can’t be fixed, and it’s not like Mayor Mare’s going to care. We’re at the Summer Sun Celebration, the one celebration where the Queen of Equestria is going to be. With such any important pony coming, a hole in the floor is going to be the least of anypony’s worries.”

“Hmmm…I suppose you have a point there, Rainbow.” Twilight murmured as she inspected the crater. “Still, I hope you have enough in your budget to fix that hole. Along a good explanation for Mayor Mare for why there is a hole in the Town Square.”

“Yeah well, we’ll get to that later!” Rainbow Dash said dismissively, before gently pushing her sister over to the Kirin siblings. “Fire Flash, I’d like you to meet some very special guests! This Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight Shenron! Three of my nine most awesomest friends in the world!”

“So…you’re the famous Thestrals Kirin siblings I’ve heard so much about?” Fire Flash asked, looking the three mares up and down. “I gotta say, I didn’t really think that you’d look like actual Thestrals, since I don’t really seem them all that much. Now though, I can totally see how you can be Thestrals, and…it looks pretty cool, along with those necklaces there.”

“Why thank you, dear. They’re actually one of the two symbols of our clan, except with this one, we have to wear it all the time.” Goku said sweetly, giving her necklace a little tap as it glinted in the moonlight. She then reached out her hoof and shook it with the younger flyer’s. “It’s very nice to meet you Fire Flash. I didn’t see you over at your sister’s place…I figured you’d be there with your sister, but you weren’t.”

“Oh, I was over at our mom and dad’s house.” Fire Flash replied casually as she inspected her hoof. “I was waiting for my big sis to come and pick me up, but it seems like she was caught up in some other business that was obviously more important. besides meeting up with her friends again.” She murmured, her eyes flickering up to meet Dash’s magenta ones in a small glare.

“Sorry, little sis…I lost track of the time.” The cyan mare chuckled in embarrassment as she looked away, feeling her sister’s eyes burn into her head. “I’ll make it up to you after the celebrations over. Hay, I’ll take you out for some hayburgers if you want.”

“Oh, I think I’ll be getting a lot more than some hayburgers by the time all of this is over.” Fire Flash murmured as she shook her head with a snort. As she turned around to converse with her friends, she noticed Goku’s little brother among the group, which gave her a pause. “Who’s he? I’ve never seen him around her before?”

“Oh, t-this is G-Goku Snowflake a-and M-Midnight’s l-little brother S-Sheton.” Scootaloo replied, coming out from behind him. “He h-dad c-c-come to P-Ponyville with t-them while t-they were s-supervising the S-Summer S-Sun C-Celebration today. H-h-he had come over to A-Apple Bloom, S-S-Sweetie Belle, S-Spike, and m-m-my house earlier today a-and played with all of us. H-he’s really nice, a-and he’s great with a-animals too.”

“Is that so?” Fire Flash asked as she began walking around Sheton, taking in all of his features. She suddenly froze as her eyes landed on his wings, and they widened at the sheer size they were. “Whoa! Look at those wings! I’ve never seen wings his big before!” she exclaimed as she reached over and yanked Sheton’s right wing out, spreading it to its full span.

“A-AH! P-please don’t pull it so hard!” The stormy grey colt cried as he jumped away from the other filly. “M-my wings aren’t like normal Pegasi…t-they’re r-r-really sensitive to somepony’s touch…t-they’ll stiffen up if you touch or pull them like that.”

“Really? Well why didn’t you tell me this before?” Fire Flash pouted as she let go of Sheton’s wing. “If I knew your wings were that sensitive, I wouldn’t have tried to pull it!”

“Yeah, sure you wouldn’t have.” Apple Bloom said, rolling her eyes. “Like you didn’t do th’ same with Scootaloo, even after she had told you to be gentle with ‘em.”

“Hey, didn’t think that you were gonna go and pull on his wings like that Fire Flash!” Spike replied with a snort before Sheton could answer. “Besides, why are you acting so surprised by their size anyway? It’s not like his wings are any bigger from yours or Scootaloo’s!”

“Actually, my wings are kind of bigger than Fire Flash and Sheton’s.” Scootaloo murmured softly, slowly unfurling her wings to emphasize her point. Sheton was left gob-smacked at their size, seeing they weren’t just ‘kind of’, bigger.

“Yeah, like we didn’t know that already.” Fire Flash snorted, before turning back to Sheton. “Sorry about that by the way; didn’t mean to cause you any pain there pal.”

“Oh, n-no, it’s okay…y-you just took me by surprise.” The stormy grey colt replied as Scootaloo helped tried to sooth his wings. “A-anyway…it’s really nice to meet you, Fire Flash…I-I hope that we can be friends.”

“Friends?” The crimson filly repeated flaring one of her wings and wrapped it around Sheton, pulling him close. “Sheton, I can guarantee that you and I will be the bestest friends there is here in this town! There are lots of foals who would go to the Moon and back to be friends with me, and not once have they ever regretted it! Trust me, you and I are going to make an awesome friend group, more than any other foals here in Ponyville.”

“Okay then…” Sheton said softly as the crimson filly gave him a fanged grin. “I-If you say so Fire Flash.”

“Hey now, don’t forget ‘bout us!” Apple Bloom chirped as she, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Crescent Shield all joined in, forming a large group hug. “We’re all in this too Flash, an’ don’t ya dare forget it!”

“I think so too~!” Spike chirped, snuggling deep into the group. “We’re all friends together!”

“Well, isn’t this just an adorable little scene this is.” Rarity cooed sweetly as she walked over to the fillies and colt. “Not even a whole day and you’ve already made four new friends Sheton! Luck and fortune must really be smiling down on you, aren’t they darling?”

“Um…w-what do you mean by that…e-exactly?” The stormy grey colt asked, nervously.

“Oh nothing. just the fact that all the friends you’ve made are fillies instead of colts. Not that there’s anything wrong with that mind you.” Fluttershy replied slyly, joining Rarity at her side. “Though the fact that none of the friends you’ve made are colts has to mean something.” she asked with a wink. “Shouldn’t it?”

It didn’t even take Sheton three seconds to realize what the buttermilk Pegasus meant, and his cheeks erupted red for the seventh or eighth time that day. As he yanked his hat over his head, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Fire Flash, Crescent Shield and Spike all sported equally deep blushes Before Sheton even had the chance to open his mouth and protest, Sweetie Belle beat him to the buck.

“Rarity! Can you please stop doing that?!” She squeaked desperately. “There’s nothing going on between me, the girls and Sheton! S-sure he’s cute but we’ve only just met and-” that was all she was able to say before her hooves flew to her mouth, her emerald green eyes going wide with horror at what just came out of her mouth.

“Y-you…t-think” Sheton sputtered as he lowered his head, his mane and hat nearly covering his eyes. “…I’m…c-c-cute?”

Sweetie Belle said nothing to the stormy grey colt in response. She just looked up at Rarity and Fluttershy, who was looking back down at her and her friends with sly smirks on their faces. The same thing could be said for the rest of their friends, one prismatic mane Pegasus in particular trying, and failing, to hold back her laughter.

“Ya’ll were sayin’, sugarcube?” Applejack asked with a smug grin.

“I…erm…n-nothing…I-I was just…!” Sweetie Belle cried, giving up on trying to say anything and covering her face with her hooves and wings. “…gah!”

“Heeheehee! There’s no need to be all embarrassed Sweets!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced over and pulled the tangerine filly into a comforting hug. “It’s total okay if you think somepony is cute, or sweet, or whatever super-duper fun thing there is! Nopony’s saying that it’s a bad thing, and if you want to think that you can!” As Sweetie Belle slowly lifted her head from out of the Earth Pony’s chest fur, the bubblegum pink mare gained a more thoughtful expression as she added. “Just do me and your sister one small teeny tiny favor: hold in all that lovey dovey sweetness for when your older, okay? I think you and I both know that you are nowhere near ready for that kind of stuff yet. We can always make arrangement for a party to celebrate yours Sheton’s, and your other friends’ newfound love, though! In the next several years that is, hmhm!”

“Thanks for the advice Pinkie Pie, but I’m positive that that’s not going to transpire anytime soon.” Crescent grumbled, stroking Sweetie Belle's back as Pinkie set her down. “Besides, like Scootaloo said, they’ve only just met! Well, he’s only just met them, and I’ve known Sheton since we were babies, but that’s beside the point! I highly doubt that there is any way that Sheton would like any one of them like that, let alone me!”

“Mmmmm…I don’t know about that.” Twilight mumbled, her eyes looking to the side in thought.

“Hmhmhmhm, whatever you say, squirt.” Rainbow Dash chuckled as she ruffled the ocean blue filly’s mane. “Why don’t you Sheton and the other go off and play for a bit? I’m sure you all have plenty of energy stored up from that nice long nap that you had at Twilight’s tree house.”

“Can I sis?” Sheton asked, looking back up at Goku. “Can I go play with them? Please?”

“Sure sweetie, just make sure you and the girls are somewhere where we can see you, okay?” The tan Thestral mare replied gently, yet firmly. “With a crowd this big, you’re bound to get lost somewhere in it.”

“Okay…I will, thank you.” The stormy grey colt said softly, nodding to Scootaloo, Spike, and the other fillies as they all galloped off.

“Ya know Goku, Ah have to give yer lil’ bro credit.” Applejack murmured walking over to the tan Pegasus. “He won over mah lil’ sis pretty fast, faster than any other foal she’s met. Even more so that Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Amethyst.”

“Yeah, I know…he was like that back in Canterlot too. Winning over the hearts of any mare that came into his path, even if he wasn’t trying to.” Goku chuckled as she watched the foals play with each other. “Remind you of a certain sister of yours back at the farm, huh Applejack?”

“Er…um…uh…yeah, heheheh.” The tangerine mare laughed nervously, her cheeks turning a bright pink. “Sorry ‘bout that by the way…y-you know how mah big sis can get. Treatin’ each ‘n’ every foal an’ Ponyville as if they’re her own kin.”

“Oh don’t worry, its totally fine with me. Not the first time that a mare’s smothered my little brother with affection every now and then.” Goku said, patting Applejack on the shoulder before she turned to the other mares. “Though…I have to say, I am pretty impressed.”

“Impressed?” Rarity asked quizzically, tilting her head to the side. “Impressed by what, dear?”

“By the fact that your little sisters accepted my little brother so quickly.” Goku explained, making each of her friends’ eyes, minus Twilight’s, widen in surprise. “Back in Canterlot, my little brother had a very hard time making friends who not only wanted to be with him, but would accept him for who he was. Mainly because of him being so shy and being harassed because of that.” she held up her hooves to keep them from saying anything. “Now, don’t take this as me accusing your little sisters or anything, especially yours Fluttershy, but all I’m saying is that I expected them to be a bit more reluctant to be friends with my brother, and think that he was a little weird in the process.” She finished lamely, looking away sheepishly.

For a few moments, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything, just staring at the tan Thestral mare. blankly, before looking at one another. After another minute of silence passed, they all burst into fits laughter, making the three sisters jump in surprise.

“Um…is something funny?” Snowflake asked, blinking a few times as she regained her composure. “Why’re you all laughing?”

“Y-you honestly think, ha-ha…that those fillies, would even think, about bullying somepony, let alone calling them weird?!” Rainbow Dash asked between laughs, looking like she was going to pass out from laughing so hard. “Are you, are you bucking kidding me, G?!”

“Why that is just absolutely absurd darling!” Rarity added, brushing some strands of her indigo mane out of her face as she calmed herself down. “My little Sweetums would never think about doing that to anypony! That would simply just be unbecoming of her as a lady!”

“The same goes fer mah lil sis!” Applejack nodded, giving a flick of her tail as she snorted. “The day that she even thinks about bein’ mean t’ somepony, is the day that Ah tell her that she can have extra apple fritters b’fore dinner An’ she doesn’t act like she’s on a sugar rush. That’s not Ah was raised, that’s not how Big Mac, Anna Blaze, Annie, Jubilee, an' Honey Blossom were raised, an' that’s certainly not how Apple Bloom was raised either. ”

“The same goes with me Applejack. My little Loo-loo is the kindest, sweetest little filly ever.” Fluttershy declared softly, yet firmly, as she put a hoof to her feathered chest. “I’ve known ever since she was a baby, and I know for a fact that she would never say or do anything mean to anypony.” “That’s just…that’s just not who she is!”

“Yepperooni! If I know those fillies, I know that they are some of the bestest most fantastic little fillies that anypony could ever meet!” Pinkie Pie said happily, popping up from above as she looked at each of the three mares with wide cerulean eyes. “I can Pinkie Promise you that your cutie of a little brother has found friends that will be with him for a lifetime!”

“Oh…is that so…?” Goku asked as she blinked a few times, very surprised at how much of a positive light that her friends were making their younger sisters. She looked back at the foals, who looked to be playing a game of tag. “Then I suppose that my brother’s in good hooves with those fillies then?”

“Yer darn tootin’!” Applejack replied, stomping her hoof down firmly.

“Absolutely…” Fluttershy said sweetly, giving the tan hybrid mare a wink.

“Without a doubt, darling!” Rarity replied with a warm smile.

“Totally!” Rainbow Dash grinned, hovering on her back as she waved a magenta hoof in the air. “If anypony dares give your brother trouble, he just has to give the signal and she will incinerate their asses in ten seconds flat!”

“You know, due to her coming from your family and having a big sister like you, I wouldn’t put it past her to do just that.” Midnight murmured softly “Then again, it may not be a good idea to have her give third degree burns to ponies that try to be mean to our little brother.”

“Heheheh, don’t worry she wouldn’t actually set them on fire if that’s what you’re wondering.” Rainbow Dash said reassuringly as she landed and flung an arm around the beetle black Thestral’s back. “She would just give anypony who tries to mess with her friends beating of their lives if they rile her up just enough.”

“Yeah…that ain’t exactly helpful information, RD.” Applejack said bluntly, deadpanning. “And, frankly…that’s basically th’ same thing ya jus’ said jus’ a moment ago…”

“Yeah well, you understand the point I’m trying to make right?” Rainbow Dash asked, glancing over at the tangerine Earth Pony. Applejack just rolled her eyes in response, muttering something under her breath as she flicked her tail out.

“Well, either way, if you say that he’s in good hooves with them, we’ll take your word for it.” Midnight shrugged, giving Rainbow Dash a soft smile. “After all, I’m eager to see just what kind of trouble they’ll get themselves into…”

“So am I, and something tells me with a group of friends like that, they’re bound to get into a lot of adventures.” Goku said as she looked over at the foals once again, seeing Sheton playing patty cake with Scootaloo. “And they are going to be big.”

At that moment, all nine mares’ ears perked up to hear the sound of loud thumping that seemed to echo about the Town Square. They all turned to see Mayor Mare standing at the top of the stage stomping her right hoof down continuously to get everypony’s attention.

“Looks like Mayor Mare’s ready to announce the start of the celebration.” Twilight murmured softly, her voice an undertone of excitement as she silently observed the scene from afar.

“Wait, she’s starting?! Now?!” Fluttershy cried, her wings flaring out and nearly knocked Rarity and Pinkie Pie off their hooves. “Oh my goodness, my bird friends! They’ve been waiting for me to come all this time! They must be wondering where I am! I gotta get up there right now!”

With that, she took off into the air with a single wing beat as she soared across the Town Square and dove in between one of the curtains far above the stage. A couple of minutes went by, before the buttermilk Pegasus popped out with her birds in tow, all of them hurriedly getting into position, and just in time. Just as Mayor Mare finished her hoof stomping and everypony went silence the sound of horn instruments and the birds harmonized, yet slightly hasty singing took their place, as Mayor Mare began her announcement.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, as the Mayor of the most peaceful town in Equestria, it is my most wonderful pleasure to announce the start of the annual Summer Sun Celebration!” She said happily, her voice echoing throughout the large building as everypony cheered. “In just a few short moments, we will all witness the glorious magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this day, as the longest day of the entire year!”

‘Isn’t that the truth absolute truth’ Goku thought with a chuckle, looking at each of the symbolic Sun clothes of fabric hanging from above the crowd. ‘I don’t think I can remember a day that was longer back in Canterlot. Then again, those days did sometimes feel like they had dragged on forever’

“And now, I could love to introduce to each and everypony here, the ruler of our whole land!” Mayor Mare continued, looking about ready to burst with excitement. “The very pony that raises the Sun and the Moon every single day, the good, the kind, the generous, the wise, Goddess of the Sun and Moon herself, and the very bringer and keeper of harmony! Fillies and gentlecolts, please stomp your hooves together for the one and only, Queen Celestia Daybringer!!!”

With that, the birds all began to singe again as Rarity, who at some point, had come up to the stage, slowly pulled back the curtain. As the deep magenta cloth slowly pulled back, a pure white light shone out from behind the small space behind them, shining as bright as the stars outside. Everypony shielded their eyes from the incredible brightness that the light emitted from the small air booth, waiting for it to dime. Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait for very long, as the light slowly dissipated, until it disappeared completely. When it did, each and every pony was met with a sight that took their breaths away.

To say that the newcomer was a sight to behold would’ve been saying that the very Sun that shined all across Equestria was nothing more than a simple bulb of light. Or that or that the streams of water that flowed through the forest was but a mere trickle of water running down a rocky dirt path. The mare that stood before everypony in the Town Square could only be described as a goddess in a mortal pony’s clothing.

Just as it had said in the Story of the Two Sisters, she was an Alicorn, with a coat that practically glowed in the light of the Moon. It was as if she was a star that had come down to the earth, wanting to bask everything and everypony in all of its glory. Her mane and the skirt of her tail far exceeded the length of even Goku’s, literally flowing like gentle waves crashing onto the shore of a beach. Both of them sparkling in a way that made it seem like she had little stars planted in them, though that probably may have been the case.

If that wasn’t enough to leave ponies gawking, her mane and tail skirt were also changing colors every few seconds. The very same colors that could be found in a rainbow, very much like Rainbow Dash’s own mane. Each and every color was there; ruby red, sunset orange, soft yellow, sea green, cerulean and midnight blue, indigo and violet. There was also a stash of magenta and pale lavender pink, the latter possibly being what her mane and tail color was before it gained its new form. Her eyes were a light pale pinkish magenta, which shined like glitter with a millennia’s worth of warmth, kindness, love, and wisdom. Both of her eyes were shadowed a very strong cerise, which contrasted beautifully with her own eyes.

Another part of the Alicorn that looked to be just as breath taking as her hairstyle and facial features were her wings. As they slowly opened, they stretched to a vast wingspan that made every single pony’s jaw drop to the floor, and a certain colorful tan and cyan Pegasus slightly envious. They took in each and every single feather that was perfectly groomed and preened, with not a single one out of place, each holding the same color that was flashing through her mane. There were also deep reddish orange ones at the very bottom, the same with her tail feathers just above her tail base. They could also see, right next to where her wing thumb claws were, what looked like to be two large pure golden circles that would’ve been mistaken for eyes shadowed black.

She was dressed in a magnificent suit of regalia, a large portion of it implanted on her chest, have a glinting mulberry purple diamond-like gemstone in the very center. The Alicorn also had a set of golden horseshoes, that did nothing to stop the mare’s long flowing fetlocks from dragging behind her. There was also a large crown that was nestled at the top of her head, having the same gemstones as the one on her chest. That was also where her regal horn could be seen, stretching out longer than a mare’s spine. To add to the finishing touch, the Cutie Mark of a golden Sun glowed on both of her pure swan white flanks. Both of them looked like they were real suns, as if the very Sun itself had decided to bless her with its symbol. There was no doubt that the mare in front of everypony was Queen Celestia Daybringer, Goddess of the Sun, Guardian of the Day, the Alicorn of Light, and the Ruler of all Equestria.

The cheers that exploded throughout the Town Square would’ve made even a dragon go temporarily deaf as every pony went into a frenzy. Earth Pony’s stomped the ground with all the strength their legs would allow, Unicorns ignited their horns light up the whole interior of the building, and Pegasi looped around in the air, going at speeds that left colorful trails in their wake. All the while Celestia watched with a smile on her face, that kind expression never leaving her, even as she slowly lifted a hoof to silence everypony. It wasn’t even three seconds after she did so that everypony abruptly went quiet, as if the sudden outburst that they had didn’t even occur. It lingered like that for a few moments, everypony staring at the swan white Alicorn excitedly, waiting for her to break the silence. Eventually she did, and when she spoke, her voice carried an air of kindness, warmth and motherliness that was could only be described as heavenly.

“Hello my little ponies, and thank you all for having me here in tonight.” She said happily as she slowly closed her majestic wings. “It’s so wonderful to see so many of my subjects’ precious little faces this time of night.”

Everypony began to cheer again, albeit much more quietly this time as they gave more stomps to the ground with their hooves. As quickly as they had started, they stopped, not wanting their Queen to have to waste a single moment of her time by silencing them once more.

“I have to be honest with you everypony, when I was told that the Summer Sun Celebration was going to be held in a place like this, I was nothing short of surprised. I never would’ve expected for something as important as this to be held in a place so, well…none-glamorous.” Celestia continued, putting a covered hoof to her muzzle to stifle her giggles as everypony laughed at her little joke. “Regardless, that doesn’t make the town that you’re all living in now any less of a wonderful place to be in, let along host such a big even such as this. To be honest, I could use some relaxation in a town like this. Heaven only knows that I most certainly need it.”

“With the amount of duties that she has, she definitely need it.” Goku whispered to Twilight, who was standing just next to her. “Am I right Twi?”

The magical protégé giggled back. “Mhm.”

“Anyway, I’m not going to spoil the moment by talking about my daily stresses of a Queen.” Celestia said with a light snort as she gave a wave of her hoof,. “I would like to thank you all once again for having my on this momentous occasion, I can’t wait to spend this glorious day with all of you!” she spread her wings once more and raised her chin up higher, as if preparing to take flight. “Now, without further ado, the Summer Sun Celebration BEGIN!!!”

With that, a pure golden magical aura that shined as bright as the Sun enveloped the Queen’s horn, as her head rose. As he horn sparked to life, a blast of magic burst all throughout the room, covering everypony in a type of aura that made it feel like they were all being covering in a warm blanket. At that moment, all eyes caught the sight of the Moon lowering over the horizon as the sky began to lose its inky black color. It soon began to change and slowly gain a deep sunset orange, which slowly grew brighter with each second that passed by.

Everypony watched in awe as an all too familiar light began show slowly grow over the horizon, making the sky go brighter and turn from its temporary sunset orange. It then morphed into a dark blue that was slowly growing paler, making the clouds pop out and become visible. Golden light shined the through the windows of the Town Square, filling the whole building with glorious brightness that could not be put in words. As the Sun finally appeared, It let all eyes inside the Town Square see it in all of its radiating glory.

For the longest moment, everypony just stared wide-eyed at the very object that gave Celestia her name while it shined down on all of them. it was as if the very Sun welcoming each and every one of them to the even that had now begun. Then they went into another loud burst of cheering as they stomped their hooves, lit their horns, and flew about the air, very much like they had just a few minutes ago. This time, the swan white Alicorn didn’t even try to stop them, for she too felt like joining her subject. It was only thanks to a millennia’s worth of training that she was able to restrain herself from acting like foal who had gotten their Cutie Mark after years of searching, though the temptation was still there. With a soft giggle, she stretched their wings out to their fullest span as she lowered her upper body, preparing to fly down to her subjects.

Unfortunately for the Sun Goddess, she never got the change to even lift her hooves off the floor beneath her. For at that moment, everything in the whole Town Square, went black and became shrouded in darkness.

Queen Celestia and everypony else watched, as an inky blackness suddenly shot out in front of the large glass windows of the building, completely obscuring the light that was shining outside. The interior of the Town Square was instantly covered in a pitch-black darkness, causing everypony to cease their cheering, looking around the building in confusion.

“Hey! What gives?!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily as she shot into the air, her wings giving angry flaps. “Who turned out the bucking lights?!”

“Ah don’t know RD. Ah don’t know why everythin’ went so dark all of a sudden…” Applejack replied, squinting her eyes as she tried to see all around her. “…and Ah don’t think Ah want to know, either.”

“It’s magic.” Twilight said suddenly causing Goku, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie to turn to her. “An incredibly large amount of it, too. I can feel it all around the Town Square, both inside and outside. It’s powerful, at least on par with Queen Celestia’s own. I don’t know and who it is that’s emitting it, but I do know one thing.” A feeling of dread formed in the pit of the lavender Unicorn’s stomach as she flattened her ears against her head. “It can’t be good.”

“Oh! Oh! Is it a guessing game?! I love guessing games!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she bounced in place. “Is there somepony hiding outside?! Are they waiting to give us a nice big surprise?! Oh, if they are I’m sure that it’s going to be BIG!”

“Pinkie Pie, I hardly think that whoever made the whole Town Square go as dark as night would want to surprise us at this very moment. Especially with everypony looking like they’re going to go in a panic. Not to mention they also have the Queen herself to face if they were just trying to scare us.” Goku deadpanned as she looked around the crowd, her keen eyes and ears picking up the sound of whimpering and ponies beginning to shake. “Still, you do have a point. I have feeling that whoever is doing this is going to give us quite the scare, and we are not going to like it one bit.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth, Goku.” Snowflake murmured, as she took a protective stance next to her younger sister. “Honestly, I’d like to meet the pony who’s doing this and give them quite the talking to about why he decided to interrupt one of the most important events in Equestrian history.”

“We can think about that later, Snowflake.” Midnight said tentatively as she draped a wing around both her younger sisters. “For now, let’s just let Queen Celestia handle this…I’m sure that whoever is doing this will come quietly and this whole mess will be over…I hope.”

“Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation for this.” Mayor Mare said, doing her best to calm down the crowd of ponies. At that moment, she caught a glimpse of light out of the corner of her eye, causing her to look up and see Celestia igniting her horn, making a bright golden aura emit from it and light up the entire interior of the Town Square. “My Queen, can you please tell us what is going on?”

“Hmmm…I’m afraid that we have an uninvited visitor here in our midst, Miss Mayor.” The swan white Alicorn replied, making everypony down below gasp in surprise and slight fear. “Fear not my little ponies, I will not let anything happen to you. Follow Mayor Mare’s and remain as calm as you can, I will make sure you are all safe.”

It seemed that this assurance was all that everypony needed from their Queen, for they all ceased their murmuring and went silent, yet there was no mistaking the nervousness, fear and anxiety emitting from each and every one of them. The foals were especially scared, and everypony felt their hearts ache when they heard the terrified whimpers and cries coming from them near the stage where Mayor Mare currently was.

“W-w-what’s g-going on?” Scootaloo whimpered, looking around the darkness with fear in her eyes. “W-why is everything so dark?”

“Ah don’t know, but Ah don’t like it one bit.” Apple Bloom replied as she pressed herself up against her friend, as if trying to assure her she was there. “Queen Celestia raised the Sun just a minute ago! There’s no way that night could’ve came back that fast! Her horn wasn’t even lit!”

“Do you think that there’s somepony trying to attack us?” Spike asked worriedly as he stood close to Crescent Shield, who draped a wing over the Kirin colt.

“Pffft, please! As if there would be somepony wanting to attack us right now!” Fire Flash snorted, not looking to be worried in the slightest. “Even if there were, they’re not going to get the chance! Queen Celestia’s right here with us in this very building! Anypony who tries to mess with us, will have to get past her first unless they don’t want to get their asses kicked!”

“Yeah…you do have a point there.” Sweetie Belle murmured nervously, leaning into Sheton as he rubbed her back comfortingly. “Still, who do you think it is?”

“I don’t know, but I think we’ll be safe.” Sheton said softly, trying to comfort his new friends as best as possible. “The Queen said it herself, she would keep us all safe and I believe her. She’ll find whoever’s doing this and deal with them like any Queen would.”

“Yeah, you’re right Sheton.” Crescent Shield said with a nod of agreement. "Queen Celestia will be able to fix this, and everything will be okay."

Right at that moment, there was a loud thumping sound, followed by the sound of wood cracking as the whole building gave a violent shake, as if an earthquake was happening right beneath everypony’s hooves. They all gave out cries of surprise at this unexpected movement, and were about to question it amongst themselves, only to jump and let out cries of surprise as they heard the all too familiar sound of dust and small bits of debree falling to the hard-sleek floor. This caused everypony to shoot their eyes up to the ceiling, realizing that whoever had supposedly trapped them inside was right above their heads, and they weren’t the only ones to notice it either. Queen Celestia had both seen and heard the falling bits of wood much faster than they did, and her gaze immediately snapped up to the roof, now knowing just where her uninvited guest was.

“Who is there?! By order of the Queen of the Equestria, I command you to show yourself at once!” She shouted, her warm motherly tone all but tossed aside. It was replaced with a more commanding and authoritive one, one that didn’t fail in making Twilight cower under it. The swan white Alicorn’s voice boomed throughout the Town Square and rendering everypony as silent as mice as they stared back up at her. When Celestia got no response, her pale lavender eyes narrowed as she gave a stomp of her hoof, before speaking again. “I will not ask again fiend! Who is there, and why have you interrupted such a wonderful event such as this?! If you do not show yourself this very instant, I will come and seek you myself!”

Her command was answered by the sound of the roof giving another, much louder crack. This time, instead of just small splinters and dust, a large piece of wood fell and landed on the floor with a loud clank. Ponies closest to it, gave cries of surprise as they shuffled back, some of them bumping into one another as they attempted to get away from the spot. All eyes once again went up to the ceiling, silently waiting for something else to fall and hit the ground. All they got however was another chorus of silence.

It was at that moment, that Celestia decided that she was done waiting for the unknown intruder to reveal themselves. If they weren’t going to come and show their faces, then she would take the matter into her own hooves. “Very well then, it seems that I have no other choice but to find you myself.” She said calmly as she spread her wings once more and prepared to take flight.

Then, everything immediately went to Tartarus.

The swan white Alicorn had barely taken a full flap of her wings, before their was a loud explosion that nearly made her ears ring, as the whole roof o the Town Square gave into some unknown powerful force. The Queen covered her eyes with a foreleg as clouds of debree, looking as thick as the large chunks of roof falling from above, filled her vision, effectively blocking her view from what was going on down below. It certainly did nothing to block her hearing however, for her ears could pick up the sound of large chunks of wood and debree falling down with enough force to make it sound like they were large boulders coming down from a mountain top. She felt her heart fill with fear at the cries and screams of terror, and pain of everypony, mare, stallion, and foal down below, making her realize that there were some unlucky victims to the destroyed roof.

“What in the name of-?!” Goku began, only to stop as she began to cough up dust. “What the hay just happened?!”

“Ah think the entire roof jus’ caved in!” Applejack replied, using her Stetson to fan the dust out of her face. “Are any o’ y'all okay-WHOA!”

The farmer was cut off when she felt somepony slam into her, causing both of them to fly through the air and crash to the ground. The action came just in time to avoid a large boulder sized chunk of roof from landing on top of them. Applejack scrambled to her hooves, and once she got her footing, she looked down to see Goku and Twilight lying on the ground just in front of her. The tangerine mare also saw Pinkie Pie, who was standing over the tan Thestral and lavender Unicorn.

“Whew, that was a close one!” she cried, her voice shaky as she looked at Applejack, Twilight and Goku with wide eyes. As both mares got up, she and Applejack couldn’t help but notice that Pinkie Pie’s sudden change in color. Her once bright bubblegum pink fur was now a pale lavender purple, and her brilliant raspberry pink mane and tail were now a deep violet. “Are both of you alright?! That was one big rock!”

“Yeah…we’re okay…thank you for saving us Pinkie Pie.” Goku replied slowly, giving her wings a ruffle as she gave a couple more coughs. Her eyes suddenly widened, as she looked around the dust-covered area, unable to see her sisters or Twilight anywhere. “Wait where are Snow flake, Midnight?! I don’t see them anywhere!!”

“We’re here!” the voice of Midnight cried out as she and Snowflake suddenly flew into the scene, instantly landing by their youngest sister’s side. “Are you three okay?”

“We’re fine, Pinkie Pie shoved us out of the way before we could get flattened.” Twilight replied, as she lit up the area with her horn. “Do any of you know why the roof caved in all of a sudden? We’ve never had this happen before since I moved here to Ponyville!”

Before any of the mares could reply, the thick clouds of dust surrounding them suddenly picked up speed as it blew all around them. They all shielded their eyes with their wings and hooves in an attempt to keep it from getting into their eyes. All except Midnight, who wrapped her giant wings around all of them and pulled them close to her to prevent them from being blown away. This went on for a few moments; the only sound heard being the blow of the dust and the cries and screams of everypony inside the building. Then, just as quickly as it had started, it stopped, and the everything suddenly went deadly silent.

Slowly and cautiously, the six mares opened their eyes and pulled away from each other, and were greeted a sight that made their hearts stop. The whole Town Square being littered with large piles of debree, and ponies left and right crying and screaming in terror and agony. While some of them most of them looked to be just disheveled and shaken up, a majority of them had been unlucky victims to the destroyed roof. They were either lying on the ground injured, being catered to by other ponies, or where trapped under the large pieces of the wooden roof. Some were trying to lift them up and pull the ponies out from under them, though they weren’t having much success. Goku felt a shiver go down her spine as she saw pools of an all too familiar red liquid form around some places where ponies could be seen laying. The stench carried in the air and filled her sensitive nostrils with its metallic stench, letting her know that some were more gravely injured than others.

Fortunately and unfortunately for them, they didn’t have to look at the gruesome scene for long, as a loud neigh suddenly boomed throughout the Town Square. It caused everypony to jump and covered their ears at the sheer volume that emitted from it, as if somepony was carving into their eardrums. This went on for several agonizingly long moments, which seemed to go on for a millennium for some, before it receded, leaving a loud ringing in everypony’s ears. They looked up to the source of the sound, wondering if it was the intruder that had interrupted their celebration with the Queen. What met each of their eyes made all the color drain from their faces and nearly made them all pass out from fear.

The being that hovered above all the mayhem and destruction could only be described as the stuff of the darkest and most terrifying nightmares. Not only that, but they was, to the extreme shock and disbelief of many, and Alicorn. One that was absolutely monstrous-looking, and the complete opposite of Queen Celestia. Even though she was very high up in the air, everypony could see, just by her physic alone that it was a mare. She had a coat that was blacker than the very pits of Tartarus itself, as if she had been dipped into a whole pond of inky blackness. Her mane and tail skirt, like Celestia’s, looked ethereal and appearance only it didn’t have the various multi-colors that appeared from them every few seconds. They looked as if they were cut from the very essence of outer space itself.

A majority of her mane and tail skirt had blue auras that had blue white, and pink and red twilights shining from it, with the edges and tips being inky black. They could both be seen trailing behind her in one giant cosmetic ethereal tornado, which went all the way up to the Sun, currently being blocked by the Moon. Her wings were stretched out in an unbelievable wingspan, and while they were covered in feathers, there was no mistake that her wings were that of a bat’s. They both held the same ethereal color of space as her mane and tail, having long dagger-like claws at the end, with the membranes going all the way down to her tail fins. The etherealness could also be found in her hooves, which were cloven, like that of a deer’s, having the same flowing fetlocks as Celestia’s own. Lastly, to top off her terrifying appearance, she had the Cutie Mark of a large indigo blotch that ran all the way down to her knees, with a beautiful crescent Moon in the middle of the blotch.

The sin black Alicorn let out another echoing neigh as her wings flapped in, yet powerful motions, her glowing eyes boring into the petrified eyes of everypony in the Town Square. They watched in silent terrified and fascinated shock as the Sun completely vanished in the ethereal tornado leaving only the Moon floating in the air. With another, much harder flap of her wings, the mare shot down towards the crow of ponies, who all screamed and galloped away as she slammed into the ground. Large chunks of earth were sent flying through the air from the giant crater that she left in her wake, enveloped by thick dust clouds. The dust completely obscured the Alicorn from view for a moment, before it was blown away by a single flap of her gigantic wings. When it was gone, she just stood there, letting everypony see her in all her naked, yet terrifyingly beautiful glory.

Nopony said a word as the mare looked around, meeting the eyes of each and everypony in the building. They all stared straight back at her, bodies quivering as if they were being frozen over in ice on the coldest of days. After sixty whole seconds of unending silence passed, she finally spoke.

“Well, well, well…if it isn’t my dear beloved subjects of Equestria…it’s been so long since I’ve seen all of your precious little sun-loving faces.” She said, her voice incredibly silky, yet filled with iciness that made everypony shiver. As a small, yet feral smile making its way to her face, allowing everypony to see the vampiric fangs adorning her mouth. She glanced back up behind her, seeing the Moon bask her in its beautiful glow as it floated in the sky, which was back to being its inky black. “I’m so glad that I got rid of that cursed abomination. I had forgotten how much I hated just seeing that thing.”

“Twilight…” Goku began, her voice surprisingly calm and level despite the situation that they were in. “Is that who I think it is?”

“Yes…i-it is!” Twilight replied her legs shaking like leaves blowing in the wind as she stared at the large Alicorn. As much as she didn’t want to believe it, there was no mistaking who the pony before them was. “It’s the Dark Queen, Nightmare Moon!!!”

“Wait, that’s the famous ‘Mare of Darkness’ that everypony keeps talking about?” Rainbow Dash whispered. “I…I thought that she was just some urban legend…”

“So did Ah, sugarcube. Honestly, when Ah heard ‘bout Nightmare Moon, Ah didn’t think that there was any way that a pony like that could exist.” Applejack nodded, her own eyes as wide as the cyan mares. “It looks like Ah was wrong…all o’ us where.”

Snowflake gulped. “Indeed...”

“Aww, what’s the matter, everypony? Too scared to say anything your Queen of the Night after a millennium on the Moon?” Nightmare Moon cooed in a voice that was so sweet it was sickening, as she took in the terrified faces of all the ponies and foals in the Town Square. “I must admit, I'm a bit hurt. I expected all of you to be a little bit more excited to see me again…I guess it was a foal’s hope to wish for that…”

Suddenly, the sin black Alicorn noticed a flash of color out of the corner of her eye, and she looked over to the left only to freeze at what she saw. Her turquoise draconic eyes caught Celestia standing on the booth above the stage down below, her lavender eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. Nightmare Moon froze as her eyes widened in shock, having not expected to see the swan white Alicorn in the Town Square. Eventually, the shock passed just as quickly as it had come, before the darker Alicorn’s lips curled back, fans glistening in the moonlight as her face twisting into a snarl.

“Well…if it isn’t Queen Celestia Daybringer Solaris herself.” Nightmare hissed in a barely audible whisper, her voice carrying a unfathomable contempt. “I must admit…I didn’t expect to see you here. Then again, I really shouldn’t be surprised, since this is the one day where everypony gets to spend the day with you and bask in your precious light.” Her eyes flashed as she let out a low ominous growl. “And it’s also the night that you banished me to my beautiful Moon and let me to rot there for countless centuries!”

“Nightmare Moon…the Goddess of the Black Moon and the Ruler of Nightmares. So you’ve finally returned from your prison at last.” Celestia said slowly, her own eyes narrowing as she regained her composure. “Tell me…what brings you here this time of day? Or to be franker, this time of night? That is what you want me to say, isn’t it? Since this is the night time?”

“Oh spare me your false pleasantries, Celestia! That is the last thing that I want to hear from a pony like you!" Nightmare Moon snapped as she stomped her hoof, leaving large cracks in the crater beneath her hooves. “You and I both know why I’m here! Or have you been so swept up in all of these ponies basking in your precious light that you’ve forgotten what happened that day so long ago?!”

‘That day? Is she talking about the night Queen Celestia banished her?’ Goku asked, watching the confrontation from afar with narrowed eyes. As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she almost facehooved herself. ‘What am I thinking of course they are! It was just said by Nightmare Moon just a second ago that Queen Celestia was the one who banished to the Moon! It’s no wonder why she’s so pissed off at her!’

“No…I haven’t. I have not forgotten that day at all. Even after a thousand years, I can still remember that day as if it was only yesterday.” Celestia murmured as she lowered her head, her pale magenta eyes closing for a moment. “I can still remember the exact words that you said to me; how you would defeat me and rule Equestria in eternal night, and after that…came the bloodshed.” Her face scrunched up ever so slightly as the memories of the battle from so long ago played through her head like a record. “I still remember the screams of the ponies that transpired during that battle, even now. I can hear them as clear as day, even after I had defeated you in battle…and I will no doubt continue to hear them for the rest of eternity.”

As quickly as her grief filled expression came, it vanished as the swan white Alicorn opened her eyes, looking down at Nightmare Moon with fiery determination. “Some say that it was a miracle that I managed to defeat you at all, and it probably was. Even so, I was still able to stop you from forever plunging this word into darkness and ruling it with an iron hoof and a cruel heart!” She flared her vast wings as her horn ignited in its bright golden glow. “You may have finally escaped from the Moon, but that does not mean I will let you continue on your plan of Eternal Night! I have defeated you one before and saved countless of innocent lives, and I can most certainly do it again Nightmare Moon!”

Rather than being scared or intimidated, Nightmare Moon gave a low, yet sinister laugh. It slowly grew in volume, the icy sound echoing Square and making everypony tremble with fear. “Dear sweet Faust the years of being the only Queen in Equestria really driven you insane, haven’t they? I’m not surprised, since you are the one who everypony adores the most, and the only one who’s really known to finish off your enemies. Despite the stories saying that both you and dear little Luna both fought to protect this land from evil doers like me.” Her turquoise eyes narrowed as the grin on her face gained a twisted edge. “However, you forgot on little thing, dear sister."

“Oh?” The swan white Alicorn asked, raising a color changing eyebrow. “And what is that, Nightmare?”

Without warning, the sin black Alicorn suddenly morphed into a stream od ethereal stream of smoke and shot towards Celestia. She went at such a speed that not even Rainbow Dash would be able to keep up with taking everypony completely off guard. Celestia only had time to widen her eyes and gasp, before she felt Nightmare Moon collide with her, sending both of them flying up into the air and crashing into the wall. Immediately afterword, Celestia felt a sharp searing enter her chest burst out her back, causing her to let out a hard cough and a metallic taste flowed into her mouth. Confused, she looked down, only for her eyes to slowly widen as she saw the entire length of Nightmare Moon’s horn impaled straight through her chest.

“You don’t have your precious Elements here to help you against me.” Nightmare Moon finished in a barely audible whisper. Ignoring blood that dripped down her head, she added, “And since they’re not here to help you against me, that means you won’t be able to withstand this.”

Before Celestia could even attempt to say a word, Nightmare Moon’s horn ignited as she sent a powerful surge of magic coursing through her. Celestia screamed was her whole body was charred form head to hoof, as if somepony had put her in an electric chair and turned the power up to full capacity. Pure white volts of electricity could be seen dancing all around her body as the Nightmare Moon continued pouring her magical energy into Celestia. The sin black Alicorn relished in the cries of agony emitting from the mare as she did so, along with the screams of horror from everypony down below as she did so. After a few more moments, the mare stopped, letting Celestia slowly slide down her horn and fall to her side with a resounding thud.

“Awww, you poor thing…couldn’t take the thunder, could you?” Nightmare Moon asked in a sickeningly sweet voice. “Of course not…after all, you could never truly strike down your own sister.”

“QUEEN CELESTIA!!!” Twilight screamed, horror plastered on her face as she watched her mentor fall. Midnight, Snowflake, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Goku were not too far behind her as they adorned similar reactions. Any screams or cries they let out were drowned out by that of everypony in the Town Square.

“Oh no…” Goku whispered, her golden eyes going with fear as Nightmare Moon turned around to face all the ponies in the building.

“Well, that takes care of that.” She said with a satisfied smirk as she gave a ruffle of her wings. She then held out a covered hoof, giggling as a single drop of blood fell off her horn and fell on it. “Oh dear, it appears that I’ve got Celly’s blood all over my horn.” Leaning, she ran her tongue across her blood covered hoof, shivering in ecstasy at the taste. “Hmmm…such a pleasant taste.”

“WHAT THE HAY DID YOU DO TO OUR QUEEN, YOU BITCH?!” Rainbow Dash yelled, her wings flared angrily as electricity danced through her body. With a hard stomp of her forehooves, she took to the air, only for a quick-thinking Applejack to grab her tail at the last second.

“Whoa there, RD! Now’s not the time ‘t’ be losin’ yer head!” The cowpony shouted through a mouthful of prismatic tail. “If ya try t’ fight her, she’s gonna take ya out as fast as she did th’ Queen!”

“I don’t give a rat's ass! She just killed the Queen, and I’m not gonna let her get away with that!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flapping her wings even harder. “You hear me?! When I get up there, I’m going to rip that damn horn off your head and shove it right up your black ass!”

“Oh what’s the matter? Afraid that your dear Queen is dead?” Nightmare Moon cooed, giving the cyan mare a smirk. “Don’t worry, I just…relieved her or her duties, so I can take her place as the next and only Queen of Equestria.”

“Relieving Queen Celestia of her duties? Is that what you really think that you’re doing right now?” An angelic and angry voice said from behind the sin black Alicorn. Nightmare Moon looked to the source and meet the gaze of two blazing golden orange eyes; the pupils blazing a pure golden white. Both eyes seemed to burn through Nightmare Moon's own eyes like two raging twin fires, courtesy of Fluttershy. The buttermilk Pegasus glared at her with all the rage that she had, hovering in front of the sin black Alicorn like an enraged Honey Bee. “What kind of a Queen would stab an innocent pony in the chest and pass it off nothing? You should be ashamed of yourself! What would your mother say if she saw you like this?!”

Nightmare Moon’s face twisted into another snarl, her eyes blazing in as she glared right back at the mare in front of her. Before Fluttershy knew what was happening, she found herself hitting the floor above as a large covered hoof slammed into her barrel. The blow knocked the wind out of her as she coughed up a small bit of blood, a scream of pain leaving her as her eyes bulged. Fluttershy’s eyes returned to their normal teal color as the dark Alicorn drove her right hoof deeper into her barrel, causing even more pain. Nightmare Moon then reached out and yanked on her necklace, making Fluttershy look into the other mare’s draconic eyes.

“You foolish little foal…you dare talk like that in the face of royalty? You dare try to scold me as if you’re my own mother? Who I have not seen for millennia? If I weren’t so happy to finally be freed from by prison, I’d have frozen your little bird friends and shattered them into thousands of little pieces!” She hissed through clenched serrated teeth, smiling in twisted satisfaction as Fluttershy looked back up at her in fear After giving her a rather hard stomp on the chest, Nightmare Moon took flight and hovered a few feet above the buttermilk Pegasus. “As for your earlier comment, of course that’s what I’m doing. After making me live in her shadow, taking the pony that I loved, and imprisoning me on the Moon for countless centuries, it’s the least that I could do for my dear sister.” Her eyes narrowed. “Speaking of which, she probably didn’t tell you exactly who I am did she? Would you like to take a guess, or would you like me to engrave the answer in your little sun loving skull?”

“Hokey S-S-Smoke?” Pinkie Pie squeaked, her voice just above a whisper. “W-w-what about Q-Q-Queen M-Meanie? O-o-or B-B-Black S-S-Snooty? M-Maybe t-t-those n-names?”

The Nightmare Moon’s ears perked up, and her turquoise eyes looked down to meet the terrified white ones of the Earth Pony. Pinkie let out a squeal of terror and hid behind Midnight, who draped a bat wing over her protectively as she bared her fangs at the Alicorn. Relief washed over Pinkie Pie like air being let out from a deflated balloon when the sin black Alicorn’s gaze moved away from her.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for an entire millennium?” Nightmare Moon asked, looking down at Fluttershy. With a snort, she flew over to Rarity, who backed up until she felt her rump hit the railing of the booth she was standing on, shivering as she felt the ebony Alicorn’s ethereal mane brush up against her chin. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs clearly painted on the Moon before I came back?”

“I DID!!!”

Nightmare Moon, Rarity, Fluttershy, and just about everypony else in the Town Square jumped in surprise at the unexpected shout that had mitted from somewhere in the crowd below. All eyes looked over to see Twilight standing in front of her friends, looking up at the mare with defiance in her eyes. “I was the one who saw the signs, and I know exactly who you are! You’re the legendary Mare on the Moon!”

“In other words, Nightmare Moon Nocturnis!” Goku added, baring her canines. “The Goddess of the Black Moon, Ruler of Nightmares, and the Queen of Darkness!”

The moment those words left her mouth, everypony let out gasps of shock and disbelief, looking back up at the ebony Alicorn with even more fear in their eyes. Rarity and Fluttershy were also just as terrified, the latter especially, as she now realized just who she was dealing with. She inwardly chastised herself for her stupidity in thinking that scolding her would have any effect on her, especially when the lives of her animals were at stake.

“Oh my…looks like there’s somepony who does remember me.” Nightmare Moon said as she looked down at the lavender Unicorn with interest. “I suppose you also know why I’m here then?”

“You’re here to shroud all of Equestria into Eternal Night!” Goku replied, stepping right next to her friend as she flared her bat wings. “Well, we’re not going to let that happen! If you think that you’re going to succeed in this giant scheme of yours, you have a whole other thing coming Nightmare!”

This caused the ebony black Alicorn to laugh, amusement clear on her face as she looked down at the tan Pegasus with half-lidded eyes. “Is that so? Well, you’re welcome to try, though I don’t think you’ll get very far. You’ll be lucky if you manage to take even one of my attacks and survive it, let alone live from it.” With another chuckle, she flared her wings as her ethereal mane and tail began to grow and expand in size and length. “Know this little ponies! There will be changes around here now that I’m back! Even more so, now that your dear Solar Queen is no longer able to continue her duties! I certainly hope that you all enjoyed this day young ones, for it will be very last day you’ll ever see! From this moment forth, the night, will last, forever!!!”

With that declaration, a loud evil laugh escaped the ebony black Alicorn’s lips as her mane and tail shot up into the air. It formed a giant ethereal tornado that shot out of the Town Square and into the night sky, expanding over the town. It also struck down from below, slicing and stabbing into the floors and buildings along with large bolts of ethereal magic. This was enough to send anypony who was too close flying across the building, along with the debree that accompanied them. Groups of ponies finally regained control of their bodies and began to wildly gallop around and try to find a safe place to hide or escape to. Foals screamed and cried as they huddled close together, doing all they could to avoid the dark Alicorn’s wrath.

If that wasn’t horrifying enough, fire suddenly ignited from some spots where the lightning had struck. It spread all around the Town Square like a wildfire travelling across a falling forest or jungle. It trapped anypony that tried to get out of the building, and caused clouds of smoke to rise up from the flames. The smoke slowly made its way out of the Town Square and into the night sky, allowing anypony outside to see that the building was now on fire. Through it all, Goku her sisters, and friends all stared on in mounting terror, each of them sharing on undeniable thought.

The Dark Queen had returned.

Author's Note

Yeah, uh...not exactly a whole lot of stuff that really needed to be changed in this chapter here :twilightsheepish: . As with the last one, changing a few paragraphs, changing a few sentences, and making some interactions last a bit longer and shorter than necessary; along with changing the description of our infamous Dark Queen as of yet. This is probably the quickest that I've ever edited any of my old chapters, though that's probably because there wasn't really anything in this chapter that needed to be edited too much while I was looking through it, other than a few grammars :derpyderp2: . Well, either way, I'm glad that I could get it back up again, and while I'm pretty sure I won't have much to edit in the next chapter, I think I can say there'll be more additions to it...maybe :ajsmug: .

Well, thats all for now :scootangel: ! Next up, Queen Celestia and the future Element Bearers are going to be having a little talk about Nightmare Moon...and just how close the two of them are :pinkiecrazy: .

Chapter 11 - Explanations

Fear was not something that Goku felt often, especially in situations where it felt like the appropriate thing to feel. Even when she was just a little filly, there hardly any times where Goku felt scared or terrified. This would come off as pretty unusual for most ponies that knew her, unless they were Kirins like her that is. All her life, there was close to nothing that could scare the tan Pegasus in any way. Even the scariest and most scarring of all horror stories would get nothing more than a shiver from Goku. Other times, she would be left more fascinated than terrified by the things she would be told by ponies. The only times where Goku felt even the slightest trace of fear was when any members of her family, or anypony else, was in danger. Especially if that pony happened to be her little brother or any of his friends however few that there were.

Unfortunately for her, this was one of those times.

Nightmare Moon’s malicious laugh could still be heard echoing throughout the burning Town Square as lightning continued to strike down from the night sky. It took out large chunks of earth as ponies all around tried to get away from the mare that had taken down their beloved Queen. The flickering flames on the ground below danced all around them, threatening to burn anypony idiotic enough to get too close. Smoke seeped into the mouths of ponies that got lost on its thick grey mist, causing them to go into a huge coughing fit as they tried to soak up fresh air. Unfortunately, it only made their lungs fill up with even more smoke as if floated out of the building and out into the atmosphere.

The sounds of foals near the front stage screaming and crying could barely be heard over the thunderous strikes of lightning. The swirling tornado of Nightmare Moon’s mane and tail looming over them and the Town Square and casted them in its ethereal shadow. All the while, the Thestral Kirin sisters and their friends all watched with horrified gazes, and gaping mouths. They would’ve been the next victims, had it not been for a loud powerful, yet familiar voice booming throughout the Town Square.

“GUARDS! PUT THAT FIRE OUT! DON’T LET IT CONTINUE TO SPREAD THROUGH THE BUILIDNG!” Zephyr shouted over to th Solar Guards behind him. “THE REST OF YOU, COME WITH ME SO WE CAN SUBDUE NIGHTMARE MOON!”

Goku, who was the first to snap out of her terrified state, whipped her head around to the royal blue stallion. “Zephyr?!”

“What is it Goku?!” Snowflake asked, looking over at the younger mare. “Who do you see!?”

“I-it’s Zephyr! I heard his voice form somewhere in the crowd!!” Goku replied. “He’s inside the Town Square!”

“He’s what?!” Midnight shouted, her cat-like eyes widened. “What is he doing here?!”

“He must’ve been sent here with the other guards that were here in the Town Square by the Queen.” Twilight guessed, staring up at the stallion as he flew through the air. She suddenly let out a gasped as she watched him stop just feet away from Nightmare Moon. “Oh no…I…I think he’s gonna try and fight Nightmare Moon!”

“He’s WHAT?!” Rarity yelled, her eyes bulging. “Is he insane?! Does he really believe that he stands a chance against the Mare on the Moon?!”

“I have no idea, but whatever he’s planning, I’m not going to let that bitch get away with stabbing the Queen!” Rainbow Dash shouted, snorting hard through her nostrils as her eyes flashed angrily. She once again attempted to fly at the sin black Alicorn and give her a sock to the face, but Applejack was able to keep her from doing so. “Goddammit, let me go already Applejack! I wanna give this mare the what for after what she did to Queen Celestia!”

“Ain’t gonna happen Rainbow Dash!” Applejack growled back through a mouthful of prismatic tail. “Ah understand yer anger, but loosin’ yer noggin’ an’ jus’ rushin’ in ain’t gonna help right now! So take a breather an’ calm down b’fore a drive mah hooves int’ yer skull an’ knock ya out!”

Rainbow Dash was about to retort, but the sound of chirping lightning cut of whatever comment she was going to make. They all looked up to see four Solar Guard Pegasi hovering in the air, all of them just feet away from Nightmare Moon. Multiple colorful auras surrounded their bodies as their eyes glowed the same color, lighting, wind and fire surrounding each of them. Zephyr hovered in between them, his own eyes glowing as he raised his right foreleg, waiting to give his soldiers the signal.

“Oh, how cute. My dear sister’s precious lovers of the Sun are going to try and stop me.”Nightmare Moon smirked as she hovered in the air. “Well, you’re welcome to try, but I doubt that you’ll get very far.”

“FIRE!” Zephyr shouted, swinging his foreleg down as the four Pegasi unleashed their attacks. A swirl of fire, lightning, and wind burst out from their wings, coming together in a unified attack that seemed to make the attack all the stronger. It dove down towards Nightmare Moon, who continued to smirk even as the attack hit her head on in the air. A loud explosion rocked the Town Square as those closest to the five guards looked up at the scene in front of them, wondering what had happened. Zephyr and his other four stallions stayed suspended in the sir, waiting for any sign of the sin black Alicorn to attack them from the smoke.

“Is that it?” One of guards asked after a moment of silence. “She didn’t even try to stop the attack; did she seriously think that she’d be able to withstand an attack of that caliber?”

“Of course not you little foals!”

All five Pegasi jumped at the silky and icy voice that made itself known through the smoke, before it was suddenly blown away. Zephyr and the rest of his guards’ eyes widened upon seeing Nightmare Moon still hovering in her spot, not looking to have any injuries on her whatsoever.

“What in the word?!” Another Solar Guard gasped. “She doesn’t even have a single scratch on her!”

“Impossible!” A third one exclaimed, hovering back a bit. “How was she able to withstand an attack of that caliber?!”

“How you ask? Simple, because it is not the first time that I’ve been hit with an attack like that you meddlesome fools!” Nightmare Moon replied, letting out a rather regal snort. “I’ve been hit with moves like that they no longer even phase me! I’ll be honest, I was almost expecting you all to make a unified attack like that! And now that I’ve been hit with it, I think I can say that was probably the least painful attacks that I was hit with!”

“Dammit…!” A fourth guard hissed, his ears flattening against his head. “I seriously thought we’d be able to get her down with that. At least long enough for us to restrain her…but it looks like that’s not going to happen.”

The fifth and final guard turned to Zephyr. “What do we do know Captain?”

“Here’s one thing that you all can do." Nightmare Moon said as a turquoise aura of magic appeared around her. "You can all stay right there and DIE! REQUIP!!! TARTARUS'S WHEEL!!!"

Before anypony could do anything, the aura around Nightmare Moon exploded, swirling in thick wisps of magic that threatened to blow away all of the Solar Royal Guards. This continued on for a few moments, before the light eventually died down, letting the guards see the sin black Alicorn again. When they did however, they were completely unprepared for what they saw next.

Nightmare Moon, was standing on the booth without any regalia on just moments before, was now adorned in armor what made her look like she was a warrior from the very bits of Tartarus. From her chest, to her back, all the way down to her hooves, the crimson armor stretched, looking as red as the blood she ripped form Celestia's body. The upper part of her armor consisted of a large breastplate that stretched all the way across said, chest, to her shoulders, down to her upper back and her hips. The Alicorn's waist consisted of decorated plate feathers that looked like that of feathers ending in a long ruby red skirt, with a set of crimson horseshoes adorning all four of her hooves. On both of her wings, were large sets of crimson wings blades that let the wing claws stretch out, with metallic scarlet red feathers running down her bat wings. To top of her terrifying appearance, a tiara, even larger than the one than Celestia wore, rested atop her head, also having a crimson color and with a crimson crescent moon resting at the top.

"What in the...how was she able to do that?" One of the guards with Zephyr asked, his lower lip quivering as his entire body shook. "She was only invisible for a few seconds...how was she able to adorn armor so quickly?"

"Why you ask? Well, since you're so shocked by me doing it, I suppose that it's only fair that I tell you." Nightmare Moon replied, looking up at the five guards with a fanged smirk. "This magic that I'm using is all Requip Magic, one of the long lost magical abilities belonging to many of the ponies, or rather, the Magic Mages, that live in the so called Guilds of Equestria. It allows anypony that uses it to change any weapon they have into anything that they'd like, even the magic inside said weapon. There's also Requip Magic that will allow ponies to adorn into suit of armor that'll increase any type of magic, sense, or ability that they have...like the one that you're seeing here."

"Requip...Magic?" Another guard asked himself, confusion clear in his voice. "I don't think I've heard of that kind of magic before."

"I didn't think that you would, you meddlesome little mortals. Only those that are apart of the Guilds, those secret organizations that Celestia and her naive little sister have allied themselves with know of magic like this." Nightmare Moon said, giving a dry snort. "Allow me to give you a little demonstration of it...the power by behind the all famous Magic Mages of Equestria!!!"

Rearing up on her handles, her horn ignited in a flare of bright turquoise magic, and a large flock of blue wing handled swords, doted in crimson auras appeared out of thin air. Two larger ones appeared on either side of the sin black Alicorn, while the others floated around her as if they were a flock of hummingbirds hovering in midair.

"No way..." The third guard said, his jaw coming unhinged. "She created all of those swords out of thin air! just like that!"

"Not even our Queen is able to do that!" A fourth and final guard added. "Just how powerful is this mare!"

"Powerful enough to take down your precious Queen with one strike, like I did just now." Nightmare Moon replied smugly, flicking her tail skirt. "And how that she's out...you're next! Scattering Crows!!!"

Faster than anypony could blink, the azure swords nightmare Moon had created all shot off towards the five Solar Guards. Zephyr’s keen senses allowed him to dodge the attack before the swords connected, though he was cut in his armor a few times. The other stallions with him, weren’t so lucky, and the royal blue stallion suddenly found his ears being filled with the agonized screams of his troop. He watched in horror as they all got stabbed in random places, and while none were hit in the necks or heads, Zephyr could tell some of the injuries they sustained would be fatal.

“Oh no!” Midnight gasped, a horrified look in her eyes. “She just every last one of those soldiers down!”

“And with just one strike…” Snowflake added, her voice lower and calmer but by no means any less terrified. “…just how strong is she?”

“I…I can feel her power level. It…it’s absolutely crazy!” Goku replied, her golden eyes peering right up at Nightmare Moon. She took in the sight of the turquoise aura surrounding her, and could not stop the shiver that went down her spine. “It’s even higher the Queen Celestia’s own!”

“Whoa, seriously?!” Pinkie Pie gasped, snapping her head over to the tan Thestral. “Queen Moonie is really that strong?! How can you even tell?!”

“We can all detect one another’s magical power levels Pinkie Pie.” Twilight replied, keeping close to the party pony. “We don’t even need to use things like our horns to do it. We just have to use our own inner magical power to do it…and I can feel Nightmare Moon’s too. Its’ so high that I can’t even describe it in the most accurate of words. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I do know one thing…Zephyr is in big trouble right now!”

‘No way…she took out all of those soldiers, just like that! And with just one attack!’ Zephyr thought to himself, staring at the down at the fallen guards. He shivered upon seeing the growing pools of blood surrounding them, even as they tried to rise to their hooves. ‘I’m gonna have a harder time with this than I thought…’

“Well, now that I’ve gotten them out of the way…” Nightmare Moon said, locking her eyes right into Zephyr. “…there’s just you little hatchling!”

Flaring her bat wings, she took off towards Zephyr, ready to stab him in the same manager as she did Celestia. Zephyr however, was one step ahead of her, having recovered quickly enough to see her incoming attack on him. He effectively moved to the side before bringing his right up to Nightmare Moon’s chin and slamming it onto her when she was within range. The force, combined with the armor covering Zephyr’s hoof, was enough to stop her midflight as she let out a surprised cry of agony. Not wasting any time, Zephyr then used that same hoof to punch Nightmare Moon in her chest, before spinning her around and bucking her in the stomach. The sound of cracking ribs filled Nightmare Moon’s ears as she spat out blood and flew back from the stallion. At the last, she was able to stop just short of crashing into the booth where Celestia still laid, and flapped her wings to keep herself from falling.

“You seriously didn’t think that you were going to get the jump on me that easily, did you?” Zephyr asked, flexing his neck. “I saw that attack coming before you even began to plan it; it’s going to take more than a surprise attack to get past my eyes.”

“You little insolent pest…!” Nightmare Moon hissed, wheezing slightly as she glared at the Solar Guard. “You actually struck me!”

“Yes, I did. Why’re you so surprised by that?” Zephyr asked, raising an eyebrow. “You seriously thought that I was just going to let you kill me without putting up a fight? Sorry Nightmare, but you’re barking up the wrong tree here. You’re gonna have to do a lot better than that if you want to at least one good hit on me.”

The sin black Alicorn bared her fangs at the royal blue stallion for a moment, before her lips curled into a smirk. “Oh, so you want me to try harder hm? Well, in that case…why don’t we try this?”

Before Zephyr could blink, Nightmare Moon vanished from view in a swirl of blue magic, taking the young stallion aback slightly. He quickly composed himself and looked around, the garnet orange aura surrounding his body heightening his senses and keeping him on high alert.

A second later, he felt a presence behind him and he spun around just in time to block a hoof strike from Nightmare Moon. He winced as the force of the mare’s blow bent and cracked his leg armor, only for it to happen again as Nightmare Moon aimed it his face with her other foreleg. Grinning widely, the sin black Alicorn bared her fangs and lunged for Zephyr’s neck, fully intent on draining him of his life liquid. The royal blue stallion was having none of it, and reeled back just as Nightmare Moon’s fangs grazed his throat. They snapped shut with a loud, sickening crack of her teeth as Zephyr kneed her in her chin, before delivering an uppercut to her face as he flipped back in midair. Flaring his wings, he flew away from Nightmare Moon as wind began to swirl around him.

“Sky Pegasus: Wind Slicer Wing Attack!” He shouted, swinging both of his wings out in front of him causing two large slices of wind shot out from them. As Nightmare Moon righted herself in the air, the attacks struck her right in the chest and the stomach, causing her to scream out as blood flew out. Her wings faltered slightly as she fell from her spot in the air, but managed to recover enough to keep herself from falling.

“Why you disgraceful little pony!” Nightmare Moon shouted, glaring up at Zephyr as she held her wounds. “You almost sliced me open!”

“Well, that’s what you get for taking out my fellow guards and friends!” Zephyr lowly snarled back, baring his teeth as his eyes flashed. “Now, are you going to surrender to use peacefully and forfeit the fight? Or are things going to have to get ugly for the both of us?”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes widened slightly at these questions, having not expected Zephyr to be asking her of all ponies to surrender to a battle. She continued to stare up at the stallion for a few moments, before letting her head fall and laughing.

Zephyr having not expected this reaction tilting his head. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh nothing, just the simple fact that you think you can take on somepony with a power of my magnitude!” Nightmare Moon replied, grinning up at the Zephyr. “Do you really think that you stand any change against me?”

“…No, I honestly don’t.” Zephyr replied after a moment of silence. “I know that I’m significantly weaker than you, be it in my Adrenaline or Ascension form, and there’s a very likely chance you kill me on the spot before I’d know what happened.” His eyes narrowed as the aura around his body grew even brighter. “Even so, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to let you escape here without trying to get past me. I’m a Solar Guard, the most Elite force in Equestria’s history, and as long as I’m still breathing, I will protect my fellow ponies at all costs!”

“Hmhm…so you’re going to protect everypony here form a divine being like me?” Nightmare Moon asked, clearly amused by Zephyr’s declaration. “How interesting…in that case, let’s see if you can protect your precious sun lovers, by protecting yourself!”

In the blink of an eye, Nightmare Moon once again transformed into a stream of ethereal space-like mist, before shooting straight towards Zephyr. The next thing the royal blue stallion knew, he felt the wind being knocked out of him as it struck him right in the stomach. There was a loud crack as his golden armor shattered like glass crashing to a hard floor as his eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets.

A glob of blood flew from his mouth as the mist flew above him and dove back down, slamming right into his back. He screamed out as he felt pain flare up his spine and throughout his body as his armor shattered even more. As he fell towards the ground, he felt something grab him by the tail hoist him back up, and let him spiral through the air. Just as Zephyr’s stomach faced the ceiling, Nightmare Moon returned her normal form and ignited her horn, black lighting crackling around hit as she smirked down at the royal blue stallion.

“Black Trinity Thunder Swords!!!” The sin black Alicorn shouted, shooting down large twin lightning coated slashes with her larger swords. Zephyr whinnied in agony as the slashes struck him in the chest, cutting into his armor and sending massive volts of electricity all over his body. With another scream, he exploded in a haze of smoke, magic and lighting, the rest of his armor shattering as it scattered across the air like golden snowflakes.

“ZEPHYR!!!” Midnight screamed, her expression full of utter horror as she watched the Solar Royal Guard and her friend fall from the air. Flaring her bat wings, the beetle black Thestral shot into the air and speed towards the stallion, catching him just as he hit the ground. “Zephyr?! Zephyr are you okay?! Please, speak honey, speak to me!”

Zephyr coughed violently, groaning as he opened his eyes, looking into the worried navy-blue ones of Midnight. “Ugh…M-Midnight? I-is that you?”

Snowflake and Goku immediately raced to his side. “Are you alright Zephyr? Are you able to move?” The former asked, her voice laced with worry.

“He probably shouldn’t, that was a real nasty hit that Nightmare Moon had dealt him.” Goku said, looking over Zephyr’s charred body. “I don’t know if he can even move right now.”

“W-wanna bet?” Zephyr asked, rolling over on his stomach as he groaned softly. Ignoring the pain flaring throughout his body, he slowly and shakily got himself to his hooves, the three mares aiding him in doing so. “Sweet Faust that was a powerful attack…I thought that I was gonna explode back there for a minute.”

“Well, it was a good thing that it was only your armor that got destroyed instead of you.” Goku murmured, looking down at the piles of shattered golden armor. “It looks like that armor was a lot more durable than I thought it was.”

“Yeah well, that’s the least of our problems right now.” Zephyr grunted, looking back up at Nightmare Moon. “We’ve got other more pressing matters we need to deal with.”

“What’s the matter little hatching, could feel the thunder?” Nightmare Moon asked, letting out a cold icy laugh. “Well that’s too bad, I was hoping for more of a challenge from somepony that’s supposed to be a part of Equestria’s most elite force. It looks like you’re still just a rookie with no idea as to what he’s doing.”

“Don’t you dare talk to Zephyr like that!” Goku shouted angrily, the intensity in her voice, making Zephyr and her other four siblings flinch. “He’s one of the best elite guards ever to join in Queen Celestia’s Solar Royal Guards! There’s a reason why he’s third in command of that very same guard, because he has the power and the brains to lead that very same elite force!”

“Oh, really now? Well he’s doing a very poor job if showing it if that’s even remotely true!” Nightmare Moon retorted, clearly amused by the tan Thestral mare’s words. “ Then again, I supposed I shouldn’t really be surprised, given that it was my dear sister that’s been leading them all this time. If this is what her guards have to offer, then it’s no wonder that they fell under my power so easily.”

Goku’s cat-like eyes narrowed, her bat pony canines gleaming as she curled her lips back into a snarl, her ears flattening. “Oh, trust me, you have no idea how powerful that Zephyr can be if you give him the chance to really show off. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to use that power for a while, given that stunt that you pulled just a minute ago.” She flared her feathered bat wings, the golden yellow membranes gleaming as brightly as her canines as she glared up at the sin black Alicorn. “Though of you want, I’d be more than happy to show you that in another way…that is, if you feel like taking me!”

“So you’re going to take your little friends place and try to take on the Queen of the night hm?” Nightmare Moon laughed, raising an ethereal eyebrow at the younger mare. “I admit, that does sound rather interesting. I can feel the magical power flowing through your body even now. As wonderful as a challenge that I believe it will be, I think that I’m going to pass for now.”

“What?” Snowflake asked, surprise washing over her face.

“Yes, I feel that doing it here won’t really be that much of a good idea, given that there are so many ponies here.” Nightmare Moon replied, gesturing to the whole Town Square, which was now devoid of fire. “Plus, there’s too much screaming and yelling, and this place isn’t one where I’d really do battle with anypony.”

“Really now?” Goku asked, still in her fighting stance. “What’re you suggesting then?”

“If you want to fight me so badly, then you and your little friends should at least be willing to go through the trouble of finding me.” Nightmare Moon replied, her mane and tail floating behind her as her crimson armor gleamed. “I’ll give you a little hint; it’s at the old castle where me and my dear sister used to rule before she banished me to my beautiful Moon. One that I’m sure was abandoned over the last millennium.”

‘The old Castle? Is she talking about the abandoned Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters?’ Goku thought, mulling over Nightmare Moon’s words. A second later, her eyes widened as a small gasp escaped her, her tan fur paling a bit. ‘No…no bucking way! She can’t mean the abandoned castle that’s in…there!’

Nightmare Moon, seeing the look of horrified recognition on the tan Thestral’s face, let out a low chuckle, her smile widening slightly. “I see you’ve managed to figure out just where I want to meet you for our little showdown. In that case, I’ll leave it to you to find out where it is, if you’ll be able to find it due to where it is. Oh, and feel free to bring your sisters and friends with you as well. It’ll make the incoming fight all the more entertaining if I have all the more foolish mortals coming to challenge me…and their demise all the sweeter to extract on them.”

With those words, the sin black Alicorn let out another bone chilling laugh, before turning into a cloud of mist and zooming the Town Square’s double doors. Around that same time, Rainbow Dash finally managed to get her tail out of Applejack’s jaws, the latter unable to keep her at bay any longer. The cyan mare immediately went for the doors, Nightmare Moon’s misty form still in her sight as she attempted to pursue her. Right as she was about to crash through the doors, Rainbow found herself trapped in a pale light grayish orchid aura, effectively freezing her in midair. Snapping her head behind her, she saw Twilight standing just below her, with her horn ignited and alight with magic.

“Twilight, what the buck are you doing?!” She demanded as she struggled in the lavender Unicorn’s magical grasp. “Let me out of this damn aura!”

“No Dash! Not until you calm down!” Twilight replied, her tone stern as she glared up at the athlete. “I know that you’re upset about what Nightmare Moon had done to the Queen; we all are! But losing your head and just recklessly charging in isn’t going to help any of us! You’re only going to get yourself killed if you keep doing what you’re trying to do!”

“What, so you’re telling me to just sit here and let that monster get away with stabbing the Queen right in front of us?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, yelling the last part out as her magenta eyes blazed brightly. “Not gonna happen Twilight! I’m not doing any calming down until I make Nightmare Moon pay for harming the Queen! Now let me out of this goddamn magic bubble!”

“RAINBOW DASH!!!” Goku suddenly yelled, the power in her voice making the cyan mare stop in her struggling. “What did Twilight just tell you?! With the way that you’re acting now you’re only going to make it that much easier for Nightmare Moon to kill you like she nearly did to Queen Celestia! The one thing that works against you in battle while fighting an enemy is losing your head and letting your anger and emotions get the better of you! That’s exactly what you’re doing right now! So, take a breath and calm down, alright?!”

“I’d listen to Goku if I were you Rainbow Dahs.” Snowflake said as she, Midnight and Twilight walked over to the three mares. “I know that you’re upset about that, but losing your temper and charging in recklessly will not help her right now. We need keep level heads, stick together and find some way to solve this mess.”

“Snowy’s right, Dashie! It’s not going to help if we all have big frowny faces!” Pinkie Pie said, her fur, mane and tail turning back to its normal color. “What we should be doing is turning that frown upside down as fast as we can! By that I mean a making sure that that big black meanie pants doesn’t take away the Queen Celly’s beautiful Sun forever!”

“Please Rainbow Dash, just try to calm down.” Midnight said, looking at the mare with a pleading look. “Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get your shot at her eventually. For now…please don’t do anything rash. Besides, there are other ponies who need our help right now.”

Rainbow Dash’s mind briefly flashed back to Fluttershy getting attacked by Nightmare Moon, and that made the rage in her mind cool instantly. After a moment of silence, which she used to think about her friends’ words, she let out a sigh and she lowered her head. Her wings flaps slowed down for a second time, letting her body go slack in Twilight’s magical grasp. “Fine…I’ll stay here.”

“Thank you Dash, I’m glad that you’re doing the smart thing right now.” Twilight said, setting Rainbow Dash down on the ground. “Don’t worry, we’ll make Nightmare Moon pay for hurting Queen Celestia…for now, I think we should focus on what’s happening right now.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” The cyan mare sighed dejectedly, still somewhat angry as she stared at the ground. “Still, I’m gonna make that mare pay when I see her again. You can mark my words on that one.”

“Trust me Dash, we believe you.” Applejack said dryly, before looking over at Goku. “Alright, G, ya got any ideas as t’ what we’re gonna do now? We’re in a mighty tight pickle barrel right now, and Ah ain’t exactly sure as t’ what we’re supposed t’ be doin’ right now.”

“Well, for starters, we’re going to help these ponies in the Town Square.” The tan Thestral replied, her eyes flashing as she looked around at the interior of the building. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, you’re going to find Sheton, Spike, and the fillies and make sure that they’re all okay.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie Pie replied, giving a sharp salute.

"Y'all can count on me G." Applejack replied, giving a firm tip of her hat.

Goku then turned to her older sisters. “Snowflake, Midnight, you’ll aid Mayor Mare in helping anypony that got injured in the destruction while I get the girls together.”

“Whatever you say little sister.” Snowflake said with a firm nod.

“Rainbow, you two are with me.” Goku continued, looking over to the prismatic maned mare. “We’re going to go and get Rarity and Fluttershy and make sure that Queen Celestia is okay, and then we’re going to figure out how to stop Nightmare Moon. Though not before we check on the Queen first. It looked like she had taken a real nasty hit up there.”

“No kiddin’…” Applejack murmured, feeling a shiver go down her spine at the sight of Nightmare Moon’s horn going right through the Sun Queen.

“What about me?” Twilight asked, walking up to the tan Pegasus. “What do you want me to do?”

“What do you think?” Goku asked, looking at the lavender Unicorn with a small smirk. “I want to go to the library and find some way that we can all stop Nightmare Moon. You’re the smartest one here out of all of us, besides me, so I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with a plan to figure out how we can do that.” She raised an eyebrow at Twilight’s wide-eyed expression. “You can do that, can’t you?”

“I…y-yes, I can! You can count on me, Goku! I promise, I’ll find whatever I can that I think can help us!” The magical protégé sputtered after a moment of trying to regain her composure. With a strong lash of her tail, she turned on her heels and galloped away. “Good luck to you girls! Meet me back at the library when you’re all through here!”

“We will! Be careful out there!” Goku called back as she watched the lavender Unicorn run out the door, and into the night. With a light sigh she turned to Zephyr her sisters and the rest of her friends. “Are you going to be okay down here Zephyr?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. My internal magic will work in getting rid of these bruises, so you don’t have to worry about me having to be sent to the hospital.” The royal blue stallion replied, giving a little snort. “As a matter of a fact, I’m gonna head over to Ponyville Urgent Medical Care and see if I can get any doctors and nurses over here to help the injured.”

“Ya sure about that sugarcube?” Applejack asked skeptically, raising a golden eyebrow. “This town is pretty big, and it’s got a lot o’ places where yer sure t’ get lost. Maybe ya should have somepony who knows this place come with ya t’ make sure ya don’t feel like yer goin’ through a maze.”

“I appreciate that miss, but I’m going to have to decline.” Zephyr nodded, giving a slight wave of his hoof as his bruises began to heal. “I’ve been here plenty of times before, and I pretty much know this town like the back of my hoof. So I won’t have any problem finding it even if it has grown larger over the past decade and a half. I’ll be okay on my own trust me.”

“Alright then Zephie, if you’re sure.” Pinkie Pie said, giving a little shrug. “Just try to make it back as soon as you can okay? I’m no doctor, but I can tell just by looking at these poor ponies that they’re going to be reeeeeeeally party pooped if they don’t get any help soon.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back here before anything major happens…I didn’t join the Solar Royal Guard just for my strength and brains.” Zephyr said, chuckling slightly as he smiled at the cyan mare. “Alright, I’m going now, good luck here girls. Be sure to wish me some luck too!”

With a flick of his tail, he spun around and galloped towards the door, exploding through it as he tore his way into the town. Goku and the other mares watched him as he made his way through the town, going into the direction of Ponyville Hospital, before the former turned back to the others.

“Okay, is everypony clear on what their supposed to do?” She asked, earning nods from all five mares. “Alright, let’s move!”

With that, the six ponies split up, Midnight and Snowflake heading off to assist any injured ponies, and Applejack and Pinkie Pie going in search of the foals. Goku and Rainbow Dash both took to the air, flying passed the clouds of smoke that were beginning to dissipate, and coming up to the upper booths. They flew over to the booth that where Fluttershy was, who was curled up in a ball with her hooves to her chest, being tended to by Rarity.

“Goku! Rainbow Dash! Oh, thank goodness you’re here!” The alabaster Unicorn cried, relief flowing through her voice as she held Fluttershy’s head in her hooves. “The poor dear is in so much pain! I don’t know what to do!”

“Calm down, Rarity. We’re here, everything is going to be fine.” Goku said as she walked over to the two mares, kneeling down in front of Fluttershy. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy, it’s us, Goku and Rainbow Dash. Are you okay?”

“Ugh…Goku? R-Rainbow Dash?” the buttermilk Pegasus wheezed softly as she lifted her head, her pain filled teal eyes looking straight into the golden ones of the tan Pegasus. “Oh, t-thank Fust you’re h-h-here-ah!”

“It’s okay Fluttershy, don’t move.” Goku said softly, taking the Pegasus’s right forehoof in her left. “It’s okay, just show us where it hurts.”

With some difficulty, the buttermilk Pegasus removed her hooves, allowing the tan Thestral to see her feathered furry chest and her barrel. Goku leaned in for a closer look, only to reel back in surprise a second later at the deep bloody hoof imprints in both of them.

“Sweet Shenron’s Dragon Fist …” she whispered, putting a hoof to her mouth as she leaned in again. “How hard did she stomp on you?”

“Shit, those looks like some real nasty hits.” Rainbow Dash added, shivering when she saw the blood. “Are you okay, Fluttershy?”

“Honestly, I feel like as if I’d been stomped on by Harry.” Fluttershy wheezed as she let out a grunt of pain. “I don’t think these marks are going to heal for quite a while…even with all of my medical supplies.”

“I think I can help you with that, young one.” A familiar motherly voice said from behind the four ponies, making them all jump and whirl around to the source. Their eyes popped out of their sockets when they saw a concerned Queen Celestia standing behind them.

“Queen Celestia!” Rarity cried, shooting to her hooves. “Y-you’re…you’re standing!”

“What the hay happened to your injuries?!” Rainbow Dash added, her magenta eyes scanning all over the swan white Alicorn’s lower chest. Just a few minutes ago, she had witnessed Nightmare Moon’s horn was piercing right through her chest, seeping with Celestia’s life fluid and dripping from her mouth. The cyan mare had seen the ebony Alicorn remove her horn from the Sun Queen’s chest, and let her fall to the ground, leaving her completely motionless. There was no way that she was supposed to be moving right now, let alone standing up.

“I’m sorry if it’s a lot to take in my little ponies. It’s not every day that you see a pony able to heal themselves with just a simple flare of magic.” Celestia said sympathetically. “Then again, I am an Alicorn, with a millennia’s worth of useful healing spells in my grasp.”

“Erm, yes, that makes sense.” Rarity gabled, shaking her heat to clear her shock away. She let out a gasp as her gaze shot down to Fluttershy, who was rubbing her head. “Oh, I’m so sorry, darling! I completely forgot that I was holding you!”

“It’s alright Rarity…I know that you didn’t mean it.” Fluttershy replied, smiling gently at the alabaster Unicorn. Her eyes then trailed over to Celestia, who was walking towards her. “Y-your highness…what happened to your wounds?”

“Do not worry about that right now, Fluttershy. It is your own injuries that you need to worry about.” Celestia replied softly, as she inspected the smaller mare’s injuries. “Goodness me, it appears that Nightmare Moon has left you with some rather…deep marks, hasn’t she? Not to worry, I have just the thing for that.”

Without another word, her horn lit up in its golden yellow glow, and enveloped Fluttershy in its beautiful aura. The Pegasus jumped at the feeling, but soon relaxed, finding the sensation to be very soothing and comforting, as if she was being held in the loving embrace of her mother. She closed her eyes as she felt Celestia’s magic do its work, feeling the pain where Nightmare Moon had struck her slowly begin to recede. The tightness in her chest slowly began to disappear, allowing her to breath more easily. A minute later, the magical aura disappeared with a sharp ‘poof’, allowing Fluttershy to look down at her chest. Her eyes widened in amazement when she saw the hoof imprints on her chest and her stomach were gone, with nothing, not even a scar remaining.

“There we are.” Celestia said, not looking the least bit winded. “Is that better?”

“Y…y-yes, much better. Thank you, your highness.” Fluttershy replied softly, giving the swan white Alicorn a grateful smile. She slowly got to her hooves, her roseray swaying as she found her equilibrium, before giving a ruffle of her wings. “Oh, I feel much better now. Whatever you did to me really did the trick.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Celestia said sweetly, happy that she was able to relieve one of her subjects of any pain. “Those must’ve been some really nasty hits for it to hurt that much.”

“Yeah...they were.” Fluttershy murmured, as Rarity rubbed her back comfortingly.

“Um Queen Celestia, Fluttershy, not to interrupt the sweet and tender moment or anything, but…” Goku said, gently tapping the Alicorn on her shoulder“…I think we have some bigger problems to worry about right now.”

These words brought Celestia and Fluttershy sharply back to reality as they both looked at Rainbow, then at the chaos down below. Immediately the warm expressions on their faces faded, soon replaced with ones of fear and worry as they watched the panicked frenzy from above.

“Dear Faust…to think that this is what happens right when I’m going to partake in the most glorious celebration with my beloved subjects.” Celestia whispered, silently taking in the chaos down below. “I suppose that not everything goes to plan…even in important events like this.”

“Um yeah about that…” Rainbow Dash began, hovering over to the Queen with a grave expression. “Would you mind explain to us what the buck that was back there?!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity said sharply, giving the cyan mare a reprimanding glare. “I understand that you’re scared and confused at the moment, but that is no way to talk to the Queen!”

“No Rarity, it’s alright. I know that Rainbow Dash did not mean anything by it.” Celestia said as she raised a covered hoof. “She just wants to know what is happening right now, and I think I’d be best if it did. However, I don’t think that it’d be best to explain it here. I’m afraid that there’s too much mayhem for us to have a quiet conversation.” She looked back at the other mares, seeing there were only four of them with her. “Where are the rest of your friends?”

“Oh Midnight and Snowflake are helping Mayor Mare with whoever’s been injured.” Goku replied, gesturing down to the bottom. “Pinkie Pie and Applejack are searching for my little brother and the rest of the foals, and Twilight is back at the Golden Oaks Library, trying to find some way to stop Nightmare Moon before she shrouds all of Equestria in Eternal Night. Do you need to see them, too?”

“Yes, I think I’d be best if I have all of you with me to explain what’s happening, so I don’t have to keep repeating myself.” Celestia replied as she walked over to railing. “First things first, we have to find your sisters and the rest of your friends.”

“Good idea. I think Twilight can wait just a little bit longer while we help my sisters, Applejack and Pinkie Pie.” Goku nodded as she took to the air. “Come on everypony, let’s get to it!”

“Right!” Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy all nodded as they and Fluttershy all followed Goku down to the bottom, Celestia following close behind.

The sound of hooves galloping, and books being thrown and hitting ground could be heard all throughout the Golden Oaks Library as Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle worked herself into a frantic and anxious frenzy. She ran about the large tree house, magic ignited as she levitated numerous books out of their engraved bookshelves and flipped through the pages in less then a few seconds, before tossing them to the side when she was unable to find anything useful. Books could be seen scattered all over the floor, either alone or in large piles as the lavender Unicorn continued to desperately scan through them.

“Come on, come on, come on! Where the hay are you, you stupid book?! I know I had it hear somewhere.” Twilight cried with frustration as she continued to look through the bookshelves. After a few more minutes of scanning through the books, she gave up and threw the ones she had in her magic off to the side. She ignored the thumping sound they made on the wooden floor as she fell on her haunches and slammed her forehooves onto it. “Ugh, this is not good! How can me and the girls ever hope to stop Nightmare Moon if I don’t have the book to the bucking Elements of Harmony?! Goku’s counting on me to find something to stop her, and I can’t even find a simple book that will specify how to do it! Ugh, what am I gonna do?!”

Right at that moment, she heard the door to her tree house burst open with a loud bang, causing her to jump in surprise. She spun around just in time to see a prismatic blur zooming straight towards her. Instinctively she ducked, watching as it crashed into the giant wooden horse head sitting on the table that was in the center of the room. As it fell to the floor with a loud clatter, the multi colored streak slammed into one of the wooden walls, causing the books in the shelves closest to it to shake violently.

“Rainbow?!” Twilight cried out in surprise, having recognized whom it was the moment she saw the multicolored streak. She watched, mouth agape as the cyan mare struggled to get her hooves from out of the wall. “Why did you barge into my house like that?!”

As if to answer her question, her ears picked up the sound of multiple hooves thundering from outside, before coming into her home. She once again turned around to see the Thestral Kirin sisters and the rest of her friends, with Sheton and the fillies, Crescent Shield and Spike trailing behind them.

“Twilight/Big Sis!” They both shouted in unison as they galloped up the lavender Unicorn.

“Crescent! Spike! Oh, thank goodness you’re are alright!” Twilight cried joyfully, wrapping her forelegs around both foals as she nuzzled the top of their foreheads. She looked up at Goku, who was standing in front of the group. “What happened? If everypony in the town Square okay?”

“Me, the girls, and Celestia all helped Mayor Mare try to keep everypony from going into a panic and help any of those who were injured. Applejack and Pinkie went to look for the foals and see if they were alright too. Thankfully, they weren’t injured, crushed or burnt in any way.” Goku replied calmly, her expression formed into a grimace. “I wouldn’t say that many of them are okay, or even fine but…they do have some help that’s soon to arrive. Queen Celestia sent Zephyr over to Ponyville Urgent Medical Care to get some help, so they have a chance at least.” Her face brightened somewhat, though her eyes still held some uncertainty. “We were able to bring somepony else back with us, though.”

“Who?” Twilight asked quizzically, and right at that moment, a loud gasp to as she saw Celestia slowly enter the library. The moment she did, she released Crescent Shield and Spike, shooting to her hooves and bolting towards the swan white Alicorn. She leapt into the air and spread out her forelegs, slamming into her so hard that Celestia almost lost her footing and fell to the floor.

“Queen Celestia!” She wailed as she nuzzled Celestia’s neck, tears running down her cheeks. “You’re here! I’m so glad you’re okay!”

“There there…it’s alright my faithful student.” Celestia said soothingly, leaning down and nuzzling the top of Twilight’s head. She ignored the cold feeling of the lavender Unicorn’s tears that dampened the fur on her neck as she wrapped a vast wing around the smaller mare. “I’m sorry that you and your friends had to see that. I can only imagine how terrified you must’ve felt when you saw me get impaled.”

“I was…it all happened so quickly. She moved so fast that I wasn’t able to keep track of her…” Twilight whimpered, hugging her mentor tighter. “…a-and when I saw her horn go through your chest, and your blood…I-I…I just…”

“Shhhhhh.., don’t worry, it’s okay. It’s over now, I’m alright now.” Celestia whispered, stroking Twilight’s mane in a motherly fashion. After a few moments, she gently lowered Twilight back to the ground, slowly unfurling her wing form her back as she used it to wipe the tears from the mare’s eyes. Once the lavender Unicorn calmed down, the Solar Queen looked back at the rest of her friends. “Thank you all for coming. I was hoping that I’d get to meet all of you under different circumstances. Unfortunately, it seems we’ll have to put that on hold for now. I had Goku gather the rest of you here because I wish to discuss a matter of great importance to you, which has to do with what happened at the Town Hall earlier.”

“Yeah, Ah think we all want to know about that, yer majesty.” Applejack said, running a hoof down Apple Bloom’s back. “Jus’ what in tarnation happened back there? One minute we were all waitin’ fer yer arrival, watchin’ you raise th’ Sun, an’ gettin’ ready to celebrate the year’s longest day. Then the next the whole Town Hall roof caves in like a giant thunderstorm an’ this monstrous lookin’ pony comes declaring that the night will last forever!”

“I must agree with Applejack, your grace. I was certainly not expecting her to just barge in like a barbarian and interrupt such a marvelous event!” Rarity chimed in, using her left hoof to rub Sweetie Belle’s back comfortingly. “I mean, did you see the way that she looked at all of us?! That had to be the most horrifying sight that I have ever seen!”

“Yeah! I’ve never felt so scared in all of my life!” Pinkie Pie cried, giving a light shiver. “Who was that meanie pants of a mare?! And why did she look like an Alicorn?!”

“Yeah, the only other Alicorn that I’ve ever seen and heard about is you.” Twilight said softly, her mind still trying to grasp what she had seen in the Town Square.

“Plus, by the way you were talking to each other, it seemed like you knew each other personally. Would you care to explain to us about that?” Fluttershy asked quizzically, raising a cherry blossom eyebrow. She suddenly shrank back and retreated behind her mane, thinking she may have overstepped her boundaries. “Um…if you don’t mind doing so that is.”

All of a sudden, a giant multi-color feathered bat wing flared out in front of the mare’s, effectively silencing they’re ongoing questioning. They all looked over at Goku, who was standing just off to the side looking at all of them sternly.

“Calm down everypony.” Goku said calmly, yet firmly as her voice resounding about the tree house. “I get that you’re all terrified and want to know what’s going on, but we’re not gonna get anywhere if we keep bombarding the Queen with questions, especially ones she may not be okay with answering.” Her golden eyes glanced up at Celestia, who was looking off to the side, the slightest flash of pain visible in her pale magenta eyes. Once she was sure that everypony had calmed down, the tan Pegasus folded her wing and made full eye contact with the Queen. “Sorry about that, your majesty. We were just a little shaken up about what had happened that’s all. Please, take as much time as you need explaining the situation.”

“Um, you guys!” All eyes turned to see Rainbow Dash, who was still stuck in the wooden wall. “Before you go on and do that, would somepony mind getting me out of this bucking wall?!”

“Rainbow! Please watch your language!” Rarity barked, putting her hooves over Sweetie Belle’s ears. “Can you not see that there are fillies and a colt here?!”

“Jeez sis, what the heck happened to you?” Fire Flash asked, holding back a giggle. “Were you trying to make a pair of wooden peek holes, so you could spy on Twilight?”

“Oh buck off, Fire Flash!” Rainbow Dash shouted, blatantly ignoring Rarity’s admonishment as she continued to struggle in a vain attempt to get her hooves free. With a cry of frustration, she snapped her head back to her friends glaring at them expectantly. “Seriously, is anypony gonna get me out of here?! I can already feel my hooves starting to get sore!”

“That’s what ya get fer bargin’ into Twi’s house like that.” Applejack said smugly. “Honestly, Ah can’t even begin ‘t’ count the number ‘o’ times ya did this! Maybe this’ll teach you t’ actually knock instead of just chagrin’ in like a bull after a cloak of red.”

“Well excuse me for not finding the common courtesy to knock on somepony’s door before asking them if they found a way to save all of Equestria from as sadistic psycho murdering bitch!” Rainbow Dash snorted, glaring daggers at the farmer. “Now, can somepony please get my hooves free form here?!”

At that moment, a teal aura enveloped the prismatic maned mare, courtesy of Crescent Shield igniting her horn. With as much gentleness as her telekinesis would allow, she slowly began to pull Rainbow backwards, who winced in pain as she felt the strain on her hooves. After a few anxious moments, a small pop was heard, as Rainbow’s hooves were pulled free from their wooden prison.

Crescent Shield gently levitated Rainbow over to the rest of the group, and gently set her on the ground, before letting her out of her telekinetic grip. The moment she did, the cyan mare flared her wings and take to the air, not trusting herself enough to let her hooves touch the ground.

“Thanks, squirt…” Rainbow mumbled, giving the ocean blue filly a small thankful grin.

“Your welcome!” Crescent Shield said softly with a sweet smile on her face. It soon vanished and was replaced with a more concerned expression. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah…just a little sore in the hooves, that’s all.” The cyan mare replied, gently rubbing her hooves to sooth the pain. “Ugh…I’m gonna feel that for a week.”

“That’s what you get for not asking to come in.” Rarity huffed as she gave Rainbow a disapproving look. “Like real lady would.”

“Shut up.” Rainbow growled, giving the alabaster Unicorn a slap in the face with her tail. “I am so not in the mood to hear your shit.”

“Anyway, now that that’s over with…” Goku said as she raised her voice slightly, giving the three mares a warning glare, before turning back to the Queen. “Please, proceed your majesty, whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you Goku. I must admit, I too am still a bit shaken up by what happened. However, I believe I’ve collected myself enough to explain.” Celestia replied, giving the tan Thestral mare a thankful smile. She let out a deep sigh, before slowly sitting herself down on her haunches, her flowing tail skirt wrapping around her like a cat getting ready to take a nap. “Now before I begin, let me ask you all something: How many of you know the tale of the Mare in the Moon?”

“The tale of the Mare in the Moon?” Applejack repeated quizzically, giving a title of her head. “What the hay kind of story is that?”

“It’s the ancient tale that dates back to the earlier centuries of the Queen’s rule.” Goku answered, her academic side kicking in at Celestia’s question. “Me, Snowflake, Midnight, and Twilight used to read it sometimes whenever we went to the Canterlot Library when we were fillies.”

“Yeah, it tells of how a mare named Nightmare Moon had threatened to overthrow Celestia and shroud Equestria into everlasting darkness.” Twilight added, memories of the story flashing back into her mind. “Fortunately, Queen Celestia was able to defeat her and bring peace to Equestria once more.”

“Seriously?” Applejack asked, blinking a few times. “Did that really happen t’ the Queen?”

“Yes Applejack, everything that Twilight and Goku have said about the story of the Mare on the Moon was true.” Celestia nodded to the farmer. “However, there is one little detail that was left out. One that I believe will give you all a better understanding of what’s going on.”

“Well, what is it?” Rainbow Dash said impatiently, her eyebrows furrowing as her nostrils flared. “If you know why that freak came here and tried to bury everypony in the Town Hall alive, then just come out and say it already!”

“Rainbow! Don’t be so rude to the Queen!” Fluttershy scolded firmly. “We all want to know why all of this is happening, but like Goku said, we’re not going to get any answers if we keep putting pressure on the Queen! Now sit down, take a breath, and calm down. You’ll get your answers soon enough if you just be patient, alright?”

Rainbow recoiled at the stern glare given to her by the buttermilk Pegasus, seeing a faint flash of orange dance about her eyes. After a moment, she let out a sigh as she sat on her rump, crossing her forehooves as she furrowed her brows. “Fine…”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy said softly, before turning back to the Queen. “I’m sorry about Rainbow Dash your majesty, she’s just a little stressed at the moment.”

“Thank you Fluttershy, and don’t worry, there’s nothing to be sorry for. I wouldn’t expect any of you to not at least be somewhat anxious and stressed out by something like this.” The swan white Alicorn replied, giving both Pegasi a forgiving smile. “Now, where was I? Oh yes, I assume you all know about my history. Being the ruler of Equestria, bringer of harmony, and the raiser of both the Sun and the Moon, correct?” At almost everypony’s nod, minus Twilight and the Kirin siblings, she let out another breath and said, “Well, that’s not entirely true…at least not the last part.”

“What do you mean, Queen Celly?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently. “You’re the most powerful pony in all of Equestria! You have the power to raise the Sun and the Moon all on your own! That’s what my parents always told me and my sisters anyway! How can anypony else accomplish something like that?!”

Applejack nodded in agreement. “Pinkie Pie has a point. Fer as long as me, mah brother an’ sisters can remember, the only one Alicorn who’s ever been known to bring day an’ night was you, yer highness.” She scratched the back of her head as she let out a sigh. “No offense, but Ah have a real hard time believin’ that anypony other than you can do somethin’ like that.”

“I’m not surprised that you think that, Ms. Applejack. Due to how long I’ve ruled Equestria on my own, as an Alicorn no less, it would only make sense that ponies would find it hard to accept that there was another pony just as powerful as me.” Celestia nodded, not looking the least bit offended by Applejack’s comment. “The sad truth is, there was, and still is, another pony who is on par with my strength. Somepony that I failed to save a very, very long time ago.”

“Whatever do you mean, your highness?” Rarity asked perplexedly with a tilt of her head, wondering where this is going. “Who could you have possibly failed to save during your extended reign?”

“While it is true that I did raise the Sun and the Moon for over a millennium, at the same time, I wasn’t the only one to do so. Nor was I the only ruler of Equestria since the first day it happened.” Celestia explained, gaining everypony’s attention. “For those of you who don’t know, before I stepped up and took my title as Queen, I had a sister.”

A quiet gasp escaped Fluttershy as her left forehoof lifted off the ground to cover her mouth, her teal eyes widening in shock. Most of her friends weren’t that far behind her, letting out gasps of their own while their jaws dropped. The only ones who didn’t seem shocked were Twilight, Goku, her sisters, and her brother, though Twilight did have a look of surprised realization on her voice. Celestia noticed this, but before she could question their protégé on her lack of shock, Rarity broke the silence.

“I…I’m sorry your majesty. I’m not sure if I heard you right.” She stuttered, regaining her composure after a few seconds. “I could’ve sworn that you just said that you had…a sister.”

“That’s exactly what I said.” Celestia said softly, never once losing her composure. “I had, and still have, in a way, a sister.”

“Wow really?! So, besides that scary pony that we saw back at the Town Hall, there’s another Alicorn jus’ like you?!” Apple Bloom asked, leaping out of her sister’s embrace as she stared at the swan white Alicorn with wide eyes. At Celestia’s nod, a large smile spread across the sun yellow filly’s face as she bounced in the air. “That’s so amazin’! I never knew that you had a sister to rule alongside ya! Congratulations your highness!”

“Hmhmhmhm, thank you little one. It’s been quite a long time since ponies have congratulated me for getting to be a big sister. Her name is Luna by the way, in case you were wondering. Perhaps if things go as planned tonight, you all may be able to meet her and possibly become friends.” Celestia chuckled, smiling down at the sun yellow filly. “Though I must warn you she has a very…uniqueappearance, so you may be a bit taken aback. For now, I think I should get back to why Nightmare Moon is here and how I know here, while also explaining me and my sister’s history.”

Twilight’s lips pursed in preparation. ‘Here we go…’

“For the last few millennia or so, long before even the peaceful town of Ponyville came to be, Luna and I were the ones to rule all of Equestria, keeping any enemy forces from trying to take over the land. As the Queen of the Sun and the ruler of the day, I was in charge of watching over the ponies during the day. While Luna, being the Queen of the Moon and ruler of the night was in charge of watching over the ponies during the night.” Celestia said, shifting to the side slightly and pointing to the sun symbol on her flank. “Luna and I were both quite efficient in doing these tasks, and sometimes we even took the liberty of doing each other’s royal duties if the other was not able to. There were many trials ahead though, and many foes that we had to defeat to make it to where we did. There were times that we felt like we couldn’t continue on, me being the main one. You do tend to think that after a whole three thousand years of ruling.”

She gave a little chuckle at these words, followed by Goku and a few of her friends before the swan white Alicorn continued. “Despite our doubts and insecurities, we managed to push through, and before Luna and I know it, we both managed to create a land of true peace and harmony. We loved our subjects, and they loved us, and for a time, life was perfect. So perfect in fact, that my sister and I didn’t think that it could get any better.” Her smile slowly fell as she sighed sadly. “Alas, it was not meant to last forever, for darkness came and reared its hideous head once again in the most horrible way possible, coming in the form of my own subjects.”

“Your own subjects?” Applejack asked. “What do ya mean by that, your highness?”

“As I have said before, thanks to the many victories and challenges that we have overcome during our thousands of years in this land, the ponies of Equestria looked to us for protection and . They loved us more than anypony that they’ve ever meet in their lifetimes.” Celestia explained, looking over at the farmer. “However, there were some ponies who loved one Queen more than the other, possibly a bit too much for when it came to Luna.”

Fluttershy tilted her head. “Why is that your majesty?”

“For as long as me and my sister can remember, all the ponies of Equestria have loved one part of their lives more than the other. While they basked and played during the day, they shunned and slept through my dear sister’s night. Never once did they stay up to see the moon she controls, or the stars she brought out when the day ended, and the night began.” Celestia said, looking out the window of Twilight’s tree house. “Because of this, my sister felt that our subjects loved me more than they did her, instead of loving us both equally, due to both of us working together to make Equestria into what it is today.”

“Oh my goodness, that sounds positively dreadful.” Rarity said gravelly. “I’m assuming that didn’t bode well with your poor sister.”

Celestia nodded, looking back at all the ponies in the room. “It also didn’t help that there were ponies whispering behind her back about her, and the Lunar Guards that served her. They saw them as ponies who were not fit to protect the kingdom and not worthy of being called a Queen, since they usually didn’t see her unless she was with me. They called her a monster, a menace, an unholy manifestation of an equine, every vile thing you can think of.”

Celestia then closed her eyes as her brows furrowed. When she spoke again, her voice had a slight undertone of darkness. “Some even said how she was a demon from Tartarus working in the shadows, planning to overthrow me, with her, “abomination of guards”, by her side, so she could take the throne for herself as the only Queen in Equestria.”

Everypony, four Thestral Kirin siblings all let out shocked gasps, their eyes going wide at this revelation as Celestia once again looked back down at the floor. She could practically feel the disbelief and horror radiating off of them thanks to their combined magic, due to them all being in the same room. For a few moments, none of them spoke, silently taking in what the Queen had said to them about how her sister was treated by their subjects. When the information finally sunk in, a soft and timid voice spoke up.

“I…I can’t believe it. All those ponies, they really said all those horrible things about Q-Queen Luna?” Sweetie Belle asked disbelievingly, her wide emerald eyes staring into Celestia’s pale magenta ones. “T-that’s…that’s horrible! Why would anypony say something so cruel?!”

"Yeah! It's not like Queen Luna did anything to them. She didn’t give them any reason to be afraid of her!" Spike shouted indignantly with a stomp of a hoof as he snorted through his nostrils. "What gives them the right to treat to her like that?!"

“They were afraid of her, simple as that.” Celestia replied, giving the Kirin colt and Unicorn filly a sympathetic look. “Ponies fear something, or somepony, that they cannot understand, and can act on that fear in many ways. My sister just so happened to be the victim of that very same fear, and what came along with it. It ate away at her, tore at her heart, and caused her so much pain. It soon came to the point where she practically shut herself out from the world and everypony in it. Every time me, or anypony tried to help, she would push them away and demand them to leave her alone. If they didn’t, they’d face her wrath, and while she never physically harmed them, they were given quit a scare.”

A light shiver went down the Sun Queen’s spine as she said this. Her mind recalled the many days and nights where the Lunar Guards and servants would try to comfort their leader. Only to utterly fail as a result of being scared out of their fur. “It went on for months on end, with no stop in sight. It just kept coming and coming, and my sister was pushed further and further to her breaking point. I didn’t think that it could get any worse than that.” Her face suddenly darkened again, causing Twilight and a few of her friends to take a few steps back. “That is until it appeared…the foul creature Miasma.”

“Miasma?” Rarity asked, tilting her head to the sight. “Your majesty, if I may ask, what is this…Miasma?”

At that moment, a soft voice made itself known within the group.

“I-it’s not exactly a what, Rarity. I-it’s more of a who.” Sheton said softly as everypony’s heads turned to him in surprised, minus Twilight and his sisters.

“You know who Miasma is, little one?” Celestia asked, a look of surprise on her face.

“We all do.” Crescent Shield said as she and Spike came on either side of Sheton. “Miasma is known to be one of the most dangerous creatures of all the history of Equestria. It’s said to have come from the very pits of Tartarus itself, representing every dark thing that Equestria is not known for.”

“Miasma is known to have a form just like that of a pony, having the abilities of all three Pony Tribes, despite the fact that she doesn’t totally look like on.” Spike explained, a light shiver going down her spine as she hugged herself. “The reason she’s called a nightmare, is for a much more…well, scarier reason.”

“Miasma is known to draw power and feed off of the negative emotions of ponies, be it anger, hatred, sadness, depression, jealously all those types of emotions. In other words, the stronger those emotions are, the more powerful it becomes. It continues to feed off of the pony that’s suffering and being tormented by those same emotions, until their nothing more than a shell of their former shelves.” Sheton added quietly. “However, there’s still one more thing that Miasma needs to do to become completely whole."

“W-what’s that?” Scootaloo asked, afraid of what she was going to hear. “W-w-what else d-does she n-need.”

“In order to reach the full height of her power, she needs the body of the pony she’s trying to take control of." Sheton explained. "So she tries to coax them into letting her use their body, filling their minds with lies, false promises that their pain will stop.”

“After that…the victim is no more.” Twilight concluded, her mane shadowing her eyes. “They’ll be forever lost in the very darkness that they gave into, while Miasma uses their body how they see fit.”

The silence that followed was only broken by the sound of almost everypony’s slow, quiet, yet audible breathing. None of them said a word as they tried to comprehend what they had said about the creature that Celestia had mentioned. After another long moment of nopony speaking, sudden burst of laughter broke it, causing everypony’s heads to turn and see that it as Applejack.

“T-that was a good one, ya’ll. That was a real nice joke ya pulled on us there, heheheh.” She said with a smile that was clearly forced. “There’s no way that somethin’ like that could exist, right yer highness?” She asked, hoping that the swan white Alicorn would agree with her. When her expression didn’t change, the farmer’s smile faltered. “R-right?”

“I’m sorry Ms. Applejack, but I’m afraid that it is anything but a joke. Everything that those little ones have said about Miasma was spot on, and it was the truth.” Celestia replied regretfully, looking the Applejack right in the eyes as the farmer’s eyes widening with horror. “Miasma does have the ability to gain power off of ponies negative emotions, and take control of their bodies. Many ponies have fallen victim to it…and Luna just so happened to be one of them.”

She bit her lip, squeezing her eyes shut tight as she tried not to cry. “She tried, to force Miasma away from her, not wanting to be in more pain than she already was. Unfortunately, it was a battle that my dear sister was destined to lose…her negative emotions were too much for her to handle. By that point, she was willing to do just about anything to stop the pain and the heartache…and so…she finally gave in. She eventually became a creature of nightmares, the very same monster that the Tale of the Two Sisters said she’d become. The one that I banished to the moon of one thousand years…and the one that you all saw at the Town Square.”

By the time she was finally finished, nearly everypony in the tree house had looks on their faces that ranged between shock, horror, and sadness. They were at a complete loss for words, unable to come up with anything that could properly explain what they were feeling. Nor could they explain the deep seeded pity and sympathy that they felt for their Queen. They didn’t need to, for Celestia could see it by merely looking into their eyes, and she felt her heart fill with sympathy for them. She wished that she didn’t have to dump her sister’s onto them like that. However, she felt that it was necessary in order for them to fully understand why everything that happened was happening, and for her plan to work.

A loud sniffle suddenly broke the silence snapping Celestia out of her thoughts. She looked up to find the source and saw Scootaloo looking up at her with a single watery indigo eye. Before anypony could do anything, the little Pegasus bolted towards the Queen wrapping her forelegs and wings around her in a hug.

“Q-Queen Celestia! I-I’m sorry! I’m so sorry that all that happened to your sister! She didn’t deserve that! She didn’t deserve to have all those horrible things done to her, especially not her Thestral Lunar Guards!” She whimpered as she nuzzled Celestia’s upper chest, her body quivering. “I-I can’t believe p-ponies would say all those, t-those…m-mean things! W-why would they d-do that to somepony who only wanted to be loved just like y-you were?!”

Smiling sadly at the little filly, Celestia lifted a hoof and wiped away her tears. “As I have said before little one, they were scared of her and what she would become. I know that does not excuse them for how they treated her, but…they were afraid of her.” She gently put a filly’s hoof to her chin and lifted her head to look her in the eyes. “I do thank you for your kind words though. It’s been quite a while since I’ve heard somepony speak of my sister so highly. You must be quite a fan of her’s, hm?”

A deep blush made its way to Scootaloo’s face as her ears flattened. Slowly pulling herself away from the swan white Alicorn’s winged embrace, she looked down at the ground and poked her hooves together. She then felt a warm wing wrap around her and pull her close, causing her to look up and see Fluttershy standing next to her.

“Well, Loo-Loo had learned about some of yours and Luna’s history in school. About how you both came to be the rulers of Equestria and…she got curious.” Fluttershy explained, looking down at her little sister warmly. “She wanted to know more about Queen Luna especially, since she thought she was pretty, and loved the nighttime like me and her do, and the creatures that resign in it.”

“Is that so?” Celestia asked, looking down at Scootaloo with a raised eyebrow. She giggled when she saw the filly timidly recoil under Fluttershy’s wing when her gaze fell upon her. “Well if that’s the case, then you two are going to get along pretty well. I’m sure she’ll be quite happy to meet somepony who loves the night and its inhabitants as much as she does.”

“Oh I bet she will.” Fluttershy nodded with a chuckle, looking over to where Sheton was. “And she’s not the only one either.”

“Wow, that was quite the explanation that you gave us, your majesty. I never would’ve thought that you of all ponies would actually have someone related to you, let alone being as powerful as you.” Rarity said softly, a somewhat bewildered expression plastered on her face. “Though I will agree with the others. It wasn’t fair that your sister had to go through, and I’m sorry that she had to go through something so revolting.”

“Same here, and I’d also like to thank you, for explaining how Nightmare Moon came to be, and what it’s capable of.” Twilight added, her expression morphing into determination. “Now that I’ve heard the tale, and how your sister turned into Nightmare Moon, I know more than ever how important it is to save her. Especially since there’s one more pony that we have to save!”

“Um, Twilight darling, not that I don’t admire your determination, but how in Equestria’s name are we supposed to do that?” Rarity asked quizzically. “For one, we don’t know where that dreadful creature that’s taken control of our Majesty’s dear sister is. Two, even if we did, we don’t have any of the resources needed to get to our destination or to defeat her. You do realize that we are all going against a creature form Tartarus and an Alicorn, do you not?”

At this statement, Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and gave a ruffle of her wings. “Yeah, I think we all got that, Rares. What happened at the Town Square can definitely back up that claim…but do you realize that we come from six of the awesomest, most powerful clans in all of Equestria?” Upon hearing this, Goku looked over at her with a raised jet-black eyebrow, causing the cyan mare to recoil and quickly correct herself. “Sorry…make that seven.”

“Er…yes I suppose you have a point there, dear.” Rarity murmured, her face flushing in embarrassment. “Still, this isn’t some ordinary or minor danger that we can deal with on our own! This is on a completely different level! It will take all the combined power we have just to slow Nightmare Moon down! Even then, we still won’t know how to cure Queen Luna of the monster that plagues her!”

“Ms. Rarity does have a point. It is going to take all of your combined power to have even the slightest chance of stopping Nightmare Moon in succeeding in her plan.” Celestia said, nodding in agreement. “Which is why I know of the perfect backup tool that you can all use at your disposal.”

“You do?” Twilight asked, having a feeling that she knew what her mentor was talking about. “What is it?”

“Twilight, I’m sure that upon reading the story of the Tale of the Two Sisters, you, Goku and her sisters all know of the weapons that I used to defeat my younger sister and banish her to the moon, do you not?” Celestia asked, looking at her student and the three Kirin sisters expectantly.

“The Elements of Harmony…” Goku whispered as recognition clicked into her eyes. “The Six Gemstones of Harmonia.”

“Th’ Elements o’ what now?” Applejack asked, a look of perplexation on her face.

“The Elements of Harmony; also known as the Elements of Friendship.” Snowflake repeated softly. “They are six ancient and legendary gemstones that were created by the very creator of pony kind, Lauren Faust, the Goddess of the Ponies, long before the three Pony Tribes united, each of them representing one aspect known to friendship. It is said that they are the most powerful weapons in all of existence, completely on par and able to match any dark forces of evil that are thrown at it. Legend has it that they were made specifically for vanquishing all evil and keeping peace in Equestria…along with spreading the magic of friendship all throughout the land.”

“I see…and it’s these ancient weapons in life that keep Equestria free from strife?” Rarity asked, earning a nod from the mountain blue Thestral. Then a thought struck her. “Wait, if these weapons were made by the Goddess of the Ponies, then why can’t you use the elements yourself, your majesty? Can’t you use it yourself since you’re a goddess as well?”

“Well, yes the Queen can do that if she so pleases. That way, she can save Equestria on her own without us needing to assist her very much if things get too dangerous. Unfortunately, there’s one big problem with that.” Midnight said sadly. “While it’s true that anypony, even a goddess, can use the Elements of Harmony at will, there is a major setback to that. In order for them to work and reach their full power, there has to be a pony that represents more than one of the aspects of friendship. Furthermore, there has to be at least one other pony in order to make the Elements work. No single pony can use the Elements of Harmony on their own, not even a goddess.”

“It is true. That is the number one weakness of the Elements that I did not learn until it was too late. That they would be rendered useless if just one pony used them, especially of they were used by force. It was a lesson that I had to learn the hard way the night that I banished Luna to the Moon.” Celestia sighed with a nod of her head, giving the beetle black Pegasus a reassuring look. “Now that Luna and I are no longer connected to the Elements, thanks to me angering them by forcing their power on my sister, I’ve had to defend Equestria without their power to help aid me, all the while trying to find ponies that would take my place as Elements’ new bearers.”

“Let me guess...” Goku began, her expression calm, cool, and collected. "You want us to be new the bearers of the Elements of Friendship?"

“Y…yes, I am.” Celestia replied, lowering her head for what seemed like the fifth or sixth time that night. “I know that I am asking a lot from you all, and this is so much to take in at once. Believe me, I’d be in the same position if I were any of you and one of you was the ruler instead of me, but…you must understand.”

She looked at them with pleading eyes. “My sister’s life, and fate of all of Equestria hangs in the balance now that Nightmare Moon is free. It is crucial that the Elements of Harmony are found by those who both have the tributes to friendship that they each represent, and are willing to be their new wielders. It is the only way that they can work against the evil that plagues this land now, and any other forces of evil that will come in the future. I won’t force any of you into this if none of you feel that you can do it yourselves. The last thing that I want to do is to risk my precious little pony’s lives in the face of danger, but time is of the essence right now. Just know that if you do, me and everypony else would be eternally grateful to all of you for it. So I ask not just as the Goddess of the Sun, or Queen of Equestria, but as a fellow pony, will you help protect everypony, help me save my sister, and all of Equestria?”

The whole room went totally silence after that, one that none of the mare’s on the room replied to immediately. They all stayed where they were looking at one another, silently contemplating whether or not they should accept their Queens offer of helping her stop Nightmare Moon. As well as being the new bearers of the most powerful sources of magic ever known to pony kind, Goku especially. One on hoof, she knew that if she and her friends did accept their Queen’s offer, they would also run the great risk of potentially not only losing the fight, but also their lives as well.

On the other hoof, if they didn’t accept Celestia’s hoof in aiding her in taking down the infamous Mare of Darkness, then she would have to deal with her all on her own. Sure, she may have the help of her Solar Guards, but that probably wouldn’t help much. Plus, if the battle between Celestia and Nightmare Moon was anything like the Tale of the Two Sisters said it was, then they would stand little to no chance against the dark Alicorn’s might. Not without their own powers and the powers of the Elements at their side.

As these thoughts raced through Goku’s mind, it became all too apparent to her what she and her friends had to do in order for all to be safe. Upon seeing the thoughtful looks on her friends and her sisters’ faces, they were all thinking the same thing as well. While none of them new what the future held for them if they agreed to the Queen’s offer, they certainly knew one thing; their lives would never be the same again.

While this was happening, Celestia continued to silently sit, waiting patiently, for at least one of the mare’s to respond to her request. She studied their faces closely and intently, and it was only thanks to a millennia’s worth of practice that she knew that they were thinking about whether or not they would accept her offer. For single moment, a small part of her believed that none of them would be willing to put their lives on the line to save Equestria, especially since the enemy they were facing was a member of the most powerful, and rarest, species of equine in the world. As the silence continued to grow, that little voice in the Sun Goddess’s head continued to grow, pushing her to believe what she feared more and more as her hope slowly began to die.

Just as she was beginning to believe that they weren’t going to help her, she felt a warm and gentle hoof firmly place itself on her shoulder. She lifted her head and meet the eyes of Goku, staring back into her own with a fiery determination that matched that of the very Sun that she raised. Before the swan white Alicorn could say anything, the tan Thestral spoke up first.

“Queen Celestia…” She began slowly. “We’d be honored to help you save Equestria from Nightmare Moon’s terror and save your sister.”

Celestia paused, her pale lavender eyes growing wide as she stared at the tan Pegasus with her jaw slightly agape. “You…you will?”

“You bet yer boot’s we will!” Applejack nodded, coming up to the swan white Alicorn with a wide grin. “Ah admit, Ah was a little apprehensive about steppin’ in an’ and helpin’ stop that pony. Once you explained everythin’ in full however, Ah can now see just how important it is t’ do so.” A stern expression of determination came to her face as she adjusted her hat over her eyes. “As a member of the Apple family, and the Titan clan, Ah’m willin’ to do whatever it takes t’ ensure that mah family is safe. If that means helpin’ you in savin’ yer sister, Equestria, an’ becomin’ th’ new bearer of these Elements, then Ah’m willin’ t’ do jus’ that!”

“Yeah! Me too, your highness!” Rainbow Dash said confidently, her magenta irises flashing a bright yellow. “Nopony’s gonna just come into Ponyville, attack our Queen, and expect get off without a nice good plot kicking! The least those assholes deserve is a nice good sock across their bucking face!” A wide grin made its way across the cyan mare’s face, her magenta irises flashing a bright yellow. “Like I’ve told many ponies before, I never leave anypony hanging for whatever bucking reason! That is the way of the Wisps! Always has been, always will be!”

“As vulgar as the way Rainbow Dash had put her rather loyal statement, I completely agree with her.” Rarity said, a warm expression on her face as she locked eyes with Celestia. “I can’t even begin to imagine all of the pain and heartache that you went through after losing your sister. I certainly wouldn’t how I’d feel or what I’d if that were to happen to my dear little sister…” she looked down at Sweetie Belle, who was looking up at her with a sweet smile. After giving he a quick kiss to her forehead, she turned back to the Solar Queen. “Queen Celestia, I too will assist you tonight. Both in the safety of Equestria and freeing your sister of the monster that has her in it’s vile clutches. I will to anything that you ask of me in order to do so, and if that means resorting to more…hooves on tactics, then so be it.”

“Hey! Don’t’ forget me, girls! I’m in coming to this party too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up and raising her right foreleg as if she was a filly in a classroom. “I want save the day, the Sun and Queen Celly’s little sister just as you guys do! This party can’t be complete without Ponyville’s number on party pony in it! heeheehee!”

“I’m not really one for fighting…at least, not when there are other options at hoof for us to settle disputes.” Fluttershy admitted softly as she looked at the ground, gently pawing at it with her right forehoof. A few seconds later, she sighed and looked up at the Queen with determined teal eyes. “Still, if it’s the only way that I can protect my friends, my family, and Scootaloo…then I’ll do it!” she said firmly, the crimson eye on her roseray giving a momentary glow.

“So will I, your highness.” Twilight added, walking up and standing just next to Goku. “As a member of the Twinkleshine Sparkle clan, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to ensure all of Equestria is safe from evil. Even if it means being the next bearer of the very weapons that the Goddess of Ponies herself created to protect this word.”

“Whatever you want us to do, we’ll do it.” Snowflake said as she and Midnight all came to stand beside their youngest sister. “As members of the Kirin clan, it’s our duty to make sure that our family and all other inhabitants of our land are safe. That includes any other places that is not of the place that our clan and everypony else’s came to be.”

“Mhm!” Midnight nodded, giving Celestia a gentle smile. “No matter who it is, we’ll always be there to keep them from harming the innocent!”

“Hey, don’t forget about us!” Fire Flash cried as she shot up into the air. “We’ll help too!”

“Yeah!” The other foals shouted in unison.

Celestia didn’t say anything for a minute or two, just staring silently at all the ponies that were all looking back at her warmly. Throughout the entire time she explained to them the reason about the dark Alicorn returning to Equestria, she honestly thought that they would be too afraid to be up to the task. Especially since this was somepony with power that was very easily on par with her own, if not even at a higher level. Against all her expectations, that didn’t seem to be the case here. What she was seeing where not ponies who were wanting to hide away inside her homes to avoid the wrath of Nightmare Moon. What she was seeing were ponies who were willing to fight to ensure Equestria was safe along with all in it. Ponies that would change all of Equestria for the better, including the one who she saw leading them.

“Thank you…thank you all. You have no idea how much this means to me. For you to put your lives on the line like this to save all of pony kind...no words can express my gratitude to you.” Celestia said after a long stretch of silence, her expression one of sheer gratitude. “If you make it through this, I swear to you, I will do everything within my power to make sure that you are all repaid in full.”

“That won’t be necessary your highness.” Goku said casually with a wave of her hoof. “We’re just doing what anypony would do, helping a pony in a time of crisis. That’s a good enough reward for us.” She giggled, the adorableness behind it melting everypony’s hearts. “Besides, we still have the Summer Sun Celebration to look forward to after this. I’d say that’s an added bonus to our hard work, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Hmhm, yes…I suppose you do have a point there, Goku. Still, don’t hesitate to ask me for anything if you change your mind. As with the many other heroic ponies I have meet in my lifetime, I don’t allow any good deed to go unrewarded.” Celestia advised with a chuckle as she rose to her hooves. “Alright, I believe that we’ve spent enough time resting and recovering, and it is time to take action. I trust that you all know what to do now that I have properly explained everything to you?”

At these words, everypony gave the swan white Alicorn firm nods. She let out a relieved sigh as a gentle smile formed on her face. “Then I wish you all the best of luck on your quest for the Elements of Harmony.”

“Wait, you’re not coming with us your majesty?” Twilight asked in bewilderment.

“I’m afraid not, my faithful student.” Celestia said sadly, looking at her protégé sympathetically. “I must make a trip to Canterlot City, back to my castle so that I can prepare for the upcoming battle that is soon to come. I will also be sending my Solar Guards here to watch over the residents of Ponyville while you’re gone, for I have a feeling they’ll need all the protection they can get. I’m sorry, but you will have to search for the Elements of Harmony on your own.”

“On our own?! All by ourselves?!” Twilight repeated, her violet eyes widening in fear and panic. “Queen Celestia, we can’t do that! We don’t even know where the Elements are located! Even if we did, we have no idea how we’d to get there, especially if we don’t have a map!”

“Well, we may not have any maps that show all of Equestria, but you certainly do Twilight.” Goku pointed out, smiling at the lavender Unicorn. “Besides me, you are the most organized and prepared out of the nine of us. There has hardly been anytime where you have not been prepared for something. So I highly doubt that you of all ponies don’t have anything as useful as a map at your disposal.”

“Your friend speaks the truth, Twilight. If there is anypony who is prepared for anything no matter how trivial it may seem, it’s you.” Celestia said, nodding in agreement. “Plus, there is also the book to the Elements of Harmony that I let you take on the day that you moved here to Ponyville. That’s another even more useful tool that you can use at your disposal, since it explains where the Elements are, wouldn’t you agree?”

Twilight didn’t reply to her mentor’s question. Instead, her ears flattened as she lowered her head and nervously pawed at the ground with her hoof. This took everypony by surprise, and they couldn’t help but voice their curiosity on it.

“What’s matter, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked softly, her face morphing into one of concern. “Is there something troubling you?”

“Um…no…I mean—well…yes. You see, your Majesty…” Twilight began nervously. “I…don’t know where the book is.”

Celestia blinked, wondering if she had heard the lavender Unicorn correctly. “I’m sorry?”

“I don’t know where it is.” Twilight repeated, her voice slightly louder. “I know that it’s somewhere in these bookshelves, but I can’t really remember exactly which shelf I put it in. I’ve looked in every last one of them, even before you guys came, but haven’t really been successful, as you can see.” She motioned her hoof to the large piles of books that littered the floor. “It’s somewhere in these shelves, I know it is, but…I just don’t know which one.”

“Is this what your looking for Twilight?” Pinkie Pie’s cheerful bubbly voice asked from behind Twilight. The moment she laid her eyes in the bubblegum pink Earth Pony, she felt them nearly bulge out of their sockets. Her whole body whipped around along with her head as her jaw dropped in complete disbelief at what she saw. There, clutched in Pinkie Pie’s forehooves, was a book that Twilight recognized all too well. The very same book that held the key needed to stop the pony that was now free from its millennia long prison.

“The Reference Guide to the Elements of Harmony!” She cried, joy, happiness, and relief filling her voice all at once as she galloped over the Pinkie Pie. Twilight moved so fast she slammed into the Earth Pony, sending her into one of the bookshelves. “This is it! This is the book that we need to help us find the Elements of Harmony!” She snapped her head over to Pinkie Pie, who was picking herself up from off of the ground. “How in the world did you find it?!”

“Heehee, silly filly! Didn’t you look up at the letters above the shelves?” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced back over to her friends. “It was under E~!”

At these words, Twilight paused. She looked up at the bookshelves, taking notice of the large letters that were engraved in each of them. Once Pinkie Pie’s words fully sank into her mind, an embarrassed blush made its way to her face as she weakly murmured, “…Oh.”

“So, this is the book that will help us find what we’re looking for?” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew up next to Twilight and looked at the cover of the book. “Those Element things that the Queen was talking about?”

“Indeed, Ms. Dash. It will tell you everything that you need to know about the Elements of harmony” Celestia nodded as relief washed over her at the book being found. “Though I must warn you, you may a bit taken aback by exactly where the Elements are located.”

Fluttershy suddenly froze, a large knot forming in the bit of her gut as she slowly looked over at the Queen. A bead of flowed down her face as her heartbeat quickened in rate as her pupils contracted slightly.

‘No…don't tell me the Elements are where I think they are.’ She thought, giving an inaudible gulp. 'She can't possibly mean that they're in...there of all places!'

“Whaddya mean by that, yer highness?” Applejack asked perplexedly.

“I’m sorry Ms. Applejack, but I am afraid that I cannot explain. I have wasted too much time doing so already. I must get back to Canterlot to alert the guards of what has happened, so you’ll have to see for yourself.” Celestia said softly as she ignited her horn, covering it in a gentle golden yellow aura of magic. As she did so, she looked down at Goku, Twilight and everypony else with a motherly smile as she said, “Son Goku Kakarot Shenron…I leave the search for the Elements of Harmony in you and your friends’ capable hooves. Good luck, and please…be careful.”

With that, she closed her eyes as the magic around her horn glowed to the point where it covered her whole being. Then, in a flash of pure golden yellow, the Queen was gone, leaving Goku and her friends alone in the library.

“Well…that was quite the regal exit the Queen graced us with, wasn’t it?” Rarity asked after a short silence.

“Well, she is the ruler of all of Equestria. Everything about her is regal, including the way she exits.” Snowflake giggled. “I’d expect no less from the most powerful pony in existence.”

“You’ve got that right, Snowy!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “I gotta admit though…I am reeeeeeeally excited to see Queen Celly go into battle! I’ve heard stories about her fighting in all the battles and wars in the past by my parents, but I never thought I’d actually get the chance to see it with my own eyes!” A rather adorable squeal escaped her lips as she trotted in place, her mane and tail giving little bounces as she did so. “Ooooh, I just know that’s gonna be so AMAZING!!!”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Applejack chuckled as she gave an amused shake of her head Pinkie's antics. “Anyway, what does the book say ‘bout where these Elements Twilight?”

“Oh, right! Hold on, just give me a couple of seconds.” Twilight replied, snapping out of her embarrassed and returned her attention to the book. Igniting her horn, she encased the Reference Guide in a brilliant raspberry aura and began to frantically flip through the pages. A few seconds later, she stopped in a specific part of the book and began to read. “Ah, here we go! The Elements of Harmony are known to be the most powerful weapons in all of existence, made by the Goddess of the Ponies, Lauren Faust herself. It is said that they are the most powerful sources of magic known to all pony kind, containing power unlike anything ever seen by anypony anywhere, other than the Creator herself. They are the one and only weapons known to withstand against any source of evil. Along with that specific purpose, they’d also keep everlasting peace and harmony in the world.”

“As if we didn’t just find out about that already…” Rainbow Dash murmured dryly

“Don’t interrupt her darling, she’s trying to read.” Rarity said quietly, holding a hoof to her lips. “We are in a library after all…more specifically Twilight’s library.”

The cyan mare snorted softly, but said nothing as she looked away while Twilight continued to read. “According to the Creator herself, there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known to exist, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. Nopony knows where the sixth Element, the Element of Magic is, but it is said that it can be activated if the rest of the Elements are there with it. There has also been a saying that, while not officially proven, there is seventh Element of Harmony existing as well.”

‘A seventh Element? Now that’s something even I wasn’t expecting…’ Goku thought, both her and everypony else’s eyes widening at this revelation. ‘I wonder…does the Queen know there’s a seventh Element? I’ll have to ask her about it once this is all over…’

“The last known location of the Elements of Harmony was said to have been in the Castle of the Two Royal Sisters. They have been known to still remain there, unused and undisturbed for the last thousand years, and still do to this very day.” Twilight read, bringing Goku out of her thoughts. “While nopony has ever been there, it is said that abandoned castle is located in what is known as-”

As her eyes trailed down to the last few words, Twilight abruptly stopped reading as her voice caught in her throat. Her eyes slowly widened as the color in her face slowly began to drain, her pupils shrinking to mere pinpricks.

“Twilight, what’s the matter darling?” Rarity asked, pulling herself out from under Fluttershy’s wing and putting a hoof on her friends’ shoulder. “You were about to tell us the location of the Elements. Why did you stop?”

“Yeah, you look like you’ve seen a Windigo or something.” Rainbow murmured, earning her a glare from Fluttershy. “What? She does!”

“No, no…no no no no no! It just can’t be!” Twilight cried as she backed up, her magic going out and letting the book fall to the floor. She only stopped when she felt her rump bump against one of the bookshelves. Her body shook is if she had just come out of a snowstorm, her lower lip quivering in terror. “It’s not possible…it’s just not possible! There’s no way that the Elements can be located there of all places!”

“Now what in the hay or ya talkin’ ‘bout, sugarcube?” Applejack asked quizzically, looking at the lavender Unicorn with a raised golden eyebrow. “Ya jus’ said that the Elements ‘o’ Harmony ‘re located in the two Queen’s abandoned castle. What could be so scary ‘bout it’s location that it makes ya look like yer ‘bout ‘t’ be trampled by a herd ‘o’ fightin’ bulls?”

Goku, who was also curious and concerned about Twilight’s sudden change in demeanor, walked up to the book. Her eyes scanned through the pages, rereading what Twilight had, before coming to the bottom. When she read the last few words, she couldn’t help but let out a gasp as her eyes slowly widened, letting out a low, “Oh dear...”

'Oh goodness...I'm right aren't I?' Fluttershy thought to herself, biting her lip as her wings ruffled. 'The Elements really are located in there!'

“What is it, Goku?” Midnight asked gently, taking notice of the grimace forming on her youngest sister’s face. “Did you find what Twilight was looking at?”

“Yeah, think I did...along with the reason why Twilight is so freaked out.” The tan Thestral replied, looking up at her sisters and friends with a grave expression. “It’s true that the last known location of the Elements of Friendship is in the Castle of the Two Sisters. However, the location of the castle itself is what scared Twilight. According to the book, Queen Celestia and Queen Luna’s castle is located in the one place that nopony’s ever gone to, or ever come out of.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, before looking at the others with an expression full of seriousness and slight fear. “The castle is in…the Everfree Forest.”

Author's Note

Well, there you have it folks, the 11 chapter of the Elements of Harmony down and out for all to read :scootangel: ! I admit, this one took bit longer to do, probably because in the past one I was focusing a bit more on the timeline that focused on the main story of My Little Pony, at least that's what I felt, and I wanted to add more scenes of Zephyr, just like I did in this chapter, however short it was. Not only that, but because I believed that this chapter was a bit too long for my taste, and it could've been more better done if it was in a two parter, especially for what I'm about to put it it for the next chapter :raritywink: . As for the rest of the chapter...I can see that it was a bit too wordy and the explanation about Nightmare Moon's origins stretched way too long for anyone that was reading it. So I decided to shorten it up a bit, along with cutting it off at the spot where Goku had told all of her friends just where the Element of Harmony will be located. What that'll hold, I won't spoil, but l'm pretty sure that all of you are going to like just what I have in store before things really go down :ajsmug: . As for the techniques that Nightmare Moon had used against Zephyr and the other guards, that was Requip Magic, the very same type of magic that Erza and Bisca use from Fairy Tail, only I stuck more tom the framers side since I felt that it would be more interesting. Not that I'm saying that Bisca's magic isn't cool but...you guys know what I mean by all of this :derpytongue2: .

Anyway, that's it for today; tune in next time for the next chapter! With this one, it won't be one of the ones that I'll be rewriting, at least not entirely, though I will say that I have quite the surprise in store for you all :twilightsmile: .

Chapter 12 - Formation of the Super Seven

Far away from the catastrophe taking place in the Town Hall, quieter and slow pacing events were happening in a place on the north eastern part of Ponyville. In a secluded and more peaceful area of Ponyville, laid a large building that looked to be made for treating the sick and the injured. It didn’t quite look like a hospital, but the plus sign hanging at the very top of the building gave a big indication that it was one for such purposes. It was divided into three separate parts with the outer left and right parts of the building having five windows each. A pair of windows could also be seen in between the main entrance and the two outer parts of the building, with three on top of the entrance. At the very bottom of the building were two large double green doors, and at the very top of the building was a large white plus sign with pink hearts in the corner. Standing over fifty feet away from the building was that very same pus sign, showing all that didn’t look at the building first that it was a hospital. This place was known as Ponyville General Hospital, one of the best hospitals found anywhere for anypony that needed help with anything life threatening.

In the interior of that very same hospital, very little activity could be seen going on inside, with only a few or so doctors or nurse moving about the hospital. The sound of clopping hooves and small bits of chatter was the only thing that could be heard inside of the building, otherwise all else was very quiet. The area of the hospital that was the quietest was the one where ponies would usually wait at the front for treatment, critical injuries, birth control tests, illnesses, or anything minor or major. It was also the place where one of Ponyville General Hospital’s most efficient nurses could be seen going through the last routines for her night.

Sitting at the front desk, rummaging through a series of notes at her desk, was a young Earth Pony mare that looked to be in her mid-twenties. She had a very pale light gray coat that was whiter than a winter snowfall, looking to actually be red instead of gray. The mare had an amaranthish gray mane and tail that was a shade lighter than Fluttershy’s, her mane tied in a neat bun, while her tail dragged behind her. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of sapphire blue, and a nurse’s cap could be seen resting atop her head. A roseray could be seen hanging from the collar around her neck, and her Cutie Mark was of a large plus with small pink hearts in the corners. This mare was Nurse Redheart Kindheart Rosario, one of the top nurses of Ponyville General Hospital and the best one in said hospital.

Redheart let out a soft sigh as she straightened the papers in her hooves, relief washing over her as she finished going over the last files for the night. It had been a particularly tiring day for the nurse, and she was more than looking forward to having some time to kick and finally get some rest form all of the labor that she had earlier today. There wasn’t really anything major or important that went on today if Redheart was being honest with herself. It was one that went at a pace that she liked, and allowed her to think about her problems without anything else clouding her mind. Despite that, she still felt like she was drained of energy, which made her all the more excited for her to leave as soon as possible. The fact that the Summer Sun Celebration was taking place that very same day only added to the Nurse’s excitement. Topped with the fact that her three sisters would be there with her made her just want to throw the papers aside, grab her sisters, and run right out the door.

As tempting as that was however, Nurse Redheart knew that wasn’t the most rational option, and she’d be seen as somepony to who didn’t really take her responsibilities seriously. So, she resigned to just organizing the last of her papers, wait for her sisters to come out of their respective offices, before leaving to spend the rest of the day with each other. Unfortunately for her, she’d have to wait a little bit longer for that to happen; maybe even longer. For in just a short while, she’ll find herself in the most terrifying situation she’d ever been in, in her entire life.

Another sigh escaped Nurse Redheart as she put the last of her papers inside the drawers next to her desk, somewhat carelessly shutting it closed. Inhaling deeply, she stretched her forelegs and her neck as she arched her back, the sound of bones readjusting in place filling her ears. A few moments later, she let her body go slack her mind going into a buzz for a sometime before it died down and she came back to her senses. Just as she sat back up, she heard a multitude of hoofsteps coming from the hallway from the right of her desk. The scent that the ponies carried was all that Redheart needed to know that it was her fur sisters, Tenderheart, Sweetheart, and Snowheart. Slowly, she sat up in her chair, brushing her mane away, and couldn’t help but smile warmly at the ponies in front of her.

Like Redheart, the three mares that stood in front of her front desk were Earth Ponies, each of them sporting the same cross-like roseray hanging from their necks. Their appearance however, were an entirely different story, and one of them even had a clear difference in physic. The first mare had a pale light grayish cobalt blue coat, and a grayish mulberry, and light grayish mane and tail. Her eyes were a tender set of pale light grayish heliotrope, and her Cutie Mark was a pure red plus sign with dark pink hearts that the corner. This shy looking mare was Tenderheart Kindheart Rosario, the third sister of the Heart Sisters.

The second Earth Pony was a rather chubby mare, not to the point where she didn’t look attractive, but in a way that still made her very appealing to none-picky stallions. She had a pale light grayish orchid coat, with brilliant cornflower blue eyes that shined with mirth and sweetness. Her cutie mark was of a pure white plus sign with light pink hearts that the, and she also had a white nurses cap at the top of her head. This chipper and bubbly looking mare was Sweetheart Kindheart Rosario, the youngest sister of Redheart’s group of sisters.

The third and final earth pony had a pale shade of apple green fur that looked to be yellow, with a pale light grayish ceruleanish streaked cornflower blue and tail. Her eyes were a moderate harlequin iris color, holding a combined air of strength and kindness that seemed to radiate off of her. Her Cutie Mark was of a pure white heart with pale brown hearts in the corners of them, and a nurse’s cap was also resting atop her head. This authoritive, yet gentle looking mare was Snowheart Kindheart Rosario the second sister of the four mares.

“Well well well, I see that you’re just about ready to close up for the night Redheart.” The last pony said, her voice sensual and smooth. “All of that work that you’ve been doing today finally catching up to you?”

“Hello to you too Snowheart.” Redheart said dryly, smiling in amusement at her sister as she leaned forward. “I see that you’re as chipper and as socially active as ever…I take it that you and the others have finished your shifts?”

“Yep sure have sis!” The second mare said cheerfully, giggling as she grinned jovially. “And we all finished it up as quick as a jiffy! We even had some extra time to spare before we came here to see you!”

“Oh, you did?” The pale light gray mare asked, raising an amaranthish gray eyebrow. “Just what were you doing in that time, may I ask?”

“Keeping our dear little Sweetheart from stuffing her face full of sweets in the cafeteria.” The first mare replied, smiling tenderly at the second mare. “When I was leaving from my shift, I caught our sister trying to sneak some snack away from the kitchen and the food booths. It was a good thing that I was there, otherwise she’d be looking even more chubby than she was before!”

“Hey, it’s not my fault that I like to eat so much!” The second mare, Sweetheart, cried indignantly. “It’s just…something that I can’t really control, something that none of us can control! So don’t go getting on my case about eating so much when you three all do the same Tenderheart!”

“That may be so Sweet, but there’s one significant difference between your way of eating and our way of it.” Snowheart said, gingerly running a hoof down the chubby mare’s chin. “We have the tendency to eat foods that’ll help us keep the beautiful shapely figures that we have right now. You on the other hoof, tend to throw the cautions about keeping your body in check out the window, which is why you don’t look like we do right now.”

Sweetheart flinched, her ears falling lip as she gained a puppy dog expression. “A-are…are you calling me…f-f-fat?”

“Snowheart!” Redheart exclaimed sharply, leaning up on her desk as she glared sternly at her second eldest sister. “That was very uncalled for! You didn’t have to put it like that; you know how Sweetheart feels about ponies mentioning her weight, especially if its from one of us. You take that back right now this instant!”

“You misunderstand me big sister.” Snowheart said, her smiling gaining a slight apprehensive edge to it “I was just merely pointing out how Sweetheart gets carried away with keeping that adorable chubby belly of her’s full. I didn’t mean anything mean by it, just saying how she sometimes gets carried away with wanting to have a full stomach.”

“That may have been what it seemed like to you, but it wasn’t what it sounded like to us Snowheart.” Tenderheart said, running a hoof down a sniffling Sweetheart’s mane. “And it certainly did its job in making her feel like she’s not attractive.”

“Exactly, which is why I want her to say that she’s sorry, and take back what she said about Sweetheart being careless about keeping herself healthy.” Redheart said, her tone softer, yet still having a firm edge to it. She turned back to Snowheart, and her eyes narrowed as they gave off a bright orange glow. “Now…go on Snowheart.”

The pale green yellow mare flinched, shrinking back a bit at her eldest sister’s stern look. “R-right, I’m sorry sister…” She turned back to Sweetheart, who looked a little bit calmer, but still having a somber expression. “I’m sorry Sweetheart, I didn’t mean what I said the way that I said it. I never mean to make you think that you weren’t attractive, and I’m sorry if I made you feel that way…can you forgive me?”

“Y…yeah, I forgive you Snowy.” Sweetheart replied, wiping at her eyes as she looked at her older sister. “I…I-I know you didn’t mean anything by what you said; it just caught me off guard that’s all. Just…try not to say anything like that again okay?”

“Yes of course sister, I’ll be sure not to sound so, erm, brass next time.” Snowheart said, giving the chubby mare a kiss on her forehead. She then turned to Redheart, who had looked much calmer than she had a few moments ago. “Anyway, Redheart, have you finished everything up here?”

“Yes Snowheart, I have. All of the patient’s files are in order, they’ve been given their daily checkups, and any sicknesses and illnesses they may have are being treated are have been treated.” Redheart replied, giving a small smile. “Everything’s been taken care of, and I’m already to get on out of here for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Wonderful.” Tenderheart smiled, one of her ears flicking. “I can’t wait to get over to the Town Square and socialize with the Queen. Of all of the places that I thought that the Summer Sun Celebration would be held, I never believe that she’d hold it here.”

“Me neither, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be any less fun!” Sweetheart added, giving a little bounce of excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait to get over to that building and eat all of those wonderful sweets! I can almost taste them on the tip of my tongue!”

“Yes, yes, we know Sweetheart, you want to stuff yourself until you explode.” Snowheart chuckled, patting her sister on her head. “I swear, your stomach would make a bottomless pit seem to have a bottom.”

“Yes, it is, and by the time the Summer Sun Celebration is over, her chubby little stomach will be even chubbier.” Redheart said, her tone slightly teasing as she smiled mischievously at the grayish orchid mare. “Speaking of which, I’m really starting to get hungry. What do you girls say we go on ahead and head off to the Town Square? All of those checkups, organizing, and tending to the foals have made me quite hungry, especially after that long needed sleep that I got.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth Red! I thought you’d never ask!” Sweetheart chirped, her eyes sparkling as she smiled happily. “Well what’re we waiting for girls?! Let’s go!”

Right at that moment, the double doors to the hospital room exploded open, the force behind it causing a powerful gust of wind to blow right into the library. All three of the Heart Sisters jumped and let out cries of surprised, shielding their eyes form the blast of wind that blew their manes and tails away. when it died down, the four mares all turned to the source of the wind, only for all of them to gasp when they saw Zephyr standing just inside the hospital entrance.

“Oh…thank Faust, there are still nurses here.” The royal blue stallion said to himself, letting his head drop. “That means…I was able to make it just in time.”

“Oh my goodness! Sir are you okay?!” Tenderheart asked, running over to the stallion and inspecting his disheveled form. “Are you hurt anywhere? What happened to you?”

Zephyr shook his head, placing a gentle, yet firm hoof on the cobalt blue mare’s coat. “I’m afraid that my injuries are irrelevant at the moment. I need all of your help with something very important right now, and you’re the only ones who can help me with it.”

“Before we go onto that, do you mind telling us who you are?” Snowheart asked, raising a cornflower blue eyebrow. “We really didn’t expect to have anypony else coming to visit this hospital, especially since this is supposed to be our day off for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“My name is Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron, Third in Command of Queen Celestia’s Solar Royal Guard Day Branch.” Zephyr replied, making all four mare’s eyes widen in shock. “As of the Summer Sun Celebration, I’m afraid that it’s going to be postponed for a while after what just happened.”

“Postponed?” Sweetheart asked, a bit of disappointment coming to her face as she sulked slightly. “Why? What’s happened?”

“I hate to but this so bluntly, but there’s no proper way to prepare any of you for this, so I’m just going to come out and say it.” Zephyr replied, drawing in a deep breath. “The Town Square…has been invaded.”.

“Invaded?!” Redheart asked, her eyes widening in shock. “What do you mean invaded?”

“Exaclty what I said, invaded.” Zephyr replied, walking closer to the four sisters. “It happened so suddenly, that none of us were prepared for it. An unknown enemy had suddenly broke into the Town Square, destroying the roof in the process! They wreaked havoc inside of the building and almost destroyed it with the power they wielded! It was only thanks to me and the rest of my fellow soldiers that we were able to keep it from being burnt to the ground, but…the citizens…they weren’t so lucky.”

Tenderheart’s blood ran cold. “W…w-what do you mean by that?”

“A majority of the citizens have been critically injured in the invasion.” Zephyr replied after a moment of silence, grimacing at the looks of horror on all four mares faces. “Thankfully, none of them have been killed, but a majority of the ponies in the Town Square have sustained injuries that’ll be life threatening if something isn’t done soon. That’s why I came here as quickly as I can, so I can get your help in helping them.”

“T…the Town Square nearly been destroyed and the p-ponies in it are nearly d-dead?!” Sweetheart cried, her plastered on her face as her hindlegs shook. “A-are…are there any foals inside of there too?”

Zephyr flinched as he looked off to the side, and that was all that Sweetheart needed to answer her question. Before the grayish orchid mare could freak out or go into a panic attack, the Solar Royal Guard quickly continued. “Unfortunately, yes, there are foals inside of the Town Square, however, we don’t exactly know of their fate at the moment. They disappeared sometime after the unknown invader came inside of the building. We have no idea where they could be inside of the Town Square at the moment.”

“Oh, now that’s horrible!” Snowheart cried, a hoof flying to her face. “The poor dears must be so scared! We have to go over there and help them!”

“W-what should we do?!” Tenderheart asked, looking in between her sisters, before her eyes settled onto Redheart. “R-Redheart, do you have any idea of what we should do?”

The light grayish white mare said nothing, still in her current position as she stayed stock still, not moving a single muscle. Her head was lowered, her bright pink bang shadowing her eyes as a brilliant blue aura surrounded her body.

“U-um…R-R-Red?” Sweetheart asked timidly, taking a step back from the sight of her sister’s Earth Pony Adrenaline Aura. “A-are you okay?”

“…Captain Zephyr?” Redheart asked calmly, slowly lifting her head and locking her eyes straight into Zephyr’s. “You said that there are ponies inside the Town Square, right? Just about how many are there?”

Zephyr shrunk back slightly at the Earth Pony mare’s slight change in attitude, but answered her nonetheless. “I’m not sure…there were a lot of ponies that were inside the building, and I noticed that a majority of them had run out of the Town Square. Thankfully, the ponies that escaped were uninjured, and though I can’t say the same for the ponies inside, I can’t exactly say just how many there are at the moment.”

“I see…if that’s the case, then there’s only one thing that I can think of that I can help both of us in this situation.” Redheart said to herself as she turned to Tenderheart. “Tenderheart, can I trust you to take care of whatever wounds that Captain Zephyr has?”

“E-er, um…yes?” Tenderheart replied tentatively. “W-what’re you going to do?”

Redheart’s eyes flashed even brighter than the aura surrounding her. “I’m going to activate Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants.”

Snowheart, Tenderheart, and Sweetheart’s eyes nearly fell out of their sockets at the words that their eldest sister just said. Zephyr, who was being tended to by Tenderheart, sporting a look of confusion, looking in between the four sisters.

“S…Secret Operation Inhabitants?” Sweetheart asked after a long stretch of silence. “You mean the Secret Operation Code where all Doctors and Nurses are called to go where large groups of ponies are held in one place?”

“The very same one.” Redheart nodded, her expression not changing. “From what Captain Zephyr just told me, there are quite a lot of ponies that need to be tended to. And while I’m pretty sure that not everypony will be inside the Town Square by the time we get there, I’d rather not take any chances at not having all the doctors and nurses in this hospital there.”

“A-are you sure that’s a good idea Redheart?” Snowheart asked. “Not that I’m against the idea, but…that seems pretty excessive. I mean…like you said, we don’t know how many ponies are in the Town Square that needs to be tended. So, we don’t know if we need all the doctors and nurses here to go over there.”

“That may be so, but at this point, there isn’t really any other option at this point.” Zephyr replied firmly, glaring sternly at the pale green yellow mare. “There are countless of ponies that need your help right now, so much so that you shouldn’t care about exactly number! If I were you, I would take my chances and bring every single available doctor and nurse you have with you, even if it’s not many! The lives of the citizens of Ponyville are at stake, and if you care about their safety, especially that of the little ones, then you’ll take as much extra help with you as you possibly can before it’s too late!”

Zephyr panted slightly after that, his orange garnet eyes boring right into Snowheart’s moderate harlequin ones, making the mare shrink back slightly. He held that powerful gaze for a few moments, a small, yet spine chilling draconic growl leaving his throat as he continued to glare at Snowheart. A few seconds later, his expression softened, and she turned back to Redheart and the rest of her sisters.

“I’m sorry about that Nurse Redheart” He said, giving an apologetic and respectful bow. “I didn’t mean to yell at your sister like that.”

“No, it’s alright, I can see why you were upset by what she said.” Redheart said softly, holding up a hoof as she glanced at her younger sister. “That being said, I hope she and the rest of my sisters realize the gravity of the situation at hoof right now, and what needs to be done.”

“Y-yes, we do sister.” Snowheart said, her ears falling limp. “What do you want us to do?”

“Well, firstly…” Redheart said, turning to Tenderheart and Zephyr. “…Tenderheart, you’re going to stay with Captain Zephyr and helping him with any injuries he may have. Even if they happen to be disheveled wings, help him with it. Once he’s properly healed, you go accompany him back to the Town Square.”

“Of course, whatever you say big sister.” Tenderheart nodded gently, before turning to the larger Pegasus stallion next to her. “Come with me Captain, we’ll help you get those wings in proper shape in no time.”

“Thank you…” Zephyr nodded, leaning into Tenderheart as she guided him down the hallway. ‘I hope we can make it in time.’

“Sweetheart, Snowheart you two go into your offices and get your medical supplies, and everything else that you’ll need.” Redheart said, plopping down on all fours. “This is going to be our biggest operation, so we’ll need anything that’ll help us right now.”

“O-okay, we’re on it big sis.” Sweetheart said as she galloped down the hall, Snowheart in tow.

As her three sisters went to their respective tasks, Redheart let out a sigh and shook her mane away. Looking down under her table, she locked eyes with a red button that had what looked to be a dark red button that was just below her desk. Behind it hung, the sign, ‘Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants. Use for major emergencies only.’, which let all nurses and doctors who happen to be where Redheart currently was, to only press the button if absolutely necessary.

‘Well, looks this is one of those times…dammit.’ The nurse thought to herself, blowing her bang away from her face. ‘I was hoping to finally get some relaxation at the Town Square, and maybe play with a few of the foals there while we were all at it. It looks like fate has other plans for me tonight I suppose.’

With another intake of breath, Redheart lifted her hoof and slammed it right up into red button, and immediately the sounds of beeping sirens went off all over the hospital. Redheart’s ears flattened from the sudden loud noise, but she ignored it, never losing her focus as she spoke into the speaker next to the red button.

“Serect Code Red! Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants is under way! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!” She said, her voice echoing about the hospital through the speaker. “Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants is now commencing! All doctors and nurses report to the front desk immediately!”

The silence that followed in the Golden Oaks Library, was only broken by the ticking of the clock near the ceiling. Nearly everypony stood stock still as they all stared at Goku with wide eyes, looking as if they were all paralyzed in place. None of them said a word, trying to process what their friend had just said, unable to believe the words that came out of her mouth. Eventually, they snapped out of it, and when they did, Rarity was the first one to shatter the ice.

“I…I-I’m sorry darling, b-but could you r-repeat that p-please?” Rarity asked, giving the tan Thestral mare a shaky smile. “I could’ve s-sword that you s-said that, t-the Elements a-are in the…E-E-Everfree F-Forest…”

“Yes Rarity, that’s exactly what I said.” Goku said firmly, her expression not changing. “The Elements of Harmony are indeed in the chaotic wilderness of the Everfree Forest.”

Before anypony could speak, Goku flipped the book around and showed the open pages over to the rest of the mares and foals. All of them, minutes Fluttershy and Twilight, gathered around and took a deep look on the page that said the Element’s location. Each of their eyes widened further, and they all backed away, lost in their own thoughts.

“I…I-I can’t believe it.” Scootaloo squeaked, her whole body shaking on the spot. “T-the Elements of H-Harmony a-are really i-in t-the Everfree forest? T-the wildest, untamed, m-most unpredictable and dangerous forest known to all pony kind?! Said to have been created by the God of Chaos Discord Konton himself?!”

“The very same one, sweetheart.” Goku replied softly. “In case you all didn’t know, I had read about the Everfree Forest before, sometime while I was still living in Canterlot as a filly. It told of how the Everfree Forest had emerged sometime after the defeat of Discord, and how it grew around Celestia and Luna’s old castle. It also told of the many wild beasts and creatures that all appeared in it sometime after the forest was given life.”

“Ah…can’t believe it. Who would’ve thought them Elements would be located in…that forest o’ all places.” Applejack breathed a lost expression on her face. “Out of all the places that I expected them to be, the Everfree Forest was the last place that I would expect them to be.”

“Yeah, same here.” Rainbow Dash nodded, still trying to get over the shock herself. “I mean, who would think to look there?! I didn’t even know that the Queens had even been in that there, let alone lived in it until now!”

“Well, Queen Celly did warn us that we would be a bit taken aback by where the Elements were.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. “Although, I have to admit; even I wasn’t expecting the Elements to actually be there!”

“I was.” Fluttershy pipped up, making everypony turn to her. “While I was listening to Twilight explain the what the Elements of Harmony are, I got a, um, sinking feeling in my gut that the Everfree Forest was the place that we were going to be searching for the Elements. I even suspected it when the Queen said that we may not like where we were supposed to look for them.”

“Y-you did?” Twilight asked, shakily getting back to her hooves. “H-h-how did you m-manage to guess t-that?”

Fluttershy looked over at the lavender Unicorn. “I could sense it even before she even said it. I could tell just by her body language, that the place that she was going to tell us where the Elements were, was one that we were not going to like. I have a knack for reading ponies body language to a certain point, where I can tell what they’re feeling. So, I had a pretty good idea as to what Queen Celestia was going to say about the Elements Location. I could even sense it coming from you Twilight, when you started to panic when you saw the Elements location, something told me that it was going to be in the Everfree Forest.”

Snowflake narrowed her eyes at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Fluttershy, darling, not that I’m trying to accuse you of anything, but…I get the feeling that there’s more to it.” She said softly, yet skeptically. “Is there something that you’re not telling us about all of this?”

“Snowflake!” Midnight chastised, glaring sternly at the mountain blue Thestral. “How could you say something like that? Fluttershy would never hide something from us about the one thing that our sister and her friends are supposed to be looking for! Especially in a place that none of us have ever been into before!”

“No Midnight it’s okay.” Fluttershy said, holding up a hoof to stop the beetle black Thestral in her scolding. “You see, I had a feeling that Queen Celestia was going to say that we should look in the Everfree Forest for the Elements of Harmony. Because…it’s not entirely uninhabited by ponies.”

A look of confusion made its way to Goku’s face. “What do you mean by that Fluttershy?”

The veterinarian paws at the ground, her mane spilling over her face. “I…I never really told anypony this, because I didn’t really want to get rallied with questions and accusations. But, since you’re all here, I-I feel like I can tell you.”

“Tell us what dear?” Snowflake asked. “What is about the Everfree Forest that you want us to know?”

“W-well…you see, I…I, um…” Fluttershy said, running a hoof down her mane as she attempted to form words into her mouth. She glanced over at Scootaloo, who was gave her a silent gesture to continue, before she finally spat it out. “I…I live in the edge of the Everfree Forest.”

“You…you do?!” Midnight asked, her eyes widened in shock as both her sisters gasped. “You actually live on the edge of the words most dangerous wildernesses?”

“Eeyup, she most certainly does.” Applejack replied, giving a little snort. “Ah’ll be honest, when Ah first saw Fluttershy again, Ah didn’t really believe that she’d have the guts to set up a home in a forest as crazy as that one. No offense t’ her, but somepony would have t’ be crazy to even think about livin’ anywhere near someplace like that.” The farmer rubbed the back of her head. “When she took me t’ her home and showed me her backyard, she took me through the woods in it and…well, Ah saw it. All o’ them giant trees and that freaky magic it forest gives off. After that, Ah, uh…never really went that far int’ Fluttershy’s backyard again.”

“Well I for one, did believe our dear Fluttershy.” Rarity said curtly. “I did not see any reason as to why she would lie, let along joke about something as big as living near somewhere as horrid as the Everfree. Anypony that would be brave enough to admit something like that, and be so serious about it can’t possibly by lying through their teeth.” The alabaster Unicorn shrunk back a bit at Fluttershy’s stern glare. “N-not that I’m saying that the Everfree really is horrid, nor are any of the creatures in it…but, it just makes me feel that way. B-but you understand what I’m trying to say right darling?”

Fluttershy said nothing, just continuing to frown at Rarity with that stern disapproving look in his eyes. At some point it hardened even further as her eyes gave a faint bright orange glow, making Rarity flinch.

“R-right of course.” She said weakly, looking off to the side. “I’ll just…be silent now.”

“Wow Fluttershy. I…I never thought that you’d chose to live near the Everfree Forest of all places.” Goku said, regaining her composure. “Then again, considering you’re a mare that likes to keep her privacy and likes to be around animals, I can see why.”

“Well, I sure can’t!” Rainbow Dash said crassly, frowning down at Fluttershy. “I know you like your little animals and being around nature and all Fluttershy, but come on! Don’t you think that this is stretching a little bit? You’re living right next to what has to be considered the most dangerous of all wild places! The Everfree Forest spans from here, all the way to the edge of Foal Mountain, over it, and spans even further to Hollow Shades, and all the way down Baltimare and Fillydelphia! There are so many different animals in there that can pop out of there and snag one of your animals and even your sister! What if something happens over at your place and Scoots is there in the middle of it and you’re not able to keep her safe?”

“Dash, I am well aware of the risks that I’m taking in living so close to a forest that can kill a pony before they can really venture into it.” Fluttershy said firmly, locking her stern glare right onto the cyan mare. “I am also aware of what the animals in that same forest that pose many different dangers should Scootaloo be caught in the middle of it. I’m not stupid, nor am I naïve in what I’m doing, and I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”

“I didn’t say you were-”

“I wasn't done speaking.” Fluttershy said sharply, effectively cutting off the other Pegasus and making her flinch. “And it is because of those same reasons that I’m living so close to the Everfree Forest. So, I can learn all that I know about it, and the animals that live there, and what dangers they may possess. That way, when I do confront front them, I’ll be more prepared for those same dangers, so the chances of me surviving will be heightened. I’m also passing on those very same things onto Scootaloo, so she will also be prepared to face them on her own, should that day come that her friends won’t be able to, should they not be able to.”

Twilight blinked, a look of surprise coming to her face. “You…you are?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I am. I admit, I did decide to live near the Everfree Forest, so I can learn about the animals that live in it, rather than the ones we already know. However, the other reason was the one that I just explained, because these animals are on an entirely different level than the ones that I’m sure all of you know.”

She stepped far away enough so that she was facing all of her friends and the foals. “There are prides of lions the size of Appleoosan Buffalo, with the wings of a dragon and tails of a scorpion, able to breath fire like an actual dragon if they wanted. Draconic and demon-like cats, with the teeth of a Saber Tooth Cat, happy to eat the meat of any plant eating creature after they sliced their throats in half. Raptors the size of houses, that have the ability to control weather like Pegasi do, and are able to snatch large animals off of the ground. Bears larger than the biggest Rhinos with long muscular tails, wings of bats, and mouths full of acidic poisonous saliva that will melt the very meat off your bones with a single bite. Multi-headed snake like sea beasts, that’ll happily gobble you up after they’ve drowned you, lurking deep beneath the swamps, able to breath fire and acid. Large cave dwelling bat-like and den dwelling dog-like creatures that live in groups bigger than any lion pride, ready to snatch you up the second the sun sets and strip you down to bone until every last bit of flesh is gone, and eat your own bones afterwards. Wolves made of wood that’re more than happy to chase you down to the ends of the Everfree itself, and able to go into another form entirely. Felines that run and fly across the plains and skies of the Everfree, looking for prey to chase down from the ground or the air, and don’t even get me started about the dragons that live there too."

Nearby, nearly all of the foals gasped, their eyes widening at the last thing that Fluttershy had just said. They huddled close to one another, their little bodies shaking as they stared up at the buttermilk Pegasus in shocked terror. The only ones who weren’t were Scootaloo, Sheton and Spike, who just looked at them with looks of sympathetically.

“D…d-d-dragons?!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, her leonine tail tucked between her legs. “T-there are r-really dragons inside of the E-Everfree Forest?!”

“Yes Sweetie, there are…many of them than even I can care to count.” Fluttershy nodded, frowning softly at the alabaster filly. “The Dragons in the Dragon Lands and Dragon’s Lair are scary enough, but the ones in the Everfree…are on in an entirely different level. So much so that you really don’t want to meet them unless you know for sure that they won’t harm you, which is highly unlikely.” She looked off to the side. ‘And that’s not even getting started about all of the Everfree animals’ counterparts that’re in the pony free continent of Marelaska or the Forbidden Jungle. I’m so glad that we don’t have to find the Elements there…now that would be really bad.’

“Gosh…Ah knew that y’all would be facin’ a few critters here an’ there when we get int’ that forest, but…land sakes!” Apple Bloom said, looking like she was going to faint. “Y’all have t’ face that many critters, from th’ ground, water, an’ in th’ air?! Ah’m feelin’ dizzy jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout all o’ that, an’ ya ain’t even in th’ forest yet!”

“Same here darling.” Crescent Shield nodded said, using a wing to fan her face. “It looks that our sisters’ work is a lot more cut out for them than we thought it would be.”

“Yeah, we sure do.” Goku said, picking at one of her canines. “Still, as dangerous as the animals in the Everfree Forest are, we really shouldn’t let that deter us. Don’t forget, that all nine of us come from the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, so that means that we have a much bigger chance in the Everfree than anypony that’s not. Another thing is that one of us has plenty of knowledge about the animals in it, and can tell us what we need to do to ensure nothing to grave happens. One more thing, is that three of us are Thestrals and Kirins, both having powers very equivalent to that of dragons. So, there’s an even bigger chance of us to emerge from the Everfree alive, even if one of us where to go inside there.”

“That…that’s a very well speculated thought there Goku.” Twilight said, a thoughtful look on her face. “Seven of us are from clans, one of us has adequate knowledge of the Everfree, and three of us are Thestrals with the powers of dragons! If we combine all of those traits and accessories, then the risks of us not being able to escape the Everfree Forest will be lowered I think we may have a chance to pull this off!”

“Yeah, we just might be able to!” Pinkie Pie nodded, giving an excited giggle. “You know, I’ve never actually been inside the Everfree Forest myself. I’ve only been told stories by my parents back when I was living on the farm, and Mr. and Mrs. Cake when I moved to Ponyville. So, I never really knew for sure what it was like being inside there.” A wide grin made its way across her face she started bouncing in excitement. “Now I get to experience it for the very first time, and after everything that Fluttershy said about it, I’m even more excited! So many places and animals that I’ve never seen before in my life with all of these super-duper crazy abilities?! Oh, it’s gonna be so much fun!”

“Pinkie Pie, I hardly see what’s going to be fun about getting eaten by so many different creatures in a forest that nopony would dare set hoof into.” Rarity said flatly, sending a deadpan look to the bubblegum pink Earth Pony. “But, I do agree with what our dear Twilight has said. With the power we have, and what Fluttershy knows about the Everfree Forest, I think it can be said that we do have a chance at getting back here as soon as possible.”

“Oh yeah! I’m so ready to kick some Nightmare Moon plot to the end of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash grinned cockily, shooting her right forehoof into the air. “Come on everypony, let’s do this thing!”

“Wait a second!” Twilight cried, encasing the cyan mare in a brilliant raspberry aura to prevent them from taking off. “We can’t just go rushing off, girls. We need to come up with a plan before we take any action. Like where we’re going to enter the Everfree, which path we’re going to take to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and which path we’re going to take back.”

“Not only that…” Midnight said. “…we’re also going to need somepony whose experience in dealing with dangerous situations, and able to hold their own against anything. Somepony from let’s say…the Royal Guard and such.”

“Oh…” Goku said, one of her ears twitching as she blinked. “Well, in that case, we don’t get have Zephyr come with us? He’s from the Solar Royal Guard, and the Third in Command of the entire Day Branch. Not to mention he’s a Kirin like us, and can be really levelheaded and smart when the moment calls for it, and his strength only adds to it. So, I think he should be the one to come with us to give us some extra protection.”

“Uh, are you sure about that G?” Rainbow asked skeptically. “No offense, but that guy didn’t really seem all that strong to me. I mean, sure he was able to last longer than all of those other guards, but like them, he was taken down with just a couple of hits. Is he really the one that you want to come with us to let us know of any danger?”

The next thing Rainbow knew, Goku’s tail was lashing out and wrapping tightly around her neck, as if it was a lasso around a bull’s neck. With a surprised and slightly choked cry, she was yanked down to the ground and forced to look right into the eyes of the tan Thestral.

“Rainbow Dash, I will have you know that Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron is one of the most elite Solar Guards in the entirety of Queen Celestia’s Day Branch.” She said firmly, her angry cat like golden eyes looking right into Rainbow’s magenta ones. “There is a reason why he is named Third in Command of that very same branch, because he has what it takes to lead, to fight, and to do all that he can to protect his comrades and the innocent. He has the skills, and brains and the level head to do it, and more than enough power to protect both himself, and those around him. Besides my parents, me, my sisters, and eventually, my brother, he has more power than any of us combined than you have in your own two hooves, and if you saw the power than he shows during training, you wouldn’t dare say what you did just now.”

Goku towered over Rainbow Dash, her ears pinned as she bared her fangs at the other mare. “He may have been taken out with just one or two hits, but that was only because Nightmare Moon lucky! I can guarantee you, that the next time he meets Nightmare Moon, he’s going to stand a much better chance against her, even if she is an Alicorn! Now, I’ll let what you just said about Zephyr slide just once, but only because your first impression wasn’t the best thanks to Nightmare Moon treating him as if a mere toy. However, the next time you have anything to say about him, save it until after you’ve seen him in action, or else your fur is going to be a much lighter color of blue. Is that clear?”

Rainbow Dash paled. “C-crystal!”

After giving her another hiss, Goku unwrapped her tail from Rainbow Dash’s neck, allowing her to go free as the latter backed away fearfully. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Twilight and the others with a far softer expression. “Anyway, yeah…I think that Zephyr should be the one to come with us and protect us in the Everfree. No offense to the other Royal Guards but, I’m not exactly as comfortable around them as I am around him. I’d feel a lot safer if it was him and him alone that went in with us while we find the Elements.”

“Same here; besides Goku, her family, my parents, Crescent Shield, Spike, and Moondancer, Zephyr was one of the only other friends that I ever had while living in Canterlot.” Twilight nodded. “No other pony besides them has made me feel safer and more protected, and I feel like it will be really essential in this situation.”

“Are you sure that it’s not because you wanna have your coltfriend around you more?” Rainbow Dash teased, smirking at the lavender Unicorn. “Or maybe because you wanna use the Everfree to have a little night of-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence!” Twilight cried, her cheeks rapidly heating up as she glared daggers at the Pegasus. She took a deep breath to calm herself before turning to the others, ignoring Rainbow Dash’s snickering. “Anyway, is there anypony here that objects to this idea?”

“Of course not darling.” Rarity replied, smiling comfortingly at the librarian. “You’re just taking every measurable precaution to ensure that we all survive the dreadful adventure that’s about to take place. So, if you feel that we should have one of the Queen’s Royal Guards come with us, then we shall not object to it.”

“Thank you.” Twilight nodded, looking back over at the three Thestral Kirin sisters. “So, which one of us is going to get him? It’s only been twenty minutes since we left the Town Square and came here, and he may still be over there.”

“I will.” Midnight said, raising a hoof up. “I’m one of the fastest ones of the group, and I know where Ponyville General Hospital is. So, I should be able to get over there and back in record time.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, big sis.” Goku nodded, before facing Snowflake. “Snowflake, are you going to go with her.”

The mountain blue Thestral shook her head. “No, I’m going to be staying here and look after the foals. As much as I want to go with you little sister, the Queen left you seven specifically in charge of finding the Elements of Harmony. So, I’ll leave it to you to search for them, along with Zephyr.”

“Wait a minute!” Apple Bloom suddenly cried. “Ya mean y’all are jus’ gonna leave us here?! We said wanna help too!”

“Yeah! Can’t we go with you?” Sweetie Belle pouted, looking up at Rarity with pleading emerald eyes. “We wanna help you guys protect Ponyville too!”

“Ah’m sorry Apple Bloom, but that’s jus’ not an option.” Applejack replied firmly with a shake of her head. “While Ah don’t doubt that you an’ yer friends would be a helpin’ hoof under other circumstances, this is somethin’ that we’re gonna have to do ourselves. Besides, th’ Queen did say that there were six, maybe even seven Elements o’ Harmony that needed to be found, ‘n’ there are only seven of us that ’re needed. No offense to you Snowflake, Midnight.” She said, glancing over at the two older Kirin siblings, before looking down at her little sister with a sympathetic expression. “Sorry sugar foot, but yer jus’ gonna have to sit this one out.”

“I’m afraid that Applejack makes a fair point, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity nodded, putting a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “The situation is already bad enough as it is, and its not going to help us in the slightest if you and your friends put yourselves in danger like this.”

“Same goes for you, Fire Flash.” Rainbow Dash added, crossing her forehooves and giving the crimson filly a soft, yet stern expression. “We appreciate you and your friends’ loyalty to us and wanting to help stop Nightmare Moon, but that really isn’t a good idea. Besides, you saw what happened back at the Town Hall, didn’t you? She made the entire roof cave in and took Queen Celestia down with a single blow, and only reason she was able to do that was because she took the Queen completely off guard! Is that really somepony that you want to tango with? Even if you’re all ridiculously strong for foals your age?”

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Fire Flash didn’t say anything to this. They just looked at one another, silently contemplating their big sisters’ words as the three mares let what they said sink in. After a full minute of silence, they each hung their heads in defeat, their ears flattening against their heads.

“Yeah…yeah you guys are right. We can’t fight her, even with the powers that we have at our disposal.” Fire Flash sighed, pawing at the ground with her hoof. “We just...we don’t want to sit around and not do anything while you go off to fight and save the world. I mean, just because you guys can defend yourselves doesn’t mean that we can’t! We can fight, too!”

“Mhm… I-I know that we’re just fillies a-and we’re not that experienced in fighting other ponies.” Scootaloo muttered softly, looking up at her sister with her single visible violet eye. “S-still…w-we want to do something…a-anything to help you and your friends big sister…i-instead of just…d-doing nothing.”

“Oh Loo-Loo…come here sweetie.” Fluttershy cooed softly, bringing her little sister into a warm embrace. “I’m sorry that we have to leave you like this so suddenly, and I think that’s its very sweet that you want to help us. Though, I think that Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack have a point…it’s far too dangerous for you all to come with us, especially into the Everfree forest. You and I both know the dangers that it holds, and I pretty sure that the last thing we both want is for you and your friends, Sheton especially to experience that, right?” she asked, looking over at the stormy grey colt.

Scootaloo looked into her big sister’s gentle teal eyes with her one visible eye, before looking over at Sheton and the rest of her friends solemnly. The former gave her a sympathetic expression as her ears flattened against her head. “No…I-I don’t.” she replied quietly.

“Awww don’t give us those faces girls. I know that you and your friends wouldn’t put my little brother in danger like that. I’m very touched that you want to help.” Goku said sweetly. “Be that as it may, I’m going to have to agree with your sisters on this one. I’m sure that you all are very powerful little fillies and can hold your own, but I think you, your sisters and I can all agree that is something way out of your league. So, I think it’d be best if you all just leave this to us and keep yourselves out of trouble, okay?”

“Okay…” Spike said as each of them, minus Sheton, looked down at the ground dejectedly.

“Although…” The tan Thestral continued, making the fillies looked back up at her again. “Just because we don’t need your help our mission, doesn’t mean we don’t want your help at all. If you really do want to help us, I suppose there is something you can do.”

“Really?!” All six foals said in unison as they perked up, their dejected faces being replaced by excitement.

“Goku, what are you doing?” Twilight asked slowly and suspiciously.

“I couldn’t help but notice how well you all got along with Sheton when we met each of you. That’s probably the fastest that I’ve seen him warm up to foals his age. I also found it pretty cute how you all said you were gonna be the best friends you could to him.” Goku said slyly, making four of the five fillies blush. “Because of that, I would like to make a request to you. While we’re gone, I want each of you to stay here make sure that my little brother is safe. It’s not that I think he’ll get himself into trouble or put himself in danger, at least not intentionally. It’s just that, for whatever reason, danger has a way of coming to him when he least expects it to. So, I’m trusting you to make sure that nothing severe happens to him while I’m gone. Can you do that for me?”

For a few moments, the fillies didn’t say anything, just looking up at Goku with wide eyes as she waited patiently for their response. After a moment, they all smiled and gave her vigorous nods, all of them crowding around Sheton.

“You can count on us, Goku!” Apple Bloom replied, eagerly. “We promise, we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure yer brother’s safe! Y’all can count on that!”

"Yeah, and while you're all away, me and Crescent Shield make sure that nothing in the library gets destroyed!" Spike nodded, holding his head up high and giving a sharp and rather adorable salute. "We know how much Twilight loves all these books, and she'd be devastated if even one of them was destroyed!"

“Yeah, she totally would.” Rainbow whispered to Pinkie, making the other mare giggle.

“Shush you.” Rarity admonished quietly.

“So you'll look after my book while I'm gone, will you?" Twilight chuckled dryly, giving her assistant an amused look. "Alright Spike, I'm gonna hold you do that. You are a pretty tough little colt for your age, so I’m positive you can handle yourself. As for you Crescent Shield..." She turned to her little sister, who looked back up at her curiously. "Make sure that Spike doesn't set any of the books on fire while you and the other foals are here with Snowdrop and Midnight, okay? You and I both know he has the tendency to burn them by accident due to him having such and enhance sense of smell. So, be sure to keep my books intake, okay honey?

"Heehee, okay!" The ocean blue filly replied sweetly as Spike's cheeks flushed pink.

“It…it’s not my fault that my sense of smell is so strong.” Spike pouted, his chubby cheeks puffing out as he flicked his tail. “It’s just…something we Kirins have tha we can’t control that’s all. It’s not like I destroy the books on purpose.”

Crescent Shield giggled, planting a kiss on the Kirin colt’s cheek. “I know you don’t Spike, but you know big sis. She doesn’t want to take any chances when it comes to things like her books being destroyed. Don’t get me wrong, she knows you never want to ruin her books, but, you know how it is. Like you said, it’s one of those things you can’t control, which is why Twilight is taking extra precautions to make sure things like that don’t keep happening.”

Spike said, leaning into Crescent’s touch as she affectionately rubbed his head. “Yeah, I know…still, I just feel like I’m being accused of something that I don’t mean to do.” He admitted softly, looking down at the ground dejectedly.

“I know you do Spike.” Twilight cooed. “And we’re sorry if me or Crescent are making you feel that way. Look on the bright side, you may have knack for lighting my books on fire, but you make up for sweetness and being a real cutie!”

At this, Spike’s dragon-like ears perked up as a cute smile came to his face. “I think so too~!”

“See?” Twilight giggled, gently tugging at Spike’s cheek. “Absolutely adorable!”

“Well then, I guess that take care of that.” Goku chuckled, before glancing down at her little brother. “Alright Sheton, big sister’s going to heading out soon with her friends. Be a good little colt and try to stay out of trouble, and to do whatever big sister Snowflake and Midnight say, okay?” She said in a firm, yet gentle tone.

“O-okay sis…I-I-I will.” The stormy grey colt squeaked, giving his big sister a small nod. Suddenly, he galloped over to her and wrapped his forelegs around hers. “Just…please…p-please come back to me alive, big sis. I love you...”

“I love you too sweetheart, and don’t worry. I will come back.” Goku said softly, wrapping a wing around Sheton. After giving him a kiss on the forehead, she slowly broke away from him and turned to face her friends. “Now, is there anything else that any of you need to do before we go? I don’t want to rush any of you, but time is really not on our side right now.”

“Well, there is one thing Ah’d like to do.” Applejack replied, raising her hoof into the air. “Do any of ya mind if we make a quick stop to the barn b’fore we meet up with Zephyr an; head into th’ Everfree Forest? It’s not gonna be fer very long, Ah jus’ need to grab a couple more essentials as all. Ah have a feelin’ we’re gonna be needin’ it.”

“We can do that, just as long as we head straight to Everfree Forest afterword. The sooner we do that, the better.” Goku replied somewhat hastily, earning a quick nod from Applejack. With that said, she looked to the rest of her friends with the same face of fiery determination as she shouted, “Alright everypony, let’s go!”

“Yeah!” They all shouted in unison.

“Good luck you guys!” Fire Flash shouted to the mares. “Show Nightmare Moon who’s boss!”

“You know it Flash!” Rainbow Dash shouted back, as the mares took off into the night.

‘Don’t worry Queen Luna; we’re coming to save you! Just hold on a little bit longer!’ Goku thought as she and her friends made a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. 'I swear, if it's the last thing we do, we will free you from Miasma's grasp!'

Author's Note

Okay, now, the main reason that I had rewritten this chapter is because I saw that the last time that I had done it, it went far too long for my tastes. Most of it was going on about the explanation that Celestia was giving about Nightmare Moon's origins and her connection to her, and how it is that the Dark Queen came to be. The rest of it went onto showing just how the Main Seven was going to handle their journey into the Everfree Forest, and whether or not they were going to go in their alone or have somepony go in their with them to increase their chances of survival. When I went over that scene, I felt that it should be split into another chapter, and have a different name that would show just what that chapter was going to be about, which is exactly what I did here.

Anyway, the reason why I decided to add that little scene with the nurses to have some buildup before we get to that actual part of this chapter :ajsmug: . That scene was more or less a bit of a challenge, since I've very rarely been to any hospitals for serous injuries or anything like that, so that was probable the toughest part of the chapter while writing this. I will say this though, Nurse Redheart really needs more screen time, because there are so many stories that show why she's such an amazing nurse, even though we've only seen her a few times out of the whole entire series :applejackconfused: ! Besides the many things I wished for in Season 9 I really hope we get at least one episode of Nurse Redheart, otherwise, the 9th season is not going to feel quite as thrilling as I know it's going to be :fluttershysad: .

Well, that's all for now! Next time we're going to be making revisit to Celestia in Canterlot City...with an extra scene of her darker counterpart :raritywink: .

Chapter 14 - The Feathered Raider

The light sound of crickets chirping, and the loud crunching of leaves were the only things that Goku her friends, and Zephyr could hear as they trekked through the Everfree forest. The only thing that they could see was thick foliage, and large trees that practically crowded all around the girls as they walked in almost complete and total darkness. The Moon was the only light to guide them through the forest, yet even that was somewhat obscured by the trees from above.

They could hear the sounds of chirps, hoots, screeches, howls, and even roars of the animals all around them. This put most of them slightly on edge, and filling their minds with the thought that they may run into one of them and get attacked at any moment. Each and every one of them could feel the humid, misty, and almost foul air rolling off of their fur. It seeped it’s way to their nostrils, causing a couple of them to scrunch up their noses at the slight in the sensitive nerves in their noses.

Out of all these sights and sounds however, there was one thing about the Everfree that really unnerved them. So much so that even Goku was unable to keep from her fur from standing on end and her guard to be raised. Raw, untamed, and absolutely wild levels of magic could be felt emitting all around the Everfree, coming up in amounts that were so large and so powerful that it outclassed Celestia’s. It was probably even more powerful than both of them combined, so much so to the point where one would say that it felt…chaotic. If it were another group of that was sent to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, the magic emitting from this forest would make them feel like they were being suffocated. The girls were feeling something very similar to that right now, and probably wouldn’t have been able to take it had it not been for their own large amounts of magic. Though, something told them that the magic inside of them wouldn’t stay contained for very long, and when it was released, it would be let out it with a nice loud bang.

“So uh…girls?” Zephyr asked tentatively after a long stretch of silence, deciding that he should try and break the tension. Much to his relief, it seemed to do the trick, for the girls seemed to relax somewhat, with a couple of them even turning to him curiously. “I know that this may seem like a stupid question, but…have any if you been inside the Everfree Forest before?”

“Eenope, not a day in mah life sugarcube.” Applejack replied bluntly, giving a firm shake of her head as she trudged her way through the bushes. “This place gives off a really, really bad vibe that Ah jus’ can’t but mah hoof on fer some reason. Ah’m amazed that Granny Smith an’ th’ others even let me go in her with y’all, even though she seemed pretty against it, despite th’ Queen orderin’ us to.”

“I have actually.” Fluttershy murmured softly. “It wasn’t for anything major really. The only times I ever went into the Everfree was when one of my animal friends got lose and wondered off too far from my cottage, leaving me to follow their tracks and get them back out before they got eaten or lost.” She explained, looking up at the trees surrounding them, seeming to be lost in thought at the moment. “During those time, I did encounter some of the animals in here, and while things didn’t escalate to violently…let’s just say we both parted ways with more than a few scratches and bit marks.”

‘Is that the only reason?’ Goku thought, looking over at his fellow flyer with a jet-black eyebrow raised.

“Whoa, wait a second.” Zephyr said, looking back at Fluttershy. “You mean to say that you actually wentinsidethe Everfree Forest?”

“She sure has Zephyr! I never would’ve expected Fluttershy of all ponies would be brave enough to go in a place like this! That’s just not something that I see her usually doing!” Pinkie Pie replied, before gaining a thoughtful look on her face. “Then again, her cottage is just on the edge of the Everfree Forest, so I really shouldn’t be all that surprised! I haven’t been inside it though, but I always did wonder what it’d be like to be in a spooky forest such as this!”

“Well I for one, have never even set hoof in here!” Rarity replied hotly, cringing in disgust when she stepped into a pile of mud. “I mean, look at this place! This is not place that I would even consider living in for whatever reason! It’s too humid, too dark, and just too…too…icky! I could not stand to spend even a single day in a place like this, ugh!”

“For some reason, I believe you.” Zephyr murmured dryly. “I can tell just by looking at you that this is the last place you want to be in, and you’d rather be in a spa soaking in a nice steam room.”

“Precisely!” Rarity nodded. “Finally, somepony knows what I’m going through!”

“I’m pretty sure you all know what my answer is going to be.” Twilight said, using her magic to light their way through the forest. “I’ve lived in Canterlot for most of my life, and while I know about the Everfree, I’ve never set foot in it before, even during my visits here to see you all. I’ve only heard stories about it from my parents, brother and teachers. Like what kinds of creatures inhabit it and how it was created. So far, everything I was told about this place is pretty bad…especially about the type of magic it holds.”

“That’s an understatement of the century, Twi.” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes as she hovered above the group. “The things about the Everfree Forest aren’t just bad, they’re absolutely crazy! Everything about it is just completely unnatural, the way it looks, the animals, the amount of magic…even the weather itself! I’m all for going on awesome adventures and pulling off dangerous stunts, but seriously! Even I wouldn’t wanna do any of that here!”

“I’m not surprised none of you would want to be in a place like this.” Fluttershy said quietly, looking at each of her friends. “This place holds many dangers that ponies that aren’t of our caliber are not able to handle. It’s so unpredictable and unreal in so many ways, that some ponies just can’t even comprehend how a forest like this can even exist. Of course, everypony knows that it was created by Discord, though it’s not really known for sure whether or not he, or somepony else created the animals that lived in here. I know one thing…each and every single creature here is dangerous in their own right, and this forest alone is dangerous enough as it is, with the animals only adding to it.” Her wings ruffled as she brushed some foliage out of her face. “And I have the scars to prove that theory.”

“So you were actually attacked by the beasts here?” Zephyr asked, watching as Fluttershy nodded silently. The royal blue stallion looked the mare up and down, unable to see any markings on her buttermilk yellow fur. “I don’t really see any scars on you.”

“Oh, that’s because my furs grown over them over the years, and none of them have been severe enough to be permanent.” Fluttershy explained, smiling sheepishly. “Why? Do you wanna see them?”

Zephyr quickly shook his head, a small blush coming to her face. “Oh no no, that’s fine! I don’t really want to see the scars! I was just, um…wondering why you didn’t have any scars if you had any run ins with any Everfree animals.”

“Are you sure you’re weren’t just asking so you can get a look at Fluttershy’s curves and ass?” Rainbow Dash asked, grinning teasingly at Zephyr. “You don’t have to be ashamed, it’s alright to be interested in a mare, especially ones that’re as hot as Fluttershy, especially me.”

“Y-you know that was so not what I was talking about!” Zephyr replied, stuttering slightly as his cheeks turned even redder. “I-I was just wondering what kind of scars Fluttershy had when she said she had faced the animals in this forest before.”

“Uh-huh, sure you were Zephyr.” Rainbow said, clearly not buying Zephyr’s truthful statement. “That just sounds like an excuse to cover up you wanting to get a look under Fluttershy’s tail and see what kind of package she has.”

Zephyr froze, his ears pinning as he glanced up at the cyan mare. “It…it is not!”

“Alright, that’s enough Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said firmly, putting a hoof on the royal blue stallion’s shoulder. “Zephyr’s on mission to protects while we’re in the Everfree, and the last thing he needs is you teasing him and filling his thoughts with ones of wanting to rut us into the ground.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising a prismatic eyebrow at Twilight. “What’s wrong with stallions like him having thoughts about mares like us? I just said there’s nothing wrong with him thinking that, since we’re all pretty hot as hay.”

“I never said that Zephyr was never allowed to have such…fantasies about mares.” Twilight said, her own cheeks gaining a red tint. “I’m just saying that now isn’t really the time to be prying in that particular subject. We have a mission to do right now, and we can’t have anything distracting us from it.”

“Awww, come on Twilight, no need to be such a party pooper.” Pinkie Pie cooed. “Everypony needs to a good laugh every now and again to all of those icky feelings out of the way. All Dash is doing is trying to lighten the mood that’s all. What’s so wrong with that?”

Twilight glanced over at Pinkie Pie. “There’s nothing wrong with that Pinkie! I just…don’t want us to get too far off track on what’s really important right now. The more time we waste goofing off, the more time that Nightmare Moon has to come up with some sinister plan to succeed in her original plan in bringing Eternal Night to Equestria.”

“Oh Twilight, is that what’s bothering you darling? You don’t think that we’re taking this mission seriously enough?” Rarity asked, giving Twilight a soft look. “Listen, I know that you’re worried about what may happen if we don’t stop Nightmare Moon, we all are. Don’t get us wrong, we understand just how important this mission is, just like we understand how much we need to take it seriously. Be that as it may, we’re not trying to think about it too much, because it’ll only serve to make us even more worried and not really be able to focus. If that happens, the chances of us completing this mission will lessen.”

“Rarity’s right Twilight.” Goku nodded, putting a feathered bat wing around the other mare’s back. “As much as I get why you’re so intent on stopping Nightmare Moon, you shouldn’t let even that be the focus of our mission here. In order of that to happen, we have to focus on our own survival, and that means making it through this forest until we reach Queen Celestia and Luna’s old castle. So for now, why don’t we focus on our survival before we confront and fight Nightmare Moon, that way, we’ll still have a chance to stop her instead of getting killed here?”

Twilight blinked staring at Goku for a few moments as she thought over her words. She then smiled and let out a little chuckle. “Yeah, you’re right…I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry about that Goku.”

“Don’t be sorry honey.” Goku said softly, kissing Twilight on her cheek. “You’re worried and anxious and that’s okay, all of us are. We’re just saying that you shouldn’t let that get to your head, especially at a time like this. Good thing you have us to keep that smart little head of yours from going insane like you’ve seen a plate of cheese quesadillas.”

“Yeah, I sure do.” Twilight smiled back, before it shifted into a frown. “And I do not freak out over cheese quesadillas! They’re just so…cheesy.”

“Which is exaclty why you shouldn’t be so scared of them.” Zephyr said softly, patting Twilight on her head. “They’re nothing but delectable sweet tasting crust covered sandwiches full of smooth creamy cheese that spread all over your tongue when you bite into them.”

“What’re you trying to do, make us hungry?” Goku snorted. “Because if you are, then it’s starting to work.”

“Oh no, I’m just pointing out why there’s no reason to be scared of such foods.” Zephyr said, winking at Goku. “And why there the one of the best things that you could ever eat!”

“Maybe for you, but it’s not that way for me!” Twilight huffed, pouting up at the royal blue stallion. “I find it absolutely inconceivable that I would like something that I have a phobia of; let alone eat! It’s just…impossible! It’s scientifically impossible for that to have even a remote possibility of happening!”

“Whatever you say Twilight, whatever you say.” Goku shrugged, letting out a little giggle. “Still, you never know…maybe one say you’ll get over your phobia and gather enough bravery to try a quesadilla, and find it to be quite satisfying.”

“The say that I try a single one of those…cheesy items…” Twilight said, shivering slightly. “…is the day that Spike tells me not to freak out over big tests and I don’t threaten to burn the scales off of his body.”

Pinkie Pie burst out laughing. “I can totally see something like that happening! Especially since I’ve seen it happen over a dozen times before!”

“Same here Pink.” Applejack nodded, letting out a chuckle of her own. “I’m amazed that Spike hasn’t tried t’ get away from Twi ‘cause o’ her lil’ episodes! Ah swear that boy has th’ patience of a saint!”

“That’s an understatement.” Rarity snorted. “No offense to you Twilight, but I don’t think I could handle that many episodes with you. Even if it meant that I could get in contact with one of the most successful nobles in Canterlot City.”

“None taken Rarity.” Twilight sighed, smiling sheepishly. “Honestly, even I’m impressed that Spike hasn’t decided to just kick the bucket with me yet. I really expected him to snap and let me know that he had enough.”

“Yeah well, you, me and Zephyr all know Spike, Twilight.” Goku giggled. “He’s too much of a sweetheart to let you know something like that. Especially since he’s been subjected to it all of his life, along with your own little sister. Plus, with how many times that’s happened I’m pretty sure it’s not really bothering him…at least nowhere near as much.”

“Yeah, you make a point there.” Twilight said, letting out a giggle of her own. “It’s funny, I’m the eldest one there and I’m supposed to be the one keeping them calm, yet they’re the ones keeping me calm.”

“Totally, I can literally smell the irony there.” Zephyr chuckled. “While some ponies would find it weird or funny, we’re not surprised. He is your Number One Assistant after all and Crescent is…well…”

“Twilight’s Number One Crescent Moon?” Pinkie Pie guessed innocently. Upon seeing all of her friends raised eyebrows, she pouted. “What? The first part of her name is Crescent, and there is such a thing as a crescent moon, isn’t there?”

“Yeah, sure Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash shrugged, chuckling. “Whatever you say.”

“You know what…I think that has a nice ring to it.” Twilight said, thinking over Pinkie Pie’s words before smiling. “I think I’m gonna start calling Crescent that from now one…something tells me that she’ll like it a lot.”

“Oh, Ah bet she will.” Applejack smiled. “An’ Ah bet that Spike’s gonna be even more thrilled, cause he’s not going t’ be th’ only one being called something having ‘Number One’ in it.’”

“I think so too~!” Goku concluded, doing her best childish imitation of Spike. This earned her multiple fits of laughter form just about all of her friends, including Zephyr, the tension lifting from the group the more they did. By the time the laughter ended, the eight ponies suddenly found themselves outside the thick tree grove, and onto a long flat cliff edge. They could not stop the awe enveloping them as they took in the vastness of the wilderness.

“Wow…” Zephyr breathed. “This place is just…just huge!”

“Ah’ll say.” Applejack nodded. “Ah’ve been in a lotta forests in mah lifetime, and a lot o’ them ‘r pretty big, but…land sakes! Ah don’t think Ah can properly explain jus’ how big this place is.”

“Well, Rainbow Dash did say that the Everfree Forest spans from Ponyville, all the way to Foal Mountain, Fillydelphia and Baltimare.” Twilight pointed out. “Still I have to agree, even I wasn’t expecting this place to be so large.”

“Me neither.” Goku said softly, walking ahead of the group to get a closer look. She closed her eyes and flicked her ears back and forth, inhaling the open air around her. “I have to say one thing though, even though this forest is supposed to be scary and chaotic, I can’t help but see just how beautiful it is.”

“Oh, I’m so happy you think so.” Fluttershy said, smiling sweetly at the tan Thestral. “Many ponies that haven’t entered think that it’s horribly to look at, but I don’t see it that way. All wildernesses are beautiful in their own right, and the Everfree Forest is no exception.”

“You…actually find this place beautiful Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, looking wide eyed at the buttermilk Pegasus. “But…this is the Everfree Forest! A place full of vicious beasts, untamable weather and vegetation that is dangerous in their own way! How can a place like this have any kind of divinity or semblance of beauty?”

“I know it may seem difficult to understand Rarity...” Zephyr said, looking back over at the alabaster Unicorn. “…but ponies like me, Goku and Fluttershy just have this eye for noticing things about nature that we can help but find amazing. Sure, it may seem brutal, scary, and even violent and bloody at times, but…despite that, we can’t help but find an inner sense of beauty about nature that we can’t help but find captivating.” He looked back out at the forest, takin giant trees, streams of water, listening to the sounds of the animals roaming about. “To us Shenrons, Rosarios, Nightstalkers, and anypony that has an eye or love for nature, it’s just the most amazing things we can discover…something we just can’t help but see over and over again.”

“Well…I can’t really see anything cool about it, but…if that’s how you guys feel, then I guess it’s cool with me.” Rainbow Dash said, staring at the three flyers before shrugging. “Still, I really don’t wanna waste all of this time sight-seeing, I wanna kick some Nightmare Moon ass! And we’re not going to get anywhere with that if we stay here looking at the trees all day!” She looked over at Twilight, who was rummaging through a saddlebag she had with her. “Hey Twi, you’ve got that map there with you?”

“Yes Dash, I do…just give me a couple of seconds.” Twilight replied, continuing to rummage through the left saddlebag. A moment later, she pulled out the map, and spread it out for everypony to see as she scanned over the map where the Everfree was. “Alright, we’re on the spot where the trail to the Castle to the Two Sisters is supposed stop here, and is supposed to go another way from this edge. If I’m positive, then we’re supposed to go left down this edge, and cross a river and follow the trail from down there.”

“Wait a sec, so we gotta go all the way down th’ side o’ this mountain?” Applejack asked, looking over at the lavender Unicorn. “How long is that gonna take?”

“Well, from what I can see of this map, not too long.” Goku replied, looking at the map inspectingly. “Although, it still may take us sometime for us to go down here by walking, so we can save it if we run. Or we can even carry each other in flight, that way we can save some time trekking down this mountain.”

“Hmm…I think that sounds like a good idea darling.” Rarity said, smiling at the other mare. “I certainly wouldn’t want to waste all that time walking down form this mountain. All that will accomplish is getting my poor hooves getting covered in more icky muck.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Of curse you’d want to go flying for that reason. Seriously Rares, what is so wrong about getting your hooves covered in dirt?”

“Because Dash, there is nothing more revolting then getting your well hooves, or any part of your beautiful frame covered in such a disgusting thing such as dirt.” Rarity replied, frowning at the cyan mare. “I know you’ll never be able to understand this darling but, it’s just the way it is for mares like me! Having even a single speck of dirt anywhere our bodies that carry any beauty is just simply the worst, possible, thing for us!”

“Which is exactly why you’re so up for us going by air and by land down this mountain.” Goku said teasingly, giggling at the glare that Rarity sent her way. “Anyway, if all of you are down for it, then that’s what we’ll do. Like Twilight said, time is of the essence, and we’ll need to get to the Castle of the Two Sisters as quickly as we can.”

“Exactly what I said.” Twilight said, folding the map and putting it back in her saddlebag. “Hey Zephyr? Are you up for this plan to? Zephyr?”

Upon getting no response from the Solar Guard, Twilight looked over at where Zephyr was, and saw him standing just several feet away. The lavender Unicorn’s eyes widened slightly when she saw him looking up into the sky, a concentrated expression morphed into his face.

“Um, Zephyr?” Twilight asked softly. “Is there something the matter?”

This time, Zephyr did respond, but he didn’t look over and acknowledge Fluttershy or Twilight in doing so. When he spoke, his voice was edged with the upmost seriousness.

“You guys…” He began, his tone catching nearly all of them off guard. “…I think we had better get a move on right now. I get the feeling that we’re about to be jumped.”

Goku’s ears perked. “What do you mean Zephyr? I don’t see anything around here.”

“I mean…” Zephyr said, glancing over at his fellow Shenron. “There’s something headed this way.”

“There is? What do you see?” Rainbow Dash asked, her guard going up. “Is that Nightmare Moon bitch coming to finish us off?”

Before Zephyr could reply, all the mares jumped at hearing a loud clap of thunder erupt from into the sky. They all looked up just in time to see flashes of white dance across the sky for a split second before they vanished, as if they weren’t even there.

“W…what was that?!” Applejack asked, calming down a bit. “Is there a storm comin’?!”

“I hope not.” Rarity frowned, one of her hooves going to grab her mane. “That is the last thing my poor mane and tail need right now. If they get soaked in any kind of rain or get burnt by any lightning, I’ll be ruined!”

“It doesn’t really look like there’s a storm coming.” Rainbow Dash replied as she squinted her eyes. “At least, not form where I’m standing. What do you think Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy didn’t say anything, but she did go up to where Zephyr was and look out into the sky with him. As she did so, another stronger clap of lightning resounded across the sky, and a gust of wind began to pick up. Just a second later after that, a loud bird-like call resounded across the air, one that made Fluttershy’s neck fur stand on end.

“What…in the world was that?” Goku asked, picking at one of her ears. “That sounded like a bird of some sorts.”

“I don’t know, but I’ve never heard a sound like that before!” Pinkie Pie replied, her body shaking a bit. “That sounded like a gurgling of some sort, you know when somepony’s about to spit out a huge mouthful of mouthwash?”

“Yes Pinkie, we know what that sounds like.” Twilight said, her face scrunching up slightly. “Still, you make a good point, that definitely sounded like a bird of some sort. Fluttershy, you said that you know many of the animals here and what kind they are? Do you know what we heard just now?”

“…Yes, I know exaclty what kind of bird that we heard just now.” Fluttershy replied, backing away from the edge of the floored cliff. “And we need to get out of here, quickly!”

“Why?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What sort of bird is coming here?”

“There’s no time to explain!” Fluttershy suddenly shouted, making Zephyr and the rest of her friends jump. “We just need to get off of this cliff edge as quickly as possible!”

“Whoa there girl, jus’ simmer down fer a second.” Applejack said, trying to calm the buttermilk Pegasus down. “We’re gonna leave in a sec, jus’ tell us what’s comin’ t’ get us b’fore we head off.”

Suddenly, a third burst of thunder, followed by the crack of lightning exploded in the air, both of them coming in almost perfect synchronization. Not even a second later, a powerful gust of wind picked up as a loud ear-piercing screech echoed about the atmosphere. All eight ponies looked up, and froze when they saw a gigantic cloak of dark blue clouds heading their way, bolts of lightning striking down from it.

“Whoa, there really is a storm coming!” Pinkie Pie shouted holding a foreleg in front of her face. “How did it get here so fast?! I’ve never seen any clouds move that quick before!”

Zephyr, who was staring at the approaching ‘storm’, noticed something on it that made it seem off to his keen eyes. When he was able to make out what he was seeing, he let out a fearful gasp, and turned back to the others. “Girls, we need to get out of here now! Fluttershy’s right; whatever that is, that is not a storm!”

“Y-you know what it is too?!” Fluttershy asked as the wind grew even stronger. “How did you guess?!”

“No time to explain!” Zephyr replied as he grabbed Twilight’s hoof and pulled her along. “That storm that’s coming for us isn’t a real storm! It’s really a-”

That was as far as the royal blue stallion was able to get before another terrifying screech sliced through the air. Then, in a flash of white, a huge bolt of lightning descended down towards the girls at speeds that not even Rainbow Dash was able to anticipate. Rubble and chunks of earth exploded all about as it struck just inches away from the ponies, scattering them about the air before they landed in a heap.

“Oooooh…is everypony ok?” Twilight asked, sitting up as she looked at her friends. “What was that just now?”

“I-it was the b-bird that I saw just now!” Zephyr grunted, struggling to get to his hooves. “It shot a bolt of lightning at us the second it saw us!”

“It did what?!” Applejack shouted. “How in th’ hay was it able t’ do somethin’ like that! It wasn’t anywhere near us for it t’ be able to!”

“Um…Applejack…” Goku said slowly, her voice tinge with slight apprehensiveness as she pointed upward. “…I think you may wanna save that question for later.”

Following the line of the tan Thestral’s gaze, Applejack, Twilight, Zephyr, and the other mares all looked up in the sky, and felt themselves free at what they saw. There, hovering in the sky with lightning dancing about its body, was the biggest raptor any of the mares have ever seen in their entire lives. It was easily the size of one of the houses in Ponyville, maybe even twice that size, with a wingspan to match. It was mostly a mixture of dark green and blue in color, with its legs, stomach, and base of its tail and neck being a deep sandy yellow. Just a few inches above the base of its neck, was a deep orange stripe, with a greenish blue mask going vertically across it’s piercing yellow eyes. Its talons were twice the size of a full-grown stallion, and it had a wingspan stretching over fifty feet long. Its tail feathers reached over twenty-five feet, and it had a large thick feathery crest atop its head, the upper half being the same greenish blue color as its face markings.

“What the…” Rainbow Dash stammered, her eyes bulging. “What in the buck is that?! Is that some kind of raptor?!”

“Yes, it is a raptor, but it’s not just any kind of raptor!” Fluttershy replied fearfully, scrambling to her hooves. “That raptor is a Shinomōkin!”

Applejack frowned at the buttermilk Pegasus. “That thing is a what?”

“A Shinomōkin, Applejack.” Goku translated slowly. “It’s type of bird of prey that takes residence in the skies and the trees of the Everfree Forest, and is the biggest raptor to ever exist! It’s the size of an airship with a wingspan of over fifty feet long, with a twenty-five-foot-long tail span to boot! It has claws that are capable of carrying a full-grown stallion away, and any animal even bigger than that, able to snap their spines with a single chomp of its beak!”

“My word, it can really do that?” Rarity asked, a shiver going down her spine. “But…it doesn’t even have any teeth!”

“It doesn’t need any teeth Rarity.” Zephyr said grimly, his wings spread in preparation. “All the Shinomōkin needs is its powerful jaw muscles and the sharp edges of its beak to snap the spine of their prey. Its curved upper beak is also designed for ripping and stripping the meat of their prey from their bones, and once they get you in their mouths or beaks, they’ll never let go.” His eyes glowed as his ears flattened. “Not unless you make them that is.”

“Oh wow, that sounds like a really scary bird!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Then again, it looks scary already, and everything you just said makes it even scarier!”

“If you think that’s scary, then it’s nothing compared to just what else the Shinomōkin is capable of.” Fluttershy said gravelly. “Its main power is the Everfree weather that’s known to cause the Everfree Forest to go out of control. It can control the lightning within the clouds, and caused wild drills of wind that can wipe out an entire clearing of trees. On occasions, they can even cloak themselves in fire, burning everything in their path as they do so.”

“Land sakes, are you serious Fluttershy?” Applejack asked, eyes wide with disbelief. “This overgrown varmint can really control lightning, wind, and fire?”

A fourth burst of thunder cut off whatever Fluttershy was going to say as the Shinomōkin let out another screech, giving its wings a violent flap. It’s golden eyes gleamed as it glared down at Applejack scornfully, lighting dancing around its entire feathered body.

“I don’t think he liked you calling him that Applejack.” Pinkie Pie whispered to the farmer. “This is why you shouldn’t keep calling animals something that they’re not. I always did tell you that it was going to come back and bit you in your tushy later.”

“Not if I can help it.” Zephyr declared firmly. “Listen girls, I want you all to get away from here as quickly as you can. I’ll take in this raptor while you guys get down to the cliff.”

“Are you nuts?!” Rainbow Dash shouted incredulously. “There is no way that you can take this thing on your own! Let us help you!”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you do that.” The royal blue stallion said, shaking his head. “I’m a member of the Royal Guard, and it’s my duty to protect those in danger. Right now, you’re the ones that’re in danger, and I need to keep you all safe.”

“As chivalrous and selfless as that is darling,” Rarity began. “We’re not damsels in distress that need to be saved by a white knight. We are just as much as capable of fighting and defending ourselves as you are.”

“And that’s exactly why I want you all to leave!” Zephyr retorted. “If you all waste your time trying to fight this raptor, you’re only going to be wasting the energy that you’ll need to fight Nightmare when you meet her! If that happens, she’ll have the advantage over you, along with whatever other creations that she has waiting in store for you.” He looked back at them sternly. “Now get out of here girls, that’s an order!”

“But Zephyr-” Twilight began, only to flinch when Zephyr slammed his hoof on the ground.

“I SAID LEAVE!” He yelled, the authoritive power in his voice making them all freeze. “THAT’S AN ORDER OF A ROYAL GUARD! WHEN WE GIVE YOU AN ORDER, YOU’D BETTER FOLLOW IT!”

A short stretch of silence reigned over the cliff edge for a moment as Zephyr stared hard at the seven mares behind him, who looked hesitant to leave the stallion behind. Goku looked her fellow Shenron right in his eyes, seeing the unwavering resolve in his eyes, along with the hidden pleas behind them. A moment later, she let out a sigh, before she turned around and began to trot off, using her wings to push the girls along.

“You heard the stallion girls.” She said firmly. “Let’s go, we’ll leave this bird to him!”

“You can’t be serious!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “You’re really going to let him fight that thing?!”

“If I didn’t think he’d be okay I wouldn’t.” Goku replied sharply. “Besides, there’s no convincing Zephyr when he gets like this. Once he sets his mind on something, nothing we say or do will get him to change his mind.”

“But if we leave him behind, he’ll-” Twilight began, only to be cut off again when Goku placed a hoof to her mouth.

“Look, we’re not going to be able to stop him Twilight! We just gotta have faith in him!” Goku snapped, the harshness in her tone making Twilight flinch. “Besides, he makes a good point, if we waste our time here, we’ll only waste the power we’re trying to save stopping Nightmare Moon! He’s giving us a chance to do that for as long as we can, and I’m not gonna let you guys waste it!” Turning away from the lavender Unicorn, she spread her wings and flew off. “Now let’s go!” She ordered, the tone in her voice leaving zero room for argument.

The rest of the mares stayed where they were, torn on whether to stay and help Zephyr fight, or follow Goku and continue their journey. They once again locked eyes with Zephyr, and one look in his eyes told them he wasn’t going to let them stay here. Reluctantly they followed Goku, and Twilight, after giving Zephyr one last worried glance, took off after her friends.

Smiling in satisfaction, Zephyr looked back at the Shinomōkin, only to see the bird flying past him and soaring straight towards the eight mares. Thinking quickly, he flew in front of the giant raptor as a garnet orange aura surrounded his body. Spreading his wings, he summoned lightning all around his body before he shot a large bolt at the Shinomōkin. It struck the bird right in its chest, sending it flying back as it screeched out in pain. Flapping his wings, Zephyr, flew up to the bird and bucked it right in its large face, sending it crashing into the ground and causing a large dust cloud to envelop it.

As Zephyr landed on the ground, the Shinomōkin burst out form the ground and took to the air, screeching in rage as it glared down at Zephyr. Its whole body chirped with lightning as its golden eyes burned into the royal blue stallion’s, who stared back unflinchingly.

“Sorry big guy, but I’m not going to let you get to these girls so easily!” He shouted as he lashed his tail out. “If you want to get to them, you’ll have to go through the one and only Golden Azure Dragon himself!”

Screeching in retaliation, the Shinomōkin screeched at the Solar Royal Guard and dived down towards him, fully intent on him impaling him with its beak. Zephyr snorted and ascended into the air, his cloak of lighting chirping loudly as he let out battle neigh. The raptor and Pegasus both met in a midair clash that send lighting shooting everywhere, their screeches and whinnies echoing about the mountain edge.

Author's Note

Out of all the chapters that I felt could've had a better change, this chapter was the one that I felt needed the most change, especially with the first thing the girls encountered when they trekked into the Everfree. In the last chapter, I had showed that the girls were all being electrocuted by a large storm cloud, which, looking back, I felt was pretty stupid, especially since the first time I saw the Everfree, there wasn't really any out of control weather. As a matter of a face, in the battle that I had wrote with the Wonderbolts, Shadowbolts, and Galaxy Star Bolts, they were pretty much displaying their own control of the weather, which I can see is what made them so frightening and superior to the Wonderbolts. So, since this was a place where a multitude of wild beasts could easily eat you, I decided to change it hear, and make the first creature the girls encountered appear in the least likely thought way; at least in their minds. There's going to be a couple of changes to that for the other Everfree animals as well, and there'll also be one or two others creatures that the girls encounter before reaching the end of their journey. That's gonna take some time to do, but I will say that the girls and Zephyr will find themselves in quite a pickle :ajsmug: .

Another thing that I changed, or rather, added to this, is the name of the giant raptor that appeared on Season 8's Episode Molt Down. I mean, let's be real people, even if the word is changed, I think it'll still be pretty hard for people to tell the difference between an actual giant raptor and an actual rock if the latter's name sounds the same. No offense to Hashbro, but, I found it pretty silly to name the bird that tried to eat Spike something after something we see on a daily basis. So, I decided to give it a different name that will not only easily tell it apart, but has a better ring to it, and make it all the more scarier when it's said in English translation :twilightsmile: .

Well, that's it for this chapter, next time we'll be doing a revisit to Ponyville to see how everypony is taking the sudden invasion. After that, we'll be seeing what our dear Dark Queen is up too :raritywink: .

P.S. Shinomōkin is the Japanese translation for "Death Raptor" :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 15 - A Beetle Black Rescue

As the seven mares ran for their lives through the Everfree Forest, their wooden companions in hot pursuit, things in Ponyville were finally starting to calm down and get back under control, for the most part. Even though Nightmare Moon was no longer there to attack the citizens, there was still some panic and mayhem going on back in the Town Square. Smoke could be seen still rising out from inside the destroyed building at rather high quantities, even though the fire inside the building was long put out. Rubble and debris either clung feebly or fell from some parts of the building every few minutes, looking ready to fall down on ponies that were unlucky enough to be standing under them, and the large hole that was blasted through the front center of the roof was still displayed for all to see.

Things were certainly looking bad on the outside, due to the level of demolishing that the Town Square had suffered, but on the inside, things were looking to be much, much worse.

The sounds of panicked ponies could be heard all over interior of the Town Square as they tried take in all that had happened, along with helping those that were still in dire need of assistance. Some ponies were still doing their best to help the injured get out from under the weight of the destroyed roof, some of which looking to be a lot worse for wear. Doctors and Nurses could be seen running left and right, trying to tend to the ones who needed the most help. At the same time, trying to aid the ponies that needed urgent care as quickly as possible, even though it was apparent they wouldn’t be able to get to all of them. Foals were huddled closely to their parents and elder siblings, their wide eyes watching the events unfold in front of them as their young minds tried to desperately to understand it. It was a truly dark and terrifying time for all in that building, but none were more scared than a certain beetle black mare.

Midnight panted heavily as she reached down and lifted a large piece of wood from up off of the pile that she was currently standing on. She lifted it just over her head and held it there for a few seconds, before she threw it across the air. Midnight then whirled around and bucked some lighter pieces of wood off of the pile with all the strength she could muster. This made it shake and causing some of the ponies who were also standing on it and assisting her to start to lose their balance.

“Jeez Midnight, what the hay’s gotten into you?” A mint green Unicorn asked in bewilderment as she raised an eyebrow at the large Pegasus mare. “I get that you’re worried about the foals trapped under there, but could you take it easy? At the rate you’re going, you’re gonna cover this whole floor in giant splinters!”

Midnight abruptly paused in her digging and spun her head around to face the Unicorn her fangs gleaming. Her navy-blue eyes glowed as she gave her a sharp glare, causing the other mare to take a step back. “Take it easy? Take it easy?! How in the bucking Tartarus am I supposed to take it easy when there are foals trapped under here?! Did you not see it fall down on them when the roof got caved in?! Because I sure did! Who knows how many of them are injured?! They could have cuts and bruises, or broken limbs, or worse! With all of that, you’re seriously telling me to take it easy?!”

“She does make a great point Lyra.” A light beige Earth Pony mare said as she shoved a piece of the roof away from her. “There are foals trapped under here with no way out, possibly on the verge of suffocating in there. If somepony doesn’t get them out soon, they could pass out, or worse-die! I think Midnight has every reason to be scared, and I also think it’s high time you did the same, instead of taking apart on piece at a time!”

“I didn’t say that Midnight shouldn’t be worried Bon-Bon!” Lyra shouted indignantly. “I’m just saying that she shouldn’t let herself get so worked up to the point where she won’t know what to do! Ponies don’t think rationally when their under stress you know!”

“True, but Midnight isn’t under that much stress, nor is she letting that stress get the better of her.” Bon-Bon inquired. “She’s focused on getting those foals out of them as quickly as possible, and not listening to you telling her to calm down. Which, I might add, is not helping in the least.”

“What?!” Lyra cried, her jaw dropping in shock as she gave Bon-Bon a pout. “How am I not helping?!”

“Well for one, you’re distracting her from doing her job, and two, you’re preventing me from helping her.” The beige Earth mare deadpanned, before turning her back to the mint green mare. “Now, less talking, more digging!”

“But Bonny-”

“Now, Lyra, or you’re not getting any of me after this is all over.”

With a groan, Lyra rolled her eyes and trotted back up to the pile of wood and began levitating some pieces off of it, before tossing it behind her.Nothing more was said between the three mares as they continued their frantic digging through the pile, the sound of wood tumbling and crunching resonating on their ears. Clouds of dust began to rise from their activity, making them cough up some and their eyes start to water, but they ignored it and continued on. The only thing that mattered to them was saving the young live trapped beneath their feet as quickly as possible, before they paid the ultimate price for being the unlucky victims of the events that occurred.

At some time during their digging, Midnight caught site of a small hole just a foot or so away to from her. As she leaned closer to it, her keen ears picked up the sound of what seemed to be voices inside. Her heart skipped a beat as her whole body began to fill with renewed hope. Had she and the others finally found the foals?

“Girls wait, hold it!” The beetle black mare shouted, holding a hoof out to stop Lyra and Bon-Bon from digging any farther. Both mares looked up at her, confusion etched on their faces as they stopped what they were doing.

“What is it Midnight?” Bon-Bon asked, noticing the mare’s posture. “Do you hear something?”

“I think so…” Midnight replied as she leaned in closer to the hole, listening in as best she could. After another moment of silence, she stuck her muzzle in and called out. “Hello?! Is anypony down there?! We’re here to get you out of this hole!”

The beetle black mare pulled her head away and waited a few moments for somepony to reply back, only for nothing to come out. Frowning, Midnight leaned her head in to call out again when a voice, sounding much younger than her, shouted from inside the hole.

“Y-yes, we’re in here! All of us are!” The voice of a filly replied, her voice echoing from inside of the hole. “Are you here to rescue us?!”

“Yes sweetheart, we are!” Midnight replied, happy that the foals were still alive and well. “Just stay wherever you are okay?! We’re going to get you out of there as quickly as we can!”

“Okay, we’ll stay!” The filly replied, with just a tinge of worry in her voice. “Could you hurry up, though?! It’s getting kind of hard for us to breathe…and my leg is stuck under the wood, so I can’t stand up!”

‘Oh dear…’ Midnight thought, a sense of dread filling her stomach as she bit her lip in worry. Eyes narrowing, the beetle black mare whipped her head around to Lyra and Bon-Bon. “Lyra, do you think you can use your magic to help me widen this hole?”

“I’m, yeah I think so…” Lyra replied slowly as she stared at the Pegasus mare. “Why? Did you find the foals?”

“Yes,” Midnight nodded calmly. “I just heard a foal from inside there. I don’t know how many there are, but I’m guessing that there are a lot. From the way that one of them spoke to me, it sounds like things aren’t looking good in there either.”

“Well, I don’t know if I’ll be able to remove all of it but.., I’ll give it my best shot.” Lyra replied as she climbing over to the hole. “Hey Bonny, are you pitching in too?”

“Are you kidding?” Bon-Bon replied incredulously, looking at her Unicorn companion as if she was crazy. “You know well that I’m not backing out from a situation like this, especially if it involves the lives of foals! I may not have wings or magic, but I certainly have the strength do my part!”

“Of course, you do. You are an Earth Pony after all.” Lyra replied with a smirk as Bob-Bon got on either side of her and Midnight.

Alright everypony, on the count of three, we’re gonna widen this hole as best we can!” Midnight replied, earning nods from the other two mares. “One…”

“...Two…” Lyra murmured.

“...Three!” Bon-Bon shouted as she grabbed the edge of the hole and pulled with all her might. At the same time, Midnight did the same while Lyra used her magic to help them out.

The sound of the wood creaking and crunching once again filled the air as all three mares pulled with all their might. While Lyra and Bon-Bon did their very hardest, a majority of the progress was made by Midnight, due to her greater size and strength, and her Thestral heritage. Each of the mares could feel the sharp edges of the wood pierce and even start to dig into their hooves, along with sweat starting to form on their heads, but they kept going. The need and desire to save the foals overriding their own safety and putting their well-being in the back of their minds.

Eventually, all three mares stopped in their task and took a moment to catch their breaths, letting their bodies recover from the effort. After a few more moments, Midnight rose from her sitting position and slowly walked over to the now much bigger hole. kneeling down, she once again stuck her head inside and began searching for the foals.

“Can any of you hear me down there?!” The beetle black mare asked. “If you do, can any of you come into the light? Where I can see you?!”

Midnight then fell silent, listening out for any kind of response from any of the foals inside. Her ears picked up the sound of what looked to be whispering from inside, some seeming to be frantic and on edge, said they were hesitant to come forward.

Figuring that they needed some reassurance, Midnight went to try to call down to them, when she noticed something moving in the shadows,. She didn’t have to wait for very long, for just a few moments later, a young colt stepped out into the light. It was a Pegasus colt with a brown coat that was just a shade lighter than chocolate, and a long two toned orangish scarlet red mane and tail with streaks of whitish tangelo in both of them. His eyes were a bright shade of amber red with what looked to be a hint of yellow, with his wings and tail feathers having a combination of his fur, mane, and tail color. A beanie with little helicopter bars could be seen resting on his head, and his flank bore no Cutie Mark.

“I-I’m here...I came here like you told me to.” The colt said in a slightly raspy voice as he looked up at Midnight nervously. “Are...are you the one here to rescue us?”

“Yes sweetheart, I am.” Midnight replied, keeping her tone as gentle as possible as she smiled down at that colt. “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna hurt you or any of your friends...me and everypony here are only here to save you.”

“You promise?” The colt said, lightly pawing at the ground lightly.

“I promise.” Midnight replied soothingly as she gave the colt a sweet smile. “Now, can you do me a favor and step away some so I can get inside. I don’t want to fall on you when I do.”

“O...okay.” The colt replied as he raised an eyebrow at the beetle black mare. “Why? Are you a big mare?”

“You’ll find out soon enough honey.” Midnight replied as she shifted her body in preparation. Before she went inside, she looked over her shoulder back at Lyra and Bon-Bon. “Girls, I want you to listen to me very carefully. I’m gonna go inside and get all the foals rounded up, and when I do, I want you two to stand right here and be ready to lift them out. Okay?”

“Got it.” Bon-Bon said with a curt not of her head.

“You can count on us Middy!” Lyra said with a grin. “Good luck down there!”

Smiling warmly at the mind green Unicorn and tan Pegasus, Midnight gave a small nod before turning her attention back to the foals inside the wood pile. Shifting her body, she slowly stuck her hind legs inside and started to lower her body inside the widened hole, taking care not to let herself be stabbed or struck by the sharp edges.

When she was hanging from her forehooves, she looked down to see how far the ground was from her hooves, and to her relief, it was only a foot or so away from her hind hooves. Sucking in a sharp breath, she let herself fall from the edge, while spinning her body around in midair and landing on all four hooves with a loud clang.

“Huh...that was...easier than I thought it would be.” Midnight murmured as she gave a little shake of her body. Once she composed herself, her gaze focused on the light brown colt, who was staring back up at her wide eyed.

“Wow… you’re so big!” He breathed as he took in Midnight’s features. “And…you’re a Thestral too!”

“Hmhmhm...yeah, I do like big for a Thestral don’t I?” Midnight giggled as she ran a hoof through her navy-blue mane. “I was born bigger than most foals, so I get comments about my size and physic a lot. It doesn’t help the fact that I’m a Thestral as well, despite the fact that my wings are feathered.”

“Huh...that must suck pretty bad huh?” The colt said with yet sympathetic frown.

“Sometimes...but it doesn’t bother me that much...I’m used to it.” Midnight replied softly, a bit taken aback by how calmly Button was taking her appearance. “Now, why don’t we go find your friends hm? I’m sure they must be very scared right now.”

“Sure! Follow me, I know just where they are!” The colt replied as he turned tail and started trotting back into the darkness. “My name is Button Mash Kyuketsuki...and I’m her with my mom and my older brother!”

‘Kyuketsuki...now that’s a clan name I haven’t heard of before…’ Midnight thought, raising an eyebrow at the colt’s last name as she replied back. “Nice to meet you Button Mash...my name is Midnight Thunderstorm Nightstalker Shenron, and I live here with my siblings!”

“Midnight...I can totally see why you’re called that!” Button Mash said, looking back at the beetle black mare as he took in her fur color. “You totally have the color to match!”

“And I can see why you were named Button!” Midnight chirped, smiling as Button gained a blush of his own. Right as she said that, she felt something soft make contact with her left forehoof, and a split second later a loud cry of pain emitted through the darkness.

“Oh! Watch where you’re stepping Button!” The voice of a filly shouted as the appendage was yanked out from under Midnight’s hoof. “Not all of us have that super special night vision like you do!”

“Uh, that wasn’t me Dinky…” Button Mash replied slowly, his amber eyes gleaming in the darkness. “That was Midnight, the mare who came to rescue us.”

“Midnight?” Dinky asked, her voice tinged with confusion. “Who’s Midnight?”

“Um…that would be me dear.” Midnight replied softly, reach out and touching what felt to be the filly’s shoulder, her keen eyes helping her see the image of numerous foals grouped up somewhere in the darkness. “Are you alright? Are you or any of your friends hurt?”

“No, we’re fine. Well, most of us are fine, one of us is hurt pretty badly.” Dinky replied, looking back up at the mare as best she could. “Um, could you come a little closer, we can’t really see you.”

I’m standing right in front of you sweetheart.” Midnight giggled, gently running her hoof along the filly’s mane. She lifted her head and looked at the other foals nestled together. “Um, excuse me everypony, if any of you are Unicorns, could you light up your horns please? So, I can see you better?”

Not even three seconds after she said that, a golden yellow aura of magic appeared just in front of Midnight, causing her to snap her eyes shut for a few seconds, before slowly reopening them again. After taking a few moments to adjust to the light, she looked down to see a grayish violet Unicorn filly, the one she had been touching, looking back up at her with her big innocent amber golden eyes.

“Is that better?” Dinky squeaked, giving her leonine tail a few swishes.

“Yes, much better. Thank you for that dear.” Midnight replied kindly, giving Dinky a pat on her head. “Now, you said that one of your friends was injured...can you show my where they are?”

Oh, that’s right! I can’t believe I forgot!” Dinky exclaimed, shooting to her hooves. “Come on, I’ll show you where she is!”

With that, the filly turned tail and galloped off through the large group of foals nestled next to her. They each parted away from Midnight to give her room to walk through the, and a couple of them couldn’t help but gaps in awe at her appearance, much to her amusement. When she caught up to Dinky, she saw a sight that made her freeze in place and a loud gasp escape her throat.

“Midnight?” Melon Cake asked, her multi-colored staring up at her un surprise. “Is…that you?”

“Oh my goodness, Melon Cake!” The beetle black mare gasped, her hooves flying to her mouth as she stared at the filly in horror. “What happened to your leg?!”

“The wood…it fell onto it.” The filly replied, her face scrunching up a bit. “I saw it falling towards Dinky and pushed her out of the way, but I couldn’t get away.” She looked back at her leg, flicking her tail off to the side so Midnight could get a clear view of it. “Dinky Lily, and the others tried pulling me out, but the wood is just too heavy. I really think that my leg is broken.”

“Oh dear, that doesn’t sound too good.” Midnight said grimly, walking over to the filly to get a closer look at her leg. Upon closer inspection, she could see that the wood had most definitely pierced into the filly’s skin, and judging by the small amount of blood leaking out from under the leg, it was in there for quite some time. While Midnight didn’t know the exact extent of the damage, she knew that she needed to get that leg out, or else the damage would only grow.

Knowing what she needed to do, she stepped away from the filly and addressed the other foals surrounding her. “Um, okay…can I have everypony’s attention please? I have something I need for you all to do?”

“What is it Midnight?” Button Mash asked curiously.

“I want you all to step away and get into a group on the left side of me.” Midnight said gently, her tone like that of a teacher giving instructions on an assignment to their class. “I’m gonna stay here and lift this wood up so I can get…” she paused, realization dawning on her that she didn’t know the filly’s name yet. With flushed cheeks, the beetle black mare turned to look at the filly. “I’m sorry dear, but could you tell me your name? I didn’t quite catch it…”

“Melon,” The filly replied sweetly, giving the mare a small smile. “Melon Cake Smoothie!”

“Right thank you sweetheart.” Midnight replied, turning back to the foals around her. “Anyway, I’m gonna lift this pile of wood off of Melon’s leg and get her out from under it before there’s any more damage done to it. While I’m doing that, I want you all to stay as far away as possible, because I don’t want this wood falling on any of you, okay?”

“Wait, you’re gonna life the wood up?” Dinky asked in confusion, but nonetheless did as the mare asked. “How are you gonna do that? No offense Ms. Midnight but…your um…a Thestral, not an Earth Pony.”

“Hmhm, I know I am sweetie... I may not be an Earth Pony, but I’m a lot stronger than most ponies. As you can plainly see…” The beetle black mare said motioning to her frame with a hoof. “...I think we I’ll be able to lift this off of Melon just fine.”

Without waiting for any of the foals replies, Midnight turned her attention to said soft green filly, who was looking back up at her with those wide heterochronic eyes. She set herself on her haunches and lit her hooves under the wood on either side of Melon Cake, hunching her body in preparation for the task at hoof. “Alright, I’m gonna try to lift this off of you Melon...it’s probably gonna hurt, but I want you to try and bear it as much as possible, okay honey?”

“Okay…” Melon Cake replied, bringing a hoof to her muzzle, not breaking eye contact with Midnight. “I’m ready...do it.”

Midnight gave a short nod, giving the filly a small kiss on her forehead before clenching on the wood with her hooves. After taking a few deep breaths, she hunched her forelegs, and began to slowly lift the wood.

Melon Cake winced and bit down on her right foreleg, suppressing the urge to cry out in pain as she felt the wood being lifted off of her leg. She could feel the sharp jagged points in her legs slowly being pulled out, causing pain to radiate throughout her whole left leg. The other foals behind them watched with wide eyes and slack jaws, amazed that level of strength the beetle black mare was displaying, even though she wasn’t an Earth Pony. Melon Cake could feel her leg slowly being lifted into the air the more Midnight lifted the wood, but didn’t try to pull it back down, fearing she’d injure her leg more. Thankfully, she didn’t have to do anything, for just a few seconds later, her leg broke free and fell back down on the hard marble floor. As soon as it did, the Earth filly wasted no time in crawling away from her confinement, allowing Midnight to lower the wood pile back down.

“Wow...that was so awesome!” Button Mash exclaimed, his yellow and red eyes shimmering in amazement. “I didn’t know that you were so strong!”

“Thank you know Button...it wasn’t really anything special really,” Midnight said with a small smile. Brushing some of her mane out of her face, the Pegasus looked back down at Melon Cake. “How are you feeling sweetie?”

“I feel a lot better, thanks a bunch Midnight!” The soft green filly chirped, glancing down at her leg. “My leg does hurt a little though...ouch.”

“Here.., let me take a look at it.” Midnight said softly, setting on her haunches and inspecting the filly’s leg. There was a jagged large cut that went down the left leg, just a few inches away from her hoof, with blood coating the green fur. The cut wasn’t all that deep, and it certainly didn’t look like it had reached the bone, or even tore through the much of the muscle. By the way that Melon moved it, Midnight figured that it wasn’t that serious, and could easily be treated by a nurse or a doctor.

“Hmm...it doesn’t look like it looks too serious to me.” The beetle black mare replied, pulling away from the filly. “Though, I’m gonna take you to go see a nurse or a doctor so they can take a look as your leg.., just in case.”

“Okay, I understand.” Melon Cake replied, brushing some of her mane out of her face as she smiled at the beetle black Thestral mare. “Are you gonna carry me out?”

“Yes, but not yet.” Midnight replied with a shake of her head. I’m gonna get the rest of your friends out before I get to you. I don’t wanna damage you’re leg any further than it already is, so just wait here for a few moments okay?”

“Okay!” Melon Cake squeaked, a sweet smile forming on her face. “Thank you for saving me!”

“Hmhm, you’re welcome sweetie.” Midnight replied as she gave the filly a pat on the head. She then got on her feet and walked over to the hole from where she had come inside and spread her wings, setting her right one on the ground stretching the left on from outside of the hole, and setting the end on the edge. Midnight then looked back at the foals, who were all looking back at her curiously. “Okay everypony, I want you all to climb on to my back and climb out of the hole from here. There are a few ponies out there who are waiting to pull out when you do, and they’ll take care of you from here, okay?”

“Okay!” Button Mash, Dinky, Lily and all the other foals replied, giving eager nods.

“Lyra! Bob-Bon!” Midnight shouted from inside the hole. “I found the foals! I’m gonna have them climb out of here, and I want you pull them out and help them find their families okay?!”
,
“Got it!” Both mares replied in unison.

With those words, Midnight turned her attention back to the foals and beckoned them closer to her, and one by one, they all began to climb up her wing, into her back, and climb up her other wing, out of the whole and into the waiting forelegs of Lyra and Bon-Bon. Midnight couldn’t help but smile when she heard the joyful cries and cheers of the foals and parents when they found each other, happy to finally be reunited after what seemed like forever apart. She was sure that she was gonna be getting a lot of thanks from the elder siblings and parents of the foals she just rescued, but she was sure she could handle it.

Taking a deep breath, Midnight turned her attention back to Melon Cake, who was waiting patiently at her side. Folding her wings at her sides, the beetle black mare trotted over to the soft green filly, before asking sweetly, “Alright Melon, are you ready to go?”

“Uh-huh!” Melon Cake replied as she sat up on her haunches.

“Alright then.” Midnight nodded, turning around and sitting down on her rump. “Go ahead and climb on!”

“You got it!” Melon Cake chirped as she slowly got up from the floor. She balanced herself on three of her legs, taking care not to put any weight on the one that was injured. Slowly and gingerly, she climbed up into Midnight’s strong back, taking a moment to marvel in the softness of her fur, before nestling herself quite comfortably on the mare. “Okay, ready when you are Ms. Midnight!”

“Alright honey, and please, no need to add the formalities...you can just call me Midnight.” The beetle black mare cooed as she walked back over to the hole. She reached up with both of her forehooves and prepared to jump, but not before she turned back to look at the filly resting on her back. “Melon, sweetie, do you think you could hold onto me tighter for just a bit? We’re gonna go on a bit of a ride.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Melon Cake chirped as she grabbed on tightly to Midnight’s mane. Giggling at the filly’s imitation of Pinkie, Midnight hunched her legs down and jumped out of the hole at lightning speed. Melon Cake squealed in surprise as they both shot out of the hole and air, much many ponies that were close by completely by surprise. When they were out, Midnight spread her wings and flapped them to keep her and Melon airborne, before slowly hovering down to the ground away from the pile of wood.

“Wow, that was so awesome!” Melon Cake exclaimed, her multicolored eyes sparkling. “You’re a really strong mare, Midnight!”

“Oh, it was nothing really…” Midnight protested softly with a small blush on her face. “I just had a little boost of strength that’s all…I’m just glad that I was able to get you and your friends out of there.” She giggled and looked back at Melon Cake with a small smile on her face. “Now, why don’t we go find somepony to look at that leg of yours, hm?”

“Yep!” The soft green filly replied, still clinging tightly to the beetle black mare’s mane.

As the mare and filly made their way through the crowd of ponies, they looked around to see if there was anypony, be it doctor or nurse, who looked to be free to take a look at Melon’s leg. So far, none of them looked like they had any spare time for her, and even looked like they would lose it if they were given another patient. As much as Midnight wanted Melon to be taken care of, the last thing she wanted was to make things worse for the doctors and nurses to the point where nopony would look at her, so she kept a respectable distance, although with great reluctance.

“Gosh, there are a lot of ponies who need help…” The beetle black mare said, her ears flattening against her head. “At this rate, I don’t think we’ll be able to find anypony willing to see you.”

“I’m not really surprised, there are a looooooot of ponies that hurt after that big scary mare came in here.” Melon Cake replied, a shiver going down her spine. “I mean, did you see how much of the roof came down when it exploded?! I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen! I felt it right on the tip of my tail, but I didn’t think it’d be that big of an explosion! Still, it’s a good thing I sensed it was about to happen, even if it was a bit late, or else Dinky would’ve been the one under that wood instead of me, good thing for my Melon Sense huh?”

“Yes, it’s a good thing that you-” Midnight began to say, before she stopped short, the filly’s last words catching up to her. “Wait, what did you just say?”

“Hey Midnight, look!” Melon Cake suddenly exclaimed, pointing a soft green hoof forward. “I see a nurse inside the crowd!”

“You do? Where?” The beetle black mare asked as she followed the line of the filly’s hoof. Her eyes to widen when she saw Nurse Redheart amongst the crowd.

“Oh my...I can’t believe I didn’t notice her…” Midnight said dumbly, her eyes blinking in confusion. “There are so many ponies that I couldn’t see her in the crowd.”

“Well I certainly did!” Melon Cake giggles. “I know that white coat anywhere!”

“Do you know what nurse?” Midnight asked, looking over at the filly.

“You bet!” Melon replied with a rapid nod. “That’s Nurse Redheart, one of the medical ponies back at Ponyville General Hospital! She’s the best nurse ever, and she’s always ready to help anypony, be it mare, stallion, or foal, and I know that she’ll be happy to look at me!”

“This isn’t the first time you went to see her, is it?” Midnight asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh-uh, but I can tell you that it’s always awesome to see her when I do Midnight!” Melon Cake squeaked. “She’s just so kind and sweet and caring, and always gives me such delicious candy when she’s done with me! Trust me when I say that there is no other nurse or doctor like her, or her sisters!”

“I see…” Midnight said slowly, looking back from the filly to the nurse. “I’m assuming that she’s the one I should go to?”

“Yep!” Melon Cake nodded eagerly. “And if you ever have an owchie, then she Nurse Redheart, Sweetheart, Tenderheart, and Snowheart are the ones you should go to kiss the pain away!”

“Alright then,” Midnight sighed as she made her way over to the nurse. She gently weaved her way through the crowd of ponies, making sure she didn’t make them trip and lose their footing, or step on those that were lying on the floor. When she got within reach, she reached over and gently tapped the mare on the shoulder. “Um, excuse me miss?”

“Yes, how can I help yo-sweet Celestia!” Nurse Redheart began in a low soft and polite tone as she turned to face Midnight, only to let out a cry of surprise when she saw her, jumping so hard that she lost her footing and fell on her rump. Midnight took a few steps back, her ears flattening against her head as she gave the nurse her space to recover. The snow-white mare put a hoof to her pink and white fluffy chest, taking deep breaths to calm herself as her rapidly beating heart slowed. After a few moments, she slowly got back on her hooves, taking her clipboard back in her right foreleg, and straightening her mane.

“I...I’m sorry I did that. You just took me completely by surprise.” Redheart said, giving the beetle black mare a sheepish smile. “I was not expecting you to be…to be a…”

“Thestral?” Midnight finished for her, her fangs gleaming from her small smile. “That’s okay, I didn’t mean to scare you. I should’ve been more vocal instead of seeming like I was stalking you.”

“No, it’s okay, really. I was just caught off guard as all.” Redheart said reassuringly. “Anyway, what can I help you with?”

“I, um, found a filly that was trapped under a pile of wood with some other foals. When I got her and her friends out, I noticed that her leg looked to be broken.” Midnight explained. “Her leg had been under the wood of the same pile that I had found the foals in, and I think it may be broken.”

Right as she said that, Melon Cake peeked her head from the side of Midnight, a bright smile on her face as she looked a Redheart. “Hiya Nurse!”

“Oh! Hello Melon Cake, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Redheart replied, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the soft green filly. Eventually, her expression softened and looked at the filly with a kind smile. “I’m assuming you’re the one that needs to be looked at?”

“Yes ma’am! Though it’s not one of our regular checkups this time…” Melon Cake replied, her tone shifting from bright and cheerful to sad and solemn. To emphasize her point, she lifted her injured foreleg into view for Redheart to see, which prompted a loud gasp from the nurse.

“Oh my goodness, that looks pretty bad.” Redheart said worriedly, trotting over and inspecting the soft green filly’s leg. She took it ever so gently in her hoof, making sure not to cause her any pain. “Does it hurt?”

“A little bit.” Melon replied softly, flicking her tail some. “I can still stand, but I don’t think I can walk all that good.”

“I see…” Nurse Redheart murmured, looking back up into the filly’s multicolored eyes. “Well, if that’s the case, then I think I can easily treat this. If your leg isn’t all that broken, then I’m pretty sure that I can fix your leg.”

“Really?!” Melon Cake asked, her eyes widening in excitement as the mare nodded.

“Mhm, and if you behave like all those other times, I’ll give you a lollipop as a little reward.” Redheart replied sweetly as we winked at the filly. “Does that sound like a good deal?”

“You bet!” The soft green filly chirped, giggling as Redheart bopped her on the nose.

“Hmhmhm, well alright then.” The snow-white mare smiled, before looking up at Midnight. “Thank you for bringing Melon to me, ma’am. I’ll be sure that she gets well as soon as possible.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave her to you.” Midnight nodded, shifting to the side as she let Melon climb off of her back and settle herself onto Redheart’s. “It was wonderful seeing you again Melon, get well soon okay?”

“‘Kay!” Melon giggled as she rode off with Redheart and into the crowd. “It was great seeing you again Midnight! See ya later!”

“By sweetie!” The beetle black mare called back as she bid the filly farewell. She watched as Redheart and Melon Cake melted into the crowd until they were both out of sight. A moment later, she let out a sigh and headed for the double doors of the Town Square.

“What a sweet little filly...she really does remind me of Pinkie Pie She murmured as she trotted past the other ponies in the building. “I guess I should go check up on Snowflake and the foals…and make sure they’re alright.”

Just as the beetle black mare was about to reach the doors, she noticed a pale grayish magenta aura enveloping both of them. At first, she thought that it was Twilight, but as she detected the magical presence from outside, she realized that it wasn’t Twilight. Midnight also felt that there was more than one magical presence there, a lot more than one.

Fortunately for Midnight, she didn’t have to wonder who it was for the giant door slowly opened, their creaking causing everypony else to turn to them. When they were fully opened, they were given the full view of the ponies outside and who it was. Many looks of shock, happiness, joy, and utter relief were found in all of the ponies’ eyes, including Midnight, whose hoof flew to her mouth when she saw who it was.

“It, it’s you.” She whispered, locking eyes with the alabaster stallion standing in the doorway. “You’re actually made it!”

Shining Armor grinned, his golden armor gleaming as he gave a flick of his leonine tail, the tip of his horn glinting slightly along with it. With a slight chuckle, he walked inside, his fellow soldiers following behind him as he stopped just in front of the beetle black Thestral. Using his magic to take off his helmet, he put it to the side before addressing the larger mare.

“Hey there Midnight, sorry to keep you waiting.” He said, his deep voice warm and friendly as he gave his tail another flick. “Now that we’ve got the pleasantries out of the way, you mind telling me just which ponies here need our help?”

Things in the Golden Oaks Library had been quiet for the ponies nestled inside, a far cry from how things were like in the Town Square. The sound of the clock’s soft ticking could be heard all around the main room of the castle as Sheton, Spike, Crescent Shield and their four friends sat in a circle in the middle of the wooden floor of the main room. A majority of them had their muzzles stuck into various books and magazines of the sort, while a couple kept to themselves, lost in their own thoughts. Snowflake kept watch over them, while at the same time looking out the windows and keeping a lookout for any danger that may come their way. A few more minutes passed by before she slowly hovered down to the ground and in front of the group of foals.

“How is everything down here?” Snowflake asked as she approached the colts and fillies. “How are you all holding up?”

“We’re holding out okay, more or less.” Fire Flash replied as she laid sprawled out on the floor. “I’m just so bored right now! There is practically nothing for any of us to do here!”

“Oh, don’t say that Fire Flash…” Scootaloo said softly, looking up from a what seemed to be an animal book she was reading. “I know it may not seem like much, but there are plenty of things that we can do here in Twilight’s library. We can look at different types of books, we can play chess, we can look at the maps, and even use her telescope to look out at the stars! Those seem like fun things to do, right?”

“Yeah, for youand the othersmaybe, but definitely not for me!” Fire Flash replied, sitting up and glaring at the alabaster filly. “I’m not one for all of that egghead stuff that Twilight likes, I’m one for none stop action and adventure! That is exactly what our sisters are experiencing right now and that’s the exact kind of thing that I want to do right now! But no, we’re stuck in here while they go off on some awesome adventure to defeat some super evil mare!

Fire Flash snorted as she stomped her hooves on the floor in frustration. “I get they’re just trying to keep us safe and we’re only foals, but still! I just wish that they’ take us more seriously sometimes and stop babying us! We’re not normal foals and we can fight just like them, so we should be able to join them on whatever cool adventure they’re going on!”

“Ah know what ya mean Flash.” Apple Bloom sighed as she gave long sigh. “Mash sis is the same way with me...treatin’ me like a little baby even though Ah ain’t one no more. Why, just earlier this mornin’ while Ah was helpin’ her buck the apples, she but a helmet on top of the one Ah was already wearin! Sayin’ somethin’ like, “It’s just a precaution to make sure that th’ other helmet on mah head wouldn’t break in any way.” Hello?! The apples even don’t weigh that much to break a helmet of that magnitude! So how in the hay could a helmet, let alone two, break from an apple fallin’ on ‘em?!”

“I know how you girls feel.” Spike frowned as he folded his forelegs. “Twilight is always having me do extra chores around the library, on top of the chores that I already have! By the time I’m done, she then makes me participate in one of her projects as a test subject, not even caring if I’m exhausted or not! She’s my big sister and I love her, but with the way she treats me, I sometimes wonder if she really sees me as that...other than her Number One Assistant.”

“Same here Spike.” Crescent Shield said sympathetically, rubbing the emerald green Kirin’s back with a hoof.

“Oh, d-don’t be like that e-everypony.” Scootaloo said softly. “I don’t t-think we should g-give our sisters s-such a hard t-time...I-I-I know that t-they, um...smother us from t-time to time, and it m-may seem like a l-lot but...t-that’s just to show how m-much they c-care. T-t-they don’t want a-anything to h-happen to us a-and they just w-want to m-make sure that w-we’re safe. T-they know that we’re g-going to have t-to go off on our own s-someday...a-and they just want to make every m-moment with us last.”

“Pfft, that’s easy for you to say Scoots!” Fire Flash snorted as she gave a sideways glance at the bright orange filly. “Your sister practically smothers you all the time, and out of all of us, you’re the only one who doesn’t seem to be bothered by it! I’ve seen how she treats you at your home whenever we go to your house to have a sleepover or something, and it’s almost as if you’re still a baby in her eyes! I’m amazed that you didn’t confront her about it at this point!”

“W-well, of course i-I don’t,” Scootaloo meekly as she started twiddling with her forehooves, hiding behind her long indigo mane. “B-because, I-I’m g-genuinely not b-bothered by it. S-she’s always been there for me when I really needed her, a-and she’s always given me advice so...the least I could do for her is, well...is this.”

“Hmph, well whatever, I’m certainly not okay with it.” Fire Flash huffed as she crossed her forehooves. “Just you guys wait, one of these days I’m gonna show my big sis that I can look after myself, and that I can be just as awesome as she is! Once she sees that, she’ll have to let me and the rest of you come with her and help her on any of her awesome adventures that she like to go on with the rest of her friends! Nothing else would be more exciting as to be able to do something like that! Am I right Sheton? Sheton?”

The crimson filly turned to look at her new friend when he failed to answer her, only to give a little jump of surprise at what she saw. The stormy grey colt was facing away from them, his long tail wrapped around himself and his large wings folded at his sides. His head was lowered and facing the ground, his mane spilled over his face and his fedora shadowing it.

“Sheton?” Snowflake asked softly, putting a hoof on the young colt’s shoulder. “Are you alright, dear?”

Sheton, upon feeling the gentle touch on his shoulder, snapped out of his stupor with a shake of his head, before turning to look up at the mountain blue Pegasus. Seeing the worried look in her face, his ears flattened against his head as a frown appeared on his face.

“Oh, I-I’m sorry Snowflake…I’m just…” He began as he slowly got up from the floor and faced the mare. “I’m just worried about the others.”

“You’re worried about Goku aren’t you?” Snowflake asked gently, despite knowing the answer.

“Yeah...I am.” The stormy grey colt admitted, a small frown forming on his lips as he started to shake slightly. “I’m afraid...that something might happen to her and the others...and that they may not be able to come back. I-I know Goku promises me that she’d come back to me alive, a-and I believe her especially with her friends there…but…” He started to sniffle, his emerald blue eyes welling up with tears. “I’m afraid that she may not be able to keep it. T-that she’ll get killed somehow...and if that happens than I...I…”

The stormy grey colt trailed off, unable to finish his sentence as the dark thoughts of his sister began to overwhelm him and cloud his mind. Letting out a whimper, buried his face into his forearms, the tears in his eyes beginning to roll down his cheeks and stain the fur. Spike, Crescent, and the other fillies all looked at him with saddened, yet sympathetic expressions on their faces. Most of them unable to come up with anything to say to comfort the colt and sooth his fears, other than Scootaloo, who went over and hugged the colt. Despite this, that didn’t stop Snowflake from getting up and walking over to her little brother, lifting his head up and wrapping both her forearms around his neck, resting her chin on his head. Sheton stiffened at the sudden contact, but nonetheless he relaxed into it. wrapping his own forelegs around her waist, he rested his head into her fluffy chest as she rocked him back and forth.

“There, there, Sheton, it’s okay...there’s no need for you to cry.” The mountain blue Pegasus cooed as she stroked the stormy grey colt’s mane. “I’ll admit, you’re not the only one who’s worried about Goku and her-well, our friends. As a matter of a fact...I’m worried about her too.”

“You...you are?” Sheton asked, looking up at her with his teary eyes.

“Mhm...I’m afraid that something can and will happen to either her, or her friends in that forest. Whether it be getting caught in the severe weather, attacked by the animals, or just getting lost with no way to get out. Each minute that passes by while they’re that forest, these thoughts plague my head, and I find myself wanting to go into the forest and find her.” The mountain blue Thestral explained, letting out a sigh as she ran a hoof through her cumulus mane. “However, as much as I want to, I’m not going to. You know why dear?”

“W-why?” Sheton stuttered as he wiped away his tears.

“Because I have faith in her.” Snowflake replied in a soft yet firm tone, making Sheton pause. “I believe that she’ll not only succeed in her mission and win in the fight between Nightmare Moon, but that she’ll be able to do all of that and make it back alive. If there’s one thing that I know that Goku is known for, it’s that she never breaks a promise to anything or anypony that she meets. Each and every time she’s made a promise, she’s always went through with it, unless it was completely unnecessary, and I have no doubt that she’ll keep this one.” Her expression softened into a gentle smile as she brushed Sheton's mane away from his face. “So I’ll ask you Sheton...can you do that for me? Can you do your sister a favor and have just a little bit more faith in Goku? For both me and her?”

“Y-y-yeah...I-I-I can...sorry about that Snowflake.” Sheton nodded, letting out a light sniffle as he smiled up at Snowflake. “S-sorry about that...”

“Hmhmhm, that’s okay dear. Everypony let’s their fear cloud their judgment from time to time.” Snowflake chuckled, giving the stormy grey colt a kiss on the forehead. “You were just worried for your sister that’s all, just like me...though, I wouldn’t be too worried. Goku’s a lot tougher than she looks...as with the rest of the girls.”

“Heh, you got that right Snowflake!” Fire Flash smirked as she flew over to them. “I mean, no offense to your sister, but Rainbow Dash is one of the toughest ponies I know! I swear, she can handle anything that’s thrown at her no matter what or who it is! I have not seen one time where my sis hasn’t been able to handle anything, be it on her own or with anypony else, so I have no doubt that she’ll be able to handle this!”

“Don’t forget about ours Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said sternly. “Yer sister ain’t th’ only one whose tough an’ all. Need Ah remind ya that my sister, Sheton’s sister, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Crescent Shield’s sister are also there in that scary lookin’ forest with yours?”

“Ahem.” Spike said, crossing his forehooves.

“Sorry.” Apple Bloom winced. “Crescent and Spike’s big sister.”

“Yeah, I know that.” Fire Flash pouted. “All I’m saying is that Rainbow Dash is tough in her own right. Not that your sisters aren’t tough but…well, you know what I mean.”

“Yes, we know Flash, your sister’s a special case when it comes to toughness.” Sweetie Belle sighed. “You’ve told us that over a million times now. You don’t need to keep reminding us every time we see here.”

“I know, but I’m just making sure that none of you forget it.” Fire Flash said cheekily, roughly ruffling Sweetie Belle’s mane. “And when we’re all full grown like they are, I’ll make sure you don’t forget about my toughness too!”

“Oh jeez, I can already picture that morphing in my head.” Crescent moaned, anime tears streaming from her eyes. “I am so not looking forward to that.”

Spike ears flattened. “Me neither…”

“D-don’t worry everypony.” Scootaloo suddenly piped. “I-I’m sure t-that Ms. Goku, Rainbow Dash, a-and everypony else w-will be fine i-in the E-Everfree Forest. T-they have e-each other, a-along with M-Mr. Zephyr w-with them. P-plus, Q-queen Celestia said t-that she’d send her a-army out into t-the forest to h-help them, s-so they have e-every change of s-surviving.”

“Scootaloo’s right.” Sheton nodded, looking more positive than he did a few minutes ago. “All of our sisters are powerful in their own right. And with all of them working together as a team, they can conquer anything, right Snowflake?”

“Of course, darling.” Snowflake said, happy to see her brother not so scared anymore. “And if you all do the same thing, I have no doubt you’ll win against anything or anyone threatening you.”

“Heehee, thanks Snowflake!” Spike chirped, his draconic tail wagging like a puppy’s. “Hey, do you think maybe we’ll get our chance to fight some bad guys someday.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it Spike.” Snowflake chuckled, patting the amethyst Kirin on his head. “While I don’t think that’ll be for at least another several years or so, I’m sure that you’ll be facing your own enemies someday. When you do though, be sure to give them everything you have, and show then why nopony messes with the secret protectors of Equestria.”

“You bet we will!” Crescent Shield squeaked. “I don’t care who it is, whether it’s Nightmare Moon or anypony else, they’re not gonna mess with us or our town! If they do, we’ll make certain that they face the repercussions!”

“Uh-huh!” Sheton nodded, his fangs flashing as he grinned. “If Nightmare Moon wants a challenge, then we’ll give her one! We make be a lot weaker than her, but we’ll take on whatever she has up her arsenal! And whatever that is, whether its ghosts, vampires, zombies, or even manifestations of Nightmare Moon, we’ll send it right back to her twice as hard! Am I right guys?!”

“Yeah!” The other foals exclaimed as they high hooved each other.

Snowflake said nothing, watching with a small smile as Sheton and all the other foals laughed and conversed with one another. Despite the amusement and joy she felt, she couldn’t help but get a weird feeling in her gut. One that made her smile falter slightly and her expression become slightly confused, something that Spike took notice of.

“Snowflake?” He said tentatively. “Is there something wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing sweetie.” Snowflake replied, looking back over at the amethyst Kirin. “It’s just, I have a really weird feeling in my gut. Like something big is about to happen soon, and it’s going to happen here.”

Spike’s reptilian eyes widened slightly. “You mean like some big attack shot at us by Nightmare Moon?”

The mountain blue Thestral paused for a moment in her attempted response, Spike’s words striking something deep within her. As her ears pinned back, she looked back out the window of Twilight’s library, and at the Moon shining down from above, along with the twinkling night sky.

“Something like that dear…something like that.”

Author's Note

Alright, for this chapter, a majority of it wasn't really needing any changes for the most part, other than the fact that Midnight didn't recognize Melon Cake and was just meeting her. Since I had her and her siblings meet her along with Pinkie Pie in Sugarcube Corner back in chapter four, I remembered to change that otherwise people would get pretty confused, and that would really mess this chapter up. Another thing that I added in there was Shining Armor and his half of the Solar Guards making it to Ponyville to access the situation, something that I believe I should've done after writing that one chapter of the conversation between him and Spearhead when I was first writing this. Well, now I've done it, and I feel that this is going more smoothy, though I know I have a lot more to go, and things are only just getting started form here :twilightsheepish: .

The biggest change for this chapter was with Snowflake and the foals, and just what was happening while they were in Twilight's Library. In the last chapter, I had added a part where Derpy came to the library all blooded and beaten, explained that there were Timberwolves in the town, and Snowflake battled one that managed to get in. It was going well when I wrote that first part, but after writing the ponyville and Timberwolf battle six times, I realized that I was dragging it out for way too long, especially after getting some feedback from one of my followers. So I took that out and saved the battle for later, and while it won't be with the Timberwolves or any of the other animals in the Everfree, it'll be something ten times more terrifying :pinkiecrazy: .

Well, that's all for this chapter, next time we're getting another look back on Nightmare Moon, any how Zephyr and the Main Seven are handling their feathery adversary :ajsmug: .

Chapter 16 - Birth of a Nightmare

The sounds of the animals and the billow of the weather was the only thing that Nightmare Moon heard as she sat atop her nocturnal throne. Her entire Throne Room was nestled in almost complete and utter darkness as it and the entire castle radiated with power. The presence of darkness and fear could be felt all about the throne room as the sin black Alicorn leaned in her chair, her mane and tail skirt, floating from either side of her. Her eyes were closed, and her posture was relaxed, almost as if she was in a form of mediation, when in actuality, it was the exact opposite. Nightmare Moon was currently in a stated deep thinking, allowing herself to be taken back to a time where she was not the being that she was now. Where she was not Nightmare Moon, the Black Moon Goddess, the Queen of Darkness and the Nightmare Harbinger, but a time where she was somepony else. That somepony being Queen Luna Nightwalker, the Goddess of the Moon, Queen of the Night, Protector of Dreams, and the Slayer of Nightmares.

The Lunar Queen remembered it all like it was yesterday, where she was nowhere near the callous wrathful, and bloodthirsty being that she was in the Town Square. Before she had turned into the being that she was, she was once a ruler, just like her sister Celestia. Only her task was not to rule and watch over the day, but the night that she found so beautiful and so sacred, just like she was. Nightmare Moon, or rather, Luna’s duty, however, was a different from her sisters; unlike Celestia, she did not stay awake during the night to watch over the ponies. After all she was a pony herself, and ponies did need their rest and their sleep, even ones as mighty as an Alicorn. This, to the surprise of many, is where Luna did her work, and that was to watch over the ponies of Equestria while they slept.

To many this may seem very, very odd, if not downright creepy, somepony looking into their own dreams and knowing just what they dreamed about. Even Luna herself thought that she was invading ponies from time to time whenever she entered the Realm of Dreams, but it’s not like she really wanted to. In fact, she wanted nothing more than to let ponies have their nightly dreams without anything or anypony to bother them from it. However, Luna was the Queen of the Night for a reason, and it was her sworn duty to keep ponies safe in their dreams from the nightmares that they have from time to time. It was the main reason why she had the power to enter into the Realm of Dreams, so she can to just that. As a bonus, she also guided ponies in the right direction, while at the same time, letting them make decisions on their own in order to help them grow. It was no wonder that she had gotten the nicknames, the Dream Protector and the Nightmare Slayer, because she did exactly that.

Despite the ups that were given for having such a power granted to her by who knows who, there were also some downs that came along with it. Luna had no idea when it had started, or how it had begun, but ponies had begun to whisper and talk to each other about things that involved the Lunar Queen herself. They believed that she couldn’t hear what they were saying about her, but thanks to her acute hearing, she was able to hear them as if they were literally whispering right in her ear. To say the least, Luna did not like what they were saying about her, and, being one that spoke her mind, didn’t hesitate to make it clearly known to said ponies. It never ever escalated anywhere near to anything major, but the ponies that were speaking such ill and fowl things about her were more careful about just where they spoke of it after that.

At first, Luna believed that would be the end of it, and that ponies would be more careful about what they said about her. As the years went by however, things slowly grew worse in ways that Luna felt were just downright unthinkable. The ponies that were whispering behind their back began to practically voice their opinions of her out loud whenever she or her sister were in court, or at a royal meeting or summit. Whenever they were at simple things like parties or weddings, ponies would either ignore her, or try to get as far away from her whenever she tried to socialize with them. Those that didn’t ignore her, would spew venomous and hateful words and accusations at her for reasons she could not fathom. There were even a few times where she was almost attacked by a few ponies, and it was only thanks to her Lunar Guards that none of them were successful. Although, a couple of them did end up nearly getting killed trying to protect their Queen.

From then on, things began to go downhill even more so than they already were, and it became apparent to Luna that no matter what she did, she wouldn’t be accepted like her sister was. So, she began to seclude himself from basically everypony around her, only allowing her sister and her Lunar Guards to be around her. Unfortunately, event that began to change, for her guards soon began to become afraid of her themselves, having seen what their Queen was going through and how it was affecting her. They tried their best to comfort her and be there for her, but nothing that they did had much effect, and soon, they became targets of her anger and sorrow that was inflicted upon her. As for Celestia, she was there for her sister, but nowhere near as much as she was supposed to be given what was happening. The Solar Queen was much too caught up in her worshipping subjects and her duties, not having any time for her younger sister so she could see the pain she was in.

Due to this, Celestia and Luna’s relationship had begun to take a downward spiral, and they found themselves fighting with each other more often than not. Luna kept trying to reach out to her sister to help her, to get her to see what she was going through and how their subjects were treating her. However, Celestia either brushed it off with some helpless statement, or just let it slide entirely, which only made things even worse between them. It soon grew to where they were barely speaking to each other, and growing even more colder towards one another, not being anywhere as open as they usually were. All of that, however, was nothing compared to an incident that turned out to be the straw the broke the camel’s back. The one that would not only push Luna to her breaking point, but would bring the Royal Sisters to clash for the very first time. It was also at that time that the Nightmare, Miasma, was finally let in by Luna, after slowly chipping away at her steel walls for so long. In her state of anger, despair, and grief, Luna accepted the dark being, if only to make her sister pay for taking away the most precious thing that anypony could ever have.

Luna could still remember the time where she had let Miasma in, after rejecting her for so long, and filled her with a power that not even she had ever felt in her long existence. She could remember the rush of power and magic that consumed her as Miasma took over her. The feelings of liveliness that she felt while slowly going through her new transformation, the feeling of fury and hatred when she saw her sister in their old Throne Room. The explosion of power as she went through the final phases of her transformation of Nightmare Moon, and the pain she inflicted upon Celestia when they went hoof to hoof for the very first time.

The fight that had transpired was one that couldn’t be put in any type of proper words, which only explain that much further how amazingly destructive the battle was. The two sisters threw everything they had at each other, form magical blasts, to wind slices and are currents, to fatal blunt force blows that split the very earth they walked on. They held nothing back, and neither did their Solar and Luna Divisions, who, once fellow brothers in arms, were now forced to fight against each other. It was certainly a battle that all would remember as one that would last for countless centuries to come, possibly till the end of time. Despite how evenly matched they were, Nightmare Moon was the one that clearly had the upper hoof, and she took her time in tossing Celestia around as if she was a ragdoll. Unfortunately for her, she had forgotten one very important lesson in battle, one that would ultimately lead to her losing. Always watch out for any trick your enemy may have, and never, for any reason, underestimate them.

That was a lesson that Celestia had taught her the hard way when they fought shorty after Nightmare Moon came to be. The Solar Queen had thrown everything in her arsenal at her corrupted sister, parring against any and all of Nightmare Moon’s attacks, despite the clear advantage that the former had. Just when it looked like Nightmare Moon was about the triumph, Celestia pulled one last move on her. One that would get her sent to the Moon that she hoped to once control, and make her go through a pain that not even Nightmare Moon herself would inflict upon anypony. It was after that happened, that Nightmare Moon made a vow to do all that she could to make Celestia pay for what she had done to her. That the swan white Alicorn would feel every single bit of pain she felt, both in their fight, and on the Moon.

Nightmare Moon slowly opened her draconic eyes, the turquoise orbs gleaming softly in the darkness of her Throne Room as she sat in complete silence. She breathed in slowly and softly, trying to keep herself calm and composed as the memories flooded her mind. As they continue to swim through her head however, she found herself letting out a low yet blood freezing snarl from deep within her depths. The memories of being one upped by Celestia was enough to leave a foul taste in her mouth and a tight feeling in her chest. It also didn’t help the fact that she was also partially to blame for her own loss, having not taken the fight as seriously as she should’ve done. The more Nightmare Moon thought about it, the more angered she became, the emotion clouding her mind more and more. Rising from her dark throne, the sin black Alicorn reared up and slammed her forehooves on the floor, making the entire room rumble and shake.

“Ugh, all of these memories are doing nothing but drive me up the wall right now! I don’t know why I’m even thinking of them at a time like this! Those were not the most pleasant times for me, not at all. Losing to that goddamn light loving Alicorn and her meddlesome daughter.” The sin black Alicorn hissed. “I cannot believe that I, a Nightmare, the most powerful being in all of Tartarus could have such a thing happen to me. Oh, what a cursed time that was for all those centuries ago. I’ll have to make sure that it doesn’t happen again, especially to my dear subjects and Galaxy Star Bolts, or my little Nyx.”

“Keep what from happening to me momma?”

Nightmare Moon jumped at the sudden, yet familiar soft and silky voice that made itself known in her Throne Room. Looking up, she saw the ebony black form of Nyx, standing just in the center of the floor, looking at her Queen and ‘Mother’ with a curious look on her face.

“Nyx…what are you doing here?” Nightmare Moon asked still slightly surprised. “I didn’t call you to the Throne Room; how were you able to get in her undetected.”

The ebony black Alicorn smiled sweetly. “I used concealing magic to mask my presence when I came in here. I didn’t want to interrupt whatever you were doing in here. Speaking of which, I felt your magic going a little wild while I was outside with the Galaxy Star Bolts, so I came in here to see what was wrong.”

“I see…of course you could sense my magic so easily. I created you with my magic after all, so there isn’t any reason for me to be surprised that you sensed it.” Nightmare Moon said with a chuckled. “Still though, you could’ve at least knocked on the door before you came in dear. I would’ve known that it was either you, the Bolts or my Nightmare Army coming to see me for something, and I would’ve known that it wasn’t an enemy.”

“I know…I’m sorry Momma, I didn’t mean to startled you.” Nyx said, her ears flattening as she pawed at the ground. “I was just coming to see what was going on here when I sensed your magic going a little wild…and the castle shake.”

“You…you felt that?” Nightmare Moon asked, her eyes widening slightly. “You actually felt the castle shaking?”

“Mhm…I felt it all the way outside of the castle, and I even saw it shake too.” Nyx replied sheepishly. “I knew there was only one pony that could’ve made something like that happen, so I came back inside to see what was wrong.”

“I…I had no idea that I caused that much of a ruckus.” Nightmare Moon said her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. “I must’ve given them all quite a fright. I’ll have to apologize to them for that later.”

“Don’t worry, I can take care of that for you.” Nyx said, walking over towards the larger Alicorn. “Right now, I want to know if you’re okay.”

Nightmare Moon opened her mouth to tell Nyx that she was fine, that there was nothing that she needed to worry about. The look in the ebony black Alicorn’s eyes however, stopped her from doing so, and her raised eyebrow didn’t help matters either. Nyx didn’t need to say a single word to let the Dark Queen now that trying to lie to her was not going to work. A long moment of silence had passed with the former thinking to tell the latter what she was thinking about in her moment of solitude, before a sigh left her. With a somber expression, she turned and walked back to her throne, her steps slow and quiet.

“No, my dear daughter, I am not okay.” Nightmare Moon said softly, her voice nearly at the point of a whisper. “As a matter of a fact, I am far from okay…I am the exact opposite of okay even.”

“You’re not?” Nyx asked her worry growing. “Well what’s bothering you?”

“Everything.” The larger mare growled. “Everything from the time that me and my kind had first ruled over this land, to the time we were defeated, to the time that I was banished to the Moon. I swear, each and every time I think I have everything planned out for me to be able to achieve my goals, these meddlesome ponies always have some other trick up their sleeves!”

“I’m afraid that I don’t really understand Momma.” Nyx said perplexedly. “What do you mean by that?”

“My dear Nyx, do you remember of the time where I was defeated by my sister and banished to the very Moon you were born on?” Nightmare Moon asked, spitting out the word ‘sister’ with an undertone of venom. “About how she had betrayed me after doing something so callous and cruel to me that it led to us clashing for the first time since we have been ruling?”

“Yes, I do.” Nyx nodded. “You told me of how you and Celestia fought after she had taken something precious away from you, and you wanted to make her pay for it. Along with all of the times that she’s rejected you and didn’t help you when you really needed it.”

“Exactly my dear daughter…and that is exaclty what is bothering me as of this moment.” Nightmare Moon clarified, looking away from the smaller Alicorn. “Ever since my banishment to my beautiful Moon, it had been eating away at my thoughts, at my very soul. I wanted nothing more than to fly back down that sun loving land and eradicate my sister the second I saw her again. That way, she’d pay for what she had done and to me all those centuries ago!”

“Um, didn’t you already do that back at that tower?” Nyx asked, tilting her head. “You stabbed her right in the chest you, me, and the Galaxy Star Bolts saw her fall within your mindscape.”

“Yes, that did happen,” Nightmare Moon nodded, turning back around to face Nyx. “However, I know my sister better than anypony in this entire planet. She may be naïve at times, but even she has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to things like that. No doubt she used a self-healing spell to close the wound before it became too severe…typical.” She paused and looked at Nyx with a raised eyebrow. “That reminds me, you also saw her in the library with all of those mares and foals with your own eyes. Did you somehow forget that she was there along with the rest of them?”

“No Momma, I didn’t.” Nyx replied sheepishly, shaking her head. “I felt Celestia’s power still going strong even after you had stabbed her, meaning she was still alive. What I was asking was since you had, um, skewered her through the chest, was that your means of revenge against her.”

“Oh, I see…forgive me, it appears that I did not understand your question Nyx.” Nightmare Moon said apologetically. “In a way, yes, that was revenge against my sister for all that she had put me through. However, that was just a mere sting compared to what I’m going to inflict upon her. Along with every other adoring subject that loved her precious sun for the last millennium that I have been away.”

“Didn’t you already plan that Momma?” Nyx asked, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, you created an entire Nightmare Army of Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi, all having your abilities and magical techniques. With the power they have, they should be more of a match for any armed forces that Queen Celestia may have coming along with her.”

“Precisely, my little Nyx. Each of the members of my Nightmare Army have powers equivalent to mine, more than capable of handling all of those measly Solar Guards that Celestia has.” Nightmare Moon said, nodding in agreement. “However, I don’t just mean them, I also mean those meddlesome little ponies that I saw at that little celebration that was planned for my dear sister. I saw the way that they were acting, how they were all so excited to see Celestia’s shining Sun bask them in its shining glory, completely ignoring a Moon, especially since there were banners of it all over the building.” A hiss left the Dark Queen’s throat. “How dare they, putting up display of my beautiful Moon when none fo them were paying attention to it or even admiring it! If they think that the Sun is all powerful, they are going to be in for quite the surprise when I bring the full might of the Moon upon them tonight! And when I do, they will rue the day they chose my Moon over my sisters Sun instead of admiring both!”

“Oh, I see. I think I get it now.” Nyx said, nodding apologetically. “I’m sorry Momma, I guess I didn’t really understand what you meant either.”

“Do not worry Nyx, it is alright…mother was just having a little rant and she needed some time to get it out of her system as all.” Nightmare Moon said, smiling gently at the smaller mare. “Although, there is one other reason that I had made my army so powerful, because it is not just Celestia’s guards that are coming to battle. She is also brining my dear guards here as well.”

The indigo maned Alicorn gasped in shock. “C-Celestia’s bringing your guards too?! But…that can’t be right! Aren’t you supposed to be the one to command the Lunar Guards?!”

“Yes dear, I am, but due to some unfortunate circumstances while me and my sister were still ruling together, we had decided to do some improvising.” Nightmare Moon explained patiently. “We had created a law for all Royal Guards both form the Solar and Lunar Division, stating that if either one of us is out of commission, then they are to follow the orders of the Queen that is in commission. That way, there is still a Queen to keep the Royal Guards in order and prevent it from spiraling out of control…” She looked off to the side. “Along with our Ariel Flight Teams.”

“Flight Teams?” Nyx repeated, before realization hit her. “Oh, you mean the Shadowbolts?”

“Yes Nyx, the Shadowbolts; the Flight Team that I founded long before my banishment to the Moon.” Nightmare Moon nodded. “Even during my banishment, there has not been one day that I haven’t thought about my dear Lunar Guards, and my Shadowbolts. I wonder how they’ve been doing even after all of this time…no doubt being influenced by my sister into loving her day more than my night. I bet that they’ll be so happy to see me when the final clash between me and my sister commences…them along with my dear Shadowbolts.”

“I think so too Momma.” Nyx said, walking over and nuzzling the larger mare under her chin. “I’ll bet they’ll also be happy to hear that you’ll rule in the night that you, me, and all of them love so much. I’m sure that they’ll even be happy that you’ll be there to save them from Celestia’s clutches, and take them back under your wing.”

“Oh, I do not doubt it my little Nyx.” Nightmare Moon cooed, running a hoof through her ‘daughter’s’ mane. “Oh, I can almost picture the wonderous joyful looks on their faces when I have them all with me again. Once I do, we can take Celestia and all of her forces together, then nothing will stop any of us from achieving our goal in ruling this world in the night we love so much.”

“Oh, I can’t wait Momma!” Nyx squealed as she trotted in place. “I can’t wait for all the things we’ll get to do once you become new Queen! We can go stargazing, go flying through the sky and the forest, get up closet to all the animals in the forest, and maybe even see if there’s any other Thestrals here in the kingdom! Oh, maybe we can even go flying in the galaxy like you me, and the Galaxy Star Bolts used to do when we were little!”

“Oh, do not worry my little Nyx, we will get to do all of that, and so much more, and I’ll personally make sure you get a front row seat for them all.” Nightmare Moon cooed. “After all, you are to be my future heiress to our nighttime kingdom.”

The smaller ebony black Alicorn nodded eagerly, sticking her tongue out playfully. “I most certainly am! I wanna be just like you Momma! A strong, kind, wise, and fair ruler who’ll do all that’s necessary to keep the kingdom of the night and the subjects safe! That, along with showing everypony why the night is even better than the day!”

“That’s my sweet little filly!” Nightmare Moon beamed, wrapping her forelegs and bat wings around the smaller mare. She planted a kiss on Nyx’s forehead, before pulling away from the now giggling filly as she grinned down at her. “Do not worry my dear, we will not have to wait long, soon all that we hate about this land will be terminated, never to be seen again. Once we do, we will the only ones to reign true supreme over this land, and our reign will last forever!”

“Yay!” Nyx squeaked, rushing over and hugging her ‘mother’ around her neck. “I can’t wait! I know it’s going to be so amazing!”

“As do I Nyx, as do I.” Nightmare Moon nodded, chuckling as Nyx pulled away. “First things first though, we will need to get rid of the ones that won’t play any part in our new kingdom.”

“You mean the ponies that we say at that town?” Nyx asked, ceasing in her excitement. “Or the ones that’re coming here now?”

“Both actually…those seven mares that are probably in the forest right now will be one of the many I will purge. I am a patient mare though, so I will let them come to me…it will happen soon enough.” Nightmare Moon replied smiling. “As for those other ponies, I think I have something in store for them that they will find quite terrifying.”

“Really?” Nyx asked quizzically. “What’s that?”

Nightmare Moon said nothing, merely continuing to smirk as she motioned for Nyx to step away from her. Wordlessly, Nyx did as she was told, and watched as her ‘mother’ lowered her head to the icy floor, a purple aura surrounding her horn and body. Nyx watched as the aura floated down her horn and onto the floor, where it became a large purple swirl that soon morphed into a large sphere. Nyx’s draconic eyes widened as it began to take the form of a pony, first sporting legs, then a head, muzzle, and ears. A flowing mane and tail emerged from behind its head neck, and rump, before a horn appeared on its forehead wings sprouted form it’s back.

“N…no way!” Nyx breathed, staring into the purple starry creature’s, now visible, pure white eyes. “Is…is that the…the-?!”

“Yes, my daughter, indeed it is.” Nightmare Moon nodded, amused by Nyx’s expression. “The most powerful magical being that I have ever created…the Tantabus.”

“The Tantabus…” Nyx repeated, slowly looking back over at her ‘mother’. “A-and, you’re going to unleash that, upon the town?”

“Why yes, of course I am.” Nightmare Moon said as if it was plainly obvious. “You honestly didn’t think I’d try anything less efficient, did you?”

“Oh, n-no of course not Momma!” Nyx replied quickly, holding her hooves up. “I-I just, well, didn’t expect you to bring out the Tantabus for something like this. I thought that maybe you’d bring it out for when we fought Celestia and her forces.”

“That…would be a better option, I do admit.” Nightmare Moon paused for a moment, before shrugging her shoulder. “However, as I have said before, I feel that that town where my sister was should get a little dose of what I plan bring upon those who oppose me. What better way than to bring out my all-time favorite pet? Plus, I have already created my Nightmare Army, so, adding the Tantabus into our fight with Celestia would, to me at least, be a bit much. Plus, I feel like we should keep them occupied for a bit before their new Queen makes a grand entrance and makes things as they should be. Wouldn’t you agree my dear Nyx?”

“…Yeah, I supposed you have a point there, Momma.” Nyx nodded, running a hoof tentatively down the Tantabus’s neck. “Still, to have the Tantabus of all things coming after them…I can only imagine how scary that’ll be for them. They’ll have a considerably tough time dueling with him, that’s for sure.”

“Indeed they will Nyx, indeed they will.” Nightmare Moon nodded, before walking up to the Tantabus. “Hello there, my dear little pet. It’s so wonderful to see you again. I’m sorry if I made the ride from our Moon rather uncomfortable.”

The Tantabus said nothing, leaning into its master’s touch as she rubbed the top of its head in a loving manner. It leaned its head into her armored chest as Nightmare Moon cradled its head, one of her wings running down its back while it let out what seemed to be a purr.

“Hmhm, well, I am glad to see that the trip down here has not affected you in any way.” Nightmare Moon chuckled, cupping the Tantabus’s face. “I hate to ask this of you so soon, but Momma needs you to do a little something for her. Do you think you are up for the challenge?”

The Tantabus’s ears perked, and it gave what looked to be a nod as it let out another purr. Its flowing tail whipped behind it in excitement as its white eyes let out a gleaming shine.

“Good boy, I am so happy that you still have the energy for just about anything after a hard ride like that.” Nightmare Moon beamed, not noticing the blush on Nyx’s face. “Now, there is a town of ponies that have grained my nerves quite a bit that has something quite big to do with my sister, something having to do with that precious Sun of her’s. I want you to go to that town and show them that the Moon is just as worthy of admiration and respect as the Sun is. You can use it in whatever tactic you like, and, as I’ve always said…don’t hold anything back.”

Closing her eyes, Nightmare Moon leaned in and pressed the tip of her horn against the one of the Tantabus, turquoise magic shining through it. It swam across the ethereal purple creature’s body and enveloped it in its beautiful blue light, including its eyes. This went on for a few moments, with Nyx silently watching in silent awe all the while. A few seconds later, the blue aura vanished, and Nightmare Moon pulled away, the glow around her horn fading.

“Do you understand what you need to do, my dear pet?” Nightmare Moon asked, looking right into the Tantabus’s pure white eyes. The creature slowly nodded, its eyes giving off a faint blue flash as the sin black Alicorn smiled in approval. “Excellent…now, go on my dear, the sooner we get this plan started, the sooner we can begin our creation of a new Era.”

Letting out one last purr, the Tantabus nodded slightly faster this time, leaning in and giving Nightmare Moon another nuzzle, to which she happily reciprocated. It then turned to Nyx and nuzzled her as well, making the filly giggle as she planted a kiss on where its nose was. With that out of the way, the Tantabus spread its wings and took to the air, crashing right through the roof thanks to the speed it was going. Nyx jumped in surprise, scrambling away as large pieces of the roof fell to the ground from the hole the Tantabus created, while Nightmare Moon just calmly looked on.

“Um, Momma…was that really necessary to let him leave out the window like that?” Nyx asked dumbly after a long moment of silence. “He just left a hole in the roof!”

“Oh Nyx, you know how our dear little Tantabus can be at times like this.” Nightmare Moon giggled, smiling in amusement at Nyx. “Once he gets excited about causing mayhem and destruction, there’s almost nothing that can stop him from controlling himself.”

“Well, yeah but, he literally just blasted right through the roof!” Nyx repeated, pointing up at said hole. “Couldn’t he have just teleported away and melted into the ground and left out of the castle that way?”

“Maybe, but this isn’t an actual pony that we’re dealing with my dear Nyx. This is a creature made out of my magic able to do things of his own will, unless I say otherwise.” Nightmare Moon replied, giving a wave of her hoof. “Besides, this isn’t any ordinary castle I have created anyway. I’ve made this castle to be able to withstand any kind of damage, and if it actually is breached, it can repair itself in the blink of an eye.”

Suddenly, as if to prove her point, the large whole in the roof began to close up, repairing all the broken icy crystallization and turning back to its former beauty. Nyx’s eyes widened as amazement once overtook her as the hole ultimately fixed itself in just moments.

“Amazing…” Nyx replied, unable to say anything else.

“Indeed Nyx, it is. I admit, this is something that took me quite a long time to master, but I eventually managed to get the hang of it.” Nightmare Moon nodded, her chest swelling with pride. “And one day, you too will be able to use this technique, and save yourself so much time in repairing.”

“Yeah, I know.” Nyx replied, looking over at her mother with an admiring smile. “You really are the most amazing pony ever Momma!”

Nightmare Moon giggled, affectionately ruffling Nyx’s mane. “That I am, dear. That I am.”

Author's Note

This was a rather...short chapter to be honest, not something that I usually did with all of my other chapters, since I usually like to keep them nice and long :twilightsheepish: . I guess I decided to make some changes here for once...for this chapter, I decided to do something similar when I wrote the flashback between Celestia and Luna when I wrote that chapter of how the latter had turned into Nightmare Moon. Only with this one, really wouldn't have a flashback, and it would focus on the meaning of chapter, or what was going to be shown in said chapter, which you all have no seen. That and I wanted to get some time show Nightmare Moon situations and her thoughts and feelings on this whole scenario, along with some one on one time with Nyx :twilightsmile: . I had another part of this chapter that I was going to add, but after some contemplation, I decided to at it into another chapter after this one, partially because of how long I had made the title and because I felt that for once, I won't make the chapters so long :twilightblush: . Don't worry, the next chapter should be coming out soon, but as for the ones that I'm going to be writing as a whole and not have them be repasted...that may take a bit longer :raritywink: .

Chapter 17 - Talons of Death

The sound of Zephyr’s neighing echoed about the mountain side as he flew about the air, his garnet orange aura coating his entire body as he ascended towards the Shinomōkin. The giant bird screeched as it descended towards him, its yellow eyes flashing as it stuck opened its massive beak, prepared to swallow the Solar Royal Guard whole. They repeatedly collided in midair, their wings, hooves and talons beating, swinging, and slashing at each other, as they fought for leverage over the other.

“Lightning Pegasus Head Spear!” The royal blue stallion shouted, the lighting coating his body chirping as he slammed head first into the giant raptor’s chest. This sent the larger flyer shooting back and spiraling across the air as lighting struck it all across its body. It rolled across the air as it slammed into the all of the mountain side, leaving a large whole in its wake.

“I’m not done yet big guy!” Zephyr shouted as a large orb of lightning coated his left hoof. “Now take this! Lightning Pegasus Hammer!”

Shooting his left hoof out, Zephyr shot a large drill of lightning down where the Shinomōkin was in the mountain side, still submerged in the smoke. Just as it began to clear, the attack struck, causing an explosion to appear as lighting tore through the side of the mountain, driving the raptor deeper inside. Zephyr remained in his position in the air, waiting for any sign of the bird to come out of the smoke as it cleared away, revealing a giant hole. Just as Zephyr thought that the bird was down for the count, it suddenly burst out of the debree, using its giant wings to clear away the remaining smoke.

“So, you’re still up after all that are you?” Zephyr asked, a small grin coming to his face. “I have to admit, you’re pretty tough, a lot tougher than I thought that you’d be.” He let out a slight chuckled. “Then again, you are an animal of the Everfree Forest, so I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised.”

The Shinomōkin said nothing, just letting out another screech as it spread its wings and took to the air, meeting Zephyr in the exact same hovering position. The raptor and Pegasus stayed in that position for a time, staring into each other’s eyes as they waited for one another to make a movie, thunder clapping across the sky all the while.

At some point, Zephyr broke the stare down and looked off into the direction of where Goku and the rest of her friends had galloped off. Despite their absence, their scent could still be smelt lingering around the area, thanks to the royal blue stallion’s hyper sensitive nose. ‘Goku, Twilight and the others must be already down the hill by now. Two of them are Pegasi, and two of them are half Pegasus by the looks of it. So, they should be able to use their Pegasus magic to get down the mountain faster, while carrying the others. Odds are they’re already reaching the end and are waiting for me to catch up. Looks like I’d better wrap this up before it drags on.’

The screeching of the Shinomōkin brought Zephyr out of his thoughts and he whipped his head in front of him to see the raptor flying towards him. He ducked just as the raptor swung its large talons at him, taking the stallion somewhat by surprise. Zephyr hadn’t expected it to use its talons in a manner other than trying to pluck him out of the air or stab him. It would appear that these Everfree animals were a lot more intelligent than he gave them credit for.

‘Looks like these big guys are as smart as they are tough.’ Zephyr thought, moving to the side to avoid a stab to his chest by the Shinomōkin’s talons. Reaching out with his hooves, he grabbed the Shinomōkin by its right leg and began swinging it around in the air. He let go after a few moments, and let the giant bird fly away as he flew after it. At the last moment, when he was within range, he spun around and kicked the giant bird square into its back. This caused the Shinomōkin to arch it, so much so that Zephyr was able to grab its beak and flipping it around in the air, sending it diving down to the ground.

“I’m not finished just yet!” Zephyr shouted, giving a hard flap of his powerful wings as he dove down under the giant raptor. “Lightning Pegasus Thundering Hoof!”

Faster than the Shinomōkin could even blink, it felt the wind get knocked out of it as Zephyr slammed his hoof into its stomach. The royal blue stallion hit it so hard that a large glob of blood left its mouth as it went rocketing up into the air. As it hovered high above the giant trees, Zephyr delivered the final deciding blow.

“Lightning Pegasus Neigh!” He shouted, shooting out a gigantic breath of garnet orange lightning at the giant raptor. He watched as it enveloped the giant raptor, who only had enough time to widen its eyes before its whole word was swept into orange. The Shinomōkin screeched in agony as the electricity ripped through its body, burning its feathers all over its body. With a final explosion of power, the giant raptor flew through the sky away from Zephyr, vanishing into the towering trees.

“Well, that went a little better than I expected it to be; I hope I didn’t hurt him too bad.” Zephyr sighed in relief, the garnet aura around his body vanishing. “I have to admit, that was kind of a fun fight. Nice good way to get some good experience in with these guys…can’t wait to see the other animals here.”

With a sigh, he turned around and looked over at the spot where his seven escorts were last seen, and he hovered down to where it was. Lowering his head, he inhaled the scent left behind by the mares after they had left him to fight the Shinomōkin. To his relief, the scent was still very fresh, making it really easy for him to be able to detect where they were going.

‘Alright, I got their scent.’ Zephyr thought, as he righted himself. ‘They’ve probably gotten much farther away from me by now, but their scent is still strong, so I’ll be able to easily track them form here. Hopefully nothing’s happened to them by the time I get there, Twilight especially; or else Queen Celestia’s going to fry my ass.’

Flicking his tail, Zephyr spread his massive wings and took off into the air and flew down the trail where Goku, Twilight, and her friends had taken to get down the mountain. Unbeknownst to the Solar Royal Guard, the Shinomōkin had already recovered from his last attack, and was tearing through the giant trees after him. Not too far away from the approaching Pegasus and raptor, Goku and her friends could be seen galloping down the mountain, unaware of Zephyr or the Shinomōkin hot on their tails.

“How are you holding up girls?” The tan Thestral asked, looking back at the mare running behind her. “Any of you getting slowed down back there?”

“We’re just find Goku.” Fluttershy replied. “We haven’t really been running for that long, and it’s only been a few minutes since we’ve separated form Zephyr.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash nodded. “We have plenty of gas left in the tank for anything, even if it means facing off against any of the things in this forest!”

“I really wish that we didn’t have to run so much!” Rarity whined. “This is already messing up my hooficured even more than it already is. Can’t we just go with Goku’s original plan and fly down the mountain instead?”

“A good as an idea as that is Rarity, we’re going to have to hold off on it for right now.” Twilight said, looking sympathetically at her fellow Unicorn. “We don’t know whether or not Zephyr was able to defeat the Shinomōkin, or if it’s broken away from him and is coming after us. As much as I wanna go back and help him, we can’t risk turning back right now. So we’re just going to have to trust him to take care of that raptor himself.”

“Well said Twilight, glad that you’re seeing just how big the risks are if we go back, especially against something like that.” Goku smiled. “Now that I think about it, even if we did try to stay and fight with him, I’m pretty sure he would’ve forced us to leave anyway. Besides, we do have a mission that we need to do, and that is a lot more important than fighting a giant house sized raptor.”

“True, but I would’ve loved to see that fight if we were able to!” Pinkie Pie added. “It would’ve been awesome seeing Zephie smack that giant bird around!”

Applejack snorted, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, sure it would...fer y’all and Dash maybe.”

All of a sudden, Goku let out a scream, and she came to a dead stop in her galloping, her large feathered bat wings spreading out wide. As she slid, each of her friends that were running behind her ran into her wings, stopping them dead in their tracks as if they slammed right into a wall. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who were flying above the group, came to a stop and looked back at the five other mares below them.

“Goku what’s the matter?” The former asked, her tone laced with concern. “Why did you stop?”

“Girls, don’t look now…” Goku began, not moving an inch. “…but we’ve reached a dead end.”

Taken aback by this statement, the four mares looked down form over Goku’s powerful wings and looked down at where Goku had stopped. They all gasped when they saw they had indeed at the end of the path that they were running on. Not only that, from where they were standing and hovering, it was a very, very, verylong drop down below that would’ve been fatal, which was only made all the more apparent by the large jagged rocked down below.

“Whoa nelly.” Applejack breathed. “Now that is one have of a long drop-down t’ them rocks.”

“Indeed.” Rarity gulped, looking over at Goku. “I’m so glad that you stopped us when you did, that would’ve been quite the nasty fall.”

“I think ‘nasty’ is too nice of a way of putting it Rarity.” Rainbow Dash said, staring down at the rocks. “You guys would’ve been gutted like fish if G hadn’t stopped you, if we hadn’t been here to catch you.”

“Well, either way, we’re going to need to find some other way to get down this mountain.” Twilight said, putting a hoof on Goku’s shoulder. “And that means, going with Goku’s original plan.”

“Oh, oh! You mean that we’re actually going to be taking rides on you guys!” Pinkie Pie asked, her eyes wide excitement. “Yaaaaay, I call dibs on Dashie!”

“Of course you would pick me of all ponies, Pinkie Pie.” The cyan mare snorted as she gave a roll of her eyes and a flick of her tail. A fanged smirk soon spread across her face as she turned to face her, spreading her large and powerful prismatic feathered wings wide. “Still, I think it’s kinda sweet how you picked me of all ponies to show you what it’s like to fly like a Pegasus. Now you’re gonna see it first hoof, and I promise you that it will be totally awesome!”

“Heehee, I don’t doubt it!” Pinkie Pie chirped sweetly as she leaned in and nuzzling Rainbow Dash on her cheek. She then wrapped her forearms rather tightly around her neck, causing the Pegasus to gag a little. “Oh, and don’t worry about me falling off. I’m gonna hold on reeeeeal tightly to you, so feel free to go as fast as you want!”

“T-thanks!” Rainbow Dash wheezed, her voice strained as she fought against Pinkie’s powerful grip.

“Ahem, if ya’ll are done actin’ like a couple o’ cows goin’ at it in th’ fields, we’ve got a mission t’ return to.” Applejack said bluntly, grinning in amusement at the heated glare sent her way by Rainbow Dash. Shaking her head, she walked over to Goku, who had her legs lowered slightly, allowing her to climb onto her back and wrap her forelegs around her neck. “Alright Goku, Ah’m on. Ya sure ya can handle carryin’ me sugarcube? You know Ah can pretty heavy for most ponies t’ carry.

“Don’t worry about it Applejack, it’s fine. Goku’s always up for helping my friends in any way, even if it means carrying them.” Twilight said, giving the farm mare a reassuring smile. “Plus, Goku’s half Thestral, and they’re known for being inconceivably strong, so she should have no problem carrying both of us.”

“Yeah AJ, and besides, I’ve given Sheton rides on my back ever since he was a baby, and I’ve certainly carried things on my back that’re a lot heavier than even Midnight.” Goku added as she gave Applejack a sly grin. “Besides, compared to all the other things that I’ve had to carry, you and Twilight are as light as feathers.”

“Um…okay. If ya say so.” Applejack replied, blushing at the compliment she had received. Meanwhile, from behind the other five ponies, Fluttershy and Rarity were having a silent private discussion.

“Now Fluttershy, are you sure that you’re okay with carrying me?” Rarity asked, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a worried expression. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on you, dear, and I understand if you don’t want to. I can always wait here while you take Twilight if that’s what you’d like.”

“Oh Rarity, what kind of a question is that?” Fluttershy asked giving the alabaster Unicorn a slight frown. “I’d be more than happy to help you over the slope, and I don’t mind at all if you want to ride on me too. It’s not like I haven’t given ponies or animals rides on my back before.”

“I know but still! You said it yourself that you’re not very much of a flier, and how you’d rather be on the ground than in the air. That is unless it was for training purposes.” Rarity continued, still seeming unsure. “I don’t to put you through that fear of being so high up in the air.”

“Rarity, look at me.” Fluttershy said softly, yet firmly as she took the alabaster Unicorn’s face in her hooves. “I appreciate that your looking out for my personal feelings and not want me to get scared of being high in the air, but I can assure you, I’m going to be alright. I’ve spent these last four years training myself, not only in my abilities, but to get over my fear of being high in the air, and so far, it’s worked!”

She released Rarity’s face as her expression softened, a gentle reassuring smile coming onto her face. “Trust me, you don’t have to worry about me getting anxious or anything while I’m up in the air. I promise you; I’m going to be just fine, okay?”

Rarity stood in silence for a few moments as she stared into Fluttershy’s teal eyes, looking for any sign of doubt or uncertainty behind their gentle gaze. All she found behind them was the same kindness and motherliness that they were always known for, along with a determination that outmatched any flame. This let Rarity know that this decision was hers’ and she was going to stick by it. Eventually, the alabaster Unicorn gave a sigh of defeat and gave into the Pegasus’s request.

“Very well dear…if you truly feel that this is what you want to do, then I won’t stop you.” Rarity said softly, giving Fluttershy a small smile. “Besides, you seem very adamant about doing this anyway.”

“That I am Rarity.” Fluttershy said, giggling slightly as she turned around, letting her rump face Rarity. “Now, shall we proceed?”

With those words, Fluttershy slowly turn around in a circle, her backside facing Rarity as she slowly spread her angelic wings, something that Rarity couldn’t help but feel a bit, or rather, really, jealous of. She lowered her hindlegs, allowing the alabaster Unicorn to slowly walk up to her and climb onto her back and wrap her forelegs around her neck. As Rarity did so, she took a moment to feel the softness and warmth emitting from the buttermilk Pegasus’s fur and her aura, causing her to be overcome by a wave of comfort and safety, and settling whatever fears and worries that she had. Once she was sure he friend was comfortable, Fluttershy regained her footing, turned around, and trotted over to the others, looking as if she didn’t have any trouble carrying Rarity at all.

“Alright, is everypony ready?” Goku asked, looking on either side of her. “This is gonna be a pretty long flight down, and I don’t want anypony who scared of heights to get cold hooves.”

“Well, it’s not like we have anything to lose. Plus, we’re on a bit of a hurry here.” Twilight somewhat hastily. “Feel free to give the signal anytime you’d like Goku.”

Right at that moment, a loud explosion burst out from behind them, causing the seven mares to jump and spin around to see who it was. Their eyes widened when they saw a large pillar of smoke in front of them and large piles of rubble scattered about the ground. Before they could figure out what it meant, Zephyr suddenly burst form the smoke, stopping just a few feet away from the mares.

“Zephyr!” Twilight shouted, relief flowing over her at the sight of the royal blue stallion. “You made it back!”

“Girls we need to hurt and get away from here quick!” Zephyr shouted; slight panic etched onto his face. “The Shinomōkin’s right on my tail!”

“Wait what?!” Rainbow Dash reeled back, nearly making Pinkie fall off of her. “What you mean it’s coming after you?! I thought you took care of it!”

“That’s what I believed too! I had shot it all the way into the trees of the Everfree Forest with one of my most powerful attacks!” Zephyr explained, quickly. “I even saw him get blown away from me by my last attack in the process!”

“Well, it looks like it wasn’t enough.” Fluttershy asked. “If the Shinomōkin was able to withstand one of your strongest attacks, then it looks like it was stronger than you thought.”

“Understatement of the century.” Goku snorted, shaking her head. “Anyway, we don’t have time to worry about that! We’ve got to get off of this mountain before-!”

An enormous clap of thunder cut off whatever Goku was going to say, and a loud screeched prompted them to turn around and see the Shinomōkin soaring towards them. As it got closer however, the girls and stallion noticed that it was covered from head to talon in a large mass of golden yellow lightning, and that its beak was open. A bright yellow light grew from within its mouth, and the eight ponies immediately knew what was going to happen.

“JUMP!” Zephyr screamed, having already taken to the air just before finishing that order. The girl didn’t need to be told twice, having already jumped off the edge of the mountain just before the Shinomōkin unleashed its attack. With a loud screech, the giant raptor shot a huge bolt of lightning form its mouth, striking the very same spot the ponies were. It was completely obliterated, sending large chunks of the mountain side scattered about the air, some of them hitting the ponies that were currently flying away from it.

Undeterred, the Shinomōkin changed its course and flew after its prey, eager to devour each and every one of them. Opening its beak, it shot off a multitude of lightning bolts at the eight ponies, determined to shoot at least one of them down from the sky. Zephyr, however, was about to give it any leverage, and countered the incoming attacks with ones of his own.

“Not so fast! Lightning Pegasus Thunderbolt Flock!” Zephyr shouted, swinging his wings outward and shooting large spear-like bolts of lightning. They all countered and stopped the Shinomōkin’s own breath attacks in midair, causing multiple explosions to ring out in the air.

“Holy shit!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her eyes widening at the attack form the raptor. “Did you guys see that?! It just completely destroyed that spot we were just on!”

“Yeah Dash we sure did!” Applejack replied, clutching tightly to Goku. “An’ Ah’m so glad that we got away from that varmint! If we stayed there fer even a second longer, our gooses would’ve been cooked!”

“Applejack!” Pinkie Pie shouted, her eyes widening. “I said not to call him names like that! Do you want him to slice you apart like a birthday cake?!”

“Applejack’s right, that was a really close call back there.” Twilight said, hugging Applejack from behind. “Now all we have to do is try to figure out how to get away from that thing before it tries to electrocute us again.”

Rarity, who was riding Fluttershy, heard the roar of thunder from behind her, making her fur stand on end. Even though she knew that the Shinomōkin was right behind them, she was unable to help herself in looking behind her to see what was going on. A gasp of terror escaped her as her pupils shrank to pinpricks.

“Um, Twilight, darling…” She said shakily, her entire body trembling. “…I think you may want to hurry that up a bit.”

“Uh, whaddya mean Rarity?” Applejack asked, one of her eyebrows raised.

“She means THAT!” Zephyr replied, his leveled voice ending in a shout that made the mares turned to look at him. They saw him pointing upward, and when they all looked up, they felt their jaws drop upon seeing the Shinomōkin going through a stunning transformation. Its entire body was being enveloped into a large cloak of stormy grey clouds, flashes of white lighting appearing out of them. It covered every part of its body, from its beak, to its head, its wings, legs, all the way to its tail feathers, leaving no trace untouched. As a final touch, two orbs of pure yellow replaced its eyes, and grew almost twice as big as it was before.

“Oh no, what is it doing now?!” Goku groaned, her bat ears pinning back.

“I have no idea Goku!” Pinkie Pie replied. “It looks like it’s turning itself into a giant bird shaped storm cloud! I could be wrong though, but it looks like that’s what it’s doing!”

“No Pinkie Pie! That’s exactly what it’s doing!” Fluttershy clarified, her expression one of clear panic. “And it’s about to send a rain of lightning down on us!”

“It’s going to WHAT?!” Rarity yelled, her eyes widening in horror.

The roaring of thunder brought the eight ponies’ attention and they all looked up to see the cloud covered Shinomōkin hovering above them, lighting dancing all about its body. With a loud screech, it unleashed its shower of lightning upon its quarry, all of them giving loud ear-splitting cracks as they appeared. Goku and the other screamed as they frantically began to dodge and evade the bird’s attack, watching as the giant trees below them, destroying them in the process.

“What the buck is going on with this bird?!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily. “I mean, I know that this is the Everfree forest and all, but come on! I wasn’t expecting any of this!”

“I have no idea Dashie, but this is just amazing!” Pinkie Pie squealed, seemingly oblivious to the danger she and her friends were currently in. “I mean, did you see the way how that bird struck the slope like that and how strong its attack was?! It’s even trying to strike us down without even trying to touch us itself! How cool is that?!”

“Pinkie Pie, I can hardly see anything ‘cool’ about any of this right now?!” Rarity snapped harshly as she glared at the bubblegum pink Earth Pony. “Can you not see the situation that we are currently in right now?! We are being chased by a bird of prey that could very well swallow us all whole if it wanted to, trying to strike us down as if it was the weather itself! Tell me, just what is ‘cool’, about something like that?!” The alabaster Unicorn used her magic to grab at her mane and tail and pull them closely to her. “Not only that, but there’s also the potential risk that my beautiful mane and tail skirt will get absolutely ruined! There is simply not a greater tragedy than that!”

“Seriously?! That’s what you’re more worried about?!” Rainbow Dash shouted incredulously, taking a moment to look over at Rarity in disbelief. “You just said that our asses are at risk of being this thing’s dinner, and you’re more worried about your damn hair getting dirty?! Are you bucking kidding me right now?!”

“Well of course I am!” Rarity replied sharply with a snort, giving the cyan mare a frown. “A lady must always make herself look presentable, even in the face of danger! Something that you wouldn’t know anything about, Rainbow Dash, humph!”

“That is a load of bull-”

“Girls, that’s enough!” Fluttershy shouted, her voice surprisingly loud in the rumbling thunder. “We don’t have time to argue about this right now! We need to find a way to get away from this Shinomōkin before it-!”

The sound of lightning cracking cut Fluttershy off, and she looked behind her to see a large pure yellow bolt of lightning zooming down towards her. Her friends all screamed her name, but they were just too far away from her to move her out of the way, and could only watched as the bolt soared right at her. Just before it struck, Zephyr appeared out of nowhere and knocked her out of the way just in the nick of time, taking the full brunt of the attack himself.

“ZEPHYR!!!” Twilight screamed, her expression one of utter horror as she watched the stallion get electrocuted. His agonized screams echoing about the sky as the Shinomōkin’s lightning ripped at his body from the inside out. The sound of an explosion rang through the air mere seconds later, and Zephyr fell out of the sky, a large mouthful of blood flowing from his mouth.

“Hold on sweetie, we’re coming!” Goku shouted, flapping her bat wings hard as she ascended towards the falling stallion. The others followed closely behind her, with the giant raptor diving down after them, still in its stormy cloak of lightning.

“Hold on Goku, I got him!” Fluttershy shouted, diving down ahead of the group. She tucked her angelic wings on either side of her after giving them a powerful flap, allowing her to dive down at a faster speed. When she got within range, she shot her hooves out and grabbed Zephyr around his barrel, wrapping her forelegs around him. Once he was secure, she spread her wings, allowing the air to carry her back up and join the others in flight once more.

“Alright, way to go Fluttershy!” Pinkie praised. “Good on you for saving Zephyr from getting skewered!”

“Yes, but we’re not out of danger yet dear!” Rarity said, pointing behind her. “We still have our adversary chasing after us! And it doesn’t look like he’s going to be letting up anytime soon!”

“Well, it looks like we’re going to have to make him go away!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her eyes glowing as a magenta body began to appear around her body. “Don’t worry you guys, I’m going to take care of this!”

“NoDash!” Twilight shouted, using her magic to stop the mare in midair. “Didn’t you just see what happened to Zephyr?! He just nearly got murdered by that Shinomōkin just a few seconds ago! I’m not going to let you do the same thing; this is not the time to go playing the hero!”

“Well then, whaddya suppose we do Twilight?” Applejack asked. “All we’ve been doin’ is flyin’ away from this varmint, an’ it’s not really workin’ fer us! All we’re doin’ is makin’ ourselves targets fer him an’ that fancy lightnin’ o’ his, an’ it doesn’t look like he’s goin’ t’ give up so easily!”

“Then we’re going to have to make him give up!” Goku declared, her eyes narrowing as they approached a large grove of trees. “Come on guys, follow me!”

With a strong flap, the tan Thestral shot right into the trees, the others flying close behind her with Fluttershy carrying their motionless guard as they all tore through the trees like a flock of arrows. Their ears picked up the sounds of screeching and lightning striking trees and branches cracking and falling, and the strong flapping of wings. None of them needed to look to know that the Shinomōkin was still behind them, and they knew they needed to lose it, or else they’d be fried and fed on for its lunch, or dinner.

“Goku, I hate to sound rude, just what are you thinking?!” Rarity asked. “What’re you trying to accomplish by entering the forest?!”

“What do you think I’m doing?!” Goku asked, looking over at the fashionista. “I’m trying to gain enough distance from this bird so we can hide somewhere in the trees and shrub without him seeing us do it!”

“Are you sure that’s going to work?” Rainbow Dash asked, obviously in doubt. “That bird’s flying through this forest pretty fast, and he’s literally destroying the trees just by flying into them. I don’t think hiding in the trees is going to help anything.”

“Not unless we hide in a tree grove that he’s not trying to destroy.” Fluttershy said, looking over at the cyan mare. “The Shinomōkin has the most excellent vision of any raptor, but it’s only able to detect things that are in a clear view. If things like rocks and trees are blocking its view, then it’ll be very hard for them to keep track of their quarry. So Goku made the right choice choosing the trees as a means of trying to escape, even if the Shinomōkin is, um, destroying them.”

“Exactly, which is why I had chosen to do this in the first place.” Goku nodded, smiling thankfully at Fluttershy. “Plus, at this point, I really don’t have any other options other than to fight this bird, which would more than likely be suicide for us. Especially with the incredibly big task that we have right now.”

“Goku’s right everypony.” Twilight nodded. “It’s best for us not to even try to contemplate fighting the Shinomōkin, no matter the chances that we have for winning. We should just continue to try to fly it until we find a chance to lose it, so we can continue on our mission to find Nightmare Moon.”

“Good idea Twilight!” Pinkie Pie nodded. “Let’s just keep our eyes on the pri-WATCH OUT!”

Everypony whipped their heads back just in time to see a huge bolt of lightning shoot down towards them, the size being big enough to electrocute all of them at once. They were just barely able to evade the attack as it slammed into the trees and the ground below them, sending branches and chunks of dirt everywhere.

“Okay,” Applejack said, a slight tinge of annoyance in her voice. “Ah am really startin’ t’ get annoyed by that now! How long do we have to keep goin’ ahead o’ this thing?!”

“Not for much longer!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her eyes squinted. “I think I can see a clearing from up ahead of here!”

“Yeah, me too!” Goku nodded, her cat-like eyes seeing farther ahead than the athlete. “And we’re almost there! Just hold on for a little a bit longer girls! We’ll be home free soon!”

No other words were said after that; the only thing that the seven mares were focused on were getting away from the giant lightning and cloud coated raptor chasing them. Goku, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash’s riders held on tightly to them as the three flyers flew as fast as they could, with the tan Thestral pulling ahead. The Shinomōkin’s chirping lighting and loud screeching still bounced about their ears as it kept up the chase, even as the ponies got father away. After what seemed like miles of flying, they broke out of the trees, finding themselves in a large clearing with a huge streaming river.

“Oh thank goodness, we finally made it!” Rarity exclaimed, breathing out a huge sigh. “We escaped that retched creature!”

“Not yet Pinkie, we’re not out of the woods yet.” Twilight cautioned. “We may be out of the sight of the Shinomōkin, but like Goku said, we still need to find someplace to hide before it comes out.”

“Alright then, so where you do suggest that we go?” Rainbow Dash asked. “There aren’t any places here in this clearing, and like Fluttershy said, because of that we’ll be spotted pretty easily. I think we should try to go for those trees on the other side of this river.”

“That was pretty much my idea from the start, but thanks for the reminder Dash.” Goku said, looking at the cyan mare with slight annoyance. “Plus, we’ll also need to find someplace to let Zephyr get some rest too. He took a real hit when he saved Fluttershy, and we’ll need to make sure nothing happens to him while he’s recovering, otherwise he won’t be able to continue on with us.”

Fluttershy looked like she was about to say something, but an explosion of lightning and trees prevented her from doing so. They only had time to see the Shinomōkin diving towards them at break neck speed, and scream at the sight, before the giant bird attacked. White hot pain tore through their bodies as the giant raptor swept them all in a world of grey as it electrocuted all of them on the spot, Zephyr included. Their screams rang through the air as they were carried through the air over the river, the Shinomōkin soaring over it as it continued to mercilessly strike the mares trapped within its transformation.

All of a sudden, a pain filled screech escaped its mouth as a huge bolt of golden lightning tore from out of its back and under its stomach. It halted its flight back into the forest as more bolts of lightning shot out of its body, emitting even more agonized cries. It flapped around wildly, trying to shake whatever had gotten in or onto it and get rid of the source of lightning that wasn’t its own, but to no avail. With one final burst of lightning, a massive whole opened up inside the transformed bird, and it went back to its original form, allowing the eight ponies to fall out.

The eight ponies had just enough time to see the giant bird that they were slowly getting father away from flying off into the night, looking clearly injured from the unexpected attack. Then, in an instant, there was a mighty splash as they all hit the river below them, unable to stop the harsh coldness that washed over them, before everything went dark.

Author's Note

Aaaaaand this is the part of the chapter that I said that I was going to be taking out of the last one and put into the next one, which is this, because I felt that I was going to be too long :twilightsheepish: . In the last on, I had the girls getting electrocuted by a giant storm cloud which was obviously not the giant bird that was currently chasing them through the skies, which, to me, was something that was a very bad idea from the start. I don't know what I was thinking at that time, but that last idea was just wrong in my eyes when I was looking back on it, especially when writing this one :applejackconfused: . Oh well, that bits over now, I've learned from my mistake, and I'm certainly going to be more careful when doing this like that from now on, and not letting the scenes drag on for so long :raritywink: .

Oh, and I case you guys are all wondering about Zephyr's techniques, I decided to take a lead out of the book of the Dragon Slayers from Fairy Tail and give Zephyr and all other Pegasi, and Thestrals attacks similar to theirs. Don't worry, I'll be giving the Unicorns and Earth Ponies their own different attacks, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie included, though its going to take some time for me to do that...I'll have to make the bios like the one of Milky Way that I put one the 31st blog :twilightsheepish: . So you may be getting updates a bit slower from here on out after the next couple of chapters, or maybe even before that...I don't know, we'll have to see :derpytongue2: .

Anyway, that's all for now; next time we're getting a look back into the citizens of Ponyville, with an invasion in a much different version than the last one I wrote :ajsmug: .

Chapter 18 - Invasion

“How’re you holding up there, Mom?” Amethyst asked, her eyes filled with concern as she watched her mother get tended to. “Are any of those burn marks or bruises still hurting you in any way?”

Derpy who was laying down on a stretcher nestled on the floor, looked up over at her eldest daughter. A reassuring yet pained came smile onto her face as she brushed some of her mane away. “Oh, don’t worry about me Ame, I’m not hurting anymore. Well, not anywhere as much as I used to twenty minutes ago-ow!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, it looks like I wrapped that bandage too tightly.” Sweetheart apologized, smiling in embarrassment. “It’ll try to be gentler next time, it’s little hard for me to try to adjust the straps properly.”

“That’s alright Nurse Sweetheart. You just caught me off guard that’s all.” The silvery grey mare replied, smiling sweetly at the nurse. She then looked back down to her chest fluff, where her youngest daughter Dinky, was currently nuzzled into it. “Aww, there’s no need to be scared muffin, mommy’s okay, so there’s no reason to keep crying.”

Dinky sniffled, hugging her mother tightly as she nuzzled deeper in her chest fluff. “I…I-I can’t help it momma! W-when I got trapped under that roof, I-I was so scared t-that I wasn’t going to get out, a-and that I’d n-never see you or A-Amethyst again. I was s-so happy that I w-was able to e-escape and when my b-big sister came to g-get me. B-but…when w-we went s-searching for you, you were…y-y-you were…!”

Derpy looked down at the young filly with sympathy, knowing exactly what her youngest daughter was talking about, and why she was so upset. About twenty minutes prior to Midnight rescuing Dinky and the other foals from their wooden trap, she and Amethyst had gone to search for their mother within the Town Square. They had somehow lost her in the attack that Nightmare Moon had unleashed upon the ponies and the building, and were frantic in finding her before too much time had passed. It didn’t take long for them to find her, but nothing could’ve prepared for them for finding Derpy all put buried alive under rubble and wood, lying in a growing pool of her own blood. Amethyst had all but ripped her mother out of the pile and rushed her to the nearest nurse, pleading with them to help her mother before she bled out in her magical grasp. In the midst of her panicking, both Amethyst and Dinky had temporarily forgotten that Derpy had her self-healing was at work.

“Hey there Dinks…it’s alright, there’s no need for you to keep on crying.” Amethyst Derpy's eldest daughter, said softly, putting a hoof on her little sister’s back. “Mom’s alive and she’s getting help right now…she’s getting it by some of the best nurses in Ponyville. So, don’t worry, she’s going to pull through this. You know that she never kicks the bucket that easily.”

“Damn right I don’t, now while two of my most precious muffins are in danger.” Derpy nodded, nuzzling Dinky atop her head. “Besides, I’m not even anywhere near that old yet; I’m only about thirty-two years old after all.”

“Wait what?” Nurse Sweetheart asked, pausing in her patching of Derpy’s wounds. She looked down at Derpy with a look of complete shock on her face. “Y-you’re really thirty-two years old?!”

“Mhm, I sure am, and a proud mom at that!” Derpy said cheerfully, flashing another smile at her fellow Rosario. A look of perplexation soon came to her face as she tilted her head at the look of shock Sweetheart had. “Why is that so shocking?”

The chubby Earth Pony quickly composed herself, blushing as she sheepishly said, “Oh, I’m sorry, forgive me for that Ms. Derpy. It’s just…well, I know that you have children and all, but, you don’t exactly look at the age where most ponies would normally have foals.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Amethyst asked lowly, narrowing her eyes. “Is there something wrong about how young my Mom looks?”

“N-no of course not!” Sweetheart protested, shrinking away slightly at the magenta purple Unicorn’s look. “All I was saying that thought your mother was younger than she looked until she actually said her age.”

“Now Amethyst, be nice to the Nurse, you know she didn’t mean what she said the way you thought she did.” Derpy reprimanded firmly, before turning back to Sweetheart. “Sorry about that Nurse, my eldest daughter can be pretty protective of me. Anyway, what made you think that I was younger than I actually was?”

“W-well, um…” Sweetheart said, a pink tint coming to her face. “…i-it was because of um, h-how attractive that you looked.”

Dinky’s ears perked at this, and she pulled her head away from her mother’s chest to shoot her wide-eyed look at the Nurse. “What?”

“Y-yeah, I thought your mother was younger than she looked because of how attractive she is.” Sweetheart repeated, her blush turning darker. “I’m not really surprised, since I can see that she’s a member of the same clan that me and my sisters are. Still though, even for us, she does look young. Not that there’s anything wrong with but you know what I mean.”

“Oh, I know exaclty what I mean Nurse Sweetheart, we clan ponies are known to look a lot younger than we actually are. Even ponies that are older than me, so I’m not all that surprised that you thought I was younger, even if I have foals.” Derpy said sweetly, a bit of slyness in her voice as she smirked at the Earth Pony. “As for me being attractive...I’m no Sapphire Shores or Countess Coloratura, but I can pick up a few stallions and mares here and there. And I’m sure that you could do the same if you try hard enough.”

“Mom, not in front of Dinky!” Amethyst groaned, frowning at her mother. “You know that she isn’t old enough to even be hearing that type of stuff yet.”

“Oh, and you’re saying that you don’t do the same with Dinky yourself?” Derpy asked, glancing over at her eldest daughter with a raised eyebrow. “Whose bright idea was it to bring one of her bang buddies home one time and decided to ‘get it on’ while Dinky was still awake?”

Dinky giggled as Amethyst’s mouth snapped shut, a deep blush coming to her face as she looked away. “Touché…”

“It’s okay big sis, there’s no need to be embarrassed. I kind of figured that something was going to happen between you and your friend, so I went up to my room to so you two could have some privacy.” Dinky said, winking at her sister. “Though, could you at least wait until I’m actually asleep before things go crazy? All of the thumping and screaming kept me up for a while the last time you did that.”

“Dinky!” Amethyst hissed, making the grayish violet filly giggle again.

“Oh, me? G-getting a mate?” Sweetheart stuttered, stopping in her tending to Derpy’s wounds. “I-I…n-n-no, I could never think of getting together with somepony, let alone a stallion! Nothing against mares that’re into the same gender but…I really don’t see any of that happening.”

“Now why would you think that?” Derpy asked, frowning in dissatisfaction at Sweetheart’s lack of confidence. “There are plenty of stallions out there who’re into cute chubby mares like you, not just the ones that’re…well, fit like me.”

“Yes, Derpy I know, not all stallions go after mares that’re shapely and big butted and busty like you are.” Sweetheart said dryly, her eyes running along the mailmare’s shapely figure through the bandages. “That’s not what’s keeping me from finding a mate. It’s just…I don’t really have the self-confidence to find anyone that I see a future with, least I mess up on it.”

“And what do you think is going to make you mess up on getting together with somepony?” Amethyst asked perplexedly. “From where I’m standing, you look like a sweet mare who has a realsweet tooth that any rationalstallion would fight to be with, even if you’re a bit on the chubby side.”

“Hmhm, yeah…just a little bit.” Sweetheart giggled. “As for the sweet tooth thing…well, let’s just say if you found out how deep that depth goes, you’d at least see one problem I have that stops me from finding a mate.”

“So? You like to eat a lot of candy and other sweets; there’s nothing wrong with that.” Dinky said, getting up and walking over to the larger mare. “I don’t see how that’s any reason for you to not find somepony who you like. If there’s somepony you like, than go for that pony, and if they like you back than that’s even better! It shouldn’t matter what either of you look like. If you both like each other and want to be together, then that should be all that matters, right?”

“That’s exactly right muffin.” Derpy nodded, smiling proudly at her daughter. “So, don’t worry about how you look or how much of a sweet tooth you have. Anypony, mare or stallion, who’s willing to look past that and see what’s on the inside, and not take advantage you, are good for you in any book, including mine. The fact that you like each other and want to be with one another is what should really matter.”

Dinky looked over at her mother, sweat dropping slightly. “Um, yeah…that’s kind of what I just said momma.”

“Yeah, you’re right, all of you. Thank you for that sweetheart, that was very sweet of you to help me.” Sweetheart said, smiling lovingly down at the filly. “Maybe I should see if I can find somepony who doesn’t mind my chubbiness and my sweet tooth. Ponyville’s a pretty accepting town, and there are a lot of ponies who’re single. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to muster up enough confidence to do it.”

“In that case, why don’t I help you there?” A sultry and sensual voice asked from behind Nurse Sweetheart. The grayish orchid Earth Pony let out a loud squeak, jumping in the air so hard that she fell right into top of Derpy with all her chubby weight. Dinky jumped back as Sweetheart fell on top of her mother, who emitted a cry of surprise and pain at the sudden weight on her. The young Unicorn whipped her head around to see Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth, the former in the process of laughing her ass off.

“Oh my Faust, that was rich!” The persian blue mare giggled, hovering with her belly facing the roofless sky. “The squeak that she let out…that was so good!”

“Auntie Cloud!” Dinky shouted, her surprised happiness at seeing her aunt washed away with sheer annoyance. “What did you do that for?!”

“Awww, don’t give me that look little Dinks.” Cloud Kicker said, grinning down at the filly. “I was just having fun with your sexy as momma and her cute chubby fillyfriend. No need to get mad about something like that.”

“Now Cloud Kicker, that is not what Dinky meant and you know it.” Blossomforth said, crossing her forehooves as she glared disapprovingly at her friend. “You just scared that poor nurse half to death, and made her fall on top of Derpy! What were you trying to do, make her more hurt than she already was?”

Before Cloud Kicker could reply, Sweetheart got to her hooves and faced the other two Pegasi. “Sweet merciful Faust, you almost gave me a heart attack back there! I honestly didn’t here you either of you flying behind me! Are you’re wings full of soundless feathers or something?”

“Oh, you give me too much credit Nurse Sweetheart.” Cloud chuckled. “I’m just that good at being stealthy when it comes claiming my hot and sexy piece of ass prizes.”

“Yeah, I think you made that abundantly clear when you made Nurse Sweetheart fall on top of me.” Derpy muttered, cringing as she stretched her back. “Still though, that was pretty mean Cloud Kicker. The poor dear nearly had a heart attack from that stunt you pulled.”

“I know little sis, I know. I couldn’t help myself. It was just really cute and funny seeing her all scared like that.” Cloud Kicker admitted guiltily. “I’m sorry about that Nurse Sweetheart.”

“It…it’s okay dear, I’m not hurt or anything.” Sweetheart replied, calming down. “But, you did make me fall on Derpy…so I think you should also apologize to her too.”

The persian mare did just that. “I’m sorry Derpy, I hope I didn’t reopen your injuries.”

“No, you didn’t, but you certainly made them hurt more.” Derpy replied, deadpanning slightly at the other Pegasus. A second later, her chipper smile returned as she added, “But it’s okay, I’ve felt an even worse type of pain before while training with my daughters and my clan, so this doesn’t really hurt all that much.”

“Really?” Blossomforth asked, raising a watermelon eyebrow. “Not even as much as being trapped under a large pile of roof?”

“Nope!” Derpy chirped, grinning widely as Blossomforth sweat dropped. “Compared on the training I went through honing all of my abilities; this is only like being trampled by a buffalo!”

“Somehow, that doesn’t make us feel any better.” Cloud Kicker replied as she too sweat dropped. “But I’m glad to see that you’re doing better little sis.”

“Anyway…” Derpy continued, her smile faltering. “…are you both okay? Neither of you got hurt during that break in, did you?”

“By some miracle, we managed not to get burnt or crushed by the fire or the broke roof.” Blossomforth sighed, flicking her tail. “I can’t really say the same for everypony else in here though…all of them are hurt pretty bad.”

“That’s an understatement.” Amethyst snorted. “I’m having an even harder time believing who it was that made all of this happen. To think that somepony who I thought was a myth was real this whole time. I know I saw her with my own eyes, but still…it’s just so…”

“I know how you feel big sis.” Dinky said softly. “I had a hard time believe it too but…you can’t really deny what your own eyes seen. We all saw her as clear as day, right in front of us.” She snuggled back up to her mother. “I really hope I don’t see her again, or else I might really faint from terror this time!”

“Don’t worry muffin, that’s not going to happen.” Derpy cooed, wrapping a foreleg around her youngest daughter. “As long as momma’s here, she’s not gonna let that mare come anywhere near you. She’s going to have to get through me to get to you if she has any plans on harming you.”

“Same with me Dinks.” Amethyst murmured, leaning in and kissing her sister on her forehead. “I’ll be damned if anypony’s gonna hurt my little sis and get away with it, and anypony that does is gonna get their asses bucked up!”

“Big sis, language!” Dinky chastised playfully, earning a burst of laughter form Derpy, Sweetheart, and Cloud Kicker.

Blossomforth, who was also giggling at Dinky’s scolding of her sister, looked up into the pitch-black sky at the twinkling stars lighting it up from above. A half-lidded expression came to her face as she continued to star at the night sky, slowly becoming captivated in its beauty, feeling herself relaxing somewhat. Although she’d never admit it to anypony, not even to Cloud Kicker, she personally liked the night a lot more than the day unlike most other ponies. That wasn’t to say that Celestia’s day wasn’t beautiful in its own right, but there was just something about the nighttime that really made her feel at home, especially in Ponyville. Even if it was brought back much earlier than it was supposed to by a being that she never thought she’d met in pony, it made her feel comforted every time she saw it take over the sky.

The pinkish grey mare was so enraptured by the nighttime sky and the stars floating within it, she almost didn’t notice something move out of the corner of her eye. Her blue eyes glanced over to where she was seeing the movement, and they widened slightly upon seeing a large right light shining in the sky. It glowed brighter than all of the other stars scattered around it, and, for some reason, that really perplexed her and almost scared her.

“Hey Blossom, what’s with that far off look?” Cloud Kicker asked, throwing a foreleg around the Rosario. “You thinkin’ about any kinky ideas you want to try out with me?”

“W-what? No of course not, don’t be ridiculous!” Blossomforth replied, snapping her now red face over to the persian mare. “I-I was just, um…looking out at the stars, and I noticed one of them looking out of place.”

“Out of place?” Cloud asked, raising a golden amber eyebrow. “What the hay do you mean by that?”

“I mean that.” Blossomforth pointed up at the ever-growing light in the sky. “That one right there; I don’t know what’s up with it, but it looks like it’s getting closer to us.”

Blinking in confusion, Cloud looked over to where Blossomforth was pointing and jumped slightly at seeing the brightly shining light in the sky. As she continued to stare, she began to notice the light changing color, and also, much to her further surprise, even changing shape. It was at that moment Cloud Kicker began to realize that something was wrong; that what she and her friend was seeing, was in fact, not a star.

“Um, Blossomforth…” The Kiba Lycona finally said, her voice tinged with slight worry. “I don’t think that’s a star up there.”

“It’s not?” Blossomforth asked, looking at her sex obsessed friend with surprise.

“No, it isn’t. Whatever that is, that’s not a star, or a shootingstar.” Cloud replied. “What kind of star gets that close, changes color, and shifts shapes?”

“W-what?” Blossomforth asked, her heart skipping a beat. “What’re you talking about?”

“Yeah, you heard me Blossom.” The persian blue mare nodded. “That so-called star that we’re seeing is actually not really a star at all.”

“C-Cloud, you’re not making any sense!” Blossomforth stuttered. “What in Natura’s name are you talking ab-t?!”

A loud earth-shattering boom abruptly silence the pinkish grey mare as she, Cloud, Sweetheart, Amethyst, Dinky and Derpy all let out screams of surprise. The rest of the ponies in the Town Square weren’t too far off as the ground beneath them shook violently from the outside. It was so strong that the ones that were standing lost their footing and fell, either to the ground, and onto one another, as a bright light flashed across the windows. The ones closest to the windows covered their eyes to prevent themselves from being blinded from the painfully bright flash, relief washing over them when it slowly receded.

“W-what the…what the buck was that?!” Dinky squeaked, clutching to Derpy tightly. “Did you guys hear that too?! I couldn’t have been the only one!”

“No muffin, I definitely heard it.” Derpy replied, too stunned to scold her daughter for her language. “And whatever it was, it was really loud...”

“Oh, it was certainly loud alright; it almost made my eardrums burst!” Amethyst said, rubbing at one of her ears. “There’s something else though…I can sense an incredible source of magic power from outside.”

“You can?” Cloud Kicker asked. “What is it?”

“I don’t know, there’s just something insanely powerful just outside that door, where Captain Shining Armor and some of his troop is.” Amethyst replied, her muscles tensing. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that the level of power is on par with…her.”

It took less than a second for the others to figure out what she was talking about, and they all froze up in fear.

“Oh no, you don’t mean-!” Blossomforth said fearfully, her words getting caught in her throat as she began to panic. “Don’t tell me that Nightmare Moon is back here to finish us off?!”

Before Amethyst could speak, the doors to the Town Square exploded open, the force behind it so powerful that the doors were torn off their hinges. The figure of Shining Armor and a few of his other fellow guards could be seen flying inside, a huge beam of pure white magic having all of them in its grasp. The Hooves Family, Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth all watched with wide eyed horrified expressions as the Solar Guard Captain crashed into the stage, a huge cloud of smoke enveloping him.

“Whoa! What in the hay was that?!” Cloud Kicker shouted, reeling back. “Was that Captain Shining Armor?!”

“I…I-I think so.” Sweetheart replied, her voice shaking slightly. “B-but what just happened outside? Why did he just come flying through the Town Square like that?!”

At that moment, Dinky let out a scream, making her mother, sister, aunt, Blossomforth, and Sweetheart all snap their heads towards her. The petrified filly had a shaky hoof pointed forward, looking as if she had seen something from her most terrifying of nightmares. They followed the line of her hoof, and felt the color drain from their faces upon seeing the large purple form of the Tantabus slowly stalking inside of the building. It’s curved sword-like horn glowed in a pure white aura as its eyes burned into the ones of practically everypony in the room, its magical power holding them all in place.

“Wha…” Sweetheart breathed. “What in the name of all that his holy or natural isthat thing?!”

“That’s exaclty what I’m thinking right now.” Blossomforth replied, her tail tucking. “But I can tell just by looking at it, that it is not friendly!”

“Of course it’s not friendly!” Dinky cried. “It just blasted Captain Shining Armor through the doors! How can something that does something like that be friendly?!”

Right at that moment, Shining Armor burst from the rubble of the stage that he was thrown into, his horn alight with a glowing pale magenta aura. Without missing a single beat, he fired a beam of magic at the Tantabus, only for the creature to create a large shield and block it with ease. It soon retaliated by firing off several magical blasts of its own, to which the alabaster stallion countered by firing off a flock of magical beams of his own. The attacks collided with one another, creating a cloud of smoke that washed over both the Solar Captain and the ethereal creature, taking them from everypony’s sight.

“I can’t believe it; he’s actually trying to fight that thing!” Amethyst exclaimed. “Does he think that he stands a change against it?! That things so much more powerful than he is!”

“W-well, he is a Royal Guard, so it’s his duty to keep us safe.” Sweetheart pointed out. “Still though, I can see your point. I can feel that things power level even from all the way over here.”

“Everypony stay back!” Shining Armor yelled, his voice echoing about the Town Square. “I don’t want any of you to get caught up in this! It’d be best if you stay as far away from me and this thing as possible!”

No other words were said after that as Shining Armor fired another powerful beam at the Tantabus, striking it right in the chest and sending it tumbling across the floor. Seeing its foe down, Shining Armor galloped towards the creature, intent on finishing it off as quickly as possible. All of a sudden, the Tantabus shot to its feet and unleashed a powerful kick to Shining Armor’s chest, sending the stallion flying away and crashing to the floor. As he hoisted himself to his haunches, he was just in time the Tantabus forming a large white orb of magic, before it fired the attack right at him.

“Solid Form Magic: Shield!” Shining Armor shouted, forming a shield in the shape of his Cutie Mark right in front of him. The defensive move came just in the nick of time, and everypony watched as it collided with shield, making a shockwave burst throughout the Town Square.

“Nice try, but you’re going to have to do more than fire magic at me if you want to get at me you manifested bastard!” Shining Armor growled slowly stepping forward while keeping his shield up. “I’m not known as the Captain of the Solar Royal Guard for nothing!”

With a moderate cerulean aura surrounding his body, Shining Armor vanished and reappeared by behind the Tantabus, kicking it in the back of its head and sending it skidding away. He reappeared above the Tantabus again and slammed both of his forehooves on the back of the creature’s head, driving it deeper into the ground. Grabbing its flowing tail, Shining pulled the Tantabus out of the ground and threw it towards the door, igniting his horn again.

“Rapid Fire!” Shining Armor shouted, shooting off a multitude of beams at the Tantabus, striking all over its solid form in midair. The Tantabus suddenly sported a pair of wings, both of them flaring to their fullest span as it stopped itself once Shining’s attacks stopped. With a single flap, it cleared the distance between it and Shining in just a second, nearly making the alabaster stallion unable to stop incoming horn attack. It was only thanks to Shining’s trained senses that he was able to block the attack with his own gleaming horn, the collision so strong that sparks appeared in the air.

“Okay, I have to admit, you almost had me there.” Shining grunted, feeling his hooves slid across the floor due to the Tantabus’s powerful wing flaps. His eyes glowed as he lashed his leonine tail out. “Still, you’re going to have to do better than that if you want to get the drop on me! Shining Flash!”

Punching the Tantabus away, Shining Armor blasted it with a huge beam of telekinesis at the creature, sending it flying across the Town Square and towards the door. Just as it was about to fly out, it suddenly shot all four of its hooves out and grabbed at the walls, keeping itself from flying out.

“Oh no you don’t!” Shining shouted, baring his teeth as bright cerulean lightning appeared around his body and traveled up his horn. “You’re not pulling that trick on me!”

With a loud crack that threated to spit everypony’s eardrums, the lightning made its way into Shining’s magical attack and head right towards the Tantabus. An explosion rang out as it struck the creature, causing it to lose its grip on the walls of the door due to the amount of magic the lightning contained. With one final push, Shining Armor blasted the Tantabus out of the Town Square and back out into the streets, the attack vanishing moments later.

“There, that should keep him down for a while.” Shining Armor said, rubbing at his horn. “It looks like I had put more power into that attack than I had thought.”

A groan from his left caused Shining to turn to see a Pegasus stallion, who had been lying on the ground, slowly pulling himself to his haunches and coughing blood. The stallion had moderate tangelo fur that looked to be a cross between brown and orange, with a light phthalo moderate blue mane and tail, the main being covered by helmet. His eyes were a brilliant cyan, and his Cutie Mark was of three wickedly sharp spears that were crossed by the ends.

“Spearhead, are you alright?!” Shining Armor asked, holding his friend up. “Come on, speak to me!”

Spearhead, after letting out another cough, quickly put a hoof on his Shining’s shoulder, stopping him in his panic. “Whoa Captain, take it easy there! I’m still kickin’; I’m not kicking the bucket right this second!”

“Oh, thank Faust…” Shining sighed, calming down. “…For a minute there I thought that you were down for the count. Can you get up?”

“Sure I can Captain; I’ve been trained to be able to withstand attacks like this.” Spearhead replied as he, pulling himself on his hooves. Giving flick of his tail, he shook the debree off his armored body. “I just didn’t expect it to be as powerful as that.”

“Neither did I…I’m glad you were at least able to take the full brunt of the attack.” Shining nodded, looking over at his other fallen soldiers. “I can’t really say the same for some of the others though.”

“Well, at the very least we have the others who’re fighting those things outside.” Spearhead said somewhat dejectedly. “Although, they’re not quite as prepared for it as the guards form the Lunar Branch are, let along Captain Moon Blade.”

“What, what did you say?!” Shining asked, his eyes widening. “There are more of those things?!”

Spearhead, seeing the look of horror on his Captain’s face, grimaced. “Yes, there are…while we were on the other side of the Town Square, I noticed more of those creatures coming in front the sky. I also noticed some of the Lunar Guards fighting them from above, so they must’ve seen them first, since they were scouting for any danger from above. I had come to let you know, like I did a few minutes ago, but, well…”

The tangelo Pegasus trailed off, letting his captain figure the rest of the situation out on his own as a short silence reigned over the building. Shining Armor said nothing, his mind grasping the full danger of the situation they were all in as he took in his friends’ words. His ears suddenly perked at the sounds of explosions, and he looked up to see the figures of even more of the Tantabuses, and the Lunar and Solar Guards duking it out. A sharp breath made its way into Shining Armor’s throat as he watched the exchanges, and at that moment, he knew that they needed to really be on their guard.

“Captain?” Spearhead asked, snapping the alabaster stallion out of his trance. “Are you alright, you’re spacing out there.”

Shining Armor blinked, shaking his head before looking back at Spearhead. “Y-yeah, sorry, I was zoning off for a bit. Spearhead, are you able to fight?”

“Well, I’m able to move, and I can still use my magic, so yeah.” Spearhead nodded, tilting his head at his Captain. “Why, do you need me to stay here and look after everypony.”

“Along with any of the other soldiers who’re able to fight, yeah.” Shining nodded, glancing back over at the other fallen guards. “I’m going to try to keep that thing at bay, and when I feel like I have enough time, I’m going to put up a shield that’ll keep them from getting in here. I’m sure some of our guards and Captain Moon Blades guards will come and help us, so I don’t have to worry about fighting alone.”

“You sure you’ll be okay out there, Captain?” Spearhead asked, somewhat hesitantly. “Those things are pretty powerful…I can sense it even from how high they are. No offense, but you might be biting off more than you can chew.”

“And you’re saying you haven’t on any of our missions?” Shining rebutted, causing Spearhead’s mouth to snap shut. “If I didn’t think I’d be okay out there, and wouldn’t win, I’d be more afraid to do so. However, I don’t really have any choice right now, besides, there are ponies all around us that need somepony to keep them safe, even if it means our lives are on the line. We swore that oath the moment we became a member of the Queen’s Royal Guards, and I’m here to do just that, even if it means being pummeled to the ground.” A small grin made its way to the Unicorn stallion’s face. “I didn’t make it into the Royal Guard and become Captain because I was afraid of not surviving, or biting off more than I can chew. And I know you didn’t either, so isn’t it a bit hypocritical of you to be worried about me being over my head when you’ve done the same thing?”

Spearhead stared at his captain for a moment, before letting out a chuckle. “Heh, yeah, I suppose it does…I’d expect no less from one of the most stubborn ponies in our part of the Royal Guard.” He sighed, giving a ruffle of his large wings. “Alright then, have at them Captain Armor; I’ll be sure to make sure nothing gets in here while you’re out there throwing down.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” Shining said, giving a nod. “And if any of the other boys and girls are able to fight alongside you, just tell them my plan and things should be good.”

“Sure thing Captain.” Spearhead as he and his Captain gave a hoofpump. “Good look.”

“Right back at you.” Shining said back, grinning back at Spearhead before he raced towards the entrance of the Town Square. Unaware to either stallions, Derpy, Dinky, Amethyst, Sweetheart, Blossomforth, and Cloud Kicker had all heard their conversation. By the time it was over, each of them were sporting looks of terrified shock, unable to believe what they had just heard.

“Did…did you guys here what they were saying?” Blossomforth asked. “Please tell me that I wasn’t the only one who heard it!”

“No Blossom…you didn’t.” Cloud Kicker murmured. “And right now, I’m having a hard time believing the bullshit that I just heard right now.”

“Well, don’t think you’ll have any choice but to believe it aunt cloud.” Amethyst sighed, staring up at the battle ridden sky. “Cause we just heard it, and seen it, with our own eyes.”

“Oh dear, this is quite the predicament that we’re in, isn’t it?” Sweetheart asked, looking in between the three Pegasi and two Unicorns. “What do you thinks going to happen?”

“No idea, but I will say this.” Derpy said firmly, extending a wing Amethyst in with her and Dinky. “None of those things are going to harm either of you as long as I’m here. Any of them that do will find out the real reason why I was given my nickname Derpy.”

“Oh momma…” Dinky cooed, nuzzling into her mother’s chest fluff.

“Wait, Derpy isn’t your actual name?” Sweetheart asked, surprise taking over her facial features. “It’s just a nickname?”

“No, my little sis’s actual name is Ditzy.” Cloud replied. “But she’d rather be called Derpy instead of her actual name. She doesn’t mind if you call her Ditzy, but she’d really rather prefer if you call her Derpy instead.”

“Really?” Sweetheart asked, tilting her head curiously. “Why doesn’t she want to be called by her birth name.”

Blossomforth frowned slightly. “Let’s just say that after a particular incident that happened with Dinky’s eldest daughter, ponies learned not to mess with her foals while Derpy was around.”

“Oh… I-I see…” Sweetheart said, her face paling slightly. “W-what happened in that, um…incident?”

“You don’t want to know.” Amethyst replied, a shiver going down her spine as her tail tucked in between her legs. “Trust me…”

Author's Note

Well, there you guys! The 18th chapter of The Guardians of Harmony Rise of the Dark Queen :scootangel: ! For this chapter, I think this is one that was made almost off entirely form the top of my head to follow with some scenarios in the other old chapters that I'm planning to put back inside of this. Now, in chapter 14, I had planned an invasion of Timberwolves from the Everfree Forest and battling almost everypony in Ponyville along with Sweet Apple Acres, something that, looking back now, was an utterly insane idea, other than their newly evolved forms that I had thought up of :applejackconfused: :ajsmug: . I really do not know what was going through my head when I had done the but...well, I had done it, and I've learned from my mistake, so I'm certainly not going to do something as stupid as that again :twilightsheepish: . This new invasion that I planned is, in my opinion, much better, especially since these are beings that're just as capable of thinking and functioning like the ponies are, along with being able to use magic, instead of just trying to bit, smash, and swap :raritywink: .

Also, for anypony whose curious about the techniques that Shining Armor had used, they were leaves that I took out of both Levi Mcgarden and Vegeta's books, and made them similar to either of there attacks; Shining Armor's Solid Form Magic Shield is the Equestrian version of one of Levi's Solid Script Magical attacks, while his Shining Flash attack is his version of Vegeta's Final Flash that he used on Cell in Dragon Ball Z Kai. I've thought these off of the top of my head, though it took me some time to try to think of them, and it may take a bit longer to make some similar techniques that I could give the Main Seven, the Background Ponies and the Villains like the ones in either Dragon Ball and Fairy Tail, and, depending on how smoothly it'll go, it may make my updates go a bit slower. The next chapter may come a bit quicker though, but I'm going to have to change a lot of things in it though, but, I think I won't have too much trouble...I hope :twilightblush: .

Well, that's all for now everypony; next time we're going to be taking a little look at the Main Seven's time at Sweet Apple Acres...along with the Apple Family getting a surprise, yet very unfriendly visit to the farm :eeyup: .

Chapter 19 - Apples in Action

As Shining Armor, Spearhead, and the rest of the Solar and Luna Guards did what they could to protect Ponyville form the Tantabus invasion, things at Sweet Apple Acres had not changed in the least. It had remained as calm and as quiet as ever since Goku had left with her siblings and the Apple Family Reunion had ended and they had all left. Hardly a single sound could be heard from inside the barn and the house on Sweet Apple Acres, other than the sound of the wind blowing softly from outside.

Some distance away from the house and the barn, Granny Smith could be seen roaming through the apple trees on the east side of the orchard, the Moon shining down on her and casting a beautiful glow to her already glowing physically young form. Her white stocked hooves made soft contact with the grass beneath her, making it momentarily give way under the pressure before springing back up in one of her hooves lifted off of the ground, as if they weren’t even stepped on to begin with. The cool air blew into her, making her collar, mane, tail, and Stetson blow in rhythm with it, along with her bangs, obscuring her sunset orange eyes somewhat, which never broke away from what was ahead of her. She let out a sigh as she lifted a hoof to brush one of her faded, yet smooth yellow bangs out of her face. The Earth Pony took a moment to let her hoof run through the silky softness before releasing it and letting her hoof fall back down to the ground.

As the mint green mare slowly trudged through the orchard of apple trees, she let her mind wander to the events of what happened earlier today, and the reason why she was out here now.

“Alright so...lemme see if Ah got all o’ this ‘ere straight.” Granny Smith said slowly as she put a hoof to her forehead. “Y'all ‘re tellin’ me that a millennia year old villain that Queen Celestia defeated some hundreds o’ years ago came back and invaded the Town Hall, attacked the Queen, and nearly killed everypony inside. Then, y’all meet up in that young filly Twilight’s library t’ talk ‘bout how those whole things gonna be dealt with an’ why Nightmare Moon is ‘ere, an’ now she’s sendin’ y’all t’ the Everfree Forest t’ get these ‘ere Elements, o’ Harmony things, so y’all can defeat Nightmare Moon yourselves, and restore day once more?”

“Eeyup...that pretty much sums it up Granny.” Applejack said with a shrug. “Ah know that it may seem like a lot but...that’s what’s happenin.”

The mint green mare slowly nodded slowly closing her eyes as she lowered her head, her expression completely unreadable as she slowly swayed in her rocking chair, her sun yellow shadowing her eyes. Some of the other Apple family members had similar expressions, while others gave their sister and her friends looks of skepticism, obviously having a hard time believing what the tangerine mare was saying. That wasn’t to say that they were thinking that she was lying, because they knew she wasn’t, just that they had some trouble taking her words in and trying to understand them.

“Um, Applejack, sugar bun…” Honey Blossom said slowly and tentatively as she raised a hoof and ran it through her braided mane. “Not that Ah’m makin’ a liar outta ya ‘r anythin’ but...Ah’m kind o’ findin’ all o’ that hard t’ believe.”

“Yeah,” Jubilee nodded, a small frown forming on her face. “Ah mean come on AJ...a pony that’s supposed t’ be nothin’ more than a livin’ legend suddenly appears in Ponyville, takes the Queen down, and claim that they’re gonna shroud off o’ Equestria in Eternal Night? Real tough pill t’ swallow there, little sis.”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh and Scarlet said in unison.

“Heh heh heh...yeah, Ah know. That is a lot t’ take in at once.” Applejack said sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, a pink tint making its way to her cheeks. “T’ be honest, Ah’m still tryin’ t’ take it all in mahself, especially with all that’s happened lately…”

“It’s okay Applejack, I completely understand how you’re feeling.” Fluttershy said comfortingly, wrapping a foreleg around the farmer and pulling her close. “There’s no reason for you to feel embarrassed about how you’re feeling about all of this. If you want my honest opinion, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole situation too. With Nightmare Moon returning, the Queen sending us to get the Elements of Harmony from the Everfree, and the Queen herself going to prepare her guards for battle...I never really had time to really take it in. Still, that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to accept it, so I decided to just go along with it, and think about it later.” A gentle smile came to her face as she looked into Applejack’s eyes. “So how about you do the same? That way, you won’t be so bothered by trying to figure all of this out, and you’ll have plenty of time to do so later on!”

“Ya know what? That actually sounds like a real good idea.” Applejack replied, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a small smile. “Thanks fer that sugarcube. Ah guess with all that’s happened...mah minds been flyin’ all over th’ place. Ah suppose Ah do need to jus’ go with th’ flow with all o’ this. Like how Ah’ve always done ‘ere on th’ farm.”

“Heeheehee, that’s the spirit AJ!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced over to the farmer. “Just like Fluttershy said, sometimes you just have to go with the flow and accept what’s happening around you, even if you don’t really understand it or can’t explain it with words! That’s why I’m so accepting of things like this, because I don’t think about them at all!”

“With you Pinks, I’d definitely believe that.” Rainbow Dash smirked as she glanced over at the bubblegum pink Earth Pony.

“Of course you don’t dear…” Rarity said with a roll of her eyes, before she turned to face the Apple Matriarch. “Pinkie’s antics aside, this is the reason why we are all hear Mrs. Smith. To explain to you why we’re heading off into the Everfree Forest under the precise order of our Queen. That and, Applejack couldn’t handle not letting you know or any of her family know where she’s going. She didn’t want to worry any of you anymore than you already were, so she thought that by doing this, she’d ease your fears somewhat.”

“Did she now? Well, t’ be fair, Ah wasn’t really all that worried ‘bout her. Ah figured that she was with her friends, that she’d be fine, since they’d be there t’ keep her safe. ‘Specially that darlin’ Pegasus filly over there.” Granny Smith replied, glancing over at the cyan mare, who promptly blushed and looked away. “Still, Ah appreciate ya comin’ here an’ wantin’ t’ let all o’ us know that you were still alright Applejack...you’ve certainly put mah fears t’ rest fer th’ time bein’.”

“Uh, thanks Granny…” Applejack mumbled, pulling her hat over her eyes as her blush grew slightly deeper.

“Yer welcome sugarfoot.” The mind green mare replied with a gentle smile. It soon faded as she faced Goku, who was sitting right in the center of the circle. “So Ah’m assumin’ that y’all ‘r gonna be headin’ into the Everfree then?”

“Yes.” Goku replied, speaking up for the first time since the talk had started. “We had originally planned to head in there as soon as we had gotten everything settled and figured out how we were gonna get there, but Applejack wanted to grab a few things before we left.” The tan Thestral turned to look at the farmer who was looking down at the floor. “Speaking of which, Applejack, what was it that you wanted to get? I hate to rush you but, we’re running a bit slow on time, and as its already been shown, it’s not really on our side right now.”

“Huh? Oh, r-r-right! Thanks fer the reminder G, Ah guess Ah got sidetracked there…” Applejack stammered, giving a little shake of her head as she got to her hooves. “Granny, do you ‘re anywhere else know where mah boots are? Ah was plannin’ to bring ‘em along with me, along with mah rope.”

“They’re in th’ closet where we keep our other boots and coats fer whenever it rains.” Granny replied, before giving her granddaughter a perplexed expression. “If ya don’t mind me askin’, why do ya need ‘em? It’s not like there’s any rain clouds comin’ anywhere near th’ town an’ all-”

“No, Granny. Not those kind o’ boots.” Applejack interrupted as she lifted a hoof. She slowly set it down, before staring at her grandmother right in her eyes. “Those, boots.”

The Apple Matriarch paused, taking a moment to take in her granddaughters’ words, before recognition clicked in her eyes a split second later. She and Applejack stared at each other for a moment sharing a private conversation with each other while Goku and everypony else watched silently, waiting for the mint green mare’s response. After another moment, Applejack gave a light nod, and Granny Smith leaned her head back, closing her eyes for a moment, before reopening them, and turning to her other grandchildren.

“Anna Blaze.” She began, making her eldest granddaughter turn to her in attention. “Ah want ya t’ take Applejack down t’ th; cellar an’ get her those special boots that we keep down there fer special occasions. You remember where they are right?”

“Mhm.” Anna Blaze murmured softly with a firm nod.

“Alright then.” Granny Smith nodded, before turning back to Applejack. “You go on ahead with Anna Blaze Applejack. She’ll show ya where the boots are.”

“Right, thanks a bunch Granny!” Applejack replied with a grateful smile, before turning to her eldest sister. “Come on Anna, let’s get those bad boys outta the cellar! Ah have a feelin’ that Ah’m gonna be usin’ ‘em a lot today!”

“Mhm!” The scarlet red mare said with a smile, before she and the smaller tangerine Earth mare galloped off out of the living room and towards the door.

As the two mares made their way towards the barn outside, Goku let out a long sigh as she ran a hoof through her extended mane, before brushing it out of her face. She stared down at the floor for a few moments before glancing over to her left to where Twilight was sitting, only to pause at what she saw. The lavender Unicorn was laying down on the rug, her head lowered to the point where her head shadowed her eyes and her tail wrapped around her body. Goku, sensing that something was wrong with her friend, got up from the floor and walked over to the librarian.

“Hey...hey, Twilight? What’s the matter?” The tan Thestral asked softly, putting a tri-colored hoof onto Twilight’s shoulder and gently shaking it. “You’ve been pretty quiet since we got here...is something wrong?”

“Huh?! Oh, sorry!” Twilight replied as she gave a slight jump from Goku’s contact. “I, I didn’t mean to space out like that...I’m just...I’m just thinking as all.”

“Thinking? About wha-” Goku asked, only to stop short as a look or recognition clicked in her eyes a second later. “Oh wait...I think I know...you’re thinking about the fact that Queen Celestia has a younger sister, aren’t you?”

Twilight sighed softly, running a hoof through her sapphire blue mane. “Yeah, I am...I didn’t really think about it much at first, since we were trying to figure out how we were gonna get to the Elements of Harmony while we were in the Everfree Forest. But ever since we left the library and came here...it’s been the only thing that I’ve been able to really think about. Queen Celestia Daybringer Solaris, the most powerful pony in Equestria, the immortal ruler of all the land, and the Goddess of the Sun, having a sister? I don’t see how that is even remotely possible!” The lavender Unicorn suddenly sat up, her sapphire eyebrows furrowing as an indignant expression came to her face. “For as long as I’ve known Queen Celestia, I have not once discovered any evidence, be it on a whim, by accident, or just by dumb luck, stating that she has any other family member, besides my old foalsitter Cadence! No books, no notes, no history, not even anything symbolic stating that there was another Queen that used to rule alongside her, let along the fact that she was her sister! The only thing I had to go by was that story of ‘The Mare on the Moon’, but up until what happened at the Town Square, I didn’t really believe it was actually true!”

She sighed in irritation, bringing both of her forehooves to her temples as she rubbed them in an effort to soothe the headache that was coming in. “I just…I just can’t wrap my head around it. How can the Queen actually have a sister, who’s not only a ruler and an Alicorn, but a goddess just like her? How just...how?”

“I hear ya there Twi…” Rainbow Dash said with a shrug of her shoulders. “I’ll admit, I had a pretty hard time believing all of that stuff that the Queen was telling me and the rest of you guys. About her having a sister and all...but, I wasn’t really gonna focus on it too much, so I decided to just roll with it. I don’t really bother with all of that egghead stuff anyway, that’s more your thing.”

“Of course it would be for that reason.” Rarity snorted. “Typical…”

“I can see why you’re thinking that Twilight.” Goku said softly, walking over and sitting next to the lavender Unicorn, and draping a giant wing around her back. “I mean, besides me, you’re the one whose known Queen Celestia for the longest time. You practically know everything about her, how she looks, how she speaks, how she teaches...hay, even how she makes her own tea whenever she has a little get together with our families! I’d figure after all that time you’d know all there is about the Queen, so the fact that you can’t grasp the fact that she has a sibling who is like her in every way is of no surprise to me.” She chuckled. “If I’m being entirely honest, even I had just the little bit of trouble trying to grasp the concept or trying to believe it myself, unlike you and most of the others.”

“Just a little or a lot?” Twilight deadpanned, glancing over at the tan Pegasus.

“Just a little.” Goku chirped, giving the lavender Unicorn a sweet fanged smile, the latter giving a roll of her eyes. “Even so, this is the Queen that we’re talking about, the raiser and goddess of the sun, the immortal ruler of Equestria as you so kindly stated, that’s telling is all of this. If it was any other pony telling us this, I’d be having some serious doubts, but since it’s the Queen telling us...I’m willing to believe it. She’s never ever lied to us before, so what reason would she have to do so now? Especially since a villain that was thought to have been a mere myth suddenly appeared out of nowhere?”

At these words, Twilight paused, her expression morphing into one of thoughtfulness as she took a moment to mull over what the sexy Thestral had just said. On one hoof, she still couldn’t quite grasp the concept that Queen Celestia, her mentor and mother-figure, the one pony she knew as a filly, better than anypony, actually had somepony related to her, and a sister no less. Even after everything the Queen had told her and the rest of her friends, from her relationship with Luna, to their history, to how she had lost her, her mind was still unable to make sense of it all, and the more she thought about it, the harder she found it to believe.

One the other hoof however, Goku did make a big point on something, and that something was the fact that Celestia had never ever lied to her in her entire life about anything. She was entirely truthful about everything no matter how trivial, serious, or embarrassing it was, and while she didn’t leave anything out, she did try to lay it down gently, as to not come off as not caring about how anypony, let alone her own protege, was feeling. That was one of the many things that Twilight admired about her mentor, besides her kindness and generosity, and it was the fact that she was entirely honest with her about anything they talked about or shared. Thanks to that, she couldn’t help but agree with Goku about Celestia being truthful about her having a sister, and having no reason to lie, especially after what happened at the Town Square. So what reason did she have to doubt her mentor, especially since the infamous ‘Mare on the Moon’ turned out to be real?

“You’re right Goku...you actually make a very excellent point there. Queen Celestia’s never lied to us, let alone me, about anything. Even when she told us all of that stuff at the library I know that she wasn’t lying! I could precisely tell!” Twilight exclaimed as she threw her hooves in the air. “I’m just...really shocked, you know. The Queen’s told me a lot of unbelievable things, and out of all the thing I expected her to tell me, what she told us back at the library was the last thing on that list.”

“Yeah, the same with us.” Goku chuckled as she rubbed her feathered bat wing up and down Twilight’s back comfortingly. “It doesn’t really matter anymore. What’s had happed at the Town Square happened, there’s nothing that any of us, even me, can do to change it. The best thing we can do is move forward and focus on the task at hoof, because that’s the only available option that we have right now? Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yeah...that seems like the best thing to do right now.” Twilight replied with a sheepish nod as a blush came to her face, earning a giggle from the tan Pegasus.

Right at that moment, the door to the Apple family household burst open, causing some of the mares inside the living room to jump and a majority of the ponies resting there to jolt awake. Their fear and nervousness were quickly put to rest however, when they saw that it was only Anna Blaze and Applejack, who had just returned from their brief trip to the barn.

“Alright everypony Ah’m back!” Applejack said, adjusting the rope that was fastened around her barrel. “Sorry ‘bout havin’ t’ make ya wait like that...apparently findin’ those boots were a bit harder than we thought.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it sugarfoot. Ya found ‘em, so that’s all that matters.” Granny Smith replied casually with a wave of a hoof. “Good work Anna Blaze, fer helpin’ yer sister find them boots. Ah have a feelin’ she’s really gonna need ‘em like she said.”

“Mhm!” Anna Blaze nodded, giving her grandmother a sweet smile.

“Oh Applejack! Those boots are just simply divine!” Rarity suddenly gushed, her sapphire eyes sparkling as she leaned in and inspected the flames on the jet-black boots. “I’ve never ever seen flames so detailed, so articulate, and so...so realistic! It’s like I’m staring into an actual batch of fire even though it’s not real!” She looked up at the farmer, who was staring back at her with a bemused expression on her face. “Do you think maybe sometime after this is over, I could borrow just one of those boots for a new fashion line?”

“Uh...yeah, sure Ah guess. Jus’ as long as Granny’s okay with it.” Applejack replied dumbly, taking a moment to regain her composure. “Jus’...make sure that you don’t actually put ‘em on Rares okay? Ah don’t wanna have a repeat o’ what happened the last time they were carelessly put on without any idea how to control th’ magic inside ‘em.”

“Oh but of course dear! I give you my word that I’ll never do any such damage or cause any with those magnificent appendages.” Rarity replied, gently running a hoof through the silkiness of one of the boots. “I am curious about one thing though...who was it that had the audacity to bring destruction with boots such as these?”

“Take a wild guess.” Applejack replied, the slightest bit of sarcasm and amusement as she glanced over at Goku.

“Alright Rarity that’s enough...you’ll have plenty of time to make a new dress for your next line after all of this shit is over.” Goku said as she put a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “Right now, we have a much more important task that we need to take care of.”

“Right, of course…” The fashionista replied solemnly as her hung her head.

“Alright, let’s go everypony. We’ve wasted enough time as it is. Queen Celestia’s probably already sent her guards out into the Everfree Forest to find us, so we need to get there now.” Goku said firmly, earning quick nods from each of her friends. As they all made their leave, the tan Thestral stopped and looked back at the Apple family, making direct contact with Granny Smith. “Oh, and Granny Smith, in case you’re wondering about Apple Bloom, she’s alright. She’s at the Golden Oaks Library with Sheton and the other foals, and Snowflake and Midnight are both looking after them.”

“Ah see...thank you fer tellin’ me that darlin’.” The mint green mare replied, a look of relief flashing across her face for just a fleeting moment, before it disappeared. “Y’all be careful out there ya hear?”

“We will Granny Smith, and don’t worry, I’ll make sure Applejack get back here in one piece.” Goku replied with a firm nod, before turning back to her friends. “Alright everypony, let’s go!”

“Right!” They all replied in unison as they flew and galloped out of the front door of the Apple family household, before a raspberry aura coated the front door and slammed it shut.The silence that followed after the seven mares had left, was only broken by the soft sound of Granny Smith slowly rocking in her chair. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, the mint green mare slowly sat up from her rocking chair and made her way across the living room.

“Hey, Granny?” Scarlet asked, looking her grandmother with perplexity. “Where are ya goin’? Are ya goin’ after Applejack an’ th’ others?”

“No hon’, Ah ain’t.” Granny Smith replied softly, not sparing the Pegasus a single glance. “Ah’m goin’ out t’ the orchard. Ah...Ah need some time t’ mahself.”

“Oh...okay…” Scarlet murmured, looking down at the floor. “Ah see…”

“Do ya need us to look after th’ house while yer gone?” Jubilee asked, causing her grandmother to pause in her walking.

“Actually, if y’all could do that, that would be a real load off o’ mah back.” The mint green mare replied as she looked back at her grandchildren. “Big Mac, Anna Blaze, can y’all take over th’ farm too?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.

“Mhm.” Anna Blaze replied.

“Good, Ah appreciate yer devotion.” Granny Smith said, giving the four other ponies a grateful smile before she looked away. With nothing more to say, the Apple Matriarch made her way to the door, opening it with a loud creak before closing it with a gentle click, leaving the others in silence once more.

Granny Smith gave a soft sigh through her nostrils as she lifted a hoof to pull her Stetson away to the back of her head as her eyes slowly looked up at the full moon basking her whole orchard in a light glow. Her teeth chewed and gnawed at the pieces of grain that were in her mouth as the wind softly blew on her mane, resting her back against the tree she was sitting back on as her legs rocked back and forth. As the thoughts of the discussion she and her family had with Applejack and her friends continued to run through her head, she looked up at the pitch-black night sky, watching as the stars danced and twinkled through the cosmos. The mint green mare suddenly caught the gaze of one particular star, which seemed to glow brighter than all the others around it, and as she continued to stare up at it, a feeling of sadness washed over her, her heart aching in her chest.

‘Bright Mac, if you an’ Buttercup can hear me up there, know that Ah really need both o’ yer help right now. One o’ yer darlin’ granddaughters is ‘bout t’ go off with ‘er friends an’ face a pony threatenin’ cloud all o’ Equestria in forever lastin’ night, and she might not make it back.’

Her ears flattened against her head as she looked down, holding a hoof to her chest. ‘Ah’m scared...Ah’m scared that it might happen again. That Ah’ll lose somepony else that Ah care ‘bout so much...an’ Ah don’t know if Ah can go through that again.’ She looked back up at the sky, and her heart skipped a beat as she noticed the star that she was looking at glowing even brighter. ‘Please sugarfoot...please, please watch over yer daughter and her friends fer me. Ah already lost so much in mah life. Ah lost mah ma an’ pa, mah eldest little Apple...Ah lost yer pa...an’ Ah lost you two, an’ mah seventh grandfoal. Ah can’t stand t’ lose anymore o’ mah family. If Ah do...Ah don’t know what Ah’ll do. So please...please look after her, along with th’ rest o’ her friends.’

Holding back a fresh batch of tears, Granny Smith inhaled and let out a slow shaky breath to settle her nerves and soothe her aching heart. It was obvious she did not want to remember the painful memories of her past, least she and collapse in a crying fit. It had been quite a long time since she had shed any tears, having not cried since losing her youngest son and daughter-in-law. Thinking about them at this moment, along with the few other ponies she had known and loved in her younger days, made her want to just curl up into a ball and cry all over again, but she wouldn’t, not now. She would be strong, if not for her sake, then for her deceased son and his mate’s, along with the rest of her surviving grandchildren, Applejack especially. They’d need all the love and support they could get, and she’d be damned if she sat here in a puddle of her own tears instead of giving them just that.

After taking a few more moments to ensure that she was calmed down, Granny Smith slowly sat up from her position on the tree, spitting out the grains in her mouth as she did so. As she got to her hooves, she readjusted the Stetson on her head, before looking over to the left, at the house and barn up the while from where she currently was. ‘Guess Ah probably better head back up t’ th’ house…’

Flicking her tail, the mint green mare began her trek back to the house, the thought of getting some more R&R etched firmly in her mind. She had just barely ten feet away from the tree she was sitting against when ear sensitive ears picked up a strange sound ringing through the air and echoing through the orchard. She paused in her walking as she flicked her ears back and forth, wondering if she had misheard the sound, only to be proven wrong a few seconds later when it sounded again.

‘What in tarnation is that?’ Granny Smith thought, flicking her ears pack and forth. ‘It sounds like rumblin’ coming from th’ sky. That can’t be right though…there weren’t supposed to be any storms scheduled today. Didn’t that Dash filly already clear ‘em?’

Suddenly, she noticed a bright shining light emitting from where the house and the barn were, taking the mind green mare by surprise. Before she could contemplate it, a loud explosion rang out, the force behind it so powerful it actually made the ground shake a bit. A moment later, a huge thick gust of wind emerged from the trees like waves rising from an ocean, flowing down the orchard with at speeds of a freight train. Granny Smith had just enough time to gasp before she was swept up in the dust and blown through the air, unknowingly crashing into a nearby tree.

“Ugh, w-what…what in tarnation?!” Granny Smith said to herself, pushing herself up. As she got to her hooves, she shook the dust off, and shorted out any that got into her nostrils. “What in the Sam Hell was that?!”

At that moment, the mind green mare heard another explosion, this one being a much softer but also power enough to where she could see another light from where her house was. All of a sudden, she heard a blood curdling scream ring out and echo all across the orchard, causing her to freeze in place. Granny Smith’s eyes, widened with horror, pupils contracted as every single vein in her body froze, recognizing that scream very well. Just as quickly as that scream came, it stopped, and before Granny Smith even realized it herself, she sprang into action.

With a burst of speed that would’ve impressed even Rainbow Dash, Granny Smith shot from the tree she was resting at, the force of her bound leaving deep dents in the ground and causing a gust of wind to shoot behind her. Her hooves pounded the ground with each frantic and fearful stomp she made, her mane and tail blowing behind her as if they were flags being waved in the air as she made a beeline straight for her home. She shot through the orchard like an arrow through the air, using her braided tail for balance as she made razor sharp zig zags across the trees. Dust was picked up behind her hooves, and had it not been for the thick thread of string that was hanging around her neck and tied to either sides her Stetson, it would’ve very well fallen off the second she took off. Even if it did, she wouldn’t have given one flying feather about, for the only thing that mattered to her at that moment, was getting back up to that house as fast as she could.

After only just several minutes of running, which seemed like miles to Granny Smith, she finally made it up the western side of the hill and near the house. The mint green mare put in another burst of speed in her sprinting before she made a giant leap and landed right in front of the house, her tail facing whatever was behind her. When she finally stopped, she spun around her and looked directly in front of her, only to nearly reel back at the sight that she saw in front of her.

Hovering above the Apple Family Household, engaging Scarlet and Jubilee in an all-out brawl, was a Tantabus, a good head taller than Celestia. It was a shining emerald green in color, with eyes of pure golden, and an enormous set of wings along with a long curved sharp horn. Said horn was being used to blast powerful beam of magic at the Pegasus and Earth Pony mare, who were effectively dodging its attacked as they retaliated with ones of their own.

“Jubilee! Scarlet!” Granny Smith shouted, her mane blowing wildly from the battle. “What th’ hay is going on?! What is that damn thing?!”

“We don’t know Granny, it just came shootin’ in outta nowhere like some meteor!” Jubilee shouted, leaping away from a magical blast aimed at her. “There was jus’ this huge explosion that we heard from outside, an’ when we came out, we saw this huge crater!”

“When we went to go check it out, this varmint appeared!” Scarlet added as she shot a blast of lighting into the Tantabus’s face. “We don’t know why it’s here ‘r what it is, but all we do know is that it’s tryin’ t’ attack th’ farm!”

Granny Smith’s eyes darkened as she looked at the giant Tantabus. “It’s what?”

“Ya heard us Granny!” Jubilee said, doing multiple backflips as she avoided the incoming wind slices from the Tantabus. “Just a moment ago it tried t’ obliterate the barn, an’ it was only thanks t’ Scarlet deflecting the attack that it’s still intact! But we’re afraid that it might try t’ do it again!”

“Not on mah watch it ain’t!” Granny Smith said, stomping a hoof. “Hold on girls, Ah’m comin’!”

Giving a hard snort through her nostrils, Granny Smith charged towards the Tantabus, her sunset colored eyes gleaming in the darkness as her Stetson fluttered behind her. When she got a reasonable distance away from the house, she skidded to a halt, rearing up her hind legs. The Tantabus, seeing the Earth Pony mare about to attack, flared its wings and took to the air, but Granny Smith was one step ahead of it

“STOP RIGHT THERE YA STARRY VARMINTS!!!” The mint green mare screamed as she slammed her forehooves onto the ground with all her might. Not even a fraction of a second after she did so, the earth beneath her hooves shook and rumbled with the equivalent of an earthquake from the very core of the earth. Large cracks appeared on the earth and made their way towards Scarlet and Jubilee, looking as if they were a mob of snakes slithering through the ground looking for any unlucky victim to bite.

“Uh-oh, looks like Granny’s throwin’ down!” Jubilee exclaimed, looking over at her twin sister. “Let’s clear th’ way sis!”

“Don’t need t’ tell me twice!” Scarlet grinned as she took to the air. “Go on Granny, lay it on em!”

“Who said that Ah was fightin this varmint alone?!” Granny Smith asked, not taking her eyes of the giant Alicorn-like creature. “He tried t’ attack our farm, an’ as th’ keepers o’ this farm, we need t’ show him that we ain’t gonna take it! Earth Make: Vine Snare Trap!”

Without warning, a grove of large vines burst out from the ground and made their way towards the Tantabus, who looked like it was taken completely off guard. It tried to fly back from them, but the giant vines were able to coil around it and hold it in place in midair. With its movements limited, Granny Smith raced over and ran up the vines, channeling the magic into her hooves to keep her from falling.

“So, ya think ya can just try t’ demolish mah farm an’ get away with it?!” Granny Smith snarled as her nostrils flared. “Well you’ve got another thing comin’ partner! Earth Make: Hammering Hoof!”

With her right hoof glowing, Granny Smith punched the Tantabus right into its stomach, the force letting the aura of energy surrounding her to blast out of its back and into the air. To her great surprise, she ended up being bounced back and slammed right into the ground, leaving a large crater in her wake before skidding away from the creature. Spitting out the dirt in her mouth, Granny Smith looked up in time to see the Tantabus preparing to fire off a blast of magic down at her, intent on blowing her away.

“Earth Make: Wall!” Granny Smith shouted, slamming her hooves down again making a large wall of earth appear in front of her. The defense tactic came just as the magical bolt was about to hit the mint green mare, and it hit with incredible force. Large clouds of dust swept through the front yard of the farm as the magical bolt tore into the earth wall, with Granny Smith still behind it. She gritted her teeth as she continued to channel her magic through the Earth Wall, said wall giving off an orange glow, though cracks could be seen appearing within it.

“Hold on Granny, we’re comin’!” Scarlet shouted, folding her wings as she dived down towards the Tantabus. “Lightning Pegasus: Divulsion Hoof!”

The mint green Pegasus struck the Tantabus right into her head, stopping it in its magical attack and keeping Granny Smith’s wall intact. Flying to the side of its head, she swung her right leg and slammed it into the side of the Tantabus’s cheek, snapping its head to the side. Scarlet then flew in front of the Tantabus, her eyes flowing as her wings chirped with as much crimson red lightning as her hooves.

“Lighting Pegasus: Twin Wing Hammer!” She shouted, clapping her wings and shooting her hooves out, combining all four bolts of lightning into one large bolt. It struck the Tantabus tight in its chest, sending sparks of lighting all around its body and causing it to distort. The vines that Granny Smith had made were also victims of the attack, and the lightning tore through them all the way until they reached the ground.

“Whoa nelly!” Granny Smith shouted, leaping away from the incoming lightning as it practically obliterated her wall. “Sweet Faust Scarlet, watch where yer strikin’ with all o’ that lightin’! Ah almost got cooked into a fritter from that!”

“Oops, sorry Granny!” Scarlet replied, smiling sheepishly as the lightning around her vanished into thin air. The smile was soon wiped off her face when she felt a shadow loom over her, and she looked behind her just in time to see the Tantabus’s hoof sailing towards her. It slammed right into her, sending her right into the ground and causing dust to explode into the air, her pain-filled scream echoing across the air.

“Scarlet!” Jubilee shouted, watching with horror as her twin sister was sent into the ground. A look of rage took over her face as she snapped her faze over to the Tantabus. “Oh, yer gonna pay fer that one.”

The pale orange mare stomped on the ground, and a large thick vine burst out from behind the giant ethereal creature, wrapping around its left hind leg. Its golden eyes widened as it the vine wrapped around its leg, and hoisted it up into the air, before slamming it back down onto the ground, causing it to shake. Jubilee repeated this process several times before she lifted the Tantabus again and spun it around in the air. She soon stopped and let it go, before stomping her hooves down on the ground again, and pulling out a huge chunk of earth ground. Whirling around, she kicked it into the air, before leaping onto that same rock and riding it towards the Tantabus.

“Take this!” Jubilee cried, sticking her hooves into the flying chunk of earth and covering both of her forehooves in it. With her eyes and forelegs glowing, she brought them both back in preparation for a powerful strike. “Earth Make: Armored Hoof Punch!”

When she was within range, Jubilee struck the Tantabus right in its stomach with her left hoof, causing it to stretch out and envelope it a swarm of orange energy. Leaping off of the rock, she struck with her other forehoof, driving even more of her Adrenaline Mode Energy into it. As she drove herself into the creature, she could feel herself about to be stretched back, and she took her forehooves away, replacing them with her hind hooves. Using the combined power, Jubilee leapt away from the Tantabus, flipping around the air before landing hard, leaving deep trails of dirt in the ground. She watched as the Tantabus crashed to the ground, leaving a large crater of its own was it was enveloped by dust and orange energy.

“Heh, that should keep him down fer a little bit.” Jubilee said, smirking at the downed Tantabus before looking over at her grandmother. “Are you okay Granny Smith?”

“Ah’m more concerned about Scarlet over here.” The mind green mare replied, gingerly pulling her granddaughter out of the ground. “Are y’all okay sugarfoot? That was a real hard hit that ya got there.”

“That’s an understatement Granny.” Scarlet replied, rubbing at her jaw. “It felt like I was head butted by a bull at a rodeo ring! Only with this thing it was like ten ‘r twenty times harder!”

“Ah believe that completely.” Jubilee said, looking over at the deep dirt trail left in Scarlet’s wake. “Ah’m amazed that yer even able to stand after gettin’ hit that hard.”

“Well, Ah am an Apple, an’ we are supposed t’ handle any damage thrown at us.” Scarlet said dryly, shaking the dirt and the dust off of her body. Granny Smith the handed the Pegasus her, hat, and she accepted it gratefully. “Thanks Granny…are th’ two o’ y’all okay?”

“Yes Scarlet, the both o’ us ‘re fine.” Granny replied. “A lil’ bit shaken up from seein’ that thing an’ almost gettin’ electrocuted by yer lightnin’, but fine.”

“Ah don’t understand. What is that thing even doin’ here in th’ first place?” Jubilee asked, both herself along with her sister and grandmother. “It jus’ came’, an’ started attackin’ us outta th’ blue. Ah really wasn’t expectin’ that, even more than what Applejack, Goku an’ their friends had told us about the Town Square.”

“That’s what Ah’m wonderin’ as well.” Granny Smith nodded, looking over to the spot where the Tantabus had fallen. “Ah’m also tryin’ t’ figure out how that thing has so much magic power in it despite us throwin’ it around like a rag-doll.”

“That’s what Ah’m wonderin mahself…me and Jubilee felt that varmints power even before he crashed down her on the farm, an’ he’s hardly even used it.” Scarlet said skeptically. “Ya think it might have somethin’ to do with what we were told ‘bout this Nightmare Moon fella? Ah know it may seem crazy but, that’s what Ah’m thinkin’ at least.”

“…There’s not really anythin’ that can prove it, but that’s a good theory. Ah guess Applejack an’ her friends new enemy decided to leave us a lil’ partin’ gift before she left.” Jubilee said as she gave a shake of her head. “Jus’ our luck….”

“Well, we can ask AJ an’ her friends ‘bout it after they’ve returned from their mission.” Granny Smith said, straightening up. “Right now, we need t’ focus on protectin’ th’ farm an-”

The Apple Matriarch was cut off when she and her granddaughters heard an explosion form where the Tantabus was, and they looked over to see it hurdling towards them. All three of them had just enough time to gasp before the creature struck Granny Smith, biting her right in her shoulder. The pain and the shock form the impact took the mint green mare completely by surprise as she and the Tantabus flew back, before the latter took to the air.

“Granny Smith!” Jubilee and Scarlet yelled as they watched their grandmother go airborne with the Tantabus.

Granny Smith screamed out in agony as she felt the Tantabus’s razor sharp teeth deep into her shoulder, nearly making the bones in it crack. Clenching her teeth, Granny Smith reared her right hoof back, covering it in an orange aura before letting collide with the side of the large creature’s head. The force was enough to make the Tantabus let go, allowing Granny Smith to fall towards the ground, only for the Tantabus to go diving after the mint green mare. Granny Smith pursed her lips and covered both of her hooves in an aura of orange, fully prepared to smack him across the air.

“Bring it on ya nightmare varmint!!!” Granny Smith yelled, punching the Tantabus right in its face with her left hoof, before delivering a side kick to its side. She grabbed the Tantabus’s tail and swung it down towards the ground, only for the Tantabus to shoot a bolt of magic at the mint green mare. It slammed directly into her stomach and sent her upward, where the green Tantabus flew up and met her, its fang filled mouth stretched into a grin.

The next thing Granny Smith knew, she was being given a series of slashes and stabbing kicks by the Tantabus’s cloven hooves, along with its long-curved horn. She did her best to defend, but most of them managed to get through, leaving her with quite a few bruises and slashes in the process. With one final punch, the Tantabus sent Granny Smith falling towards the ground, and made the descend faster by shooting blast of magic that got her right in the her back, before she crashed to the ground. The Tantabus moved in to finish her off, its horn alight with magic, but before it could, another fighter came onto the scene.

“GET THE HAY AWAY FROM MAH GRANDMA!!!” An unexpected voice screamed as Honey Blossom came flying into the scene. She spread her wings wide whipped them back, holding them back for a few seconds as lightning continued to dance around them, growing more intense by the second. With a loud battle cry, she shot her wings forward, slamming them both together as a loud clap echoed throughout the sky, sending a large barrage of lightning hurdling straight up towards the Tantabus at breakneck speed. It slammed right into it, causing it to fly away in the opposite direction and distort in midair for a few moments. It eventually managed to get itself together, and it flared its wings, and took off towards Honey Blossom, who was more than ready for a midair combat. As they dulled, Scarlet dove down towards the ground, landing right next to her grandmother’s crater.

“Are you alright Granny?!” The redhead asked, helping her grandmother up. “Now that really had to hurt back there! That thing nearly drove you six feet under the ground”

“More like halfway into the ground is more like it, but yeah, Ah’m okay.” Granny Smith said, flicking her tail before looking up where Honey Blossom was. “Honey Blossom Sweet Apple Titan! What in th’ hay do ya think yer doin’ you filly?!”

“Whaddya think Ah’m tryin’ t’ do?! Ah’m tryin’ t’ save all o’ yer hides from this critter!” The scarlet red mare shouted back, blocking a magic blast with an aura unfused wing. “All o’ y’all were gettin’ yer flank kicked out there by all o’ them wooden varmints! Ah couldn’t jus’ sit by and let y’all get torn apart!”

“That wasn’t yer decision t’ make young filly!” The elder mare said in a low yet firm tone.

“Maybe not,” Said another deeper voice, causing Granny Smith to look behind her and see Anna Blaze and Big Mac standing just inches away from her. “But weren’t you th’ one who told us that no matter what ya said, and what ya did, it’s up t’ us t’ protect not only each other, but all o’ those around us that we consider family? We’re doin’ jus’ that, so there ain’t no reason fer ya get upset with us.”

The Apple Matriarch shook her head, letting out a sigh as she, straightened the collar around her neck. “Yeah, Ah did say that. Still I wish that y’all at least told me that y’all were comin’ out’ wantin’ t’ help me.”

“We know...we’re sorry Granny.” Anna Blaze said softly, her ears flattened against her head as she went over to her grandmother. “Are you okay? Ya look really beat up…”

“Ah’m okay sugarfoot...more or less at least.” Granny Smith replied as she leaned against the much larger mare as she did so. “Ah jus’ got mah ass handed t’ me by that large starry lookin’ varmint over there, a lot more than Ah thought it would. Ain’t never seen anything like but, it certainly is strong.”

“Eeyup, it certainly is.” Big Mac nodded, blowing some of his long mane from his face. “Me an’ anna could feel its strength from all th’ way inside th’ house. We figured that y’all might need some help, since ya looked like ya needed some.”

Granny Smith opened her mouth to respond, only to jump when she saw a red blur shot past them and slam into the ground. None of them needed a second to realize that it was honey Blossom, and they wasted no time rushing to her side. They pulled her out of the crater she was in and inspected her, relief washing over them when they saw that she didn’t have too many severe injuries.

“Oh dammit, now that really hurt!” Honey Blossom cursed, glaring up at the Tantabus. “He’s a lot stronger than Ah thought he’d be.”

“He sure is.” Anna Blaze nodded. “Even with Granny, Jubilee, and Scarlet all goin’ off against him, he’s still managin’ t’ hold his own against them. He’s gonna be a real tough one t’ beat, that’s for sure.”

“Eeyup, he sure is.” Granny Smith nodded, adjusted her Stetson. “Which is why we’re gonna have t’ all combine our strength if we wanna take this thing down. Its already caused enough damage tryin’ t’ take out our house an’ th’ barn; Ah ain’t gonna let it keep goin’ on if Ah can help it.”

Right at that moment, Big Macintosh’s ears perked, hearing the sound of what seemed to be chirping, causing him to look up into the sky. His emerald eyes widened as he saw the source of the sound, and a somewhat relieved expression came to his face. “Um, Granny…Ah don’t think ya may have t’ worry ‘bout that.”

The Apple Matriarch looked over at her only grandson. “What’s that supposed to-?”

A large navy-blue lightning bolt suddenly shot out of nowhere and struck right into ground, just feet away from the Apple Family. Huge clouds of dust and piles rock shot out from the earth, going on all directions as the wind from the force of the blow blew the dust right towards the four mares, showering them and obscuring their vision from what, or who, had just come onto their farm. As the dust began to dissipate, each of the Apples could all faintly see bright flashes of navy-blue lightning going about in all directions, and flashes of even brighter light shooting throughout the whole area. The more the dust cleared, the less lightning came from the figure that was standing right in front of the four mares, and when it finally faded away completely, they could clearly see who it was that had come to their rescue.

“Midnight!” Honey Blossom exclaimed, a bright smile coming to her lips as a look of relief came to her face.

“Midnight?!” Jubilee repeated, a confused look making its way to her face. “What the hay is she doin’ here?!”

“Ah have no idea…but Ah’m glad she did.” Granny Smith replied, a thankful smile coming to her lips as she brushed her bangs out of her face. “And somethin’ tells me that she’s not ‘ere t’ jus’ t’ give us a helpin’ hoof.”

“Well, whatever the reason…” Scarlet grinned, flicking her braided tail skirt as she watched the beetle black mare electrocute the Timberwolves. “She couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Midnight flared her bat wings and took to the air, her eyes glowing and hooves sparking with navy blue electricity as she collided with the Tantabus. Her hooves tore through it as if it was made of nothing more than scrap paper, causing an explosion to emit throughout the clearing as the Tantabus exploded into smaller particles. As it began to put its body back together, the beetle black Thestral spread her enormous wings, and pulled herself back, shooting both of her hooves out together as she opened her mouth.

“Lighting Thestral: Thunder Twin Pistol!” She shouted, the lightning in her hooves shooting out as if they were guns. The lightning cloaking her body joined the lightning in her hooves, and they shot through the air almost faster than the blink of an eye. A loud crack emitted into the air as it struck the Tantabus, who tried to block the attack, only for it not be fast enough as it sent it away from the large Thestral. With a powerful flap of her bat wings, Midnight took off towards the creature, her eyes blazing, and fangs bared.

“Lightning Thestral: Electric Hoof!” She shouted, swinging her lightning coated leg down on the Tantabus’s stomach. Its pupiless eyes bulged as the attack struck it, sending it diving right down towards the around. In a flash of blue lightning, Midnight reappeared under it, sending several slices of lightning at the Tantabus and sending it high into the air. She vanished again and appeared a good distance away from the Tantabus, inhaling a large breath into her equally large lungs.

“Lightning Thestral: Neigh!” She shouted, letting out a huge lightning filled neigh that crashed through the sky. The attack enveloped the Tantabus completely, sending it high into the sky as it exploded in the air, the particles of its body scattering all about.

“There…that should keep him away from Granny Smith and the others for a while.” Midnight said softly as she let out a sigh, letting the lightning disappear from her body. Sighing, she turned to face the four Apple family members. “Are you girls alright? I made it here as fast as I could!”

“We’re doin’ just fine honeybun.” Honey Blossom said reassuringly, giving the beetle black mare a grateful smile. “Granny Smith on th’ other hand...and lookin’ too good…”

“What do you mea-OH MY GOODNESS!” Midnight began to ask, only to let out a shriek of horrified shock as she took in the sight of Granny Smith’s bloodied state. “Granny Smith, what in the name of Celestia happened to you?!”

“Whaddya think happened sugar?” The mint green mare deadpanned as the beetle back mare rushed over to her. “Ah got a nice good beatin’ from that varmint that ya jus’ blasted into oblivion. He left me a good few number o’ scars to emphasize the point. As y’all can see…”

“Are you going to be okay?” Midnight asked worriedly as she stared at the open wounds covering the mint green mare’s body.

“Yeah, Ah’ll be fine sugarcube...yer clan ain’t th’ only ones that ‘re specialized in all o’ that fancy self healin’.” Granny Smith said with a smirk holding out her left foreleg. Midnight’s eyes went wide as she watched steam rise from out it. “As y’all can plainly see.”

“Oh, right...I forgot about that.” Midnight said dumbly as she watched the Earth Pony’s wounds begin to close up.

“Anyway, why’re y’all ‘ere on the farm?” Granny Smith asked raising a faded yellow eyebrow at the larger mare. “Not that Ah ain’t grateful t’ ya fer lendin’ us an extra hoof, but Ah wasn’t really expectin’ ya t’ come back t’ th’ farm today…or at all fer that matter.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right! I almost forgot why I was here!” Midnight exclaimed, recognition coming to her eyes a split second later before they looked down at the smaller and older mare with the most fearful look Granny Smith had ever seen. “It’s horrible Granny Smith; you know that large creature that you were all just fighting?! There are more of them, and they’re all invading Ponyville!”

“WHAT?!” All of the Apple Family, minus Big Mac, exclaimed in unified disbelief as Granny Smith’s eyes bulged.

“THERE ARE MORE O’ THEM THINGSINVADIN’ PONYVILLE?!” Jubilee screamed, her jaw dropping and pupils contracting. “THE VERY SAME ONE THAT YA JUS’ SENT FLYIN’?!”

“Yes! There’s a multitude of them invading the town fighting the guards that Queen Celestia sent there!” Midnight replied with a frantic nod. “I was coming back from the Town Square to go check on Snowflake, my brother, Apple Bloom, and the rest of the foals, when I saw them coming in from the sky! I tried to get past them, b-but it was no use, s-so I came here to get your help!”

Granny’s gut twisted into a painful knot at the mention of her youngest grandfilly. ‘Oh no…’

“So you just left Apple Bloom, yer sister the foals t’ deal with those varmints on their own?!” Scarlet exclaimed in disbelief as she gave the beetle black mare a look of anger. “What the hay’s wrong with you?!”

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t want to leave them there!” Midnight whimpered as she took a few steps back. “I tried my best to get to them, b-but they were just too strong and fast! I-I didn’t have a choice!”

Scarlet didn’t say anything more after that, choosing instead to smack her hoof into her face and shake her head, giving a long and hard snort through her nostrils. As she turned away from the beetle black mare and struggled to calm herself down, Jubilee broke the silence.

“Sorry ‘bout that Midnight...she’s just a little ticked off that ya left Apple Bloom t’ fend fer herself against them things. Don’t worry though; based off o’ what ya said, them are there in the town, so Ah don’t think we need to worry too much” Jubilee said softly, giving Midnight a comforting smile. “Jus’ give Scarlet some time she’ll come around.”

“O-okay...if you say so.” Midnight stammered as Honey Blossom pulled her into a brief, yet comforting hug.

“Ah can’t believe it. First, that thing comes onto th’ farm, an’ now there are even more o’ them invadin’ th’ whole town?” Scarlet murmured as she looked down at the ground, an expression of fear and anxiety morphing onto her face. “This is jus’ crazy! First th’ Sun disappears, then the Town Square gets destroyed, then all of these weird Alicorn lookin’ things come trying to wipe us all into oblivion?!This is turnin’ into th’ worst day ever!”

“Yer tellin me...an’ here Ah thought that Ah was gonna get a nice day o’ rest an’ relaxation with y’all and the rest o’ the family. Now look where we are, fightin’ through thick an’ thin t’ make sure that we don’t get eaten an’ our farm gets destroyed.” Jubilee looked at her grandmother, who was standing off the side a few feet away. “What’re we gonna do Granny?”

The mint green mare didn’t reply for a few moments, instead just staying where she was as she kept her head lowered, her bangs covering her face and shadowing her eyes from view. The other four mare stood there staring at her, waiting silently and anxiously for her response as the wind blew past them and made their manes and tails ruffle slightly.

“Ah want all o’ y’all to listen t’ me very carefully to what Ah’m about to say ya hear?” Granny Smith asked, lifting her head up and staring at the other mares. “Ah have somethin’ that Ah need each o’ y’all t’ do fer me.”

“What is it Granny Smith?” Midnight asked curiously. “Do you have a plan?”

“Kind of. Though, if ya want mah honest opinion, it’s a pretty stupid idea if ya ask me.” The mint green mare said as she gave a shake of her head. “Alright, here’s what Ah want y’all t’ do; Scarlet, Jubilee, Honey Blossom Ah want y’all do stay here an’ guard th’ house, an’ make sure that that starry varmint doesn’t get anywhere near it. Between yer Earth Pony and Pegasus magic, those lil’ doggies ‘re gonna have quite th’ hard time gettin’ past y’all, though may have to up yer anti if ya want to keep him at bay.”

“You got it Granny!” Scarlet replied, as she gave her grandmother a firm salute.

“Anna Blaze, Big Mac…” Granny Smith continued, turning to face the scarlet red twins. “Ah want you t’ go straight down t’ th’ barn an’ make sure Fritter an' her youngin's are okay. Th’ two o’ them, yer th’ strongest outta all o’ yer siblin’s, both physically an’ magically, so it’d make things much easier fer us an' them if y’all were there at th' farm.”

“Whatever ya say Granny.” Big Mac nodded, before turning to his twin sister. “Come on Anna, let’s git t’ Fritter b’fore that thing does.”

“Mhm.” Anna nodded, spreading her wings and following her bother as he took flight.

“Midnight, yer stayin’ here and keepin’ may grandfoals safe from that varmint.” Granny Smith said, gently tugging at the chain attached to the beetle black mare’s collar. “Out of all o’ us, yer th’ strongest, especially since yer half bat pony an’ dragon. So ya shouldn’t have that much of a problem keepin’ mah family safe as best as ya can.”

“Well, technically, I’m full a full blooded Thestral in this form, and unless I go into my Kirin form, I’m can’t really be considered a cross between them.” Midnight asked sheepishly, scratching at one of her cheeks. “What’re you going to do?”

The Apple Matriarch smirked at the larger mare, before looking back in front of her at the outskirts of Ponyville from up the hill. Her eyes narrowed as they gave a glow in the moonlight, another strong wind coming in to blow at her mane and tail.

“Ah’m gonna protect th’ town that Ah raised.”

Author's Note

There...wasn't really a lot for me to change in this particular chapter to be honest, other than the fact that this chapter would focus mainly on the Apple Family. Like I said in the last chapter, I'd also give a little piece of what happened while the Main Seven were on Sweet Apple Acres, and what took place during that time. Other than that, along with Midnight coming in a different fashion, and Anna and Big Mac all coming into the scene in a somewhat different way, I think that was all that I had changed. For those of you who were wondering about Apple Fritter, I'll make that point made later on in the story, though I'm going to have to think up that scenario along with the one in Ponyville to still keep things somewhat the same like in the last version of this story :twilightsmile: . Oh, and as for the technique, the ones that Scarlet and Midnight used as similar to the ones Zephyr used against the Shinomōkin in chapter 17, while Jubilee's are very smilier to Gray Fullbuster's back in Fairy Tail with his Ice Make Magic :raritywink: , sorry if you weren't quite able to make the connection with it :twilightsheepish: .

Anyway, I think that's if for now. Next time, we're going to be going back to Zephyr and the Main Seven, and their terrifying encounter...with an assassin :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 20 - The Striped Assassin

The first thing that Zephyr felt as he began to regain his consciousness was a comforting feeling of warmth and softness. It enveloped his entire being and put him in a state of relaxation that made him want to want to stay asleep, even though it was much more. He shifted in whatever position that he was in to get more of the warmth embracing him, and it seemed to return it, much to his silent delight. Reaching out with his forehooves, he wrapped them around the warm and soft object, and nuzzled deep into it, inhaling its sweet scent, which seemed to be that of flowers. He suddenly found himself enveloped by even more of the comforting feeling, and a purr seemed to make its way out his lips, signaling his love for whatever he was feeling.

“Oh my, it looks like he’s finally starting to come to girls.” A soft gentle, yet familiar voice suddenly said. “Zephyr sweetie, are you okay?”

Zephyr’s ears flicked, somehow recognizing the gentle voice despite still somewhat being in his unconscious state. He shifted again in the warmth he was in and hugged it even tighter, even going so far as to try to wrap his wings around it. When that didn’t work, he just settled into cuddling into it, letting out another purr in the process.

“Hmhm, it looks like he is darling, but he doesn’t really want to let you go.” Another more melodic voice. “The poor dear is just far too comfortable with you holding him like that.”

“Well can you really blame him?” A third more raspy voice asked. “He just got blasted by that giant raptor after he took the hit for Fluttershy. I know for a fact that could not have felt good in anyway.”

“Well, we did see him get electrocuted while we were chased by that varmi-er…large raptor.” A fourth voice with a southern drawl murmured, seeming to carry an undertone of slight fear for some reason. “Ah’m amazed that he even managed to survive that t’ be honest…it looks like them guards are a lot tougher than Ah thought.”

“Well, like Goku, Zephyr is a Kirin, and they are known for being able to take beatings.” A fifth more intelligent voice said softly, carrying undertone of worry. “Still, even I’m amazed that he was able to take such a devastating attack. For a second I really thought that he was…”

“Yeah, we know Twilight…I had thought that too when the Shinomōkin struck Zephyr. At the very least, I thought that he was going to be out of commission for a while.” A fifth voice, this one sounding smooth and silky. “Thankfully it looks like that’s not the case. The fact that he’s moving at all is a good sign, for both him and us, and as much as I want to let him rest for a bit longer, we’re going to need him up again.”

“Awww, do we have to Goku?” A sixth and final voice whined childishly. “He looks so cute all snuggled up to Fluttershy like that! Can’t we just let him stay like that for just a little longer!”

“I’m sorry Pinkie Pie, but Goku’s right.” The soft gentle voice said sadly. “We’ve been here for over two hours now, and we’ve managed to recover from being shocked by the Shinomōkin. So, I think we should be getting a move on in a little while, though, I think we should have him eat something before we go.”

“Awww, phooey.”

“Don’t worry Pinkie Pie, it’s not the end of the world. I’m pretty sure that we’ll be able to have more moments like this.” The silky voice said comfortingly. “If it’s any consolation, if Zephyr gets knocked out by any of the animals again, I’ll let you be the one to cuddle him this time.”

The childish voice let out a squeal of delight. “Oh wow, really?! You’d let me do that?!”

“Sure sweetie…I could see how jealous you were that Fluttershy got to be the one to do it. So, I figured that you should get a turn if the opportunity presents itself.” The silky voice said, a low giggle coming afterward. “Just as long as you give Twilight a turn afterwards when your done with him.”

“Yes sir, ma’am sir!” The childish voice replied, a giggle of its own leaving shortly after.

“Really Goku?” The intelligent voice moaned, sounding embarrassed.

“Yes really.” The silky voice chuckled slyly. A second later, the sound of hoofsteps made its way over to Zephyr, before the royal blue stallion felt a warm breath right next to his ear. “Zephyr, it’s time to get up sleepy boy. Come on, I know you can hear me.”

Despite the gentleness in the silky voice, the undertone of firmness and authority behind it was enough to get Zephyr out of his state of semi-consciousness. The training he that he received form the military academy to pay attention when somepony’s talking to him added to that, and before Zephyr knew it, he was waking up. He stretched his legs out, while still being enveloped in warmth, before reaching up to his face and rubbing at his eyes. After blinking them a few times, he opened them, and found his vision enveloped in nothing but a sea of soft pink and yellow, making him jump somewhat. Giving another rub at his eyes, he looked around, and found himself staring into the gentle, yet amused teal eyes of Fluttershy, with a smile to match.

“Good morning sleepyhead.” She cooed, a soft giggle leaving her lips.

“Fluttershy?” Zephyr murmured, looking at the buttermilk Pegasus in confusion. He looked around, and saw the other six mares, all of which who were sitting around a large clearing with a fireplace in the center. “W…what’s going on? Why am I, um…snuggled up with you?”

“You mean you don’t remember what happened?” Goku asked, making the royal blue stallion turn to her. “You got zapped by a giant Shinomōkin after you pushed Fluttershy away from its line of fire. After that you just went completely unconscious.”

“No, I remember that, I totally remember that.” Zephyr said, shaking his head. “What I’m asking is, what exactly is going on here? And why am I all wrapped up in Fluttershy’s wings like this?”

“Weeeeeeeell…” Pinkie Pie began. “After you had gotten zapped unconscious by that giant scary bird, it chased us across some of the forest trying to zap us to smithereens as well! We had managed to make it to clearing where were we tried to think up of a plan, buuuuut that giant bird kind of ruined it for us, and caught us all in its big cloudy body! It started zapping all of us, and we wouldn’t ended up as its food if it weren’t for Goku zapping that scary bird back!”

“Wait, you did?” Zephyr asked, his eyes widening at the tan Thestral. “You actually…fought that thing?”

Goku blushed sheepishly. “I wouldn’t say fight per say…” she said hesitantly. “…more like I blasted a hole through that bad boy’s body and created a hole big enough to make us fall out his body and into the river.”

“You…made a hole in the Shinomōkin’s body?” Zephyr asked, staring aghast at Goku. “Did…did you-”

“No, oh Faust no I didn’t!” Goku interrupted quickly. “You can trust me when I say that I did not kill the big boy! The Shinomōkin’s body was made entirely out of lightning and storm clouds and nothing else. So, while my attacks may have been painful, there was no way they could’ve killed while he wasn’t in his normal form.” She bit her lip as she looked away. “Although, I may have given the poor thing a stomach pain that’ll take a few days to go away.”

“For some strange reason, I totally believe that.” Rainbow Dash snorted, grinning dryly as she laughed. “Overdoing things as usual G, haha!”

Rarity struck the back of Rainbow’s head with her tail. “Like you have any room to talk dear.”

“Oh, I see. Well, that’s good at least.” Zephyr said softly, looking relieved. With a sigh, he slowly pulled himself from Fluttershy, cringing as the pain receptors in his body flared up. “Ugh, sweet Faust that aches.”

“Well you did just get zapped by a giant ass bird that could’ve eaten us all whole if it wanted to.” Applejack pointed out. “Ah’d be surprised if that didn’t hurt, or at least didn’t feel really sore…in a painful way.”

“Well, my pain isn’t the only one that I should be worried about.” Zephyr said, eyeing the rest of the mares. “Are any of you girls okay? I know that Shinomōkin got all of you too, so I know that all of you have your own fair share of injuries.”

“Well, we did, but not anymore.” Twilight said, rubbing the back of her head. “When we had all came to, Fluttershy used her healing powers to assist in the acceleration of our healing rate.”

The royal blue stallion snapped his gaze over to the buttermilk Pegasus. “You healed all of their wounds?”

“It’s a special type of healing magic that only members of my clan can use; I call it my Butterfly Cocoon.” Fluttershy replied, getting to her hooves. “Besides the Rosario clan, I come from another called the Tenshi clan, which like my other clan, has the ability to heal wounds by using spiritual energy in a solid form. When I came to, I had encased you, and almost everypony else in an oval case of healing magic and healed your wounds while you were unconscious.”

“You can do that? Zephyr asked in amazement, earning a soft nod from Fluttershy. “Wow, I gotta admit…that is a really cool ability.”

Fluttershy blushed and looked away, her mane partially hiding her face. “Oh, it’s not really anything special to be honest; just something that I can used in dire situations like this.” A look of slight disappointment came to her face as she sighed, before adding, “Though, it is what you may call a double-edged sword.”

“What…do you mean by that?” Zephyr asked, his voice tinged with worry. “It doesn’t have any serious side effects does it?”

“Thankfully no.” Goku replied, easing Zephyr’s concerns. “It just drains an insane amount of Fluttershy’s magical power and leaves her in a bit of a weak state for some time. Plenty of rest and filling your stomach until it bursts will get that energy right back up though, and luckily for us, we’re surrounded by plenty of vegetation.” Her tufted perked as a smile came to her face, her fangs gleaming. “There is one other cool thing about Fluttershy’s healing powers though. It runs off of her emotional energy and what positive or negative emotion she’s feeling. The more positive her feelings are and the more conviction she has, the stronger her healing magic is and the less her magic is drained. However, the more negative they are and the more doubt and worry Fluttershy has…”

“…The more magic is drained out of her and the weaker her healing magic is.” Zephyr finished as he figured the rest out. He looked back over at the veterinarian, who was still looking down at the ground bashfully. “How long were we all out?”

“Well, I was the first one to wake up, and Goku told me that it was a good hour since we had all escaped the Shinomōkin. After she had explained to be the situation, I had used my healing magic to help you and the rest of the girls recover from being electrocuted, which took about fifteen minutes. After that, me and her waited for the others to wake up; first Applejack, then it was Rarity, then Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and finally you.”

“Okay, so let me get this straight. We spend a whole hour unconscious after being zapped into unconsciousness while you healed…most of us.” Zephyr said, glancing over at Fluttershy for a moment before looking back at Fluttershy. “Then after fifteen minutes, you waited one by one for us to wake up with me…being cuddled up with you?”

“On a pile o’ big smooth leaves yes.” Applejack nodded, pointing at a large leaf bed behind Fluttershy. “Fluttershy insisted that if she was gonna be keepin’ ya warm, that you’d at least be as comfortable as possible. She wanted to do it fer all o’ us but, well…she only had enough fer one pony.”

“Oh, I see…” Zephyr nodded looking back over at Fluttershy. “Thank you for doing that for me Fluttershy. That was, um…a really kind thing for you to do. Even though I don’t really know why in the hay you’d do that.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You saved me from being shocked to death by the largest bird of prey in all of existence, second only to the Haast’s Eagle.” Fluttershy said, tilting her head. “After such a life-threatening move like that, the least I could do was make you as comfortable as possible. Even if it meant sleeping with you.”

Zephyr’s cheeks flared up into a deep red blush as Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. “Oh, buck Fluttershy! Did you really have to put it like that?!”

“Put it like what?” Fluttershy asked, looking over at the cyan mare. “All I was saying that even if it meant sleeping with him, I would make him as comfy as can be after he saved me.”

“I’m afraid that’s exactly what Rainbow Dash meant darling.” Rarity said gently, a pink tint on her own snow-white cheeks. “Not the fact that you would make Zephyr as comfortable as possible while he recovered, but how you said the way you would do it. You said you’d do whatever it took, even if it meant sleeping with him.” She gave the buttermilk Pegasus a tentative smile. “Don’t you think that sounded just the least bit, um…”

“Sexually graphic?” Twilight finished for her, looking like she was hesitating to say the word. “What Rarity’s trying to say is that when you said, even if it meant sleeping with Zephyr, you made it seem like you would…you would-”

“Wait what?!” Pinkie Pie suddenly cried, her high-pitched voice echoing about the clearing. “That’s what you meant when you said that you’d make Zephie comfy while he was recovering?! That you would butter the biscuit with him?!”

Goku’s eyes bulged as Fluttershy’s pupils contracted, a sharp gasp leaving Zephyr’s mouth a second later. Quickly regaining her composure, the fanged Thestral mare rounded on the pink Earth Pony. “That is not what Fluttershy meant and you know it Pinkie Pie!” She hissed sharply, keeping her voice low as to not attract any unwanted attention in the forest. Ignoring Rainbow Dash’s loud guffaws, she continued. “And keep your voice down! We are in the middle of a clearing, and the last thing any of us needs is for that Shinomōkin to come back! Or any other animal to suddenly come into this clearing and ambush us!”

“What do you mean that’s not what she meant?!” Pinkie Pie asked, frowning confusedly at the blushing tan Thestral. “Rarity and Twilight said it themselves! When Fluttershy said that she’d go as far as to sleep with Zephie to make him comfier, she meant that she’d let him turn her into a creampie! While he was asleep!”

“N-now Pinkie Pie, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.” Fluttershy said shakily, her own face as red as a tomato. “When I said I’d sleep with him, I didn’t mean that I’d r-r-ride him while he was asleep! I meant that I would-!”

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie shrieked, the volume of her voice making everypony cringe. “You mean you wanted to do the dirty with him with all of us watching?! Whoa Fluttershy, I had no idea you were that dirty!”

“PINKIE!” Now it was Rarity’s turn to scold Pinkie. “How dare you say such a think about poor Fluttershy?! That is not was she was saying or thinking at all!”

“Uh, yeah it was!” Pinkie nodded adamantly. “Flutters clearly said that she’d do the stinky if it meant Zephie would feel better from being electrocuted! How could she not mean something like that if that’s what she said right in front of us?!”

Goku snarled warningly. “Pinkie…”

“No, that’s what you said Pinkie Pie.” Applejack said bluntly, snorting in disgust. “And th’ reason that ain’t what Fluttershy had said was because she didn’t mean it like that! Did ya sugarcube?”

“No, that’s not I meant I swear to Faust!” Fluttershy cried, falling to her haunches and covering her face with her forehooves. “I-I mean that I would let Zephyr snuggle up with me if it meant easing the pain he was feeling while he was recovering! I didn’t mean that I was going to touch him without his consent!” She snapped her head over to the royal blue stallion, who was still sporting his deep red blush. “I mean it! I wasn’t going to touch you like that in any way without getting the green light form you!”

“N-no, it’s okay, I believe you.” Zephyr said, fighting to keep his face from heating up any more. “I know you didn’t try to touch me like that. If you did, I would’ve known even if I was-”

“AHA! I knew it!” Pinkie Pie shouted, jabbing a hoof at Fluttershy. “You were planning to pass the gravy with Zephie! You were actually going to do it!”

“NO!” Fluttershy shouted, stomping both forehooves on the ground. “No, I was not!”

“Oh yes you were!” Pinkie Pie retorted, shooting to her hooves. “You just said right out of your mouth, that unless you had Zephie’s green light that you weren’t going to make him stuff you full of his frosting! You said it right to his and our faces, so now we all know without a doubt that you would’ve taken Zephyr while he was sleeping, and rode him until he-”

Anything else that Pinkie was going to say was interrupted when her face suddenly met the dirt ground below, a large lump appearing on the back of her head. Everypony looked on in shock as Goku stood over Pinkie Pie from behind, her left tri-colored hoof raised in the air. Her head was lowered, and her ears were pinned against her head, her eyes shadowed by her mane and a golden aura surrounding her body.

“I think that’s enough crazy accusations out of you for a while.” The tan Thestral said sternly, watching as Pinkie Pie’s eyes swirled around and steam rose form her lump. Letting out a long breath through her nostrils, she turned to the two Pegasi with a softer expression. “I am so sorry you had to hear all of that Zephyr…Pinkie Pie can be a bit of a motormouth at times. I hope that you weren’t too embarrassed by what she was saying…especially you Fluttershy.”

“N-no, it’s alright, I wasn’t really that bothered by it.” Zephyr stuttered, wincing at Pinkie Pie’s cup sized lump. “Though I was just the slightest bit taken aback.”

“Yeah…” Twilight murmured dryly. “Just a little…”

“S-same here Goku.” Fluttershy nodded, taking a calming breath. “I’m not really mad at Pinkie about what she said. In fact, I can see why she thought that in the first place…given the rather, um, compromising position that I had put ourselves in. It did like we were, um…”

“Just finished bucking each other’s brains out?” Rainbow Dash chuckled, earning her a sharp glare from Rarity. Before the latter could defend herself, she got a swift bonk on the head from Goku. “Ow!”

“…Yes, that.” Fluttershy said meekly, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt the urge to crawl under a rock. It was soon washed away when she felt a warm wing drape over her, and Fluttershy looked over to see Zephyr smiling warmly at her. “Thank you…”

“Hey, you helped me have what had to be the most comfortable sleep of my life, so the least I could do I ease your embarrassment.” The royal blue stallion replied with a shrug. He suddenly leaned in and whispered into her ear. “If it’s any consolation, I do think that you are attractive as all living shit. I mean seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any mare as sexy as you.”

Fluttershy’s cheeks sported the deepest blush that night. “Oh, um…t-thank you for that. Y-you don’t look, um…so bad yourself.” She replied, rubbing her left foreleg with her right.

“Alright, break it up you two.” Goku said, making the two Pegasi look over at her. “You can act all lovey dovey towards each other later. We’re a in a bit of a fix her right now…and we need to band together right now and figure out what we’re going to do. First things first though…we all need to stock up and recharge.”

“Um…recharge?” Zephyr asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She means eating.” Twilight emphasized with a slight giggle. “It had been a while since we had last eaten, which was when we were back in my library, and honestly…it wasn’t very much. So, while we were all out, Goku had decided to do some foraging around the forest.”

“Foragin’?” Applejack asked, turning to Fluttershy and Goku. “Ya mean ya actually went int’ th’ trees to find some food?”

“Uh-huh!” The tan Thestral chirped, lashing her extended tail into the shadows of the clearing. With a yank, she pulled out a huge wooden plate that was piled with thick grass, and a multitude of berries. “I had grabbed enough of this to make sure we’re all full until our bellies explode, and we’re not that far from the stream we fell into! So, if we get thirsty, we can just go to that river and drink from there.”

“Whoa Goku, this is a lot!” Pinkie Pie said, amazed at how much Goku had gotten. “This is an even bigger pile than the one of the sweets that I made for your brother! And coming from me, that’s really saying something!”

Rainbow Dash looked over at the pink pony in confusion. “Uh, what?”

“Meet Goku’s brother, gave him some sweets, put a big smile on his face.” Pinkie Pie said, keeping the explanation short and sweet. “Anyway, give me my sweets!”

Rolling her eyes, Goku obliged in taking a wooden plate and given one to each of her friends, Zephyr included, before they all say around the fireplace. They all began to eat the foraged vegetation and fruit, none of them exchanging a word as they took the opportunity to fill their stomachs. About half an hour into the feast, Twilight began to explain the predicament they were now in.

“Alright now, before we do anything else, I think I should point out the main problem we have right now.” Twilight began calmly. “That problem being that we’re no longer on the path we were treading, and we’re officially lost.”

“As if that wasn’t made painfully obvious.” Zephyr murmured, rubbing at his shoulder. “So, how’re we going to be able to find Queen Celestia’s old castle now? Anypony have any ideas?”

“Well, we could fly up into the air scout it out from here.” Rainbow Dash suggested, before looking up into the trees. “Then again, with all of these big ass trees blocking the sky, that’s going to be a pain in the ass to do. Not that I don’t mind getting a few leaves and twigs here and there, but I’d rather not take my chances of painting the ground red.”

“Well, luckily for you guys, I’m a flyer that doesn’t really need to worry about my wings getting messed up.” Goku said, winking at the cyan mare. “Though, you do make a good point…those trees are larger than any other that I’ve ever seen before. So, I guess I shouldn’t try my luck in flying up there, least I either break a wing, or send a rain of branches down here.”

“Good thing we’re not in Marelaska or the Forbidden Jungle if that were to happen.” Fluttershy murmured quietly. “Then we’d really be in trouble…”

“What was that darling?” Rarity asked, batting her eyelashes at the other mare.

“Nothing.” The buttermilk Pegasus said, brushing her mane away. “Anyway, does anypony else have any suggestions?”

“We could try backtrackin’.” Applejack said her voice slightly muffled by the grass that she was currently chewing on. “Goku just pointed out that we’re not too far from the river that we fell in after getting’ away from that giant bird thing. So we could go back to where we had landed and see if we can git back on th’ trail from there.”

“I believe that the bird that attacked us is called a Shinomōkin Applejack; it was said more than several times now.” Rarity said daintily chewing on a few berries and grapes. “And please, don’t talk with your mouth full. It’s unbecoming of a lady.”

“That’s another good idea, except there’s one little problem.” Twilight said, grimacing slightly as she levitated her now burnt saddlebag in front of her. opening a remained of one of the flaps, she pulled out the remnants of their map. “While we were trapped inside of the Shinomōkin, my saddlebag got burnt pretty bad, along with the map Spike gave me. While it’s not totally incinerated, it’s not going to be of much help for us anymore.”

“Well that’s one other plan that’s party pooped.” Pinkie Pie frowned. “And here I thought that it’d be a bit easier for us to keep going on this exciting adventure. Now we’ll never get to keep going on this super-duper fun adventure!”

“…Not exactly Pinkie.” Zephyr suddenly said, making all the mares turn to him. “There is a bit of a silver lining to Applejack’s suggestion to how to get back on the train. That being the stream that Goku had rescued us from.”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What’s so good about that?”

“Thing about it; when we had first appeared in that clearing, there was not a single tree in the river that we had flown to.” Zephyr explained. “Not only that, but since there was no trees, we were allowed to give a full view of the sky above since it wasn’t blocked by the trees. So, I think either me, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, or Goku should go over to that same river and fly over all the trees until they can see the remnants of the abandoned castle.”

“Hmmm…I think that’s a good idea Zephyr.” Fluttershy said, a small smile coming to her face. It was replaced with a perplexed frown as she added, “But…how will be able to spot the castle? It could be anywhere in the grove of trees no matter how hard we look.”

“I don’t think that should be much of a problem.” Goku said reassuringly. “If any of you want, I can go and look for the castle. From that Twilight told me, the old Royal Castle should be big enough for me to spot, even if there are giant trees blocking it. I have pretty sharp eyes, given the fact that I’m a Thestral, so…”

“I think that’s a good idea.” Twilight said flashing Goku a smile that held a bit of worry in it. “In that case, I’ll leave it to you Goku. Just be careful out there okay? From all that Fluttershy told us about this place, there are a lot of dangerous beasts out there, and we really don’t need you getting into a scuffle with them.”

Goku nodded, winking at Twilight as she got up from her position in the fireplace. “Don’t worry Twi, I’ll be alright. If any animal tries to get me, I’ll just show them a good dose of my good old Thestral strength; that way, they’ll know not to mess with me. I’ll be back as soon as I can, and if something happens, just scream and I’ll come right back.”

“You got it Goku!” Pinkie chirped, winking at the attractive mare. “We’ll make sure to scream nice and loud if we feel like we’re in any type of danger.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear that Pinkie.” Goku nodded approvingly, turning tail and trotting away from the fireplace. Just before she vanished into the darkness, she turned to Fluttershy and Zephyr and said, “Oh and Fluttershy, Zephyr, try not to buck each other’s brains out while I’m gone.”

With a sly giggle, Goku spread her wings and took off into the shadows of the forest, leaving two blushing Pegasi and the rest of her friends behind at the campfire. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all laughed their asses off while Fluttershy and Zephyr stayed silent, both of their faces burning by the cheeks. The only ones who weren’t laughing were Twilight and Rarity, both of which who were sporting her own blushes, the latter sporting a disapproving frown.

“Well, I would never!” Rarity said hotly. “Of things she could’ve said before parting ways, that was what she came up with? Is she trying to make those two even more embarrassed than they already are?”

“I don’t think so, but if she was trying to make them shyer around each other, then it worked.” Twilight replied, watching as Zephyr and Fluttershy avoided eye contact. “Of course, I kind of suspected she wanted to have some fun with them before she took off…typical.”

“Yeah, well, that is Goku fer ya.” Applejack said, chuckling. “Always wantin' t' make ya red t' the point where yer head looks like it's gonna turn into an apple. Certainly not the first time she's done it, an' it certainly won't be the last either.”

“Yeah...” Rainbow Dash snorted, rolling her eyes. “Probably not.”

Fluttershy giggled at at her friends various reactions and debates over Goku's antics, and was about to say something, only to stop abruptly as if she had been cut off from speaking. The amused expression she had on her face vanished and was replaced with one of complete alert as her ears perked and her eyes narrowed. Her head slowly turned to the left as her eyes flowed and her wings ruffled, her muscles tensing.

“Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked softly, noticing the change in the mare’s body language. “Is there something the matter?”

Fluttershy gently, yet firmly put a hoof to Zephyr’s mouth, silencing anything else he was going to ask as she flicked her ears about. Noticing the unusual actions in their friend, Twilight, and the others all went silent, watching as Fluttershy continued to look around the campsite. She got to her hooves, removing her right one from Zephyr’s muzzle as she turned to her friends.

“Girls, I don’t want to terrify you…” She began softly and slowly. “…but I don’t think we’re alone right now.”

“Not alone?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Is Goku back already?”

“No, she’s not.” Fluttershy shook her head. “If she was, I would’ve been able to pick up her scent. Even more so if there was wind blowing in this direction, and pick up her magical presence, especially since her reserves are so large.” She looked back into the dark shadows of the trees around them. “I’m picking up a powerful source of magic somewhere in these woods, and whatever it is, it is not Goku.”

This made everypony else go on high alert and stand to attention, each of them gaining looks that varied between fear and worry.

“Oh dear…” Rarity said gravely. “…you don’t mean to say that dreaded bird is back do you?”

“…No, I’m not sensing the Shinomōkin anywhere around her. If it was hear, we’d be hearing the flapping of its wings, which is a dead giveaway whenever its hunting.” Fluttershy replied. “I can sense another animal’s magical presence around here, and it is huge.”

“I can sense it too.” Zephyr said, his own ears pinning back. “Everypony be on your guard, if this animal is a powerful as Fluttershy says it is, the we need to be prepared for everything.”

“Don’t need t’ tell us twice hun.” Applejack said, pulling on her fire boots. “After all o’ that shit we got but through with that varmint bird, Ah ain’t lettin’ any other critter here git th’ jump on me again.”

“Shinomōkin.” Rarity hissed sharply, glaring over at the tangerine farmer.

The echoing snap of a tree branch stopped all conversing between the ponies as they looked around the campsite for the new creature. Rainbow Dash was hovering above the group, legs tensed, and fangs bared as her magenta eyes gleamed in the campfire. Pinkie Pie stood in the very middle, her fur, mane and tails shifting between pink and purple as she tried to keep her fear under control. Rarity and Twilight stood off to the left, their horns aglow with magic in preparation of firing, while Applejack and Fluttershy stood to the right, their forelegs planted wide and heads lowered. Zephyr stood at the front, his body alight with an orange aura which glowed as brightly as his eyes, his wings halfway spread, and teeth bared.

“Did anypony else hear that?” Applejack asked, breaking the silence. “Ah couldn’t have been the only one who heard that.”

“No, you definitely didn’t.” Rainbow replied, growling a little. “And I’d really wish that whatever this thing is would just hurry up and come out so I can whip its ass! If it doesn’t, then I’m going to make it come out and make it fight me!”

“Rainbow Dash, calm down!” Twilight hissed sharply. “We’re not supposed to be making any noise right now! We don’t know where this animal is coming from, and your shouting may lead it to where we are! So please, keep your voice down!”

“I have to agree with Twilight, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity nodded. “Your shouting and threatening of this beast are the last thing that we need! And we certainly don’t need you trying to provoke it into coming out, least it eats you first!”

Before Rainbow Dash could go in on Rarity, a snarl broke through the shadows that made both her and everypony else’s blood curdle. They once again froze in place and looked the area, all of them feeling more afraid than ever of the unknown creature. Just as quickly as the sound came, it had immediately gone away, leaving the effect of it savagery on the seven ponies.

“It’s here everypony.” Fluttershy hissed quietly, looking at each of her friends. “Don’t let down your guard for even a moment. If you do, one of you might get-”

The buttermilk Pegasus didn’t get to finish, because before she could, she and everypony else were deafened by an explosive roar that shook the clearing like an earthquake. Two golden and garnet eyes suddenly sliced through the darkness before a large brown blur burst out from the trees and shot itself right at the group. They all screamed and scattered in multiple directions, but one of them wasn’t quick enough, this unlucky victim being Rarity. Fortunately for her, she was saved by Zephyr, who shoved her out of the way just in the nick of time. Just a split second later, he immediately found himself screaming as he felt something sharp clamp down on him between his neck and left shoulder. Before he could even try to get free, he felt himself being dragged back into the forest by the creature, a loud roar leaving it as they bounded off.

“Zephyr!” Twilight yelled as she watched her friend get taken into the trees and bushes.

“Hold on, I’ll go get him!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she flew off into the forest.

“Rainbow Dash wait!” Rarity shouted, just before the cyan mare vanished. Once she was out of sight, Rarity let out a frustrated sigh. “Ugh, I swear, that mare-!”

“D-d-d-did you guys just see that?!” Pinkie Pie cried, her entire body a bright purple. “You guys just saw that too, right?!”

“Yes, and I know exactly what that was.” Fluttershy replied, her eyes narrowed. “What had just popped out was a Doragontora.”

Applejack turned to Fluttershy with a perplexed look. “A what now?”

“GIRLS!”

All six mares’ heads turned to see Goku flying into the scene, a worried and slightly panicked look on her face. As she landed, the tan Thestral looked around the campsite, not seeing Zephyr and Rainbow Dash with Twilight and the rest, which increased her concern.

“Girls, what’s going on?” Goku asked, locking eyes with them. “Where’s Zephyr? Why is he not with you?”

“H-he was attacked darling!” Rarity replied, looking ready to have a meltdown. “W-we were just sitting here at the campfire when something just popped out of nowhere and attacked us! We don’t know what it was, but it got Zephyr and dragged him into the forest!”

“WHAT?!” Goku screamed her eyes widening in terror. “Did it get Rainbow Dash too?!”

“N-no it didn’t.” Pinkie replied, tears welling up in her eyes. “A-after Zephyr saved me and got taken, Rainbow Dash went after the thing that took Zephyr. She was going to try and go save him and bring him back!”

“Wait, so you mean to tell me that you let Rainbow go in there alone?!” Goku asked, a snarl coming to her face as she bared her fangs. “And you didn’t even try to stop her either?! What the buck is wrong with you?!”

“W-we’re sorry, we were just so taken aback that we couldn’t do anythin’!” Applejack said, shrinking away from the tan Thestral's glare. “We didn’t have enough time t’ keep her from goin’ after that varmint that got Zephyr! It all jus’ happened so fast!”

Goku looked like she was ready to berate her friends again, but was stopped when she heard a scream and noticed something burst out from the trees. Her eyes widened when she saw it was Rainbow Dash, and she watched as she sailed over them and slammed into a nearby tree, falling to the ground with sickening thud.

“Rainbow Dash!” The jet-black maned mare shouted as she and the others ran to the fallen mare. “Are you alright, what happened?!”

Rainbow Dash groaned, pushing herself off the ground with her front hooves as she leaned against Fluttershy for support. Inhaling a deep shaky breath, she coughed out a glob of blood that splattered onto the ground and made Rarity reel back in disgust. Holding a hoof to her chest and stomach, she choked out, “T…t-that goddamn cat…got the drop on m-me. I-I almost had him until he h-hit me with his d-damn t-tail club!”

“Rainbow Dash what were you thinking?!” Fluttershy scolded. “I know you wanted to try and save Zephyr but rushing in like that wasn’t the way to go! Do you even know what the animal that you tried to fight was?!”

“N-no, I don’t.” Rainbow Dash snarked, glaring up at Fluttershy. “And I’m assuming that you know what it was?”

“Dashie, Fluttershy had told us of all kind of Everfree animals that she knew of back in Twilight’s library before we came here!” Pinkie Pie said before Fluttershy could reply. “Of course, she knows what it is! Why would she be asking you what you tried to fight if she didn’t?”

The sound of hard galloping caused all of the girls to turn around to the spot where most of them had seen Zephyr get taken. Shock and relief washed over their faces when they saw that it was Zephyr, who was sporting a look of panic. All the mares flinched when they saw a large bite mark on between his left shoulder and side of his neck, along with claw marks on the left right side of his face, left leg, back, and chest.

“Zephyr!” Twilight cried, running towards the injured stallion. “You managed to escape?!”

“Yes, I did, but we’re in real deep shit right now.” Zephyr replied, unable to hide the undertone of panic in his otherwise levelled voice. “We need to get away from this campsite! It’s not safe here anymore!”

“What do you mean?” Rarity asked. “What was it that just attacked you?”

“There’s no time to explain! We have to leave now before it-” Zephyr was cut off when Goku suddenly lunged at him and tackled him to the ground. The movement came just before a large bolt of fire shot out from above the trees and struck the one behind the other girls. The girls cried as it the bark exploded in multiple directions, not enough to make the tree fall but certainly enough to leave a noticeable mark on it. They were all brought out of their stunned states by another snarl, and they turned to the source, only for all of them to flinch at what they saw next.

Slowly hovering down from the trees and bushes, smoke floating from out of its gaping jaws, was what had to be the biggest tiger that any of them had ever seen. Upon closer inspection, the eight ponies realized that the rhino sized beast wasn’t actually a tiger; at least not entirely. It certainly had the legs, tail, torso, and head of the striped feline, but it had the legs of the reptile, with the feet being a mix of both beasts. Its fur was a deep brown, almost to the point where it was chocolate color, sporting jet black strips that seemed to melt into the shadows around it. The cat had a set of deep green spines that went from the top of its head, all the way down to where its hind legs were, and blazing yellow eyes with slitted golden orange pupils. The feline had a vast wingspan that span over twenty-five feet, both the ends and thumbs, along with its paws, lined with long curved white claws, and five-inch-long sabers protruded from its mouth.

“Sweet Faust above!” Rarity cried. “What unnatural abomination is that?!”

Fluttershy, who was also staring in shock at the creature, whispered, “Doragontora…”

Twilight looked over at Fluttershy, having not entirely heard what she had said. “What did you say Fluttershy?”

“She said its a Doragontora.” Zephyr replied, standing in front of the girls. “From what I had read about on creatures of the Everfree, the Doragontora is the famed dragon tiger of it.”

“A what?!” Rainbow Dash yelled in shock. “You mean to tell me that things a cross between a tiger and a dragon?!”

“Yes Rainbow Dash, it is.” Goku replied. “The Doragontora is considered to be the largest living tiger ever to exist in the Everfree Forest, with the Manticore being a close second. It has the strength and power of a dragon combined with that of a tiger’s speed and agility, despite the cat’s own power as well, making it a deadly adversary. It has claws that are strong and sharp enough to cut through the toughest bark on trees, with jaw power that can crush a pony’s skull and even shatter it in one bite. It also has a large spiked tail club that’s made entirely out of bone, which it uses in fights with other Doragontoras, strong enough to permeantly cripple, or even kill another animal. Its most dangerous weapon is the fire power that it has, and its able to fire it off like a missile, quicker than most other dragons, aside from the Night Fury.”

“Night Fury?” Pinkie Pie repeated quizzically. “What the heck is a Night Fury?”

“Ah’m sure Fluttershy will have plenty o’ time t’ explain it t’ ya later sugarcube.” Applejack said, before Fluttershy could reply. “Right now, we gotta skedaddle!”

Right as she said that, the Doragontora roared again and leaped at the ponies with speed that took them by surprise, Zephyr being its main target. He was ready for it though, and delivered a swift back hoof to the draconic feline’s face, sending it flying off to the other side. He ducked when its tail club came zooming towards him, and he ducked just as it smashed into the burnt tree behind him.

‘Damn that’s a powerful club it has there!’ He thought, watching in silent shock as the tail club smashed through even more of the tree. ‘Normally I wouldn’t worry about any creatures tail in a fight, but it looks like I’ll have to make an exception with this one.’

Zephyr turned back to the Doragontora just in time to see it flip around in the air before landing back on its feet, its eyes piercing right into his. It gave another roar before it flapped its wings and leapt at him again, its large clawed paws out ready to slice. When it was within reached, it swiped at Zephyr with those same paws at a speed that Zephyr couldn’t help but be impressed by, though it was enough to catch him off guard. When he saw an opening, he rushed under the cat and delivered a punch right to its stomach, before whirling around and kicking it away from him. It was able to quickly recover and flew at the stallion, lashing its tail out and striking him it his side, the spikes drive into his skin and fur. Zephyr grunted as the attack hit him, before he collided with a tree, the force of the impact nearly making him throw up as bark rained down on him.

“Damn, this is kicking my ass like it’s nothing…!” Zephyr said to himself, looking up at the beast through his mess of a blue and yellow mane. “It looks like I’m going to have to up the ante if I wanna beat this thing.”

Pushing himself to his hooves, he concentrated on conjuring up more of his magical energy, the aura around his body glowing and swirling as he did so. With a whinny, he flew at the giant Doragontora and stuck it right in its face, before delivering a reign of punches on the feline, sending it farther away from the girls. With one final kick, Zephyr sent the cat spiraling into the air, before a coated himself in blazing golden flames.

“Fire Pegasus: Flaming Vortex!” He shouted, blasting a large flickering stream of flames up at the Doragontora. It enveloped the cat in a sea of yellow, emitting a painfilled roar from it as it flew out of the flames and fired off its own attack. It fired off large, yet fast bolts of fire down at Zephyr, who flew about the campsite and managed dodge them even in his injured state. The last one hit just inches away from his face, before he once again leapt into the air and ascended towards the Doragontora.

“Fire Pegasus: Fire Bullet!” He shouted, shooting both of his forehooves out and shooting multiple bolts of fire at the draconic feline. It soared around the campsite, either evading or deflecting the fire bullets, before descending towards Zephyr, claws once at the ready. It once again delivered agile swipes at Zephyr, and he was able to avoid most of them, but one of them manage go get him in his barrel, causing him to falter. The Doragontora, seeing its chance, spun around and slammed its tail club into Zephyr again, sending him flying away and crashing into another tree. Wasting no time, the cat moved in for the kill, but Zephyr wasn’t about to make it that easy for him, which was proven by his next move.

“Fire Pegasus: Scorching Neigh!” He shouted, drawing in a breath and sending a large wave of flames at the Doragontora, who didn’t have enough time to evade the attack. It didn’t need to though, for it used its draconic wings as a shield against the flames, before dispersing them. A look of shock came to Zephyr’s face, leaving him open for the Doragontora to make the final strike to end his life. Unfortunately for the hungry feline, it wouldn’t get that chance.

“Oh no you don’t!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flying in and slamming both of her hind hooves into the cat’s face, sending it flying in the other direction of the clearing. “I’m not going to let you lay one more paw on Twi’s coltfriend, you hear me?!”

The Doragontora snarled at the cyan mare, and flew at her to attack, but was stopped when a giant drill of flames came at it from its right side. It roared in pain as it was engulfed in them, feeling the even hotter flames burn at its fur and heat up its scales. With a growl, it flared its wings and made the flames disappear, before turning to where they had come from. Its eyes glowed as they laid on Applejack, who’s own eyes were glowing as she stood in front of Zephyr along with Rainbow Dash.

“Y’all must be really stupid if ya think we’re jus’ gonna sit by an’ let ya eat our bodyguard.” She said, letting out a snort as her fire boots became alight with flames. “Did ya forget that we were here too, ya bit scaly fur-ball?”

“He obviously did darling.” Rarity said as she and Pinkie Pie came trotting up to them, the latter’s sword horn glowing. “He didn’t even bother paying attention to us while he was roughing up poor Zephyr. He should really learn not to ignore others that’re around him.”

“You got that right Rares!” The latter huffed, her fur turning slightly red. “It was even more mean of him to try to surprise us! And not in the good kind of scary way!”

“Indeed, and in doing so, he made Zephyr jump into the line of fire to save you Pinkie, getting him hurt just when he had recovered.” Fluttershy concluded, her eyes glowing a faint orange as she and Goku came hovering down. “The poor baby really can’t seem to catch a break, can he?”

“You have no idea Fluttershy.” Goku said calmly, yet firmly, her fangs gleaming as she snarled at the Doragontora. “And now that he’s here in the Everfree with us, he’s bound to get even more unlucky breaks. We’ll have to make sure that doesn’t keep happening, won’t we?”

“Yeah…” Twilight nodded; her eyes narrowed as her horn gleamed. “…we will.”

“G-girls…” Zephyr stuttered, fighting back the urge to cough up blood. “W-what’re you doing?”

“What does it look like we’re doing sugarcube?” Rainbow Dash asked simply. “We’re helping you; it’s as simple as that.”

“I know that you’re a guard and all dear, we were by no means ordered to not help the ones to protect us.” Rarity added, turning around and winking at the royal blue stallion. “And you have done a fine job of that so far.”

“Rarity’s right.” Twilight said, smiling at Zephyr. “You’ve done enough protecting and saving for us for right now. So let us do the protecting and the fighting this time while Fluttershy helps you get patched up again. And when you’re ready, you can come and join in, but only after you’ve gotten all better.”

“N-no, you can’t…!” Zephyr protested, wheezing as he coughed up a bit of blood. He started to fall towards the ground, only for Fluttershy to capture him in her forehooves, caring not for the blood that got on her fur. “Y-you can’t fight right now! W-we’re not even halfway to the abandoned castle!”

“And that’s a reason not to defend ourselves against any creature that’s trying to make a meal out of us?” Goku asked, the tone in her voice making it seem like she knew the answer. “Sorry Zephie, but that ain’t gonna fly. We’re not just going to sit by and let ourselves get killed, and any animal here that does will have to take us down first. Plus, our Adrenaline and Ascension Modes aren’t the only things that we have stored up. Did you forget that, besides you, we’re all from the Secret Clans of Equestria?”

Zephyr paused at this, allowing the words to sink in as he took in all of the determined looks in each of the mares faces. He could tell just by looking into their eyes that they weren’t going to budge from this no matter what he said. As he laid back against the tree, he couldn’t help but ask, “How…do you know that you’re going to be okay? How do you all know that you all won’t end up like I did just now?”

“Well, fer one, we all outnumber this varmint, seven to one.” Applejack replied calmly. “Two, we’re all pretty powerful in our own right, so it’s gonna be a pretty tough for this lizard cat to fight us all alone. Three…” She looked back at Zephyr, giving him one of the most reassuring smiles he had seen on anypony. “…it’s the honest truth.”

No other words were said between the other mares and the fallen guard after that, and the former turned to face the Doragontora, who was looking to be waiting for them to make a move. A long stretched of silence washed over the clearing for what seemed like hours, before Goku suddenly let out a leonine roar, signaling the others to attack. Somehow, they were able to get the message, and in almost complete unison, they charged the Doragontora, each of their bodies surrounded by auras of Adrenaline. The giant draconic cat roared and flew at them, its own body glowing with power as they clashed in the next round.

Author's Note

Well, here you are everypony the newly revived and completely revised 20th chapter of the Guardians of Harmony :scootangel: ! Out of all of them, this is one of the chapters that I believe that I the most fun writing and the easiest time with, probably because the words poured out of me and the picture that I had put up of said cat when I was writing this on my Word Doc :derpytongue2: . Now, I don't know exactly how I'm going to end the fight in the next chapter, or if I'm going to be going back to the residents of Ponyville and see how they're handling the Tantabus invasion, but I'm going to be try to get to that part after some brainstorming for what I'm going to do for the next chapter, along with what and who I;m going to be putting into it. For now, I hope you guys enjoy(ed) this chapter, cause this one be the only Everfree fighter the girls encounter as Fluttershy so kindly stated in chapter 12...things are just getting started :pinkiehappy: !!!

Chapter 21 - An Honest Heart

The chilly wind echoed about in Violet Fire’s ears as she and the rest of her team flew through the Everfree Forest, her wings giving no sound as she flapped them. Her inky black mane and tail flowed gracefully behind her; the violet tinge nestled in the middle giving off a beautiful glow in the light of the full Moon. Her yellow goggles and the roseray hanging from her neck glinted in the light while her flight suit melted in the darkness of the giant trees that she and her team were flying through. Her sensitive ears took in the sounds of the animals roaming within the forest, her nose and magic taking in and taking in the different scents and wild untamed magic that the forest had within it. Her four teammates flew silently behind her, staying close to their Captain as they ducked and swerved their way through the tree branches.

“How are you all holding up back there everypony?” Violet asked, swiveling her ears back as to be able to hear her team. “Are all of you doing alright?”

“We’re doing just fine captain.” The pony on the left side of Violet replied, her voice calm and serious, yet gentle. She was a Pegasus mare with a deep stormy grey coat, a shade darker than Sheton’s older coat, with a long jet-black mane and tail with silvery grey streaks in them. Her eyes were a piercing sky blue in color, and her whole body was adorned with a Shadowbolt suit with a pair of goggles of her own. “We haven’t detected any strange activity around the forest yet, nor have we sensed the magic of the ponies that we’re supposed to be protecting.”

“Awww, that sucks! I was so wanting to fight some of these bad boys here in this forest!” The pony on her right side, this one being a stallion, said dejectedly, his voice slightly raspy, yet smooth. He had a light brown chocolate coat, with an even darker mane and tail skirt, with crimson streaks in them, and violet slitted eyes. He had a large set of bat wings with gleaming red membranes, and a glistening set of fangs poked out of his upper lips. Tail fins protruded from out where the base of his tail is, and he too was adorned in a Shadowbolt suit. “I wanted to be able to get some nice ass kicking in for when we pull that Nightmare out of Queen Luna!”

“Fast Tracks, we know how anxious you are to see our Lunar Queen again, but do you really think that’s a good idea?” A third Pegasus mare asked perplexedly. Like the second mare, she had a gray coat, only it was slightly lighter, and her mane and tail were entirely black with no highlights in them whatsoever, and her eyes were two gleaming orbs of ruby red. “All of the animals here aren’t like the ones anywhere else here in Equestria. They’re on an entirely new level of capacity, and if we run into any of them, it may but us on a major delay.”

“Lightning Shadow is right Fast Tracks.” Another mare said sweetly, this one sounding younger than all the others. She was a Pegasus mare with a light gray goat that looked to be whiter than gray, with a deep orange and jet-black mane and tail. Her eyes were a deep azure blue, and her Cutie Mark was a pair of clef symbols in the shape of a heart. “W-we’ve already wasted enough time with me going to Wonderbolt HQ and sending a message to Spitfire about what was going on in P-Ponyville. I-if we end having to help you from getting eaten by any of the animals here, the ponies we’re searching for might have something terrible happen to them, a-and that’d be really bad.”

“Blue Skies has a point, Fast.” The second mare nodded. “It’d be a major hindrance on us and our travelers if we wasted time trying to satisfy your unquenchable thirst for battle. It’d be an even bigger waste of time if you even think of trying to get under out tails at a time like this.”

“Hey! I do not try to get under your tails, and you know it Storm Shadow!” The Thestral stallion, Fast Tracks protested, frowning at the stormy grey mare. “Why the buck do you keep going on about that?!”

“Because each and every time you do win a fight, you get very sexually stimulated and driven.” Violet replied teasingly. “Not that any of us mind but, it’d be a really bad time for all of us if that were to happen Fast.”

“Oh, come oooon girls!” Fast Track whined, pouting hard. “You all know what I can’t help myself when I become like that! That’s just how I am; why do you all hate me for that?! I’m a bucking Thestral, and we’re all sexually active and driven practically all the time, especially after a good fight, okay?!”

“Oh, you misunderstand us Fast Tracks; it’s not that we hate you for being so sexually driven like any other typical Thestral. As a matter a fact, we think it’s kind of cute that you’re giving so much attention to the other mares back at HQ.” Blue Skies said, smiling at the chocolate brown Thestral. “It’s just, where we are now, and with what’s going on, I’m sure the last thing that we, or our new saviors need is to see you trying to rut all of us into the ground, hmhmhm!”

“I-I…I…no I’m not!” Fast Tracks said, stuttering a bit as his face heated up. “I’m not trying to screw you guys into the ground! We’re literally flying through a giant ass forest right now!”

“What Bright means, is it wouldn’t do us a whole lot of good if you gave into your inner sexual urges and try to take one of us right here and now.” Violet explained patiently. “Not that I’m saying that you’d let that happen but…you can get what I’m saying, right?”

Fast Track sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, I get what you’re telling me V. Still, it feels like you guys are patronizing me for being so sexually attracted to you guys.”

“We’re sorry Fast Tracks, we didn’t mean anything cruel by what we were saying.” Bright said gently, flying over and rubbing Fast Track’s back. “All we’re saying that it may not be the best idea for you to break from the team and find any animals to fight.”

“True.” Storm nodded. “And if that happens, depending on the animal you’ll fight against, it will leave you so pent up and sexually frustrated that just a single look towards us will lead to us being plowed until none of us can even fly.”

“Oh, for the love of bucking Faust, you guys are just…” Fast Tracks said, looking like he was going to snap at them. A second later, he deflated and just let out a sigh. “You are all real assholes, you know that?”

“Maybe we are, maybe we’re not.” Lightning Shadow said sweetly. “But, that’s why you love us, the same way we love you for being so fearless and energetic…and thirsty for us mares.”

Fast Tracks stared at Lightning for a moment or two, before he chucked, a fanged grin forming onto his face. “Alright, you got me there Lightning.”

Violet giggled at the antics of her teammates, unable to help but find it amusing how they were bickering with one another. The Shadowbolt Captain was so caught up in the humorous scene, that she almost didn’t notice she was heading towards a tree branch. With a rather graceful amount of swiftness, she flew over the branch, before adjusting herself in the air.

“Whoa, are you alright there, Captain Violet Fire?” Blue Skies asked, a bit taken aback by her Captain’s lack of focus. “You looked a bit zoned out there.”

“On, its nothing sweetie…just enjoying how much you’re all bickering behind me.” The ebony black mare replied, smiling at the blush that appeared on Bright’s face. “It always makes me feel as if I’m at home back at HQ under Queen Celestia’s castle, and makes what we’re going to do a little easier for me to do.”

“O-oh, it does? Well, I’m glad that we were able to lighten the stress of the situation off your shoulder’s Captain.” Blue Skies said with a slight stutter. “It really makes me happy that you’re able to relax a bit in situations like this.”

“Hmhm, I’m glad to hear that honey. I never like it whenever any of you are under the weather for any reason.” Violet said gently. “It really does make me happy that you guys are able to keep yourselves from getting overly worried or stressed about any scenario like this.” Her smile then fell, replaced with an expression of worry and motherly concern. “Be that as it may…are you okay?”

Blue Skies jumped, an expression of surprise coming to her face as she stared at the older Pegasus. “Um…what do you mean Captain Violet?”

“I think you know just as well as I do Blue.” Violet replied matter of factly. “You’re worried about your twin sister Crimson Skies, aren’t you?”

The flinch that the light gray mare gave was all that the ebony black mare needed for her suspicions to be confirmed about the former’s behavior. The rest of the latter’s teammates, all having her what their Captain had said, turned to look at Blue Skies, the chatter cutting short as they focused on her. The young Shadowbolt mare looked from her Captain, to Fast Tracks, Storm and Lightning Shadow, and back to Violet, who was looking silently back up at her. For a second, she considered just playing off her concerns as nothing, but the look in her Captain’s eyes told her that wouldn’t work, especially on her of all ponies. Blue struggled internally for a few moments, before finally letting out a dejected and defeated sigh.

“Yes Captain, I am.” She finally admitted. “I’m really worried about Crimson Skies and what you had her do before we left our underground HQ for the Everfree Forest.”

“You mean the task of her notifying what’s going on to Captain Spitfire and the rest of her team back at Wonderbolt Headquarters?” Violet Fire asked knowingly.

“Oh really?” Lightning asked, her tone softening. “Is that what’s worrying you Blue?”

“Erh…I…yes.” Blue replied, struggling for a minute before admitting the truth. “I’m afraid that the little mission that you had my sister go on isn’t going to go as smoothly as you believe it is Captain Violet.”

“What makes you say that?” Fast Tracks asked. “We may be on entirely different squads, but little Crimson is still a bolt like the rest of us. She’ll be able to handle any storms that’ll come her way if she finds herself running into them.”

“I don’t think that’s quite what Blue meant Fast.” Lightning said skeptically. “What I believe tht Blue is trying to specify that she’s worried about how the meeting between her sister and the Wonderbolts are going to go.”

Less than a second after those words were said, recognition came to Fast Tracks face, before it grimaced into a grim expression. “Ooooh, right…that.” He said, inhaling through clenched teeth as he glanced back over at Blue Skies. “I’m sorry Blue.”

“No, it’s okay Fast Tracks, you didn’t mean anything bad by it.” Blue replied softly, holding out a hoof. A sigh left her mouth as she locked eyes with Violet Fire, a frown adorning her lips. “Listen Captain Violet, I’m not trying to criticize you or anything but, was a really a good idea having my sister of all ponies send a notification to Wonderbolt Headquarters and Captain Spitfire?”

“I’m afraid that I’ll have to agree with Blue on this one Captain.” Storm replied, keep her tone from sounding judgmental. “I’m not really criticizing you for making your decision, but, I don’t know if it was the best idea to send Crimson Skies to see Spitfire about something as out of the blue as Nightmare Moon returning from the Moon.”

Violet Fire’s ears flattened against her head, a sheepish smile coming to her face as she laughed nervously. “Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best idea for me to do that, but with everything that was going on, Crimson was the first one that was available. The rest of the team were either looking after headquarters or getting ready to go to Ponyville, and I, um…sort of picked her in the spur of the moment.” She sighed as she turned to look back at the trees in front of her. “I know that she and you are still somewhat rookies, but…I didn’t really see anypony in the team available for going to see Spitfire. Plus, I saw this as a way to help your sister with building her assertiveness and confidence, so…”

“I know I know; those are accurate reasons for you to have sent Crimson Skies to see Spitfire and let her know about what’s going on.” Blue nodded, closing her eyes temporarily as she let out another sigh. “Still though, I can’t help but feel about how Spitfire is going to take seeing my sister in her Headquarters, and part of a group of flyers that are her biggest rivals.”

“Odds are, Spitfire’s probably going to roast the poor girl alive.” Fast Tracks suggested. “Or at the very least, make her feel like she’s going to be melted.”

“Fast Tracks!” Lightning Shadow scolded, glaring daggers at the light brown Thestral.

“What? It’s not like Spitfire’s a saint or anything.” Fast Tracks asked, giving the light grey mare a confused frown. “You, me and all the other Shadowbolts both know how Spitfire is about us even thinking of stepping food on their grounds. It’s bad enough that her cadets have to deal with her over the top anger problems, but for somepony has cool and none-confrontational as Crimson Skies to go meet her in pony. The poor girl will be extremely lucky if she leaves from Wonderbolt HQ with a burnt Shadowbolt suit.”

“I hate to say it, but Fast Tracks is right.” Storm nodded, a small frowning coming to her calm and collected face. “While Crimson Skies may not be related to me, I can’t help but be just as worried as Blue about what Spitfire will do to Crimson if their meeting goes south.”

“Of course that would be the case Storm, given how protective you are about my sister.” Blue said dryly. “Because if Spitfire, or any of the other Wonderbolts even harmed a single hair on her head, I’d drain them dry of their blood and magic, while you’d reign lightning upon all of their headquarters until nothing is left.”

“Exactly.” Storm Shadow nodded, keeping her eyes forward. “Which is why I think I should’ve been the one to go to Wonderbolt Headquarters instead of Crimson Skies.”

“Yes, that would’ve been a better choice now that I think about it. You’d be more than capable of asserting yourself around somepony like Spitfire.” Violet Fire nodded. “At the same time though, like you said, if things did go south, something is bound to happen. Something like you sending down a shower of lightning and thunder upon all of Spitfire’s headquarters.”

“Um, I pretty much just said that already Captain.” Blue said, sweat dropping. “Didn’t you just hear it?”

“Yeah I did, I was just giving Stormy here a little example of what I think will happen if I sent Storm Shadow over to Wonderbolt Headquarters.” Violet replied as she winked at the whitish light grey mare, who just sweat dropped even harder. “Regardless, I can totally understand your worries about your sister Blue. To be honest, even I’m a bit concerned about how Crimson will be able to handle this, and if she’ll be up to it or not.”

“Seriously?” Fast Tracks asked, raising an eyebrow. “Then why aren’t you as worried as us and Blue are?”

“Because, I know that there are two Wonderbolts that’ll keep Spitfire in line and protect our sweet little Crimson Skies.” Violet replied slyly with a wink. “Those two coming in the forms of Soarin Tenshi and Fleetfoot Hyorinmaru.”

All four of the other Shadowbolt’s eyes widened at these words, indicating that all of them knowing those two names very well. They looked over at one another for a second or two, before looking back at their Captain.

“Soarin and Fleetfoot?” Blue asked, still in a state of surprise. “You mean the Soarin Tenshi and Fleetfoot Hyorinmaru? The two best Wonderbolts to ever come out of the academy aside from Spitfire Fenikkusu?! Those?!”

“The very same ones.” Violet nodded, smiling cheekily. “The teammates of Spitfire herself, thus making them the best thus making them the best team out of the entire Wonderbolt squad. At least, when it comes to skills and managing to keep a level head in situations like this.”

“What do you mean by that?” Blue asked, tilting her head.

“I believe what Captain Violet Fire is trying to emphasize is that since Fleetfoot and Soarin are one of the most levelheaded ponies on Spitfire’s team, they’ll be able to keep Spitfire from losing her composure.” Lightning replied, voicing Blue’s perplexation. “Spitfire is known to become particularly hotheaded at times, to the point where she loses control. Even with all of the training received to control her anger…”

“Understatement of the century.” Fast Tracks grumbled, crossing his hooves.

“…So, our Captain believes that Fleetfoot and Soarin will be there with Spitfire should she decide to go off on Crimson Skies or do anything to her.” Lightning continued. “Most of us happen to know Soarin and Fleetfoot quite well, and they’re actually quite nice ponies if you give them the chance, even if Fleetfoot can act a bit, well…motherly.”

“Precisely.” Storm Shadow nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with her own twin sister. “And that’s exactly why they’re one of the few Wonderbolts that I trust to be around Crimson Skies, let along the rest of us. Unlike a majority of the Wonderbolts, their one of the few who hold no hostility towards us, which is why I have no problem working with them should the moment call for it.”

“Mhm, and that’s exactly why I’m not as worried about Crimson meeting with Spitfire, because I know that Soarin and Fleetfoot will be there to keep her safe.” Violet Fire concluded, looking back at Blue with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry too much Blue, you’ll sister will be safe as long as Spitfire’s teammates are there with them both. She even thinks of trying to hurt your sister, Soarin will bring divine judgment upon her while Fleetfoot will freeze her in her tracks!”

“Um…alright then Captain; I’ll take your word for it.” Blue murmured, giving off another sweat dropping. “You seem to know what you’re doing, like you always do so…I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Violet Fire giggled again, and was about to say something else when her razor sharp sensitive ears picked up noise from in front of her. She snapped her head forward shooting her ears forward as the noise grew progressively louder, sounding like the flapping of wings that were certainly not her own or her teammates. Now on high alert, the ebony black mare stopped dead in her tracks, flaring her wings in a way that made the rest of her team stop as well.

“Whoa, is something wrong Captain V?” Fast Tracks asked, noticing the change in his Captain’s body language. “Why’d you stop all of a sudden?”

“I hear something the flapping of wings coming this way, along with a powerful surge of magic.” Violet replied, her soft voice carrying an undertone of seriousness that made her team stand to attention. “Be on your guard everypony, whatever’s coming is certainly not friendly.”

Right as the Shadowbolt Captain said this, a screech that nearly made all of the Shadowbolts eardrums explode tore through the foliage of the trees. It echoed about the spot the five flyers were in going on for what seemed like forever before it finally receded to where the ponies could properly hear, only for a roar of thunder shook the trees. After making sure that none of them had gone permanently deaf, the Shadowbolts to looked to where the screech had come from, only to pause when they saw white and grey light tearing through the trees.

“What the…?” Storm Shadow murmured. “What in the world is that?”

Lightning Shadow, who had also seen the flashing light, whispered. “Shinomōkin…”

“What?!” Blue cried, snapping her head over to Lightning. “What did you just say?!”

“I-It’s a Shinomōkin! A giant Shinomōkin is headed this way!” Lightning repeated, flying back from the incoming raptor. “That’s what that flashing light is, is the infamous Death Raptor of the Everfree Forest!”

“Oh shit, seriously?!” Fast Tracks asked, his own violet eyes growing wide. “You mean there’s a giant buffalo eating bird about to come and electrocute us?!”

“It would seem so, and it looks like we’ll have to fight him whether we want to or not.” Violet replied, a golden aura surrounding her body as the indigo tinges in her mane and tail began to glow. “Shadowbolts, battle formation!”

No sooner did Violet Fire say those words, a bolt of lightning tore out of the trees heading straight towards the Shadowbolt Captain at break neck speed. Luckily for her, she saw the attack coming before it got even halfway towards her, and with just a single tilt of her head, it soared past her. Just a few seconds later, the trees and branches exploded as an even powerful burst of lightning struck them, and the Shinomōkin came bursting out of the smoke. Its eyes blazed its scary color of golden as it glared down at the five ponies, its curved upper beak and talons glinting menacingly.

“Oh dear…” Storm Shadow murmured, unable to say anything else to describe the direness of the situation they were in. Right after that was said, the Shinomōkin screeched again and flew at the five ponies, who flew back towards it as their midair battle began.

Applejack whinnied loudly as she shot down a giant swirling ball of fire, generated from her boots, down at the Doragontora, who promptly countered it with its own stream of fire. The two attacks exploded in midair, creating a huge smoke cloud in midair that concealed the rest of the mares’ presence, and hiding them from view. The Doragontora snarled and looked all around the smoke, trying to sniff out the girls, the smoke making its eyes sting and water, thus leaving it unable to see. The flapping of wings coming from behind it alerted the draconic feline for the incoming attack, and it spun around just in time to see a lightning cloaked Goku flying towards it.

“Lightning Thestral: Thundering Hoof Stab!” She shouted, shooting her hoof out towards the Doragontora’s face. The Doragontora flared one of its wings out just in time to block the attack, but this did not prevent it from being electrocuted by Goku’s lightning and it roared loudly in pain. Smirking, Goku leapt and did a front flip, sticking her right leg out as it too was coating in gleaming yellow lightning.

“Lightning Thestral: Electric Battle Axe!” She shouted, swinging her right hind hoof down right towards the top of the Doragontora’s head. The attack hit home and slammed the giant hybrid cat’s head into the ground, making a crater twice the size of its head. Spreading her giant wings, Goku took to the air and grabbed the cat’s tail, making sure not to grab onto its spiked club as she prepared to throw the cat in the air.

Just as she began to throw the beast, she felt herself being pulled back and slammed into the ground with the Doragontora. The groan that Goku let out from the impact immediately turned into a scream of agony as the Doragontora slammed its tail club on the tan Thestral with the full force of its tail. It sunk its sharp spikes into her chest and barrel, while at the same time driving her deep into the ground beneath them. Goku coughed up a considerable mouthful of blood as the draconic cat pulled its tail club around the same time it pulled its head out of the ground. It snapped its head around to glare at Goku, who was trying to sit up, only to stop cold when she locked eyes with the Doragontora. Snarling, it raised its head to crush her again, only to be halted when another voice made itself known.

“Solid Form Magic: Slicing Wave!” Twilight shouted, shooting off a blast of wind at the draconic cat, who used its wings to block the attack. It did however, end up getting slammed into a tree to the point where it almost fell right on top of it. it shook the debree of before taking to the air, glaring down at Twilight with hungered anger in its eyes. It flew at her and was about to try to fry her where she stood, when it heard an angry raspy voice from above it.

“Sky Pegasus: Tornado Drill!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her eyes gleaming as she descended towards the giant rhino sized cat. The Doragontora’s eyes widened at the incoming attack, and it leaped out of the way just as Rainbow Dash’s attack hit where it was standing. Large chunks of earth tore from the ground flew about the air, Goku included who screamed out as she landed hard and tumbled across the ground. She hissed out in pain as she pulled herself into her side, only to scream out again as a large earth landed onto her left bat wing.

“Goku!” Rarity cried; her ignited horn gleaming even brighter as she ran over to the tan Thestral. As she got closer to her, she could see the Doragontora flying towards her, having obviously heard her shout, and was now switching targets, going after her instead.

“Oh, you want some of me, do you? Well then, come and get me!” The fashionista shouted, her sword horn gleaming brightly. “Belle Machine Gun: Gatling Gun!”

Before the Doragontora knew it, it was being pelted all over by a flock of mini cyan magical bolts that soared towards it like bullets being fire from a machine gun. They didn’t pierce through, but they certainly made the draconic cat feel as if they were, if the shriek of agony it let out was any indication. As it was flown back, it suddenly felt something hit it from behind, this being Rainbow Dash, who had delivered an axe kick right into the Doragontora’s back.

Seein that Rainbow Dash was now in the fray again, Rarity focused her attention back on Goku, who still had her wing under the large blunder. With as much internal strength as she could muster, she pulled the large earth chunk off of Goku’s wing before asking, “Are you alright darling?”

Goku looked up at with one eye poking through her mane. “Alright? I nearly got crushed by that cat’s tail club, I have puncture wounds in my stomach and chest, and Rainbow catapulted me across the clearing. Does it look like I’m alright Rarity?”

“R-right I’m sorry dear; that was a rather poor question.” Rarity stammered weakly, faltering under the tan Thestral’s sharp glare. She soon formed a glare of her own as she snapped her head to where Rainbow Dash was. “Rainbow Dash, what is the matter with you?! You nearly crushed Goku under all of these boulders you shot out from the ground! Do you have that little control over your attacks!”

“Sorry Rarity, I didn’t see Goku there!” The cyan mare said as she kneed the Doragontora into it stomach, before ducking under a tail swipe. “That giant cat is so big that I couldn’t see anything behind it! Plus, the dust was obscuring my sight, so I didn’t know that she’d be there!”

“Well then, you seriously need to get your eyes checked if you couldn’t see through something as feeble as dust!” Rarity shouted heatedly. “Aren’t you supposed to be the one here with the sharpest sense of sight?!”

“Hey, I don’t have super sensitive sight hearing or smell like Goku does!” Rainbow shouted indignantly, upper cutting the Doragontora in the chin. She watched as Twilight shot off a bolt of electric magic, striking the giant feline right in its side and sending it flying into the other side of the clearing. “You can’t expect me to be able to be able to see everything at! Even I have my limits when it comes to certain things Rares!”

“Not from where I’m standing!” Rarity shouted as she helped Goku to her haunches. “If you were able to unleash an attack like that, then you should’ve been able to see Goku right behind this ruffian while you were coming in to attack him!”

“Look, I was in the spur of the moment, alright?! I didn’t have time to look anywhere else but at this bastard!” Rainbow Dash shouted, baring her fangs down at Rarity in irritation. She ducked in midair as a large beam of cerulean magic shot through the air, courtesy of Pinkie Pie. “If I had known that Goku was there I would’ve stopped and pulled of some other move on this giant fur-ball!”

“Well I hate to break it to you darling, but I don’t believe you!” Rarity hissed. “I’d like to think that you know that poor Goku was there, but just ignored it and wanted to take the spotlight regardless of whether it was taken form you or not! Like you always do!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed “Always do?! What is that supposed to-?!”

“Girls, that’s enough!” Applejack shouted landing in between the two bickering mares. “This ain’t the time t’ be squabblin’ with each other like a bunch o’ chicks in a coop! Can ya not see that we’ve got a giant fire breathin’ cat tryin’ to fry us into fritters right now?!”

“Applejack’s right! This is no time for us to be arguing!” Twilight said, a violet aura surrounding her as she stood off against the Doragontora. “We need to get this cat away from us so we can get to the abandoned castle, and keep him from getting to Zephyr! If we waste our time like this, we’ll be making ourselves sitting ducks!”

“Sitting ducks!” Pinkie Pie asked, looking over at Twilight. “Uuuuh, Twilight, do you realize that we’re not actually ducks, right? And I don’t think ducks don’t really sit all of much.”

“It’s a metaphorical way of explaining our situation right now Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy explained, turning from Zephyr to look over at the pink pony. “Twilight’s just using sitting ducks as an example of how much danger that we’re in right now.”

“Oh, well why didn’t she just say that instead?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head. “That would’ve been so much easier to get if she said something like metaphorically speaking.”

“Pinkie Pie, baby…” Goku sighed, shaking her head. “…just keep helping AJ, Twilight and Rainbow Dash fight the Doragontora. Me and Rarity will be with you in a minute when I my wounds finish healing.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie Pie winked, before turning back to the fight in front of her. The Earth Pony’s expression then turned to one as serious as a police chief as she glared at the giant cat that was currently battling Rainbow, Applejack and Twilight. With a smile and a tone that was completely out of place with the expression on her face, she said, “Hey there, you big dragon kitty! I’ve got a surprise for you!”

With her eyes glowing Pinkie Pie slammed her forehooves into the ground, both of them glowing bright with blue energy before she pulled them up. With her hooves came a huge chunk of the earth which quickly formed into a cannon, slightly bigger than Pinkie Pie’s own Party Cannon. Pinkie Pie the jammed her forehooves into both sides of it, making the entire earth object glow alight with blue energy.

“She…she just made a cannon out of nothing but the earth!” Zephyr exclaimed in disbelief from inside Fluttershy’s healing oval seal. “Just how in Shenron’s name did she do that?!”

“Well, I’m not entirely sure myself.” Fluttershy replied softly, not breaking away from her healing of Zephyr’s wounds. “Then again, Pinkie Pie’s always had a knack for doing things like this form out of the blue, so it’s best if you don’t question and just accept it as it is. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a massive headache if you do.”

“Ya like it? This is a new special party cannon designed for any situation like this!” Pinkie asked, moving her cannon from side to side. “It’s not as good looking as my actual cannon, but it’ll have to do for now. Get ready, because I’m gonna blow you away!” She snorted as she prepared to fire. “Earth Make: Party Cannon Confetti Flock!”

The attack came almost immediately after it was said; a loud explosion rang throughout the clearing as Pinkie Pie’s earth cannon shot out giant streams of blue confetti up at the giant Doragontora. The cat used its wings to shield itself form the blasts, even as the large flocks of confetti slices into the and membranes of its wings. With a growl, it shot out a powerful gust of wind that actually sliced into to the confetti, but there were some it didn’t manage to get. It let out a roar of pain as they stabbed it in the chest and stomach and sent it crashing right into a tree, blood coating its wings and its coat.

“Nice on Pinkie Pie!” Applejack grinned. “Ya really gave him what for with that move!”

“Well, I did say that I was gonna blow him away, and I did!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Even though I just blasted him into a tree, so I guess it doesn’t totally count.”

“Well, it’s so going to count once we sent this bastard flying into the other end of the Everfree!” Rainbow Dash smirked, before looking over at Applejack. “Yo Twilight, are you gonna get a hit in or what?!”

“Already on it Dash!” Twilight shouted as she ran towards the Doragontora, her horn glowing with electricity. “Solid Form Magic: Thunderbolt!”

With her eyes glowing, the lavender Unicorn shot powerful bolt of lightning at the giant cat, who used one of its wings to block the attack. Unfortunately for the feline, this only served to make it as a target, and it roared out in pain as the lightning coursed through its body. after gaining some distance between her and the Doragontora, Twilight leapt in the air, the lightning surrounding her being replaced with fire instead.

“Solid Form Magic: Phoenix Flaming Flock!” She yelled shooting off bolt after bolt of fire at the Doragontora. The cat ran across the clearing as the firebolts slammed into the ground and unleashed their containment of flames that were just barely able to reach the beast, burning its fur and scales. When the last one hit, the Doragontora came to a halt and glared up at the Unicorn who was still in the air, before unleashing a flock of flames of its own. Twilight merely countered the with her another flock of firebolts before dodging one of the last ones aimed right at her face.

“Nice one Twilight! You’re really holding your own against this guy, for an egghead that is.” Rainbow Dash praised, her tone turning slightly teasing at the end. After giving a chuckle at the embarrassed look and heated glare Twilight gave her, Rainbow turned to Applejack. “Yo AJ, I think we’ve had our fun with this furball…whaddya say we send this guy flying outta here?”

The farmer nodded, smirking back up at the cyan Pegasus. “You know it RD, let’s end this varmint! Ya ready Rarity?”

“A lady is always ready for anything.” Rarity replied, flicking her tail skirt as her sword horn glowed. “Especially for dealing with ruffians like these!”

“Um, girls, can you not call him that please?” Fluttershy asked politely, yet firmly. “That’s not very nice.”

“Oh, don’t waste your breath on them Fluttershy. You know how those two can get at times like these.” Goku said, lying in the protection of the buttermilk Pegasus’s healing bubble. “It’s best if you just save your scolding of them for after they’ve dealt with the Doragontora and chased him away from the campsite. You can berate them plenty for their insulting of the creatures you and I love so much after all that is over.”

Zephyr gave a cough, gently nudging Goku in her side.

“Sorry.” The tan Thestral winced. “The creatures that you me, and Zephyr love so much.”

“Yes, you’re right Goku. We’re trying to keep ourselves from getting eaten, scolding Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack can come later.” Fluttershy nodded. “Still, that doesn’t mean that I don’t like how they’re talking about the Doragontora. Seeing them or anypony else insult a creature as beautiful as that, however dangerous it is, just unnerves me to no end.”

Zephyr nodded in agreement. “Tell me about it.”

The roaring of flames caught the attention of all four flyers, and they turned around to see a huge pillar of flames swirling around Applejack. The fire boots adorning her legs glowed as they produced fire form the tattoos imprinted on them, thus scorching the ground beneath her hooves. The tangerine Earth Pony’s emerald eyes glowed as her golden mane and floated behind her as her whole body crouched in preparation for an attack.

“Alright y’all time t’ send this giant furball flyin’ back t’ the other end o’ this forest!” She shouted, snorting hard as she stamped her right hoof. “Let’s go!”

“Right!” Rarity, Twilight and Rainbow Dash shouted as they ran and flew at the Doragontora. The giant cat saw them coming and, using its wings and its hindlegs, propelled itself off the tree that it was slammed into, its eyes blazing. With a roar, it fired off bolt after bolt of fire at the mares, but Rarity was more than ready for that move.

“Oh no; you’re not going to get us with that attack again!” She shouted, her eyes blazing brightly as she unleashed her attack. “Belle Machine Gun: Laser Barrage!”

Just like last time, Rarity fire off a flock of magical beams at the Doragontora, only this time, instead of little bullets, they were medium sized lasers. The Doragontora was able to see the attack coming, and instead of blocking, trying to evade them with rather impressive speed and agility. It was able dodge most of them, but some of the lasers managed to slice into its skin and fur, causing even more blood to stain its body.

“That’s some cool agility you’ve got there ya big furball! I gotta admit, you’re pretty fast for being so large!” Rainbow Dash grinned. “Be that as it may, there’s always somepony faster, and that pony is me! Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Spear!”

Bashing both of her hooves together, Rainbow Dash created a large spear made out of lightning, aiming it right at the Doragontora. With surprising arm strength, she threw the spear right at the giant cat, striking it right in the side before it had a chance to react. It roared out in pan as volts of electricity tore through its body, the effect being so powerful it lost its focus in its flight. This left an opening for Twilight unleash another attack of her own, the protege of the Solar Queen wasted no time in taking it.

“Solid Form Magic: Slicing Wind!” She shouted, unleashing a torrent of razor-sharp wind at the giant draconic cat, sending it back up into the air. It roared loudly in pain as the wind sliced into its limbs, chest and stomach, pain overriding its senses as it tried to fight it down. Snarling, it shot out a stream of fire, to which Twilight dodged, letting Applejack take her place. The farmer paid no mind to the flames approaching her, and used her fire boots to repel the Doragontora’s flames, before preparing her attack.

“So ya like breathin’ fire do ya?!” Applejack asked, flames surrounding her as she leapt at the falling draconic cat. “Well then, why don’t ya eat some o’ this?!”

Shooting both of her hooves out in front of her, a growing sphere of fire form in front of both of Applejack’s forehooves, the swirling flames helping with its growth. Her mane and tail billowed behind her, so much so, that the hairbands holding them were burnt off, allowing them to flow about freely as if Applejack’s mane was on fire. The farmer paid little attention to this; her thoughts only focused on defeating the Doragontora before it even tried to get at any of her friends.

With a loud battle neigh, Applejack unleashed her attack, shooting off a huge drill of golden flames right at the Doragontora, who had just crashed to the ground. Just as it got back up, the flames collided into it, sending its whole body ablaze and on fire. It let out another agonized roar as it tried to withstand the scorching fire, which was driving it further and further back into the shadows of the forest. Applejack, however, wasn’t letting up, and kept shooting off her flames at the draconic cat, fully determined to blast it off into the forest even if it meant scorching it alive.

Just when it looked like Applejack was about to win the fight, a loud roar suddenly came from within the flames of her attack, catching the farmer by surprise. All of a sudden, her large drill of flames exploded in all directions as the Doragontora suddenly burst out from them, its entire body coated in bright orange lightning. It roared loudly as it lunged at Applejack, who could only look up at it in shocked disbelief.

“What in tarna-GAH!” She began to ask, only to scream out as she felt the Doragontora’s large claws stab her right into her barrel. They stayed like that for a mere second, before they swung upward, making deep claw marks doing from Applejack’s lower stomach to the farmer’s upper chest. She screamed out in pain as blood flowed form her wounds before she was sent flying away and tumbling across the ground.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash shouted in horror, watching as her friend was flown away.

“Hold on darling, I’m coming!” Rarity cried as she ran over to the downed farmer. She didn’t even manage to get halfway before she was struck by a bolt of lightning. She shrieked out in agony as she slammed to the ground, her entire body burnt form nose to tail.

“Rarity!” Pinkie Pie cried, charging up her earth cannon. “Hold on, I’m coming!”

Pinkie Pie had barely finished her sentence before she began firing her party cannon at the Doragontora her confetti blades cutting through the air as they soared at the cat. It stood where it was, letting the confetti blades strike it, only to explode due to the lightning, coating its entire body. It took advantage of Pinkie Pie’s shocked state by letting out a roar a large bolt of lightning shooting out of its mouth and striking right into Pinkie Pie’s earth cannon. Since her hooves were still stuck inside the cannon, Pinkie Pie unintentionally made herself a victim of an electric shock that sent her crashing into a tree.

“Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash shouted, horror taking over her face for a split second before it was replaced with rage. “Why you…you giant lizard cat bastard! You’re going to pay for that one!”

Overcome with rage, the cyan mare shot down at the Doragontora, fully intent on giving it the shock of its life. Just before she reached him, she suddenly found herself stabbed repeatedly by large spikes, courtesy of the Doragontora shooting them out of its tail club. Rainbow Dash screamed out in pain as the attacks hit, sending her flying into a tree as one of the spikes imbedded into the tree and held her there.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight screamed out, her whole body freezing as she watched the cyan mare get impaled into the tree. Before she could do anything, she felt something hit the side of her head and send her crashing into a tree, just feet away from Fluttershy, Zephyr, and Goku.

“Girls!” Fluttershy cried out in horror, turning her attention away from her healing of Goku and Zephyr to the scene in front of her. In doing so, she made the oval healing sphere that she made for the two flyers to vanish into thin air, leaving them vulnerable to the Doragontora’s attack.

“F-Fluttershy what’re you doing?!” The former shouted as the latter wince at the cold air stinging his wounds. “Why did you stop your healing spell?”

“Oh, I’m sorry you guys!” Fluttershy replied sending them an apologetic look. “It’s just…Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie had all been struck down by the Doragontora! All of them are down for the count!”

“They’re what?!” Zephyr shouted as he shot to his haunches, his pain temporarily forgotten. A sharp gasp left his mouth as he saw the fallen forms of the four mares. “Oh, Sweet Faust…”

“I can’t believe it…they’re all down!” Goku whispered, looking to be even more shocked than her fellow Shenron was. She snapped her head up to Fluttershy, a look of fear coming to her eyes. “Fluttershy, you’ve gotta get them out of there! If you don’t that cat’s gonna have all of them for a really late breakfast!”

“Right, I’m on it!” The buttermilk Pegasus nodded as she quickly composing herself. “Don’t worry everypony, I’m gonna get you all out of here as fast as I can so I can heal you!”

With those words said, Fluttershy spread her wings and flew over to the girls, Rainbow Dash being the closest one, and began to examine her wounds. One of her hooves flew to her mouth as she got a closer view of the tail club spike imbedded in her, and tears started to build up in her eyes.

"Oh...Rainbow Dash!" She cried, doing her best to fight back a sniffle as the cyan mare panted in front of her. "What in the world happened?!"

"W-what do ya think happened Flutters?" Rainbow Dash asked, coughing up some blood. "That cat took me by surprise and sent my flying like I was going to do to him. I think that should sum up just how much pain I'm in right now..." She looked down at the spike impeded in her stomach. "Especially with this thing inside of me..."

Fluttershy looked down at the spike, wincing at how deep it looked to be inside the mares stomach. While it wasn't really all that large, about the size of a knife, she could tell that it was going to leave a noticeable scar on Rainbow Dash, along with all the others in her wings. Ripping her eyes away, she looked up at Rainbow Dash and asked, "H...how much does it hurt?"

"About as much as getting stabbed with an actual knife." Came Rainbow's somewhat dry reply, her chest slowly heaving up and down. "Anyway, do ya think you can get this thing off of me? It's kind of making my stomach hurt."

"I...I don't think that'll be a good idea Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said, looking into the other Pegasus's eyes. "I can take the spike out of the tree, but I don't think I should take it out of you just yet. If I try, you might start to bleed out, and I really don't want that to happen."

"Seriously?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking form in between the spike and Fluttershy. "Well damn...that sucks. Alright then, m-maybe you can try to hold onto me while you take the spike out of the tree?"

"Y...yes, I think that might work!" Fluttershy replied, some relief coming to her face as she nodded. "And after that, I can get you over to Goku and Zephyr, along with the rest of the girls, and I can heal your wounds." She glanced down over at the Doragontora who was looking back up at her, as if waiting for her to come face it. "Though first, I'll have to keep him at bay."

"G-good luck down there Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said, reaching over and putting a hoof on the Pegasus's shoulder. "I'd normally be saying for you to be careful, of even to get away, but...you seem to have the most experience with these animals. So...I'll leave it to you to keep us safe."

"Don't worry Dash, I promise I'll keep you and the other girls safe!" Fluttershy nodded, her teal eyes glowing with a fierce determination. "Then after that, I'll encase all of you inside of my healing oval so I can-"

Whatever Fluttershy was about to say was cut off when a pillar of flames exploded form where Applejack was lying, stopping her in midflight. She watched in awed shock as the farmer slowly stood up from her position on the ground and locked eyes with the Doragontora, who looked to haven expression of surprise on her face.

“A…Applejack?” Fluttershy stuttered, struggling to find her voice. “Is…i-is that you?”

The farmer slowly turned to look at the veterinarian, her emerald eyes glowing even brighter than before. “Who do ya think it is, sugarcube? Some fire maned pony risin’ from th’ deepest depths o’ Tartarus?”

Rarity, who had finally been starting to recover from the electric shock given to her, slowly turned herself over to her side. When she lifted her head to look at the scene before her, her whole body froze as her eyes widened in disbelief. “Apple…jack?” She wheezed, giving out a heavy cough as she struggled to sit up.

"No way...! That's impossible!" Twilight whispered, holding her bloodied head as she sat up against the tree she was sent into. "How is she still standing?!"

“Whoa, AJ…how’re you still standing?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking just as shocked as Fluttershy was. “I…I thought that giant furball knocked you out?”

“I didn’t, it just gave me an extra scar to go with th’ rest o’ mah battle ones.” Applejack asked, glancing up at Rainbow Dash for a moment. Doing her best not to wince at the mare’s puncture wounds, she turned to Fluttershy. “Hey Flutters, can ya do me a lil’ favor? Can ya take Rares a’' RD outta this clearin’?”

“W-why?” Fluttershy asked, still in a small state of shock. “W-what’re you going to do?”

“Whaddya think Ah’m gonna do?” Applejack asked, turning back to the Doragontora. “Ah’m gonna send this varmint flyin’ back t’ where he came from.”

Pinkie, who had been picking herself up from the shock the Doragontora gave her, let out a gasp of fear. "Y-you're going to what?! J-Jackie, n-n-no!"

“All by yourself?!” Zephyr asked in disbelief. “Applejack, with all due respect, and not that I’m doubting your abilities here, but do you realize what you’re saying? I know that you said, and your friends would be alright together, but you saw what had happened didn’t you? That cat sent all of you flying when you least expected it, and took each of you out with one hit! How can you expect to beat him all by yourself?”

“Because, I know in mah heart that I can.” Applejack replied simply, glancing back at the royal blue stallion. “Listen hon’, Ah know what Ah said back then about me, Twilight, Rarity, Goku, an’ RD bein’ okay against this thing didn’t make a lot o’ sense, but really did mean what Ah said. If wasn’t sure that me and the rest o’ us would be okay, Ah wouldn’t have said that it was the honest truth right t’ yer faces. Ah’m a lot o’ thinks Zephyr, but Ah ain’t no liar, especially about things like this.”

Zephyr’s ears flattened. “I…I never said that you were-” He began to say, only to stop when Goku gently laid a hoof on his shoulder.

“Let her finish.” She said, not making eye contact with him. “You were saying Applejack?”

“Thank ya kindly…” Applejack nodded, shooting off a stream of flames at the Doragontora, who was begining to stalk Applejack. As it crashed back into a tree, the farmer flicked her tail and continued on. “…Anyway, like AH said, if Ah didn’t believe that we’d all be okay against this varmint, Ah wouldn’t have said it while lookin’ ya right int’ yer eyes hon’. An’ Ah didn’t mean jus’ me, RD, Twilight, an’ Rares either…Ah also mean you an’ Fluttershy as well, b’cause we were the ones fightin’ against this varmint. Well, at least until Goku got taken out, but ya get what I mean by that right?”

“Yeah, I do…” Zephyr replied, glancing at over at Goku’s bloodied state. “…maybe a little too much.”

“Yeah, I figured you did.” Applejack chuckled. “Anyway, my point is, Ah didn’t just say that we’d be fine jus’ because Ag honest believe we’ll be. Ah said it b’cause Ah know that we’ll be okay, an’ we’re gonna make it outta here, an’ when Ah say somethin’ like this, Ah mean it from the bottom o’ mah heart. Ah am an Apple after all, and we take great pride in hour honesty, as well as our dependability…so when Ah say everythin’ will be okay, it’ll be okay, an’ Ah’m damn sure well gonna prove it. So jus’ sit back with the rest o’ th’ girls an’ let me handle this now, alright?”

For a few long moments, Zephyr, Goku and Fluttershy didn’t say anything, all of them looking deep into Applejack’s glowing eyes as they pierced into theirs. All of them could see, almost feel the pure honesty radiating from them, thus leaving all of them a loss for words on what to say or do. As much as they wanted to stop Applejack, to keep her from getting herself killed, but they found themselves unable to speak as they continued to look into the farmer’s emerald orbs, as if they were keeping them from talking. After what seemed like hours, Fluttershy lowered her head, her mane shadowing her eyes as she quietly spoke up.

“A…are you sure that you’ll be okay Applejack?” She asked softly, despite knowing in her heart what the answer was. “W-will you really be okay?”

“Ah wouldn’t be sayin’ it if Ah didn’t believe Ah would be.” Came Applejack’s reassuring reply, turning back to look at the Doragontora in front of her. “Like Ah said, Ah am many things, but Ah am not a liar by any means.”

Goku frowned at the words. ‘Not a liar by any means huh? Yeah, right…’

Fluttershy stared at Applejack’s back for a moment longer, inwardly contemplating whether out of she should take Applejack’s word or take her out of the clearing. A moment later, she gave a defeated sigh as she glanced over at Rainbow Dash, before looking at back at the farmer. “Alright then Applejack…if you think that you’re going to be safe, then I’ll trust you to fight the Doragontora alone. Just know this…” She looked up and glared sternly at Applejack, her teal eyes flashing orange. “If I see even an inkling of you about to lose to that Doragontora, I am dragging you out of there and dealing with him myself! Am I clear?”

“Clear as crystal sugarcube.” Applejack replied, doing her best not to flinch at the glare sent at the back of her head. “Jus’ you wait; by th’ time Ah’m done with this varmint, it’ll be like he wasn’t even here in the first place.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Fluttershy said firmly. “And afterwards, after I’m done healing you all, I’m going to have a little chat with you, Rainbow, and Rarity about what to call certain individuals and what not to call them.”

Goku raised her hoof up. “I second that!” She said as Zephyr nodded softly.

Applejack shuddered, but gave no other response other than a light nod towards the three flyers. With nothing else to say, the farmer turned back to look at the Doragontora, only to jump when it almost immediately attacked. Gritting her teeth, Applejack’s galloped at the draconic cat as they met in midair, the only thing both of them seeing being a sea of each other’s roaring flames.

Author's Note

Well everypony, there you all go, the twenty first chapter of this amazing adventure of the Rise of the Dark Queen this first book of my series :scootangel: ! Now, for this chapter, I had looked back on the very first version of this and realized that I didn't really make a scene for the Shadowbolts other than that one scene with Violet Fire and the rest of her team :unsuresweetie: . So I decided to make one for this chapter while having them run into the Shinomōkin that the girls had, which will explain something else in a chapter that I'm planning to put back in this that I had taken out when I had decided to revise this entire thing. Now for the fight between the Doragontora and the girls, I had tried to come up with some way to end it, but I decided to have it go on for a little bit longer, since I'm planning to try and add another scene for the Shadowbolts before they meet the future Element Bearers :pinkiehappy: . Now, I'm not gonna make it anywhere near as long as I did last time with the Timberwolves when I first wrote this, but the next scene having that will have a good chunk of it inside before it ends :twilightsmile: . The next couple of chapter will be back on what's going on in Ponyville before we get back to the girls, and depending on how things go, those two may or may not be as long as the last few...we'll have to see :ajsmug: .

Well, that's all for this chapter; tune in next time with me for when we go back to Ponyville :scootangel: !

Chapter 22 - Sparking Diamonds and Blossoming Flowers

Things had gotten even worse for the residents of Ponyville, and it did not look like it was going to be letting up anytime soon. The few ponies that weren’t in the Town Square were running away screaming and crying from the Tantabuses that were prowling all throughout the town, trying to get at anypony that they were able to catch off guard or chase down. Foals were clinging and to their mothers as the mares held and stood over them protectively, doing their best to keep the Tantabus flock at bay despite the latter being far more magically powerful. This did not deter them though, and they bravely fought on, even as their started to get overwhelmed by the magical beings.

The ponies that weren’t being chased by the ethereal creatures were either trying to escape the ones they were surrounded by or protect the ones that were cornered by them. The sounds of magical blasts, electrical shots of lightning in the air, and the shaking of the ground could be heard all around town. It filled the ears of ponies that were either running or fighting for the lives, letting them know that things were indeed looking bleak, and it’d only get worse from here. For two particular ponies, things were about to get even more worse than they already were.

The sound of hooves beating against the dirt ground in a steady gallop could be heard to those closest to it over the numerous of explosives and blasts resounding around the town in the sky. Amethyst and Dinky ran across the streets of Ponyville, the former keeping her gaze ahead of her while the latter clung to her tightly, her hooves wrapped around her neck. On either side of her, Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth were flying above them, looking all around for any signs of any Tantabus monsters that my pop out and ambush them.

“How’re things up there Aunt Cloud, Blossomforth?” Amethyst asked, looking up at the two Pegasi up above her. “Are there any of those things up there around the roofs or houses?”

“Not that I can see from where I’m standing sweetie.” Blossomforth replied. “I see some of them farther away and a bit close by, but they’re fighting the guards right now. So, we don’t need to worry about any of them right now.”

“Yeah, at least not yet.” Cloud Kicker nodded, her eyes narrowing as they sharply scanned the area around them. “Don’t let your guards down though…any one of them could pop out from any moment, no matter where it’d be. Those things are powerful, much more than the average Unicorn, and certainly a lot more powerful than Twilight.”

“Yeah, I think the pony manifestation back at the Town Square proved that already.” Dinky squeaked fearfully. She looked up at her older sister’s face, her own expression clouded with worry. “Are you sure that momma is going to be okay big sis? I mean, we all saw what had happened inside the Town Square when one of those creepy monsters fought Captain Shining Armor…what if it happens again?”

“It won’t happen Dinky; I swear that to you.” Amethyst replied reassuringly, glancing back at her little sister. “I know it may have seemed like Captain Shining Armor was losing against that creature, but it didn’t look like he was going all out against it. More like he was testing its magic and strength to see just how much magic he needed to use on it, which is why he really didn’t use that much magic until the end. You saw it too, didn’t you little sis?”

Dinky took a moment to think back at the fight back at the Town Square, before recognition set into her mind. “Oh, yeah…you’re right; I didn’t feel him using that much magic. I guess he really was sizing that scary monster up.”

“Exactly.” Amethyst nodded. “Plus, he said that he’d be putting up a barrier around the Town Square in case any of those things try to get inside again, so mom will be safe.” She made a sharp turn onto another dirt road. “What we need to focus on is your safety, and we won’t be able to do that unless we get to Miss Twilight’s library.”

“Are you sure that’s a good place to go?” Dinky asked, an unsettling feeling forming in the pit of her gut. “What if there’s more of those monsters at her library too?”

“Then we’ll try somewhere else that doesn’t.” Amethyst said simply. “And if that doesn’t work, then we’ll go to the one place where I know we’ll be safe, whether those things are there or not.”

Dinky’s ears perked up. “You mean Sweet Apple Acres?”

“The very same one Dinks.” Amethyst nodded. “And with the Apple Family there, I know that we’ll be safe, along with Aunt Cloud and Blossomforth. Though I think we should focus on getting to Twilight’s and try their first until we choose that option.”

The sight of something falling form the sky and landing right in front of them stopped the older Unicorn in her tracks as she, Dinky, Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker scream in surprise. Almost instinctively, Amethyst ignited her horn and readiness for whatever had landed before them and stopped them in their tracks. When the smoke cleared, the magenta Unicorn felt all the blood drain from her face as she took in the sight before her and her sister. Dinky wasn’t too far behind, and let out a scream of terror when she saw what had made her sister stop running, while Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker reeled back in horror.

“Oh shit…” The former whispered, staring wide eyed at the white Tantabus in front of them. “I so did not want to run into another one of these bastards! We just left the Town Square only fifteen minutes ago!”

“W-well, it looks like we were going to have to face them sooner or later.” Blossomforth said as she began to sweat. “T-that doesn’t mean that I’m not terrified though.”

“You and me both Miss Blossomforth.” Dinky whimpered, clinging even tighter to Amethyst’s neck. “What do we do now big sis?”

Amethyst was frozen for a moment or two, not really able to say anything as she stared into the pure red eyes of the white Tantabus in front of her. The blood curdling snarl that it gave off manage to snap the young adult Unicorn back to her senses before she registered what her sister had just said. Taking in a calming shaky breath, she looked back at the younger Unicorn resting on her back, then back at the Tantabus, before looking up at her aunt.

“Hey, aunt Cloud Kicker!” She said, quickly gaining the persian blue mare’s attention.

“What do you need Amethyst?!” Cloud Kicker asked from above.

“I need you to take Dinky and let her ride you instead of me!” The magenta coated Unicorn replied. “I’m gonna blast monster into oblivion!”

Blossomforth’s eyes bulged. “You’re going to what?!”

“Sure thing! Just give her to me when you’re ready!” Cloud Kicker nodded, holding out her forelegs as she hovered down towards them.

Amethyst looked down at Dinky, who was staring back at her with wide terrified eyes. “Dinky, I need you to listen to me very carefully okay? Big sis is going to make all the big bad wolves go away, and while I’m doing that, I want you to stay with Cloud Kicker. She’ll keep you high away from them, alright?”

“W-w-what about you?” The grayish violet stuttered, shivering as if she was in a storm. “What if that monster does to you what the other almost did to Captain Shining Armor?! I don’t want to lose you too!”

“Don’t worry Dinky, big sis will be just fine. I’ll make sure that both of us are fine.” Amethyst said reassuringly, giving the filly a gentle smile. “I promise, nothing will happen to you as long as I’m here. I need you to trust me on that, okay? Do you trust big sis?”

“I do!” Dinky replied immediately with a vigorous nod. “As much as I trust momma!”

“Good, then trust me when I say that I’ll be fine. When I’m done with this thing, I will be right here to get you, and we can all head to Twilight’s library together. Just stay with Cloud Kicker and everything will be fine, okay?” Amethyst asked softly, earning a slow reluctant nod from the younger Unicorn. “Alright, now hold your forelegs out. I’m gonna throw you up to aunt Cloud Kicker. Oh, and try not to scream, okay?”

“Okay.” Dinky squeaked.

With a satisfied nod, Amethyst leaned in and gave a quick, yet loving kiss on Dinky’s head, before she looked up at Cloud Kicker, who was still hovering above them. With a heave, the magenta Unicorn bucked her back legs out and threw her little sister in the air as hard as she could, watching as she sailed through the air. Dinky gave a squeal as she shot through the sky, only to go silent when she found herself in the warm furry arms of Cloud Kicker, who held her as close as she could.

“Whoa there, sweetie! I got you!” The persian blue mare said, looking down at Dinky with a kind smile. “Don’t worry, Auntie Cloud’s not going to let you fall.”

“T-t-thanks…” Dinky stuttered as she slowly looked down, before letting out a terrified squeal a second later. She wrapped her forelegs around Cloud’s chest, burying her face in her chest fluff as she looked down at the ground with one eye. “We’re...really high up here.”

“Yeah, it can be pretty scary up here, can’t it?” Cloud said sympathetically, running a hoof through her mane as Dinky. “It’s not so bad...once you get passed the hovering, speeding, and landing, it’s like second nature to us! Trust me, once you get your wings, you’ll know what it’s like for me, and you’ll love it!”

“If you say so…” Dinky murmured, nuzzling her face deeper into her aunt’s chest fluff. ‘Note to self: Ask momma for flying lessons once I’m able to activate my Pegasus Ascension Mode.’

“A-A-Amethyst…” Blossomforth stuttered. “…Y-you’re not seriously thinking of battling this thing on your own, are you?”

“Of course I’m not!” Amethyst replied, sounding as if she was offended by the pinkish gray mare’s question. “Do you honestly think I’m stupid enough to take on something this powerful on my own? Especially after I felt how powerful it was at the Town Square.”

Blossomforth blushed in embarrassment. “W-well, I, um…”

“Never mind don’t answer that.” Amethyst sighed with a role of her eyes. “Anyway, yes, I am gonna fight this thing, but I want you to give me some backup when it looks like I’m getting overpowered. You’re a really strong mare in your own right Blossomforth so you and I should make a pretty great due together.”

“Wait, you two are going to fight him?” Cloud Kicker asked, hoisting Dinky onto her back. “Wait, what about me?”

“What do you mean, ‘what about me’?” Amethyst asked, raising an eyebrow at the persian blue mare. “You’re gonna go and take Dinky to the Golden Oaks Library and keep her safe there with Miss Twilight!”

“Awww, come on Amethyst.” Cloud Kicker whined, pouting down at the magenta Unicorn. “You mean I’m not going to be here to lay the smackdown on these things?”

“No Cloud Kicker, you’re not.” Blossomforth stated sternly, crossing her forehooves. “Amethyst left her sister in your care, and she expects you to get that poor filly to safety. If you waste your time fighting here, your only gonna put Dinky in danger.”

“Not only that…” Dinky said, tugging at her aunt’s mane. “…but if momma finds out that you’ve been trying to fight while carrying me, she’s gonna get super mad. And you don’t want to see my momma mad when it comes to me deliberately being out in danger.”

Cloud Kicker flinched, her face going pale as images of her little sister giving her furious looks flashed through her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut and violently shook her head, before looking back over at Dinky. “Yeah, you’ve got a good point there, Dinks.”

“That she does.” Amethyst nodded. “So why don’t you go on and get your sex-obsessed ass outta here already? Me and Blossomforth will take care of this thing and meet you at the Golden Oaks Library.”

“Are you sure you don’t need me for any extra backup?” Cloud Kicker asked, before Dinky reached up and tugged on her ear. “Ow!”

“Big sis wouldn’t be saying that if she didn’t know for sure!” The filly replied, sounding slightly frustrated at her aunt’s lack of faith in her sister. “Don’t worry Aunt Cloud, she’s got this! Now let’s go before this scary monster decides to go after us instead!”

“Alright alright, jeez! No need to get all bity about it!” Cloud Kicker snorted, rubbing at her right ear. Sighing, she looked down at Amethyst and Blossomforth, the former having hovered down next to her. “Alright then, I’ll leave this guy you Amethyst…if you think you can take him, then I’ll trust that you can. As for you Blossomforth, you’d better keep my big niece safe and in one piece, or else you are going to be in for one hay of a bucking bang when this is over!”

“Trust me, I intend to make sure Amethyst makes it out of here with as little wounds as possible.” The pinkish gray mare replied, smirking back up at Cloud Kicker. “As for the bang…well, we’ll have to see how tonight goes, and if I’m actually up for it after this.”

Cloud Kicker smirked but said nothing else as she nodded to her best friend and her eldest niece, before turning tail and flying off with a blushing Dinky upon her back. The Tantabus, seeing the two fly off, summoned a pair of wings of its own, and made to fly after them, only for a bolt of brilliant blue lighting to strike it through its side.

“I don’t think so mister.” Blossomforth said firmly, her eyes glowing as she lowered her outstretched hoof. The blue aura surrounding her body grew in power as it became streaks the swirled around her, Amethyst’s own moderate violet aura cloaking her. “If you want to get to them, you’ll have to go through us.”

“Damn straight.” Amethyst nodded, glaring daggers at the white Tantabus. “The only way you’re getting to my aunt, let along my sister, is over my dead body!”

With its pure red orbs for eyes glowing, the bleached white Tantabus screeched and shot itself towards the duo, with Amethyst making the first move. Igniting her horn, the mare shot off a powerful bolt of telekinesis that was just barely blocked by a shield that the Tantabus had put up. With the creature distracted, Blossomforth came up from behind it and soared down towards it, lightning coating her entire body.

“You just left yourself wide open!” The watermelon maned mare shouted before she unleashed her attack. “Lightning Pegasus: Striking Spear!”

Both of her lightning coated hooves slammed directly into the Tantabus’s back driving it deep into the ground and causing a huge hole to be made in its wake. Blossomforth immediately took to the air to fly away from it, only to cry out when an ethereal streak wrapped around her leg and slammed her to the ground. It then pulled her towards where she had struck down the Tantabus, before a bolt of pure red magic struck her and sent her crashing into a nearby house.

“Blossomforth!” Amethyst shouted, before turning back to the Tantabus. “Oh, you’re so going to pay for that one!”

With her horn glowing even brighter aura than it was before, two gleaming moderate purple diamonds appeared on either side of Amethyst. They extended and formed into handles as long blades appeared out form the top of them, thus making them into five-foot-long swords. Purple auras covered both appendages as the young Unicorn shot both out in front of the Tantabus, ready to slice it to bits.

“Solid Form Magic: Diamond Swords!” She shouted, galloping towards the Tantabus, who immediately leapt at her with its own horn extended. Amethyst’s swords clashed with the beasts own curved horn, causing sparks to fly through the air as they fought to push each other back. They separated as Amethyst, swung both swords at the beast, only for the Tantabus to dodged both swords, and swing its wing out, the edge of it formed into a blade. Amethyst’s sharp eyes were able to see the attack coming, and used one of her diamond swords to block to wing, doing the same to the other that was coming from the left of her.

“It’s going to take a lot more than wing blades to get passed these swords!” The young adult Unicorn shouted before swinging both swords outward. “Two Sword Style: Slicing Waves!”

With a loud neigh, Amethyst swung both her swords out in two different angles, sending magic waves slashing right into the Tantabus’s chest. It made now sound as it was hit, but Amethyst could’ve sword she saw a faint flash of red glowing from within its chest before it leaped away from her. Igniting its horn, it shot a few magic blasts at the Amethyst, to which she sliced in half with her swords, before firing bolt of magic of her own, large enough to envelop the Tantabus. Much to her shock it didn’t even attempt to evade the attack, and the moment it vanished, it leapt right at Amethyst, who instinctively leapt back.

“Two Sword Style: Twin Slashing Waves!” She shouted, swinging both sword and sending an ‘x’ shaped wave of purple magic at the Tantabus. It used a bolt of magic to dispel the attack, before it med Tantabus in a clash of swords and horns, generating another shower of spark.

They stayed like that for a moment longer before they both vanished, reappearing in the same place repeatedly, either ducking or dodging each other’s attacks. They clashed both horn and sword as they battled for dominance, occasionally shooting magical blasts at each other. Some of them missed, others connected, while some even ended up crashing into homes nearby, leaving good sized holes in the walls or rooftops. Neither payed any attention to this though, the former especially, the only thing on her being to assure Dinky and Cloud Kicker were safe.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Shock!” She shouted, shooting both of her hooves out and sending a powerful bolt of lightning at the Tantabus’s stomach. It was left no time to dodge as it the attack struck home, going right through it in the process as it flew back from Blossomforth. The pinkish gray mare wasn’t letting up unfortunately, and before the Tantabus knew it, the mare was already delivering her next attack.

“Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Axe!” Blossomforth yelled, flipping in the air and letting her left forehoof collide with the Tantabus’s face. Amethyst watched in awe as the older mare sent the creature crashing back into the ground, before she grabbed it and hoisted it into the air.

“Lighting Pegasus: Feather Flock Shock!” The pinkish grey mare cried, shooting her wings out and sending a flock of lightning coated feathers at the Tantabus. They struck all over the beast before exploding in a shower of lightning that covered the Tantabus in a huge thick cloud of smoke.

“I’m not done yet!” Blossomforth shouted, landing on her hindlegs, wings still flared, and shooting her forehooves out in front of her. With her eyes glowing brightly, she summoned a large electric orb of blue, before shouting. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!”

With a force powerful enough to shake the ground beneath her, Blossomforth shoot a large drill of lightning that tore through the ground and ripped up the earth. It chirped loudly with lightning as it soared right at the Tantabus, who concurred up another shield to block the attack as it hit. This didn’t deter Blossomforth, and she continued to fire off her wave of lightning even as it began to spread all around her.

“Dammit…this thing is a lot more powerful than I had originally thought it’d be!” Blossomforth said to herself, gritting her teeth. “Looks like I’m going to have to take this up a notch.”

“Mind if I give you a hoof there, Blossomforth?!”

Blossomforth’s ears flicked at the sound of Amethyst’s voice, and she turned around to see the young adult Unicorn galloping towards her. Before Blossom could say anything, Amethyst leapt in the air and landed on both of her shoulders, shooting both swords out in front of her.

“H-hey, what’re you-?!” Blossomforth said, stumbling forward a bit. “What’re you doing Amethyst?! Get off of me!”

“It’s alright Blossomforth! I know what I’m doing Blossomforth!” Amethyst said, as her horn glowed brightly with magic. “Just right there alright?!”

“W-why?!” Blossomforth asked, struggling to keep her balance on her hindlegs. “What’re you going to do?!”

“We’regoing to blow this motherbucker into Kingdom Come!” Amethyst replied, lowering her head as her horn and swords glowed brightly. “Three Sword Style: Triple Magic Beam Cannon!”

With an explosion that almost knocked Blossomforth off of her hind hooves, Amethyst shot out powerful beams of magic right into wave of lightning. The attacks fused together immediately, thus creating a wave of purple magic coated in brilliant blue lightning, growing twice as big as it was before. It created an even deeper trail into the ground as the combined attack slammed right into the white Tantabus, driving the ethereal creature back a much farther distance. It tried to pump more magic into its shield, only for it to begin to crack as the combined lighting and magic of Amethyst and Blossomforth chipped away at it.

“You’re not gonna get away from this one, you asshole!” Amethyst shouted, not letting up in her combined blasts. “Come on Blossomforth, let’s give this bastard everything we have!”

“Right!” The pinkish gray mare nodded, digging both hind hooves into the ground. With a loud whinny, she channeled even more of her magic into her hooves, making her lighting wave as powerful as she could. It certainly did the job as it helped strengthen Amethyst’s own growing attack to overwhelm the Tantabus, who was now looking seconds away from getting blown away. Its shield eventually cracked to the point where it could no longer be supported, and it shattered upon impact, leaving the Tantabus no longer able to defend.

It screeched as the combined wave of magic and lighting enveloped it, sending it flying away from both mares and into the streets of Ponyville. The two mares kept the attack going of a couple moments longer, wanting to make absolutely sure that the creature would be gone for good, and it wouldn’t come back. Finally, their attack ceased, until all that was left was a deeply scorched and torn up trail of dirt.

“We did it…we won.” Amethyst said as she leapt off of Blossomforth and stumbled on her hooves. She panted heavily as the whiplash of using so much magic got to her, all four of her legs shaking as her tail drooped. “Holy shit, that was a big ass amount of magic that I used on that freak.”

“Yeah…same here. I don’t think I’ve used that much magic in a long time.” Blossomforth nodded, chuckling a little as her wings hung limp at her sides. “Are you okay sweetie?”

“Y-yeah, I’ll be fine. Just gotta take a breather is all.” Amethyst nodded as she fell to her haunches. She reached up and gingerly touched at her horn, wincing at the heat coming off of it. “Oh boy…that’s going to take a while to cool down.”

“Well, that’s what you get for using so much magic at one time.” Blossomforth said teasingly, before wincing at the pain in her wings. “Then again, who am I to talk when I’ve used up so much of my magic that my wings are going to fall off?”

“Guess that makes two of us doesn’t it?” Amethyst giggled, giving her tail a few flicks. She then looked in the direction where they had both sent the white Tantabus flying, and her smile fell a bit. “Hey…you don’t think he’s going to be coming, back is he?”

“I hope not; I really don’t want a round two when I still feel sore all over.” Blossomforth replied, slightly whining. “And I haven’t even activated my Ascension Mode yet…if that happens, I might not even be able to walk.”

“Well…with all that’s going on, I don’t think either of us will have a choice in the matter, do we?” Amethyst shrugged. “Those things are incredibly strong, and with how much magic we used in this fight, we may have to go into our Ascension Modes sooner than we’d like. I have a feeling that we’ll need all the power we have if we want to win against these things, let alone live to see tomorrow.”

“I hate to say it, but you may be right.” Blossomforth sighed as she rubbed at her wings. She then looked up at the dirt trail left by their magical attacks, only to pause when she noticed something from within it. “Hey…what’s that?”

Amethyst looked over at the pinkish grey mare. “What’s what?”

“That, there inside of the trail.” Blossomforth replied, pointing forward. “Can’t you see it?”

Raising an eyebrow, Amethyst got to her hooves and followed the line of Blossomforth’s gaze, and she immediately noticed a glint from within the ground. At first, she thought she was just seeing things, but as she got closer, she realized that she wasn’t. Several feet away from the two mares was a large glass-like red orb, giving off a faint glint in the light of the Moon. It was a deep crimson red in color, looking almost as menacing as the once alive Tantabus.

“What the hell?” Amethyst whispered, igniting her horn and bringing the orb over to her and Blossomforth. “What is this thing?”

“It looks like some kind of orb of some sorts.” Blossomforth replied, examining the object closely. “Do you have any idea what it does?”

“Not jack shit…” Came Amethyst’s blunt reply, bringing the orb even closer to her. Pursing her lips, she closed her eyes and brought the tip of her horn to the glass-like orb of red. The contact lasted for only a second and a half, before Amethysts eyes snapped open and she dropped the orb to the ground.

“Whoa what is it Amethyst?!” Blossomforth asked, seeing the shocked look on the younger mares’ face. “What’s wrong?”

Amethyst took in a few shaky breaths, trying to calm herself down as her whole body shook with fright. Slowly, she reached a shaky hoof down at the orb and said, “T-that orb…it has that monster’s magic it.”

Blossomforth paled. “W-what?”

“You heard me!” Amethyst said, making Blossomforth jump. “That orb has that monsters magic contained inside of it!”

“It does?! But that’s impossible!” Blossomforth shouted, snapping her head back down at the red glass orb. “T-there’s no way that something that small could contain something that big and powerful, not unless…u-unless.”

“Unless it was the very source of its magical power and life essence.” Amethyst finished darkly as she glared down at the orb. “The one thing keeping it from dying no matter how much magic we threw at it.”

“Wait, really?” Blossomforth asked, looking back over at Amethyst. “You mean it was this thing is what was keeping that monster alive in the first place? How can you be so sure about that?”

“I had first noticed when I went one on one with that thing.” Amethyst replied, not looking over at the older mare. “When I had slashed it with both of my sword, I cut right into where its chest was, and I saw something red shining from inside of it. I didn’t think much of it since I thought that it was just its body giving off some faint glows or something like that.” Her nostrils flared as she lashed her tail out angrily. “It looks like I was wrong about that…dead wrong.”

“So…you’re telling me that it was this glass that was keeping that creature from being killed off or blown away by any of our attacks?” Blossomforth asked as she connected the dots. “A-and the only reason we even managed to defeat I was because…we found the…c-core of its magic and power?”

“It looks like it.” Amethyst nodded, glancing at the terrified Pegasus. “And if the creature that we fought right now has it, then I’m guessing that all of its other buddies have the same thing.”

“W-well…if that’s the case then we have to let everypony know about it quickly!” Blossomforth exclaimed, taking to the air despite the aching in her wings. “All of those guards and ponies are out here fighting those things, and I know that it’s only going to be a matter of time before they get overwhelmed! We have to find a way to let them all know before that happens!”

“Don’t need to tell me twice...after what we've found out, we're definitely going to need a change of plans.” Amethyst sighed, looking down at the ground in concentration. A minute later, she breathed in a deep sigh, and looked back up at Blossomforth. “Alright, here’s we’re going to do; you can get back to the Town Square from here, can’t you?”

Blossomforth paused, giving Amethyst a perplexed look. “W-well sure…we’ve only left twenty minutes ago. W-why?”

“I want you to go down there and find Captain Shining Armor and any other guards that aren’t in the middle of fighting these space pony things.” Amethyst replied, tilting her head in the direction of the Town Square. “I want you to see if he, or any other guard here can use their magic to amplify their voices to enough of a decimal to where they can talk to the rest of the guards around here and in the air.”

“So that I can tell them about what we had found out about these creatures and how to defeat them?” Blossomforth asked, earning an approving smile and nod from the magenta purple Unicorn. “Okay, but…what about you? What’re you going to do Amethyst?”

“What you do think I’m going to do?” Amethyst asked as if it was clearly obvious. “I’m gonna go see if my little sis and my aunt are okay. I know it hasn’t been that long, but I’m pretty sure tha Dinks is already worrying about me, and I wanna put those fears to rest before she drives Aunt Cloud crazy. That and I want to give her some extra protection; I am her big sister after all.”

“Yeah, that you are.” Blossomforth nodded, giving the younger mare a little amused smile. It turned into a concerned frown as she cupped Amethyst’s face in her hooves. “Just be careful when you’re going to the library okay? I know you’re a strong mare and all, but still…even with the weakness we just found out, those things are powerful. So…don’t engage with them if you don’t feel like you can win against them. If anything were to happen to you, let alone Dinky, Derpy would drain my dry of all my blood!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll watch my back while we’re split. I’m already getting you into enough trouble with my mom by doing this, so the last thing I want for you to look like a ghost. Otherwise, my aunt would find you too scary to bang.” Amethyst said, giggling a bit as Blossomforth blushed. “Speaking of which, you had better manage to make it back to us in one piece too, or else my aunt is going to give me a real earful.”

“Sure thing Amethyst.” Blossomforth replied, leaning in and kissing the younger mare on her forehead, just above her horn. “Good luck.”

Amethyst nodded, and with a brief hug, the two mares separated before breaking off in different directions towards their destinations. As Amethyst galloped towards the Golden Oaks Library and Blossomforth flew back to the Town Square, the two mares had one singular though etched into their minds.

‘Please come back to me alive!’

Author's Note

This chapter is one that I can say is downright one of the shortest I have ever written so far, and one of the chapters that I have given a quite significant change to. In the last version of this, I had named it 'Ascension', and showed the scene where Blossomforth and Cloud kicker engaging in a fight with the Timberwolves, with Dinky still with them, while Blossomforth was out in other part of town fighting them. Sometime around that last version of this new chapter, I had Cloud Kicker have Amethyst take Dinky and run from the Timberwolves, while Cloud Kicker fended them off, with Derpy eventually coming to her daughters' rescue, followed shorty after by Shining Armor. And after that, they'd all go straight to Sweet Apple Acres where they'd Snowflake, Midnight Sheton, Crescent Shield, Spike, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders after they had gotten trapped inside the library by the Timberwolves, and saved by Moon Blade and his guards.

For this scene, besides the change in the enemies, I decided to have Derpy stay at the Town Square to recover from her injuries, while Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker went with Dinky and Amethyst to the Golden Oaks Library to see shelter there, unaware that Twilight was no longer there. I also planned to have them separate again, only this time, Amethyst and Blossomforth would stay to fight their Tantabus, while Cloud Kicker took Dinky to the Golden Oaks Library so they can both seek shelter there, while promising that they'd meet up there. Other than that, the rest of the chapter was made entirely from the top of my head, with some obvious differences in the beginning. The next chapter will contain the same thing, although it might not take as much changes as it needed for this :twilightsmile: .

Now, as for those of you who were wondering about the supposed weakness that I had added inside the battle between that one Tantabus, Amethyst, and Blossomforth, let me help you quell your confusion. If any one as watched Akame Ga Kill, and saw both battles between Mine and Seyru Ubiquitous, and learned about the weakness that former's Imperial Arms has, you'll know why I added that in there, and I I thought that it was a rather appropriate weakness to add. Since Seryu's Imperial Arms is an Organic type of Imperial Arms and can only be stopped by destroying the core, I felt that I should do the same for the flock of Tantabuses. Of course, that won't be the only weakness that they have, especially since Nightmare Moon was the one who created them in the first place, though that won't be revealed until later on in the story :raritywink: .

Well, that's all for now; next time we're going to be seeing a revised edition of the break in in Twilight's castle...only this time, with a couple additional guests :scootangel: .

Chapter 23 - Break In

Spike couldn’t for the life of him figure out why, but for some reason, he had really unsettling feeling inside of his gut. A type of feeling that something was afoot, and that something bad either was happening, or was going to happen very soon. Spike had felt this feeling many, many types before, and each time he confirmed his suspicions, he was always correct, even at time where he wished he wasn’t. Whether it was Twilight being harassed and bullied by other ponies and members of higher class, or him getting in that kind of trouble as well, or anything else, he always got that feeling. In recent years, whenever Spike got it, it was nowhere near as bad as what he was feeling right now, allowing him to think of something else. Now, he had no such advantage, and this uncomfortable knot in his stomach was preventing him from thinking any other thoughts, which made him very uncomfortable.

The young Kirin didn’t know how long he was going to have this feeling, but he hoped that it would go away soon. Otherwise, it would drive him insane to the point where he might burn Twilight’s books, and he knew his foster sister would not want that at all. Luckily for Spike, a distraction came to help him take his mind off of his anxious state, coming in the form of a mountain blue bat winged mare.

“Spike?” Snowflake asked gently, coming up behind the indigo Kirin. “Is there something the matter, darling?”

Spike, who had been sucking on his right foreclaws, pulled them out with an audible pop as he gave a somewhat girlish cry of surprise. He jumped so hard that he shot a good eight feet in the air, before landing face first on the pillow that he was sitting down on. Scrambling to his feet, he whipped around to see the Snowflake towering over him, her fangs gleaming as she looked back down at him worriedly.

“Snowflake, don’t scare me like that!” Spike whined, his muzzle forming into a frown. “For a second there I thought you were somepony trying to jump me!”

“Now why would you think that?” Snowflake asked, raising a brow. “Me, Snowflake, Crescent Sheton and the fillies are the only ones here. There isn’t anypony else here but us, so why would you think that there’s somepony here about to jump you?”

“I…I-I don’t know!” Spike stuttered out, his cheeks heating up with embarrassment. “I don’t know why I thought that b-but…well, I did. I’m sorry, y-you just really took me by surprise.”

Snowflake’s eyes softened, and she reached over and pat the young Kirin on his head. “I’m sorry Spike, I didn’t mean to scare you. You looked really uneasy over by the window over there, and I wanted to know if you were alright.”

“…No, I’m not okay actually.” Spike replied, his draconic pony ears falling limp. “In fact, I’m really…scared right now.”

“Scared?” Snowflake asked. “About what darling?”

“About everything that’s going on right now.” Spike replied, looking back up at Snowflake. “I just can’t believe everything that’s happened today. Just this morning, I was hanging out with Twilight and Crescent Shield, while getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. Then, this afternoon, I was helping Twilight and Crescent with their studies and her magic down in the Training Basement, while practicing on my own! Then, you, Goku, Snowflake, and Sheton came back after years of being apart, we have a big reunion party, and we got to the Town Square to have an even bigger one with Mo-er, Queen Celestia!” He took a moment catch his breath as he took in slow steady breaths. “I really thought that this was going to be a fun day, especially with all of you here, and the Queen there most of all! I don’t remember a time where I’ve ever been this excited in my life, until…u-until…”

“Until Nightmare Moon came and, um…interrupted the party?” Snowflake finished for the Kirin a grimace forming on her face.

“More like nearly crushing everypony and painting the ground red with their blood.” Spike said bluntly, crossing his forelegs. “Of all the things I expected, this was not it, and that makes me all the more scared knowing just who it was that started all of this! I never thought that Nightmare Moon would actually be real, let alone come and try to invade the town! Not only that, she had also stabbed the Queen…right in front of everypony…even Twilight.” A shiver went down his spine as he let out a whimper. “And now, Twilight and the rest of the girls are going into the most dangerous wilderness in Equestria, to find the weapons that Queen Celestia used to stop Nightmare Moon? I’ve never been so terrified in all of my life, and not just for myself either!”

Snowflake frowned, walking over and climbing onto the wooden couch next to the window and sitting next to Spike. She wrapped her wing around him and pulled him close, nuzzling the top of his head. “You’re worried about Twilight and the rest of the girls, aren’t you? That none of them will be able to make it out of the Everfree, despite the extra aid sent their way?”

“Well…no. At least not all that much anymore.” Spike admitted timidly. “I-I know that Twilight has her friends to help her, a-and some of the guards that Mo-Queen Celestia sent to aid them, a-and that’s great and all. But…but I…”

“But what?” Snowflake asked, ushering Spike to continue. “It’s alright sweetie, you can tell me.”

“It’s not just them that I’m worried about.” Spike continued, looking up into Snowflake’s cat-like blue eyes. “I’m…I’m also worried about me…a-and all of us too! I don’t know why, b-but…I just have this really painful feeling in me that…something else is going to happen. Something even worse than what happened in the Town Squares, a-and what happened to the…to the Queen, and…and that we’re going to be ones in the midst of it.”

“So, you think that we’re going to be the next victims in whatever that Nightmare Moon has planned?” Snowflake asked, getting no response from Spike. Upon getting no answer, the mountain blue mare sighed and blew her mane away from her face. “I see…well, I can understand what’s making you think all of these thoughts, and made quite a few accurate points. To be honest, I’d be surprised if you weren’t even the least bit worried about your sisters, let alone her friends and yours, though it is sweet of you to be worried about me and my sisters.” She smiled down at the young draconic colt. “Still, I don’t think you really have to worry all that much about us, let alone yourself all that much.”

Spike looked up at her in confusion. “What makes you say that?” He asked, tilting his head in a way that made Midnight want to hug him right then and there.

“Oh, come on honey, you really can’t see it?” Snowflake asked, raising an eyebrow down at Spike. “The answers right in front of you! Even if we were to get attacked by a monster that Nightmare Moon had created, we wouldn’t be that far off, would we? Did you forget that each of us are all from extremely powerful clans, including you?”

“No, of course I haven’t, but what does that have to-” Spike stopped short of his question as Snowflake’s own sunk into his mind. He slowly looked back up at Midnight, as an embarrassed blush coming to his face. “Oooooh…”

“Mhm, exaclty.” Snowflake nodded, grinning slightly. “Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be worried, because you have every right to be. Especially about yourself us, the girls, Nightmare Moon, and whatever scheme she has thought up for us. At the same time, you shouldn’t forget that we’re not entirely defenseless anything that might be thrown at us. There’s reason we’re from the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, because we are able to do many things that ponies that aren’t from our families won’t be able to do, no offense to them of course.” A blush came to her face as she said this, before she shook it off and continued. “That also includes you Spike, since your basically half pony and half dragon, and you can use both our powers, and the powers of the most powerful being in all the land. So, there’s not really that much of a chance for us to get jumped or anything like that, unless we get caught off guard.”

Spike glanced down at his front feet, watching as they shifted from hooves to claws, before a giggle escaped from him. “Heehee, yeah…you have a point there. Still, I don’t think it’d be a good idea for me to turn into a dragon here of all places. At least where other ponies can see it and have a hugefear of dragons.”

“Well, from the way I see it, you may not have much of a choice baby.” Snowflake shrugged, getting up from her spot on the cushy wooden couch. “Don’t worry though, with the power you have, you shouldn’t have any problem with anypony messing with you. And if they even try to, we’ll be there to have your back, even if you won’t really need it.”

“Yeah, I know you will Snowflake.” Spike giggled, nuzzling the side of the beetle black mare’s neck. “Because I very may well incinerate anypony that gets caught up in the line of my fire, right?”

“No, no, of course not baby.” Snowflake replied playfully, nuzzling the amethyst Kirin’s left cheek. “I’m not worried that you might burn anypony to a crisp. I’m just afraid that you’ll send them on an unexpected trip to Canterlot, that’s all.”

Spike burst out laughing, putting his claws to his muzzle to stifle it. “Yeah, that too! I bet the Queen wouldn’t really be very happy with me if I did that, hahaha!”

“No, she probably wouldn’t; though I think she’d get a good laugh later on.” Snowflake laughed back. “Now, why don’t you come over and hang out with the rest of your friends. I think you’ve saved up plenty of energy after the nap that you had; wouldn’t you agree?”

Spike smiled again, showing off his glistening white fangs as he nodded eagerly up at the beetle black mare. With a smile of her own, Nightmare Moon ushered the Kirin colt off of his cushion and led him over to where Snowflake and the rest of the foals were. All of them looked to be in the process of playing a game of some sort, one that Spike could swear he could remember playing. Spike was about to ask what they were playing, but Sweetie Belle cut him off.

“Spike!” The alabaster filly squeaked. “You’re finally up! I thought you were going to be asleep for the entire game?”

“Yeah well, I couldn’t really sleep all that much anyway.” Spike shrugged. “I had something on my mind that was bothering me, but Midnight helped me with it.”

“Oh, r-really?” Scootaloo asked. “D-did you have a b-bad d-dream?”

“Not really, but I did have a tough time sleeping now at a time like this.” Spike replied, shaking his head. “You know, with the return of Nightmare Moon, Twilight and the girls leaving into the Everfree Forest and…everything else.”

“Oh, I get it…” Crescent Shield said softly. “…is that what was bothering you Spikey?”

“Well…yeah, a lot.” The amethyst Kirin replied, his chipper mood dimming somewhat. “It’s okay though, it’s not really bothering me that much anymore. Midnight made sure to see to it that it doesn’t; I just have to have a little more faith that girls will pull through, along with-”

“You better believe they will!” Fire Flash interrupted, making Spike and the other foals jump in surprise. “Those girls have got to be the most badass group of ponies that I’ve ever met in my life! While they may not be quite as much as my sister, but they’ve definitely got what it takes to knock down anypony who messes with them! I know what whatever monsters in that forest that they’re going against will have their overinflated egos knocked down one hay of a peg!”

“While I admire your optimism Fire Flash…” Snowflake shot Fire Flash a stern look. “…you’d better be glad that Goku and the other girls weren’t here to hear you say that Fire. Because that was quite rude, young filly. Somepony should really teach you a lesson in manners in politeness.” Her eyes flashed as she bared her fangs a bit, making Fire Flash shrink back a bit.

“M-mhm.” Scootaloo nodded. “T-that was also r-really m-m-mean what you said about the animals. I-if big s-sister was here a-and heard you s-say that, s-she w-w-wouldn’t be t-too happy.”

“Eeyup.” Apple Bloom nodded, frowning at the crimson filly. “Yer really lucky that Miss Fluttershy ain’t here t’ hear ya. Or else she’d give ya a nice good dose o’ her Solar Stare.”

“Solar Stare?” Sheton asked, tilting his head innocently. “What’s the Solar Stare?”

“You don’t want to know.” Sweetie Belle whimpered. “Trust me.”

“Yeah well, you guys get the point that I’m trying to make, right?” Fire Flash asked, blatantly ignoring Snowflake reprimanding. “So what if they’re going against a bunch of giant fur balls with super abilities and all that stuff? None of that is going to make bring them down, especially with my sister there with them!”

Snowflake raised an eyebrow. “Um, I think you mean with all of them together?”

“Yeah, that too.” Fire giggled, not noticing the facehoof Crescent Shield gave herself.

‘Of course, she’d forget to mention that important fact.’ The ocean blue filly thought, shaking her head. ‘Typical Fire Flash…’

“Wow Fire Flash, you seem pretty optimistic about all of our sisters escaping the Everfree Forest alive.” Sheton murmured. “Not that I’m saying that it’s warranted, but you don’t seem like the type of filly to show itthis much.”

“Heh, for somepony who I only just met, you’ve got quite the good eye.” Fire chuckled, her grin turning wider as Sheton blushed. “And of course I’m showing so much optimism! I have to since Melon Cake isn’t here to pick up the slack! If she’s not here to keep our spirits up, then whose gonna do what only she can do?”

“Ahem.” Apple Bloom coughed, frowning up at Fire Flash.

“Er, I mean…” The crimson filly blushed. “…what only Melon and Pinkie Pie can do.”

“Well, um…” Spike said, rubbing his claws. “…I could do it if you want Fire Flash.”

Fire glanced down at the amethyst Kirin. “Do what?”

“Keep everypony’s spirits up whenever Melon Cake isn’t here to do it herself.” Spike smiled up at the Pegasus filly. “I never like it whenever Twilight, Shining Armor, Crescent Shield or their parents are all down in the dumps for any reason. So, I always make it my sole goal to bring them back up again and help them feel more better on the inside. If you want, I can take that role instead and help Melon Cake out in lifting everypony up, and showing them that not all can be that bad.”

“Awww Spike…” Crescent Shield cooed. “You’d really do that? For Fire Flash and Melon?”

Spike nodded, his blush deepening as he rubbed the back of his head. “Well, sure why wouldn’t I? I’ve always had a knack for being the voice of reason and wanting to lift Twilight up whenever she’s in doubt, so I suppose I could do the same for the rest of you.”

The next thing Spike knew, he was on the ground and getting the life squeezed out of him by an energetic Apple Bloom. The amethyst Kirin gagged as the sun yellow filly’s forelegs wrapped tightly around his neck, nearly choking him.

“Oh, now that has got t’ be th’ sweetest darn thing y’all have ever done fer us Spike!” Apple Bloom cooed. “If Melon were here right now, there ain’t no doubt in mah mind that she’d be tumblin’ ‘round with ya and squeezin’ the apple cider outta ya!”

“Like you’re doing right now?” Sheton asked dryly, wincing at the strength of the farm filly. ‘So glad that’s not me…’

“Heeheehee, yeah, pretty much.” Sweetie said with a giggle. “Still, I agree with Apple Bloom, Melon would be really happy to hear you saying something like that Spike. No doubt that she’d be grinning from ear to ear if she were here.”

“She sure would.” Fire Flash laughed. “As a matter of a fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was here about to bang on the door trying to glomp the shit outta Spike right now!”

No sooner did those words come out of her mouth, all eight ponies’ ears perked up to the sound of the wooden door the library being banged on loudly. They all whipped their heads around to the source of the sound, watching as the door was banged on again, the large wooden appendage giving way ever so slightly to the force of the multiple blows outside.

“Huh...looks like you were right Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said once the shock wore out. “It looks like Melon Cake really is here right now.”

“Seriously?! I was just joking!” The crimson filly exclaimed, her golden eyes wide with shock and surprise. “I figured Melon would be here, but I didn’t think she’d be here that fast!”

“I don’t know about that. Melon Cake is known to pop up from time to time…but this is new, even for her.” Crescent Shield muttered suspiciously. “Something tells me that it’s not her behind that door.

“T-that’s because it’s not.” Spike said, finally managing to get out of Apple Bloom’s grasp. “I can smell who it is outside of the door, and it’s not Melon Cake.”

Just as the indigo Kirin asked this, the door was banged on a third time, this one much more powerful than the last and actually making some splinters shoot out from it. Snowflake’s eyes narrowed; a frown formed on her face as a sinking feeling forming on her gut. Before she could say or do anything, a loud and terrified voice rang from behind the door.

“Twilight?! Twilight are you in there?! Open the door!” The voice shouted, it’s tone filled with urgency and terror. “Something really bad is going on! Please, open the door, now!”

“Wait a minute…” Sheton said as her eyes slowly widened. “I know that voice. That sounds like...Miss Cloud Kicker!”

“Cloud Kicker?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed as she stared wide-eyed at the stormy grey colt. “What’s she doing here at this hour?!”

“I have no idea.” Snowflake replied, getting to her hooves. “Whatever it is though, she sounds really terrified.”

“U-um, Sheton…” Scootaloo said as Snowflake trotted over to the door. “I-if you d-don’t mind me a-asking…h-h-how did you meet Miss C-Cloud Kicker.”

The bat winged colt smiled at the bright orange filly. “It was earlier today when me and my sisters went to go see Rainbow Dash. Miss Cloud Kicker was at Rainbow’s house with another mare named Blossomforth, and they were watching Rainbow’s house while she was clearing the clouds.” A blush came to his face as he played with his long mane. “They were, um…r-really nice…in their own way, e-e-especially Miss Blossomforth.”

“Oh, s-so you meet M-Miss Blossomforth too?” Scootaloo asked. “Y-yes, t-they’re both v-very kind m-mares, a-and they both l-love interacting with f-foals. M-my sister would sometimes h-have me s-stay over w-with them i-if she couldn’t f-find a f-foalsitter, a-and I’d always h-have such a f-fun time w-with them. E-even Miss D-Derpy would w-watch over me a-along with her d-daughter D-Dinky, a-and…I-I’d always have a b-blast there.” Her ears perked as she tilted her head at Sheton. “S-speaking of which…d-did you meet M-Miss Derpy a-and Dinky today t-too?”

A blood curdling unified scream coming from Crescent Shield and Sweetie Belle cut Sheton off from what he was about to say. It made him jump so hard that he took to the air in a fright, his left wing accidentally smacking Scootaloo in the face. He looked over to where the two horned fillies were and flinched at seeing the horrified looks on their faces. Fire Flash and Apple Bloom weren’t too far off, the formers jaw on the floor and the latter’s face losing all color, while Spike began shiver in place. Unnerved by all of his old and new friends scared expressions, Sheton looked in front of him, only to reel back and slam into a bookshelf by what he saw.

Leaning against an equally horrified Snowflake, chest heaving as if she had just finished running a marathon, was none other than Cloud kicker, looking like she had gone through Tartarus and back. Her amber blonde mane and tail her heavily disheveled, looking like they had both lost a fight with a blender, soaked in droplets of her own blood. Her whole body had deep slashes and cuts all over many of them still fresh and still oozing blood, which was slowly growing into a pile onto the floor and outside of the library. Her large wings were sprawled out, the feathers bent and out of place with some of them looking like they were bitten off, and small pieces of wood and splinters could be seen sticking to various parts of her body, including the ones where the bites and claw marks could be seen. Beside her was Dinky, and while she wasn’t anywhere near as hurt, it could be seen on her face that the young Unicorn was frightened to death.

“Oh, my Celestia! Cloud!” Snowflake cried, holding the bloodied mare by her side. Once she and Snowflake was a good distance from the door, she slammed it shut, ignoring the trail of blood unintentionally left by Cloud in her wake.

“W-w-what the-?!” Fire Flash stuttered as she took in Cloud’s condition with wide horrified eyes. “What the buck happened to her?! Why is she all bloody?!”

“I don’t know, but that’s something I’m gonna try to find out.” Snowflake replied as she slowly rolled Cloud Kicker over and set her onto her back. “Could, honey, are you okay?! What in heaven’s name happened to you?! Why did you come to the library and why are you all torn up?!”

“*cough*, *cough*...Snowflake...*cough*...you’re here…in Twilight’s library?” Cloud wheezed out through her coughing. “W-Where’s…*cough*...where’s Twilight...a-and...the others…?”

“Don’t worry about that dear, I can explain later. Right now, we need to get you taken care of.” Snowflake replied gently, yet urgently as she sat down on her haunches and set the mare’s head on her lap. Once she did so, she turned to the foals, all of them staring in horror at Cloud’s condition. “Kids, I need you to listen to me very carefully to what I’m about to say, and no matter what, I need you to stay as clam as you possibly can, alright?”

Sheton, Spike, Crescent Shield and the other fillies, all trembling from head to hoof, slowly nodded their heads, none of them trusting themselves to speak.

“Sheton, Crescent Shield, Spike, I need you all to help me carry Derpy into Twilight’s room, the same room that you all were in when we had that party with Twilight and the others earlier today.” Snowflake instructed. “Once we get there, I want you three to watch over her while I search for some medical supplies. Whatever happens, make sure she’s safe and do not do o anything until I get up there with you. Do you understand?”

The two colts and fillies nodded hastily.

“Good, now come over here and help me pick her up.” Snowflake ordered, and the three foals rushed over to her. “Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Fire Flash, Scootaloo, you four go upstairs to Twilight’s bedroom and make sure that it’s set.”

“Got it!” Fire Flash said firmly, giving off a salute before she zoomed upstairs.

“Got it! C-come on girls!” Scootaloo stuttered as she, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom all went upstairs.

“Spike,” Snowflake began as she turned to the purple colt, who was trying to lift a part of Cloud from off the ground.

“Y-yeah?” He asked as he looked up at her.

“Does Twilight have any first aid kits stashed around the library anywhere?” Snowflake asked as she slowly got up from off of the ground.

“Oh, yes she does!” Spike replied, his emerald green eyes lighting up in recognition. “Twilight has them stashed inside the basement!”

“Could you be a dear and get a few from down there?” Snowflake asked. “By the looks of these injuries, we’re going to need more than one.”

“Right, got it!” Spike nodded as he turned tail and ran towards the door leading to the basement.

“Alright kids, I’m going to lift her up, are you two ready?” Snowflake asked she looked up at Crescent Shield and Sheton. The ocean blue filly nodded in silent readiness, but Sheton didn’t reply, or even look up at his sister, instead just staring at Derpy’s body in mounting horror. “Sheton...is something the matter?”

“I...I-I-I can’t believe it...look at her…s-she’s so torn up...and covered in so much b-b-blood.” Sheton whispered shakily, watching as the crimson streaks of liquid ran down the silvery grey mare’s body and fell to the floor. Lower lip quivering, the stormy grey colt slowly looked up at his sister his emerald blue eyes becoming glazed over. “Is she...is she going to be, okay?”

“I don’t know, but she definitely needs some help with these wounds.” Midnight replied, before glancing over at Dinky. “Dinky sweetie, what happened? Why is Cloud Kicker in this horrid state?”

Dinky took a minute to calm herself, before she looked up at Cloud Kicker and squeaked, “It…i-it all happened so fast! M-me, my sister, Blossomforth a-and aunt C-Cloud Kicker were h-heading here t-to Twilight’s a-after t-the Town Square was b-broken into again. W-we were heading over here, w-when these big space-like p-ponies came out of nowhere and ambushed us! M-me and Aunt Cloud Kicker escaped while my big sis a-and Blossomforth fought them! I-I thought we’d be safe until we got here, b-but…but we…!”

“You were ambushed by these…space ponies when you least expected it.” Sheton guessed; his suspicions soon confirmed as Dinky shakily nodded. “And that’s why Miss Cloud Kicker looks like this?”

“Y-y-yeah, it is!” Dinky replied, starting to panic again. “S-she was almost k-k-killed when we were coming here, a-and if it hadn’t been for her distracting them at the l-last minute, w-we never would’ve made it here! I-I don’t know what would’ve happen if she was…was…” A sniffle left her nose as she squeezed her eyes closed. “Oh, it was so scary!”

Scootaloo rushed over and pulled the grayish violet filly in her forelegs, wrapping her large wings around her as well. “Shhhhhh, there, there…it’s okay Dinky. It’s all over now; you and Miss Cloud Kicker are here in the library now, and you’re safe here with us. You don’t need to worry about anything coming to get you anymore, okay?”

“Yeah, Scootaloo’s right.” Crescent nodded, walking over and hugging Dinky from behind. “Both of you are alright now. There’s no need to be scared anymore, not while we’re here to keep you safe.”

“Y-yeah…okay.” Dinky whimpered, sniffling as she clung tightly to Scootaloo as the bright orange filly stroked her mane. “T-Thank you everypony…”

“Well, I’m glad to see that you’re feeling better Dinks.” Cloud Kicker chucked, her head still in Snowflake’s lap. She winced as a sharp pain flashed across her chest. “Ow…son of a bitch that hurts! Hey Snowflake, where are those little kiddos with that medic kit yet?”

“Don’t worry Cloud, they’ll be back in just a moment with it; just be patient. You have your Pegasus and Clan magic to help accelerate your healing rate, so we’ll only need the kit to help give you some extra treatment.” Snowflake patiently advised, gingerly running a hoof down the persian blue mare’s bloodied mane. “For right now, would you be so kind as to explain to us why you look like you got into a fight with a pack of Timberwolves?”

Ears flattening against her head, Cloud opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced when she heard a rather loud bang come from the door once more. This time, the sound was not like that of a hoof bounding against it, but it sounded as if somepony where slamming their whole body against it. The uneasiness in the mountain blue Pegasus grew even more when she heard what sounded like scratching and snarling coming from the other end, before it went away all together.

“W-w-what was that?” Crescent Shield squeaked, pressing herself next to Sheton as her little body shook.

“I don’t know…” The Sheton replied uneasily. “Whatever it was, that was definitely nota pony. More like an animal or something like that.”

“R-really?” Crescent Shield asked timidly, glancing over at the young Kirin. “I-is that what do you think it is?”

“Probably…I don’t know.” Sheton said with a small shrug, before looking over at Snowflake. “What do you think it is Snowflake?”

“I have not the slightest clue dear, but I’m gonna check it out.” Snowflake replied as she began make her way towards the door only for something to grab onto her right hindleg. Looking over her shoulder, she looked down to see Cloud clinging onto her right foreleg, looking up at her with a look of absolute terror.

“N-no...don’t go out there Snowflake, please!” She begged; her voice still very wheezy as she clung weakly to the mountain blue Pegasus’s leg. “It’s not safe!”

“Don’t worry Cloud, everything is going to be okay.” Snowflake said gently. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be just fine. Just stay here with the foals and don’t move around too much okay? You’ll make your injuries worse than you do...”

“N-no…! Y-you don’t understand!” Cloud pleaded desperately, but her words went unheeded as Snowflake gently shook her leg out of the other mare’s grip. With little to no strength left, Cloud could only watch as the mountain blue Pegasus slowly headed towards the door.

“Be careful Snowflake…” Sheton cautioned. “You don’t know what could be out there.”

“I will dear, don’t worry.” Snowflake nodded as she stopped just short of the door. Slowly and gingerly, she lifted a snow-white hoof towards the door knob and slowly wrapped it around the metal appendage, her heart beating fast against her chest as she did so. She looked back over her shoulder and met the eyes of Sheton, Crescent Shield, and Cloud, the last of which shaking her head frantically, her golden eyes pleading for her to not open the door. Snowflake took in a deep shaky breath steadying her nerves as best she could for what she was about to do. Once she was sure she was calm enough, she turned the knob, and slowly opened the door, letting the cool night air fly right into her face, neck, and chest the more she opened it.

The mountain blue Pegasus had only opened the door so a few or so inches, before she felt the wooden appendage exploded right into her face first, before it sent her flying into the air and skid across the floor. Quickly shaking off the force of the impact, Snowflake scrambled to her hooves and flared her bat wings out in preparation to face her attacker. When the smoke cleared, her eyes to bulged and her jaw dropped when she saw who, or rather, what her attacker was.

“N-no way…” Crescent Shield stuttered, her golden eyes going wide in absolute disbelief as she took in the sight before her. “Is...is that a...a…!”

“I-It is!” Sheton squeaked, hind legs shaking as his tail tucked between his legs. “It’s a...T-T-T-T-Tantabus!”

The stormy grey colt was indeed right, for standing in front of Snowflake, was a large and fierce looking Tantabus, looking to be cut from the very essence of outer space. It was a deep royal blue in color, having pink, blue and yellow, stars in, with a set of gleaming green eyes adorning its face. It had a long-curved horn, looking a sharp and deadly as a samurai sword, with a fast set of wings rivaling even Goku’s own wings. Lastly, it had a gleaming orb of green like right in the center of its chest, and a flowing mane and tail that billowed behind it.

“Queen Luna send me to the Moon…” Snowflake whispered, her pupils contracting. “Is…is that what I t-think it is?”

“OH NO!” Dinky screamed, scrambling back from the creature now in the library. “THAT’S THE ONE! THAT’S THE ONE THAT ATTACKED MY AUNTIE CLOUD!”

“Tantabus…” Crescent Shield breathed; her eyes wide with terror as she stared right into the hungry eyes of the ethereal Alicorn like pony creature. Snowflake was so taken aback by the appearance of her invader, that she almost didn’t notice it hunch its body, before leaping into the air, heading straight towards her with its mouth agape.

“SNOWFLAKE WATCH OUT!!!” Sheton screamed as he watched the large blue creature fly towards his sister.

Thankfully, the mountain blue Thestral was able to snap out of her stupor long enough to see the Tantabus lunging straight at her. Just as it was about to pounce, Snowflake whirled around and launched her hindlegs out, slamming both of her hind hooves into the Tantabus’s chest, causing it to fly back and crashing to the floor. As the Tantabus recovered from the attack and Snowflake prepared to face it again, the clopping of hooves could be heard from behind her, Sheton, and Crescent Shield. A few seconds later, Spike came up with a large medical kit in his mouth.

Snowflake, I heard screaming! What’s going o-holy hay! It’s a Tantabus!” Spike began to ask, only to reel back in shock and terror and let out a scream of fright as his emerald eyes laid on the wooden canine. Right at that moment, Fire Flash came zooming downstairs.

“Hey! What the hay is with all of the screaming?!” The crimson filly demanded as she looked about the main room of the library. When her eyes landed on the Timberwolf, she instinctively flew back. “Holy bucking hay!”

“Spike stay back. Don’t come any closer.” Snowflake ordered, before she turned to the Fire Flash. “Fire Flash, you, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle go back upstairs, now.”

“What?! But Snowflake what about the-”

“I’ll deal with him myself!” Snowflake interrupted firmly, giving the fillies a stern look. “Now, go back upstairs and-”

“SNOWFLAKE LOOK OUT!!!” Cloud Kicker and Dinky screamed in unison as the former shot a bloodied hoof forward.

The mountain blue Thestral mare spun around just in time to see the Tantabus shoot of a bolt of magic at her, only for Snowflake to duck under it. Cloud Kicker the foals behind her screamed as the attack struck the bookshelf behind them, causing the books to scatter all over the air and fall to the ground. Snarling in anger, Snowflake flew at the Tantabus just as it was charging up another magical bolt and swung her right back wing at the claw ready to strike. A deep slash appeared across the Tantabus’s face, causing to emit a screech as it reared up in what seemed to be pain. Snowflake swung out with her other wing, aiming right for the Tantabus's stomach, but found herself flying back and tumbling across the floor as her right cheek exploded in pain.

“Snowflake!” Cloud cried. “Are you alright?”

“Other than my cheek and jaw, yes.” Came the mountain blue Thestral’s blunt reply as she rubbed at her cheek. She spat out a few lose teeth before pulling herself to her hooves and turning to the foals behind her and Midnight. “Sheton, Crescent, Spike, I want you to take Dinky, and go upstairs with the other girls and stay up there. Do not come back down until we tell you it’s safe, alright?”

None of the foals dared to argue with the older mare; they turned tail and galloped up the stairs, running past the other three fillies. Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle, and Fire Flash all looked back down at Snowflake, only to see the mare looking at them sternly. With one last glance towards the Tantabus, they also galloped up the stairs, leaving Snowflake and Cloud Kicker alone in the main room.

“Be careful Snowflake.” Cloud Kicker cautioned, pressing herself against the destroyed bookshelf. “This thing is strong; practically as strong as his other buddies outside. You two are going to have a tough time fighting him.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” Snowflake frowned as she stepped in front of the bloodied persian mare. She glared bat wings, a greenish blue aura surrounding her bodies as they activated their Adrenaline Modes in preparation for a showdown.

Just before the Thestral mare was about to strike, a burst of moderate purple magic appeared in between her and the Tantabus, revealing it to be Amethyst. Around the same time, the Tantabus had fire off a bolt of magic at Snowflake planning to blow them away. Fortunately for her, Amethyst was already readying a bolt of magic of her own, and it clashed with the one of the Tantabus’s own. A powerful shockwave of magic burst throughout the library as it sent Snowflake flying back and land right on top of Cloud Kicker. The young Unicorn and Tantabus went on in their magical power struggle for a few moments, before the former upped the ante to decide the fight.

“You get the hay away from my friends and aunt!” She shouted angrily, a powerful pulse of electricity coming around her horn and morphing into her magic. It ran along it and went right into the Tantabus’s own before striking it in the head. This made it cancel out its attack, and it screeched out in pain as the electricity coursed through its body, freezing it in place. Amethyst, seeing another chance, immediately ignited her magic again but this time she added pulses of lightning to amplify her power.

“This is the end for you, asshole!” Amethyst shouted, firing off her attack again while the Tantabus was still rearing up. It struck it right in the chest, into the spot where the glowing orb of green was, shattering it into sparkling particles. Once that was destroyed, Amethyst let her magic consume the rest of the blue Tantabus’s form and sent it out of the library and into the streets of Ponyville. The moment it was gone, Amethyst encased the library door in her magic and shut it with an echoing slam.

“There, that should take care of that bastard for a while.” Amethyst snorted, taking a few recovering breaths. Once she managed to collect herself, she looked back over at Snowflake and Cloud Kicker, reeling back when she saw the latter’s condition. “Holy shit, Aunt Cloud Kicker what the hay happened to you?!”

“I got myself into some grimy shit, that’s what.” Came the persian mare’s dry reply. “Despite that, I’m glad to see what you’re still alive and in one nice piece, unlike me.” A worried look came to her face as she noticed one other pony missing. “Where’s Blossomforth?”

“She’s gone back to the Town Square; we had gotten into a fight with one of those creatures while we were heading here, but we managed to defeat it.” Amethyst replied, holding a hoof up stop her aunt from saying anything. “Speaking of which, there’s something that I need to tell you-”

“BIG SIS!”

Before Amethyst even realized it, she found herself on the floor back first as a violet blur shot out and collided with her. Once she managed to get her barring’s she looked down and saw Dinky hugging her tightly, sobbing into her chest fluff.

“Big sis, you’re finally here!” Dinky cried; her voice muffled as she nuzzled the older Unicorn. “I thought that it was going to take longer for you to make it!”

“D…Dinky!” Amethyst said, temporarily forgetting about what she had found out. She sat up on her haunches and hugged the filly to her. “Jeez Dinks, what’s gotten into you? I get that you’re glad to see me again but keep it together with the waterworks, will you? You don’t need to be crying every time you see me.”

“I think she has every right to cry regardless of the situation.” Cloud Kicker said firmly, casting a stern look at her eldest niece. “Dinky and her friends nearly got crushed under a roof, found her mother in the same state, nearly got obliterated by manifested ponies, and was worried sick about both of you for the past twenty-five minutes.” She crossed her forehooves. “After all that, I certainly would be bawling my eyes out like Dinks is, and I know for a fact that you would be too. Not everypony is ‘tough’ like you are Amethyst, so cut the poor girl some slack and just let her get it out.”

The magenta purple Unicorn flinched a guilty look coming to her face. “R-right sorry…”

“Anyway…” Cloud Kicker sighed. “What is it that you wanted to tell us again?”

“Oh, right.” Amethyst nodded, getting up to her hooves. “I had found something out about the creatures that me and Blossomforth had fought back at the Town Square that you guys really need to know. The ones that also broke in the Town Square and fought Shining Armor before me, Aunt Cloud, Blossomforth and Dinky had all come here. I think it’ll really help you guys in beating these things and not have an outlasting fight with them.”

“We have something about them that we need to tell you too, dear, but it can wait for a few minutes.” Snowflake said, glancing over at Cloud Kicker. “Right now, we need to get your aunt up to Twilight’s room and get her injuries fixed up before they get worse.”

Cloud Kicker’s ears flattened against her head, a look of hesitance morphing onto her face. “Are you sure that Twilight would be okay with that? I don’t want to impose.”

“It’s fine dear. With everything that’s happened, Twilight will understand.” Snowflake said reassuringly, putting a hoof on the persian blue mare’s shoulder. “Once she and her friends are back from her mission, I’ll explain everything to her, and it’ll all be good.”

“Okay...if you say so.” Cloud replied, hesitantly giving in.

“Good. Now, let’s get you upstairs, shall we?” Snowflake asked sweetly as she gently lifted the mare on her back. “Dinky, could you help me carry your auntie to upstairs please?”

“O-okay!” Dinky replied as trotted over and joined the Thestral mare at her side, slinging her right forearm over her shoulder. “Come on big sis!”

“Right behind you Dinks.” Amethyst murmured, trotting over to Snowflakes left side and repeating Dinky’s actions. With a much gentleness as they could muster, they all carried the injured Pegasus mare up the stairs where the foals were waiting. Just before they reached the top, Snowflake looked back behind her at the nearest window down below.

‘I never expected things to get this bad this quickly. First Nightmare Moon appears, and now we have Tantabuses invading the town. I really hope that things get better soon, or we may have a real problem on our hooves.’ The mountain blue Thestral though, a knot forming in her gut as her ears flattened. ‘Midnight, Goku I hope you hurry back, and please...come back to us alive.’

Author's Note

I think I can safely say that this chapter had a combination of changes to it, while at the same time still having some semblance of what it was the last time that I wrote it. A majority of the beginning of this chapter was change from what it was last time, with some points changed here and there, such as Cloud Kicker and Dinky being the ones that'd arrive at the Golden Oaks Library, and Amethyst being the next one to arrive in the midst of the fight between Snowflake and the Tantabus. It went somewhat the same way as it did with the Timberwolves, but now it has the Tantabuses in it, and we have a new little face to join the rest of the foals.

I would also like to point out that I had almost added Midnight into this chapter, but I had remembered that I had put her with the Apple Family and was having her help them defend the farm :rainbowlaugh: ! So glad that I had caught myself nearly doing that at the end of the chapter, otherwise that would've turned out really badly for me...I'm gonna have to watch myself when I do things like that. Don't what to have another series of mistakes like the ones I made making the first version of this story :twilightsheepish: .

Well, that's all for this chapter for now everypony; next time we're getting back to the Shadowbolts and the Main Seven, with the latter having a vicious encounter with a bloodthirsty army :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 24 - Golden Flames

The sound of clapping thunder and chirping could be heard resounding around a certain section of the Everfree Forest as the Shadowbolts fought the Shinomōkin in midair. The giant raptor’s loud screeches tore through the trees and sliced through the air as it swung and struck at the five flyers surrounding it. Auras that matched their eyes color surrounded Violet Fire and the rest of her team as they engaged the giant bird of prey in a flurry of feathers. Their magical infused attacks of lightning, wind, and fire met each other in powerful devastating blows, incinerating leaves and ripping off branches as they all exploded upon impact. As they went higher, their attacks lit up the night sky, making it look like fireworks were being set off, despite the fact that nopony even inhabited the Everfree Forest.

Violet Fire’s goggles flashed brightly as she flew at the Shinomōkin, a golden aura surrounding her body, along with an even bigger cloak of flames. The fire roared and sizzled the leaves of the branches as the Shadowbolt Captain flew through the air and slammed herself directly into the Shinomōkin’s stomach. The raptor screeched in pain as the fire burned at the feathers of its stomach and chest, and it used one of its large wings to fling the ebony mare away. It then lashed out with its razor-sharp talons, ready to impale Violet and slice her open, only for Fast Tracks to intervene.

“Oh no you don’t you overgrown buzzard!” True to his name, the light brown stallion came in fast. He clashed the edges of his wings and the claws with the Shinomōkin’s talons, drawing sparks out of both appendages as they fought for dominance. They eventually separated, and the Shinomōkin struck again, shooting off a bolt of lightning at the Shadowbolt.

“Lightning Thestral: Thunderous Wing Attack!” He shouted, coating his bat wings in bright violet lightning and shooting them out in front of him. The two bolts of violet lightning clashed with the Shinomōkin’s own, and due to their being two on the former’s side, the latter’s attack was cancelled out. As smoke appeared around them, Storm Shadow took this opportunity to hide in the smoke and take the Shinomōkin by surprise and hopefully, catch it off guard.

“Shadow Pegasus: Neigh!” She yelled, shooting off a blast of black essence out of her mouth, shooting it from out of the thick smoke cloud. The Shinomōkin was caught off guard by the attack, but not enough to where it was left unable to defend itself from it. At the last second, the raptor was able evade the attack, and watched as it hit a giant tree.

‘Damn, I was hoping that I’d be able to get him thanks to the smoke covering my attack.’ Storm Shadow thought to herself, pursing her lips. ‘I guess I didn’t strike close enough and he was able to see my strike coming. Then again, Shinomōkin do have keep senses of sight, especially in the dark, so that may have played a part in this.’

The Shinomōkin suddenly screeched loudly, and coated itself in a cloak of stormy grey clouds with lightning emitting form it before flying at Storm Shadow. The dark grey Pegasus saw this coming and tried flying away from the giant raptor, but it was quickly gaining on her. Just as Storm was about to try to fire off another attack, Blue Skies beat her to the punch.

“Sky Pegasus: Crushing Hoof!” She shouted, shooting off a blast of wind form one of her hooves down at the Shinomōkin. The raptor’s gleaming white eyes snapped over to the large orb of wind that was coming its way, but due to the speed the wind attack was coming at, it wasn’t able to do anything. An explosion of wind shot throughout the trees as it hit the Shinomōkin right its side, sending it crashing into a tree as the rest of the wind slice through the air and struck the other trees. Thanks to the cloak of lightning coated grey cloud cloak that the giant raptor was coated in, it destroyed the tree that it was sent crashing in, making it crash to the ground with a resounding boom. The Shinomōkin wasn’t able to get itself out from under the tree in time, and it found itself crushed under the wooden appendage.

“Are you alright Storm Shadow?” Blue asked, looking over at her teammate and friend. “Did the Shinomōkin get you?”

“Thankfully no; I was about to try and blow it back, but thankfully you had stepped in and stopped him.” Storm Shadow replied, smiling slightly at the light grayish white mare. “Thank you for that by the way Blue Skies. I wasn’t quite expecting your interreference like that, but I commend you for coming to my aid regardless.”

“O-oh, well…it wasn’t anything really.” Blue replied, blushing deeply. “I-I just saw you in trouble and about to get, um…eaten. So, I just came in and saved you from becoming the Shinomōkin’s food.”

Lightning Shadow smiled, sweetly and was about say something when there was a huge explosion of wood and flames, following by a powerful screech. All five Shadowbolts looked down to see the Shinomōkin rising from the ground like a phoenix from the ashes, fire replacing the lightning that once coated its body. It glared up at the flyers, its curved beak glinted as its face contorted into a hideous mask before it flapped its powerful wings and ascended towards the Pegasi.

“Maybe we can save the praise for Blue for later! This bird isn’t done with us yet!” Lightning said as deep red wind surrounded her. “We gotta take him out quick so we can get to the ponies that Queen Celestia sent us to protect!”

“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that Lightning?” Violet Fire asked, grinning dryly at the light grey mare. “Then again, I agree with you baby.”

“So do we!” Fast Track grinned. “Come on girls, let’s waste this overgrown chicken!”

“Don’t need to tell us twice.” Storm Shadow murmured as she and the others flew at their adversary.

“Shadow Pegasus: Dark Explosion!” Lightning Shadow shouted, shooting off a large bolt of darkness at the Shinomōkin. It exploded upon impact, sending the Shinomōkin flying through the air, before it righted itself, preparing to retaliate against Lightning. Before it could however, it once again found itself being body slammed into by Violet Fire.

“You should really learn to pay attention to your surroundings sweetie!” She shouted as fire danced around her suited form. “My dear lighting isn’t the only pony here that you need to watch out for!”

Pulling herself away from the giant raptor Violet shot her hooves out and shot a blast of purple flames at the Shinomōkin, only for it to fly above the flaming attack. It looked down at Violet for a moment, before shooting off a bolt of fire at the Shadowbolt Captain, striking her right in her chest. Thanks to the cloak of fire around her, the fire didn’t really hurt Violet, but it did manage to singe her suit somewhat, and make her goggles emit some heat. The ebony mare flinched at the heat in her suit and goggles, but managed to stay focused and met the giant Shinomōkin in a midair clash of garnet and violet fire. Flames and branches caught on fire as the Pegasus and raptor soared about the air, the former’s teammates doing their best to give their captain aid.

“Lightning Thestral: Thunder Drill!” Fast Tracks shouted, descending down form the air and spinning while being coated by purple lightning. He struck the Shinomōkin right in its back, sending electricity coursing through its veins as it faltered in its flight. This left an opening for Violet, and she was able to use that opportunity to attack.

“Fire Pegasus: Whinny!” She yelled, a stream of black and purple fire exploding from her mouth and soaring towards the Shinomōkin. It screeched as its vision was enveloped in purple and black, thus leaving it unable to see one of the other Shadowbolts moving in.

“You still up for more, big guy? Well, why don’t you have some of this?!” Blue Skies said as she drew in a breath. “Sky Pegasus: Neigh!”

A powerful blast of whirling wind tore from the light grayish white Pegasus’s mouth, up at the giant raptor striking it right in its stomach. It nullified a good portion of the flames, draining the Shinomōkin of some of its fire magic and putting it in an even weaker state. It shook off the attack and made to go after Blue, but found itself face to face with the shadow duo.

“Shadow Pegasus: Black Blast!” Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow both shouted in unison, sending large waves of blackness at the Shinomōkin. They drove the giant raptor even higher into the air, so high that it was hovering well past the trees, unintentionally igniting them on fire.

“Good work team, we’ve managed to drive him up into the sky!” Violet said as her flame cloak continued to dance about her. “Leave the rest to me! I’m going to finish this with one strike!”

Blue Skies looked over at the ebony black mare worriedly. “Are you sure that’s a good idea Captain Violet? What if the Shinomōkin incinerates or electrocutes you or something?”

“Captain V wouldn’t be having all of us stay out of her way if she wasn’t going to end the fight and know that she’d be able to do it Blue.” Fast Tracks chuckled. “Trust me, our Captain has this fight in the bag; she’ll be just fine.”

“Before I do this, I need a little something to help give me a little boost.” Violet said, looking over at Blue Skies. “Blue Skies, honey, do you mind doing me a little favor?”

Blue skies looked over at her Captain, blushed a bit. “Y-yes, what is it?”

“You have efficient control over your affinity to wind, right?” Violet asked, earning a nod from the younger Pegasus. “I need you to send out your strongest blast of wind at the Shinomōkin for me. I’m going to ride it home so I can deliver my final strike to our feathery opponent.”

“Wait, what?” Blue Skies asked, gaining a look of perplexation. “How’re you going to do that?”

“You’ll see sweetheart.” Violet winked slyly. “Go on honey, just do it. Trust me; I’ll be fine.”

Blue Skies stared at her captain for a moment, before looking over at all of her teammates, who were all giving her the same look Violet was. With a sigh, she gave Violet a compliant reluctant nod, before sucking in a deep breath of air.

“Sky Pegasus: Neigh!” She shouted, shooting off as powerful of a breath of wind as she could right where the Shinomōkin was. Upon seeing the blast of wind, Violet Fire smirked as the fire cloak around her grew I strength, before bolts of lightning appeared in it. With a powerful flap of her wings, she took off into the drill of wind, not noticing the jaw dropped look Blue Skies was sending her way. Thanks to the speed that the wind was going, Violet’s own speed was double to what it was mere seconds ago, and she rode the wind blast even after she met the giant raptor right in the air.

“Fire Lightning Pegasus: Electric Inferno Spear!” She shouted as she slammed herself into the Shinomōkin right in the stomach for the third time that night. It was her strongest collision yet, and the combined speed and magic overpowered the Shinomōkin and send it well away from the other Shadowbolts. Flaring her wings out, Violet gave them another strong flap and pulled herself out of th cloak of fire, lightning and wind, letting it send the Shinomōkin flying without her. The ebony mare watched as it soared across the sky its screeches echoing all about as it vanished into the darkness of the trees far beyond her.

“Well, that should be the end of that.” Violet said to herself. “I hope I didn’t hurt the poor baby too bad. He’s probably going to have quite the burnt hide that’ll take a while to heal. Oh well, at least he’s still alive, so that’s a plus I suppose.”

“That. Was. Awesome!” Fast Tracks exclaimed as Violet flew back down to them. “Seriously Captain V, that was so awesome! You just send that giant buzzard flying into space!”

“I wouldn’t necessary say flying into space, but it was quite close to it.” Violet shrugged, before booping Fast Tracks on the nose. “And the raptor is called a Shinomōkin, not a buzzard as you had so casually called it.”

“That was incredible Captain Violet!” Blue Skies said, smiling brightly at the ebony mare. “I have no idea that you could just ride one of the elements of nature like that! How were you even able to do that?!”

“She’s always been able to do that.” Lightning Shadow giggled. “Captain Violet Fire has always had the tendency to use the attacks that that we use to help amplify her own whenever she’s planning to use dish out a devastating blow. None of us have really tried to do it, but Captain Violet loves to use that tactic from time to time; probably because it gives her a real thrill in the heat of the moment.”

“You can most certainly bet that it does.” Violet giggled, patting the light grey mare on her head. “Speaking of which, I have to give you my thanks for helping me in winning against out adversary Blue. Though I have to say, that blast of wind was a lot more powerful than I thought that it was going to be.”

“W-well, you did tell me to give me my most powerful neigh of wind, so…” Blue Skies said timidly, poking her forehooves together. “…I did just that.”

“That you did honey, well done.” The ebony mare said softly, nuzzling the younger mare. “Now, I think we’ve taken care of business here. Let’s get a move on so we can get to our seven brave adventurers…I’m betting that they’re tearing their manes out waiting for us.”

“I’m all up for that Captain…” Fast Tracks said, holding a hoof up. “…but don’t you think we should put the, um…forest fire out? It may not be a good idea to leave it like this, especially since fire does tend to spread pretty quickly in forests.”

“Oh, that’s right; thank you for the reminder Tracks.” Violet said, laughing sheepishly as she brushed her mane away. “Blue Skies, would you be so kind as to do the honors baby?”

“Huh? O-oh, okay!” Blue nodded before she took to the air a good distance away from the rest of her teammates. The young mare summoned a cloak of wind, which grew larger with each second that passed and more magic she produced. Once the wind cloak got to a certain size, Blue Skies spread her wings out and let it explode outward all over the clearing. In a matter of seconds, all of the fire on the ground and trees were extinguished, with a little extra boost to ensure that there wasn’t any leftover fire.

“Well, looks like none of the animals will have to worry about a forest fire.” Lightning mused, looking impressed by Blue’s wind blast. “Well then, shall we proceed captain?”

Violet Fire giggled. “Hmhmhm, yes, we shall Lightning.” She replied cutely, before turning to the rest of her team. “Come on everypony! Let the mission commence!”

Bright orange and yellow flames danced around Applejack in a protective cloak as she slammed into the Doragontora’s stomach, spreading her flames all around it. The feline roared out loudly in angered pain as he swiped at the orange mare, striking her right in her side. She winced at the pain in her shoulder and lower side, but the flames of her boots quickly dispelled the pain allowing her to focus on the draconic feline in front of her. The farmer gave the beast a hard uppercut to the jaw, making the Doragontora’s head snap up as it reeled away from her. At that moment, Applejack felt something hit and stab her in the stomach, this being the Doragontora’s tail club as it sent her flying and crashing across the ground.

“Applejack!” Twilight shouted as she watched the farmer tumble towards them. “Are you alright?!”

“Don’t ya worry ‘bout me sugarcube! Ah’ll end this in a jiffy, Ah promise!” Applejack replied as she quickly got to her hooves. “Jus’ stay back with th’ others while Fluttershy heals ya an’ all come join ya, ya hear?!”

The furious roar of the Doragontora kept Twilight and the other six ponies from saying anything else as it flew at the tangerine Earth Pony. Applejack snorted and once again ran at the beast, her boot flames leaving burnt grass behind her as she evaded the lightning blasts of the giant Doragontora, the spikes on its tail included. At the last second, she whirled around and bucked the feline straight in its face, causing its head to snap the other way, while the rest of its body still moved forward. Unfortunately for Applejack, due to the speed that the Doragontora was going at, the rest of its body fell right on top of the farmer, all but crushing her under its massive weight.

“Dammit, that was a bad move!” Applejack cursed, mentally kicking herself. “Get th’ hay off o’ me ya damn lizard winged furball!”

With a loud yell, Applejack summoned a powerful pillar of flames from under her, sending the giant cat into the air and away from her. Just when the Doragontora was about to collided with a tree, it shook itself out of its shocked and pain filled state. The cat flipped itself around in the air and landed on the tree in such a graceful manner that even Rarity couldn’t hold back her impression by it. It snarled down at Applejack, baring its saber like face at her as it dug it claws into the iron hard bark it was holding onto, while the mare smirked back at him.

“Ah gotta say, fer such a large critter, yer pretty agile on yer feet.” Applejack complimented, flicking her tail back and forth. “Still though, ya think ya can handle this buckin’ bronco b’fore she finally sends ya flyin’ t’ th’ other side o’ th’ forest?”

The Doragontora growled menacingly and roared at Applejack as it slammed its tail club into the tree it was on. It them propelled itself off and descending straight towards the farmer, bright orange lightning coating its body as its tail lashed out behind it.

“Ah’ll take that as a yes!” Applejack shouted, leaping up at the draconic feline.

“Good Faust…Applejack’s not holding back against that cat, is she?” Zephyr asked himself as he watched the fight from inside Fluttershy’s protective healing cocoon. “I know she’s only using the magic in her boots, but still…it looks like she is.”

“That’s because she really isn’t holding back Zephyr.” Rainbow Dash replied, chuckling over at the royal blue stallion. “She’s giving that giant dragon winged bastard a real good ass whooping and showing him what happens when you try to mess with us ponies! That’s what she’s doing!”

“Rainbow Dash, how many times do I have to tell you not to call him that?” Fluttershy asked, glaring sternly at the cyan mare. “I understand that you want Applejack to win, but that doesn’t mean you have the animals of this forest by such cruel names!”

“Why not?” Rainbow Dash frowned. “That thing tried to attack us when we weren’t expecting it! If you ask me, he deserves to get his fur burnt for trying to eat Zephyr, especially since he’s Twi’s foalhood friend!”

“Oh what, so you’re going to get angry at the Doragontora for doing what he was created to do?” The Solar Royal Guard asked with a deadpan expression. “Look, as much as I understand your anger for what almost happened to me, you can’t really get upset at him for doing what many other carnivores would do in his position. I can’t blame him for that, and I won’t. We just happened to camp at the wrong place at the wrong time. The Doragontora saw an opportunity for a meal and, well…he took it.”

“That he did dear.” Rarity nodded. “And now he’s paying the price for it. Though, I would like to think that he’ll be more careful about the, erm…meals that he chooses, least what’s happening to him now, happens again.”

“After what we did to him, I don’t doubt it.” Pinkie Pie said, giving a little giggle. “Still though, I gotta give that kitty props for holding out for this long! If he’s this strong then I can’t wait to see how powerful all of the other Everfree animals are here!”

“Well Pinkie, something tells me we’re gonna find that out pretty soon.” Goku said, frowning slightly. “And we’re not going to like it.”

Fluttershy smiled sympathetically at the tan Thestral. “No sweetie, you’re really not. We’re only just scratching the surface about the power the animals in this forest have. We still have a long way to go before we’re past all of them, and trust me...it’s not going to be pretty.”

Goku groaned, letting her face hit the soft grass beneath her. “Great, I am so excited to find out.” She said, her tone flatter than a wooden floor board.

“Anyway…” Fluttershy sighed. "How’re you all doing inside of there? Is my healing magic doing its work in, um…making you all feel better?”

“Oh, it’s doing just wonderful dear.” Rarity cooed, sighing blissfully. “I can already feel all of these cursed injuries of mine fading away as if they weren’t even here to at all.” She ran a hoof down her mane and tail. “And it appears that’s not the only thing that you’re healing magic is good at doing.”

“That would be the thing you’re most glad about.” Rainbow Dash snorted, rolling her eyes. “I can agree with her on one thing. This magic of yours is really making the pain that cat’s stupid spikes gave me really go away.”

“Yeah…” Pinkie sighed, rolling across the ground on her back. “I feel sooooo comfy right now. I could really get used to this…”

“If I were you, I’d rather not.” Twilight advised, gently nudging the pink pony. “Remember what Fluttershy said; this healing magic of her’s drains a considerable amount of her magic. So, from here on out, I think we should take precaution get as little injury as possible so Fluttershy will be able to replenish her magic through whatever means necessary.”

“Awwww, do we have to?” Pinkie Pie whined.

“Yes Pinkie, we do.” Goku nodded, her tone gentle, yet firm. “We can’t always keep relying on Fluttershy’s healing magic. If we do, she won’t be able to heal us when it’s really needed for the rest of our journey. Plus, we have our own inner healing magic to help us too, especially since all eight of us come from families sworn to protect Equestria. So, you’re just going to have to mare up and accept it honey.”

“Alright, if you say so.” Pinkie sighed. “Still, you can’t deny how cozy this feels. It feels like I’m in my nice cozy bed with Mr. and Mrs. Cake.”

“As glad as we are that you’re feeling so comfortable Pinkie…” Zephyr murmured. “…you may have to get ready for it to end, because Applejack’s fight is about to as well.”

At these words, the six mares followed where Zephyr was looking, and saw Applejack crouched down, flames swirling around her in preparation for an attack. Above her, the Doragontora was hovering in the air, lightning and fire coating its body as it too prepared to deliver the decisive blow to the farmer down below. The equine and feline glared at one another as they waited for each other to make a move so they could get the drop on the other.

“Ah think we’ve had our fun with each other, wouldn’t ya agree?” Applejack said, her eyes glowing brightly. “Whaddya say we wrap this up partner?”

The Doragontora roared back at her in response and took down towards her as its lightning power covered it in a chirping cloak. Applejack didn’t move, but the flames around her fore stronger as she, without warning, reared up in her hindlegs and shot her forelegs straight outward. With a loud battle neigh, a spiraling drill of flames even bigger than the first one right at the cat, who fired of a breath of lightning fused fire. They both clashed in another power struggle that sent thick clouds of dust throughout the camp and beyond. Fluttershy used her wings to cover her head from the dust, not wanting to lose her concentration in her healing of her friends’ wounds. Despite this, that didn’t stop her concern for Applejack, and for just a split second, she wondered if Applejack was really going to be okay.

‘No, don’t you dare start thinking like that now!’ The cherry blossom maned thought to herself. ‘Applejack said that she’d be okay against the Doragontora, and that she’d beat it! She looked you right in your eyes and said she’d do it! You can help her with her own injuries after the fight is over! Just trust her for now!’

For the next half minute, Applejack went on in her fiery power struggle with the Doragontora as they fought for dominance over the final strikes. The former gritted her teeth, her hind hooves digging into the ground as she struggled to keep her footing. The latter continued to hover in the air above her, continuing to fire off its seemingly never-ending stream of lighting flames, its eyes flashing. For a moment, it looked like the Doragontora was gaining the upper hand in the fight, especially with the lightning fused with the flames it was breathing. Then, at the very last second, Applejack turned the tables in the fight.

“AH AIN’T LOSIN’ THIS FIGHT!” She yelled, her eyes blazing as an emerald green aura burst out from under her and went up along with the fire. It fused with the farmer’s own drill of flames and joined them in the power struggle, taking the Doragontora off guard. This gave Applejack the chance to give one final push in her attack, and it completely overwhelmed the draconic cat, enveloping it in the mare’s fire. It roared out in agony as it electrocuted and burnt on all parts of its body, while at the same time send it flying out of the clearing. Applejack continued on with her attack, even as the Doragontora was blown out of sight, and only when she was sure it was well away from the campsite, did she finally stop.

“Heh, looks like he wasn’t able to take the head from this apple.” Applejack said to herself as her flames vanished. With an exhausted sigh, she fell to her haunches as she struggled to catch her breath. “Oh well, at least he ain’t gonna mess with us no more.”

“Applejack!” Fluttershy shouted, making the farmer turn to her. “Are you alright?!”

Applejack smiled weakly at the older mare. “Y-yeah…A-Ah’m doin’ alright sugarcube. Ah’m jus’ really burnt out right now. As a matter of a fact, a feel like Ah’ve had th’ applesauce squeezed outta me fer Applesauce Season.”

“Well, that’s what happens when you use that much magic. Even if it is from normal sources like boots.” Twilight said somewhat dryly, eyeing the burnt grass around Applejack. “I have to admit Applejack; those are some pretty powerful boots that you have there. I didn’t think that they had that much power in them.”

“Well, that’s cause these ain’t normal boots.” The tangerine farmer emphasized, staggering over to her friends and Zephyr. “These boots were specialized by mah family an’ infused with our magic as to where as we can use any o’ th’ elements that we’re connected to. Ya know, like lightnin’, fire, wind, an’ earth, that type o’ magic an’ all o’ that. These fire tattoos on mah boots show that they’re specifically made fer usin’ fire, which is why Ah didn’t bring out any lightnin’, fire, or wind.”

“So, if your boots have any symbols like earth, fire, lighting or wind, you’ll be able to use those elements, besides fire?” Twilight asked, looking marveled. At Applejack’s light nod, the lavender mare looked back down at the boots with fascinated wonder and interest. “Amazing…”

“I wouldn’t get any ideas if I were you Twilight.” Goku said, noticing the look in the other mare’s eyes. “Those boots aren’t made so that just anypony can wear them and use them you know. If you’re an earth pony, a member of the Apple Family, and have an incredible amount of magic, endurance, and control over your magic…using those boots is going to leave you with quite the magic drain. That, and it’ll cause a behemoth of unnecessary destruction…I learned that lesson the hard way.”

“Oooooh, because you’re a Thestral?” Twilight asked, looking at Goku’s bat wings. “And your clan has a good amount of more magic and strength than us ponies do?”

“Eeyup.” Goku nodded, blowing at her mane. “It’d be best of you don’t even try to wear them, let alone experiment on them. Trust me, it will not end well for you, like it did with me.”

“Man AJ, that was totally awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed grinning widely. “You sure did show that damn furball who was boss!”

“Dashie’s right Jackie!” Pinkie nodded. “That was one really wild party that you and that kitty had there! I mean wow, that was just crazy!”

“Heheh, yeah…it sure was.” Applejack chuckled, all but collapsing onto the ground. After a few moments of trying to catch her breath, she looked up at Fluttershy. “Hey Flutters…ya mind if Ah squeeze into this here lil’ cocoon or whatever ya call it?”

“Butterfly Cocoon.” Fluttershy corrected, draping a wing around the larger mare. “As for if you can get in, feel free to squeeze yourself in. Though, you may want to take off your boots before you do, okay? You said before, your boots do contain a considerable amount of magic, and I don’t want it to clash with that of my healing magic. If it does...well, I think you can imagine what will happen.”

“Yeah, good idea.” Applejack said, reaching down and pulling off her boots with her teeth. “Ya mind if Ah set them down next t’ ya while ya patch me up?”

“Sure, I’ll keep them nice and secure.” Fluttershy replied sweetly. “Now, go on and squeeze in there with the others. I’ll have you all fixed up soon.”

Applejack nodded, and without another word, she slowly slipped through the healing cocoon encasing the other six ponies. She gave a sigh of relief as she felt the warmth of the healing magic spread throughout her body, her wounds included. The farmer felt herself beginning to dose off, and would’ve fell onto the grass, had it not been for Zephyr catching her at the last moment.

“Whoa there, Applejack! Easy there.” He said, gently setting the tangerine mare down. “Jeez, just how exhausted are you?”

“Apparently enough where Ah need y’all actin all chivalrous t’ me like Ah can’t set mahself down.” Came Applejack’s dry reply, resting her head in Zephyr’s forelegs. “Still, it feels nice to finally be able to take a breather every now an’ again. Especially after all th’ bullshit we’ve been goin’ through since we’ve came inside o’ this damn forest.”

“Can’t disagree with you on that.” Goku sighed, running a hoof through Applejack’s somewhat messy mane. “Still, the Shinomōkin and Doragontora aren’t the last animals that we’re going to be facing in this forest. From all that Fluttershy told us about these beasts, and the power that they wield…we’re gonna be fighting until we drop, repeatedly.”

“Oh joy…” Rarity groaned, draping a leg over her forehead. “What a divine adventure that will be.”

“Well, we can worry about that later girls.” Twilight said as she leaned against Zephyr’s large frame. “Let’s just focus on getting our wounds healed by Fluttershy. After that, we can start backtracking on the trail that we were on before we were attacked by the Shinomōkin. Goku has an adequately sharp sense of smell, so I’m positive she can retrace our steps while I find where we had last walked.”

The tan Thestral looked over at the lavender Unicorn. “You mean where I had last dragged all of you out of an ice-cold river and pulled onto land?”

“Oh, yeah.” Twilight said sheepishly. “Sorry Goku.”

“Um, Twilight, I had to burst that egghead of a bubble of yours…” Rainbow Dash murmured. “…but I think that’s going to be nearly impossible. You said it yourself, your map and all of our saddlebags were destroyed by that bird! So there’s no way that we can even try to go back to where we were trekking! Even with Goku’s super strong smell!”

Right as those words were said, a soft giggle emitted from inside Fluttershy’s Healing Butterfly Cocoon. They all turned to see Pinkie Pie giggling her head off, holding her stomach as she attempted to keep herself upright.

“Um Pinkie…” Fluttershy said softly, a little taken aback. “…why’re you laughing?”

“Heeheehee~! I’m sorry Fluttershy, it’s just that…!” Pinkie Pie began, trying to get herself under control. “When Dashie said that we had lost Twilight map, I had just remembered something that I had done before we had left! I was so caught up in the fun we were having that it had completely slipped my mind!”

“Ignoring what you said about this trip being “fun”…” Rarity said, snorting. “…would you be so kind as to tell us just what it is that you had forgotten?”

“You remember when Twilight had told us way earlier that our map was burnt up?” Pinkie Pie asked, looking at Zephyr and each of her friends. “Weeeeeeeell…I may have gotten a duplicate just before we had left Twilight’s library.”

“Wait what?” Zephyr asked, his eyes widening slightly. “Are…a-are you saying that-?!”

Pinkie Pie smiled slyly, reaching into her mane with her hoof and digging around in it like she was going through a treasure chest. A couple seconds later, she pulled out a large folded paper and held it out in front of the rest of her friends. “Tadaaaa!”

Twilight gasped, and reached out towards Pinkie, all but ripping the large paper out of her grasp and opening with her magic. After skimming over it for a few moments, she pulled it away and slowly looked over at Pinkie.

“This is…this is the map!” She exclaimed, making everypony else gasp. “P-Pinkie Pie…where did you get this?!”

“Uh, didn’t you hear what I said Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked, frowning slightly. “I said that I had grabbed an extra map before I we had left your library.”

“B-b-b-but, but, but…how can that be?!” Rarity asked, stumbling over her words. “W-we didn’t see any of you getting anything out of the drawers in the library!”

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “That’s because you guys weren’t looking to where I was. After Spike had given Twilight the first map, I had gotten another one while Spike was giving Twilight the first one. I had a feeling that we may lose the first one in some way, so I had decided to make sure that we’d come a little extra prepared.”

“Pinkie Pie…” Rainbow Dash said slowly. “…that has probably got to be one of the smartest things that you have ever done! You very may well have saved us trying to search all around this damn forest for that old castle.”

“I’m going to have to agree with Dash on this one Pinkie Pie; that was quite the quick thinking that you had done there.” Rarity said, smiling approvingly at the pink pony. It faded away in a few moments later, a small frown coming to her face. “Although, I do wish that you had asked Twilight if you could take an extra map with us before we left. As much as we appreciate you making sure that we were extra prepared, you still could’ve suggested that we bring another map.”

Pinkie Pie’s own smile fell, a guilty look coming to her face. “Yeah, that was probably the smarter option too. I’m sorry Twilight-woah!”

“Oh, thank you thank you thank you Pinkie Pie!” The lavender Unicorn exclaimed, tackling the party pony in a tight hug. “You have no idea how relieve you’ve made me right now! You are a life saver!”

“Life saver?” Pinkie Pie repeated, looking half amused and half confused. “Um, I didn’t really save anypony like Zephyr did to Fluttershy Twilight. I just helped in the fight and brought an extra map along in case we lost the first one.”

“It’s a gif, Pinkie Pie.” Applejack explained. “What Twilight means is that yer savin’ her life by tellin’ her important information.”

“Oooooh I see!” Pinkie giggled as Twilight got off of her. “That makes a lot more sense!”

“Oh Pinkie, you’re such a silly girl you.” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “So silly indeed…”

“Hey Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked. “I don’t mean to sound like I’m rushing you or anything but, how long do you think it’s going to take for you to heal all our wounds?”

The veterinarian paused, taking a moment to think before replying. “Well, it has been over several minutes since Applejack’s, um, duel with the Doragontora, around the same time that I was healing all of you. Plus, Applejack had just came in, and at the rate we’re going, it may take me about ten to fifteen more minutes to finish up.” She smiled at the royal blue stallion and the rest if her friends. “Although I am a much better mood than I was before, especially after Pinkie Pie had revealed that she had an extra map. So, I’d say that it’ll take a considerably less amount of time, maybe even faster if my mood is heightened.”

“Oh, right!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed “Your magic is powered by the emotions that you’re feeling!”

“That’s right.” Fluttershy nodded. “And the more positive my feelings are, the stronger my healing magic becomes.”

“Is that so?” Pinkie Pie asked, her tone as sly as her smile. “In that case, would you be so kind as to allow me to do that honors of making your positive feelings go sky high Fluttershy?”

“Oh boy…” Goku murmured dryly. “…this should be good.”

Fluttershy giggled, her positive emotions growing even stronger, causing the healing magic she was using to grow in power as well. With a small smile that was even slyer, if not slightly more mischievous than Pinkie’s, Fluttershy replied, “Go for it Pinkie Pie.”

Author's Note

Alright, now, before anyone asks me why I didn't entirely go through including the Timberwolves as the next beasts that Zephyr and the Mane Seven go against in the Everfree Forest, I just want to say that while I was writing this chapter, I was thinking about adding the Timberwolves in this chapter. However, as I was thinking about how I should write it while writing this chapter, I felt like it would be more appropriate to add it onto another oncoming chapter. Especially since I had looked back over the first version of it, and saw some parts that I could add back into the story, with some slight changes here and there. Now, I did say that some version of this chapter will remain the same, and some would be different, depending on how much of the chapters will and won't be changed, but I can assure you that there will be some major changes in the much later incoming chapters, especially with the tag of Fairy Tail that I added into this :raritywink: . Speaking of which, for those of you who might want a full explanation about the techniques that I'm giving each of the ponies, let me try to clarify that so you can all understand it better.

For the Earth Ponies, I have them magical techniques that're similar to that of Gray Fullbuster's Ice Maker Magic, so I decided to have the Earth Ponies like Applejack, her family, and Pinkie Pie having the same Maker Magic. Since Pinkie Pie and Applejack are both Half-Pegasus, their Maker Magic isn't limited to the Earth, and they'll be able to use fire, lightning, and wind as Maker Magic as well, like how Gray uses ice.. For the Pegasus Ponies they'll be using the magic that the Pegasi use, which is similar to that of the Dragon Slayers from Fairy Tail, those being Natsu, Wendy, Gajeel, Sting, and Rogue. You guys all saw a good example of that during the Shadowbolt's battle with the Shinomōkin, so you can expect to see much more of that in the future, along with many of the other badass techniques that I'm planning to add from this kick ass anime :rainbowdetermined2: ! For the Unicorns, I'm planning to give them a magic that's like that of Levy's only with them, it won't in the form of words, but in the forms of any kind of weapon that they'd like, like you had all seen with Amethyst when she and Blossomforth were battling the Tantabus. Now, for those of you who may be confused by that, especially since I did the same with with Twilight, let me just say that it's not going to be quite the same thing, despite how they're worded. While the Unicorns are able to use Solid Form Magic, with Twilight, she comes from a clan, on her mother's side, that uses Life Form Magic, somewhat different from the Solid Form Magic that Twilight uses. With her, her entire body turns into the element that she's summoning, while the other Unicorns with the Solid Form Magic will be able to summon solid objects that form into whatever type of weapon that they want. Don't worry though, their attack won't quite be the same, especially when the ascend, like they did in the last chapters :ajsmug: . I did at the Fairy Tail Tag for a reason, and I wanna make it as much like Fairy Tail as possible :scootangel: . Oh, and, since I didn't clarify it at the beginning, I don't own any of the Fairy Tail content, or Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, Sonic, Rosario + Vampire, Bleach, One Piece or any anime or game like that :twilightsheepish: .

Well, that's all for this chapter! Next time, the girls are going to find themselves in for a fight that will test the limits of their endurance, with the Everfree Army :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 25 - The Wooden Army

Luckily for Zephyr and the six other mares, Pinkie Pie was able to heighten Fluttershy’s mood to enough of a point where her healing magic worked faster than she said it would’ve taken. The entire time she was healing them, Pinkie Pie made Fluttershy, laugh, giggle, chortle and guffaw, more so than she had ever done so in her life. Goku, Rainbow Dash, Zephyr, and others also played a part in hyping Fluttershy’s confidence and determination rise up so her healing magic could strengthen, and all their wounds could heal faster. Just as Fluttershy had hoped and clarified, her more positive emotions had speed up the process in helping the six mares and one stallion recover faster. In less the half the time that Fluttershy said that it would, all of her friends’ wounds were sealed; to the point where it didn’t look like they had gotten any in the first place.

After their recovery from the fight with the Doragontora, the girls began their backtracking back to the spot where they had last been at. As with last time, Zephyr took the lead for the search, with Goku playing her part in sniffing out the tracks that they had left. Or rather, her own tracks, and the deep wet scent at the other seven had left when she had rescued them from the Shinomōkin. The rest of the girls were honestly afraid to go back to where they had gotten caught by the raptor, believing that it was going to be there again to finish the job. At Fluttershy’s gentle urging however, they mustered up the courage to go back to the center of the pond that they had flown to in the chase. Even so, they all kept a lookout into the sky for the bird, Rainbow Dash especially, not wanting to get taken by surprise again and wanting to get payback on it for nearly getting charred.

“How’re you guys holding back up there?” Goku asked, momentarily stopping in her smelling to look over at the others. “Any of you feeling better than you were a while go?”

“Heh, we sure are G!” Rainbow Dash replied, doing loops around the air. “Fluttershy’s healing magic really did a shitload in getting rid of all those cuts and blood! I can’t remember when they started to hurt like hay when I got them from the cat!”

“That’s not the only thing that it was successful at.” Rarity added, giving a few taps of her mane as she flicked her tail. “It would appear that magic of our dear Fluttershy also plays a part in rejuvenating one’s appearances as well. My beautiful mane and tail are once again shining in their divine beauty! It’s like they were never even damaged or burnt in the first place by that dastardly beasts!”

“Same here Rares.” Applejack nodded, giving a little snort. “Ah still wanna give them varmints a good smack down fer thrashin’ us ‘round like that. They’re lucky that Ah didn’t manage to git mah hooves on ‘em, r’ else a really would’ve tanned their hides with mah boots.”

Zephyr looked over at the two mares. “If you had tried to that, they would’ve no doubt either killed you themselves or at the very least left you really mangled. As much as I understand how you didn’t like getting jumped like that, you still have to remember that these are creature that’re only doing what they’re driven to do. Like how I told you all back at the campsite, all they were doing was being what they were made to be; animals that kept the population of other animals not like them in check.”

“More like try to outshine us by getting us when we least expect it.” Rainbow Dash muttered, crossing her forehooves. “Stupid bunch of feathery scaly furry assholes.”

“What was that Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked in a dangerously calm tone. “Did you say something?”

“Uh, no nothing at all!” The cyan mare quickly replied, straightening up. “Yep, not anything whatsoever!”

Pinkie Pie giggled merrily, immediately making Rainbow Dash sweat. “Oh, there’s no need to lie Dashie! You said the big birdy and kitty were only trying to outshine us instead of just being what they were!” She said, unintentionally letting Fluttershy know what the athlete had muttered. “Oh, and you said they were a bunch of feathery scaly furry a-”

“Pinkie, shut up.” Rainbow hissed, glaring daggers at the pink pony. “Not another word out of you.”

“What?” Pinkie asked innocently. “All I was saying was what you just said; that the big scary animals we faced were a bunch of feathery scaly furry a-”

“PINKIE! I said, shut the buck up!” Rainbow Dash interrupted again, jamming a hoof into the Earth Pony’s mouth. She looked over at Fluttershy, her muzzle stretched out into a not so convincing fanged smile. “Heheheh, don’t listen to her Flutters. I didn’t say anything mean about those ba-, er, animals that you love so-”

“Actually Dash, I think Pinkie said just about enough of what I thought I heard.” Fluttershy calmly cut off, her expression unreadable. Despite the calmness in her face and the softness in her tone, the others could tell she was clearly upset. “Twilight, would you be so kind as to make a mental not to have another talk with Dash, Applejack, and Rarity about what to say and what not so say about my dear animals?”

“I think I’d be more than happy to Fluttershy.” Twilight replied, her tone just a bit too sweet for Rainbow’s comfort. “I also think they all need a good lesson in understanding and not to judge based on certain creature’s actions and what they are. Wouldn’t you agree Zephyr?”

The royal blue stallion nodded, fighting the urge to smirk. “Eeyup.” He replied softly, ignoring the small glare that Applejack shot his way.

“I swear, those three…” Goku murmured to herself, shaking her head as she continued to walk ahead of the group. With a sigh, she dipped her head back down and began sniffing at the ground once more, breathing in the multiple scent of her friends that was left behind in her wake. Despite it having only been a little more than a couple of hours, the scent of the seven ponies that were left behind when she dragged them out of the water was still fresh, so she had little trouble with the tracking. There were also some burnt patches of fur that had been left, so there was that too, though Goku felt that she’d rather not take in that smell. Still, it helped her in backtracking where she had gotten herself and everypony else out of the raging river next to them.

‘Not only that…but there’s also the scent of the Shinomōkin that was left behind.’ The tan Thestral thought to herself, looking into the trees. ‘From what I learned of these animals by Fluttershy, they carry rather strong scents, stronger than any other animals here in Equestria. It can carry on for a long considerable amount of time, so that’s another thing working in our factors.’ Her ears flicked about, causing her earrings to jingle as she listened out for any of the sounds of other wildlife. ‘Still, that also works against us, since these animals have incredible senses of smell, and can track things from a vast distance. Because of that, it won’t be very long before we have another one of the animals hot on our heels; me and Twilight will have to get back on the path soon before that happens.’

“Goku?” Twilight suddenly asked, as if reading the older mare’s mind. “Are having any luck in finding where we had last, um…got dropped off at?”

“If you’re asking if I’m having look in finding where the Shinomōkin let us fall after I had zapped him, then yes.” Goku replied. “The scent that you guys had left along with his is still strong in the air, so its not that hard for me to tell where to go.” Her beautiful face then scrunched up slightly. “Still, both scents mixed together makes for a very powerful combination, and it really gets you got in the nose.”

“Same here; I can feel my eyes starting to water from taking in all of your scents at one time.” Zephyr said as he put a hoof to his nostrils. “Not that I’m saying you guys smell bad, but you know what I mean, don’t you?”

“Oh, don’t worry darling, we’re not offended.” Rarity said dismissively. “Believe me, I know how it feels like to have to smell more than one thing at once. Not a good thing to experience with a nose as delicate as mine, you know, with me being a proper lady an all.” She looked back at the royal blue stallion, a look of curiosity in her eyes. “Although, I am rather curious…just what do we all smell like to you?”

Zephyr paused. “Um…excuse me?”

“You heard me dear, I want to know what we all smell like to you.” Rarity said, flicking her tail skirt at the stallion’s snout. “You said yourself that you can take in all of our scents all at once, so I want to know what each of us smell like from your point of view.”

“An’ why do ya wanna know that?” Applejack asked with a raised brow. “Jus’ what is it about our different scents that wanna know so much?”

“A lady can be curious about how other ponies smell can they not?” Rarity asked, winking. “I’m always sure to keep myself presentable in every way when trying to find a suitable stallion. I’m just wondering if you all do the same.”

“If that’s all you wanted to know then why not just find out yourself?” Rainbow Dash asked, rolling her eyes. “It’s not like you really need to have Zephyr do it for you.”

“A lady can be curious, can she not?” Rarity asked, raising a brow at the cyan mare. “She always wants to discover new things and see if they’re up to her standards.”

“Well Rarity, it looks like you’re going to have to wait on doing that Rarity.” Goku said before Zephyr could do anything. “Because it looks like we’ve finally reached our destination.”

Upon hearing these words, the other stopped and looked over to where Goku was looking, and froze in place upon the sight in front of them. Just across the streaming river in front of them, was a giant gape in the group of trees that they had went through while the Shinomōkin chased them. A majority of the trees were burnt and scorched, with some of the branches having fallen on top of each other, forming into a charred large pile. In the flowing stream, there were even more destroyed branches that ended up stuck at the bottom of the river, which wasn’t really that deep at all.

“Holy Shit.” Rainbow Dash breathed, taking in the shocking sight before her. “That bird really did a number on those trees didn’t he?”

“It does seem inconceivably precise.” Twilight murmured, looking into the path they had went through. “Look at all of those trees…so many of them destroyed and torn apart as if they were nothing more than twigs. I had no idea the animals of this forest contained so much power and magic.”

“Well, we are in Equestria’s most dangerous wilderness. So, it shouldn’t really be that much of a surprise.” Fluttershy said with a sigh as she too inspected the scene. “Each of the animals here are powerful and fearsome in their own way, containing abilities that make them dangerous in their own rights. The Shinomōkin and the Doragontora were only a small taste of what we’re going to be running into, and at the rate we’re going, we’ll end up facing every single creature in the Everfree Forest that I told you all about. And when that happens…” Her eyes narrowed as they glowed slightly. “…there will be bloodshed.”

“Oh, trust me, I don’t doubt that.” Zephyr murmured looking over at his scared shoulder. “I can almost predict which animal that we’re going to be running into next.”

“Um, Fluttershy dear, speaking of which, are you surethat neither of those animals are going to come back and get us?” Rarity asked uneasily. “I know you told us you can let us know if its presence when you detect it but…still, it’s not going to come back, i-is it?”

Applejack sighed irritably. “Rarity, Goku had blasted a hole in that giant overgrown rooster’s stomach so we could fall into this here river, an’ Ah shot that overgrown cat into th’ other side o’ this forest. If either o’ them were comin’ back, we would’ve heard them screechin’ an’ roarin’ their heads off, bringin’ in a ragin’ storm.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie Pie nodded. “Plus, you guys can always reply on my Pinkie Sense to help see if he’s coming back! My tail twitching means that I can sense something falling form the sky, so if that big birdy comes from the sky, my tail will let me know!”

“That too.” Goku nodded. “Thank you, Pinkie Pie.”

“Um, I beg your pardon but…” Zephyr said with a look of confusion. “…what is exactly is the Pinkie Sense?”

“It’s a special sense of Pinkie Pie that allows her to be able to know things are about happen before they can, whether in an instant or later on.” Twilight explained, smiling at Zephyr. “In more simpler terms, it’s her own version of being able to predict the future.”

Zephyr stared at Twilight for a long moment, trying to discern she was kidding or not. When she did not say anything for a full half minute, he asked, “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Rainbow Dash chortled. “Twi’s dead serious Zephyr; Twilight is not bullshitting you when she’s saying this. Everything she’s saying about Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense has been nothing but the spot-on truth.”

“I know that it doesn’t really make very much sense darling…” Rarity said. “…but those of us that have known Pinkie for as long as we have learned that whenever her Pinkie Sense goes off, it’s best to do what she says.”

“Mhm.” Twilight nodded wholeheartedly. “Trust me Zephyr, I didn’t believe in Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense any more than you did, and I’ve done all that I could to prove that it wasn’t real. It wasn’t until I got crushed by a giant piano, nearly escaping being eaten by a hydra, and turning into a unicorn of fire, that I finally accepted that it was something that made sense.” She glanced over at Pinkie Pie, who was smiling goofily at her. “In its own undeniably randomway.”

“You better believe it is Twilight!” Pinkie giggled, before looking over at Zephyr. “I can break it down for you if you want Zephie! I’ll show you aaaaaaaallthe different phases of it!”

“Well…” Zephyr murmured as he rubbed the back of his head. “I-”

“Great! I’m so glad that you wanna know all about the Pinkie Sense!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced over to Zephyr. Before he could say a word, she grabbed his face in both her hooves and hugged it in her huge mass of chest fluff. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna show you every last one of the ropes!”

Zephyr could only grunt in response, his entire face smothered in Pinkie’s feathered chest fluff as he blushed. ‘Seriously? Of all the ways she decides to hug me, she chooses this method?’ he though as he sweat dropped heavily. ‘It’s like she thinks I wanna get a good smell out of her like Rarity wanted me to. This must be how Sheton feels whenever hegets hugged like this by his mom and sisters…’

‘Oh my Faust…poor Zephyr.’ Goku replied, giggling at the blush on the stallion’s smothered face. As she continued to watch the Pinkie Pie run her mouth to Zephyr, her ears picked up a weird sound coming from the other side of the river. She looked over, only to see the huge piles of broken branches and wood in front of her. The tan Thestral looked at it for a few moments, before looked down at the river, right at her perplexed face in the reflection.

“Is there something wrong Goku?” Fluttershy suddenly asked, making the tan Thestral look over at her. The cherry blossom maned mare was looking at back at her curiously, her mouth and chin dripping with water. “You seem to be a little confused there.”

“Hm? Oh, I’m okay Fluttershy.” Goku replied, smiling gently. “I just I heard something weird coming from the other side of the river.”

“Really?” Fluttershy asked, her interest peaked. “What do you think it was?”

Goku hesitated, looking form the river back to the buttermilk Pegasus for a few moments. “I don’t know why, but I could’ve sworn that I heard growling coming from over there.”

“Growling?” Fluttershy asked as she paused. “You mean from an animal?”

“Yeah, that kind of growling.” Goku nodded, one of her tufted ears flicking about. “I know I have hyper sensitive hearing and all, but the magic of this forest is really bucking up with my senses. Maybe not as much as it was earlier when we first arrived, but…still to where I can’t quite make it out, especially with all of this loud noisy water.”

“Is that so?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked back at the other side of the river. She gently moved Goku to the side and stood in front of her, staring inspectingly at the path of trees that was obscured by the charred wood. A few moments had passed, and nothing happened that either mare found even remotely out of place, and for a second, both of them thought that it was just their imagination.

That was when both of the mares heard it; a chorus of loud of soul freezing howls that burst through the air and tore through the wind. Goku and Fluttershy froze, along with everypony else as the holes reached them, the raw power behind them making them all completely cease movement. It stopped just as quickly as quickly as it came, leaving the eight ponies reeling at what they had just heard.

“Uh, y’all heard that too didn’t ya?” Applejack asked, looking in between her friends and Zephyr. “Please tell me that Ah ain’t th’ only one who heard all o’ that howlin’?”

“I heard it alright.” Zephyr replied, his fur standing on end. “And I know that is not a good sound.”

Rarity nodded. “No darling, it most certainly is not.”

“Oh boy, my Pinkie Sense is just going wild right now!” Pinkie Pie said, her voice shaking violently due to how much her body was. “Something big and bad is about to happen!”

Just as she said those words, a multitude spine chilling snarls emitted from somewhere in the trees on the opposite side of the river. At around that same time, multiple sets of glowing eyes suddenly appeared from within the trees, like monsters rising from the deepest darkest pits of Tartarus. They burned into the ponies if they were trying to incinerate them on the spot, thus leave them even more terrified. Slowly, like a group of snakes slithering out of burrows in the earth, the creatures made themselves known, and all the ponies gasp upon seeing what they were.

“Mother Natura Almighty…” Fluttershy whispered, her face going pale.

Standing on the other side of the river and standing on top of the charred wood were the biggest, fiercest wolves the eight ponies had ever seen. What was even more terrifying were that they didn’t look like real wolves at all. They had bodies that looked to be made from the strongest of tree bark, acting like a sort of armor mean to help them withstand and hard and sharp blows. Their wooded bodies were covered from their noses all the way to their whip-like tails in thick coats of rich leaves, making them very nearly completely blend in with the thick foliage around them and mistake them for being actual bushes. Sticking out from their leaf covered mouths were a set of razor-sharp canine teeth that seemed to be made from the sharpest of wood, with long curved claw-like wooden paws. Sticking out form where their shoulders were, were two large sets of wood that curved back at the middle, looking to be designed for riding the canines. Lastly, at the end of their tails, were large wooden clubs with multiple smaller, jagged, and even sharper tipped branches were sticking out, swaying slowly behind them.

“Oh shit… oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit!” Rainbow Dash blurted. “Not them, no please, anything but them!”

Applejack gulped. “Y-yeah…Ah think it is RD.” She replied, biting her lip. “Them wooden doggies there are Timberwolves!”

“T-T-Timberwolves?!” Rarity repeated, looking like she was going to faint form terror. “What in heaven’s name are Timberwolves?!”

“One of the most dangerous creatures ever to walk the face of this planet.” Zephyr, his ears flattening against his head. Everypony turned to him, and they were surprised to see the cold calculating look on the guard’s face. “According to ancient and modern Equestrian history, the Timberwolf is a creature that was once known to be seen as a myth and legend, said to have come from lands of wilderness that is not that of Equestria, but in this very forest. It was given its name by the fact that they are creatures made out of the very wood of trees that had died, before being manifested into a type of creatures from magic of Discord Konton. They’re known to be the second largest wolf ever to walk this plant, aside from the Dire Wolf, another type of wolf that is said to have come from lands Marelaska.”

“Are y’all serious?” Applejack asked with wide eyes. “That Discord feller made these creatures himself?”

“He did. Timberwolves are said to be fierce, powerful, and tenacious predators, more fearsome than any modern canine walking this earth today, and for very good reason. They share many traits with today’s modern wolves and dogs, only with them, it’s on a completely different level, since they are beings made of chaos.” Fluttershy said, putting deep emphasis on the last word. “When hunting, they can keep up the chase for hours one end, miles even; not stopping until they’ve exhausted their quarry, and the only way that their unlucky victim escape is if they fight back, or are too big and strong for the Timberwolves to take down. Although, Timberwolves are not known to give up very easily…especially when they believe that they can win and succeed in the hunt. When they do have their overwhelmed and surrounded, they’ll come at it from all sides using their combined power and weight to bring their prey down. Then use their long curved wooden claws and razor-sharp teeth to rip them to shreds…and devour them whole.” She finished, her teal eyes narrowing as her wings fidgeted at her sides.

“Whoa, seriously?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously, having a hard time believing what she was hearing. “They can keep going without getting tired for that long?”

“They can,” Goku replied softly with a nod of her head, feeling her heart beat hard against her ribcage. “At least, that’s what I believed based on the books that I’ve read. Timberwolves are not only known to have terrifying stamina that would put even a normal wolf’s to shame, but they are also known to be incredibly strong and fast, having strength equivalent to that of a Rhinoceros and speed and agility like that of a Gazelle. A terrifying combination I may say…especially for these guys.”

“Oh wow, that is so cool! I’ve never known a wolf, or any doggie for that matter, to be that super-duper awesome!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she bounced in place, her eyes wide with awe and amazement. “I wonder what else they have up their leafy little doggy sleeves of theirs!”

“Something tells me that we’re about to find out very shortly.” Twilight murmured as her body tensed up. “And we are not going to like it…”

No sooner did those words come out of her mouth, one of the Timberwolves, raised its head and let out a howl that pierced each of the girl’s ears like knives. When it stopped, it dipped it’s head down and bared it’s razor sharp fangs in preparation for an attack. With another snarl, it ran towards the river at break neck speed, and with leg strength that would’ve made Kangaroo jealous, it launched itself into the air, sailing all the way over the river. It shot its forelimbs out, spreading open its massive jaws and claws as it dove straight for Rarity, who screamed and tried to get away.

“Oh no you don’t!” Zephyr shouted as he got in between Rarity and the Timberwolf, shoving her out of the way. No sooner did he do so, the wooden canine clamped its jaws onto his right shoulder, its claws digging into his chest and right shoulder. Zephyr shouted and gritted his teeth as he kicked the Timberwolf off of him after they tumbled across the ground. The royal blue stallion shot to his hooves as he flared his wings, digging his forehooves into the ground as he snorted at the carnivore. It snarled back and leapt at him again, and this time Zephyr was prepared for it, spinning around and lifting his hind legs up for a kick. Before he could, the Timberwolf suddenly stopped in midair, before being pulled back and landing right into the river.

“Nice try, but you’re gonna have to do a lot better than that if you want to get at this guy, especially with me around!” Rainbow Dash shouted as the Timberwolves struggled inside of the river. With a snort she turned to look at Zephyr. “You okay there buddy?”

“Not for long I won’t, and neither will you!” Zephyr replied, ignoring the blood flowing from his shoulder, leg, and stomach. “There are more of those things here, remember?! That wasn’t the only one!”

Rainbow’s eyes widened and horrified realization, and she whipped her head back to see the rest of the Timberwolves were on the other side of the river. Before she could run to them, the Timberwolf that she had sent flying earlier suddenly slammed into her and knocked her to the ground. She looked up into its menacingly glowing eyes, feeling her face scrunch up when she caught a whiff of its unbearably foul scent.

“Why you…get the hay off of me you stinky mangy mutt!” Rainbow yelled, kicking the Timberwolf off of her before flying after it.

The Timberwolf that had managed to get across the river headed straight for the other girls, but Goku was one step ahead of them. She lashed her tail out and wrapped it around one’s right hindleg, before spinning around and sending it careening through the air and into the trees, before hitting the ground with a hard thud. It only lay there for a few seconds, but immediately shot its feet again as though nothing happened. It shook off the impact of the attack before turning to the ponies a snarl, it’s tail lashing back and forth like a whip.

“Nice one, G!” Applejack said with a grin, only for to drop it when the other Timberwolves charged at them. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Twilight screamed as they came, but Fluttershy, Goku and Applejack were not about to let them get hurt.

“Not so fast ya varmints!” Applejack cried as she rushed in to intercept the Timberwolves, just as they lunged at the trio. Thinking fast, Applejack whirled around and shot her back legs out, slamming them both into the chest of a brown leafed Timberwolf that had leapt in the air, inadvertently sending it flying back to where the first one was flown. She spun back around just in time to slam a forehoof into the side of a blue leafed Timberwolf that had been trying to leap on her back, before kicking it away. Fluttershy suddenly stepped in, and allowing her angelic wings to lash out and sharp wind gusts at yellow leafed Timberwolf. They stuck the canine hard in the face, sending it to the opposite side of where Rainbow had sent the last Timberwolf.

No sooner did that happen, a fourth Timberwolf covered in orange leafy fur lunged at her, managing to slam right into her to the ground. It attempted to sink its teeth into her throat in an effort to tear it out, but Fluttershy was going to have any of that. With a mighty heave, she slammed her hind hooves into the Timberwolves’s stomach sending it shooting into the air, wincing when she felt the deep slash marks left on her shoulders and stomach by its claws. As she shot back up on her hooves, another Timberwolf ran past her and leaped towards Twilight, but just as it was about to pounce on her, Fluttershy grabbed its tail in her jaws and pulled back hard. She twisted her head to the side, using the muscles in her neck, and swung the wooden canine around in the air, slamming it into another Timberwolf that were coming for them.

“Ha! Take that ya little wooden doggies!” The farm mare said with a grin as she gave a snort of victory.

“Oh thank you, Applejack! I was beginning to think that I was a goner back there!” Twilight said, giving her friend thankful smile as relief washed over her. “It just came at me so fast that I didn’t have enough time to summon up my magic!”

“No need t’ thank me sugarcube, I was just doing my job in keeping you safe.” Applejack said with a wave of her hoof. She looked down at her shoulders and gave another wince of pain upon seeing the slash marks running with blood. “Though, I am gonna have a few more battle scars by th' time this is all over.”

“Um, you guys! I don’t think we should be relaxing just yet!” Zephyr suddenly shouted from above them as the former pointed a magenta hoof forward. Giving the stallion confused looks, the other mares looked to where she was pointing, and felt the fur on their necks stand on end. More Timberwolves were emerging out of the forest, leaping over the river and slowly making their way towards them, and from the looks on their faces, they were hungry…very hungry.

“Shit…” Rainbow Dash muttered. “We are so screwed.”

“Oh wow! Those are a lotta Timberwolves, and in so many different colors too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as “It’s like my collection of all of the balloons that I use for parties, except they look like dogs instead of balloons!”

“Pinkie Pie, this is hardly the time for one of your random comments!” Rarity snapped, giving the cheerful Earth Pony a harsh glare. “We are in the middle of the Everfree Forest about to get eaten by these monstrous abominations of wolves and I don’t see any way how we can get out of this!”

“Rarity, I would really appreciate it if you would please stop calling them that.” Fluttershy murmured softly, glancing disapprovingly at the alabaster Unicorn. “I really don’t want to have to use my Solar Stare on you.”

“What’re we gonna do?!” Twilight cried as she stepped closer to the others, all of them huddling together. “We’re completely surrounded!”

“Oh, I’ll tell you what we’re going to do!” Rainbow Dash replied, who looked ready to electrocute the Timberwolves. “We’re going to blast each and every single one of these mutts into firewood!”

Fluttershy snapped her head up towards Dash with wide and panicked eyes, but before she could say anything, Goku dove down in front of all of them. The force of her landing caused the ground to shake beneath her hooves as she flared her giant wings out once more, shielding her friends from the wooden canines. “Like hay we are!” She shouted indignantly.

Before anypony could say or do anything, the tan Thestral pulled her wings back, before she brought together, emitting a powerful clap that echoed all across the small spot they were in, A large and powerful gust of wind to burst from her wings, colliding right into the Timberwolves as they were blown back and sent flying and tumbling across the ground. Some even falling into the river and going downstream, letting out terrified whines all the while, much to Fluttershy’s discomfort, though she kept quiet. Before she could scold her friend however, Goku turned to face each of her and the rest of her friends, her expression nothing short or urgent as she yelled out a single word.

“RUN!”

None of them needed to be told twice as they took off into a fierce gallop after Goku, who made a beeline straight to the forest behind them. The others followed right behind her as Zephyr brought up the rear, looking back every once and a while to keep the Timberwolves from getting past him. They could hear the sounds of the canines howling behind them, as they took off in hot pursuit of the ponies, eager to try and get in a late-night snack.

The chase was on.

Author's Note

Before anyone on this chapter who has red the first part of it gets on my case for over extending the battle between the girls and the Timberwolves, as I have said in one of my last Author's Notes, I have learned gradually from that mistake. I did still have the idea of an invasion in Ponyville like in the last time I wrote it but this time, but it was not going to be with the canines, but the the creatures that I had put in the other few chapters and such. So don't worry, I'm not going to try to extended it anywhere near as long as I did, especially with just when I'm planning for the girls to ascend...along with everypony else :ajsmug: .

Also, just on a side not, the very ends of this chapter do have the same parts of my last version of the chapter that I wrote containing the Timberwolf encounter. I just changed some little itty bitty parts of it, like whose saving who, who's attacking first, and who it is that's going to lead the others to safety, even though that's supposed to be Zephyr's job, since he is a Royal Guard. Though, with just how much things are going on, and with the girls dealing with animals that can very well literally run them into exhaustion, things don't exactly go according to plan, do they :twilightsheepish: ?

Well, that's all for this chapter; next time we're going back to Ponyville and how they're dealing with their own unwanted guests. I'm also going to try to go into depth about how I'm going to make those scenes so...the next update may be a while :unsuresweetie: .

Chapter 26 - Recovery

“How are you holding up there Ms. Cloud?” Sweetie Belle asked, scanning over the persian blue Pegasus’s bandaged body. “Are those injuries still hurting you?”

“No...no they’re not. At least, not all that much anymore.” Cloud Kicker replied as she rested her head against the pillow. “I’ll admit, they hurt like a bitch when I first got here after that fight with the Tantabuses. I’m glad that Dinky didn’t get to hurt by them, otherwise my little sister would kill me for letting her daughter and my youngest niece to get hurt.” She smiled thankfully at Sweetie and the rest of the foals. “Thanks for that again, by the way…for keeping my niece safe.”

“Oh, it was no trouble at all.” Apple Bloom said shyly, a small modest blush making its way to her sun yellow cheeks. “We were jus’ doin’ our part...lookin’ out fer a friend as all.”

“No, I’m serious baby. I’m am feeling a lot better now knowing that Dinky’s safe...and a lot more comfortable too.” Cloud insisted, grinning somewhat wolfishly. “You guys really are a really good bunch of friends that Dinky has you are, especially you there, kiddo.”

Sheton, who was sitting beside Crescent Shield and reading a book with her, looked up, only to see the persian blue mare’s eyes locked onto him. He looked in between his sisters, Spike and the other fillies, before asking, “U-um…are you talking about me?”

“Who else would she be talking about dear?” Snowflake asked amusedly. “I saw how you were protecting Crescent, Spike and Dinky while me and Midnight were fighting that Tantabus. You looked ready to drain it dry of its magic if it came anywhere near them.”

“W-what do you mean?” Sheton asked, stuttering slightly. “I-I wasn’t doing anything! I was just as scared as Spike, Crescent and Dinky were! I was literally right in front of them!”

“True, but that didn’t mean you were terrified for long.” Midnight said, giggling slightly. “Around sometime during the fight, I had noticed that as the Tantabus was getting closer to you and the others, your demeanor did a complete one-eighty. You were from being so petrified to being in full on protective mode against anything that would hurt your friends. I have to admit Sheton, I did find it pretty cute…if not a little bit scary.”

“I…I was?” Sheton asked softly, blinking a few times. He looked in between Crescent, Spike, and Dinky, all of who were nodding in confirmation. “Wow…I don’t really remember that. I mean, I know something inside of my changed and I didn’t feel scared anymore, but…aside from that, everything was just a blur.”

“Well, you did end up getting all angry and ferocious when the Tantabus tried to get us.” Spike murmured, rubbing the back of his head. “I remember you crouching in front of us and opening your wings, while your fangs were bared. You did look…just a little bit scary to be honest.”

“Yeah, just a little.” Dinky nodded, smiling slightly. “You, uh…also ended almost poking me in the eye with the claw of your wing. Just to let you know.”

“I did?! I’m so sorry!” Sheton gushed, reaching over and gingerly examining Dinky’s face. “Are you hurt anywhere; do you have any cuts?”

Dinky blushed at the contact the Thestral colt was giving her. “U-um…no, I don’t have anything that needs bandaging. Your wing just hit me really hard in the face, that’s all.” She said meekly, the smile on her face matching her tone. “T-thank you for being so worried about me though…”

“I have to say kids, you were really good in helping Snowflake and Midnight in helping me fix my wounds, especially you Scootaloo.” Cloud Kicker murmured, running a hoof over one of her bandaged wings. “I know you guys are around eight or nine, but you were pretty efficient in doing this. I have to say…I’m impressed; you look like you might have the potential to be nurses and doctors someday.”

“Pfft, Doctors and Nurses?! Us?! Please! As if any of us would want to have a job like that!” Fire Flash snorted. “I you want my honest opinion, the only one of us who’ll have even the slightest chance of working in all of that medicine stuff is Scootaloo. She’s the one with all the knowledge about animals and stuff!”

“Oh? She does?” Cloud asked, her golden eyes trailing over to the bright orange Pegasus filly.

Scootaloo looked away, a deep blush making its way to her cheeks as she poked her forehooves together bashfully. “Well, um...yes, I do. M-my sister and I live in a cottage that’s right on the edge of the Everfree Forest, s-so she has a lot of animals living with her that she takes care of daily, besides me.”

As the shy filly looked up at Cloud, she noticed the wide-eyed look of horrified shock on the persian blue mare’s face. Not wanting any criticism to be thrown at her sister, the bright orange filly quickly continued. “D-d-don’t worry! I-It’s not those types of animals that she takes care of. A-at least, not all the time since they can take care of themselves, due to them having c-chaotic magic and all. F-Fluttershy takes care of the animals that you’d normally find in the W-Whitetail Woods, l-like Rabbits, Sparrows, Swallows, Ducks, Ferrets, Mice, Small Cats, Weasels, Deer, Elk, Moose, a-and even Bears. I-I think she’s thinking about opening up her very own sanctuary near our cottage sometime too. I heard her mention it a few times to the members of Critter Crew she works with that she sometimes takes me to see, but I don’t really know for sure.”

A small smile came to Scootaloo’s face as that though crossed her mind, before she gently shook it and addressed Cloud once more. “A-a-a-anyway, I do have an advanced knowledge of animals, and not just the ones in my sister’s cottage. I also know about the ones in the Everfree Forest too, like the Timberwolves, Manticores, Cave Demons, Night Furies, Battoookamis...you name it. I have yet to learn more about the animals that aren’t where we are, and I hope to have a talent in taking care of them someday...or at least learning about them. A-and yes, I do hope that I’ll be able to take care of them one day. Though, something tells me I’ll exceed farther than that…”

“Really? You want to work with animals too?” Sheton asked, looking over at Scootaloo with wide eyes. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do too!”

“You do?” The bright orange filly asked, both of her ears perking up.

“Uh-huh! Back at Canterlot, where I’m still kind of living at, there’s a few Zoos that me and my family like to visit all the time, that have all kinds of creatures! Like Toucans, Spider Monkeys, Wallaroos, and even Bats there too, which are my favorite animal!” Sheton replied with a nod of his head. “I know so much about the animals there, and I really hope that I get to be some part of an animal sanctuary and protection group someday! Oh, and one that involves protecting endangered species, like the bats!”

“Really? Wow, that’s amazing Sheton! You have the same dream that Scootaloo has!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, looking at the stormy grey colt with a wide sweet smile. “Maybe you two can be part of one of those group together, or maybe even make you’re own sanctuary based on it!”

“Yeah!” Crescent Shield nodded, before a thought crossed her mind. “Or maybe, the both of you could join that ‘Critter Crew’ group that Scootaloo’s sister is a part of!”

“Now, now, you kids, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Cloud said as she rolled over and laid on her stomach. “While it’s great that you what you want to do when you grow up, I think it’s safe to say that neither of you are ready that kind of work yet. You still have another six or seven years before you should even think about getting jobs, so you don’t have to rush into adulthood now.”

“Yeah they know that, and so do we.” Spike said as he crossed his forelegs, a small pout coming to his face. “They were just saying that they wanted to do it as a job someday. We all know that we can’t get a job at our age...not that we’d really want to right now anyway.”

“Hmhm, that’s good to hear. I’m sure that none of your sisters or parents would want to waste your foalhoods before you even got halfway, and I sure as hay wouldn’t want my little niece to either. Especially since there are more…pleasurable things for her to experience.” Cloud Kicker giggled, ignoring the glare that Snowflake sent her way. “Until then, why don’t you just stick to being sweet little foals for now and worry about becoming more responsible later, okay?”

“Okay…” The two foals said quietly, looking away from each other and twiddling with their forehooves.

“So Sheton...y’all like learnin’ ‘bout bats huh?” Apple Bloom asked nonchalantly, making the stormy grey colt turn to her. “Ya know...me an’ mah family do have a family of Fruit Bats that like to hang around in our trees on our farm.”

The moment those words left her mouth, Apple Bloom found her whole vision enveloped by two sparkling emerald blue orbs as Sheton shot up in front of her. His transfixing emerald blue eyes were wide as they shine with excitement.

“Really, you actually have Fruit Bats on your farm?!” He cried, a wide smile on his face as he leaned in so close to Apple Bloom that their noses were practically touching.

“Eeyup, a whole flock o’ ‘em, rangin’ from all different colors, an’ lookin’ like th’ very fruits they were named after.” The sun yellow filly replied, smiling in amusement. She used a hoof to gently push him away, if only by just a few inches. “If ya want, after this is all over an’ done, Ah could have one o’ mah sisters ‘r Granny Smith take ya t’ the Western fields an’ have a look at ‘em. We have a lotta them in western fields, and they don’t really bother us. So Ah’m sure that it’ll be a real excitin’ thing fer ya; ya know, since yer half bat an’ all.”

“Really?! Oh, thank you thank you thank you Apple Bloom!” Sheton squealed, bringing the sun yellow filly in a tight hug as he nuzzled his cheek against hers. “I’ve been wanting to see real Fruit Bats for so long! you don’t have any idea how much this means to me!”

“Heheheh...it’s nothin’ Sheton.” Apple Bloom murmured softly, blushing slightly at the hug. “Could, um…c-could ya lemme go now? I-I can’t really breathe…!”

“Um, Sheton…” Scootaloo suddenly said, gaining the stormy grey colt’s attention. “M-me and my sister have b-been at S-Sweet Apple Acres a f-few times t-to see the F-Fruit Bats a-and um, I-I-I learned some interesting facts about t-them. I-if you want, y-y-you can come over t-t-to our cottage s-sometime and w-we can t-teach you a few things a-about the F-Fruit B-Bats.”

This time, it was Scootaloo’s turn to blush as Sheton shot over to her and wrapped his forelegs around her waist. Although, he was gentler with her and didn’t try to hug too tightly, least he hurt other Pegasus foal with her own unnatural strength.

“You can totally count on my being there Scootaloo!” Sheton giggled as he hoisted her up in the air, earning a small squeak from the filly.

“G-g-great...I-I’m excited t-to see you b-back there…” Scootaloo stuttered, the blush on her face as red as Apple Bloom’s mane.

“Alright, we get it! You like bats and you both want to have a job that has to do with animals just like Fluttershy.” Fire Flash said as she grimaced at the display of affection. “You don’t need to be so mushy about it, sheesh!”

At these words, Sheton blinked and looked up at Scootaloo, who was looking back down at him with a scarlet red face, and the tiniest hint of a smile on her face as her single violet eye gazed into both of his emerald blue ones. The Thestral colt then looked at the way he was holding the indigo maned filly, and a blush came to his own cheeks as his tufted ears went limp against his head. Looking away from his fellow flyer, he gently, and veryslowly, set her back down on the ground, before shuffling a good few feet away from her, pulling his fedora over his face.

“Oh, now look what you did, Fire Flash!” Sweetie Belle chastised as she hopped off of Twilight’s bed and trotted over to Sheton. “You just made Sheton feel embarrassed and guilty for hugging Scootaloo! Did you really have to say that?!”

“What?” The crimson filly asked perplexedly. “All I said was that he didn’t need to get that excited! He looked like my big sis whenever another Daring Do book comes out!”

“And yer saying that yer one t’ talk?” Apple Bloom asked flatly, raising a scarlet red eyebrow. “Ah seem t’ recall y’all bouncin’ round like Pinkie Pie on a sugar rush an’ squeezin’ Sheton ‘ere when he mentioned that he’s a fan o’ them Wonderbolts you an’ Dash like so much back at the Town Square.”

Fire Flash’s face heated up at these words, and had it not been for her fur being so red, Apple Bloom would’ve most definitely seen the blush on her face. “T-that has nothing to do with this!”

“Sure...sure it doesn’t.” The sun yellow filly said smugly.

“I’m serious!”

“O’ course ya are.”

“Are you saying that I’m into that kind of stuff?!”

“No, Ah’m jus’ sayin’ that yer a real big softie inside.” Apple Bloom said teasingly with a small smirk on her face. “A real big red super softie.”

“I think so too~!” Spike giggled, both green claws coming to his lips

“Ha! Take that!” Sweetie shouted, pointing a hoof up at the crimson filly.

“Why you-” Fire Flash growled as her golden eyes flashed, the fur on her neck bristling. Before she could make a move on Apple Bloom however, Crescent Shield came to the rescue. “You take that back right now!”

Apple Bloom grinned even wider “Y’all gonna make me Flashy?”

“Maybe I will!” The crimson filly hissed as she stomped over towards Apple Bloom, both of her eyes glowing. Before she could do anything, Crescent Shield came to Apple Bloom’s rescue.

“You guys please! Now’s not the time to be fighting!” The ocean blue filly cried, encasing Fire Flash in an icy blue aura of magic. “Remember, we’re trying to keep Miss Cloud and Dinky safe here, and Miss Amethyst gonna get really mad at us if she finds us fighting like this!”

Then, as if to prove Crescent Shield’s point, Amethyst’s voice came ringing from downstairs. “Kids, what’s going on up there?! Is something wrong with Derpy?!”

“Nope, everything’s just fine Ame!” Cloud quickly replied back. “Fire Flash and Apple Bloom are just having a little debate over who likes your brother, that’s all!”

“No, we weren’t!” Both fillies protested at the same time, both of their faces heating up in embarrassment.

“Miss Cloud…” Sheton whined as he pouted at the mare.

The giggling persian blue Pegasus and the other foals waited a few moments for Snowflake to reply back while they all calmed down. When she did, her voice carried the same tone of amusement as Derpy’s did, with the slightest hint of slyness added to it.

“Well, just make sure that they keep it down okay?!” Amethyst asked, the tone in her voice making Derpy grin wider. “I’m on watch duty, and Ireallywouldn’t want to be distracted by the sounds of Dinky and her friends fawning over their new coltfriend!”

“Duly noted!” Cloud chirped, laughing at the blush on Dinky’s face.

“We AIN’T fawnin’ over him!” Apple Bloom cried with a stamp of her hoof.

“Sure you weren’t.” Sweetie Belle said slyly, causing the farm filly to shoot her a heated glare.

“Oh, don’t you start now too!”

“Start what?” The alabaster filly asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes innocently. “All I was doing was just agreeing with you that you weren’t fawning over Sheton, that’s all.”

“Oh, and yer sayin’ that you didn’t do the same when you met him?” Apple Bloom asked, grinning when she saw Sweetie Belle flinch.

“Y-yeah!” Sweetie Belle replied with a slight stutter, her tail skirt swishing nervously. “I-I wasn’t anywhere near as touchy feely with Sheton when I first met him! not even when me and him got into a tickle fi-” She clapped her hooves over her mouth as she realized what she was going to say, but it was too late. It was said, and everypony heard it loud and clear.

“Ah knew it!” Apple Bloom shouted triumphantly. “You were, weren’t you?!”

“A-Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo began, only to be cut off by Sweetie.

“N-no!” The two-tone maned filly squeaked as she back away from the sun yellow filly, who took a couple steps towards her. “I-I wasn’t fawning over him when he came to the boutique! All we did was play up in my room, and the whole time he was really sweet to me!”

“Admit it!” She demanded, pointing a hoof at her friend. “Y’all were coddlin’ him back at yer sister’s boutique, weren’t ya?! Jus’ like ya did back at th’ Town Square!”

“N-n-no! I wasn’t!” Sweetie Belle indignantly protested, before she gave a pause. “Well...I may have given him a few hugs here and there but-”

“So you do admit it!” Apple Bloom interjected, grinning wickedly at Sweetie Belle. “You like him, don’t you?!”

“How can I like somepony who I just met?!” The alabaster filly asked incredulously.

“She um...does bring up a good point.” Scootaloo said quietly, coming up to Sweetie Belle’s defense. “You can’t really have feelings for somepony only a day after you meet them.”

“Yeah, I mean…” Spike added, giving Apple Bloom perplexed expression. “Where’s the logic in that?”

“See?!” Sweetie Belle cried, pointing in between Spike and Scootaloo.

“Ah knowya can’t like somepony in a day, Ah wasn’t raised in a chicken coop.” Apple Bloom said with a roll of her eyes, before turning to look back at Sweetie Belle. “Ah’m jus’ sayin’ that there may be a few...exceptions, here and there.”

“How many times to I have to tell you…” Sweetie hissed through gritted teeth. “I. Do not. Like. Sheton!”

“Ya most certainly do.” Apple Bloom cooed, grinning widely. “A lot.”

“I most certainly donot!” The alabaster filly shot back. “At all.”

“You most certainly do too!”

“I most certainly do not!”

“Do not!

“Do too!”

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

“DO NOT!”

“DO TOO! Wait...HEY!”

“HA! Ah was right!” Apple Bloom shouted, bouncing up in the air. “You do like him!”

“Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo scolded as Sweetie Belle froze on the spot.

“I...I…that wasn’t...” The alabaster filly stammered, her growing redder by the second as she glanced at Sheton, whose face was just as red. “T-T-That was a cheap shot Apple Bloom!”

Fire Flash burst out in a fit of laughter. “She got you there, Sweets! AB got you really good!”

“Shut up, Fire Flash!” Sweetie Belle shrieked, which sounded more like a squeak as the crimson filly laughed even harder. Sheton, who was also frowning at Apple Bloom, paused upon hearing Sweetie’s squeak.

‘Sweetie Belle just…squeaked!’ He thought as his face went pink. ‘And it was so cute!’

“Oh dear…” Snowflake sighed shaking her head.

Throughout the whole argument, Cloud still lay on Twilight’s bed, watching the whole scene play out in front of her, giving out a few muffled giggles here and there as she watched the foals bicker with each other. By the end of it, she was rolling around on the bed in hysterics, her face contorted with mirth. Her eyes were shut tight as tears flowed from them; her smile so wide that it hurt. She struggled to contain her laughter, least she fell off the bed or reopen her wounds, which were starting to ache a bit under the bandages, not that she really noticed. With each attempt she made, persian blue Pegasus found herself losing the battle, and getting closer the hard-wooden floor waiting for her below.

Just as she had reached the edge of the bed, Cloud suddenly froze, her ears picking up the sound of something exploding from outside of the Golden Oaks Library. Abruptly after that a bright light shined faintly through the window and into the upstairs bedroom. The mirth that the sex-obsessed mare was feeling vanished quicker than it had come as she whipped her head around to the source. She let out a hiss of regret as she used one of her forelegs to shield her eyes from the shining light, everypony else doing the same as a wave of power rush across the room.

“What in tarnation is that?!” Apple Bloom asked. “Is somepony lettin’ off fireworks outside?!”

“I don’t think that was it, Apple Bloom.” Crescent Shield replied. “That considerably too loud to be fireworks. Plus, I just felt a wave of magic reverberate around the library, so that could not have been any fireworks.”

Scootaloo looked over at the ocean blue filly nervously. “W-what do you think it was then?”

“…It was Amethyst’s magic shield.” Cloud Kicker replied, looking up at the fillies and the two Thestral mares in the room. “No doubt about it; I’ve felt different waves of magical power before, and I know that was Amethyst’s just now.”

“What does that mean?” Dinky asked. “Is something happening to big sis downstairs?”

“No baby, there’s not.” Snowflake replied before the filly could do anything. “It just means one of the Tantabus creatures tried to break down Amethyst’s. Or, at least…they ran into it and are now trying to break it down.”

“R-really?” Fire Flash asked, her eyes widening. “Is that why we saw that light a moment ago?”

“Mhm.” Snowflake nodded. “No doubt they’ve noticed the shield Amethyst made, and they believe there’s another group of victims. Which is why they’re trying to break at Amethyst’s shield right now.”

“They’re not going to get in, are they?” Sheton asked, looking up fearfully at his older sister. “I mean, we all saw what happened downstairs, and what how much power those T-T-Tantabuses contained. I-Is miss Amethyst’s shield going to be able to hold out until they go away?”

“Of course it will baby.” Cloud Kicker replied confidently. “Before that sexy ass mare Twilight came to town, Amethyst was the best magic user to ever walk the streets of Ponyville. There was no Unicorn in this entire town that could wield magic as expertly asshe could, or cast as many spells either. She’s conjured up shields before and the one she has in this how now, is sure to hold off against whatever things that might come in. Trust me when I say that.”

“O-oh, don’t worry Auntie Cloud, w-we trust you.” Dinky said reassuringly. “I-it’s just that I’m still s-scared that t-they’ll find some other way t-to get inside.”

Crescent Shield looked over at her fellow horned friend. “Some other way? Like what?”

“I don’t know…” Dinky replied, unable to elaborate. “…I’m just afraid that they will.”

“Well, even if they do, we’re not going to let any of them hurt you!” Spike said cheerfully, wrapping a foreleg around Dinky. “It doesn’t matter how many of those monsters are out there trying to break in! If any of them try to mess with any my friends, or you, I’ll burn all of them to a crisp!”

“Ah second that!” Apple Bloom said, raising a hoof up. “Ah’ll buck them varmints t’ th’ west side o’ the orchard where th’ Fruit Bats are if they even think o’ tryin’ t’ mess any o’ mah friends!”

“Don’t forget me girls; I’ll blast anypony to smithereens before they even try to hurt one of us!” Sweetie added, her eyes glowing as her horn did as well. “Nopony messes with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and gets away with it,nopony!”

Fire Flash nodded. “True that AB, true that.”

“R-really? I-I’m your friend too?” Sheton asked, looking at Apple Bloom. “E-even though we just met?”

“Well yeah, o’ course ya are Sheton.” Apple Bloom replied, smiling at the Thestral colt. “Ah mean, sure, ya having wings, an’ fangs an’ all o’ that stuff, but that don’t mean ya ain’t one o’ my friends. We may have only jus’ met, but th’ rest o’ th’ girls all told me ‘bout their time with ya b’fore we went to th’ Town Square. Anypony that’s kind t’ mah friends an’ not a bully t’ ‘em is a friend in mah book, an’ that there is th’ honest truth.”

A blush came to Sheton’s as a smile of his own came to his muzzle. “W-wow, I-I never really thought of it like that. I-It usually takes a lot of time for somepony to become friends, b-but I’m glad that you think of me that way Apple Bloom.” His fangs gleamed as his smile grew slightly wider, if not a bit shyer. “T-though, if it’s not too much trouble, c-could we maybe take us being friends at a steady pace? I-I haven’t really had that many friends at my school, besides Spike and Crescent Shield, and any time I tried ended in pretty, um…bad conclusions. I don’t really want to take any chances in messing our friend up this time, s-so…maybe we could take it one step at a time? I-If that’s okay with you?” He asked, poking his hooves together as he looked at the sun yellow filly with his big blue eyes.

Apple Bloom’s heart melted upon seeing the puppy dog look on Sheton’s face, feeling her own face forming into a cute frown. Before she could say or do a thing, Scootaloo beat her to it, racing over and bringing Sheton into a gentle hug.

“Yes, of course we will Sheton!” She cooed, running her hoof up and down the back of Sheton’s head soothingly. “I can all see how scared you are about losing any potential friends that you want to have, including us! I also saw how nervous you were about you and I wanting to be friends when you were at my big sister’s college! I don’t want you to ever feel like that about anypony else you want to be friends with, and I know than the others don’t either!” She pulled away from the colt just enough to cup his face in her hooves, causing him to plush. “I promise, we’ll do whatever we can to make you as comfortable with us as possible, and we’ll be the best friends that you’ve ever had! We did the same with Spike and Crescent Shield, and we can do it for you too, even Melon Cake.” She looked at the rest of the foals. “Right everypony?”

“Absolutely!” Crescent Shield nodded. “Me and Spike do need to catch up with Sheton and tell him all about what happened while we were hear in Ponyville. I know that he’s gonna love all of the stories we have about this place!”

“I think so too~!” Spike chirped, doing so in such a way that Dinky could not help but coo to.

Sheton looked around at each of the fillies, taking in the conviction and honesty in their eyes as they all smiled warmly at him, Dinky included. The shy smile on his face slowly grew until he was almost grinning from ear to ear, his teeth gleaming brightly. A giggle escaped him as he leaned back slightly, covering his mouth with his forehooves as he continued to laugh.

“Oh wow, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much ever!” He said, adjusting the fedora on his head as he looked at Spike and the other fillies. “Thank you girls, really! I’m glad that you’re all willing to take this slow. I’m really excited for what we’re going to be doing here after this is all over!”

“So are we! This town is really really really fun!” Dinky squeaked, smiling widely as her leonine tail swished back and forth. “There’s so much to do in it, and looks of places for friends to go to together!” She paused, her expression going from cheerful to bashful in less than a second as she rubbed her foreleg. “U-um…s-speaking of which, S-Sheton? C-can I ask you something?”

The stormy grey colt tilted his head. “What is it?”

“U-um…my M-momma t-told me about h-how she met you on the street e-earlier today, a-after she um…almost crashed into you.” Dinky explained, pausing to glare at Cloud as the mare giggled in her hoof. “She also told me about how she planned to introduce you to me a-at the Summer Sun Celebration today, s-since you seemed like r-really sweet colt to her.” She took a deep breath and shook the blush off of her face. “A-anyway…I-I was wondering…d-do you mind if we also be-”

That was all the grayish violet filly was able to see before a hoof gently pressed itself against her muzzle, thus preventing her from speaking. Squeaking in surprise, she looked up to see Sheton in front of her, smiling in a way that made him want to hug him until his eyes popped out of their sockets.

“Yes Dinky, I’d love to be friends with you, along with the other fillies.” He replied, taking his hoof away. “Your mom told me about how you and Amethyst would love to see meet me because of how nice I was to your mom today. Though you can see how that went after what happened at the Town Square.” A sweat drop appeared on the back of his head as he giggled sheepishly, before regaining his composure. “Anyway, yes, I’d love to be friends with you, and maybe your sister if she’s up for it. Just as long as you’re okay with taking it slow with me like the others said they would.”

Dinky nodded eagerly, her cheerful mood returning as quickly as it had vanished. “Sure, we can take as much time as we need to! I know we don’treally become friends in a day, so I’m willing to do this as slow as you want!” Her expression softened as she looked off to the side. “Though, um…do you mind if I, um…give you a hug for accepting my offer to be your friend?”

“O-oh, um…sure, I don’t see the harm in that-wah!” Sheton was cut off from what he was going to say when Dinky lunged at him. She pulled him in a tight hug, her chin resting on top of his head as she wrapped her forelegs around his neck. “Wow, heheheh…you’re really a hugger, aren’t you Dinky?”

“She sure is kiddo.” Cloud Kicker replied slyly as Snowflake smiled fondly at the scene. “The more you get to know her, the more hugs you’re going to be subjected to. And when you two are older…she may want to huge for another more, intimate reason.”

Snowflake glared warningly at the persian blue mare. “And just what reason may that be Cloud?”

“A reason that involves banging, screaming, and a very big banana.” Another voice replied bluntly. “One that my mom will surely stare Aunt Cloud’s eyes out for if she here to hear it herself.”

Almost everypony jumped upon hearing the voice, and they looked over to see Amethyst standing in the doorway, leaning against it casually. She was standing on her hind-legs with her forehooves crossed, glaring daggers at Cloud Kicker as if she tried to hit on her.

“Amethyst!” Dinky squealed, running over and leaping into the elder Unicorn’s embrace.

“Oh, Amethyst. I didn’t hear you coming up the stairs.” Snowflake said. “Are you doing alright there dear?”

The magenta purple Unicorn nodded. “Yeah, I am; I have plenty of Twilight’s books form downstairs, so I’m plenty occupied for right now.” She frowned as she put a hoof to her horn. “Even so, it didn’t help that jolt I felt when I put up that shield…stupid manifested Tantabuses.”

“I don’t blame you; I’m still trying to believe that those things were created by…her.” Cloud said, looking down at her hooves. She looked over at Snowflake, who was sitting on the far side of the bed. “Are you sure that Nightmare Moon was the one who created those things?”

“No doubt.” Snowflake replied, her brows furrowing. “I felt the magic coming from that Tantabus when it broke in here. It had the same dark, icy, and malicious feeling as Nightmare Moon’s had…along with an unquenchable amount of bloodthirst.” Her head lowered so her mane was covering most of her face. “Nightmare Moon was definitely the one who made the Tantabuses; for the specific purpose of laying waste to this entire town. And unless we, and the Royal Guard can stop them, they’re not gonna stop until that happens.”

The whole bedroom went silent when Snowflake said these words, the three mares and the eight foals having various expression on their faces. Each of them was scared in their own rights, not only for themselves and each other, but for those that they knew. Not only for the ones that were in the town trying to keep themselves safe, but for the ones that were currently after the villain that brought all this terror upon them. Despite everything that happened, there were still some of them who were unable to grasp the fact that one of the most feared villains of all time, Cloud Kicker and Amethyst especially. However, that was slowly being chipped away as the night progressed and more Tantabus monsters continued to wreak havoc all across the town. Even so, that didn’t take away the fear and worry they had of what would happen to them and the ones that were out to stop Nightmare Moon. They knew that something needed to give, or else they were not going to survive the night, and something told them that things were only going to get even worse from there.

“Yeah, well, I don’t think it really matters how many of those things are out there.” Spike finally said after nearly a minute of silence. “There are just as many of these Tantabuses as there are ponies, and that means they can totally be knocked down a peg or two!”

“Um, kiddo, I appreciate your optimism…” Cloud Kicker said. “…but I think it’s going to take more than a draconic colt to go up against all those monsters.”

“That’s not what he meant.” Sheton deadpanned. “What he means by there as much of those Tantabuses as there are ponies, they can be fought back against. What I mean by that, is us, since we’re all able to use magic like they can, so we can definitely defend ourselves against them if we need to.”

“Oh, that makes much more sense.” Cloud Kicker said, giggling a bit. “Why didn’t you just say that honey?”

Spike sweat dropped. “Uh…I just did. Didn’t you hear me?”

“Just ignore her Spike.” Amethyst sighed, putting a hoof to her forehead. “My aunt’s always been a bit on the short-minded side. So, if I were you, I wouldn’t waste your breath.”

“Well, regardless of whether Ms. Cloud understands what Spike’s saying or not…” Sweetie said, giving a sigh of her own. “…his point still stands. Just because there’s a flock of Nightmare Moon’s creations prowling all over Ponyville, doesn’t mean that the same can’t be concluded about us. We’re just as powerful as all of them, regardless of whether we’re Royal Guards or not, and while some of us may be weaker than them…” Her eyes glowed as her sword horn did the same, electric sparks of magic emitting form it “…that also doesn’t mean we can’t take on anything thrown from them.”

“Yer darn tootin’.” Apple Bloom nodded, stamping her hoof. “We may jus’ be fillies, but we ain’t any ordinary fillies. Even we can take a sucker punch ‘r two if we can help it; Ah ain’t a member o’ th’ Sweet Apple Titan family fer nothin’.”

“Damn straight.” Fire Flash growled, bashing her hooves together. “Anypony that messes with us, is going to be in world of pain. And if they think they can mess with these colts and fillies, then they’ve got a real ass kicking prepared for them, am I right guys?”

“Yeah!” Sheton, Spike, Dinky, and most of the other fillies exclaimed.

“M-mhm…” Scootaloo mumbled, smiling sweetly.

“Well, look at you little ones.” Snowflake cooed. “Not even fifteen and you are already just radiating with conviction and determination. Your sisters and mothers would be so proud if they were to see this now.”

“Yeah, they sure would. I know that Derpy would be crying her eyes out if she saw my niece wanting to protect her friends.” Cloud Kicker said, letting out a soft chuckle. “Don’t you think so Amethyst?”

Amethyst, who was staring outside of the window just behind her aunt, snapped out of her daze upon hearing her name being called. “Huh? Oh yeah, momma sure would be hugging the ever-living shit out of Dinks if she were here.”

“Um, are you okay there Ame?” The persian blue mare asked, raising a brow. “You seem a little out of it there.”

“Oh, it’s not anything that serious.” Amethyst replied. “I’m just you know…worried about Blossomforth.”

“Oh…you mean about how she might be doing going off against all of those Tantabuses after you and her, well…split up?” Cloud Kicker asked, earning a light nod from her eldest niece. “I see…well, I don’t think you should worry too much. Blossom’s a tough mare in her own right, like all the other ponies and lil’ cuties here in this town. Plus, she has all of those Royal Guards there that’ll happen to drop in on her if she runs into one of those Tantabus things, so I know that she’ll be okay. Who knows, maybe she’s already at the Town Square with my little sis right now.”

“Yeah…” Amethyst murmured, looking back out the window at the Moon from outside of her shield. “…I hope so.”

Author's Note

Hmmm...there's not much of this chapter that I can say that I had changed at beginning at the middle of writing this, other than who it was that was being treated for their injuries, this being Cloud Kicker instead of Derpy, and Snowflake and Amethyst being there instead of the former and Midnight, along with Dinky being with the res of the foals. That, along with changing a bit of who said what, with the ending being the only difference to the new version of this chapter, something that I had quite a bit of fun doing. Now, I was going to make this longer and add Blossomforth making it to the Town Square and telling Shining Armor what he had found out about the Tantabuses, but I felt that I should write it into another different chapter, because I have a little plan about how that little journey's going to go down and just how Shining and the rest of the Solar and Lunar Guards are finally going to get the drop on the Tantabuses. This will also follow up on how the Lunar Guards will meet up with Snowflake, Cloud Kicker, Amethyst, and the foals like I had in the twenty first chapter, except in this version, we'll have, Cloud Kicker, Amethyst and Dinky with Snowflake and the other foals.

Alright, that's all for right now, I'll see you guys in the next chapter when its up and ready to be read :scootangel: ! While I won't go into what I'm going to do, it will be a much better and well thought out version then what I did the last time I wrote that meeting, because...yeah, that last version was just...yeah, it was bad :facehoof: .

Chapter 27 - Blades of Indigo

The cool air of the newly moonlit night blew over Moon Blade’s ghostly white fur as he soared high over the streets and houses of Ponyville, looking down at the various parts of the destroyed down. His jet-black mane and tail skirt blew in the wind behind him, his Lunar armor shining in the light of the Moon as he soared through the air like a vulture scanning the ground for the body of a deceased creature. His crimson eyes gleamed in the darkness, scanning through the, scanning the town for any signs of the Tantabuses or any other creature that happened to be on the prowl for any pony wandering outside. The bat winged stallion’s wings gave slow gentle flaps as he continued to fly over the town, his ears perked as he listened out for any unusual sound he could pick up.

It had been more than three and a half hours since Moon Blade and the rest of his fellow Lunar Guards had come to Ponyville under the order of Queen Celestia, to protect the Ponyville civilians from the danger of Nightmare Moon. It was even less time since the fight since he and almost the entire Lunar Guard had been in the fight with the Tantabuses that flew their way into the town, and nothing much had happened after that. Moon Blade had to admit to himself, that while he was expecting to encounter some danger in the normal peaceful town, he certainly wasn’t expecting to encounter it the minute they set foot in the town. Especially to the degree that it was, as evident by just how many of the ethereal creatures there were. This didn’t stop him from going to the help of anypony that he had come across, savagely engaging with any Timberwolf that tried to attack him and anypony he was trying to protect.

For the majority of his time in Ponyville, this is what Moon Blade continuously found himself doing; engaging with the Tantabuses, and coming to the aid of anypony that he could, be it mare, stallion, or foal. He witnessed more than a few of them going onto their Adrenaline and Ascension Modes to engage the Tantabuses themselves if he weren’t able to get to them on time, with a few of them being no older than foals. While he knew that a good majority of the ponies in Ponyville were more than capable of defending themselves against a threat, he still held to his duty as a soldier to protect the innocent. Despite this, nothingcould have prepared him for the display of power that the Tantabuses showed when he and his squad had first run into them.

If Moon Blade had thought that things were intense when the Lunar Guards first came to town, then things reallygot crazy when the Lunar Captain fought the creatures. Moon Blade found himself more often than not trying to keep himself from getting his throat sliced open and his wings ripped off, or anything severe like that. There was even on one occasion where he had to go into his Bat Pony Adrenaline Mode just to keep up with the newly evolved canines, who at the time were much stronger than they were before. In the midst of the battle, he had taken notice of a Tantabus that was going after a mare and a couple of her foals.

Despite the surprise and initial shock that he felt, Moon Blade wasted no time coming to the mare and foals’ aid, slicing down any Timberwolf that dared tried to attack them while his soldiers acted as a shield to protect them. As relieved as he was to be able to save them in time, he was more than a little bit bothered that neither of the foals looked away from the battle, as he didn’t want to give them any severe mental scars. Thankfully, they didn’t look to be too disturbed by it, and after assigning a few of his guards with them, the Lunar Captain resumed his duty in protecting the village and the ponies in it.

This is where Moon Blade now currently found himself, soaring over the large village and keeping an eye out for any signs of danger below him. So far, he didn’t see anything that stood out, and as he latched on to his magical detection, he found none that belonged to that of a Timberwolf or any other creature that was out of the ordinary. That meant that the whole village was completely clear, and all the residents were now safe.

‘Although,’ He thought as a frown came to his face. ‘There are the ponies at the Town Square that need to be looked after. Though Captain Shining Armor has that taken care of…plus there are doctors and nurses to help, both from Ponyville and from the guard. Still, what about the ponies back at that farm?’ He looked over at the farm at the south western part of Ponyville sitting atop the hill. ‘Doesn’t look like there’s anything that’s out of place…but I should still go over there and check on it, just to be sure. It never hurts to do some extra investigating before anything else…’

Just as Moon Blade was about to change direction and head over to the farm, his sharp ears picked up the sound wings flapping behind him. Now on high alert, he stopped in mid-flap and whirled around, his ears pinning back and crimson eyes blazing as he bared his fangs at what, or rather, whowas behind him.

“Whoa, take it easy Captain! It’s just me!” Star Chaser exclaimed, holding his hooves out. “I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you and bite your neck, I swear!”

“Star Chaser….” Moon Blade whispered, his eyes widening as his ears perked back up. After he regained his composure, his ears pinned back again as a sigh escaped his lips. “My goodness my dear boy…how many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that? You just about gave me a heart attack!”

“Eheheheheh, yeah, sorry about that Captain Blade…” Star Chaser replied, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you like that. I thought you had sensed me coming…”

“You mean like the last two hundred times that you did?” Moon Blade asked flatly with a raised eyebrow. “I told you over and over that I don’t like it when ponies come up behind him like that so unexpectedly! What made you like it was okay this time?!”

“Absolutely nothing, that’s what.” Said another, more feminine voice, as Raven Moon came flying up to them a few seconds later. One she reached them, she looked over at her brother with a disapproving frown on her muzzle. “Honestly Big Bro, what were you thinking? You know how the Captain is about ponies sneaking up on him like that. Did you really think that he wasn’t going to flip out the way he did?

“No, of course I knew!” Star Chaser replied, glaring at his little sister. “And I was trying to deliberately sneak up on him! I was just going to tell him that we were able to get the ponies he left us with to safety!”

“Uh-huh, and you didn’t think to maybe shout it out to him or call his name?” Raven Moon asked, raising an eyebrow. “That way he wouldn’t have looked like he was going to tear your throat open?”

Star Chaser opened his mouth to retort, only to close it just a second later as the words died in his throat. He kept glaring at Raven Moon for a moment, before he merely huffed and turned away, crossing his forearms.

“Your sister is right; you know Star Chaser. You really have a habit of sneaking up on ponies when its least expected, which is why so many react the way I just did.” Moon Blade said. “I know that you don’t really mean it, but you really need to do something about it. If you don’t, its gonna get up to the point where nopony that’s not on duty is going to constantly be on their guard for anypony that’s not you trying to come up to them from behind. So, take some time to work on that, alright?”

“Yes Captain…” Star Chaser sighed, shoulder sagging as he hung his head. “Again, I’m sorry that I scared you.”

“Your apology is accepted Star.” Moon Blade said with a slight nod, before turning to Raven Moon. “Any who, is there something that you two need to tell me? Speaking of which, why are you here?”

“Well, I had just so happened to run into my big brother when I was fighting those Tantabus creatures.” Raven replied, gesturing around them to the Royal Guards and Tantabuses fighting. “And no, it wasn’t a coincidence; I saw him getting his lion-tailed ass kicked out there because he looked like was having too much fun. So, I decided to go in there and give him a little reminder in what he should be focusing on.”

Moon Blade raised an eyebrow. “And by doing that, you mean you gave him a nice good-sized lump on his head?”

“Yes.” Raven Moon replied giggling slightly. “And, like always, it did its job of getting that dense head of his back in the game.”

“Only you would think it would.” Star Chaser snorted, rubbing the back of his head. “It also served to give me one hay of a headache for the next five minutes!”

“Yes well, I believe that it’s not any less than you deserve for letting your excitement and thirst for battle get the better of you…again.” Moon Blade murmured. “Keep this up and you’re going to have a multitude of headaches in the future.”
Star Chaser merely snorted. “Assholes…” He muttered under his breath.

“Well, anyway…” Raven Moon said. “…we came to tell you that most of the civlians are either safe in their homes or back in the Town Square. So, there isn’t much of them that we need to see are safe before we go back to the main objective.” She added, gesturing up to the scene right above them.

“I see; good work you two. I’m impressed by your diligence in this mission, even if we are in such a large town.” Moon Blade praised, smiling slightly at his subordinates. It fell as soon as it came and was replaced with a serious frown. “Still though, I’d rather not take any chances in letting those few ponies that are still out and about on the trees run into one of those things when they least expect it. So, would you two-”

“As if we weren’t going to Captain!” Star Chaser interrupted, grinning widely. “Just give us the word and we’ll send those ethereal creeps flying!”

Raven Moon shot her brother an annoyed look. “I think what our Captain was going to ask is we could help him in making sure every last pony in this town gets to safety. Regardless of how little of them there are left.”

“Oh, right.” Star Chaser muttered, faltering for a moment. “That too, sorry Captain.”

“It’s alright Star, just-” Moon Blade said, only to stop as both of his ears perked, his whole body, minus his wings, going still. “Hold on a moment…”

“What’s the matter Captain?” Raven Moon asked. “Is there something the matter?”

The ghost white stallion whipped his head behind him, his eyes narrowed as his magic detector picked up something not too far away from him. Closing his eyes, he used his magic to pinpoint that of the one he had locked on, and locate where it was coming from. Seconds later, he felt another magical source coming from in front of him, this one being much closer away than the first one. His red eyes slowly opened, his bat-like ears pinning back as his lips curled back, a slight grimace making its way to his handsome features.

“Raven, Star, I had just picked up the magic of a pony from behind me.” Moon Blade said firmly, making the younger flyer’s eyes widen. “I would seem that we have another pony that we need to save.”

“Whoa, seriously?” Star Chaser asked. “What the hay are they doing all the way out her all by themselves?”

“I don’t know, but they’re either incredibly fearless or incredibly reckless if they think they’ll be alright out here.” Raven Moon replied, sighing. “Well, let’s go see who it is this time.”

“Aren’t I supposed to be the one to order that?” Moon Blade asked dryly. “Still though my dear Rave, you do have a point there; come on Star Chaser.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice!” Star Chaser smirked as they all headed in the direction of the magic source.

The flapping of Blossomforth’s wings could barely be heard over the sound of explosions and magical attacks being fired all around her. Her watermelon blew behind her as she zoomed through the streets as fast as she could, intent on getting to the Town Square as soon as she could and get to Captain Shining Armor. With each turn she made through the corners and streets, she stopped in her tracks, keeping a sharp eye out for any Tantabuses that may be nearby, or any Royal Guards. So far, there was no sign of either around them, much to the pinkish grey mare’s relief and dismay, thus leading her to continue on her lone journey.

‘This is bad; this is really really bad! I’m not even halfway to the Town Square and I haven’t caught sight of anypony else out here! Sure, there aren’t any of those things out here, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want anypony to be out here somewhere!’ Blossomforth thought as she continued to fly through town. ‘I’m powerful, yes, and I can fight but I can’t do it all of those creatures by myself! They’re loads more powerful than I am, and I need more than myself to save myself from being obliterated by them! Oh, if only I can find at least one pony who can help protect me, that’d be more than enough for me!’

It had been over twenty minutes since Blossomforth, Could Kicker, Dinky, and Amethyst had fought the white Tantabus and split after said fight had ended. During that time the Pegasus mare had been going left and right in search of the Town Square, desperate to get to Shining Armor and his Royal Guards. Throughout her flight, her mind was replaying to the battle, and what Amethyst had found out about the creatures, mainly on how to defeat them. The Royal Guards around town had been fighting with the Tantabuses for over two and a half hours now, and it didn’t look like either side was gaining the upper hoof. She knew that she had to get to Captain Shining Armor and tell him and the other guards what she had found out, or else the destroyed buildings and injured ponies wouldn’t be the only thing they all had to worry about.

Making a soft landing, Blossomforth quietly trotted through the streets, careful not to make a sound that’ll give her away until she was sure what and who was out there. Her beautiful blue eyes glowed, the magic behind them amplifying her vision as they scanned through the dark streets of the town, completely on the lookout for any danger. The mare’s ears were perked as she listened out for anything that happened to be anywhere near her, either waiting to attack her, or bring her to safety. So far, there still was nothing and nopony around her, thus leading the watermelon maned mare to continue onto her trek to the Town Square. As she did so, she began to look around her, at the devastation of the town left by the fight between the guards and the Tantabuses.

“My goodness, so many of the buildings and stands have been destroyed…and all of it in just one night.” Blossomforth murmured to herself. “So much has happened so quickly that it’s almost too much for me to take in. I really hope that something changes soon, or else things will only get even worse.” She paused, looking behind her in the direction of the library. ‘And not just for me either…’

As she began to go around a corner, she immediately picked up the magical presence of a Tantabus that was just behind the house she stopped next to. Every single muscle in her body froze as she went still, the fur on her neck standing upright as she began to sweat. Swallowing the fear that was creeping up within her, she very slowly looked from behind the house, and nearly squeaked when she saw a garnet colored Tantabus, stalking across the streets. The mare immediately pulled herself away and backed up against the wall, doing her best to control keep her breathing under control.

‘Oh dear…oh dear oh dear oh dear! There is another one of those pony monsters just around the corner from me! And here I thought that they were only in the air fighting the Royal Guards that came here!’ Blossomforth thought frantically. She shut her eyes as she took several breaths, all in an effort to keep her nerves under control. ‘Okay, okay, calm down Blossomforth…just calm down, everything’s going to be fine. You just have to get past that creature and make one last break to the Town Square, then you can tell Captain Shining Armor what you and Amethyst had found out, and they’ll finally be able to make those things go away for good! Piece of cake!’

As if to show Blossomforth just how futile that attempt was, a hiss made its way into her ears, and a gasp of fear came out of her throat. She slowly looked over to see the orange Tantabus standing in front of her, its glowing green eyes piercing into her own blue ones with what was an impossible amount of malice. Blossomforth only had enough time to open her mouth for a scream, before she felt the wind knocked out of her by a punch from the Tantabus. The next thig the pinkish grey mare knew, she was spinning and flying through the air, blood coming out of her mouth in a violent cough as she crashed through a house. Blossomforth moaned loudly as she struggled to get up, the wave of pain that course through making her fall back down.

“D…d-damn it! My stomach!” Blossomforth cried, one of her hooves reaching out to rub at her stomach. “I-I can’t even sit up…! How hard did he hit me?!”

The sound of a magic blast interrupted Blossomforth out of her thoughts, and she looked up to see a blast of green magic shooting towards her. Adrenaline coursed through Blossomforth and she flared her wings, shooting up into the air just as the magic blast went through the house. A hiss left Blossomforth as she clutched at her stomach again, but she ignored it as she glared at the Tantabus.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!” She shouted, shooting off another large wave of magic that clashed with a second magical blast form the orange Tantabus. The power struggle went on for a few moments, before they both exploded in midair, creating large dust cloud. A few seconds later, the Tantabus suddenly burst form the smoke, wings flared and its forelegs both stretched out in preparation for a fight.

“Bring it on!” Blossomforth shouted, lightning coating her body as she flew at the Tantabus. She shot her head to the side to avoid punch to the face, to which she delivered to the Tantabuses own face. The Pegasus then elbowed the creature in the back of the head, and went for a kick to the back, only for the Tantabus to lash its tail out and grab it. Blossomforth screamed as she was spun in the air and slammed into the ground, just before a magic blast struck her, sending her deeper into to the ground.

With a screech the Tantabus flew down towards the mare, fully intent on squishing her like a bug, but Blossomforth had other ideas. Inhaling sharply, she rolled herself out of the crater two seconds after the Tantabus slammed into the ground, causing to split in random directions. As the smoke covered the creature, Blossomforth immediately went on the offensive.

“Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Bullets!” She yelled, shooting her hooves out and shooting out multiple bolts of lightning into the smoke. The sound of explosions and screeching filled her ears, letting Blossomforth know that her target was being hit. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to keep her attack up for long, for a few waves of orange magic burst out from the smoke.

“Oh cra-!” Blossomforth cried before she felt the wave of magic colliding into her and send her tumbling across the ground. Gritting her teeth, she shot to her hooves and squared up to the creature in front of her, only to find it right upon her in an instant. Blossomforth’s left cheek exploded with pain as she was once again sent flying away, but she fought through the pain and fire off another attack at the Tantabus.

“Lightning Pegasus: Whinny!” She yelled, shooting out a blast of magical lightning from her mouth. It hurled towards the Tantabus at lighting speed, and collided with the creature, volts of electricity bursting throughout its body. It some point, it struck at the metallic core centered where its chest would be, causing it to let out an ear-piercing screech before an explosion rang out.

Blossomforth stood where she was, waiting for the smoke to clear so she could determine the state of her enemy. When the smoke cleared, it revealed a darkened crater and there was no sign of the Tantabus anywhere. Alarm bells immediately went off in Blossomforth’s mind, and she looked around for the creature.

‘Oh no…where did it go?!’ She thought as her body tensed. ‘Behind me?! Above?!’

Suddenly, Blossomforth felt a searing pain burst through her left hind leg as something sharp sank into it. She snapped her head down to see the head of the Tantabus, its horn just inches form stabbing her stomach, and its teeth clamped on her leg. Before Blossomforth could try to do anything, a pillar of magic burst out from under them both.

Blossomforth screamed in agony as she was sent shooting into the air, the Tantabus’s waves of magic sending searing pain through her body. When it ended, the mare tried to look down to where the Tantabus was, only to feel and hear a crack from within her chest. She cried out as the creature slammed its hooves right into her chest, before grabbing her hindlegs and spinning around in the air, and throwing her to the ground. Blossomforth hit it with an echoing thud, and had no time to even absorb the pain before the Tantabus landed on top of her.

The watermelon maned mare did her best to get out of the Tantabuses hold, but had little success in getting away from the creature now hovering above her. All four of its hooves were pinned on top of her own, thus rendering her unable to really move, leaving her only able to watch as it ignited its horn. Her lip trembled with fear as the Tantabuses pointed its horn down at her, preparing to blast her head off.

‘Oh no, it’s going to kill me! He’s really going to kill me!’ Blossomforth thought frantically, tears beginning to form in her eyes. She struggled even harder only for the Tantabus to press her into the ground even harder. ‘I can’t move; I’m going to die! Somepony…anypony…please! Help me!’

Just as the Tantabus was about to fire at Blossomforth, a leonine roar burst out from within the streets, freezing the Tantabus dead in its tracks. It looked to the right, only to see an impossibly white bat winged stallion soaring towards it at breakneck speeds, misty purple swords grasped within both of his forehooves. It had no time to try to evade or dodge the incoming Thestral before it was kneed in the face with the force of an oncoming cart.

“STOP RIGHT THERE, YOU HETHEN!!!” Moon Blade bellowed, sending the Tantabus flying away from Blossomforth. With his blood red eyes blazing brightly, he swung his swords out, sending two powerful waves of misty magic at the creature, watching as they collided with his foe. The Lunar Guard Captain watched as the creature crashed into the house, the very same house that it had sent Blossomforth into as smoke enveloped it.

“W…what the…?” Blossomforth wheezed, staring in shock at the stallion before her. “Who…is that?”

“Madam, are you alright?!” Moon Blade asked, his swords vanishing as he rushed over to the downed mare. “Can you stand up?”

Blossomforth pursed her lips, before a few coughs left her throat. “I…I-I think so.” She said weakly, forcing her body to sit upright. She coughed out a glob of blood as she held her stomach, still feeling the pain from the punch within it. “O-ow…my stomach…”

“Don’t worry dear, everything is going to be alright now. I’m here, and I’ll keep you safe from that Tantabus.” Moon Blade said comfortingly, gingerly putting a hoof on the smaller flyer. “I promise, he’s not going to harm you anymore. Not while I’m here.”

“Don’t you mean, not while we’re here?”

Blossomforth’s ears perked at the new sensual voice, and for a moment, she thought that it was Cloud Kicker coming back for her. Turning her head, her eyes widened when she saw Raven Moon and Star chaser hovering in the air behind her and Moon Blade. They widened even further upon seeing the latter was a Thestral just like Moon Blade.

“Well Captain, looks like your little hunch was right.” Raven Moon murmured, staring down at Blossomforth. “There really was somepony here out and about…and from the looks of it, she was getting her cute little ass kicked.”

‘C-cute?!’ Blossomforth thought, her face flushing as her tail flicked. ‘Did she say that my butt was cute?’

“Hey! Just because she was getting her but kicked didn’t mean that she wasn’t reciprocating sis!” Star Chaser exclaimed, glaring at his younger sister. “I mean, look at this place! It clearly shows that they were both getting a fair amount of ass kicking!”

“True but…” Raven Moon said, holding her hoof out. “This mare here looks a lot beat up then the Tantabus. So, I don’t really think that it’s a fair fight as far as I’m standing.”

“Ahem, if you two are done bickering up there…” Moon Blade said firmly. “Could you help me with this young mare while I take care of the Tantabus that I just sent careening?”

“W-wait, you’re going to fight this thing?!” Blossomforth asked as Raven and Star came on either side of her. “A-all by yourself?!”

“I know it may seem crazy, but trust me, our Captain is a lot more powerful than he looks.” Star said, grinning toothily. “He’s faced opponents a lot more powerful in his day, so he won’t have any problem dealing with this starry pony.”

“Tantabus, Star Chaser, it’s called a Tantabus.” Raven Moon corrected casually, throwing one of Blossomforth’s forelegs over her shoulder. “But yes, I agree with you, Captain Moon Blade will be able to handle this creature with no problem.”

Blossomforth coughed again as she felt herself being hoisted onto her feet. “Are…are you sure that your Captain will be okay?”

“I think you should be wondering if this Tantabus will be okay with me here dear.” Moon Blade replied. “I will admit, he’s powerful in his own way, but today, he may meet his match.”

Right as he said this, a ruby red aura surrounded the handsome ghostly white stallion, making Blossomforth freeze in place, along with the other guards. It wasn’t the fact that there was an aura itself appearing on Moon Blade. It was amount of power the pinkish gray mare felt from the aura of Adrenaline Moon Blade was emitting.

‘Sweet Mother Natura almighty…this stallion’s power. It’s absolutely…it’s insane!’ She thought, a bead of sweat rolling down the side of her face. ‘And he’s only in his Adrenaline Mode…just how much power is he emitting?!’

“Yeah, you feel that hot stuff?” Star Chaser asked, gently nudging the mare. “What you’re seeing is out Captain about to throw down, and showing that big Tantabus over there how much he means it.”

“As much as I’d like to see our Captain fight Star…” Raven chimed in softly. “We need to get this mare back to where ever she came from before she gets caught up in this.” The light grey mare looked over at Blossomforth. “Speaking of which…what’s your name baby?”

“B-Blossomforth…” She replied weakly. “…m-my name is Blossomforth Kindheart Rosario.”

“Kindheart Rosario…” Star murmured, his lips pursing. “I see…looks like Canterlot isn’t the only place where Captain Violet Fire’s family is confining in.”

“What?” Blossomforth asked, her eyes widening slightly.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” Raven Moon replied. “Come on, let’s get you out of here!”

Before Blossomforth could protest, she felt herself being carried off away from Moon Blade and towards the direction of the Town Square. Moon Blade watched them all go, not taking his eyes off of them until they were out of sight, before turning back to the Tantabus. The stallion didn’t even blink as the monster’s hoof connected with his face, which should’ve sent him flying and skidding across the ground. Instead, all it accomplished was leaving dirt trails in the ground by his hooves, before he came to a stop.

“My my, that was quite a punch you gave me there.” Moon Blade asked, gingerly grabbing the Tantabuses foreleg. “However, that didn’t quite really hurt as much as it should’ve. Here, let me give you a little example.”

Before the Tantabus could stop him, Moon Blade’s right hoof slammed into the center of its face, sending it zooming away from him. He spread his wings and took to the air, watching as the creature burst through, not one, not two, not severalhouses in the process, before finally coming to a stop. Moon Blade flew over to where he had sent the Tantabus, and watched as it burst out form the smoke and flew up at her.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I make you upset?” Moon Blade asked gently, as if he was talking to a foal he had unfairly upset. “Here, let me make you feel better!”

Shooting his right hoof out, a large ethereal purple sword with a handle as red as his feline eyes appeared in it, looking to be over five feet long. With a strong flap of his wings, he descended down towards the Tantabus, clashing his sword with his opponents horn and making sparks fly throughout the air. The Tantabus shot its wings out in an attempt to slice Moon Blade’s throat, only for the ghostly white stallion to counter them with his own bat wings. This clash of wings went on for a few moments, before Moon Blade flew up and swung his sword down, sending a wave of ethereal purple magic down at the Tantabus. It struck the orange pony-like creature right in its chest, and sending it diving down towards the earth, a large crater left in its wake as it collided with the ground.

“There, that should’ve bounced out your anger there.” Moon Blade murmured, blowing his long silky mane out of his face. “Did that make you feel better?”

All of a sudden, a flock of bright green magic blasts burst out form the smoke and head towards the Lunar Guard Thestral Captain. Moon merely lifted his sword up and blocked and sliced the magic blasts hurled at him, letting them explode behind him.

“I’ll take that as a no.” He murmured dryly, his fangs gleaming as he grinned.

This time, it was the stallion’s turn to hurl down towards the Tantabus before it had a chance to really try to strike again, and they once again met in the air. They blocked and countered each other’s strikes as they clashed swords and horns with one another. Sending magical waves of them in the process, which exploded in midair and sent shockwaves through the streets. The Tantabus fired off another flock of magic blasts at Moon Blade as he soared towards it, but it was all a futile effort. Before it knew it, the Tantabus was feeling Moon Blades sword strike it right in the center of its chest, right where the metallic core was.

“You fought well my worthy foe, but I am afraid that your time is up.” Moon Blade said softly, whispering where the Tantabus’s left ear was. “…and very soon, your Queen’s will as well.”

With those words, Moon Blade swung his sword upward, slicing the Tantabus in half from the chest up in one swift swing. The Tantabus screeched as the core containing it magic and life force was shattered into little tiny particles. Moon Blade watched passively as the creature slowly dissolved into tiny dust like particles, which rose into the air before vanishing in the night.

“Well now…I believe that takes care of that.” The ghostly white stallion said, his sword vanished in a flash of purple mist. “Now I just need to go and check up on Raven Moon and Star Chaser and see if they got that poor mare to safety.” He spread his wings again and took off towards the Town Square. ‘And after that, see where that other power source was coming from…’

Author's Note

Alright, for this chapter, I wanted to try to add Moon Blade some of his guards into the picture, since the only time that I did that was in chapter thirteen. I did it somewhat with Shining Armor when he and his own guards came to Ponyville and met Midnight and the others in the Town Square. So I was trying to think of a way that I could reintroduce him again in this story, since I was really failing at that from where I was standing, and only gave him a few or so scenes in the first version of this story. Just a heads up, I was having bit of trouble what to title this chapter so I could explain just what I was trying to do here, and in the end I was able to go with the one that I was trying to make this chapter as. For the next chapter, I don't know if I'm going to keep going a bit longer on what's going on in Ponyville, or head back to the girls, but from where things are now, I think I might go with the latter. I'm gonna have to think on it before I make my decision as to what the right th next chapter on :ajbemused: .

Well, that's all for right now; this time I'm just gonna leave you all to guess on what the next chapter will be focused on :ajsmug: . One thing I will say, is that it is gonna be quite the rollercoaster :raritywink: !

Chapter 28 - The Trap

Goku’s hooves thundered across the ground and crushed the thick grass beneath her, her extended mane and tail flowing behind her as if it was a flag blowing in the wind as galloped through the bushes and trees of the Everfree. Her friends were right on their heels as they did their best to keep up with her and protect her from all sides from the Timberwolves that were in hot pursuit of them. Rainbow and Fluttershy were soaring through the air above her, looking down below for any of the wooden canines that tried to take a hit at the tan Pegasus or any of their earthbound friends. Rarity and Twilight were in the middle, both of their horns ignited and ready to fire at the wooden canines if they got too close, and Pinkie Pie and Applejack were at the far back, ready to give the Timberwolves a sock to the face if they tried to take a bite at their legs. Zephyr was at the very end, making himself as a shield for the girls should the Timberwolves try to get them from behind or bolt passed him. The wooden canines flanked them at all times, working as a cohesive unit and acting as barriers to prevent the mares from making any side escape into the woods, leaving them only one route to run, leading the deeper into the woods.

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! I can't believe that this is happening to right now! Twilight exclaimed as she took quick frantic breaths, her violet eyes darting on either side of her, taking in the petrifying sight of the wooden canines chasing them. “We haven’t even been in the Everfree Forest for that long, and we are already being attacked! Oh, why does everything that I plan go downhill in situations like this?!”

“Calm down Twilight, we’re not dead yet! I know that we can make it out of here if we just keep calm and don’t lose our heads!” Goku shouted behind her, not bothering to look over at her friends as she kept her gaze ahead. “Everything’s gonna be alright! Just keep close to me, and don’t run off the trail!”

“Alright?! Alright?! How can being chased by giant beasts in the middle of the most dangerous forest in Equestria possibly be alright?!” Rarity shouted angrily as she glared ahead at the tan Thestral. “We have been running for who knows how long, and not once we have lost these beastly dogs for a single minute! I don’t think that most of us will be able to keep this up for much longer, as it is plainly being seen! Not all of us are Earth Ponies like Applejack and Pinkie Pie you know!” The alabaster Unicorn looked down at her hooves, grimacing at how filthy they looked. “Not only that, all of this running is just ruining my hooficure! I don’t know if I can take any more if this wretched dirt sticking onto me, or any of this foliage getting into my mane!”

“Uh, Rarity, you do realize that you can use that Adrenaline stuff that you, me and the others have to keep going, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, taking a glance back at Rarity as she kept ahead of the group with Fluttershy and Goku. “That’s the whole reason why none of us are getting tired, because we can rely on our adrenaline magic for a huge second wind!”

“And you’re telling me that you’re not even the slightest bit worried about getting torn apart and eaten alive?!” Rarity retorted hotly, snorting hard through her nostrils. “What am I saying, of course you wouldn’t! After all, you’re the dare devil of this little group of ours!”

“Maybe not me, but I’m definitely worried about it happening to one of my friends, especially you!” Rainbow Dash shot back; her magenta eyes gleaming. “Any maybe if you started worrying more about your friends, instead of how you look all the time, then maybe you wouldn’t be so bothered by getting so filthy!”

“Start worrying more?!” Rarity repeated, giving the cyan Pegasus a flabbergasted look before it morphed into one of utter scorn. “Why I’d never-”

“Girls! Now ain’t th’ time t’ be bickerin’ over who should do what!” Applejack shouted, cutting Rarity off as she zipped to the side to avoid the jaws of a Timberwolf. With a heave, she shot her hindlegs shot out, bucking them straight into the chin of the wooden canine and sending him flying. “Have y’all forgotten th’ situation that we’re in right now?! We need t’ find some way t’ get away from these varmints b’fore we become their dinner!”

“Uh, wasn’t that what I was saying to Rarity just a moment ago?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking over at the tangerine Earth Pony.

“Incoming!” Pinkie Pie shouted, leaping into the air at a Timberwolf that had flung itself at Rarity. The pink pony delivered a hard sock to the canine’s face before the fashionista could even fire her magic at it, and she watched as it tumbled across the ground. “Whew, that was a close one! You okay Rarity?”

“I am now darling, thank you for that.” Rarity said thankfully. “Though I admit, that was quite the scare I was given there.”

“Well, from the looks of it, we’re going to get a lot more of those the longer we’re in this forest.” Zephyr said, galloping behind the seven mares. “Then again, we’ve gotten a couple since we had gotten here, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.”

Goku nodded, looking back over at her foalhood friend. “Yeah, good poi-” She stopped abruptly as she noticed a Timberwolf dangerously close to Zephyr. “LOOK OUT!”

The royal blue stallion spun around just in time to see a Timberwolf diving down towards him before landing on his back. Zephyr gritted his teeth as he fought the pain in his back and neck from the wooden canine’s teeth and claws, bucking wildly to throw the canine off. He spread his wings in preparation for another attack only for a blast of magic to strike the Timberwolf in its side and send it off the stallion. “Thanks Twilight!” He said, giving a sigh of relief.

“No problem Zephyr! Just try to keep your eyes peeled more, okay?” The lavender Unicorn advised, looking back ahead of her. “I get that you wanna watch out for danger for us, but it’s not just us you need to look out for! These Timberwolves are also after you as well, and if you get killed, there won’t be anypony to keep all of us safe!”

“Yeah, good point.” Zephyr murmured, before his ears perked up. “Hey look, I can see an opening up ahead!”

Surprised by this revelation, the mares all looked in front of them to see where Zephyr was looking, and sure enough he was right. Just yards away from them, they could see light to an opening that was growing bigger the closer they got to it.

“Hey, he’s right, I can see it too! There’s a way to get away from this Timberwolves!” Goku said, a relieved smile coming to her fanged muzzle. “Come on girls, let’s make a break for it!”

“Aww come on really?” Rainbow Dash whined. “I wanted kick some wooden mutt ass! Are we seriously just going to keep running away!”

“Silly Dashie, these are just little doggies we’re dealing with!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Besides, didn’t you say back at the library that the only thing you care about is beating that big Moon meanie for what happened to the Queen?”

The cyan mare blushed in embarrassment. “Yeah…good point there, Pinks.”

“Um girls…” Fluttershy said, almost too quietly for most of them to hear as she flew on the right side of Goku. “You might want to take a look around you…”

“What do you mean, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, looking up at the buttermilk Pegasus in confusion. “Are the Timberwolves closing in on us?!”

“Um, not really.” Fluttershy replied, her voice etched with confusion as her teal eyes darted to either side of her. “In fact, they seem to be slowing down.”

At these words, the rest of the mares looked around them at the Timberwolves that were chasing them, and they immediately saw that Fluttershy was right. From either side and behind them, they could see that the wooden canines were slowly, but surely slowing down, their beeline sprinting turning into steady jogging, letting the mares get farther and farther away from them.

“What in tarnation...?” Applejack muttered; her golden eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What in the hay is happenin’ with these wolves? Are they really gettin’ tired?”

“Fluttershy, I thought you said that Timberwolves were known for running their prey down until they tired out?! Twilight said, looking over at her fellow Pegasus. “They haven’t even been chasing us for that long! So why are they slowing down?!”

“I-I don’t know...I’ve never seen this kind of behavior before. Timberwolves don’t tire this quickly…” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, a look of confusion etched on her face as she stared at the ground “It takes them a much longer time to even start to get winded...and they rarely give up in a hunt, even when they’re not actually chasing their prey.” She looked over at Goku, who was glancing right back at her, and judging from the look on her face, the tan Pegasus was thinking the same thing she was. ‘Something’s not right here…’

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m not gonna let them get the jump on us just ‘cause they're getting slow or because there’s a way out! I’m goin’ on ahead!” Rainbow Dash said with a shrug, before zooming off ahead of the rest of the group.

“Hey! Wait for us Dashie!” Pinkie Pie squealed, but the cyan Pegasus was already way out of hearing range.

“Ugh, I cannot believe her!” Rarity scoffed as she watched Rainbow Dash fly off. “First, she criticizes me about caring more about my looks, and then she goes off ahead of the group and leaves us here?! There is something seriously wrong with that mare!”

“You and me both…” Zephyr murmured, shaking his head.

With those words, the seven mares and one stallion made one last break through the forest towards the clearing, the Timberwolves getting farther and farther away. Zephyr, in an effort to ensure that they all had some buyed time, shot a few blasts of lightning bolts at the canines, electrocuting some of them on the spot. With that done, he rejoined the girls in the run to the clearing, only to find himself already in the clearing with them. The moment they did, Applejack turned tail and ran back to the entrance, her body glowing with an emerald green aura.

“Earth Make: Giant Wall!” She shouted, slamming her forehooves down on the ground as the green energy spread across the ground. In an instant, a large tall wall of earth and rock burst out from the ground and covered the entrance to the clearing, thus blocking the entrance inside it. Satisfied that the Timberwolves would be kept at bay for a while, the farmer rushed back to where the rest of her friends were in the middle of the clearing.

“Whew, that was a close one! Almost didn’t make it there!” Applejack asked, listening to the snarls and growls of the Timberwolves behind them. “Are all o’ y’all alright?”

“More or less darling…other than the fact that my hooves are covered in all of this horrid dirt!” Rarity replied, wincing as she looked down at her blue stocked hooves. “I’ve never done so much running in all my life! I thought I was going to pass out; I’m so glad that we’ve stopped now!”

“Well of course we’ve stopped Rarity. We got away from the Timberwolves and Applejack made a temporary shield for us.” Fluttershy said, looking over at Rarity with a slightly raised eyebrow. “If they had stopped while they were still chasing us, they would’ve caught up and tried to drag us into the ground and overwhelm us with their pack.”

“Not only that, but due to the commotion that our new guests are making, there’s no doubt that there’s going to be more coming for us shortly.” Goku added, her furry bat ears picking up the sound of the howling of the Timberwolves. “So, I think now would be a good time to figure out how we’re going to get away from them before we become Timberwolf chow.”

“Already on it.” Twilight nodded, trotting back and forth. “Pinkie Pie, do you have that extra map you got from my library?”

“Sure do!” The pink pony chirped, reaching into her mane and pulling out a large map. “Here you go Twily!”

“T-thank you.” Twilight nodded, blushing a bit at the nickname before looking down at the map in her magical aura. “Alright now, from what I can see on this map…we’re in one of the many known clearings of the Everfree Forest, more than several in total. We’re in one of the largest ones, and by the looks of it, it’s the farthest one to the castle of the two sisters.” Her ears went flat at this revelation, but she shook it off as she continued to scan the map. “If we go onto the path that’s on the opposite side of this clearing, and keep straight, we’ll get to a cave that’s nestled in between here and the castle, and after that are some pillars of rocks that we're may have to climb or trek through. We can take some time to rest up there once we’ve finished here, assuming that the Timberwolves don’t make us drain all our resources.”

Fluttershy froze at the last few words. ‘A…cave? Right in between the abandoned castle and where we are belong the rock pillars?’ She leaned in a bit closer to the cave, and broke out into a nervous sweat when she saw it on the map. The Pegasus then gulped when she saw what was up after that, and the next one afterward. ‘Oh…oh dear...’

“After that, we’ll make a bit of a left before coming upon a large raging river that goes on the east and western side of the Everfree Forest.” Twilight continued, pointing to a large river that was shown on the map. “I don’t know how big it is, but form what I’m seeing, we may have to build a ship that’ll let us sail across it. After that…” she raised her hoof up a little further, up to an even larger group of caves. “…is another group of caves that we may have to go through and emerge from the other side.”

“Wait a minute, what you mean we may have to go through those caves?” Rainbow Dash asked in perplexation. “Couldn’t we just fly over instead? That way we’d be able to get to Nightmare Moon a whole lot faster?”

“We can, but then we’ll lose track of the path that we’re set on.” Zephyr replied firmly. “Plus, there’s no telling what kind of other wild beasts might be lurking atop those caves. So, all we’ll be doing is potentially getting ourselves lost and broken off from said path…” He glanced over at Pinkie Pie. “And potentially losing the map that Pinkie Pie had gotten for us.”

“Yep!” Pinkie said cutely. “May wanna stick to the original plan Dashie.”

“Fine, whatever…” Rainbow Dash murmured, crossing her forehooves. “…I still think that it’d be a lot faster to get there if we do that.”

“Maybe, but we still have to deal with the animals here, so even if we do take that route, it’d still take us some time to get passed any animal we may come across.” Goku said, glancing up at the athlete. “And I get the feeling the animals that live in these parts are going to rip us all a new asshole by the end of the night.”

Rarity shot a disgusted look at the tan Thestral. “Goku, language!” She scolded hotly, but soon cowered at the sharp glare the tan Thestral gave her.

“Hush you.” She said softly, her undertone matching her look.

“Goku makes a good point. There’s no guarantee that we won’t face any beasts if we decide to travel atop the caves.” Fluttershy nodded. “So, I think I’d be best if we stuck to going through them instead, since there’s a way out on the other side. Besides…” she winced. “…even if we go atop the caves there’s a good change the animals will hear us, and met us on the other end with a not at all friendly welcome. Or worse, burst out from inside the caves and take us by surprise before dragging us down into the dark depths.”

“Well, when you out it that way…it does sound significantly petrifying.” Twilight a shiver going through her before looking back at the map. “Anyway, after we passed the larger section of caves, we’ll find ourselves in a wide clearing of open plains, and in the center of it, is where the Castle of the Two Sister’s is supposed to be.” Her hoof went even higher to a picture of open plains where a castle was nestled in the middle. “When we get there, all we have to do is travel through the plains and we’ll finally get to the castle. Though from the looks of it, the ground that’s connecting castle to it is split, so we’ll have to cross this bridge to get to the castle.”

“Alright, sounds simple enough.” Applejack said, straightening her bandana. “All we gotta do is just get these lil’ wooden doggies runnin’, an’ we can sail through this ‘ere creek, tunnel our way through these caves an’ just run our way through these ‘ere plains. Shouldn’t have any problem with that.”

“That’s much easier said than done Applejack.” Fluttershy said gravely. “Don’t forget, there’s still a relatively abundant number of animals that we still need to get past. We already had to fight a Shinomōkin and a Doragontora, and both were powerful in their own right. It may not seem like it now, but trust me, we haven’t even gotten halfway yet.”

“Pfft, so what if we didn’t fight all of these creeps yet?” Rainbow Dash snorted. “If we were able to survive against two of them, what’s to say we won’t be able to do the same with the rest of them?”

“Careful Rainbow Dash.” Zephyr advised. “We may have kept ourselves getting eaten a couple of times now, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to stay like that. If you let your overconfidence and arrogance get the better of you, you will be killed.”

“Don’t waste your breath on her darling.” Rarity sighed, tossing her mane. “This is Rainbow you’re talking to. Any helpful advice you try to give her in situations like these will go right out the other ear.”

Goku snorted. “Look who’s talking…” She said quietly.

Right as that was said, Fluttershy’s head, which was lowered as she took a few moments to recover from her frantic flying, suddenly snapped up, as if she had been jolted awake from a peaceful slumber. The buttermilk Pegasus’s ears flicked back and forth, her teal eyes scanning the area as the cool air blew around her ever so slightly. With her brows furrowed, she slowly began walking around the clearing, something that wasn’t noticed by her friends until Applejack spoke up.

“Uh, Fluttershy…?” The farmer asked, raising a golden eyebrow at the movements that the buttermilk Pegasus was making. “What’re you doin’ there sugarcube?”

Fluttershy didn’t reply to the farmers question, choosing instead to ignore her and continue her investigating around the clearing, her eyes and ears listening out for anything that looked or sounded out of place. Her nostrils were flared as she sniffed the air, taking in all the different smells around her as her friends watched from afar, looks of perplexity, curiosity, and seriousness on each of their faces.

“Fluttershy darling, pardon my interruption but...” Rarity asked, somewhat put off by the buttermilk Pegasus’s sudden change in behavior. “What in Equestria’s name are you doing?!”

“Yeah, your acting like those big wooden mutts that were chasing us just a minute ago. What the buck gives?” Rainbow Dash nodded; her face scrunched up into a frown. A second later, she found herself on the ground face first with a huge lump on her head. “OW!”

“Shut it.” Goku hissed, shaking her hoof down at the cyan mare. “Let her do her thing.”

Suddenly, Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks, her head raised up high and her ears perked up as straight as arrows. Her body went rigid as her angelic wings locked up, her pupils contracting as she paled under her fur, which caused feelings of concern to rise up within her friends. Very, very slowly, she turned her head to face them, a fearful look on her face that set off alarm bells in the other ponies’ minds.

“What’s the matter Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked softly, his voice filled with concern as he stared back at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Did you find something?”

“Everypony…” She said slowly, almost robotically, her voice etched with fear as she stared back at them. “…we need get out of the clearing, now.”

“W-w-why?” Pinkie Pie stuttered, becoming slightly nervous at the buttermilk Pegasus’s tone. “I-Is there’s something the matter? Did you smell more Timberwolves here?”

As if to answer her question, all seven mares picked up the sound of snarling from all around them, sounding so terrifying that it made their blood curdle and chills go down each of their spines. Fluttershy immediately bounded back over to the girls, taking seclusion within the group as they all huddle up together, their backs facing the entrance that they came in from as they looked all around them, wondering how many Timberwolves were with them. They didn’t have to wait long as a multitude of eyes, all of them being various different colors, sliced through the shadows and stared right at the girls, contrasting brightly with the darkness. Not even a second after that, the eyes slowly emerged from the shadows, giving way to large dog-like bodies, ones that the girls immediately recognized. Their shock and fear grew even further when they saw just how many Timberwolves there actually were, and there were a lot.

“By Celestia…” Rarity whispered as her breathing quickened. “Look at how many of them there are!”

“Gosh...Ah knew that this ‘ere forest packed a lot o’ these doggies, but Ah didn’t think that it’d be this much.” Applejack muttered softly, sweat pouring off the side of her brow. “Now Ah’m wishin’ that Ah made a bigger wall.”

“Well…this is the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy pointed out, her wings partially spreading. “They do hold a multitude of animals in very large numbers. So, it really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise.”

“This is bad! I thought if we got here that we’d be able to escape!” Twilight exclaimed fearfully as she pressed herself closer to her friends. “How can there be so many of them here?!”

“Y-yeah!” Rainbow Dash stuttered, looking around at all of the wooden canines. “I was sure that there weren’t any more Timberwolves up here either! What the hay gives?!”

A loud gasp caused the other mares and one stallion to turn to Goku, only to see her in a state of total shock. Her golden eyes widened to their biggest capacity as her feathered bat wings instinctively flared out and her mouth dropped in horror.

“Um, Goku?” Pinkie asked tentatively. “Are you okay?”

“They tricked us…” Goku whispered, slowly looking over at her friends. “They tricked us into coming into this clearing. This whole time they were playing us!”

“What do you mean it was a trap?” Rarity repeated, giving the tan Pegasus a look of confusion. “What did the Timberwolves do?”

“That’s what Ah wanna know too.” Applejack asked, raising a golden eyebrow at Goku. “Jus’ what in the hay are ya goin’ on ‘bout, G?”

“You guys figured it out too right?” Goku asked, ignoring Applejack’s question as she looked at each of her friends. “All this time, the Timberwolves weren’t trying to catch us or eat us, at least not immediately! They were chasing us through the forest towards a trap waiting for us!”

“They were WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie shrieked as Fluttershy let out a gasp.

“Let me explain,” Goku said quickly, the tone on her voice letting the others know to that she was only going to say it once. “Back at the cliff where the river was the Timberwolves weren’t trying to catch us or take us down! They attacked us and inflicted damage a couple of us sure, but they weren’t really trying to kills us! Didn’t you guys notice how they weren’t going for our vital spots like our necks and throats?”

“O’ course we did.” Applejack replied, glancing down at the claw marks on her shoulders and the ones on her barrel. “Why? What’re you gettin’ at with all o’ this?”

“Goku’s saying that the Timberwolves were trying to get us to run, instead of taking us where we were.” Fluttershy explained firmly. “In the wild, wolves are known for trying yo get their prey to run, which gives them the chance to try to run down their prey until it tires out, and when it does, the wolves will take the opportunity to use their bite to hold onto their quarry, while the others bring it down. Unless their prey is fitter however, it’ll take longer for them to be able to do that, so they’ll just keep up the chase until their quarry begins to tire.” Her face morphed into a grimace as she glanced over at the entrance of the clearing, which was now blocked by the Timberwolves that were chasing them. “Which is exactly what happened back there.”

“Okay, we get that,” Rainbow Dash asked, throwing her hooves out as her tail lashed out impatiently. “But if that’s what they were trying to do, why didn’t they take us out while they were chasing us?!”

“Because that wasn’t there plan.” Goku replied, looking up at the cyan mare. “For the whole time that they were chasing us through the Everfree, not once did they actually try to inflict any serious or fatal bites on any of us, Applejack and Pinkie Pie especially, at the risk of being bucked by either of them! They only nipped and bit at us, which made us move away from them and let the Timberwolves on the other side of us try and do the same thing, especially when we saw certain parts of the path, we were on starting to break up! When we started to head towards the clearing, that’s when the Timberwolves started to slow down and let us go ahead of them, and when we came into the clearing, that’s when they stopped, and let these Timberwolves trap us!” The tan Thestral gestured to the wooden canines. “They wanted us to come into this clearing this whole time, so that we would run into their other packmates that were waiting for us! Not only that, but they also wanted us to come here so they could rely on their added help to take us down, because they could sense how powerful we were!”

By the time Goku was finally finished, nearly all of the mares with her, had locked of shock and disbelief on their faces. All except for Fluttershy, who kept glancing in between them and the Timberwolves, who had, surprisingly, stopped in their advance. It was as if they willing to wait and let the mares try to figure out the tactic that they had planned and used on them before finishing them off. Eventually, everything Goku and Fluttershy explained to them fully sunk in, before they came back to their senses and looked at the Timberwolves in a new light.

“Ah see...so that’s why they never really tried t’ take us down.” Applejack murmured, her emerald eyes narrowing. “They wanted us t’ think that we were gonna get away in this ‘ere clearin’, an’ by the time we realized it, we’d already be trapped with no way out.” The farmer couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. “Heh...clever lil’ doggies they are...clever lil’ doggies indeed.”

“I can’t believe this…” Twilight muttered, giving an angry shake of her head. “I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out sooner! I should’ve known that this was going to happen! I should’ve known, and now look where we are!”

“Well, it happened, and there’s nothing that can be done to change that.” Zephyr sighed, giving a flick of his tail. “All we can do now is to keep ourselves from being eaten.”

After those words were said, an explosion resounded form somewhere outside of Applejack’s earth wall. They looked around and saw cracks starting to appear from within it, indicating the Timberwolves were trying to break in.

“Uh-oh, it looks like our party guests are getting impatient!” Pinkie Pie said, her eyes widening as she bit her lip. “Anypony have a plan?”

“We already made a plan Pinkie Pie.” Rarity replied, raising a brow at the pink pony. “Didn’t you hear our dear Twilight? We already have a plan as to how we’re going to make it the rest of the way to the abandoned castle. Weren’t you paying attention?”

“Yes, she was paying attention Rarity.” Fluttershy said firmly before Pinkie could reply. “What she was asking, is how we’re going to keep ourselves from getting eaten by the Timberwolves that’re trying to get through Applejack’s earth wall.”

“Oh, right…” Rarity blinked, a sheepish blush coming to her face. “…my mistake, I’m sorry sweetie.”

Fluttershy shook her head, before turning to Twilight and Goku. “Anyway, do either of you know what we should do?”

Goku rubbed her chin with her tri-colored leg, looking at each of her friends intently. As if she was determining their power and just how they could use them. Twilight and Zephyr, seeing the look in the sexy tan Thestral’s eyes, stayed silent as they waited for her to formulate a plan in her mind. Right when it looked like she was going to get interrupted, supposedly by Rainbow Dash, Goku finally spoke.

“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do guys.” She said clapping her hooves together as she took flight. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, you two are the most physically strongest out of all us and the most connected to the earth, so you should have the best chance fighting them physically, especially since you have the most endurance. Applejack, you’ll take care of the Timberwolves that’re flanking us from behind, while Pinkie Pie keeps them at bay from the front.”

“You got it Goku!” Pinkie Pie nodded, giving a sharp salute as she bounced behind the group a cerulean aura covering her body as she did so.

“Well, Ah was hopin’ t’ fight th’ ones in th’ front instead o’ in the back.” Applejack mumbled as she trotted off, an emerald green aura covering her body. “Still, if ya want us t’ fight th’ ones from behind, then that’s what Ah’ll do.”

“Rarity Twilight, you two will handle the Timberwolves on the sides of us.” Goku continued, turning to the alabaster and lavender Unicorns. “You two are the ones who are able to do actual visible magic, and because of that, you two are the best for fighting at a distance rather than up close. Just don’t let them get too close to you though; I don’t want to have one of you get a broken leg that’ll take more of Fluttershy's magic to fix that she could use helping us fight.”

“Very well then...if I must.” Rarity said with a sigh, a sapphire blue aura surrounded her body as she trotted to the left of the earth wall. “Best of luck Twilight.”

“You too Rarity.” Twilight nodded as she galloped off, her body emitting a violet aura.

“Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Zephyr, you three, besides me, are the ones who’re able to fly and use magic that relates to the weather.” Goku said, looking in at the other three Pegasi. “So, I want the four of you to take to the skies with me so we can fight the Timberwolves from up above. We can also watch out for any of the girls down below should any Timberwolf try to sneak up on them and give them some help should they need it.”

“You got it G!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly as she took off to the left side of the clearing.

“Alright Goku...if that’s what you want me to do.” Fluttershy said as she hung her head. “Just um...don’t rough them up too bad, okay? I know that they wanna eat us but, I don’t any of to use that wanna use that as justification to-”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, we won’t kill them if that’s what you’re wondering.” Goku said reassuringly, as she gave the other mare a gentle smile. “They may be creatures of the Everfree, but they’re still like any other animal in Equestria. I won’t hold it against them for behaving how they were made to, even if they were created by Discord.” Her ears flattened against her head as she looked off to the side. “Besides, you’d burn my eyes to ash with your Solar Stare if I did so otherwise...”

“Your damn right she would!” Rainbow Dash guffawed, while Zephyr just stared at Goku perplexedly.

“Um, pardon me for asking but…” Zephyr said. “…but what’s the Solar Stare?”

“You don’t wanna know.” Fluttershy replied softly. “Seriously…”

The sounds of the giant earth behind them wall cracking and rumbling broke the three Pegasi and one Thestral out of their thoughts. They looked over to see it beginning starting to crumble, and there were even some wooden lips and heads of the Timberwolves bursting out of the holes. Around the same time the Timberwolves surrounding them began to creep even closer, looking just seconds away from attacking.

“Here they come!” Goku shouted, her voice resounding around the entire clearing. “On my signal everypony!”

Just seconds later, the giant earth wall blocking the clearing’s entrance finally gave way to the Timberwolves, crumbling beneath their wooden paws. Everything seemed to go on in slow motions as they and the rest of the pack went on the attack. Their eyes glowed like blazing lanterns as they wooden teeth and claws cut through the air, their clubbed whipped like tails lashing out behind them.

“NOW!” Goku yelled, throwing her hoof down as if commanding an in-training police dog.

All the other seven ponies automatically went on the offensive, either sending of wing attacks, blasts of magic, or bone shattering kicks. Each of the Timberwolves that were within range of the ponies were wither blasted away, sliced to ribbons, or had their jaws broken by each of their attacks. It was all the more devastating due to the auras of Adrenaline emitting from each of their bodies, amplifying their physical and magical strength. Even so, this did not stop any of the canines form their relentless assault on the eight ponies, and they responded in kind.

The battle between canine and equine had begun.

Author's Note

Alright, now before any of you go on and say anything about me deciding how long to make this fight between the Main Seven and the Timberwolves, just hear me out, okay? I have most certainly learned by lesson from extending fight scenes to that level concerning the animals of the Everfree, and have gotten plenty of helpful criticism from a couple of my followers about this. Looking back, I know that the idea of the Timberwolves invading Ponyville while the girls were fighting them was completely and utterly stupid at the time :ajbemused: , and this new invasion with the Tantabus creation was much better planned...at least in my opinion :twilightsmile: . I don't know what the hell I was thinking at the time, but it's best not to dwell on that anymore...this invasion is being newly written, and I'm sure that it's going to go much better than it did the last one :raritywink: .

Now as for the chapter itself, in the last one I had formulated the girls being trapped by the timberwolves, which, now that I think about it, stretched on a little too long for my liking :fluttershyouch: . So, I decided to had some different parts to it to keep it going at a steady pace, such as adding the plan that the girls and Zephyr would have as to how they were going to get to the castle of the two sisters from where they are now. :raritywink: . I had forgotten to add that in this chapter, which is why I unpublished it when I did before anypony could probably really read it...sorry about that :twilightsheepish: . It's all good, now, and, if all goes well, I might get the next chapter up the same day today!

Well, that's all for this chapter; as said the next one will contain the battle of canine vs equine as it was made in the last version :twilightsmile: . Though its not going to be anywhere near at the scale that I made it then :derpyderp2: . Seriously I don't know what was going on with me when I did that while I was writing this :facehoof: . Oh well, it happened then, and it won happens again :twistnerd: .

Chapter 29 - Canine Vs Equine

“Fire Thestral: Brilliant Flame Blast!” Goku shouted shooting off a blast of scorching fire from her hooves and down at a few Timberwolves that were leaping at her. The huge ball of flame engulfed them and the howls of pain they emitted indicated to Goku that they got hit. Form the way they were running off and the way that the fire burning their wooden bodies, they would not be coming back to the battle field.

“Fire Thestral: Scorching Neigh!” She yelled, shooting off a streaming blast of fire at another hoard of Timberwolves that were coming at her group from behind. Around the same time, another stream of flames joined her owe, fusing together into a larger ball of fire, that blasted the canines away from them.

“Sorry about that Goku! I didn’t mean to disrupt your attack!” Zephyr said, coughing slightly as steam emitted from his mouth. “I saw the Timberwolves coming at you from behind and…well, I just…stepped in out of instinct.”

“That’s okay Zephyr, I appreciate the save!” The tan Thestral replied. “Besides, you made my attack more powerful by doing that! So, it’s a win for both of us!”

“Don’t let your guard down everypony!” Fluttershy shouted from behind them. “There are still a many more Timberwolves that we need to fend off! Not just those couple of groups!”

“You think we don’t know that Flutters?! That do you think we’re going right now!” Rainbow Dash shouted, lightning dancing about her body. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Slice!”

The cyan mare flared her prismatic coated wings out and swung them out on either side of her, sending large bolts of lightning down below. They struck the Timberwolves head on, making the wood on their bodies burst into thousands of pieces as they collapsed to the ground. The ones that weren’t hit scurried away from the Timberwolves that were, and made to go after Rainbow Dash, only for Fluttershy to intervene.

“Sky Pegasus: Exploding Whirlwind!” She shouted, diving down as she gracefully spun around in the air. The coat of wind surrounding her grew larger the closer she got to the ground, and she flared her angelic wings at the last second. Propelling herself up, she watched as the speeding whirlwind shot down and exploded into the ground, sending sharp gusts of wind at the closest Timberwolves that were there. Fluttershy winced as she watched the wind slices cut right into the wooden canines, emitting cries of pain as they tumbled across the ground.

“I’m so sorry I had to do that.” She whispered quietly and remorsefully to the beasts, holding a hoof to her chest. “Please forgive me.”

“Way to go Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash shouted, shooting a fanged grin towards her fellow Pegasus. “That was one badass move that you pulled off!”

“Oh, it wasn’t much really.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, blushing as she ran a hoof through her mane. “I was just acting as the extra eyes for the rest of you here with me.”

“Well, you totally got a real bucking sharp pair of eyes in my opinion!” Rainbow continued, sending an electrified kick to a Timberwolf. “Maybe not as sharp as my eyes, but still good enough to detect shit that’s about to go down.”

A snarl from behind Fluttershy caused her to spin around and see several Timberwolves creeping towards her, with more surrounding her from all sides. Fluttershy paused for a moment, before she slowly hovered to the ground, her wings still spread as she looked around at all the wooden canines. The Timberwolves stayed where they were, waiting to see if the buttermilk Pegasus would make a move on them. When she didn’t, they slowly began to stalk towards her, all of them preparing to lunge at her.

Suddenly, and without warning, Fluttershy’s head snapped up, her eyes going wide as they went from two gentle teal orbs to two blazing golden fiery orange spheres, the pupils becoming pure white. They bore into the gazes of the Timberwolves that were in her line of vision like two twin roaring flames of the Sun. All the fight and determination that they felt inside of them vanished quicker than it had come, as if it wasn’t even there in the first place. Fluttershy gave no visible reaction to their sudden change in behavior, her expression remaining completely unreadable as she stared at the carnivores.

“Now, I’m only going to say this once...you can either leave this clearing and leave me and my friends be, or, you can stay here and risk me turning you all into firewood.” Fluttershy said softly, her voice carrying the same undertone of military-like assertiveness that she had used with the singing birds she was with earlier that day. Her eyes burning with such an intensity that the Timberwolves’ bodies would’ve gone up in flames had she been able to. “Choose wisely...or you’ll be taught quite the lesson.”

Many of the Timberwolves that were caught in the line of Fluttershy’s gaze shrunk away from her, their ears flattening against their heads as they went from offensive and hostile, to fearful and submissive, before letting out whimpers and scattering into the forest, clubbed tails in between their legs. Those that stayed behind reeled back a bit by the change of color in the buttermilk Pegasus’s eyes and the scorching intensity behind them. Still, they were not ready to give up the fight just yet, which let Fluttershy know that they were not all backing down.

“Very well then,” She murmured as the orange glow in her eyes disappearing. “We’ll do this yourway.”

Without warning, the buttermilk Pegasus swung herself in an incredibly graceful vertical arc with her wings still spread. Before the Timberwolves could even realize what was happening, they felt themselves being sliced apart and blown back in all directions. They howled in pain as Fluttershy’s wind attacks sliced deep into their bodies, so much so that a green substance could be seen leaking form their bodies. Just as quickly as the attack came, it stopped, and all of the Timberwolves could now be seen laying on the ground, bleeding as they all writhed in pain.

“I tried to warn you.” Fluttershy murmured, looking at the canines sympathetically before she took back to the air.

“My word…” Rarity gasped, staring in awe at Fluttershy as she rejoined her fellow flyers. “Did you see that? Our dear Fluttershy handled those ruffians with hardly any effort, and with such grace!”

A blast of violet magic Rarity’s head got her to refocus on her predicament as Twilight blasted a group of Timberwolves from behind the fashionista. Rarity screamed in surprise, and slight pain as the bolt sailed across the tip of her horn, causing her to stumble slightly. She looked over to where Twilight was, and saw the lavender Unicorn just feet away from her, her eyes glowing.

“Rarity, pay attention!” She shouted, whirling around sending multiple magic blasts at the canines behind her. “Is now really the time to be spacing out right now?! You were about to get eaten and ripped apart!”

“I-I, I was most certainly not!” Rarity protested, her own horn glowing brightly. “I was perfectly focused on these heathens, even when I wasn’t really facing them!”

“Then why didn’t you turn back to them when they snarled at you?!” Twilight asked somewhat accusingly. “They were right in front of you, and I know that you were able to hear them that close to you!”

Rarity was about to reply, when she heard a growl from behind her, and she turned around to see a large Timberwolf diving at her. she screamed out in fear, and out of instinct, she fired off her horn, sending off a laser like beam of magic that the beast. As it struck it in the chest, Rarity swung her head about, sending the canine flying in the opposite direction. Remembering there were more Timberwolves with her, Rarity whirled her body around and felt her eyes widen when she saw a multitude of wooden spiked clubs sailing through the air, heading straight for her. She screamed in terror before leaping away, feeling them barely grazing her body as they all slammed into the ground. The fashionista continued to instinctively evade the Timberwolves powerful tails, all the while using her magic to shoot at the ones that were planning to shoot at her, least her situation got worse. Eventually, she was given enough time to charge up her horn and fire a long blast of magic at the Timberwolves and send them flying away, but not before one more tried to crush her with its tail club, just barely missing her muzzle.

“Belle Machine Gun: Laser Beam Flock!” The alabaster Unicorn yelled, firing off large blasts of laser like beams at the canines. The power behind her attack, powered by the raging fear and terror within Rarity allowed her attack to be more efficient than she thought it would be. The fashionista watched in amazement as the magical beams sent the Timberwolves soaring away from her, crashing into the trees.

“Oh…oh my, I can’t believe just did that.” Rarity blinked, grinning as she came out of her shocked state. “Take that you ruffians! That’s what you get for messing with a graceful lady like me! Hmph!”

Twilight rolled her eyes at her fellow Unicorn’s antics, before she turned around and focused back on her own hoard of wooden canines. Without giving them a chance to react she fired off a powerful stream of violet magic at them, engulfing them all in its purple color. As she kept up her blasting the canines in front of her, she heard a bark from behind her. Eyes widening and Twilight spun around to see a Timberwolf leap at her and land right onto her back, its claws sinking deep into her sides. Twilight screamed as she felt blood start to flow out of the slashes, but she managed to fight the pain, and used her magic to try to pry the beast off of her.

“Belle Machine Gun: Gattling Gun!” The voice of Rarity shouted, before a flock of cyan bolts of magic flew towards Twilight. To the fashionista’s relief, the bots of magic managed to hit her desired targets, but a couple of them also hit Twilight in the process. The Timberwolf howled in pain as it was torn off of the lavender Unicorn, who crumpled to the ground in a heap.

“Oh goodness!” Rarity cried her hooves flying to her mouth. “Are you alright Twilight?!”

Twilight grunted as she pushed herself onto her haunches. She looked over at Rarity and sent her a weak smile. “Y-yeah more or less…that really hurt when you blasted me though.” The smile on her face immediately dropped when she noticed the Timberwolves beginning to surround her. “Oh no…”

“I’m coming darling hold on!” Rarity shouted as she galloped over to her fellow Unicorn. Her charge was soon halted when a few Timberwolves jumped in front of her, preventing her from being able to get to Twilight. The next thing she knew one of the Timberwolves had lashed its tail out, letting its club strike her in the chest and send her flying into a tree.

“Rarity!” Twilight shouted, before she too felt something strike her chest, forcing her onto her back and into the ground. She looked up behind her to see one of the Timberwolves on top of her, its jaws open in preparation to rip her throat out.

“I don’t think so!” Twilight growled, igniting her horn with electricity. “Solid Form Magic: Lightning Strike!”

A shower of wood surrounded Twilight as she struck the Timberwolf right in its face, sending it flying off of her and into one of the nearby trees. Not wasting a moment, the lavender Unicorn got to her feet and sent off a torrent of lightning strikes at the canine surrounding her. It had the same desired effect with the last one, each of them howling in pain and running off into the woods and away from the clearing.

With her horn still ignited, Twilight spun back around, ready to blast away any Timberwolf that lunged at her from all sides. She didn’t have to wait long before they attacked, some coming at her from the front, while other came at her from the sides. Giving a strong lash of her tail, the lavender Unicorn fired off a few more electrical blasts of magic at the Timberwolves that had come at her from the front, sending sparks of wood flying off of them as they tumbled across the ground. Twilight then swerved and dodged between the Timberwolves that were coming on either sides of her, narrowly avoiding their razor-sharp wooden claws and teeth as they slashed and bit at the air.

“Solid Form Magic: Wind Bullets!” With their backs turned to her, Twilight fired off sharp blasts of wind at the Timberwolves that had their backs turned to her. They howled and whimpered loudly as the attacks pierced into them and sent them toppling to the ground, before staggering back up and racing off into the woods.

“Whew, that was a close one.” Twilight sighed to herself, letting her body relax slightly. A bark from above her put her back on high alert and she looked up just in time for a Timberwolf to jump right in top of her. She cried out as its wooden claws dug into her, leaving deep slashes marks as it pinned her down. Twilight watched as the Timberwolf opened its jaws, its curved teeth exposed in preparation to rip the mare’s throat out.

“NOT SO FAST!” Zephyr shouted, zooming in and slamming into the wooden canine. With a bright garnet aura surrounding him, the royal blue stallion sent a torrent of flames at each of the carnivores surrounding her. “Fire Pegasus: Swirling Flame Pillar!”

Twilight watched in awe as her foalhood friends and protector summoned a large pillar of orange flames around them, scorching the canines surrounding her. Much to her surprise, the fire surrounding her didn’t burn at her skin or wounds, but instead filled her with warmth and enveloped her in a protective cloak. Zephyr, however, wasn’t don’t just yet, having one other trick up in his sleeve to ensure the Timberwolves didn’t come back.

“Fire Pegasus: Scorching Explosion!” The Solar Guard shouted, making the large pillar of flames explode and wash over east side of the clearing, completely enveloping the canines around them. The Timberwolves all shrieked and howled as the flames burnt the wood on their bodies, and they ran off into the forest, leaving the foalhood friends to themselves.

“Thank you Zephyr!” Twilight said thankfully as the stallion helped her up. “I really thought that I was going to get killed there!”

“Don’t thank me just yet Twilight! There’s still a good bunch of these wolves left for us to get past.” Zephyr said, hovering protectively over Twilight. He glanced over at Goku, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, who were still acting as lookouts. “I’m sorry Goku, but there’s been a slight change of plans! I’m staying near Twilight, so she doesn’t get surprised like that again!”

“Don’t worry about it!” Goku said dismissively. “I did say we’d be flying over the others and look of for any surprise attacks! So, you’re still sticking to the plan in a way!”

All of a sudden, the sound of a firing cannon burst throughout the clearing, immediately reaching the ears of the three other flyers. They looked down and saw large orbs of blue magic being blasted throughout the clearing, striking right into the Timberwolves. The strikes were so devastating that the blasts send the beasts through the trees and out the clearing.

“Whoa, look at those blasts!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Is Rarity doing this?”

Fluttershy suddenly gasped, and pointed downwards. “No, look!”

The cyan Pegasus and the tan Thestral looked over to the exit of the clearing and saw Pinkie Pie at the front, defending her side of the clearing. However, they could see, much to their shock, that there was a large earth made cannon in front of her. The pink pony giggled and laughed merrily as she fired blast after blast of cannon fire at the wooden canines, while the others just stared at her silently.

“Does…does she really have a cannon made out of earth?” Zephyr asked once he had managed to collect himself.

“Yes, yes she does.” Twilight replied dryly. “Pinkie literally has a cannon made of wood and his condensing her magic in it to create all of those devastating blasts.”

“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity exclaimed sharply. “What where you are firing that thing! Do you know how close that you hit me with that last blast?! You could’ve blasted my tail skirt off!”

“Heeheehee, sorry Rarity, I can’t help myself! This is just so much fun!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she paused in her blasts. A second later, she channeled her magic into her weapon, aiming at the Timberwolves surrounding Rarity. “Earth Make: Cannon Blast!”

With a stomp of one of her hind hooves, she sent off a huge cannon blast right at the wooden canines, enveloping them in her magic. Rarity ducked under the blast just as it hit home, and she watched it soared through the clearing and sent them off into another part of the forest. A few more blasts followed them as Pinkie Pie sent away any other Timberwolf that was trying to get her from any side.

“Land sakes Pinkie, y’all seriously gotta watch where yer aimin’ that buckin’ thing like Rarity said!” Applejack shouted, watching as one of the canons strikes hit dangerously close to her hooves. “Do y’all have cotton in yer ears ‘r somethin’?!”

“Of course, not! Why would I have that?!” Pinkie Pie frowned. “It’s not like cotton will make anything I bake delicious! I’d that have cottoncandy then regular cotton, cause that’s just, blegh!”

“That’s not what Ah-” Applejack protested, only to jump away from a Timberwolf that was lunging at her from behind. She reached out and grabbed its tail, spinning it around and slamming into others that were around her, before going on the offensive.

“Earth Make: Vine Snare!” She shouted, slamming her forehooves down, causing the ground the crack and emerald green magic to pour out. Vines exploded from under it, and lashed out like whips, ensnaring the Timberwolves and yanking them from the ground. They swung the wooden canines within the air and flung them away, high into the trees and a good distance away from the clearing.

“Heh, so long lil’ doggies! Have a nice flight!” Applejack shouted to the canines, a small grin coming to her face. The grin on her face soon morphed into an expression of agony as she felt something stab right into her. Through the graces of Faust, she managed stay on her hooves, but the pain in her back didn’t vanish, even as the tail club was removed from her back by the Timberwolf that it belonged to.

“Damn it…that was a might stupid o’ me.” The tangerine farmer grunted, turning to face the wooden canine that attacked her. “Let mahself wide open t’ that. Looks like Ah gotta fix that…”

Chirping sounds suddenly filled Applejack’s ears, and she looked back in front of her to see a shower of magenta lightning sailing down towards her. The farmer cried out and made a hasty retreat to somewhere safe as the lighting bolts sailed passed her.

“Lightning Pegasus: Lightning Shower!” Rainbow Dash shouted, shooting a flock of lightning down at all of the Timberwolves in Applejack’s section of the clearing. The farmer and athlete both watched as they struck and zapped the Timberwolves, making large chips of wood fly and explode all around them. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both shielded themselves from the incoming wooden shower, not wanting to get stabbed in their eyes.

“Ha, take that ya bunch of mangy wooden bastards!” Rainbow Dash boasted, flying down next to Applejack’s side. “Are you alright AJ?”

“Well Ah was tryin’ to keep mahself from getting squashed int’ apple sauce by them wolves, so Ah guess ya can say Ah ain’t all th’ way alright.” Applejack deadpanned. “An’ it didn’t help that ya had send all o’ them lightnin’ bolts down on me RD.”

“What?! No, I wasn’t!” Rainbow Dash protested. “I was aiming at those Timberwolves because I saw that they were going to eat you! I wasn’t trying to roast you!”

“Ah know that!” Applejack snorted. “Even so, y’all could’ve warned me that you were going to get a hit in yerself!”

“So you’re saying that you didn’t hear the lightning coming your way?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow at the farmer. “I think that was warning enough.”

“Mah ears ain’t as sharp as yers Rainbow!” Applejack growled, a tick mark appearing on the back of her head. “Even if Ah did here ya about strike, that didn’t mean that Ah would have enough time t’ git outta the way o’ bein’ roasted like a fritter! That’s why Ah said ya could’ve warned me before ya attacked!”

“Yeah well, my lightning does make a shit ton of sound when I summon it, so you should’ve been able to hear it.” Rainbow snorted, crossing her forearms. “If not, then you really need to get your hearing checked.”

“Are you sayin’ that Ah have th’ hearing o’ mah Granny?!”

“No, I’m saying that you’re-”

A blast of wind and a torrent of flames soared passed the two arguing hotheads, sharply and rather heatedly cutting off their verbal fight. They both shrieked as a tan and yellow blur shot passed them, burning and slicing at the Timberwolves around them. Applejack and Rainbow Dash watched as Goku and Fluttershy worked in unison, reducing the canines to writhing wood in mere seconds. Without a single word to one another, they hovered to the ground right as the Timberwolves they attacked scrambled to their paws and ran off into the forest.

“Whoa girls…that was awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “We almost didn’t see you guys for a second there!”

“Yeah…” Applejack nodded as the two flyers walked over to them. “…though ya did almost burn the Cutie Marks off us-GAH!”

Applejack had barely finished her sentence before she and Rainbow Dash were on their flanks, holding their heads that were now sporting huge lumps. They looked up and froze upon seeing Goku hovering over them with her hooves on her hips and face contorted into a sharp glare.

“Of all the times for you two to be arguing, you pick now as a time to do it?!” She chastised; her fangs bared into an angered frown. “Have forgotten the danger that we are currently in right now?!”

“N-no, we didn’t!” Rainbow Dash replied in protest. “I was just trying to explain to Applejack about how she should’ve been able to hear my attack coming so she could dodge it!”

“Ah already told ya, Ah couldn’t hear it, especially with all o’ this other noise!” Applejack shouted, glaring at Rainbow Dash. “Ya didn’t give me a verbal warnin’ RD which is why it took me longer t’ see it comin’! Which is why Ah was sayin’ ya should’ve hollered b’fore ya did it!”

“Oh, so you’re saying that you can’t hear multiple bolts of lightning coming right at you?!” The athlete shouted back, baring her fanged teeth at the farmer. “Is your hearing really that bad?!”

“No, it ain’t!” Applejack snorted, narrowing her eyes. “An’ let’s not forget, Ah got nearly crushed my one o’ them doggies back there! So, Ah think Ah can be forgiven for not bein’ as alert when I as tryin’ to keep mah back from breakin’ in half!”

“As if some lame wooden club can break your back!” Rainbow said rolling her eyes. “It probably wasn’t even all that-”

“That’s enough!” Fluttershy exclaimed sharply, rendering both mares silent. “Look, I don’t know what made you decide that now was a good time to go at each other like to make Manticores over a female, but it is not helping us right now! Me, Goku, and the others are risking out lives just to keep ourselves from being eaten, and you two are here fighting?! What is the matter with the two of you?!”

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash flinched at the scolding, their expressions going from anger and annoyance, to guild in shame. At that same moment, Rainbow Dash spoke up in an effort to defend herself. “W-we were just-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Fluttershy said, swiftly cutting the cyan mare off. “Just go back to helping the others and making sure none of you get killed. I’ll talk to you two about your behavior later.”

“As much as I want to bash these two idiot’s skulls in…” Goku sighed, looking over at Fluttershy with a softer expression. “…I don’t’ think we’ll have to wait for very long.”

The veterinarian looked over at the tan Thestral. “What do you mean?”

“Look around you.” Goku said, surveying the battlefield. “The pack of Timberwolves are getting considerably smaller right now. And I’m estimating that within a few minutes that they’ll be gone if we keep going at the pace that we’re going.”

“Yes, you’re right, they are getting smaller…faster than I was thinking.” Fluttershy said, looking over the clearing before turning back to Goku. “Still, you have something planned, don’t you?”

Goku nodded, lashing out with her legs and kicking a nearby Timberwolf in the face and sending it slamming into a tree. “Yeah, I have a technique that I think will wash the rest of these wolves away…but I’m gonna warn you. This technique is going to leave quite the burn in this clearing.”

“Uh, what do you mean by that?” Applejack asked. “Jus’ what’re you plannin’ t’ do?”

“Something absolutely crazy.” Goku replied bluntly, causing Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s eyes to widen. “Hey Fluttershy, do you think you can do a favor for me?”

“What do you need?” The buttermilk Pegasus asked softly and patiently.

“I want you, Rainbow and Applejack to let the other girls and Zephyr know what I’m planning to end this fight in one fell swoop.” Goku explained. “I want you all together them all in the middle of the clearing and have Twilight and Rarity create a shield to protect you all. Trust me when I say this, that it is going to be big.”

“Alright then, you can count on me.” Fluttershy said, staring into Goku’s eyes for a moment before turning to Rainbow and Applejack. “Come on you two, let’s go get the others.”

“W-wait a minute! What about-” Rainbow sputtered, only to freeze when Fluttershy glared back over at them.

“I said…” She said, her eyes giving a soft orange glow. “…let’s go.”

“Yes ma’am!” Both mares said as they scrambled over to where the others were. With that said and done, Goku spread her wings and took off into the air, her golden aura flowing behind her.

The four other ponies, who had noticed Goku take off, watched as she made her way into the sky, her wings making slow yet powerful flaps as her extended mane and tail flew rather gracefully behind her. She soon stopped just above the very top of the trees as she looked down at the clearing below her, staring down at the small glowing dot that was her shielded friends and the multiple eyes that were the Timberwolves. Taking in a deep breath, Goku closed her eyes and raised her forehooves against her head as aura around her body began to glow a brighter shade of gold, making her look like a beautiful golden star. Suddenly a sphere of fire appeared in her right foreleg, before a sphere of lightning appeared on her left one, growing larger the more magic she channeled into them. The tan Thestral brought both hooves together and combined both powers that were now radiating from her hooves, making it even larger than before.

“What in th’ hay is she doin’ up there?” Zephyr asked, squinting his eyes as he tried to get a clear look at his friend.

“I don’t know, but she looks absolutely divine in that pose!” Rarity replied with gush, her eyes sparkling as she took in the rather beautiful sight. “She looks like a beautiful gemstone shining in the light of the night sky!”

“Well, whatever attack she’s going, it looks like it’s going to be big.” Twilight said, her voice carrying some slight apprehensiveness. “Still though, what is she planning right now?”

“Girls!” Fluttershy suddenly shouted as she, Applejack and Rainbow all came running towards them. “I need you all to come over here now!”

“Wait, right now?!” Pinkie asked, a confused frown coming to her face. “Aw, is the fight ending already?!”

“I’m afraid so Pinkie.” Fluttershy nodded. “And it looks like Goku’s going to be the one to do it.”

“What is she going to do dear?” Rarity asked, tilting her head after firing a blast of magic at a nearby Timberwolf. “Does Goku have some sort of plan?”

“We think so, but that’s not all.” Applejack replied nervously. “She wants Twi and Rares t’ put a shield around all o’ us so it’ll protect us from her attack.”

“What she what?” Zephyr asked his eyes widening. “Her attack is going to be that powerful?”

“From what I’m looking right now….” Rainbow Dash replied staring up at the large orb in the air. “…it is.”

As the six ponies conversed, Goku continued to hover in the sky, pumping more magic through her body into the giant electrical wind sphere that she was holding in her hooves, making it more powerful by the second. It continued to grow larger, stronger, and more intense with power as the lightning and wind grew with more intensity and concentration, looking be nothing more than a giant sphere of light from where the others were down below. It eventually got to the point where the sphere was nearly the equivalent of a large air balloon floating into the sky, swirling with wind and crackling with lightning and causing the trees around it to rustle and get drawn into it.

“Alright, I think I’ve got enough power packed into this bad boy.” Goku said with a grin as she looked down at the Timberwolves that were surrounding her friends. “Alright everypony, I’m ready! Put up the shield so I can send those Timberwolves into oblivion!”

“You heard the mare.” Zephyr said softly, his inner Royal Guard looking over at Twilight and Rarity. “Go on and put up the shield girls.”

Twilight and Rarity nodded, motioning the others to come on and huddle together, though it took Pinkie a bit longer to come, not wanting to abandon. her earth made canon. The pink pony eventually sucked it up and bounced over to where the others were and joined with them in the shield that Twilight and Rarity were making with their magic. Upon seein the shield put up, Goku propelled herself upward and shot her forehooves down in a throwing motion, bringing the large lightning and wind sphere with her and sending it diving down to the clearing below her. The others down below watched as it came careening down towards them, the sound of the wind roaring and lightning crackling filling their ears.

“Whoa nelly, looks like Goku released her attack!” Applejack exclaimed, pulling her hat down around her head. “An’ it’s comin’ in hot!”

“Did she have to shoot it down right where we were?!” Rarity whined as she sunk to the ground, covering her head with her hooves. “What if it hits us?!”

“Too late to think about that now!” Rainbow Dash cried, squeezing her eyes shut and gritting her teeth. “Brace yourselves!”

No sooner did those words come out of the lavender Unicorns mouth, the sphere of lightning and fire slammed right into the center of the giant shield that was around the six mares, but it didn’t explode the moment it hit the top. Instead, it flattened and expanded all across the ground, slicing and tearing through the ground and sending rubble, dirt and dust flying everywhere as it headed towards the Timberwolves surrounding the area and beyond the clearing. The wooden canines had no time to react or defend themselves as they were washed in a sea of electrical yellow and roaring red, the electricity and fir coursing and slicing through their bodies as they all gave loud howls of agony their bodies were torn apart from the inside and out. Zephyr and the girls all tore their gazes away and pinned their ears against their heads, both from the blinding light and from the Timberwolves’ howls of agony, as they were zapped and burned beyond recognition.

Thankfully, none of them had endure the constant howling and blazing light for long, for their ears were then filled the sound of explosion resonating all throughout the clearing. The six ponies shut their eyes even tighter as the light shined even brighter, causing them to practically raise their hooves to their faces in an effort to reduce the burning sensation. Eventually, the light slowly began to die down, and all that surrounded the shielded ponies was smoke and dust with no sign of the Timberwolves anywhere.

“Well...that was quite the display wasn’t it?” Rarity asked, blinking a few times as she ran a hoof through her mane. “I didn’t expect Goku’s attack to be that powerful.”

“Yeah…” Applejack nodded, using her hat to fan her face. “Ah literally felt th’ ground rumblin’ beneath me from all o’ that lightnin’.”

“I can’t see here through all of this dust.” Twilight said as she looked around. “Where is Goku?”

Right as that question was answered, the dust that had been surrounding the girls suddenly whirled around them like a tornado before it collided into the shield and broke apart, letting Twilight and the others see the clearing around them. The lush green grass had been torn and ripped from the ground, leaving only nothing but the dark brown soil, and some roots sticking up and about here and there. Large scorched chunks of earth were sitting in random parts of the ground, some them having little volts of electricity emitting from them. All over were wooden parts of where the Timberwolves were, presumably having gone back into the forest

Before the Zephyr and the girls could comment on any of the carnage around them, Goku suddenly shot down in front of them. The ground shook violently and caused even more debree to go flying as she whipped her mane back and forth, giving a flick of her. After taking some time to catch her breath, the tan Thestral met the eyes of each of her friends, a small, yet relieved smile on her face.

“Oh wow! That was a real rush that I had up there! I haven’t unleashed an attack that powerful in a long time!” Goku exclaimed as she brushed her extended mane out of her face. “Are you girls okay?”

“We’re fine, that shield you had Rarity and I put up really did the trick in protecting us from that blast.” Twilight replied as she and the fashionista lowered the shield. “Though I do have to say one thing…that was a relatively impressive blast.”

The tan Thestral giggled. “Heh, it sure was! I did tell you guts that it was going to be crazy, and it turned out just as crazy as it became!”

“Yeah! That was one big blast you did there!” Pinkie Pie added as she bounced around the group. “That was bigger than any shot that I fired from my Party Cannon combined!”

“I agree, but um...Goku…” Fluttershy began, looking at the Pegasus with a slight frown. “Don’t you think you went a little overboard with that last attack?”

At these words, Goku blinked and looked around at the wooden remains Timberwolves that lay sprawled across the field, small electric volts emitting them. The tan Pegasus winced as she noticed a few of them still in the clearing, limping off into the forest.

“Yeah...I agree with you on there, Flutters. I did go way overboard with that move.” Goku sighed as she looked back at Fluttershy with an apologetic expression. “All I was trying to do was to stop them from trying to eat you guys. I didn’t think they’d be hurt this badly considering just what kind of creatures they are.”

“No creature is invincible Goku, no matter how much power they have or who made them into what they are.” Fluttershy said, letting out a sigh. “Still, at least you didn’t kill them...so there’s that at least.”

“Yeah, you didn’t need to worry about that.” Goku said reassuringly as she put a hoof on Fluttershy. “It’s like Twilight said, they were only following their primal instincts, nothing more, nothing less. I’m not gonna kill them over something like that.”

“Um, Goku, as touching as that is to hear you say that” Rarity said tentatively, her expression apprehensive. “…I think we may want to go now. We still have a mission we all need to head off on and accomplish, and if we stay here any longer, we will be the ones killed.”

“Um Rarity, with how much Goku kicked these wolves’ asses, I highly doubt they’ll be coming back for us anytime soon.” Rainbow snorted, rolling her eyes. “Still though, you have a point, we have a Nightmare’s ass that we gotta kick! And the sooner we get there, the sooner we can do just that!”

“Calm down Rainbow Dash, we’re gonna get there eventually.” Applejack interjected; irritation clear in her voice as she gave the cyan Pegasus a look of annoyance. “Not all of us can fly, let alone run as fast as you can! The least ya can do is keep at our pace!”

“Yeah, we don’t need you running off again like you did there.” Zephyr nodded as he began to follow Goku out of the clearing, the others following close behind. He suddenly noticed that one of them weren’t following the tan Thestral, and she looked behind her to see Fluttershy trudging behind them.

“Fluttershy dear,” Zephyr asked, stopping in his tracks. “Are you alright?”

“Huh? Oh um, yes...I-I’m fine.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, looking up at Rarity with a tired expression as the others stopped and looked over at her. “I’m just...a little tired that’s all.”

“Ya’ll certainly don’t look like yer just tired sugarcube.” Applejack pointed out, her face morphing into one of doubt. “Are you sure yer feelin’ okay?”

“Y-yes, I sure.” Fluttershy replied, struggling to keep up on wobbling legs. “I...I just need to rest for a little bit...t-that’s all.”

Right as she said those words, the buttermilk Pegasus’s hind legs buckled and they collapsed under the weight, causing her to fall flat onto her rump. The others, taking notice of this immediately rushed over to her, their concern for their friend growing.

“Whoa, Fluttershy! Are you okay?!” Rainbow Dash asked, looking down at her fellow Pegasus in worry. “What’s wrong?! Why can’t you stand up?!”

The buttermilk Pegasus stayed silent, letting out deep, long and slow breaths as she struggled to keep herself upright and not black out right then and there. She slowly looked up at the concerned faces of Zephyr and her friends, her vision blurring as she opened her mouth to speak, but the growing exhaustion prevented her from doing so.

The next thing everypony, Fluttershy’s teal eyes rolled in the back of her head as she took in one final audible breath, before she fell to the ground unconscious. Just before she did, she heard the combined sound of her friends calling her name, their terrified voice echoing about the desecrated clearing.

“FLUTTERSHY!!!”

Author's Note

Heh, well whaddya know, I actually managed to do it; kind of not really expecting it to take as long as it did, but it looks like I was able to do it :twilightsmile: . For this one, I just decided to have the battled with the Timberwolves kept into one good chapter, with a few additional parts form a couple of parts form the other chapters of it that I had written. Other than that, along with Zephyr's additional role coming into play within the battle, I can say that this chapter went better than any of the ones I had written about the battle with the Timberwolves. Now, some of you may be wondering what was up about that very last scene in the chapter, but don't worry, all will be explained swiftly and efficiently. For now, we'll be going back on what's going on back in Ponyville with one final building climx with the Tantabus battle before things wind down :pinkiesmile: .

Chapter 30 - Escape

While Zephyr and the girls all recovered from their fight with the Timberwolves, and tried to figure out how to help Fluttershy, the Tantabus fight in Ponyville was still going on. It seemed that the forces on the nightmarish creatures was dimming somewhat, but only by a small amount. Some of the guards that were spread throughout Ponyville had manage to find out the Tantabuses weakness and destroy them on the spot, thus ending their fight. Even so they weren’t really able to figure out what it was before the Tantabuses and the cores disintegrated in the mist, thus leaving them unable to help their fellow guards. Luckily for them, they, along with their captain, were about to get some much-needed news about their adversaries, and how to defeat them for good.

Meanwhile, back at the Golden Oaks Library, Amethyst, Cloud Kicker, and Snowflake, Spike, and the rest of the foals were still secluded inside of the Golden Oaks Library. All of them were still resigned in Twilights room, away from the danger of the Tantabuses that were still trying to get through the shield. Amethyst’s shield was strong, and she knew that it could hold up for long periods of time, but even her magic had its limits. She knew it wouldn’t be very long before they needed to make a hasty get away, unaware of the elusive savior currently on their way.

Spike watched as Amethyst groaned in slight pain as she rubbed the mid-section of her horn feeling a small, yet painful ache coursing through her head. He stared out the window at the flock of Tantabuses that were trying to get through her shield, and dread began to fill his little tummy, making him feel queasy. The mulberry purple Kirin was aware that it wouldn’t be long before the shield finally gave way to the powerful creatures, and when it did, they’d be in real trouble. Spike wasn’t entirely without hope or confidence though, for he knew that he had the adult Unicorn, her aunt and Snowflake there to help them. Though the latter would take a little bit more time to fully recover before she jumped back into the game, and Spike knew it.

Despite this, Spike knew from the last fight that these Tantabuses were not to be taken lightly, a lesson that Twilight taught him about combat. He knew that it was going to take much more than four ponies to go against a whole flock of those creatures. He also knew that it was going to take a considerable amount of power from all of them in order to keep him Sheton, and the other fillies safe from those creatures. That was why Spike made a solemn vow right then and there that he’d do his very best to protect Sheton and the fillies from these monsters, as a both as a Dragon, even though he was only half, and as their friend.

Another groan from Amethyst drew Spike’s attention back to her, and he watched as she leaned against the bookshelf next to the door. Her face was contorted in pain, and from the way that she was rubbing at her horn let him know that the magic she was using was really putting a toll on her. He had seen it happen whenever he and Twilight helped each other with their combat magic in the training room below the library, and effects afterward. So Spike knew all too well how much of a painful side effect that using so much magic would bring. Still, that didn’t help him from wanting to ease Amethyst's pain, and, after a couple of moments of watching her tiredly lie there, he decided to do just that.

“Hey, Amethyst...” He said gently, walking over to the Unicorn mare. “Are you okay?”

Amethyst’s ears perked upon hearing the young dragon pony hybrid’s childish voice, and she looked up to see his reptilian eyes staring back at her. In spite of the pain her head was in, she managed to crack a weak smile towards the Kirin. “Hey there kiddo, good to see that you and the others are still up. As for if I’m okay, well…I am mostly.”

“Let me guess, it’s your horn that’s hurting you from the use of such an abundant amount of magic?” Spike asked, even though he already knew the answer. “And the reason why you’re looking so tuckered out is because it’s beginning to take its toll on you.”

“Sharp as the diamonds on my flank Spike.” Amethyst chuckled, slowly lifting her head up, her mane falling over most of her face. “You totally take after Twilight alright…I can see why you always refer to her as your big sis, like me and Dinky.”

“Yeah well, Twilight did look after me for the last four years that I was here.” Spike said, crossing his forehooves as a soft blush came to his cheeks. “I picked up an abundance of stuff from her, so I’m bound to pick up on things like this.”

“Yeah, you sure are.” Amethyst said, reaching over and gingerly patting the draconic colt on his head. “Anyway, is coming over and checking on me the only thing you came here to do? Or did you want to come over and give me a warm cuddle using that body heat of yours?”

The blush on Spike’s face grew darker as his draconic ears pinned back. “Please don’t tempt me…once I cuddle with somepony, it’s almost impossible to get me to let go.” He admitted bashfully, earning a laugh from Amethyst. “Still, I can’t really stand to see you in pain like this, so I’m going to help ease it!”

“Um Spike…” Amethyst said, somewhat apprehensively. “I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t think burning my body to a pile of ashes is going to help me get rid of this headache.”

“That’s now what I meant, and you know it!” Spike squeaked, his cheeks puffing into a put as he glared at the magenta purple Unicorn. “I was going to go get you an ice pack to help you with that headache. Especially since you’re using so much magic to formulate that shield around the exterior of the library.”

Amethyst’s eyes widened slightly. “S-seriously?” She asked, her pain vanishing slightly at the thought of having something cool atop her head. Another flash from the window broke her out of her stupor, reminding her of what was going on right now. “A-actually that’s okay, you don’t need to.”

“Nuh-uh, don’t even go there!” Spike interrupted, jamming his little hoof onto Amethyst’s muzzle. “I am getting you an icepack to cool your brain, so you don’t pass out! The last thing that we need is for you to lose consciousness because you refused an icepack that’ll help you from overheating, especially with all of those Tantabuses out there! And I will be damned, if I let you or anypony else here die because one of you didn’t accept help when you really needed it!”

With that, Spike turned tail and trotted away towards the kit that he had brought up into Twilight’s bedroom, leaving a speechless Amethyst where she was. A soft chuckle made her look over to see Snowflake sitting with the rest of the foals and boring an amused smile.
“What’s so funny?” Amethyst asked, her eyes narrowing. “Are you laughing because of how shitty I look in this state?”

“Why of course not dear, I’m laughing because of how cute it was to see you submitting to Spike when he offered to help you.” Snowflake replied; her tone too casual for the younger mare’s liking. “Then again, that is our little Spikey for you. Once he sees somepony in dire need of assistance, he’s not going to stop until they accept it.”

“Yeah, I kind of knew that already.” Amethyst snorted as Spike trotted back over with the icepack in claw. “I was given a clear example when he came over to my house for a playdate with Dinky and helped her in making muffins for my Mom.”

“That you were indeed!” Spike chirped, gently setting the icepack on Amethyst’s head. “And that should let you know that no matter what happens, I’m always going to lend a hoof and claw to anypony who needs it! Just like how I’m gonna help Twilight with anything in her library, even if it means making it spic and span! That’s what it means to be a Kirin after all; being there for all who need it, right Sheton?”

“W-well, I’m actually a mix of a Kirin and the Thestral, a-and I haven’t unlocked my Kirin powers yet.” The stormy grey colt replied timidly. “B-but yeah, y-you have a point there, Spike.”

“You know that we didn’t really have to pick up every single thing off of the ground, right Spike?” Apple Bloom asked, setting a few books on the shelf. “I mean, it’s not like Twilight’s really going to care what state her room is in.”

“I know that Apple Bloom. It’s just that with all that’s happened, and everything that may happen, I don’t really want to leave Twilight with any more work than she already has.” Spike replied, his ears pinning back somewhat. “It’s bad enough that she leaves a mess of books in the main part of the library whenever she’s studying, and needs me to help her clean it up. The last thing that either of us to need to deal with a mess that was unintentionally made in her room, let along what’s happening outside.”

“Awww, that’s so sweet Spike!” Sweetie Belle cooed. “I knew that you cared about Twilight, but this is on a whole other level. You really do love her, don’t you?”

“W-well yeah of course I do.” Spike replied, another blush promptly making its way to his scaly face. “B-besides Moondancer, s-she’s my big sis, and I’d do anything for her. I am her Number One Assistant after all.”

“And their cute little brother!” Crescent added, trotting over and hugging the colt. “And my amazing big brother, don’t forget that!”

“Um, I don’t mean to stop this little mushy moment, but…” Fire Flash suddenly said, raising a hoof up. “Who the hay is Moondancer?”

“Huh?” Sheton asked, looking over at Crescent and back at the crimson filly. “Wait, you’ve never heard of Moondancer before?”

Fire Flash shook her head. “No, I haven’t, and I don’t think any of us have either.” She replied, looking over at the rest of her friends, who also gave their own headshakes. “Is she another friend of yours?”

“Well, yeah, but it’s a bit more complicated than that.” Crescent replied, breaking away from her hugging of Spike. “You see, Moondancer is…Twilight’s twin sister, and my other big sister as well.”

“What?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed her eyes widening as she leapt to her feet. “Twilight has another sister?! Ah thought she only had you an’ her older brother as her siblings!”

“Um, Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle said sharply, jamming an elbow into her side and pointing at a frowning Spike.

“O-oh, sorry.” She said apologetically. “Ah thought she only had you her brother and Spike as yer siblin’s Crescent.”

“Yeah well, I really don’t…I have another sister who’s around the same age as Twilight.” The ocean blue filly said sheepishly. “Although, me and Twilight don’t really talk about her very often…at least, not Twilight.”

“S-she doesn’t?” Scootaloo asked. “W-why not? D-do they not g-get along?”

“Oh no, they do! They really do!” Crescent replied quickly. “I-it’s just, um…Moondancer and Twilight have a bit of a delicate relationship with one another. Don’t get me wrong, they do love each other as much as any sisters would, but…” She looked down at her wings, ruffling them as feathers shook in response to the movement. “…they do have their difficulties.”

“What do you mean by that?” Apple Bloom asked, tilting her head. “Was Moondancer not as skilled as magic as Twilight is?”

“No, that’s not it.” Spike replied, lying next to Amethyst. “Both Twilight and Moondancer were excellent at magic. So much so that they were both accepted into Celestia’s School for Gifted Ponies and they excelled at everything. They were also very pretty too, and did get a lot of colts, and…y-yeah, they did get a lot of colts asking them on d-dates.” He paused to shoot a heated glare over at Amethyst upon hearing her laughter behind him. “T-the reason why they had their difficulties is because they weren’t born quite as normal.”

“…Oh, I think see.” Sweetie Belle said, her expression slowly softened. She looked in between Crescent’s wings and horn, recognition clicking in her sharp mind. “You’re trying to tell us that Twilight and Moondancer…weren’t quite born the same? Like you?”

The ocean blue filly nodded, her wavy purple mane falling over her face as she lowered her head. “Mhm…and it’s because of that, that Moondancer doesn’t really like to socialize with others. Not unless they’re me, the Queen, Twilight, Shining Armor, Mom and Dad, Spike, or even Sheton and his family. Because they’re the only ones she knows without any wavering doubt who won’t judge her for her appearance and accept her for not only who, but what she was.” She looked up at all of her friends, her golden eyes becoming slightly glazed. “Shining, Mom, Dad, and even Spike and me, have tried all that we could to get her to come out and be more open about herself, but…nothing worked.”

“O-oh…that p-poor m-mare…to have to go through all that, j-just because she wasn’t b-born like a-anypony else here.” Scootaloo murmured, a sympathetic frown on her face as she too caught on. “…t-that m-must’ve been r-really hard on h-her.”

“It was.” Sheton sighed, pulling his fedora over his head. “No matter what we did, Moondancer never opened up to anypony other than Twilight and my family. Not even the few friends that Twilight had back in Canterlot were able to get through to her, so…we eventually left her be, and she and Twilight hadn’t spoken since. Crescent Shield and Spike would sometimes go to Canterlot and visit her in Canterlot whenever they get the chance, and she always welcomed it, along with me. Other than that…she never left the city because of the fear she has of ponies judging her for her…secret.”

“Secret?” Fire Flash asked, a frown coming to her face. “What kind of secret does she have that keeps her from leaving the town she lives in? If you ask me, it just sounds like she’s being a big scardey cat that’s too afraid to make a few friends.”

“That may be what you think Fire Flash,” Snowflake said calmly, yet and firmly. “but for us, Sheton, Spike and especially Crescent Shield, it’s much more than that. Moondancer is a very self-conscious young mare that’s had nothing but discrimination and torment thrown at her all her life, just like Twilight and not just because of her secret either. Believe me, Moondancer has tried her very hardest to open herself up to others, but after being given so much unfair hate and torment from those around her, it’s no surprise that she’s the way she is now. So, I think she can be forgiven for feeling less than motivated to socialize.”

Fire Flash snorted, crossing her forearms as she looked away. “Yeah whatever…it still makes her seem like scaredy cat to me.”

“Yeah well, not everypony isn’t a scardey cat like you Fire Flash.” Spike growled, glaring up at the crimson filly. “Everypony has their own fears and insecurities, Twilight especially, even if it’s something as harmless as making a few friends here and there. So, it’s not any surprise to us that Moondancer doesn’t like socializing very much, and that also doesn’t give you the right to judge others because of that. And the sooner you stop judging others because they’re not like you, the sooner you’ll stop acting like such a jerk all the time!”

Apple Bloom nodded, grinning approvingly at Spike. “Took the words right outta mah mouth.”

“Exactly!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “Thank you Spike!”

“Mhm.” Scootaloo mumbled, frowning up at her fellow Pegasus.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.” Fire Flash murmured rolling her eyes. “Assholes…”

“We heard that.” Sheton and Snowflake said in unison, both baring their fangs at the filly.

Suddenly, a bright flash of light blasted its way through the window, burning at such intensity that it nearly blinded everypony, Sheton especially. Cloud Kicker and Dinky, who had fallen asleep at some point, was also woken by the light, both having been facing the window. Cloud was the first to get up she was adjusting her eyes to the light outside. As Dinky groggily came to, it suddenly vanished, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

“Whoa, what in the…?” She groaned as she sat up. “What the heck hay was that?! It felt like somepony had just blared a light right into my damn face!”

“A light? B-by who?” Dinky asked tiredly, still somewhat sleepy. “What’s going on big sis?”

“I-I…I think that was my shield!” Amethyst groaned as she grasped at her horn. Throwing the ice back to the ground, she got to her hooves, a look of grimness etched onto her face. “Those damn Tantabus things must’ve finally managed to get through my shield!”

“They what?!” Dinky cried, her eyes shooting wide open as all sleep left her system. “I-if they did that, then that means that they’re gonna get inside the library!”

“Which means that we’re going to need to make a break for it.” Snowflake added, before looking over at Spike. “Spike, does Twilight’s library have anywhere where we can go and confine ourselves in?”

“U-um, yeah we do!” Spike said, quickly getting into gear. “T-there’s a big training room deep under the library were Twilight and I go to practice our magic. If we hurry and run down there, we might be able to avoid the Tantabuses for a little bit longer.”

Snowflake nodded in acceptance at this, and was about to rally all of the foals with her, when Dinky suddenly shouted, “AUNTIE CLOUD!!! GET AWAY FROM THE WINDOW!!!”

The two colts and six fillies all jumped at the urgency and fear in the Unicorn filly’s tone, and they all turned to her to ask her what was wrong. They didn’t get the chance, for Dinky was already making her way out to the bed, Cloud Kicker encased in a golden aura of magic as she was all but yanked out of it. Cloud only had time to cry out in surprise before something shot through the broken window like a cannonball and slammed into the bookshelf next to the bed. Amethyst, Spike, Sheton, Crescent Shield, and the other fillies gave out loud cries of surprise and fear as they ran for cover, dust obscuring their vision as it spread throughout the bedroom and enveloped all in its path. The sound of books and glass appendages could he heard falling and smashing to the ground as everypony waited with bated breath to see what had crashed through the window.

Dinky fought back a cry of pain as she shook from the sharp pin pricks of pain stabbing into her back from the wood on the floor, all the while fighting the throbbing pain in her head due to slamming it against the wall. She could feel the weight of her aunt on top of her for a few moments before the Pegasus scrambled to her feet. As the dust began to clear, everypony managed to find each other amidst the dust, and formed into one big group.

“Dinky! What the bucking hay did you do tha-?!” Cloud asked indignantly, only for the words to die in her throat when she saw just what had crashed into the room. “Oh shit…”

“O-oh no!” Scootaloo squeaked, latching tightly to Sheton. “N-not again!”

“You have got to be bucking KIDDING ME!!!” Fire Flash all but screamed, her golden eyes flashing as she glared at the red Tantabus now in the room. “Haven’t we had enough of these stupid things already?!”

“How in the hay did it get this high inside the treehouse?!” Apple Bloom asked, backing away as far as she could from the canine. “Scratch that, how did it know exactly where to find us?!

“I-it must’ve been able to sense each of our magic emitting from the interior of the room!” Crescent cried, her whole body shaking. “It’s the only way to explain who it was able to find us here!”

“Well, magic finder thing or not, I’m sick and tired of these things trying to get us every chance they get!” Fire Flash snorted. “I’m gonna show them what we ponies are really made of!”

“Fire Flash, NO!” Sweetie Belle screamed as she shot a hoof out.

Luckily for the crimson filly, Sheton and lunged and grabbed her by the tail before she could even get halfway through the room. With a swift yank, he pulled her into him and grasped her around her barrel before she could even attempt to get away.

“Dammit, let go of me Sheton!” Fire Flash snarled, struggling violently against the younger colt’s surprisingly strong grip. “I’m gonna kick this things’ ass!”

“Not a chance Fire Flash!” Sheton hissed. “You saw how powerful those things were when they came inside the library the first time! I’m not gonna let you get killed!”

At that moment, the Tantabus screeched and fired off a violet bolt of magic at the three mares and foals on the other side of the room. They screamed as the bolt of fire soared towards them, but Dinky immediately, yet instinctively went off the offensive. By pure instinct, she fired off a powerful bolt of magic right at the Tantabus’s own, causing them both to clash. Before anypony knew it, the filly’s magic was eating up the Tantabus’s own, until it hit the tip of the Tantabuses horn, causing it to screech in pain. It staggered back as pain course through its ethereal body, while the ponies in the corner just looked on in shock.

“Wha…what was that?” Dinky said, once she came out of her shocked state. “Did I really just do that?!”

“Heh, you sure did sis; and it bought us some time!” Amethyst grinned, levitating her younger sister onto her back. “Come on everypony, let’s get out of here!”

Snowflake, Cloud Kicker and the other foals didn’t need to be told a second time, as Amethyst whipped the door open and hightailed of Twilight’s bed room. Her friends, Crescent Shield, Sheton, and the other mares not too far behind as they made their way out of the room and away from the Tantabus.

“Whoa, that was a really close call back there! For a second I thought that I was really gonna get blasted into apple sauce” Apple Bloom exclaimed as she struggled to catch her breath. “Thanks a lot for that Dinky, we owe you big time for that one!”

“Y-yeah, I’m glad I could help.” Dinky stuttered, still marveling at what she had just done. “I-I still don’t know how did that though!”

“Me neither, but whatever happened to make you shot off that much magic really saved our hides!” Cloud Kicker smirked. “Your mom is so going to be over the moon when she finds out what you did!”

“I don’t doubt that.” Snowflake nodded. “Remind me to have Twilight and Derpy make arrangements for you to take magic lessons from her.”

The group suddenly found themselves running down the stairs towards the entrance of the library, only for Amethyst to stop them all. There, inside the main room of the library, were several Tantabuses, prowling their way through the interior of the treehouse.

“Oh no, now we’re trapped!” Sheton cried, pulling his fedora down around his face. “What’re we gonna do now?!”

“The...t-t-the balcony.” Spike said, tugging hard on Snowflake’s curly mane. “W-we can can escape through the balcony!”

“Twilight has a balcony in her library?” Snowflake asked, her tone carrying some surprise.

“Yes, I know where it is from here!” Spike replied as he began to back away. “Come on guys, follow me! It’s just down this hallway!”

“Alright kiddo, lead the way!” Amethyst all but commanded, earning a nod from the purple colt as he turned tail and raced down the hallway. As the mountain blue Thestral, the other two mares, and the other foals followed Spike through the upper part of the library, they could hear the sound of the Tantabuses making their way through the tree to where they were. They all knew that it was only a matter of time before the ethereal creatures caught up to them, and they wanted to buy themselves as much time as possible to escape.

Eventually, after just a couple of minutes of searching, the party of eight found themselves inside of another room, presumably Spike’s, by the way it was made and decorated. They didn’t have any time to take it in however, as the young colt made his way to the sliding glass door and practically tore it open, causing the room to shake slightly. He leaped out the door and onto the rather large balcony the others following right behind him as Spike slid it shot with an audible rattle.

“Okay, I got it shut, I didn’t see any of them behind us, so I think we should be safe for a bit.” Spike said urgently, trying to keep himself as calm as possible as he turned to Snowflake, Cloud and Amethyst. “What do we do now?”

Snowflake immediately made her way to the end of the balcony, and took in the side of even more houses stretching from the back of the Golden Oaks Library. Not only that, she could also see it was devoid of any Tantabuses, at least form where she was standing.

“I can see some houses not too far from where we were.” Snowflake finally replied, looking over at the foals. “There’s also a dirt trail leading away from the library to them, so we shouldn’t have any trouble getting to them.”

“A-a-are there any Tantabuses down there?” Dinky asked, taking an apprehensive step back. “If there are I’m not setting hoof off of here.”

“No sweetheart, there aren’t. There’s no need to worry. I don’t see any here from where I’m standing.” Cloud replied, giving her niece a reassuring smile. It soon faded from her lips as she addressed the other foals, her tone calm, yet instructive. “Alright kids, we’re gonna head off of the balcony and make our way to those houses. Those of you that can fly, I want you to carry the ones that can’t, and carry them until we reach the ground okay?”

“Got it!” Fire Flash, Crescent Shield, and Sheton all replied in unison, while Scootaloo stayed silent.

“Wait second…” Cloud Kicker said as she hoisted her sister onto her back. “Where are we going to go if there are more of those things out there? We’re not going to be able to fight them all off with just three of us, and I highly doubt all the foals here will stand much of a fighting chance against them.”

“I’m aware of that Cloud.” Snowflake nodded. “Which is why, once we’re sure there aren’t any Tantabuses where we’re going, we’re going to make a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. From where I’m standing, none of the Tantabuses have made their way there. So, I’m sure that it’ll be relatively safe for us there.” Her ears pinned back. “It’s the only safe place I can think of to go at this rate, now that Twilight’s treehouse is no longer safe.”

“Yeah, you make a good point.” Cloud nodded, looking back at the foals. “Now that I think about it, that is the best choice. Granny Smith’s been wanting to see little Dinky again fer a while now, and I know her coming to visit will brighten up her day.”

Amethyst chuckled. “Can’t argue with that.”

The sound and sight of a bolt of magic blasting apart the sliding glass door and soaring through the are caused the group to scream out in terror. They looked behind them to see one of the Tantabuses inside Spike’s room, peering at them with its blazing magical eyes.

“Oh no, they found us!” Spike shouted, hopping onto Amethyst’s back. “Come on guys, let’s book it!”

The next thing that the purple Kirin and everypony else knew, there was an explosion as the Tantabus fired off another bolt of magic. This one was more powerful than the first, so much so that it destroyed nearly all of Spike’s entire balcony. He and everypony else spiraled through the air, his keen ears picking up the sounds of his friends screaming in terror and pain, before they crashed to the hard and unforgiving ground. As they slowly regained their senses, Spike took noticed of the other foals lying on the ground in random parts around him, each of them looking to be battered and bruised. He also noticed Snowflake, Cloud and Amethyst standing in front of all of them, their wings flared, and horn ignited, all standing in a protective stance.

“Ugh, Snowflake?” Spike asked as he slowly got up to his feet. “Are you and everypony else okay?”

“Kids, get behind us, now.” Snowflake commanded, not taking her eyes off of the canines in front of her. “If you keep lying spread out like that, one of them will snatch you up. Get behind me, quickly!”

The foals didn’t need to be told a third time. With a great amount of effort due to the pain from the collision from both the Tantabus and the ground, they all got to their hooves and got behind the three mares. All seven of them huddled into a large group and clinging tightly to each other as they watched Snowflake, Cloud and her eldest niece stare down the winged horned creatures

“Sis, be careful...one of them nearly got you back inside the library.” Sheton whimpered as he stared up at his sister. “If even one of them manages to catch you off guard…”

“Don’t worry little brother, I’ve learned from my last mistake. I’m not gonna let my guard down again, or am I gonna give the element of surprise, not that they really can.” Snowflake replied; her ears pinned firmly against her head. “Although, this also means that I’m going to have to take this up a notch.”

“Are you all going to ascend?” Sweetie Belle asked, noticing the auras surrounding their bodies.

“Yes.” Cloud replied. “Don’t really have any other option at this point...except to hope that this move works.”

“Well, by all means go for it!” Fire Flash encouraged. “Besides, I haven’t seen really seen you that much and action, and something tells me that you have a hay of a lot more up you’re wings!”

“Um, I don’t think any o’ them will be able t’ show us how awesome they are Fire Flash.” Apple Bloom said slowly, her eyes focused on the sky.

“Why’s that Apple Bloom?” Crescent asked.

“‘Cause, Ah see a flock of swords headed down right for us!” The farm filly replied, the last three words turning into a shriek of terror as she pointed a white stocked hoof upward.

Snowflake, Cloud, Amethyst and the other foals immediately snapped their heads upward to where Apple Bloom was pointing, and sure enough, a flock of purple swords could be seen shoot down towards where they were. Before any of them could make a move, they shot down all around in a large circle, in perfect unison, as a purple shockwave burst out from the circle of sword, colliding with the Timberwolves and sending them flying back.

“What...what in the-” Snowflake began, but was cut off when she saw a large stallion land in front of her, adorned in dark purple and lavender armor, with no helmet. She instinctively staggered back, nearly crashing into the foals behind her as she took in the sight of the Thestral in front of her. When she got a full look of who it was, however, a sharp gasp let her throat.

“No way…” She whispered as the stallion slowly stood upright. “T-that can’t be-!”

“Moon Blade?!” Sheton cried, his own eyes going wide.

“Well, looks like I made it just in the nick of time.” The stallion replied softly, his voice low and refined. “Though I must admit, I wasn’t expecting to find a few mares and a group of foals in this part of the town.”

“Who…” Amethyst asked, once she was able to find her voice. “Who...areyou?”

The stallion looked over at the magenta purple Unicorn, the two pools of red in his eyes piercing right into her moderate purple ones. “Normally, introductions would be the least of my concerns when it comes to saving another pony, especially if it’s that of a mare. It is what a proper stallion should do, after all.” He grinned, his vampiric fangs glistening in the moonlight around them. “However, since you’re so shocked that suddenly appeared out of nowhere, it’s only fair that I answer your question.”

The ghostly white stallion turned around to face the mare and foals, lifting a plated off and putting it to his chest. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Moon Blade Nightstalker Cifer, Captain of the Lunar Division.” Moon Blade said politely, bowing down to Snowflake, Cloud and Amethyst as if they were princesses. “It is lovely to meet your acquaintance, my dear ladies…especially yours, my dear Snowflake.”

Sweetie Belle’s ears perked up at the stallion’s words. “Cifer?” She murmured softly.

“Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa, wait! Hold on, back up!” Cloud Kicker shouted, her gaze snapping over to Snowflake. “You know this hunk of hotness?!”

Snowflake blushed as Moon Blade chuckled, her cheeks going as red as the Thestral stallion’s eyes. “Er, yes, I do…h-he’s the stallion that became the next Lunar Captain after my mother had retired from it. I-I’ve known him since I was just a filly, thanks to my mother introducing me to him, a-and we’ve sort of bee friends ever since then.”

“I see…no wonder you recognized him as soon as you saw him.” Amethyst replied dumbly, before looking back up at Moon Blade. “If…I may ask...why are you here? How did you even find us?”

“I was sent here by Queen Celestia herself. She had told us of a...situation that was occurring in this rather quaint little town, and had us come down here to see what was going on.” Moon Blade replied, holding his right hoof out as the tip glowing a deep ethereal purple. “I must say, I was rather surprised as to the number of Timberwolves that were infesting this town! I knew that there were quite a few but I didn’t think there’d be this many! The Everfree Forest must be more adaptable than I thought…”

The stallion cleared his throat as the swords surrounding him, Snowflake, and the foals all tore out of the ground and formed into a large aura of magic, which retreated back into his hoof. “As for how I found you...well, let’s just say that I happened to notice you out and about on this part of the town while me and my fellow soldiers were scouring the area.”

“I see.” Cloud replied, a sensual undertone coating her voice. “So, I’m assuming that your hot piece of ass saw what was going on at the library.”

“Well…more or less.” Moon Blade replied, chuckling at the persian blue mare’s rather vulgar compliment. “I had a feeling that something bad was going on in there due to the amount of power emitting from the direction hat I was in. As a stallion who trusts his gut, I just had to come investigate to see what was going on.” His eyes locked on to the foals, who were all staring back up at him with wide eyes, Sheton’s especially. “And I’m oh so very glad that I did.”

“Um, dude, not to be rude or interrupt your little flirting moment,” Fire Flash interjected. “But I would like to point out the fact that there are still Tantabuses here!”

“Do not worry little one, I am perfectly aware that were still technically in danger.” Moon Blade replied calmly stepping away from Snowflake and the foals. “Which is why I must ask you all to please get down on the ground.”

“Why?” Spike asked curiously as the stallion turned his back to them.

“So none of you will get too dirty or messy from what I’m.” Moon Blade replied, his crimson eyes flashing as he glared at the Timberwolves.

Before Snowflake or any of the foals could ask what he meant, the Tantabuses suddenly lunged at the ghostly white stallion, their large wings beating hard as they snarled and screeched. Mood Blade stood where he was, waiting for the creatures to come within range, before he too attacked. He darted off to the left before stopping and diving down under the Timberwolves, flaring out one of his large bat-like wings and letting it slice across the chests of a few of them.

Just a moment later, those few Tantabuses screeched as they felt themselves slowly disintegrating into starry mist. Moon Blade then leaped over their melting forms and flew straight towards Tantabus that were behind the mares and foals, lashing out with his clawed wings and slashing at them. He sliced through their wings as they tried to block him, which earned him howls of pain from the creatures as he and stabbed them through their chests with his wing claws.

All eight ponies watched with wide eyes and gaping mouths as Moon Blade took out the first few Timberwolves with relative ease. They didn’t have very much time to marvel at his skill however, and before they knew it, he was already his way to the other Tantabuses, weaving in and out of their claws, teeth. He used his wings and his armor to block their magical blasts, before going back on offense and resuming to destroying their cores.

Eventually, after what seemed like an endless cycle of slashing and stabbing to the eight spectators, which was only no more than a few minutes, each and every single one of the Tantabuses were beaten. Moon Blade stood over all of them, his head lowered and his large bat-wings spread to their fullest span, allowing all those around him to see his membranes glisten in the moonlight sky. The ghostly white stallion watched as all of the Tantabuses slowly melted and dissolved, giving out their final agonized screeches before vanishing into mist.

“Well...that was quite the quick fight, wasn’t it?” Moon Blade asked his gaping spectators, never losing his warm refined tone. “I honestly wasn’t to go on that quick. Then again, not all battles last very long.”

“Whoa...that was amazing!” Spike exclaimed, his shock giving way to amazement as a wide grin came to his face. “I’ve never seen anypony move that fast before! You took them out like it was nothing, and in such a short amount of time!”

“Well, I don’t like to toot my own horn, as a proper gentlecolt should, but let’s just say that I did learn from the best.” The ghostly white stallion said with a chuckle as he folded his wings. “Are any of you okay? They didn’t try to get at you while I was dealing with them, did they?”

“No, we’re fine!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, giving Moon Blade a sweet smile. “I do have to agree with Spike though! What you did back there was incredible! And you didn’t use anything, but you’re wings to do it!”

Moon Blade chuckled, giving a flex of sed appendages. “Yes well, not everypony needs to use a sword to do the cutting. Another upside to being a Thestral instead of a Pegasus, Unicorn, or an Earth Pony…no offense to any of you young ones.”

“N-none taken.” Scootaloo said softly, giving a ruffle of her wings.

“Anyway, I think that about wraps up things her.” Moon Blade said, bringing the bright orange filly, and everypony else out of their train of thought. “If you don’t mind Snowflake, I would like to have you all escorted safely to wherever you were planning on going. I want to make sure that no unnecessary surprises meet you there on the way.”

“Oh! Um...yes, of course. I don’t mind at all.” Amethyst, using a hoof to brush some of her mane out of her face. “Thank you for saving us by the way...we really appreciate it.”

“It was no trouble Lady Snowflake. Any other proper stallion would’ve done the same thing if they were in my potation.” Mood Blade said with a bow. “Now, do any of you have any suggestions as to where I can take you?”

Cloud Kicker grinned saucily, walking closer to the larger winged flyer. “Well, we were planning on going to Sweet Apple Acres for some R&R once we managed to get far away from our group of pursuers.” She reached up and put a hoof on the stallion’s armored chest, raising her muzzle up to his. “I was afraid that we’d get killed by those Tantabuses, but after you stepped in and saved us so heroically, I feel like a huge weight’s been lifted off my chest. I don’t think any of us can thank you properly for that…especially me~.”

Amethyst groaned, her hoof flying to her face as Snowflake sweat dropped. ‘Are you bucking kidding me?!’

Moon Blade laughed softly, an amused expression on his face at the persian blue mare’s flirting. “Well, like I said, it is a stallion’s duty to safe a mare in distress. So, I did just that…in more ways than one.”

“That you did, which is why I think you should be given the best of thanks.” Cloud Kicker said, running her hoof along Moon Blade’s muscular neck. “So, I was thinking that after this, you can I can take some alone timeon the farm...to properly reward you~.” She wrapped her wings around the Thestral’s neck, pressing her nose against his. “That is, if you’re up or it~.”

All of a sudden, Cloud gave a squeak as Amethyst encased her in her magic and yanked her away from Moon Blade. The Thestral stallion stumbled slightly from the force, but managed to keep his footing as Amethyst bonked her aunt over the head, glaring daggers at the older mare in the process. “Aunt Cloud of all the times that you chose to flirt and get another bang buddy, you chose nowas the time to do it?! Did you forget that we’re are in the middle of a battlefield, or are you that desperate for a release that you go to the first pony you see for a rut?!”

“Of course not Ame!” Cloud Kicker replied, chuckling. “All I’m doing is letting our hunk of a savior know that I plan to reward him in full for saving all our sexy hides. What’s the harm in that?”

“The fact that you looked like you were going to ride him right here and now.” Amethyst replied bluntly. “In front of all the foals no less.”

“I was not!” Cloud Kicker protested frowning back at her niece. “I know the time to get a good bang and a time not too! Besides, it’s not like you have any room to talk! Have you forgotten that time when you had one of your own bang buddies over and you kept little Dinky up all night with all of your banshee screaming?”

Amethyst’s face went red hot with embarrassment. “T-t-t-that has nothing to do with this and you know it!”

“Alright girls, that’s enough. You can rip each other’s tails out after we get to Sweet Apple Acres.” Snowflake said firmly, before turning to Moon Blade. “I’m sorry about that Moon Blade, Amethyst and Cloud can be pretty difficult to be around at times.”

“Oh, it’s quite alright, there’s not trouble at all.” Moon Blade chuckled. “I’ve been around plenty of mares like this in my day, so it’s not really a problem. In fact, it brings a smile to me and remind me of the days when I too was young.”

“Oh, well…alright then, if that’s how you’re taking it.” Snowflake said dumbly. “A-anyway, would you mind taking us to Sweet Apple Acres. I can show you the way if you want…”

Moon Bade held a hoof up. “That won’t be necessary my dear Snowflake. I saw what I believe was a farm when me and my troops all got here, so I believe I will have no problem taking you there.” A fond smile made its way to his face. “Besides, I’d love to catch up with you again; it’s been quite a long time since I last saw you all…especially your brother Sheton.”

“W-wait what?” Dinky asked as she and the other fillies turned to look at the stormy grey Thestral colt. “You know this stallion?”

Sheton blushed, shrinking away as he poked his forehooves together. “Um, y-yeah, I do...it’s kind of a long story.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to tell them all once we get to the farm.” Moon Blade said, winking at the colt before turning to the other three mares. “Now, shall we get going?”

“Yes, yes we shall~.” Cloud replied, a half-lidded expression on her face. “And after we get there, you and I can get to work on your little reward I have planned for you~.”

Amethyst glared at her, lashing her with her tail and cracking it in the air. “Now while there’s a bunch of little eyes and ears close by you’re not!”

Author's Note

And there's chapter thirty, the rewrite of the escape form Twilight's library and their trip to Sweet Apple Acres! Now this one is a mix of both the first written chapter and this new one, since there were some parts that I think were alright to leave in in order to make into what it was now. One of the major things that I had changed was that it was Moon Blade and Moon Blade alone that saved Amethyst, Snowflake, and Cloud Kicker, along with the foals from the Tantabuses instead of him, Star Chaser and Raven. It does make sense, since in the last chapter with them, I had them take Blossomforth over to the Town Square while he had went off to the Golden Oaks library to eventually save them himself.

Now, I was going to have a scene of this and the one with Shining Armor laying a final showdown with the Tantabuses, but from what I can see, that would love extend this chapter a bit, at least from where I'm standing. Besides, there was another scene that I had planned to put in involving the Apple Family in later chapter, but it looks like I'm going to be adding to scenes with that one :derpytongue2: . Now that I think about it, I may end up doing another one like that before going back to the single scenes :applejackunsure: . Oh boy, do I have a quite the scenes to write :derpyderp2: !

Well, that's all for this chapter! Next time, we'll be seeing the final climax of the battle with the Tantabuses, with the Royal Guards leading the final assault :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 31 - Gleaming Shields

The cool night air gave a slight, yet chilling breeze as Shining Armor stood walked about the interior of the Town Square, his golden armor giving a shine in the light of the full Moon. He breathed out a deep sigh through his nostrils, the breeze from atop the destroyed roof making the hair on his helmet and his tail skirt blew gently in the air. His horseshoes and the armor adorning his body made cladding sounds as he trudged his way through the building, observing all the ponies that were surrounding him.

Mothers were with their foals, holding them tightly in their embrace as they did their best to comfort them and wipe away their tears. Close friends were doing what they could to help each other and not break down from the day’s events, and nurses and doctors were tending to the injured, trying to make their procedure’s as painless as possible for them. As he continued to walk, he could hear the murmured of the various ponies he was passing by, mare, stallion, and foal alike.

“Ah, by bucking leg…” A Stallion groaned as he gritted his teeth. “I can barely feel it…damn roof nearly snapped it in half.”

“Well, luckily for you sir, it didn’t.” A Nurse from beside him said calmly, adding ointment and bandages to his wound. “It’s a good thing you have a sturdier body and denser muscles, otherwise, your leg really would’ve broken in half. If you were a Unicorn or Pegasus that is…”

“Yeah, you make a good point there.” The stallion sighed. “Still, that one really hurt.”

“I know it did, which is precisely why I’m here to take the pain away.” The Nurse said kindly, smiling up at her patient. “And if you stay still and don’t focus on it, it’ll go away faster.”

“Whatever you say doc.” The stallion murmured softy.

“Nurse.” The mare corrected patiently, pointing to her hat. “I’m a nurse, not a doctor.”

“Mom…” The voice of a young colt moaned out, his scared tone reaching Shining Armor’s sensitive ears. “Is the Nightmare going to get us?”

“No Button Mash, of course not. She left the Town Square with us inside, so there’s no way she’s going to try to hurt you.” The colt’s mother said soothingly, staring warmly into his eyes. “It’s okay Button, Mommy’s not going to let that big mad Alicorn get you and take you away from me. She’ll have to get through me first!”

“You promise?” Button whimpered, giving a little sniffle.

“I promise honey.” The mare said, pulling her son closer to her. “Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay. Mommy’s staring right here with you, and I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re safe.”

“O-okay.” Button stuttered, snuggling closer to his mother. “It’s just…I’m really, reallyscared.”

“Me too baby,” The mare whispered in her son’s ear. “Me too…”

“Ugh, how long are we gonna have to stay cooped up in this place?!” A mint green Unicorn mare suddenly shouted from nearby. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take! I wanna get out and move around!”

“I don’t like it having to stay in here either Lyra.” A tan Earth Pony mare said from beside the Unicorn. “Though, it’s not like we really have much of a choice, is it? Based on what Captain Shining Armor told us, Queen Celestia sent him and his troops here specifically to make sure we don’t get attacked by anymore creatures that come from the Everfree. Why do you think he put up this large shield and has his soldiers around the Town Square?”

“I know Bon Bon, I know! I get why they want us to stay here, so we don’t run into any trouble!” Lyra complained, letting out a deep sigh. “It’s just…I really don’t like the fact that we have to stay in the very same places that Nightmare Moon nearly killed us. I mean, what if she comes back here again to finish us off?”

“Lyra, you saw what happened yourself. Nightmare Moon practically turned into a stream of mist and shot out of the Town Square after wiping out those guards. It was obvious that she wasn’t interested in us, even if her last stunt, nearly got us all killed.” Bon Bon pointed out, giving a little shiver at her last sentence. “Anyway, the point I’m trying to make, is that Captain Shining Armor and his Guards are here for the specific reason that she may come back, and even if she does, they’ll all be here to fight here off. Not only that, but some of them, besides Captain Shining Armor himself, are from seven of the most powerful clans in existence. Add that to the fact that they’re from Queen Celestia’s Royal Guard, and you can see that Nightmare Moon is in for one tough battle.”

Lyra paused, mulling over what her friend had just said, before she gave another sigh. “Er…yeah, you do have a point there...and we do have Queen Celestia here with us, like you said. Even if Captain Shining Armor and his soldiers can’t defeat her, she can do it, right?”

“Of course,” Bon Bon said comfortingly, giving the mint green Unicorn a small smile. “And when that happens, I’ll be here right by your side all the way.”

“Thanks Bonny.” Lyra said gratefully, snuggling up to the tan Earth mare. “I don’t know what I do if I didn’t have you here.”

“Hmhmhm, that’s what best friends are for.” Bon Bon giggled, wrapping a hoof around friend as the both nuzzled each other.

Shining Armor tore his gaze away from the conversing ponies around him, not wanting to hear anything more that constantly reminded him of the situation that was at hoof. He had gotten enough more than enough of that back at the Royal Throne room back at Canterlot City when Queen Celestia had told then Nightmare Moon returned, and that the world was endanger by her hoof once again. It didn’t help when she told him, his soldiers, the Lunar Guards, and the Shadowbolts that she had sent seven ponies out into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the only weapons known to defeat her, and he had a sneaking suspicion that he knew which of the seven ponies that the Queen had sent. He wanted to believe with any fiber of his being that Queen Celestia did not send his little sister out into a place like the Everfree, and that she sent some random ponies out to retrieve the Elements of Harmony instead.

Unfortunately for him, the private talk that he had with his leader to confirm his suspicions ultimately threw those thoughts out the window.

Shining Armor gritted his teeth as his ears pinned firmly against his head, his leonine tail giving an angry lash. He could not fathom what the Queen was thinking sending Twilight out to retrieve the most powerful weapons known to ponykind in the most dangerous wilderness in the world. Shining Armor understood why she saw potential to be something great in his little sister, her being one of the most powerful Unicorns in existence, even at such a young age. He even admitted himself that Twilight being taught by the Queen herself was a good idea. Since he wanted nothing more than for his sister to make something of herself, even if what she was doing now wasn’t quite on her mind.

Even so, he just could not come to terms with why Celestia sent Twilight into a place she never set foot in, and had her go up against a pony that she only ever heard of in stories. While he had no doubt the mare could defend herself, Shining still couldn’t help but think that she may not be up for what the Queen wanted her to do. He hoped to the high heavens that his sister would be able to make it out of there in one piece, otherwise, he didn’t know what he’d do.

Well, at least she had her friends to help her and back her up, so that was a plus.

The alabaster stallion was so caught up in his conflicting thoughts that he didn’t see where he was going, nor did he see that he was about to bump into somepony until he was too late. He let out a an ‘Oof!’, when he felt himself collide with somepony, and nearly stumbled to the ground when he stepped on something that felt eerily similar to a pony’s leg. The cry of pain that he got from that move only a second later only proved his suspicions as he took a few steps back.

“Oh, sorry about that. I wasn’t-” Shining Armor began to say, only to pause when he saw who he had bumped into. “Spear Head?”

“Whoa, easy there, Captain!” The moderate tangelo Pegasus stallion said, holding up a large hoof to stop the stallion from coming any closer. “No need to get so worked up, take a breather and chill. You almost trampled this little filly here.”

“Trampled? What are you-?” Shining Armor began to ask, but once again stopped in mid-sentence when he looked down at what, or rather, who, Spearhead was pointing at. His eyes widened when he saw a soft green Earth Pony filly with a darker leaf green mane and tail, sitting next to Spearhead, currently holding one of her hind legs.

“Owww, now that really hurt.” Melon Cake groaned, rubbing her right leg with a hoof. “I really don’t wanna have to bandage this one.”

‘Son of a-!’ Shining Armor cursed in his mind as he facehoofed himself. Taking a deep breath, he looked back down at the filly apologetically. “I’m so sorry there, kiddo. I didn’t look where I was going. Are you okay?” He asked, speaking as kindly and gently as he could.

Melon Cake lifted her head up at the alabaster stallion, her heterochronic eyes looking into his deep sapphire blue ones, which widened in slight surprise at seeing her own eyes. Before he could comment on it though, the filly smiled sweetly at him and nodded her head rapidly.

“Yeah, I’m alright mister! You just surprised me as all!” The soft green filly replied, giving a dismissive wave of her hoof. “Don’t worry, my leg wasn’t broken! It’ll take more than that huge hoof to break this filly’s leg, hmhmhm!”

Shining Armor chuckled, unable to hold back a smile at the filly’s sweet, optimistic and upbeat attitude despite the whole situation. It managed to take his mind off of what he was thinking and take away some of the anxiety and stress, even if it was for just a moment.

“Heheh…well, I’m glad that I didn’t hurt you too bad.” Shining Armor murmured as he gave the filly a gentle smile. It soon turned into a confused frown as he noticed the new look on Melon Cake’s face. “Is there something wrong kiddo?”

“No, it’s just...I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen you somewhere before.” Melon Cake replied, staring up at the alabaster stallion intently. She put a hoof to her chin, racking her brain for any memory of the she had of the stallion standing in front of her. A moment later, a rather loud and long gasp left her throat as her heterochromic eyes widened, recognition shining within them.

“Wait…are you…?” The soft green filly began, looking up at Shining Armor. “Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle?! The Captain of Queen Celestia’s Royal Guard?!”

The alabaster Unicorn took a step back, having not expected that question to come from the filly, who was looking up at him with sparkling eyes and a wide smile plastered on her face. He soon got over his initial surprise, regained his composure, and said in a friendly, yet amused tone, “Why yes, I am Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle, leader of the Royal Guard. I’m assuming that you’ve heard of me?”

“Heard of you?!” Melon Cake asked, looking at Shining Armor as if he had grown a second head. “You’re known all around Canterlot as the most powerful Unicorn and Royal Guard that anypony’s ever seen since Shooting Star the Cosmetic! Everypony that doesn’t live in Canterlot has only heard about you in newspapers, and until now, nopony has ever seen you in pony!”

“Well, that’s only because I hardly ever appear on towns and cities unless it’s for Royal Duties or trying to stop somepony from terrorizing communities.” Shining Armor replied with a shrug. “Other than that, I’m usually just in Canterlot on patrol, or in my office, not really on some important mission or anything…until now.”

“Well, I think it’s awesome that you get to go on a top super-duper secret mission! Not only that, your mission is here, in Ponyville, which makes it even more cool!” Melon Cake squealed as she trotted in place, all while balancing herself on three legs. “Oh! Oh! Do you think I could get your autograph before you leave?! Pretty pretty pretty pretty please?!” She pleaded cutely, looking up at the alabaster Unicorn with big puppy dog eyes.

Before Shining Armor could reply, Nurse Redheart suddenly came trotting up to them, and when she saw Melon Cake, a relieved smile came to her face.

“There you are Melon Cake; I was wondering where you had run off to around her.” The snow-white mare said, her tone matching her expression as she stood in front of the soft green filly. “Didn’t I tell you to stay with the rest of the foals? Your leg is still healing, and it’s a little too soon for you to be walking around right now.”

The soft green filly frowned, her ears flattening against her head as she looked back up at Redheart’s soft, yet stern expression. “I’m sorry Nurse Redheart, I wasn’t intending on running off. I was with the others like you told me, but…I really really wanted to meet the Royal Guards! This is the first time I’ve ever seen them so close and I really wanted to say hi!” She replied sadly, her tone filled with guilt and shame.

Nurse Redheart’s stern expression softened at Melon Cake’s saddened, unable to stay upset with the filly as she gave her explanation. With a sigh, she shook her head and gave the filly a small smile. “I know you did dear, and I’m very sure that they would’ve liked wanting to talk to you. Be that as it may, you have to understand that these ponies have jobs to do, and that’s to protect the ponies around them. With the jobs they have, I doubt that they have time to make conversation with anypony, much less a young filly like you.”

Melon Cake stared up at Nurse Redheart, before looking back at Spearhead and Shining Armor, who looked back at her with amused expressions on their faces. She quickly tore her gaze away and looked down at the ground, a pink tint making its way to her cheeks.

“Yeah, you do have a point.” She finally said as she pawed at the ground. “Sorry Nurse Redheart.”

“It’s alright Melon. Just make sure you ask and tell me or the others where you’re going before you go running off like that alright?” Nurse Redheart asked, her tone like that of a mother gently chiding their foal. After getting a nod from the soft green filly, the snow-white mare picked the filly up and hoisted her onto her back, before looking at the two guards. “I’m terribly sorry for the interruption sirs…I didn’t know that she was going to try to go and meet you. She has the tendency to do that with ponies who look and sound important.”

“Oh, it’s quite alright ma’am.” Spearhead said casually, waving a hoof dismissively. “It’s no trouble really…it’s not every day we get a day off just to sit down and talk with somepony in a non-serious situation. If anything, this little squirt made our jobs a little bit more pleasant.” He emphasized the point by ruffling Melon Cake’s head with a wing, causing her to giggle cutely.

“Yeah,” Shining Armor nodded, giving the filly another gentle smile. “I’m glad to see that somepony’s trying to stay optimistic at a time like this.”

“Hmhmhm, well I’m glad to hear that she was able to relieve some of your stress.” Nurse Redheart chuckled, glancing over at Melon Cake with an amused expression. “Well, I think I should take my leave. There are some foals that I think could use Melon’s optimism to help brighten up their damp moods. You two have a good evening.”

“You two ma’am.” Spearhead replied, giving a light nod to the snow-white mare. “See you Melon Cake, it was really good talkin’ with you, hon’!”

“You too Mr. Spearhead!” The soft green filly replied sweetly as Nurse Redheart trotted off. “Bye Captain Shining Armor!”

“See ya Melon!” Shining Armor replied, giving a wave to the filly as she and Nurse Redheart merged into the crowd. “Heh, that was a real sweet kid, huh Spear?”

“You’re telling me.” The moderate tangelo Pegasus chuckled, turning his head to look at the other stallion. His smile soon faded when he saw the troubled look on his captain’s face. “Is there something wrong there, Captain?”

“Oh…no, it’s nothing Spearhead.” Shining Armor replied, not meeting Spearhead’s eyes as he pursed his lips. “I’m alright, really…”

Spearhead’s brilliant cyan eyes narrowed, his ears flattening against his head as a frown formed on his face. He knew, without even having to figure it out, that his captain was lying through his teeth, as evident by the troubled expression on his face and the frown formed on his lips. The Pegasus stallion had a sneaking suspicion of what was troubling Shining, but he decided to ask just to be sure, being sure to choose his words carefully.

“Captain, I know you. I can tell when you’re being honest, and when you’re faking it, and right now, you’re really faking it.” Spearhead said softly, yet firmly, getting no reply form the alabaster Unicorn stallion. Another moment of silence passed, before Spearhead sighed and asked the one question he knew was one his captain’s mind. “You’re worried about your sister, aren’t you?”

Shining Armor flinched, shutting his eyes as he gritted his teeth, effectively confirming the moderate tangelo stallion’s suspicions. He turned his head to say something to his fellow soldier, but stopped when he saw the look on Spearhead’s face, and the words ultimately died in his throat before he could even say them. The two stallions looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments, before Shining looked away, letting out a sigh in the process.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Spearhead asked suggestively, holding his hoof out. “You know I’m here to listen, even if we are on duty right now.”

Shining Armor’s eyes glanced over to look at Spearhead’s offering hoof, before he shot his gaze back down at the floor, wondering whether or not to voice his worries. Eventually, he gave another deep sigh and gave in, unable to hold it in any longer.

“I just…I don’t understand.” The alabaster Unicorn began, his tone soft, yet filled with confusion and worry. “I don’t understand...why all of this is happening.”

“Why all of what is happening?” Spearhead asked. “Why Nightmare Moon is here after spending over a millennium on the Moon by Queen Celestia’s hoof?”

“Heh, I wish it was only that. I can see why Nightmare Moon’s here, due to wanting to get revenge against the Queen for sending her to the Moon.” Shining Armor replied, letting out a bitter laugh. “I can even see why she sent somepony out into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, since they’re the one thing that’s known to be able to defeat her and free Queen Luna from the Nightmare’s grasp.” His bitter smile turned into a hard frown as he locked eyes with Spearhead. “What Idon’t understand is why she sent Twilight, my sister of all ponies, to go and do it too?!”

“Well, why do you think she did it?” Spearhead asked with a shrug. “From what you told me; Twilight is the only pony who knows just as much about Nightmare Moon as Queen Celestia does. Not to mention that she’s been talking about what would happen if Nightmare Moon were to return, and wanted us to be prepared should Nightmare Moon return.” He paused, his eyes widening as another possible explanation entered his mind. “Or, maybe it’s because Celestia believed that Twilight would be the one to be able to find the Elements and defeat Nightmare Moon, along with the other ponies she was with. You know, due to her being more powerful than the average Unicorn and coming from the seven known clans of Equestria. Maybe it’s because of those reasons that the Queen sent Twilight to retrieve the Elements, or just that one reason alone, whichever one.”

Shining Armor stayed silent as Spearhead continued to speak, silently mulling over what he had just said and the reasons he gave as to why Celestia sent his sister to find the Elements. He had to admit, it did make sense; Twilight having more magical power than many other known Unicorns, besides him, and both him and Twilight coming from tribes and families not like that or normal ponies. Thanks to this, and the training that he and Twilight had in honing their abilities, they were much more powerful than that of most Unicorns, and were more than able to handle their own, whether alone or in groups. This gave Shining Armor a small spark of hope that his sister would be okay, and she wouldn’t come out as hurt as he believed she would be. Even so…

“Yeah, you do make a good point there, Spearhead.” Shining Armor finally said, his worried face softening a bit as he gave a slight nod. “Twilight is powerful, hay just as much as powerful as I am even, and she can really kick flank if she puts her mind to it, something she’s an expert at doing.” He sighed again, his ears pinning against his head. “Still, as powerful as she is, how can the Queen think of sending her into the Everfree Forest of all places?! The one wilderness that’s known to be more dangerous than any other that, you, me, or anypony else has been in! Do you know how dangerous the creatures that live in that place are said to be, and what they’re capable of doing to a pony?! The only ponies that I know that’re able to survive, let along thrive in that place are the Thestrals of Hallow Shades! I get that it’s the location of the Elements and all that, but how can the Queen expect Twilight to be able to take on all of those creatures, even with the help of her friends and the extra guards she sent after them? Especially since most of them, including her, have even been there before?!”

“Shining, if the Queen knew what she was doing by sending Twilight out into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the Elements, do you really think that she wouldn’t send her ponies that knew what to expect from someplace like the Everfree? Even if they themselves have never set foot in it?” Spearhead asked with a raised eyebrow, making Shining Armor pause. “I bet the reason why she sent some of the Solar, Lunar Guards, and the Shadowbolts after Twilight and her friends, is because she knew that those specific ponies would be able to protect them because they knew what the creatures of the Everfree Forest were capable of. Take the Shadowbolts for example; when they were working for Queen Luna, before she was banished to the Moon, they used to train in various areas that were considered to be dangerous, even more dangerous than where the Wonderbolts trained! That includes the Everfree Forest, though it was only in certain parts that were considered to be the least dangerous. Even now they’re known to train with each other and with new recruits that their captain happens to find, and thanks to that, they know what to expect whenever they do go in there for missions like this.”

He reached out and put a hoof on Shining Armor’s shoulder, making the alabaster stallion look up at him again. “Also, if I recall, even Queen Celestia herself has been known to take some of our most brave and fearless soldiers out into the Everfree to train them against the weather and animals that inhabit it. So, I’m pretty sure that’s why she sent practically half of the Solar and Lunar Guards out to the Everfree while she sent the other half, including you and me, here, to protect Ponyville. Wouldn’t you agree Captain?”

Again, Shining Armor said nothing to his fellow soldiers’ explanation, finding once again that he indeed had a point. He had known Celestia ever since he was a colt, before and after he had become the Captain of her Solar Royal Guard. If there was one thing he did know about her, it was that she was not stupid. not by a long shot. She would never dare send anypony that she cared about out into danger if she didn’t know for certain if they would make it back.

Another thing he knew about the Queen was that she would most certainly never send anypony out somewhere as dangerous as the Everfree if they didn’t know what to expect from it and how to defend themselves from anything they came across. If she didn’t believe that Twilight and her friends wouldn’t be able to find the Elements and defeat Nightmare Moon, then what other reason would she have to even have her set hoof out there in the first place. Not a very good one he assumed, and Celestia most certainly wouldn’t have sent all of those guards after them if not for the same reason, along with the fact that they knew what the Everfree is like first hoof. Plus, with the amount of guard she had sent there after the mares from both divisions, he assumed that his sister and her friends would have a pretty hard time getting singled out.

Shining Armor sighed for what seemed like the fifth time that day looking up at Spearhead with a small smirk. “Spearhead…you always know just what to say to put my mind at ease. Honestly I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have somepony like you on my squad.”

“Hey dude, somepony’s gotta be the voice of reason here. Luckily for you, I happened to be the very pony to do just that.” Spearhead chuckled, lifting one of his hooves for his Captain to hoof bump. He then threw his massive foreleg around the alabaster Unicorn’s neck, just under his helmet. “Don’t you worry captain, Twilight is a real tough mare, that I can tell. Don’t you worry, she’ll be back here with the rest of her friends before you know it!”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Shining Armor murmured, gently elbowing Spearhead in the side as both stallions chuckled.

A bright flash of light emitting from outside immediately drew the two stallion’s attention to the destroyed door in front of them. Shining Armor gave a grunt of pain as a jolt of pain pulsed through his horn from his shield being bumped into, but managed to fight it back.

“Well that was a surprise.” Spearhead said dumbly. “What do you think it was?”

“Probably one of those damn monsters again.” Shining Armor growled, eyes flashing. “You stay here and guard everypony in here. I’ll take care of this one myself.”

“You sure about that?” Spearhead asked. “From the way your shield was hit, it sent a really had hit through your head. At the rate you’re going, you might pass out.”

Shining Armor stopped in his trotting, and looked back at Spearhead with a deadpan stare. “Spearhead, I have received wounds that should’ve cripple me for life, and I came out of those scenarios just fine. I think I can handle a few headaches here and there.”

Spearhead chuckled, spinning his namesake in his hooves. “Good real point there, Captain. Still, try to be careful okay? Wouldn’t want your fillyfriend Cadence to baby you all over again about your injuries or try to get you to screw her because of how radical you look with your scars.”

“Don’t you dare bring Cadence into this!” Shining Armor shouted, a tick mark forming on his head as his eyes went comically white. With a guffaw form Spearhead, Shining Armor turned tail and stomped away, cursing profanities under his breath as he made his way outside the entrance of the Town Square. A lock of bafflement and rock replace his annoyed expression as he saw Raven Moon, Star Chaser, and Blossomforth outside of his shield.

“What in the buck?!” He gasped. “Raven, Chaser, what the hay are you all doing here?! And who is that pony with you?!”

“We can talk about that later Shining!” Raven replied. “Just open up the shield so we can get this mare out of here!”

“Yah come on man, open up!” Star Chaser shouted, bucking at the shield. “We haven’t got all night!”

Snapping back to his senses, Shining Armor ignited his horn and created an opening just big enough for the two Pegasi and one Thestral stallion to fit through. Once they were in, the opening disappeared, and Shining ran over to the three, his eyes widening at the slight of Blossomforth.

“Wait a second…I know you!” Shining exclaimed. “You’re that mare who was here just half an hour ago! What happened to you?!”

Blossomforth peered up at the Royal Captain through her watermelon mane. “I went to take a daughter of a friend of mines somewhere safe, and I had found out something really important about the monsters your facing right now. I would’ve comeback here sooner, but I ended up running into a few of those things, and had to fight them, but luckily, Captain Moon Blade and his two troops here saved me and took me back here.”

“Wait, Captain Moon Blade?” The alabaster stallion asked. “You mean Moon Blade Nightstalker Cifer? The Captain of the Lunar Guard with the ridiculously perverted personality?”

“Yeah, that’s the stallion who saved me.” Blossomforth replied, raising a brow. “And what do you mean by perverted?”

“You don’t need to worry about that honey.” Raven said quickly, glaring at the larger stallion warningly. “I think what you should worry about is telling him what you told us.”

“Yeah, it’ll help both Spear’s Captain and our Captain finally put an end to these things for good.” Chaser nodded, grumbling. “And we can finally get some R&R time.”

“Tell me what?” Shining asked, looking down at Blossomforth. “What did you find out?”

Blossomforth sighed as Star and Raven carried her inside the Town Square. “Okay so, while I was coming back here, me and my friend’s daughter, Amethyst had ended up fighting one of those creatures. In the midst of the fight, we had found out something about them that may help you finally defeat them for good.”

Shining’s eyes almost bulged out of his skull upon hearing this. Before either pony know what was happening, he was grabbing Blossomforth by her shoulders and shaking her. “You do?! If that’s true, then you have to tell me right now! The lives of all of the ponies in this town are at stake!”

“Whoa whoa whoa! Chill out Captain Armor, you’re hurting the girl!” Chaser said, ripping the older stallion away from the mare with little effort. “Are you trying to make her more injured than she already is?!”

“No, it’s okay, he’s just anxious that’s all.” Blossomforth said, putting a hoof on Chaser’s shoulder before looking back at Shining. “Okay, so, you know how each of those creatures have these lights glowing where their chests are?”

Shining Armor paused, his mind going back to his first fight with one of the Tantabuses. “Yeah, I do…what about them?”

“Apparently those glowing lights aren’t a trick of the eye.” Blossomforth explained. “They’re actually metallic little cores that help those monsters maintain their forms, even as we cut and slice them apart. It’s what kept them from being able to be really beaten and destroyed, and unless we destroy those cores, those creatures are just going to keep coming and coming.”

“Wait…what?” Shining asked, taking a few moments to process what Blossomforth had just said. “That was what kept me from getting rid of these bastards? Some damn hidden core inside of them?”

“Uh…yeah…” Blossomforth replied nervously, sweating a bit as she noticed Shining’s left eye twitch. “…that was, u-um…what kept the fight dragging on for so long…and why most of you guys are using so much of your magic.”

For a moment, Shining Armor said nothing, his head slowly lowering as his bangs shadowed his eyes, a moderate cerulean aura surrounding his form. Raven and Star, sensing the impending rage quit about to commence, immediately pulled Blossomforth away from the Solar Captain. Spearhead, who was close enough to hear what was said, also backed away, already knowing what was about to happen next.

“So, let me get all of this straight…” Shining said darkly, the aura around his body growing stronger as his mane and tail skirt floated in midair. “…We’ve been fighting these…bastards for who knows how bucking long, and the only thing keeping them going were these bucking little metal cores they had tucked inside of their bodies? And all we had to do was destroy them, and they’d be gone for good?!”

“Uuuh…y-y-yes!” Blossomforth squeaked. “T-that’s pretty much summing up what I’m saying.”

Shining Armor said nothing after this, his whole body making no movement whatsoever as his Adrenaline Mode aura continue growing. Then without warning, his head snapped up, allowing the three flyers in front of him to see the look of fury morphing onto his handsome face. With his eyes blazing and his horn crackling with magic, let out a loud growl of primal rage, before he vanished in a flash of magenta magic.

“Um…where did he go?” Raven asked, looking at Blossomforth and her brother. “Why did he just disappear like that?”

“I’ll tell you why.” Chaser replied, grinning widely. “Cause Captain Shining’s going to kick all of those ethereal asses!”

“By himself?” Blossomforth asked, remembering when Moon Blade and came and saved her from being killed. “Shouldn’t he have at least some of his guards to aid him?”

“Nope!” The voice of Spearhead said confidently, causing the three flyers to turn to him. “I can assure you that Shining’s gonna be just fine. Especially now that he finally knows how to defeat all of those ponyish creatures.”

“How you know that?” Blossomforth asked doubtfully. “How do you know that Captain Armor will be able to beat them with nopony nearby to help him?”

All of a sudden, the ear-splitting sound of shattering glass resonated throughout the entire building. Everypony looked up and saw that Shining’s shield had shattered thus leaving the whole Town Square open for any Tantabus attack. Just as light blue Tantabus came into view, a giant blast of magic enveloped it before the form of Shining Armor zoomed passed them, a see-through pair of Pegasus wings sprouting from his shoulders.

“That’s how.” Spearhead replied, grinning smugly.

Shining Armor whinnied loudly as he soared right at the light blue Tantabus in front of him, driving his horn right through its neck. They both took off together, soaring away from the Town Square, before the Tantabus morphed into a light ethereal stream and reappeared behind the Solar Captain. it fired off a blast of magic at the stallion, only for Shining to Spun around and use one of his Pegasus Adrenaline Mode wings to swat it to the side. He then retaliated with his own magic blast which sent the Tantabus flying back as he flew towards it.

“Solid Form Magic: Lightning Bolts!” He shouted, pointing his horn forward and shooting a giant bolt of magic at the Tantabus. It struck the ethereal creature all over and caused it to morph continuously as it let out a screech of pain. It fired off a flock of magical bolts, but Shining Armor summoned a large shield to block them all as she closed in. With an enraged neigh, he ignited his horn again, only this time, it was wind instead of lightning.

“Solid Form Magic: Wind Slice!” He shouted swinging his head and sending a slice of wind at the Tantabus with his horn. It struck the creature right in the chest, here he could see an orange light emitting from it. The moment it struck, it let out a screech even louder than the last, and actually faltered in front of the Solar Captain. It flew away from the stallion as it attempted to recover from the attack, allowing Shining Armor and opening.

“Heh, looks like I finally managed to hit a mark!” He said, a small grin coming to his anger filled face. “Well in that case, allow me to deliver you another one!”

With those words, Shining Armor ascended into the air, before flying down towards the Tantabus, who evaded the stallion just in time as he released another wind magic. The stallion glared up at the Tantabus, before firing more sliced of wind up at the creature, who did its best to not let them hit it anywhere near the chest. As it focused on evading, it didn’t notice Shining Armor fly up towards it, his horn pointed straight upward with another spell. The moment the horn made contact with the Tantabuses back, it was set aflame, emitting another screech as the air lit up with orange light.

“Holy shit!” Star Chaser exclaimed. “Captain Shining is really giving him the what for now!”

“No kidding.” Raven Moon murmured, her expression forming into a grimace. “He had just found out one of the simplest ways to defeat an enemy, after hours of fighting. After all of that, I’d probably be releasing all of my rage on that Tantabus too. I almost feel sorry for it…almost.”

“Same here.” Blossomforth nodded softly.

Spearhead smirked, walking over to three flyers and wrapping his muscular forelegs around their necks. “Yeah well, one thing is for certain my dues; things are finally going to turn in our favor. And by the end of the night, we’ll have fought off one of the biggest invasions anypony has ever seen in who knows how long.”

“No doubt about that.” Star Chaser grinned, giving a hoof bump to Spearhead.

“Solid Form Magic: Fire!” Shining Armor roared, channeling more magic into the flames and causing them to grow brighter than they already were. The screeches that the blue Tantabus was giving out let Shining Armor that it was feeling the pain, and he was loving every second of it.

With another neigh, he shot the Tantabus up with the pillar of fire before soaring up and meeting it as it stopped in midair. He gave it a hard punch to the face with one of his large hooves, before kneeing the creature right in its stomach. He then did a front flip and sent an axe kick crashing down onto the beast’s head, sending it diving down towards the earth. Just as it was about to hit the ground, Shining Armor suddenly appeared above it and bucked it right back into the air. Raising his head, up, he fired off another, slightly smaller bolt of magic, aimed right at the Tantabuses chest, striking it clean through. Another loud howl of pain escaped the Tantabus, as it writhed in the air, unaware that Shining was about to deliver the final blow.

“Oh, I’m sorry, looks like I was a little too hard on you there!” Shining Armor shouted with a hard snort. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna put you out of your misery right now!”

With a stomp of his hoof, Shining Armor’s combined Pegasus and Unicorn Adrenaline Modes swirled around each other as he fired up his horn with a combination of wind and electric magic. He waited just long enough for the Tantabus to refocus its attention onto him, and the moment it did, the Solar Captain delivered the finishing blow.

“Solid Magic Form Lightning Pegasus: Lightning Thunder Spear!” He bellowed, shooting off the attack with all the magic his Adrenaline Modes would give him. He watched as it shot up right towards the Tantabus and cloak it in a sea of magic and lightning. It screeched its loudest yet as the metallic core hidden within its chest slowly cracked and eventually shattered, leaving its master completely at Shining’s mercy. With one last throaty bellow, the blue Tantabus vanished into the lightning coated bolt of magic, before it too disappeared.

“That should take care of him…finally.” Shining murmured to himself as his rage slowly began to subside. “Hopefully I won’t have to see him again, or any of those other monsters when this is over.”

With those words, Shining slowly trudged back into the Town Square, his tail lashing behind him as he met with Spearhead, Star Chaser and Raven Moon. Almost immediately they surrounded him, and bombarded him with compliments and questions.

“That was absolutely awesome Captain Shining!” Star Chaser grinned. “You totally whipped that Tantabuses ass up there!”

“I agree, I’ve never seen you go into that much of a rage quit before.” Spearhead chuckled, crossing his forehooves. “Though, I can see why; since you know…you’ve finally found out how to finally beat these things.”

“About two and a half hours late mind you…” Shining Armor snorted as he took deep harsh breaths. “…well, at least now we have a way to be able to get rid of these things.”

“That you do, and after they’re gone, you us, Spearhead and Captain Moon Blade don’t have to worry about them anymore.” Raven Moon nodded, glancing over at Blossomforth. “Especially you honey.”

The pinkish grey Pegasus nodded, sighing with relief. “Yeah, no arguments there. Still, I hope that Amethyst, Dinky and Cloud Kicker will be able to hold out at the library for just a little bit longer. If not, then they’re gonna be in serious trouble.”

“Well then, we’re just going to have to get rid of these…Tantabus things as quickly as possible before that happens.” Spearhead said, walking over to Blossomforth. “For now, we need to get you two nurse or a doctor; those bruises and cuts your adorning are pretty nasty, and might get worse if they don’t get treated.” He gently put Blossomforth’s right foreleg around his neck. “I’ll take you to them, don’t worry.”

“T-thank you.” Blossomforth said sweetly as she let the larger Pegasus carry her away.

“Well, now that that’s settled…” Shining said, turning back to Raven and Chaser. “…what’re you all planning to do? Are you going to stay here, or are you going after your Captain?”

“Normally we would…” Raven replied. “…but, I’m pretty sure that our Captain will be fine. If we were worried that he wouldn’t be alright, we would’ve been going after him by now.”

“Yeah, besides, I think it’s better if we stay here for now.” Star Chaser added. “At least until all of these Tantabuses are gone. Our Captain is patient, so I think he can wait a little longer.”

“Alright then, in that case, I have a plan to finally end this little power struggle, and I know just how to get it started.” Shining Armor replied, igniting his horn. “Though I’m gonna warn you, this is going to be loud, so you may want to cover your ears.”

Realizing what was about to happen, Star Chaser and Raven Moon both covered their ears as Shining Armor turned away from them. He trotted back to the entrance of the Town Square and stood just outside of the building in preparation for what he was about to do. Taking a deep breath, he let out a command; one that resounded through the entire town.

“ATTENTION! ATTENTION ALL SOLAR AND LUNAR DIVISION GUARDS!!!” He bellowed, the power behind his magically amplified voice echoing throughout the town. “THIS IS CAPTAIN SHINING ARMOR TWINKLESHINE SPARKLE HERE WITH AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!!”

Author's Note

Okay, now, for this chapter, a majority of its is a somewhat revised chapter of the 24th one in the first version of this story; you know, Spearhead and Shining Armor talking with each other about the latter's concern about Twilight going into the Everfree Forest to retrieve the Elements and what not. Other than that part of this whole chapter, the rest of it was written entirely from my own head, which includes the part of Shining Armor having his little rage quite moment on the Tantabus :rainbowlaugh: . Now, I was thinking about having Star Chaser and Raven Moon go and head after Moon Blade, but I decided to have them stay at the Town Square since Shining is going to need a few helping hooves to finally eliminate the Tantabuses, especially of at least one of them are Thestrals :ajsmug: . Another scene that I was planning to add was the one with the Apple Family, but after some speculation, I decided that would at that in another two part scene, with the second scene going back into our other main and OC characters :raritywink: . I'm still trying to figure out how to start it, but I know that it's gonna be as thrilling as all the other chapters like this one as well :pinkiehappy: !

Well, that's all for now everypony; stay tuned for the next chapter involving the final fight with the Tantabuses and a revisit to our dark lord :ajsmug: . Depending on how the next chapter goes and how I'm going to write it :twilightblush: .

Chapter 32 - Wings of Thunder and Hooves of Earth

Midnight let out a loud battle whinny as she shot a giant bolt lightning, watching as it soared at the green Tantabus faster than any of the three ponies could even blink. The chirping sound it gave filled both their ears, but the latter no time to even search for the lightning bolt before it struck its side full force in its face. It went flying away from the beetle black Thestral, landing in a heap, just as a large wave of wind shot out at it a few seconds after the large lightning bolt. It slammed into the ethereal creature, sending it even further away from the Apple Family Household and almost tumbling down the slope.

Quickly shaking off the attack, the Tantabus got to its feet and soared high above Midnight, firing of a magic blast that sent her crashing to the ground. Midnight grunted as she pulled herself out form the crater, and looked up just in time to see the Tantabus about to fire off another blast. Thinking fast, Midnight wrapped her massive wings around herself in order to block the attack, but Honey Blossom came to her rescue.

“Earth Make: Sphere!” She shouted, slamming her hooves down as she stood in front of Midnight, both her eyes flashing. Sunset orange energy swept around the two mares before a large gate of earth appeared and formed into a giant sphere. The Tantabus’s attack slammed right into the shield, but the energy coursing through it prevented from being able to crack into the earth shield. Before it could do so, Scarlet suddenly came in, her whole-body crackling with multi-colored electricity.

“Lightning Pegasus: Thunder Wing Attack!” She shouted, swinging both wings outward and letting them hit the Tantabus right in its face. This disrupted the attack it aimed at Midnight, allowing both mares to escape its vision as the creature turned its attention to the mint green Pegasus. It snarled and flared its wings, making a beeline for her, but it suddenly hunched over as it felt something it where its stomach was.

“Earth Make: Armored Hoof Punch!” Jubilee shouted, driving her right hoof into the Tantabus’s stomach and causing it to shoot high into the air. She landed back onto the earth for just long enough to propel herself upward both of her eyes blazing. Whirling around, she lashed out with her hind legs and kicked with all her might in the stomach, sending it even higher into the air. as it ascended, Scarlet appeared above it, shooting a bolt of lightning into the Tantabuses back, which sent it crashing down to the earth.

The Tantabus screeched as it shot to its hooves, flaring its wings as it shot into the air at the mare, but it didn’t get far. Without warning, vines shot out from the earth and wrapped around the creature holding it in place. The beast struggled with all its might, but the attempt was futile, and the Tantabus found itself in an even tighter grip by the vines. Th creature was so engrossed in trying to get itself free, it didn’t notice Jubilee running up the wings, both of her forehooves covered in earth-like armor.

“Hey now, don’t go jus’ focusin’ on them! Ah’m here too ya starry varmint!” Jubilee shouted as she leapt off one of the vines, soaring towards the Tantabuses stomach. “Earth Make: Armored Hoof Barrage!”

Before the Tantabus knew it, the pale orange was repeatedly punching it right in it stomach, both of her hooves nothing more than a massive blur. The vines encasing the giant creature only added to its suffering, though they did loosen up with each punch that Jubilee laid into it. With a loud battle cry, she delivered one final punch to the Tantabus, sending a wave of orange energy through it. It was so powerful that it actually ripped up the vines that she had summoned, and she watched as the Tantabus was sent soaring into the air. As Jubilee fell towards the earth, Scarlet suddenly soared down and caught her grandmother, gently laying her down on the earth as they watched the Tantabus soar away.

“Whoa Jubilee that was really somethin’!” Scarlet said, hovering away from her twin sister. “Ah’ve never seen ya deliver that many punches that fast before!”

“Heheh, well, Ah used t’ do that a lot back then…At least t’ those that were stupid enough t’ mess with mah family, an’ could take a real beatin’.” Jubilee chuckled, stretching her legs. “By the way, ya know that Ah would’ve been fine if ya hadn’t caught me, right?”

“Ah know, but Ah didn’t wanna take any chances.” Scarlet replied. “Ya saw how fast that thing blasted its magic at Midnight an’ Honey Blossom before she came in. What’s t’ say that he wasn’t gonna fire at you when ya least expected it.”

Jubilee paused for a moment, before giving a nod. “Fair point…Ah probably would’ve been blasted into apple sauce if that happened. Even so, Ah probably could’ve been able to make mahself a shield t’ help me block it.”

Scarlet gave a nod of her own. “Yeah, that too.”

“Are both o’ y’all alright?” Honey Blossom asked as she and Midnight flew over to the two mint green mares. “We saw Jubilee fallin’ after she sent that thing flyin’ off!”

“Don’t worry Honey, we’re okay.” Jubilee said reassuringly. “What Ah wanna know is if y’all ‘re okay. That blast that was shot at ya looked pretty darn powerful an’ it looked like that it would’ve broken through your sphere.”

“Yes, we are. It’s a good thing that Honey came and saved me. Otherwise my wings would’ve been really messed up.” Midnight said as she shot a thankful smile at Honey, who gave her a warm smile in return. “I did a quick check up on Big Mac and Anna Blaze back at the barn, and it looks like that they’re doing okay too.”

“Wait ya did what?” Scarlet asked, looking at Midnight with wide eyes. “How in the way were ya able t’ do that?”

“I’m a Thestral, and we have enhanced senses; to the point where it can even be considered supernatural.” Midnight explained patiently. “It allows me to hear, see and smell things from a considerable distance much farther than any other pony, even a Pegasus can. Even from this distance, I can see Big Mac and Anna Blade guarding the farm.” Her cat-like blue eyes shot over to where the barn was, and she could see the form of Big Mac standing outside the barn, with Anna Blaze peering out through a window. “And it looks like they’ve been watchin' the fight this whole time…along with a few others.”
“Who?” Jubilee asked, before it clicked. “Wait, ya mean Apple Fritter an’ her foals?”

“It looks like it.” Midnight replied softly. “I can see a yellow Earth Pony mare with a green mane and eyes peering through the window. Along with what looks to be a teenage Pegasus filly with purple eyes and a Stetson…and a couple of younger foals as well.”

“Aw shucks…Ah was hopin’ that they wouldn’t see this.” Honey Blossom winced, her ears falling limp. “Looks like we’re gonna have t’ answer a lotta questions that Ah really don’t wanna ask right now.”

“Well, there ain’t no getting’ ‘round it now.” Jubilee said, snorting as she looked up at the Tantabus. “Though, if ya wanna jus’ go an’ get it outta th’ way now, then let’s git rid o’ this varmint b’fore it really decides t’ kill us and destroy th’ barn!”

“Don’t need t’ tell us twice.” Scarlet replied, flaring her wings. “Ya ready Midnight?”

The beetle black mare nodded, spreading her own wings as she bared her fangs. “Yes!”

As if to show that it was ready as well, the Tantabus screeched loudly and soared down towards the four mares, its yellow eyes blazing as its horn ignited. It shot a powerful bolt of magic down at the mares, who swiftly evaded the attack as it slammed into the ground and exploded upon impact, cracking the earth around them. Jubilee and Midnight took this as an opportunity to try to get under the creature, while Scarlet and Honey Blossom appeared right at its front. With a beat of its powerful wings, the giant Tantabus shot down towards the two flyers in front of it, intent on vaporizing them. Just then, it found itself shooting in the other direction as Midnight and Jubilee slammed their forehooves into the creature’s stomach. As it flew back first towards the Scarlet and Honey Blossom shot out slices of wind at it, watching as they sliced deep into the Tantabus’s back sending it in the other direction.

The Tantabus fell stomach first into the ground, but had no time to try and recover from the attacks as it felt something grab its horn. With strength that a pony of her size would never have achieved, she hoisted the giant creature right into the air. Eyes glowing, she shot off into the air, leaving a powerful gust one wind in her wake as she shot powerful bolts of lightning at the Tantabus, watching as each one electrocuted it. The Tantabus screeched as it fire off a bolt of magic at the mare, but Honey Blossom shot towards Midnight and moved her out of the way just in time. The Tantabus flew after the two mares, only to find itself getting punched in the face by Jubilee who had jumped out of nowhere.

“Ah don’t think so!” She shouted angrily as Scarlet flew under the Tantabus and struck a bolt of lightning right in under its chin. This sent the giant ethereal creature spiraling away from the four mares, and Honey Blossom and Midnight both flew after it. Just like the last time, they combined their attacks, only this time with their wings, sending a combined bolt of lightning at the Tantabus’s chest. A loud glass like shatter was suddenly heard as glass like particles came into view and as the Tantabus crashed to the ground, they fell right in front of the four mares.

“W-what the-what in the buck was that?” Jubilee asked, taking a couple of steps back. “Did we just shatter its heart or somethin’?”

Honey Blossom glanced over at her older sister. “Um…Ah don’t think that’s how hearts are supposed to work Jubi. It looks more like we shattered somethin’ glassy inside o’ him…”

“It didn’t just look like it. We did break something in the Tantabus.” Midnight replied, walking over and picking on one of the large metallic shards. She inspected in inside of her hooves, all while looking in between it and the Tantabus. “And it looks like that the glass object that we hit was its main weak spot.”

“It is?” Scarlet asked. “What brought ya t’ that conclusion?”

“Think back on it for a minute.” Midnight explained. “When me and Honey Blossom had hit the Tantabus, right in its chest, it broke something in it. That thing being this item right here, which we can now see is the Tantabuses weak spot.” She held out the yellow metallic crack out for the rest of the mares to see, letting it glint the light of the Moon. “When we hit that area, it had stopped the Tantabus in its tracks and disorientated it. Thus, leading it to react the way that it did, or…react the way it is now.” She tilted her head over to the giant green Tantabus, who was currently writhing a good distance away from them. “As you can all see.”

“Oh, Ah think Ah see what yer sayin’ here!” Honey Blossom said, a look of recognition coming to her face. “All we have t’ do is hit this Tantabus thing in th’ same place that you an’ Ah did just a minute ago, and we’ll be able to wear him down, right?”

Midnight nodded, smiling in approval. “Exactly.”

“Alright then, that sounds easy enough.” Jubilee replied, adjusting her Stetson. “In that case, we’ll just keep at it with this varmint until we see an opening that we can use t’ destroy him fer good.”

“In that case, why don’t I help you make that opening?”

All four mares jumped at the smooth and refined, yet completely unexpected voice that made itself known to them. They were so started, that Scarlet whipped around and shot a bolt of lightning at what she presumed was the enemy. The pony behind them almost lazily dodged the attack, letting it soar off into the distance and explode in midair. When the mares got full view of who was behind them, they all gasped, while Midnight’s mouth dropped open in utter shock.

“What in the…” Scarlet murmured. “Who in the Sam hay are you?!”

“I am Captain Moon Blade Nightstalker Cifer, leader of the Lunar Division in Canterlot.” Moon Blade replied, flashing the mint green mare a fanged smile. “It’s very nice to meet you young mares. It is especially nice to see you again, dear Midnight.”

Honey Blossom turned towards the beetle black mare. “Midnight, you know this stallion?”

“Er…y-y-yes I do.” Midnight replied, blushing a bit as she took a quick glance at the Tantabus behind them. “H-he lives in the same City as my Mom and Dad, a-and he’s been Captain of the Lunar Guard ever since my Mom retired from it. I’ve known him since I was a filly, but I didn’t really see him that often due to him being on duty so much.”

“Indeed, you did.” Moon Blade nodded, chuckling a bit. “But now, it looks like that changed a little bit. I can see you five are in a bit of a fix with these Tantabuses…” He looked over at the creature as it slowly got to its feet. “…and it looks like you’re finally gaining the upper hoof.”

“That an’ a cider machine will git ya two cups o’ cider.” Scarlet snorted. “We were fightin’ this varmint fer who knows how long, and we just finally managed t’ hit its weak spot. We were jus’ about to plan another attack t’ finally finish it off.”

Moon Blade hummed a bit, rubbing his chin with a cloven hoof. “I see…well then, you ladies don’t mind if I lend you a helping hoof, do you?”

“At the rate we’re goin’ we’re gonna need all th’ help we can get.” Jubilee replied, sighing. “Ah’m about on mah last legs in mah Adrenaline Mode, an’ Ah don’t think we’ll be able t’ keep it up fer much longer.”

“Well then, let’s end this foe as quickly as possible.” Moon Blade advised, holding both of his hooves out as two ethereal purple blades appeared in them. “I’ll let you all distract it and wear it down, while I go in and deliver the finishing blow.”

“Alright, thank you Moon Blade.” Midnight replied, turning back to the three farmer. “Come on girls, let’s go!”

The three mares nodded, and they follow the beetle black Thestral in her race towards the Tantabus, who finally managed to regain its footing. It saw the mares running and flying at it, and it screeched in retaliation before flying towards them. It fired off a rain of magical bolts at the mares, who which they each efficiently dodged, even if some barely missed. When they got within range, Jubilee went on the offensive, lashing with her earth armored hooves.

“Earth Make: Armored Hoof Barrage!” she shouted as she once again released a reign of punches down at the Tantabus. It sent the creature flying away as it was struck repeatedly in the face, causing it to spiral back belly up. Honey Blossom then appeared above it, her entire body coated in orange lightning as she attacked.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!” She shouted, shooting both forehooves upward and sending a wave of lightning into the Tantabuses back. It arched as it was sent ascending into the air lightning zapping all about its body as it screeched in agony. As the pain began to wear off, the Tantabus suddenly took notice of Midnight hovering above it.

“Surprise!” She chirped, giving a glittering smile before unleashing her attack. “Lightning Thestral: Whinny!”

The blast of blue lightning that Midnight unleashed on the Tantabus completely enveloped it, making its whole world become enveloped in a sea of blue. It screeched loudly as it was sent crashing to the ground, the force so powerful that it left a crater around the same size as the Tantabus. It writhed around on the ground as it attempted to get up, but the lightning that was coursing through its body prevented it from being able to move much. It suddenly noticed a bright flash of purple light, and it looked up to see Moon Blade hovering high above it.

“You look like you’re in great pain down there, you poor thing.” Moon Blade said, gripping both swords tightly. “Do not worry, I shall put you out of your misery, and I shall do it now!”

Faster than anypony could blink, Moon Blade ascended towards the Tantabus, both of his swords morphing into one as he dove down towards his foe. The Tantabus, seeing what was about to happen, tried to get away, but flock of vines suddenly burst out from the ground and wrapped around it, holding it in place. The Tantabus could now only watch as Moon Blade dove down at it, unable to do anything but screech as the Lunar Captain prepared to deliver the final blow.

It came quicker than expected, but was by no means any less painful as Moon Blade stabbed the Tantabus in the center of its chest with its fused swords. Not even a split second after he did, he gave his weapon a twist, before slicing upward, slicing the Tantabuses neck in two as its metallic core was completely shattered. Moon Blade flew away and watched as the Tantabus slowly dissolved into mist, just like the last one, only it took a bit longer, possibly due to the creature’s larger size. Finally, it vanished, and all five ponies watched as the Tantabus floated into the air its misty particles joining the stars above.

“Wow…now Ah certainly wasn’t expectin that.” Honey Blossom said after a long moment of silence. “When it began dissolvin’ Ah thought that it was gonna melt int’ that there crater.”

“So, did I, but it looks like it went another direction.” Scarlet nodded, flicking her tail. “Now that Ah think about it, that was probably, better. Don’t think Ah could’ve handled seein’ somethin’ like that anyway.”

“No, you wouldn’t have.” Moon Blade nodded, chuckling slightly. “And I’m certain my other guests wouldn’t have handled seeing a melting body either.”

“Yeah not re-” Jubilee stopped, snapping her head back over to the ghostly white stallion. “Wait, did you say other guests?”

“Oh, forgive me. It seems I didn’t mention this earlier.” Moon Blade said apologetically. “See, while I was on my way here to this lovely looking farm, I ended up having to take more than a few guests with me.” He smiled fondly over at Midnight and the other mares. “Some that I know that you’ll be delighted to see.”

“Really?” Honey Blossom asked, hope filling her voice. “Who is it?”

Grinning widely, Moon Blade began to explain. “While I was still in town, I had detected a power source from one of the residence houses, so I went to investigate. The next thing I found was a group of foals and a few young mares being surrounded by the very same creature that was trying to kill you. So, like any heroic stallion, I had taken the liberty of saving them from certain doom and bringing them here for relative safety.” He paused to let his words sink in, before he continued. “I seem to recall getting a few names from the ponies I rescued, those being Cloud Kicker, Amethyst, Snowflake…and Apple Bloom.”

Loud gasps left the mouths of all four mares at the last two names, their eyes going as wide as saucers as they took in the information. Moon Blade suddenly found his shoulders grasped in the powerful hold of Scarlet who then proceeded to shake him like a doll.

“Apple Bloom is here with you?!” She shouted, hope and relief filling her voice. “Where is she?! Please, please tell me where she is and if she’s alright!”

“Your sister is quite fine; I can assure you.” Midnight said nonchalantly. “As a matter of a fact, she, the rest of her friends, and the young mares that I saved are currently resigning inside the barn not too far away from the house. And they’re currently waiting for you all even as we speak.”

“They’re…they’re alive…they’re really okay.” Midnight breathed, falling to her haunches as her eyes glazed over. “Oh Faust…oh thank Faust, they’re alive!”

“Indeed they are, my dear Midnight, and you’ll be even happier once you see them with your own eyes.” Moon Blade said, putting a hoof on the beetle black Thestral’s shoulder. “That is, if you all are up for it.”

“Are ya kiddin’?! Ah’ve been wantin’ t’ see mah little sis again ever since this whole mess started!” Scarlet replied, a look of happiness taking over her facial features. “C’mon girls, t’ th’ barn!”

“C-comin’!” Honey Blossom said, barely containing her own excitement as she and the other mare rushed towards the barn.

As the three mares raced towards the barn, Moon Blade turned back to Midnight, who hadn’t moved since learning of the survival of her siblings. Smiling gently, he walked over to the mare and pulled her onto her hooves. “Are you coming?”

“Y…y-yes, I-I’m sorry. I just got a little emotional there.” Midnight nodded, wiping at her eyes as she smiled up at the ghostly white stallion. “Thank you, Moon Blade…so much, for saving my sister and brother. I don’t know how I can ever repay you…”

“No need for that, just seeing you all again is thanks enough.” Moon Blade replied, looking off to the side for a moment. ‘Besides, something tells me I’m going to be getting my payment pretty soon…’ He thought as a certain persian blue mare came into his mind.

“Um Moon Blade…” Midnight murmured, noticing the embarrassed look on the ghostly white Thestral’s face. “Why are you blushing like that?”

“N-nothing, just going through a little reminiscing in my head.” Moon Blade replied, shaking the blush off his cheeks. “Come along now. I believe we kept your sister and brother waiting long enough, have we not?”

Midnight stared at him for a few moments, before shaking her head and smiling. “Yes, I think we most certainly have.”

Author's Note

I know I know, this chapter tended to be shorted than any of the ones that I had made so far, but...judging from how I was writing it and the title of said story, I figured that it would be alright to leave off right about here. I've been thinking over time that I shouldn't really be concerned by how much I can write anyway, just how good I can make this editing story, and I think that should be all that really matters :twilightsmile: . Just a heads up, I was planning to have another scene in this, but well...as stated up above, I decided to save it for the next chapter that's soon to come. I may add some scenes in it from the last version of the next chapter that I'm going to write soon, after I get a good speculation on how to start it, and I'm also going to be bringing in some additions on the beasts the the Main Seven are going to be facing. One thing is for certain, things are going to keep building and building until we reach the climax of our adventure :ajsmug: .

That's all for now, stay tuned next time for a revisit to our Dark Goddess and the Main Seven having another encounter with a fighter of the Everfree :pinkiegasp: @ Only with this beast, it'll be one that'll be made a bit differently, but one you may recognize from a certain Disney movie :raritywink: .

Chapter 33 - The Lone Soldier

The first thing that Fluttershy noticed when she began to come to, was that she had an unbearable headache, more so than any she had experience in her entire life. It felt like somepony or some incredibly creature powerful was trying cave her skull in with both of their forehooves or claws and drive a large knife through it at the same time. She could feel each pulse that coursed its way through her head, following in perfect rhythm with her heartbeat, and each beat that followed send another searing stab of pain through her head, causing a soft groan of agony to escape her lips.

The second thing that the buttermilk Pegasus became aware of was that her entire body felt numb from head to hoof, as if it was filled with led. Each and every time she tried to move, she’d feel parts of her body give off little twitches, along with an incredible amount of soreness following after. All four of her legs felt like they were made of jelly, and shook as if they were covered in coats of ice when she tried to move them. Even her tail was unresponsive when she tried to move it, which really confused her for some reason. Especially since she had excellent control over it, nearly as much as Goku did with her own tail, despite it being much longer than her’s.

As Fluttershy slowly began to regain consciousness and come back to the waking world, was that there seemed to be a lot of talking.

Very quiet, but still pretty audible taking, coming from what she believed were her friends.

“How do you guys think she’s doing?” The raspy voice of Rainbow Dash asked, her tone full of worry and concern. “She hasn’t moved an inch since she collapsed in front of us.”

“I have no idea.” The intelligent voice of Twilight replied softly. “I mean, she’s still breathing, and I can see her chest rising and falling, but other than that…nothing.”

“Well, at least we know that she’s still breathin’.” Applejack’s drawling voice. “Still, she looks more out of shape than an apple rottin’ on a tree.”

“Applejack!” Rarity’s regal and elegant voice suddenly snapped. “How dare you make such a statement about our dear Fluttershy?! She looks just as beautiful as she always did, how rude of you to say such a thing!”

“Now Rarity, you know that is not what Applejack meant and you know it!” Twilight chastised, sounding understandably upset. “All Applejack was pointing out was how bad Fluttershy was looking because of the amount of magic that she used! She as by no means insulting her!”

“Well it certainly seemed like it too me!” Rarity snorted hotly. “It’s bad enough that we have to deal with her suffering from such an extension of magic. Now we have to deal with Applejack here insulting her looks?! I mean look at her! The poor dear looks like she’s been trampled by a herd of cows!”

Fluttershy suddenly felt her body give a jolt as a raging soreness made its way through her body, along with another stab of pain through her head. She let out another groan. That was probably the best and downright worst way to describe how she was currently feeling at the moment. Best, because Fluttershy really did feel like she was trampled by cows, and worst, because Rarity had the audacity to use cows of all animals to describe her condition.

“And is that really our fault?!” Pinkie asked incredulously. “Look Rarity, I wasn’t really up for her having Flutters do what did she did. None of us were, and Ah do wish that we could’ve done somethin’ better when we were fightin' that giant scary kitty!”

“Then why did you even try fight it in the first place?!’ Rarity spat acidly. “Why didn’t you all just run instead of staying where we could’ve gotten cornered by more of them?!”

“Because it was the only option that would keep us from getting eaten alive!” Rainbow snapped impatiently. “You saw it yourself, Rarity! You could tell just by looking at that furball that it was not going to let us leave, and the only we could get away is if we made it leave instead! So we had pretty much no choice but to fight, including you! Not to mention that it took Zephyr out in one blow while he was caught off guard!”

“Exactly!” Pinkie said, coming to Rainbow Dash’s defense. “While it may not have been the most well thought or and accurate plan, but worked nonetheless! Plus, we’re all still alive, so that should count for something right?”

“It doesn’t matter if we managed to chase that ruffian off!” Rarity hissed at Twilight. “The fact of the matter is Fluttershy is hurt, and it’s all your faults! Maybe if you put up a better attempt at fighting that beast instead of just being reckless, none of this would’ve ever happened!”

Fluttershy could now feel herself become just the slightest bit frustrated. Why was Rarity blaming everypony else for her condition? Why did she keep calling the Everfree animals by such cruel names? The buttermilk Pegasus desperately wanted to get up from whatever position she was in and put the fashionista in her place. She could feel her body start to respond to her advances, but it was going by slowly. She would have to wait for just a little bit longer.

“Now don’t you go blamin’ us fer somethin’ that noneof us had any choice in doin’!” Applejack shouted, sounding more irritated. “Ah ain’t just gonna sit ‘ere, an’ let anypony, not even mah own friends, go blamin’ one o’ mah other friends fer nothin’! So you better cool that curly little head o’ yers missy, ‘re yer hide is gonna get bucked all th’ way t’ Canterlot!”

“Yeah, you really need to take a damn chill pill Rarity! It’s not like Pinkie Pie was trying to get Fluttershy hurt!” Rainbow Dash added, agreeing wholeheartedly with Applejack. “What, would you rather her have gotten eaten instead?!”

“Of course not!” Rarity replied angrily. “But I certainly would not have put her through what you all did! Which is why you all should’ve been smarter no good-”

“Rarity ENOUGH!!!” Goku’s voice suddenly yelled out. The moment she made herself own, all sound abruptly ceased as the buttermilk Pegasus felt herself freeze in place. “Listen, I know that you’re upset that Fluttershy is in the state that she’s in right now, we all are! However, that is no reason for you to be so hard on everypony and be such a goddamn butch to her and the others! None of us knew that this was going to happen, and none of us wanted this to happen, but what other choice did we have?! To just go and let the Shinomōkin, Doragontora, and the Timberwolves eat us alive?! Huh?!”

“W-well…no of course not.” The sound of Rarity’s stuttering voice made its way into Fluttershy’s ears. “B-but-”

“If that happened, any which one of them would’ve torn us apart and had us for lunch, and you know what would've happened if that happened, don’t you?!” Goku continued, effectively cutting Rarity off. “We wouldn’t be able to find the Elements of Harmony, we wouldn’t be able to defeat Nightmare Moon, and we wouldn’t be able to save Queen Luna or anypony in Ponyville, including our families! If we keep pointing hooves and blame each other for things that we had no idea of happening, we won’t be able to fulfill the task given to us! Which is exactly what’s going to happen if you keep this up, so leave the other’s alone, sit that white plot of yours down, and shut the buck up! Before I make your coat whiter than already it is!”

There were no more words exchanged after that last sentence was said, and the silence that followed was so strong, that the only thing could be heard was the sound of what seemed to be the crackling of fire. Fluttershy stayed still, silently waiting for any one of her friends to start talking again and converse with one another. When the only thing she heard was the quiet, she again tried to move, and felt her body was less sore than it was a minute ago. Though that didn’t stop another soft groan from escaping her lips as she attempted to gain some control of her body.

Fluttershy soon realized that she must’ve gotten the attention of one of her friends, because she felt a warm hoof brush against her forehead. A few moments later, Pinkie, sounding more hopeful than before, called out to Rarity and the others.

“Hey girls!” The mare cried; her voice filled with excitement. “I think she’s waking up!”

Moments after those words were said, Fluttershy felt a multitude of hooves galloping over to where she was. The buttermilk Pegasus immediately picked up several magical signature around her, seven at that, even in her sore state, she instantly recognized.

‘Wait, there are seven other magic signatures? Is there an eight pony with us?’ She thought, feeling her face morph into a frown. A second later, it clicked, and a certain stallion swam into her mind. ‘Oh right, Zephyr was with us too…I hope he’s okay. Is he okay?’

“Hey Fluttershy! Are you alright? Can you hear us?!” The voice of Rainbow Dash shouted, snapping Fluttershy out of her thoughts. Before she could try to reply to her friend, she felt a rough hoof start slapping her cheek. “Come on girl, say something already!”

“Dash, don’t do that!” Zephyr’s voice scolded said sharply. “ I know you want her to wake up, but slapping her like that isn’t going to help! Just wait a few minutes and let her do it on her own…”

“Girls look, I think she’s waking up!”

Pinkie was indeed right, Fluttershy was slowly beginning to open her eyes, only to snap them back shut at the light that shined in them. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, she finally managed to open them and adjust to the light, which she could now see was coming from a fireplace. Turning her head, she met the concerned eyes of each of her friends, who were all standing over her from all sides.

“Hey there sleepy head.” Goku said softly with a smile. “Welcome back to the world of the living.”

“Hello to you too, Goku.” Fluttershy replied, her voice slightly raspy. “It’s good to be back inthe waking world.”

“How’re you holding up there Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No offense, but you look really like shit.”

“Hmhmhm...yeah, I probably do.” Fluttershy giggled softly, moving a hoof to her head. “I’m definitely feeling like it too.”

“Oh, you poor thing.” Rarity cooed, reaching and taking Fluttershy’s left hoof in her right. “You must be in so much pain right now! No thanks to-”

“Don’t ya dare finish that sentence.” Applejack growled, her eyes flashing as she glared at Rarity. “Ah’ll buck ya straight outta this cave!”

“Oooooh…my head, it hurts so much.” Fluttershy moaned as she put her right forehoof to her forehead. “Where are we? What in the world happened to me?”

“We’re still in the Everfree Forest sweetie.” Goku replied quietly. “You had fallen unconscious after the fight with the Timberwolves. We didn’t want to take any chances in reviving you where we were, so we left the clearing and came to this cave.”

“Oh…I see…” Fluttershy asked, draping a hoof over her forehead. “Wait a minute…where’s Zephyr?”

“Right behind you Fluttershy.” The deep and gentle voice of the royal blue stallion said from behind her. Jumping the buttermilk Pegasus looked up, while still laying down, and met the garnet eyes of the Solar Royal Guard. The surprise she felt was so strong that she squealed and sat up in the blink of an eye, not noticing Goku in front of her. With a loud and sickening thud, both mares collided foreheads with one another, and the tan Thestral found herself on the ground.

“Gah! Son of a bitch!” Goku yelled as she fell over on her back, both hooves flying to her forehead.

“Whoa there sugarcube!” Applejack shouted, rushing over and grabbing Fluttershy by her forehooves. “Hold yer horses!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry Goku!” The buttermilk Pegasus cried as she looked back over at the tan Pegasus. “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to hit you like that!”

“Ugh...yeah, I’m fine Fluttershy.” Goku groaned, slowly getting up from the ground and onto her rump. “Geez girl, you really have a hard noggin there, don’t you?”

Fluttershy groaned, putting a hoof to the side of her head as she rubbed at it gently, trying to lessen the agonizing throbbing. “Oh...my head hurts so much. I don’t think I’ve had a headache this bad in, well...ever.”

“I’m not surprised.” Rainbow Dash said with a small chuckle. “With the amount of power that you used to heal us you were bound to feel like shit one way or another.”

“Yeah...you have a point there.” Fluttershy nodded, groaning softly. “Where…are we?”

“We’re in a cave of some sort.” Zephyr replied, getting to his hooves. “We have found it sometime after we had left that clearing. We had all been keeping watch over you and ourselves while you were resting, and so far, nothing’s come.”

“For now.” Goku murmured, staring off into the tree.

“I see…well, at least nothing has attacked us right now.” Fluttershy said, slowly getting to her hooves. “Um Zephyr…why did you have me, um…rest on top of you?”

Zephyr blushed, looking the other way. “Well, why shouldn’t I have? You did the same for me when I passed out from being electrocuted by the Shinomōkin. Besides, it felt really nice to have somepony cuddled up to me so…I decided to do the same.”

“O-oh, well…thank you.” Fluttershy said as she too blushed. “It, um…did feel pretty nice. Even if I couldn’t really feel it.”

“Are you sure that you don’t mean anything else by that?” Rainbow Dash asked teasingly. “Are you sure that you didn’t feel anything else that felt ‘really nice’?”

“Dash.” Rarity hissed warningly. “Don’t you dare go that route.”

“What’s the problem?” The cyan mare chuckled, a wide grin on her face. “All I’m asking is if there’s anything else that Fluttershy felt was ‘comfy’ to her.”

“That’s precisely what we’re saying.” Twilight said sternly. “And that’s why we are telling you to knock it off.”

“They’re right RD, we nearly got killed be all o’ these va-er, animals in this damned buckin’ forest.” Applejack said giving off a snort. “The last thing we need is y’all tryin’ to make Flutters and Zephyr as red as the apples on mah flank.”

“Oh, come on guys, I’m just trying to lighten the mood here.” Rainbow frowned. “We need somepony to do it after all that’s happened to us.”

“Uh, isn’t that supposed to be my job?” Pinkie Pie asked, a frown of her own forming. “I’m the one that supposed to be making ponies smile, now you Dashie! You’re stealing my number one job and priority!”

“Am not!” Rainbow Dash denied. “And for the record Pinkie Pie, you already have a job, and actual job mind you! So, making others laugh isn’t really what I’d consider a job!”

“Dash, darling, you do realize who you’re saying this to right?” Rarity asked. “This is Pinkie Pie that we’re talking about. To her soul priority is making others smile and laugh until they’re as red as a cherry, and to her, that just as important as any job that she may have.”

Pinkie Pie jabbed a hood in Rarity’s direction. “See?! Rarity gets it!”

“Yeah, well, I still think that it’s lame to consider that as a job.”

“Is not!”

“Is too.”

“Is not!”

As the mares continued to bicker back and forth, Fluttershy took a few moments to look around the cave they were all resigned within. Thanks to the fire that was roaring beside them, she was able to clearly see the upper parts and sides of the cave, and to some extent, the interior of the cave as well. It was your average cave, with rough jagged edges at the top with small slopes protruding from the sides, along with countless numbers of little pebbles, minerals, along with small rock. Fluttershy could even detect some aged foot prints that littered the floor, indicating to her that some animal had roamed in here before, though she couldn’t quite figure out what.

“Whatcha lookin’ at Fluttershy?” Applejack suddenly asked, snapping the buttermilk Pegasus out of her line of observation. “Somethin’ caught yer eye.”

“Oh, it’s nothing Applejack.” Fluttershy replied, regaining her composure. “I was just observing the cave.”

“Observing it for what?” Twilight asked curiously. “Anything that you could possibly use in any kind of animal research?”

“Nothing really...I couldn’t help but notice some animal tracks leading from in and out of the cave.” Fluttershy replied, pointing to the animal tracks. “Some of them looked to be pretty aged, like it was months since an animal ventured in here.”

“Really? We didn’t even notice.” Goku said, surprise taking over her features as she looked down at the tracks. As she looked up, her eyes widened slightly before pointing a hoof forward behind Fluttershy. “Hey, what about those claw marks on that wall over there?”

“Claw marks?” Zephyr asked as he followed the line of the cyan mare’s hoof. “What claw ma...oh...oh wow.”

“What is it Zephyr?” Fluttershy asked, looking to look at what the stallion were staring at. She let out a small gasp when she saw what had Twilight and Rainbow Dash so surprised, and the buttermilk Pegasus felt her heart skip a beat.

On the wall on the left side of them, four huge claws marks could be seen embedded deep inside the rocky material, going all the way up from the ceiling and nearly reaching the bottom. They looked to be deep, deeper than any claw marks that Fluttershy had seen from any other animal, and the way they were made gave them an even more sinister look.

“Oh my...” Fluttershy finally murmured. “Those are, um...quite the claw marks, aren’t they?”

“Yeah, they sure are.” Twilight replied, taking a few steps forward to get a closer look at the slashes on the cave wall. “I’ve never claw marks of this magnitude before. Then again, I haven’t seen that many marks made from animals to begin with since I’ve never really been around them that much.” She sighed dejectedly. “Ugh, I really need to catch on my animal facts!”

Fluttershy didn’t give a reply to the lavender Unicorn’s comment, to focused on inspecting the unusual looking claw marks on the cave wall. They claw marks were indeed large, larger than any other that the buttermilk Pegasus had ever seen from any animal she came across. They looked to be more than several inches into the cave wall, stained with what looked to be blood, and for some reason, that did not look like a good sign.

Another thing that Fluttershy noticed was a scent. A strong, foul, and almost unbearable scent that came from deep within the cave. It put Fluttershy on edge in a way that made her feel as if she had felt it before, and the more she thought on it, the clearer it became. That was when it finally clicked, a memory from so long ago planting right into Fluttershy’s mind as if it happened only yesterday. A gasp left her as she froze in place, her eyes snapping right into the direction of the darkness of the cave as her heartbeat quickened. Goku, seeing the look on her friend’s face, walked over to her.

“Fluttershy is there something wrong?” She asked, only to paused when the mare’s fearful look got aimed right onto her.

“Guys…I think we should go and leave the cave now.” Fluttershy replied, her voice so quiet that only Goku and Zephyr could hear it. “Something is wrong here…very wrong.”

“Wait, is there an animal that you sensed nearby?” Zephyr asked, going on guard. “What animal is it? And which way is it coming from?”

Before Fluttershy could answer, both she and Goku suddenly whirled around, her ears perked up and her eyes trained on the darkness of the cave. Twilight, who was closest to Goku, was the first one to notice the change in the tan Pegasus demeanor, and the first one to stop in her chastisement in Rainbow Dash.

“What’s the matter girls?” The lavender Unicorn asked, her navy-blue eyebrows furrowed in confusion and concern. “Did you hear something?”

“I did.” The tan Thestral replied, not looking back at the librarian. “I really don’t wanna worry you guys, but I’m very sure that I heard a growl somewhere inside of that cave.”

“A shriek?!” Rarity repeated, her eyes growing wide. “Are you saying that there’s something inside there?!”

“What do you think?” Goku asked, shaking her head. “It’s definitely not that of a pony, I’ll tell you that. It’s more...animalistic and...feral.”

“Feral?” Applejack asked with a frown. “Are ya sayin’ that there’s some rapid critter in there?”

“I don’t think so.” Goku replied as she took a few steps closer to the darkness. She sniffed the air, trying to detect any kind of scent she could find inside of the cave. “Hmmm...there is an animal in somewhere in there. Not only that, it smells very much like a...bear?”

Now it was Rainbow Dash’s turn to frown. “Bear? What do you mean a bear? I don’t know of any bear that lives in this forest. Are you sure that nose of yours is working the right way?”

Rarity looked over at Rainbow Dash with a disapproving look, having not taken kindly to the cyan mare’s rather rude question. She opened her mouth to scold the athlete, when she and the others all heard the sound of deep growling combined with a bone chilling hiss coming from somewhere deep in the cave. All of the others’ eyes snapped forward to the source of the sound as they all took moved back some, except for Goku, who stayed right where she was.

“Does that answer your question Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked with a slight hiss.

“Whoa!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, shaking on the spot. “Now that sounded reeeeeeeally scary!”

“Now what in tarnation was that?!” Applejack asked as her eyes narrowed.

“I have no idea.” Goku replied. “Whatever it is, bear or not, it’s big...and its powerful…and it’s getting closer.”

Twilight looked over at the Pegasus with worry. “How powerful?”

The tan Thestral went to answer, when they all heard the sound of something big slamming onto the ground, causing it to shake and nearly making them all lose their footing. Just a split second later, a powerful blast of wind suddenly flew out of the cave and engulfed all seven mares in its powerful gust. They all obscured their eyes from the blast, digging their hooves into the earth beneath them as they fought to withstand unexpected onslaught. Try as they might however, none of them could withstand it, and they all found themselves blown out of the cave, tumbling across the ground.

“Okay…” Rainbow Dash groaned as she rubbed her head. “...that was totally not cool.”

“You said it RD.” Applejack nodded as she got up, shaking the dirt off of her fur. “That sounded more powerful than one o’ Granny’s giant siren power speakers that she uses at th’ Apple Family Reunions.”

“Are you okay Fluttershy?” Twilight asked as she ran up to the buttermilk Pegasus. “That was a hard tumble that you took back there.”

“Yes, I’ll be okay.” Fluttershy replied, holding onto Twilight as she helped her up. “Other than the added soreness and cramps in my body, I’m not too banged up.”

“That’s wonderful and all dear,” Rarity said with a gulp, her eyes wide with fear as she stared ahead of her. “But I something tell me that we’re gonna get more than ‘banged up’, if we get out of here.”

“What makes you say that, Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“I think she means that Pinkie Pie.” Goku said gravely, putting a hoof on the bubblegum pink Earth Pony’s head and turning it forward. When Pinkie Pie’s cerulean eyes laid on what the tan Pegasus, Rarity and the others were staring at, she let out a loud extended gasp of shock. Her fur, mane and tail turned a bright shade of lavender and deep indigo as she and the others stared wide eyed at the sight before them.

The creature that was standing just outside the cave, eyes flashing with bloodlust, was probably one of the most bizarre creatures that Goku and the rest of her friends had ever seen. Just like she had assumed, it was a bear in appearance, standing over nine feet tall, though there were some glaring differences. The bear-like creature had fur that was as black as Nightmare Moon’s looking to be wild and matted like a rabid animal. All four of its limbs held quite the amount of muscularity, more so than any bear, with all for paws having long sets of curved black claws. It had a huge set of bat wings, with the membranes going to the base of its extended muscular tail and two huge thumb claws as long as a sword.

On its face, were three claw marks on the left side of its face, and its upper back, lower neck and its left flank were burn, showing off the bear’s black skin. It also had arrows stuck around where its lower neck and upper back were, showing that it had some run ins with ponies some time ago. Its eyes were two orbs of pure orangish golden that pierced through the darkness of the night like two twin lights, and it made the eight ponies’ own eyes burn as they looked back at them. What was most disturbing, was its gaping canines, which oozed some sort of soft green texture that hung down from its mouth as if it was some colorful saliva designed for a specific purpose. As it ran its tongue along its mouth, the green saliva that was hanging from its teeth fell, and as it hit the ground, the grass covering the earth to seemed to sizzle way as if acid was dripped on it.

“My Celestia…” Zephyr gasped as a chill ran down his spine. “What in the name of Celestia is that thing?!”

“Hay if I know!” Rainbow Dash replied, scrunching up her face in disgust at the green substance coming from the bear’s mouth. “I can’t tell if it’s some kind of winged wolf or giant bat or whatever!”

Fluttershy gulped inaudibly, feeling her heart beating against her chest as she murmured. “Battookuma…”

“What was that Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, having heard what the buttermilk Pegasus had said.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, fighting to keep her heart rate under control as she spoke louder. “I know what that creature is...it’s a Battookuma.”

“A what now?” Applejack asked. “Ya mind repeatin’ that Fluttershy”

“What’s a Battookuma Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“It’s the largest species of bear that’s known to live in the Everfree, and the only bear that’s known to live in the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy replied, not taking her eyes off of the beast before her. “It looks similar to a Short-Faced Bear, the only difference being that it’s more muscular and is a cross between two animals. That, and it usually lives on its own in caves like the one we were in just a few moments ago. I noticed the claw marks on the cave, which gave me an assumption that we were in its cave.”

“What, you knew what those claw marks where?!” Rainbow Dash, growing indignant as she glared at Fluttershy. “Why didn’t you tell us that sooner?!”

“It didn’t any large paw prints or any signs of poison that coated the ground. The claws were the only thing that I had to go by, but it wasn’t enough.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, not bothering to look at the cyan mare. “The Battookuma is known for having incredible physical strength and stamina, equivalent to that of a dozen Timberwolves, and it’s known to be very fast, both on the ground, and in the air despite its size. It can suck in huge amounts of air and shoot of enormous blasts of wind that are powerful enough to take town full grown trees. It can also use its wings to deliver powerful slices and gusts of wind, pretty much like I can, though with the chaotic magic it has, it’s bound to leave some destruction behind. It can even pull trees out by the roots with its own physical strength. Although...that’s not what we need to watch out for.”

“It’s not?” Goku asked. “What is it?”

“Take a good look at its mouth.” Fluttershy instructed like a teacher to a class of foals. “Do any of you notice the green substance coming out of its mouth?”

“Yeah, we can see it fine Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash replied; her tone slightly sarcastic as she gave a roll of her eyes. “I mean, it’s not like we haven’t due to the fact that it is glowing!”

“Simmer down there RD, now ain’t th’ time fer sarcasm.” Applejack said firmly, before looking over at Fluttershy. “Now...go on sugarcube...you were sayin’ ‘bout that stuff that was in that critters mouth?”

“Right...you see, the saliva coming out of the Battookuma’s mouth isn’t really saliva.” Fluttershy replied with a grimace. “It’s poison.”

“Poison?!” Rarity repeated, whipping her head around to face the other mare. “Why would it need poison of all things?”

“To kill its prey.” Goku replied, giving the alabaster Unicorn a deadpan look. “What do you think?”

“The Battookuma’s main weapon, isn’t it’s strength or speed, or its wing attacks. It’s the acidic like poison that they have packed inside of their mouths.” Fluttershy explained. “Battookuma’s have been known to pack a potent saliva like venom inside of their mouths that is extremely toxic to any creature that it comes across. Their immune to their own poisonous bites, but those that aren’t, be it another carnivore or prey animal, are very unlikely to survive if they get bitten. A single bite, even so much as a flesh wound is enough to send the poison coursing through the victim's body and cause the skin, muscle, and bone to very slowly dissolve. The poison will also spread across the victim’s body, slowly weakening them until the Battoookami goes in for the kill.”

“I-It’s poison can dissolve skin flesh and bone?” Pinkie Pie stuttered, her purple and lavender color becoming more pronounced.

“It can.” Fluttershy nodded as her ears flattened. “It hasn’t been known to attack ponies because they normally don’t venture in the Everfree for obvious reasons. However, it’s been said that anypony who encounters a Battoookami, will suffer a slow and brutally agonizing death if not given immediate medical attention. As for the poison…” She paused, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves before continuing. “...well, there hasn’t really been any known cure for it, so the only way you can stop the poison from spreading as if you drain it not long after your bitten.”

“So basically, what you’re saying is, if we get so much as nipped by that guy, we’re bucked?” Rainbow Dash asked knowingly.

“Yeah, that’s just what she said Rainbow Dash.” Zephyr said bluntly. “Were you not listening at all?”

Just then, there was a loud thudding sound as the Battookuma slammed one of its large paws on the ground. It’s feathered bat wings spread to their fullest span as its powerful tail slowly swayed behind it, its jaws drooling with the acidic poison as it hunched its body.

“I think we should save scolding Rainbow Dash for later girls.” Goku said as she took a step back. “Our new guests looks ready to pounce.”

“You think?!” Rarity spat as she glared at the tan Thestral.

No sooner after those words left her mouth, the Battookuma let out a tooth grinding shriek combined with a howl that echoed throughout the forest. The eight ponies’ ears pinned firmly against their heads as the sound resonated painfully in their ears, making them want to jam their hooves inside of them and rip out their eardrums just to escape the painful noise. It was so loud that they didn’t notice the bat winged wolf had had made the first move until he was already flying right at them.

“Oh crap, here he comes!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she instinctively reeled back, preparing to face their new adversary. “Lightning Pegasus: Thunderous Explosion!”

The cyan mare’s eyes glowed as she sent a blast of lightning at the Battookuma, the bolts ripping through the ground. The Battookuma stood up on its hind legs, letting out a roar that caused a blast of wind to shoot out of its mouth. It collided with the Rainbow Dash’s wave of lightning and after a brief power struggle, the beast’s attack won out and cancelled out the lightning attack. Rainbow’s eyes widened upon seeing her attack get stopped, and she found herself and the others screaming as they felt themselves being blown away and sliced to ribbons. The Battookuma, seeing its opponents down, took their moment of weakness to move in and deal another blow, hut Zephyr wasn’t about to let him.

“Oh no you don’t!” Zephyr shouted, turning tail and rushing towards the bear. Orange flames came out from under his hooves, causing them to light up as fire slowly began to emerge and flicker around him. “Fire Pegasus: Twin Flaming Hooves!”

Just as the Battoookami was about to reach the mares, Zephyr leapt into the air, the fire around him leaving a flaming trail as he stretched his forelegs forward. With a heave, Zephyr slammed them both into the Battookuma’s chest, sending a wave of heat throughout the bat winged bear’s body as it roared with pain. The Battookuma didn’t have much time to fight it down before Zephyr whirled around and bucked it in the face, sending it crashing to the ground.

“Alright, nice one Zephyr!” Rainbow Dash cheered with a fanged grin. “You show that giant mutt what we’re made off!”

“I don’t quite think that now is the appropriate time for cheering Rainbow Dash.” Rarity chastised.

“Are you alright everypony?” Applejack asked, turning to the others. “That varmint didn’t get ya too bad did he?”

“Don’t worry Applejack, we’re okay, he didn’t get me. Though these wind slashes do hurt pretty bad.” Fluttershy said reassuringly as the tangerine Earth Pony helped her up. As she got back on her hooves, Fluttershy shot Applejack a disapproving frown. “And I would like it if you and the others would please stop the animals those names please. I get that you and the others want to keep each other safe, but that’s no reason to call them such rude names.”

Before Applejack could reply, the form of Zephyr came crashing past them before coming to a stop right in front of Twilight. As she helped him to his feet, she and the others screamed upon seeing the slash marks covering the right side of his face, blood seeping from them.

“Damn it, that varmint got Zephyr real good with that one.” Applejack murmured inspectingly, turning back to the Battookuma. “Looks like we’re gonna have t’ take this up a notch!”

“In that case, why don’t we give this ruffian a taste of our own medicine?!” Rarity asked, igniting her horn. “Belle Machine Gun: Gattling Gun!”

“Oh, wait for me!” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing in between the two mares.

When the Battookuma got within range, Rarity fired off with her Belle Machine Gun, sending a flock of magical bolts at the bear. The bear grunted as they hit, but managed to use its large forearms and wings as a shield against the assault. With a growl, it flared its wings, sending a blast of wind that eradicated the rest of them, only to see Pinkie zooming towards him. Pain exploded in the Battookuma’s face as the pink pony gave him a kick that sent him flying away and crashing to the dirt ground. He said himself up and glared at the mare, but before he could get up, vines appeared and ensnared him, holding him in place.

“Earth Make: Vine Snare!” Applejack shouted; her eyes glowing as she grinned at the Battookuma. “He’s all yers Goku!”

“Right!” The tan Thestral shouted flying passed the tangerine mare as she ascended high into the air. When she was high enough away, she dived down towards the Battookuma lightning coating her entire body as her cat-like eyes flashed. “Lightning Thestral: Twin Electric Hooves!”

The Battookuma roared loudly as Goku slammed both of her lightning coated hooves into its chest, sending lightning throughout its body. In her haste to take the Battookuma out as quickly as possible, she failed to notice the lightning destroying the vines holding the beast down. This left the Battookuma able to move, and it delivered a powerful blow to Goku’s side, sending its claws deep into her right side and sending her crashing into a tree.

“Goku!” Twilight shouted as she watched the tan Thestral get blown away. Her horror soon turned to fear when she noticed the Battookuma flying towards them. Twilight’s body got rooted with fear as the creature got closer, but luckily for her, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie all intercepted it.

“Stop right there!” They all shouted as they met the Battookuma head on. Rainbow Dash struck with powerful volts of electricity while Rarity fire off more magical blasts. They sent the giant bear crashing to the ground, allowing Applejack and Pinkie to ensnare it in their vines, leaving the other two mares to be able to hit their mark. At some point, Goku had recovered from being thrown, before she too rejoined the fray.

“Wow, they’re really getting into it.” Zephyr murmured, standing close to Fluttershy. “Are the two of you okay?”

“Not as okay as you are Zephyr.” Twilight murmured, wincing at the bloody cuts adorning her body from the Battookuma’s first attack. She looked over at Fluttershy, who was lying in between them. “Are you alright Fluttershy?...Fluttershy?”

It was at that moment that both Twilight and Zephyr saw the look of absolute horrified shock on the buttermilk Pegasus’s face. It wasn’t quite the same one that she sported back in the cave, but it had that addition as to where is she recognized something or somepony from a sensitive part of her past. One that she believed that she would never see again, or ever even wanted to ever see again for that matter.

“Um, Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked. “Is something the matter?”

“T-T-Twilight…t-that Battookuma…” Fluttershy whispered, slowly looking up at the lavender Unicorn. “…I-I know that Battookuma!”

Twilight paused, giving her friend a perplexed look. “You…you do?”

“Yes, I do!” Fluttershy cried, shooting to her hooves. “Do you remember four years go when you first came to Ponyville?! How Ponyville was attacked by a Battookuma very much like that one?!”

“…Yeah, I do, that was when I was around seventeen.” Twilight replied, as the memories of the night that Ponyville was attacked by an Everfree creature flooded her mind. “Why? What is it about it that makes this Battookuma connected to it?”

“Take a close look at it.” Fluttershy said hastily. “Do you see the burn marks in between its neck and back, along with the on the left side its leg? Along with the claw marks arrows sticking out from behind it?”

“I see them.” Twilight replied, looking even more confused. “But I still don’t see how-?”

“Think back on that day when a Battookuma from four years go attacked the town.” Fluttershy said, sharply cutting Twilight. “What injuries did it sustain?”

“Fluttershy, why are you-?”

“What. Injuries. Did. It. Sustain?” Fluttershy repeated, sterner this time. “Just answer the question Twilight, please!”

Twilight, sensing the urgency and demand in Fluttershy’s tone, immediately replied. “From what I can remember, it suffered a claw slash to the face. Along with some burns to its upper back and lower neck area, and some claw slashes to the same area as well, and all of them were done by-” She stopped abruptly, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks as she finally caught onto what Fluttershy had. “Oh no… you don’t mean…?”

“I think it is Twilight.” Fluttershy nodded. “Without a single shadow of a doubt.”

At that moment Zephyr walked up to the mares. “Um, girls, I don’t mean to interrupt, but could you please inform me on what you found out?”

“It’s worse than you can imagine Zephyr.” Fluttershy replied, unable to hide the fear in her tone. “About four years ago, Ponyville was attacked by a Battookuma, much like this one, and tried to go after the residence for food. Luckily a one of my friends were there to stop it before things go too out of hoof, and chased it back into the Everfree.” She gave an audible gulp as she looked back at the Battookuma that was still fighting four of her friends. “That wasn’t just any random though, this particular Battookuma has been reported to have been sighted in the cities and towns of Hallow Shades, Fillydelphia, Manehatten, and even Appleoosa! They call him…Mor’du.”

Author's Note

Well guys, here's the 34 chapter of the Special Edition Guardians of Harmony with the next beast the girls are facing off against in the Everfree :scootangel: ! Now, I know what you guys are going to be asking, and are probably annoyed by this. In the last chapter, I said that I was going to be adding two scenes in this one, but once again, I saw that the chapter was too long for that, so I ensure that it would happen in the next chapter after this one. I had taken the scene with our Dark Goddess and her subjects and put it in the next document that I'm planning to write, so the next chapter will come relatively quickly depending on just how much time I have tomorrow :raritywink: . Also, for anypony that's able to guess who the beast is that Zephyr and the girls are fighting, especially with the name that I gave it, you will get a nice big crispy cookie :pinkiehappy: !

Anyway, that's all for this chapter, I'm gonna and catch up to the chapters that the rest of my followers left for me to see and review :twilightsmile: . I might have the next chapter up later on the next day, or tomorrow, but either way, I'm pretty sure that I have it all planned out in my mind :pinkiesmile: . Even if it feels like it's weighing down on me from all that's been happening to day, and oh boy was it a lot :derpyderp2: !

Chapter 34 - Bolts in the Shadows

While Midnight and the three farmers prepared for the reunion with their youngest loved ones, things back at the Nightmare Moon’s castle had gotten a little bit rowdy. A good majority of the castle was quiet, with Nightmare Moon’s Dark Army confined in their makeshift rooms, all of them preparing for the incoming battle. Nightmare Moon was sitting within her throne either doing some quiet meditating or letting her thoughts drift off to who knows where. As for Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts, things were a little bit more active where they were. Deep within the underground interior of the newly rebuilt castle, the seven ponies were currently going through their own preparation for the fight. Though, unlike the Dark Army that were all training within the essence of their mindscapes, the six were doing it in an outward fashion.

Nyx flew about with the Galaxy Star Bolts as they flew about in the air, dueling each other in a contest of speed, flight and magic. Bright scorching flames, bursts of chirping lightning, and sharp roaring whirlwinds went about the underground training room. They sliced at the ceiling, struck into the ground, and burnt the walls as the six Pegasus ducked and swerved on one another, wings flapping violently as they zipped through the air. Any damage that was done to the room was automatically fixed thanks to the magic that Nightmare Moon had infused within it, meaning none of them had to any of it.

The sin black Alicorn giggled gleefully as she shot off magic blasts wind slices, and hard impact blows at the agile Pegasi. Each of them retaliated with their own devastating attacks, to which the mare efficiently blocked or evaded with her own magic. The noise that was being made in this training chamber was so loud that it could’ve shaken the entire castle. It was only thanks to a noise encasing spell that neither the Dark Army or Nightmare Moon could hear what was going on, or else they would’ve been driven insane.

“I have to say Princess Nyx; you haven’t gotten rusty for a single second since we’ve gotten here!” Nightshade praised as she and Nyx flew around each other. “I would’ve thought that all of those times that we weren’t training on the Moon with our Queen would’ve lead you to taking a lot of R&R time.”

“Maybe, but you should really know me by now Nightshade! I’m a Princess, and as the future ruler of Equestria, I have to be at my very best if I want to protect this land from any outside threats!” Nyx giggled, firing a blast of magic at the light blue Pegasus. “And this little training session we’ve been having will certainly help me down that road!”

“That may be so…” The gruff voice of Straus said from behind Nyx as he came up from behind her. “…but do you really think that you’ll be able to handle all of us at the same time?!”

The pale grey stallion spun around and aimed for a kick to the mare’s back, only for Nyx tail tow wrap around both of his hind legs. She wildly spun him around, before letting Straus slam into the ground, leaving a large crater in his wake.

“If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t really be doing this with you all right now.” Nyx replied, looking over at the stallion from the corner of his eye. “The only reason I even trying to take you all on is that I know that I can hold my own against all seven if you. if I can’t do that, how can I even attempt to stand up to a whole army?”

The sound of chirping lighting alerted Nyx, and she looked back in front of her to see Blueball in front of her, lightning coating her entire body. “Yeah you’ve gotta point there Nyxie! Still, that doesn’t mean that it’s gonna be any less fun zapping you, heeheehee!”

The bluish-purple mare grinned widely as she shot a gigantic wave of lightning down at Nyx, who simply smiled as it enveloped her completely. It vanished after a few moments, and there was no sign of Nyx anywhere around the room. At first, Blueball thought that she had gone too far in her attack, but that soon turned to fear when she felt a hoof grab the back of her suit.

“While there is nothing wrong in getting a thrill from battle that others wouldn’t approve of…” Nyx cooed quietly into Blueball’s ear. “…it can also be your downfall if not handled in a proper manner…like right now.”

The sound of blazing electricity could be heard throughout the training room as Nyx zapped Blueball with as much electricity she could muster with her magic. Surprisingly, Blueball didn’t scream or cry out, but instead let out low moans that made the other Galaxy Star Bolts blush deeply. With one final zap, Nyx let go of Blueball, and watched as she hit the ground, her body giving off little twitches with her eyes rolled in the back of her head.

“Oh wooooow…that felt sooooo goooood~!” Blueball cooed a large dopey smile on her face as her own face turned red. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt something that good before~!”

“Dear Lauren Holy Faust Blueball, is there nothing that causes you pain instead of being turned on?” Charger asked, frowning down at his teammates. “This has to be the millionth time that this has happened.”

“Oh, don’t be so hard on her Charger.” Starry Skies said smoothly, smiling in amusement at Blueball. “This is just how our Blueball is. Not all ponies react the same way when they get done in the way she just did.”

“That’s true, but that doesn’t mean everyponygets pleasure from pain!” Nyx shouted as she flew at Starry Skies. The mare was able to dodge the incoming punch that the sin black Alicorn had thrown at her, but was not able to do the same with the wind slash Nyx launched at her with her wing. As Starry shot it away with her own wing attack, Nyx sent a whole flock of them down at the pale violet mare sending her crashing to the ground in the same way as her last two teammates. “Oh, and another thing, never turn your back on the enemy, even if you are concerned for the safety of your teammate. While I’m not saying you shouldn’t be worried, if you don’t keep in mind that you could be attacked as well, then you won’t be able to help your teammate recover.”

“And if that happens, your teammates will be left by themselves without any help from the others!” Nightshade shouted as she ascended towards Nyx. The sin black alicorn blocked the punch aimed at her stomach by the light blue mare, and they got into a martial arts duel. At some point during the duel, Nyx had managed to grab Nightshade by her right foreleg, before kneeing her in the gut. Nyx then raised her right foreleg and elbowed nightshade deep into the top of her head, before flipping over and axe kicking the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain right into the ground.

“Another important lesson in battle.” Nyx nodded as he flew down towards the downed light blue mare. “Followed by always looking out for any attacks that come out of the blue, no matter what kind of attacks they are.”

“Er…r-right…that too.” Nightshade replied, a slight wheeze in her tone.

“You mean like this one?!” Charger shouted as he came diving down towards Nyx, his whole body cloaked in a giant tornado. Just as he was about to make contact, he suddenly found himself encased in a turquoise blue aura and thrown out of his tornado. Flying over it, Nyx encased herself inside of the tornado instead and used Charger’s own attack to send him spinning right into the wall.

“You should be mindful of anypony, be it Unicorn or Thestral, that might try to use your own attacks and tactics against you.” Nyx said as she hovered down next to Nightshade. “Or else you could find yourself on the receiving end of it.”

As the floor fixed itself from behind her, Nightshade fixed her mane before smiling up at Nyx. “Yep, I think it can be said that you have not slowed down a single bit since you first started your training Nyx. You are certainly going to wipe the floor on those mares that’re coming to defeat us and our Queen.”

“Heheheheh…she sure is.”Blueball nodded, wobbling as she got to brought to her feet by Charger. “Oh Faust, that was such a good zap of lightning…now that really turned me on!”

“Please tell me that you don’t mean what I think you mean by that?” Straus groaned as he glared at the bluish-purple Pegasus. “It’s bad enough that we get our asses kicked by Nyx, but now we have to deal with your sexual references?! Don’t make me careen you into the damn wall!”

“Oh, can you please do that, please please please!” Blueball pleaded grabbing Straus by his own suit. “Give me a nice good wallop just like the zap Nyx give me! Now that’ll really turn me on!”

“Oh dear, now you just made it worse Straus.” Starry chuckled, watching as a tick mark formed on Straus’s head. “Now you’ve really got our little Blueball wanting to be ridden.”

“Yeah, just what were you thinking?” Charger asked, pulling himself out of the wall. “Are you trying to get Blueball so pent up that she’ll try to screw us into the ground right here?”

“Don’t you go starting too!” Straus shouted, lifting up his goggles to shoot a death glare at the greenish gray stallion.

“Awww don’t worry Straus, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Nyx cooed sweetly. “There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to a mare so much. Especially somepony like Blueball. I wouldn’t be surprised if you actually did want her all this time.”

“I DO NOT!” Straus roared, stomping his hoof as he pushed Blueball off of him “I am by no means wanting Blueball in any way, shape, or form! And you all telling me that is not helping my case either!”

“Whatever you say Straus." Nightshade laughed as the floor fixed itself up behind her. “Still, feel free to say out loud of you do want Blueball all to yourself…along with any of us beautiful and sexy mares.”

Straus grit his teeth as Nyx, Nightshade and the other Galaxy Star Bolts laughed at his expense, all of them taking immense amusement in his embarrassment. That mirth immediately turned to surprise and fear when they heard the sound of screaming from outside of the room. It was not the sound of any typical scream, it was one of primal rage, like somepony had lost in the most important time of their lives.

“You…you guys heard that, too right?” Charger asked as the scream echoed about. “I couldn’t have been the only one who heard that!”

“No Charge, you didn’t, I heard it too.” Nightshade replied, her ears pinning back. “It sounds like our dear Queen is not happy, and she is pissed off…royally.”

“That’s an understatement!” Straus snorted. “She looks like she’s going to freeze somepony solid and shatter them into icy mist!”

“W-what do you think she could be angry about?” Blueball asked fearfully as she hid behind Starry Skies.

“I don’t know, but I think we should find out.” Nyx replied warily, her eyes narrowing. “Come on everypony, let’s go see how mother is doing!”

The sin black Alicorn ignited her horn and encased each of the Pegasi in her magic, before they all teleported out of the training room. A few moments later, they appeared outside of the throne room of Nightmare Moon, where things were not as quiet. Each of their eyes widened upon seeing the sigh of the Dark Queen herself pacing around, a look of murder in her eyes.

“Those little PESTS!” Nightmare Moon snarled, screaming out as she stomped the ground with her regalia covered hooves. “Those heartless insignificant bastard pests! How dare they do this to me and my precious pet?!”

“U-um…Momma?” Nyx asked, taking a step back. “A-are you alright?”

Nightmare Moon, upon hearing her ‘daughter’s’ voice, snapped her head over to her heiress and the Galaxy Star Bolts. Her expression softened considerably, though the seven ponies could still see the rage burning within her draconic gaze.

“Oh…it’s just you Nyx.” She sighed as she calmed down. “Forgive me for that…I didn’t see any of you there until it was too late.”

“Um, she does realize we’re here too, right?” Straus asked, only to get elbowed by Nightshade.

“T-that’s okay…w-we’ve actually had a feeling that it was you who screamed a few moments ago.” Nyx said, watching as Nightmare Moon winced. “Speaking of which, what has you so angry?”

The vampiric fangs on the larger dark Alicorn gleaming as her lips curled into a snarl. “You want to know why I’m ready to blast something into ice?! I’ll tell you exactly why!” She slammed a hoof down as she shot her head up to the icy blue ceiling. “My dear sweet little Tantabus…has been defeated!”

“What?!” Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts cried.

“H-how?! That shouldn’t be possible!” Nightshade shouted; her eyes full of disbelief. “T-that Tantabus is the most powerful one out of all of us besides you and Nyx! How can he fall down so easily?!”

“Because of those day worshipping little excuse of ponies that’s why.” Nightmare Moon growled. “It would seem that I had underestimated the amount of power that they were capable of wielding. I had believed since the Tantabus was a creature made of pure magic that it would be able to wipe out that entire town! It would seem that I did not think this through…either that or I had sent the Tantabus out too quickly.”

“What do you mean your Majesty?” Starry asked, tilting her head. “You said it yourself that the Tantabus was a pure magical creature. I don’t see how it can fall to none pure magical beings like them.”

“I think I can.” Blueball said, raising her hoof. “You all know how Queen Moonie you had said that you had sent the Tantabus out too quickly? I think what she means by that is because the Tantabus’s weakness was found.”

Charger raised an eyebrow. “You really think so?”

“I know that she does, because its true.” Nightmare Moon murmured, bowing her head. “The Tantabus’s mane weakness is the metallic core that I had created for it in order for it to be able to maintain its physical form. I was so focused on ensuring the destruction of that town that I neglected to remember just how long it would take for the Tantabus’s core to be able to withstand anything thrown against it. Even as it slowly began to gain a more solid form in the process.” She sighed as she looked back up at her ‘daughter’ and the Galaxy Star Bolts. “It now seems that mistake is coming back to haunt me.”

“Well, judging by the look on your face, I’d say that it is.” Nightshade murmured, a sympathetic frown on her face. “So, what’re you going to do now?”

Just as fast as the regretful look was on Nightmare Moon’s face, it morphed into one of sadistic excitement. “I plan to ensure that my plan to demolish that town does not repeat itself. Now with the more intelligent subjects that I plan to send there.”

“Wait, you mean…!” Blueball gasped. “You’re going to send the Dark Army there?!”

“Not all of the Dark Army mind you.” Nightmare Moon replied. “But just enough needed to completely turn that town into a pile of ashes. I believe that they’ll be able to handle this task without a problem, even find it entertaining.”

Nyx frowned worriedly. “Do…do you really think that these ponies will be able to get the job done?”

“I don’t think, I know, especially since all precautions for the upcoming battle have been taken.” Nightmare Moon replied, grinning savagely. “And this time, I don’t have a single shadow of a doubt that my plan will follow through.”

“W…what did you just say Fluttershy?” Twilight whispered fearfully, her pupils morphing into pinpricks. “I-I could’ve sworn that you just said…”

“Yes, I did.” Fluttershy said firmly. “That Battookuma is Mor’du; the very same Battookuma that came to Ponyville four years ago!”

Twilight just stared at Fluttershy, her expression one of pure horrified shock as her intelligent mind struggled to take in what her friend was saying. She didn’t want to believe it; she wanted to just pass it off as Fluttershy joking with her. The longer she looked into those beautiful teal eyes however, the more Twilight realized that Fluttershy was not joking, and she was serious in what she was saying.

“Wait a second, hold on…” Zephyr began, his own eyes wide with shock. “You’ve seen this Battookuma before?”

“Y-yes, we have…at least me, Twilight and Pinkie Pie have” Fluttershy replied, glancing at the royal blue stallion. “It’s only been once before, but that day that Mor’du came to Ponyville is one that I’m not going to forget any time soon.”

“Wait, so you’re saying that…Mor’du had come to reign your town looking for food?” Zephyr asked, after doing a quick think over in his head.

“Well, in a way, yes, he did.” Twilight replied, calming down a bit. “It didn’t happen exactly the way as you think, but you certainly got the motive right. Thankfully, nopony was killed and eaten, and Mor’du was fought and chased away by one of my friends.” The image of a certain Kirin colt entered her mind. “And boy did he get physical with that bear.”

“Wait, one of your friends fought that thing?!” Zephyr asked incredulously. “Who was it?!”

The roaring of Mor'du alerted the three ponies over to the scene in front of them, and they found themselves jumping back at the sight of their friends being blown away once more. The only one who managed to stay with the Battookuma was Goku, who had managed to get in a few good blows to the beast. Though it wasn’t long before Mor'du managed to score a lucky hit with his tail, sending the tan Thestral flying away from it and right into Zephyr’s arms.

“T-that was a lucky catch there, Zephyr, thanks.” Goku grunted as her fellow Shenron set him down. “Sweet Faust, that guy hit me really good with that last move. I thought he had busted my head open for a moment there.”

“It certainly looked like it.” Zephyr murmured dryly. “Still, I think it can be concluded that it’ll take a lot to crack that skull of yours. You can take being hit on the head by a full-grown tree and you’d still be able to keep going.”

“Damn right that I would, one of the many quirks to being a Thestral.” The tan mare nodded as she flashed a fanged grin at the Pegasus stallion. It soon faded when she saw the wounded bodies of each of her friends. “The same can’t be said for the others though. That’s why we need to get out of here as quickly as we can, before we become this guy’s dinner.”

“Goku, about the Battookuma Fluttershy had-” Twilight began, only for her eyes to widen when she saw the Battookuma flying at them. “WATCH OUT!”

Twilight pushed other three out of the way and put up a large shield just as Mor'du was about to slam into her. A powerful shockwave burst throughout the trees as the giant bat winged bear fought against Twilight’s bright purple shield. The raw power from behind the beast’s form was enough to send a pulse of pain throughout Twilight’s head as she struggled to hold the shield up and protect her friends. The lavender Unicorn fought with all her might to keep Mor'du at bay, but the bear’s own wild and chaotic power won out in the end, and with a powerful slam, it finally shattered. The scream that Twilight let out upon feeling the Battookuma's claws slash her in her side, chest, and barrel echoed about as she was flown away. She then found herself slamming into the ground with the wind getting knocked out of her, staring into the burning fiery eyes of Mor'du.

For what seemed to be forever, the Battookuma and Twilight just stared at each other, the former eyeing the mare with need and hunger, and the latter looking back up at him with fear and terror. Its mouth was filled with the acidic poison that hung just out of reach of the protégé, the substance giving a bright glow of green as the creature licked its lips eagerly. Finally, the beast it raised one of its giant paws, its long sharp black claws glinting in the moonlight as it prepared to deliver the finishing move. Twilight squealed in terror and clenched her eyes shut, hunching her body in preparation for the blow.

“TWILIGHT!!!” All six of her friends Zephyr included, screamed, their voices filled with absolute terror.

Just as the Mor'du was about to finish Twilight off, its ears picked up the sound of cracking lightning and roaring fire coming from above it. It looked up and its eyes widened when it saw a huge ball of violet fire and black lightning rushing down towards him. It had no time to doge before the attack slammed into him at breakneck speed, sending the winged bear-like creature flying away from Twilight as it exploded in a haze of fire, lightning, and dust. Several more of those attacks came raining down like meteors, sending the Battookuma further away from the mares.

Twilight covered her face with her forehooves as the cloud of dust enveloped her from the force of the unexpected incoming attack, squeezing her eyes tightly so the dust wouldn’t get in her eyes. It took a few moments for the dust to recede, but once it did, Twilight immediately picked up the very power magical aura of a pony directly on top of her. With some nervousness and caution, Twilight slowly opened her eyes, and felt a gasp leave her throat when she saw a purple suited Pegasus mare standing in front of her.

“Looks like we made it just in time.” Violet Fire said softly, relief flowing through her tone as she stared ahead of her. “I expected you all to be in a bit of a tight situation, but I didn’t think it’d be like this.”

“Who…” Twilight began as she composed herself. “Who areyou?”

Violet Fire turned around to face Twilight, allowing her to see the mask and goggles framing most of her face, save her mouth, nose and ears. She stared at the lavender Unicorn for a few moments, before a soft gentle smile appeared on her face. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to save the introductions at the moment. Though I willsay this...you’ve certainly seen us before. Along with the rest of my team.”

Twilight blinked, her face morphing into that of perplexity. “We…we have?”

“Wow… I did not expect somepony else to dropping in like that.” Rainbow Dash breathed; her mouth agape as she stared at the elusive looking mare.

“Jus’ who in tarnation is that mare?” Applejack asked. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve seen her anywhere ‘round Ponyville before.

“I have no clue…” Rarity said, doing her best to brush the dirt out of her mane. “Whoever she is...her mane and tail are simply divine!”

“I’ll say, and her outfit is really cool!” Pinkie Pie added, her cerulean eyes sparkling in awe. “It looks like it’s something somepony would wear on Nightmare Night!”

As the six mares conversed, Goku and Zephyr, who had also taken notice of the newcomer, stayed silent as they pulled themselves up from the ground. Their eyes scanned Violet Fire from head to tail, taking in her extended ebony back and indigo mane and tail, her deep purple suit, and her large phoenix like wings. At first, they didn’t know who the mare was, but there was something telling the two Shenrons that they had seen this mare before. As this thought crossed their minds, Goku and Zephyr’s caught the scent of the mare thanks to the wind blowing in their direction. As soon as they did, the Pegasus stallion and Thestral mare let out loud gasps, the latter reeling back as she fell back on her haunches.

Applejack, who noticed this sudden action, turned to Goku, her brows furrowed with an expression of morphed concern.“Somethin’ th’ matter Goku?”

“I...I-I know that mare!” Goku cried, her eyes widening in recognition. “T-the one in the suit, I know who she is!”

“Wait, really?!” Pinkie Pie gasped. “You’ve seen this pony before?!”

“We both do, a lot more personally than any of you are thinking.” Zephyr replied, sounding calmer but by no means less shocked. “She’s part of a Military Air Force group that was said to have vanished over a thousand years ago, and came back only recently! That’s Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario! The Captain of the Elusive Shadowbolts!”

“The Shadowbolts?” Applejack asked, blinking a couple of times. “Now what in th’ hay ‘re th’ Shadowbolts?”

Before Zephyr could reply to the farmers question, Goku beat him to it. “Only one of two greatest Air Force Warriors in all of the history Equestria, besides the Wonderbolts.”

Pinkie looked over at the tan Thestral, blinking once.

“Two?” She asked, not quite getting what the Kirin meant.

“The Shadowbolts are said to be a large team of Pegasus ponies that used work for and fight alongside Queen Celestia and Luna during times of war and hardship, very much like the modern day Wonderbolts do today.” Goku explained knowingly. “Just before the Wonderbolts were founded by General Firefly Tenshi, which was said to have taken place three hundred years after Queen Luna was banished, she had allowed a Pegasus Air Force group to join her military force and assigned them on missions that she could not do herself. They were called the Shadowbolts, a powerful group of Thestral weather masters, tamers, and destroyers that were known to rule the skies they flew. According to the Legends of Equestrian History, this group was founded by one of the ancient warriors that lived over three thousand years ago. A Pegasus mare that when by the name of Night Fire Kindheart Rosario, the very first Shadowbolt known to ever rise and exist in Equestrian history.”

“Whoa, wait a minute! Back up!” Rainbow Dash said, holding her forehooves up. “Did you just say that the Shadowbolts were founded before the Wonderbolts were?!”

“Yes darling.” Rarity replied dryly. “Yes, she did.”

“Oh wow! Somepony from Fluttershy’s clan was part of a Military Air Force?!” Pinkie gasped, her eyes widening with awe. “I had no idea her ancestors used to be soldiers, let alone work for both Queens!”

“Neither did I.” Rarity murmured, staring at the two Pegasi. “She never really mentioned having any family that was part of the Royal Guard for either Queen. The poor dear was probably very embarrassed to bring it up.”

“Anypony would be embarrassed to bring up ponies with a history like our own.” A calm and patient voice said from behind the fashionista. “So, it shouldn’t be any surprise that we keep things like this in the dark.”

Rarity screamed in fright and whirled around, her right hoof already going out in a strike to the pony behind her. Her hoof was caught before it could even go halfway, and she found herself staring into the icy blue eyes of Storm Shadow.

“My Celestia, don’t do that!” Rarity shouted hotly, glaring sharply at the mare. “I thought that you were somepony else coming to take advantage of me!”

“And what gave you that idea?” Storm Shadow asked, not in the least bit intimidated by Rarity’s glare. “It’s not like I’m a stallion or anything, and it’s not like I go after mares just for the sake of a rut, that’s Fast Track’s thing.”

“F-Fast Tracks?” Rainbow Dash asked, her ears perking. “Who in the hay is fast tracks?”

“That would be me!” The light brown stallion chirped, coming out of the tree a few feet away from the mares. “Hey there nice to meet ya!”

“Wholly moly!” Pinkie Pie gasped, her eyes bugging out. “Goku, look there’s another Thestral here like you!”

“Yeah, I can see that Pinkie Pie.” Goku said patiently. “I can also see that he and Storm Shadow aren’t the only ones who’re here.”

As if to justify her claim Lightning Shadow, and Blue Skies all appeared form out of the sky all of them forming a protective line in front of the seven ponies along with Storm Shadow and Fast Tracks. Twilight was the only one outside of it, with Violet standing protectively in front of her as she glared defiantly at Mor'du, who was still down on the ground.

“Wait a minute, there are more o’ y’all here?!” Applejack shouted, slightly indignant. “Jus’ how long have y’all been here?!”

“Just about the same time that Captain Violet was here.” Lightning replied. “Which was approximately half a minute ago.”

“W-we’re sorry that we couldn’t get here sooner everypony.” Blue Skies said apologetically, rubbing one of her forelegs. “We have um…some run ins with a few of the animals here.”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow. “And just what kind of animals did you face that it needed to take you three hours to get here?!”

“Animals that would more than likely be a match for ponies such as us.” Fast Tracks replied with a grin. “We can tell you about it later though; just sit back, relax, and let Captain V take care of this big guy here.”

“Yes, about that Fast Tracks…” Violet replied. “Could you please be a sweetie and take Twilight over to Goku and the other girls?”

“Aww, do I have to?” Fast Tracks whined, giving Violet Fire a childish pout.

“Yes you do, and if you don’t you’re going to be the one guarding these mare’s against the next beast we face.” The ebony black mare replied, speaking to the stallion as if he was a young foal being lightly scolded by their mother or elder sibling. “Now, are you going to get her away from here so I can fight, or am I going to have to make you sit the next fight out?”

“Oh alright, but I wanna get at least one good hit on the next animal we come across!” Fast Tracks said, making his way over to Twilight. “I don’t wanna have to have come all this way here for nothing.”

“Oh, don’t worry baby, you’ll get your chance to shine enough, even if its not with this beautiful animal.” Violet Fire said dryly. “Besides, this guy’s not even the one that we’re supposed to be really fighting anyway. Oh, and it’s called a Battookuma, like I’ve already told you a thousand times before.”

“If you say so.” Fast Tracks grumbled, gently sitting Twilight up. “Come on, I’ll take you back to your friends. You just leave this big guy to Captain V over there.”

“Um, okay…” Twilight said softly, letting the stallion hoist her onto his back. “Thank you for saving me by the way.”

“It’s not really me who you should be thanking; Violet Fire’s the one managed to keep you from getting eaten.” Fast Tracks said, grinning over at the lavender Unicorn. “You can thank her later, but you’re welcome, nonetheless. Just you wait, you’re going to see what we’re really made of!”

“Thank you, Fast Tracks.” Violet Fire shouted, spreading her large wings and taking off towards Mor'du. The rest of the team stayed behind, acting as guards for the seven mares behind them while they watched their captain fly at the beast the beast. “Fire Pegasus: Twin Scorching Hooves!”

Violet Fire was the first one to strike, shooting her flaming forehooves out in front of her in an attempt to deliver a powerful strike to Mor’du’s gut. The Battookuma saw this, and used its massive feathered bat wings to shield himself from the attack, just as the ebony black mare collided with him. A powerful shockwave spread throughout the clearing as Violet Fire sent the creature skidding back farther from the seven mares behind her. Its large paws left deep trails in the dirt as it fought to withstand the force of the attack from the ebony mare, before lunging at her.

“Sorry, but it’s going to take more than just charging at me to get a hit on me!” Violet said a cloak of black and purple flames swirling around her. “Fire Pegasus: Neigh!”

Snarling, Mor'du let out roar and flared his wings and lunged at the ebony mare, swinging his wings forward with breakneck speed. Large slices of wind emerge from the creature’s wings and made their way towards Violet Fire’s breath of fire. As expected, the flames were blown away, thus allowing the Battookuma to lunge at Violet without any fear of burnt. Mor'du gave powerful flaps of his own wings as he dodged and whirled his way around Violet’s strikes, snapping his wings to his sides to keep them from getting flaming slices by the Shadowbolt Captain. Once he was sure that they flew well past him, he flared his wings back out and have them a powerful beat as he shot his paws out to slice his foe.

“I don’t think so!” Violet Fire shouted, slamming her left hind leg into Mor'du’s gut, making the giant bat winged bear hunch over. Mor'du growled and swung a large clawed paw in the air to try to slice Violet again, but she shot up above his paw, spun around in the air, and slammed her right hind leg onto the bat winged bear’s head. The Battookuma yelped at the force driven into its skull, causing it to lose its footing and slam into the ground. As it tried to recover from the attack, Violet Fire grabbed it by its muscular tail and began spinning it around in the air, before she let it go and let him fly into the air.

As the Battookuma began to fall, it snapped its fiery eyes open and spun its body around, landing hard on its feet as he let out a howl of defiance. It shot off the ground for a third time as it gave powerful flaps of its large feathered bat wings, it’s poisoned filled jaws open and ready to kill. It suddenly felt something slam right into its chest, and it looked down to see another Violet under it, having driven their hind hooves right into its chest, stopping it in mid-flight.

“Fire Pegasus: Flaming Hoof!” She shouted as fire emerged from her hoof and enveloped the giant bat winged bear, making his body ablaze. Snarling Mor'du let out roar and flared his wings to fly up and away from the Shadowbolt Captain. He swung his wings forward with breakneck speed, large slices of wind emerging from them as they their way towards Violet. Wordlessly, she gave powerful flaps of her own wings as she dodged her way around them, snapping her wings to her sides to keep them from getting slices by the wind slashes flying at her. Once she was sure that they flew well past her, Violet flared his wings back out and flew up to body slam her foe.

“Fire Pegasus: Scorching Body Slam!” She yelled as she collided with Mor'du full force, sending him higher into the air. The Battookuma yelped at the force driven into its body, unable to find the strength to get Violet off of him. As Mor'du tried to recover from the attack, Violet grabbed him by his muscular tail and began spinning him around in the air once more. As she let him go, Mor'du soared even higher into the air and she followed it into the tree, going out of sight.

“What in the, where in the world is she going?!” Rarity cried, aghast at what the Pegasus mare was doing. “Is she abandoning us and leaving us to fend for ourselves?!”

“Ah don’t think so.” Applejack replied, glancing over at the other Shadowbolts that were still in the air. “The rest o’ her teammates ‘r here with us…she must be plannin’ somethin’.”

“Of course she is.” Storm Shadow said calmly. “Why else do you think Captain Violet Fire is flying off? So, she can this fight as quickly as she can.”

“How is she going to do that?” Twilight repeated quizzically. “I’ve only ever seen her use fire when she was fighting that Battookuma, and wind does cancel out fire.”

“That is true.” Blue Skies nodded. “Except Captain Violet doesn’t just use fire in her attacks, she’ll also use lightning wind in it as well. Not every Pegasus uses just one of the three powers that we were granted.”

“You do have a point there darling.” Rarity murmured. “Though, I still don’t see how that’s going to help her win the fight.”

“Something tells me that we’re going to find out in just a moment.” Fluttershy replied, watching as Violet Fire came rushing back to the clearing. “She’s come back…”

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her eyes widening as she stared up at Violet Fire. Or rather, what was surrounding Violet Fire as she soared through the air. “Is she…covered in three elements at once?!”

Indeed she was; a large cloak of jet black and violet flames, golden lightning and pure white wind could be seen surrounding the ebony black mare, making her look like a large tri-colored ball careening through the sky as she drew closer and closer to her to Mor'du. As Mor'du began to collect himself, he could see that Violet had done a fair share of damage to him, as evident by its burnt fur, missing feathers, and the holes in his wings. It was at that moment Mor'du know that this mare was more than a match for him, and that he was not going to succeed in making her into a meal.

“Alright, it’s time to finish this! I hope your ready sweetie, because this one gonna blow you away!” Violet Fire shouted as she began to spin. “Lighting Fire Wind Pegasus: Slicing Flaming Thunder Whirlwind!”

Mor'du, who was taken off guard by Violet Fire’s spinning action, was unable to form its own defensive attack. In a last-ditch effort, he flared his wings and wrapped them in front of itself in a large membrane shield. The attack collided head on, and the Mor'du tried with all his might to send Violet Fire spiraling, but the force of the collision, combined with the three elements, was simply too great for the winged bear to handle. Before long, it was engulfed in the giant swirl of elements and sent flying into the eastern part of the Everfree, its agonized echoing behind it.

Author's Note

Well, I think I can say that this chapter went much better when it comes to adding more than one scene in an entire chapter, and, looking back, this idea fit in this chapter much better than with all of the other ones :twilightsmile: . I won't lie, it was pretty hard for me to write the scene with Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts, especially since I didn't have enough of a clear mind to do it :derpyderp2: . Eventually I was able to get the scene in, and after that, the rest of the chapter followed smoothly, with a little bit of chances here and there :raritywink: .

As for the Battookuma, anyone who couldn't figure out who Mor'du is, he's one of the main protagonists in the Disney Pixar Movie Brave, a Demon Bear that was once human that terrorized the villages in the medieval times :raritywink: . Anypony who hasn't seen that movie, I suggest that you go and see it, because it is really really good :pinkiehappy: !!! I would so watch it again if I had the chance :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Anyway, that's it for today y'all...next time we're going to be winding down for a little bit, at least on ponyville's point of view before going back to the girls :raritywink: . The things that're coming up next is something that I know that you'll all enjoy, in more ways then one :rainbowkiss: :heart: !!!.

Chapter 35 - Reunion

“How’re you doing there Blossomforth?” Derpy asked, her face creased with worry. “Are you feeling okay?"

“Yeah...yeah, Ah’m doin’ fine Derpy. Well, at least as fine as Ah can manage.” Blossomforth replied, doing her best to fight back a wince. She was lying down on a stretcher next to Derpy, her huge wings folded against she sides as she did her best to steady her breathing. “Thanks, fer saving me back there again by the way Star Chaser, Raven Moon. If you hadn’t been there to save me...I don’t know what would’ve happened to me.”

“Think nothin’ of it Blossomforth.” Star Chaser said warmly. “We’re just glad that we were able to get you outta there in time before those Tantabuses finished you off. Heh, who would’ve thought that we would’ve run into you while flying around this town?”

“Heh, yeah...who would’ve thought indeed.” Raven chuckled alongside her brother. “Still though, we’re glad that we could get you outta there. Celestia only knows what would’ve happened if we had gotten there any later.”

“Yeah, you’re telling me.” Derpy nodded, patting Blossomforth on the head. “Speaking of which, I also wanted to thank you too Blossomforth. For ensuring that my daughters and sister were safe, even if you did end up splitting up in the end.”

“Y-yeah, well...I was just doing what I could for a friend.” Blossomforth replied sweetly, leaning in and giving the silvery grey Pegasus a nuzzle. “Even if I did end up getting a few scars in the end.”

It had been little more than an hour or so since the fight between the Royal Guards and the Tantabuses that Nightmare Moon had sent, and it was by far a destructive one. During that time, the Solar and Lunar Guards had put all fo their physical and magical strength into trying to protect the ponies form the ethereal monsters, and boy did they. The sounds of magical blasts, rumbling earth, and crackling lighting could’ve been heard all the way to Sweet Apple Acres, had it not been for the same thing happening in the town.

Despite the freakish numbers that they had come in, the guards were able to keep them at bay, even if more than a few of them managed to sneak past them unnoticed. Luckily, there were other ponies down below that took care of the Tantabuses actually in the town, one of them being a certain Apple Matriarch that had been looking for her grandfilly. She had given the Tantabuses quite the surprise when she dived down on them, along with giving them quite the wallop shock when she took them by surprise.The battle had been on for what seemed like forever, and despite the brutality, the Granny Smith managed to beat them, if not by an insane amount of luck. That didn’t mean she didn’t sustain any injuries of her own though, which led to her being taken to the Town Square to treat her wounds.

Then, out of nowhere, something completely unexpected happened between the Tantabuses and the Royal Guards. One that would finally tip the scales in their favor and end the endless assault on them once and for all.

It all happened so quick that none of them had any time to prepare for it at all. One minute the Tantabus were slaughtering the Royal Guards relishing in their suffering. The next, they were all exploding in a flock of bright lights as if fireworks were being shot off into the sky so everypony could see them exploding. Then, before they even knew what had happened, the Tantabuses were the ones being overwhelmed now.It was like the Royal Guards had found their inner strength that allowed them to gain the advantage with the Tantabuses, because they rained down on the creatures a swarm of locusts making their way throw a wheat covered field. In actuality, Shining Armor had given off the main weakness of the Tantabuses to all of the guards, thus leading to the complete antihalation of the of the ethereal monsters. Though that didn’t mean that they didn’t have help from those who weren’t of their rank.

“Ugh, damn it...these wounds hurt…” The voice of Granny Smith cursed from behind Derpy and Cloud Kicker. “…Ah really got carried away this time.”

“You can say that again.” Snowheart replied bluntly. “I still can’t believe that you went off against three of those creatures all by yourself. What in the world were you thinking? That you could’ve defeated them all on your own?”

“Well, no Ah didn’t...at least fer a while.” Granny Smith murmured. “One minute, Ah’m gettin’ mah ass whipped by them varmints, an’ th’ next minute, Ah’m jus’ goin’ crazy an’ rippin’ them a new asshole. Ah can’t remember ever losin’ it like that in Celestia knows how long.”

“Me neither.” Derpy giggled. “Then again, I can’t really fault you for reacting that way Granny Smith. To be honest, I would’ve reacted the same way if I had heard that my little muffin was surrounded by creatures like that.”

“That you would sugarcube.” The mint green Earth Pony chuckled. “Ah can’t even describe t’ y’all the terror that Ah felt when Ah found out what was going on. You can only imagine th’ terror that went through mah heart when Ah heard ‘bout all o’ them varmints attackin’ th’ town…an’ just where mah darlin’ lil’ grandfilly was.”

“I know how you feel…I just hope that Amethyst and my little muffin are all doing okay back in Twilight’s library.” Derpy murmured, her ears falling limp. “Cloud Kicker too…if anything were to happen to them, I don’t know what I would do if they ended up in the state that we’re in.”

“Hey now, don’t you go worryin’ yer muffin lovin’ head ‘bout any o’ that Derpy.” Granny Smith said, reaching over and putting her hoof onto Derpy’s lower back. “From what Ah know of yer sister an’ that darlin’ Unicorn Amethyst, they ain’t ones t’ go down easily. Even your youngest lil’ sweetie of a filly Dinky looks like she can defend herself pretty well. Not that Ah’m sayin’ that they’ll be able t’ beat all o’ those varmints, but still, they’re certainly not defenseless. Ah’m sure that it’s safe t’ say that the girls will be okay, especially with all o’ them guards prowlin’ ‘round the streets. That’s gotta count fer somethin’ shouldn’t it?”

“She does have a point there Derpy.” Blossomforth shrugged. “With the amount of guards that’re here, I doubt that they won’t be able to spot Amethyst, Cloud Kicker and Dinky. Along with Sheton, Apple Bloom and any of her friends that may be with her.”

“Wait, what did ya say sugar lump?” Granny Smith asked, her ears perking. “Did y’all say that ya met Sheton?”

“Yeah, earlier today, while me and Cloud Kicker were watching over Captain Rainbow’s house while she was away performing weather duties.” Blossomforth replied, tilting her head. “Why? Did your meet him too?”

“Heh, Ah sure did hon’. It was earlier today when Ah was helpin’ Applejack prepare brunch fer this here celebration that she an’ all o’ her friends were plannin’ t’ go to.” A fond smile came to the mint green mare’s face. “Ah’ll be honest, it wasn’t mah very first time seein’ a Thestral, ya know with all o’ them sisters o’ his with him. That didn’t make me any less surprised t’ see him though, but Ah’ll tell ya right now that Ah have never seen any colt as cute as him!”

“Understatement of the century!” Derpy giggled, putting both hooves to her mouth. “I had met Sheton earlier today after I was done delivering mail…and nearly crushed him after I had crash landed for what had to be the billionth time.” She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “It was a good thing they had seen me when they did, otherwise that would have been worse…but I will admit, he certainly was cute!”

“Cute? I’d say that Sheton was absolutely adorable!” Blossomforth cooed, putting both hooves to her cheeks. “I’ll be honest, I had never seen a Thestral up close and personal before; only in stories that were told to me at the Cloudsdale Orphanage. While I was pretty scared of them from what I heard about them from other ponies, I wondered what it would be like to meet one face to face…that is, until I met Goku and her sisters.” She giggled. “I won’t go into much detail, but I’ll say that meeting went a lot better than I thought. And when I met Sheton…oh, he was just so cute I wanted to hold him all day!”

“I’m pretty sure that if you did that, then he would’ve suffocated under luscious mass of chest fluff you have there.” Star Chaser snickered. “Then again, what mare that’s met Sheton back in Canterlot hasn’t tried to do that? Like a certain somepony here~.”

“Don’t you dare bring that incident up!” Raven Moon shouted, hovering over her brother and glaring down at him. “It’s not my fault that Sheton was so cute that I ended up nearly choking the moonlight out of him! What did you expect me to do, just stand there and not get my own hug in?!”

“No.” Star Chaser replied casually. “Though it was expected of me to not let you do too much damage to the little squirt. It took both me and Captain Moon Blade to pry you off him before he passed out from the hug.”

“Y-yeah well…” Raven Moon huffed, crossing her forelegs. “It’s not my fault that Sheton’s so cute. Honestly, it should be a crime for a foal to be as cute as he is!”

“If it was, then you and all other mares would have nothing to squeal, coo at, and hug.” Star Chaser said smugly. “Which is why there are foals like him running around in the world for mares like you, and them.” He nodded over towards Blossomforth and Derpy. “As you can so plainly see.”

“He does have a point.” Granny Smith chuckled as both Derpy and Blossomforth blushed. “Ah was like that when Ah was yer ages. Any foal that Ah found even remotely cute, I would jus’ scoop up ‘em an’ cuddle in mah chest until they couldn’t breathe. Heheh…Ah can’t even tell ya how much trouble Ah got int’ jus’ fer doin’ that.”

“With how you are, I totally believe that.” Derpy giggled. “I can count the number of times whenever Dinky came over to your farm and you tried to squeeze her mercilessly! There were so many timesthat I had pry her off of you whenever you hugged her too tight. I get that my little muffin is adorable, but goodness, show some restraint!”

Granny Smith rolled her eyes as she crossed her forehooves. “Hey now, ya know that Ah can’t handle mahself ‘round foals like yers Derpy! It’s jus’…somethin’ that Ah can’t really control. So, Ah learned to live with it an’ accept it as part o’ me. Besides Ah ain’t the only one who’s got this in her, an’ both o’ y’all know it.”

“Oh, you mean Honey Blossom?” Derpy’s expression softened. “Yeah, I know, she likes to get all touchy feely with the foals around here as well, Dinky included. And I’m assuming that she did the same with Sheton too?”

“Eeyup.” The Apple Matriarch nodded. “Honey wasn’t the least bit bothered by his appearance, an’ jus’ scooped him up almost immediately. Although, he did tell me, while we were havin’ brunch, that he was pretty worried about how they’d take it. Since Thestrals aren’t really known to socialize with other ponies…fer obvious reasons.”

“Given what kind of pony he and his sisters are, I can understand.” Derpy murmured, looking down at her roseray. “In more ways than one.”

“Thank you.” Chaser sighed as Raven draped a wing over him. “At least someponyunderstands what we’re going through.”

“Oh, I’m just tempted to go up to the farm and take him in my hooves again!” Blossomforth gushed as her cheeks flushed. “Too bad that we’re all stuck here covered in bandages lying in hospital stretchers, with no way to speed up the healing process.”

“Aww now don’t give us like that Blossomforth.” Derpy said gently. “None of us known that we were gonna turn out this way when we were fighting those monsters. Whether it was by bad luck or because we didn’t have any other choice, I don’t know. Either way, we here, and we’re stuck like this until our inner magic can accelerate our healing rates and help us get back onto our hooves.”

“Eeyup, we sure are sugarcube.” Granny Smith nodded, blowing her bangs away. “Don’t worry though, somethin’ tells me that we won’t have t’ wait long. With th’ help of all o’ these doctors here, plus our own magic, we’ll kickin harder than a ten-bit bull herder in an Appleoosa ranch house.”

“I hope you’re right.” Derpy pouted as she squirmed in her stretcher. “Because I just wanna fly over there and hug my muffin so badly!”

“Oh, Ah think that yer eldest muffin’s already gotten that taken care of.” Granny Smith said dryly. “And Ah know fer certain that at leastoneo’ mah grandchildren is squeezin the fritters outta Apple Bloom right now.”

“Honey, long ‘r ya gonna squeeze the fritters outta me?” Apple Bloom moaned, most of her face smothered in chest fluff. “Ah already told ya that Ah’m okay an’ Ah don’t have nothin’ on me that needs t’ be looked at!”

“Ah don’t care, Ah’m jus’ so happy that yer alright an’ back here on the farm!” Honey cooed as she squeezed Apple Bloom tighter. “Ah was so worried ‘bout ya when Midnight told us what was goin’ on back in th’ town! You have no idea how scared I was when Ah found out jus’ where y’all were an’ how many o’ them critters where there!”

“We’re gonna have t’ agree with Honey Blossom on this one AB.” Scarlet said, running a hoof through her hair. “Ah was about ready to shit apple seeds when I learned that y’all were in the same place as them varmints. An’ Ah was jus’ ‘bout to snap the wings off o’ Midnight when Ah had thought she had left ya there defenseless.”

“Now why would you think that?” Snowflake asked firmly, a frown forming on her face. “You and I both know that my eldest sister would never leave any foal, let alone her own sisters on their own unsupervised. I find it highly unlikely that you would think that she’d do that, even after all this time of knowing her.”

Jubilee frowned. “Yeah, we know…we weren’t thinkin’ straight. We just lost it when we found out that Apple Bloom may have been…” She shook her head and looked over at the beetle black mare. “…We’re sorry Midnight, we didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“That’s okay, you were all just worried about your sisters, so it’s completely understandable.” Midnight said gently. “Honesty, I probably would’ve reacted the same way if I had found out Sheton was in the same danger…even though he already was. Then again there were other things going through my head, so I wasn’t entirely focused on that.”

“Well, either way, all o’ y’all ‘r back here a safe an’ sound, an’ hopefully, none o’ them things ‘re gonna harm y’all again.” Anna Blaze murmured. “Especially with us two ‘round, right Big Mac?”

The scarlet red draft Pegasus nodded. “Eeyup.”

“That begs the question.” Honey Blossom asked, looking over at the two Thestrals as she finally set Apple Bloom down. “How did y’all end up gettin’ from Ponyville back up t’ th’ farm?”

“Oh, yes, about that.” Midnight replied hesitantly. “It’s just well...I had run into some...trouble, on the way back to the library.”

“Trouble?” Scarlet asked, her face morphing into curiosity. “What kind of trouble sugar-pie?”

“I think it’s best if I start from the beginning.” The beetle black mare replied, brushing some of her mane out of her face.“When I went back to the Town Square, I looked around and asked anypony if there was anything that I could help them with. That’s when Amethyst came running up to me from the far back of the building.” Midnight began, her expression grave. “The poor dear looked so terrified and anxious that she was hardly able to tell me what was wrong through her tears. I was eventually able to get her to calm down long enough to tell me that her sister Dinky and some of her friends were trapped under a large pile of the roof!”

“What?!” Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Fire Flash, Spike, Crescent and Scootaloo all exclaimed in unison, their eyes widening in horror. Dinky remained silent, holding into Amethyst as the older Unicorn held her tightly in her forelegs.

“T-T-They nearly got crushed under the roof?!” Sheton cried; his face morphed into shocked disbelief.

“Oh, mah goodness! That’s horrible!” Honey Blossom cried, putting her forehooves to her feathered chest. “Are th’ lil’ sugar buns alright?”

“Yes, Honey Blossom, they’re going to be fine.” Midnight replied reassuringly, before her tone became uneasy. “Well...most of them are physically.”

“What do ya mean, most of ‘em ‘re alright physically?” Jubilee asked, her eyes narrowing a little.

“Well...when I managed to squeeze inside the hole that the foals were trapped in, I was led over to them by one colt named Button and found them all huddled in a corner. They were all surrounding one of the foals, and she looked reallyhurt.” Midnight replied, running a hoof through her mane. “It was an Earth filly named Melon Cake, and her right leg was trapped under the wood pile, and it was stuck in there deep.”

“Oh no!” Scootaloo gasped, putting a hoof to her mouth. “Was...w-was it…b-broken?”

“Thankfully no. The bark of the wood managed to leave a pretty deep cut inside Melon’s leg, but it didn’t look or seem broken when I got her out of the wood.” Midnight replied, giving the bright orange filly a reassuring smile. “Despite that, I wasn’t going to take any chances and took her to the first nurse that I could find so she could get that leg looked at. Once I was sure that she was going to be okay, I took my leave and started making my way back to the Golden Oaks Library.” The beetle black mare paused, looking off to the side as her ears flattened against her head. “That’s when things got um...scary.”

“Scary how?” Sweetie Belle asked apprehensively.

“Well...I was making my way back to the library, when I heard screaming coming from where I was walking. That was when I saw one of my old friends, Silver Speed, flying towards me in a panic. When she got to me, I asked her what was wrong, and she told me that there were these monstrous space-like ponies flying towards the town! When I saw them, I got scared and had Silver Speed come back with me to find refuge in the Town Square, since the Tantabuses were coming from the direction of the Everfree Forest.” Midnight grimaced, a shiver going down her spine. “Unfortunately, some of the Tantabuses had already made it, and was engaged in a fight with Shining Armor, so that was out for places to go.”

“Wow, now that had t’ be rough.” Apple Bloom began slowly. “What did ya’ll do t’ get away?”

“It wasn’t what we did to get away, it was what Silver Speed did to help me get away.” Midnight replied, rubbing her left foreleg. Upon seeing Scarlet and everypony else’s perplexed looks, she elaborated. “Silver Speed and me tried to make our way from the Town Square, but we found ourselves surrounded by Tantabuses. I figured that we were going to have to fight them, but Silver told me that she could fight them by herself, and that I should make my escape. I told her that I wasn’t going to leave her, but she insisted that I go while she fought the Tantabuses by herself, and she didn’t let up...so...I-I left.”

“I see…” Crescent Shield murmured, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. “And that’s what led you to come here? To get her help?”

“Yes…” Midnight replied with a sigh. “I was pretty shocked when I saw that there was already Tantabus, and when I saw that, it kind of made me get a change of plans. I’m really regretting having left Silver Speed there.”

“Oh, don’t feel too bad there Midnight.” Snowflake nodded, looking down at her hooves as she kept a wing draped around her daughter. “Silver Speed knew what she was doing, and she knew that she was trying to keep you safe. So, you shouldn’t feel bad for leaving her, especially since she told you to. Besides she wasn’t really alone if you really thing about it; there were a good amount of Royal Guards in the town, so I’m sure one of them happened to come upon her.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I still feel bad for leaving her.” Midnight nodded, letting out a sigh. “That reminds me…how did you all end up getting here like me?”

Sheton raised a claw. “That uh…actually happened in a way not too different from yours.”

“What do you mean sweetie?” Honey asked.

“What he means is that we had also encountered a Tantabus of our own back at the Golden Oaks Library.” Cloud Kicker replied, laying on the same couch Amethyst and Dinky were. “See, Derpy had me, Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth take Derpy to the Golden Oaks Library, because she felt that it would be the safest place for her to be. We had unfortunately ended up getting into a fight with one of those Tantabuses, and Amethyst had me take Dinky with her while she and Blossomforth stayed. Sometime while we were flying to the library, another one of them had found us, and…I don’t think I need to explain what happened next.

“Eenope, ya don’t need to.” Big Mac said shaking his head. “Carry on Miss Cloud.”

“Right…anyway, by some bucking miracle, we had managed to get to the Golden Oaks Library where we ran into Snowflake, Sheton and the foals.” The persian blue mare sighed, dragging a hoof through her muzzle. “Unfortunately, the wooden door was not anywhere near strong enough to keep it from breaking inside, and forcing Snowflake and even Amethyst to engage it in a fight. Thankfully, we had managed to get it out the door, before Amethyst, Snowflake and the kids carried me to Twilight’s room to treat my injuries.”

“Wow, now that had to be real frightenin’.” Jubilee said, letting out a little huff. “So, what happened next?”

“Well…sometime after that, the Tantabus had ended up getting a few friends and they all broke through the shield that I had put up around the library.” Amethyst grumbled, rubbing at her horn. “We were able to escape the library, but soon found ourselves surrounded and it looked like we were going to get finished of, but then…Captain, um…Moon Blade I think he was called, came to our rescue.”

“You mean that really good lookin’ Thestral stallion that looks more like a ghost?” Anna asked, earning a nod from thee magenta purple Unicorn. “Well that had t’ be relievin’, huh?”

“Yeah, it sure was.” Amethyst nodded. “Although, it was a little bit marred when my aunt tried to flirt with Moon Blade almost immediately after he had saved us.”

“Oh, come on! You’re still going on about that?” Cloud groaned. “All I was doing was just showing my appreciation to him for saving you and Dinky!”

“By nearly making him take you right there in front of us?” Amethyst deadpanned. “Like how you let Big Mac ‘plough your field’ after he helped you clear those extra clouds that you said you could clear on your own?”

Big Mac flinched, his eyes squeezing shut as a Jubilee gained a tick mark on his head. “Hey now, you leave Big Mac outta this!”

“That has nothing to do with that I was doing with Moon Blade!” Cloud Kicker shouted, her forehead gaining a tick mark of her own. “And I thought that you, Derpy and I agreed that we’d never talk about that around anypony else!”

“I never agreed to not speak about anything aunt Cloud!” Amethyst hissed. “You just told us how much of a fun time with the so called, as you quoted, ‘Big Red Rutter of Sweet Apple Acres’ and that’s it! Under no circumstances was I obligate to keep it a secret that you got the biggest bachelor in all of Equestria to rut you into the ground!”

“Oh yeah? Well I’d like to think that nopony asking me about that was you keeping your word not to tell anypony.” Cloud huffed, crossing her forehooves. “But it looks like I was wrong about that.”

“What the hay is that supposed to mean?!” Amethyst asked, her eyes comically white while her teeth turned shark-like.

“Ahem, Ah hate to butt in but…” Scarlet said, coughing into her hoof. “Need Ah remind ya that there are foals here listenin’ yer banter? They are nowhere near old enough to be hearin’ this bullshit right now, so if yer gonna be talkin’ ‘bout shit like that, do it where they can’t hear it!”

“Don’t bother Scarlet, you know how those two are when goin’ at each other’s throats.” Big Mac murmured, his face still red. “There could be a whole school o’ foals around them an’ they wouldn’t care if they’re talkin’ ‘bout anythin’ even remotely outta place fer ‘em.”

“Yeah, and I have the visits to prove it.” Spike nodded, a frown forming on his own face. “Oh, and Scarlet, you do realize that I’m thirteen years old, not eight, right?”

“Spike, sugar lump, just…” Jubilee sighed. “…Jus’ don’t worry ‘bout it, alright? Jus’ let her be.”

“Um, I don’t wanna interrupt, but…” Sheton asked innocently. “…Can somepony explain to me what they’re talking about?”

“Nothin’ that ya need t’ worry yer precious lil’ head over.” Honey replied, patting the colt on his head. “Trust me, it’ll be worth th’ wait when ya git older…it really will.”

Before Sheton could ask what she was talking about, a loud rumbling sound emitted from him, Spike and the other fillies inside the room. They all gasped, blushes blossoming across their faces as they became rooted in place.

“Whoa, now what in the hay was that?” Cloud Kicker asked, blinking a couple of times. “Some sort of earthquake?”

“Eenope.” Big Mac snorted dryly. “It was them youngin’s stomachs, an’ judgin’ from how loud it was, Ah’m assumin’ that they hadn’t eaten yet.”

“U-um…no we haven’t.” Scootaloo murmured shyly, her face heating up. “W-we were only able to eat b-breakfast, a-and some pastries b-before we w-went to t-the T-T-Town Square f-for the S-Summer Sun C-Celebration. O-other than t-that…n-n-nothing else.”

“Is that so?” Scarlet asled, looking over at each of the foals. “So what yer sayin’ is that you youngin’s haven’t been able t’ get a proper meal have ya?”

As if in response, each and every single one of their stomachs rumbled again, causing the foals to snap their mouths shut and blush fiercely. Cloud Kicker, Amethyst and the other mares giggled as Scarlet’s eyes became half-lidded, a smile of amusement making its way to her lips.

“Ah’ll take that as a big growlin’ yes.” The mint green Pegasus chuckled as she gave a shake of her head. “Alright, you stay ‘ere while Ah get Apple Fritter whip somethin’ up fer y’all. After y’all get yer plates, Ah’ll have Anna Blaze take ya’ll over t’ th’ barn so y’all can eat there.”

“Okay!” Apple Bloom said happily. “Thank you Scarlet!”

“Oh, can I come too?!” Dinky suddenly squeaked. “I wanna hang out with the girls Spike and Sheton too!”

“Well...Ah guess we could let ya,” Anne Blaze replied slowly. “Though you’ll have t’ ask yer aunt first. Ah ain’t comfortable with lettin’ any youngin’ play with Apple Bloom without their own parents’ permission.”

Dinky whipped her head around to look at her sister and aunt. “Oh, can I go with them Auntie Cloud? Big Sis? Please,please, please?!” She pleaded, clasping her forehooves together as she put on a sad puppy dog face.

Cloud let out a soft chuckle, rolling her eyes at her niece’s pleading as she gave her a pat on the head. “Well, I suppose I could let you go with them. Just as long as you stay where we’ll be able to find you and the rest of your friends. If there’s anything wrong, make sure to come straight to me or your sister, understand?” The persian blue Pegasus said, her tone caring yet stern.

“Uh-huh!” Dinky replied with a rapid nod of her head as she gave a little salute.

“Well then, that settles that. We’ll be sure t’ add an extra plate for your daughter Dinky.” Jubilee said with a warm smile, before looking over at Sheton. “Oh, and Sheton?”

“Y-yes Jubilee?” The stormy grey colt asked as he looked back up at the pale orange mare.

“Just in case ya finish yer plate too early, Ah’ll have Fritter make sure that yours is full to where ya won’t need t’ ask for seconds.” Jubilee said, smirking as Sheton’s ears perked up. “Don’t wanna have what happened earlier today happen again, now do we?”

Sheton’s eyes widened at these words, recognition once again morphing on his face as the memories of yesterday made their way into his mind. Once the shock wore off, the stormy grey colt shrank back, his ears flattening once more as another blush came to his cheeks.

“Heh, Ah’ll take that as a yes.” Jubilee said, letting out a chuckle. “You an’ yer friends sit tight hon’. Ah’ll be back in a jiffy.”

“O-Okay.” Sheton replied with a light nod as the Apple Matriarch left the room, leaving him and the other foals alone with Scarlet, Derpy and Amethyst.

“Hey AB,” The crimson filly whispered. “What did your grandmother mean by that?”

“Mean by what?” The sun yellow filly asked, looking back at Fire Flash.

“You know, how she was gonna give Sheton an extra plate or two?” Fire Flash specified. “Does he have some kind of eating disorder or something?”

“Fire Flash!” Sweetie Belle admonished. “It’s rude to ask something like that!”

“No, I don’t.” Sheton said before Apple Bloom could reply, looking off to the side. “I just have the tendency to eat more than most ponies my age...and trust me, I really, really do.”

“You do?” Scootaloo asked, looking at the stormy grey colt curiously.

“Totally.” Spike replied. “I don’t know if it may have to do with him being half dragon, since they areknown to have much bigger stomachs than us. Either way, Sheton has a bigger stomach than me and Crescent Shield combined, and I’m half dragon too!”

“Seriously?” Fire Flash asked, raising a fiery eyebrow as she looked at Sheton’s barrel. “It doesn’t really look all that big to me.”

“Don’t judge a book by its cover, Fire Flash.” Sheton said softly. “Not all things are as they appear, especially when it comes to the anatomy of certain creatures, including us. Like Spike said, he and I are half dragon, even if it doesn’t outwardly look like he does, and that’s definitely bound leave some changes in their bodies, especially with their eating habits.”

“H-he goes m-make a g-g-good p-point.” Scootaloo said softly. “N-not every c-creature’s body w-works the s-s-same way, a-and I should k-know. D-due to e-everything t-t-that I’ve seen h-happen ay my b-big s-sisters c-cottage.”

Fire Flash paused at these words, taking a moment to mull over it in her mind, before she shrugged. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Still, I kinda find it pretty hard to believe that anypony our age could eat that much, even if they’re half dragon.”

“It’s fine if you can’t.” Sheton said dismissively. “I’m just saying that due to my anatomy and my heritage, I tend to eat just a bit more than others.

“Heh, yeah.” Apple Bloom said dryly, flicking her tail in the stormy grey colt’s face. “Jus’ a lil’ bit.”

“What do you mean by that?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Oh nothin’.” Apple Bloom said before Sheton could reply. “It’s jus’ that Sheton ‘ere practically cleared all o’ the plates when he an’ his big sisters all ate breakfast with us during the Apple Family Reunion earlier today.”

“Whoa, seriously?!” Spike gasped, looking over at the stormy grey colt once more.

“Heheh, eeyup! Y’all should’ve seen it yourself Spike! Sheton wolfed down all o’ breakfast like a herd o’ pigs rollin’ ‘round in th’ mud!” Apple Bloom giggled. “By the time he was done, the poor boy looked like he was gonna burst into apple sauce!”

“Apple Bloom...” Sheton whined as he pulled his fedora over his face.

“Okay, I have got to see this!” Fire Flash said excitedly. “If Sheton can eat as much as you say you can, then I bet it’ll be hilariousto see him with a bloating stomach!”

“Heeheehee, me too!” Crescent Shield nodded with a giggle.

“Girls!” Scootaloo chastised as Sweetie Belle and Spike glared at them all.

“Come on girls, stop it!” Sheton cried as a deep blush made its way to his cheeks.

“Don’t worry Fire Flash, you an’ th’ girls will be able t’ see for yourself soon enough.” Apple Bloom said as she smirked over at Sheton. “An’ Ah know we’re gonna enjoy every second o’ it.”

As the sun yellow filly, Fire Flash and Sweetie Belle all giggled, Sheton stayed silent, pinning his ears against his head as he hid his face under his hat. The stormy grey Thestral laid down on the carpet as he wrapped his wings around himself, ignoring the looks of sympathy given to him by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Spike, as they did their best to comfort him.

“Uh, I don’t get it.” Dinky finally murmured, looking at Apple Bloom in confusion. “What’s so funny Apple Bloom?”

“Oh nothin’...” The sun yellow filly chuckled, glancing over at the violet orange filly. “Jus’ that Sheton ‘ere like to eat more than he’s supposed to.”

Dinky blinked a couple of times, her confusion growing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’ll find out in a bit Dinks.” Apple Bloom replied dryly. “Though, be prepared to have a real good laugh when the time comes. ‘Cause Ah’m tellin’ ya, you are gonna feel like yer ‘bout to burst!”

“Oh, for the love of…!” Spike hissed, his claw flying up to his face as Sheton groaned with embarrassment.

“Me and my big mouth…” Sheton mumbled, anime tears streaming from his eyes as Scootaloo comforted him.

Author's Note

I gotta admit, I had a lotta fun writing this chapter mainly involving the Granny Smith, Depry, Amethyst, Cloud Kicker, Blossomforth, Midnight, Snowflake, Sheton, Spike the CMC and the Apple Family :rainbowkiss: ! As stated in the last, blog, I wanted to try to wind down on what was happening in Ponyville and have things go at a more relaxing pace. Now that the fight with the Tantabuses are over with, I'm gonna try to see if I can get some more fluff filled scenes in before I get back to the adventure in the Everfree Forest, though that's gonna be bit hard since I only have a couple of them in my arsenal :twilightblush: . That's okay, because I plan to have Ponyville in the process of cheating death again before very long, but I do plan to lighten things up in the next couple of chapters before then :twilightsmile: .

Well that's all for this chapter :raritywink: ! Tune in next time for some more fluff in the next couple of ones, before we get back on the action once more :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 37 - The Golden King

There weren’t many things that Goku had scene in her life that she would really consider to be amazing where she lived, not unless they were something done by the Queen or any members of her family branches. That wasn’t to say that her fillyhood wasn’t full of many exciting things, because it was certainly full of them, even in a City like Canterlot. It was just that it was mainly done by either the Nightstalkers and the Shenrons, most especially by her older sisters and her parents, be it involving them or either side of her family. The one of the things that the Goku could say was the one of the most amazing things she had seen was her with brother. The colt managing to lift up an entire council meeting table worth of food, and that was when he was just a baby, which only added further to her awe. Her Mom told her that she and her sisters had all done something similar when they were mere babies, but seeing it first hoof from her own point of view was something that would no doubt stay with her forever. Other than a few occasions, nothing else really caught her eye while she was in that City, other than the things that happened outside.

Now though, it would seem that the tan Thestral was in for another big surprise, only this time, it was with her friends, in the most dangerous forest in all of Equis. This surprise coming in the form of one of the few adult friends that she made during her fillyhood and her fighting an Everfree creature that had appeared in Ponyville while she wasn’t there. While she wouldn’t really call it one of the most amazing she had scene, she’d definitely put in on her list of top five or ten. Though she had a feeling that she’d be in for much more as the adventure through the Everfree continued, only this time with extra hooves.

“Well, he shouldn’t be bothering us for the rest of this trip.” Violet Fire murmured as she flew down to the Zephyr, the mares and her team. “Although I think I may have gone a little bit on that last attack I sent on him.”

“W-well, yes, it looked like you did.” Fluttershy admitted, cringing. “D-don’t worry about it though, you were only doing it to keep us safe. I’m sure that Mor'du will be alright, provided that he survives that fall.”

“I’m pretty sure that he’ll be alright.” Zephyr said as reassuringly as he could. “Given all of those wounds that he got before running into us, he looks like a pretty tough guy. Plus, he has wings, so if he manages to stop himself from falling, he’ll only leave off with a few burns.”

Rarity looked over at him with a raised indigo eyebrow. “A few burns, dear?”

The royal blue stallion sighed. “A few major burns.”

“That. Was. Awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, zooming up to Violet Fire. “You moped the bucking floor with that bastard! And you did it all by yourself too, combining three powers at once!”

“I wouldn’t say that sweetie.” Violet replied patiently. “I would say that I prevented you all from being potential lunch for a bat winged version of the bears of the Undiscovered West.”

“I think that’s an accurate way of putting it.” Lightning Shadow said with a chuckle. “Regardless of how its put, its accurate that we’ve officially eliminated the possible next enemy on our future hero’s mission.”

“I would probably say blown right out of the sky.” Fast Tracks chuckled. “But yeah, I guess that I can put it like that too.”

“U-um, you guys…” Blue Skies said softly. “…I don’t want to interrupt, but, maybe we should check on Zephyr and the other mares here. They look up, pretty banged up.”

“More like we were all just seconds away from turned into confetti!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a slight shiver. “Seriously you should’ve seen what that giant black scary not so cuddle teddy bear did to us before you came! He just kept roaring at us and slicing at us and smashing us with his tail and body slamming us and-”

“I think they get the gist of it, Pinkie Pie.” Goku chimed in. “In fact, I think they can guess what happened just by looking at the slashes on all of our bodies.”

“Yeah, that…wasn’t exactly fun.” Twilight said, wincing down at the slashes on her bloodied body. “Anyway, Violet Fire was it? I hope I don’t sound rude when I ask this but…what did you mean when you said we had met before?”

The ebony Pegasus paused, raising to life her goggles so Twilight could see her gleaming yellow eyes. “Yes, we did, about four years ago before you left Canterlot. You don’t really remember me Twilight?”

“U-um…no I don’t…my memories kind of hazy to be honest with you. In fact, I haven’t really though much of Canterlot since I moved to Ponyville.” Twilight murmured with a shameful blush. “Could you um…elaborate for me please?”

“Seriously Twilight?” Zephyr replied before Violet could speak as he stepped next to the lavender mare. “Violet Fire and her teammates live in the darker corners and underground bases in Canterlot City. They’re not really scene very often because of how active they are during the night time, with very few occasions during the day. You, me, Goku, and our parents would sometimes hang out with them whenever we had the time, or when they weren’t on duty and just came to visit the Queen. Not to mention that they’re friends with both my and Goku’s parents, along with yours, did you forget that?”

Twilight pondered over Zephyr’s words for some time, before a look of recognition came to her face. “Oh, my Celestia…you’re right! I remember now, it’s all coming back to me…okay, now I remember now.” The blush that was on her face just moments ago came back tenfold and she looked up at Violet apologetically. “I’m sorry about that Violet. I can’t believe that I had actually forgotten one of the ponies from my own fillyhood.”

“Don’t worry about it, sweetie. There are many ponies that do tend to forget me from time to time, even if they’re my close friends.” Violet replied understandingly, smiling sweetly. “I’m just glad that Zephyr and Goku remember me and the rest of my team.”

“You’re damn right we do!” Goku squealed, rushing over and tackling Violet in a hug with Zephyr following close behind. “Of all the ponies I expected the Queen to send after us, you were honestly noton that list! I honestly though that Queen Celestia was going to send the Wonderbolts here!”

“Yeah about that Goku…she kind of did.” Fast Tracks murmured. “See, she was planning on getting the Wonderbolts to come here, but they weren’t with us when the Queen called all of us here. Long story short, the Queen was in a rush, and she had Captain Violet Fire send one of our cadets to the Wonderbolts Headquarters.”

“M-my sister Crimson Skies was the one that was sent there.” Blue Skies said timidly. “She was the closest one near us and there weren’t any other Shadowbolts available.”

“I see…” Rarity murmured. “Do you think that they made it to Ponyville already?”

“Of course they did!” Rainbow Dash said confidently. “This is the Wonderbolts we’re talking about; fast is what they’re all about! Hey, I bet they’re already scouting through this forest and looking for us right now!”

“Somehow I doubt that.” Storm Shadow murmured quietly, but still loud enough for Goku to hear. The tan Thestral glanced over at her, but made no comment, too focused on her hugging of Violet Fire.

“Whatever you say honey.” The ebony mare giggled, stroking Goku’s mane.

“Um, excuse me, Ms. Violet Fire.” Fluttershy said softly, walking up to the Pegasus. “Forgive me for my, um…straightforwardness, but…is that a roseray hanging from your neck?”

Violet blinked, looking down at her roseray before smiling up at Fluttershy. “Why yes, it is, it indicates that I’m from the Kindheart Rosario Clan, one of the Top Seven Clans of Equestria.”

“Oh, I see.” Fluttershy nodded, glancing down at her own roseray. “It’s just that, um…I have the same roseray too.”

“Really? Oh my goodness, that’s so wonderful!” Violet Fire beamed, rushing over and taking Fluttershy’s hooves in her own. “I get to meet another member of my clan, and outside of Canterlot City! What a coincidence this is huh?!”

“U-um…yes, a r-really big c-coincidence indeed.” Fluttershy replied, her cheeks flushing pink at Violet’s kind smile, and the warmth of her hooves. “I-it’s really nice to meet you, um…V-Violet Fire…m-my name is F-Fluttershy Kindheart Rosario Tenshi.”

“Fluttershy hm? Well, I can see why you were given that name.” Violet Fire said, cooing slightly as Fluttershy’s cheeks became pinker. “Oh, I’m sorry, where are our manners? I didn’t even say hi to the rest of your friends.”

After giving a pat on Fluttershy’s head, the ebony mare stepped away far enough so she could face the rest of them. “For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario, and I’m the Captain of the Ariel Flight Team Shadowbolts. These are my teammates, Fast Tracks Nightstalker, twin sisters Lighting Shadow and Storm Shadow Shimauma and Blue Skies Kyuketsuki.”

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you Miss Violet.” Rarity said politely. “My name is Rarity Belle Cifer, member of the refined and dazzling Cifer Clan. This is Pinkie Pie Soshi, Rainbow Dash Wisp, and Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, and of course, Fluttershy’s told you who she was, and you already know Twilight as it seems.”

“Yeah, after she had literally forgotten she had met them for nearly a minute.” Rainbow Dash snickered, only to yelp when Applejack kicked her left hind leg.

“Can it.” The farmer hissed, before turning to the Shadowbolts. “Anywho, it’s real nice t’ meet y’all on this fine night. Ah have t’ be honest, Ah wasn’t expectin’ ya t’ come at th’ time that ya did. Ya know…with that critter tryin’ t’ make a meal outta all o’ us.”

“We know, we’re sorry that we gave you such a scare.” Lightning Shadow said sheepishly, playing with some of her mane. “We had a couple of run ins with a couple of the animals in the Everfree, which took up a good portion of our time.”

“Is that why it took you longer than it probably had to for you guys to get to us?” Goku asked, contemplatively. “I can smell the scent of a Shinomōkin and a Doragontora on you all.”

“Yeah, w-we did.” Blue Skies mumbled sheepishly. “Let’s just say that we ended up demolishing a good part of the forest when we ran into them.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Oh, we don’t doubt it.”

“Anyway, we should probably get a move on before that Battookuma comes back to finish what he’s started.” Violet suggested. “Knowing them, they’re gonna be back here in a considerably short amount of time, and I’d rather not take my chances by staying here.”

“Good idea darling.” Rarity nodded. “The sooner we get out of here, the less I have to worry about that ruffian trying to melt me as if I was mere ice cream.”

“Ya mean like the hoard of ice cream that ya always keep inside o’ yer fridge?” Applejack asked teasingly.

“Not that kind of ice cream!” The fashionista snapped back. “I only eat that kind of ice cream when I’m under times of stress and I don’t have any inspiration! So that does not count at all!”

“Yeah, sure it doesn’t.” Goku snorted. “Really Rarity’ how cliché can you get?”

“Hold on, you really have multiple tubes of ice cream in your fridge?” Zephyr asked, not quite believing what she was saying.

“She sure does Zephie! Loss and loads and loads and loads of delicious ice cream all just for Rarity!” Pinkie Pie chirped. “She doesn’t eat it much though, like she says, and only does if she’s like reeeeally stressed out and having one of her overdramatic fits on her sofa! Some time I really wonder how she can’t get as big as a marshmallow from eating so much ice cream!”

“Like how you can’t get even chubbier from eating so many sweets?” Twilight asked, her eyes running down Pinkie’s chubby, yet still quite attractive body frame.

“Exaclty!” The pink pony nodded, smiling widely. “Then again, there are stallions who don’t always go after mare that’re skinnier than licorice. There are some of them who like it when a mare gains a bound or two; makes them look tastier in their eyes!”

“Um, P-Pinkie…” Fluttershy stuttered. “I don’t think that’s what Twilight meant.”

“What? I’m just saying that some stallion’s love a mare who’s a little chubby.” Pinkie giggled; a sly grin etched on her face. “Take it from me, I have lots and lots and lots of meetups with a few colts stallions who like chubby mares. And trust me when I say, that they were some parties~.”

“TMI there Pinkie Pie, TMI.” Zephyr said a blush burning on his blue cheeks. “As great as it is to hear that you’re having fun, we kind of need to get going. We have a dark goddess to beat and a town of ponies to save, and if we waste time talking about how many times you got laid, it’s gonna hinder that.”

Pinkie Pie raised an eyebrow at that. “You’re not just saying so you don’t have to tell us about your sex life, are you?” Grinning wider, she leaned in closer to the Solar Guard. “Speaking of which, how many mares did you party with and turn into cream pies?”

“PINKIE!” Rarity shrieked, pupils contracting.

Applejack’s face scrunched up in disgust. “Really girl?!”

“I am not going to answer that question.” Zephyr stated bluntly, trotting ahead of everypony else. “In fact, I am going to pretend I did not even hear that!”

“Good idea.” Rainbow Dash murmured. “’Cause she will make you go on forever about all the juicy times you may have had, no bullshit.”

“Father Shenron Almighty…” Goku hissed, her bat ears pinning back. “I’m really sorry about that Violet Fire. My friends can be pretty outlandish at times…even at times like this.”

“That’s okay, it looks like you’ve got yourselves a real good bunch of friends here.” Violet replied with a giggle. “You must’ve gone through a lot to get friends like these.”

“You have no idea.” Goku uttered quietly. “You have no bucking idea.”

Over more than half an hour had passed since the seven mares had their rather frightening encounter with the Battookuma in the Everfree Forest, along with the unexpected, yet welcome arrival of the Shadowbolts, After thatunpleasant experience, Goku had suggested that they all take a breather and try to relax so they could gain their strength, all of them having burnt quite a bit of energy since first arriving in the forest. Since the Shadowbolts were now their accompanying them on their journey, none of them had to worry too much about any nearby creature sneaking up on them and giving off any surprise attack. They were a bit worried about Mor'du coming back to finish what he had started, but Violet Fire reassured them that she and her teammates would keep them safe. She had given them specific orders to keep on the lookout, for the bat winged bear and anything else. Something that made Zephyr and the seven feel a lot more at ease in the unnatural woodland.

This, however, did not solve the problem of the girls’ wounds, which were in danger if possibly getting infected if they weren’t immediately tended to. Luckily for them, Storm and Lightning Shadow happened to come from a clan that was known for specialized healing, so they were able to help the girls and Zephyr. This allowed Fluttershy to be free of the burden having to once again heal her friends, for she didn’t think she could take another hit, especially after the fight with the Timberwolves. Thankfully, the food that they had foraged in the forest at the very beginning of their adventure was already working to replenish their magic supply. Add to the fact that they had their new comrades with them, and they had a chance to get back into peek magical condition. Despite this, they all knew that it wouldn’t be long before they’d have to fight for their lives again, unaware for the surprise that they’d be in for.

“Ugh, how much longer are we going to be travelling through these dense woods?” Rarity groaned. “I honestly can’t seeing, or stepping into any more of this icky muck!”

“There’s no telling how many of these trees we’re going to be going through Rarity, so we’re just going to have to bear it.” Twilight murmured; her horn ignited to light the way. “Besides, we were all pretty much anticipating that we’d be getting ourselves dirty, so there’s really no use in complaining.”

“Yeah, Ah mean, we’ve been in dirty places b’fore.” Applejack added, her booted hooves making squishy sounds on the mud floor. “Then again, even Ah’ve never been in a place as dirty and dense as this…not that Ah’d ever tried t’.”

“Who would even contemplate setting hoof in this forest like we are for reasons not congruent to ours?” Fluttershy asked. “The only reason that I even try to go inside is to rescue any of my animal friends if they wandered too far off from my cottage. Other than that, I try not to go in it too much, least I get into a fight or get eaten, like the last few times we were.”

Goku glanced over at Fluttershy, a jet-black eyebrow raised. “Is that the only reason?” She asked just low enough for only Fluttershy to hear.

“That reminds me.” Zephyr said, his ears perking. “Back at that Battookuma’s cave, you had mentioned that you had seen him before, what did you mean when you said that you had seen him before?”

“You mean Mor'du?” Twilight asked, looking over at her foalhood friend. “Oh, that’s…kind of an interesting story Zephyr.”

“Interesting how?” Violet Fire asked, her own interest peeked.

“Well, um…” The lavender Unicorn said hesitantly. “…it’s interesting actually involves Spike, in more ways than one.”

At this new revelation, the Blue Skies and the rest of her teammates, her captain included, snapped their heads to the buttermilk Pegasus. “Wait, Spike is in the story with the Battookuma you and Captain Violet fought? H-how?!”

“It, um...it all happened about four years ago.” Fluttershy replied. “It was six months when Twilight had first moved to Ponyville; I was nineteen at the time when I met her, her little sister Crescent Shield and Spike. I admit, I was quite shy and nervous when I first met her, but I found her to be quite sweet, and I just loved her brother and sister! Spike was just so sweet, and her sister was just adorable! I don’t think I’ve ever seen any foals that were so precious! Well, other than Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Fire Flash, and um…Sheton.”

“Hmhm, yeah, Spike is pretty adorable.” Lightning Shadow giggled, a fond smile on her face. “It looks like he managed to win over other ponies other than us. Once you get over the fact that he’s half dragon, you’ll see that he’s a really swell little hatchling, right sis?”

Storm Shadow looked off to the side, a blush forming on her face. “Y-yes.”

“He sure did!” Pinkie Pie giggled, her own cheeks blossoming. “I remember the first time that I met Spike, and I very nearly squeezed the life out of him when I saw him! I literally felt my heart about to burst out of my chest when I saw him, and that does not happen often! That just goes to tell you just how adorable I thought Spike was!”

“You mean like with Sheton?” Goku asked dryly, an amused smile on her face. “How you nearly suffocated him inside your huge mass of chest fluff?”

“Exactly!” The pink pony giggled, nodding her head rapidly.

“Ah can’t really say th’ same.” Applejack admitted, rubbing the back of the head. “T’ be honest with y’all, Ah was kind o’ scared when Ah saw him. With all that Ah know ‘bout dragons an’ all, Ah was afraid that anythin’ that Ah did would anger him t’ th’ point where he might cook me int’ apple fritters.” A smile of her own came. “Turns out, that turned t’ be the opposite with Spike, ‘cause he turned out t’ be a pretty levelheaded guy, hard worker too…an’ it takes a lot t’ piss him off…well, unless ya mess with Twilight an’ lil’ Crescent.”

Twilight giggled. “Accurate way of putting it AJ…Spike is the one individual you don’t want to tick off for any reason. Besides Goku, and any other Shenron and Nightstalker for that matter.”

“True that.” The tan Thestral nodded, fangs gleaming as she smiled.

“I’m ashamed to say that I wasn’t quite won over by Spike the same way my dear friends were, especially Fluttershy.” Rarity sighed guiltily. “I don’t have anything against dragons, but I was absolutely terrified when I first saw him! Those curved claws, and those gleaming, yet needle sharp teeth; not to mention that tail blade…who wouldn’t be scared of something like that?”

“P-probably somepony who isn’t a Kirin or Dragon.” Blue Skies replied. “Though I can see your point there Miss Rarity. A creature or somepony like that isn’t something or somepony that should be messed with, regardless of how young they are.”

“Definitely not.” Zephyr nodded, looking down at his draconic roseray.

“Well I certainly wasn’t scared when I met Spike!” Rainbow denied. “In fact, I thought that all of his dragon parts were actually pretty cool. I mean sure the little guy nearly snapped my neck when he hugged me, but it’s not like I hadn’t got any injuries like that before. There was also the fact that he could actually breathe fire despite being half pony, and he could even use it to fly too! Like how awesome is that?!”

“Exceptionally awesome if you ask me.” Fast Tracks smirked. “Spike sometimes did that whenever he challenged us to a race, and it was really cool to see. Though, he did end up burning our suits more often than not because he got carried away.”

“Maybe, but it’s always so adorable whenever he does it!” Violet Fire giggled, a blissful sigh leaving her. “Anyway, Fluttershy, how is Spike involved with the Battookuma again?”

“Huh? Oh right!” Fluttershy said as she got back on track. “A-anyway, the incident with Mor'du took place six months after Twilight, Crescent Shield and Spike move to Ponyville. Spike was spending the day with me at my cottage while Twilight was practicing her combat magic, and she didn’t want him getting caught in the middle of it. So she had him stay with me for the rest of the day, and it was really fun. Sometime after dusk, Spike had headed back home while I was doing some nighttime feeding when Dr. Fauna came to my cottage and told me that Mor'du was in town and he was attacking. I went with her into town and saw that Mor'du was near the Town Square rampaging and chasing after ponies, and there were a few that were even trying to fight him. I planned to use my Solar Stare to make him stop, but somepony stopped me…that somepony being Spike.”

“Now before you ask, Spike didn’t stop her because he trying to.” Twilight emphasized before anypony could ask. “Fluttershy was stopped because…Spike decided to fight Mor'du.”

“He what?!” Lightning Shadow shouted as Violet Fire gasped. “Spike actually fought an animal from the Everfree?!”

“You bet he did!” Pinkie replied cutely. “And boy when I tell you, when Spikey laid into that scary teddy like he was cookie dough, he laid into that teddy! You would think he was shooting out endless streams of confetti out of a never-ending party cannon how much Spikey laid into that teddy!”

“That’s puttin’ it a might lightly Pinkie.” Applejack snorted. “More like he was turnin’ that varmint int’ black apple sauce. It was probably th’ most frightenin’ thing Ah have ever seen in mah entire life…makes ya wonder what else the little apple is capable of.”

“You mean other than changing size, breathing fire, and summoning blades at the end of his tail?” Goku asked teasingly as Applejack shivered.

“Somethin’ along th’ lines o’ that.” The farmer replied.

“Oh goodness…I had no idea little Spikey ended up having to fight a creature of this forest.” Violet whispered, both hooves coming to her muzzle. “Did…did he win?”

“Yes, but not without sustaining injuries of his own.” Fluttershy replied grimly. “Spike ended up getting slash marks on his left eye, and some along his neck chest, and side along with a bite wound on his stomach. He also got even more slashes along his legs and back, and a partially torn ear, as well as…some fangs missing.”

“Holy shit, he got that many injuries?!” Fast Tracks hiss, his face scrunching up. “Aren’t dragon scales supposed to be like, super tough against cutting attacks and all that.”

“Against things like knives, daggers and swords yes.” Fluttershy explained. “Though not if its inflicted by another animal that’s just as powerful as a dragon, or another dragon. Then again, Spike wasn’t in his full dragon form when he fought Mor'du, possibly because he didn’t want to end up killing Mor'du in their fight. Whatever the reason, Spike got a good number of injuries after that, but luckily, they weren’t life threatening. After that, I took Spike back to my cottage, and treated his wounds before they could get infected.”

“That’s a relief, I really thought that things were going to be worse off for Spike.” Violet sighed, relief washing over her. “So…what happened after that?”

“Well, Spike ended up sustaining quite a few scars, which Goku Snowflake Midnight, and Sheton had seen when they reunited with him.” Twilight replied, glancing over at the tan Thestral. “Another thing that happened was Spike’s reputation in Ponyville increasing in the aftermath of the battle, and did it skyrocket. In fact, a few days after the fight, Mayor Mare visited me and Spike, and had us come with her to the Town Square to make a very important announcement. In front of everypony along with the girls, she officially declared Spike as the official Guardian of Ponyville!”

“Whoa, wait a minute!” Fast Tracks said, holding his hooves out. “You mean to tell me that the Mayor of that big ass town we had seen in our flight made Spike the protector of it?!”

“You bet your bat winged ass that she did!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “In front of us and just about everypony in Ponyville, Mayor Mare made Spike the protector of the entire town from this very forest! Hay, she even gave him a trophy and a medal to show her appreciation!”

“Awwww, now that’s just adorable!” Blue Skies cooed. “That was so sweet of the Mayor to do that for Spike!”

“If ya ask me sugarcube, he deserved it.” Applejack nodded. “Despite his age, Spike risked his life t’ save everypony from becomin’ lunch fer that varmint. No other child would’ve had the guts t’ do somethin’ like that, but Spike did, an’ he had th’ bark t’ back up his bite.”

“You should’ve seen the look on Spike’s face when he was given his awards!” Rarity giggled, resisting the urge to squeal. “He was jumping around the stage and cheering; so much so that Twilight and Fluttershy were worried that he’d reopen his wounds. Luckily, he had calmed down before that happened, but he almost squeezed the life out of Mayor Mare when he hugged her in thanks.”

“Hmhm, I can picture him doing that.” Zephyr chuckled. “Spike has the tendency of hugging somepony too tightly when he doesn’t mean to. She’s probably had some serious neck sores for the next few days.”

“Oh, I bet that she did.” Rainbow snickered. “Trust me, I feel her pain all too well.”

“My, that was quite the unexpected story there Fluttershy.” Violet Fire commented. “I figured that Spike was up to something with Twilight when they left, but I never would’ve expected anything like this.”

“Me neither; Ponyville is a peaceful place, but it does have its crazy moments from time to time.” Fluttershy nodded. “Still though, even I wasn’t expecting what happen four years ago to happen, especially since it involved Spike. Regardless, I’m glad that everypony was saved and Spike survived fight. I just wished that I had known about Mor'du sooner, so I could’ve used my Solar Stare to send him back into the Everfree.”

“There wasn’t anything that could’ve let you know about that incident Fluttershy.” Twilight said comfortingly. “It was already happening before you were even there, so it was going to happen regardless if you were in town or not. And Spike probably would’ve had to fight…Mor'du in the end, so it’s not your fault.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t anywhere near Ponyville when this happened.” Rainbow Dash added. “I didn’t even find out about it until the next morning when I went to go visit Applejack. If I had known I would’ve sent that bastard flying to the other end of this forest. Of course, Spike already took care of that, but…you know what I mean, right?”

“Yes, I do, thank you girls.” Fluttershy said, smiling. “Thank you, I just feel like I should’ve known this would happen.”

“We all do Fluttershy, it’s just something we have to deal with is ponies, but you manage it overtime.” Storm Shadow said, ruffling her wings. “Though, if you don’t mind me asking this, what this so called, ‘Solar Stare’ is?”

Fluttershy turned her gaze to the Shadowbolt and opened her mouth to speak, but almost immediately snapped it shut. Her head shot up straight and her ears perked upward, her eyes narrowing as they flashed in the darkness. Zephyr noticed the buttermilk Pegasus’s change in body language and he too was on high alert.

“Everypony stop!” Zephyr commanded. “I think Fluttershy’s sensed something.”

At this, everypony else stopped their walking or flying and turned to look in Fluttershy’s direction, all of them also on guard. All chatter ceased immediately as they watched the beautiful Pegasus mare, who was scanning the area. Fluttershy slowly trudged ahead of the group, stopping just behind the Shadowbolts. As she flicked her ears back and forth, the wind suddenly picked up and she sniffed it a few times.

“Um, Fluttershy…” Violet Fire said softly, a look of concern morphing onto her face. “Is there something wrong, sweetie?”

“Everypony,” The buttermilk Pegasus said slowly. “We need to get way from here, right now.”

“W-what?” Blue Skies asked. “Why?”

“I can smell another animal coming this way.” Fluttershy replied. “And it’s coming in fast.”

“There is?” Lightning Shadow asked, now on the alert. “What is it?”

“Oh no,” Rarity groaned. “Don’t tell me it’s that dreaded Battoookami coming here to finish us off again.”

Before Fluttershy could reply, Goku interjected. “No, it’s not that.” She replied, her bat ears flicking about. “It’s something else...something else entirely.”

“Well, what do you smell G?” Rainbow Dash asked impatiently. “Spill it!”

Right at that moment, everypony’ ears picked up the sound of something snapping from ahead of them. The sound vibrated within their ears and echoed about the small area they were in, making them all freeze in place. Just a few seconds after that, a loud snarl came from the shadows of the trees, making everypony’s blood curdle within their veins and their fur stand on end.

“Now what in th’ hay was that?” Applejack asked, her eyes narrowing. “It sounded like Granny tryin’ to send an apple core down our garbage disposal.”

“I have no idea, Jackie!” Pinkie Pie replied. “Whatever it was, it sounded scaaaaaaaryyyy!”

“Captain, I think now may be a good time to get these girls out of here.” Fast Tracks murmured, turning to look at Violet Fire. “Something tells me that whatever is here is not friendly.”

“As if our new friend hadn’t made it so frighteningly obvious.” Zephyr murmured, flicking his tail about.

“Right, good idea.” The ebony black mare said, her voice just above a whisper. Not taking her eyes of the trees in front of her, Violet Fire began addressing Zephyr. “Alright, Zephyr, listen up, I want you to take Goku, Fluttershy, and the other girls out of this clearing while we-”

That was all that the Pegasus mare was able to say before a roar suddenly burst from out of the trees, going at such a high volume that it nearly split the eardrums of everypony around them. They covered their ears with their hooves, trying to block out the noise as the ground beneath their hooves shook, nearly making them lose their footing. Not even a minute after that, a bright orangish yellow light appeared in the darkness of the woods before a huge stream of fire burst from the trees, burning those that was in its path. Goku, who was the first to see the fire coming, reeled back in shock, so much so that she didn’t have enough time to dodge it.

“Goku!” Rainbow Dash shouted, zooming towards the tan Thestral just in time to knock her out of the way of the stream of fire. As the two mares tumbled to the ground, the others jumped out of the way as well, narrowly missing being caught by the flames. They watched as the fire sailed passed them into the trees behind them, burning them to the point where they looked as black as coal.

“What in th’ buckin’ hay?!” Applejack shouted, feeling her heart beating against her chest. “What in tarnation was that?!”

“That was a stream of fire, Applejack! What do you think?!” Rarity shrieked, holding her tail as if it was the most precious thing in the world. “It nearly singed my beautiful tail off! Where in the world did it even come from?!”

“Uh, girls…?” Goku said as she sat up next to Rainbow Dash, her expression grave. “I think it may have to do with our new friend.”

“What do you me-” Rainbow Dash began, only to go quiet at what she was seeing. “Oh…”

“Oh no…” Twilight whimpered, as she, Applejack, Rainbow, Goku and the others all stared wide eyed at what was in front of them.

Slowly emerging through the burnt trees and shadows, piercing slitted eyes shining through the darkness of the trees, was a large adult male Manticore. It was size of the Doragontora, if not slightly smaller by the looks of it, but by no means any less menacing. It had smooth yellow fur that was a shade lighter than Fluttershy’s, which did nothing to hide the bulging muscles from underneath, which looked to have a few veins popping out. It had a large thick mane that looked to be redder than blood, framing its face perfectly with bangs hanging from either side of its face. Its whole body was packed with muscle, and it had what looked to be remnants of recently dried blood on its fur, as well as its teeth.

On all four of its paws were razor sharp curved claws that were twice the size of kitchen knives, each of them as white as the teeth the Manticore was bearing. It had massive dragon wings that were the size of the average adult dragon, going from its broad muscular shoulders all the way down its back, reaching its flank, the wings lined up with razor sharp spines. From behind the Manticore, slowly whipping back and forth, was a thick muscular tail that was almost as thick as Mor'du’s tail. At end, where a large tail tuft should’ve been, was instead, the tail of a scorpion, the curved tip raised in the air and ready to sting. The tip of the tail glinted in the light of the Moon, very much the same way that its crystalline blue eyes glinted back at them with an unfathomable amount of iciness.

“Wow! Look at the size of that kitty!” Pinkie Pie gasped, her jaw dropping open. “That’s gotta be the biggest kitty that I’ve ever seen!”

“That’s not a kitty, Pinkie.” Storm Shadow said lowly, her piercing blue eyes narrowing as her ears flattened. “That is an adult male Manticore.”

“A what now?” Applejack asked, looking over at the light grey mare.

“A Manticore.” Violet Fire repeated firmly, loud enough so that the farmer and everypony else could hear. “Another dangerous creature that inhabits the Everfree Forest, much like the Doragontora’s Timberwolves, and the Battookuma’s do. It’s said to basically be a lion that has the wings of a dragon and the tail of a scorpion, as you can all see right now. The Manticore is known to be the third largest carnivore here, and possibly the most dangerous one there is.”

“The most dangerous?” Rarity asked, giving an audible gulp. “H-How so?”

“It may not be as big as Battookuma, but it’s said to have strength equivalent to that of a dragon, with speed and agility to match.” Shadow Step replied lowly. “It can also fly, and breath fire like a dragon, like the fire that streamed past us a moment ago, hot enough to burn an entire clearing, and leave nothing but ash and scorched earth. Not to mention it’s also an incredibly strong and fast flyer, and has an insane amount of stamina, which wouldn’t be possible if it was a normal cat. Its claws are sharp enough to slice through even the toughest of mark, and even armor, with teeth and jaws strong enough to snap the biggest and strongest stallion completely in half. Their most dangerous weapon, however, lies within their tails.”

“Their tails?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising a prismatic eyebrow in confusion. “What’ so dangerous about their tails?”

“The part where it’s that of a scorpion.” Twilight replied; her voice low yet apprehensive. “Many types of Scorpions are known to have potent amounts of venom stored into their tails, and they used the tip of their tails to inject venom into their victims. This in turn liquifies their prey and allows the Scorpions to devour them more easily. It’s the same thing with the Manticore, only it has a bigger scorpion tail, which means it’ll have a larger abundance of venom inside of it. Not only that, but since its attached to the end of their actual tails, they can swing it stab and swing it around, allowing it to slice their opponents or victims and send the venom coursing through their veins.” The lavender mare gulped as a beat of swear fell from her forehead. “That’s when the real danger sets in…”

“Real danger?” Applejack stuttered. “W-what real danger?”

“The danger that comes when the Manticore’s poison enters into your system.” Fluttershy replied softly, yet grimly. “The poison it contains in its Scorpion tail is very lethal, even more lethal than that of a normal Scorpion’s which makes the effects of being bitten all the more lethal. If you get stung, or even sliced by the stinger, the first thing that’ll happen is that you’ll feel is a burning tingling sensation in your skin. This is due to the poison being at such a degree it’ll make it feel like your skin is on fire. Next, you’ll feel a numbness start to take over your entire body which will also dull your five senses, especially your ability to sense magic. You’ll also have difficulty breathing, especially when flying very fast, and it’ll also be hard for you to swallow anything in your mouth. Your vision will blur, and you won’t be able to see anything clearly around you other than blotches of color, and unless you get medical treatment as possible…you may end up having a seizure.”

“Seizure?” Pinkie Pie repeated. “You mean like how I go all shaky and wobbly whenever by Pinkie Sense reaches its maximum pitch?”

“If it's anything similar to what Fluttershy described, then yes.” Blue Skies replied, nodding. “And trust me when I say, it is not as fun as it sounds.”

“Holy shit” Rainbow Dash breathed, staring up at the Manticore. “One sting from its tail can do all of that?”

“If what Fluttershy’s saying about the Manticore’s tail is true, then yes.” Goku replied, her fangs bared as she scratched the ground with her forehooves. “Which means that we have to keep as far away from his tail as possible, so we won’t have to suffer any of those symptoms.” She gulped as she mentally added, ‘Well, at least the rest of the girls and the Shadowbolts do. Since I’m also a Shenron and can transform into a full-blooded dragon, I’m immune to any kind of poison, even in my Kirin or pony form, so I won’t have to worry about him stinging me. Doesn’t mean it’s not gonna hurt like Tartarus if I do though!’

Twilight suddenly turned to Goku, and, as if reading the tan Pegasus’ mind, said, “Wait a minute…Goku, you have a dragon form, and from what I have read on dragons, they have an immunity to any kind of poison injected in them. Since you’re a Kirin, shouldn’t that mean that you can survive the Manticore’s poison too? Even though you’re only half dragon?”

Before Goku could reply, she was cut off when she heard a roar from behind her, and whipped her head around just in time to see the Manticore lunging at her. The tan Thestral screamed and leaped out of the way just as the giant dragon winged lion slammed into the ground, causing smoke and large chunks of rubble to fly in all directions. He cleared the dust with his wings and let out another roar, signaling to the ponies in front of it that it was ready to fight.

“It looks like our new friend is done waiting.” Violet Fire murmured. “Can’t really blame him for it. I’m not one to keep others waiting anyway, especially at a time like this.” The ebony black mare got onto battle stance, panting her forelegs wide and flaring her wings. “Shadowbolts, prepare for battle!”

Author's Note

Well there you are guys, the next chapter with the famed King of the Everfree Forest! Now, for this chapter, I wanted to keep it at a more steady pace, because I felt that I had rushed it a bit too fast, so I decided to add a little backstory involving Spike and a little reunion between Goku, Twilight, Zephyr and the Shadowbolts. Speaking of which I had decided to go and add the backstory involving Mor'du as a way of explaining that how Fluttershy and Twilight knew of the Battookuma, which was an idea that I had because of a bio that I was making about Spike, while I was writing his AU backstory. I don't know if I'm actually going to be showing a flashback of how exactly that played out, but at least you guys have some explanation as to why this is, and I hope it clears the air of FLuttershy and Twilight's knowledge of Mor'du and how Spike was involved in it :raritywink: . Also, just saying, the battle will come in the next chapter, because I believed that this one went on for a little too long, so I decided to add the fight scene in the next chapter. However that's not the only thing that will be shown, for things will get a bit more...fluffier next time...okay much more fluffier :rainbowkiss: !

Well, that's all for today :twilightsmile: . Stay tuned for a fight between the bolts of the shadows and the king of the everfree, with some lightheartedness at the very end :scootangel: !

Chapter 38 - A Kindhearted Soul

The male Manticore roared before charging at the group, his hybrid tail whipping back and forth behind him as his eyes gleamed. With a powerful bound from its hindlegs, it leaped into the air before using its wings to dive down straight towards the Shadowbolts, his kitchen knife-like claws out and ready to slash. As with Mor'du, the Manticore went after Violet Fire first, taking a swing at her with his claws, only for the ebony mare to duck under and leap out of the way with lightning speed. The giant cat flew up after her and gave another few swipes, but Violet Fire was able to dodge each of them effortlessly, even as the other Shadowbolts moved into assist.

“Lightning Thestral: Electric Cloven Hoof!” Fast Tracks shouted, diving up from beneath the Manticore and delivering a powerful punch to his stomach. The Manticore gave a low growl of pain, but otherwise seemed unfazed as it glared down at the light brown stallion with his icy blue eyes. With a roar, he lunged forward and grabbed the Thestral by his left foreleg, before spinning him around in the air and sending him diving towards the ground.

“Whoa!” Fast Tracks exclaimed in surprised, flaring his wings out and righting himself just as he was about to close in on the ground. He took a moment to collect himself as he shook of the effects of the throw.

“You okay Fast Tracks?!” Lightning Shadow called from not too far away. “You nearly hit the ground there!”

“Yeah Lightning, I’m fine! He just caught my off guard that’s all!” Fast Tracks replied back, rubbing his left foreleg in an attempt to the tightness he felt in it. “Now that was one strong grip…”

As the light brown stallion caught his breath, Storm Shadow was the next one to engage with the Manticore, flying at him from above and giving swift swings of her wings. This caused large wing slashes to appear from out of her wings as they shined in the night light, heading right for the large cat. The Manticore’s sensitive ears picked up the sound of the attacks coming for him and he spun around in mid-air, using one of his draconic wings to block and even send some of them bouncing away.

‘Hmmm…so he can use his wings to send my attack away from him.’ The light grey Pegasus mare thought as her light blue eyes narrowed. ‘Looks like I may have to take it up a notch or two…’

With this thought in her head, Storm Shadow gave a powerful flap of her wings and dived to towards the Manticore at an even faster speed, beginning to spin around in the air. As she did so, a miniature black tornado began to appear around her, growing bigger with each passing second, until it was more than three times her body size.

“Dark Pegasus: Black Tornado!” She shouted, as she ascended down towards the Manticore at breakneck speed. The tornado reached its peak once she was within range of the Manticore and she flared her wings, giving a hard flap to get herself out of the tornado, allowing Mother Nature to do the rest. She watched as the tornado shot down towards the Manticore, who was taken off guard by the sudden attack. It let out a roar of surprise as the tornado engulfed him, making him spin around in mid-air before slamming into the ground.

“Nice one, Storm Shadow!” Fast Tracks praised, giving his teammates an approving smile. It soon faded when he saw the Manticore suddenly burst out from the ground, shaking the dust and the rubble off of it fur. “Never mind…”

“I figured that it wouldn’t be enough to take him down.” Storm Shadow murmured. “If we’re gonna be able to take this Manticore on, we’re gonna need to fight with all our strength.”

“Luckily for you, you have plenty of ponies here to back you up!” Violet Fire shouted as she soared through the air.

The Manticore threw his head back and let out another roar, before drawing in a breath and shooting out another stream of orange and yellow flames at the Pegasi. Storm Shadow and Fast Tracks both flew out of the way with profound swiftness, watching as the flames headed right for their captain.

“Sky Pegasus: Whirling Tornado!” Blue Skies shouted as she began to spin around in mid-air, causing a large tornado of wind to form around her, very much like how Storm Shadow did just moments ago. When she was within range, she gave a flap of her wings and pulled herself out of the tornado, watching as it flew towards the stream of fire, almost immediately extinguishing it.

With that done, Violet Fire flew into the air, summoning her magic as bolts of electricity began to form around her body. When it reached a certain pitch where it felt like it would be enough, Violet Fire shot down towards the Manticore, who was hidden somewhere in the thick cloud of smoke and dust. Just as she was about to strike, the smoke and dust, it suddenly got cleared away, courtesy of the Manticore using his large wings to get erase it, before shooting a bolt of fire out at Violet Fire.

The Shadowbolt was slightly taken aback by the sudden move, but was able to dodge out of the way in time before resuming her dive down towards the large cat. He fired a few more bolts of fire at the Pegasus, only for her to dodge each and every one of them as she drew closer to the beast. Seeing that it wasn’t going to be able to burn the Pegasus, the Manticore raised his tail and gave it a hard swing, and Violet Fire’s eyes widened behind her goggles when she saw a multitude of large dagger-like spikes suddenly flying towards her.

“Captain!” Lightning Shadow cried, watching in horror as the large spikes rocketed towards her leader.

Clenching her teeth, Violet Fire closer her eyes and used her forelegs to block her face from the spikes, tucking her wings to her sides at the same time to avoid getting any of her feathers sliced off. She felt the spikes rush past her, and winced when she felt them slice into her suit, but due to the electricity surrounding her body, they were only there for a second or two before they burnt away into nothing but ash. That didn’t mean that it didn’t hurt though, even if the strikes were small and swift.

“Lightning Pegasus: Electric Slash!” Violet Fire flared her wings out and shot them forward, sending a huge bolt of violet colored lightning at the Manticore as it crackled in the air. The Manticore flared his wings and tried to shield itself from the attack, but this did nothing to stop the lightning bolt form striking him head on, sending volts of electricity throughout its body. The attack was strong enough send the giant cat flying back, and he let out a roar of pain as he crashed into a nearby tree.

“Captain Violet Fire!” Blue Skies cried as she flew to her Captain’s side. “Are you alright?”

“Don’t worry Blue, I’m fine. I just wasn’t really expecting him to do that.” Violet Fire replied, wincing at the small cuts that were in her torn purple suit. “Damn…this is definitely gonna be hard to stitch back together.”

“That’s the least of our worries right now Captain!” Fast Tracks said, looking back at the Manticore as it slowly rose to its feet. “We’re gonna get much more than torn suits if we don’t send this big guy flying out of here fast!”

“Then we’ll just have to keep at him until we do.” Storm Shadow murmured, ruffling her wings as she took off towards the cat.

As the four Shadowbolts continued to engage the Manticore, the seven mares sitting not too far away watched the battle in silence, while be safely guarded by the other members of the team. Each of them having varied expressions on their faces and their own thoughts on the matter as they silently conversed with one another.

“My word, that was quite the hit that Violet Fire took up there, wasn’t it?” Rarity asked, putting a hood to her furry chest. “The poor dear’s suit got all torn up by those spikes that beast shot at her…I wonder if she’ll be able to stitch them back together.”

“You’re telling me Rarity.” Rainbow Dash replied, completely ignoring the alabaster Unicorn’s last comment. “I mean, did you guys see how fast those spikes were going? I wasn’t even able to see most of them until they hit her, and most of them were just whizzing past her!”

“Yeah,” Applejack nodded. “How was he even able to do that?”

“I think it has a lot to do with the part of the Manticore’s tail that’s a scorpion.” Twilight replied evenly. “Though we can’t really see it, Manticore’s have these spikes on their scorpion tails that emerge out from various parts of it. They can’t really be seen that much because of how little they protrude of the tail, and are very much invisible from afar. When the Manticore uses its tail to attack however, it can summon those spikes out of it tail, each one of them coated with a bit of its poison inside, before shooting them out at their enemy as if they were all arrows. If a certain amount of them manages to hit their target, it’ll send the poison inside their victims make them have the side effects that Fluttershy said that the Manticore’s sting could give. Although it’ll be at a much slower, yet no less painful rate.”

“Wait a minute!” Pinkie Pie interjected, a confused frown morphing onto her face. “If that’s true, then how come Violet Fire isn’t in any pain from all those tiny little spikes? Shouldn’t that kitty’s poison be hurting her right now?”

“It should,” Goku began, putting a hoof to her chin. “Though I think Violet Fire may have saved her own life back there.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked, looking over at the tan Pegasus.

“You guys saw her summon that coat of lightning around her too, right?” The Kirin asked, glancing over at her friends. “When those spikes hit her, the either got bounced off or burnt by the amount of power and electricity that was radiating off of them. I think it may have also burnt the poison off of the spikes, even before they hit her, preventing the poison from entering her.”

“Huh…I never really thought about it that way.” Rainbow Dash murmured, looking down at the ground in thought. “Guess I’ll have to try that out whenever I use my lightning as a means of attack.”

A loud explosion from in front of them snapped the seven mares out of their silent conversing, and they looked over to see Violet Fire and her teammates still engaging the Manticore in battle. They could see that some of them had some cuts and tears in their suits, and they looked a bit dirty and dusty, but otherwise seemed unharmed. The Manticore on the other hoof, had his fair share of burn marks and slashes on the wounds that he already had, staining its dark orange coat stain a deep red and leaving its mane disheveled. Despite this, the giant cat did not look the least bit winded, and kept at it with the same amount of speed and strength he had since the fight had started. He continued to slash at his adversaries and shoot gets of fire at the Shadowbolts, occasionally lashing out with his tail to either shoot its spikes or try to sting them.

“Oh jeez…” Goku murmured, her face forming in a slight grimace. “They’re really doing a number on the big guy aren’t they?”

“Yes…they are going all out on the poor thing.” Fluttershy murmured quietly, her ears flattening as she watched the fight with a pensive frown. “Though…I can’t help but notice that there’s something…off about the Manticore.”

“Whaddya mean by that sugarcube?” Applejack asked, raising a golden eyebrow at the buttermilk Pegasus.

“I’m not sure if you noticed this like I did,” Fluttershy began tentatively. “The entire time that the Manticore’s been fighting Captain Violet Fire and her team, he hasn’t one tried to kill any of them…at least not immediately. I mean, sure he’s tried to bite, slash and even sting at them a few times but…I can’t help but feel that he’s not really trying to kill them or even eat them.”

“Darling, I’m afraid that I don’t quite understand.” Rarity said quizzically. “The Manticore clearly attacked them first, and the Shadowbolts are only doing what they can to defend themselves. I don’t see how that can show that he’s not trying to, erm…eliminate them.”

“Whether the Manticore attacked first or not isn’t the point Rarity.” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “The point that I’m trying to make is that it doesn’t look like the Manticore is attacking them in the way that looks like he wants to kill them. It’s not about whether he attacked first or not, it’s about how he’s fighting them. It’s like he’s trying to…ward them off, or something like that.” Her teal eyes narrowed as she took a closer look at the Manticore. “Not only that, but it seems like he’s fighting a little…sluggishly.”

“Sluggishly?” Pinkie Pie asked perplexedly. “You do know that that’s not exactly a slug that they’re fighting, right?”

“Yes Pinkie, we know.” Rainbow Dash replied, rolling her eyes. “What Fluttershy means is that Manticore isn’t fighting the Shadowbolts the way it should be! There’s something off with his stance!”

“Oooooooh!” Pinkie Pie replied, a look of understanding coming to her face as she nodded. “Well why didn’t you put it that way Fluttershy? That would’ve been a lot easier!”

“Pinkie, honey…just stop talking please.” Goku sighed, running a hoof down her face as she heaved a sigh. “Anyway Fluttershy, you were saying?”

“Like I said, I noticed that the Manticore doesn’t seem to be fighting with as much ferocity as Manticore’s normally would.” Fluttershy nodded, running a hoof through her cherry blossom mane. “It’s like there’s something that’s…making him falter and nearly mess up his attacks at the last minute. Or that he’s already been in another fight with another Manticore or some other animal, just before he encountered us, or-”

A soft gasp suddenly left Fluttershy’s throat as whatever she was about to say next died in her throat. Her eyes slowly widened as a look of realization etched across her face.

“What’s the matter Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her face morphing into concern as she looked at her friend. “Did you figure something out about the Manticore?”

The buttermilk Pegasus said nothing to the lavender Unicorn, just continuing to stare intently at the battle going on before her. She watched as the Manticore continued to fight off the Shadowbolts, slashing with its deadly knife-like claws, swinging with its spiked wings, and shooting its tail out in an attempt to sting them. As she did so, she couldn’t help but notice that Manticore hadn’t made any direct hits, especially with his tail, almost as if he wasn’t really trying to inflict any serious damage on them. This only further proved her theory as to how the giant cat was fighting, but she just couldn’t figure out why he was doing that.

Then, suddenly, as if to answer her thoughts, the Manticore reared in the air, and that’s when Fluttershy saw them. It was in view for only a second, but Fluttershy’s sharp eyes were able to see just what it was before it disappeared. The buttermilk Pegasus immediately shot up to her feet, her sudden movement causing the others to jump. Before any of them could say anything, she suddenly spread her wings and took to the air.

“Fluttershy?!” Applejack shouted, aghast at what the Pegasus was doing. “Where in tarnation are ya goin’?!”

“To stop the fight!” Fluttershy replied back as flew passed the Shadowbolts that were guarding her, ignoring their looks of surprise. “I have to stop the Shadowbolts before they really get killed!”

“Are you nuts?! Get back here!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she made to go after the foolish mare. She didn’t get too far before she felt something wrap around her left hind leg and pulled her back. Looking behind her, the cyan mare saw Goku’s tail wrapped around her leg. “What the hay are you doing G?! Let me go!”

“Rainbow, if I were you, I wouldn’t try to stop Fluttershy from whatever she’s about to do.” Goku said firmly, her stern golden eyes locking with Rainbow Dash’s magenta pink ones. “I have a feeling that what she has planned is gonna save all of our hides.”

“What makes you say that Goku?” Pinkie Pie asked, giving a little tilt of her head.

“...Just keep watching.” The tan Pegasus murmured, her golden eyes locking onto the scene before her.

As the six mares continued to watch the battle unfold and Fluttershy flew in to stop it, the Shadowbolts continued their assault on the Manticore. The giant cat leapt at Storm Shadow and attempted to slash at her, only for th light grey Pegasus to duck under him and deliver a powerful buck to his face. This sent the Manticore staggering back, but he quickly recovered and let out a loud roar at the mare, before lashing out with his right paw and knocking her away, right where Fluttershy had landed.

“Fluttershy!” Blue Skies exclaimed. “What’re you doing here?! Why aren’t you with your friends?!”

“There’s no time to explain!” Fluttershy said hastily as Storm Shadow rose to her feet. “I need you guys to listen to me! The Manticore is-”

“Going to eat you and your friends if we don’t take care of him, we know.” Storm Shadow said, putting a hoof on the buttermilk Pegasus’ shoulder. “Don’t’ worry, we’ll take care of it!”

“No, wait! You don’t understand!” Fluttershy shouted, only for the light gray Pegasus to fly off towards the rest of her team.

The manticore growled as he saw Storm Shadow approaching him again, and lashed out with its tail, causing another flock of spikes to sail towards her. Eyes widening, the Shadowbolt shot high into the air, narrowly evading the poisonous spikes as they flew passed her and embedded themselves into a few trees. The giant cat gave a couple swings of his giant wings, sending large spines up at the light grey mare, causing her to ascend even higher and further away from it and her teammates.

Satisfied that he had gotten Storm Shadow a good distance away from him, the Manticore turned back to the other Shadowbolts, only to Lightning Shadow in front of him, both of her forehooves out in front of her.

“Sorry about this big guy.” Lightning Shadow said softly before she closed her eyes and summoned her magic forth. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!”

The Manticore had no time to contemplate what the Pegasus had said before it felt its whole word explode into violet white-hot pain. It roared out in agony as Shadow Step blasted giant volts of crimson electricity at it, causing it, leaving destroyed earth around it and cracks in the ground.

“Wait, stop!” Fluttershy cried again, watching in horror as the Manticore fought to keep itself from being blown away.

The Manticore suddenly let out an ear-piercing roar, fire blasting out from under it and blasting the electricity around it away. Shadow Step had no time to dodge before she found herself ingulfed in flames and blasted away.

“Well that was a bust…” Shadow Step murmured, brushing some of her mane out of her face as she flew past her teammates. “He’s all yours Fast Tracks!”

“Got it!” Fast Tracks replied, giving a salute as he shot towards the Manticore. “Here I come!”

“Everypony, please listen!” Fluttershy shouted desperately as the light brown stallion zoomed past her. In desperation, she turned to Blue Skies, a pleading look in her eyes. “Blue Skies, I need your help, we need to stop them!”

The palomino mare gave Fluttershy a perplexed look. “W-why, what’s the matter?”

“Lightning Thestral: Neigh!” Fast Track shouted, sending a powerful wave of purple lightning from out of his mouth at the Manticore. The large cat retaliated with a flaming roar, and the two elements clashed in a powerful struggle. A moment later, the Manticore’s fire started to grow in power, and before long, he was making the lightning diminish and sending Fast Track crashing into a tree.

“Well, that certainly hurt.” Fast Tracks muttered as he picked himself up from off the ground and shook off the impact. “I really thought I was gonna get burnt there.”

“Are you alright Fast Tracks?” Violet Fire asked, helping her teammate up to his hooves. “That was a hard hit that you took back there.”

“Yeah, I’m alright Captain, just a little roughed up, is all. Although that was a really close call back there.” The light brown stallion replied, shaking the dust off of his suit. “Good thing he didn’t sting me back there, or I’d down and out real fast.”

“Well, maybe this’ll teach you not to go taunting our enemies over getting the job done.” Storm Shadow scolded, earning a childish pout from Fast Tracks. “Anyway, I think it’s time to end this, don’t you Captain?”

The ebony black mare nodded her goggled flashing in the moonlight. “Yes, let’s make this next attack count!”

“Captain, Violet Fire, hold on!” Blue Skies shouted as she flew over to them. “Fluttershy is trying to tell us something!”

Unfortunately for Blue Skies, her words fell on temporarily deaf ears as Violet Fire flared her wings and took off towards the Manticore, who flared its own wings in preparation for the mare’s attack. Fast Tracks and the others weren’t too far behind her, each of their bodies glowing with bright auras as they readied themselves to land a final blow. As they did so, they noticed a yellow and pink blue suddenly zoom past from above them, stopping just in front of the Manticore. Fluttershy skidded to a halt in between the Manticore and the Shadowbolts, the former taken off guard by the sudden action. Flaring her angelic wings to their fullest span, she glared each of the Pegasi in their goggled eyes, her letting out a fierce yell that stopped them dead in their tracks. “I said…HOLD IT!!!”

The sheer raw authority in the buttermilk Pegasus’ tone was enough to make all of the Shadowbolts, even Violet Fire, stop dead in their tracks and heed the cherry blossom maned mare’s command. They each felt themselves flare their wings out and freeze in mid-air as they all stared wide-eyed into the angry eyes of Fluttershy as she stood protectively in front of the Manticore. Her teal blue eyes blazed a bright fiery orange that burned right into their skulls like a flaming inferno, with the pupils being a scorching hot white that only added to the intensity of the glare. Not a single one of them were able to find the strength or the will to move, unable to look away, their goggles doing nothing to protect them from Fluttershy’s fiery eyes that shone like two miniature twin suns.

The intense staring contest seemed to go on for what seemed like hours to the ones in the center of it, yet it only lasted for just a couple of minutes. Yet it was one of the longest two minutes that Violet Fire and her team had ever experienced in their lives, only added by the two twin orbs of fire that they were all staring into. Finally, the intense glowing in Fluttershy’s eyes slowly, but surely, began to recede, as if wanting them to feel every ounce of her fury. By the time it completely disappeared, the Shadowbolts found themselves completely winded, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

“F…Fluttershy…” Lightning Step finally said as she broke the eerie silence. “What…what did you just do?”

“Yeah!” Fast Tracks exclaimed, slightly adamant as he pulled back his goggles. “I felt like you were trying to burn our eyes right out of our heads! What gives?!”

Fluttershy exhaled slowly, folding her wings to her sides as she straightened he mane. “I’m sorry that I had to do that to you and your troop Violet Fire. You didn’t leave my any other choice...I tried to tell you guys to stop, but none of you would listen.”

“Stop us?” Storm Shadow asked perplexedly. “What are you talking about?”

“I mean, I was trying to get you guys to stop fighting the Manticore.” Fluttershy emphasized, causing the Shadowbolts to blink at her in surprise. “I know this may sound crazy but I don’t think the Manticore is wanting to eat us. I think they’re might be something else going on.”

“What do you mean baby?” Violet Fire asked curiously, tilting her head to the side. “What else could be going on other than what’s happening now?”

Fluttershy paused, looking off to the side as she rubbed the back of her head, her mind trying to form the right words to say. “I can’t really explain it, and even if I could, it really wouldn’t make any sense. So, why don’t I just show you all instead?”

As she said this Violet Fire noticed the look in Fluttershy’s eyes, and, after another moment, her expressions softened as she nodded towards her fellow Rosario. With that, Fluttershy turned, her teal eyes locked with crystalline eyes of the cat looming over her like a dragon emerging form out of a cave, both boring into each other’s very being. The Manticore gave a low growl and lowered his head closer to Fluttershy as she slowly began to walk towards him.

“What in the hay is she-?” Fast Tracks began to ask, only for Violet to shoot a hoof out in front of him. He glanced at his Captain for a moment, before looking over at Fluttershy, and what he saw made his jaw drop.

The Manticore, who had just a moment ago looked ready to bite Fluttershy’s head off, was now rubbing his head against her’s, letting out a deep purr in the process. The shy mare’s eyes were closed as she too rubbed her own head against the giant cat’s, a small smile adorning her face as she gently stroked its crimson mane.

“Oh my goodness…” Violet Fire whispered, holding a hoof to her mouth as she stared at the scene in awe.

“What in the world…?” Storm Shadow murmured, her own eyes wide with disbelief.

The Shadowbolts weren’t the only ones who were taken aback by Fluttershy’s actions. Not too far away from them, her six friends were also witnessing the scene, most of their own expressions gob smacked and slack-jawed.

“Holy shit...” Rainbow Dash whispered, her jaw hanging open. “Are…are you guys seeing what I’m seeing right now?”

“I believe we are darling.” Rarity replied dumbly, for once not bothering to scold the Pegasus for her profanity. “Though, I’m having a hard time believing it myself.”

“Took the words right outta mah mouth, Rares.” Applejack nodded, blinking a few times. “Ah can honestly say that it’s the most astonishing thing Ah’ve ever seen in mah life.”

“Uh-huh…” Twilight and Pinkie nodded in unison, while Goku just watched silently.

“Shhhhhh…there there, little one. It’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you.” Fluttershy said soothingly to the Manticore, as if she were a mother gently consoling her foal. “Just calm down…everything’s going to be alright.”

As she calmed the giant cat, she reached out with a hoof and began to gently stroke his thick crimson mane, before reaching a bit farther and stroking him behind the ears. This earned her another purr of contentment from the Manticore as he pressed himself even closer to Fluttershy, who smiled warmly at his sudden display of affection.

“My my…you certainly are a sweet little baby, aren’t you?” The buttermilk Pegasus cooed, giving the Manticore a scratch under his chin. “You certainly weren’t acting like that a few moments ago. Which reminds me, could you tell me why you attacked me and my friends like that?” She asked curiously, pulling away and looking up at the Manticore with a raised cherry blossom eyebrow.

The manticore paused at this question, staring down at the Fluttershy for a few moments, before looking at the trees behind him, and then back at her again. It then let out a slow breath through its nostrils as it began letting out a series of low growls and hisses. Fluttershy stood in place, listening intently to the Manticore as it communicated with her, making gestures with its paws and wings in the process.

“Um, you guys...” Lightning Shadow said after a few minutes of silence. “…not that I’m trying to break this up but, can any of you tell what Fluttershy’s doing?”

“I think it’s been made plainly obvious” Fast Tracks began slowly. “She’s communicating with the Manticore.”

“She’s what?” Storm Shadow asked, wondering if she heard the light brown stallion right. “You mean she can actually understand what it-er, he is saying?”

“It looks like it.” Lightning Shadow murmured softly. “I mean, it has to be. Can’t you see all of those gesture’s the Manticore’s making to her? It’s obvious Fluttershy able to tell what he’s saying.”

Violet Fire nodded in agreement. “I was thinking the same thing. Something tells me that she has a talent for understanding and communicating with animals.” She said softly, her eyes trailing down to Fluttershy’s Cutie Mark. “And not just because she’s a Rosario.”

“Oh my…you got into a fight with a group of Cave Demons who wandered in your territory while you were out patrolling your boarders away from your pride?” Fluttershy finally said, putting a hoof to her mouth as her eyes slowly widened. A nod from the Manticore confirmed her answer, along with Violet Fire’s speculation. “Oh, you poor thing…no wonder you had all of that blood on you went you came here. You must be in so much pain right now!”

The Manticore, seeing the sadness and sorrow in the buttermilk Pegasus’ eyes, frowned as his ears pinned back against his head. He leaned his head in again and nuzzled the mare once more, trying to provide her his own form of comfort. She hugged him around his neck, as he, ever so gently, wrapped one of his large dragon wings around her, taking care not to accidentally stab her with his spines. After holding the embrace for a few more seconds, Fluttershy pulled away from the Manticore and looked him right in the eyes, the frown on her face still present.

“Is that the reason why you attacked me and my friends?” She asked the beast in a gentle, yet firm tone. “Because you thought that we were that very same Cave Demon that was coming back to finish you off?”

Once again, the Manticore looked away, his frown growing slightly deeper as he pawed at the ground with one of his large clawed paws, thus confirming Fluttershy’s answer. However, before she could speak, the Manticore looked at her again and starting to give out another set of growls and hisses with his paws.

“I see…so even though you saw that none of us were Cave Demons, you thought that we were here to attack you or your family?” Fluttershy asked the giant cat, getting a low growl in return. The buttermilk Pegasus let out a long soft sigh, brushing some of her long silky mane away from her eyes. “Well…that explains that I suppose. While I’m not exactly happy that you nearly burned one of my friends alive, I can’t really blame you for why you did what you did. You were only protecting your home and your family, and you believed that an enemy of yours was coming back for you or for them. You were only doing what you had to do, so I won’t hold it against you. It’s not my place to judge wild animals by how they act after all, especially creatures like you.” She said sympathetically, putting a hoof one the Manticore’s left paw as she smiled up at him warmly. “I probably would’ve done the same thing if I was in your position…although I might not have been as…ferocious as you were.”

The Manticore’s expression softened at Fluttershy’s words, his ears perking up as he gave her the best smile he could through his set of fangs and canine teeth. He lowered his head to nuzzle her a third time, and as Fluttershy leaned her head up to reciprocate, she suddenly found herself nearly stumbling to the ground as the Manticore jerked his left paw away. The giant cat’s face contorted into a grimace as he held his left paw with his right one, a small hiss of pain escaping his throat.

“Aww, what’s the matter sweetie? Do you have a thorn stuck in your paw?” Fluttershy cooed, earning a slow nod from the Manticore. “Can I see it please? I promise I’ll do what I can to help.”

The giant dragon winged cat glance up at Fluttershy, pausing long enough to see the concern and sincerity in her eyes, as if trying to detect any type of lies or deceit from the Pegasus. It then gave a light nod and slowly extended its paw forward, allowing her to see the underside of it.

Fluttershy gasped again, her face contorting to that of horror as she stared at the large thorn sticking out from one of the soft pads of the Manticore’s left paw. However, it wasn’t the fact that there the thorn was stuck in the cat’s paw in general that had her so horrified. It was how big it was, and how deep it seemed to be imbedded inside the paw.

“Oh my goodness!” The buttermilk Pegasus cried, rushing over to inspect the paw. “I can’t believe how deep it is! I’ve never seen a paw so deep in a Manticore’s paw before! I don’t know if I’ll be able to get it out…this may be harder than I thought.”

Taking a deep breath Fluttershy moved closer to the Manticore and gingerly wrapped her hooves around the large thorn protruding out from his paw, taking care not to send any jolts of pain through it. The Manticore watched silently as she inspected the thorn, trying to decide in her head how she could take it out and end the giant cat’s pain without causing more in the process.

‘There’s not really much I can do to make that happen.’ The buttermilk Pegasus thought, frowning hard as she stared at the thorn. ‘If I do it too slowly, there’s a chance that he may lose a good portion of blood. If I do it too fast, I may damage the nerves and muscles in his paw, and he may not be able to walk on it for a while. I guess I’ll just have to find some alternative route to it then. I just hope he won’t be too mad at me when all of this is over. After this, I can use my healing magic to heal his other wounds.’ Taking another deep breath, she looked up at the Manticore with the tenderest expression that she could give him. “Alright honey, I need you to listen to be very carefully. I’m gonna try to take the thorn out, okay? Its gonna hurt when I do, but I need you to bare it for a few minutes…can you do that for me?” She asked, her tone matching her expression as she ran a hoof across the Manticore’s cheek.

The Manticore’s crimson eyebrows furrowed slightly, looking from Fluttershy’s tender expression to the thorn that she had in her grasp. He looked as if he didn’t want her to do it, being afraid of the pain that would’ve most certainly came afterward. The giant cat fought it down however, and, after taking a moment to contemplate, looked at Fluttershy and gave her a slow nod, giving a low growl of consent.

“Alright, thank you dear. I promise, I’ll try to make it as bearable as I possibly can.” Fluttershy said reassuringly, smiling at up at the Manticore. “We’ll do it on the count of three, okay?” Another nod from the Manticore confirmed that he was ready. “Alright then, here we go…one…two…three!”

With those words, Fluttershy gripped the thorn in her hooves and her teeth and began to pull, making sure not to go too slow or too fast in the process. The Manticore let out a loud roar of pain as he scrunched his eyes shut, slamming his other paw on the grown as he clenched his teeth. The buttermilk Pegasus’ ears pinned against her head, her heart immediately aching as she listened to the Manticore writhe in agony. She nearly stopped her pulling of the thorn, but she fought the urge down, wanting to get over and done with as quickly as possible. Though that didn’t stop her from caressing the Manticore’s face with her angelic wings in an attempt to console it.

“Now that has got to hurt…” Rainbow muttered; her own face contorted into a grimace.

“You’re telling me.” Rarity replied rubbing at her own forehooves. “I can’t imagine how much a thorn in your hoof would hurt!”

“I can.” Zephyr murmured, pawing at the ground with his right hoof. “And let me tell you, it hurts like a bucking bitch.”

“Awwww, look at that poor kitty!” Pinkie Pie cooed sadly, her ears flattening against her head as a frown formed on her face. “He looks so said…I think somepony needs to turn his frown upside down!”

“I think Fluttershy already has that covered Pinkie Pie.” Goku said gently. “We’d only get in the way if we tried to do something now. So, I think its best if we just stayed out of her way and let her do this on her own.”

The mares and Shadowbolts continued to watch as Fluttershy continued to pull the thorn out of the Manticore’s paw, who continued to hiss, growl, and writhe as he attempted to fight the pain. With each second that passed, Fluttershy was able to get a few more inches out, and she could feel that it was getting easier to pull the thorn itself out as well. With one final sharp tug, the buttermilk Pegasus was able to get the thorn all the way out, falling back on her rump in the process before she spat the thorn out. She watched as the Manticore held its paw to his muzzle and began to lick the wound tenderly, to try and ease the pain. He continued doing this until Fluttershy walked over to him and took his paw in her hoof, inspecting it carefully.

“Oh dear…this is quite a large wound, a bit larger than I expected it to be.” She murmured, looking over the Manticore’s paw. “Although…it doesn’t look like something that’ll be fatal or permanent, so you should be okay.” She looked up at the giant cat with a raised eyebrow. “Will you be able to walk on it?”

The Manticore didn’t respond to her question, instead keeping his paw out in front of Fluttershy before he closed his eyes. Its body then started to glow a multicolored aura before it started to encase the wound on its paw. Fluttershy raised an eyebrow in curiosity and was about to ask the Manticore what it was doing before she noticed its wound beginning to heal on its own. She watched in silent shocked awe as the wound in the paw slowly began to close up, the blood surrounding it being burnt away as if it was never there.

In no time at all, the wound was completely gone without a single trace of it remaining. No gapes, no blood, nothing except the soft pads on his paw. After taking a moment to get over her shock, Fluttershy looked up at the giant cat, who looked at her with what looked to be like a grin on his face.

“Oh…I suppose I’ll take that as a yes.” Fluttershy said, letting out a small chuckle as she smiled at the Manticore in amusement. “I guess I won’t need to use my healing magic for you paw, just your-oh!”

Fluttershy was just barely able to finish her sentence before she found herself being scooped up into the Manticore’s forelegs. Before she even knew what was happening, she found herself being repeatedly licked in the face by the Manticore, who let out a chorus of purrs in the process.

“Awwww, no need to thank me sweetie.” Fluttershy giggled, scratching the Manticore’s chin as it continued to coat her face in saliva. “You were in pain and needed help, all I did was just give it to you…but you’re welcome regardless.”

After giving Fluttershy a few more affectionate licks, the Manticore stopped and gently set her back down, leaning in and giving her one last nuzzle across her face. The buttermilk Pegasus smiled nuzzled him in return, planting a gentle kiss on his nose.

“Well, I have to head off now dear. Me and my friends are on an important mission and we need to get moving.” Fluttershy said softly. “You run along and be more careful when patrolling okay? You don’t wanna get another bigger thorn stuck in your foot.” She reached up and gave the cat one last pat on his head. “Oh, and be sure to say hi to your family for me to, okay?”

The Manticore gave a light nod in response, before turning around towards the forest and spreading its wings in preparation to take flight. Before he did though, he took a moment to brush the lion part of his tail under Fluttershy’s chin in a last affectionate gesture. Giving a final purr of thanks, the Manticore shot off into the air with a powerful flap of its draconic wings, disappearing in the grove of larger trees.

Sighing in relief and satisfaction, Fluttershy slowly turned around to face the Shadowbolts and the rest of her friends, most of which were staring at her wide jaws slack and eyed wide. Upon seeing the looks, the buttermilk Pegasus jumped and shrank away slightly, partially hiding her face behind her mane.

“W…what’s the matter?” She asked somewhat timidly. “Is there something on my face?”

Before Fluttershy could even process what was happening, she found herself surrounded by each of her friends. All of them looking at her wide eyed, speaking so fast that for a minute, she could not for the life of her figure out what they were saying.

“Fluttershy that was awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “The way you handled that Manticore was sick!”

“I agree with Dashie! That was so amazing!” Pinkie Pie squealed happily. “I knew you were great with animals, but wow, I didn’t think that you were this good!”

“I never knew how skilled you were at taming wild animals of the Everfree.” Twilight added, sounding just as amazed. “How were you even able to do that?!”

“I, didn’t really do anything to be honest.” Fluttershy replied, still hiding behind her mane as she ran a hoof through it. “I’ve…I’ve always had this way with animals of all kind. Like I could tell what the need and what I should do for them just looking at them. It’s a unique talent that I’ve had since I was a filly…along with everypony that’s part of my family.”

“Well that ‘unique talent’ just saved each and every one of our hides back there.” Goku praised, walking over and draping a wing around her fellow Pegasus. “Something told me that you were gonna be able to put an end to this, and I was right! Kudos to you Fluttershy for saving us from the Manticore!”

“Oh well…thank you.” Fluttershy said quietly, blushing as Goku affectionately nuzzled her.

“As much as I agree with Goku on Fluttershy’s divine skills of taming beasts,” Rarity began as she moved closer to the latter. “Just look at Fluttershy’s beautiful face! That Manticore just covered it in that revolting saliva of his! We simply must get you to a spa and cleaned up!”

“Uh, Rarity, not to put a reign on your little overdramatic parade, but I think Fluttershy can clean herself up just fine.” Rainbow Dash said flatly, hovering in between the two mares. “Besides we’re on an important mission to defeat a bad guy, remember?”

“Well of course darling, I haven’t forgotten.” The alabaster Unicorn replied, rolling her eyes. “I was just saying we should, er, have dear Fluttershy all tidied up before face our adversary, that’s all.”

“Yeah, of course ya were.” Applejack snorted, rolling over own eyes as she flew ahead of the group. “Let’s just go already, th’ sooner we get t’ Nightmare Moon an’ find these ‘ere Elements, th’ better!”

Grumbling under her breath, Rarity flicked her tail skirt and daintily trotted after Rainbow Dash, followed by Pinkie Pie, Goku, and the rest of her friends. As they went into the trees, the Shadowbolts went up to Fluttershy, who was bringing up the rear.

“Um, Miss Fluttershy…” Blue Skies said softly, making the buttermilk Pegasus turn to look at her. “Is what Twilight and Pinkie Pie said true? Are you really able to tame any animal you’re around?”

Fluttershy smiled at the young palomino mare, wiping the last of the saliva off of her face with a wing before replying. “Oh, yes it’s all true…although I’m more use to taming animals that aren’t those from the Everfree Forest. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve dealt with those kinds of animals before and I know how to disarm them and calm them down. It’s just…it’s a little harder for me to do it with animals like Timberwolves and Manticores. Since they’re, um, wilder and…chaotic, than most other creatures.”

“That makes sense.” Lightning Shadow said with a shrug. “We do know who made this forest after all. So we’re not really expecting the animals here to be like the ones we normally see.”

“Yeah!” Fast Tracks exclaimed with a grin. “After all, why do you think this forest is nicknamed, the ‘Forest of Chaos?’ Because it was made by the very chaos god himself, so nothing about this place is normal! If it was, it wouldn’t be as exciting a place to train in, now would it?”

“For you Fast Tracks, definitely not.” Storm Shadow replied dryly with an amused shake of her head. “Regardless, I have to agree with your friends Fluttershy, that was quite the impressive feat. I’ve never seen anypony be able tame animals that well in a very long time.”

“Well, like I said, it’s my special talent.” Fluttershy replied bashfully, gesturing to her Cutie Mark. “It’s something that’s helped me in a lot of tough situations, and I love doing it so…I’m not really complaining.”

“Hmhmhm…well, you certainly proved us right on that one Fluttershy.” Violet Fire giggled, causing the buttermilk Pegasus to blush. “Although, I am curious about just one thing…how did you know about the thorn in the Manticore’s paw?”

“Oh, while you and your team were fighting him, I noticed it when the Manticore raised its paw to swipe at you sometime during the battle.” Came Fluttershy’s simple and casual reply. “It was pretty far away, but I was able to see it nonetheless, thanks to me keen vision.”

“I see.” Lightning Shadow nodded understandably. “You must have a good eye then.”

“Be that as it may,” Fluttershy continued, making the ebony black mare pause. “Even if it didn’t see the thorn, and even if the Manticore didn’t have the thorn at all, it really wouldn’t have mattered. Sometimes, we just need to be shown a little kindness.” She said with a wink as she gently tapped at her roseray, before walking off after her friends.

Most of the other Shadowbolt paused, looking at each other as they silently contemplated over what the buttermilk Pegasus had just said. They looked over at their Captain, who was merely smiling back at them, before giving them a wink and a giggle. After a moment, they all smiled softly, before walking off after the six mares, leaving the desecrated clearing behind them.

Author's Note

I just want to point out, to for those of you who have scene the last version of the chapter involving Fluttershy living up to her Element, I'm going to say right now that this is the second half of that chapter. It has some bit of the editing packed into it to make it seem a bit different than it was before, just like with the last one. Other than that, the rest of the parts in it have basically stayed the same and it's pretty much like with the last chapter, besides the addition in the techniques and the addition member in the Shadowbolt flight Team :raritywink: . The next couple of chapters are probably going to end up being like that before I really start to write them from ideas from the top of my head, though that doesn't mean that there won't be any chapters that you'll recognize from the first version the won't be added in here :ajsmug: . I just how to see how I'm going to fit them in and what chapter number that I'm going to be putting them ass :derpyderp2: .

Anyway, that's it for now :twilightsmile: . Tune in next time for some fluff of a different kind :rainbowkiss: , before things get a bit more...personal :twilightoops: .

Chapter 39 - Bonding in the Barn

As Zephyr, the mares and the Shadowbolts neared closer to their much-needed destination, things at Ponyville had gone quiet once more. Not a single pony was outside, save for the ones that were guards that were escorting civilians back into their homes. Those that were in the safety of their four walls made sure that they were sight tight, so that nothing harmful could get in and take a hold of them or anypony with them. Numerous piles of wood, brick and rock could be seen on just about every single street, with a few or so demolished stands mixed in a pile with the other destroyed debris. The stench of blood was also in the air, courtesy of the back to back battles that ponies, be it civilian or guard had with the Timberwolves, and it didn’t look like it was gonna go away anytime soon, along with the stains painting the ground. Despite that, everything seemed to be calm once more, and the civilians look to be recovering quite well from the ordeal.

At Sweet Apple Acres, things were even quitter than they were than back at Ponyville, with the ponies staying there having once more fallen into a state of blissful silence. Many of them had gone back to sleep, with Midnight, Amethyst, and Derpy having done so after having some casual conversation with Snowflake and Midnight. The mountain blue and beetle black Pegasus were the only ones who stayed up, offering to keep watch for Granny Smith and the Apple family after the fight that they had more than two and a half hours ago. Though they were hesitant, Honey Blossom, Jubilee, Scarlet, and Anna Blaze all agreed, but Granny Smith insisted that she stay up with them and give them an extra eye. After the four siblings retired to their bedroom or with the other ponies, the three mares took watch over the Apple family household, and everything was silent once more.

Well, almost everything.

On the far Eastern side of Sweet Apple Acres, the sounds of laughing and giggling could be heard in the interior of the barn of Sweet Apple Acres. The exterior of the clubhouse had a very pale orangish and pinkish painting on all four outside parts of the walls, with a window on either side, and said windows having wood with hearts carved into them. At the front, where the door was, which also had a heart carved into it was a window just above that having a few pots of flowers, just below the large reddish-brown roof that sat atop the clubhouse. The small building had a platform that looked to be strong enough to hold the whole clubhouse up, going around the large tree it was standing on. Finally, there was a flight of stairs that went straight down halfway before turning to the left and ending on the ground, with a large white rope hanging from a branch on the left side of the tree.

The interior of the clubhouse had a large green latter that was just a few feet away from the front door, with two large pink curtains hanging from the two windows on either side. At the front of the clubhouse, was a table big enough for at least seven or eight foals at the left side, a green chest on the right, and a large podium right in the middle. There was also a lamp hanging just in between the table and the podium, with a large picture frame hanging above from behind the table. To top it off, there was a large lavender purple rug with a large elegantly knit sun that covered quite a large portion of the color, and on said rug, were eight foals, five of which were laughing their little tails off.

“Ugh, are you girls done now…?” Sheton asked with a slight groan as he held his oversized barrel. “You’ve been going at it for five whole minutes. How long are you gonna keep it up?”

“Yeah…” Spike grunted as he sat on the floor, trying to ignore the pain in his own stomach as Dinky sat beside him. “It really isn’t all that funny…

“Oh my bucking gosh!” Fire Flash exclaimed, rolling around on the ground as she held her stomach. “I can’t believe you really did it! You really ate all of those fritters, hahaha!”

“Ah didn’t think y’all would really do it!” Apple Bloom nodded, unable to hold back her own laughter. “Apple Fritter made so many o’ them that Ah didn’t think y’all would even get halfway there, but ya went ahead an’ did it anyway, and nowlook at y’all! Ya look like an apple pie that looks ready t’ burst on Hearth’s Warmin!”

“I know!” Sweetie Belle giggled, putting a hoof to her mouth. “I’m sorry, but you two just took so funny like that!”

“They always do whenever they eat themselves to the point of bloating!” Crescent Shield guffawed, leaning into the alabaster filly to keep from falling over.

As the four fillies continued to laugh, Scootaloo and Dinky, who was the only ones that were not laughing, was occupied in trying to provide comfort to the two colts. She draped both of her wings around their backs and rubbed their forehooves as she glared sternly at her friends. “Honestly girls, what’s the matter with you all? Sheton and Spike are obviously in pain from how much fritters that they ate. We should be trying to help them, not laughing at them!”

“Yeah!” Dinky squeaked, giving a rapid nod of her head. “Why’re you guys being so mean?!”

“Oh, come on Scoots, Dinks! Why’re you getting so mad at us?” Fire Flash asked, her laughter ceasing somewhat. “It’s their fault for eating so much! They were the ones who agreed to the bet!”

“The bet that you goateed them into agreeing to?” Scootaloo retorted, making the crimson filly pause.

“Oooooh, she got you there, Flash!” Apple Bloom laughed, pointing a hoof at her friend.

“Well, they did[/I ]tell us that they could eat more than the average pony.” Fire Flash pointed out, a little weakly with a shrug. “I just wanted to see if they could really live up to what they were saying, or if they were just bucking around with us.”

“Well, you can see now that they weren’t!” Dinky huffed as she crossed her forelegs. “Big meanie…”

“Yeah, and you certainly got what you asked for!” Spike growled, glaring at Fire Flash. “I hope your happy, Fire Flash…”

“That was a really cheap shot if I’m being entirely honest.” Sheton nodded, frowning at the Pegasus filly. “Now I have an even more painful tummy ache then when I first ate breakfast with the Apple family! It didn’t hurt anywhere near as much as it does now! Dangit Apple Bloom, why did your grandmother have to make those apple fritters and turnovers so good?!”

The sun yellow filly giggled slyly, flipping her mane as she put a hoof to her chest. “What can Ah say? Mah Granny is the best baker ‘ere in all o Ponyville, with the Cakes and Ms. Pinkie Pie bein’ a very close second. No offense t’ them.” She replied, her tone matching the sly smile on her face. “Though, Ah can’t really blame ya fer likin’ them so much…anypony that’s ever tried one o’ Granny’s baked recopies will find themselves comin’ back t’ the farm over an’ over again wantin’ t’ try more. Ya jus’ happen t’ be her next unfortunate victim t’ it, no offense…” She added, her expression softening as she put a hoof on the stormy grey colt’s shoulder in comfort.

“None taken.” Sheton said softly, wincing as he felt another jolt of pain go through his stomach.

“Wow…you must be really hurting right now, aren’t you Sheton?” Sweetie Belle asked, her humorous expression now replaced with one of worry. “Are you sure that you’re okay?”

“Y-yeah, I’m alright really.” The stormy grey colt replied. “My stomach is…just a little cramped from eating all of those apple treats that Granny Smith made us.”

“Do you or Spike need anything?” Scootaloo asked, looking from in between Sheton and Spike as she kept them nestled in her wings.

“Unless you girls have anything that’ll make these agonizing stomach aches go away, its fine.” The mulberry purple colt replied, putting a claw on his stomach. “Ugh, it feels like I’m gonna explode…”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you two goofballs.” Crescent Shield giggled, walking over to the two colts as she ignited her horn in a teal blue aura of magic.

“Uh, what’re you doing Crescent?” Fire Flash asked, raising a fiery eyebrow at the ocean blue filly.

“Just a little something to help my brother and Sheton with their tummy aches.” Crescent Shield replied with a wink, stopping in front of the two colts.

“What do you mea-” Dinky began to ask, only to stop Crescent Shield closed her eyes as she encased both Spike and Sheton in her aura of teal magic. The two colts jumped at the sudden contact, but slowly closed their eyes a few moments later as they let their bodies relax under the pressure. They both gave blissful sighs as the warm feeling of Crescent Shield’s magic coursed through their bodies, sending pleasant jolts through them and lessening the pain in their swollen stomachs. A minute later, Crescent Shield opened her eyes and released her magical hold on her brother and friend, the magic around them dissipating with a fizzling pop, before it disappeared around her horn just a second later.

“There we go!” Crescent Shield chirped sweetly, watching as the two colts slowly laid on the rug covered floor. “Do you two feel better now?”

“You have noidea…” Spike replied with a sigh; his eyes closed in relief. “Thanks for that Cressy…that really helped us a lot.”

“Yeah, I can barely feel my tummy aching anymore.” Sheton replied, sighing softly as he felt Scootaloo’s hoof slowly run across his back.

“Hmhmhm, your welcome you two!” The ocean blue filly giggled, reaching and patting each of them on the head. “Anything for my awesome little brother and cutie of a best friend!”

“Crescent…” Sheton whined, looking up at her from behind his mane with a single visible emerald blue eye.

“What? It’s true!” Crescent Shield protested, her smile never leaving as she gently elbowing the stormy grey colt in the side. “Why can’t you just admit that you look more cuter than a button?”

“Because you’ll just go on and keep teasing me about it like my sisters do.” Sheton frowned, blushing as he pulled his fedora down over his eyes. “Like you’re doing right now…”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Crescent Shield said slyly, looking off to the side with a much too innocent look on her face. “I’m just saying that you’re a lot cuter and sweeter than most of the colts that I meet back at home.” Her golden eyes shifted towards the other fillies, as she put a foreleg around the stormy grey colt. “Aren’t I right girls? Don’t any of you think that Tony’s cute?”

“Crescent!” Sheton hissed, looking up at her from under his hat. “I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t call me that when there are other ponies around!”

“Oh, come on Tony.” Crescent Shield giggled, leaning her face in close to his. “You know you love it…”

“Wait a minute, back up there partner.” Apple Bloom said, holding up a hoof as she began to giggle again. “’Tony’? That’s th’ nickname that ya came up fer him?”

The ocean blue filly paused, looking down at Sheton, who shot her his best warning look as he shook his head vigorously, pleading with her not to say anything else. Giving him a small, yet mischievous smirk, she looked back to the other four fillies and replied, “Well, I wasn’t really one that gave him the nickname. It was his Mom that gave him the nickname some time ago, though it’s his older sister Goku that calls him that more than even she does. That is, whenever it’s just him or his sisters, but he doesn’t really like it that much.”

“Gee, I wonder why?” Spike deadpanned, watching Sheton’s face continue to burn a deep red.

“Really?” Fire Flash asked, pondering over it for a moment. “Well, I can totally see why you call him that. He is kind of cute.”

“Kind of?” Crescent Shield asked, raising an indigo eyebrow.

“Oh, come on Fire Flash! Not you too!”

“Awwww, look at him!” Sweetie Belle cooed. “He’s blushing!”

“Stop it!”

“Oh, what’s the matter Sheton? Don’t like bein’ told that yer all cute an’ stuff?” Apple Bloom teased, leaning in close to her new friend. “Or should Ah say…’Tony?’!”

Letting out an embarrassed groan, Sheton whipped his head over to the only other colt in the clubhouse. “Spike, please help me out here! Make them stop!”

“Sorry dude, you’re one your own with this one.” The mulberry purple colt replied with smile, a sympathetic expression on his face. “You know how Crescent Shield gets at times like this; best to just tough it out, and wait for it to pass.”

Ears flattening against his head, Sheton let his face hit the rug, the sound of Crescent Shield and the other fillies giggling filling his ears. He then felt a hoof rest on top of his head, and he look up to see Scootaloo staring down at him, a gentle smile etched on her face. He frowned back up at her, silently pleading with her to make the teasing, however good natured it was, to stop before he died from embarrassment. To his relief, the bright orange filly got the message, and she turned to look at the rest of her friends, with the upmost sternness in her expression.

“Alright girls, that’s enough! Can’t you see what you’re teasing is doing to Sheton?” Scootaloo asked, making the rest of her friends pause. “I know that you guys are just teasing with him, but honestly, don’t you know when you’ve taken it just a littletoo far?”

“Oh, lighten up a bit Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom said, chuckling a bit. “Ya know we don’t mean any harm by it. ‘Sides, it’s not like we’re doing it t’ git on th’ poor boy’s nerves.”

“That may be so, but I think you’re teasing may be having the opposite of what you intend.” Scootaloo said softly, yet firmly as she pointed down at the colt beside him. “As you can plainly see.”

“Yeah, lay off a little, will you?!” Dinky asked, stamping her hoof on the floor as she lashed her tail out.

The four fillies paused in their giggling to take a good look at Sheton, who was lying on the floor with his fedora pulled over his eyes and his cheeks burning a deep red. A moment later, their expression became embarrassed as they all looked at each other with sheepish expressions, before looking back at Sheton and Scootaloo.

“I guess we may have gotten a little carried away for a minute there.” Sweetie Belle mumbled, her cheeks a bright pink as she looked at Sheton apologetically. “We’re sorry Sheton; we didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or anything.”

“Yeah, we were jus’ jokin’ ‘round with ya, that’s all.” Apple Bloom said gently, walking over and putting a hoof on the colt’s shoulder. “We’re sorry if we gave off th’ wrong impression, Ah hope there ain’t any hard feelings.”

“N…no, it’s alright, I’m not mad at you girls. I know you didn’t mean it either.” Sheton replied after a few moments of silence. “Y-you just, um, got me reallyembarrassed with all of the teasing you were doing about my appearance. I’m not really used to being called cute all that much.”

“I know how you feel Sheton, trust me.” Fire Flash said understandingly. “Honestly, I don’t like it when ponies call me cute or adorable from time to time. I’d rather be called strong or tough, or even awesome, which is more my style, like my big sister Rainbow Dash! I don’t really mind if my Mom and Pop call me cute when I’m in a costume or anything like that.” She looked off to the side, adding with a mumble under breath. “Just as long as they don’t do it out in public or over-exaggerate it, or both.”

“I’m sorry too Sheton, I didn’t mean to upset you or anything.” Crescent Shield concluded, smiling apologetically. “Can you forgive me?”

Sheton frowned, his ears flattening against his head as he stared at the sad-eyed puppy dog look that the ocean blue filly was giving him. Heart aching and expression softening, he walked over to her and gave her a hug. “Yes, Crescent Shield, of course I can forgive you. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t forgive you for a little teasing? Even if you did get carried away with it.”

“Yeah…I did, didn’t I?” Crescent Shield asked with a slight laugh, nuzzling up to the stormy grey Thestral colt as she hugged him back. “And it wouldn’t be fair to you if I didn’t do the same.”

“Mhm.” Dinky nodded curtly.

“No, it most certainly wouldn’t.” Scootaloo said firmly, watching as the ocean blue filly blushed. The bright orange filly’s stern expression soon softened as she smiled gently. “Even so, I’m glad that you girls are apologizing for it, and making it up to him and make him feel better.” She paused, a small blush coming to her own face as she looked off to the side. “Although…”

“Although what?” Spike asked, looking at Scootaloo suspiciously. “Don’t tell me that you’re going to get on it too.”

“Oh no no no no no! I0tt’s nothing like t-that, honest!” Scootaloo cried, waving her hooves in front of her. “I-it’s just…n-not that I’m t-trying to tease S-Sheton or anything, b-but…h-he does look r-really, um…a-adorable.”

Sheton froze, his pupils contracting as he slowly turned to look at Scootaloo, who was doing her best not to make eye contact with him. The whole clubhouse went silent as every single head turned to the Pegasus filly’s way.

“W-w-w-what did you just say?” The stormy grey colt asked, feeling his whole face burning twice as much as before. “P-please tell me that I heard you wrong Scootaloo!”

“N-no, you heard me right.” The bright orange filly stuttered shyly, poking her forehooves together. “I-I r-r-really do think that you look, u-um…adorable…eep!” She let out a squeak as she wrapped her wings around herself, covering her entire head.

“Uh, Scoots…” Fire Flash began with a sweat drop. “You do realize that Sheton is, like, around a year younger than you, right?”

Apple Bloom glared at the crimson filly, slamming her hoof on the back of her head. “Shut it, Fire Flash! Does it really matter whether she’s one year older or five years older than Sheton! She can say that he’s adorable if she wants! Don’t be such a jerk!” With a snort, she adjusted the large Stetson on her head, before she turned back to Scootaloo. “Sorry ‘bout that Scoots, you were sayin’?”

“N-nothing!” Scootaloo stuttered out in reply, slowly coming out from behind her wings. “I-I just that I’d point it out…”

“Um…o-okay?” Sheton said slowly as he let go of Crescent Shield. “A-a-any particular reason why?”

“N-not really…” The bright orange filly replied, rubbing her forehooves together. “I-it’s just, um…earlier when you visited me and my sister at our cottage earlier today, y-you said that I looked p-pretty. I-I didn’t really get to say anything nice like that to you in return, s-so I thought it’d say it now.”

“O-oh, um…o-o-okay then.” Sheton replied, looking down at the ground as he pawed at the rug. “T-thank you for the, um…compliment. I really did mean what I said to you earlier too.”

“Is that so?” Sweetie Belle asked, raising a two-toned eyebrow at Sheton as she frowned at him. “And you’re saying that we aren’t?”

The stormy grey colt froze, his wings pinning to his sides as he held his hooves up in front of him defensively. “Oh no no no, not at all! Of course, I do think you’re pretty Sweetie Belle! You, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Fire Flash all are! Oh wait, you probably don’t like being called that Fire Flash! I-I mean, not that I’m saying that you’re not pretty, it’s just that…I, well…gah!”

Unable to say anything else, Sheton slumped back to the floor, putting both hooves to his face in defeat as his bat wings covered them too. A few seconds later, he heard laughter, causing him to look form in between his hooves and see Sweetie Belle laughing infectiously.

“Really Sweetie?” Spike deadpanned as he too frowned at the alabaster filly.

“Sorry, sorry! I just couldn’t help it!” Sweetie Belle said, smiling cutely at the young mulberry Kirin. “He just looked too adorable like that!”

“Oh come on!” Dinky exclaimed, raising both forehooves in the air.

“Oh jeez…” Sheton sighed, flopping down on the floor as Scootaloo once again wrapped a wing around him. Sweetie Belle and the others continued to laugh while Spike just sighed and rolled his eyes, shifting over and taking his place next Sheton, Crescent Shield and Scootaloo. A few moments later, they all went silent, taking some time to recover from their mirth, before Apple Bloom spoke up again.

“So Sheton, …how’re ya likin’ it here in th’ farm?” The sun yellow filly asked, looking at the Thestral colt with a smile. “It’s pretty neat ain’t it?”

“Yeah, the farm is so large and there are so many apple trees here, more than any other pace that I’ve ever been at!” Sheton beamed happily. “Your family is great too, and your brother, sisters, and grandmother are all so nice and kind! I still can’t get over how ancient Granny Smith looks!”

“I think ancient is a bit of an over exaggeration.” Crescent Shield giggled. “But I’d definitely say that Granny Smith is has lived here in Ponyville longer than anypony else here! I don’t know why, or how, but I can tell just by looking at her that she has.”

“Same here, I can tell Granny Smith’s age just by smelling her.” Spike nodded crossing his forelegs. “There was just something about her that told me that she wasn’t anywhere near as young as she looked. Not to say that she’s not a looker but…you guys know what I’m saying, right?”

“Yeah Spike, we know, don’t worry.” Fire Flash chuckled. “Then again, when it comes to ponies like us, we’re not exactly like most other ponies.”

“No, we’re really not.” Sweetie nodded, having gone back to her shy demeanor. “Even if we’re all at Granny Smith’s age, we’d still be considered really young. Rarity did always say never to judge a book by its cover.”

“True that Sweets.” Apple Bloom nodded. “There are a lotta ponies here that mistake other ponies fer a good number of reasons, and it really makes things harder fer them. luckily, mah Granny’s always there to clear it up, an’ those unfortunate ponies won’t have t’ deal with all o’ that unfair backlash. That’s jus’ how mah Granny is, always able to see somethin’ in ponies that others can’t see, jus’ like Miss Fluttershy, right Scoots?”

“M-mhm.” Scootaloo murmured, smiling slightly.

“Wow, your grandmother seems like a really nice pony.” Sheton said softly, marveling in what Apple Bloom had told him. “Then again, everypony I’ve met here has been so kind, so I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less.”

“Uh-huh.” Spike said, giving off a toothy smile. “Then again, there are a few rotten eggs even in a town like this, and I’ve run into a good few of them in the time that I’ve been here. So just be careful Sheton, just because the ponies you’ve met today were kind to you, doesn’t mean that everypony you meet will be. You never know when there’s that one rotten egg waiting to ruin your day.”

“Totally.” Dinky nodded with a groan. “I can totally think of one bad muffin…or rather, three of them.” She added under her breath, giving a huff as she lashed her tail out.

Sheton looked over at the grayish violet filly, having not completely heard what she said even with his sensitive hearing. “Well, I’ll be sure to watch out for any um, expiring fruits as my Mom would call it, here in Ponyville, and I’ll totally be there for you guys if that happens.” Sheton said encouragingly, earning sweet smiles from the five fillies in return. “By the way, I’m curious about something. What’re the teachers and other foals there like here in Ponyville?”

“Only some of the bestest and nicest teachers here in all of Ponyville!” Dinky replied, her excited voice raising ever so slightly as her eyes sparkled. “There are a lot of teachers at Ponyville Elementary that are very kind and understanding, and very helpful to other foals. Though, if there’s one teacher here that you really have to, um, favor, you should choose Ms. Cheerilee!” She squealed as she began to bounce up and down in a manner very unlike her.

“Ms. Cheerilee?” Spike asked perplexedly. “Who’s that?”

“Only, like, the most awesome teacher ever!” Fire Flash exclaimed as she flew into the air. “There a lot of cool teachers here and there that are cool in their own way, but Ms. Cheerilee really takes the cake! She’s just so darn sweet and cool, and almost every day in her classroom is so exciting! It doesn’t matter what subject she’s teaching us; she always finds a way to make it exciting! Trust me!”

“Uh-huh!” Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. “She’s really, really nice and understanding and she treats all the foals there equally like any other teacher! Though with her, she makes sure that nopony is being shown any favoritism or anything like that, and that they’re all treated the same! Hay, she doesn’t even care if the foals that come to her school are from members of our clans!”

“Whoa, seriously?” Sheton asked, his eyed widening a bit. “So, she doesn’t mind of somepony who’s a Thestral comes to her school? Even if there’s a risk of the school getting demolished?”

“Y’all bet Sheton!” Apple Bloom replied. “Any kind of pony is welcome there, an’ even though we haven’t really gotten to that point where non-ponies come here, she’s more than willin’ t’ let other creatures attend her school!” She winked at the three foals. “If there’s onething that we learned about Cheerilee since our time goin’ t’ her school, is that she ain’t one t’ judge others on what they are, pony or not! Ah guess it’s probably b’cause o’ th’ way she was brought up, accpetin’ others fer who an’ what they were and not treating them any differently that you would treat your best friend. Anyway, that’s how Ms. Cheerilee rolls, an’ she don’t like it when any o’ th’ other foals treat others any differently for the aspects that we have.” She wrapped her forelegs around Scootaloo, Fire Flash, and Sweetie Belle. “’Speciallyus!”

“Is that because we all come from families that are known to protect Equestria from threats?” Sheton asked, knowingly already knowing what the answer would be.

“Uh-huh!” Dinky nodded enthusiastically. “Now, don’t take her protecting ponies like us as a sign of special attention you guys. Like Apple Bloom said, Ms. Cheerilee just wants to make sure we’re all treated equally, and that we don’t have to worry about feeling so insecure about ourselves. Although, she does like it when she gets to teach the class about us!”

Sheton paused, tilting his head to the side in confusion. “What do you mean?” He asked, giving a little twitch of his ear.

“What she means is, Ms. Cheerilee takes a real likin’ t’ us, b’cause we come from the seven clans of Equestria!” Apple Bloom emphasized, gesturing to herself and each of her friends. “Our families contain knowledge that dates centuries back to before Equestria was even founded, and she loves it when she teaches the whole class about our families and how we play apart an’ makin’ Equestria what it is today! Oh that, and how our clans came t’ be too!”

“Does she know anything about mine, Crescent Shield and Sheton’s families?” Sheton asked as he walked over to them. “Any books or ancient history on the Kirins and the Thestrals?”

“Ms. Cheerilee taught us a bit about the Thestrals, about how they were Bat Pony’s and that they worked under the authority of Queen Luna, but nothing else really.” Crescent Shield replied bashfully. “As for the, um…Shenron clan…nothing that me and Spike don’t know if friends know of. Though, I can’t really say the same for Dinky and the other girls.”

“Huh…Ms. Cheerilee must be an amazing cool pony huh?” Crescent Shield, earning excited nods from the five fillies. So…what’re the foals at, uh…Ponyville Elementary like?”

Scootaloo smiled softly, brushing her mane away from her visible eye. “Oh, a l-lot of them are r-really kind a-and s-sweet. W-we actually made friends with a l-lot of them a-at the s-school, and t-they’re pleasant t-to b-be around.” Her smile slowly faded. “W-well…most of t-them are.”

“Most of them? What do you-” Sheton began to ask, only to pause as realization made its way to his face. “Wait…you mean…”

“Yep, you guessed right.” Spike nodded, a small frown adorning her face. “Like Scootaloo said, a majority of their classmates are really cool and easy going. Unfortunately, there are a couple of foals at Ponyville Elementary school who’re anything but easy going!”

“Who…who are they?” Sheton asked, the slightest bit of apprehension in his voice.

“Diamond Tiara Rich, Zipperwhill Kiba Lycona, and Silver Spoon Tenshi.” Apple Bloom replied scornfully, saying the two names as if they were an apple rotting in her mouth. “The richest, rottenest apples to ever walk Ponyville Elementary!”

“Richest?” Crescent Shield repeated. “You mean that they come from wealthy families?”

“Understatement of the century Crescent.” Sweetie Belle replied with a roll of her eyes. “Diamond Tiara , Zipperwhill and Silver Spoon come from three of the wealthiest families in all Ponyville! They practically rule the ground that everypony walks on here, most especially Diamond Tiara’s dad Filthy Rich, who’s the owner and lead business pony of Barnyard Bargains!”

“Barnyard Bargains?” Sheton repeated, his brows furrowing a bit. “So…he’s like a wealthy farm pony or something?”

“No, but Ah wish he was jus’ that.” Apple Bloom replied dryly, giving a little snort. “He does business with my Granny, sellin’ ‘er zap apple jam through his stores so he can keep his business boomin’ through th’ food markets that he runs. He also does business with Sweetie Belle’s sister Rarity, sellin’ th’ dresses that she makes through th’ dress stores that he also has under his hoof. It’s because of how much money he makes due to how delicious th’ zap apple jam is an’ how amazin’ Ms. Rarity is at makin’ her dresses that he values workin’ with them so much.” Her brows furrowed as her eyes began to glow. “Which is exactly one o’ th’ reason why Ah don’t like him, b’cause he sees them as tools t’ help him his way t’ th’ top. At least th’ Tenshi family don’t see ponies like that…”

“Wait, so the only reason Filthy Rich even bothers working with Apple Bloom’s grandmother and Rarity is because of their skills an’ the business that they make?” Sheton asked, earning solemn nods from Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. “Wow…talk about selfish and greedy.”

“And totally uncool!” Fire Flash added, snorting smoke from her nostrils.

“And just downright mean!” Dinky huffed indignantly, her horn giving strong sparks of magic.

“That’s not the worst of it though.” Spike said softly, making Sheton to him. “It’s because of how much business that Mr. Rich makes with Ms. Rarity and Granny Smith that they can’t really make him do anything about his daughter bullying us or any of the other foals at the school. If they try, he’ll just blackmail them into leaving Diamond Tiara alone, and even threaten them into cutting business ties with them permanently and have their businesses foreclosed!”

“What?!” Sheton shouted, his eyes going wide as he took a step back. “He…he can really do that?!”

“He can…” Sweetie Belle replied solemnly, her ears falling limp against her head. “They’re the ones that signed the contract with him which allows them to do business with him. So, he basically has a lot of power over them, in his own way I guess. You have no idea how much my sister or Apple Bloom’s grandmother have made ever since agreeing to work with Filthy Rich, even after Granny Smith turned the care of Sweet Apple Acres over to Applejack. They’ve gained so much ever since then, not only for themselves, but for Ponyville too! If all of that were to suddenly be cut off with just a single sheet of paper, then…then…” The alabaster filly paused, squeezing her eyes shut as she fought back a sniffle.

“So, let me get all of this straight…” Sheton groaned, rubbing his head with a hoof. “This Filthy Rich guy works with Ms. Rarity and Granny Smith only because of the special skills that they have when it comes to food and clothing, which will make his business grow if he does. Then, whenever your sisters or parents go to Filthy Rich about it, he threatens them with either black mail or the fear of no longer doing business with them?!” Another chorus of nods confirmed her answer. “That’s…that’s just inconceivable! How could one pony be so cruel?!”

“Somepony who likes to use their business smarts, money and wealth make ponies do what they want them to do.” Crescent Shield replied bitterly, her ears pinning back. “Like Father like Daughter I’d say…”

“Is his daughter really that bad?” Sheton asked nervously, a frown forming on his face.

“You have no bucking idea!” Fire Flash exclaimed. “Diamond Tiara is, like, one f worst ponies you could ever meet! Mean, snooty, and rich beyond belief! I mean, yeah, she’s pretty, rich and hot all, but that’s about the only thing that she and her friends got going for. Nopony at our school likes them, or wants anything to do with them, for obvious reasons! Especially our other friends!”

“I can definitely imagine that.” Sheton sighed with an understanding nod. “Nopony likes to get teased or harassed by anypony, whether it’s in a school or anywhere else.”

“D-diamond Tiara doesn’t j-just tease us a-a-and call us n-names.” Scootaloo said softly, rubbing her left foreleg with her right. “S-she does a l-lot m-more t-than that…s-she says and d-d-does awful things t-to us t-that h-hurts us i-in m-m-more ways t-than o-one.”

“Do I wanna know?” Sheton asked, afraid of the answer.

“No really, but just in case you run into her or happen to come here to our school, we’ll tell you what you should watch out for.” Crescent Shield replied. “Diamond Tiara has done a lot of things to us that’s either embarrassed us or hurt is in one way or another, and no matter how many times Ms. Cheerilee gets on her case and punishes her for it, she always does it again. One time, when I was trying to take notes for our history lecture, she kept distracting me because she wanted to tell me somethin’. When I finally asked her what, she gave a note saying that Ms. Cheerilee was a big fat meanie that had stupid hair and that she shouldn’t even be teaching in the first place!”

“Which is so not true in the least!” Dinky denied with a shake of her head. “Ms. Cheerilee’s actually really pretty, and she has a great mane too! Even if, um…she likes to grow it out and style it sometimes.”

“No way…” Sheton breathed putting a hoof to her mouth. “Did…did you get in trouble for it?”

“Well…more or less.” Apple Bloom replied after a short pause. “On one hoof, Ms. Cheerilee didn’t like that I was passin’ notes with somepony in class. On the other hoof though, she knew that Ah didn’t right that, because, fer one, she an’ Ah both know Ah’d never say somethin’ like that ‘bout her! Granny would burn mah hide of Ah did anyway! Second, is because Ms. Cheerilee knows each and every single on o’ our ways of hoofwritin’, so she knew fer a fact, that Ah didn’t right it. Thankfully, Ah was jus’ let off with a warnin’ while Diamond Tiara was forced t’ stay in fer recess.” She crossed her forearms as she snorted. “Serves her right fer sayin’ somethin’ so mean ‘bout Ms. Cheerilee.”

“That’s not all.” Fire Flash said, hovering back down to the floor. “One time, when I came into school early, I went to my desk and found that the words ‘tomato filly’ had been written all over the top! There was even a picture of me in the center of it, with all of the arrows on the desk pointing to it, all of it in marker! You do not know how long it took me and Ms. Cheerilee to clean it off, and by the time we did, class had long since started! So, we had to pretty much rush through our lectures if we wanted to get anything done!”

“Yeah, and don’t even get us started on what she tries to do during our activities!” Sweetie Belle added, lashing her tail out. “Whenever we’re trying to do things like arts and crafts, Diamond would accidentally drop glitter and paint on our projects, and we’d have to star them all over again! Ms. Cheerilee knows that we aren’t the ones doing it, but unless she outright sees it herself, there’s not really anything she can do about it. Still, she’s very understanding, and lets us have extended time to finish, even if we, uh, don’t get the grade we originally wanted.”

“Uh-huh…I just wish we had gotten higher grade for all of them.” Crescent sighed shamefully, her mane spilling over her face. “At least we didn’t get any Ds or Fs.”

Scootaloo nodded, looking up from the floor at the gob smacked faces on Sheton, Crescent Shield and Spike. “T-that’s just as bad, if not w-worse than t-the harassment a-and t-taunting that D-D-Diamond does to us w-whenever she’s n-not doing all t-those other t-things. Diamond Tiara c-calls us a l-lot of things…w-w-weak, d-dumb, useless, n-not special, f-friendless, poor…a-all of those horrible things…b-but when p-push comes to s-s-shove…s-she really lays it on thick with u-us.” The bright orange filly’s face scrunched up as her ears pinned back. “I-I remember one time…w-while we were out at r-recess, I had fallen off of one of the s-swings because I went too h-high. I tried to make myself airborne, b-but I couldn’t, a-a-and I ended up landing on the ground on o-one of m-my w-w-wings. D-Diamond Tiara s-saw this a-and laughed right at my f-face, a-along with Silver Spoon a-and Z-Zipperwhill…I-I b-begged them t-to stop, b-but they just w-wouldn’t…a-and…a-and then…D-Diamond Tiara called me a chicken!” She shut her eyes as tears began to form in them, a tiny sniffle leaving her nose. “S-she called me a w-worthless flightless c-chicken that c-couldn’t even stand up for m-myself! A-a-and, t-that I was better off as a chicken a-anyway…b-b-because c-chickens c-couldn’t…f…fl…”

The Pegasus filly trailed off, unable to say anymore as began to silently cry, rivers of tears rolling down her face. Sweetie Belle hugged her, rocking her back and forth as she stroked her indigo hair, whispering comforting words into her ear while Scootaloo wept into her shoulder, holding her tight. Sheton stayed silent, his shocked expressions never leaving his faces as he processed that the Spike and the fillies had just said.

“I…I can’t believe it…I can’t believe that she would do all of those things.” Sheton finally said after a moment of silence. “I’ve dealt with bullies before…along with me and Crescent Shield, and they were all bad in their own way…but…but I never thought that your bullies would be so cruel.” His face contorted into a deep brown as he looked at the girls sympathetically. “I…I’m so sorry that you girls have to go through all of that.”

“That’s okay Sheton…ya don’t go to our school, an’ ya ever even been in Ponyville until today, plus ya never even meet Diamond Tiara, so ya couldn’t o’ known ‘bout what she as doin’ t’ us.” Apple Bloom replied, giving a dismissive wave of her hoof. “We’re jus’ given ya a warnin’ t’ be on yer guard if ya ever run into her. Silver Spoon and Zipperwhill ‘re real rotten apples too, but they’re lumps o’ sugar compared t’ Diamond. Jus’ though Ah’d let ya know that right now, if ya ever run into’ her.”

“Thank you Apple Bloom; everypony here in Ponyville has been really nice to me so far. Other than you and your sisters, but I know that not all of them are gonna be. So, I’ll know what kind of ponies to watch out for if I ever move here or go to Ponyville Elementary.” The stormy grey colt said, before he gave a pause as something came up. “Speaking of which…I kind of forgot to tell you something back at Twilight’s library.”

“Oh?” Dinky asked, tilting her head to the side curiously. “What’s that?”

“Well, I don’t know exactly when me and my sisters are supposed to, but…” Sheton began timidly, pawing at the rug. “…we’re actually trying to move into Ponyville sometime this month.”

At these words, the five fillies paused, looking at the stormy grey colt with wide eyes.

“R-really?” Scootaloo asked, wiping that last remnants of her tears. “Y-you and y-your sisters a-are going t-to move here? T-this month?”

“Uh-huh, we were originally planning to move here sometime after the Summer Sun Celebration, so we wouldn’t have anything major to deal with later on.” Sheton replied with a slight nod. “Though, after what happened at the Town Square…I think we may have a bit of a delay there.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa wait a minute,” Fire Flash said, holding a hoof up. “So, what you’re saying is, that your sisters and you are planning to move here? Permanently?”

Sheton nodded again, smiling shyly at the five fillies as his fangs gleamed. “Uh-huh…my sister Goku just graduated from college some time ago, and she really misses her friends. Plus, she wants me to go to a better school where the teachers and kids are actually nice to me, and foals want to be friends with me. So…” A blush came to his face as he hid behind his mane. “…yeah, I guess you could say that I’m officially moving here after, you know, everything blows over.”

In the blink of an eye, Sheton found himself staring into the wide green eyes of Sweetie Belle, who a bore a smile that almost went from ear to ear. “Really?! Does that mean that you’ll also becoming to our school?!”

“If my sister is okay with it and its run by with Ms. Cheerilee then…yeah, I guess I will.” Sheton replied with a little shrug as he adjusted his fedora. A split second later his ears were filled with a loud ear piercing squeal that echoed about the barn, before Sweetie Belle pulled him into a tight hug.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! This is so going to be so exciting!” The alabaster filly cried as she spun the stormy grey colt around. “We can’t wait for you to meet the other colts and fillies back at Ponyville Elementary! There’s Twist, Rumble, Featherweight, Lily Longsocks, Button Mash, Ruby Pinch, Noi, Coconut Cream, Toola Roola, Chip Cutter, Kettle Corn, Petunia, and Cozy Glow! I know that they’ll all be so excited to meet you! They’ll get to play with you, do all sorts of activities and projects at the school, have sleepovers, and go on tons of crusades, and-”

“Alright, alright Sweetie Belle, slow down there…don’t wanna overwhelm the boy b’fore he’s even gotten a chance to experience all o’ that. Jeez, you sound jus’ like Melon Cake whenever she gets excited ‘bout somethin’.” Apple Bloom said as she put a hoof to Sweetie Belle’s muzzle, effectively silencing her. Taking her hoof away, she looked back at Sheton as Sweetie Belle released her. “Any who, as Sweetie Belle so kindly an’ excitedly stated, that’s what you’ll be lookin’ forward when ya move her an’ come t’ our school. Don’t worry Sheton, all th’ foals there are sweeter than sugar apple pie, an’ Ah’m sure they’ll love gettin’ t’ know ya too. Once our sisters come back after defeatin’ that Nightmare Moon varmint, we can probably have them all meet ya an’ we can have fun at the Summer Sun Celebration together!”

“Yeah!” Fire Flash nodded, patting the colt on the back. “Oh, and if Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are there and they give you any trouble, we’ll be right there with you! All of you!”

“Hey, don’t forget about me you guys!” Dinky exclaimed, running over and joining the group.

“Thanks you guys, that really means a lot to hear you say that.” Sheton said, a small thankful smile on his face. “I really hope that we’ll be great friends someday.”

“W-we hope s-so too, S-Sheton.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling sweetly at the stormy grey colt.

“Group hug!” Crescent Shield squealed excitedly, flaring her large wings out and bringing Spike, Sheton and all the other fillies in a rather large embrace. They all laughed and giggled at the ocean blue filly’s actions, but nonetheless reciprocated as they all shared one big embrace, nuzzling each other affectionately.

“So Sheton, now that we know that you’re coming to live here and accepted us as yer new friends,” Dinky began as she and the others pulled away. “Do you mind if we ask you a question?”

“Sure, what is it?” The stormy grey colt asked curiously as he ruffled his feathered bat wings.

The grayish violet filly looked back at the other fillies for a moment, a tiny smile on her face, before she looked back at the other three foals in front of them.

“We’re just a little curious about something…” Dinky continued, the smile on her face growing slightly. “…are you…ticklish?”

The stormy grey Thestral colt paused at these words, looking over at the fillies with perplexed looks on his faces as he took a moment to ponder the question. A second later, he looked over at Crescent Shield and Spike, and then back at Dinky and the other fillies, his brows knitted.

“Um…I guess so…why?” Sheton asked slowly, an unsettling feeling forming in the bit of his stomach.

“Oh no reason...” Apple Bloom said cutely, an all too innocent smile formed onto her face. “It’s just that whenever there’s anypony that accepts our offer in friendship, there’s a little…test that they have to pass first.”

“W…what kind of test is that?” Sheton asked tentatively, giving a little gulp as he took a step back.

At this question, a devious smile formed on Apple Bloom’s face, her sunset orange eyes glowing mischievously as she and her friends, with the exception of Scootaloo, slowly began to walk towards the trio. A lump formed in Sheton’s throat as he took stepped back, obviously put off by their sudden change in behavior.

“U-uh, girls…w-w-what’re you doing?” Sheton asked timidly, his tail tucking between his legs. “Why’re you looking at me like that?”

“Oh don’t worry, we’re not gonna hurt you guys.” Fire Flash said calmly, the wide fanged grin on her face sending a shiver down Sheton’s spine. “We’re just preparing you for our test.”

“W-what test?” Spike asked, looking like ready to jump out the closest window.

“Here we go…” Spike murmured while Crescent stifled a giggle.

“THE TICKLE FIGHT TEST!!!” The four fillies yelled in unison before they lunged at the trio.

“AIEEEE!!!” Sheton squealed as he flared his wings and took to the air, just barely dodging Fire Flash as she lunged for him. He barely had time to recover and process what was happening before as the crimson filly lunged for him again, only to miss a second time. Undeterred, she began chasing him all over the barn, Sweetie, Apple Bloom and Dinky following close behind.

“Awwww, what’s th’ matter Tony?! Ah though ya wanted t’ be our friend!” Apple Bloom exclaimed in a mock hurt to as she jumped at Sheton. “Don’t tell me yer rejectin’ our offer?!”

“N-n-no, that’s not true in the least!” Sheton squeaked, keeping herself as high as she possibly could while evading Fire Flash’s incoming attacks. I-I-I just…I don’t want you guys tickling me that’s all!”

“Why’s that? Afraid that we’ll find your most ticklish areas?!” Sweetie Belle giggled. “Crescent and Spike did tell us that Thestrals arereally ticklish, especially in the chest areas!”

Sheton’s gaze snapped over to Crescent and Spike, his face contorted in horror. “Y-you told them about one of my biggest weaknesses?!”

“More like we kind of let it slip out…” Spike replied bashfully. “The girls kind of did the same thing to us, and in the heat of everything…we blurted out that you were even more ticklish than us.”

“How could you?!” Sheton whined, crying anime tears. “I trusted you guys not to tell anypony that! Now everypony here in Ponyville is going to know about my families ticklish streak!”

“Pfft, as if we’d tell anypony that!” Fire Flash snorted. “Still, it’s obvious that you don’t want us to tickle you senseless until you become as red as my fur! That’s okay, if you wanna do this the hard way, we’ll do this the hard way! I like a good challenge anyway, hahaha!”

“Well, why isn’t Scootaloo joining instead?!” Sheton asked, jamming a hood down towards the bright orange filly sitting quietly on a hay sack. “She’s the only one not trying to tickle us! So how come you guys are trying to and she’s not?!”

“Oh, it’s not that I don’t wanna join.” Scootaloo replied, looking up at the stormy grey colt as he was chased by Fire Flash. “It’s just…I’d rather only tickle somepony if they’re up for it. I don’t like making other ponies do stuff, even if it is all in good fun.”

“That may be so…” A sweet voice cooed from behind Scootaloo, making her freeze in place. “…but did you forget the rules of the Tickle Fight Test whenever somepony accepts our hoof in Friendship? All foals who are doing the tickling must participate in it, without any exceptions, and tickle said victim until they either win or yield. Those that don’t participate in it, will find not only the victims tickled but also the ones who’resupposed to do the tickling, tickled themselves.” The bright orange filly turned around to see two gamboge golden yellow orbs glowing back at her evilly. “Have you forgotten that one super-duper teeny tiny important rule, Loo-Loo? Hm? Have you? Hm?”

“I-I, uh…I, er…ummm…” Scootaloo stammered, slowly backing away from the advancing Dinky.

“It seems like to have…such a shame. Well, as my momma and big sister say, fillies that break the rules are bad fillies indeed.” Dinky continued, that terrifyingly sweet tone never leaving her as she smirked at the bright orange filly in front of her, her horn ignited. “And as my momma and big sister say…bad fillies…must be PUNISHED!”

Now it was Scootaloo’s turn to squeal in fright as she turned tail and ran off, trying to get away from the other filly and escape her tickle attack. Unfortunately, she didn’t even get a fully ten feet away from her before she felt her tail get grabbed in the grayish violet filly’s magic and be pulled back to her attacker. The next thing she knew, she was on her back and staring right into the glowing eyes of Dinky, who wasted no time in attacking her sides with her forehooves, laughing all the while. Scootaloo tried with all her might to fight back, but her gentle nature and desire not to hurt her friends, added by the lightning quick jabs at her stomach and sides meant that it was all in vain. She was soon reduced to a squealing giggling mess as Dinky relentlessly tickled her, followed by Sheton just a minute later as his assailants captured him as well.

For the next several minutes or so it went on like this, the colt and filly were at the mercy of their friends, who attempting to tickle them into submission. All the while Crescent and Spike both watched, unable to resist laughing their little tails off at the display in front of them. As they continued to have their fun, they were blissfully unaware of the ruckus they were making and just how loud it was from outside. It was going at such a volume that it was enough to draw the attention of a couple of mares from outside of the barn, who then made their way over to see what was going on. The foals were so enwrapped in their fun, they didn’t notice the mares coming in the barn, at least not until they made themselves known.

“Now what in tarnation is this?!” The southern drawl of an Apple shouted, the surprise in it echoing about the barn. This was enough to stop the foals dead in their tracks, and they looked up to see two mares standing just inside the barn. The first mare was an Earth Pony, will a light-yellow coat, lighter than Apple Booms, and a brilliant malachite green and tail with strong sea green streaks in them. Her eyes were the same emerald green shade as Spike’s and Sweetie Belle’s and her Cutie Mark was off three apple fritters. The second mare beside her looked to be far younger, in her mid to late teens, and unlike the mare beside her, she was a Pegasus. A waterfall of a leaf green fell over her face and around her neck, slightly obscuring one of her violet eyes, while her tail somewhat dragged behind her and a Stetson sat on her head. She had a slightly lighter shade of green fur, and her Cutie Mark was of an apple tree that had a pencil sketching at the side.

“Oh, uh…howdy there, Apple Fritter.” Apple Bloom said sheepishly, a pink blush forming on her cheeks as she sat on top of Sheton. “W-what’re you and Pencil Sketch doin’ here?”

“We heard a whole bunch o’ noise comin’ from th’ barn, an’ we came to see what th’ hay was goin’ on?” Fritter asked, walking inside the barn. “Speakin’ o’ which, jus’ what are y’all doin?”

“Oh, we were just um…doing some bonding time with our new friend.” Sweetie Belle replied dumbly; her own cheeks adorned with an embarrassed blush. “W-we were welcoming him in our friend group w-with our all famous Tickle Fight Contest.”

Fritter deadpanned at that statement. “Fer real? Ya mean the very same Tickle Fight Contest that nearly got this here barn burned down by Spike when ya did that t’ him?”

“I didn’t mean too!” Spike pouted. “How were they supposed to know how dangerous Laugh Fire is?! Plus, I didn’t have any time to warn them and they just…came onto me, and not in thatway either!”

Crescent Shield looked at Spike curiously. “What way do you mean Spike?”

“A way that you will know in the next five years.” Spike said curtly. “I’ll tell you about it then.”

“We know that Spike, I’m just a bit pissed off at th’ fact they’re tryin’ that again, ‘specially given what happened last time.” Fritter sighed, looking back at the fillies. “I mean seriously, is there no other way y’all can think of t’ welcome any youngin’ int’ yer lil’ friend group?”

“If there was, we’d have done it by now!” Fire Flash snorted. “Besides, when we do it this way, we’re showing others how much we mean it when we say we wanna be there friends! It also shows that we’re not going to be complete and total bitches to them either, unlike some foals that we know.”

“O’ course it does.” Fritter sighed, rolling her eyes before she looked at Sheton. The moment she made eye contact with him, her eyes widened with recognition. “Wait a minute…didn’t Ah see ya earlier today?”

Sheton nodded, rolling over on his stomach so he could properly look up at Fritter. “Yes ma’am, we did, it was at the Apple Family Reunion Brunch with Applejack and the rest of your family.”

“Oh yeah, no Ah remember…can’t believe that Ah forgot ‘bout that.” Fritter chuckled, walking over to the colt. “Well, it’s nice t’ see ya again sugarcube, never thought you’d be back on th’ barn again.”

“Y-yeah, there was a slight change in plans, and I ended up back here again.” Sheton said, blushing at the sight of Fritter’s chest fluff. “U-um…who’s that mare with you?”

“Oh right, Ah didn’t introduce ya t’ her, did I?” Fritter said with a shake of her head. Reaching over, she brought the teen filly in, emitting a squeak from her. “Sheton, Ah’d like ya t’ meet mah daughter, Pencil Grove Sweet Apple Titan. She’s the only lil’ apple that Ah got, but she’s mah most cherished on nonetheless.”

“Pencil Grove…I can see why she’s named that.” Sheton giggled, his cat-like eyes scanning her Cutie Mark. With a polite smile, he walked over to the larger flyer and stuck his hoof out. “Hi Pencil Grove, my name is Sheton Nightstalker Shenron. It’s really nice to meet you.”

Pencil Grove smile gently, reaching over to Sheton’s own outstretched hoof, only it wasn’t to shake it. Instead she grabbed it and pulled the Thestral colt into her, embracing him into a tight yet affectionate hug. Sheton was taken aback by the action, but quickly composed himself, and shyly returned the hug.

“Well, Ah can see that Grove is takin’ a likin’ t’ ya already.” Fritter giggled. “Ah’m sorry ‘bout that Sheton, mah daughter can be a bit of a hugger.”

“Yeah, I can see.” Sheton said sheepishly, looking up at Pencil Grove. “It’s really nice to meet you Pencil Grove.”

Grove let out a soft giggle, leaning in and nuzzling the smaller flyer on his head. “Hello there Sheton, it’s very nice t’ meet ya too.” She said in a soft, and practically childish voice as she hugged the foal even tighter.

“Awww, look at that Sheton! Not even five minutes and Grove already likes you!” Sweetie Belle cooed, her eyes sparkling. “You really look like you have a think for drawing ponies to you!”

“You have no idea.” Spike chuckled while Crescent giggled.

“Alright Pencil Grove, that’s enough.” Fritter said, putting a hoof on her daughter’s shoulder. “I know he’s cute an’ all, but Ah don’t’ want ya t’ suffocate the poor boy. He’s already had enough o’ that from Honey Blossom an’ Apple Bloom.”

“Ah was not!” The farm filly denied as Grove set Sheton down.

“Anyway, Ah’m glad that yer all havin’ fun an’ all, but can ya try t’ tone it down?” Fritter asked, setting Sheton’s fedora back on his head. “We can hear y’all all th’ way inside th’ house, an yer disturbin’ everypony else inside th’ house.”

“W-we’re sorry m-miss Fritter.” Scootaloo stammered. “W-we g-got carried away i-in our t-t-tickle f-fight w-with Sheton. W-we didn’t mean t-to disturb you o-or Grove.”

“That’s alright Scootaloo.” Grove cooed. “We know y’all didn’t mean it, y’all were jus’ havin’ fun with yer new friends is all. Jus’ be more careful ‘bout it okay, don’t want y’all gettin’ hurt round here an’ all.”

“We know, there are a lot of things in the barn that can really hurt us.” Sheton said, pawing at the ground. ‘And that’s not the only thing that can hurt Spike, Crescent or the other fillies…or, at least the only one.’

“Hey Fritter, if we’re really causin’ that much of a ruckus, then maybe we can move somewhere else on th’ farm?” Apple Bloom suggested. “Maybe t’ th’ clubhouse on the eastern side o’ th’ barn?”

“Ya mean that old clubhouse that Applejack used to hang out in?” Fritter asked, tilting her head to the side. “The same clubhouse you an’ yer friends like t’ hang out in?”

“Yeah, that one.” Apple Bloom nodded. “It’s pretty far from th’ barn, not t’ mention any ruckus that we make can’t really be heard an’ bother anypony. Plus, Ah really wanna show Sheton th’ clubhouse so he knows where t’ find us so he can hang out with us.”

Fritter pondered over it for a moment, before smiling and giving a nod. “Ya know what Ah think that’s a good idea. With all that’s been goin’ on, Granny Smith an’ th’ rest o’ mah cousins could really use some relaxation time, an’, no offense t’ any o’ y’all, but all o’ this fun yer havin' is jus’ a lil’ too loud.”

Dinky blushed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. “Uh-huh…we were kind of loud here.”

“Yeah, jus’ a lil’.” Grove giggled, her luscious mane bouncing slightly. “If ya want, Ah can take y’all over there, an’ me an’ Ma can probably make y’all some more fritters, an’ even bring ya some cider as a lil’ bonus.”

“Oh buck, please do that!” Fire Flash begged, her mouthwatering. “Please bring me that cider; I cannot get enough of that delicious beverage!”

“We know you can’t Fire Flash.” Crescent murmured. “Just be glad that Melon Cake isn’t here to hoard it all for herself.”

The crimson filly glanced over at the ocean blue filly. “What?”

“Nothing!” Crescent chirped, smiling cheekily.

“Well then, that’s settles it.” Fritter nodded. “Pencil Grove here can take y’all to AB’s clubhouse while Ah git somethin’ cookin’ again. I can tell jus’ by lookin’ at those plates that not all o’ y’all will be satisfied easily.”

As she said this, she locked eyes with Sheton, her expression knowing as the stormy grey Thestral blushed in embarrassment. As the light-yellow mare walked out of the barn, Sheton glanced over at Apple Bloom. “You actually have a clubhouse?”

“Eeyup, Ah sure do!” The sun yellow filly chirped. “Applejack used to use it when she was th’ same age as me, but now, she’s lent it over t’ me! Me an’ the girls have done a lotta remodelin’ t’ it, an’ it looks alot better than it did b’fore! With some extra additions t’ it too!”

“Extra additions?” Sheton repeated, tilting his head. “What kind of additions?”

Apple Bloom grinned, reaching over and patting the bat winged colt on the cheek. “You’ll jus’ have t’ wait an’ see Sheton…you’ll jus’ have t’ wait an’ see~.”

As the foals continued to converse, they were blissfully unaware that the releasing off all the tension and stress they were doing was going to be very vital later on. Because in just a short while, their whole town would be in for one very dark and violent surprise. One that will pull them into a scenario that will force them all to fight for not only there own lives, but for each other's lives as well.

Author's Note

Well, there you guys go, another sweet and fluffy encounter with the foals of Ponyville, with our all time famous Cutie Mark Crusaders, my most favorite fillies ever :rainbowkiss: !!! Now, just like with the last couple of chapters involving Fluttershy and the Manticore, I had changed some scenes and scenarios before addition more editions to them. Like with Spike and Crescent Shield actually living in Ponyville with the CMC and them also having do deal with the cruel scenarios of bullying, with Sheton being the only one learning of it, and just what he should expect in his soon to be new home. I had planned to leave it off with them bonding over their little tickle fight, but I had decided to add the scene with Fritter and another OC that I'm planning to give a role later on in the series before leaving those little cliffhangers. One of them being the clubhouse that Spike, Crescent, Dinky and the CMC are going to show Sheton, and the adjustments :raritywink: . I honestly don't know why, but it felt that it'd be better for me to do that, especially if others were curious about the ponies Midnight detected in the barn while she and the Apples were fighting the Tantabuses.

Also, yes everypony, as with many other author's I have made Diamond Tiara the number one school bully in all of Ponyville Elementary School that Crescent Shield, Dinky, and the CMC go to, and where Sheton will go to as well. Everything they've told Sheton in this chapter about what Diamond Tiara did to them both in and outside of school should give you some indication of just how bad this AU version of her is. Add that to the fact that her dad Filthy Rich hasn't done anything about it just shows you that he's really not doing anything about it, and blackmailing and threatening their families into leaving Diamond alone makes it even worse. Though if you think the Diamond Tiara in the Main Series is bad, trust me, you will feel purely and utterly revolted by what this AU version of Diamond Tiara is capable of, because this chapter is only scratching the surface of just what this spoiled, snobby, snobbish, and snooty little filly is capable of in this series that I am planning :twilightoops: ! Trust me when I say this, that it is going to be SO bad when we get to that point, so much so that it'll make the main episode of Ponyville Confidential seem like the Cutie Mark Crusaders were just joking around!!!

Well, that's it for today everypony; tune in next time for a much tenser scenes, with more than a little emotion packed into it later on :rainbowderp: :applecry: .

Chapter 40 - Bolts of the Sky

While the Sheton, Spike, Crescent Shield and Crusaders all played in the barn in the seclusion of Sweet Apple Acres, another event was taking place unseen by others. It was one that would soon join in on what was happening down below, and aid in what was soon to come. It didn’t involve anything like a supernatural villain coming to wreak havoc on a peaceful town. Nor did it involve having to travel into a seemingly abnormal wilderness and battle unknown and bizarre creatures that shouldn’t even be allowed to exist in the face of Equestria; at least not yet. It was one that involved two groups of elite solders, so similar yet at the same time so different, coming together as one. It was an event that would have them both settling their differences, if only for a day, so they can both work together to stop a mighty foe thought to have vanished long ago. It was very uncertain if this plan would even work, or if the group being seeked would be even remotely interested in helping the one that was seeking them. It was even more uncertain if both sides would be able to put the rivalry between them aside long enough to do what needs to be done in order to save the land.

One thing was for certain; when all is said and done, neither side will come back unscathed.

High above in the light fluffy patches of the clouds, four ponies could currently be seen flying through the sky and towards the town of Ponyville. They were clearly Ariel Flyers, as evident by the suits that they were wearing, only the fourth pony’s was that of Violet Fire’s own flight suit, indicating she was a Shadowbolt. The other three ponies had similar suits, except it was a deep blue color instead of dark purple and jet black, with lightings shaped lines at the hooves. They were wearing bright azure blue goggles in front of their eyes, and the underside of their suits were a bright yellow, with a golden lightning bolt with white wings where their flanks were.

‘Oh, Faust above, why did it have to be me to come and send this message to the Wonderbolts? Of all the ponies that Captain Violet Fire could’ve sent, out of all the ponies that could’ve went and done this, it just had to be ME!’ Crimson Skies thought solemnly as she stared up into the sky, as if expecting the goddess of all ponies herself to answer her. When she got no response, she frowned and hung her head. ‘This was a bad idea; I just know it! I am never going to be able to handle myself against these ponies! Especially her! I’ll be dead before I even set hoofin that town, and that’s if their Captain doesn’t try incinerate me on the spot again!’

As the palomino creamy mare continued to be lost in thought, she stole a glance over at one of the Wonderbolts that were flying alongside her, presumable the Captain. The pony turned their head to Crimson Skies ever so slightly, and her face contorted into a snarl as her goggled eyes gleamed a bright, yet strong color orange. Crimson Skies felt a whimper escape her throat as she tore her gaze away from the other mare, still feeling her face burning into the back of her skull. As they continued to fly closer to Ponyville, the young mare felt her mind wander back to the events that led her to where she was now.

Crimson Skies’ wings gave silent gentle flaps as she soared her way through the air, passing by the multitude of clouds that floated all around her. Her long over extended chocolate brown mane and tail flowed gracefully behind her as her goggles flashed in the moonlight. She glided and soared through the air, climbing and diving as a way to gain speed so she can get to her destination as fast as she could. In her left hoof was a map, given to her by her Captain so she could find where she was going.

“Okay, if I remember correctly, Wonderbolt Head Quarters is nestled in the Northwestern part of Equestria, just where Cloudsdale is, only its much farther. It shows here that they aren’t too far apart, and I can find it if I keep going on this trail.” The palomino mare said to herself as she inspected the paper in her forehooves. “It’s supposed to take over half an hour or more to get there, and I’ve been flying for almost all of that time…so I should be there soon.”

The young Shadowbolt then looked ahead of her and saw nothing but the clouds and the beautiful stars decorating the night sky above her. “Hmmm…it doesn’t seem like I’m getting anywhere…I don’t see any of the buildings that I’m supposed to see. I don’t even see that large mountain that’s supposed to have that big road…oh where could it be?”

As Crimson Skies continued to soar her way through the skies above her, she noticed that she was approaching a very large and thick parchment of cloud. She looked down below her, only to see even more cloud where the ground was. She then on either side, seeing the same results, before looking up and seeing a bit of the moon poking out.

“It looks like I’m gonna have to make a bit of a detour…” Crimson Skies murmured to herself as she adjusted her goggles. “I can’t see anything through these clouds, and I don’t think that I’m going to find Wonderbolt Head Quarters here. I hope I’ll get there soon, and that’s it’s not too far away. Time is not on my side right now.”

With those words, the palomino Pegasus folded the map in her hooves and placed it one of the pockets of her suit, before she began to fly upwards. She gave her large wings strong flaps as she continued to ascend higher into the sky, the light of the moon growing brighter with each flap she gave. She flew higher and higher, getting closer to the edge of the cloud before she found herself rocketing above it and stopping in mid-air. Once she collected herself, she took in her surroundings, and felt her jaw drop when she saw just where she was.

High above in the light fluffy patches of the clouds, laid a large airborne sanctuary that could only be described as a military base. It wasn’t just any normal military base; it was the one of the Wonderbolts. It was a gigantic circle of cloud that had a multitude of buildings with much smaller patches of clouds for roofs and windows set in random parts. In the center of it was a large training ground filled with loops, machines, and even a cloud obstacle for Pegasi to train in in the air. In the very center of the training ground, Crimson Skies could see that there was a huge piece of road that was for Pegasi coming in to land whenever they were finished doing their laps. Normally, such a piece would be found in cities and towns, like Manehatten or Fillydelphia, but for reasons only known to the Wonderbolts themselves, it was put there.

At the far bottom of the training ground, where all the large in buildings were, laid one in the very center that seemed to be the largest one there was. It had two statues of Pegasus ponies looking like they were flying set on either side, along with two large red flags that blew in the breeze. On the top of the building, lay the huge symbol of the Wonderbolts, the winged lightning bolt shining brightly in the light of the night, letting all who saw it know who ran this place.

“I don’t believe it…it’s the Wonderbolt Head Quarters!” She cried as she looked around the large base of her pursued destination. “I…I made it! I finally made it! I actually made it to Queen Celestia’s Ariel Force Military Base, and five minutes early!”

Crimson Skies face broke out into a smile as congratulated herself, doing loops in the air and quietly cheering to herself as she laughed merrily. She eventually composed herself and managed to get back into focus, still remembering the task at hoof that she still needed to complete. She silently soared down towards the large military base and landed on the closest parchment of cloud in front of her. Ruffling her wings, she began walking around the base, taking in the large scenery around her as she drew closer to the main building of the Wonderbolts Head Quarters. When she reached it, she stared in wide eyed awe at the large Wonderbolts symbol that was etched in the top center of the building.

“Wow…this place is…smaller than I thought that it would be. I thought that it’d be bigger than this, but, it’s not even close.” Crimson Skies said to herself as she took the sight in. She supposed that the Wonderbolts couldn’t really afford to make their base as big, spacious or set up as the HQ and training ground for the Shadowbolts were. That was understandable; not every military base was like there’s and they definitely didn’t have the type of ponies that they had in their group. If they did, then there was a pretty big chance that they may end up in the same position as the Shadowbolts, and that, would not work out for any of them.

‘Wait, a minute what am I doing?! Why am I thinking about how small this place is compared to ours?!’ Crimson Skies thought to herself as she vigorously shook her head. ‘I’m on a mission her to get help for Queen Celestia! Not to go sight-seeing!’

Taking a deep breath, the palomino Pegasus began to make her way up to the main building of Wonderbolt Head Quarters, only to suddenly freeze in place. Her sharp ears picked up the sound of flapping wings and roaring wind behind her, indicating that there was somepony behind her. She whipped around just in time to see a brilliant orange and brilliant blue streak slam right into the cloud she was standing on. This cause a large shockwave to emit and wash over Crimson Skies, who used one of her wings to shield herself, even though she had her goggles on.

When the wave settled, Crimson Skies lowered her wing and looked to see the source of the explosion, only for a soft gasp to escape her mouth. Before her were two other Pegasus ponies, one a mare and the other a stallion, dressed in light blue suits with streaks of yellow lightning and deep blue goggles. The stallion had a whitish light grey coat, with a brilliant orange mane and tail with very light brown streaks that looked to be white, and his wings being the same color. As he pulled back his goggles, revealing moderate purple eyes a were slightly darker than that of Silver Speeds. The mare beside him had a light grayish olive coat, and a light brilliant blue mane and tail with very pale arctic blue streaks in them, the same with her own wings. She pulled back her own goggles, revealing a pair of moderate sea green eyes as she and the stallion looked suspiciously at the younger mare in front of them.

“Who are you little filly?” The Wonderbolt stallion asked, his tone matching the expression on his face. “What are you doing on our Head Quarters?”

“I-I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to intrude!” Crimson Skies stuttered hastily, taking a few steps back. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong, honest! I was just-”

“Fire Streak didn’t ask you if you were intruding of if you were doing anything wrong.” The mare beside the stallion, now referred to as Fire Streak, said icily, cutting the young palomino mare off. “What he was asking, was what are you doing here, on Wonderbolt Head Quarters. You should listen to what ponies are asking you.”

Crimson Skies paused, gulping audibly as she struggled to compose herself. “R-right, I-I’m sorry…” She squeaked timidly, shrinking under the mare’s icy stare. “I-I’m here t-to speak to your Captain, i-if you don’t mind that is.”

“What would somepony like you want with Captain Spitfire?” Fire Streak asked, giving a little tilt of his head as his eyes narrowed. “From what me and Icy Mist can see, you don’t look like someone who’s worthy of her time. Especially with that suit of yours.”

“Y-yeah, I really don’t, do I?” Crimson Skies laughed nervously as she ran a hoof through her mane. “A-anyway, I came here under the order of my Captain, Violet Fire, to deliver a-”

“Wait, Violet Fire?” The mare, now known as Icy Mist, interrupted, her eyes widening slightly. “You mean, the Violet Fire? As in Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario, the Captain of the Shadowbolts and the infamous Black Phoenix?”

“Y…yes, that’s her.” Crimson Skies replied, her expression turning to one of slight surprise. “Why do you ask? Do you know her?”

“Do weknow her?” Fire Streak scoffed. “Everypony here in Wonderbolt HQ knows that showoff of a mare! Captain Spitfire’s told us all about her and her group of Shadowbolt softies! I never would’ve thought I’d meet somepony not part of our team who knows her, let alone somepony whose part of her team.”

“I think ‘softies’ is too kind of a word to call them. More like complete and total phonies and copycats!” Icy Mist said conspiratorially, giving a snort. “She told us how they think they’re better elite flyers and soldiers than we are, and that they think they’re better than us because they rose up first before the Wonderbolts did! Just because they’ve been known longer than us doesn’t mean that they’re better than us! I don’t know who they think they are!”

Something inside Crimson Skies triggered at those statements about her team, and she frowned hard at the two Wonderbolts, her anger momentarily replacing nervousness. With a growl she lifted her goggle sup from her face, letting the two Wonderbolts see her cerulean irises as she glared at them with all the anger she could muster.

“Captain Violet Fire isnot a showoff, or a phony you big jerks! She’s strong, she’s kind, gentle, caring, and an incredible leader, one of the best there is!” She shouted angrily, her wings flaring. “She’s one of the most amazing ponies in the world, more so than anypony I’ve ever met, besides the Queen! There is no other pony like her, you hear me?! Nopony!” She added boldly, her cerulean eyes flashing brightly as she bared her teeth.

If the palomino Pegasus was hoping to intimidate the two Wonderbolts with her bravado and her defense of Violet Fire, however commendable it was, it was a futile effort. It was made even more evident by the chorus of laughter that Fire Streak and Icy Mist let out just a moment later.

“Violet Fire? The world’s most amazing pony?” Icy Mist asked, staring at Crimson Skies as if she had said the world’s funniest joke. “Please, as if! What kind of, ‘amazing pony’, would go out of her way to take in ponies who don’t have the skills to be an elite flyer? Let alone a soldier?”

“Yeah, what kind of pony even does that? Fire Streak nodded, giving a little chuckle. “From what we’ve heard from Captain Spitfire, Violet Fire takes in ponies who’re literally living in the slums! I get that she’s trying to help them and all, butseriously, what does she hope to gain by doing that? It’s not like those ponies have anything good going for them, or they can really do anything for her.”

“Definitely not,” Icy Mist snorted. “All she’s doing is wasting her time with ponies like that. Why does she even bother with them anyway? It’s not like she’s going to be able to change who they are and what they’ve done to get to that point. It’s their own fault they didn’t put in the work to prevent themselves from falling so far. And even if it wasn’t, her pitying them is only gonna make things that much worse for them.”

“Totally…even if the ponies she helps does manage to get back on their hooves, its only because they have something that she wants from them.” Fire Streak said with a small smirk. “She’ll only befriend them for as long as they can be of use and provide her with something, and once they can’t do it anymore, they’re right back where they started.

“Is…is that really what you think my Captain does all the time? Take ponies in, befriend them, and make them apart of her team because they can be useful and have something that she wants from them?” Crimson Skies asked incredulously, looking at the two Wonderbolts as if they were completely insane. “Do you really think that’s the kind of pony that she is? Is that the pony you believe one of the kindest, most compassionate mares I’ve ever known is known to be?!”

Fire Streak and Icy Mist both paused, looking at each other for a moment as the question sunk in. They then looked back at the palomino mare; both of their muzzles formed into small smirks.

“Well…our Captain gave us some tips about what Violet Fire is like, and to watch out for them should we ever met.” Icy Mist finally said, giving a little wave of her hoof. “Though, with everything else she’s told us, and all we’ve been through with the Shadowbolts, we wouldn’t put it past her to be just like how Captain said she would be.”

“…So that’s it then? That’s how you’re going to play it?” Crimson Skies asked quietly, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You’re just going to go ahead and judge my Captain from somepony else’s perspective and not your own? Even if it’s coming from your Captain? Who doesn’t know anything about her?”

“Of course not! The only reason we’re even going with what Captain Spitfire is saying about Violet Fire is because she knows it from personal experience. She wouldn’t tell us any of this if she didn’t see it herself. She isn’t the type of pony to say things that aren’t true” Fire Streak replied frowning at the young Shadowbolt as he gave a flick of his tail. “Oh and in case you’re wondering, yes, we have meet your Captain before, and we can see that what Captain Spitfire said about her is pretty much true. At least in the regard of recruiting random ponies that don’t have anything good going for them.”

Crimson Skies silently stood rooted where she was, staring at the mare and stallion in front of her with absolute disbelief. She couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of their mouths as she listened to them berate and taunt her Captain and her team. Violet Fire had told her and the rest of their team about the rivalry that the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts had between each other, for obvious reasons. Both were elite flyers and formidable air soldiers, had powers that made them different in the eyes of other Pegasi, and both were a part of Queen Celestia and Luna’s E.U.P Guard. There was even the note on how both forces were founded by Pegasus ponies that were a part of Equestria’s Seven Clans, which made them all the more feared and respected, especially since they were serving under the Queens themselves.

The ebony mare had also mentioned of how the Shadowbolts were the first Ariel Force to rise before the Wonderbolts, and they were known far longer than their rivals were, not to mention more famous. She had even told of how their rivalry was first sparked between the founders of both teams not long after the Wonderbolts were founded, after the Shadowbolt General won against the Wonderbolt General in a friendly duel, which had gone on for the last few millennia, and was still going on today. Thanks to this, both Ariel Teams had developed some bad blood between each other, and despite some from each other holding respect for one another, and liking each other even, there was a majority that hated one another’s guts with a passion.

Crimson Skies’ brows furrowed, her disbelief slowly giving way to anger as she began to shake in place, her mane falling over and shadowing her eyes. She was simply unable to comprehend and understand how ponies that were day dwelling replicas of them could say something so callous about the other. The young Shadowbolt knew that there were some ponies in the Wonderbolts that didn’t take kindly to her team, and Violet had warned her not to expect a warm welcome form them when she same here. Crimson was prepared for this, along with any form of hostility directed at her for being part of a team that was supposed to be her rivals, and even an insult or two here and there.

She was not, however, prepared for the way that they were so carelessly and cruelly berating her Captain, simply for her kind heart. It was one of the main reasons why so many ponies adored the ebony mare, because she was there to help them when they were at their lowest, point. Yet these ponies felt that what she was doing was a crime, and had the audacity to say it like they knew it was true? To insult herwas one thing, as she had gotten a good number of teardowns all her life from just about everyone that she could imagine. However, to insult one of the few ponies that gave her the chance to do something great with her life, and took her into a society where she could always feel safe and welcome? Well, she wasn’t going to stand for that, not in these Head Quarters, not at her own Head Quarters, not anywhere.

“You’re wrong…you are both so very wrong.” The palomino Pegasus said softly as she squeezed her eyes shut. “Captain Violet Fire is notthat kind of pony! She doesn’t use ponies for the skills and talents that they have, or is that the reason why she’s friends with them! That is not the kind of pony that she is, not even close!” She snapped her eyes back open to reveal two blazing cerulean orbs, glowing with such an intensity that it caused the two Wonderbolts to step back a bit in surprise. “The reason why Captain Violet Fire recruits so many ponies into the Shadowbolts and lets them join our society isn’t because she feels pity for them or because she wants to give them a place. It’s because she wants to see them shine and become the ponies that they do desperately want to be, even if others don’t think so! She guides those that are lost, helps those that are hurt and want to put their past mistakes behind them, and protects those that can’t protect themselves! You have no idea of the number of ponies that were able to make themselves better because, Violet Fire took them under their wing, and how much better they are because of her!"

The Shadowbolt reared up and slammed her hooves on the cloud ground beneath her, emitting a large shockwave. It blasted right into the two Wonderbolts, causing them to reel back some as the young mare continued to defend her Captain. “She is the reason why so many ponies that met her are back on their feet and in control of their lives again, and they are all so thankful to her because of it! That’s[I ]the kind of pony that she is, and not the cruel, manipulative pony that you and your Captain claim her to be! Violet Fire is the best thing that ever happened to those that joined her and befriended her, so don’t you daresay anything bad about her! If you do, you and your Captain will have to answer to me and the other Shadowbolts, YOU HEAR ME?!” She concluded, yelling out the last three words.

Crimson Skies was left panting after that indignant rant that she had given off, the only sound being heard in the near eerie silence of the whole Wonderbolt Head Quarters. There was a small part of her that felt that she may have overdone it, but her desire to defend her Captain and her honor overrode her fear of the Wonderbolts, and she had every intention of letting these ponies know that she was not gonna stand for their cruel words. Her words had the desired effect she was looking for, as evident by the fact that Icy Mist and Fire Streak were left somewhat shocked at her outburst. Had it not been for her sharpened senses, she wouldn’t have been able to see the looks of apprehension on their faces, and she took in some satisfaction in knowing that she could make her rivals falter.

The palomino Pegasus’s height of confidence and self-satisfaction was short lived however, as she suddenly found herself reeling back from an explosion of power. She let out a cry of surprise, nearly falling on her rump as she put a hoof to her chest in an effort to soothe her now rapidly beating heart. She slowly looked up, only to let out a squeal of terror as she looked into the blazing eyes of Icy Mist and Fire Streak, both of which looking like they were going to snap her wings off.

“I’m sorry, would you like to repeat that? I didn’t quite hear you back there.” Icy Mist said, her tone soft, yet as icy as her name. “Did I hear you just threaten to give our Captain a new one? Is that what I heard you just say?”

“I think it was, Mist.” Fire Streak growled as he towered over Crimson. “This little Shadowbolt thinks that she can come on our turf and threaten our Captain? Just because she’s part of a group who thinks they’re better than we are? Well, we can’t have that, can we?”

“No, we most certainly can’t. I think it’s time we teach this little lady a lesson in manners, don’t you Fire Streak?” Icy Mist asked, glancing over at whitish grey stallion as he nodded. With a smirk, the grayish olive mare turned to look back at Crimson Skies, who now looked like a Gray Hare cornered by a Red Fox. “So…you said that you were sent here to deliver a message to our Captain, did you? Well, I think it’s time that we let you do just that, just like you did to us. I’m sure she would love hearing what you have to say, and what you said to us.”

“T-that’s not what I-” Crimson Skies began to say, only to be cut off when Icy Mist grabbed her by her suit and began dragging her towards the Wonderbolts main building. “W-wait, that’s not what I came here to say! I was going to tell you guys something else, not all of that! I didn’t mean to threaten your Captain, honest! I was only defending my own Captain, that’s all! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!Please, let me go!”

“Oh, we know you’re sorry little Shadowbolt. There’s no doubt about that.” Fire Streak murmured, leaning in close so he could stare into her wide and fear-filled eyes. “Unfortunately for you, just saying that you’re sorry isn’t good enough. At least, not here. Don’t worry, though, by the time Captain Spitfire is done with you, you’ll be sorrier than you ever were. We can promise you that.”

With those words, the whitish gray stallion pulled his head away and laughed, moving ahead of Icy Mist as they both continued their way to the Captain’s office. As Crimson Skies was dragged behind them, she looked up at the sky, wondering just how this mission that was supposed to be so simple, went downhill so quickly.

‘Seriously, what was Captain Violet Fire thinking, sending me, a mare that just became a Shadowbolt, to deliver a message to somepony that’s supposed to be her greatest rival?!’ Crimson Skies thought as she dragged a hoof down her masked face. ‘Was it to help me with my assertiveness like she told me? Was it to see if I really had what took to be a Shadowbolt? Did she just do this because she would find it funny to see me squirm?! Whatever the reason, I do not like this one bit! Why, oh why, Captain, why did you make me do this?! Why did you have to send me to meet these jerks?! If they’re this bad, then I can only imagine what their Captain is like! No doubt she’ll do the same what her teammates did to me! Ugh, this is the word day and night of my life!’

The palomino mare moaned pitifully as she pressed herself up against the wall of the hallway, cupping her face on her forehooves and she slowly slid down the wall and onto her rump. She wrapped her wings around herself, shielding herself from the darkness of the hallway as she rocked back and forth. Crimson Skies had no idea if this mission that her captain sent her on would work, despite her reassurances, and after what she experienced, was in serious doubt. She was very unsure if the Captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire her name was, would be willing to work with her Captain in helping the Queen in bringing back her sister. She was even more uncertain if Spitfire’s team would be able to set aside their differences with Violet Fire’s team aside long enough to get the job done, and not try to kill each other in the process. Crimson Skies gave a shudder at the thought, and she prayed to the gods above that it would not come to that point, even though she knew that it might.

The palomino mare did know one thing and one thing only. By the time it was all over, none of them would come back without being affected in some way or another.

The sound of hooves coming towards the door brought Crimson Skies out of her thoughts as she shot up to her hooves, her wings snapping to her sides. She watched as the door slowly opened before Fire Streak and Icy Mist both slowly, almost menacingly, stepped out. Both of them wore small smirks on their faces as they looked at Crimson Skies, who tried her best not to show any fear under their terrifying gazes.

“Sorry about the wait there little Shadowbolt.” Fire Streak said nonchalantly running a hoof through his mane. “I hope we didn’t keep you waiting for too long.”

‘Waiting too long? They’ve only been there for five minutes! What important thing could they have needed to help their captain with if it wasn’t gonna take that long?’ Crimson wondered mentally; her eyebrow raised ever so slightly. Realizing that she was staring, she gave a quick shake of her head before addressing the ponies in front of her. “N-no, it’s okay…you didn’t keep me waiting. I’m used to waiting for long periods, w-which is why I became so patient. It’s one of my, um…better qualities.”

“Oh, it is, is it?” Icy Mist asked, letting out a little chuckle. “Well, I suppose that’s a good thing, at least for you. Our captain expects her fellow recruits to be patient with whatever she does, even if she doesn’t to the same for them. If you really can wait for that long, then I think you’ll be fine…well, finer than you are now that is.”

“Just don’t take too long to answer any questions that she may have for why you’re here.” Fire Streaks warned, tilting his head towards the door behind them. “She’s not one for being very patient with ponies who get sassy with her…and especially not with ponies like you.”

“Yeah, I think you’ve made that clear with me already.” Crimson Skies said softly, frowning up at the whitish grey stallion. “You did sort of choked me to death.”

“We know, we’re just letting you know what to expect.” Icy Mist nodded, giving the palomino Pegasus a little wink. “Anyway, go ahead and go in already. Don’t wanna keep our Captain waiting any longer than she already is.”

Crimson Skies nodded, and with a ruffle of her wings she quickly made her way through the two Pegasi and into the office, not wanting to be around them for a second longer. Once she was inside, she looked over her shoulder at the two, and cowered under the small smirks aimed at her way, before Fire Streak reached for the door. Before he closed it, he gave Crimson Skies a few parting words that send shivers down the young palomino mare’s spine.

“Oh, one more thing, you may wanna make sure that suit of yours isn’t too baggy.” He said casually, gesturing to her Shadowbolts uniform. “I have a feeling that things are gonna get a little…hot for you in here.”

With those words, Fire Streak let out a chuckle before he shut the door behind him and Icy Mist with a loud and audible slam.

Crimson Skies gave a slight flinch as the door shut behind her, the force nearly making her lose her footing as she struggled to stay on all fours. She took a few moments to collect herself as her mind reeled from what had just happened. The palomino mare stood there for some time, and would’ve for who knows how long had hit not been for a calm, yet stern and authoritive voice breaking the silence.

“How long are you going to just stand there?” It asked, its tone holding just the faintest touch of annoyance. “My colleagues just said that I don’t like to be kept waiting. Not even a full minute in and you’re already forgetting their warning…”

Crimson Skies gave a slight jump of surprise and spun around to face the one that had addressed her, only for her jaw to go slack at what she saw. Before her was a large office that held various pictures of Wonderbolts on either side of the wall, just below the large trio of oval-shaped windows that showed the night sky outside. A large black file cabinet could be seen nestled into the far-left corner of the office, while a large Wonderbolts poster could be seen hanging on the far-right side. Below her feet, was an enormous rug that had a large dot with two lightning bolts knitted on either side of it, the top of it being covered by a large desk that say in the very center of the office. Despite the rather flashy appearance, none of that was what caught the eye of the young Shadowbolt. No, what really caught her eye were the three Pegasus ponies currently in it.

The first Pegasus was a mare, standing on the right side of the office and looking to be the smallest one there, at least by Crimson’s standards. She had a light artic blue coat that looked the same color of the cyan sky whenever the sun out and rising high, with a whitish gray mane tail that looked be white instead. Her eyes were a brilliant fuchsia color, which looked back at Crimson Skies with a surprisingly gentle look to them, as gentle as the small smile etched across her face. Her mane fell over one side of her face, and her Cutie Mark was that of a horseshoe with a streak of yellow in front of it. This gentle and motherly mare was Fleetfoot Hyorinmaru, the third in command of the Wonderbolts

The second Pegasus in the room was a stallion, standing on the right side of the office, and looking to be bigger, of not a little older, than her and the other two in the room. He had a cornflower blue coat that was so pale it was dangerously close to looking white, had it not been for the tinge of blue it had. He had a very dark grayish phthalo blue mane and tail that looked to be black from father range, and a pair of moderate emerald green eyes that looked at Crimson Skies curiously. His mane, unlike the other mare, was blown back, probably due to years of flying and going fast, he had just the faintest sign of wrinkles under his eyes, and his Cutie Mark was a lightning bolt piercing through a stormy grey cloud. This fatherly looking stallion was known as Soarin Tenshi, the second in command and Vice-Captain of the Wonderbolts

The last Pegasus in the room was also a mare, looking her size ranging from either Pegasi beside her, and from her posture, her attire, and the expression on her face, she was the leader. Her coat was a shade of brilliant gold that shined brightly due to the light of the Moon cascading through the windows, while the rest was shadowed by the large chair that she was sitting in. Her mane, which was also blown back like the stallion next to her, was a deep vivid color of orange, with light brilliant amber stripes in it. Her eyes were powerful orbs of deep orange, which that burned straight into Crimson Skies nervous cerulean ones like they were on twin infernos. The mare’s Cutie Mark could not be seen due to it being hidden behind the large desk, leaving no indication as to what it was. Though Crimson Skies could guess that, due to the mare’s fiery appearance, it had something to do with fire. This intimidating looking mare was known as Spitfire Fenikkusu the main Captain and of the Wonderbolts and the Drill Sargent of the Wonderbolts.

The brilliant orange mare sat silently in her large chair, her forehooves pressed together and a serious no-nonsense expression on her face as she stared at Crimson Skies. The palomino Pegasus gulped quietly, her ears flattening as she struggled to keep eye contact with the other mare and not look too nervous in front of her. The silence in the room seemed to stretch for what seemed like forever, with nopony looking like they were going to say anything first. Then, the stern-faced mare finally broke the silence.

“So, I heard from a couple of my colleagues that you had come to deliver a message to us.” She said, calmly and evenly. “Is that true?”

It took a moment for Crimson Skies to form words in her head, but once she did, she wasted no time in replying. “U-um…well, I originally came here to send a message to you, Ms. Spitfire…b-but yes, it’s true. I was sent here by my Captain and the Queen to let you know of a matter of an urgent manner…something that requires your help.”

“Is that so?” Spitfire asked, an eyebrow raised ever so slightly. “And just what does Queen Celestia want my and the rest of my fellow bolts help with?”

“W-well…it’s…a little crazy to be completely honest with you.” Crimson Skies said, looking off to the side in embarrassment. “I’m actually still trying to comprehend it myself.”

One of Spitfire’s eyebrows raised ever so slightly, her strong orange eyes glancing in between her teammates, who were looking just as perplexed. This wasn’t really something that they were expecting to hear, especially from the one who was sent by the Queen to let them know of an urgent matter. Then again, with the types of missions that they and their fellow Wonderbolts were given in the past, this didn’t really come off as a surprise to them all that much. For more times than they can count, they were all just as surprised when they found out just what they missions were, and even wondered more than a few times if it was really what they were called for. Even so, that didn’t stop them from doing what needed to be done, and it certainly didn’t stop one of them from voicing their thoughts on Crimson Skies’ words.

“Why do you think we wouldn’t believe you, sweetie?” Fleetfoot asked, her gentle voice that carrying a slight lisp. “Not that we’re trying to brag or anything but, we’ve been through a lot of things that are crazier than you may probably think. I don’t see how whatever you have to tell us is any different from all the other things we’ve been told.”

“Fleetfoot’s right.” Soarin’ nodded, giving off a little chuckle. “The Wonderbolts are a military force for the sole reason of unbelievable and crazy things. We can’t tell you how crazy the number of fights and wars that we’ve fought in were. Trust me kiddo, we’ve seen it all, and we’re more than prepared to go through it again if we need to.”

“Are you sure about that, sir?” Crimson Skies asked apprehensively, blushing a bit at the soft, almost fatherly smile he gave her. “I don’t doubt that you’re all capable of handling your own, b-but, um…I think this one might be just a little more than you can handle.”

Spitfire’s eyes narrowed at the words, her eyes giving a faint glow as she kept her eyes locked right on the young mare, a tense silence washing over the office. Suddenly, the temperature in the room rise, coming from a source that Crimson Skies just couldn’t detect, though she could see Spitfire’s coat give a soft glow. The Shadowbolt gave a visible flinch as she felt her suit warm up, causing her breathing to become somewhat heavy. As she struggled not to break out into a sweat, she heard the mare speak again.

“A little more than we can handle, you say? I’m curious as to why you may think that, young filly.” Spitfire murmured, her calm and even tone now carrying a dangerous edge to it. “As Soarin so kindly stated, we’ve been through our fair share crazy mishaps and adventures that have involved more than a few battles here and there. There is nothing in this world that we’ve seen that other ponies, soldiers or not, haven’t seen already; that much I can tell you with absolute certainty.” She placed her hooves on her desk as she raised her head higher, her body and eyes never losing that glow as she continued to burn holes into Crimson Skies head. “So, I’ll ask you again…what makes you think we, Queen Celestia’s most formidable Ariel Force, can’t handle what she needs us for?”

“I-I never say that I didn’t think you and your teammates couldn’t handle it…u-um, ma’am!” Crimson Skies stuttered in protest, her ears falling limp against her head. “I didn’t say that I thought you couldn’t do what the Queen asks of you either!”

“No, but you put it as if you meant it like that.” Spitfire retorted firmly, the glow around her body and eyes growing brighter. “And let me tell you something, little Shadowbolt, if there’s one thing that I don’t tolerate, is somepony telling us, let along me, that the Wonderbolts are not capable of taking on anything thrown at us. Anypony who does is gonna find themselves walking away with a severely burn hide if they do.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t-” Crimson Skies protested again, only to flinch when Spitfire slammed a hoof down on her desk.

“Don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking, girl! I’m the one talking here, not you!” The brilliant golden mare snapped; her tone low yet menacing as her eyes flashed dangerously. “Remember, you’re on our turf, not the other way around, so when I tell you to be quiet, you’d better be quiet! Or else you’re gonna find yourself with quite the black coat by the time I’m done with you, got it?!”

“Captain, I think you should-” Soarin began to say, only to snap his mouth shut when Spitfire leveled her glare on him, a low growl leaving her throat. A moment later, she broke her gaze away from the stallion and focused it back on the palomino Pegasus.

“Well?” She asked with a slight snarl, her ears pinning back. “Do I make myself clear, little Shadowbolt?”

“Y-y-yes…m-m-ma’am.” Crimson Skies squeaked, shrinking slightly under Wonderbolt Captain’s withering gaze. “I-I’m sorry f-for what I said earlier…!”

“You’d better be.” Spitfire snorted, leaning back in her chair as the glow in her eyes and body diminished. “Now, why don’t you hurry up and tell us what you’re here to tell us? Or do I have to show just why I don’t like to be kept waiting?”

“N-no! I-I’m sorry, I’ll tell you!” Crimson Skies replied quickly, holding her hooves out in front of her. “I’m sorry that I kept you waiting, I didn’t mean to-”

Spitfire slammed a hoof down on her desk again, effectively cutting off the palomino mare as her eyes flashed again. “I don’t wanna here your stupid apologize and excuses, nor am I in the mood for them. What I want to hear is what you were sent here to tell us, and what Queen wants our help with. Now get to the damn point already, before I burn you to ash!” She spat heatedly, ignoring the frown sent her way by Soarin and the disapproving glare from Fleetfoot.

“R-right, or course!” Crimson Skies squeaked as she a quick bow of apology. “A-anyway, I was sent here by my Captain and Queen Celestia to get your help on an urgent matter. J-just a little while ago, the resident town of Ponyville was invaded by an unknown assailant. It was somepony that Queen Celestia had defeated some time ago, and they’ve returned, and she needs your help in defeating her. S-she’s already sent a few ponies out to retrieve the weapons necessary to defeat them, but she needs some extra backup for that…and maybe-.”

“Wait a minute, hold up there.” Spitfire interrupted, holding up a hoof as a perplexed look came to her face. “What do you mean that Queen Celestia already sent some ponies out to do the job? If that’s true, then why would she need any extra back up from us?”

“B-because, the ponies that she sent, aren’t really that much equipped to deal with what she sent them for” Crimson Skies replied, sheepishly, rubbing one of her forelegs. “At least when it comes to being in the military.”

“Could you elaborate on that please?” Soarin asked, raising a grayish phthalo blue eyebrow. “I don’t think we really understand what you’re trying to say.”

“Yeah, you’re not really making a lot of sense there, baby.” Fleetfoot nodded, tilting her head to the side. “Could you maybe just a little bit more specific.”

“Oh, s-sure Ms. Fleetfoot, I’m sorry.” The palomino Pegasus said, blushing at the kind motherly smile the arctic blue Pegasus gave her. “What I meant was that Queen Celestia had sent a few ponies who’re just as capable of holding their own like any other Ariel Flight soldier of Royal Guard. To put it simply, the ponies she sent off on their mission are part of the Seven Clans of Equestria.”

A soft gasp left Fleetfoot’s throat as her brilliant fuchsia eyes widened, while Soarin’s jaw fell open as if it had become unhinged. Spitfire also looked shocked, though she did an excellent job in hiding it unlike the rest of her teammates. That didn’t however, stop the brilliant gold mare from narrowing her strong orange eyes as she stared suspiciously at the Shadowbolt.

“Seven Clans of Equestria?” She repeated slowly, as if wondering if she had heard Crimson Skies right. “By that do you mean…”

“Yes.” The palomino mare nodded slowly, giving a little gulp. “Those Seven Clans of Equestria, aka, the ‘Secret Seven’.”

No words were spoken for some time after those words were said; Crimson Skies and the Wonderbolts all stood in silence, the latter completing over what they were told. The young Shadowbolt stayed standing where she was, patiently waiting for the silence to break between them. Fortunately for her, she didn’t have to wait very long, for this time, to her Soarin was the one who spoke next.

“I see…so the ponies that Queen Celestia sent off are part of the seven most powerful clans of Equestria?” He asked, keeping his tone low and calm as to not scare Crimson Skies. At her slight nod, he closed his eyes and lowered his head. “Hm…I suppose it does make sense. After all, Queen Celestia would never send random ponies out on a mission that aren’t guards or Ariel Force soldiers to fight a villain. Not unless it was ponies from one of those families…they’d be more than capable of doing whatever the Queen had them do.”

“Yeah…if not us or anypony from the Royal Guard, then it’d at least be them. Their history dates back far before the E.U.P Guard or even the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts were even founded. If there’s anypony capable of helping Queen Celestia defeat an enemy of Equestria, it’s them.” Fleetfoot nodded, looking down at the ground in thought. The arctic blue Pegasus then looked back up at Crimson Skies, her head tilted in curiosity. “That reminds me…if you don’t mind, honey, would be so kind as to tell us just who it is that attacked Ponyville?”

At these words, Crimson Skies frowned, an apprehensive expression morphing into her face as she looked off to the side. She rubbed the back of her head as she tried to think of the right words to say without coming off as crazy or disbelieving. As much she wanted to say otherwise, Crimson Skies knew that the Wonderbolts wouldn’t be satisfied with nothing more than the truth as to who they were dealing with; no matter how unbelievable it was. Despite that, she couldn’t help but get the feeling that the next words she was going to say was going to take them all completely by surprise. That, and she was going to have to break it down to get them to understand.

The sound of Spitfire slamming a hoof on her desk for the third time brought the palomino Pegasus out of her thoughts. When she looked back over at her, she cringed at seeing the look of irritation and annoyance on her face, as if she was about to tear her a new one.

“My third in command just asked you a question, little Shadowbolt.” She said, her voice carrying a slight hiss to it. “And unless you want to me to incinerate you on the spot, you’ll tell her what she wants to know, right now.”

“Captain,” Soarin began firmly, only to stop when Crimson Skies lifted a hoof to silence him.

“No. It’s okay, don’t worry…I’m just trying to figure out the best way to put this.” She said softly, holding back another cringe when she said Spitfire’s glare sharpen. “The villain that had attacked the Town Square of Ponyville is…Nightmare Moon; the infamous Mare of Darkness and Nightmares. Also known as, the Mare in the Moon.”

For the first time since stepping into her office and coming face to face with her, Spitfire’s even expression morphed into one of complete shock and disbelief. Soarin and Fleetfoot weren’t too far behind her as they all gained similar expressions. Another eerie silence washed over the entire office as the four Pegasi stared at one another, one cautious and apprehensive, with the other three were gob smacked. Eventually Crimson Skies let out a sigh, looking down at the ground in sadness.

“See? I told you that it was crazy.” She murmured quietly, her mane falling over to shadow her eyes. “I know that it’s pretty hard to believe, and I don’t expect any of you to believe it yourselves. But believe me when I say, that it’s the truth, and that it’s as every bit as real as you can imagine. If you still don’t believe me, then I can prove it to you, and I think I know how.”

“…Is that so?” Spitfire finally asked quietly, her expression becoming hard again as her eyes narrowed. Her body once again began to glow, and the uncomfortable heat that Crimson Skies felt just a few minutes ago came back, twice as powerful as before. “And how, pray tell, do you intend to prove that Nightmare Moon, whose is nothing more than an urban legend, is actually real?! Well?! Tell me little Shadowbolt, how do you possibly intend on proving that to us let along me, huh?! Go on! I’m just dying to know!”

“Captain, calm down!” Soarin exclaimed, his emerald green eyes flashing as he and put a hoof on the brilliant gold mare’s shoulder. “I know that you’re upset, and you have a hard time believing Crimson Skies right now about what she’s saying! Even so, I really think that-”

That was all the cornflower blue stallion was able to say before Spitfire slapped his hoof away, giving him a sideways glare with her burning orange eyes. “You be quiet Soarin, and don’t you dare tell me to calm down! I don’t give a shit whether I’m calm or if I’m about to make this whole entire office explode with fire! I’ll say and do whatever the flying buck I want, and there’s nothing anypony can do about it! Nothing, not even you or Fleetfoot are going to tell me what to you! And you are certainly not gonna stop me from scorching this little Shadowbolt alive if I so feel like it, so back the buck up and shut your damn mouth! Understand?!”

Soarin’s ears flattened against his head as he frowned down at his Captain, who looked back up at him with a heated glare that dared him to say anything else. Eventually sighed and looked away, mumbling something under his breath as he went back to his original position. Spitfire then snapped her gaze to Fleetfoot, who glared right back at her with flashing fuchsia eyes, but didn’t dare say a word. Once she was sure that both of her teammates were quiet, Spitfire turned her glare back to Crimson Skies, who was still looking down at the ground.

“Anyway, as I was saying, how is it that you intend to prove to us what you’re saying is true, little Shadowbolt?” She asked, her tone carrying a menacing edge to it. “Because right now, I don’t see anything at your disposal that could make believe anything that you said.”

“Maybe not me, per say…” Crimson Skies began softly, slowly lifting her head so she could look the Wonderbolt Captain in the eyes. “…but I may know of something else that can convince you.”

“You do?” Fleetfoot asked curiously. “What’s that, honey?”

Crimson Skies shared brief eye contact with all three Shadowbolts for a few moments, before she locked eyes with Spitfire once more. “Are any of you aware of how Queen Celestia defeated Nightmare Moon over a millennium ago?”

“Well, yeah. How could we not?” Soarin replied with a shrug. “She used what was called the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon and banish her to the Moon for all eternity.”

“Yes, that’s true…at least, most of what you said.” Crimson Skies nodded, earning a confused look from Soarin. “While it is true that Queen Celestia banished Nightmare Moon to the Moon with the Elements, it’s not true that she was banished there for all eternity.”

“It’s not?” Spitfire asked perplexedly. “And why’s that?”

“Because it was only made that way in history books and legends so ponies wouldn’t go freaking out over the possibility that a mythical villain would one come to Equestria to seek revenge against the Queen. Me, my Captain, and the rest of my fellow Shadowbolts however, know the real truth.” Crimson Skies replied. “As with many other Shadowbolts before me and my team, it was said to us by the Queen herself what would really happen. On the thousandth day of the thousandth year, the stars would aid Nightmare Moon in her escape, and she’d come back to Equestria to finish what she had started. That, and there would be signs shown if such a thing were to happen.”

“Is that right?” Spitfire asked slowly, raising an eyebrow. “Just what’re those ‘signs’, supposed to be, if I may ask, little Shadowbolt?”

“Tell me, Ms. Spitfire…have you and your teammates ever notice anything strange about the Moon?” Crimson Skies asked, keeping herself calm and composed. “Did you see anything strange on it that wasn’t really there before?

Spitfire shot the palomino Pegasus a perplexed look at these words. “Well, we did keep seeing this large Unicorn head every time the Moon rose up at night…why do you ask?”

“That Unicorn head you kept seeing on the Moon was actually a huge tell-tale sign that Nightmare Moon was there.” Crimson Skies explained, making the brilliant gold mare’s eyes widen. “If you saw it in the books, it explains how the head of Nightmare Moon was imprinted on the Moon after Queen Celestia banished her. It also explains how ponies will know just who is on that Moon, and why that imprint is there. So, if anypony were to hear of the legend or find it out themselves, they’d know just where to look to find proof.” The faintest hind of a smile came across Crimson Skies face as she kept her gaze locked directly with Spitfire’s. “And if you just look outside your window, I’m sure you’ll see, just like I did, that that very same imprint is gone.”

As those last words left the young Shadowbolt’s mouth, she pointed a hoof forward at the windows behind the other three Pegasi. They all followed her gaze and looked right where the Moon was supposed to be, floating right behind them. The second they laid eyes on the large pure white orb, they all felt their jaws drop when they saw that the black Unicorn head imprint was no longer there.

“See? It’s just like I told you…that is one of tell-tale signs that the Mare of Darkness has escaped, and the biggest one there is. Now, she’s here, and she won’t stop until she’s gotten her revenge, and shrouded all of Equestria in Eternal Night.” Crimson Skies said lowering her hoof as the Wonderbolts all turned back to look at her. “That is…unless you offer your hoof in aiding me, my Captain, the Shadowbolts, and the ponies from Secret Seven clans in defeating her once and for all. So, what do you say Ms. Spitfire? Will you and the rest of your team help us?”

No other words were said after Crimson Skies asked that question, watching as the Shadowbolts looked from her and back to each other, still wearing expression of shock on their faces. They soon faded away after a time, and after giving each other a few contemplating looks, they all looked back at the palomino Pegasus.

“I must say…I’m surprised at you little Shadowbolt. I didn’t think that you’d use what you did to make us believe what you had to say.” Spitfire said putting her hooves together as she leaned forward. “It’s almost as if you were prepared for us not really believing it, especially since it was supposed to be nothing more than a myth. Be that as it may, I’m still having a pretty hard time believing that you’re saying, even if it is true.”

“I see,” Crimson Skies sighed as she once again hung her head. “I figured you’d say tha-”

“However,” Spitfire continued, making the palomino mare pause. “I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, since you did, in your own way, provide us proof with your statement. I’m not one to really believe anything anypony says to me without any sort of proof…but, since you provided me with some, I’ll take your word for it.”

“Oh, well…thank you.” Crimson Skies murmured, not entirely sure how to feel about what the brilliant gold mare had said. “I can assure you that-”

“Be that as it may, I wanna make myself very clear on something…so you’d better listen good.” Spitfire said, her voice immediately changing as she cut Crimson Skies off once more. “I’m not the type of pony that takes jokes that come even remotely close to pissing me off, especially when it involves certain things like this. So, believe me when I say that while I am gonna give you the benefit of the doubt, I’m also gonna look into this Nightmare Moon business and see if it’s really true. And you’d better hope and pray to Faust herself that I find out that it is, because if not…” Her eyes flashed once again as she glared hard at the palomino Pegasus. “…you are gonna find yourself flying back to your Headquarters with quite the burn marks, am I clear?”

Crimson Skies gulped fearfully. “C-c-clear as crystal, ma’am.”

“Good, I’m glad that you see it my way.” Spitfire said, the glow in her eyes diminishing. “I think we’re about finished here now. You can go ahead and see yourself out of here. If I have to look at your face for one more minute, I think my head is gonna explode.”

The palomino mare didn’t need to be told twice; she turned tail and quickly trotted toward the door, fully intent on getting out of there as quickly as possible. Just as she had reached the door, she heard Spitfire call out to her again.

“Hold it!” She exclaimed, the sharpness in her tone stopping Crimson Skies dad in her tracks. “Sorry, there’s a couple things that I forgot to ask you in regard to everything you told me. You said that the Queen had sent members of the Secret Seven clans out to stop Nightmare Moon. Tell me, just where did the Queen send them?”

“T-t-the…the Everfree.” Crimson Skies replied after some hesitation. “She sent them into the Everfree Forest…t-that’s where Nightmare Moon was said to be resigning.”

“The Everfree Forest huh? Well, that’s something new….” Spitfire nodded slowly, closing her eyes for a brief moment as she let the words sink in. “One more thing…who’s your Captain? The one that sent you here to deliver the Queen’s message to us?”

This question caused Crimson Skies to snap her mouth shut, her eyes widening as her pupils contracted and fear gripped at her very being. She could feel herself breaking out into a cold sweat as her heart began to race and her breathing quicken. She didn’t want to say it; she so desperately wanted to keep the identity of her Captain to herself, so she wouldn’t have to face this mare’s wrath. She wanted to keep it hidden so Spitfire wouldn’t say anything that would sully her name, or cause the Shadowbolt to go into an angered state that nearly got her pummeled by Icy Mist and Fire Streak. Crimson Skies so desperately wanted to do it, and fly away from here as far as she could…but the look in Spitfire’s eyes demanded that she answer, or she’d face her wrath anyway.

‘Well, I guess I’m gonna get burned alive either way…might as well get it over with now instead of putting it off.’ The palomino mare thought grimly as her shoulders slumped. ‘I pray to Faust that I do not get turned to ash…’

“Well? Come on, spit it out!” Spitfire ordered briskly. “I don’t have all night, not that it’s supposed to be night anyway.”

With a sigh, Crimson Skies silently braced herself before forcing out her Captain’s name. “M-my Captain’s name…is…V-Violet Fire. Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario…t-the infamous Black Phoenix.”

The moment those words left the young Shadowbolt’s mouth, she felt the temperature in the office rise to its highest temperature since she had walked in it. If she was feeling hot before, she was certainly feeling like she was cooking under her Shadowbolt suit as she stared into the blazing orange orbs of Spitfire. Her whole entire body was glowing its brightest shade of gold yet, her mane looking like it was on fire as her wings slowly spread, the feathers on it also ignited into flames.

“Violet Fire…” She growled, as if the very name itself left a repulsive taste on her tongue. “That mare…she’s your Captain? She’s the one who sent you here?!”

“Y-y-yes…s-she is…!” Crimson Skies whimpered, doing her best not to collapse under sheer amount of power that the brilliant gold mare was giving off.

Spitfire didn’t say anything after that, just letting out another audible growl as the fire around her body, as well as the heat, grew higher and stronger. Crimson Skies felt like she was burning from the inside out, and she was amazed that the office didn’t look like it was melting or being set on fire from the overwhelming power. She was even more astounded by that fact that neither of Spitfire’s teammates were even breaking into a sweat by the power or the unbearable heat coming from her. The palomino Pegasus supposed that they had seen this happen a number of times before, and that they became accustomed to feeling such incredible magic overtime. Unfortunately, that did not prevent Crimson skies from feeling it head on, nor could she do anything to stop its weighing feeling from pressing down on her. She started to grow light-headed as she struggled to stay on her hooves, and she could feel herself slowly beginning to slip into unconsciousness.

Then, just as she was about to pass out, her saving grace came at the last possible second. In the form of a very angry arctic blue Pegasus.

“CAPTAIN!” The voice of Fleetfoot rang out as she flared her wings, a wave of coolness washed over the entire room just a second later. In an instant, the heat and overwhelming power that Spitfire was spreading throughout the entire office was halted dead in its tracks. The wave of power that had burst out from Fleetfoot extinguished them both in a matter of seconds, replacing it with a rather comfortable coolness. Crimson Skies was brought back to full consciousness, the weighing feeling vanishing and replaced with a relief that washed throughout her entire body. As the palomino Pegasus caught her breath, she heard Fleetfoot speak.

“Captain, with all due respect, that was completely uncalled for!” The arctic blue mare exclaimed, stomping a hoof on the ground. “I know that you and Violet Fire have your history together, with you being rivals and all, but did you really have to go and scare Crimson Skies like that?! For Celestia’s sake, you almost made the poor thing pass out! Are you really going to lose your cool and flip the lid just because of who her leader is?!”

Spitfire reared up and slammed both her forehooves down on her desk, leaving steaming imprints of her hooves as she glared at Fleetfoot. “Oh, don’t you start with me too, Fleetfoot! It’s not like anything you haven’t seen before, coming from me! You know now I get when somepony even mentions the name of that mare around me! So, don’t you go telling me that the way I acted was uncalled for!”

“Except that it was!” Soarin interjected, giving his Captain a stern look of disapproval. “You looked like you were going to burn the entire office down, with Crimson Skies along with it! And like Fleetfoot said earlier, you nearly made her pass out from all of that heat you were emitting! What were you trying to do, burn the poor girl alive?!”

“After the way she had stood up to Fire Streak and Icy Mist, and threatened to ‘teach me a lesson’ about badmouthing her ‘Captain’, she’ll be lucky if I do just that!” Spitfire snorted, streams of fire coming out of her nose. “I don’t care who the buck it is or what their reasoning is, nopony going to threaten me, or any other Wonderbolt while they’re on my turf! They’ll find themselves as ashes at my hooves before they even think of doing something like that! And if you two even think of trying that, you’ll both find yourselves as ashes at my feet too! Now shut your mouths, and keep them shut!”

Both Fleetfoot and Soarin’ gave their Captain disapproving looks, but kept themselves from saying anything else; if not for their safety then for Crimson Skies. Once she was sure that they were both silent again, Spitfire snapped her gaze back to said palomino Pegasus.

“As for you…” She began slowly and menacingly. “…tell your so-called Captain and the Queen that we’ll help her and the members of the Seven Clans in defeating Nightmare Moon. However, we’ll help only them and the Queen, and if your ‘Captain’ or her any of her lackeys get in our way, I’ll see to it personally that they all pay for it. Also, if you every try to threaten me or any of my fellow Wonderbolts again, I will scorch you alive, and boil you in a giant boiling pot!” Her eyes flashed one last time, making sure to burn the message and the warning deep into Crimson Skies head. “Do you understand me, little Shadowbolt?”

“Y-Yes ma’am!” Crimson Skies squeaked, looking to be on the verge of tears. “I-I-I understand!”

“Alright then…” Spitfire said quietly, closing her eyes as she leaned back somewhat. A split second later, she snapped them back open and slammed her hooves on her desk one last time, her wings flaring to their fullest span. “NOW GET YOUR PATHETIC COPYCAT ASS, OUT OF MY OFFICE!!!” She roared, her eyes blazing their brightest glow yet.

With a squeak of fear, Crimson Skies turned tail and practically ripped the door open, wanting to just get out of there already. She did, however, stop for just the briefest moment to shoot Fleetfoot a look of gratitude, before she flew out the door, slamming it shut behind her.

A shiver went down Crimson Skies back as those events replayed in her mind continuously, filling her with even more and more dread. She did her best not to let it cloud her focus, but it was pretty hard for her to do when she had a mare that could burn her at any moment flying behind her. I didn’t help that very same mare was constantly glaring holes in the back of her skull, merely for the fact that she followed the one pony she hated more than anypony else in either headquarters.

‘Okay, okay…just keep calm Crimson, just remain calm.’ The palomino mare thought to herself, taking deep breaths. ‘It’s not totally unbearable, you have two Wonderbolts who are much nicer to you then their Captain is, and can keep her from burning me alive. I just hope that they’ll be able to keep doing that when we finally do reach Ponyville.’

“Hey Crimson Skies!” Fleetfoot’s motherly voice called out snapping Crimson out of her thoughts. “You doing okay there, sweetie? You look like your shivering!”

“Oh, y-yes Fleetfoot, I’m okay!” Crimson stammered, giving a little gulp. “I-I’m just really lost in thought as all.”

“You mean about all that’s going on tonight?” Soarin asked knowingly. “Heh, we know how you’re feeling kiddo. I’m not gonna like, I’m feeling a bit anxious myself about what we’re going to find when we do get to this town, how much danger that it’s in.”

“If you are, then you really need to get yourself under control Soarin.” Spitfire spat, a hard frown on her face. “We’re dealing with what may be our greatest challenge yet, and the last thing that we need is for you to be having an anxiety attack is if your grey in the mane.”

“First of all, Captain Spitfire, I’m only in my mid-twenties.” Soarin deadpanned. “Second, there’s nothing wrong with being anxious about anything. Did you already forget how anxious Crimson was to meet us, especially after what happened with Fire Streak and Icy Mist?”

“Soarin’s right.” Fleetfoot nodded. “You really can’t blame Crimson for acting the way she did towards them. I mean, they were belittling her Captain, and she was only defending her honor due to what they were saying about Violet Fire.”

Crimson Skies smiled gratefully at Fleetfoot and Soarin. ‘At least there some ponies that get what I was going through. Then again, Soarin and Fleetfoot have given me the benefit of the doubt and were defending me for practically the entire meeting with them…’

“Don’t you say that bitch’s name in front of me Fleetfoot!” Spitfire snapped, glaring daggers at the arctic blue mare. “As far as I’m concerned, that cunt is nothing but a means to an end, and somepony that needs to be put in her proper place and taught who the realflyers are!”

“Violet is a real flyer.” Soarin asserted firmly with a frown. “Just because she may not be a member of our team, doesn’t mean that she doesn’t deserve to be called an elite flyer. There’s a reason why she’s called the Captain of the Shadowbolts, because she has what it takes to fly, and to lead a team. Even if they do things differently from the way we do, that doesn’t make them any less better than we are.”

“It doesn’t make them any more better than us either.” Spitfire retorted. “Then again, no other Ariel Flight team is better than ours anyway.”

The cornflower blue stallion frowned even harder at his Captain, and was about to pull a retort of his own when Crimson spoke up. “Um…you guys…I think we made it to Ponyville.”

At this, the three Wonderbolts turned to where Crimson Skies was looking, and felt their jaws drop at what they were seeing. In front of them was a rather large town, probably one of the biggest peaceful towns they had ever seen, looking to be a bit worse for wear. In random parts of the town, clouds of smoke could be seen rising in the air, with some houses within the town either destroyed or looking close to being so. Glints of light could be seen moving through random parts of the town, letting the flyers know that the guards were there as well. At the very center of the town, was the Town Square, looking to be the worse condition, with a bright pink shield covering it.

“Father Hyorinmaru almighty…” Fleetfoot whispered. “What in the world happened here?”

“I have no idea.” Soarin murmured. “It looks like this place went through a warzone of Zombies or something.”

“That’s an understatement.” Spitfire said bluntly. “I guess things are a lot worse than I thought that they’d be.”

Crimson Skies nodded. “U-uh-huh…”

“Yo Crimson Skies.” Soarin said, drawing the young mare’s attention. “Where do you think we should go from here? We’ve already made it to the town, and we’re not exactly sure just where we should be looking for the one in charge of this place.”

“O-oh well um…” Crimson murmured. “I suppose that we should go to the largest building there. I mean, it does have a giant shield over it, so we should find some guards there…or somepony like that.”

“Well then, lead the way honey.” Fleetfoot said sweetly. “You’re the one who got us here, so I think it’s only fair that we should let you lead us.”

“Just don’t try any funny business little Shadowbolt.” Spitfire warned. “I was kind enough to let you lead us this far and prove your theory about this whole Nightmare Moon thing. Don’t you dare let this be a waste of my time, or else I’ll burn you like I nearly did at my office.”

“Y-yes ma’am!” Crimson Skies squeaked, not noticing the frowns on Soarin and Fleetfoot’s faces. “W-well then, let’s dive everypony!

As the four ponies descended towards the smoking town, Spitfire took a glance behind her at the moon shining down on her and her teammates. Her eyes narrowed from behind her goggles as the image of Violet Fire appeared in her mind.

‘So, it looks like our team’s paths are going to cross once again, aren’t they Violet?’ The brilliant gold mare thought to herself. ‘Well just you wait; I’m going to show them first hoof why we Wonderbolts are better than you and your little club of Shadowbolt softies. You can count on that, you no good faker.’

Author's Note

Okay, now before any of you ask my why it was taking so long for the Wonderbolts to get the message from Queen Celestia about the return of Nightmare Moon and all that, let me just say that the main series didn't exactly confirm the location of the Wonderbolt Academy, therefore I was not able to put down the specific time that it would take for Crimson Skies to get from Queen Celestia's castle, all the way to Wonderbolt Headquarters, and all the way to Ponyville. So, I had decided to just make one myself, having it be over and hour and a half or longer for Crimson to get there, while the same three and a half hours that Zephyr and the girls spent in the Everfree, was the same amount of time Queen Celestia spent trying to get the the Solar and Lunar Guards and the Ariel Flyers ready. Plus the half hour that passed since the Shadowbolt made it to the eight travelers, which is a total of four hours since the whole adventure started, if not a little bit longer, if that makes sense :applejackunsure: . I may have to go back over some of the chapters just to make sure that got the amount of time right, but something tells me that I have :raritywink: .

Anyway, yeah this was a...pretty tense and overall pretty dark chapter that I'm pretty sure that all of you are thinking right about now, as one of my other followers pointed out when he read this :twilightoops: . Also, yes, the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts have a very complicated relationship with one another, to the point where it exceeds to borderline hate with some of the flyers, and I'm sure many of you are wondering about that, along with why Spitfire has such deep seated hatred for Violet Fire. All will be explained in due time and get ready for it, because it's going to be quite the shocker for you all and a bit emotional as well for many, just like the next chapter after this one :applecry: .

Another thing that I'm going to point out right nowis that I really really really don't like the Wondrbolts at all :ajbemused: , least of all Spitfire, with the exception of Soarin' and maybe Fleetfoot because she can looks like somepony that could be redeemable and quite nice to be around, despite the stunt she and Spitfire pulled in the Rainbow Falls episode in Season 4 :ajsmug: . Other than the fact that they're the best and most talented flyers in Equestria, I really don't see what Rainbow sees in those guys...speaking of which, I'm also planning to clear something up about RD becoming a Wonderbolt, especially since she's soon going to become and Element of Harmony by the end of this adventure, and I know that it's going to come as a really big surprise to you all :rainbowderp: .

Well, that's it for right now; tune in later on today for the next chapter, dating back to the origins of our Dark Queen, and how our dear Queen of the Night came to be her :applecry: .

Chapter 41 - Memories of the Fallen Moon

Celestia took slow calming breaths as she flew through giant trees, and the glittering water of the forests and mountains above them. Her sparkling ethereal multi-colored mane and tail blew behind her, never losing its slow near rhythmical flow as it glowed in the light of the night sky. Her beautiful multi-colored wings gave flaps that were even slower than the flowing of her mane as they carried her through the air. The regal, yet formidable golden armor that adorned her body, along with the large spear resting on the side of her armored suit only added to her radiance, and her stand out all the more in the air. It was as if she was a large pony shaped stared that changed seconds ever so slightly, yet stayed one color at the same time.

She was not alone in this silent flight however, for just behind her, a large set of Solar and Lunar guards, Shadowbolts, and Wonderbolts could be seen soaring and gliding with her. The combined sound of their own wings could be heard filling the swan white Alicorns ears as she led them into the direction of the Everfree Forest, far away from the somewhat demolished down of Ponyville. Despite the rather majestic set of wings adorning their bodies, not all of them were Pegasus ponies; at least, not full blood from where she was standing. Some of them had feathers sticking out atop the base of their tails, while the some of the other guards had leonine tails swaying behind them indicating that there was Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi, with many being a mix of said races. Had it not been for the fact that the ones that were not Pegasus ponies were using their Adrenaline Modes as a way to save their power for the long run, those that weren’t Pegasi would’ve been mistaken as winged Unicorns or Earth Ponies.

Their own sets of armor reflected the Moon’s light as they flanked their Queen on either side of her and behind, forming somewhat of a circle behind her while the Ariel Flyers brought up the rear. A few of them could be seen flying in front of her, acting as look outs for anything that may come out of the sky. While they knew that Celestia didn’t really need them to take look out from the front, she didn’t bother to tell them that, for she knew that they’d take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of her Queen. Under any other circumstance, Celestia probably would’ve assured them that she could handle herself, and that they didn’t need to overwork themselves for her sake. She may have even had them cut back a bit and let her do a majority of the work while she took care of the more important things at hoof. On more than a few occasions, she may have even given them the choice of turning away from the missions they were on, if they felt they couldn’t go on.

If the situation they were in now was even the slightest bit different, she very well may have done any one of those options; keeping her subjects from doing anything they felt like they had to do. Unfortunately for her, the guards, and the flyers, none of them had the time, the option or the luxury to do so, for reasons that were both dire and personal. Seven ponies were putting their lives on the line to save the ponies in their home, and the others all cross the land. They needed to be there for them and lend them all the help they could get, least they fall to the hooves of their foe and die for nothing, and Celestia was determined not to let that happen. Her faithful student and her friends had chosen to put their lives on the line to ensure that Nightmare Moon did not succeed in her evil deeds, she was not about to let their decisions be in vain.

There was also another reason as to why she was so keen on ensuring that Goku and her friends survived. One that was both very personal and very near and dear to her heart.

“Venture Vine, how much progress are we currently making?” The Sun Goddess asked one of the guards. “Are we staying on schedule like we planned?”

She looked over to the cloaked pony flying beside her, whose eyes were keenly focused on what was ahead of him and the princess. It was a Kirin mare, and if it weren’t for the armor that he was currently wearing, she would’ve been quite the sight to see. she had a grass green coat that was slightly darker than normal grass, with scars adorning various parts of her body. She had long deep red mane and tail, redder than any blossoming rose. Her feathered wings were a combination of both her mane and coat color, along with her eyes, which were a gleaming color yellow with draconic slits. Around her neck was an inhibitor color with a teal-eyed cross shaped metal dragon hanging from it, which indicated that she was from the Shenton clan. Finally, her Cutie Mark was of a forest green dragon curling forward, with vines surrounding it. This young mare was Venture Vine Ryu Shenron, the personal trainer of Spike Ryu Doragon Daybringer.

“We’re not too far off your Majesty.” Venture Vine replied calmly, not taking is eyes from the trees ahead of her. “So far, we’ve managed to stay on course, and haven’t run into anything on our way. I’d say at this rate; we’ll be at the Everfree Forest sooner than expected.”

“Are you still able to detect Twilight and her friends form this distance?” Celestia asked. “I am aware that you have a keen sense of smell, even when you’re not in your Kirin form, but I feel that this may be a bit challenging, even for you. So, I have to ask, can you feel the girls’ magic from here”

If Venture showed any sign of being offended or upset by the swan white Alicorn’s question, she didn’t show it in his expression. Instead, she flattened her ears and closing her eyes, giving a few sniffs of the air as he searched for any smell in the air. A second later, she looked back up at her leader, a small smile gracing his lips.

“Yes, I can detect the magic of the forest, even if it’s more than a bit jumbled.” Venture replied softly. “I can also smell the scent of seven to eight mares, along a stallion within the trees. I’d say that we won’t have very much longer before we reach their location.”

“I see…excellent, thank you for your intellect Venture. I’m relieved to hear that we’re going to be arriving there sooner than planned.” Celestia said, giving the Solar Guard a light nod. “This just shows that we’ll be able to get to the ponies that I sent searching for the Elements sooner than expected.”

“That it does your Highness.” Venture nodded, her smiling growing slightly wider. “It alsomeans that we’ll be one step closer to stopping Nightmare Moon and free your sister from her grasp.”

“Yes, that it does.” Celestia nodded smiling back, before she and Venture looked back ahead of them again. ‘It also means that I’ll have the opportunity to once again ask my dear sister for her forgiveness. I highly doubt she’ll do so, given all that I’ve done, and what I did to push her over the edge. A slim change of that ever happening, it’s worth a try…at least once more.’

A small, yet sorrowful frown made its way to Celestia’s face as she looked up at the Moon floating above her. Though it was mostly obscured by the trees, she could still see that shape of the large Unicorn imprint on the Moon, a large hint or clue of where a millennia old villain used to be, until today. Had it not been for her millennia training of honing all five of her senses, most especially her eyes, she could not have been able to see every detail clearly. From the head and neck that went almost halfway across the Moon, to the long horn that sprouted to the top. Last but not least, the eyes…those pure ghostly white eyes that seemed to have a piece of the Moon in them, which added to the sorrow she was feeling. The very same eyes that always stared back at Celestia every single night she raised and lowered the Moon. The ones that pierced into the very essence of her soul, and reminded her of the one precious thing that she had lost so long ago, and would, hopefully get back.

Luna…even the very name and mention of her sister was enough to make Celestia’s heart ache with sadness, and nearly drive her tears every time she thought about her. Every time she did think about her, she was reminded of all the wonderful and harmonious times that she had spent together with her sister. How they used to run around the halls and gardens of the Royal Castle as young fillies, without a single care or worry in the world. How they had their mother, the Goddess of Ponies and Light and the very first ruler of Equestria herself, Lauren Faust there by their side when they were little. Where it was to tuck them in at night after a long day of practicing their magic, guide them through their lessons in their royal duties, protect them from dangers, both big and small, or to just spend a carefree day with them, they always had her by her side.

Celestia remembered the times where their mother’s ‘sisters’ would come to visit her and Luna and spend the days with them as well, as well as give Lauren daily checkups on how the land was going. The two sisters always loved it when they came, and although they knew that they weren’t her mother’s sister by any biological stretch, Lauren always referred to them as such. The same with Celestia and Luna, both of them going so far as to call them their aunts’ much to the other goddesses’ joy, if not slight embarrassment, andLauren’s amusement. There were even more than a few occasions that the Great Sorcerer herself, Shooting Star the Magic Mage, and the famous ‘Magical Star’ could come to see them and spend time with Lauren, her daughters, and the other goddesses. The Unicorn mare wasn’t seen very much by the royal sisters or their mother, mainly because she was busy travelling across the lands with her own comrades and friends, so every time she did come visit, she alwaysmade the most of it.

Shooting Star would eagerly tell Celestia and Luna stories of all the adventures that she had gone on, and the enemies she and her comrades had defeated, and the ponies they had saved in her own youth. How countless nations, villages, towns, cities and countries that they had helped were made better and more prospering thanks to their help, and how they became their sworn allies because of it. The great wizard even went so far as to say that she helped Lauren herself one time in preventing Equestria from being purged into chaos by a mighty foe, and purged them from existence for all eternity.

Despite knowing that Shooting Star was the most powerful Unicorn in existence, they felt that what she was saying was just a littlefar stretched and exaggerated, especially Luna. To her, her mother was the most powerful being in existence, which was every bit true, and always believed that her mother never really needed anypony’s help in defeating anypony that threatened to conquer them or their land. She didn’t really see how anypony, even somepony as powerful as Shooting Star could help the Goddess of Ponies herself, in defeating an enemy. That theory was quickly thrown out the window when Lauren happily confirmed the Lunar Queen’s suspicions, and what the Magic Mage was saying was actually true. Celestia could still remembered the gob-smacked look that Luna had on her face when their mother told them about the event, and it always brought a smile to her face every time she thought about it.

The swan white Alicorn remembered all the times where they’d spar with Shooting Star to see just how much they’ve progressed in their magical abilities. As well as spend countlesshours in the Royal Library studying and learning knew spells, history and culture of other ponies that lived so long ago, long before they did. The sisters always had such bright and curious minds, and would never hesitate to jump at the opportunity to learn new things about their history, and how they and all living creatures, along with the lands they lived in, came to be.

Of course, their thirst for knowledge, facts, and magic weren’t limited to the confinements of their home, far from it. Lauren was many things, but one thing she was not, was one to keep her children confined in one place, and would take her children out to make new discoveries in the world. They went everywhere they could think of; from the magnificent city of clouds in the sky, to the snow-covered Rocky Mountains and tundra valleys. To the clear sparkling city of the Crystal Empire, to the peaceful, wild infested deserts, forests, and jungles of Mother Nature herself. Each and every single one of these places were fascinating and unique in their own ways, and were burned into Celestia and Luna’s memories, so they would one day go to these places to deal with important matters. That did not however, do anything to decrease the sisters’ amazement of the places and fact they saw and learned, and neither could wait for when they’d one day rule over it all.

Despite many of the places and things they learned being quite the interesting facts, there werea few places and secrets that were not uncovered. Lauren strictly forbid their daughters from finding out and seeing, since they were not properly at the age where they were ready to see such things; at least not yet. Their mother had always told Celestia and Luna that despite the majority of Equestria being positive and welcoming, there were some very dark corners in certain places, and not all were as welcoming as they were. She told them that there would always be those that would have darkness in inside of them, and not all beings, pony or non-pony, would be as accepting when it came to certain things. That the world was a cruel place to those that can really see it and have experienced it themselves, and that one day, they would see first hoof just how cruel it was. Celestia and Luna had always wondered what their mother had meant by that, and was scared of the answer, but Lauren assured them that they’d know in time, and they’d both be able to face it together. She also told them that on the day that they knew what the world was really like, was the day that Celestia and Luna would both be ready to rule it all, and lead it into a world of true harmony.

That fateful day when Celestia and Luna, Lauren and the other goddesses went hoof to hoof with a foe that was unlike any of which they and the entire world had ever seen. It was not a pony, but a godly multi-bodied being just like themselves, one of which neither them or all of Harmonia had ever seen in all history. It was a being that was the very definition of chaos, disorder, disharmony, and negativity; one that wanted nothing more than to rule the whole world in an unfathomable storm of chaos. It was one that had once been a near and dear friend of Celestia, Luna, Lauren and all the other gods and goddesses at a time. One who gave into the darkness and a vowed to seek revenge on those who wronged him and caused him so much pain.

His name, was Discord Konton.

The royal sisters and their mother had faced many challenges in their time of growing in their ranks, and endured many battles when push came to shove. Discord however, was on another level entirely, then anything that they had ever faced. He had powers that neither sister had ever seen in their lives, seeming to be something of another world, and it seemed to come in an endless supply. It soon became apparent to them, Lauren, and all the other members of the Alicorn race that that may have been the case with the God of Chaos as they took him in battle. They threw everything that they could at him, the most powerful of magical spells, the most destructive of tornadoes and air currents, and the most brutal of blunt force attacks. However, no matter how many devastating and fatal strikes that they threw at him, they all seemed to either go right past him or bounce of him in some way or another.

Another thing that had gotten their attention was the fact that it didn’t seem that Discord was even using is full power against him. It was like he was treating what was going on as a simple game; something that wasn’t worth his time, instead of taking them seriously. This it led to a long drawn out battle between Celestia, Luna and Discord, with both sisters using an inner power against the God of Chaos that they never thought they’d use before. Eventually, they eventually reached their wits end, and that was when Lauren stepped in and lent both her daughters the power needed to defeat the chaotic being. A source of power that both sisters had heard of many times, but never thinking that they would actually get a chance to use.

The Elements of Harmony.

In appearance, the Elements would look to be nothing more than that of perfectly polished gems, and not really something that deserved anything more than to be treasured or sold. It may have seemed that way to any normal pony, but to an Alicorn, particularly Faust, they were far more than just simple magical gems made for show. They were the very weapons created with power of the pony goddess herself, more powerful than any ancient weapon to ever exist anywhere, and ones that could face any evil it came across. The Elements of Harmony were the one thing that was, without a single doubt, able to wipe out any force of darkness that dared to threaten the land of Equestria and all of Harmonia. It was for this reason, along with Celestia and Luna’s resolve and determination to ensure Discord did not win, that Lauren handed this incredible power over to her daughters to end the fight once and for all.

Neither sister new if they were capable of wielding such power or not, but at that time, they were desperate to try anything, since nothing they did worked so far. So, with their combined powers, they summoned the powers of the Elements of Harmony, and turned the tables against Discord, gaining the advantage in the long brutal battle over the land. Before both sisters knew it, the fight was soon over, and the God of Chaos was defeated, encased in a prison of stone for all eternity.

It was on that very same day the Lauren could now see, without a single doubt in her mind, that both of her children were ready. That it was time for her to step down from the throne and let her two dutiful daughters continue on her legacy as the new rulers of the land. For them to lead it into peace and live on as the eternal leaders of all of Harmonia. That very same day that Discord was defeated, and his chaotic essence was cleansed from the land, was the very same day that Lauren had declared Celestia and Luna the new Queens. Under any other circumstance, it would’ve been highly unusual for two Queens to be taking the throne after their parents, since it was usually one Queen and a King doing it instead. However, this was circumstance was anything but normal, plus, Lauren was practically everypony’s goddess, the very being that created them and gave them their powers. Nopony was going to say no to a being like that, and anypony that did…well, the former Queen would deal with them herself.

Celestia could remember that celebration was if it had only occurred yesterday, despite the fact that it was over three thousand years ago; four if you count the other thousand. Even so, the Sun Goddess could still picture just how that event had went. It was, if not the most glorious celebration that she had ever seen in her lives. Never before had she seen the ponies of their land so ecstatic, so elated, and so jovial than she did on that day, when they gained not one, but two protectors to lead and guide them. Celestia could still remember the ponies’ reactions when their mother officially crowned them. Pegasi were doing zipping and doing loops around the air, Unicorns were giving off powerful magical blasts with their horns that turned into to fireworks in the sky, and Earth Ponies were stomping the ground so hard that the ground practically shook. It looked like they were going to cause an earthquake, thunderstorm and sea of magic due to the being so excited, and very well might have had the newly crowned Queens stopped them at the last moment. Although Celestia and her sister knew deep down that their new subjects wouldn’t do anything that would harm them, even if what they were doing wasn’t intentionally harmful, it was best to be on the safe side.

Of all the joy-filled faces that Celestia had made out in the crowed of ponies at their coronation, there was one face that engraved itself into her mind like brick being put in a wall. That look of pure happiness and ecstasy on her face, and the tears that threatened to break her regal appearance. What stood out the most to the swan white Alicorn however was her younger sister’s smile…the smile of one who had finally accomplished their goal that they had strived to achieve for so long. That all the hard work they had put in, the sacrifices, the blood, the sweat, and the tears that they had given had all finally paid off. It was a smile that Celestia would never forget, one that would forever dance around her head for as long as she remained Equestria’s new eternal ruler.

Little did the Sun Goddess realize however, that smile would soon vanish.

That day after the official coronation of the Celestia and Luna, their beloved mother, the creator of all pony kind and the ruler of all Harmonia itself, vanished from the face of the planet. It had happened so suddenly without a single warning, or an indication that it had even happened at all. Lauren was just gone, without a single trace that could even remotely lead to figuring out how she had disappeared. There were no warnings, no signs, no letters, nothing…she just, wasn’t there anymore. Celestia, Luna, and Shooting Star didn’t know how this could’ve been possible; Lauren had shown no detections or anything that she was no longer going to be there. She didn’t look sick or tired, she didn’t look run down or ragged, she didn’t even have the slightest bit of hair or fur out of place. The Pony Goddess looked perfectly healthy and normal, which made the sisters and the Magic Mage all the more confused as to how she could’ve faded from existence all together.

They searched far and wide, leaving no stone unturned; they scowered the highest of clouds, looked deep into the densest of forests, and searched into the deepest darkest depths of the earth beneath their feet. They looked everywhere that they could think of, all the places that they had been, but nothing left a single clue as to where Lauren could’ve gone. There was nothing, not a single clue that could speculate how Celestia and Luna could bring their beloved mother back. It was only when they returned home, did they come to the full heartbreaking realization that they would never see their mother again. They would never feel the warm caressing touch of her hooves as she took them in her arms, the soft, gentle encouraging words from her melodic voice, or the soothing sensation of her magic. The sisters would ever again experience any of that, and it was only made all the more painful that it would be for the rest of eternity.

That very same night, Celestia and Luna cried, more so than they ever had since the day they were brought into the world they would rule. No amount of physical pain that they endured from sparring lessons or actual fights could match the slightest bit of pain that was slashing at their hearts like multiple daggers. Even Shooting Star the Magic Mage was openly weeping, more son than either sister had ever seen her do so. The other occupants of the royal castle, be it guard, servant, or anypony else were not far behind. The whole castle was filled with the multiple echoing wails of the followers of the beloved Lauren Faust, as they all mourned the loss of their beloved Queen and mother figure. It was then that Celestia and Luna had a moment of clarity, remembering what their mother had said to them before Discord came. That when the time came for them to show all that they have, they would be ready to rule, and they’d no longer need her to guide their subjects into a world of peace.

On that night, the sun set on one ruler, and gave rise to two new ones.

From that day on, Celestia and Luna did everything in their power to fulfill their mother’s legacy, as well as their promise to her that they’ll be the best leaders there is. It was not an easy feat though, especially for Celestia, and there were many trials and hardships that they had to overcome. There were many nations that they had to negotiate with and even annihilate, many enemies that they had to defeat, and a good number of loyal soldiers and close friends that they had to sacrifice. There were even enemies from within their own home that they had to deal with, lest their actions effect their home, or the whole world in some way, and all within it.

This was what pained Queen Celestia the most out of everything that she and her sister had done to get to where they were before the thousand years that she had spent ruling alone. She wanted nothing more than to have ponies and all other creatures live together, and not have so much mistrust and fear towards one another. For all of them to be able to live in true peace, instead of so much unrelenting chaos, pain and hardship. However, she knew, both in her mind and in her heart, that there were times that leaders had to make sacrifices for the good of both them and their people. It didn’t make it any easier to have to do such deeds, and there were times that she had trouble accepting that certain things just happened. There were some instances where she refused to believe and accept what was in front of her and that it was nothing more than a bad dream, even though it was not. When she did, she always believe that she was to blame for such things happening, and that the horrible things that happened, were her fault and her fault alone. This was the main reason why she always asked herself what she could’ve done better to prevent all the horrible things that happened from happening. Why she always let herself wallow away in misery and sorrow, and wondered if she really was worthy of wearing the crown that her mother had given her.

Luna had no such thoughts or feelings.

Celestia and Luna may have had the same mother, and may have been from the same race and had both been Queens, but they could not have been anymore different from one another. This is the case with many siblings, and it’s a common occurrence in many families, yet with Celestia and Luna, it was on an entirely different level. They not only shared different appearances, a slight age difference, and different types of magical abilities, but they were also different in personality, at least somewhat. Since the day they were born, it was made apparent just how different the royal sisters were from each other.

Celestia was known to be very refined on what she did, and not one to really hold grudges against those who wronged her. She’s willing to give those who’re her enemies a chance to redeem themselves if they so choose, though sometimes she can tend to get carried away with that. She acts like a mother figure towards her subjects and those that served her, and while she is known to be firm, she always adds a measure of gentleness when dealing with her subjects; especially when disciplining them. Despite this, she sometimes lets her personal feelings get into play and doesn’t tend to see that sometimes offering second chances to enemies will do more harm than good.

Luna, on the other hoof, while as kind and motherly as Celestia, was the stronger, more resilient, and vigilant of the two sisters. She was more straightforward in the thing that she did or said, and not on to be around the bush, or leave anything out, since it doesn’t really make much of a difference to her. The Lunar Queen was much rawer and more brutal in battle and combat, and is sure to really go all out when battling an enemy, no matter how unusual and bizarre her tactics were. Luna was much more wrathful towards those who wronged her or her sister, and makes sure her enemies feel the full brunt of her wrath, before finishing them off for good. The resolve of the younger Alicorn was stronger, far stronger than Celestia’s own resolve had ever been, and had never been one to truly falter to anything or anypony.

Luna could also see when ponies and other creatures were truly actually willing to change their ways, and if they’re too far gone for her or Celestia to do anything about it. She was much more of a warrior and a fighter than her, and was actually willing to make sacrifices, for the good of their subjects, and their kingdom. Although it did pain her as much as it did Celestia, she did not wallow in her own misery or feel sorry for herself, and instead looked focused on the now. This was what set both sisters apart from each other, minus the kind and motherly nature that they both shared. Luna had the traits that a far better ruler, and one that was worthier of respect than Celestia, and should’ve been respected more because of those traits. For as long as Celestia could remember, Luna had always, in many ways, been the better ruler than she was thanks to these traits, and made her all the more prouder to be her sister.

Unfortunately, even Luna had her limits.

Celestia didn’t know when it started, or who or what was the cause of it, but she began to suspect that something was amiss. Something that had to do with her sister and her subjects, the same ones that were supposed to adore Luna like they did her. It started out small, and not something that really had to be dealt with by either of them. There was the occasional whisper spread around about Luna, and a nervous glance in her direction whenever she accompanied her sister in their royal duties. While it was unusual for Celestia to be hearing such things, it didn’t really bother her, since Luna was known to be pretty secretive and private in the things that she did; the again she was known as the Queen of the Night, so everything she did was secretive. What Luna did in her time was none of Celestia’s or their business, and she trusted her to tell her big sister what was wrong so that she could help her with it.

As time grew on however, those whispers and looks grew higher and pitch and frequency, and Luna began to become more withdrawn and distant towards other ponies. The Lunar Queen began to become colder, less social, and began to gain a tendency to lash out at other ponies, getting upset over some of the smallest things. She began to become more prone and more reactive to what ponies said about her, be it in court, in the Royal Town Hall, or just out in the street, which only made things worse. The Moon Goddess was acting less and less like kind and patient motherly figure and more into to what set her apart form Celestia, and it was causing the Sun Goddess great concern and distress. She tried to do all she could to help her sister and ease her worries and conquer inner demons, and remind her that she was just as loved as she was. While she did succeed to some extent, not even Celestia herself knew the full extent of what Luna was going through, and just what those whispers and comments about her were truly doing to her.

Then, one fateful day, she saw the first signs of Luna’s fateful downfall.

It had all begun when they received a message from the inhabitants of the Crystal Empire from the Empress Mi Amore, also known as the Goddess of Love, about an urgent matter that had occurred in her kingdom. Sombra, her husband and the fellow Emperor of the Crystal Empire had fallen into his own twisted dark thoughts, and had taken everypony in the Empire hostage, making them his personal slaves. Celestia and Luna wasted no time in gearing up and bringing their own personal guards to travel with them to the Crystal Empire to deal with Sombra themselves. While the guards of the Solar and Lunar Division focused on protecting the citizens of the Crystal Empire, the sisters focused on dealing with King, or Emperor Sombra, and putting in end to his dark reign.

It was by no means an easy feat, especially since Sombra had ascended to a level that was literally on part with their own, and both sisters nearly feel to his hooves and his unspeakable power. Had it not been for the iron resolve and unrelenting raw power of Queen Luna, both of their fates would’ve been sealed, and the Crystal Empire would’ve been finished. With the power of the Elements at their side, they finished Sombra off, burying him within the deepest depths of the Crystal Mountains, never to been again, by the sisters, or the Crystal Ponies. The battle was one, but it didn’t come without a terrible price, that being the fall of the Goddess of Love, Empress Mi Amore, the Crystal Empire’s beloved ruler and mother figure. A magnificent funeral was held in her honor, and all mourned for the loss of the mare, most especially Luna, Celestia, and Mi Amore’s daughter, Mi Amore Cadenza.

As happy as Celestia was to know that Sombra was defeated and sad that Empress Mi Amore was dead, she could still remember the power that Luna had unleashed when fighting the tyrant. How her coat had darkened to that of shadows, and her mane became more ethereal and space-like, how her eyes become more inequine and...animalistic, and how petrifying she looked when confronting Sombra. The Moon Goddess was colder, darker and, dare she say it…more bloodthirsty than the Sun Goddess had ever remembered seeing her sister, and, even to this day, it terrified her to her very core. Despite her fear, Celestia didn’t confront her sister about it, and put the incident behind her as nothing more than Luna resorting to drastic measures to defeat Sombra. Even though her heart was telling her otherwise, Celestia chose not to believe that what she had seen in Sombra and the deceased Mi Amore’s chambers, was something that she would most certainly see again.

Alas, as fate would have it, she did.

Not long after the defeat of Sombra, the funeral of Empress Mi Amore, and the rise of Empress Mi Amore Cadenza, things had gotten worse for the sisters after they returned him. Apparently through some unknown force, word of what had happened at the Crystal Empire had reached the halls of the Royal Castle. Most especially what had happened in the battle between King Sombra in battle and what Luna had done in the wake of it before she and Luna finished him off. If the rumors and speculations that that were being spread about Queen Luna were bad then, then they were certainly reaching a boiling point after that incident. Ponies were now doing their best to avoid Queen Luna at all costs, both citizens and the ones that served her, not wanting to be anywhere around her when they could. Those that weren’t were unable to hold in their growing negative feelings about the Lunar Queen, even going to far as to vocalize their scorn and distaste for her out in public, much to Celestia’s utter dismay.

These actions made Luna’s already rising doubts and insecurities reach a boiling point, and she found herself believing more and more that the ponies favored her sister over her. This caused her to sink further into her own misery, and despite her trying so hard to rise out of it, the voices in her head and the demons inside her had a firm hold on her. The only ones where still on Luna’s side were her ever loyal Lunar Guards, and the ones tha truly did love both her and her night. Though that was very few in numbers, and those that were not ponies were considered not to really be ponies by normal standards. It didn’t really make much of a difference though, since Luna was, by that point, so lost in her despair and misery that she no longer knew what to believe, and her psyche was damaged nearly beyond repair. Not even Celestia could get through to her anymore, and any attempts to do so were met with her younger sister’s verbal, sometimes even physical wrath. This left Celestia with no other choice her to leave her by herself, and let her sink further into her madness and depression.

Celestia could still vividly remember the day when everything had finally reached a boiling point, and Luna had finally snapped. It was the day that the dear little sister that she knew and loved had died, taken away by torment of their subjects and the demon that plagued her. All of which leading the Sun Goddess to realize her mistake, and make the most painful decision she had ever made in her life. One that would haunt her for the rest of eternity.

The golden iron metallic plates of Celestia’s horseshoes could be heard clanking the halls of the Royal Castle as she made her way through the corridor. A trail of guards could be seen flying and galloping close behind her as she dashed down the halls as fast as she could. The swan white Alicorn’s beautiful cherry blossom pink mane and tail flew gracefully behind her in her frantic gallop, her majestic wings folded tightly to her sides. Her expression was that of absolute panic and unrelenting terror, with fear hidden behind them as she focused her gaze ahead of her. There was nothing on her mind at that moment, not the guards following behind her, not the faces of the nervous and confused ponies that came out of their rooms. The only thing on the swan white Alicorn’s mind was what was happening now, and what the guards had told her that had happened.

“Captain Thunderbolt, are you absolutely sure that you did not mishear what your fellow brothers and sisters had heard?” Celestia asked, not looking behind her as she continued to run down the corridor. “Was there any chance that they had what they said they had seen mistaken?”

“I’m afraid I did not mishear your majesty, everything that as said to me was true.” Thunderbolt replied, flying next to his leader. “My subordinates had showed it to my themselves, and it really happened. Her Majesty Queen Luna has apparently destroyed her own bed chambers and went on a rampage about the castle! T-they tried to stop her, but she was just too powerful! There was no way they could keep her at bay long enough to get you there in time!”

“Do you know where she is now?” Celestia asked, taking a quick glance down at the Pegasus stallion. “Is there any place that you think she could’ve gone?”

“None that I can think of your Majesty, I’m sorry. She was already gone by the time we had regained consciousness.” Thunderbolt replied solemnly with a shake of his head. “It had all happened so fast that none of us where able to see where Queen Luna had gone. She had taken us completely by surprise, and none of us were any match for her…then again, she is an Alicorn like yourself, so I suppose it was to be expected that she’d best us so easily.” He paused as a thought came to his mind. “Although, we did notice that some of my soldiers were gone, so they must have gone after her.”

“I see…” The swan white Alicorn murmured, her lips forming into a frown. “Well, there is one place that I’m sure that she went to; the Royal Throne Room. Luna had always liked to go there sometimes whenever she wanted to be along and to think. Odds are that she’s there, so we may not have to look very far.”

I’m so very sorry Queen Celestia.” Thunderbolt said guiltily, hanging his head. “If we had known she’d do something like this, we would’ve-”

“It is not your fault Thunderbolt, neither is it any of your soldier’s fault.” Celestia interrupted firmly, giving the Solar Guard as gentle as a look she could. “There was no way that you could’ve known that my sister would’ve reacted in such a way. If anything,I should’ve been the one to see this coming…especially with all that has happened; with the rumors about Luna and all. I just didn’t think that she would explode in such…such a violent manner. Sure, she has been known to lash out at those in her pain and distress, but still…”

“What do you think is going to happen to us now?” One of the other Solar Guards asked, fear evident in his voice. “Queen Luna has finally reached her breaking point thanks to the treatment that everypony is giving her. Do you think that things will get even worse now that she snapped?”

Celestia didn’t reply, instead swallowing the lump in her throat as she tried desperately not to let her fear and panic override her. Thunderbolt’s words kept running through her head like a broken record, blocking out all other thoughts, other than that of her sister. There was a small part of her that wanted to believe that what was happening, wasn’t really happenin at all. That what the Solar Guards had seen wasn’t real, and what they were telling her was all just some sort of cruel sick joke. The Sun Goddess wanted to desperately believe none of this was really real, and that it was all just some awful horrifying nightmare.

But it wasn’t a dream; it was real. All of what she had heard and seen was all too real.

No matter how much she tried, no matter how much she attempted to picture it, Celestia could not see her sister doing what her soldiers told her she had done. Despite that was happening, all of the rumors, lies, judgement, scorn and hatred that her subjects were directing towards Luna, Celestia just could not believe her sister had fallen so far in her misery. To the point where she’d not only go onto a magical rampage and destroy her own chambers, but to where she’d go so far as to fatally harm her own subjects. It was completely unlike the Luna that she knew, and had known since she was a filly, and painted her in a totally other picture.

The Luna that Celestia knew would never go so far or stoop so low as to harm any one of their subjects, no matter how upset or distress she was. The Lunar Queen told the Solar Queen herself that she’d rather have her horn and both her wings cut off than to even think of harming a single hair on any her subjects. This only further made Celestia deny that Luna had finally succumbed to her despair and loneliness, and hope somewhere in her heart that she could still help Luna. That she could still somehow bring her out of her unrelenting pain and jealousy, before she truly succumbed to the darkness of her inner demons.

Those hopes were all but dashed the second she entered the Royal Throne Room.

As Celestia looked around, she was barely able to hold back a scream as she took in what could only be described as a bloodbath. Multiple bodies of Solar Guards could be seen lying about, lying in bloods of their own scarlet life essence. Celestia could sense that none of them were dead, but they were definitely close to being so, as evident by how much they were writhing on the ground. The ground, walls, and sides of the ceiling above were covered in large cracks, craters, and piles of ash that were giving off smoke and steam. Splatters of blood, and torn clubs of fur, mane and tail lay all about the large floor only adding to the carnage. The putrid scent of blood was strong in the air, causing Celestia and her guards to scrunch up their noses, as they attempted not to throw up at the sight. A few of them were unsuccessful, and wasted no time dropping their heads emptying the contents of their stomach onto the floor, only adding to the carnage in front of them.

As Sun Goddess and her soldiers took in the brutal sight before them, the noticed something else that they didn’t see until that moment. Something that took them by complete surprise and filled them with even more shock and fear than they already were.

Standing just in front of the massacre of Solar Guards that littered the floor, were the members of Queen Luna’s own Royal Guard force, the ones of the Lunar Division. Just like with Celestia’s own Solar Division, they consisted of Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasus ponies, all dressed in gleaming armor just like the Solar Guards, except theirs were darker. There was even quite the abundance of Thestrals in the group, taking up a majority of the Pony Tribe members. However, that was not what had Celestia and her own guards so shell shocked and rooted with fear. No, what had them so terrified was the fact that they were not only covered in the blood of the fallen soldiers, but each and every single one of them had this dark inky black aura surrounding each of them. It was misty, almost fire-like in appearance, and it gave a feeling that could only be described absolute fear and terror.

The Lunar Guards that were covered in it were stiller than portraits, their faces almost completely emotionless as they stared at the Solar Guards and Celestia. Each of their eyes blazed like twin orbs of the crimson liquid that covered the floor around them, making the group feel as if they were being looked upon by the devil. They silence in the room was deafening, the only sound coming being the moans and soft cries of the ponies laid about on the ground. Nopony moved, nopony spoke, nopony dared to even breathe as they attempted to grasp in their minds the horror that was laid before them.

“Well…so you’ve finally arrived, have you?” A feminine, regal, yet icy voice suddenly spoke out, snapping Celestia and her guards out of their horrified trance. “You came much sooner than I expected you to. Then again, you were always a bit early on things…weren’t you, dear sister?”

Before Celestia or anypony else even knew what was happening, a large figure stepped out from behind the chair of the Royal Throne Room. Though their appearance was somewhat shadowed by the darkness of the room, Celestia could still easily make out who it was, and felt her heart clench in her chest. Like her, it was an Alicorn with a beautiful midnight blue coat that was as dark as the night sky shining out of the glass roof above them. She had a clear ethereal mane and tail skirt, both having a huge stream of royal blue in the center, sparkling as if they were made from the very night sky itself. Her majestic wings, which were larger than even Celestia’s own, were folded firmly to her sides, stretching well past her flank. They were feathered just like her sisters, but a large portion of it being like that of a bat’s instead of Pegasus’, the ebony black membranes seeming to sink right into her coat.

Like Celestia, she wore a set of beautiful regalia, but instead of the shiny and gleaming gold, this Alicorn’s regalia was pitch black with a crescent moon in the center of her chest regalia, and the crown resting atop her head. She had a set of beautiful teal blue eyes that had pupils slitted like that of a gemstone, both of which gleamed in the darkness of the room. To top of her beautiful nighttime elegance, a pitch-black blotch could be seen on her flank, as if somepony had splattered her flank with black pain, and a crescent moon could be seen gleaming right in the center. Just like her guards standing below her, she was covered in that same inky black aura, and unlike her guards, she did not have that same emotionless look on her face or the red in her irises. Instead, her face was one that Celestia had seen countless times over countless months, holding the same emotions that they had always had in them. Anger, wrath, hurt, resentment, misery, jealousy, pain and despair and grief, all of which were currently directed at her.

“What is the matter sister? Cat got your tongue?” Luna asked with a smile, as if she were merely teasing her sister. “I cannot say that I blame you…after all, this a rather…messy sight to be looking at, is it not?”

For a long moment, Celestia did not say a word, trying instead to swallow the fear in the pit of her stomach and be able to even form words in her mouth. When she finally did speak, her words came out as weak and shaky. “L…L-L-Luna…w-what…what in the world is all of this? W-what…what in Mother’s name have you done to all of our subjects?”

“What have I done, you ask?” Luna asked, tilting her head to the side. She looked down at the carnage that lay between her and Celestia, and her face lit up in recognition. “Oh, you mean all of this? Well, I would not say that I did this per say, but rather, my dear and loyal subjects were the one who did this, dear sister. They decided to your own subjects just why I’m the Goddess of the Moon, and why it is not wise to get on my bad side…as they have done so manytimes before.”

“W-what?” Celestia asked, her grayish magenta pink eyes widening in disbelief. “You...made them do all of this? You were the one who forced them to attack their fellow guards?”

“Fellow Guards?” Luna laughed, the coldness behind it sending a chill down the swan white Alicorn’s spine. “Oh, don’t make me laugh sister…as far as I know, you and I both have our own separate set of Guards. All of them belong to completely different divisions, nothing more, nothing less. There is no love or compassion between either my guards or yours; your guards have their own brothers and sisters, while my own guards have mine, and that is all there is to it.” Her laughter slowly died down as she gave a gentle flick of her tail skirt. “If they really truly were fellow brothers in arms, they would not have had the audacity to attack them and slay them where they stood. They would have also thought twice about attacking one of their beloved Queens when she didn’t mean them any harm, especially with her own guards here to protect her. I suppose some lessons do need to be learned the hard way, even to those that are supposed to give their lives to keep you safe.”

“Luna…I-I don’t understand…why? Why did you do all of this?” Celestia asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she fought back tears. “These poor ponies…one of them ever did anything to you, they didn’t show you even the slightest bit of disrespect towards you. Why would you do something so horrible to those who loved you?”

Luna’s smile grew even wider, showing a set of serrated fangs very much like that of a bat’s own. while it didn’t make her features any less beautiful, it certainly did make them colder than they already were. “Oh Celestia…even after all that’s happened, you still do not see the answer that I have laid out to you so many times. Such a shame…it looks like I really do have to spell it out for you, so you can get it through that sun filled head of yours. It’s because the ponies that you say have shown me ‘love’ and ‘respect’, are the VERY SAME ONES WHO DID NOT DO SO!!!” She replied, her last words coming out in a yell as her smile left her face, morphing into a fierce snarl.

“W-what?!” Celestia cried out, taking a step back as she stared into her sister’s angry and wrath filled eyes. “Luna, what in the world are you talking about?!”

“You heard me Celestia, those ponies that you always said had an endless amount of love and respect for me are those very same ponies that have hated me and scorned me all this time! I cannot believe how blind you are that undeniable truth sister!” Luna snapped as her teal eyes flashed in the darkness. “They never loved me, they never even had the slightest amount of respect for me, like you always told me they did! They just pretended and acted like they did so they would not have to face my wrath, and so that they could please you and not have to face yours in return! They probably didn’t need to though, since you would never resort to punishing them the way that I did the ponies here for so foolishly turning their weapons on me! That is something that I am wondering, even now, why I did not resort to so long ago! Maybe if I did that, they would have shown me the respect that I was due, like you said I always ‘had!’” She let out a snort as scowl appeared on her lips. “What a foal I was to ever believe you…”

“No…no, that’s not true Luna! You and I both know that that is not true!” Celestia protested, taking a couple of steps towards her sister. “They did love you, each and every single one of our subjects loved and respected you! They did with every fiber of their being! Yes, there were some that were nervous and even afraid of you, but they did love you just as much as me! They just didn’t know how to approach you, that’s all!”

“That is a bold-faced lie if I have ever heard one Celestia!” Luna scowled as she let out an indignant snort. “It was you, it was always you, sister! You were always the one that ponies truly worshipped and loved, the one who they looked to for guidance and wisdom and comfort in their time of need! I on the other hoof was left alone, with nopony to come to me for what they always when to you for! I was left to watch from afar, forced to watch as they all gave you the love and respect that they were supposed to give both of us, yet didn’t give in the first place! Then again, I should not be surprised, since all you have ever done is lie to my face about how your subjects have viewed me ever since we both ascended as Queens!”

“Luna, I have never ever lied to yo-” Celestia began, only to shriek as she jumped away from a magical blast.

“YES, YOU HAVE!!!” The midnight blue Alicorn roared, lifting her head up to glare hatefully down at Celestia as her horn shone with teal blue magic. “You have done nothing but lie to me since we both became the new rulers of Equestria, and evebefore that! You have lied to me about everything that you had told me! The faith and love of our subjects you said had in me, that fact that I deserved to be Queen just as much as you did, the fact that nopony would see me as a monster because of the powers that I held, all of it! You only said all of those things, so you wouldn’t have to deal with me, put up with all of the ‘foalish whining’ you believed that I was doing, when all I was asking was for you to help me! Admit it; you didn’t really want to help me, like you always said you would, did you?! You just wanted me to sink further in further into my pain, until I could no longer take it, and I left you and all of your precious subjects alone to bask in you precious light! Is that what you not wanted?! To have your foal of a sister disappear into nothingness so her presence wouldn’t plague you, your Sun, or the face of Equestria ever again?! WELL SISTER?! WAS THAT WAS WHAT YOU WANTED ALL THIS TIME?!”

“Of course it wasn’t Luna! I never wanted you out of my life, not even for a moment! Yes, we fought with each other over the centuries, and we may have had our disagreements over things, and we may have done things that the other thought unwise to do! Even so, that never meant that I wanted you gone, let alone out of my life! That is not who I am sister, or will I ever be!” Celestia replied, doing her best to hold back her tears as she attempted to plead with her sister, who seemed to be getting angrier by the minute. It took all the swan white Alicorn’s strength not to look away from those beautiful teal orbs that glared right back at her. The pain behind them feeling like a knife stabbing straight through her already breaking heart. “And I did want to help you, more than you ever believed I did! I tried, I tried so hard to the best of my abilities! I tried to understand the pain you were going through, but I…I just couldn’t! There were so many other things going on that…I just couldn’t find the proper time to do so! Not only that, every time I did try to talk to you, you’d always be so torn up and heartbroken that you demand that I leave! I-I didn’t know how to calm you, and any attempts to do so in the states you were in would only cause you to lash out at me even more, s-so…I gave you some space, believing that you’d be ready when you wanted to.”

If Celestia was expecting those words to get through Luna’s already broken and unstable state of mind, she was sorely mistaken. This cold hard truth was only proven when the Moon Goddess let out a laugh that was so cold, that it made the Sun Goddess feel as if the blood in her veins was being frozen over. It only lasted for a mere few seconds, but to Celestia it seemed to go on for far longer than that, and from the looks on the guards faces besides her, they had the same thoughts as well.

“Oh sister…that is probably the most pitiful excuse that I have ever heard come out of your mouth, then again what is it not? All of what you just said now only proves the fact that you nevereven had the slightest bit of care for me since you and I became rulers.” Luna said as she collected herself, giving a slow shake of her head. “If you really wanted to help me, you would have done more than just warn ponies of how they treat me or be lenient on those who dared mean me the smallest bit of harm, and actually be honest with me instead of lying to my face![I ]If you really wanted to help me, you would have sat down and talked to me when I was ready, like you said you would. Instead of brush me off whenever I did want to talk to you about how I was feeling and being treated, for something more trivial! If you really want to help me, you would have let me find and have my ownponies that would have love and adore me, and NOT TAKEN AWAY THE ONLY ONE WHO EVER DID LOVE ME AND MY NIGHT TO BEGIN WITH!!!”

Celestia gave a violent flinch at these words, each of them making her feel as if a thousand daggers were piercing into her chest and slashing into her heart, making it all the more broken. The last sentence was the final blow to break the damn in the swan white Alicorn’s eyes, as the tears that she tried so hard to fight back finally broke free.

“I…I’m sorry Luna. I’m so, so sorry that I let all this happen to you, and I didn’t help you like you wanted me to.” She said quietly, the eerie silence after Luna’s yell allowing all to hear them. “I’m sorry that I let you go through so much pain. I never should’ve it come this far…I…I never should’ve let you fall so far that you felt that you had to ma-”

“SILENCE!!!” Luna interrupted, the raw power and sheer ferocity behind her words making the swan white Alicorn’s mouth snap shut. “I am through listening to your excuse! I am through listening to your endless lies, and I am through listening to you hear that I am loved, when I never was from the beginning! You saw me in pain, you saw the pain I was going through, yet you hardly did anything to stop it! Even when you did try to help, if I should even call it help, you never understood the full extent of my suffering! Well, no more! I will show just how much pain I have suffered and endured at your hooves! I will no longer sit idly by and watch as all bask in your precious light! I will show you and your lovers of the sun…the true power and beauty of the night!”

The midnight blue Alicorn then made her way up the steps leading to the throne where she and Celestia shared. Celestia and her Solar Guards watched her helplessly as she stood atop the small platform in front of the throne. The inky misty black aura had been surrounding the Lunar Queen seemed to grow stronger as she glared at Celestia, staring her down as if she was a criminal being judged in a courtroom.

“For too long I have lived in your Shadow Celestia…I have seen how the ponies of this land have treated you, with so much love and adoration! Not knowing the truth behind your façade, or the despicable tyrant that you trulyare! All the respect and praise that they have given you, and the scorn and hate that they have given me, have let me to a realization, something that I didn’t see until now. We were never meant to rule Equestria’s together as mother had always believed we did, norwere we ever meant to share the throne!” Luna said, her voice rising in pitch as it began to echo across the Royal Throne Room. “There can only be onetrue Queen in Equestria; one true leader and protector of the land! And that Queen…Will. BE. ME!!!”

With that final declaration, and eyes glowing a blazing golden white, the Queen of the Night reared up and slammed her forehooves into the royal platform, the force behind it destroying the platform’s wall. The force of the stomp echoed about the Royal Throne Room, causing the entire interior to shake and tremble. The aura surrounding Luna slithered up the wall behind her, reaching all the way up to the window that was in the center of the wall, in between the symbols of the Sun and Moon. The moment the shadow made contact with the window, it began to break, the cracks moving all along the class as the shadow reached the top. Then, it finally exploded, allowing the daylight to pour into the Royal Throne Room, making Celestia and her guards shield their eyes from the intense light.

The burning sensation didn’t last long for the swan white Alicorn or her soldiers, for Luna had used her magic to raise the Moon from its daytime slumber. They watched as the large orb, shadowed back by the Sun’s light, rose into the sky as if it was a zombie rising from the grave. It moved right in front of the Sun, causing an intense light to briefly flash into the Royal Throne Room before the cyan sky darkened considerably. In the blink of an eye, Celestia’s beautiful daytime was gone, replaced instead by Luna’s dark and silent night and the terror that came with it.

A sudden explosion of power suddenly snapped Celestia and her soldiers out of their shocked trances, causing them to look back down where Luna was, only to see a sight that nearly made them pass out from fear. The sinister black aura that had been surrounding Luna the whole time she was in the throne room grew wild, swirling and around Luna as she slowly rose in the air. As the Lunar Queen lifted her head, Celestia was given just a few precious seconds to see the twisted sadistic expression on her sister’s face before the aura began to encase her. The last thing she saw before her Luna was sealed away were her eyes burning an incinerating hot crimson, before she vanished from sight completely.

“Your majesty, what are your orders?” Thunderbolt asked as he and his soldiers stared in horror at the scene before them. “What do you want us to do?”

Celestia said nothing, her body still rock solid and her eyes wide with horror as she stared at the scene before her. Her mind unable to focus on anything else than what was going on in front of her; her dear little sister transforming into monster before her eyes. It was only when the bubble of pure blackness suddenly exploded did Celestia snap out of her stupor. She barely had enough time to create a shield to protect herself and her guards from being blown away from the powerful blast. Though the same couldn’t be said for her other fallen guards, as they all got blown away on either side of her and into the walls in between them. Just a few moments later, the blackness vanished, prompting Celestia to lower her shield as she collected herself. She looked up to where Luna was, and felt her heart stop at the sight that greeted her eyes.

Standing in front of the twin thrones, maniacal laughter echoing about the Royal Throne Room, was Luna, looking nothing like she did just a few minutes ago. Her once beautiful midnight blue coat had now darkened a sickening black, blacker than the very darkness of Tartarus itself. Her wings, which were once a mixture of that of a Pegasus and a bat, were now completely like that of a bat’s, the feathers non-existent as if they were never there. Her ethereal clear and royal blue mane and tail skirt looked much more like the night sky shining above her, with multiple colorful stars adorning them. The same could also be said for her wings, both of which looking to be even larger than they were before, stretching twice their normal length. The back of them that same sickening sin black, with the front looking as if it had the night sky in them as well, both equipped with razor-shaper dagger like wing claws.

Luna had also grown taller, reaching up to Celestia’s height, if not a little higher, with her horn matching the swan white Alicorn’s own horn length. Her bat-like fangs, which just poked a couple inches out of her muzzle, where now three times their length, looking more like that of a Vampire Pony’s, equipped for ripping somepony’s throat out. Her nighttime regalia had change as well, looking more like battle armor, which glittered and shined as bright as the Moon floating behind them. Finally, her eyes which were once a gentle teal blue color, were now an icy turquoise, the diamond like slits looking thinner and more draconic, and the black blotch on her Cutie Mark was a deep indigo.

Luna continued to laugh that diabolical bone chilling laughter as she reared up on her hind legs, raking her front hooves out. Her newly evolved wings spread as far as they could as her misty ethereal mane and tail skirt swing and swayed wildly behind her. Her vampiric teeth and pure white armor gleamed in the Moon’s light as her sister and the Solar Guards stared in amazed horror, marveled by the stunning transformation that Luna had done. The Lunar Guards on either side below the Moon Goddess did not look the least bit fazed by the explosive transformation. They just continued to stand where they were, motionless and unmoving, ready to capture Celestia and the Solar Guards on their unbreakable blood-filled glares.

After what seemed like and endless amount of laughing, Luna finally stopped, planting her forehooves back down on the platform with a resounding slam. Her eyes, which were shadowed a deep indigo, snapped back open to stare back down at Celestia, wanting to see her reaction to her new form. She was not disappointed to see the look of amazement and horror plastered onto her face, which prompted another, much softer laugh to escape her lips.

“Well, I see that somepony is captivated by my new magnificence.” Luna replied dryly, her voice sounding much darker and more demonic than it usually did. “Well, I can’t say that I blame you sister…even I’m amazed at how beautiful I look now. Who knew that dark power could not only make you stronger, but make you look more stunning as well?”

“Luna…what have you done?” Celestia asked shakily, feeling her hind legs wobble as she struggled to stay upright. “What did you do to yourself?”

“Why nothing dear sister! I just made myself look more…presentable for you and everypony else.” Luna replied in an all too casual tone, waving a hoof dismissively. “It wouldn’t be fitting of me to look like how I was just now since I plan to settle things with you once and for all.”

The swan white Alicorn paused, her sister’s words causing an unpleasant knot to form in the pit of her gut. “Settle things…with me? Luna, what are you saying? What business could you possibly have to settle with me?”

“The business that I just told you earlier, sister. Were you not paying attention to anything that I just said?” [/b The sin black Alicorn asked, giving a shake of her head as she walked down the twin stairs. “And just when I thought that you were clueless then…you truly are naïve, aren’t you Celestia?”

“Please Luna, think about what you’re doing!” Celestia pleaded as she took a few steps forward. “Let’s talk about this like civilized ponies! Whatever business that you have with me, we can settle it peacefully! You don’t need to resort to all of this, or whatever you’re going to do! Let’s talk about this instead, I’m sure I can help you with whatever you’re going through!”

Luna stomped her hoof on the ground, emitting a large crack underneath it as she bared her vampiric fangs. “The time for talking is long since passed sister…it’s passed the moment I realized the truth about how you and everypony else really feels about me. I am through trying to talk to you about my pain, just like I am through living in your shadow and watching you take the love that should’ve been given to both of us! From now on, I will no longer talk, only do…starting with getting rid of our unwelcome guests.”

Turquoise eyes blazing, Luna gave another, much light stomp of her hoof, and the Lunar Guards on either side of her suddenly coming to life. The next thing that Celestia knew, her eyes and ears were being filled with the sounds of screaming and blood flying through the air. The Sun Goddess watched in horror as Thunderbolt and the rest of his solders were practically slaughtered by Luna’s forces, adding more to the carnage that already lay before her. Then, just as quickly as it had happened, it was over, and the Lunar Guards could be seen standing on either side of their Queen again, as if they had it even moved from their spots at all.

“Well…looks like won’t have to worry about them anymore.” Luna said with a smile, nonchalantly wiping a splatter of blood off of her chest armor. “Now, what do you say we get down to business Celestia? I have much that I need to get off of my chest…and what better way than to duke it out?”

The sin black Alicorn ignited her horn, encasing it in an icy blue aura as she lowered her head and aimed it right at Celestia. “Your move Celestia, I’m eager to test out how more much powerful that I’ve become. I can feel it coursing through my veins even as we speak…and it feels absolutely wonderful! I don’t think I’ll be able to control it if I keep it locked up for much longer.”

For a single fleeting moment, Celestia didn’t say a word, just staring at Luna as if she was seeing her for the first time. Tears continued to stream down her pure white cheeks as she stared at Luna with a mixture of sadness, grief and regret. Her mind finally began to come to with what was happening, and what she had done to push Luna to this point of no return. Still, there was a tiny part of her that still desperately wanted to find some part, any part of Luna that was still here, and do her best to bring her back. The odds did not look in her favor though, and Luna’s words and actions only proved that. Even so, Celestia felt that she had to try at least one more time.

“No.” She finally said, closing her eyes as she lowered her head, letting her mane fall over her face.

“What?” Luna asked, lifting her head up to stare at her sister. “What did you just say?”

“I said no, I will not fight you Luna!” The swan white Alicorn repeated lifting her head to stare hard at her sister. “You are my sister, and I will not engage you in this unneeded battle! This isn’t you! I do not know what drove you to this point sister, but whatever it is, I know I can help you get through it if you just let me! Please, I beg you, not only as a ruler, but as your sister, to please lower your Moon and let the day shine again! I’ll do whatever it is necessary of me to help you, and I will forgive you for all that you’ve done today! Just please, please, lower you’re Moon and let my Sun shine once more!”

Luna stared at her sister for a few moments, the other mare’s words slowly sinking into her mind as they both stood in stunned silence. Then the sin black Alicorn’s face twisted into a snarl so hideous that Celestia nearly fainted from looking at it. With speed that caught Celestia completely off guard, Luna lunged for her, slamming her body into hers with all the force she had, causing her to collide into a nearby pillar. Celestia barely had enough time to absorb the pain before she felt her windpipe being crushed by a cloven hoof making its way around her throat. Out of pure instinct, the swan white Alicorn wrapped her hooves around Luna’s foreleg in an attempt to get out of her vice-like grip. However, the sin back Alicorn’s newfound strength proved to be too strong as she pinned her against the wall. Celestia watched helplessly, tears streaming down her face as she looked in the rage-filled reptilian eyes of her sister, any traces of sanity gone from their orbs. Luna glared back up at her, her vampiric teeth bared in full view as she flared her enormous bat wings, her horn swirling with magic.

“You fool…” Luna hissed, her whole body shaking with rage as she pushed her hoof harder against her sister’s throat. "You dimwitted naïve incompetent stupid little FOOL! Are you really giving orders to me, MEof all ponies?! Even after allof the carnage you have seen and the display of power that I have showed you?! After all of that, after witnessing me ascend to true unfathomable power, the likes of which you could neverunderstand, you stillhave the AUDACITY to give ME ORDERS?!”

Taking her hoof away, Luna encased Celestia in an aura of icy blue magic, before throwing her across the room, watching as her sister tumbled across the ground with a sickening thud. As Celestia got to her hooves, she felt the wind knocked out of her as Luna flew in and slammed both of her hind hooves into her chest. The sickening sound of ribs cracking echoed about the Royal Throne Room as Celestia went flying and crashing into a wall, coughing up globs of blood. The sound flapping wings caused Celestia to snap her head up just in time to see her sister coming at her, horn charging with magic.

The swan white Alicorn flared her massive wings just in time to fly out of the way of the incoming magical blast, watching as it blasted through the wall. As she flew through the air, the Sun Goddess suddenly found herself looking into the insane eyes of Luna, before she took a swing at her with her wing. Celestia didn’t even have enough time to gasp before she felt the claws of Luna’s right wing slashed across her forelegs, stomach, neck and shoulder. Celestia let out a scream of agony as the claws dug into her skin and ran across her flesh, causing blood to fly out of the wounds as she began fall from air. Just a spit second later, Luna ignited her horn again, firing a blast of magic at her sister and hitting her square in the stomach, slamming her into the ground below her.

Celestia lay limp on the ground, moaning and gasping in agony as she attempted to recover from the brutal strikes that Luna had given her. She could feel the warm feeling of her blood flowing out of her body and around her wounds as she lay encased in a cloud of dust. Said dust was soon cleared away by a single flap of Luna’s wings as she dived down towards her sister, draconic eyes flashing. The crater that Celestia lay on suddenly became three times its size as the sin back Alicorn slammed into it, her hooves planted on either side of her sister. A blood curdling growl left her throat as she glared down hatefully at her sister, who stared back up at her with eyes that expressed helplessness and defeat.

“I am through taking orders from everypony, least of all you sister! You have done nothing butgive me orders ever since we became Queens, something that I think was a horrible idea from the start! Especially since I was never a true Queen to begin with, unlike you! For as long as I can remember, you have been ordering me around and not giving the slightest care that I was in pain, or that none of your subjectsever held the same amount of love and respect they had for you! You have taken me for granted more times than I can count, never truly giving any say in the matter, and look where it has gotten you! A pile of your fallen subjects, and a sister who hates you with every fiber of her being, and ponies no longer wish to follow you, or listen to the filthy lies that you give us! The lies that you have given ME!” Luna shouted leaning down until her face was just centimeters away from Celestia’s. “All I ever wanted, all I ever asked from you, was for you to listen and help me with my problems, and show me the love that a true sister should give to their sibling! You did grant my wishes here and there, and you did give me some reassurances about how ponies felt about me but that was it! It was not enough; it was never enough to help me or make me feel better! Even when you did do more, you either did it for your own benefit and so you didn’t have to deal with me or the agony that was being unleashed upon me! I tried, I tried so hard to believe that you did care about me, that your subjects did love me, and that they did not hate me or see me for the monster they believe I am! But I can see the truth now, the truth that I had been trying to deny for so long, and not let it mess with my head and make me even more miserable! And that truth…is that EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU SAW ME AS NOTHING BUT A NUISANCE AND A MONSTER!!!”

With an enraged neigh, the newly evolved Moon Goddess reared up on her hind hooves, and slammed down right into Celestia’s regalia covered chest, driving her deeper into the crater. The swan white Alicorn let out another screamed by the blood that gurgled in her mouth before flying out of her, staining her already bloodied coat. She let out a few more coughs as she struggled to breath under the weight of her sister, feeling more of her ribs crack in her chest. With as much strength as she could muster, she looked up into her sister’s eyes and felt her heart sink upon seeing the look in those reptilian turquoise orbs.

It was at that moment, that the cold hard reality of the situation finally hit Celestia, harder than all of the attacks that Luna had inflicted upon her once more. There was no denying it now, neither in her mind nor in her heart; the Luna that Celestia had known, the sister she had known and loved ever since she was a filly, was gone. Looking into those eyes, she saw none of the bright inquisitiveness and adoration she usually saw in them. There was no sign of the clam gentleness she usually had, nor the motherly smile that she always gave to young children that wanted to meet her. There was no warmth in her expression, no love, no care, only pure unadulterated rage, and endless voids of pain that clawed at Celestia’s heart like that of an Ursa Major. Queen Luna Nightwalker, Goddess of the Moon and ruler of the Night was no more; only this ponified monster of her remained.

Celestia was brought out of her heartbroken thoughts when Luna suddenly stepped away from her, encasing her in her magic once more and throwing her into a wall behind them. The swan white Alicorn flinched when she made impact, but didn’t scream or cry out. She didn’t even let out a single whimper as she slowly slide down to the ground and lay still. Her neck and head rested against the wall while her legs lay tucked beneath her, her head lay limp as her mane fell over it to shadow her eyes. Celestia lay there for a few moments looking as if she had just been knocked out, before the sound of her sister speaking made her look back up.

“I have grown tired of listening to your pleas and your whines about wanting to help me and saying that you care about me. I swear if I have to hear it for one minute longer, I am going to blast you all the way into kingdom come, instead of giving you the honor of facing me in my new form! I swear, you are even more pathetic than I ever thought that you were, such a little foal!” The sin black Alicorn spat, giving a lashed of her ethereal tail skirt.“Now, are you going to just sit there and lay there like a helpless little foal and just let me tussle you around like a dog? Or are you going to get up, face me like a mare, and let me give you the pleasure experiencing my new power, before I obliterate you and your precious Sun?! I don’t really like it when I fight somepony who can’t even fight themselves, let alone defend themselves against any attack!”

With fresh tears sliding down her face, Celestia slowly rose up to her hooves the pain in her wounds shooting throughout her body like she had a boulder smashed on top of her. It took some effort, but she managed to stay on her hooves, her breathing coming out and slow quivering bursts as she fought to regain her strength. Letting out a long breath, she raised her head and looked straight at Luna with guilt ridden lavender eyes that shone with endless tears.

“Luna…words cannot describe how sorry I am, or how guilty for everything that I have put you through since we have both ascended. I knew that you were in pain, but…until now, I didn’t realize just how much you were suffering, or much pain or subjects were putting you through. I tried to the very best of my abilities to help you, I swear that on my very soul…” She murmured, sounding to be on the edge of sobbing. “…but now, I can see…that it wasn’t enough. It was nowhere near enough to pull you out of your misery, to not make you fall deeper and deeper into your unhappiness, and…to not make you do what you did in order for you to feel loved.”

The swan white Alicorn lifted a hoof to wipe away her tears, new ones coming almost immediately after she got rid of the old ones. “I know, that nothing I say or do, can ever make up for what I have done to you Luna, and all the times that I have taken you for granted. And I don’t ever expect you to be able to forgive me for what I and everypony else put you through…but…I just want to know, that I’m sorry. Sorrier that you’ll hope to know, and…and I hope that one day maybe a thousand years from now…you’ll be able to find it somewhere, anywhere in your heart…to forgive me for my actions.”

The entire Royal Throne Room went completely silent after that, neither sister saying a word as they stared into each other’s eyes. A silent conversation seemed to go on between them as Celestia’s tear filled and remorseful eyes looked right into Luna’s anger filled and vengeful ones. After what seemed to be an eternity of silence, Luna’s turquoise narrowed, a sigh escaping her lips as she lowered her head, her posture relaxing somewhat. Then, she raised it back up, and lashed her tail skirt out, wrapping Celestia in its ethereal grasp as she lifted her into the threw her across the body filled room.

“The time to ask for forgiveness is over dear sister…it has been over the moment I realized the truth about just how you and everypony else felt about me. Even more so the moment you did the one thing to be I never believed even somepony as pathetic and hypocritical as you would do. As far as I am concerned, you are beyond forgiveness and redemption, especially after committing the crime you did against me, taking away the only one who ever truly loved me and my night. That is something that I will never forgive you for sister, along with all the pain and suffering that you let me go through, and letting me wallow in my despair.” Luna said, the softness in her tone doing nothing to hide the iciness, resentment and betrayal behind them. “Now, are you ready sister? Are you read to face the true might and power of the night? The very same power that let you see when we, or rather, I, took down Sombra in the Crystal Empire?”

Celestia rose up to her feet once more, shaking her body and feathers to get the dirt and rubble as she faced her sister once more. Brushing her disheveled mane out of her face, she looked at her sister, her lavender magenta eyes narrowed.

“Yes Luna…I am ready…I am ready to face you, and your power. The power that you have shown me and all our subjects countless times up until this point.” She replied softly, igniting her own horn in a pure golden glow as she got into a battle stance. “As much as I do not want to…I do not see any way that I can take away your pain. But…if this is what I have to ease at least somewhat…then that is what I will do.”

“As I have said before, there is nothing that you can do that will come even close to me forgiving you or all that you had done to me. I am however, please that you are finally growing a backbone, and granting my wish to fight me like a real warrior, and a real sister should.” Luna said apathetically, a small smile making its way to her face. “Speaking of which…I no longer wish to be called Luna. That name does nothing but remind me of the Tartarus that I endured by your hooves along with everypony else’s. From this moment forth, I shall be referred to as…Nightmare Moon Nocturnis!”

Celestia flinched at the very last word that left her sister’s mouth and echoed about the Royal Throne Room. The mere sound of it drove a pain through her heart that only ponies that have lost those most precious to them could feel. Fighting it down with all her might, she drew in a deep breath before replying. “Very well…I am ready when you are…Nightmare Moon…N-Nocturnis.”

With those final words, Nightmare Moon’s eyes blazed their brightest shade of turquoise blue, her bat wings slowly spreading to their fullest span as a turquoise aura surrounded her body. The same thing happened with Celestia just a moment later, her own eyes glowing as a lavender magenta aura surrounded her as she spread her own feathered wings. They suddenly let out loud resounding neighs that spread throughout the Royal Throne Room and beyond, before they charged at each other, horns blazing with magic. Not even a second after they clashed, a loud explosion spread throughout the room, shaking the entire royal castle. If anypony outside were where the castle was, they would’ve seen two pillars of golden yellow and turquoise blue light shooting form out of the castle into the sky.

That night, the Sun and the Moon clashed for the first time.

Celestia squeezed her eyes shut as tight as she could, fighting back the tears building in her eyes as she remembered the brutal battle that she had engaged with her sister. The power and bloodshed that was unleashed on that fateful night was almost more than the Sun Goddess could bare to remember. It hurt all the more when her mind wandered to the ending conclusion of the battle, the one that made her realize that there was only one way to end it. One way to stop any more blood to be spilled, more lives to be taken, and stop Luna in her nightmarish rampage once and for all. She could still remember the agonized cries and neighs of her sister as she used the Elements of Harmony to send her to the very Moon the Lunar Queen controlled, along with the explosion that resounded around the sky at the end. Each second of that memory sent a jolt of unrelenting pain and sorrow through the swan white Alicorn’s heart, and she felt the urge to cry growing stronger with each second she thought about it.

Celestia was so focused on the memories of losing her sister, that she didn’t notice she was getting closer to running onto one of the guards flying beside her. Their whinny of surprise was enough to snap her out of it, and she looked off to see Venture Vine righting herself in the air.

“Oh, I so sorry Venture, I didn’t look where I was going.” Celestia said apologetically, watching as the Kirin mare shook her head. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, your Majesty, I’m okay. I didn’t really see you coming anyway, I was too focused on what was in front of me.” Venture Vine replied, giving a brief bow to her Queen. He then noticed the somewhat anguished expression on her face, and his own morphed into that of concern. “Are you alright your highness? You look a little…well, under the weather there.”

“Hm? Oh, yes I’m fine Venture Vine, really.” Celestia replied, blinking a couple of times as she wiped at her face. “My mind as just drifting off a little bit, I’m sorry for bumping into you like that.”

“That’s alright your Majesty, you just took me by surprise that’s all.” Venture Vine replied. “I was trying to tell you that we had made it to another one of the clearings here in the forest.”

Blinking in surprise Sun Goddess looked head of them, and felt a gasp of surprise leave her throat as she saw that they were indeed inside a large clearing. Despite the vast destruction within it, the swan white Alicorn was still able to sense the magic emitting form it. There were three magical essences that she immediately recognized, two that let her know just who was here, and who else was with them.

“Venture Vine.” Celestia said not lookin down at the mare next to her. “You can smell it, can’t you? The scents left behind?”

Venture Vine nodded, pulling the hood of her black cloak away from her head. “I do…there’s no doubt about it, Twilight, Goku and Zephyr were definitely here. I can also smell several other ponies’ scents here as well…presumably here friends.”

“I suspected as much.” Celestia murmured, looking around the piles of woods. “I can also see that they’ve had quite a fight here with some of the animals here.”

“Yeah, there’s no doubt about it.” Venture Vine snorted, looking ground the wood and blood-filled clearing. “Just like with the last clearing and with that mountain edge, Zephyr and the girls were here, and they fought one of the animals here. It looks like the Timberwolves were the third ones on that list.”

“Which means that the girls are almost halfway over to me and my sister’s old castle.” Celestia concluded, mulling over the evidence that they’ve found. “Alright then, let us continue forward Venture, the sooner we get to the girls, the sooner that we may be able to keep them from using anymore magic then they need to. They will need it for the battle with Nightmare Moon, and unless the Shadowbolts have made it to them, they may end up using their main weapons sooner then they need too.”

“Something tells me that the Shadowbolts have already made it here before we did.” Venture Vine murmured giving a flick of her tail. “Though, I can see you’re point, let’s keep going.’

Celestia nodded, and with those words, she spread her gigantic wings and took off into the air with Venture Vine close behind. The Royal Guards and Ariel Flyers behind them soon followed as they journeyed further into the Everfree, determined to get to the future Element Bearers as quickly as possible. As they did so, they were unaware of the new terror that was about to reign upon Ponyville one that would surely have them fighting for their very lives.

Author's Note

Well, what did it tell you guys...what did I tell you? This chapter was going to be an emotional rollercoaster for those who haven't seen it. this idea has been playing in my head ever since the Season 4 Premiere of Princess Twilight, and after I watched that, while I was writing this book, I was figuring a way to better it, since I was planning to make major changes in the entire series and seeing how the series can be made a lot better. The scene with Celestia and Luna in the beginning of Season 4 was one of the things that I wanted to change most, as I wanted to but a more extended, dramatic and emotional scenario between them that led to Queen Luna being banished to the Moon for one thousand years. Now, I finally managed to get to that point, and let me just say that I am so proud of the way I made it :scootangel: ! The only things that I changed in this chapter was Venture Vine replacing Zephyr and her Celestia, and the guards coming into one of the beastly fight scenes in the Everfree Forest and finding out how the girls trip has been going so far. Other than that, the flashback is the only thing that's stayed the same, and looking back, especially after the current chapters that I wrote, this honestly looks better in my eyes, and I know the next couple of chapters will the same way :raritywink: .

Well, that's it for now, the next couple of chapters will be going through some changes like the last ones, though the update may go bit slower :applejackunsure: . One thing that I will say is that the girls will be facing real masters of laughter...in a very dark and bloodthirsty way :pinkiecrazy: .

Chapter 42 - The Ravenous Colony

As Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot and Crimson Skies all prepared themselves for the battle ahead, the girls, the Shadowbolts, and the girls were still trekking their way through the Everfree Forest. More than half an hour had passed since their encounter with the Manticore and Fluttershy taming it and tending to its wounds, before it had flown off back to its family. They were now in the deeper denser parts of the forest, which were also, pretty humid, much to a certain alabaster Unicorn’s dismay, which made it a little harder to find their way through the trees with the Moon being blocked by most of them. This did however, let them know that they were getting closer to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and that they didn’t have that much forest left to go before they finally made it to the location of the Elements. Which also meant, much to Twilight’s elation, that they were that much closer to encountering Nightmare Moon and defeating her once and for all.

Unfortunately, that did not mean that there weren’t any complaints about the new conditions of the forest.

“How’re you holding up over there, Twilight?” Goku asked as she ducked and stepped over branches and piles of leaves. “Are you able to see anything?”

“Not very much.” Came the soft reply from the lavender Unicorn, her face set in a frown. “I can’t really detect anything very far ahead of us, and I have my horn light up at its highest peak. Despite that, I can’t accurately or specifically see what’s far ahead of us, other than all of these trees.

“Well that’s just swell…no easy way out of these damn trees!” Rainbow Dash grumbled, ducking and swerving a few branches in the air. “Just how much are they gonna keep closing in around us until we’re practically bunched up together?! It’s like they’re deliberately trying to keep us in her! I’m a Pegasus! I gotta be able to fly, and I do not like being stuck in tight spaces!”

“It’s gonna be alright Rainbow Dash, we’re not going to be here forever.” Fluttershy said calmly, smiling gently at her fellow Pegasus. “The forest gets more crowded and packed together here, it’s only natural for any creature roaming in it. We’re almost to the castle, you’ll be able to stretch your wings and fly all you want. So just be patient for a little bit longer okay?”

Pinkie Pie, who was listening into what Fluttershy was saying, burst out laughing, causing those closest to her to jump. “Fluttershy, you and I both know that Dashie is hardly patient when it comes to anything! She can’t even wait for a full five minutes before she starts getting all pouty!”

“Hey!” The cyan mare exclaimed, shooting a glare at the bubblegum pink mare. “What the buck Pinkie Pie?!”

“What’s the matter sugarcube? She’s only speakin’ th’ truth.” Applejack said dryly, smirking up at Rainbow Dash, who directed her glare at her. “Fer as long as Ah’ve known ya, yer as impatient as a Fruit Bat waitin’ fer mah family’s apples to blossom.”

“I am not!” Rainbow Dash protested. “I can wait for a lot of things! I’m just…not used to waiting as long as you guys are!”

“Bull. Shit.” Goku laughed, giving a humorous snort through her nostrils. “You are the most impatient mare that I have ever met in my whole life. You’re always about things happening as fast as possible because you are all about fast! It’s one of the main reasons why I never asked you to do anything for me that involved waiting in any way shape or form, because you don’t have the patience for it. If you were waiting in a line for the next copy of Daring Do that had at least five or three ponies in it, it wouldn’t even be a full minute before you are just begging them to hurry up and go faster.” The tan Thestral looked back up at her friend with a smug smirk stretched across her face. “Especially if it involves Daring Do.”

“She makes valid point there, Dash.” Twilight quipped, smirking but not looking over at the athlete.

“Fluttershy, can you please help me on this?!” The cyan mare begged to the buttermilk mare, a hard frown on her face. “Please tell them that I can wait for things!”

“I would but…I’d be lying if I said that what they were saying wasn’t true.” Fluttershy replied with a little shrug, giving Rainbow Dash and apologetic smile. “Be able to wait is something you should really learn to work on, I’d be happy to help you if you want. As the old saying goes, patience is a virtue.”

“Precisely.” Storm Shadow said softly, earning a giggle from Violet Fire.

“Very true.” Zephyr nodded, smiling at the animal caretaker.

Rainbow Dash glared her and her other four friends, but said nothing else as she crossed her forearms and looked away from each of them. Goku, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Twilight all laughed humorously, know that they had her beat.

“Ugh, this has got to be the worst forest outing that I have ever had!” Rarity groaned, her expression that of disgust as she stared down at the soft dirt ground. “Just look at all of this dirt and mud! It’s sticking to my hooves like wet paint!”

“Uh, Rarity, since when was this an outin’ with Goku an’ th’ others?” Applejack asked, looking over at the fashionista with a raised golden eyebrow. “In case ya forgot, we’re here on a mission under th’ orders of th’ Queen t’ stop an evil replica o’ her sister. Is not really th’ time t’ be worried ‘bout dirt gettin’ on ya?”

“I mean, yes, I’ve taken nice walks around woods and such, but none of them were this bad!” Rarity grumbled, pouting at the tangerine Earth Pony. “At least back in the Whitetail Woods, whenever you, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash too our sisters, all that dirt and the trees were nice and dry and didn’t stick to my fur, mane, tail or hooves in any way. It even had a pleasant aroma that I could take in, which gave me a better understanding as to why dear Fluttershy loves being out there it so much.”

She flashed a tender smile at the buttermilk Pegasus before she looked back down at the ground with the same disgusted look as before. “Here?! It’s not anything like that! It’s all sticky, slippery and dirty! Do you know how long it’s going to take me to clean it all off by the time this is all over?! And don’t even get my started on the damage my poor mane and tail took after that fight with that horrid wolf! Ugh!” she gave a rather sharp wave of her right foreleg as she tried to get the dirt off of it. “I’m gonna have to spend extra time at the spa than usual… "

“Oh, don’t worry Rarity, it’s not really all that bad.” Violet Fire said soothingly. “Many forests and jungles are messy in one way or another. It may seem bad now, but when you’ve been in the forest time and time again training and fighting off wild beasts and dealing with its conditions, you get used to it.”

“Hmph, easy for you to say dear! We haven’t even been in this forest for half a day and I can already feel myself beginning to give in!” Rarity griped, emphasizing her point as she gracefully, yet overdramatically, leaned onto Shadow Step. “I don’t think I’ll be able to keep going for much longer if this continues on. I can already feel myself slipping away…”

“I see…well, we can always give you a helping hoof in not going into the light, if that’s what you want.” Lightning Shadow said plainly, gently pushing the alabaster Unicorn off of her. Once she was sure that Rarity had gotten herself under control, she turned to Fluttershy, whispering, “Not to be rude or anything but, is she always like this?”

“Well…most of the time, yes. Rarity can have the tendency to be a little…dramatic sometimes.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied somewhat lamely, a blush coming to her face. “It’s not anything to worry about, really…she just…has a habit of overreacting to certain things that’s all.”

“Understatement of the century, Fluttershy.” Goku snorted, giving a flick of her tail. “Unless it’s to hurt any of our friends, I am one hundred percent okay with Rarity’s overdramatic nature for two reasons. One, it’s pretty common for ponies to have the tendency to over react sometimes, no matter how trivial the reason is, and Rarity is hardly an exception. Second, because there is no other pony, not even her, more dramatic than th’ Flower Triplets.”

Rarity upon, hearing this, snapped her head over to the tan Pegasus, her sapphire blue eyes flashing. “And just what is that supposed to mean?” She asked, her voice low yet sharp.

“Oh nothing.” Goku shrugged, unintimidated by the alabaster Unicorn’s glare piercing into the back of her skull. “It’s just that unlike them, you at least have your reasons fer over reacting to certain things, while they over react to pretty much everything.” She glanced over at Rarity; a small smirk etched onto her face. “That, and you just happen to do it in a more…graceful and regal manner, which is to be expected from somepony as regal and graceful as you.” She added in a sweet tone as she gave a wink.

Rarity paused at these words, her anger giving way to surprise as she stopped in her walking, taking a second to process the last thing Goku had just said. She soon regained her composure, and gave a little cough, her cheeks turning a very bright shade of pink.

“Oh…well, um…that’s very…kind of you to say darling.” She finally said, running a hoof through her messy curly mane. “I honestly don’t know whether to feel flattered or embarrassed by that.”

“Don’t worry, I mean that in a nice way…you really are graceful and regal when it comes to many things, and not just your dress making.” Goku said in a gentle, making Rarity blush a little harder. “Although, you really do tend to overdo it with the exaggerated emotions, even when it’s over something so ridiculously minor.”

“I most certainly do not!” Rarity protested indignantly. “I just…have the tendency to not be able to properly prevent my emotions from swaying me. I just really don’t know what to do at times when I’m not able to find any inspiration or get put down because somepony doesn’t like my designs.”

“Well I’ll tell you what I think you should do.” Rainbow Dash suggested. “Don’t listen to any of the bullshit that they’re saying about your dresses and just make one that they’ll like. Nothing is going to do any good by wallowing away on your couch and eating ice cream until you burst like a cloud.”

“And what is they don’t like those dresses either?!” Rarity retorted. “Jus’ because I make another brand new one, doesn’t mean that my clients will like those dresses or designs unlike the first one! There’s no telling how many I’d have to make before they’re finally satisfied!”

“Well then, they’re not ponies that you should be associating with sugarfoot.” Applejack suggested. “If they ain’t gonna appreciate all o’ th’ hard work ya put int’ them fancy dresses, then they ain’t worth it. If Ah were you, Ah’d be workin’ with somepony who will appreciate th’ hard work that Ah put int’ harvestin’ th’ apples an’ sellin’ them int’ the market.”

“Applejack’s right Rarity.” Fluttershy nodded, blowing her mane from her face. “Not only that, but those ponies who’ll be grateful for what you’re doing for them should also treat you with as much kindness as you do them. My motto, is if you can’t say anything nice, then it’s best not to say anything at all.”

“Well, that would be rather nice, although I don’t exactly know anypony that’ll be genuinely appreciative of my work and kind about.” Rarity murmured, raising an azure stocked foreleg to her forehead. “Well, nopony except Sapphire Shores that is…”

“Well, that’s one start Rarity.” Twilight murmured, smiling slightly. “Plus, you have the rest of us who’ll appreciate all of your hard work, so that has to count for something, shouldn’t it?”

“Yes, it does!” Pinkie Pie chirped, bringing Rarity in a tight hug. “And no matter what others say, we’ll always be there to bring you back up! After all, everypony needs a good laugh to ease all of that icky lonely feelings, don’t we?”

Violet Fire blinked. “Um, Pinkie, baby, I think what you mean to say was, a shoulder to cry on.”

“I know what I meant Captain V!” Pinkie snorted, rolling her eyes. “I’m just putting it in a way that I think makes sense. I mean, they both kind of mean the same when making icky lonely feelings go away, don’t they?”

“Well yeah they do.” Fast Tracks murmured. “It’s just that what Captain Violet means is that having a shoulder to cry on is what you probably meant to say.”

“Maybe so…” Pinkie said slowly. “Except it wasn’t; laughing your icky feelings away can work the same way as making ponies feel better just like letting them let out waterfalls on ponies’ shoulders!”

Lightning Shadow shrugged. “She does make a point…in her own random way.”

“Well, if you want to put that way Pinkie, then that’s fine.” Blue Skies giggled. “We were was just a little confused on how you were trying to put it is all.”

“Don’t be.” Goku chuckled. “Pinkie’s known for doing and saying the most random of things all the time. If there’s anypony that can understand it, it’s her, or anypony else like her, or us. At least when they take the time to know her, like we did.”

“We can see.” Storm Shadow murmured, watching as Pinkie Pie bounced about.

As the ponies continued to walk through the forest, the suddenly found themselves heading into another clearing, only this one seems smaller than the rest. Zephyr and the Shadowbolts were formed in circled around the girls, looking out for any creatures ambushing them within the trees. So far, there was no sound or sight of anything form within the leaves and branches, thanks to the Shadowbolts acute hearing and Goku’s night vision. Still, some of them could not shake the eerie feeling that they were going to get jumped again, in the least unexpected way.

“Do any of you see anything?” Twilight asked, her horn still ignited to light the clearing they were in.

“Nothing.” Blue Skies replied softly. “There isn’t anything nearby here, and I’m not picking up any nearby scents either. I think it’s safe to assume that there aren’t any animals nearby.”

“Don’t be so sure of that Blue.” Storm Shadow advised. “Just because there’s nothing here, doesn’t mean they’re not going to come here. For all we know, another animal may be on its way here right now just waiting to pounce on us. We can’t let our guard down for even a single moment, or else, we’ll get jumped, just like how Zephyr was with the Doragontora.”

Zephyr flinched at his, his face shifting into a frown. “Please don’t remind me.” He murmured, rubbing at his right foreleg. “I really don’t need another jump scare like that again. If I do, I may just end up with as much scars as my Mom has from her youth.”

“Well, luckily for you, we’re to keep that from happening.” Fast Tracks smirked with glistening fangs. “Of course, you gotta admit, you’d look cooler the more scars you have, just like how Star Chaser is.”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it!” Zephyr growled, giving a hard hoof stomp. “It may seem cool to you to have an abundant number of scars, but certainly isn’t for me. I’m already scary looking as it is, and I don’t need any more scars to add to it!”

Goku giggled at her fellow Shenron’s embarrassment, and was about to say something when her bat ears picked out the sound of something from the sky. As she continued to listen, she could make out the distinct sound of what sounded like squeaking and screeching, and the slight flapping of wings. Being a pony with bat attributes, the tan Thestral could immediately figure out that it was a flock of bats that were coming their way. Eyes widening, Goku spun away from her friends to stare in the other direction of the forest, her nose twitching.

“Um, Goku darling, is there something the batter?” Rarity asked, noticing where the mare was looking. “Do you see something?”

“Yeah I do.” She said calmly, her eyes glued to the darkness of the forest. “I don’t want to alarm you guys but…I think I hear a colony of bats coming this way.”

Fluttershy and Fast Track’s ears perked. “Bats?” They asked in unison.

“Hold on, ya actually hear bats comin’ here?” Applejack asked, her eyes narrowing. “Are ya sure that yer hearin’ isn’t clogged up with hay ‘r somethin’?”

“No, they’re not, I can hear them too.” Fast Track replied sharply, the glare he sent Applejack making her flinch. “A Thestral’s hearing never lies, we can both clearly hear bats, so unless your part Thestral too, I suggest keeping comments like that to yourself. Otherwise you’re going to get drained, got it?”

The farmer held her hooves up in defense. “Alright, alright, calm down partner.”

“They’re both right, there are definitely bats coming.” Twilight replied, her ears picking up on the squeaking. “Everypony just stay where you are for now. When the bats come just let them pass, they won’t pose much of a threat to us anyway.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that Zephyr.” Fluttershy advised. “Remember we’re in the Everfree Forest…there’s no telling just what kind of bats these may be.”

“Fluttershy’s right, it’s best to stay on guard.” Twilight replied warily. “After all the animals that we’ve fought, it’s best not to take any chances.”

As those words were said, the flock of bats that had been making their way to the ponies finally made their presence known. Multiple bats upon various different colors and sizes flapped and soared their way past them. Their squeaks and screeches resonated within the ears of the ponies from down below, and it put a few of them on edge.

“Holy shit!” Rainbow Dahs exclaimed. “Just look at those things, how many of them are there?!”

“They’re accelerating too fast for any of us to determine it.” Storm Shadow replied. “Though I’d guess that they’re in the hundreds.”

“Um, actually no.” Fast Track corrected. “I can see their shapes even though their kind of bunched up together. I’d say that it’s more likely in the thousands if you want me to be clear.”

“They’re just ignoring us.” Rarity pointed out. “Why aren’t they just diving in to attack us?”

“Because bats aren’t known to do that to ponies unless you threaten them.” Fluttershy replied, watching the bats worriedly. “Another reason is because they’re flying away from something.”

“Like somethin’ that could gobble them up like cupcakes?” Pinkie Pie asked. “But…what could be making all of those itsy bitsy batties flying away like there’s part they’re missing?”

Right as this question left the pink pony’s mouth one of the bats, who had been flying with the colony, stopped upon noticing the ponies down below it. It was a snow white in color, with bright pink membranes adorning its wings, and azure blue eyes. When it saw the equines in front of it, its eyes widened, and it swooped down towards them, landing right into Goku’s mass of chest fluff.

“Whoa there, little guy! Easy!” Goku said, nearly falling on her jump. She gently pulled the scared bat out of her chest and helped him in her forelegs. “What’s the matter sweetie? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

The white bat, blue eyes filled with absolute terror, began to give off a series of squeaks a mile a minute, so much so that Goku almost wasn’t able to determine what it was trying to say. In an effort to get the bat to calm down, she gently put a hoof to its lips, thus rendering it silent.

“Shhhhhh, calm down baby, it’s alright, I’m here.” She said soothingly, as if she was talking to her brother. “I can’t understand you if you’re talking like a wood chipper. Now, take deep breathes and start from the beginning.”

A few breathes later, the bat started squeaking again, although going at a more manageable pace than it was a few moments ago. The look of sheer terror on its face was still there, but it managed to keep just calm enough to communicate to the Thestral mare about what was going on.

“Wait…you’re saying that a giant flock of Cave Demons are chasing after your colony?” Goku asked apprehensively, earning a frantic nod from the bat in her hooves. “They caught you by surprise and they’re trying to gobble up as much of you as they can?”

“Uh, Goku, not that Ah’m tryin’ t’ interrupt ‘r anythin’, but what is that bat sayin’?” Applejack asked. “Ah can’t understand a lick o’ what it’s tellin’ ya.”

“That bat is telling Goku that there’s a colony of Cave Demons chasing after his.” Fast Tracks replied; his own bat ears able to pick up on the conversation. “And judging from the expression on his face, some serious shit has gone down between them.”

Fluttershy’s face went pale. Wait…d-d-did you say…C-C-C-Cave Demons?”

“Wait, how’re you and Goku able to understand what the bat is saying?” Twilight asked, looking in between both Thestrals. “And…what exactly are Cave Demons?”

A blood curdling screech that nearly shattered the eardrums of everypony prevented any of them from responding to Twilight’s question. As they tried to recover from the sudden sounds, larger shadowy forms burst out form the forest, surrounding the girls in the blink of an eye. A shrill shriek emitted form Rarity, followed by an ear-piercing scream from Pinkie and Blue Skies that alerted everypony else of what had just found them. Once they managed to recover from the sudden sounds, Goku and the others all looked around, only for their hearts to nearly stop by what they all saw.

Standing all around them, their figures causing their shadows to envelop some of them, were the largest bats that any of them had ever seen. By closer inspection, they could see the new creatures surrounding them looked like crosses between ponies and bats, somewhat like Goku. They all stood over five to five and a half feet tall, with builds that were very powerful and muscular, like that of a Minitour’s. All of them had deep and dark shades of fur that varied form numerous different colors, with their gleaming eyes shining much brighter. Each of them had digits that were not too far off from that of a griffon’s, with their feet formed in the same way, with sinister bat-like ears atop their ponyish heads.

They had wings spans that spanned even father than Goku’s the membranes going all the way down to their knees, with long and thick whip-like tails lashing out behind them. Lastly, their griffon like claws had long curved gleaming white claws that retracted and extended every few seconds, and their mouths had large knife-like fangs protruding out form the corners, looking even sharper. If not for the fact that they had minitour like statures, griffon-like claws and rat-like tails, then they would’ve easily been mistaken as Vampire Ponies.

“Father Ulquiorra Almighty!” Rarity screeched. “What uncouth abominations are these?!”

“I think these are the Cave Demons that bat was telling Goku about.” Zephyr relied as calmly as he could. He looked over at Fluttershy, who looked like she was going to wet herself. “These are the ones right Fluttershy?”

The buttermilk Pegasus nodded. “Y-yes Zephyr…they are. They are indeed the demons in the cave…also known as, Dōkutsuakumas.”

“Oh boy, now that is certainly not good.” Pinkie whimpered, her coat switching between bright pink and lavender. “What’re they going to do? Train us of our blood until we’re nothing but shriveled up and moldy cupcakes?”

“They literally have fangs poking out of their mouths Pinkie.” Rainbow deadpanned. “I think it’s been made obvious what they’re going to do.”

“Actually, I think thay may be the least painful thing they’d do to us.” Fluttershy murmured, standing close to Blue Skies. “Dōkutsuakumas aren’t exactly known for swiftly and efficiently killing off their prey. I think that it can be said, by the way that they’re looking at us, they’re going to tear us limb from limb.”

“Not if we have anything to say about it.” Violet Fire stated firmly, flaring her wings as flames exploded from her. “Fire Pegasus: Neigh!”

Inhaling deeply, the ebony mare shot out huge blast of fire from her mouth, letting it collide right in the chest of the biggest Dōkutsuakumas. It sent the giant vampiric like creature flying away and crashing into a tree, prompting the other colony members to attack. Goku, Zephyr, and the rest of the Shadowbolts were the closest ones, and the Dōkutsuakumas immediately lunged for them, only to for the ponies to retaliate with their own attacks.

“Lightning Thestral: Electric Whinny!” Goku shouted, letting out a blast of golden lightning at the nearest Dōkutsuakumas immediately electrifying them on the spot. Leaping into the air, she delivered deep serrated slashed with her wing claws, before sucker punches and axe kicks to a couple of the bat-like creatures. After launching another one away with a devastating kick, she turned to help her friends, only to see the Shadowbolts already on it.

“Fire Thestral: Scorching Explosion!” Fast Track shouted, sending a giant ball of flames at the Dōkutsuakumas on the right side of them. As with Violet Fire’s own group, they were set on fire, and they all let out eerie screeches as they tried to put out the fire. One of the fanged colony members launched itself at the light brown stallion from behind, but he launched it in the air with a kick to the gut.

“Shadow Pegasus: Dark Slicing Waves!” Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow both shouted in unison, sending slices of blackness at the giant bat-like creatures. Thanks to the distance that the Dōkutsuakumas were at, this allowed the attacks to send them further back. It also did the deed of leaving devastating injuries to the creatures as they were sent flying from them, blood spraying from their wounds. The two sisters suddenly heard the sound of screeching from right behind, and saw several Dōkutsuakumas diving towards them, mouths agape.

“Not so Fast!” Zephyr shouted, ascending up towards the bat creatures. “Fire Pegasus: Brilliant Explosion!”

With both of his hooves out, he shot a wave of garnet flames at the Dōkutsuakumas above him, burning them faster than they could blink as they were sent careening away. In flash, lightning automatically replaced the fire cloaking him, and he swung his wings outward, sending waves of lightning bolts at the flaming giant bats. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Wing Attack!”

Each of the lightning bolts struck the Dōkutsuakumas point blank right where he had aimed at, and he watched as the beasts were once again violently electrocuted. Just as the lightning was beginning to fade away, Blue Skies suddenly came diving in out of nowhere.

“Sky Pegasus: Swirling Whirlwind!” She shouted, sending a giant tornado of wind down at the beasts that were surrounding the other ponies. Luckily, they saw the attack coming, and evaded it just as it hit the ground, sending slices of wind everywhere. Zephyr, the Shadowbolts and all the other mares managed to hide behind the giant trees to avoid being sliced to ribbons, but the Dōkutsuakumas were not so lucky. Before the beast’s knew it, they found themselves being carved into by the wind slices before crashing into the trees, some of them being the ones Goku and her friends were all hiding behind.

“I’ve managed to keep them all down for now!” The palomino mare exclaimed as she flew down to her team. “Is everypony okay?”

“Lands sakes girl, where were yer aimin’ them things!” Applejack chastised. “Ya nearly sliced all o’ us int’ applesauce back there!”

“Maybe, but at least it kept us from getting the blood drained out of us.” Twilight murmured, shivering slightly. “We need to leave, and do it now. The sooner we do, the sooner we can keep ourselves from becoming meals.”

“You don’t need any further prompting from me dear.” Rarity shuddered. “I love the way my coat is, but I’d rather not take the chance of looking like a ghost.”

Right at that moment, a bone chilling hiss came from behind the ponies, and they looked behind them to see a rather large Dōkutsuakuma in front of them. Its eyes blazed a deep crimson red as it bared its fangs at the ponies in front of them, a long snake like tongue slithering from out of its mouth. Its muscular wings flared to its largest span as it crouched in front of them, looking to be preparing to pounce.

“Looks like our Nightmare Night party guests have other ideas Rarity.” Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song voice. “And from the look on his face, he does plan to make you into a ghost.”

“Not helping Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash snapped, a tick mark popping on her head.

The group was suddenly aware of multiple shadows looming over them, and they all looked around to see the other Dōkutsuakumas surrounding them from all sides. Strong gusts of wind emitted from their wing flaps as some of them hovered over their prey, preventing them from using flight to escape.

“Well this is just great.” Zephyr snorted, lashing his tail out indignantly. “Looks like we’re gonna have to take this up a notch.”

“Looks like it.” Goku nodded, her wings flaring out slightly.

Just before the ponies could attack, the biggest Dōkutsuakuma, presumably the alpha, suddenly raised its forelimbs and clammed his claws down into the ground. Large cracks slithered across the ground like snakes from multiple burrows as they spread all across the clearing. What came afterward was bright red energy that shined form the cracks in the earth, almost blinding the ponies standing over it.

“Um…what the buck was that?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What did he just do?”

“I have no idea.” Storm Shadow replied. “But something tells me that it is not good.”

At that moment, the smaller bat that had been hiding in Goku’s mane popped out, and began squeaking again. The tan Thestral, Fast Tracks, and Fluttershy turned their attention to the fledgling as he continued to talk to them.

“Now what is that lil’ vermin goin’ on ‘bout now?” Applejack asked in irritation. “Ah’m gettin’ real sick an’ tired o’ hearin’ all o’ that squeakin’.”

Fluttershy shot a stern glare at the farmer. “Applejack, I’d advise you to watch what you say about the bats. I’ve already gotten enough of it from you, Rarity and Rainbow Dash and I don't need to hear another word of it! I know you have no love for bats, but that is no excuse to keep referring to them as monsters or pests, especially in front of me. So you'd better stop it right here, right now or you’re going to get my Solar Stare!”

Applejack’s mouth snapped shut as the bat continued to squeak and chirp, with Goku, Fast Tracks, and Fluttershy listening all the while. A moment later, the two Thestrals and Pegasus gasped as their faces drained of their natural color.

“Goku, Fluttershy, what’s the matter?” Twilight asked. “What did the bat tell you?”

“Yeah, you three look like you’ve gotten drained of your blood.” Violet murmured in concern for Fast Tracks, ignoring the glare Rarity shot her. “What’s going to happen?”

“Guys, we need to get out of this clearing!” Fast Tracks said frantically. “The ground is about to give out from underneath us!”

“Give out?” Pinkie asked perplexedly. “What do you mean?”

“I-I think Fast means that the ground is going to crumble.” Blue Skies whimpered. “Meaning we’re about to fall through it.”

Lighting Shadows eyes almost popped out of her goggles. “Wait, WHAT?!”

That was all that was left to be said before there was an explosion from underneath the ponies, happening so fast that they didn’t even have time to blink. The next they knew, they were all falling through the ground, the Dōkutsuakumas watching as they vanished into the darkness below as they screamed in terror. They all screeched before they dove down after them, eager to finish off their newfound dinner before the night’s end.

Author's Note

Other than the beginning of this chapter, the rest of this was thought entirely form the top of my head, especially after seeing the last versions of the buildup I made for Pinkie Pie to represent her own Element. Out of all the chapters that I felt needed to most changing, those chapters are at the very top of that list, plus I felt that I didn't make enough buildup to get to that point, especially near the ending before I wrote the final battle. So, I'm gonna try to improve that buildup before I get to the next Element representation, since there's only, like, three of them left, and I'm planning to make a real big surprise for one of them, one I got form seeing a certain sea move trailer. Before any of you ask, it's still going to say the same as it was the last time, only in this new addition, Zephyr, the Shadowbolts, and the rest of the girls, will have to go through a watery obstacle before then :raritywink: .

Well, that's all for now; tune in next time for a chase in the underground, an ambush afterwards, and Queen Celestia and Venture Vine running into one of the fighters of the Everfree. Along Ponyville getting another surprise visit, only from beings more on their intellectual level :raritywink: .

Chapter 43 - Trek through the Underground

The sound of echoing screaming could be heard all throughout underneath the earth as the Zephyr, the future Element Bearers, and the Shadowbolts all tumbled across the darkness. The near pitch-black darkness prevented them from seeing the rough edges and sharp points of the slopes they were rolling down deeper underground. Not even the screeches of their pursuers could get them to ignore the searing pain as they cried and screamed in terror. Violet Fire and the rest of the Shadowbolts made a sharp beeline towards them trying desperately to save their future heroes from their incoming fatality. The Dōkutsuakumas were not too far behind them, and the strong flapping of their wings let them know that they were closing in, and fast.

“Hold on girls, we’re coming!” Fast Track called through the darkness. “Just keep holding on until we get there! Don’t give up!”

“I don’t think giving up is what they should be worrying abought right now!” Lightning Shadow shouted. “Keeping themselves stabbed and sliced to ribbons should be their main priority right now above all else!”

“W-what about the Dōkutsuakumas?!” Blue Skies asked fearfully. “They’re still chasing after us, and I can hear them closing in fast!”

“No way I’m going to let them get the drop on us, not this time!” Violet Fire stated firmly, her goggles glinting. “Storm Shadow, Lightning Shadow, go now!”

“Right!” The twin sisters nodded, turning to face their adversaries. “Shadow Pegasus: Dark Neigh!”

Inhaling deeply at the same time, Lightning and Storm both simultaneously shot out large waves of blackness from their mouths. They combined and formed into one giant wave of darkness that could only be seen due to a grey aura surrounding them. It shot up straight towards the Dōkutsuakumas, who weren’t quite able to see the attack coming. It collided with most of them, sending them back and crashing into the slope, though a few of them evaded it and continued on with the chase. Undeterred, the twins prepared for another attack, but Blue Skies beat them to the punch.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this!” The palomino Pegasus shouted flying past them and heading straight towards them. “Sky Pegasus: Slicing Drill!”

Swinging her hooves forward, Blue Skies shot a large drill of wind up at the few Dōkutsuakumas that were left, enveloping them in the razor-sharp wind. They screeched as they were sliced into, and were sent back up to where they had flown. Once she was sure that they were gone, Blue Skies soared back down past her teammates and towards the tumbling mares, before her teammates could praise her.

Goku gritted her teeth as her back and wings brushed against the rough and jagged edges of the slope they were sliding on. She could feel them trying to slice their way into her body as she attempted to keep her wings from being ripped apart. With a loud grunt, she forced herself to her haunches and dug her hooves into the rough underground earth. Flaring her large wings, the Thestral jumped into the air and took flight, spinning around so she could see her friends down below. Zephyr, Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts were well about in the air like her, but the same could not be said about Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, or even Fluttershy. Each of them were trying to either fly or grab at something to keep them from sliding, but it was either too slippery or too sharp, least they get seriously cut. The only one who didn’t seem to be in danger was Pinkie Pie, who looked to be having the time of her life.

“Hold tight guys, I’m coming!” She shouted, making a dive for Fluttershy and colliding with her as soon as they met. She wrapped her powerful forelegs around the Pegasus’s barrel and pulled her close, spreading her wings again and taking flight. With a strong hoist, she threw Fluttershy int the air and caught her onto her back, letting her cling to her powerful neck. “Zephyr, Violet Fire, Rainbow Dash, you and the others go get the rest of the girls!!”

“Right!” All three flyers nodded as they each wen to their own individual ponies.

“Fast Tracks, you and the rest of the team keep a lookout for any of those Dōkutsuakumas!” Violet Fire ordered to her second in command. “Blue Skies, you’re with me!”

The rest of Shadowbolts nodded as they separated to their own individual tasks, with Violet Fire making a beeline straight for Twilight. As the lavender Unicorn began to make another tumble, she suddenly felt herself land on Violet’s warm suited back, before being hoisted into the air with her. Zephyr managed to catch Rarity before she hit a jagged edge of the slope and hoisted her into his back, bringing her forelegs around his neck. The last to be saved was Applejack, and as Blue Skies dived towards her, the farmer leapt in the air and all but crashed into her.

“Whoa! Easy there Applejack!” Blue Skies cried as the larger mare adjusted herself on the younger mare’s back. “You almost knocked me into the slope!”

“Sorry there sugar!” Applejack apologized. “Ah jus’ saw ya comin’ an’ Ah took th’ opportunity when it came!”

The screeching of the Dōkutsuakumas alerted the duo, and the rest of the ponies to the flock that was still chasing them. Knowing that they needed to get away from them, Zephyr took the initiative. “Everypony follow me!”

None of them needed to be told another time as they followed the stallion that was carrying Rarity through the darkness. Goku followed the closest behind him, their enhanced hearing allowing them to fly through the darkness without trouble. Not being anywhere near as used to being in caves, the others had to rely on the due and the Shadowbolts to get them through the caves. The hisses and screeches of the giant ponyish bats behind them still echoed about in the underground as they twisted and turned through the caves. At some point in the flight, they ended up finding cave that went straight down, Goku and Zephyr dove down without so much as a single thought.

It was no later than ten seconds of diving down that slope inside of the cave that it gave way to an exit, one that reveal a large lake of water. Despite the darkness, the girls and two stallions were able to see it, but had no time to try to fly over it, and found themselves falling in. Goku, Zephyr, and Violet Fire were the first to emerge, wasting no time in addressing the others.

“Okay, everypony keep as quiet as possible.” Violet Fire advised, keeping her voice as soft as she could. “The Dōkutsuakumas are still chasing us and could be heading here right now. The less noise we make, the more likely we’ll be able to keep from being spotted.”

“Aww damn it, my wings!” Rainbow Dash groaned, raising her soaked appendages from out of the water. “They’re all wet; how am I supposed to be able to fly now?!”

“Rainbow, shush!” Goku hissed. “We’re trying not to get eaten right now! Unless you want to get your wings ripped off, don’t make a sound!”

The tan Thestral put a hoof to the cyan mare’s muzzle before she could speak again, and the rest of them stayed silent as save for the screeching. They watched as the dark shadows of the Dōkutsuakumas flew passed them, their eyes slicing through the darkness. This went on for just a few moments, before all went silent, with the only dripping water breaking it.

“Are…are they gone?” Rarity asked, clinging tightly to Zephyr. “Please tell me that those things are gone!”

Fast Track’s ears swiveled about for any unnerving sounds. “Nope, I don’t hear any of them around here. Those guys are gone…for now.”

“Thank goodness, I really thought that we were going to be captured.” Fluttershy sighed, leaning into an equally wet Violet Fire. “Good thing that Goku and Zephyr were able to see their way through here, or else we would’ve been lost.”

“Well, like she said, there are quirks to being a Thestral.” Twilight murmured as she swam to the nearby shore. “By the way Goku, how did you manage to get through all of those caves so easily?”

“Yeah, you’ve never even been in this part of the forest!” Rainbow Dash added, shaking the water off of her. “You went through it like you had been here a gazillion times before, like you knew which exits to take!”

“Oh, that’s because of my bat pony heritage.” Goku explained, dragging her tail from out of the water. “For those fo you who don’t know, bats don’t really rely on vision to navigate their way through the caves they live in. They use what’s called echolocation, to help guide themselves all throughout the caves, using the vibrations from all around the other caves to determine which way they should go. It also helps them while they’re hunting at night, using their large ears as radars to help them pinpoint the exact location of their prey before they move in for the kill.”

Rarity blinked. “Um, Goku, you do realize that you’re only half bat, do you not?”

“Yes Rarity, I do.” The tan Thestral replied. “I’m just saying that we Thestrals use echolocation just like actual full bats do in order to navigate through caves. Which is why I was able to make my way through all of those caves without any trouble.”

“I-I know that darling but…” Rarity said with a slight stammer. “It’s just…you’re not completely bat, and the other half of you is a pony. So…you shouldn’t be able to be able to have that acute of hearing like an actual bat.”

“Maybe so, but she can, and she does.” Zephyr state firmly. “One other thing too, Thestrals are not like any other ponies known on Equis Rarity. Because if we they, were they wouldn’t have all of these supernatural type powers that make others mistake them for Vampires. However, they’re not normal ponies, so shouldn’t be that surprising that we have things like super-duper enhanced hearing.”

“Well yes, but even so-” Rarity tried to explain again, but was silenced when Applejack put a hoof to her muzzle.

“Rares, stop.” She stated bluntly. “Please sugar lump, jus’ let it go.”

“I see…it’s apparent that Thestrals are far more equipped than I thought they’d be.” Twilight murmured, rubbing her chin. “I’ll have to see if I can have a few come down to my library to run some tests.”

“If you’re really wanting to find out what separates Thestrals from other ponies, besides the Shenrons, then I’ll see if my Mom can get a few volunteers.” Goku said dryly, her curved fangs gleaming as she smirked. A second later, it morphed into a sharp and stern glare as her golden eyes pierced into Twilight’s. “My brother is off limits though, so don’t even think of using him without my permission, or unless he’s okay with it, got it?”

“Yes ma’am!” Twilight squeaked, nodding hastily. All of a sudden, the two mares, and almost everypony else found themselves drenched. This took the mares by surprise and for a moment, they thought something had found them from within the water. When they looked over, they saw that it was only Pinkie Pie, jumping and swimming about the water like a seal.

“Whoo hoo, this is awesome!” The pink pony squealed, jumping out of the water again. “I’ve never felt water this amazing before!”

“Consarn it, Pinkie! Don’t scare us like that!” Applejack scolded, glaring harshly at the younger mare. “Ah thought somethin’ was gonna pop outta that water an’ try t’ eat us!”

“Now why would you think that Jackie?” Pinkie Pie giggled, her wet curly mane sticking to the side of her face. “I mean, other than those giant pony bats that’re trying to get us and turn us into ponified frosting, there isn’t anything down here that could possibly get us!”

“First of all, Pinkie, they’re called Dōkutsuakumas.” Fluttershy corrected, her tone patient, yet holding the slightest bit of nervousness. “Second of all, I wouldn’t be so sure that there aren’t other creatures down here other than them, that will see us as potential prey.”

An exaggerated groan left Rainbow Dash’s mouth. “Oh, for buck’s sake, what the hay is going to try to eat our asses this time?!” She cried out indignantly, her raspy voice echoing about the large underground cave. “We’ve already had to face off against to giant furballs for cats, a giant bear that tried to attack Ponyville, and a pack of mutts that’re made out of wood! What the buck is after that huh?! All of those other animals that we have yet to run into no matter where we go?!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Blue Skies cried, jamming her hoof into her fellow Pegasus’s mouth. “I know that you’re aggravated, but please keep your voice down! Those Dōkutsuakumas may still be roaming about the caves here, and the last thing we need is for them to get a hint as to where we are!”

“Blue is right Rainbow. You need to calm down.” Lightning Shadow said firmly. “At the rate you’re going, you’re going to bring back our pursuers, and if they do, they might have even more members of our colony coming after us. Like they tried to do with those bats that we ran into earlier.”

“Exactly, best if we keep quiet and try to find our way through these caves.” Storm Shadow nodded. “Speaking of which, where is that bat that Goku had with her earlier?”

A series of squeaking was the answer the dark grey Pegasus got as she and the others looked up to see the large white bat coming from above them. A smile made its way to Goku’s face as she held out her forelegs, allowing the bat pup to land right into them.

“Well, look who it is!” She cooed, nuzzling the bat lovingly. “I was wondering where you were during that freefall we had. For a second there I thought you had gotten caught; I didn’t feel you anywhere in my mane.”

The bats large tufted ears went limp, and he started squeaking again, this time at a slower and softer pace than before. Goku’s expression softened as she listened to his explanation before she brought the bat into her chest fluff.

“Oh, you poor thing, you nearly got caught and eaten by those Dōkutsuakumas while we were trying to get away from them.” Goku said sweetly, nuzzling the small bat’s head. “Well don’t you worry sweetie, I’m gonna keep you nice and safe with me. At least until we can elude all of those Dōkutsuakumas and find a way out of this cave. Would you like that? Huh? Would you like to stay with Auntie Goku so she can keep all of the big bad batties away from you?”

Pinkie Pie giggled loudly, her cheeks flushing an even brighter pink than her coat. “Goku stop it, please! You’re filling me with Gokubetes! I can’t take it!”

“Um, what did you say honey?” Violet Fire asked with a few blinks. “I could’ve sworn you said Gokubetes instead of Diabetes.”

“Yes, because that’s exactly what she said.” Twilight nodded with a giggle. “Pinkie Pie has a way of combining certain word that adds more emphasis from where she’s standing. Just roll with it, it’ll save you a lot of time and energy if you do.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “No shit sherlock.”

“Goku, be gentle with the poor thing!” Fluttershy said, a giggle of her own escaping her as she walked over to the tan Thestral. “I know he’s little bundle of adorableness but he’s still a rather young fledgling. He can only take so much affection before he ends up getting smothered by it.”

“Fluttershy, you should know by now that we Thestrals have high levels of affection towards anything that is even remotely cute.” Goku murmured, glancing at the cherry blossom maned mare. “A lot more than ponies normally do, even ponies like you.”

“That’s true…” Fluttershy nodded. “…but even so, you could show just a little restraint. There does come a time where it’ll become to much for the one receiving it.”

“Yeah, your point is accurate there.” Goku nodded, letting the bat regain flight into the air. “I just can’t help it; he just looks so adorable!”

“Now what in tarnation can you think a varmint like that can be cute?” Applejack snorted; her face contorted into disgust. “Also, how can ya tell that it’s a boy?”

“Well for one, we can tell his gender just by his scent.” Fast Track replied firmly before Goku or Fluttershy could reply. “That way, we can save the little guys some embarrassment by checking their more private areas.”

“Secondly, what isn’t cute about this little sweetheart?” Violet Fire cooed, flying over to the white bat. “I mean just look at him! Those big bright baby blue eyes and that comfy soft fur, those large fluffy ears and that little twitchy nose!” With a giggle, she leaned in an planted a kiss on the bat’s nose, emitting a squeak from the pup. “Oh, I could just cuddle him all day!”

“You’d really want to cuddle with that, that…thing?!” Rarity gasped, looking at Violet Fire as if she had torn one of her dresses apart. “How can you possibly even think such a thing?! Do you know what those icky ruffians are known to do?!”

“Yes Rarity, we’re aware of that.” Fluttershy stated firmly, glaring sharply at the alabaster Unicorn. “However, just because they’re known as pests in some places, doesn’t mean they’re known like that all over Equis. And that is certainly no reason for you to treat them as such, even if they’re known to pester ponies.”

“Yeah well, if ya ask me, they deserve every bit o’ it just fer existin’ where we are.” Applejack sorted, lashing her tail. “If it were up t’ me, Ah’d make sure them varmints never came back a’' stayed in th’ dark where they belong, whatever it takes.”

The sound of earth cracking made the farmer jump, and she looked over only to feel a hoof at her throat and the eyes of Fast Tracks glaring into her own. “You even think of harming a single hair on that little guys’ head, I’ll send you back to where you came from missy!” He hissed as he smacked his tail skirt on the ground, his fangs bared at the frightened Earth Pony. “And I don’t give a flying feather if you’re a mare, I’ll bury you six feet under the ground!”

“Calm down Fast Tracks.” Zephyr said calmly, putting a hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “I completely understand your anger, but now isn’t the time to be trying to drain the blood of ponies who make threats to those you’re fond of. You me, and the other Shadowbolts have a mission that we need to complete, and ponies we need to protect, along with a villain we need to defeat and a Queen to save. If we waste our time squabbling like a group of bat pups, we won’t get anywhere.”

“Zephyr’s right, just take it easy Fast.” Lightning Shadow said more gently. “You can show Applejack why you shouldn’t hold bats to such a negative standard later. For now, let’s just keep our focus on the mission, starting with finding a way out of this cave.”

With a grunt, Fast Tracks gave a slow now, but not before sending Applejack one last threating hiss, before turning away from her. Gulping, Applejack adjusted the red bandana around her neck, before joining the others to begin their trek through the cave.

“So, do you and your team know of a way to get out of these caves?” Pinkie asked, shaking herself off the water near them. “I mean, that chase was fun and all, but I don’t really like being in spook places for so long.”

“Unfortunately, no sweetie.” Violet Fire said as she calmed down. “Me and my team would be the ones to lead you all out of here, if we knew these caves ourselves. Alas, they’re not like the ones at our training grounds, or the ones found under Hallow Shades, so it looks like we’ll be guessing from here.”

“Well that’s just bucking great!” Rainbow Dash groaned, throwing her hooves in the air. “Now we’re going to be stuck here going through who knows how many caves! Is there really no fast way to find a cave that can get us out of here?!”

At that moment, the white bat that had been nestling inside of Goku’s mane popped out and flew into the air, giving a series of squeaks down to them. Fast Tracks, Goku, and Fluttershy all stopped and listened intently to what the pup was trying to tell them.

“Um, Fluttershy, Goku…” Twilight murmured. “…can either of you please translate what the bat is saying?”

Fluttershy’s eyes slowly widened, before she spun around to the rest of her friends. “He…he said that he knows a way out of the caves!”

Rarity’s jaw dropped. “I-I beg your pardon?”

“You heard her right!” Fast Tracks smirked. “This little guy knows his way through these caves and knows which ones to go through too!”

“Whoa there, are y’all serous!” Applejack shouted in disbelief. “He knows how t’ get through these caves?! How in th’ hay is that possible?!”

“Rainbow Dash, you should know that since bats live inside caves, they tend to travel through those caves as well.” Lightning Shadow murmured. “Also, Goku had just explained that bats, like this one, use echolocation to travel through the darkness of the caves, the same thing they use to pinpoint the exact location of their prey. So, this bat should have no problem making his way through the caves, even if they’re considerably dark.”

“Plus, you have two Thestrals, plus Fluttershy here, who can do the same thing, and tell you all which place that bat will tell us to go.” Zephyr added, glancing up at the bat. “Isn’t that right little buddy?”

The bat pup nodded, a beaming expression adorning his face as he squeaked jovially in response.

“Well I guess it’s settled then! We’re taking an underground journey through the cavers of the Everfree Forest!” Pinkie concluded, bouncing over to the fox-like bat with a wide and cheery smile. Without warning, she reached into her mane and rummaged through it, before pulling out a mini feathered pirate captain hat and setting it atop the pup’s head. “Lead the way Captain Batty!”

The white bat, after adjusting the hat on top of his head, let out another squeak chorus, this one being far softer. A giggle escaped Fluttershy’s mouth, before she translated what the pup said to Pinkie Pie.

“Chenoa.” She said softly. “The bat said that his name is Chenoa. He’s thankful for the hat that you gave him, but he prefers if he calls you by his actual name.”

“Wait, he actually has a name?” Rarity asked, her eyes widening slightly. “Ah thought only ponies, griffons and other creatures like us had names.”

“Well of course he has a name.” Goku snorted. “Just because he doesn’t really vocalize like us and is more primal and exotic than we are, doesn’t mean that even animals like him don’t have names. Even animals like bats who have young name their children, not just us. You seriously need to stop thinking animals are just named scientifically.”

Chenoa gave an indignant squeak of agreement.

“I don’t care what the buck his name is, as long as he’s able to get us out of this shithole of a cave!” Rainbow Dash shouted, stomping her hoof. “Now quit with the damn stalling and move it already ya damn furball!”

Chenoa’s ears pinned back as he glared at the cyan mare, baring his fangs as he gave a hiss that made everypony’s skin crawl. Before anypony could comment on it, the fox-sized bat flew down towards Rainbow Dash and hissed at her again, the sound being much more menacing. So much so that Rainbow took a few steps back in response, cowering slightly under his piercing glare.

“Now Dash, darling, while I understand that you want to get out of here as quickly as possible, that was rather rude of you.” Rarity chastised with a frown. “You could’ve at least put that a little more politely rather than using such language and rude comments.”

Zephyr frowned. “Oh, as if you’re one to talk…”

“She’s right you know; this little guy is offering to help us escape here.” Fast Tracks added. “The least you can do is be nicer and say thank you or something like that.”

Rainbow Dash glared at the light brown stallion, but eventually faltered under his own stabbing glare after a few moments. A long sigh escaped her as she hung her head, before looking back up at the bat. “Alright, fine…thank you for offering to lead us out of the cave.”

“Much better.” Fluttershy murmured. “Now, please apologize to Chenoa for calling him a furball.”

“What?! But he’s-”

“Rainbow, honey…” Violet cut in gently, yet sternly. “Please apologize to little Chenoa.”

“Uuuuuuuugh, fine!” Rainbow Dash shouted, stomping her hooves again. “I’m sorry for calling you a furball and I won’t do it again! Now will you lead us out of the cave already?!”

Chenoa said nothing, merely raising a brow as he continued to frown at the mare, as if waiting for her to say something else. Rainbow eventually caught on to why he was silent, and she gave a hard breath through her nostrils.

“Please?” She asked through gritted teeth. “Can you please lead us out of these caves?”

Chenoa’s face brightened considerably, a squeak of approval leaving his mouth before turning away and heading in front of the others. The moment his back was turned, Rainbow glared up at him, her magenta eyes glowing brightly in the darkness of the cave.

“There we go Rainbow!” Fluttershy chirped. “Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“Yes…” Rainbow hissed, frowning at her fellow Pegasus.

Fluttershy’s faces contorted into a warning glare. “Excuse me?” She asked, her eyes faintly glowing orange.

“N-no!” Rainbow stammered, shaking her head frantically. “No, it wasn’t!”

“That’s what we thought you said.” Goku murmured, flicking her extended tail. “Now then, let’s get a move on!”

Chenoa squeaked in compliance, before turning tail and flying off into the darkness, his squeaks echoing about the cave interior. Giggling, Goku spread her own bat wings and followed after the pup, with the others following close behind.

“Are we really doin’ this?” Applejack asked, looking in between the others. “Please tell me we ain’t really doin’ this right now.”

“Yes Applejack, I am afraid we are.” Rarity sighed dejectedly. “We are allowing a bat of all things to lead us out of this icky muck of a cavern. I never thought that it would come to this, but…it has.”

Applejack sighed, pulling her Stetson over her emerald eyes. “Of all th’ things Ah expected t’ happen today, this was not on mah list. Ah can’t believe we’re even agreein’ t’ do this…Ah’m feelin’ sick jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout it.”

“Well, there’s nothing we can do about it now. We’re just going to have to like it and love it until we get out of here.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Still though, I’m gonna wring that furball’s neck if I think for even a second that he’s leading us astray.”

“I heard that!” Fast Tracks yelled, a tick mark forming on his head as he glared daggers at the two mares.

The pitch-black darkness and the rough jagged edges of the large tunnel was all that the mares and stallions could see as they trekked through them. Chenoa stated closely in front of them, continuing to lead them through the rocky interior as they looked out for anything that may pop out at them unexpectedly. So far, there was nothing around, though they did hear the distinct sounds of rolling rocks and dripping water every few seconds.

“How are you doing up there Chenoa?” Fluttershy asked sweetly. “Do you see anything up ahead yet?”

Chenoa stopped in his flight for a moment to give a few squeaks to the buttermilk Pegasus, before getting back on track through the cave. Fluttershy’s soft smile faltered a bit, but she eventually shook it off as she continued to follow her friends.

“Oh, I see…you don’t see anything ahead yet from what you can see.” She murmured, jumping over a small bump of rock. “That’s okay, we’ll just keep going until we see that light at the end of the tunnel!”

“Assumin’ that he can even find th’ tunnel that is.” Applejack snorted. “Is he sure that he knows where he’s goin’? Ah feel like we’ve been walkin’ through this here cavern er hours, an’ it still doesn’t feel like we’ve gotten anywhere.”

“First of all, Applejack, it’s been only thirty minutes since we left that river filled cave.” Zephyr stated firmly. “Secondly, bats have very acute sight that enables them to see even inside the darkest of places. As if it’s daytime even if it’s clearly nighttime where we are, and even if he couldn’t, he can rely on his ears to guide is way through the caves. So, whether he can see or not is beside the point; if he can travel through the caves with just his ears, then that should be good enough for us.”

“That only makes me even more doubtful that he’ll be able to get us out of here.” Rainbow Dash muttered, crossing her forehooves. “I mean, what’s the point of trying to lead us through a giant cave if you can’t even see what’s ahead of you?”

“I’m afraid Rainbow Dash has a point.” Rarity nodded, taking delicate steps over the dirt and rocks. “Can’t Goku, Fast Tracks or any of the other Shadowbolts lead us out of her instead? I would be much more comfortable if that were to happen instead of this.”

“Well Rarity for one, none of us can really do that, because, as Captain Violet Fire stated, we haven’t been in these types of caves before.” Lightning Shadow explained. “Secondly, Chenoa was the one who offered to help us get us out of this cavern, and said himself that he knows is way around here. Why would he even offer to help us get out of here if he didn’t know his way through the underground?”

“Probably because he sees how much of a squished cupcake that we’re on?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently. “And he wants to help us get out of it?”

“Um, I think that was his intention from the beginning Pinkie.” Blue Skies said with a blink. “I mean, he and his colony were being chased by those Dōkutsuakumas just like we were.”

The party pony paused for a moment, thinking the palomino mare’s words over, before giggling. “Heehee, yeah, that’s a pretty good point!”

“Yeah well, Ah still don’t think that this is a good idea.” Applejack rebutted. “Ah honestly ain’t all that comfortable havin’ a bat of all things helpin’ us.”

“Even so, we’re just going to have to like it and love it sweetie.” Violet Fire sighed. “At this point, we don’t have any other options so far. Chenoa is the only one that we can count on to help us on this part of our mission, if we don’t, we may never find our way out of here.”

“What do you mean never find our way out?” Rainbow Dash asked perplexedly. “Of course we can find a way out, and definitely without him! I can just use my drill wisp power to drill up into the surface and we’ll be scot free.”

“As tempting as that option is, there are a couple of flaws to it” Twilight sighed. “For one, we don’t exactly know where the top us. Even if we did, you’re Wisp powers won’t be able to create a hole big enough for all of us to get through. Another problem is that there’s no sure way to tell just how durable these underground ceilings are, and we may run the risk of making it crumble down around us. If that happens, each and every single one of us will be buried alive, and we’ll be putting Ponyville and everypony else in jeopardy.”

“Add insult to injury, there’s the fact that there’s those giant Dōkutsuakumas chasing our asses from all around here.” Goku concluded. “While they may not have found us now, there’s still a possibility that they’ll find the cave that we’ve entered, so we have to be ready for if they do find us. Plus, if we make any sort of unnecessary noise, we’ll alert them to where we are, and no offense Rainbow but…you’re Drill Wisp Mode sounds like a metallic jackhammer pounding into cement like the ones in Canterlot City.”

Pinkie Pie burst into laughter. “Good one Goku!”

“It does not!” Rainbow Dash protested, her eyes flashing. “My Drill Wisp Mode just makes a lot of noise whenever I transform into it that’s all.”

“Which is exactly why we don’t believe you should use it.” Zephyr said firmly. “There are too many risks involving you drilling through these caves. We’re sorry Dash, but we’re going to have to do this the old-fashioned way.”

Rainbow Dash wanted to argue, but could sense the tone in Zephyr’s when he spoke. With a low grumble, she crossed her forehooves in defeat. “Fine, you win this round Zeph…but when the time comes for me to use my Drill Wisp Mode, you guys are so gonna thank me later! And wish that you had chosen my idea from the start!”

“Somehow, Ah highly doubt that.” Applejack snorted with an eye roll. She and the other suddenly stopped when they all heard what sounded like the chirping of birds, followed by eerie skrees vibrating throughout the caverns. Goku, Fluttershy, and Fast Tracks’s ears all perked as they stood on high alert for the all too familiar sound.

“Y-you all heard that too, right?” Rarity stammered. “Please tell me that I wasn’t the only one who heard that!”

“We all did.” Storm Shadow murmured, her light eyes narrowing. “Chenoa, did you hear those sounds too?”

The bat pup turned to the light gray mare and nodded, giving a few squeaks in reply. His large ears flicked about as he listened to the sounds, his face growing more and more worried by the second.

“He says that he hears the sounds of bats coming from up ahead and behind them.” Fluttershy translated to the others. “However, he doesn’t believe that it’s his own colony.”

“Why would he think that?” Twilight asked. “Chenoa vocalizes the same way that his family does, so there’s no reason for him to think that it’s not them.”

“That is true.” Fast Tracks nodded. “That is, unless they’re the type of squeaks, skrees, and chirps that his own colony makes. Those are the type of ways that bats communicate to each other, but they sound in a way that’s so distinct that they can easily tell them apart. And if Chenoa feels that it’s not the same communication that he’s used to in his own colony, then there’s a chance that the colony that’s up ahead isn’t his own.”

“If that’s the case, then we may be protruding into a different colony of bats.” Lightning Shadow murmured. “Or worse…into that colony.”

Goku’s ears went flat, already knowing what Lightning Shadow was talking about before she even suggested it. “I really hope that’s not the case, because we are not in the best place to fight right now. If a flock of Dōkutsuakumas are coming their way here to eat our asses out right now, then we are going to be backed in one hay of bucking corner!”

Violet Fire let out a hard snort of laughter at the last sentence, barely keeping her giggles in from it. Before she could vocalize on it, she noticed out of her peripheral vision, that Pinkie Pie was lightly shaking in place.

“Pinkie Pie, what’s wrong baby?” She asked gently. “Are you getting cold under here?”

“No, it’s not that!” Pinkie replied, her voice containing a slight tinge of fear. “My Pinkie Sense is tingling!”

The party pony’s six friends immediately snapped their heads towards Pinkie Pie, each of their eyes as wide as saucers. “Y-you’re what dear?” Rarity asked, hoping she heard wrong.

“My Pinkie Sense!” Pinkie repeated, slightly louder. “My Pinkie Sense is going off! Something bad is about to happen!”

“I’m sorry Pinkie but, I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about.” Blue Skies said perplexedly. “What do you mean you’re Pinkie Sense is going off?”

“Long story short, Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense is a really weird and incredibly random ability she has that no one else does.” Rainbow explained quickly. “It allows her to be able to know what’s going to happen just moments before it happens!”

“What it can what?” Zephyr asked, giving a long pause. “H-how is that even possible?!”

“We’ll explain t’ ya later hon’!” Applejack replied hastily, before turning back to her fellow Earth Pony. “Pinkie, which part o’ yer Pinkie Sense is tinglin’?”

Pinkie’s right forehooves went to behind her head. “I-it’s the back of my neck!” She replied after a moment of hesitation. “The back of my neck is tingling like its chilly! It’s telling me that we’re about to get jumped!”

“Jumped?” Storm Shadow repeated. “By what?”

A loud skree that ripped through the rocky tunnel from behind the ponies and Chenoa answered Storm’s question. A squeak of fear left Chenoa as he immediately dove for Fluttershy, who took him in her arms as he buried himself into her chest.

“Oh, buck me in the asshole!” Goku screamed, stamping her forehooves. “They’ve found us!”

“Goddammit!” Rainbow Dash swore. “I knew we should’ve gone with my original idea! Thanks a lot for not listening to me you guys!”

“Now’s not time to get upset Dash!” Twilight shouted as she ignited her horn. “We need to get out of this tunnel now, and find another cave now!”

“Whoa Twilight, what’re you doing?!” Fast Tracks asked as Twilight darted passed them all.

“Buying us time!” She answered, before firing up at the ceiling thirty feet away. The bolt of magic tore at the rocky ceiling, causing large chunks of rock to fall down. With a resounding thud, they covered the side of the tunnel behind the group, dust enveloping some of them in the process.

“Good thinking Twilight!” Violet Fire praised. “Alright everypony, let’s go quick!”

Everypony followed the order without complain and darted their way through the rocky cavern, with Chenoa taking the lead once more. Once again, Goku, Zephyr, and Fast Tacks enhanced vision allowed them to see through the darkness, though the others had to rely on Rarity and Twilight to see with their horns. The sound of their hooves pounding through the tunnel could be heard echoing about, and there were a few times where they tripped and stumbled. Luckily, the adrenaline pumping through them helped them to ignore the pain in their bruises, the only thing on their mind being to get to safety.

At some point, Goku had taken a wrong step and slipped on a rather slippery part of the stone floor and ended up falling forward face first. She quickly shook the pain of the impact off and got to her hooves, only to stop when she saw a huge hole down below her, which seemed to be emitting a faint light. Around it was a large wall in the shape of ring that had an entrance up above as it did down below.

‘Shit, it looks like there’s no way for us to go except for up or down.’ The tan Thestral thought, looking up and down between the large hole. ‘If we go up, we’ll have to carry a few of our friends one at a time, and that may give time for the Dōkutsuakumas to find us. Unless Pinkie Pie and Applejack use their Pegasus Adrenaline Modes to help fly up there. Though I doubt that Pinkie will have a problem getting up, but Applejack is a different story entirely.’ She pursed her lips. ‘If we go down, we may end up getting impaled for falling into water again, though it’d be much better if the latter happened instead. Let’s see…’

Sadly, Goku wouldn’t have any more time to think on it before she felt something slam into her from behind. It hit her with so much force that for a full five seconds she didn’t realize that she was hit, and by the time she did, she was already falling.

“Goku!” Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes widening at the horror of what she had done. “Oh shit, what have I done?!”

“Consarn it Rainbow!” Applejack shouted, slamming a hoof down. “Do ya have any idea what ya jus’ did?!”

“I-I-I’m sorry, it was dark, a-and I couldn’t see anything right!” Rainbow Dash protested. “I-I thought that it was one of those giant bats that found Goku, and I…I just acted…!”

“Well that so called acting of yours just sent Goku falling to her death!” Rarity spat acidly, smacking the cyan mare with her tail. “What in the world were you thinking?!”

“Girls wait!” Fluttershy shouted, holding a hoof out. “I heard a splash just now from below!”

“Splash?” Twilight asked. “What splash?”

“Of water!” Zephyr added, recognition clicking into his face. “Goku must’ve fallen in a pool of water down below!”

“Wait, really?” Pinkie asked, her eyes filling with hope. “S-so she’s still alive?”

“Only one way to find out.” Violet Fire murmured with a slight grimace. With those words, she and a few of her teammates flew down the hole where they could see the faint light shining from down below. It took just seconds for them to get down there, before they felt something cold and wet touch their hooves. They didn’t even need to look down to know that it was water, but as they began to look around, they couldn’t help but go wide eyed at the new cave in front of them.

The new cave that they were in was quite a sight to see, not like all the other caves that the Shadowbolts had been in that weren’t in the Everfree. There were multiple smooth and tower-like rocks a good majority of the cave, with a few of them giving off a bright prismatic glow, like Rainbow Dash’s mane. On the far side of the wall was a huge pond of water large enough to hold a pod of multiple alligators, with even more towers of rocks on the other side as well. At the very top of the cave, were a set of beautiful shining crystals that mostly ranged in the color blue, with some being green and purple, with some mixed together. At the far end of the cave, was a bright whitish light that beamed down and lit up almost the entire cave.

“Holy shit…” Fast Tracks whispered. “…look at this place!”

“I know, it’s so…beautiful.” Violet Fire breathed. “Is this where Goku fell?”

“I-it has to be, where else could she be?” Blue Skies asked worriedly. “Goku, where are you?!”

The sound of water splashing suddenly alerted the trio to where the tan Thestral was, and they could see her head, forehooves, and wings just above the surface. As she continued to splash around the three Shadowbolts could see that she appeared to be struggling.

“You guys, help me!” Goku cried, her large wings flapping violently. “My tail is stuck under the water! Help pull me out!”

“Hold on G, we’re coming!” Fast Tracks shouted as he, his Captain, and Blue Skies all soared towards the splashing mare. Wasting no time, he and Violet grabbed at both her forehooves, while Blue Skies took her by her midsection. With a mighty hoist, they pulled her out of the water and over to the left shore, where Goku proceeded to dry herself off.

“That was a close one there, honey.” Violet Fire asked as Blue Skies dragged Goku’s tail over to the shore. “What happened?”

“Well, after Rainbow Dash had so carelessly knocked me off the edge, my tail had somehow gotten stuck under the rocks in the water.” Goku replied, wringing her mane of water. “I don’t know how that was, but it happened, and I was in a bit of a fix.”

“Well that’s what happens when you have a mane as long as a royal rug.” Fast Track said dryly, earning a sharp glare from the tan Thestral. “What?”

“That was so not funny FT.” Goku snorted, giving her tail a strong lash. “And before any of you even think of saying it, I am not cutting my mane or my tail!”

“W-we never said that you should cut it!” Blue Skies cried, holding her hooves up. “W-why would you think that?”

“Because I gotten more than enough suggestions of that from Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and especially Rarity.” Goku replied sourly. “The only ones who have no problem with it are Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy especially, since she likes to let her own mane and tail grow out like me. The one thing that I will most likely do with my hair is get it done in some sort of style, other than that, I will not cut a single strand from it!”

“We have no problem with that honey, grow your hair as long as a train if you want to.” Violet Fire said dryly, giggling slightly. “By the way, shouldn’t the others have gotten here by now?”

“We’re right here Captain V!” The bubbly voice of Pinkie Pie chirped, causing the ebony mare to jump and spin around in surprise. She soon found herself looking into the bright cerulean eyes of the party pony, with Storm, Lighting, Shadow and the rest of the mares behind them, Chenoa included. “All standing to attention and ready for duty!”

“Well, about time to you all showed up.” Goku murmured casually. “May I ask just what it was that took you from getting down here sooner?”

‘Well, after we got done grillin’ Dash ‘bout how stupid she was in pushin’ ya off th’ edge like that…” Applejack began, giving a sideways glare to the cyan mare. “…Rarity here had the gall t’ complain ‘bout how dirty she’d be if she fell inside o’ water.”

“Well, I would!” Rarity shot back hotly. “This water isn’t like one back in Ponyville, where its nice, clear, and gives off a divine sparkle! No pun intended there, Twilight…” She paused as the lavender Unicorn giggled, before turning back to Applejack. “…The water here is dirty, grimy, and gives off such a putrid smell that’ll make me faint if I even take in a single whiff of it!”

“Well that is true, but that depends on the type of water we find ourselves in.” Zephyr said, glancing at Goku. “From what I can see on Goku, there isn’t any patches of dirt or grim on here, just clear crystal water that…t-that, um…”

“Shows off how incredibly hot and sexy G is?” Rainbow Dash teased, making Zephyr blush deeply. “Like, ride until the sun comes up hot and sexy?”

“Dash!” Fluttershy chastised, her own cheeks flushing a bright pink.

“As much as I wouldn’t mind Zephyr rutting me into the ground and turning me into a cream pie…” Goku said casually, ignoring the wide-eyed look from Rarity and Pinkie’s giggling. “He does have a point Rarity, if the water we’re in is like the water back at home, then you shouldn’t worry about having to get wet and dirty…or slimy. The most you’ll have to worry about is getting cold to the point where you get hypothermia.”

“Another reason why I didn’t take the chance of diving in!” Rarity shouted, jabbing a hoof at the tan Thestral. “Why do you think I had Storm Shadow carry me down there instead?”

“Because you wouldn’t stop complaining like a spoiled foal until did.” The dark grey Pegasus replied, letting out a sigh. “Not to mention you weigh close to a quarter ton Zebra stallion…”

Rarity blanched. “I most certainly do not!”

“Oh, really then?” Lightning Shadow asked. “Then please theorize to us why it took the combined strength of both me and my sister to carry you down here without the fear of our wings breaking from all the flapping we were doing?”

“…I-I…er…” Rarity stammered, trying to come up with something. “…w-well, I…”

Pinkie Pie sighed. “And this is why you need to cut back on all of that ice cream Rarity.” She said solemnly. “I always told you that eating all of that ice cream would come back to nip you in that big squishy marshmallow booty of yours. But did you listen nope nope nope nope nooope!”

“Oh, save it Pinkie Pie, it’s not like you have any room to talk!” Rarity hissed. “You eat even more sweets than Sweetie Belle does whenever my parents take her to the Candy Store! I’m amazed that you’re not bloated like the balloons on your flank right now!”

“I’m not!” The party pony chirped, lookin slyly back at Rarity. “Because I just happened to be one of the lucky ones, right Fluttershy?”

The buttermilk Pegasus chuckled. “Yes, Pinkie Pie, just like me.”

“Not you too Fluttershy!” Rarity whined, anime tears streaming from her eyes as everypony else let off amused chuckles.

“U-um, everypony, I don’t mean to ruin the mood, but…” Blue Skies said. “…how’re we going to find our way out of this cave?”

“I’m drawing a complete blank here, other than that one entrance, I don’t see anywhere else that we can go.” Goku murmured, glancing behind her. “Well, other than that other entrance that’s practically pitch black.”

“Well, it’s the only other option that we have other than to go back up where we came.” Fluttershy stated. “What do you think Chenoa? Chenoa?”

Everypony looked up over at where the white bat pup was hovering in front of him, and paused upon seeing the look on his face. His big blue eyes were wide, the pupils contracted in terror as he looked like he was going to turn tail and run.

“What’s the matter little guy?” Fast Tracks asked. “You look like you’ve seen one of those Dōkutsuakumas or something.”

“Don’t you dare say that word!” Rarity snapped, her forehead gaining a tick mark as Chenoa gave a few squeaks.

“He said that it’s not the Dōkutsuakumas that he’s seeing.” Goku said, her voice growing with weariness. “Chenoa sees something that’s just as frightening.”

“Well, what is it then?” Applejack inquired impatiently. “What does that va-er, pup see?”

At that moment, two piercing purple eyes ripped through the darkness, followed by a hiss that sounded like it would make even the Dōkutsuakumas shiver in fear. Everypony froze in place as their own eyes looked with the purple orbs that were slowly making their way towards them, the rest of its figure covered by water. As it got closer, hey could see a snout poking out of the water that were followed by spines, and more at the very end. A horrified gasp escaped from Fluttershy and the Shadowbolts, causing the others to look at them.

“Oh dear…” Fluttershy whispered. “…girls, it looks like we have a new, um…g-guest.”

“More like an uninvited guess if you ask me.” Rarity snorted, stepping away. “The question is…what abomination is it this time?!”

As if to show just what it was, the creature slowly emerged from the water, allowing the ponies to get a good look at its form. From closer inspection, they could see it was a crocodile, at least based on the way that it was shaped. It was several times the size of one possibly bigger, looking to be crossed between a crocodile and a dragon, up to forty-five feet in length or more. A good majority of the top of its body, from the top of its head, to its tail was a mixture of dark and safari green, with the underbelly being a deep stony grey in color. Its claws were long, sharp stony, and curved, being as black as the jagged rocky spines adorning its back and tail two of them sticking out higher than the others. Lastly it had a set of rocky and curve teeth, with two lower canines shooting upward and curving like a boar’s, with rocks imbedded in various parts of its body.

“Whoa…now that is one out of place looking lizard.” Rainbow Dash whistled, staring into the reptile’s eyes.

“That’s not just a lizard Rainbow.” Violet Fire murmured. “It’s a Cragadile.”

“A Craga-what now?” Applejack asked.

“A Cragadile.” Lightning Shadow repeated. “It’s a reptile of the Everfree Forest that lives in the lakes, rivers and swamps of the forest, just like crocodile and alligators. It’s said to be the biggest of its kind to ever exist, being as long as forty-five feet and weighing a total of three tons total. It has a bite force of over six thousand pounds, able to snap even the toughest of rocks and bones should it get the chance, and able to tackle animals more than three times its size.”

“There’s something else.” Storm Shadow said. “The Cragadile is also known for taking its prey under water with it and holding it under water until it drowns. It’s most dangerous method of attack, however, is the Death Roll.”

“The Death Roll?” Twilight repeated. “What’s the Death Roll?”

“Like Storm just said, the Death Roll is a method that the Cragadile uses whenever its hunting for prey, pretty much like crocodiles and alligators.” Zephyr replied, not taking his eyes off of the slowly approaching reptile. “The way it works is when the Cragadile has an essentially secure grip onto its prey, it’ll then roll around in the water with it, while still holding onto a part of their food. They’ll keep doing this until that part of the prey that they’re holding is entirely ripped off, the meat, muscles, tendrils, and bones included. Afterwards they’ll swallow their prey hole, before going after the rest.”

“S-so, let me see if I have this p-put together adequately.” Rarity stammered, her face paling to an even whiter shape. “Y-you’re saying that if t-this…thing, gets a hold of us…i-it’ll take us u-under water, and twist a c-certain part of our b-bodies around u-until it comes off. A-and then, afterwards, i-it’ll drown us?”

“Well, it can do either, though the Death Roll tends to work more efficiently, however painful it is.” Fast Tracks stated rather nonchalantly. “It can also do both at the same time. So, that’s pretty much the gist of it.”

“Well, isn’t that just swell.” Goku sighed, watching as the Cragadile’s tail swished about, the spiked club glinting in the cave’s light. “Not only do we have to keep a look out for giant blood sucking feral descendants of Dracula, but now we have to deal with a reptile that can crush us with a single bite. I don’t see how this can possibly get any worse than this!”

At that moment, a multitude of loud screeches came from behind the ponies, sending violent chills down her spine. They suddenly found themselves looking right into the slitted eyes of the Dōkutsuakumas, who had just emerged from the hole where Goku had fallen through. Their fangs glistened in the cave light as their tongues slithered out from their mouths, saliva dripping on them as they snarled with hunger.

“You just had to say it, didn’t you honey?” Violet Fire asked, frowning at the tan Thestral.

Goku bit her lip, trying, and failing, to hold back the curse she uttered. “Shit…”

Author's Note

In case you guys were wondering as to why I hadn't added the Cragadile earlier on in the journey through the Everfree Forest, is because it didn't didn't remember that there was actually a rocky version of a crocodile that lives in the Everfree Forest. Plus, I didn't remember that little piece of information until I had watched the 8th Episode of Season 8 Frenemies that aired out. When Chrysalis had turned into a Cragadile to get through that icy pony on her trek to Mount Everhoof to retrieve Grogar's Bewitching Belle with Cozy Glow and Tirek, so it was only then did I remember that the Cragadile was an animal that inhabited the Everfree Forest as well. That was also why I felt that it'd be a good twist to add this feral forest dwelling cousin of the survivors of the Ice Era into the picture of the adventure :raritywink: . Though this isn't the only fearsome creature to be encountered, at least not by Zephyr, the girls, and the Shadowbolts, and with the powers that I plan to show that this creature has...well, let's just say that it'll explain why Queen Celestia, Venture Vine and the Royal Guards had such a hard time getting to the girls and the Shadowbolts sooner than they had originally expected :twilightblush: .

Well, that's all for this chapter :scootangel: ! Tune in next time for an epic battle in the underground and Ponyville getting another unexpected invasion that's yet to push them to the limits of their abilities :rainbowdetermined2: ! Although, that may take sometime, mainly because I'm not sure which scene to show first before the other, especially with the last Author's Note that I gave :twilightsheepish: . I'm sorry, my mind has just been all over the damn place, with me and my Mom moving out of our apartment, the plane rides I took to my grandma's house for the summer, and unpacking...that can really take a lot out of you :derpyderp2: :applejackconfused: .

Chapter 45 - Battle to the Top

Celestia’s giant wings flapped majestically in the wind as she ducked and swerved under the massive swift paws of the mother Ursa Major. She put up a shield to defend herself against the scorching breath attack that the beast aimed at her, even as it lowered her close to the ground under her. With a surge of her godly magic her shield turned into a giant beam of golden magic that slowly ate up the Ursa Major’s fire breath, before her own attack struck her right into her mouth. The Ursa Major threw its head back and roared loudly before swinging one of its paws out and sending Celestia flying to the side.

“Celestia!” Venture Vine shouted, stopping in her flight with the guards upon seeing her Queen get shot straight into a tree. “Hold on, I’m coming!”

“No, don’t focus on me Venture Vine!” Celestia shouted, pulling herself from out of the gigantic tree. “Focus on protecting the guards while they protect you, and make sure the Ursa Major doesn’t eat them! We cannot afford to lose any soldiers as of this moment!”

“But your Highness-” Venture began to protest, only for the Ursa Major to let out another roar, alerting her back to the beast. Her reptilian eyes widened upon seeing its massive paw heading down towards a few fallen Pegasus guards, who didn’t look like they could make it out in time. Acting out of complete instinct, Venture flew over and landed in front of the guards, raising both her forehooves just in time to stop Ursa Major’s paw from crushing them. Venture grit her teeth from the impact of the impact, but was able to keep herself steady. With a roar, she pushed the gigantic paw back upwards, before leaping up and delivering a swift yet savage tail swipe to it with her tail blade.

“There we go, that should distract her for a minute.” Venture told herself before turning back to the flabbergasted guars. “Are you all alright, where did she get you?”

“W-we weren’t stabbed or anything, but she smacked us to the ground when we were trying to get her with lighting attacks.” The first Pegasus, a stallion, replied shakily. “We were stunned for some time and we weren’t able to see the attack coming in time.”

“Well, that’s what happens when your bitch slapped by a bear whose size rivals even that of Canterlot Castle.” Venture murmured, helping the guards to their feet. “Can you all still fight?”

“Y-yes, we can, thank you Venture Vine.” A Pegasus Solar Guard mare replied, coughing up a bit of fluid. “W-we’re still a little bit dizzy though, we’re gonna need to shake the impact off of us before we can fight.”

“Well you better do it quick, because this mama’s not done with us yet, far from it.” Venture Vine replied, turning back to the Ursa Major. “In fact, by th looks of it, she’s not gonna let us go until she’s killed every last one of us.”

“Then the only option that we have is to kill her before she does us.” A third guard, another Pegasus stallion said, rubbing his head. “But given its size, I’d say that it’s just about impossible!”

“Then don’t focus on trying to kill her.” Venture Vine said sharply. “Just focusing on either keeping her down or stunning her long enough for all of us to escape. Plus, killing this Ursa is probably the last thing you should be trying to do.”

“Why do you say that?” The first guard asked.

“Because I’m not the only one whose got a child in this forest.” Venture Vine replied before she took to the air, leaving the gob smacked guards down below.

After nursing her injured paw, the Ursa Major switched her attention back to the ponies, only to see Venture flying up towards her. Growling, she opened her jaws and shot a fire breath at the grass green mare, who only smirked when upon seeing the attack coming. She opened her own mouth as the flames envelope her, only for all of them to disappear a few moments later, much to the Ursa Major’s surprise.

“Bet you’re wondering how I survived that attack aren’t you?” Venture asked, a toothy smirk on her face. “Well, I might show you, if you can survive this!”

Inhaling deeply, Venture reared back and shot out a huge blast of crimson fire that completely enveloped the Ursa Major’s furry chest. It staggered back on its hind legs from the pain, but it managed to keep its footing before swiping at the Kirin mare again. Venture’s agility and speed were able to keep her from getting sliced in half, though the Ursa Major’s whip like tail was a bit of a different story.

“Everypony, watch out for the Ursa Major’s tail!” The voice of Celestia called out as she flew towards Venture Vine and the beast. “Don’t be fooled by its size, it can move with the speed like that of a whip and can easily slice you in half!”

“Yes Ma’am!” The guards shouted from down below, before taking cover from said tail.

“Solar Beam!” Celestia shouted, aiming her horn at the Ursa Major’s face and sending the blast of magic at it. To Celestia’s shock, the beast actually managed to dodge the attack and took a swipe at the Sun Goddess, who promptly put herself in a sphere of her own magic. It bounced across the ground like a basketball on a basketball court before she made it disappear and took flight again. With her eyes flowing, and a pale lavender aura surrounding her, she flew up once more at the Ursa Major, her wings flared fully in preparation for another attack.

“Solar Wing Slice!” The Solar Queen shouted, swinging both of her wings forward and sending giant golden fiery slices at the Ursa Major mother. It roared before swinging its claws forward and sending off its own flock of slashing attacks at the swan white Alicorn. After her first two were extinguished, Celestia huffed and swung her wings out in a repeated graceful barrage, sending off more and more of her fire covered slices of magic. They clashed with the Ursa’s own, causing a brief power struggle before an explosion rang out within the air, and Celestia was showered in smoke.

“Queen Celestia!” A Unicorn Solar Guard mare cried, only for Venture to suddenly appear in front of her and hold a wing out.

“Don’t worry, she’s alright.” She said firmly, yet reassuringly. “A little smoke isn’t going to do anything to harm her. If anything, that Ursa Major should be worried about what Celestia has planned from within that smoke.”

The Unicorn mare turned to the grass green Kirin in confusion. “W-what do you mean?”

As if to show just what Venture meant, Celestia suddenly appeared out of the smoke, eyes glowing as her horn blazed brightly. With an echoing whinny, she fired off a bolt of magic that blindsided the Ursa Major as it struck her in the neck. It choked as Celestia folded her wings and dove down towards the Ursa Major’s midsection, turning around at the last second to deliver a powerful kick to the beast’s stomach.

While the kick wasn’t enough to make the Ursa Major completely lose its footing, it was able to make it stagger back again, its back hitting a giant tree. Celestia then flew up to its head and gave it another powerful kick to its chin, causing it to snap its jaw shut with a deafening snap that made everypony go temporarily deaf.

“Oh, now that had to hurt.” Venture winced, rubbing her own chin tentatively. “I felt that from all the way over here.”

“So did I. I honestly feel sorry for the poor girl.” A Lunar Guard Thestral mare said softly, shaking her head. “I’m just hoping that she doesn’t have to face off against Queen Luna, when we get her back from Nightmare Moon that is.”

“Ditto.” A Thestral stallion nodded beside his fellow guard. “I mean, it’s bad enough she’s trying to fight Queen Celestia, but from what I heard about our own Queen, if this Ursa were to face off against our dear Moon Goddess…” He shivered. “I really don’t wanna think about what would happen if that were th take place.”

Venture nodded to both Thestrals. “Neither do I.”

The sound of Celestia’s screams and something hitting the ground drew the groups attention to their leader, and they saw her in a massive crater. Smoke rose from it was it swept across the clearing, but it was soon cleared away by Celestia’s wing flaps. With her aura swirling around her like a whirlwind, she shot back up into the air and aimed her spear forward.

“Solar Spear Blast!” She yelled, a large sphere of golden magic surrounding the top of her spear before it shot off in a giant beam of magic. It was as big as the cosmetic breath of fire that the Ursa Major retaliated with, and they engaged in a brief yet violent power struggle. Moments into it, the Ursa Major’s fire began to gain dominance over Celestia’s spear beam, much to the swan white Alicorn’s dismay. Just as she was about to be incinerated by it, several more beam of magic appeared from around her, alerting her to her guards surrounding her.

“W-what’re you all doing?!” Celestia asked, shocked by the sudden addition of strength. “You all should be trying to escape the Ursa Major!”

“We’re not leaving you your Majesty!” One Unicorn stallion said from beside her. “We’re your guards, and it’s our duty to protect you!”

“Even if it means going off against this beast!” A Unicorn mare added, her eyes blazing as she amplified as much magic as she could with her horn. The others did the same, and all of their attack combined with that of Celestia’s making her own attack six times as stronger than it was prior moments ago. This was something that the Ursa Major was not expecting, and by the time it realized its attack was being pushed back, the ponies’ attack struck her full force.

As the Ursa Major toppled to the ground from the pain of the attack, Venture flew over to the guards and the Queen. “Did…did you all combine your attacks back there just now?”

“It looked like we did.” A third Unicorn Solar Guard murmured, rubbing at his horn. “I mean we didn’t really plan for it to happen. We were just trying to help the Queen in gaining the upper hoof with the Ursa Major is all.”

“Well, it looks like it worked.” Venture murmured, glancing back at the downed purple bear. “It also looks like it left quite the burn on her too.”

“Well, yeah of course it did!” The fourth Unicorn guard said. “Wasn’t that the whole purpose of us coming to Queen Celestia’s aid in the first place? To keep it from going after the other guards that’re supposed to be fighting Nightmare Moon’s own forces?”

“Of course, your little combined attack saw to that, however unplanned that it was.” Venture replied with a slight snort. “It also gave me an idea on how we can take her down long enough for us to escape.”

A fifth Unicorn guard raised a brow. “What plan is that?”

“It’s a bit of a long shot, but I think that it’ll work in bringing the Ursa Major down to the point where she won’t be able get us once we escape.” Venture replied, glancing over at the Thestral Lunar Guards. “Okay, so, you all know how the Pegasi and the Thestrals can unleash lightning, fire and wind attacks, the Unicorns can cast powerful spells, and the Earth Ponies can summon earth walls and vines right?”

“Well, yeah, that’s why we were given the name the E.U.P Guard.” A Thestral mare replied, glancing over at the Solar Guards. “Well, why they were given that name anyway.”

“You’re just as much as a part of the guard as they are honey, Thestral or not, and you should not think that makes you any less of a pony either.” Venture stated, causing the Thestral mare to blush. “Anyway, here’s what I think we should do…first, we’ll have the Thestrals and Pegasi take flight and unleash their attacks on the Ursa Major from above. With them doing that, she’ll have trouble focusing on the other guards down below.”

“Yeah, I think we can work with that.” Another Lunar Guard murmured, as his fellow Thestrals nodded in agreement. “What about the Unicorns and Earth Ponies?”

“I’m getting to that.” Venture said patiently, holding up a hoof. “Now, for the Unicorns, we’ll have them fire off the most devastating spells they can muster at the Ursa Major. Feel free to combine the attack if you want, because that seems to be the only way for them to cause any real damage to her, like you did just now. For the Earth Ponies, we’ll have them summon their strongest vines to subdue the Ursa while the Unicorns and Pegasi fire off at her, while me and Celestia deliver the final blow.”

“Both of us?” Said Solar Queen asked. “Are you saying that we should combine our moves?”

“We can if you want.” Venture shrugged. “I was planning to combine the elements that I can use into an attack that’ll stun the Ursa Major enough for you to finish it off. Though if you want to combine our attacks together, then I’m all up for that too.”

Celestia mulled over the plan for a moment, before she gave a nod. “Yes, that sounds like very well-articulated plan. Is everypony else up for that?”

“Hay yeah we are!” A Thestral Lunar Guard exclaimed. “Nothing against the Ursa or anything, but I really want to get this over with! Every moment we spend here is another moment that Queen Luna is suffering, and who knowshow long it’ll take for Goku and her friends to get to Queen Celestia’s old castle to free her?!”

“Both Celestia and Luna’s castle.” Venture corrected, glancing back into the path of where the old castle was. “Still I can see your point. I also want to get to Zephyr as quickly as we can so I can help him in whatever Nightmare Moon will have for him.”

“Well then, that’s what we’ll do.” Another Solar Guard said, stomping his hoof. “We’ll go along with your plan and go from there.”

“And me and Celestia will give you the signal to let you know when we’re ready to unleash our own attack.” Venture added, glancing over at Celestia only to see her nod. “Oh, and one more thing, whatever you do, don’tkill the Ursa Major.”

Before anypony could ask any further on that, the grass green mare spread her wings and took off towards the Ursa Major, who had managed to regain its footing once more. Venture took a deep breath, but instead of letting out a breath attack, a draconic roar came out instead. The explosive sound took the Ursa Major off guard, the sound nearly making her go deaf as her ears pinned back in discomfort. When the sound ended, she looked up to see Venture hovering in front of her, her cloak fluttering behind her.

“Hey honey! Are you looking for me?!” She shouted, her tails wishing about behind her. “I’m right her out in the open! Why don’t you come and get me?!”

The teeth of the Ursa Major gleamed as she snarled up at the Kirin mare, before letting loose a powerful roar that nearly sent Venture flying off into the forest. The stars on its fur began to glow brightly as a white aura surrounded the beast, before swirling around it like a tornado in a desert. The force was so strong that it caused the more normal sized trees shake, some being ripped out form the ground by their very roots. Had it not been for Celestia encasing them all in a protective barrier they would’ve all be blown away.

“Your Majesty what in the world is happening?!” An Earth Pony Solar Guard cried. “What is the Ursa doing?!”

“I know not what is happening!” Celestia replied, one of her wings shielding her eyes from the blinding light. “Whatever it is, I fear that we must ask quickly!”

As if to show how fire that situation was, the bright aura surrounding the Ursa Major vanished, and the ponies were greeted with a sight of the beast once more. Her eyes and claws gleamed brightly as she glared up at them all with unrelenting balefulness, before she roared and lunged at them again, her agility taking them by surprise.

“Fire Kirin: Brilliant Flame!” Venture Vine shouted, shooting down a massive golden yellow ball of fire down at the Ursa Major. It struck her right in the back, sending her crashing down to the ground and once again releasing a dust glowed that covered everypony down below. When it cleared, the Ursa Major too notice that a majority of the guards, mainly the Thestrals and the Solar Pegasus Guards, all were gone. At first, she believed that she had crushed them, but that theory was soon proven wrong when she felt a bolt of lightning strike her in her shoulder. With a snarl, she looked up and saw Venture Vine, and a good majority of the Pegasi and Thestrals up in the air with her.

“You shouldn’t be focusing on just them you know!” Venture commented, baring her teeth down at the large purple bear. “There are other opponents up here too, so why don’t you show us what you’re made of too?!”

As if complying with her request, the Ursa Major roared and let out a huge stream of space-like fire at the flyers above her, to which most of them were able to evade. Against all odds, none of the Thestrals were hurt, but the same could not be said for some of the Solar Guard Pegasus ponies. While most of them were able to keep from getting burnt alive, there were some that did get hit, and ended up falling out of the sky. Luckily for them, Celestia saw this, and caught as many as she could in her aura, while the Unicorns and Earth Ponies caught them from below. It didn’t really matter, for the ones that were still flying flew around the Ursa Major, unleashing a series of attacks that either sliced, burnt, and zapped her on the spot.

The giant purple bear let out a roar mixed with pain and anger, and took wildly slashes with her gigantic paws sending off her own slashing attacks one more. The Unicorns and Earth Ponies down below and either ran or put up barriers to protect each other. The slashes slammed into their shields and sliced through their earth barriers and into the ground below, and some were taken in the ground with them.

Doing her best to ignore the screams and cries of her army, Celestia looked to the ones standing and shouted. “Earth Pony Squad, summon your vines and ensnare them around the Ursa! Whatever happens do not let it escape from its spot!”

“Yes ma’am!” The Earth Pony Solar Guards shouted in unison, racing past their fallen comrades and towards the Ursa Major. Raising their forehooves, they slammed them into the ground the force causing it to crack under the pressure of their combined strength. With their eyes flashing multiple different color, they shouted. “Earth Make: Vine Snare!”

Multiple upon multiple vines burst out from the ground in front of them and shot towards the Ursa Major, all of them wrapping around the beast’s hind legs and her lower torso. At first, the Ursa Major didn’t notice that she had been subdued, put when she tried to lift her hind legs, she took notice of the plants on her. Growling in annoyance, she reached out with her tail to try to cut them apart, it was stopped by a bolt of magic that blasted into it.

“No way in Tartarus we’re gonna let you break free!” A Solar Unicorn stallion shouted, his eyes blazing as he lashed his leonine tail. “We’re not done with you just yet!”

“Good work my little ponies!” Celestia praised, raising her spear in front of her. “Now, FIRE ALL!”

With those words, a flock of magical bolts rose towards the Ursa Major, and she found herself assaulted by multiple colors of light. She roared and swiped at them, trying to either block or make them bounce off, but this proved to ultimately be futile. Growing even more enraged, she tried to life her legs to rip the vines off of her, but they barely budge, with only a few of them getting torn in two.

“Good luck trying to rip those vines apart sweetie!” Venture shouted from above. “They’re not like your ordinary ones back in jungles! They’re unfused with the magic of the ponies that are the most connected to the earth out of almost all of us Pony Tribes! No matter how hard you try, you’ll need to put in a love of effort to rip them out, and even then, you’ll only get a few at a time!”

The Ursa Major shot the grass green Kirin a seething glare, and opened her mouth to send off another breath of space fire at her. Venture merely stated at it before taking a breath and letting off her own fire attack at the beast. “Fire Kirin: Roar!”

The two attacks connected with even more force than it did with Celestia’s, and a shockwave tore through the air that blasted the leaves off the tallest trees. As the power struggle went on, Venture took notice of the Pegasus and Thestral guards surrounding her, and before she knew it, they were all combining their attacks with her own.

“Hey there Venture, we thought that you may need some help in dealing with this Ursa!” A Thestral Lunar Guard said, flashing her a fanged grin. “Then again, can’t have you taking all of the credit, can we?”

Venture would’ve laughed if she wasn’t occupied in her breath attack, but the amused look in her eyes was enough to show it. At some point, she heard a roar from down below, and she looked down to see the Ursa falling back first into the ground, the combined breath attack driving it deeper in. A huge cloud of smoke enveloped the beast, along with most of the flyers, but none of them were harmed by the cloud.

“Whoa, now that was one hay of a bucking explosion!” A Pegasus Solar Guard said, before looking over at Venture Vine. “You okay there Venture?”

“Yes, I am, don’t worry…I just have a little dust in my mouth.” Venture replied, coughing a little smoke out. “And it looks like the right time is right for me and Queen Celestia to end this.”

“Wait, you’re gonna do it right now?” A Solar Guard Pegasus mare asked in surprise. “Are you sure that now is the right time? Shouldn’t we give off another attack just in case?”

Venture shook her head. “That last attack we all shot at it was more than enough to stun her to unleash another to render her unconscious. It’s alright, we’ll have enough time to do it, just wait for me and the Queen signal to take cover.”

Before the guards could protest again, Venture Vine dived down towards the Queen, the others following behind her a few moments later. As she landed in front of her, the grass green mare took notice of the aura surrounding the mare growing with intensity.

“Um, your Highness?” Venture asked, taking a couple of steps back. “What are you doing?”

“Generating enough power needed for our final finishing blow.” Celestia replied, her eyes closed in concentration. “I take it that you’re ready as well?”

“Er, y-yes, I am.” Venture replied as she quickly collected herself. “In fact, I had come up with a secret technique that I had been trying to master since Spike moved away. I had over four years to do it, and I’m positive that it’ll be enough to stop this Ursa for good.”

Celestia raised a brow. “What move are you going to use?”

“You’ll see.” Venture replied smiling slightly. “By the time I unleash it, everything will be over before you know it!”

The grass green Kirin mare then closed her eyes and concentrated on channeling as much magic as she could in her next and final move. Golden flames appeared and surrounded her in a bright yellow cloak, along with Celestia, who couldn’t help but feel relaxed by the warmth that the fire produced. It mixed in with her own lavender aura, producing a surprisingly bright brown color as they fused together. Everypony nearby couldn’t help but look on in silent awe at the scene that they were witnessing, but they had little realization of the move that was going to come next.

‘This fire is so warm…I wonder if this is what it feels like with all Kirins whenever they summon it.’ Celestia thought to herself. ‘It must be, given how protective they are of their foals, just as much as the Thestrals are of their own young.’

The Solar Queen’s eyes soon picked up the movement of the Ursa Major letting her realize that she was getting up again. She had a good number of slashes and burn marks on her body, but it did nothing to lessen or sooth the rageful murder in her eyes, or the anger bristling within her soul. Celestia knew that it was only a matter of time before the beast finally lost itself, and she knew that the battle needed to end, before they suffered real casualties.

“Venture Vine, I believe my power as at enough of an enlarged state to unleash the move that your planning.” Celestia said, doing her best to keep the anxiousness in her voice hidden. “Are you ready?”

Despite her best efforts, Venture could still sense the anxiety in the swan white Alicorns’ tone, and she quickly responded in time. “Yes, your Highness. Let’s end this now!”

“Very well.” Celestia nodded, flaring her wings. “Everypony, stand back!”

All immediately replied to the request, some of them dragging their fallen comrades out harm’s way to allow their Queen to finish the job. Both Venture and Celestia’s eyes glowed brightly as their combined power grew stronger, sending ripples through the gigantic clearing as they both finally unleashed their attack.

“Solar Beam of the Sun!” Celestia shouted, her horn shooting off the biggest beam of magic she had displayed.

“Fire Kirin Secret Art: Flame Lotus Exploding Flame Blade!” Venture roared, rearing up on her forehooves and sending off a razor whirlwind of golden flames.

The two attacks shot off at the same time, almost immediately fusing together into a solar beam that had a drill of roaring flames surrounding it. It shot up at the Ursa Major with speed that matched that of a falcon diving after a pigeon. The Ursa Major, who was once again up on its hind legs, was unable to block the attack in time, and was struck right in the stomach. Unlike all the other times where she was sent flying, the attack actually went right throughher and out the back of her as well. The Ursa Major’s eyes bulged, and a large glob of blood left her mouth as she let out the loudest roar she made. Overwhelmed by shock and the fiery pain in her body, the Ursa Major topped over, first falling to her knees before the rest of her followed.

“Oh no, here she comes!” Venture cried in alarm. “INCOMING!”

The powerful warning was enough to send all the guards, the ones injured included, take off towards the safety of the trees before their minds could followed their bodies. After encasing Venture in her magic, Celestia turned tail and took off after her subjects as well, and was able to make it behind a behemoth tree just as the Ursa Major hit the ground. The next thing they knew, a gigantic cloud of dust enveloped them as it swept over the clearing and even further into the forest. It swept over them all like a wave on a beach, and the guards found themselves flying and crashing to the ground as others tried to withstand the dust. As quickly as it came, it had passed, and all that remained was the motionless body of the Ursa Major and an entirely wrecked clearing.

“Wow! We got a lotta new party guests, don't we guys?” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Things just got a lot more fun for us!”

“I don’t see how any part of this can be considered fun Pinkie Pie.” Storm Shadow muttered bluntly. “We have a flock of giant bats ready to drain us try and a reptile able to swallow any one of us whole, that hunts on the water, and on land. How can anypony even think of this as a pleasurable situation?”

“Only those who had no consecutive sense of fear.” Lightning Shadow muttered. “Regardless, it still doesn’t chance what’s happening right now. We’re surrounded on both sides by creatures that pose more than a danger for us, and we need to get passed them quick. Least we become mummified, or get torn to the very bone.”

“Oh dear, I don’t want to become a mummy, especially not in some filthy underground cave in the Everfree Forest!” Rarity whined pitifully, dramatically falling to the ground. “I love my fur, and it gives me such a divine shine with the rest of me, but I don’t wanna become a ghost! You have no idea how long it took me to get to this measure of beauty, and I don’t want it to be lost!”

“Then stop acting like damn drama queen and do something to prevent that!” Rainbow Dash advised. “We don’t have time for you acting like somepony had torn up your dresses! We need you to get your ass in the game and fight these things so we can get to Nightmare Moon!”

“Rainbow Dash is right Rares, now ain’t th’ time fer is t’ be squealin’ like a lil’ piglet.” Applejack nodded, lightly kicking Rarity’s flank. “Th’ sooner we end these varmints here, th’ sooner we can git outta here!”

Fluttershy shot a sideways glare to the farmer. “Applejack…”

“If we want to stand any chance in escaping, then we’ll need to come up with a plan.” Twilight murmured; her horn ignited in preparation. “Goku, are you with me?”

“As if I wasn’t with you to begin with.” The tan Thestral replied dryly. “So, what do you suggest that we do Twily?”

“…Alright, since you, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts can all fly, you all can fend off the Dōkutsuakumas.” Twilight replied, blushing slightly at the nickname. “Me, Applejack Rarity, Zephyr, and Pinkie Pie are the more earthbound ones, so we’ll see to it that the Ragadile doesn’t try to eat any of us, or you.”

“As you wish sweetheart.” Violet Fire nodded, before turning to the rest of her team. “Are all of you okay with that?”

“Hay yeah we are!” Fast Tracks replied in an upbeat tone. “Let’s get this party started!”

“Hey, that’s what I was gonna say!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, frowning hard at the Shadowbolt.

“W-w-wait a minute, you’re saying thay we have to fight that, that…thing?” Rarity asked, as if she didn’t hear Twilight right. “A-all of us?”

“Yepperooni Rarity, including you!” Pinkie Pie chirped happily, winking at the terrified alabaster Unicorn. “What? You’re not planning on chickening, out are you?”

“Not on my watch she’s not!” Rainbow Dash replied, flying behind Rarity and pushing her forward to the others. “Twilight said that we’re going to be whipping this giant lizard’s ass, and that includes you Rares! Don’t even think about trying to make any excused about it being too damn dirty or anything like that, because we won’t be buying it!”

“No! No no, please don’t make me do this girls!” Rarity pleaded, her tail tucking between her legs. “I’m not cut out for this, I’m a pose and graceful fashion designer, not a barbaric fighter!”

“Rares, Ah’d like t’ think th’ fight we had with them Timberwolves begs t’ digger ‘bout you bein’ able t’ tango ‘r not.” Applejack snorted irritably. “Now ya got five seconds t’ git that fancy ass o’ yers over here, and light that horn o’ yers with yer fancy magic, ‘r else I’m gonna use these here boots o’ mine t’ scorch it like caramel on an apple!”

Rarity shot an ashen faced glare at Applejack, her forehooves going to her rump. “You even think of even trying that, and I will that sew that big apple munching mouth of yours shut!”

Before Applejack could make a witty retort back, they both noticed something shining out of the corner of their eyes. They looked up to see the Cragadile's large tail club sailing towards them, looking large than any Timberwolf tail club. They both screamed and leaped away as it slammed into the ground, making huge pieces of earth shoot up into the air. Hissing, the Cragadile swung its tail club again, sending the chunks flying in all directions. They would’ve crushed Applejack and Rarity flat, had it not been for a flock of garnet orange lightning zapping them to bits.

“Um, you guys, giant draconic alligator at twelve o clock here!” Zephyr shouted. “You guys can make out with each other later! For now, focus on not getting eaten!”

“You could give us a bit more of a polite warning next time!” Rarity exclaimed hotly, as she and Applejack joined Zephyr, Pinkie Pie and Twilight in battle.

“I swear those mares…” Goku sighed with a shake of her head before turning to Chenoa who was hovering beside her. “Chenoa, honey, I need you to listen to me. Auntie Goku needs you to find someplace to hide while we fend off the big bad bats that are after you, alright?”

The bat pup stared at Goku for a moment, looking as if it was hesitant on leavin the tan Thestral behind with the rest. It let out a few soft squeaks to express its worry to the mare, his large ears flattening to further emphasis it.

“Don’t worry baby, everything will be alright, I promise you.” Goku said soothingly, reaching over and rubbing the bat’s head. “Just go into one of those rocky pillars and don’t come out until all is over, alright?”

After a bit more hesitation, Chenoa finally relented, giving off a squeak of compliance before flying off towards the group of rocky mounds. Once she was sure the pup was safe and wasn’t seen, Goku looked back to the flock of Dōkutsuakumas in front of her and her fellow flyers.

“Come on girls, let’s lend a hoof to the Shadowbolts with this flock!” She declared, giving a stomp of her hoof. “Are you all ready?”

“I was born ready!” Rainbow Dash grinned, lightning surrounding her body.

“Yes!” Fluttershy nodded, wind swirling around her as her mane and tail floated gracefully in the air. “And I’ll be here to heal any of you should you get severe injuries!”

“I don’t think you need to worry about that sweetie.” Violet said sweetly. “You have a fellow Rosario here, plus two sisters who’re experts at healing potions!”

Fluttershy faltered slightly. “T-that’s not what I-”

The screeching of the Dōkutsuakumas and the sight of them charging stopped Fluttershy from finishing her sentence. Out of instinct, the buttermilk Pegasus shot a blast of wind at the giant bats with her wings with a resounding clap. It sent the flock of Dōkutsuakumas flailing away from them, but they quickly recovered and continued on with their assault. This time, the two Pegasi and one Thestral were ready and they retaliated almost simultaneously. Goku blasted out breaths of golden fire instead of lightning, with Rainbow Dash unleashing a flock of bright pink lightning, while Fluttershy shot blast after blast of razor-sharp wind.

“Fire Thestral: Scorching Whinny!” Goku yelled, the golden flames roaring from out of her mouth and soaring at the Dōkutsuakumas. Members of the flock that saw it coming either evaded the attack or blocked it with their wings, with a few being scorched. Those that were able to keep from getting burnt made their way to Goku, fangs glistening in preparation for ripping her throat out. Goku flew back as one came upon her, lunging right for her neck, only to get a back hoof to the face that nearly knocked its teeth out. she was about to land another punch, only for the creature to grab her by both of her shoulders and slam her down to the ground. With a screech, the Dōkutsuakuma lunged for her neck again, only for Goku’s right hoof to spit at the middle and grab it by the neck.

“Almost had me there, big guy!” She smirked, driving her other hoof deep into the beast’s chest before kicking it off of her. Spinning back upright, she got to her hooves just in time to avoid the claw swipe of another Dōkutsuakuma. One of its wings swung forward and got her in the neck, but thankfully it didn’t have enough force to drive into her throat and try to severe it. Goku went across the ground in a tumble before landing on her back, and was about to get up, only for another Dōkutsuakuma to come and drive its claws into her chest. Goku yelled out at the sharp appendages digging into her skin, and watched as the beast opened its mouth for the kill, only to be stopped Rainbow Dash.

“I DON’T THINK SO!” She yelled, zooming forward as she shot her forehooves out. “Lightning Pegasus: Electric Explosion!”

A sphere of electricity encased in both of Rainbow Dash’s forehooves exploded into a wave of magic that all but turned the Dōkutsuakuma into ash. In addition, the attack had also hit the Ragadile that Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack were fighting, and sent it crashing into the wall behind it. This in turn angered the giant reptile, proven by the hiss it let out, before it charged at the girls with its tail club raised.

“Watch where yer aimin’ RD!” Applejack shouted, summoning vines with her hooves that stopped the Ragadile’s club. “Ya nearly burnt mah hat off with that last attack o’ yers!”

“Whoops, sorry AJ!” Rainbow Dash apologized, before ducking under the incoming wings of a giant Dōkutsuakuma. “Whoa!”

Thinking fast, the cyan mare swung an electrified hoof at the beast aiming to decapitate her, slamming it right into its face. A zap of electricity shot through the Dōkutsuakumas body as it screeched in agony from the blow. As it flew away, it lashed out with its tail and wrapped it around the mare’s hindlegs, bringing her with it. Before Rainbow knew it, she found herself hurdling towards the Dōkutsuakuma’s flock with no time for a defense. Luckily for her, a defense came for her in the form of the Shadowbolts.

“Dash!” Fast Track shouted, zooming in an catching the mare just as she fell into the waiting arms of one of the giant bats. He spread his massive wings to stop them from hitting into a nearby wall before he examined her. “You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks there dude!” Rainbow Dash thanked as she separated from the stallion. “Now, where was I?”

With her eyes glowing, Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and took off at the Dōkutsuakumas again, ready to electrocute them. The sound of roaring wind made its way into her sharp ears, and Rainbow found herself skidding to a halt just as a blast of wind soared passed her.

“Sky Pegasus: Whirlwind Explosion!” Fluttershy and Blue Skies shouted, shooting off giant blasts of wind from their hooves that slammed into the Dōkutsuakumas. It didn’t get all of them, and a good portion of the flock made their way towards two Pegasi.

“Not on my watch!” Violet Fire shouted, landing in front of a terrified Fluttershy and Blue Skies with her wings flared wide. With her goggles flashing, she inhaled before letting out a large breath of fire. “Fire Pegasus: Neigh!”

The purple and black flames that surrounded the Shadowbolt Captain shot towards to the giant Dōkutsuakumas heading towards Fluttershy and Blue Skies. By the time they realized that Violet Fire had fired at them, it was too late for some, and they were scorched in midair. Despite the power behind the attack, there were still some that managed to get passed it and continued on towards their desired target, but they too were stopped in their tracks. Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow both flew in and landed on either side of their Captain.

“Dark Pegasus: Black Explosion!” They both shouted in unison, firing off twin blasts of darkness at the Dōkutsuakumas in front of them. Just like with their captain, the waves of magical energy enveloped the bat-like creatures and sent them all flying. They crashed into the nearby cavern walls, the force causing large chunks of it to burst out and fall on top of the flock.

“My goodness, that came so fast!” Fluttershy gasped as she tried to recover from the shock of the rescue. “T…thank you for that Violet Fire…I didn’t think that you were going to be coming this fast.”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, my team will always be there to save ponies in danger, regardless of whether they’re clan members or not.” Violet replied kindly. “You are okay, aren’t you honey?”

“Yes, I am…I-I just had a bit of a jump scare that’s all.” Fluttershy murmured, hanging her head as her mane fell over it. “B-by the way, h-how did you see that the Dōkutsuakumas were going to come after me?”

“Oh, that’s because i while I was burning my own flock, I had noticed some of them had evaded your attacks and were coming after you.” The ebony mare explained “So I had Lightning and Storm come with me and devise a plan should the same thing happened again.”

“And it looks like it worked!” Blue Skies exclaimed a beaming smile on her face. “Way to go Captain Violet!”

“Awww man, what the buck you guys?” Fast Tracks whined, hovering above the flyers. “I wasn’t able to get a single hit in with any of those giant bats! How could you guys take all of the good targets away from me like that?!”

“Aww, don’t be like that Fast Tracks.” Violet Fire cooed. “They’re not the only adversaries here in this underground cavern! There’s also a large water dwelling Ragadile here with them and us too! Maybe you could help Zephyr Twilight and the others with that!”

Raising a brow, Fast Tracks looked over at where Zephyr and the other girls were fighting the Cragadile, and his eyes widened upon seeing the intensity of the fight. The giant dragonish reptile was currently in the process of trying to crush the ponies under its clawed feet and its large clubbed tail. The one stallion and three mares were either burning the rocky scales on its body, or blasting it with multiple magical blasts and spells. It didn’t look like they were really having much luck with the beast, probably because of the swiftness and agility it was displaying despite its large rocky frame. However, the Cragadile wasn’t the only one with combined speed and strength, and Fast Tracks could see just by looking at the battle that his help was needed.

“Solid Form Magic: Wind Slicer!” Twilight shouted, shooting off a flock of wind slices at the Ragadile looming over them. The weakest parts of the dragon-like reptile were sliced off like scissors through blank paper, but other than that, little damage was done. The giant Cragadile growled loudly and swung its massive claw down at the lavender Unicorn. Twilight conjured up a shield just in the nick of time and a cloud of dust tore through the ground as the Ragadile's claw slammed into the shield. She gritted her teeth as she fought to maintain her shield, but just before the Ragadile could break the shield, Rarity came to her rescue.

“Belle Machine Gun: Gattling Gun!” The alabaster Unicorn shouted, her sword horn firing off a flock of magic bolts. They hit the Cragadile right in its face, and it loud out a shriek of pain at the multiple bolts hitting its face, using other claw to try to bat them away. Rarity didn’t let up, and was relentless in her assault on the reptilian, fueled by her deep desire to protect Twilight. The Cragadile eventually finally snapped, and raised its tail club, sending it straight towards the pony, who leaped out of the way. Unfortunately, this left Twilight vulnerable once more, and the tail club slammed into her shield, with much more force than the Cragadile's claw. The added force behind it almost broke Twilight’s shield, but she was still able to keep it up, albeit barely. With a hiss, the Cragadile raised its tail to strike again, but wasn’t stopped in it tracks by another one of its adversaries.

“Earth Make: Vine Snare!” Applejack shouted, stomping her hooves and summoning a group of vines from out of the ground. They wrapped around the surprised Cragadile, ensnaring him in their leafy grip and rendering him almost completely still. Its clubbed tail was pinned to the ground, and thus rendering it unable to attack or defend itself.

“Ah’m sure yer wonderin’ how it is that Ah’m able t’ summon mah good ol’ vines.” The farmer smirked, her hooves emitting a bright emerald glow. “It’s because mah connection t’ th’ earth is limitless, no matter where Ah am! Th’ fact that Ah’m even deeper underground makes it all th’ stronger, so Ah’m able to summon even stronger vines!”

“You sure are Jackie, and the same goes for me!” Pinkie Pie giggled, bouncing in front of the tangerine Earth Pony. “And that gives me time to plan out my own party trick!” Her eyes glowed a bright blue as she lifted her rear hooves up. “Earth Make: Armored Hooves!”

Slamming her hooves down, the very earth of the cavern slithered up her hooves, stopping halfway up, before Pinkie lifted them up. With a powerful bound, she soared towards the Cragadile’s midsection and began to fire off a rapid series of bunches, going at an even faster speed than Rarity with her last attack. The Cragadile shrieked and yowled loudly in pain as Pinkie pushed further and further back, making the vines ensnaring it shake. With one final double punch, Pinkie Pie struck the reptilian right in its chest, making the vines holding it snap, letting the Ragadile crash into the wall behind it.

“Oh yeah, now that was awesome!” Pinkie Pie cheered, doing a few back flips before landing next to Applejack. “I felt a real sugar rush after that!”

“Yeah, ya really let loose on him.” Applejack nodded, glancing back at the Cragadile, who was slowly raising back up on its feet. “Though it doesn’t look like it was enough to keep him down.”

“Well then, it looks like we’ll just have to keep hitting him until he does.” Zephyr declared as a cloak of fire surrounded him. “Fire Pegasus: Scorching Explosion!”

Rearing up, Zephyr shot a blast of orange fire at the Cragadile’s mouth, which was open at the time, letting the fire strike inside. The Cragadile snapped its mouth shut as it let the smoke out through its nostrils before growling menacingly at the royal blue stallion. Swinging its body around, it swung its tail club down right at Zephyr, but just before it could hit, Fast Tracks intercepted it.

“Like hay I’m gonna let you crush my best friend!” Fast Tracks shouted, flying just under Zephyr and catching the tail club with his hooves. Thankfully he wasn’t stabbed or sliced by the sharp points and edges, but that still didn’t stop jaws from dropping at the strength behind the light brown stallion’s catch. The sheer raw power that the Shadowbolt displayed when he caught the Cragadile’s tail club made even Applejack a little frightened. That is until she remembered that one of her friends was a Thestral herself, and she was just as strong.

‘Land sakes, if Granny Smith were here t’ see this, she’d be demandin’ Ah make this stallion mah mate just for his strength alone.’ The farmer thought. ‘Then again, she has been doin’ that since Ah met Goku, so Ah should probably be expectin’ it when we git back t’ town. Still, she’d totally be goin’ crazy if she were here right now.’

With a loud battle cry, Fast Tracks sent the Cragadile’s tail club back up, but not before sending volts of electricity from its tail to its entire body. With a purple cloak of lightning still enveloping him, he blasted a breath of it right at the Ragadile. It sent the beast flying back up into the wall where the whitish light was, hitting it so hard that chucks of the wall fell onto top of it when it fell. Just like with the Dōkutsuakumas when Violet Fire, Lightning and Storm Shadow fired off against them.

“That’s what you get for trying to crush my friend, you scaly bastard.” Fast Tracks hissed acidly, watching as the Cragadile silently writhed. With a calming breath, he turned to the others with a softer expression. “Sorry about that guys, I felt that you need some help.”

“My Celestia Fast Tracks, that was incredible!” Rarity exclaimed, her eyes shining. “I honestly thought that Zephyr was a goner there!”

“Yeah well luckily for him, he had a friend that has powers of a creature that’s supposed to be supernatural!” Fast Tracks boasted, feeling the danger was over for the time being. “I saw that big guy’s tail coming a mile away, and just like you saw, I acted fast!”

Twilight giggled. “Well, you certainly lived up to your name in that moment.” She commented, making Fast Track grin even wider. “Though I’m still trying to comprehend how you were able to keep from getting stabbed and crushed at the same essential time.”

“Well, having eyes like that of cat with the sharp senses of one can really help you with moves like that.” Fast Track replied with a wink. “I mean sure, they can hurt like a bitch when in the sunlight, but then again, having moves like that does come at a cost.”

“Yeah, it does!” Pinkie Pie said casually. “But you still get to do all of those awesome party animal moves right?”

Fast Tracks laughed. “You got that right!”

“Well, however you were able to do it, I’m so glad you were able to save Zephyr. It would have been so devastating to Twilight if she had lost him, Goku as well.” Rarity sighed, looking over at the royal blue stallion. “Not only that, but I wouldn’t have been able to repay him for so nobly risking his life to save me.”

“Repay me?” Zephyr asked, a brow raised in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll see after this is over darling~.” Rarity replied, batting her eyelashes as she flicked the stallion’s chest with her tail skirt. “Trust me, I think you’ll love what I have in store for you~.”

Applejack facehoofed. “Oh, fer th’ love o’ buckin’ Harvest Sapling Sweet Apple Titan…”

“Anyway, I don’t think we should be celebrating just yet.” Fast Tracks said, his expression and tone turning serious once again. “Our large reptilian friend doesn’t look like he’s done with us just yet.”

“As if he hasn’t not tried giving up.” Rainbow Dash snorted as she and her fellow flyers flew over to the rest of the group. “Compared to what we saw you go through with this guy; our own group was easy.”

“Easier yes, but by no means any less formidable.” Fluttershy murmured. “Due to how strong Ragadiles are on land, it may take most of our combined effort to keep it down long enough for us to make an escape. So, our best option is to do just that.”

“T-that does seem like a well thought out idea.” Blue Skies commented. “Though we should do it quick. With each minute that passes, Nightmare Moon’s growing stronger, and planning a scheme that could put all of Equestria in danger. If we don’t get out of this cavern soon, getting eaten by Cragadile's and sucked dry by Dōkutsuakumas will be the least of our worries.”

“Blue Skies is right.” Storm Shadow nodded, flaring her wings. “Things will only get worse the longer we stay down here with these animals. Let’s end this all in one go so we can get out of here.”

“In that case, let’s-” Lightning Shadow began, only to pause at what she saw next. “What in the…?”

As the Ragadile rose back to its feet, it didn’t notice the ever-growing cracks in the shining cavern ceiling growing until it grew in volume. A relatively loud crack finally drew the reptile’s attention to it, and by the time it turned its head, chunks of the shining ceiling were already falling down towards it. The Cragadile only had time to hiss out in surprise before it found itself buried in the large earth chunks of the cavern top. The ponies in front of it covered their eyes from the dust that enveloped them, and when they looked in front of them again, they were greeted with the sight of a buried Cragadile.

“Oh my, I wasn’t expecting that.” Violet Fire said, a hoof coming to her mouth. “Was anypony else expecting that to happen.”

“I sure wasn’t!” Goku exclaimed, her head whipping to face Fast Tracks. “How hard did you hit him with your lightning Fast Tracks?!”

“I-I honestly have no idea.” The light brown stallion replied. “I didn’t think I hit him that hard, I was only trying to at least knock him out!”

“Well, you certainly succeeded in doing that.” Rainbow Dash said bluntly. “Still though, it looks like you may have gone a little bit overboard.”

“And you didn’t with nearly zapping the Dōkutsuakumas to ash?” Fluttershy asked with a raised eyebrow.

Rainbow’s mouth snapped shut, before she muttered. “Right…”

“Hey you guys, look!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed pointing a hoof forward. “I see an opening in the ceiling, and it’s leading back out to the forest!”

“…Hey, she’s right!” Blue Skies nodded. “I can see the trees from up there, and the Moon too!”

“So, it wasn’t just emitting light by the crystals.” Violet Fire whispered. “It really was the Moon from up above. It looks like we found our way out of here after all…”

“Sure did!” Fast Track nodded, lifting himself in the air. “And now all we need to do is climb up it and we’ll be home free!”

“Wait!” Goku said suddenly, making everypony stop. “There’s somepony, er, someone else that we forgot!”

“What’re ya takin’ ‘bout G?” Applejack asked, raising a brow. “Everypony’s here, there ain’t any other pony here that we need t’ wait fer.”

“Goku wasn’t talking about a pony Applejack.” Fluttershy corrected as Goku galloped off into the group of rocky mounds. “She was talking about Chenoa.”

Rainbow Dash groaned loudly. “Ugh, this again?! Look Fluttershy, I know you love your little animals and all, but we have other matters to attend to here! Nightmare Moon’s out here in this forest somewhere gearing up for our incoming showdown! Nopony here is gonna care about some stupid bat while that’s happening!”

“We care Rainbow Dash.” Violet Fire stated firmly as Fast Tracks hissed menacingly at her. “We understand what’s at stake right now, but you saw what happened back up there! Chenoa was trying to get away from those Dōkutsuakumas, but he went out of his way to try to help us not meet the same fate as his colony! I’m sure he knew the consequences that would come if he did that, but he still decided to take that risk to help us. After doing that, especially warning us of the danger that came to get us in this cave, I think the least we can do is help him get back to his family.”

“W-while I will admit it was rather generous of…Chenoa to try to help us.” Rarity said. “Rainbow does make a point. We have more important issues that we need to attend to, and I am afraid having a bat accompany us will hinder that.”

“Not if said bat was willing to go out of his way to help us, even if it meant getting eaten.” Fast Tracks stated firmly. “Now that I think about it, I think it’d be essential to have another pair of extra eyes with us, even if they belong to that of a bat. That way, we’ll have a bigger chance of spotting danger and being more prepared for it.”

Twilight pondered it for a few moments. “He does have a valid point…bats do have acute night vision, even in the dark. And they have even better acute hearing when it comes to traveling in exceptionally dark places.”

“Are you serious Twilight?!” Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped. “You’re actually considering this?!”

“You heard Fast Tracks Rainbow.” The lavender Unicorn stated. “Chenoa was kind enough to help us, even if he was a bat, and helped us in being prepared for the Dōkutsuakumas. That, and he even tried to help us in not getting buried underground, along with guiding us through the caves and letting us know of the Cragadile coming. It really wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t help him after all of that, would it?”

“No.” Zephyr nodded. “No, it wouldn’t.”

Blue Skies nodded as well. “Mhm!”

“B-but, Twi, Chenoa is a bat!” Applejack exclaimed. “Ah know how bats are! They’re nothin’ but selfish good fer nothin’ varmints that care only ‘bout themselves!”

“Well Chenoa just proved that isn’t entirely accurate.” Lightning Shadow retorted. “Even if it was, it’s not like you can really blame bats, or any animal for how they are. That’s just how they were made by Natura herself.”

“That’s right, thank you Lightning.” Fluttershy nodded, glaring sternly at Applejack. ‘And if you know what the bats were trying to do for you, you wouldn’t think such a thing about them.’

“Alright, I call for a vote!” Pinkie Pie suddenly shouted, raising her hoof up. “All who are in honor of having Chenoa come with us, raise your hooves!”

“You certainly have my vote!” Goku said as she flew back to the others with Chenoa in hoof. “I am a mare that likes to repay others for anything good they’ve done for me or anypony that I know, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna go back on that motto now. I’m taking Chenoa with us, and helping him get home, and nopony is going to stop me!”

“As if we can ever change your mind Goku!” Pinkie giggled. “Anyway, any in honor?”

The Shadowbolts, Twilight, Fluttershy, Goku, and Zephyr all raised their hooves.

“All who oppose?” Pinkie Pie asked, slowly emphasizing the last word.

Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash raised their hooves, despite knowing they were vastly outvoted.

“The vote is ten to three.” Blue Skies murmured. “It looks like Chenoa is coming with us! At least until we can get him back to his colony.”

Chenoa’s sparkled as he let out a loud squeak of elation zipping and flying around the group as he did loops in the air. Violet Fire, Blue Skies, Fluttershy, Goku and Pinkie all giggled at the bat pup’s excitement, even as he nestled himself into Fluttershy’s chest.

“Well, it looks like that’s that.” Fluttershy said with a satisfied nod. “Applejack, would you be so kind as to create a vine latter for us and Chenoa?”

Despite the sweetness in the veterinarian’s tone, Applejack could sense an undertone below it that made demanded she comply. Grumbling under her breath the farmer complied, slamming her hooves down and creating several large wings that intertwined into one that latched onto the edge of the whole. With that done, those that couldn’t fly climbed up the fused vines, while the others merely flew out, leaving the devastated underground battlefield below.

Just before she fully exited, Fluttershy looked back down at the Cragadile and the flock of Dōkutsuakumas down below, who were still buried under the chunks of the cavern. She could sense their magical life force still going strong, indicating to her that they were still alive, and would heal in time from their fight. With a regretful sigh, and a silent prayer to both groups, Fluttershy followed her friends back out into the wild forest above.

Author's Note

Whelp, you saw it, I had decided to combine the battles of the Ursa and the Royal Guards and the beats of the underground with the Element Bearers, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts as well :scootangel: ! I'll just say right now that I was having a bit of trouble trying to combine this, let alone who I was going to end it, especially since there were some parts of the last chapter that was forgotten while writing this :twilightblush: . So I took some time going back on that last chapter to see what I had forgotten to add, and went ahead and added it hear in this chapter though it's some some minor things.

Well, that's all for now :scootangel: ! Next time we're going back to Ponyville to see the new arrival and foes that the town will be fighting off against. Though that'll be after another more tender little scene that will be shown before things ultimately go down to shit :rainbowderp: .

Chapter 46 - Cruising in the Clubhouse

Sheton often knew when something deserved credit when credit was due, especially if it was something that was made in a rather articulate manner. Having been raised in the wealthiest and noblest city in Equestria, he was given the opportunity to see things made to the upmost perfection for the noblest of eyes. Even if it wasn’t made for the non-nobles like him, as a good majority of the nobles referred to him, Spike, and his families as, they were still amazed by all that they had seen in the city. Weather it was parts, sculptures, art pieces or designs, the skills that the ponies of Canterlot City used to make them never ceased to amaze him. That wasn’t to say that he didn’t see the things that more old-fashioned ponies made, and they didn’t leave an impression on him too. It was just that because of how rare the opportunities were for him to see all that the none noble ponies made he didn’t have a lot of those sights that he could add onto the list of things he liked.

Now though, Sheton believed that he may have just found another thing to add to his list of amazing things.

“What’s the matter Sheton? Bat got your tongue?” Fire Flash giggled, smiling in amusement at the gob smacked look on the Thestral colt’s face. “I thought that you’d do something a bit more vocal than that.”

“Oh, leave him alone Fire, th’ boys tryin’ t’ take in how amazin’ mah sister’s old clubhouse looks!” Apple Bloom frowned, punching the Pegasus filly on her shoulder. “Let him have a few moments t’ find his voice again.”

“I can’t really blame him. All of the colts and fillies had the same reaction as Sheton is right now.” Sweetie Belle shrugged. “Though, I don’t think that they’ve lasted for this long.”

“D-d-do you think h-he’s okay?” Scootaloo asked worriedly. “I-I mean, he has been s-standing t-there f-for over a-a full m-minute. S-should we d-do something?”

Crescent Shield giggled. “No, it’s okay. There’s nothing you need to worry about; Sheton always gets like this whenever he sees something that he thinks is amazing. Although you are right, I think it’s time we get him out of this state, and I know just how to do it.”

“Why do I get the feeling your gonna do something completely unexpected?” Dinky asked staring at the ocean blue filly suspiciously.

“Just watch.” Crescent replied with a wink, before trotting over to a still shocked Sheton. With a deep breath, she leaned in and planted a big wet kiss on Sheton’s cheek. A gasp escaped from Scootaloo as everypony else’s jaws, with the exception of Spike’s, dropped in shock. A laugh of pure mirth escaped the draconic colt as Sheton's eyes dilated, his face blossoming a deep red color from the display of affection. A squeal left him as Crescent broke away and he flapped his wings wildly in an effort to get away from her as she giggled with glee.

“C-C-C-C-Crescent Shield!” He squeaked, holding a hoof to his kissed cheek. “W-w-w-what did you do that for?!”

“Oh no reason.” Crescent replied cutely. “Just giving you a little push to get more focused on what we wanted to show you!”

“By kissing him as if you two were coltfriend and fillyfriend?” Fire asked, raising a brow. “Yeah, a real motivational and sappy idea.”

“Fire Flash!” Sweetie chastised, smacking the back of Fire’s head with her tail. After giving her a sharp glare, she glanced back at Crescent and Sheton with a sweeter expression. “Don’t listen to her Crescent Shield, we don’t mind what you did to help Sheton out of his little daze. It was actually pretty cute to be honest.”

“Yeah, it was.” Apple Boom giggled. “Though ya caught me off guard when ya did that, jus’ sayin’.”

Scootaloo nodded, her own face a deep red. “M-mhm.”

“Y-yeah well…warn me next time before you do that okay Crescent?” Sheton asked calming down. “…I felt like my face was going to burn away when you did that.”

“Which goes to show just how much of a sweet and sensitive colt you are!” Crescent cooed, draping a wing around the stormy grey colt. “Though I can’t make any promises about what I just did if you end up getting put in that state again, just clarifying to you right now.”

“Of course…” Sheton sighed, hanging his head as his mane spilled over his face. “…Why me?”

“Anyway, how do you like the clubhouse Sheton?” Spike asked, walking up to the colt. “Apple Bloom did say that it would be a sight for you to see. So, what’s your opinion on it?”

Sheton glanced over at the draconic colt, before looking back up at Apple Bloom’s soon to be filled clubhouse. He had to admit, while it wasn’t the flashiest of clubhouses, at the same time, it was definitely something that would get a few pairs of eyes. It was bigger than your typical clubhouse, twice as big in fact, looking to be able to fit more than seven foals inside of it. The fours side of the exterior being a bright pale orange that gave off a shine in the Moon’s light, letting the deep brown roof melt into it. The doors to the front and to the windows were a deep red in color, with the pictures of apples and hearts carved and painted onto them, the roof included, even though really couldn’t be seen. At the bottom of the clubhouse was a big balcony or the foals to stand on and look out at the orchard, and it looked like they would be able to look at it pretty far.

At the right side of the balcony, there was a latter that led to a door that was made in the bottom of the clubhouse, possibly for an extra entrance way, and Sheton could see a confirmation to that. Starting from the front door all the way down to the tree, was a swirl of stairs that were imbedded in the tree with rope tied to them for extra footing. Around the front, back and sides of the clubhouse were pots of lowers, with a few more being sat from the outside of the clubhouse windows. Sheton could also see that there was another flight of those stairs at the back of the clubhouse, going up into the leaves of the tree the clubhouse hanging onto. At least, at the very top of the tree, Sheton could see a bit of a tower poking out, with a large red flag hanging from the top of it.

“I have to be honest, it’s not as…flashy as it thought it’d be.” Sheton finally replied, walking closer to the clubhouse. “That being said, it’s not exactly like all of the normal designs that I’ve seen, let alone a clubhouse.”

“Yeah, it really ain’t either. More like somethin’ in between th’ lines of it.” Apple Bloom said with a chuckle. “While we don’t like to make thing too flashy, we don’t like t’ make ‘em t’ th’ point where it doesn’t catch anypony’s eye. That’s how me an’ th’ girls roll when we all work together.”

“Yep!” Sweetie chirped happily as she and the other fillies walked up the stairs. “Let me just say, that when we told all our sisters about our plan to redesign the clubhouse, Rarity wanted to make it really flashy and sparkly. Like, seriously, she wanted to be just that, saying that it would add a divine shine to our hangout for all to see.”

“She did?” Sheton asked, following the fillies up and around the tree. “Did the others want that too?”

“No way in Tartarus, especially not Applejack and Rainbow Dash.” Fire snorted. “My sister wanted to make the clubhouse a lot more awesome looking, while Applejack wanted to be more traditional and old fashioned and all of that stuff. While I don’t mind it being but like any other clubhouse, at the same time, I do wanna add at least a little flare to it. Like some flames and maybe even a few rainbows if we could.”

“I-it didn’t really w-work out v-very well.” Scootaloo murmured softly, walking up from behind Sheton. “I-I was f-f-fine with w-whatever way the g-girls wanted t-to make the clubhouse, t-though I did w-want to make it m-more like my b-b-big sisters c-c-cottage. A-at least a l-little bit…y-you know, with the f-flowers that’re around the c-clubhouse a-and all.”

“In the end, we had all decided to make it like this, and put a little bit of everything we all liked into it.” Crescent said, giving a swish of her tail skirt. “Looking back on it now, I think that it had worked out essentially, wouldn’t you agree Dinky?”

“Uh-huh!” The grayish violet filly squeaked. “And it’s still so beautiful every time I see it!”

“I think so too~!” Spike giggled, his tail wagging.

“Uh-huh, it really is.” Sheton nodded, looking around at the front of the clubhouse as his hooves gently brushed against the wooden floor. He took a deep inhale of the woods scent and the flowers, and was washed with the scent of apples and vanilla, the former of which making him smile as he stared up at the tree. ‘Even this clubhouse smells like apples. Oh, if only it really was an actual apple, I would suck it off until it was milked dry!’

“If yer done drooling at th’ apples on th’ tree.” Apple Bloom murmured, flicking the colt’s face with her tail. “We’d like t’ show ya inside.”

Quickly wiping the saliva form his mouth, Sheton blushed and nodded as Crescent opened the door with her magic. Before he could think of letting them go first, Fire practically shoved him inside, so hard that he almost lost his footing. After collecting himself, Sheton looked around the clubhouse and felt his jaw drop again at what he saw. The whole interior of the clubhouse looked even bigger than the exterior, something he could not fathom was possible. On the left side of the clubhouse, was a large table consisting of plates and cups and silverware for more than seven ponies. In the middle of the clubhouse, at the far back next to the table was a large judge stand with a gavel sitting on it, with a huge chest at the far right, probably containing toys of some sort.

There was another table that looked to be one made for meetings and planning, and a large chart with boxes coloring and regular pencils resting on top of it, on the closer right side of the clubhouse. On the left side of where he was, Sheton could see beanbags of various colors, looking for foals to just hang out and lounge around at. At the sides of the clubhouse, in the center, were the windows having curtains pulled back, one a pale purple with red flowers, while the other was a plaid color. Next to the first window, was a picture of a landscape, and hanging from the top was a large lightbulb, one that Sweetie Belle lit with her magic.

“Surprise!” The alabaster filly exclaimed. “Welcome to our clubhouse Sheton! The clubhouse of the Sweet Apple Acres Farm!”

“Well, what do ya think dude?” Fire asked, grinning widely. “Is it as awesome as you thought it would be?”

“Its…not what I expected it to be at all.” Sheton finally said, managing to find his voice. “Then again, the exterior of the clubhouse wasn’t what I thought I’d be either, so I should’ve seen it coming.”

The crimson filly leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “So, I take it you do think it’s awesome?”

“W-well, yeah I do.” Sheton replied nervously, his ears falling limp at the invasion of his personal space. “I-it’s really awesome.”

“Fire Flash, please back up.” Scootaloo said softly, pulling at the crimson filly’s tail and pushing Sheton away from her. “Y-you’re m-making Sheton u-uncomfortable. A-and you know how w-we are a-about y-you making c-colts and f-fillies n-nervous whenever w-we t-take them h-here.”

“R-right, sorry.” Fire replied sheepishly. “I got a little excited about how you’d like the look of our clubhouse.”

“I-it’s fine, j-just try to be more mindful about my personal space okay?” Sheton advised, before turning to the other fillies. “So…this is where you all like to hang out?”

“Uh-huh, whenever we get the chance!” Spike replied, grinning widely. “Of course, it’s not all that frequent for me, since Twilight does need me for assistants in the library, and spells, and tests and all that, but I do get my chances! It’s so worth it every time we do, and it really helps me unwind!”

“I-I’d much r-rather it t-to b-be calm and q-quiet m-most of the t-time.” Scootaloo said, pawing at the ground. “B-but even I-I like it w-when t-things l-liven up a l-little…i-it makes it a-all t-the more f-fun for us.”

“It’s even more exciting when we have even more guests over!” Dinky chirped, smiling sweetly at Sheton. “And you just so happened to be one of those guests!”

“Yeah, you…pretty much made that abundantly clear.” Sheton murmured, flicking is tail. He then walked around the clubhouse, taking in all of the sights and valuables. “I gotta say, it does look like a fun place to be at. It kind of reminds me a lot of my room back in Canterlot City. Only it was a little bit, um…smaller.”

“Really?” Sweetie asked, tilting her head. “Your room is a lot like our clubhouse?”

“Yeah, it really is.” Crescent replied. “It’s actually really articulate, especially since Sheton is a Thestral and all, and they really like the nighttime.”

“O-oh I think I s-s-see…” Scootaloo nodded. “S-Sheton’s room is e-eerily similar t-t-to t-that of o-our c-clubhouse…o-only i-its more suited f-for the n-nighttime?”

“Yeah, something like that.” Spike confirmed. “While Sheton doesn’t mind the day, he’d much rather be active during the night.”

“Seriously?” Fire asked. “Why would he want to do that? The daytime is awesome, and I know there are a lot of ponies who love it too! How could someone like the night more than the day?”

“Because I tend to believe it’s more active than the day.” Sheton replied, looking over at the tomboyish filly. “I’m not saying that the day isn’t as beautiful as the night, I’m just saying that some ponies don’t really give the night that much credit. I mean, there’s just so many things about the night that make it just as wonderous. From the Moon that bathes the towns and cities with its pure white light, to the stars that twinkle as if they were little nightlights. To the northern lights that float about in the skies, to the nocturnal animals that all roam about, from the fireflies, to the possums, racoons, to the bats…” A small smile adorned his face as a dreamy look came to his eyes. “The night can be so beautiful to those who’re willing to search for it.”

“Well, when you put it like that, that does sound pretty amazing.” Dinky murmured. “Then again, I’ve always kind of liked the night anyway too, so...”

Sheton raised a brow at the grayish violet filly. “Kind of?”

“Okay, okay, I really like the nighttime.” Dinky huffed, rolling her eyes. “I don’t know why, but…I just do. Probably because of the family that I’m from. Or maybe it’s just one those differences I have like anypony else. Either way, I really do believe the night is a lot prettier.”

“I think so too~!” Spike nodded, giggling merrily as Sweetie nodded.

“Eh, I’m not really following you guys.” Fire muttered, her shoulders sagging. “I mean, we see those things all the time whenever we go to sleep or stay up! What’s so cool about seeing all of that?”

“Probably those who can actually git what’s so pretty ‘bout the nighttime.” Apple Bloom replied bluntly with a deadpan expression aimed at Fire. “One o’ th’ main reason why you an’ me will probably never really understand why.”

Crescent winced. “Ouch…”

“Well, whether you guys like the night or the day more than the other, or both at once, it doesn’t necessarily matter.” Sheton sighed, flexing his bat wings. “If you love the night more than the day, or the day more than the night, than I can respect that. All I’m saying is that I have my own reasons for liking the night more than the day, and not just because I’m a Thestral.”

“Don’t worry Sheton, we weren’t tryin’ t’ start anythin’.” Apple Bloom assured, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “We were jus’ sayin’ our own thoughts on the night and day it is all. Nopony said that ya had to change yer opinion, all we were doin’ was given ours.”

The Thestral colt smiled gratefully at the sun yellow filly. “Thank you, I appreciate that Apple Bloom.” He looked over at Spike and the other fillies. “So, what do you guys wanna do now that I’m here?”

“Oh, I know!” Sweetie suddenly cried. “We can take you up to the higher part of the clubhouse outside! The part that’s in the trees up above with the flag that you saw!”

“W-wait, what?!” Sheton cried, backpaddling. “Y-you have another room connected to the clubhouse that’s a part of this one?!”

“M-mhm…” Scootaloo replied, smiling modestly. “I-it can’t r-really b-be seen o-outside, b-but the higher room a-above the c-clubhouse i-is j-just as d-decorative and s-spacious as it is i-in here. P-plus i-it has a s-stethoscope that l-lets us l-look out i-into the s-sky and o-out into t-the town too.”

“And that is the part that I love about it most!” Crescent chirped, giggling merrily. “Well, other than the fact that it’s just as spacious and allows me to take plenty of notes on things.”

“And it’s just as fun up there as it is here!” Dinky added, swishing her tail excitedly. “Don’t forget that!”

“We know Dinky, you’ve said that over a million times.” Fire sighed. “You’re starting to sound more like Melon Cake the more you say that.”

“Well somepony’s gotta fill in for Melon Cake since she’s not here!” Dinky huffed. “She’d be the one saying things like how fun it is here and how much of a blast it would be! I’m just trying to make up for her absence, especially given what happened at the Town Square!”

“She is right you know Fire.” Apple Bloom murmured. “The atmosphere is jus’ th’ slightest bit dull since Melon Cake ain’t here. So somepony’s gotta make up for the absence.”

“Yeah, you make a good point.” Fire sighed again, more guiltily this time. “I’m sorry Dinky.”

“It’s okay Flashy.” Dinky cooed, before turning to look at Sheton. “So Sheton, do you wanna see the upper part of the clubhouse now?”

Before Sheton could reply, they all heard a knock on the door, causing them all to jump. As they looked over, the knocks came again, this time slightly louder.

“I’ll get it.” Spike said, trotting over to the door and turning one of his hooves into a claw so he could open it. Upon seeing who it was, his expression went as bright as his scales. “Oh, hi there Apple Grove!”

“Howdy t’ you too Spike.” Apple Grove said softly, smiling gently at the draconic colt. “Are you an’ th’ other youngin’ doin’ okay here?”

“Uh-huh, we sure are!” Dinky replied happily. “We were just goin’ to do some drawing with Sheton, we wanna see if he’s got a good dose of art skills like the rest of us do! What’re you doing here.”

“Oh, I just came to check up on you all.” Grove replied, blowing her mane from her face. “Ah was hopin’ that there was nothin’ bad goin’ on here, an’ that nothin’ got any o’ y’all.”

“O’ course nothin’s got us here.” Apple Bloom said, somewhat perplexedly. “Why would ya think that?”

Grove ran a hoof through her mane. “D-don’t worry about it cousin, i-it ain’t really that big of a deal. A-Ah jus’ have this really uncomfortable feelin’ brewin’ up in me right now…” She replied as she locked eyes with the smaller farm filly. “…Ah don’t know why, but Ah do.”

“What do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked worriedly. “What’s bothering you?”

“...Do y’all know ‘bout that invasion from those Tantabus things that attacked us a little more than half an hour ago?” Grove asked tentatively, earning grim nods from the foals. “Well, when they came, Ah had th’ exact same feelin’ as Ah did now, except this time…it’s a lot worse.”

“Worse?” Spike repeated, one of his ears flicking. “How?”

“Ah honestly don’t know.” Grove replied, rubbing the back of her head. “Ah know everythin’s quiet now, but…Ah’m still not feelin’ entirely safe right now. Ah jus’ keep gettin’ this outta th’ ordinary feelin’ that somethin’ ain’t right. like, what happened just now is only jus’ th’ start o’ somethin’ else that’s about t’ happen.” A shiver went down her back as her wing gave a slight twitch. “An’ it’s really startin’ t’ scare me.”

“O-oh, t-that’s not good.” Scootaloo said, looking at Grove worriedly. A couple of minutes of silence passed, before she lifted her forehooves up and spread them out invitingly. “Do…d-do you want a hug?”

Grove smiled kindly at the bright orange filly. “No, Ah don’t need ne but thank you sugar lump, Ah jus’ came t’ let y’all t’ keep yer eyes peeled ‘round here. Them Tantabuses may be gone, but Ah wouldn’t get too comfortable if Ah were y’all. Not that Ah’m trying t’ spoil yer fun, just try t’ keep a lookout fer anythin’ fishy, ‘kay?”

“We sure will Grove!” Dinky chirped, her forelegs reaching out and bringing Sheton and Spike in closer. “And we have two amazing colts here that’ll help us keep an extra sharp lookout if Apple Bloom’s farm gets invaded again!”

“They sure do!” Spike chirped, smiling. ‘Finally, somepony other than Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Sheton and Melon Cake who remember to include me!’

“And if we do see somethin’ Ah’ll be sure to send one o’ mah girls t git one o’ y’all.” Apple Bloom winked. “If not, then we’ll be prepared t’ lay th’ smackdown!”

Grove giggled at her cousin’s and her friends’ antics. “Ah’m glad t’ hear it AB.” She said, letting out a soft sigh. “Anyway, Ah gotta go, Ma an’ Ah ‘r almost done with yer next batch o’ fritters, an’ she’s even added a lil’ treat that we’re sure y’all will like.”

“Really?” Sheton asked, his tufted ears perked. “What treat is that?”

Giving Sheton the same sly grin that Apple Bloom did, Grove replied. “You’ll jus’ have t’ wait an’ see baby. You’ll jus’ have t’ wait an’ see.”

Crescent Shield, Sweetie Belle, Fire Flash and Apple Bloom giggled as Grove winked at a blushing Sheton before leaving, closing the door softly behind her. After making sure his cheeks were back to their normal color, Sheton looked at Apple Bloom and asked, “I know that she got that form you Apple Bloom.”

“Eeyup, she sure did. The farm filly laughed. “Jus’ goes t’ show ya how big of a surprise th’ treats that Grove an’ Fritter ‘r makin’ will be.”

“Of course it does.” Sheton sighed, pulling his fedora over his head. “Anyway, you guys said that you wanted to show me the upper part of the clubhouse?”

Scootaloo nodded, happy for the swift change in subject. “Oh, y-yes, we do! L-l-like we t-told you b-before, t-the upper b-base o-of our c-clubhouse i-is j-just as big, i-if not a b-bit bigger t-than this p-part. Y-you can’t really see it b-because it’s b-blocked by the l-leave and a-apples, b-but it i-is p-pretty b-big.”

“It sure is.” Crescent nodded. “Even after all this time I’m still somewhat trying to theorize how something so big like that can be hidden inside a tree. Then again, this particular tree in general is consistently bigger than the rest, so I guess it does make sense.”

“Your damn right it does!” Fire Flash, roughly slapping the ocean blue filly on the back.

“Well then, what are we even waiting for?! Let’s show him upstairs already!” Dinky said as she encased Sheton in her magic and heading straight for the front entrance. “The sooner we get Sheton up to the higher base, the sooner we can get to playing!”

“Whoa Dinky, take it easy!” Spike said as he and the others raced after her. “I get that your excited and all, but be careful! Your magic is powerful, but it’s not properly controlled yet, and your excitement might cause you to lose control!”

“I don’t care!” The grayish violet filly cried as she ran to the stairs nestled at the back of the clubhouse. “I’m not wasting another minute showing Sheton every inch of our clubhouse!”

“That doesn’t mean you have to zap Sheton!” Sweetie shouted. “It’s happened a lot with me and Rarity whenever I get too excited! Trust me, I’ve burnt more than a few shades of my sister’s fur in the process, and I don’t wanna have the same thing happen to our new friend!”

“Then you’re just going to have to catch me before that happens!” Dinky taunted playfully, before glancing back up at Sheton. “Don’t worry Sheton, I’m not gonna zap you! And even if I do, it’s not going to hurt at all, if you live that is!”

Sheton paled. “What do you mean if?!”

“Oh nothing!” Dinky replied just a little too sweetly. “Let’s just say a lot of my mommy’s muffins didn’t survive my excited magical surges. Don’t worry though Sheton, you’re not a muffin, so that means you have a much higher chance of surviving all the way to the top! If I don’t manage to drop you that is!”

“How is that supposed to make me feel any better?!” The Thestral colt demanded. “Especially with the possibility that you might zap me?! At full power?!”

“Because I’m taking your safety into consideration.” Dinky replied as if Sheton should’ve known that. “So that should let you know that you don’t need to be scared, because I’m making sure nothing bad happens to you! As long as I don’t get too excited, but then again, I might do just that!”

“NOT HELPING DINKY!” Almost all of the other foals shouted while Scootaloo just whimpered concernedly.

“Oh, Faust please help me…” Sheton whined pitifully, going limp as he cried a river of anime tears.

Author's Note

Alright, now, before any of you say anything in the comments about what I just posted, and just to clear any confusion, I didn't necessarily say that the tender scene and the terror that ponyville was going to face was going to be into one chapter :applejackunsure: . Neither did I say that either one or the other was going to be in the next chapter either, so please don't throw any hate towards me for not combining the two into one, especially since I had done a thorough run through of this chapter :ajsleepy: . All I will say right now, is that I had decided to add a bit of a tender scene, this one involving the CMC, before I went back to things going downhill for ponyville once again. That and while I did have plans for adding that into this chapter, I once again believed it would be better for them to be split and put in separate chapters rather than one :twilightsmile: . While I'm sure that this one wouldn't really be called, tender, I know many of you can agree that it was pretty cute, and a nice little uplift as well, something I have so much fun doing :rainbowkiss: :heart: .

Anyway, that's all for now :pinkiesmile: . Next chapter we'll really be getting into some deep shit in Ponyville, with said town getting another darker, more monstrous, and intellectual visit than with the Tantabuses :rainbowderp: .

Chapter 47 - Arrows of Speed

Silver Speed Tenshi let out a long, exhausted sigh as she slowly walked across her home, the sound of her hooves softly clopping against the ground as they echoed across the interior of her large home. Her moderate violet eyes stared ahead with a half-lidded expression as her ears lay limp against her head, her walking slow and half attempted. The bluish gray mare’s light cornflower bluish gray mane hung on either side of her neck, with a large bang hanging over her face and framing it in a rather appealing fashion to any stallion that would happen to see her, had she not been in her home that is. Her light blue bow and arrow Cutie Mark and the white wings on her back contrasted strongly with her coat, shining brightly in the moonlight peeking out from the curtains.

The Pegasus mare groaned as she stopped at the foot of her couch, turning to the side before she let her legs fall asleep, allowing gravity to do the work as she landed on her couch with a soft thump. Her head swam slightly as she shuffled around to lay on her back, her hind legs pressed together with her right foreleg draped over her forehead, and her right one hanging limply just above the floor. She closed her eyes as she laid her head back, feeling it swim a bit, as the sound of the pulse in her neck filled her ears with each soft beat. Silver Speed’s tired eyes stared up at the ceiling above her home, her vision blurred a bit as she contended with the exhaustion that was slowly beginning to overtake her. As she let her body relax and her exhaustion take over, she felt her mind wander back to the events of earlier that day, and what had led to the situation she found herself in now.

It started out as any typical day for Silver Speed, waking up in the morning to the bright and beautiful sun shining through the curtains of her window, letting her know it was time to start the day. She got up from her warm cozy bed and started to make herself presentable for the day; after she showered and made sure that she was nice and ready. She went to the next room of her rather large home, which was nestled on the eastern side of Ponyville, and woke up her kids, Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter, to get them ready for the day as well. They were particularly playful that morning however, and decided to have their mother go on a wild goose chase around the house, all of them laughing all the while.

After spending a good thirty minutes trying to find them in various places, Silver Speed was finally able to wrangle them into the kitchen, though not before they shared a good few laughs from the playtime. In all honesty, Silver Speed was quite pleased that her children were so giddy that morning, because today marked the annual Summer Sun Celebration, where the Queen would come down to Ponyville and bask all the ponies in her presence. When she told her children this particular piece, they were hardly able to keep themselves from falling out of their seats at the thought of getting to meet the very ruler of Equestria, and it took her a little more time to calm them down and get them to eat. After sending them off to school for the day, she went through her usual routine of cleaning the house and tiding up the house before she went out to her day job.

Time flew by quickly for Silver Speed, and before she knew it the day had come to an end, and she found herself busy with her kids once again. After helping them with their homework and having dinner with the family, Silver Speed took her kids upstairs to get them ready for bed, while her husband went back to his office to do some last-minute work. On any other day, Silver Speed would’ve had some difficulty getting her children to go to sleep, whether because they ‘weren’t tired’, or because they wanted her to read them a bedtime story, or something like that. Fortunately for Silver Speed, that wasn’t the case here, thanks the fact that the Summer Sun Celebration was today, and that the Queen would be there to mingle with them all. It was more than enough to get the foals to fall asleep, though not before they asked their mother if they could play with their friends in at the celebration.

After kissing both of her children goodnight, Silver Speed went upstairs to her and her room to get ready for bed, wanting to get a good night’s sleep for the big day. As the light gray Pegasus went to sleep that night, she couldn’t help but get the nagging feeling that something was going to go horribly wrong that upcoming day. Silver Speed didn’t know why she had this feeling, for she didn’t see what could possibly go wrong at the Summer Sun Celebration, especially since the Queen would be there at the Town Square. She soon brushed it off, confident that the sinking feeling at the pit of her gut would disappear by tomorrow and she’d be able to spend the day with her family.

Unfortunately for her, it didn’t.

When Silver Speed woke up the next morning, the feeling that the bluish grey Pegasus had the other night didn’t go away. In fact, it seemed to grow even stronger as the day dragged on, and she and the rest of her family got ready to head to the Town Square. By the time she had got there, that feeling almost completely taken over, making it hard for her to focus on anything around her besides her family. It was only thanks to Mayor Mare announcing the presence of Queen Celestia that she was able to put that feeling aside of only for a moment, and the presence of her Queen was almost enough to make her completely forget about it.

That’s when everything went downhill.

It all happened so fast that Silver Speed had almost no time to process what had happened, since most of it was one massive blur in her eyes. She could remember most of it however; the roof caving in and nearly crushing everypony inside. The tornado of cosmetic ethereal mist coming from the sky of the destroyed roof, all the way up to the Moon that was blocking the Sun. The large demonic looking Alicorns hovering above them as if it were a monster rising up from the very pits of Tartarus. The turquoise draconic eyes that peered into her soul and turned her blood into ice, making her feel as if her very soul had been frozen over. The lightning shooting down from the sky like bombs, the flames dancing about the interior of the building and encasing anypony within range, including her. The bluish gray Pegasus stood where she was for what felt like hours, unable to do anything but stare at the unknown pony as she took down their Queen and went about the building, as if she had owned the entire place.

Then, just as quickly as the dark Alicorns had appeared, she vanished into night, leaving the Town Square in absolute devastation.

The next thing Silver Speed knew, she was snapping out of her terror induced state and running about the destroyed Town Square, pushing through th crowds of ponies and screaming out for her kids’ names. The Pegasus didn’t care if she got crushed by any of the boulders or burnt by the fire that flickered and slithered on the floor beneath her hooves, just as long as she was able to get to her babies and see that they were alright.

It was at that moment that Silver Speed found herself in the grasp of a large beetle black Pegasus, Midnight her name was, and being pleaded with to calm down. Silver Speed wasn’t listening however, and struggled to get out of the larger mare’s much stronger grasp, screaming at her that she needed to find her kids and get them out of there. The bluish gray mare was so fearful and petrified that she would’ve slapped Midnight silly had it not been for her telling her that her kids were trapped under the piles from the destroyed roof.

Silver Speed pleaded with Midnight to take her to where her foals were, and after making sure that she was calm enough, the beetle black mare led her to the source of the wood pile. The wait she had experienced felt like the longest in her life as she watched Midnight and several more helpful ponies take apart the piles of wood to get to the foals inside. Once the hole was big enough, Midnight proceeded to crawl her way inside the wood pile, and bring the foals out one by one, with her own foals coming out about halfway through the operation. The relief that Silver Speed felt afterward was so overwhelming that she was opening crying as she took her foals in her forelegs, hugging them for all they were worth. She wasted no time in flying out of their and getting back home as fast as she could, making a mental note to thank Midnight later.

After going on a fly that took far longer than she would’ve liked, Silver Speed and her kids soon found themselves back in their home, where she practically barricaded it from top to bottom. Silver Speed spent some time trying to calm down her children, both of which felt like they were going to hyperventilate from fear and terror. It took over an hour to get them under control, but due to the circumstances, Silver Speed couldn’t find herself to blame her children for how they were feeling. Honestly, she probably would’ve been acting the same way if she was in their position. Eventually, her kids managed to cry themselves to sleep in their mother’s embrace, and after making sure that they were safe and secure in their room, Silver Speed quietly left them alone. It was only at that moment did Silver Speed feel the exhaustion that she was unable to feel earlier that day crashed down upon her like a flacon diving down from the sky. However, the thought of Derpy and Blossomforth entered her mind, and Silver Speed was desperate to ensure that they were alright. Before she did however, she made sure her home was secure, and made extra sure that the children were alright.

Unfortunately for Silver Speed, she would not be able to get the chance to ensure that her two foalhood friends were safe and secure. The next thing the Weather Manager knew, she found herself surrounded by a flock of Tantabuses that very nearly squashed her like a pancake upon first sight. Their strength was unlike anything that Silver Speed ever experience, even in her Modes, and would’ve lost had it not been for her getting a lucky break at the last moment. A few minutes of being chased later, she found herself running straight into Midnight, and both found themselves in a second round with the ethereal creatures. Not wanting her foalhood friends to get killed, Silver Speed made Midnight leave for her own safety, while she took on the Tantabuses. It was a decision she almost immediately regretted when they battled again, and she surely would’ve perished had it not been for Moon Blade arriving at the last minute and slaying the creatures where they stood.

The Pegasus let out another soft sigh as she slowly took herself out of her mind wandering state, her heavily lidded violet eyes opening to once again stare up at the ceiling as silence washed over the living room. She sucked in a breath and stretched her body out, letting her two toned gray and violet feathered wings spread to their fullest span before folding them back in place. After a few moments, hoisted herself up from her position on the couch and sat up on her haunches, laying back on the couch as she let her hind legs dangle over the edge.

‘Sweet Celestia, I am beat…’ Silver Speed thought, giving small groan. ‘I’ve been through plenty of exercises, both on the ground and in the air, and none of them have left me in this state.’ She paused, lowering her head she stared down at her knees. ‘Then again, this isn’t one of my normal routine exercises or any of my office work. This is something straight out of a horror movie! With an actual villain that I thought was nothing but a myth until today.’

The Weather Manager mare groaned again, this one lightly louder as she let her head fall back, lifting a foreleg to drape over her face. ‘I don’t know what the hay is going on here, but…I hope it ends soon…and I really hope that Queen Celestia will be able to do something about it.’
\
As that thought crossed her head, Silver Speed suddenly sat up, a frown etched onto her face as she shook her head vigorously. ‘What the hay am I thinking?! Of course, The Queen will be able to find a way to stop this! How can I think she won’t! She’s ruled over Equestria for a thousand years, long before even my grandparents were born, and she’s always managed to keep us safe for anything and everything! She wouldn’t have sent all those guards here to fight those things otherwise!’ She paused as her expression became more thoughtful. ‘Still, the Sun hasn’t come back, and the Moon is still out in the sky. It must be taking her longer than I thought it would for the Queen to get whoever it that’s causing it. Whoever it is she’s fighting must be strong…but that doesn’t matter right? The Queen’s stopped foes and villains in the past so she’ll be able to do it again, right? Right! I just gotta have faith in her that’s all.’

With that thought, Silver Speed closed her eyes and took in a deep long breath, exhaling slowly as she allowed all the negative feelings to wash away from her. Feeling somewhat better and more reassured, the bluish gray mare moved went back to her earlier position on the couch, resting her body on it once again. She let out a yawn as sleep began to take hold of her, and she slowly closed her eyes, wanting nothing more than to rest from the day’s events.

The single mother was barely able to keep her eyes closed for a couple of hours before her ears perked at a sound coming from outside her door. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and stretched out her wings before she reached out a hoof to pull aside the curtains. Looking up, her purple eyes widened when she saw what looks to be dark clouds of black smoke soaring across the sky and over the houses. Silver Speed didn’t know why, but for some reason, those black clouds gave her a very unsettling feeling in her stomach.

“What in the world are those?” Silver Speed asked herself, worry replacing her grogginess. “Is there another fire going on or something?”

Silver Speed’s question was soon answered when one of the black smoke clouds suddenly landed right in front of her house. The boom that it let off made the Pegasus feel as if a giant meteor had crashed down from outer space. Silver Speed cried out as the blow made her entire house shade violently, the pictures in various parts of the house falling and making the glass covering them shatter. Silver Speed held onto the couch as she anxiously waited out the mint earthquake before it abruptly went silent once more. It was so strong that Silver Speed could hear the beating of her hear from within her chest like a drum. She would’ve stayed in that position for as long as possible had it not been for a voice making itself known.

“Mom!”

Silver Speed’s body moved before her brain could properly follow, and she found herself racing up the stairs faster that she could even blink. With a resounding slam, she swung the door to her children’s room open, and came across a sight made her heart break in two.

Curled up right at the head of their head, shaking like they had just come out of a blizzard, were Silver Speed’s two bundles of joy. The first foal was a Pegasus colt, with a deep whitish grey coat, a grayish blue mane and tail that was in a bit of a mohawk style, and moderate dark blue eyes. The other foal that he was hugging was an Earth Pony filly, with a cornflower bluish gray coat, the same as Silver Speed’s with a light azureish grey mane and tail, and moderate violet eyes. These two foals were Chip Cutter and Silver Spoon Tenshi, the two adoring children of the Cloudsdale Weather Manager Silver Speed Tenshi.

“Silver Spoon, Chip Cutter, what happened?!” Speed asked, rushing over to her foals. “Are you two alright?”

Silver Spoon sniffled. “N-n-no, w-we’re not…! W-we felt the h-house shake, a-and we almost f-fell out of the b-bed!”

“W-what happened out there, Mom?” Chip Cutter asked, his ears pinned back. “I-is there an earthquake h-happening?”

Speed too both of her children in her forelegs, burying their faces in her chest fluff as her wings draped over both of them. “Well, it did sound like it, but I’m not exaclty sure what it was. Don’t worry babies, mommy’s not going to let them get you from in here. Just calm down, mommy’s here now…”

“Are…are those monsters still out there?” Silver Spoon asked, looking up at her mother with puffy swollen eyes. “T-those b-big T-T-Tantabus things?”

“Not that from where I can see no.” Speed replied, looking out her children’s window. “I can’t sense their magical essence anywhere either. It would seem that Captain Moon Blade and the rest of the guards had managed to defeat them.”

Chip sighed with relief, letting his head rest in his mother’s fluffy chest. “That’s a relief…I really thought that they were going to get in and eat us. I don’t wanna become lunch for anything like that, and I don’t want the same for big sis either!”

“That won’t happen baby, it won’t; not as long as I’m here.” Speed cooed gently, rubbing the top of her son’s mane. “I promise, nothing is going to get either of you while I’m with you. If even a single hair is harmed on your head by anything, or anypony, I’ll make them pay for it tenfold!”

“You promise?” Silver Spoon whimpered, her tears still falling.

“I promise Silver Spoon.” Speed replied firmly, get gently as she kissed the filly on her forehead, rubbing her back. “As long as I’m here with the two of you, nothing is going to harm either of you, I’ll make sure of it.”

“T-t-thank you Mom…w-we really needed that.” Chip whimpered, hugging his mother tightly. “I just w-wish t-that S-Silver Lining was here with us t-too…”

“Me too Chippy, me too…” Speed nodded, nuzzling both of her children on their heads. “…but don’t worry, you’ll all see her soon enough. As a matter of a fact, once this is all over, I can book a trip for all of us to see your sister up in Cloudsdale if that’s what you want.”

“Y-you’d do that?” Silver Spoon asked, looking back up at her mother’s gentle eyes. Upon seeing her nod, a smile of her own adorned the Earth filly’s face, as she hugged her mother even tighter. “Oh, thank you mom! I really wanna see big sister again, it’s been so long since I have!”

Speed giggled, stroking her daughter’s mane. “You’re welcome sweetie…you two seeing Silver Lining always manages to cheer you two up no matter what. So, I think that I’d be a major load off of both of your little shoulders after all of this. I know this’ll all be over soon, so until then, just try to hold on a little bit longer, okay?”

“Okay.” Both foals said in unison, before all three of them came together for another tender group hug. That moment was soon broken by sound of a loud explosion that came from all the way downstairs, immediately alerting Silver Speed. Spoon and Chip both let out squeaks of terror as they clutched their mother even tighter, their fear returning a hundredfold.

“W-what was that?!” Silver Spoon squeaked. “I-I could not have been the only one who heard that!”

“No, you didn’t, I heard it too, as clear as day.” Speed replied, her voice carrying a gentle, yet cautious edge to it. “You two stay here, I’m going to go check this out.”

“W-what?!” Chip cried, his eyes widening in a panic. “No, you can’t! What if it’s another one of those Tantabus things waiting for you?!”

“It’s not dear, what I’m sensing right now isn’t their magical essence.” Speed replied, a bead of sweat rolling down her face. “This something stronger…darker…and more bloodthirsty.”

“B-bloodthirsty?” Silver Spoon stammered as she paled. “W-what do you mean?”

A soft yet menacing hiss coming from just outside of the room ceased all conversation between the mother and children. They went as silent as a house mouse as they stared at the entrance of the door, eyes widening upon seeing a growing shadow outside. Silver Speed flared her large wings her stance becoming protective as she lowered her head and planted her forehooves apart.

For a moment, everything was completely silent, the only sounds heard being the soft whimpering of Chip cutter and Silver Spoon, and the hissing from outside of their room.

Then the family of three got the jump scare of their lives as a figure suddenly burst into their room, making the nearly closed door explode upon impact. Upon close inspection Silver Speed and her children could see that it was an Earth Pony stallion, and a very vampiric one at that. He stood at a highly slightly higher than the average pony, with a build that was much more than that as well, and handsome in a way that was just plain unfair. He had a coat that was as black as a bottle of ink, with a smooth and fully luscious dark grey mane and tail that hung over his face like a curtain. The stallion’s eyes were a bright azure and slitted like that of a dragon, with his wings like that of one as well, the membranes being the same color as his eyes. They both shined as bright as the silvery white armor adorning his muscular body, and a gleaming white set of fangs could be poking from his lips.

“Well…well…well, what do we have here?” The Nightmare stallion asked, a sinister smile etched on his face as he licked his lips. “A beautiful young mare in the dead of night, and it looks like she has a couple of precious little ones with her too!”

“Who are you?!” Silver Speed demanded; her eyes glowing. “What’re you doing in my house?!”

“Oh nothing, just looking for a suitable meal to sate my nightmarish hunger.” The stallion replied, stalking closer to the single mother. “And it looks like I had managed to find it, in more ways than one.”

Silver Speed growled, her tail lashing out as she flared her wings in defiance. “So, you’re looking to eat my kids, are you? Well I’m sorry to tell you darling, but you’re choosing the wrong target to shoot your arrows at! If you wanna get to these precious little ones, you’re going to have to go through me!”

Rather than be put off or angered by the defiance, the Nightmare stallion merely laughed in response. “Who said that I was going to actually eat your little ones my dear? We Nightmare Ponies may be monsters, but we just simply love foals! I would not even think of harming a single adorable little hair on their heads!” He soon collected himself and ran a hoof through his silky mane. “Oh no, I’m just here to find a suitable candidate to join me and my Queen in her quest to take over the land as her own.”

“Queen?” Silver Speed asked, a brow raised in confusion.

“Oh, you didn’t here?” The Nightmare stallion smirked. “My Queen had visited your little town to deliver you all a message. A message that things were going to change now that she was free from the Moon and no longer imprisoned by the treacherous sister that put her there.”

It didn’t even take Silver speed a full second to realize what the monstrous looking stallion was talking about. “Y-you…you’re with Nightmare Moon, aren’t you?!” She cried, barely registering the gasps of shock and terror from her kids behind her.

“Oh, so you werethere to see her!” The stallion asked, gaining a look of glee. “Well then I guess you can see why our dear Queen is doing this, and why she sent us here to gather as much ponies as possible for her new rule. That is, after we lay complete waste to this quaint little town.”

“You can try if you want, but I doubt that you’re going to get very far.” Silver Speed said, a snort leaving her nostrils. “We have an abundance of guards patrolling this entire city left and right, plus the Captains of the both the Solar and Royal Divisions themselves. Anything you try to do to us; they’ll respond by throwing it back at you with a hundred times the force.” She lowered her head and pawed at the ground. “And if you know what’s good for you, you will leave out of this house and leave my children alone.”

“Oh, we’re going onto the threats, are we?” The Nightmare stallion asked with a chuckle. “And what will you do if I don’t?”

“Then you’re going to get an arrow lodged in your head and your ass.” Silver Speed hissed, her eyes and Cutie Marks glowing. “So, are we gonna do this the easy way, or the hard way?”

“Oh my, a feisty and protective one, are we?” The stallion laughed. “I love finding that in a pony, especially a mare. Not many ponies cherish their foals to such high degree; you would make a good soldier and partner in hoof for our Queen and her path to victory.” He then put a hoof to his chin, as if contemplating Silver Speed’s last words. “As for doing this the hard or the easy way…”

Faster than Silver Speed could even blink, the Nightmare Earth Pony vanished and reappeared in front of her, driving his hoof deep into her stomach. A glob of blood flew from her mouth as the Pegasus flew back and crashed into the wall next to her kids’ window. Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter screamed as they watched their mother be knocked away, before she landed onto their bed. As Silver Speed struggled to breath, she was hit with a wave of power that helped her to briefly ignore her pain, and snap her head back up to the stallion.

“I think that I prefer the former. I always love a good challenge, especially if that comes in the form of a lovely looking mare with little ones.” The stallion finished, an inky black aura coming from up out of him as he flared his wings. “Oh, and by the way, my name is Windslicer, but you can call Windy if you’d like.”

Silver Speed grunted violently, coughing up another mouthful of blood. “Dammit…”

That was all that the single mother managed to say before Windslicer shot himself at the mare, slamming one of his other forehooves into her chest. Silver Speed felt the wind get knocked out of her as she was sent crashing through her kids’ window, their screams echoing in her ears. As she fell towards the ground, Silver Speed felt Windslicer grab her by the neck and fling her into the air at speeds she shouldn’t have gone at. She tried to pull herself together, Windslicer then vanished in a flash of darkness and reappeared in front of her. With a swift spin, he back hoofed the mare across her face with such force it was a miracle her neck didn’t snap like a twig. It was an even bigger miracle that she survived the crash landing to the ground that left a huge crater in her wake. As she pulled herself up, she looked up only to see Windslicer hovering down to her, his mouth stretched in a malicious grin.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I add to much force to that?” Windslicer asked in a mock worried tone. “I’m sorry, I got a little carried away with that last attack. Do you think you can still move?”

“What do you think?” Silver Speed snarled, feeling like her legs were going to snap. “That hit that you gave me should’ve killed me instantly! I’m amazed that I can even stand right now!”

“Well, that just tells me that you can take just about any hit that I throw at you.” Windslicer murmured, letting out a little laugh. “Speaking of which, you think you can take me when I go at full strength? I can sense that while you’ve drained quite a bit of your magic, you still have more than enough to stand against me.” His smile grew slightly wider. “And judging from the tattoo I saw on your back; I’d say you have even more than that.”

‘Dammit, so he noticed the angel wing tattoo symbol of my clan on me.’ Silver Speed thought, cursing under her breath. ‘Well, I guess there wasn’t any point of hiding it, not that it really mattered anyway. He was bound to see it sooner or later just like anypony else.’ She grunted as she staggered to her hooves. ‘Still, as much as I hate to say it, he does have a point. Despite the fact that I used a considerable amount of magic power fighting those Tantabuses as I still have more than enough magical power to go into my Ascension, and Tenshi Mode. The downside to that is that it’ll drain me of even more of my magic power, so much so that it may render me unconscious. And that will prove to be very bad for Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter.’

The bluish gray looked back over at her house, and she could see her two foals staring out the window of her room. Her heart broke upon seeing the look of terror and despair in their eyes as they looked back at their mother. ‘Even so, I can’t just let him go after my son and daughter, if I do, there’s no way that they’ll be able to stand up against him. They’re strong yes, but neither of them are anywhere near that level of power to go against somepony as powerful as this.’ Silver Speed though as she looked back at Windslicer, her eyes giving off a soft purple glow. ‘I have no choice; I’ll have to go up against him and buy some time for my foals. I can only hope and pray that somepony will notice my pillar of power once I ascend, so I can have them get my children to safety. If not…all three of us are finished.’

Noticing the change in Silver Speed’s expression, Windslicer smirked. “Oh, so I take it that you’re going to go all out against me then? Wise choice there my dear, I was beginning to think that you were actually going to hold back on me.”

“As if I’d hold back against somepony emitting power as high as yours.” Silver Speed retorted, shaking her body of dust and debree. “I don’t really know what your true objective is by taking me and my foals and making me a part of this scheme your Queen has in store, and frankly, I don’t care. All I know is, that you’re a danger to me and my foals, and as long as I’m breathing, I am not going to let you take them from me! Like I said before, you’ll have to go over my dead body if you want to get to them!”

“Oh, I know, it’s not like I was expecting you to not put up a fight anyway.” Windslicer snorted dryly, flicking his tail. “Besides, it wouldn’t be as fun breaking you if that were the case, would you not agree my dear?”

Silver Speed’s eyes narrowed her ears going limp as she glared at the stallion with a ferocity and anger that could only belong to a mother. If it was any other pony, they would’ve faltered, or even cowered under it, but Windslicer didn’t so much as flinch. In fact, it only seemed to make him even more excited than he was just before now.

“Ah yes, that’s the look I was wanting to see, the look of a mother’s rage! It’s so palpable that I can feelit burning within me!” Windslicer cackled, his eyes gleaming. “Why don’t you come and show my why they say, ‘hell hath no fury like a mother scorned?’”

As he said this, the rubble and chunks of earth surrounding Silver Speed began to shake and float around her, as if she was levitating them with magic like she was a Unicorn instead of a Pegasus. The same thing happened with her mane and tail as rubble a bright pale blue aura surrounding her, the same color as her bow and arrow Cutie Marks. As the mare’s power continued to grow, she slowly lifted her lowered head, locking eyes with Windslicer as she quietly said, “Gladly…”

With her eyes a blazing a bright purple Silver Speed whinnied loudly and slammed both of her forehooves onto the ground. The pale blue light surrounding her exploded out from under her as it swirled around her, encasing her in a large sphere before shooting into the air. A wave of power washed throughout the street and blew Windslicer’s mane and tail back as he watched in fascination. Back inside the house, Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter were both watching the epic transformation, their young eyes widened in awe and amazement.

“Big Sis, you’re seeing what I’m seeing right?” Chip asked. “Mom’s is transforming!”

“Uh-huh, she is!” Silver Spoon nodded, her eyes sparkling. “She’s actually going to fight that scary stallion! D-do you think she’ll win?”

“I don’t think, I know that she’s going to win!” Chip replied confidently. “Mom’s never stirred us wrong before, especially when it comes to fighting off bad guys! So there’s no reason why we should think the opposite!”

Silver Spoon nodded, gulping while she did so. “I hope you’re right little bro...”

After what seemed like an endless surge of power, the pale blue aura vanished into thin air, allowing Windslicer, Silver Spoon and Chip cutter to see Silver Speed again. The former’s eyes went wide, the squeals of amazement matching the looks on their faces while the latter’s own widened in surprise. Silver Speed looked to have gone through a transformation that would’ve made be mistaken as a knight form the old days. From her shoulder to almost her entire body, was a suit of gleaming silvery grey and pale blue armor that nearly blinded Windslicer had it not been for him having such tolerant eye sight. The upper part of Speed’s body was covered in the iron hard material, with sharp points shooting out form where the shoulders were supposed to be. The lower part of her body that wasn’t covered in armor, adorned a silvery grey skirt with pale blue streaks at the edges, and pale blue boots covering her hind hooves. To top her new armored form off, she had a large and long cape that floated behind her, a gleaming silvery grey with place blue streaks. Along with a large winged shield imprinted in the center with her Cutie Mark imprinted in the shield as well, with the same shield in the center of her armor where her chest should be.

Along with her newly adorned armor, Silver Speed had also undergone some physical chances as well, ones that would surely turn eyes if not for the armor. The first thing that was noticeable was her change in height, for she was very nearly as tall as Big Macintosh. She also looked to be more slender than normal, but also maintained muscle that would still make her look strong. A set of pale blue eyeshadow and lipstick could be seen adorning her eyelids and her lips, along with streaks of the same color in her mane and tail. Said appendages were much longer than normal, with the mane done in a thick braid, and the tail becoming more leonine, the skirt in a thick braid as well, both held by pale blue boes. Silver Speed’s tail feathers had grown in length as well, a set of feathers seen on the tips of her ears as well. The most noticeable change on the single mother, however, were her wings, which had grown in size and length. They were so big that they were on par with Goku’s own, and judging form how strong and sharp they looked, it was apparent that they could use as both an escape defensive, and offensive tool. If the sharp wing claws jutting out of them was any indication.

“My my my…what a wondrous transformation that was!” Windslicer exclaimed his eyes wide with amazement. “I didn’t expect your new form to come so bright, let alone done so in such an exquisite manner.”

“Well, it’s not like you can say that didn’t reply to your request.” Silver Speed murmured, her voice making her sound like she was a soldier commanding an army of knights. “You told me to go all out for our fight, and I did just that. I do apologize if this wasn’t to your liking, but you did ask this of me yourself.”

“Oh no, I think this new upgrade suits you quite well my dear mare.” Windslicer said waving a large bat wing dismissively. “As a matter of a fact, I think that this new armored ascension just made things much more exciting for me…for both of us.”

Silver Speed snorted, giving a strong lash of her tail skirt, the tip giving a crack. “Maybe for you Windslicer, but I’m not doing this for the sole pleasure of battle. I’m merely doing this for the lives of my foals, along with my life as well. That is the only reason I’m even adorning this armor right now, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll take me seriously.”

“Oh, you needn’t worry about that my lovely, I intend to fight you just as fairly as you do me.” Windslicer said reassuringly, reaching out with his right hoof and summoning a large dark and monstrous looking sword. “By the way, may I know the name of the feisty mother that I will soon be fighting?”

“My name is Silver Speed Tenshi, the Weather Manager of the Cloudsdale Weather Factory.” Silver Speed declared firmly, standing up on her hindlegs and summoning a pale blue bow and arrow. “And you are?”

“I am Windslicer Nocturnis, member of the Dark Army and the beloved subject and servant of the Dark Queen Nightmare Moon Nocturnis.” Wind Slicer declared proudly. “I hope you are able to provide me with a good amount of entertainment Silver Speed Tenshi. For I am not going to hold back for even a moment in this fight.”

“Nor will I, for I’d be insulted if you did so anyway.” Silver Speed shot back, pointing her bow and arrow forward. “Now…come!”

With a smile that showed all of his glistening razor sharp teeth, Windslicer did just that, flying towards Silver Speed at blind sighing speed. The mare responded in hind, flying at the dark stallion with speed that was more than worthy of the name she was given. Their swords and armor glowed brightly with auras of power as their eyes blazed, deep dents being left in the earth form their raging magic. With loud and simultaneous battle cries, they clashed with their weapons, and a powerful shockwave burst throughout the street, black and white light shining out at a brightness for all to see.

Author's Note

Just so we're clear here this is the newly edited chapter involving Silver Speed, the mare that was in the Season 4 episode of Hurricane Fluttershy, the one that Rainbow Dash was coaching on her pacing. At first, I didn't think that I should add this scene back in, but after I had done some thinking about how the arrival of the Dark Army should go, and give a little taste about what they would have in store for the ponies of Ponyville. As you can see, the new enemies that they're facing are on the more intellectual level like the normal ponies, so you can expect a lot more covering between both sides, no matter how short that it is. Also, yes, I have made Chip Cutter and Silver Spoon brother and sister, and Silver Speed their hot and single mother, big surprise to you guys huh :pinkiegasp: ? That's mainly because we have no knowledge of Chip Cutter and Silver Spoon's own family, Chip Cutter's especially, so I felt that Silver Speed would be a good OC to represent that, especially since she seems like the fun and motherly type :twilightsmile: . Don't worry though, this isn't the only scene that the Dark Army will be shown in, especially since I said last Tim that a good majority of Ponyville was going to be fighting the monstrous army of the Dark Queen :raritywink: .

Anyway, that's it for right now, I may have the next chapter later on today or tomorrow, if I'm able to plan the whole thing out :twilightsmile: . Either way, hope you enjoyed this one, see you all in the next update :scootangel: !!!

Chapter 49 - The Murderous Mob

While Shining Armor, Spearhead, Crimson Skies and the Wonderbolts faced off against their new adversaries, Goku and her friends were all still trekking their way through the Everfree Forest. More than half an hour had passed since their underground battle with the Cragadile and the Dōkutsuakumas. They were now in the deeper denser parts of the forest, which were also, pretty humid, much to a certain alabaster Unicorn’s dismay, which made it a little harder to find their way through the trees with the Moon being blocked by most of them. This did however, let them know that they were getting closer to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and that they didn’t have that much forest left to go before they finally made it to the location of the Elements. Which also meant, much to Twilight’s elation, that they were that much closer to encountering Nightmare Moon and defeating her once and for all.

Unfortunately, that did not mean that there weren’t any complaints about the new conditions of the forest.

“How’re you holding up over there, Twilight?” Goku asked keeping Chenoa in her sights. “Are you able to see anything?”

“Well that’s just swell…no easy way out of these damn trees!” Rainbow Dash grumbled, ducking and swerving a few branches in the air. “Just how much are they gonna keep closing in around us until we’re practically bunched up together?! It’s like they’re deliberately trying to keep us in her! I’m a Pegasus! I gotta be able to fly, and I do not like being stuck in tight spaces!”

Pinkie Pie, who was listening into what Fluttershy was saying, burst out laughing, causing those closest to her to jump. “Fluttershy, you and I both know that Dashie is hardly patient when it comes to anything! She can’t even wait for a full five minutes before she starts getting all pouty!”

“Hey!” The cyan mare exclaimed, shooting a glare at the bubblegum pink mare. “What the buck Pinkie Pie?!”

“I am not!” Rainbow Dash protested, giving her wings an angry flap as her eyes glowed fiercely. “I can wait for a lot of things! I’m just…not used to waiting as long as you guys are!”

“Bull. Shit.” Goku laughed, giving a humorous snort through her nostrils. “You are the most impatient mare that I have ever met in my whole life. You’re alwaysabout things happening as fast as possible because you are all about fast! It’s one of the main reasons why I never asked you to do anything for me that involved waiting in any way shape or form, because you don’t have the patience for it. If you were waiting in a line for the next copy of Daring Do that had at least five or three ponies in it, it wouldn’t even be a full minute before you are just begging them to hurry up and go faster.” The tan Pegasus looked back up at her friend with a smug smirk stretched across her face. “Especially if it involves Daring Do.”

“She makes valid point there, Dash.” Twilight quipped, smirking but not looking over at the athlete.

“Fluttershy, can you please help me on this?!” The cyan mare begged to the buttermilk mare, a hard frown on her face. “Please tell them that I can wait for things!”

“Precisely.” Storm Shadow said softly, earning a giggle from Violet Fire.

“Very true.” Zephyr nodded, smiling warmly at the animal caretaker.

“Ugh, this has got to be the worst forest outing that I have ever had!” Rarity groaned, as she stared down at the soft dirt ground. “Just look at all of this dirt and mud! It’s sticking to my hooves like wet paint!”

“Uh, Rarity, since when was this an outin’ with Goku an’ th’ others?” Applejack asked, looking over at the fashionista with a raised golden eyebrow. “We’re here on a mission under th’ orders of th’ Queen t’ stop an evil replica o’ her sister. Is now really th’ time t’ be worried ‘bout th’ dirt gettin’ on ya?”

“I mean, yes, I’ve taken nice walks around woods and such, but none of them were this bad!” Rarity grumbled, pouting at the tangerine Earth Pony. “At least back in the Whitetail Woods, whenever you, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash too our sisters, all that dirt and the trees were nice and dry and didn’t stick to my fur, mane, tail or hooves in any way. It even had a pleasant aroma that I could take in, which gave me a better understanding as to why dear Fluttershy loves being out there it so much.”

She flashed a tender smile at the buttermilk Pegasus before she looked back down at the ground with the same disgusted look as before. “Here?! It’s not anything like that! It’s all sticky, slippery and dirty! Do you know how long it’s going to take me to clean it all off by the time this is all over?! And don’t even get my started on the damage my poor mane and tail took after that fight with that horrid wolf! Ugh!” she gave a rather sharp wave of her right foreleg as she tried to get the dirt off of it. “I’m gonna have to spend some extra time at the spa than usual."

“Oh, don’t worry Rarity, it’s not really all that bad.” Violet Fire said soothingly. “Many forests and jungles are messy in one way or another. It may seem bad now, but when you’ve been in the forest time and time again training and fighting off wild beasts along with dealing with its conditions, you get used to it.”

“Hmph, easy for you to say dear! We haven’t even been in this forest for half a day and I can already feel myself beginning to give in!” Rarity griped, emphasizing her point as she gracefully, yet overdramatically, leaned onto Shadow Step. “I don’t think I’ll be able to keep going for much longer if this continues on. I can already feel myself slipping away…”

“I see…well, we can always give you a helping hoof in not going into the light, if that’s what you want.” Lightning Shadow said dryly, as she gently pushed the alabaster Unicorn off of him. Once she was sure that Rarity had gotten herself under control, she turned to Fluttershy, whispering, “Not to be rude or anything but, is she always like this?”

“I believe you.” Zephyr murmured dryly, making the cherry blossom maned mare giggle.

“Understatement of the century, Fluttershy.” Goku snorted, giving a flick of her tail. “Unless it’s to hurt any of our friends, I am one hundred percent okay with Rarity’s overdramatic nature for two reasons. One, it’s pretty common for ponies to have the tendency to over react sometimes, no matter how trivial the reason is, and Rarity is hardly an exception. Second, because there is no other pony, not even her, more dramatic than th’ Flower Triplets.”

Rarity upon, hearing this, snapped her head over to the tan Thestral, her sapphire blue eyes flashing. “And just what is thatsupposed to mean?” She asked, her voice low yet sharp.

“Oh nothing.” Goku shrugged, not in the least bit intimidated by the alabaster Unicorn’s razor-edged glare. “It’s just that unlike you, they at least have your reasons for overreacting to things, while you overreact to pretty much everything.” She glanced over at Rarity as a smirk etched onto her face. “That, and you just happen to do it in a more…graceful and regal manner, which is to be expected from somepony as regal and graceful as you.” She added in a sweet tone as she gave a wink.

“Oh…well, um…that’s very…kind of you to say darling.” She finally said, running a hoof through her messy curly mane. “I…I honestly don’t know whether to feel flattered or embarrassed by that.”

“Don’t worry, I mean that in a nice way.” Goku said in a gentle and reassuring tone, making Rarity blush harder. “You really are graceful and regal when it comes to many things, and not just your dress making. Though you do tend to be very overdramatic to the point where it does get on a lot of ponies’ nerves, just being honest with you here.”

Rarity fell over anime style. “Wow, thank you for being so open about how you feel.”

“Well, she was jus’ being’ honest there hon’.” Applejack chuckled. “Ya can’t really fault her fer bein’ straight with ya.”
Zephyr chuckled. “Yeah, you probably should’ve expected that, since you have known Goku for a good majority of your life.”

“Well she could’ve at least put it more politely darling!” Rarity snapped, getting back up. “She knows as well as I do that there’s being honest, and just being downright rude! And from how dear Goku worded her ‘honest’ opinion, it was exactly the latter!”

“Goku wasn’t being rude Rarity. She was just being open about her feelings towards you being overdramatic, and you and I both know how brutally honest she is at times.” Twilight stated. “I know plenty of that from experience myself when I was going to school with her as a filly.”

“Well, if you ask me, she needs to be taught more lessons in manners and politeness.” Rarity snorted, glancing up at Rainbow Dash. “Like a certain Pegasus I know…”

“I’m polite and have enough manners as it is Rarity.” Goku said, flicking her extended tail at Rarity. “I’m only blunt and straight forward when I feel the moment is needed, though I do make sure I’m not overly harsh about it. And this just so happens to be one of those times, especially since it comes to being open with how I feel.”

“Hmph, it still sounded rather rude to me.” Rarity murmured with an eye roll. “I would’ve very much liked it of you had put that bit more delicately.”

“You mean like how you did with Spike?” Fluttershy asked, making Rarity freeze.

“W-what’re you talking about?” The alabaster Unicorn stuttered. “What does Spike have to do with me not being delicate about what I say?”

“Oh, you know what Fluttershy means Rarity!” Pinkie Pie replied with a giggle. “As a matter of a fact, you, me, and everypony else here know what she means!”

“Pinkie, what’re you talking abo-” Twilight asked, only to pause as it clicked in. A grimace made its way to her face as she frowned at Rarity. “Oh…”

“What’re you guys talking about?” Fast Tracks asked, unable to follow what the others were saying. “What was it that Rarity said to Spike?”

“Something with such brutal honesty that even Ah would’ve been disgusted if Ah had been there to hear it.” Applejack murmured. “In fact, if Ah had been there, Ah would’ve very well given Rarity a nice good kick t’ flank fer sayin’ it.”

“So, what did Rarity say to Spike?” Lighting Shadow asked. “Or more specifically, did something happen between Spike an’ Rares that it got t’ that point?”

“N-nothing, nothing of the sort at all!” Rarity replied before Fluttershy could reply. “Girls, please stop making such exaggerated statements! You’re making-”

“Rarity, quiet.” Goku said, the undertone in her soft voice making Rarity’s mouth snap shut. “Go on Fluttershy…you were saying?”

“Right…it happened about six months after Spike and Twilight had moved to Ponyville to be with us.” Fluttershy began, ignoring Rarity’s pleading expression. “I was in the middle of my afternoon feeding of my animals, when Spike came to my door in tears. It took me a while to calm him down, but once he did, he explained to me what had happened. He was with Rarity helping her clean out her boutique, and at some point, after he had taken out her trash, he asked her if there was anything else that he could do. Apparently, Rarity was rather put off by the smell that had gotten on Spike, and she suggested that he take a bath...” Her frown grew deeper. “…but that’s not all that she said to Spike.”

“Oh?” Zephyr asked, glancing at Rarity warily. “And what was that?”

“I…I can’t say it.” Fluttershy muttered with a slight stutter as she bit her lip. “It…it’s far too hurtful for me to say.”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy, if you can’t say it, I’ll say it for you to Dashie and Jackie!” Pinkie Pie replied, before whipping around to face the two competitive mares. “Rarity told our cute little Spikey that he smelled like a rotten apple core wrapped in moldy hay and dripped in dragon perspiration!”

The shocked gasps that Violet Fire and Blue Skies let out were both drowned out by the hiss that Fast Tracks shot at Rarity. Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow said nothing, but from the looks on their faces, they were clearly as shocked as the other two mares were. Even Chenoa looked shocked, and the look on his face made it seem like he wanted to rush over to Rarity and screech in her ear.

“Yeesh.” Zephyr winced, instinctively grabbing at his draconic roseray. “Now that had to sting.”

“R-Rarity…” Blue whimpered. “Did you really say that?”

“W-well…I might have gone a tad bit overboard with my honesty to Spike’s hygiene.” Rarity said weakly, the smile on her face matching her tone. Upon seeing Violet Fire’s frown, the alabaster Unicorn sighed and hung her head. “Yes, I did say that to Spike…right to the poor dear’s face.”

“Rarity…” Violet Fire said firmly, her ears pinned back. “While I understand a need to be open and honest with somepony, it’s like you just said. There’s being honest and there’s being rude, and what you said to Spike about his smell was definitely the latter.”

“More like down right uncool.” Rainbow Dash snorted, shaking her head in disapproval. “And you’re the always telling me not to be rude…” She muttered lowly, crossing her forehooves.

“I’m going to have to agree with Captain on this one.” Storm Shadow said, her tone calm but also carrying an undertone of disapproval. “There are some things that’re okay to say, and some things that aren’t okay to say, and what you said to Spike was not okay. You’re lucky that he’s not one to get angry very that, otherwise…”

“Spike would’ve incinerated you on the spot.” Lightning Shadow finished for her sister. “At least, if he was, you’re typical giant greedy hot-tempered dragon.”

“Took the words right outta my mouth Lightning.” Fast Tracks said, not taking his glare off of Rarity for a moment.

Rarity frowned, feeling small under the looks of disapproval and the glare she was receiving by a good majority of the group. With a defeated sigh, she hung her head guiltily. “I admit, I was not quite sensitive enough to Spike about his uncouth stench. Perhaps I could’ve put that more delicately than I said I would instead of thinking of the first thing from the top of my head. I was just…so put off by the smell that I couldn’t really think of a proper way to express it.”

“That still ain’t no excuse Rares.” Applejack stated. “While it is important fer ya t’ be straight with ponies when needed, ya still need t’ watch what ya say. Ah’ve been taught all mah left t’ never lie, but at th’ same time t’ be mindful o’ th’ words comin’ outta mah mouth. Pretty much like what ya said t’ Spike that one time he was helpin’ ya, ‘r else it’ll come back t’ bite ya in yer hide. Like Lightnin’ said, had Spike taken that differently, you’d be havin’ a fancy wing on yer head right now.”

“More like not having a single patch of fur on you from all of that fire.” Rainbow Dash added, a light shiver doing down her back. “I would not want to be in the line of fire of that kind.”

“No Dash…” Zephyr said, shaking his head. “No, you really don’t.”

“Applejack is right Rarity; you shouldn’t be so thoughtless about what you say. Even if you’re being open about your feelings.” Fluttershy advised, glancing back at the fashionista. “Not all ponies will react to the words you said to Spike the same way that he did. On the flipside, not everypony will take something like that as maturely as ponies like Goku or Pinkie. Which is why you have to think very careful about the words you’re saying to them, because you never know if they’ll get offended by it. Or if they’re so self-conscious about themselves that they won’t be able to take such harsh criticism. Spike didn’t like it when you said what you said to him, and I know for certain you wouldn’t have if the roles were reversed, would you?”

‘No, she wouldn’t.’ Goku thought knowingly as Chenoa squeaked in agreement. ‘Especially since Rarity can hardly take such harsh criticism herself.’

“No…no I most certainly would not.” Rarity sighed, flicking her tail. “You’re right Fluttershy, I do need to be more mindful about what I say to certain ponies, or dragons, or any other creature for that matter. Spike indeed could’ve taken that a lot worse if he felt like it…I’m amazed that he didn’t try to claw my eyes out.”

“Well, you know Spike by now Rarity, he’s too sweet and innocent to even think of doing such a thing.” Twilight pointed out. “Fluttershy’s point does still stand though about you knowing what is okay to say and not okay to say. I’m not mad at you for that incident anymore, and neither is Spike, just…be more careful about what you say to him alright? Spike’s already endured enough suffering from the colts and fillies back in Canterlot about his habits and whatnot. He so doesn’t need that from those who actually do want to be his friends.”

“I most certainly will Twilight, you have my word on that.” Rarity said, nodding firmly. “In fact, ever since that incident, I have been working more about what I shouldn’t say, and it has been going well so far. Of course, there are sometimes where I slip up, but it’s not as bad as it used to be…I’m just glad that Sweetie Belle hasn’t seen me do it. Otherwise she’d give me a reprimanding of her own! Heaven knows how embarrassing that is; for you to be scolded by your younger sibling.”

“Oh, you have no idea!” Pinkie Pie laughed, quickly being joined by the others. A second later, the pink pony’s laughter turned into a squeal of surprise as she suddenly went tumbling down a rocky slope that she didn’t notice in front of her. This action made the earth-bound ones of the group stop just in time from following Pinkie, but the same could be said for the ones that were airborne.

“Pinkie Pie!” Violet Fire cried as she dived down the slope towards the Earth Pony. The rest of the flyers followed suit while their earth-bound friends slid down the slope, stopping around their friend. Pinkie Pie was currently face first in the ground in a rather muddy part of it, a good portion of mud covering a majority of her body. Thinking quickly, Violet Fire grabbed Pinkie and yanked her out of the large mud puddle.

“My goodness Pinkie that fall looked like it hurt!” The ebony mare cried, holding Pinkie’s face in her hooves. “Are you okay baby?”

Her question was answered when Pinkie Pie spat out a glob of mud right into her face, emitting grunts of disgust from the others. Violet Fire stepped back as Pinkie Pie shot her body like a dog coming out of a bath, flinging mud everywhere and on everypony, Chenoa included. The bat pup let out a squeak of protest, and found himself falling right into the mud.

“Chenoa!” Goku cried, rushing over to the submerged bat pup.

“Ewwww that was a nasty fall!” Pinkie whined; her tongue stuck out in disgust. “Now I have mud all over me, yuck!”

“Goddammit Pinkie Pie, watch where you’re shaking!” Rainbow Dash cursed loudly, looking clearly agitated. “As much as I don’t mind seeing that jiggly ass of yours, we don’t want you flinging mud from off of it onto us!”

“Oops, sorry Dashie, I didn’t mean to mess up your pretty fur!” Pinkie said guiltily, her lower lip trembling slightly. “I just wanted to get this icky mud off of me! How else am I supposed to look bright and exuberant?!”

The cyan mare sighed, her anger cooling almost immediately. “It’s alright, just try to warn us next time you do that okay? This damn forest is making is filthy enough as it is, we really don’t need any more of this dirt and grime on us.”

“No, we most certainly do not.” Rarity nodded, letting down the sphere she had put up around herself. “If that were to happen, especially to me, I’d have to spend a good majority of the day getting every last inch of it off! I do have white fur you know!”

“Yes, know Rarity.” Twilight sighed. “I’m just glad that you don’t take your bubble baths as long as Spike does. You have no idea how much water he uses in the process.”

Fluttershy giggled. “Oh, I don’t think you’ll need to be worried about getting dirty for a while Rarity. From where I’ve looked before we got down here, we’re not that far away from water, so we can take some time to wash up before continuing on our mission.”

“Really, oh what a relief!” Rarity sighed, her ears drooping. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that! I’ve been wanting to find a place of water to properly wash in ever since we escaped that giant predatory bird! You just made my day considerably better!”

“Hmhm, thank you Rarity, I’m glad I could relieve some of your stress.” Fluttershy replied, the smile on her face faltering slightly. “Before we do that though, we have another obstacle that we need to get past.”

“Oh really?” Applejack asked quizzically. “An’ what obstacle is that?”

The sound of steam being blasted made the others jump and look over to see a huge forest of jagged rock pillars in front of them. Seven mares’ eyes widened upon seeing their size with a few of them shrinking back a bit at the sinister vibe they gave off. All around them, they could see even more clouds of steam echoing about the new environment they were in, the sounds echoing further into the distance.

“This obstacle.” Goku replied bluntly, holding a still mud soaked Chenoa in her hooves. “An obstacle that looks like it’ll either bury us all alive, or blow us all to bits if we’re not careful.”

Chenoa let out a squeak of agreement, snuggling into Goku’s chest fluff.

“Oh Faust…” Blue Skies whispered, walking around the new gloomy looking area with a grimace on her face. “This place…t-this is…”

“My word…” Rarity breathed. “What is this place?”

“A prehistoric pit is what this is.” Violet Fire replied, flying in front of the group. “Or…more precisely, a wild grave for the Everfree.”

Pinkie’s pink colors turned purple for a few moments. “A…g-grave?”

“Yes, a grave for the animals that inhabited this forest.” Lightning Shadow replied. “Or rather, for the animals that used to live in this forest.”

“What’re you trying to sa-” Fluttershy stopped as she managed to catch on, before a look of understanding came to her face. “Oooooh…”

“Uh, what’re you guys talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked perplexedly. “I’m kind of not following what you’re saying.”

“What we’re trying to say…” Storm Shadow began lowly. “Is that we’ve just arrived in what was, and still is today, known as the mother of all death traps. A little place that we Shadowbolts like to call, the Everfree Graveyard.”

Twilight turned to the dark grey mare. “Everfree…Graveyard?”

“Yes.” Blue Skies nodded, her two-toned mane falling over her face as she hung it. “A lot of you all may not know this, but we used to sometimes journey into the Everfree Forest. Mainly so we can prepare to potentially face any of the creatures we had, and at one point, during one of our last visits here, we happened to come upon…this place.”

“You did?” Goku asked tentatively, she and the other following the Shadowbolts through the giant rocky pillars. “What did you find here?”

“Nothing too graphic that we can’t openly say thankfully.” Violet Fire replied. “Though, we did happen to come across a series of bones. Lots and lots of animal bones…”

“Oh, is that all?” Zephyr asked, chucking a bit. “Well that’s a relief, I really thought that you were going to tell us something worse.”

“So…you found animal bones here?” Fluttershy asked, earning a nod from her fellow Rosario. “I see…what kind were they? Were they like the ones of the animals that we fought?”

“That’s the thing honey.” The ebony black mare. “These bones that were found matched none of the ones that we battled before and after we came here. They were similar, but they didn’t exactly match the ones we took back to HQ to look over. We had later come to find out that the bones that we recovered were that of prehistoric animals.”

“Prehistoric creatures?” Twilight asked, her ears perking up. “You mean like the ones that used to live in the mountains and forests of the Undiscovered West before they were wiped out by the change in climate and the arrival of new species?”

“Well, yeah, something along the lines of that.” Fast Tracks murmured. “There were a lot of them, including some skulls that were the size of the average houses back in Canterlot! We could practically fly our way right through them and feel as if we were inside a room of some sorts. There were some skeletons that were even bigger than some of the wolves, cats, and bears reptiles that were bigger than even the ones we all fought.”

“Wow really?!” Pinkie Pie cried in amazement. “Even bigger than the Ursas that live here?!”

Lightning Shadow snorted. “Well…maybe as big as the Ursa Minors…but we haven’t found any that were quite as big as an adult Ursa.”

“My word…there were creatures that big that used to live before a majority of our families were even alive?” Rarity asked, earning a slow nod from Blue Skies. “Oh, sweet Faust…that is just horrid thinking about it. I can only imagine how our world would be like if it had such an abundance of creatures.”

“It would be a giant furry and bloodthirsty nightmare, that’s what it would be.” Zephyr replied, giving Rarity an example for her imagination. “Then again, the Everfree Forest is already a big furry nightmare in itself, so it’s not really all that different.”

“True.” Applejack nodded. “Though, Ah am wonderin’ what th’ critters in that Undiscovered West ‘r like, especially since Ah’ve never been t’ th’ place b’fore.”

Violet Fire glanced at the farmer. “You don’t want to know baby…trust me.”

Chenoa let out a soft squeak and shook his head, almost as if to say, “Neither do I.”

“So, this place is where you can find bones of animals from the past?” Fluttershy asked, looking down at the ground. “I see…”

“What’s up Fluttershy?” Fast Tracks asked, noticing the look on the mare’s face. “Something about this place that’s striking you?”

“Oh, no, not really.” Fluttershy replied, looking off to the side. “It’s just that the mention of prehistoric bones here in this Everfree Graveyard reminds me of a filly that lives in Ponyville.”

“A filly?” Blue Skies asked in slight surprise. “What filly?”

“An Earth Pony filly named Petunia Paleo Sawayakana.” Fluttershy said, a fond smile etched onto her face. “She’s one of my little sister’s best friends that goes to the school she goes to and hangs out with on weekends. Petunia is a very sweet filly who loves to dig up underground secrets, mainly bones of animals never discovered. She sometimes comes to my cottage and she and Scootaloo go in my backyard to see what other bones they can dig up and unearth in the process.” She giggled merrily. “I can’t tell you the number of times that they’ve come in my cottage all covered in dirt and soil. I’d always have to give them a bath before Petunia’s parents came to get her, or they’d have a fit!”

“Awww, that’s so sweet!” Violet Fire cooed. “I bet they had a lot of fun doing that huh?”

“They did, and it was always so cute seeing them get all dirty with each other!” Fluttershy giggled, her cheeks a bright pink. Her blushing face abruptly turned into one of horrified realization before she added, “N-not in that way.”

“It’s alright Fluttershy, we get what you meant. Your sister and Petunia had lots of fun trying to unearth deceased species in one another’s backyards.” Goku said, patting the other mare on her shoulder. Her amused smile soon turned into a frown as she and the group stopped in the middle of an enormous clearing filled with a multitude of equally enormous bones. “Though, I know for a fact that they wouldn’t even remotely the same amount of fun doing it here. Or in this part of the forest; just saying.”

“No argument there.” Zephyr nodded. “Like many say, this is the most dangerous wilderness a pony can be in. Even more dangerous for one as small as a foal, especially since they don’t live for that sort of thing…I know Sheton sure doesn’t.”

“True that.” Goku nodded, before letting out a giggle, scratching one of Chenoa’s large ears.

Rainbow Dash suddenly let out a laugh, flying in front of the group and stopping over at a huge mammoth skull. “Heh, some ponies may not live for danger, but I sure do!” She landed in front of the skull and flared her wings wide, grinning widely, her small, yet sharp fangs glinting. “They don’t call me the ‘Daredevil Rainbow’ for nothing! I laugh in the face of danger! Ha ha ha ha!”

Any laughter that the cyan mare was going to let out afterwards was cut off when she heard a loud rumbling growl that seemed to echo all about. The grin on Rainbow’s face was gone just as quickly as it had come, and she spun around to the source. She felt the blood in her veins go to an icy standstill as she saw the empty eyes of the mammoth skull glowing a bright red.

“GAH!” Rainbow cried, backpaddling away from the skull until she collided with Twilight. “What the buck is that?! Are you guys seeing that?!”

“We are…” Twilight whimpered, holding the terrified mare. “…what in the world is going on?!”

“I don’t know, but I can tell just by looking at that red glow that its bad.” Zephyr replied as he and the Shadowbolts stood in front of the girls. “The question is, what’s going to come out now?”

“I don’t know, but I feel like I’m gonna wet myself looking into those eyes.” Blue Skies replied uneasily. “And I don’t even need to go to the bathroom yet.”

“Same here honey.” Goku nodded as Chenoa scurried into her mane. “I feel like I’m staring into my little bro’s Crimson Glare…”

Suddenly, the glowing redness inside the eye sockets of the mammoth skull seemed to glow brighter, and what looked to be fire began to appear. Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow both saw the attacks coming and, in unison, they immediately shouted, “Scatter!”

The warning came just in time as two enormous streams fire shot out from the eye sockets, a third one coming out form in between the tusks. They fused into one and grew in size, heading right for the ponies, who leapt and flew out of the way just in time. They watched in fascinated horror as the pillar of fire blasted through a giant rock pillar, going through many more before it vanished from sight.

“What in tarnation was that?!” Applejack demanded, snapping her head back to the others. “Ah cannot be th’ only one who saw that!”

“Nope, you certainly saw that Jackie!” Pinkie confirmed, her entirely body two different shades of purple. “And it was SCARY!”

“Alright, now I know things are bad!” Zephyr exclaimed, dragging his hoof across the ground. “If I didn’t know any better, that was a dragon’s flames just now!”

“Um, Zephie…” Blue Skies whimpered taking a few sniffs of the air. “I don’t think that was the fire of a dragon…”

As if to prove the timid mare’s point, the group suddenly heard sets of laughter echoing about the Everfree Graveyard. It was not like the mirthful laugher that you’d hear from an upbeat pony or a cheerful young filly. It was the type of laughter that you’d here form somepony who was completely and utterly deranged, with an animalistic edge to it. It sent cold hard shivers down the spines of all the ponies there, Pinkie Pie especially, who went a bit green in the face at that moment. Slowly turning around, the party pony and everypony else nearly lost control of their bladders at the new creatures that greeted them.

Slowly emerging from the mammoth skull, eyes burning like pure hot coals, was pack of some of the scariest canines the ponies ever saw. They looked very much like demon dogs with the body structure of hyena, although they looked much more like the former than the latter. Each of them had bodies that were slouched like that of a hyena, the hindlegs shorter and the forelegs longer, but the rest of them were that of a pure dog. They were covered in long thick fur that wasn’t too far off from that of a Mammoth’s, each of them dark and sinister looking, reaching down to the bone filled ground. Their paws were set with jaggedly sharp claws that seemed to burn into the very earth they were walking on. There muzzles were set with four pairs of canine teeth that were so big they stuck out of their mouths rabbit-like ears stood erect on their heads, the tips glowing as if they were on fire, and they had long tails covered in wooly fur that made them look like furry whips.

“W…w-what the bucking Tartarus?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, slowly turning white. “What the hay are those things?! Some king of demon dogs?!”

Fluttershy shook her head, her eyes filled with absolute fear. “No, they’re aren’t, but they may as well come close to it. The canines that you’re seeing before you aren’t demon dogs…they’re Hinoinus.”

Twilight looked over at the Pegasus, her tone laced with fear. “Hinoinus?”

“Another simpler word for them is Fire Dog.” Fluttershy emphasized, still keeping her eyes on the feral looking canines. “Besides the Timberwolves, they’re the only species of canine that live in the Everfree Forest, and unlike them, they’re canines completely made from flesh and blood. They also happened to be the most dangerous canines here, more dangerous than any of the Timberwolves here.”

Applejack paused, an unsettling feeling forming in her gut. “Why is that sugarcube?”

“It’s because the Hinoinus have magic and strength that can be passed off as supernatural, like Goku, Fast Tracks.” Blue Skies replied. “From what Captain Violet Fire, the rest of us, and maybe even Fluttershy know of, the Hinoinus have control over the elements of nature, such as air, earth, fire, and lightning. Very much like the Doragontoras, Battookumas, and Shinomōkins that live here, except the Hinoinus have all four of them combined.”

“…Okay?” Rainbow Dash asked her fear filled voice holding a tinge of confusion. “That doesn’t really tell us why these guys are so dangerous.”

“It’s because with the Hinoinus, they can take those powers to another level entirely, which is why the other creatures here usually give them a wide birth. Along with couple other animals that live here.” Storm Shadow replied, ignoring the looks of confusion on most of the others faces. Before they could ask what other animals she was talking about, the dark grey mare continued. “Like Blue said, the physical and magical strength of the Hinoinus can make it seem like they’re creatures that are from another realm. Just one Hinoinu is more than strong enough to take on a whole pack of Timberwolves, one that’s possibly even larger than the one your friends fought Rainbow. They won’t even need to use their magic, for their physical strength and speed alone will be all that they’ll need, and let me tell you, it’ll be light fighting a vampiric Alicorn.”

“Y-y-you mean like Nightmare Moon?” Rarity stammered fearfully. “E-even though we haven’t come upon her yet?”

“In a way, yes, but like an Alicorn that is a literal, actual Vampire.” Lightning Shadow replied softly; both of her brows furrowed. “That’s how powerful the Hinoinus are, both physically and magically, and once they have their prey in their sights, unless you’re as powerful as Queen Celestia, or have the powers we have, you hardly stand any chance of escaping. Hinoinus are relentless, and will hunt you down to the ends of the Everfree if that’s what it takes to get you and tear you apart, and trust me, it is not a quick clean death. It’s bad enough for a pony to face a lone Hinoinu just for those reasons alone, but to face an actual pack of these powerful and feral beasts…” She shuddered. “Well, it’s like looking into the eyes of Death himself, knowing that your fate is already sealed. It’s because of these reasons why in the Everfree Forest, the Hinoinus are called, the Murderous Mob.”

“Land sakes…an’ here Ah thought that th’ Timberwolves were th’ only doggies that we needed t’ be wary of.” Applejack breathed, staring at the canines in newfound terrified awe. “Guess Ah was wrong about that.”

“Wait a minute” Twilight said, a thought coming to her. “You said that the Hinoinus were called Fire Dogs, right? If that’s true, then why did you say they could use four of the five elements of nature?”

“Oh, that’s because Hinoinus tend to use fire more than the other elements that they have in their arsenal.” Violet Fire replied. “It’s the main reason why they were given the name that they were given, since they don’t really use the other three elements unless they have to. Mainly on the animals they can use the same ones they can. It’s so they don’t have to worry about their other elemental powers being cancelled out by their adversaries.”

“Oh, I get it!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “You’re saying that if we try to use any nature elemental power against the Hinoinus that can cancel out their own, then they’ll switch over to use the ones that can’t?”

“Pretty much, yeah.” Fast Tracks nodded. “So, the only way that we’ll even stand a chance of surviving against these bad boys is if we either trick them so we can escape, or tire them out while using the same power against each other.”

“Well shit.” Goku sighed, kicking at a large stone behind her. “This is bucking great, isn’t it girls? Us facing off against a group of dogs that could very well pass of as bloodthirsty Hellhounds. And just when I thought we got enough of that form the Timberwolves…”

“Well, I guess it just couldn’t be helped Goku.” Fluttershy sighed. “We did end up having to face a flock of Dōkutsuakumas, and a Cragadile deep underground. Plus, we didn’t see them coming until it was too late, even with Chenoa’s warning. It looks like we’ll have to do it again, except back up on the surface with canines that look to be from the underworld.”

“As if these dogs didn’t make that so heatedly obvious.” The tan Thestral murmured, before she looked down at Chenoa. “Well Chenoa, it looks like you’re going to have to find another place to hide again honey. Except this time, it’ll have to be a place that won’t be burnt, electrocuted, sliced, or crumbled. I get the feeling that this next upcoming fight is gonna get explosive.”

“You’re right about that honey.” Violet Fire said as she glanced at the tan Thestral. “However, you’re a little off key there. It won’t be you who’s going to be doing the explosive fighting, with the exception of Zephyr…it’s going to be us.”

“Wait what?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You guys are going to fight those things?”

“Yes, we are.” Zephyr said, walking up with the Shadowbolts. “Our missions are to keep you all safe until you reach Nightmare Moon. Besides,you did say that you wanted to save as much power as you could until that time came. Which is why we’re here to make sure that happens, and that you get out of here in one-piece, am I right Captain Violet?”

Violet Fire nodded, pulling off her goggles and setting them down on the ground. “Of course you are baby. Though, I don’t think that me and the rest of my team will be able to do it like this, especially against these dogs.” Running a hoof through her mane, the ebony mare turned to the other Shadowbolts. “Everypony…take off your suits.”

Blue Skies, Fast Tracks, Storm and Lightning Shadow’s eyes all widened, realization clicking in their eyes at what their captain said. Goku and her friends looked equally as shocked, although some of them didn’t quite catch onto what she was saying.

“What did she just say?” Applejack asked, blinking a couple of times. “Did she jus’ tell ‘em t’ take off their suits.”

“Uh, yeah she did AJ.” Rainbow Dash replied, raising a prismatic brow. “Do you have hay in your ears or something?”

“V-V-Violet Fire!” Rarity cried, her face going read. “What on earth do you and your team think you’re doing?!”

“What does it look like we’re doing?” Blue Skies asked, a hoof on the zipper of her suit. “We’re all getting ready for our fight?”

“By undressing in front of us?!” The alabaster Unicorn protested hotly. “I don’t see how that even remotely helps you getting ready for a battle with these beasts!”

Fluttershy glared at Rarity sternly. “Hinoinus, Rarity, they’re called Hinoinus.”

“Maybe not to you, but it certainly does for us.” Fast Tracks murmured, pulling his mask off. “In case you haven’t figured out, we’re not planning to use our Adrenaline Modes. At least not this time around with these animals, and maybe not for the rest of this mission.”

Pinkie Pie gasped in realization. “Wait, you’re going into Ascension Mode?!”

“Yes, we are.” Lightning Shadow replied, smiling sweetly at the pink pony. “And in order for us to accomplish that, we’ll need to get out of our suits. If we don’t, they’re going to get torn and ripped to where we can’t wear them anymore.”

“Even if that’s the case, that’s still no reason for you to reveal yourselves in such an uncouth manner!” Rarity shouted, stomping her hoof. “I mean, you are literally getting naked in front of us! The least you could do is go somewhere more private!”

At this, almost everypony with the exception of Blue Skies and Violet Fire, slowly looked over at the fashionista with looks that were nothing short of deadpan. Even Chenoa, who was inside Goku’s mane, and the Hinoinus, who were waiting on the sidelines, were looking at Rarity with looks that said, ‘for real?’

“W-what?” Rarity asked, feeling unnerved by all the stares, and the pregnant silence. “Why are you all staring at me like that?”

Twilight facehoofed, a groan leaving her. “Rarity, I am not even going to begin to articulate how completely and utterly obtuse that statement sounded!” She shouted, a tick mark forming on her head. “Of all the things you could’ve verbalized, that was at the top of your head?!”

“W-well, why wouldn’t it be?” Rarity asked in a weak attempt to defend herself. “I mean, look at them! They are literally about to reveal themselves in ways that should be kept private! Who in their right minds would do something that?!”

“Rarity, first of all, Pinkie jus’ confirmed that them Shadowbolts are about t’ ascend, an’ they needed to take off them fancy suits t’ do it.” Applejack murmured bluntly. “Second of all, what about them undressin’ is bothersome, especially since we don’t normally wear clothes in th’ first place, and live in a society where everypony runs around in their birthday suit?”

“W-well…t-t-that’s because it is!” Rarity replied. “I-I mean, they’re not taking into consideration about who we feel about them doing this?! They could’ve at least given us a warning that they were about to do it!”

“Rarity, in the situation that we’re in right now, that should be the least of your worries.” Goku said, heaving a heavy sigh. “We’re at risk of getting burned and mauled to death by a pack of dogs that can easily be mistaken for Hellhounds, and the thing you are worried about most, are seeing the Shadowbolts naked? How is that more important than getting eaten, especially since we’re all naked ourselves?”

That made Rarity go dead quiet for a few moments. “W-well that’s…it’s, I…”

“Rarity, pleeeeeease stop talking!” Pinkie Pie whined. “You’re only gonna make that frown on your face even more incapable of being turned upside down! Please please please, don’t make it any harder for me to do that when all of this is over!”

“Yes Rares.” Rainbow Dash sighed, covering her face with her wing. “Just please shut the buck up.”

Nothing else was said form Rarity as she looked down at the ground, her cheeks red with embarrassment. Once she was sure the fashionista was done, Goku sighed and turned back to the Shadowbolts. “Sorry about that Violet Fire…you and the others carry on.”

Giggling, the ebony mare nodded, before she and the rest of her team unrobed themselves from their flight suits. As they dropped to the ground, the girls were given the sight of their well-toned bodies, and they couldn’t help but blush at how attractive they looked, especially Rarity. They were able to see each of their Cutie Marks, each of them unique in their own way. Blue Skies’ Cutie Mark was of a bright blue flower, while Fast Tracks was of a checkered flag with a symbol of fire surrounding it. Lightning and Storm Shadow’s Cutie Marks were dark matter, with the former’s having a white lightning bolt in it, and the latter’s having a white storm cloud in the middle as well. Violet Fire’s Cutie Marks stood out the most, being a black phoenix with purple feathers on the bottom of its wings and tail.

‘Wow, now those are some unique looking Cutie Marks, Violet Fire’s especially. It would explain why she mainly uses fire in her attacks.’ Goku thought, observing the marks on each of the five ponies’ flanks. She glanced down at her own flank, which remained markless unlike the others around her. ‘I wonder what my own Cutie Marks will be…if I ever get it that is.’

The tan Thestral suddenly felt an explosive surge of power coming from in front of her, and she looked over to see large auras of power surrounding the Shadowbolts and Zephyr. The royal blue stallion, Violet Fire, Blue Skies, Lightning and Storm Shadow’s were a sky blue, while Fast Tracks was a dark purple. They all swirled and mixed with one another, becoming one giant massive whirlwind of power as their Cutie Marks started to glow as well. Simultaneously, they all slammed their hooves down on the ground, their eyes blazing as their auras exploded into the sky. A enormous cloud of dust washed all over the Everfree Graveyard that blanketed the ponies and the canines for several moments, before it slowly vanished.

Zephyr and the Shadowbolts were all now adorned in glamorous suits of armor, ones that made Rarity’s eyes sparkle with amazement. From their shoulder to almost their entire bodies, were suits of gleaming armor that shined brightly despite the moon being blocked by the rock pillars. The upper part of six ponies’ bodies was covered in armor, with sharp points shooting out form where the shoulders were. The lower part of their bodies, adorned skirts with shades of color that same ones as their bodies, boots covering her hind hooves. To top their new forms off, large and long capes floated them, also adorning their body colors. They also had large shields imprinted in the center with their Cutie Mark imprinted in the shields as well, with the same shield in the center of their armor where their were.

Their physical forms had also undergone changes as well, even though it couldn’t be seen in the armor. The first thing that was noticeable was their change in height, for they were now several inches taller. The five mares also looked to be more slender than normal, but also maintained muscle that would still make her look strong, while Zephyr seemed to gain more of it. A set of eyeshadow and lipstick could be seen adorning the mares’ eyelids and lips, with streaks the color of their eyes imprinted in their manes and tails.

Said appendages were much longer than normal, some of the mares’ manes done in a thick braid, while others flowed freely, Zephyr’s included. Their tail feathers had grown in length as well, a set of feathers seen on the tips of their ears as well. The most noticeable change on them, however, were their wings, which had grown in size and length. They were so big that they were on par with Goku’s own, and judging form how strong and sharp they looked, it was apparent that they could use as both escape, defensive, and offensive tools. If the sharp wing claws jutting out of them was any indication, Fast Track’s especially.

“Oh yes…now that feels wonderful. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been in this form.” Violet Fire breathed, opening her eyes. “How’re you all doing everypony? Zephyr?”

“Just fine Violet.” Zephyr murmured, his armor clinking as he moved about. “I can’t help but feel rejuvenated in this armor. Don’t tell anypony I said this, but my Ascension Mode Armor feels better than my real armor ever did.”

“You got that right!” Fast Tracks laughed, taking to the air. “I feel awesome right now, just like I do every time I go into this form! However occasionally that it may be, I still feel like it either way!”

“As happy as we are for that Fast Tracks.” Storm said calmly. “Need I remind you that we have a mob of monstrous canines in front of us?”

“That’s right.” Lightning nodded. “We still have a priority to keep the girls behind us safe. You can use your newfound excitement against the Hinoinus to ensure that they don’t get near the girls if you prefer that.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that!” Fast Track smirked, calming down. “Besides, it’ll make things a lot more entertaining that way!”

Blue Skies giggled, before turning to the group of mares behind them. “Goku, I hope it’s not too much trouble, but could you maybe take a couple steps back? Things are gonna get messy with us, I can tell.”

Goku wasted no time scurrying away from Zephyr and the Shadowbolts, using her large wings to push the other girls back. “Hey, don’t need to tell us twice! Feel free to go as wild as you all like, don’t bother worrying about us!”

“Just be careful okay? Those aren’t ordinary canines or Timberwolves your dealing with, even if you have seen them before.” Fluttershy murmured softly. “If you so much as slip up even once in your battle, it’ll fall in the Hinoinus favor and that’ll be your downfall.”

“Duly noted Fluttershy, we won’t give these canines an inch with us. They’ll take it all and gain the advantage in our battle if they do anyway.” Zephyr nodded. “Alright everypony, let’s go!”

The command was followed before it was fully said, and the six flyers launched themselves at the Hinoinus, who snarled and charge as well. When they got within range, they leapt at one another, and clashed with each other in an explosion of each other’s elements the shockwave echoing about the Everfree Graveyard.

Author's Note

Before any of you ask, this new part of the Everfree Forest was thought completely form the top of my head. It was mainly because I was having trouble thinking up of a new place for the girls, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts to have their next animal encounter. Speaking of which, I had originally planned on putting hyenas in as the next animals that they'd meet, but after some thought and looking through some fan art, I had decided to put in canines that could very well pass of ass hellhounds. With some hyena characteristics such as their psychotic laughter and shrieks, and incredible strong jaws, along with their ever so slightly slouched frames, with the super strength and speed like that of a hellhound. Also, yes, I am aware that a Hellhound's abilities are mainly fire based, but I decided to spice things up for our ponies when facing these beasts, hope you guys are alright with that :raritywink: .

Also, just for the hell of it, and because I thought it'd be more fun, I decided to make the new part of the Everfree the ponies are in now called the Everfree Graveyard. For those of you who have watched the Lion King and know of the Elephant Graveyard, I'm sure you can guess why I named this new environment the way I did :twilightsmile: . The steam part of the Everfree Graveyard was another idea that I from the Lion King, and partially from the movie of Ice Age the Meltdown, so you guys get a good idea of why I put this new place in here when I did. Also, for those of you who managed to see the Lion King pun I left in there, let me know in the comments section below and what you though of it, because I just had to put it there :pinkiehappy: !

Well, that's all for now, tune in next time for another more darker battle between canines and equines, along with another peek with our dear Solar Queen and Vine of Venturousness :scootangel: !!!

Chapter 50 - The Medicine of Laughter

The seven future Bearers of Harmony let out screams of surprise as the wave of power from the Shadowbolts and Hinoinus blew right into them. They were sent flying away due to the massive shockwave emitted from the blast and they either tumble away or crashed into the giant pillars of rocks around them. Some of them were unlucky about where they landed and ended up on top of some of the bones that were littering the Everfree Graveyard.

“Ah, dammit, my wings!” Goku hissed, shaking the sharp broken skeletons off her wings. “These bones are going to be the death of them!”

“Try addin’ that will collidin’ with a wall that’s as hard as an entire wall o’ apples or th’ strongest apple trees.” Applejack groaned slowly staggering to her hooves. “Land sakes that was one hay of a damn shockwave. Just how powerful are them Shadowbolts?”

“Powerful enough to the point where they can send us nearly flying out of this place.” Rainbow Dash muttered, shaking her wings of debree. “They could’ve at least warned us that they were going to make that big of an explosion before this happened.”

“They did Rainbow.” Fluttershy replied. “It’s just that we weren’t fast enough to get out of the way in time. Besides, you felt the power emitting from both groups, didn’t you?”

“I did.” Twilight replied grimly. “And it’s not like anything I’ve felt before, like with all of the other animals that we encountered. It really does feel like I’m staring into the eyes of…D-Death.”

“Well, with any luck, we won’t have to experience that tonight.” Goku murmured, lashing her tail out. “We have five elite flyers, plus a guard that’s part of Queen Celestia’s Solar Branch. So, we have more than enough of a chance to get out of this unscathed, assuming the Hinoinus are not going to try and any tricks on our friends to get to us.”

“Well, if they do, we can just blast them away like I do with my confetti in my Party Cannon, simple as that!” Pinkie giggled. “It’s not like we’re being party poopers or anything, besides, we have a super-duper fantastic show now!”

“Yes…” Rarity grumbled. “Fantastic.”

Any conversing between the seven mares was cut off by the howls and maniacal laughter of the Hinoinus, and the neighs and whinnies of their adversaries. They all turned to see the groups of feral canines and equines clashing tooth, hoof, and claw with one another. Flocks of fire, bolts of lightning, and slices of wind could be seen being shot into one another and throughout the Everfree Graveyard, causing the ground to shake. Each of the mares could feel the raw power radiating from both sides, and needless to say, it was frightening.

“Lightning Thestral Knight: Electric Whinny!” Fast Tracks yelled, shooting off an enormous blast of lightning at a Hinoinu. The demonic looking dog snarled and opened its own mouth, firing off its own blast of green lightning at Fast Track’s own. The two attacks clashed for a long moment, before it exploded in midair, covering both fighters in a huge cloud of smoke. Their keen eyes allowed them to see one another through the darkness, and they launched themselves at each other.

The Hinoinu’s massive clawed paws clamped around the stallion’s armored hooves as he fought to push him back down to the ground. Its head lunged for Fast’s neck as it attempted to clamp its jaws around his throat and rip it out. The light brown thestral hissed as he evaded the feral Hinoinus attacks, wrapping his tail skirt around its midsection before throwing it to the side. It immediately shot to its feet as it hit the ground, and fired off another blast of lightning at Fast Tracks, this one being twice as big as before.

“Lightning Thestral Knight: Electric Wing Attack!” Fast Tacks shouted, flaring his evolved wings and sending huge slices of lightning at the Hinoinu’s attack. It sliced them into three separate bolts of lightning, one of which Fast Tracks destroyed while the others flew past him. He turned to see where they were heading, only for his violet eyes to widen upon seeing their unintended targets.

“ZEPHYR, WATCH OUT!” Fast Track yelled, flaring his wings as he prepared to take off towards the armored stallion. He suddenly stopped as he saw the stallion leap away, a Hinoinu running into the line of fire of one of the lightning bolts. The canine didn’t see the attack coming, and it let out a deranged shriek of pain as the bolt hit it, electricity coursing through its body.

“Don’t worry Fast, I’m good!” Zephyr called, giving a salute to the Thestral. “I saw it coming!”

“Oh, thank Faust…” Fast Tracks sighed, hanging his head. A cry of surprise alerted him to the battle once more, and he looked up to see the third lightning bolt still sailing. Blue Skies, who was engaged in a wind battle with a Hinoinu, saw it coming, and flew back just as the Hinoinu was lunging at her. Its keen ears picked up the chirping sound of the lightning bolt, and as with its packmate, it was unable to defend itself from the electric convulsion it was given. Blue Skies tore her eyes away from the scene just as an explosion rang in her ears, and her Hinoinu was sent flying away from the palomino mare.

“F-Fast Tracks!” Blue Skies exclaimed. “W-was that you?!”

The light brown stallion smiled sheepishly, evading the claws of a Hinoinu. “Uh, yeah that was me! That was not planned Blue, I swear!” He explained hastily, belting the canine across its muzzle. “That was completelyout of the blue, all I was doing was trying to keep myself from being charred to ash!”

“However unintentional it was, it seemed to do the trick in helping Zephyr and Blue.” Violet said, winking at her second in command. “You just saved them from becoming Hinoinu chow for these canines, so good on you Fast Tracks.”

Before the Thestral stallion could reply, he suddenly heard a maniacal laugh, and turned around just in time for a Hinoinu to pounce on him. Fast was barely able to keep from getting bitten in the face, before he kicked the canine off of him. As he got to his hooves, was just in time to see the Hinoinu let off a blast of fire at him, and he tried to fly away from it. Luckily, Zephyr came to Fast Tracks aid and shot out a breath of his own fire, letting it clash with the Hinoinus own. At first, it looked like Zephyr was able to keep Fast Tracks from being burnt, but the Thestral soon noticed that he was. That part of him being his tail skirt that, unfortunately, got burnt into the wake of the flames.

“YEEEEOW!” Fast Tracks yelled, falling back first to the ground as he scrambled about in an attempt to put out the flames. “HOT HOT HOT! MY TAIL; MY BUCKING TAIL IS ON FIRE!”

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry Fast!” Zephyr cried, biting his lip. “I think I may have put a little too much power onto that breath…”

“YOU THINK?!” Fast Tracks roared angrily. “MY MOTHERBUCKING TAIL IS ON FIRE NOW, AND IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU, YOU DUMBASS!”

“Hey hey! Calm down, don’t worry!” Zephyr said levelheadedly. “Here, I’ll perform a wind spell and put it ou-”

“ZEPHYR!”

Blue Skies’ cry of alarm immediately made Zephyr spin around just in time to see the Hinoinu that went after Fast Tracks heading for him. The next thing he knew, he felt a strong weight on top of him as the canine sunk its teeth into the back of his neck. The wings of the blue stallion beat violently as he bucked and kicked, attempting to get the Hinoinu off of him.

After endless bucking and kicking, he stopped and looked back at the canine, his garnet eyes glowing angrily. “Alright, you asked for this!”

Swirls of flames emerged from the ground, staring form Zephyr’s hooves, and it soon exploded into a massive pillar of flames that engulfed both enemies. Since the flames were from Zephyr, he was not hurt, but the same couldn’t be said for the Hinoinu. The howl of pain that the canine let out gave Zephyr enough time to buck the canine off of him. As the flames vanished, he fired more from his mouth and watched as they flew at the Hinoinu. With speed that no other canine should be capable of wielding, the Hinoinu dodged and swerved around the firebolts, explosion after explosion following suit. When the canine got within range, it tried to slash Zephyr’s neck with its claws, but it was stopped dead in its tracks.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Blazing Whirlwind!” Blue Skies yelled, shooting out a giant whirlwind at the canine that tore through the Everfree Graveyard. The attack came just in the nick of time, and the canine was blasted away by the sharp whirlwind attack, howling all the while. Zephyr and Blue Skies watched as the canine was sliced repeatedly by the swirling wind before it hit a giant rock pillar nearby. It whined as he slowly slid to the ground, blood seeping it as it coated the rock pillar behind it.

“Thank goodness…that was too close.” Blue Skies sighed. “Are you okay Zephyr?!”

“Just peachy Blue!” Zephyr replied, winking at the smaller Pegasus. “Although I did get a jump scare from seeing that Hinoinu under me about to slit my throat.”

Blue Skies giggled, and was about to speak again until she noticed a Hinoinu running up behind her, looking like it was going to jump at her. As it did, Blue Skies cried out and held a leg out in front of her, a leg that the Hinoinu chomped on hard. The armor around it prevented its teeth from ripping it off, but it still managed to pierce into her skin. Using its strong neck muscles, it began to violently shake Blue around, the force sending her to the ground. A groan let her as she attempted to get to her feet and after a few struggles, she finally did it, a determined glare etching onto her face.

“Sorry, but I’m not going to becoming Hinoinu chow today!” Blue Skies shouted, yanking her bitten forehoof back so she could look the canine in the eyes. “Let me go!”

The Hinoinu’s snarl turned into a whimper of pain as Blue Skies delivered a swift and sharp kick to its stomach, causing it to bite down even harder. Pursing her lips, she punched it again, even harder, and this time, the Hinoinu let go, and the young mare spun around to kick it away from her. Flaring her wings out wide, wind swirled around her, as she swung them out. “Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Wing Attack!”

Blue slices of wind emerged from her wings as they sailed towards the Hinoinu, who leaped and ducked under the slices. As they cut in the rock pillars, the Hinoinu opened her mouth, shooting off its own breath of wind at Blue Skies. Her eyes widened at the attack, but she quickly got into gear and let out a large blast of blue wind back at the canine. They clashed together in a wave of power that made bones and large stones fly about, along with making the other stop briefly in their own fights. At some point, the Hinoinu started to gain the upper hoof in the struggle of power, and before Blue Skies knew it, she found herself blown back and crashing into a pillar of rock.

“O-ow…dammit, I almost had it.” Blue Skies said looking up at where the Hinoinu was, or, at least, where it had used to be. Her pupils contracted upon seeing the canine right in her face, its teeth bared in a snarl as its eyes of flickering flames burned into hers. She only had time to open her mouth for a cry before the canine was upon her, its teeth sinking into the lower part of her neck, silencing her scream. Faster than she could get its hooves on its face, the canine flew her across the air before leaping above her. It slashed her across the face, and send her to the ground with another wind blast, before it landed on top of her, sending her deeper into the ground.

“Blue Skies!” Lightning Shadow shouted; her eyes wide upon seeing her youngest teammate about to get killed. “Hold on honey! I’m coming!”

“Lighting, behind you!” Storm Shadow’s warning came too late as Lighting felt something slam into her from behind. She flared her wings and took to the air, looking down to see a Hinoinu leap at her and grab her by her shoulders. It latched its teeth into her neck and sent her into the ground like Blue Skies was, but managed to push it off before it could rip it out.

“Dammit! Hold on Lightning Shadow!” Storm shouted as she attempted to get past her own Hinoinu adversary.

They both suddenly heard a blast of wind emitting right where Blue Skies was, and both sisters looked back to see blue wind rising in the sky. The Hinoinu could be seen within it as Blue Skies ascended towards it and delivered a punch to its chin, before kicking it away. The pillar of wind made from Blue Skies vanished as she dove towards the Hinoinu, both engaging once more in a wind breath battle that resulted in another explosion. Quickly, the palomino mare soared at the Hinoinu and slammed it into the ground, dragging it deep enough to leave a trail behind it.

“Hot damn, Blue Skies is killing it out there!” Fast Tracks shouted, grinning. “She is kicking that wooly dog’s ass!”

“They’re called Hinoinus, Fast Tracks.” Violet Fire corrected gently. “And if you don’t keep focus on your own battled, they’re going to kick your ass.”

As if to show her point, Violet Fire lashed out with her wing and sent slices of fire at a Hinoinu that was taking advantage of her distraction. They burnt into its wooly fur as the ebony mare let out a blast of fire that completely engulfed the beast, at least temporarily. A howl, along with a shriek of laughter burst out from the flames with the Hinoinu as it charged Violet and collided into the mare with the force of a bull. The Shadowbolt Captain grunted as she dug her hind hooves into the ground, preventing herself form being topped over as she kneed the dog in the stomach. Spinning around with speed that would’ve seemed like she was diving, Violet kicked the canine away from her, before extending her forehooves outward.

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Fiery Flaming Explosion!” She yelled, shooting off a gigantic blast of golden flames at the Hinoinu. It growled before firing off a blast of wind back at Violet’s own flame attack, and there was a brief power struggle between the mare and dog. As the Hinoinu attempted the burn her to a crisp, it didn’t notice the two Pegasi hovering above it, preparing to attack.

“Dark Pegasus Knight: Dark Shadow Explosion!” Lightning and Storm shouted in unison, both of them unleashing waves of dark magic at the unsuspecting Hinoinu. The canine’s ears were able to hear the sound of the attack, but was unable to dodge it in time to keep from being buried in the ground, letting Violet’s attack sail off.

“Whoa…” Fast Tracks breathed as the twins hovered down. “Now that was a cool sneak attack!”

“See what I mean baby?” Violet Fire asked, ruffling her wings. “If you don’t watch yourself left and right, and from all sides, that’ll happen. Plus, the Hinoinus also work as one in a pack, so you’re bound for what happened to that Hinoinu to happen to you too.”

“Duly noted there, Captain.” Fast Tracks said sheepishly. “As if I didn’t get that pounded into me during training sessions before I became your second in command.”

He suddenly turned his head and saw a Hinoinu sneaking up upon him, readying to pounce on him to try to bring him to the ground. With a hiss, he lashed his tail out and wrapped it around the canine’s neck and started spinning it around in the air. As he flung it away, he shot a blast of lightning from his hooves, washing the Hinoinu in a sea of it, all while being electrocuted on the spot in midair.

“Well done Fast, you reacted as quickly as I thought yo would.” Storm murmured, looking impressed. “You’re living up to your name as you always do.”

“I sure am girls!” Fast Track said, his fangs shining from his wide grin. “Question is, can you do the same?”

“What do you-?” Lightning Shadow’s question was cut off when she and Storm heard the sound of psychotic laugher behind them. It soon dissolved into even more deranged shrieks and howls as they both spun around to see a couple of Hinoinus racing towards them. They shot of blasts of fire and wind that combined into one, heading right for the ascended twin sisters. They both took to the air as swirls of blackness surrounded them, their eyes glowing as they both inhaled.

“Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Shadow Whinny!” They both yelled, shooting off large waves of darkness at the beasts. The Hinoinus skidded to a halt as they attempted to either counter or try to evade the waves of darkness, but they found themselves in the ground by the dark waves of magic. It left a huge indent in the ground as the canines were pushed into the ground as they crashed into a few pillars of rock in the process.

“Heh, looks like you can.” Fast Tracks chuckled. “You two are as sharp as you were since the day you joined our team!”

“I see what you did there.” Lightning Shadow murmured with a half-lidded gaze.

A blast of wind suddenly shot past the four ponies, and they looked to see Zephyr flying away from it. A few moments later, the whirlwind vanished, and Blue Skies could be seen flying down towards them, looking to be a bit flustered.

“Whoa Blue, what happened?” Fast Tracks asked.

“There were a few Hinoinus trying to surround Zephyr from behind him.” Blue Skies replied with a slight pant. “I…acted out of instinct and just, um…shot them away.”

“And what a close call it was.” Zephyr murmured. “I didn’t even see them coming from behind, I was only focused on the Hinoinus in front of me.”

“Well, it’s a good thing Blue Skies was there to see it honey.” Violet Fire commented. “Well done there, sweetheart. You managed to save a valuable ally and friend.”

“T-the pleasure was all m-mine Captain.” Blue Skies said, blushing at the sweet smile Violet sent to her.

“Um, you guys!” The silky voice of Goku called out, her tone carrying deep urgency. “You may not wanna relax just yet!”

As if to show that they weren’t down for the count, the chilling laughter, snarling, and barking of the Hinoinus alerted Zephyr and the Shadowbolts to them. They turned around to see said canines regrouped and looking even more ferocious than ever. Swirls and coated of lightning, fire and wind surrounded them as they stalked towards the ponies, cracks left in the earth by their steps.

“Uh-oh…” Violet Fire cooed. “It looks like some doggies are upset.”

“You think?” Fast Tracks asked dryly. “They look like they want to rip all of our throats out.”

“As if they didn’t try that before.” Zephyr replied, rubbing at his neck. “Regardless, anypony ready for round two?”

“W-well, it’s not like they’re giving us any other option.” Blue Skies whimpered. “They’re gonna go after Goku and her friends if we do.”

“Something that we’re intending to not let happen.” Lightning Shadow murmured, crimson lightning coating her armored body. “Right sis?”

Storm Shadow nodded. “As if we weren’t going to let them harm the girls in the first place. If we do, then Violet Fire will burn us alive.”’

“That I will.” Violet Fire giggled playfully, before they resumed their battle.

While Zephyr, the Shadowbolts and the Hinoinus engaged in another feral battle, Goku and her friends all huddle together around a giant rock pillar. They all watched in silent fascination and awe as the six ponies kept th canines at bay, all while keeping a safe distance from the fight.

“Land sakes, they’re really tannin’ them doggies hides ain’t they?” Applejack asked out of nowhere. “Ah really thought that they’d be havin’ a harder time with ‘em.”

“It may not look like it, but they actually are, in a way.” Fluttershy murmured, observing the battle carefully. “The only thing that’s keeping Zephyr and the Shadowbolts from really feeling the effects of the Hinoinus powers are their armor. Since they are all ascended, it leaves the Hinoinus having to use even more of their powers to try to bring down or even injure them. If they were still choosing to fight in their Adrenaline Modes, then they’d be looking much worse for wear right now.”

“You’re right.” Twilight nodded. “Our Ascension Modes may help us amplify and increase our physical and magical power, but it slows down our agility somewhat. And unless you’re trained in going as fast as you do in your armor than you do in normal form, you’re going to have a hard time evading or dodging attacks as fast as those.”

“You mean like with Blue Skies and Zephyr?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah, pretty much.” Rainbow Dash replied. “The only difference with that is that they were caught off guard, and those mutts managed to get a lucky hit on them.”

“D-do you think we should step in and help?” Pinkie Pie asked, trying not to look to disturbed by the Hinoinus disturbing laughter.

“…No, at least not right now. We don’t know how many more Hinoinus could be hiding her, or if they’ve sensed the battle yet.” Goku said, holding her wings out as if to keep her friends from doing anything. “For now, we stay on the sidelines, and keep a look out for-”

The tan Thestral suddenly found herself silent and her head snapping into the direction of the woods on the right side of her. Her bat ears swiveled this way and that as they picked up what sounded to be a roar coming from the trees. Although she couldn’t pinpoint what it was, she could tell that it was something dangerous.

“Hey G, you okay?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re looking kind of spaced out there.”

Goku shook her, glancing up at the cyan mare. “It’s nothing Rainbow Dash, I just thought that I heard a roar coming from the woods.” She replied, gently rubbing a concerned Chenoa’s head.

“A roar?” Fluttershy asked, her ears falling flat. “W-what do you think it could be?”

“I have no idea…” Goku replied, glancing behind her. “But whatever it was…it sounds like it just got one hellof a smackdown.”

Venture Vine coughed violently as she attempted to shield her eyes and nose from the clouds of dust that covered the area around her. She expected that the Ursa Major’s fall was going to rock the ground, and it did, but she didn’t think it would be of this magnitude. Nor did she ever expect such a strong cloud of dust to take over the area, let along blast her and the guards away from the beast. The only pony that stood an even remote chance of not getting swept away was Queen Celestia, yet Venture Vine couldn’t find her anywhere in the dust and smoke.

“Dammit, I can’t see a thing!” The grass green mare cursed to herself, her keen eyes struggling to see through the thick greyness. “I should’ve flown somewhere high, so I didn’t get caught up in that fall. Now I don’t see the Queen or anypony else.”

Snorting, Venture got up from the tree she was hiding behind and took off into the air, flying through the clouds of dust in search for any survivors. Thankfully, it was all beginning to clear, albeit slowly, and she could see the shadows of ponies from within the dust. Relief washed over her when she saw their moving figures, even when some of them were covered in bruises and wrecked armor.

“Well, at least the guards seem okay.” Venture said to herself, stopping around the guards before looking around. “Still, I can’t find where Queen Celestia is.”

Before Venture could search for her Queen’s magical presence, or call out her name, she felt the dust getting blown around her. The Kirin covered her face with her forehooves to keep from getting blinded again, feeling the dust blow into her for a few moments. After ten seconds, she opened her eyes, and found the clearing completely cleared of dust. Venture’s eyes widened when she saw the fallen and injured forms of the guards that lay before her, but that was soon replaced when relief upon seeing Celestia with them.

“Queen Celestia!” Venture cried, flying over to the swan white Alicorn. “What happened?! I didn’t see you anywhere with me in the smoke!”

“I was in one of the trees.” Celestia replied, not looking the smaller mare in the eyes. “I was going to get blown away by the smoke, so I took to the treetops to keep myself stable. How’re you and the other guards?”

“Well, I don’t really have any injuries whatsoever other than getting bitch slapped into a tree by a gigantic tail.” Venture said somewhat dryly, swaying her own long appendage. “I can’t really say the same about the guard here. I can smell the blood and their burnt fur all around us, even from this distance.”

“As a Kirin, you are prone to be subjected to that, having such sensitive noses.” Celestia said as she looked around, wincing at the sight of the injured guards around her. “I would seem that my subject took more of a hit than I thought they would. I’m amazed that they’re still even on their hooves right now.”

“Well, we did just face off against an Ursa Major.” Venture pointed out. “After I had woke her cub up and inadvertedly pissed her off into trying to swallow me whole. Sorry about that by the way.”

“Don’t be sorry Venture Vine, you had no idea that a beast of that size and power was in there waiting for you.” Celestia said with an assuring smile. “All you were doing was keeping an eye out for any animals that may attack us, and you did. Even if you came to warn us too late.”

“Yeah, at least her cub didn’t try to eat me.” Venture murmured, sighing. “So…what’re going to do about the guards here?”

Celestia’s assuring smile turned serious. “While a majority of our guards have been critically injured, it is not to the point where they won’t be able to fight. I can still sense their magic at the height as it was when we first came here, so it shouldn’t take very long for me to heal them before we continue.”

“Wait, you’re going to heal them?” Venture asked, surprise overtaking her. “All by yourself?”

“I can heal more than one pony at a time.” Celestia said, her horn igniting. “I’ve done it before; it’s a spell that I spent countless hours perfecting and mastering for situations like this. It wasn’t easy, I can assure you, and I spend a good amount of time in bed resting from headaches, but I was able to do it. The spell is basically a large sphere of magic that can spread a magical warmth designed to heal any injuries present, and anypony in this sphere will find themselves healed in an instant. It’s basically like the magical healing powers that the Nightstalkers Thestrals have in their manes, along with the egg like spheres of healing magic the Dragons, Shenrons, and Kirins have.”

“Oh, I see.” Venture murmured, taking in the information as if she was breathing in fire. “So, all of the guards here will be healed just like that?”

“That depends on how long I’m able to make the spell last, and if I can get all of the guards in one group quick enough.” Celestia replied. “Another setback is that I’m only able to use this one spell once every three days. Any more than one time a day, my regular magical powers will get severely decreased. So, I will have to make each one count, unless some of the Unicorn Guards here can heal one another’s injuries with a healing spell of their own.”

“If that’s the case, then I suggest that you let the guards who are able to heal others, and each other do that for themselves.” Venture Vine advised. “That way, you’ll be able to save more of your magic, especially for that spell, since there will be less ponies for you to have to heal. And the quicker they’ll all be able to be healed, the quicker we’ll be able to move on and get to my son and his friends so we can help them face off against Nightmare Moon.”

“A wise idea.” Celestia nodded, smiling in approval at the Kirin. “Are you going to partake with us?”

“Y-yeah, I will. L-let me just…” Venture replied with a slight stammer. “I’m gonna go see if the Ursa’s still…u-um…”
“Do as your conscience dictates, Venture.” Celestia said gently. “Don’t worry, we all understand your desire to be there for lives of nature that you and your kind hold dear. Go on dear, we will be right here waiting for you.”

Venture nodded, and without hesitation, she turned tail and ran into the direction of the Ursa Major, leaving Celestia to tend to the guards. She could hear the Queen calling out to some of the guard, presumably to heal them with her spell. The mare could see the other guards down below her igniting their horns and performing healing spells of their own on their comrades.

‘They must’ve heard me and Celestia talking about her spell.’ Venture thought as she flew past the trees. ‘It looks like these ponies really are capable of journeying into this forest after all. I guess I underestimated them and their tenacity to succeed.’

As she continued to soar through the giant groves of trees, Venture’s nose picked up the scent of the Ursa Major from afar. She also detected another scent, one that she didn’t want to smell for a good majority of the trip, despite having smelled it just moments ago.

“Oh yeah, that is definitely blood I smell.” Venture said to herself, seeing the bright stars of the Ursa Major’s fur coming into view. “We did hit that Ursa pretty hard with that last attack me and Celestia pulled off. I hope that we didn’t injure her to the point where we killed her…now that would be bad for her cub.”

It was only two seconds after this thought crossed her mind, did Venture see the condition of the Ursa Major, and needless to say, it was shocking. All over her bloodied fur, were deep cuts, slashes were imbedded in her body, allowing her to see the meat and muscle from within. The parts of her fur that wasn’t slashed, were either burnt to a crisp or blasted off revealing pure white skin from underneath. Venture could see blood spilling out from the wounds like water from the edges of a rock floor or a large cliff, pouring onto the painted red grass. Venture Vine could also see an even larger stream of blood coming from up above the Ursa Major’s back, and it immediately dawned on Venture what it was.

“Oh shit…that’s the blood from the wound that...” Venture whispered, hovering down to the ground below. The moment she touched the ground, she suddenly grew aware that she landed on something wet and cold, and coppery scented. Looking down, she shrieked upon seeing the pool of blood under her, and in her shock, she slipped and fell into it.

“Gah, ah, son of a bitch!” Venture cursed, scrambling back to her hooves. She spread her wings and looked over herself, disgusted at how dirty she had got herself. “Ah shit, there’s so much of it on me, and it’s so hot! It’s going to take me forever to get this off of me!”

As she tried to wipe the blood off of her, Venture suddenly felt a large breath blow right into her, mane and cloak in all. She froze as if she was suddenly stabbed in the back by the Ursa Major’s claws, and she slowly turned around to see said bear breathing heavily. Venture sighed as she saw that the Ursa Major’s eyes were still closed, though her face was contorted into one of pain and agony.

“The poor dear…she’s in so much pain…we really did go hard on her, didn’t we?” Venture asked herself, walking closer to the Ursa. She lifted a hoof and ran it along the beast’s nose, ignoring the blood flowing out of it. “I really wish that I could have make a large enough egg shell so I can heal her wounds. Unfortunately, she’s too big, and if I try to stretch out my magic too far, I may end up ruining the process.”

A soft growl left the mouth of the Ursa Major, making the blood covered ground shake under Venture’s hooves as she continued to stroke the giant bear’s nose. The beast shifted as it tried to regain its footing, but the pain coming from its stomach and its back from its hole prevented it from doing so. As Venture continued to try to soothe the beast’s pain, she suddenly became aware of the presence of another creature behind her. Despite not needing to turn around to see who it was, that didn’t stop Venture from locking her yellow eyes with the garnet ones of the Ursa Minor standing behind her.

“Hello sweetie.” Venture Vine said gently, letting her hoof fall down to the ground. “I didn’t expect you to come running over here. I take it you heard all of the commotion?”

The act of the Ursa Minor rubbing his ears told Venture all that she needed to know as the cub slowly trudged toward them. Its large paws smacked onto the ground, making the blood splash about and sweet across the clearing as he aimed towards his mother. The Ursa Major must’ve picked up her cub’s scent, because her eyes slowly opened, and her baby was the first thing that she saw. Her eyes lit up when she saw him, and was about to reach out towards him when she saw Venture Vine with him as well. Snarling, she weakly lifted up one of her massive paws in an attempt to crush her, but the Ursa Minor ran in front of her and held his paws out.

The Ursa Major froze, and for a brief moment she wondered why her baby was stopping her, but then she took note of his body language. The very same one that she would use for him whenever he was in danger and needed saving. Just the stance alone and the look in his eyes was enough to make the mother stand down, still keeping a watchful eye on Venture while she did so.

Once he was sure his mother wasn’t going to harm Venture, the Ursa Minor slowly walked up to her and nuzzled against her muzzle. His star covered blue fur go stained with his mother’s crimson life fluid, but the young cub ignored, the only thing one his mind was to be there for his mother and try to soothe her pain. While the comforting gesture did nothing to make the pain in her body go away, it did fill the Ursa Major with relief that her youngster was okay. That and the pony in front of her posed no threat to her, let alone her cub, from the start.

Venture Vine watched the scene from afar, her heart swelling at the tenderness, despite the rather gruesome state the Ursa Major was in. It reminded her of all the times that she cuddled and played with Zephyr when he was a foal. Along with all of the times where they went out together, either alone, or with friends to build the bond they had now. It made her heart ache somewhat to know that the bond this Ursa Major and his mother had now would soon break, and they’d eventually go their separate ways for good. Which made her all the gladder that she was able to have the relationship she had with her own youngster, and that it was a n-t short-lived one, like a majority of animal others and their young.

With a sigh, Venture Vine slowly walked up to the two Ursas, caring not for the blood that stuck to her hooves the closer she got. It was only when she reached out with a hoof and rubbed the Ursa Minor’s right leg that the cub turned his attention to her. They stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed to go on forever, yet was only for a few moments. Then, with regretful tears rolling down her face, Venture spoke.

“I’m sorry…both of you.” She said softly, leaning in and nuzzling into the Ursa Minor’s fur. “I didn’t want it to go this far. I meant neither of you any harm…I swear it…”

Nothing else came from the grass green mare’s muzzle as she nuzzled into the Ursa Minor’s fur for a moment longer, before pulling away. Wiping her reptilian eyes, she turned away from the duo, her tail brushing against the Ursa Minor and Ursa Major’s chin in the process. A mewl was what stopped the grass green mare, and as she turned around, she found herself staring into the eyes of the Ursa Minor. Venture had no time to say or do anything before the cub to her in its furry arms, nuzzling her like he did in the cave. Although he was in capable of verbal speech, the gesture alone was all that Venture needed to know that the Ursa Minor forgave her for what happened. From the look its mother’s eyes, she did to, and the expression on her face even looked…apologetic.

“Thank you…” Was all that Venture said as she smiled up at the Ursa Minor, kissing its nose in the process. “Thank you…both of you.”

A shining golden light appeared out of Venture’s peripheral vision, and that was all that she needed to know that Celestia was at work. She looked over and noticed the light poking right through the grove of enormous trees, giving her Queen and the guard’s location. Knowing that it was time for her to leave, she tugged at the Ursa Minor’s fur, and he set her back down on the ground, perhaps sensing that she had to go.

With another nuzzle and a gentle wave to the mother and cub, the grass green mare took flight and soared off towards where Celestia was. As she did, the light grew brighter the closer she got, and soon enough, she found herself in a scene that made her gasp. Right in the center of the other clearing, was Queen Celestia, with a large group of guards surrounding her, in a huge golden sphere of magic. Many of the guards with them were standing outside waiting for the Queen to finish healing their comrades, while the ones inside relished in being healed.

‘Wow, it looks like the Queen already went to work in her spell.’ Venture murmured to herself as she watched the scene before her. ‘She was right…that is a pretty big sphere of magic. I do wonder how she’s able to spread it out so much.’
It didn’t take very long for Celestia to finish her healing spells, and once she did, the golden sphere encasing her and the now healed guards vanished. They backed away from the swan white Alicorn as they let her rest from the whiplash of the magic she used in her spell. As the guards hugged and checked one another, Venture slowly walked towards the panting Queen, who immediately locked eyes with her.

“Oh, Venture Vine, you’re back.” Celestia said, her expression brightening somewhat. It soon turned to dread when she saw the blood coating the smaller mare. “I take it the meeting with the Ursa Major didn’t go well?”

“Actually, it went…pretty fine as a matter of a fact.” At Celestia’s surprised expression Venture continued. “When I got there, the Ursa Major looked really worse for wear…luckily, she was still alive, and as I was trying to soothe her, her cub came along. I honestly though that he was going to try to eat me for harming its mother, but he didn’t. He just went over to his mother, nuzzled her and tried to soothe her pain, and I…sort of joined in and said I was sorry. I saw the light of your magic coming from the forest, and I was about to leave, but the Ursa Minor stopped me and…hugged me. I don’t know what compelled me to do it, but…I kissed him on his nose, and I thanked him for not eating me, and after that I…came back here.”

Celestia said nothing for a while, silently absorbing the information given to her by Venture while the guards stood beside her in stunned states. Once it had sunk in, the Solar Goddess spoke. “I see…it looks like Faust’s angels were on your side today. Usually Ursa’s are extremely aggressive if you threaten their young or wake them from slumber. Whatever you did must’ve worked essentially for you to come back just covered in its blood.”

“I didn’t really do anything to be honest, I was just…there.” Venture Vine shrugged, blushing a bit. “Still, I guess even that was enough to save my scaly ass.”

“Maybe so.” Celestia giggled, ruffling her wings. “Anywho, are you ready to head off now?”

“Yeah, I do…I think the Ursas will be fine.” Venture nodded softly. “Though I think we should go around the Ursas just in case. I don’t want them to be in the receiving and of an angry Momma Ursa, least we have to go through this whole process over again.”

Celestia nodded, and with a swift gesture of her hoof, she and Venture led the guards through the trees, making sure to keep a safe distance from the Ursas. As they did so, Venture could’ve sworn that, out of her peripheral vision, she saw a set of yellow and white eyes gleaming from behind the trees. A glow growl emitted from that spot as the eyes narrowed, giving off a faint flash before the figure containing them slinked off into the trees.

Violet Fire whinnied loudly as she shot out a large blast of black and purple fire at a Hinoinu as it attempted to slash at her face, only to miss in the process. It then found itself being scorched as the ebony mare’s flames consumed him. Using the flames as a cover, Violet soared towards the canine in attempt to sock the canine right in its face. She instead met its chest, before she felt something sharp clamp around her shoulder and spin her around. Violet cried loudly as she was slammed hard into the ground, but was able to keep her throat from being torn out by the Hinoinu. With a snort, she summoned a pillar of flames that sent the Hinoinu in the air, which allowed her to fly up and kick him across the air.

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Scorching Neigh!” She shouted, sending a blast of fire at the Hinoinu, who crashed into one of its packmates in the process. They both got burned by the mare’s flames just when a bolt of lightning struck, causing an explosion to ring out. Violet Fire covered her eyes to shield herself form it and when she did, she found herself staring at Fast Tracks, who was hovering not too far away from her.

“Um, Captain…” Fast Tracks murmured, blinking in surprise. “Did that come from you?”

Violet Fire sweat dropped. “Uh, yeah…it did. I totally wasn’t expecting that to happen. At least, not that part where you unleashed your attack. I’m sorry about that honey-”

“No, it’s cool, I was just taken aback by that.” Fast Tracks said sheepishly. “It did help in killing two birds with one stone though! Even if we both launched our attacks at the same time.”

Violet Fire laughed bashfully, and was about to speak, but was cut off when she saw a surge of fire coming up at her and Fast Tracks. They both flew back just in the nick of time as the pillars of fire soared past them, and they flew down to the canines down below.

“You can take the canine on the left!” Violet Fire said. “I’ll take the one on the right!”

“Got it!” Fast Track nodded as purple lightning began to coat him. “Lightning Thestral Knight: Electric Explosion!”

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Scorching Explosion!” Violet shouted, shooting off a blast of fire right around the same time Fast Tracks let out his. To both leaders’ surprise, the attacks fused into one and struck both Hinoinus simultaneously, resulting in a huge explosion.

“Holy shit!” Fast Tracks shouted. “Did you see that Captain?! Our attacks just became one!”

“More like fused, but it looks like it served us well.” Violet Fire corrected, brushing her mane away. She then looked over to where the others were, and she smiled. “And it looks like we’re not the only ones.”

Raising a brow, Fast Tracks only to see streams and drills of wind and fire being shot at a group of Hinoinus, courtesy of Blue Skies and Zephyr. The pack retaliated with their own elemental attacks, and some even tried to slash and bite at them with their claws and teeth. They were able to get through to their armor, but thankfully not at the vulnerable parts like their necks, but the same couldn’t be said for their legs.

“Gah! My legs!” Blue Skies shouted painfully, falling belly first onto the ground. As she grabbed at her hind legs, she noticed the Hinoinus rushing at her. She flared her wings and took to the air just in the nick of time, but she did get slashed on the muzzle by one of the canine’s claws as she did so. “Z-zephyr, are you okay?”

“Apart from getting bitten in the dick, I’m just peachy Blue.” Zephyr replied, in a half dry and half sarcastic tone. “Are you alright though? You took a real nasty swipe to the face….”

Blue Skies winced, putting a suit to the bloodied part of her face. “I…think I’ll be okay. My inner Pegasus magic is going to get rid of it before long…but I think I might be left with a scar.”

“That makes two of us.” Zephyr said, giving the smaller mare a comforting pat on her head. The sound of soaring flames then caught their attention, and their eyes widened when they saw a huge pillar of flames soaring at them.

“Dark Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Shadow Explosion!” A large wave of darkness collided with it just as the fire was about to incinerate them. They looked over to see Lightning and Storm both behind them, waves of black magic emitting from their hooves.

“Don’t worry guys, we’ve got this!” Lightning Shadow shouted. “We won’t let them hurt you!”

“Just focus on getting yourselves fixed up!” Storm added. “We’ll take care of these Hinoinus for you!”

“Thanks girls, your life sav-” Zephyr began, but was cut off when he heard a scream from down below that made him freeze. Whipping around to the source, his orange eyes widened upon seeing Violet Fire on the ground with blood flowing from where her stomach was. Fast Tracks was standing over her, fangs bared as he hissed as at the Hinoinus closing in on him.

“Oh, no, Captain Violet!” Blue Skies cried, her fear overcoming her pain as she flew down to her fallen leader. Wind swirled around her as she attempted to blast it at the Hinoinus, but she was stopped as all five of them let off wind blasts of their own. Blue Skies screamed in both pain and surprise as they hit her, sending her crashing into a rock pillar.

“Blue Skies!” Zephyr shouted, flying down towards the fallen mare. “Are you alright?! Please, say something!”

The palomino grabbed at the royal blue stallion’s shoulder, coughing up blood. “Z-z-zephyr…b-behind you…!”

Zephyr turned around just in time to see a torrent of flames rushing at him, and he tried to use his wings to block the attack. He managed to keep it at bay for only a few moments, before it overwhelmed him, consuming both him and Blue Skies.

“Shit, Blue Skies and Zephyr are down!” Lightning cursed. “C’mon sis, let’s go! I’ll go help Fast Tracks and Captain Violet; you take care of the others!”

“Right!” Storm nodded as she followed her twin down to the ground before they split up. As the twins went to fight off the Hinoinus, the seven mares were watching in silent horror from afar, the Hinoinus psychotic laughter echoing in their ears.

“Oh, sweet Celestia, they’re losing!” Rarity cried, biting her lip. “T-they were evenly matched with those beasts just several minutes ago!”

“Yeah, they were beating those mutts’ asses!” Rainbow Dash added. “Why is it that they’re losing now?!”

“It’s because of the amount of magic they’re producing.” Twilight replied, sounding calmer but by no means less afraid. “The Ascension Modes allows ponies to increase their physical and magical strength at exponential levels, but it comes at a cost. The amount of power behind their attacks depends on the amount of magic they put into it, which can result in a pony draining their magic faster than they usually do. In other words, the more magic that a pony uses in their attacks, the faster their magic drains from them.”

“So, what yer sayin’ is…” Applejack murmured. “The more Zephyr an’ them Shadowbolts use their attacks at such a high level, the faster their losin’ their magic?”

“Exactly.” Fluttershy nodded. “Which is why they’re having the trouble they are now, and why the Hinoinus are gaining the upper hoof…or paw.”

“Dammit, then it looks like we’re going to need to jump in sooner than we thought.” Goku cursed, flexing her wings. “Anypony have any ideas?”

A pink hoof suddenly raised in the air, and six of the seven mares turned to see Pinkie Pie being the owner of said raised hoof. “Yes, Pinkie Pie?” Goku asked, noticing the unusually serious look on the party pony’s face.

“Girls…I think I may have an idea, and of course, it involves all four of us.” Pinkie replied, not looking back at her friends. “Though, it maaaaay not be in the way that you’re usually familiar with.”

Rainbow Dash raised a brow. “Whaddya mean Pinks? What you have cooking in that cake loving head of yours?”

“You…you guys hear that laughing right?” Pinkie Pie asked. “You know, the laughter coming from those big scary looking furry doggies?”

“How could we not, they’re most certainly not music to my ears!” Rarity said, a shiver going down her spine. “Why do you ask dear?”

“Nothing, it’s just it gave me an idea.” Pinkie Pie replied, pawing at the ground. “It’s an idea that I know you guys are going to think I’m crazy for, but I may think it’ll work.”

“Pinkie, in all of the times that we’ve known each other, you have done a shit ton of crazy things that cannot even comprehend.” Goku stated bluntly. “Even so, they’ve also helped us in a lot of unsettling situations. And if it’ll help Zephyr and the Shadowbolts, then by all means do it!”

Pinkie Pie sighed, sucking in a breath before a smile stretched across her muzzle. “Well, since you’re the ones saying it, I might as well. Zephyr and the Shadowbolts are going to end up as doggy show if I don’t.” Her smile faded as she looked at each of her friends. “Just promise me girls, that whatever happens afterward…don’t interfere.”

“W-why?” Fluttershy asked worriedly. “What’re you planning to do?”

“Some of the craziest stuff you’ll probably ever see me do.” Pinkie Pie replied, before she turned tail and ran into the battlefield.

“Wha-Pinkie!” Twilight shouted. “Where are you going?!”

“Consarn it, girl!” Applejack yelled. “Git yer pink ass back over here this instant!”

The farmer’s demands fell on deaf ears as she ran across the clearing of Hinoinus, swiftly evading and dodging their attacks in the process. As she made her way to the opposite side, Fast Tracks took notice, and his eyes bulged in shock.

“PINKIE PIE!” He yelled. “What the bucking are you doing?!”

The pink Earth Pony stopped at the end of the clearing, spinning around with glowing eyes. “I’m putting an end to this party!”

Rearing up, Pinkie slammed both her forehooves down, sending a wave of blue energy across the clearing as a large rock ring appeared. At the same time, vines appeared where Zephyr and the Shadowbolts were, and hoisted them into the air. As they did so, the ring wall that had the pack of Hinoinus closed in around them, but the vines still held the ponies encased in them.

“Pinkie Pie!” Zephyr cried as the vines set him and the Shadowbolts on opposite sides of the large earth sphere. “W-what’s going on?! What are you doing?!”

“Don’t worry you guys I got this!” The pink pony replied as smaller spheres encased the six flyers. “Just trust me for what I’m about to do! I don’t have much time, so I need to do this quick!”

Ripping out a large thick vine that was next to her, Pinkie Pie bounced up towards the top of the earth sphere. She tapped the tip of her earth vine as if it were a microphone as she cleared her throat, the blue aura if power still surrounding her body.

“You gotta be bucking kidding me.” Goku muttered, her eyes widening. “Is she really doing this right now?”

“What Goku?” Rarity asked, noticing the tan Thestral’s jaw dropping expression. “What is Pinkie going to do?”

Before Goku could reply, all six mares heard singing starting to emit all throughout the Elephant Graveyard. They all slowly turned to the source of it, wondering if they were hearing right, and sure enough, they could Pinkie Pie was indeed, singing.

When I was a little filly and the sun was going down

The darkness and the shadows would always make me frown

“Is…is she doing what I think she’s doing?” Twilight asked, looking on in disbelief at what she was seeing.

I’d hide under my pillow, from what I thought I saw

But Granny Surprise said that wasn’t the way to deal with fears at all

“Yep, she is.” Rainbow Dash said flatly, facehoofing herself.

“Really Pinkie Pie?!” Rarity screeched, a disapproving frown on her face. “Of all the times to be singing, you pick now to do it?!”

“Hold on.” Fluttershy said, putting a hoof to fashionista’s shoulder. “I think she may be onto something.”

She said, Pinkie you gotta stand up tall, learn face your fears

You’ll see that they can’t hurt you, just laugh and they will disappear

As if prove her point, Pinkie Pie began laughing heartily the infectious sound reverberating in the ears of Zephyr and the Shadowbolts. They soon began to writhe and shake around and before they knew it, they were giggling and laughing as well. Right into small holes that were places right where their muzzles were facing, courtesy of the vines ticking them all over.

“What in the hay…?” Applejack whispered, looking utterly flabbergasted.

“Oh, my goodness!” Fluttershy gasped, putting a hoof to her mouth. “Pinkie’s vines are…are tickling them!”

“I knew it...” Goku said, a grin coming to her face as she heard a distinct sound coming from within Pinkie’s earth sphere.

Sooo giggle at the ghostly

Guffaw at the grossly

Crack up at the creepy

Whoop it up with the weepy

Chortle at the goopy

Snorkel at the spooky

Chuckle at the chunky

Snort up at the slinky

On and on Pinkie Pie went, her chorus of bouncing and singing never stopping as she bounced about her earth sphere. With each word she sang, and every laugh, giggle, chortle and guffaw she gave, the shrieking and whimpering from within the earth sphere grew. Zephyr and the Shadowbolts all continued laughing, even as tears fell from their eyes.

And tell that creepy face, to take a hike and leave you alone,

And if he thinks he’s scary he’s gotta another thing coming,

The very idea just makes you wanna laaaaaaaaaaaaugh!

As the last word extended, the earth sphere she created began to crack, bright blue magic shining from it. Sensing the incoming outcome, Pinkie Pie, still laughing, bounced off of the earth sphere just in the nick of time. Just as her hooves touched the ground, it exploded, and a gigantic green vine burst out of the ground. Goku, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all watched on in awe and amazement as the giant vine carried the Hinoinu pack into the air. With a powerful jerk, the vine threw them across the air as if they were baseballs off into the opposite direction of the Everfree Graveyard, their howls echoing about the sky.

Author's Note

Wow...this one was so hard for me to end without wanting to rip it off too much from the previous one of Pinkie Pie living to her element :derpyderp2: ! Still, there you have it folks, the next chapter of one of the Main Seven living up to the element that they're destined to get and wield :scootangel: !!! I'll admit, this was one of the harder chapters that I had to right, mainly for the the purpose of how I was going to start it, and what scene that I was going to add so I could figure out out to end that right :twilightsmile: . I can see it took me considerably less time for me to do that, and I think that I executed the little scene with Venture and the Queen quite well :raritywink: . I have no idea how I'm gonna flush out the next chapter, but I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna enjoy that a lot :ajsmug: .

Well, that's all for right now everypony :pinkiesmile: . Tune in next time for a journey through the waters of the Everfree Forest, along a new surprise character of an even more surprising species :scootangel: !!!

Chapter 51 - Setting the Sails

“Pinkie Pie, you did it!” Fluttershy cried as she and the others ran up to the Earth Pony. “You managed to get rid of the Hinoinus!”

“I did?” Pinkie Pie asked, looking around at the small clearing around them. “Huh, I guess really I did make them go away!”

“That you did, and it was incredible!” Twilight exclaimed. “Who knew that your laughter would bother the Hinoinus so much!”

“Hmhmhm, well of course it is silly! Laughter is the one thing that’ll make all those icky lonely feelings that you have go away! especially that icky stinky laughter that those doggies were giving off.” Pinkie Pie giggled, giving Twilight a knowing smile. “Plus, as a wise pony once said…laughter is the best medicine!” She added with sly smile and a wink.

Rainbow Dash snorted, a grin coming to her own face. “Nice one Pinks.”

“Well, it certainly helped in saving our lives from these dreadful beasts.” Rarity said, heaving out a relieved sigh. “Thank you for that by the way, darling…and I’m sorry if I was too harsh about you singing.”

“Yeah, an’ me ‘bout yer laughing’.” Applejack added, fiddling with her hat. “Fer a second there Ah thought ya had went plumb crazy. Ah shouldn’t have jumped t’ conclusions like that.”

“Awwww, it’s alright you guys, I’m not upset or anything! You guys were scared, and thought we were gonna get eaten, so it’s not surprising that you reacted the way you did.” Pinkie Pie replied sweetly, giving both mares a comforting smile. “To be honest, I was even a little surprise here myself! One minute I wanted to hide under a rock, and the next I was laughing till my tummy hurt! Heehee, my brain works in some really strange ways, doesn’t it?”

“That it does Pinkie…I wonder why.” Goku said dryly, earning another chorus of laughter from her friends.

At that moment, Goku felt a warm body press up against her own, and she looked over to see Violet Fire leaning against her. The poor mare was still giggling her head off, trying to stop her tears of laughter from falling down her cheeks.

“Oh, my Celestia Pinkie Pie!” She giggled as she wiped at her face. “What in the world did you do back there?!”

“Do what?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head. “What’re you guys talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with us girl!” Fast Tracks snorted. “You know exactly what you did! You created a giant sphere of earth around those Hinoinus, then, you trapped us in vines, and then proceeded to make them tickle our furry assess off!”

“Not to mention the singing.” Lightning Shadow added. “As cute as it was, I was not expecting you to do that in the least. Nor was I expecting it to work the way it did.”

“Well, when you’ve known me for as long as the girls did, you tend to pick up on some things about me that you never would’ve expected!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Like how I trapped all of those doggies in my sphere and tickled the confetti out of you all with my vines!”

Storm Shadow sweat dropped. “Yes…that’s what Fast Tracks just said.”

“W-we understand that Pinkie Pie, but…” Blue Skies murmured. “Why…did you do it?”

“Weeeeeeeell…I noticed how you guys were getting tired out by those doggies, especially since you know, your magic gets drained super-duper quickly because of how much of it you used in all of your attacks.” Pinkie replied nonchalantly. “So, I decided to rush in there and add a little laughter and smiles to you and Zephie to keep you all from becoming doggie chow! And I did that by singing a super duper sweet sweet catchy oh so happy song sung to me by my Granny Surprise Pie! Bet you guys weren’t expecting that to happen huh?”

“Not in the least.” Storm replied, rubbing her sore cheeks. “Still, it did…I don’t know how in the name of Faust it did but…you managed to make it work.”

“Well, that’s Pinkie Pie for you!” Rainbow Dash grinned, throwing a hoof around the Earth Pony. “She’s always able to make even the most impossible things happen, and she totally did now! now we can get out of here without having to worry about those drooling mutts trying to rip our throats out!”

“Hinoinus…” Fluttershy emphasized, glaring up at Rainbow.

“That we don’t, and now we can continue our journey.” Rarity nodded, turning tail. “Come along everypony, we haven’t a moment to spare!”

“Hey! Zephyr’s supposed to be the one leading here!” Goku exclaimed, grabbing the fashionista by her tail and yanking her back. “Go on buddy, take charge of this group!”

“Alright alright, you don’t need to push!” Zephyr said with a slight chuckle. “Jeez, you Thestrals are strong…”

“Hey, wait for us!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she, Rarity, and Applejack went after the stallion, leaving Fluttershy, Twilight and Pinkie Pie with the Shadowbolts.

“Wow…this place looks a little…torn apart doesn’t it?” Lightning Shadow asked, looking around at the deep cracks, footprints and rubble surrounding them.

“Yes, it does.” Fluttershy replied somewhat bashfully. “You’re had quite the, um…scuffle with the Hinoinus, didn’t you Violet Fire?”

“That’s an understatement baby.” Violet said plainly. “They just kept coming at us no matter what we through at them. It’s like they were completely and totally resistant to anything that we threw at them. I’m pretty sure that would’ve all eaten us alive had it not been for Pinkie Pie jumping in at the last minute.”

“I’m going to have to agree there.” Storm Shadow said, glancing over at the bubblegum pink mare. “By the way Pinkie…how did you know that would end up working on the Hinoinus?”

At this question Pinkie Pie, who was currently going ahead of their group stopped bouncing, looking in between her two friends. A few seconds later, she giggled merrily, before she turning to look at the Shadowbolts a sly grin etched onto her face.

“Well, let’s just say that I showed them why I love to laugh, like they did.” She said in a sweet, yet sly tone as she gave the elite flyers a wink. “…and why laughter is the best of all medicine ever!”

Thankfully, Zephyr, the girls, and the Shadowbolts didn’t encounter anymore Hinoinus during the rest of their trek through the Everfree Graveyard. Though they did get the chance to see a different kinds of prehistoric animal skeletons piled around the it, much to Fluttershy’s secret elation. It didn’t take them very long to get out, thanks to the giant groves of trees that could be seen on all sides of the Everfree Graveyard, and they were soon back in the trees. Unlike most of the other clearings they were in, this one was wider, and wasn’t as dark as the others, thus allowing the ponies to see more clearly. As usual, Zephyr took the lead of the group, while the Shadowbolts formed a circled around the seven mares, looking out for any danger. Though that wasn’t the only thing they had to deal with.

“Are you sure that you don’t need me to heal your injuries?” Fluttershy asked softly. “Really I don’t mind using more of my magic for it.”

“Fluttershy, we told you, it’s alright, they’re only slashes.” Zephyr replied in his most assuring tone. “It’s not like we weren’t given them by all of the animals here, like that Doragontora that tried to drag me into the forest.”

“Try getting nearly gutted in the stomach while you’re at it.” Violet Fire murmured, holding her barrel. “Oh, sweet Celestia that hurt so much. I’ve never felt such a burning sensation in all of my time fighting beasts.”

“Well, they arecalled Hinoinus, as Fluttershy put it.” Lightning Shadow sighed. “Named for their control over fire, besides most of the other elements of nature. It shouldn’t really be surprising to feel them slicing into you with claws and teeth feeling as if they were on fire.”

“True.” Storm Shadow nodded, rubbing at her own scars. “Plus, Hinoinus are known for having speed and strength equivalent to that of a whole pack of Timberwolves. I’m just glad that they weren’t fighting us at their full, full power. I don’t even want to know what would happen if it were to come to that magnitude.”

“Wait a minute, what?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking shocked. “They weren’t even going all out on you guys?”

“Well, yes Dash, they were.” Blue Skies replied, gingerly touching her muzzle. “But their power was only up to the level that our magic went when we ascended. If we had gone and used our main trump cards, then the Hinoinus really would’ve unleashed their full power on us. On one hoof, we may have stood a better chance against them and would’ve defeated them without Pinkie’s help, but on the other hoof…”

“You would’ve been wasting power on an adversary that wasn’t even putting Equestria in peril or danger.” Goku finished for the palomino filly. “And you wouldn’t have had enough to use it on Nightmare Moon or whatever creations she may have.”

Blue Skies nodded. “Yes.”

“Ya ’know, now that Ah think about it…that does make Pinkie Pie jumpin’ int’ help y’all more sense.” Applejack said, rubbing at her chin. “Them fire doggies weren’t even using all o’ their magic on y’all, even when ya went int’ yer main powers. If they did, it would’ve forced ya to really go all out, an’ all o’ that power y’all were saving would’ve been wasted.”

“Precisely.” Twilight nodded. “Which makes it all the more essential that Pinkie Pie intervened before things got rough for the Shadowbolts.”

“I know honey and we’re grateful for what Pinkie Pie did, we all are.” Violet said, a grimace formed on her muzzle. “Still, these scars that the Hinoinus gave us are burning. I’m gonna be feeling this whenever I sleep for a week... maybe two.”

“Awww, you poor dear…it’ll be alright, those burns aren’t going to remain forever. Just wait, before you know it, you’ll be able to feel that oh so familiar silky-smooth texture of all that beautiful fur!” Rarity cooed, rubbing the ebony mare’s back. “Speaking of which, we’re sorry that we couldn’t save your suits from meeting the same fate. I mean, you did technically leave them in our care.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it; we have plenty of those suits at home, so we can always get more of them.” Fast Tracks shrugged. “Besides, it makes it so much easier for me to move around, not having to worry about sweating so much in it!”

“As another fellow Thestral who has been in a good number of suits similar to your team’s, I can relate.” Goku said, giggling, holding Chenoa in one foreleg. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind getting in a dress or sexy outfit to provoke the colts into getting into a one-night stand with me…” She giggled more at the blush on Fluttershy’s face and the glare on Rarity’s. “…but more often than not, I do like to get out there and really be free from any kind of restraints. Even if they are a dress or suit that makes me feel like I’m suffocating or dying in a desert. Which is why me, and the girls have our dear Rarity here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Well of course darling.” Rarity said, her revolted face turning into one of pride. “Whenever I do have inspiration, I always ensure that my clients are the utmost comfortable in whatever suit or dress I have them in. I’m not just some cheap designer who’s in it for the bits, especially since I already have enough from all of the gem hunting that I’ve been doing.”

Rainbow Dash snorted. “I’d beg to differ…” She grumbled, just low enough for only Goku, Fast Tracks, and Fluttershy to hear.

“Seriously? You actually do gem hunting?” Fast Tracks asked, looking to be both surprise and impressed. “And I thought that me, Goku, and Zephyr were the only ones that did that.”

Rarity paused, looking at the light brown stallion in surprise. “Wait, you do gem hunting as well?”

“What Thestral doesn’t?” Fast Track asked, chuckling a bit. “Our enhanced vision doesn’t just allow us to see through the dark, but also allows us to detect magic filled gems too. It’s sort of like how you Unicorns use those gnarly looking horns of yours to detect them. Except with us, we can actually see the magic inside the gems before we see the gems themselves. It’s a trait that Nightstalkers, Shenrons, and the dragons all share, one of the reasons our clans had allied with one another.”

“It’s also why you why we’re known to be incredibly rich and stocked, just like me and my Mom are.” Zephyr added. “Although, we’d prefer if we didn’t tell certain ponies that, least they start asking us for money when they’re more than capable of gaining as much of it themselves.”

“It’s also sort of why my Mom and Dad prefer if our family lived with the Queen rather than our own home instead.” Goku concluded, rubbing the back of her head. “They didn’t really want to have to deal with all of the nobles trying to suck up to us for the sole reason that we have so much bits in stock. That and, we’d have the Queen on our back should that happen, and she wanted us to live in her castle with her, especially after seeing the potential that me and my sisters had, our little brother included.”

“Oh, trust me, I know what that’s like.” Twilight sighed, flicking her tail. “I’ve experienced that a considerable amount of times. I’m glad that I met somepony who knows what I went through at the hooves of the nobles…in their own way.”

“Well that was a might generous o’ th’ Queen t’ do that.” Applejack smiled. “Y’all must’ve had a real good time being able to live in a place o’ royalty huh?”

Goku blushed bashfully. “I admit, we all did enjoy the benefits of living with the Queen, but that did not mean that we mooched off of her! We did all that we could to show our appreciation to the Queen, even if it was the little things. Of course, Queen Celestia was not having any of that, and just told me to keep doing my hardest while adding some fun to the mix.”

“That’s our Queen for you!” Violet Fire laughed. “Always trying to find a balance for everypony so too much of the other doesn’t happen! One of the reasons why so many ponies want to stay with her, like the Thestrals and the Saiyans.”

“No disagreement on that.” Lightning Shadow nodded. “Although, since we are going to save her sister, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad living in her headquarters. Well, if she’s up for doing it that is.”

“I wouldn’t put it past her to be.” Storm murmured, draping a wing over her sis. “I mean, she was the one to give the Shadowbolts a place in her army in the first place. So, we could arrange making some new living headquarters once we free her from Nightmare Moon’s grasp.”

“Good idea!” Fast Track nodded enthusiastically. “I’d love to see what kind of living quarters that Queen Luna can set up for us when we get her back! I’m betting that they all totally live up to our nighttime standards, since we are known as the Shadowbolts!”

“Well, since this is the Queen of the Night and Goddess of the Moon we’re talking about, I don’t doubt it.” Goku giggled at her fellow Thestral, reaching over and ruffling his mane. Suddenly, she paused and began to swivel her ears around. Chenoa, who was nestling inside of her mane, took notice of the mare’s expression, and gave a few squeaks.

“Goku, what’s the matter?” Fluttershy asked, her guard going up. “Do you hear something in the woods?”

“Yeah, but it’s not really an animal. I can smell any nearby, and I can’t sense any magic of an animal either…well, other than Chenoa’s.” Goku replied, sniffing the air. she closed her eyes and focused her magic in her ears, allowing her to hear the strange sounds better. “It sounds like…water.”

Violet Fire’s ears perked. “Water? You can hear water from over here?”

“…Yeah, I do…it sounds like its rushing and crashing onto a shore.” Goku replied, looking ahead of her. “We’re definitely close to a lake or a pond nearby here, and it’s just up ahead.”

“Oh Celestia, that’s wonderful!” Rarity gushed, her expression brightening. “If there’s water nearby, then that we can use that we can bathe in it! I can use it to finally get all of this dirt, grime, and mud off of me! Not to mention the blood, oh…now that is something that I really want to get off!”

“Same here honey.” Violet Fire murmured. “I wanna find something to soothe this burning feeling in my barrel, and waters just the thing for it! the sooner we get there the better!”

“Well then, let’s get over there then!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I’ve been sweating so much since all of those fights that I really need something to cool me off!”

“Hey, wait for me Dashie!” Pinkie Pie cried, running after the cyan mare as she flew off into the forest.

“Not if I get there first!” Rarity hissed, speeding after the duo. “Pure clean crystal water, here I come!”

“Girls, hold on a sec!” Applejack cried, before the two mares vanished into the forest. “Consarn it, those two never listen!”

“C’mon girls, let’s go after them.” Twilight said, galloping ahead. “We don’t want them to run in any danger before we get there.”

“That makes two of us Twi.” Goku sighed, flying ahead of the group. “I swear of those two mess up on something, I’m going to drive their heads into the sand.”

“Get in line.” Zephyr said dryly, following after his fellow flyer.

It didn’t take long for Zephyr, the four other mares, and the Shadowbolts to reach the next end of the forest and find their friends. Much to their utter relief, Rarity, Rainbow, and Pinkie Pie were there, and it didn’t look like they had run into any danger along the way. Despite that, it didn’t however, take away their awe and amazement at the sight of the beach that they now found themselves in. The pond or lake that Goku assumed they found was far bigger than she had originally thought that it’d be, more than big enough to be an ocean. It stretched out as far as the eye could see, just like the forest itself, with the same being said for the sand shore. The trees on the other side of the miniature sea was far enough for them to seem like leaves that could be fit inside an adult pony’s hoof. Another thing that was noticed was that the water was crashing wildly, both in the water, and on the beach. A certain something that a few mares did not mind in the least.

“Oh yeah, this is awesome!” Rainbow Dash cried, slashing in and out of the water like a seal. “I have not felt water this good in ages! I’m feeling cooler already!”

“Same here Dashie, this so much fun!” Pinkie Pie cried, swimming on her back in a freestyle position. “Look at all of this splishy splashy water, it just makes me wanna have a pool party here right now!”

“Well, I’m glad that you two are enjoying yourselves, I knowI certainly am.” Rarity hummed, running a hoof through her mane and tail skirt. She glanced over at Violet Fire, who was in the water with them. “How’re you doing over there, Captain Violet Fire?”

“Just fine baby.” Violet Fire cooed, sighing contently as she laid in the water, her head resting on Blue Skies back. “I can feel the burns on my chest and stomach cooling already. This is definitely what I needed after all of those fights that we had in the forest before we reached you eight.” She pulled her mane back as she looked at Rarity, giggling. “I bet you’re really enjoying this water too~!”

“Oh, it feels just absolutely divine!” Rarity squealed, falling into the water with grace that made her seem as if she was a mermaid. “This is the coolest, cleanest water that I have ever felt in my life! It feels as if its cleaning me of all the filthiness this forest has given me since the beginning of this entire journey! It appears that not everythingabout this forest is revolting, and there are somethings about it that’re just spectacular!”

“This is why you should never judge a book by its cover Rarity.” Fluttershy advised, running her hooves down her wet pink mane. “Just like how ponies say to don’t judge other ponies by their appearance, don’t judge any environmentby its appearance as well.”

“That’s right, because you may end up finding out certain things about that something or that somepony that you might like.” Zephyr said softly, shaking his body of water even as he still continued to trudge through it. He let his body fall into the shallow water, rolling around in it for a moment before coming back up, sighing blissfully. “And it looks like we all found it in the form of this wonderful water…”

Blue Skies giggled, ruffling her wings. “Well, you specifically of made it clear that you like it, after you rolled around in it like a little dog. You were like a little puppy experiencing water for the first time; it was so cute~!”

“I-it was not!” Zephyr protested, ignoring the head pat Fluttershy gave him. “I-I was just taking a relaxing dive in the water after being covered in scars and blood for so long, that’s all!”

“Oh, don’t be so worried about being judged Zephyr.” Storm Shadow said, wrapping a striped foreleg around the stallion’s neck. “There’s nothing wrong with a grown pony acting as if they were a foal again, most especially a grown stallion. Who said that only mares did that and not the stallions? It’s not like one side is mature and serious while other side isn’t; not everypony grows out of being a foal entirely.”

A huge wave of water suddenly splashed onto the four Pegasi, and they looked over to see a laughing Applejack galloping past them. Her bandana was absent around her neck while her head no longer consisted of her Stetson, giving Fluttershy the impression that she had gave them over to one of the other girls.

“Ya got that right Storm!” The farmer snorted, taking another dive in the water before coming back up again. “All o’ th’ work that Ah do in th’ farm doesn’t leave me with a whole lotta time fer mahself if Ah don’t stick t’ the routine properly! It’s real nice t’ finally stretch mah legs fer somethin’ other than applebuckin’!”

Fast Tracks suddenly came out of nowhere, inadvertedly tackling Applejack into the water as Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash chased him around. “That makes four of us!” He exclaimed as he turned tail and ran from the three mares.

“See what sis mean?” Lightning Shadow asked, turning back to Zephyr. “Nothing wrong with letting out the child nestled within you.”

“Well, if you say so.” Zephyr sighed, letting out a snort. “Just don’t expect me to do it all the time, especially with what’s at stake here. The second I sense that something’s up around here, you’d better belief that I’m be on high alert. I didn’t make it into the Guard by goofing off.”

Fluttershy giggled, taking Zephyr’s head on her hooves and bringing it into her chest. “Oh, don’t worry Zephyr, we know that you’re not goofing off or anything like that. You’re just taking some time to let out some steam that’s all. Even Royal Guards need to have a break from their duties from time to time, and that’s all that you’re doing.”

“Y-yeah, that’s right.” Zephyr nodded; his voice slightly muffled by Fluttershy’s chest fluff. “Just kicking back for a little bit.”

“And speaking of blow off steam…” Fluttershy continued, her voice gaining a sensual edge to it as she lifted Zephyr’s head. “I have forgotten about how you saved me from getting zapped by that Shinomōkin at the beginning of our adventure in here. Nor did I forget how you saved me form getting scorched alive by the Manticore before I healed it of its injuries. Along with saving Rarity from getting ambushed by the Doragontora or getting a severe injury from that tumble we all took in the underground cavern.” She leaned in closer, their noses nearly touching as she stared into Zephyr’s orange eyes with a gentle, yet lustful gaze. “So many heroic deeds all done in one night in so many different scenarios...you are certainly going to get rewarded for all your services to us tonight.”

The royal blue stallion gulped audibly, his face burning. “W-well, yeah of course I am. I mean, I am a Royal Guard and all, and I know that Celestia’s gonna give me a hefty pay at the end of all of this.”

“I’m sure you will, but what I mean is, that’s not the only reward you’re going to be getting, and certainly not just by the Queen.” Fluttershy said sweetly, her voice still carrying the undertone of sensualness to it. “And I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be the only other mare to reward you either.”

“W-what?” Zephyr asked, having already gotten an inkling of what Fluttershy was saying. “What are you p-p-planning to g-give me?”

With a sly smile, Fluttershy ran her right hoof down Zephyr’s chest, all the way into the water and down to a part of his body that make him jump. His face turned even redder as Fluttershy began to rub that part of his body. “Does that answer your question Zephie?” She purred in his ear.

Deciding that he needed a way out before things go too embarrassing, Zephyr looked around in search of Twilight. To his relief, he saw her sitting at the edge of the bank, looking over what seemed to be a paper of some sorts. Wasting no time, he immediately got to his hooves and said, “Oh would you look at that, Twilight looks like she’s having some trouble with something over there! I should go and ask her what’s wrong so I can help her sort it out, and…yeah, I-I’ll be back in a bit!”

With that, he turned tail and galloped off towards the shore, leaving Fluttershy, Lightning and Storm Shadow behind in the water. He ignored the giggling that was ringing in his sensitive ears as he skidded next to a halt next to the Unicorn. It seemed that Twilight had noticed, because she looked up at him from her paper with a knowing expression.

“Hey Zephyr.” She said calmly as the wind blew in her mane. “Finally got your fill of the beach water and took care of all those wounds?”

“Uh, yeah, you could say that.” Zephyr replied a little too quickly, glancing back behind him. “I had a bit of um, help from your friends too...”

“So I saw.” Twilight said dryly, giggling a bit at his flushed expression. “I take that you didn’t come over here just to keep from needing to study pony anatomy with Fluttershy?”

The blush on Zephyr’s face was so strong that he could swear he felt steam coming out of his ears. “Uuuh, yeah, I did. I-I noticed that you were looking at something on the shore there…is that the map that Pinkie had given you?”

“Mhm, I’m just doing an extra thorough check to see how much of the forest we have left to go through.” Twilight replied, looking back at the map. “I have to admit; I didn’t predict to water here to be so…expanded.”

“I sort of did.” Zephyr said, flicking his tail. “That’s the thing with maps, they make you think that places like this are so small, when in reality, it’s a lot bigger than they look. Just like with the whole forest itself on this map…it looked small, bit it was bigger than almost any of you could’ve thought possible.”

“Yeah, no argument on that.” Twilight sighed, folding the map and standing up. “And that’s what has me so concerned right now. With how big this water is, I’m not sure how long it’s going to take us to reach the other end, if we’ll be able to get over there without too much trouble…”

“Twilight, you should know by now that getting past this forest without having any marks on you is next to impossible.” Zephyr said, putting a hoof on the mare’s shoulder. “We all have the scars to prove that much, and so do you. Although, I can see what you’re trying to point out here…you know with all of the dangers that the sea has to offer. Like Cragadiles, Sharks, Giant Sea Snakes, Octopuses, Giant Squids, Hydras, Sea Serpents and Water Dra-”

“Alright, alright, I get it Zephyr!” Twilight growled, jamming a hoof in his mouth. “No need to list out every single thing that could kill you in water, especially since we’ve already faced one of them already.”

“Doesn’t rule out the possibility of us facing them again.” Zephyr pointed out. “Cragadiles don’t just live in accessible underground caverns, and they’re certainly not the only water dwelling creatures out here.”

“I know…and that’s another thing that worries me.” Twilight sighed. “I just can’t help but wonder if we’ll be able to fend them all off.”

“We did with the Cragadiles, so I’m confident that we can do the same with the other sea creatures here.” Zephyr said casually, wrapping a foreleg around Twilight in a hug. “Plus, we have the Shadowbolts, one of them being a Thestral, your seven trump cards, and me to back you all up. I’d say our chances of surviving this little sea adventure is pretty high.”

“Yeah.” Twilight nodded. “I hope so.”

“Speaking of Thestrals…” Zephyr continued. “Where did Goku go?”

“Oh, she went back into the forest to get some trees and leaves from the bigger ones.” Twilight replied nonchalantly. “She wanted to get some of the strongest giant leaves and bark possible for when we built our ship to sail.”

“Oh okay, cool.” Zephyr nodded, blinking a second later before Twilight’s words fully sank in his head. “Wait, what?”

“HEADS UP EVERYPONY!!! TIMBEEEEEER!!!”

The powerful call that came from the forest sent everypony scurrying out of the water before their brains fully processed what was going on. It came just in time, for a gigantic tree with groves of equally giant leaves, came soaring out of the forest like an arrow from a bow. It crashed into the shore of the ground and crashed straight into the water, emitting huge waves from either side. They swept up everypony within range, carrying them some distance away from the tree and further down either side of the shore. When the water calmed again Goku suddenly came soaring out of the trees, landing on the fallen tree with a slight skip in her step.

“Oh, hay yeah that felt so amazing! I haven’t used that much strength in forever!” Goku sighed blissfully, tipping Applejack hat which was currently resting on her head. “This big baby should be big and strong enough for us to sail across that water!”

“GOKU!” Rarity’s shrill shriek cut through the silence of the beach. “WHAT IN CELESTIA’S NAME ARE YOU DOING?!”

“What did you think I did?” Goku called back down form the left side of the fallen tree as Chenoa flew beside her. She adjusted the Stetson on her head while straightening the red bandana around her neck. “I had gone inside the forest and got this giant tree for us to sail across.”

“I GET THAT PART YOU OBNOXIOUS IN SUFFERABLE IDIOT!” Rarity continued to scream, causing the ponies near her to cover their ears. “WHAT I AM ASKING YOU, IS WHAT IN THE WORLD YOU WERE THINKING THROWING THAT GIANT THING OVER WHERE THE REST OF US WERE?!”

“Uh, why do you think?” Goku asked, raising a brow. “So, this tree can be formed and morphed into a ship that we can all use to sail across the other side of the forest.”

Rarity’s eyes blazed as she shot a blast of magic at the Thestral, hitting the bark instead. “YOU MEAN SO YOU COULD USE IT TO CRUSH US AND TURN US INTO FISH FOOD FOR THE CREATURE INSIDE OF THIS WATER?!” She bellowed, stomping her hooves in the water. “I THINK NOT, YOU STUPID AIRHEADED FISH EATING BUCKED TOOTHED APPLE SUCKING BAFOON!”

“Rarity, will you chill the fuck out?!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she, Fast Tracks, and Zephyr came up with Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. “I get that Goku nearly squashed us with this thing, but you don’t need to use that as a reason to make all of us go deaf!”

“Yeah, yer soundin’ louder than a rooster cockatooin’ through th’ fields of a farm.” Applejack said, rubbing at her ears. “Seriously girl, calm the buck down.”

“I BEG TO DIFFER ON THAT RAINBOW DASH, AND DON’T YOU DARE TELL ME TO CALM DOWN APPLEJACK!” Rarity continued to shriek, shooting a few more magic blasts. “I THINK I HAVE EVERY REASON TO MAKE EVERYPONY HERE LOSE THEIR HEARING FOR THE SIMPLE FACE THAT WE ALMOST GOT CRUSHED TO DEATH!”

“Well Rarity, in Goku’s defense, she did warn us that the tree was coming. Even if we did get one hell of a jumps scare from it.” Lighting Shadow said, putting a hoof on the fashionista’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. “So, I don’t think you should be that upset with her, especially since you were running before you even saw the tree.”

Whirling around, Rarity slapped Lightning’s hoof away, the force so great that it actually hurt as he stumbled back into the water. “DON’T YOU DARE GO DEFENDING HER LIGHTNING! YOU AND I BOTH KNOW WE COULD’VE GOTTEN SQUASHED LIKE BUGS, WHETHER GOKU WARNED US ABOUT THAT TREE OR NOT!”

With another snort, she spun back around and glared up at Goku, who was merely staring back with a deadpan expression. “AS FOR YOU, YOU JUST WAIT UNTIL I GET UP THERE! AND WHEN I DO, I AM GOING TO PLUCK EVERY LAST ONE OF THOSE FEATHERS FROM THE WINGS ON YOUR SHOULDERS FOR MY NEXT DRESS!” She screamed as she began stomping forward, making the water slash around all her. “ AND THEN, I’M GOING TO TEAR ALL FOUR OF YOUR CANINE TEETH FROM THE ROOTS, AND USE THE OTHER SMALLER PAIR AS A NEW PAIR OF EARRINGS, WHILE I USE THE OTHER TWO, TO SHOVE RIGHT UP YOUR-”

That was all that Rarity was able to saw before a hoof slammed into the back of her head, thus causing her eyes to roll back. As she felt towards the water, a striped foreleg grabbed the back of her mane, this keeping her from falling.

“Okay, I think that’s enough screaming like a banshee for you Rarity.” Storm Shadow said, as she hoisted the dazed fashionista on her back. “You okay Lightning?”

The light grey mare shook her stinging hoof around. “Y-yeah, I’ll be okay, but damn that was a hard hit she gave my hoof.” She replied, before turning back to Fluttershy. “Is she always this strong and short tempered?”

“More often than we’d like on the latter.” Fluttershy replied, staring at the lump on the back of Rarity’s head. “As for the former, not really…while Rarity is powerful, she isn’t quite as homed in her abilities as the rest of us are. So, she tends to go overboard with both her magical and her physical strength whenever she gets angry. While she’s not even half Earth Pony, she can pack quite a wallop when she puts her mind to it. Though nowhere near as hard as Goku can, if you haven’t figured that out already.”

“Oh, trust me, we know what that feeling is like.” Lightning Shadow shuddered, remembering all the sparring matches Goku had with the Shadowbolts back in Canterlot. “And that should probably make me glad that it was Rarity who struck me instead of Goku. Because if it was the other way around, I would probably have a broken leg.”

“Not probably.” Fluttershy said as she and the twins flew up to meet the others. “Definitely.”

“Alright, seeing as that little temper tantrum is taken care of…” Goku grumbled, stepping back enough to face everypony else. “Is everypony here and assembled? Because I kind of wanna go ahead and see if we can get sailing so we can cross to the other side.”

“Yes honey, we’re all here, future Elements of Harmony, Guard, Shadowbolts and all.” Violet Fire giggled, her wet mane clinging to her face. “So, how are you planning to make this giant tree get us to the other side of this water?”

“Simple.” Goku chirped with a slight wink. “We’re going to take this tree that we’re on, and morph it into one giant ship!”

Twilight blinked, tilting her head perplexedly. “Um, Goku, not that I’m trying to sound like I think that you’re crazy but…how’re we going to do that?”

“Good question Twilight!” Pinkie Pie replied, giggling merrily. “So…you know how we Earth Ponies have a deep connection to the earth, right?”

“Twilight nodded. “Yes, they have the strongest connection to the Earth out of all the Three Pony Tribes…well, four.”

“Good, good.” Pinkie nodded approvingly. “And you know how the Thestrals, like Goku and Fast Tracks here, are known for their supernatural connection to earth, and their whacky and out of control magic, right?”

“Uh, yeah, we know that Pinks. In fact, Goku’s showed us plenty of examples thousands o’ times since were fillies.” Applejack replied. “Jus’ what’re you goin on’ ‘bout?”

“What me and her implying, us that we could use me, Fast Tracks, Pinkie, and your connection to the earth to make this entire tree into a ship.” Goku explained, motioning to herself, the farmer, the party pony, and the librarian. “Like Twilight just said, Applejack and Pinkie have the strongest connection to the earth, and as we all know, trees, are part of the earth. So, what I was thinking, was that Pinkie Pie and Applejack could channel their magic through this tree and summon and sink parts of the tree, while me and Fast Tracks get to work to morphing it in a ship. Then, while we’re doing that, Twilight and Rarity can make the sails using the giant leaves that’re at the top of the tree.”

“How are we supposed to do that darling?” Rarity asked, having recovered from the head bonk Storm Shadow gave her. “It’s not like we have any rope that we can use to tie them together as sails.”

“You don’t need to use any rope Rarity.” Fluttershy said. “Applejack and Pinkie Pie can both just summon vines out form the ground and use that as rope. You can even change the size so you’ll be able to hold it in your hooves if you can use it with magic like Twilight and Rarity.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Applejack said, pawing at the tree bark. “We can do that…must’ve slipped mah mind.”

“That does sound like a well though idea there Goku.” Lightning Shadow said, glancing back at the tree. “It’s just that we may have a bit of a problem with leaf sails, since they are at the top of the tree.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that Lightning!” Pinkie said cheerfully. “You just leave that part to good ol’ Pinkie Pie!”

“Well, I guess that settles it then.” Fast Tracks said, clapping his forehooves. “Everypony, stand back! Me, G, Pinkie and Applejack got work to do!”

Everypony else nodded to them as they either trotted and flew away from the Thestrals and Earth Ponies, wanting to give them room. Auras the colors of their bodies appeared making all their eyes glow before they all reared up and simultaneously slammed their forehooves down on the giant tree. Waves of magic washed throughout the giant tree as they covered the it in a bright multicolored aura, thus making it shine as a result. Suddenly, it began to shake violently, and soon started to morph and distort in a way that would seem grotesque if it was an actual living being.

“Oh dear, I think it’s working!” Rarity cried. “This tree is about to undergo a new change!”

“Brace yourselves!” Zephyr shouted, his hooves morphing into claws to grip the wood. “This is gonna be a bumpy ride!”

As he said this, the tree began to morph and shape from that of a tree, to something that could pass off as an actual ship. The first part of the ship to appear was the ship was the keel, which was at the very bottom of the ship, then the rudder, which was at the far back. Next, was the hull, followed by the bow sprit, and the quarter deck in the far top back. Suddenly, two thick pillars of wood burst up from either side of the four ponies creating the ship. These two pillars of wood consisted of the fore mast and the main mast, along with the two topmasts that both had at the top of the pillars of wood. Branches suddenly stuck out from them, six each, all of them enabled for holding the fore topsail, main topsail, mainsail and foresail. The bow sprit was also designed to connect the for stay sail, jib, and the flying jib to the fore mast. Below the main deck, the mast step, forecastle, hold, hatch, keel, and bulkhead formed inside of the castle, thus completing the formation of the ship.

“Oh my goodness…” Blue Skies breathed, her blue eyes wide with awe. “They did it, they actually managed to turn the tree into a ship!”

“You’re damn right they did!” Rainbow Dash grinned widely. “And it looks totally awesome!”

“It really does…Goku really outdid herself this time, along with Fast Tracks, Applejack and Pinkie Pie.” Twilight nodded, talking around the ship and inspecting it closely. As she ran a hoof down the main mast, she heard groaning behind her, and she looked to see the four creators of the ship on the ground in sweating heaps. “Oh no, are you four alright?!”

“Y-yeah, we’ll be okay Twi…” Applejack panted, wiping at her forehead. “Land sakes, now that really took a lotta outta me it did. That was a lot harder than it actually looked.”

“Uh-huh…” Pinkie Pie moaned, sprawled over the farmer. “I’ve morphed big objects before, but never anything this big before. I guess in all of the years that I’ve been working for the cakes, it looks like I had gotten a little rusty.”

“Well, we certainly haven’t that’s for damn sure.” Fast Tracks said, staggering to his hooves as he helped Goku up. “I know that we Thestrals are known for creating objects out of mere earth, thanks to our overwhelming levels of magic, but…jeez that took a lot out of me.”

“You don’t just mean physically and magically, do you?” Goku asked, sucking in deep breaths to calm her rapidly beating heart. Chenoa was hovering beside her, nuzzling in her cheek in some form of comfort. “Because it feels like my head is going to crack like a hatchling popping out of an egg.”

“I’m pretty sure he also means that honey, I can tell just by the look on his face.” Violet Fire replied dryly, walking up behind both Thestrals. “Regardless, both of you did an amazing job, and that goes for you two Pinkie Pie, Applejack.”

“T-thanks…Ah’m glad Ah could help.” Applejack said, looking slightly less tired. “H-hey Goku, c-can Ah have mah hat an’ bandana back now?”

“Huh, oh, right!” Goku nodded, trotting over and setting the Stetson of Applejack’s golden maned head. “There we go, good as new AJ!”

“Thank ya kindly sug-ack!” Applejack began, only to gag as Goku rather tightly wrapped her bandana around her neck. “Not so tight hon’! Ah still need t’ be able t’ breath with this thing.”

“Oops, sorry.” Goku giggled. “Guess I’m not totally out of it.”

“Um girls, I don’t mean to interrupt, but we haven’t quite finished here.” Rarity said. “We still have the sails that we need to make in order for the wind to pull us into the sea.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Twilight replied. “So, the larger branches and leaves are still at the top right?”

“Not exactly.” Pinkie Pie replied, rubbing the back of her head. “When we were creating the ship, the leaves were kind of sucked inside the ship. Don’t worry though, I’ve created a quick way to get them out into the open!”

Storm Shadow raised an eyebrow. “What quick way is that?”

The sound of something popping out from the back of the ship made nearly everypony jump, and they ran to the back of the shop. There, just atop the rudder was a large engine hole that was shooting out gigantic leaves just big enough to be used for sails. The hole continued to let out the leaves for a full ten seconds before it stopped, leaving a huge pile of them on the shore for the ponies to grab.

“Well…that’s one way to do it.” Lightning Shadow muttered. “Anypony gonna go and get those leaves?”

“We will dear!” Rarity said, trotting to the side of the ship. “Me and Twilight are the ones who’ll make the sails after all. I do want to spend a bit more time in that divine water anyway.”

“You’re going to need our vines to do that!” Pinkie Pie said, racing over and diving rump first into the water. After shaking the water from her now wet mane, she looked up and said shouted, “That means you too Jackie!”

Applejack sighed tiredly, adjusting her Stetson and bandana as she walked over to the edge of the ship. “Got it…”

Author's Note

First off, I want to just apologize for not being as clear as I was about the next upcoming chapters in my last authors not about this particular part of the journey :twilightsheepish: . What I meant to say was that I was actually going the splitting this into two parts, since I had a good portion of this little watery adventure thought up and written in my head after I had spent some of last night on it. And, after reaching it to the amount of words that I did, I have officially confirmed to myself that this is going to be a two parter here, mainly for the next character that I'm planning into introduce in the chapter after this :raritywink: . So once again, I apologize if I had confused any of you on that or left you in the dark about this being a two parter :pinkiesmile: .

Also, I'm sure there are a lot of you who're wondering how in the name of Lauren H. Faust herself that some of the ponies in this group were able to make a ship out of the wood from a gigantic tree and sails of out of gigantic leaves, right? Well, as I've mentioned, and as you have seen in all of the previous fights, Applejack and Pinkie Pie's connection to earth allows them to bend it to their will, and not just the dirt, but also the plants all around them, like the vines they like to summon, something that I failed to give out through a good portion of this story :twilightblush: . So this also allows them to bend anything that disconnected to the earth to their will, along with the Thestrals, another thing that they are known for other than their unimaginable control over weather, abundant amounts of magic, and their supernatural strength, speed, and senses :raritywink: . Of course, in this AU, the Thestrals have an even deeper connection to the ground than Earth Ponies do, so Pinks and AJ needed just a little hit of help when changing the giant tree that Goku took out of the forest that nearly squashed them :rainbowlaugh: . Also, this is an idea that I got from the movie Frozen, which is the same movie where I got the idea of Nightmare Moon creating her new castle back in Chapter 13, so if you have forgotten about that part, go back and read that chapter, and hopefully, the creation of the ponies' ship will make al little bit more sense :raritywink: . As for the sails, to put it simply, I made the Everfree Forest a larger version of the Titan Forest from Attack on Titan, rather than just expanding it across the eastern part of the map of Equestria. Except in this AU, its so much bigger than even that, which includes the branches and even the leaves. Add that to the ponies using the vines summoned from the earth as magical plant versions of rope, and...yeah, I don't think it should be that too far off :derpytongue2: .

Well, that's it for right now; the next chapter will appear either today, or tomorrow morning, depending on what else I can put in it for the second part :unsuresweetie: . What I know I will put in for sure, is our brand new surprise character :pinkiehappy: !!!

Chapter 52 - Ranger of the Sky

It took just a little bit longer for the ponies to create the sails needed for the wooden ship, but thanks to Twilight and Rarity’s magic, and the latter’s sewing skills, they managed to get the job done. The only real hard part was lifting the sails up to their designated positions on the shop in order for the wind to move it forward. Which meant the two Unicorns had to lift the large heavy sails high in the air, while Applejack and Pinkie Pie used their vines to tie them up. It took a few tries, but in the end, they eventually managed to get the job done, with some help form the Shadowbolts in the process. Once the sails were formed, they let Mother Nature do the rest of the work, and after a few false pushes, the ship slowly sailed off into the waters. They all then took this time to try to regain some of their strength, having used a good amount of it on their journey. Even so, none of them let down their guards, for they knew anything could pop out of the ocean at any time; they just didn’t know what yet.

“Whoo hoooo, this is so awesome!” Pinkie Pie squealed from the crow’s nest, both her forelegs flailing about. “I can see the entire water from up here!”

“Pinkie Pie, be careful up there!” Rarity shouted from below. “This ship may be big, but there are still certain parts of it that could seriously injure you! So please keep an eye on yourself okay dear?”

“Oh, don’t worry Rarity, just let her be.” Rainbow Dash chuckled, flying beside the alabaster Unicorn. “This is Pinkie Pie you’re talking to here; nothing bad is gonna happen to her! She’ll be just fine up there, and so will the rest of us!”

“That’s easy for you to say Rainbow.” Rarity snorted, turning up her nose. “A majority of the members of our groups are flyers, and can easily fly out of danger! The rest of us are Unicorns and Earth Ponies, and we have to be a bit more vigilant about keeping ourselves safe.”

“Except you don’t really need to.” Rainbow Dash murmured, wrapping a foreleg around Rarity’s neck. “Having a bunch of Pegasi and a couple of Thestrals here with you all is exaclty why I’m saying that we’re going to be okay. Because we’re going to be keeping a close eye on the water, and on you, so if you fall out, we’ll be there to catch you!”

“And if you have any wounds and scars, we’ll also be there to help heal them.” Fluttershy said, landing on the other side of Rarity. “Well, those of us who will be able to use healing powers at least…”

“Well…when you put it like that, that does sound more reassuring.” Rarity murmured, mulling in thought for a moment. “Still, I can’t help but be concerned about what creatures lurk under the depths of this wonderfully divine water.”

“We all are Rarity, ya ain’t th’ only one.” Applejack said, lying on the large vines of one of the sails. “Zephyr was kind enough t’ give us plenty of examples of what could be lurkin’ in those watery depths down there. As Granny Smith always said, never judge an apple by its seeds.”

Goku, who was swinging around the bow sprit by her tail, shouted, “Don’t you mean don’t judge a book my its cover?!”

“Uh, yeah…” Applejack murmured, sweat dropping. “That…”

“I was just about to say that.” Fluttershy said sheepishly. “But it looks like it was said for me…”

“Applejack does make a valid point still.” Twilight said, walking over to the others. “This is the Everfree Forest, and their danger all around, both on the ground, the air, and the sea. We’ve encountered dangers in the sky and on the earth, and even underground…I can only imagine what dangers we’re going to face in the see.”

“Um, Twi, don’t you remember me say that they were?!” Zephyr called to her from behind the steering wheel. “I had explained what kind of creatures that we were going to be facing, those being the Cragadiles, Sharks, Giant Sea Snakes, Octopuses, Giant Squids, Hydras, Sea Serpents, and Dragons!”

“Oh, right sorry Zephyr!” Twilight said, shooting him an apologetic smile. A second later, the last couple of words he said caught up to her, and she shouted, “Wait, Dragons?! You never said that there’d be dragons in these waters!”

“Uh, yeah I did!” Zephyr said with a half-lidded gaze. “Or at least, I tried to, but you interrupted me before I could finish my sentence!”
The embarrassed blush on Twilight’s face grew darker. “Eheheheheh…right, sorry!”

“And you’re saying that we should listen when ponies are talking.” Rainbow Dash said with a snort. “Hypocrite…”

“Hush you!” Rarity hissed, slapping the cyan mare’s face with her tail.

“Zephyr and Applejack both make good points about these waters.” Fluttershy said, making the others turn to her. “There are a multitude of different creatures right under our hooves and this whole ship, each of them equipped with their own arsenal of weapons. The Cragadile and the Sharks with their agility and jaw power, the Octopuses and Giant Squids with their suction cup tentacles and bird-like beaks, the Sea Snakes and their constriction hugs of death, the Hydras and Sea Serpents with their multiple heads and swiping tails…” She shuddered. “...and the giant water dwelling dragons…”

The buttermilk Pegasus suddenly felt a warm webbed wing drape around her, and she looked over to see Goku smiling sweetly at her. “It’s alright Fluttershy, we know how you feel. At this point, we’re all pretty much expecting some other creature to pop out and try to eat us up like the other eight onesthat tried to do so in the forest. My only hope is that we don’t run into the last animal that Zephyr mentioned, that being the water dwelling dragons…now that would be truly bad for all of us.”

“Your damn right that it would be.” Fast Tracks said as he and the Shadowbolts hovered around them. “Coming face to face with a dragon would not be good for any of you, that is if you’re not a Shenron or a Thestral. Too bad that we don’t have the one guy in these seas to protect us all from all of these badass beasts.”

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity asked, raising a brow. “What exactly do you mean by ‘one guy’?”

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Violet Fire asked, giggling a little bit. “There is a famous legend that said to be confined in the Everfree. One that roams the very waters of the forest we’re sailing across right now, never encountered by ponies too afraid to trek in this forest. It’s a legend that, while seeming dangerous, won’t exactly hurt you…if you don’t end up losing your nerve that is.”

“Wait an apple pie cookin’ minute.” Applejack said suddenly, holding a hoof up. “Yer meanin’ t’ tell us that there’s some kind o’ legend here? In the Everfree Forest, th’ most dangerous o’ all o’ th’ wild places known in Equis?”

“Certainly.” Lightning Shadow murmured. “Like Captain Violet just said, this legend is known to live in these very waters, in various parts of the Everfree. Swimming just below the surface in of any boats or ships that happen to be sailing through these waters.”

“Alright, you guys are really staring make me unable to take all this suspense!” Rainbow Dash said, biting her lip in frustration. “Will you please just tell us what this legend is already?!”

For a moment the Shadowbolts all looked at one another, as if debating whether or not they should actually reveal this so called, Everfree Legend. Finally, Storm Shadow broke the silence, and, while looking each of the mares in the eyes, she asked, “Alright…for starters, have any of you heard of the legend of the, ‘Ranger of the Sky?’”

Pinkie Pie suddenly came falling face first right onto the deck, before bouncing back up with a wide grin on her face. “The Ranger of the Sky?! I’ve never heard of anypony like that before! Are they a he or a she?! Can they fly or swim?! Are they a pony like us?!”

“Hold on sweetie, slow down so you can breathe.” Violet Fire chided gently, putting a hoof to Pinkie Pie’s muzzle. “Now to answer all of your questions at once, the Ranger of the Sky is a he, yes he can both swim and fly. Well, he can also walk on earth as well, and no he’s not a pony…at least not entirely.”

This caught Twilight’s interest. “Not entirely a pony? You mean this Ranger of the Sky is a cross between two species, like the Griffons are?”

“Yes, he is.” Lightning Shadow nodded. “Have any of you heard of the elusive Hippogriffs before?”

“The hippo what now?” Applejack asked, wondering if she heard right as Fluttershy gasped.

“Hippo…griff.” Fast Tracks emphasized slowly. “You know, those really cool looking crosses between an eagle and a pony?”

“I’ve heard about those creatures.” Fluttershy said, her eyes wide with recognition. “I read it in one of the many books of legendary creatures that my parents gave me when I was just a filly. Within the pages of those books I found scriptures that foretold a race of majestic Hippogriffs that lived on a vast land of mountains beyond the boarders of our land, and they were said to be known as the masters of both the sky and the sea. They lived in various parts of the southern mountains long ago, but now its seems they have all disappeared, and I'm not sure why. The Hippogriffs have been known to move on one mountain in particular, called Mount Aris, which was mentioned many times in my books, and it seems this mountain has some special significance to them all. The Hippogriffs were said to even have the ability to transform into Seaponies, or merponies to put in more simpler terms.”

“Seaponies?” Rainbow Dash asked, a confused frown on her face. “How in the hay could they do that?”

“Their King and Queen had a pearl that was magical in every sense.” Blue Skies explained. “It’s said that when this pearl used, the magic within it covers the hippogriffs in misty cloaks that’ll turn them into beautiful and regal Seaponies. You don’t have to worry though; it doesn’t hurt at all; the process is said to feel quite pleasurable as a matter of a fact?”

“Pleasurable how?” Rarity asked curiously.

The palomino mare blushed. “I’m not sure…all I do know it’s supposed to feel really, um…good.”

“So…the Hippogriffs of Mount Aris are not only crossing between eagles and ponies, but with this pearl, they can turn into Seaponies too?” Twilight asked, silently wishing she had notes to jot this all down. “I see…and you’re saying that this, ‘Ranger of the Sky’ is just like them?”

“Mhm.” Violet Fire nodded. “It’s the main reason why he’s known to roam these seas, because of his ability to turn into a water breathing creature. Of course, he can also revert back into his Hippogriff form so he can roam the skies and mountains for as long as he wants to.”

“Wait a second!” Applejack said, a thought coming to her. “Y’all jus’ said that with th’ pearl that this here King an’ Queen o’ these Hippogriffs are what’re known for turnin’ th’ rest o’ their kind int’ these water swimmin’ ponies. How can this Sky Ranger possibly do that without the magic o’ this pearl, that don’t make no sense!”

“We were getting to that, but you interrupted us before we could continue.” Blue Skies replied, making Applejack pause and blush in embarrassment. “To answer your question, there are two ways that the Hippogriffs can travel through water without having to use the pearl. First, they’d have to turn into another creature in order for them to be able to travel through the water so they don’t have to worry about drowning, which is something that hippogriffs can do. One that Fluttershy may be more than a little afraid of.”

It didn’t take Fluttershy even two seconds to catch onto what Blue Skies was saying. “Oh…I think I can see.” She said, her tone holding the slightest bit of apprehensiveness. “So…what’s the other way that the h-hippogriffs can travel through the w-water?”

A sudden clap of thunder cut Blue off from her potential answer, and all of the ponies looked up to see storm clouds gathering up into the sky. Just as they turned their attention away from it, they felt a violent bump against the ship, making all of them stumbled about the wood made ship.

“Whoa, did anypony else feel that?” Goku asked, scrambling to her hooves as Chenoa listened out with his ears. “Something just hit the ship just now.”

“Well I certainly felt it.” Rarity replied gravely. “I don’t think that was a rock of sorts either.”

“Same here.” Storm Shadow murmured. “There was no way that could’ve been an underwater rock. If it was, we would’ve either turned the other side or stopped right where we are. I know that there is something lurking from underneath us.”

“What do you think it could be?” Twilight asked as the ship got turned the other way. “It has to be something big.”

“Not sure, but there’s no way I’m gonna let it eat my new friends!” Fast Tracks hissed, before flying over to Zephyr. “Yo Zeph, you’re the steerer and the main leader of this group! What do you want us to do?!”

“Well, I already sense something was underneath the water, so I was already planning.” Zephyr replied, closing his eyes as a sky-blue aura surrounded him. In swirl of magic, he was back in his Ascension Mode, armor, cape and all. “Violet, I want your team to fly around the ship and keep a lookout from below for anything that could pop out from below, or in the sky!”

“Right, come on team!” Violet Fire nodded, before they all took flight.

“Rarity Twilight, you two go the front and the back of the ship!” Zephyr ordered in full guard mode. “You can use your magic to attack and block any creature that comes from those sides of the ship!”

“Got it!” Twilight nodded, as she and Rarity went to their resigned destinations.

“Applejack, Pinkie Pie, you two will take the sides of the ship!” Zephyr commanded. “Your strength should be able to hold back the more powerful creatures here in the sea. Since the tree still has its magic, you should still be able to use it for some form of attack or defense.”

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she and Applejack trotted to the ship’s side.

“Goku, Rainbow, you two will take the crow’s nest!” Zephyr concluded, spinning the steering will about. “It’s the highest point of the ship, so you should be able to see the furthest!”

“On it, come Dash!” Goku saluted before taking off to the highest ship point. As she did so, Pinkie suddenly galloped over to Zephyr, alerting the stallion’s attention.

“P-pinkie, what’re you doing?!” He asked, a bit taken aback. “I thought I told you to guard the left side of the ship!”

“I know!” Pinkie Pie said, digging into her mane. “I just wanted to give you this!”

With a swing of her hoof, Pinkie Pie threw a large Pirate Captain’s had over to Zephyr, this one consisting of a blue and yellow color with a long bright orange feather. The stallion hunched his body as the hat landed on his head after a few spins, before he looked up at it.

“A...Pirate Captain’s hat?” Zephyr asked, both of his ears popping out from either side. “Why the buck do I need this?”

“Uh, duh, cause you’re the captain of this little crew!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Plus, you’re the one commanding the steer, and a higher rank than all of us! So, I think it’s only fair that you should be made captain, and look like one hmhmhm!”

“Just go with it, Zephyr!” Rainbow Dash shouted from above. “Its just Pinkie being Pinkie!”

“…Okay?” Zephyr murmured, raising a brow. “I don’t see a reason for the had to be included, but alright.”

Another hard crash into the ship from below alerted the royal blue stallion back to the situation at hoof, and he scanned the waters for anything down below. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Twilight watched from front, back, and sides, while the flyers watched from above. Splashes of water crashed against the ship, due to the water swaying so strongly, both from the wind, and from whatever creature that was prowling around the ship. For minutes that seemed to stretch on forever, there was nothing, and for just a brief moment the group though that the creature had left them alone.

Then, all thirteen ponies felt themselves either meeting the ground or about to as something slammed into the ship from the bottom. They all screamed as the wooden ship was sent flying into the air and sailing across it. Those that were calm enough to know what to do grabbed the sides of the ship or the vines tying the sails together to keep from falling into the sea. Some of them didn’t react in time, and found themselves flying through the air towards the water where the creature was waiting. Luckily the flyers of the group saw them falling towards certain death, and they caught them before they could meet their end.

“Holy bucking shit!” Fast Tracks yelled as he met the others down below. “That was bucking insane?!Did the rest of you guys see that shit?!”

“Y-yeah…w-w-we did…!” Blue Skies whimpered, looking as white as a sheet. “A-and it was so h-huge!”

“Huge?!How ‘bout addin’ bein’ as strong as buck behind it?!” Applejack asked, trying to stand on wobbly hooves. “Whatever that thing was, it catapulted us int’ th’ air like it was nothin’! Ah am so glad that this ain’t just a regular wooden ship! If it was, it probably would’ve broken in half jus’ by that hit alone!”

“No kidding.” Rainbow Dash snorted. “Problem is, we still don’t know what it was that attacked us so we can kick its ass!”

“Um, Rainbow Dash…” Storm Shadow said, looking rather worried. “I don’t think we’re going to have much luck fighting this particular creature.”

Suddenly, Lightning Shadow gasped and screamed, “LOOK OUT; SCATTER!”

Everypony looked to where lightning shadow was pointing and immediately saw why. A gigantic tail, the size of the ship, was sailing towards them. Their eyes widened when they saw the blue tail blade at the end, and all went in opposite directions to avoid being sliced. Well all of them except for Applejack, who looked to be too stunned by the sight to get to safety.

“APPLEJACK!” Pinkie Pie screamed as she scrambled to rescue the farmer from being sliced in two. Just as she reached her and took her in her forelegs, a blue bur came in between them and the tail blade, preventing both mares from getting cut in half.

“Zephyr!” Twilight and Goku cried in unison.

Zephyr growled loudly as he grabbed the side of the edge sharp blade, both of his forehooves having turned into draconic claws. With an explosive roar, a pillar of flames shot out from under him and traveled down the tails starting from the blade. This in turn caused a series of pain to shoot through the creature, as evident by the roar of pain that shot throughout the air. With a swift jerk, the tail pulled away and crashed back into the water.

“Father Shenron Almighty!” Zephyr panted as he collapsed onto his rump. “That was way too close for comfort! Are the two of you okay?!”

“Uh, y-yeah, we’re fine!” Pinkie Pie cried, gulping. “Still, that was so close I almost felt that one!”

“Same here! Ah really thought I’d be turned into apple slices!” Applejack shuddered, looking up at Zephyr. “You okay there, hon’?”

“Yeah, I’m just glad the two of you are okay.” Zephyr said staggering back to his feet. He picked up his Captain’s hat and adjusted it back on his head. “Still though, that was one huge tail! Now I know that is not some Giant Sea Snake!”

“N-no…i-it’s not.” Fluttershy said with a whimper, sounding like she had just woken up from a nightmare. All eyes turned to her, and they jumped back upon seeing the petrified look on her face, as if she was seeing her greatest fear. “L-look…!”

Following the line of Fluttershy’s gaze, everypony felt their minds all but shut down at the sight that they were seeing before him. There, slowly emerging from the water with streams of the liquid falling from its scaly body, was probably the biggest water dragon they had ever seen. It was clearly a water dragon, as evident by the gills on the sides of its scaly reptilian face and the curved barracuda like teeth that it was baring at them. The water falling from its aquatic blue skin made it shine in the moon’s pale light as its pale blue eyes blazed down at them hungrily, its snake-like tongue slithering across its lips. The shadows of its massive wings spanned over the entire ship as its massive webbed claws gripped its side, it’s bladed tail swaying behind it as its neck, elbow, and back spines glinted at the tips.

“Oh shit!” Rainbow Dash cried; her pupils contracted. “Now that is one big dragon!”

“That is not just a dragon!” Violet Fire shouted from above. “That is a water dragon, a dragon designed for life in the water rather than just the air and ground! You can tell just by the color of its skin and the gills it has in between its cheeks!”

“And I’m sure that all of you guys know, as with any dragon, they can breathe fire!” Fast Tracks added. “Which means, we are more or less basically screwed!”

“Not unless we can counter its attacks when they’re thrown.” Lightning Shadow said, trying to calm the light brown stallion. “We’ve managed to make it this far, so i don’t doubt we’ll be able to get past this.”

“Except that it’s going to be particularly harder this time.” Storm said softly, rubbing her striped forelegs. “If our Ascension Modes don’t work against him, we’ll have no choice but to take out our trump cards.”

Blue Skies frowned at her team. “W-will we really have to do that now? H-here? Even when we haven’t gotten to Nightmare Moon yet?”

The water dragon suddenly let out a deafening roar and it moved away from the ship, the force making the water behind it rise up in massive waves. Opening its mouth, azure blue light could be seen growing within it, and everypony immediately knew what was about to happen.

“HE’S FIRING!” Zephyr yelled, racing towards the ship’s left side. “INCOMING EVERYPONY!”

The water dragon’s blast of bright blue fire erupted form its mouth just as Zephyr gave out that command with an explosive blast. The stream of flames rushed at the ship at such a speed that it actually split the water apart at the surface. Zephyr, who was his Ascension Mode, raced to the side of the ship and summoned a giant sphere in the same form as his Cutie Marks. Luckily, it came just as the flames were about to connect, and a shockwave ripped through the waters as ripples were sent through it. The ship got pushed back even more as the stallion blocked the attack from the giant reptilian, even as its heat began to sweep over him.

“Zephyr!” Twilight cried, rushing over to the stallion. “Get away from there before you get burned!”

“No chance in Tartarus Twilight!” Zephyr yelled over the flames. “If I move, this dragon is going to burn the entire ship along with us on it! I’ve got to get this shield up until he stops or one of us gets the drop on him!”

“But Zephyr, you might get-!” Twilight tried to protest again, but Goku grabbed her and held her back.

“You’re not going to be able to stop him Twilight, you should know that already!” She hissed as she grabbed at the Unicorn’s horn. “And don’t even think of trying to use your magic to try to bring him back or block the attack! Because it’s not going to work, and you’re only going to get us all killed if you do!”

Twilight whimpered in defeat. “B-but Zephyr might…”

“He’s not going to die, okay?!” Goku yelled, her authoritive tone rending the librarian silent as a rock. “Zephyr’s made it this far fighting the animals in this forest, and don’t forget, he can also chance into a dragon himself! For Celestia’s sake, just have faith in him like he’s doing for us!”

“Hold on you guys, I know what to do!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flying away from the ship and towards the water dragon. “I’m gonna give that giant lizard a nice good wallop to the face! I know that will teach him a lesson!”

“Rainbow NO!” Rarity shouted desperately, reaching her hoof out.

“GET THE FUCK BACK HERE!” Fast Tracks yelled taking off after the foolish cyan mare.

Their pleas and protests fell on deaf ears sadly, and they could only watch as Rainbow soared towards the giant fire-breathing dragon. Miraculously, she was able to get to the reptile before it took notice of her, and she whirled around to give it a swift kick to the face. While it didn’t do a whole lot of damage to the beast, it did disrupt its attack. Which allowing Zephyr to out down his shield, even as he was blown back onto the deck. The blue water drake glared at the mare, and then proceed to wipe the grin right off her face by back clawing her away. The force was so great that it sent her zooming away at high speed, and would crashed into one of the masts had Fast Tracks not caught her and cushioned the crash.

“Goddammit Rainbow Dash what the buck were you thinking?!” Fast Tracks shouted angrily, baring his teeth at the athlete. “That was an incredibly stupid move you pulled there!”

Rainbow Dash groaned, coughing up some blood as she struggled to get to her hooves. “I-I’m sorry Fast…I-I-I d-didn’t think t-that he’d hit me t-that hard. I-I really t-thought t-that I had got a g-good hit in.”

“Well you can obviously see that hit was nothing more than a hoof flick t’ him!” Applejack shouted, stomping a hoof on the wooden deck. “What in tarnation was your blue dumbass thinkin’ RD?! Ya could’ve gotten killed, or eaten, up, or worse, burned into a fritter!”

“D-don’t you mean b-burned to a c-crisp?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising a brow as she leaned against the foremast.

“Ah know what Ah said ya ass!” Applejack shouted, her head gaining a tick mark. “It’s a figure of speech goddammit!”

The sound of roaring and water splashing alerted the two mares to the water dragon that was now swimming towards them. Its eyes blazed as its aquatic wings flapped in rhythm with its swimming, thus making it go faster. The thunder above them and the drake clapped loudly to the point where it was deafening, and the flashes emitting from it made the water dragon look even more menacing.

“That’s enough fighting for now you two! We have a dragon trying to burn and drown us alive remember?!” Zephyr said, staggering back to his feet. “If we don’t get our heads in the game, it’s gonna be an advantage for this drake, and he’ll use that to try to overwhelm us even more!”

Twilight ran to Zephyr’s side with Rarity in tow. “Zephyrs right girls, we need to beat this dragon before it kills us! If even one of us gets killed, it’s over for not only us, but for Celestia, Ponyville and all of Equestria!”

“Twilight, I hate to burst your bubble, but this isn’t matter of us winning or losing.” Goku said in a grave tone. “It’s a matter of us getting out alive…and I don’t think this dragon is going to give us enough to even do that.”

“As if he didn’t already try to drown us before we could even think of coming up with an escape plan!” Rarity said in an overly despaired tone, collapsing down on the deck. “Oh, if only we had some sort of saving grace that could just swoop down and save is before we become dragon meat for this ruffian!”

Fluttershy, who was tending to Rainbow Dash, glared at Rarity disapprovingly, and looked to be ready to reprimand her, only for her ears to suddenly perk up. She looked up into the grey filled sky as bolts and flashes of bright blue lightning burst from the clouds, some of them striking the water, causing it to crash against the ship. If that wasn’t strange enough, her sharp ears picked up the sound of what seemed to be a hawk or an eagle’s screeching echoing in the sky.

‘Something’s off here…’ Fluttershy thought as she continued to observe the sky. ‘The lightning bolts…they’re not that the golden white color they usually are…they’re a bright blue. Those are definitely magical lightning bolts, which means that there’s a creature roaming above us.’ She closed her eyes and continued to listen out for the screeches she was hearing. ‘Yes, there is a creature of flight here…but it doesn’t sound like a Shinomōkin, but something else. Something even bigger than that.’

The water dragon’s loud anger filled roaring snapped Fluttershy out of her contemplation of the strange sounds happening in the air. She looked over, and her eyes widened when she saw the Shadowbolts each of them in their Ascension Modes surrounding the aquatic drake. The water rose and splashed in violent bursts, crashing onto the ship and moving back, though the dragon kept trying to swim towards them to get to the others.

“Sorry sweetie, but there is no way that I’m going to let you get to them!” Violet Fire shouted as she inhaled deeply. “Fire Pegasus Knight: Scorching Whinny!”

Black and purple flames burst out of the ebony mare’s mouth and met the water dragon’s face in a violet slam. It roared loudly as the flames quickly heated and started to burn at the scales on its body, but it was quickly to retaliate. Just as the stream of flames ended, the water dragon shot a bolt of azure fire that zoomed and slammed into Violet Fire in the blink of an eye. A loud scream emitted from her as she spiraled through the air, and she found herself falling right into the water.

“Captain!” Fast Tracks shouted, racing towards the spot where Violet had fallen. Thankfully, she was seen floating, so he didn’t have to dive to get her out. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m alright.” Violet said, stretching her wings as Fast Tracks lifted her out. “Wow that fire burnt when it hit me! Of course, I was expecting it…still doesn’t make it any less hot though.”

“Yeah, it really doesn’t.” Fast Track said dryly, watching as the water dragon swam at the ship where the others were. “That giant scaly bastard…he’s gonna pay for that!”

Before Violet could stop him, the light brown Thestral shot off towards the dragon just as it was reaching the ship. Just was it was about to swipe at the masts with its right claw, Fast had come in and delivered a powerful uppercut to its chin. This left the drake in a daze as its head crashed into the water, causing a wave of it to rise and crash right onto the ships deck.

“Take that you overgrown lizard!” He shouted, baring his fangs. “That’s what you get for nearly burning my captain to a crisp!”

The dragon’s head suddenly burst out from the water and turned to glare at Fast Tracks, teeth bared in a rumbling snarl. With a roared it whirled its body around, its tail slamming right into the side of the ship and causing it to spin before crashing back in the water.

“Whoa, this is such a super-duper awesome ride we’re on!” Pinkie cheered, doing loop de loops on one of the vines. “I’ve never had this much fun in all of my life!”

“Stay focused Pinkie Pie!” Zephyr shouted from the steering platform. “I get that your enjoying this, but you need to be careful! All of that spinning you’re doing may end up sending you flying off the ship if that dragon crashes into us again!”

“While it’s not sendin’ me shooting off int’ an apple orchard…” Applejack began, her face going green as she held a hoof to her muzzle. “…it is making me a might sick right now.”

“Oh no, no, no, no, no, please no!” Rarity groaned through her curtain of a wet mane. “Please tell me that you are not getting motion sickness Applejack!”

“It looks like she is.” Twilight said worriedly. “All of that crashing that the dragon is doing against our ship must be taking a toll on her.”

“More like makin’ me feel as if Ah had eaten a bunch of expire apple cider.” Applejack muttered as she leaned on the side of the ship. “Anymore o’ this, an’ Ah’ll…urk!”

“Don’t worry Applejack, I’m sure that it won’t be for very long.” Fluttershy said, wrapping a warm wing around the mare’s back. “The Shadowbolts will take care of all of this before you know it, you’ll see.”

The farmer groaned, leaning her head into Fluttershy’s chest fluff. “Ah hope so…” she said as Fluttershy rubbed her stomach.

“Lightning Thestral Knight: Electric Wing Attack!” Fast Track shouted, shooting multiple slices of lightning at the water dragon. The giant drake used its large wings to block them, but the bolts ended up electrocuting him anyway, the lightning also shooting through the water. The dragon let out loud roar before it fell back first into the water, its wings sprawled out into the air as its tail swung about. After laying in a daze for a few moments, the water dragon burst out of the water and flew at the Thestral stallion.

“Fast Tracks, get out of the way!” Lightning Shadow said as she and Storm descended towards their teammate. “We’re gonna take it from here!”

“Got it!” Fast Tracks nodded, flying back towards the ship. “I hope your ready big guy, because you’ve got a date with the Shadow Twins!”

The water dragon roared at Fast Tracks, and began to fly after him, only for Fast Tracks to shoot a bolt of lightning at the reptile. It sent the aquatic beast crashing into the water, the waves of it rising so high it drenched some of the other Shadowbolts. As quickly as last time, the dragon recovered, and was about to blast at him with its fire, when the Shadow Twins came in.

“Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Shadow Explosion!” Lightning shouted, blasting the dragon with the wave of black magic. This time, it saw the attack coming, and used one of its massive wings to shield itself from the stream of darkness. With a growled it flared both of its wings out, and sent the attack in the other direction. Just as it was launching itself at the light grey mare, her twin came flying to her rescue.

“Dark Pegasus Knight: Dark Shadow Neigh!” Storm Shadow yelled, her breath attack slamming in the water dragons face. It lifted its forelegs to block the attack, before using one of its wings to once more deflect the attack, before the dragon did so as well. Spinning around, it swung its massive tail towards the two mares, but Violet Fire suddenly shot down and slammed herself in it.

“Not so fast, you’re getting the drop on us that easily!” The ebony mare shouted, shooting a blast of flames at the dragon’s tail. “Blue Skies, go on and finish it!”

Looking up, the rest of the Shadowbolts went wide eyes upon seeing a large sphere of blue wind swirling up within the sky. Though it was hard to see, the form of Blue Skies was right under it, her hooves raised above her head as her armored shined in the lightning flashes.

“Don’t worry Captain Violet, I’m not it!” Blue Skies shouted from down below. “I’m gonna send this dragon deep in the sea, and then we can make our escape!”

“It looks like they’re wrapping this up here.” Zephyr murmured adjusting the hat on his head. “I have to admit, that was a bit quicker than expected. Then again, these are the Shadowbolts, so I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Uh-oh, this parties gonna blow!” Pinkie Pie screamed, running about the ship. “Everypony take cover!”

“Pinkie, I don’t think we need to worry that much.” Rainbow Dash said calmly. “Blue Skies isn’t really aiming that close to the ship. The most likely thing that’s gonna happen is that we’re all going to be drenched in water…again.”

“And what, may I ask is so bad about that?” Rarity asked. “Are you telling me that you wouldn’t want to bask in that wonderful crystal divine water again?”

“I think Rainbow is implying that she doesn’t want to get nearly burnt alive again.” Twilight said, her own wet mane clinging to her face. “Then again, I can see the other point your making too.”

“Um, you guys…” Fluttershy murmured, still holding a green faced Applejack as she looked up at the giant sphere of blue wind. “I think we may want to take cover anyway.”

“Alright, everypony, please move out of the way! This one is going to be big!” Blue shouted, preparing to attack. “Sky Pegasus Knight: Brilliant Slicing Wind Bomb!”

The other Shadowbolts made a break for the ship just as Blue Skies unleashed her attack, the giant sphere of wind diving straight for the water dragon. She made a break for the ship just as the water dragon rose from the water and saw the attack coming. The water dragon roared as the wind sphere slammed into it, immediately exploding into a flock of slicing wind that sliced all throughout the air and the water. Thanks to their expertise in evading attacks, Blue Skies and her team had no problem keeping themselves from being sliced in midair. They were all soon at the ship and the all took cover from the magical wind slices as the waves of the water crashed into the ship. They stayed like that for several long moments, and only when they were sure that all was quiet again, did they dare take a peek at the water.

“Is…is it gone?” Rarity whimpered. “Oh, please tell me that it’s is gone now! I do not want to have another jump scare from that beast!”

“Well, the waters are calm, and I don’t see any spines anywhere.” Goku said, observing the waters closely. “I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that dragon is down for the time being.”

“Which means that he could come back up at any minute…or moment, given how fast he’ll recover form that last attack.” Violet Fire said urgently. “Is everypony ready to go now?”

“W-wait a minute…” Applejack groaned, laying in Fluttershy’s lap. “W…where’s Pinkie Pie?”

“Oh, she went down to the bulkhead of the ship.” Zephyr replied before anypony could grow too concerned. “She wanted to get the engine she made ready for when we, and I quote, “go sailing across the air like party cannon confetti.””

Twilight paled. “Wait, for when we what?”

A violent clap of thunder, followed by several bursts of lightning drew the thirteen ponies’ eyes up to the sky and the clouds that covered it. Multiple sets of blue lightning bolts shot out from the sky, some of them just striking air, while others struck the water. While none of them struck the ship itself, wind blowing around them, and the clouds swirling from above gave them all an uneasy feeling in the pits of their guts.

“Oh dear…” Lightning Shadow said in an uneasy sing song voice. “It looks like we’re about to have a little scuffle with Mother Natura.”

“More like she’s going to tear us a new asshole for messing with so many of her kiddies.” Fast Tracks gulped. “Not that I’d blame her if that were really the case.”

“Crap, we gotta get going now!” Rainbow Dash shouted, biting her lip fearfully. “Where the buck is Pinkie Pie?!”

Right at that moment, a door to the floor of the ship burst open, and all eyes turned to see a widely grinning Pinkie Pie. “Alright guys, the Party Cannon Engine is ready to fire! On your cue Captain Zephyr; just use the wholes I left in the steering wheel, channel the magic in, and we’ll be good to go!”

“Got it, thanks Pinkie!” Zephyr shouted, jamming his hooves into said holes. “Alright everypony, prepare for take o-”

The Solar Royal Guard was cut off when he felt something slam into the ship with such a force that nearly everypony almost fell off of the ship. Thanks to his hooves being inside the steering wheel, Zephyr was able to keep himself from being flown away. Alas, that did nothing to quell his terror upon seeing the dragon on the right side of the ship rather than the left.

“Oh dear…” Fluttershy whimpered, wrapping Applejack in a protective embrace. “He’s back…”

“SON OF A BITCH!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “He’s back up already?! How in the hay was this damn lizard able to recover so fast?!”

“Rainbow, you do realize that this is a dragon, do you not?!” Rarity shrieked. “Attacks like that, no matter what the scale, is always something that these beasts will be able to recover from in what seems like no time at all! Why do you think they labeled as the most dangerous creatures anypony can come across?!”

“Um, girls, is now really the time for you to be debating bow powerful dragons are?!” Goku shouted, watching as the dragon ascended into the air. “We’re about to get blown away if we don’t do something!”

“Not if I can help it!” Zephyr shouted, galloping to the right side of the ship. “Pinkie, I’m leaving you in charge of our escape! And hurry, before the dragon makes its mark again!”

“Okie Dokie Lokie Zephie!” Pinkie nodded, bouncing over to the steering wheel.

“Zephyr wait a minute!” Twilight shouted, running over to the stallion.

“Don’t even think about trying to stop me Twilight!” Zephyr growled menacingly. “Did you forget what almost happened last time when you-”

“I’m not trying to stop you!” The librarian cut him off. “I’m helping you!”

Zephyr paused. “W-what?”

“You heard her darling.” Rarity cooed trotting along the other side of Zephyr. “We’re both going to help you.”

“I don’t think you’ll have enough time guys!” Fast Tracks shouted. “He’s already firing!”

Just as this was said, the dragon roared as it shot a huge stream of azure fire at the ship, this one being as twice as big as the first one it made. It went at such a speed that it was inevitably apparent that Zephyr, Twilight, and Rarity would not make it in time.

‘No! We won’t make it in time!’ Zephyr screamed in his head. ‘We’re gonna get blown away!’

“EVERYPONY TAKE COVER!” Storm Shadow screamed. “BRACE FOR IMPACT!”

Right as it looked like the stream of fire was about to blow the ship to wooden smithereens, a saving grace came for them all. Through the swirl of storm clouds, a lightning bolt bigger than any that was ever seen tore out of the sky. Its azure blue form soared passed the ship, right in between the foremast and mainmast and towards the stream of fire, and clashed with it. The shockwave that emitted from it blew the ship away from the dragon as its stream of fire was deflected and shot the other way.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Did you guys just see that just now?!”

“Yeah, we sure did!” Goku said, her cat-like eyes looking like they were going to fall out of their sockets. “And it was huge!”

“W-w-where did it come from?!” Blue Skies cried. “T-that bolt came from the side of the ship, not from above! S-so that means some kind of bird or animal must’ve shot it!”

“Oh, please don’t tell me it’s that Shinomōkin again!” Fast Track groaned. “As fun as it was to battle that guy, I really don’t wanna get electrocuted to that caliber again!”

Rarity reached over and gentle tapped him on the shoulder. “N-no darling…it’s not.”

An ear spitting of an eagle and a hawk drew all their attention to the stormy skies, only to be met with a sight that froze all their nerves. There, descending down from the thunder clapping skies, was what could only be described as a raptor of thunder and lightning. Its blazing azure eyes shined so bright that it blinded the sailing ponies, lightning bolts jetting out of its storm coated wings and body. Its crest, tail feathers, claws, and beak gleamed a bright purple and blue color gleamed within the thundering sky as it soared towards the waters. As if its giant appearance wasn’t shocking enough, what the creature did next completely blew the ponies away.

It spoke.

“DON’T TAKE ONE STEP FURTHER, DRAKE OF THE SEAS!” It bellowed, his voice echoing about the vast waters. “YOU SHALL NOT HARM THESE SAILERS ONE MOMENT FURTHER!”

“Whoa nelly!” Applejack yelled, jumping to her hooves. “Did…did that thing just talk?! Or Ah’m a goin’ crazy right now?!”

“I think it did Jackie!” Pinkie squealed, grinning widely. “He really did just speak, and it sounded so incredible!”

“W-what even is that thing?!” Rarity cried, holding onto one of the rope vines. “And why is it ignoring us and going after that dragon?!”

“I have no idea, that that is definitely not an Everfree animal!” Fluttershy shouted through the swirling wind. “And I don’t think that he’s here to eat us either!”

As if to prove her point, the giant thunderous bird flared its gigantic wings as the water dragon slammed into him, presumably trying to get to the ponies. The dragon roared loudly, driving its claws deep where the raptor’s neck, before chomping on the other side. The raptor screeched as it swung around in the air with the reptile their wings clashing against one another as they fought not to fall into the sea.

The raptor then sent an electrocute volt throughout the dragon at the least expected moment, causing it to roar and rip itself away. While it was dazed it, the raptor sent a breath of lightning at the aquatic reptile, before coming in and driving its four-talon legs into it. The dragon let out a roar of pain as the talons sunk into its flesh, before it felt water wash over it as the raptor sent it splashing hard into it.

“My Celestia…he’s actually fighting that beast!” Rarity cried; her eyes wide with awe. “And he’s winning! H-how is that even possible for a beast like…that?!”

“Don’t know and don’t care! He’s helping us from getting burned to a crisp, and that’s all that matters right now!” Fast Tracks shouted. “Yo, Pinkie, are you starting that engine or what?!”

“On it!” Pinkie Pie shouted, jamming her hooves into the holes of the steering wheel. Before she could start channeling her magic in, the ship was rocked once again into a spinning mess that prevented their escape. “Whoa, what happened?!”

“That varmint…he blew a blast o’ fire at th’ ship!” Applejack growled with a hoof stomp. “There ain’t no way he’s lettin’ us leave easily! Even with that other one tryin’ t’ rip his scales off!”

“Um, Applejack, you heard the raptor speaking, didn’t you?” Storm Shadow asked. “And it was without a doubt male too. The least you can do is call this raptor by its gender instead of by all of those rather crude names.”

“Thank you!” Goku cried. “I was just about to say that!”

The sound of sword clashing drew everypony’s attention back to the fight between the two beasts, and they watched in amazement as they dueled. The raptor and dragon swung at one another with their tails, causing large sparks to fly in the air. Their claws gripped and slashes at each other as they tried to gut each other, but only one side was gaining any luck. As they flew through the air, they released giant breath attacks of their attacks at one another, causing a massive shockwave throughout the air and the water.

At some point in the fight, the raptor gained the upper claw in the fight, before anypony knew it, multiple bolts of lightning were being shot at the water dragon. As it sailed through the air, the raptor collided with the reptile, before slashing at it with his large bladed tail, and slashing it right in its stomach. In a final finishing move, soared towards the drake and grabbed it by both of its forelegs, spinning it around as it were an egg.

In a final finishing move, it sent on last blast of lightning at the sailing water dragon, watching as it exploded in midair and flew a good distance away from both himself and the ship with a loud splash. A few moments later, the dragon popped out of the water for the final time, but instead of attacking, it shot a deafening roar at the storm coated raptor. With that, it spun around, and dived headfirst into the water, letting its tail raise in the air for two seconds, before it slammed down into the water and vanished into the depths below.

With the dragon gone the giant four-legged raptor gave out one last shriek as it ascended into the sky, its vast wings spreading wide as its entire body shined blue. In a flash of blue and a clap of thunder, the creature vanished into the sky, leaving a stream of lightning in its wake.

“Whoa…now that was sick!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her jaw unhinged. “He just threw that giant dragon like it was nothing!”

“Eeyup, he sure did.” Applejack murmured. “Though, Ah don’t think it really hurt him all that much. Well…other than them nasty claw slashes he gave him.”

“Well, that was a dragon we were fighting that was trying to kill us, so even those injuries won’t slow him down in the least.” Storm Shadow said softly, looking up at the sky. “What I want to know is…where did that giant raptor go?”

“I have no idea honey, but I do know that he’s still somewhere around here.” Violet Fire replied knowingly. “The sky is still grey, and there’s still lightning coming out from it too.”

“D-do you think he’s gonna come back?” Blue Skies asked apprehensively. “I-I mean, not that I’m not grateful for him saving us, b-but, I really don’t wanna get electrocuted.”

“Um, Blue, I think it’s a little late to wish for that.” Zephyr said, his voice shaking slightly.

Twilight glanced over at her foalhood friend worriedly. “Why is that?”

Another burst of lightning answered Twilight’s question as giant blue one came rocketing down towards the ship. The gang went wide eyed with horror as it came soaring down towards them, the screech of an eagle following afterward.

“Cause there a bolt coming right for us!” Pinkie Pie screeched. “Everypony duck!”

The warning came just in time as the lightning bolt crashed in between the main mast and the foremast of the ship, lightning shooting everywhere. Everypony expected to get electrocuted on the spot, but instead of pain, they felt a surprising coolness and warmth coat them. It was as if the surges of lightning were protecting them any of the dangers they were all currently sailing under. This went on for a bit, before the shining source of the lightning dimmed, revealing to all an absolutely stunning sight.

Standing in the middle of the magically morphed ship, lightning coating his entire body was the most mythical looking creature the ponies has ever saw. It, or rather, he, was a cross between a hawk and a pony, with a cyan blue coat, as blue as the sky whenever it was daytime. His mane and tail consisted of feathers instead of hair, both of them being deep indigo and violet color, one thick bang framing his face. His eyes were a glowing azure blue color, the pupils gleaming a pure white, and his beak and claws being azure blue as well. The creatures majestic looking pair of wings spanned to a size bigger than even Goku’s, being a combination of its fur, mane, eye, and even pupil color. His lower pony was that of a pony, the hooves being a pure white in color, and the inside of his ears and the base of his tail had feathers as well. Lastly, right onto his back, was the tattoo of a winged blue panther in an attack position, and a pair of white earrings could be seen hanging from his ears.

‘Wait, earrings?’ Goku, staring at the appendages expectantly. Once the lightning had vanished from the creature, the tan Thestral noticed the appendages he had on his ears, and she gasped in shocked disbelief. ‘No way…are…are those the-?!’

“Sorry about the sudden scary entrance, young sailors.” The creature said in an intelligent, regal and powerful tone. “I didn’t see any other way that I could get here without you thinking that I was coming to attack you.”

“W-what?” Twilight asked, confusion taking over her shock. “W-what’re you talking about?”

“Oh, don’t tell me that you’ve already forgotten?” The creature said with a chuckle. “Did you not see my form of the giant raptor that was fighting that water dragon just a few seconds ago?”

“Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa, wait!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “That thing was you?!”

The hybrid creature nodded. “Indeed, it was, that wonderful creation of the skies was one of my many forms.” He replied; swishing his tail skirt about. “I must admit, I was thinking about going into the form that would’ve matched that dragon’s, but I guess the last form was good enough.”

“W-what form were going to go in?” Fluttershy asked gently. “Wait no, I’m sorry, what I meant to ask was…a-are you a…hippogriff?”

“Oh, so you figured out what I was did you?” The hippogriff stallion asked, grinning as his beak gleamed as brightly as his eyes. “What was it that gave it away?”

“Long story short, her parents used to tell her stories about Hippogriffs.” Zephyr replied, taking a few steps closer to the hippogriff. “I did to, and judging just by the way you look, I know for a fact that you are one.”

“Well, it’s rather hard not two.” The hippogriff replied, glancing up at Zephyr’s had before locking eyes with him. “I’m assuming that you’re the Captain of this ship?”

Before Zephyr could reply, Applejack stepped in. “B’fore we git onto that, Ah wanna know somethin’ that Ah’m sure all o’ us want to know right now.” She leaned up almost too close to the hippogriff and looked him dead in the eye. “Jus’ who in th’ hay are you?”

“Applejack, don’t get so close to the dear!” Rarity chided, grabbing the farmer by her tail with her magic and pulling her back. “I know you want to know who he is, but you don’t have to get right up in his face to do it! There is such a concept as personal space!”

“That’s right Applejack, there are other ways to get to know somepony without trying to be so intimidating, which almost never works.” Goku hissed, cuffing the Earth Pony on the back of her head, before turning to the hippogriff. “Sorry about that sir, some of my friends can be pretty invasive…would you please be so kind as to tell us who you are?”

“Oh, that’s quite alright my dear, I’ve met a fine share of individuals who’re like your friend, and I know that it won’t be the last.” The hippogriff said, waving a dismissive claw. “Now, as for my name, I go by many. The Azure Eagle, the Azure Panther, and sometimes the Azure Dragon, but if you want to address me in a more affectionate manner, you may call me, Sky Ranger.”

Each of the Shadowbolts gasped at the last two words, drawing the attention of Zephyr and the seven mares. They stepped back a bit upon seeing their wide eyes and jaw dropped facing, with a couple of them even shaking on their hooves. Concern well up in the other eight members of the group, but before they could vocalize it, Fast Tracks spoke.

“Wait…did you say Sky Ranger…as in Sky Ranger Kaminarinoraion Shizensoshiryu?!” The light brown Thestral asked, earning a nod from the amused hippogriff. “N-no way…t-then that means you’re the…t-t-the-!”

Sky Ranger smiled at the group, flaring his pair of four wings as his earrings glinted in the moonlight. “Yes, my little ponies. I am the master of the skies and the seas of this mysterious yet absolutely magnificent Eden of land, with a good portion of the earth as well." His azure eyes glowed as he took a step forward. "Though, I am more ironically and commonly known as…the Ranger of the Sky.”

Author's Note

Well, there it is everypony, the big surprise that you have all been waiting for since the last two blogpost that I made on this part of the girls' adventure :scootangel: !!! Now, before any of you ask this, yes, I did get this idea for the new character from the MLP Movie, when the Mane Six traveled to Mount Aris to gain help from the Hippogriffs in order to defeat the Storm King before he took over Equestria entirely :raritywink: . I loved that movie from start to finish, from the animation, to the adventure, to the songs, to the hippogriffs, all the way to the ending song from Songbird Serenade herself :yay: !!! The one of the reasons for this is that I wanted to have some other verbal character fill in the place for that overdramatic yet polite sea monster Steven Magnet...well, at least for the time being anyway, even though Sky Ranger will have more eventual appearances :raritywink: . Now, don't get me wrong on this, I do like Steven Magnet, and I think that he's a cool guy but...I really don't like the fact that he's a sea monster. I just really don't like his design...nothing against any type of sea monster but...it just really doesn't suit my tastes :applejackunsure: . All tastes in designs aside, I may have that guy appear sometime in between the next few chapters of this first story, but if not, we'll just stick with having Sky Ranger resigning within the Everfree Forest; I'm gonna have to think on it before going back to the part of the girls adventure through the waters :twilightsmile: . Also, I'm sure that all of you are wondering about the four wings that Sky Ranger has on him, something that you wouldn't normally find on a winged creature. I won't give any spoilers, but I will explain things in due time :pinkiesmile: . Just be prepared for what you're going to find out about Sky Ranger's majestic, yet unusual appearance :rainbowderp: .

Well, thats it for now everypony; sorry I couldn't stick to posting this chapter in the morning if that's what you were expecting :fluttershysad: . It would seem that ending this chapter, and introducing Sky Ranger was a bit more harder than I thought it'd be... :ajsleepy: . Well, regardless of that, let me know what you think of this chapter, and stay tuned for a revisit back to Ponyville :pinkiehappy: !!!

Chapter 53 - Dukes of Death and Slicers of Wind

Crimson Skies Kyuketsuki never felt so much terror in she ever had in her life than she did at this very moment and time. For a mare that was pretty easily frightened and scared it came as to no surprise that she was. When she had first signed up to be a member of the Shadowbolts, she had expected the training and the areas she’d do so would look pretty petrifying. Though they were far kinder and easy going than the Wonderbolts were, that did not make her sweet and gentle Captain any less intimidating. Nor did it make the sessions they had in honing her abilities feel any less of a fly through Tartarus, which is exaclty what it felt like. Alas, Crimson would admit that it did help her in the end, and it prepared her rather well for the missions that she and the others would take, mainly during the nighttime.

Despite all of the scary things that Crimson had seen during her time as a Shadowbolt, none of it could’ve prepared her for what was happening now. Nor would they prepare the poor filly for the life-threatening battle that was soon to come with the three monstrous stallions in front of her, along with the rest of their army.

“Heh, what’s the matter? Feeling too scared to throw down with a bunch of hot pieces of stallions like us?”Deathwing asked, grinning toothily at the shaking mare. “Or is that you’re so captivated by our appearance that you don’t know how to take it? Maybe you wanna throw down with us in another way?”

“How about none of the above, you damn perverts.” Fleetfoot said coldly, the flaring of both of her wings snapping Crimson out of her stupor. “If you think that we’re going to be going down easy, then you really need us to knock some sense into you. And given the situation at hoof, I think now is the appropriate time for us to do just that!”

“That makes four of us!” Soarin nodded, an emerald green aura surrounding his body. “The fact may stand that only one of you can fly, but that doesn’t make you any less dangerous! We can feel it just from feeling your power, and we’re not gonna holding back!”

“That’s right, and in case you haven’t heard…” Spitfire added, flaring her wings as flames began to appear. “If you play with fire, you’re going to get burnt! Which is exactly what’s gonna to happen to you, you blood sucking shitty abominations of hell!”

‘What in the buck is wrong with her?!’ Crimson thought, looking at the mare in disbelief. ‘Is she trying to provoke them into ripping off our wings, and having their way with us?! Or does she have that big of a death wish?!’

“Heh, I can see the fire on those eyes of yours…we love that in my victims. Especially when we’re going to break them and make them ours.” Deathhoofchuckled, flicking his powerful tail as he stomped his hoof. “So, you think that you can handle all three of us, and our entire army of badass Nightmares?”

“We may not be able to handle your entire army in these states at least, but however many of you we can take down is however less these ponies have to worry about.” Soarin replied as he flared his own wings. “And that’s good enough for us if it means keeping these ponies safe up until the rest of our troops arrive.”

“I believe we can go with that.” Deathhorn said nonchalantly. “First though, we should go where these isn’t so much…unwanted attention.”

Without warning, Deathorn’s sword-like namesake ignited with a bright yellow aura, encasing both his brothers, and the ponies in front of them. In the blink of an eye, all nine ponies were gone, leaving the terrified citizens inside of the Town Square. The silence that stretched went on for what seemed like forever, the only sound being the terrified murmurs of the ponies. At the far end of the building, Derpy, Blossomforth, and Granny Smith were nearby. Judging from the looks on their faces, they had heard the entire conversation, and they didn’t like what they had heard one bit.

“Oh Celestia…that was terrifying!” Blossomforth whimpered, her body shaking a bit. “Those had to be some of the most terrifying ponies that I’ve ever seen in my life!”

“I know…they just looked so horribly scary. I could feel it in them the second I saw them.” Derpy murmured, cradling her fellow Pegasus mare in her forelegs. “Did you feel the power that was coming from them? it was so large that it was bigger than that of Captain Armor, Spearhead, and the Wonderbolts combined!”

“I know, I’ve never felt that much power before in anypony in…forever! Like somepony from my clan was going into their final form!” Blossomforth added, slowly pulling away from her foalhood friend. “Except with those three…it was a lot darker!”

“That’s an understatement. I wonder of the Wonderbolts, Captain Shining Armor and Spearhead will be able to handle them.” Derpy said. “I mean, I know that they’re part of Queen Celestia’s military, and they’re all powerful but...I’m really wondering if they’ll hold out this time. This isn’t like those big scary monsters we fought.” The silvery grey mare glanced over at Granny Smith; her face creased with worry. “G-Granny Smith, do you think that they’ll be okay?”

The Apple Matriarch didn’t say a word her sunset orange eyes still locked on the spot where the three stallions were, her body as still as an apple. Her expression was morphed into a type of fear that could only be found in that of a parent or a grandparent.

“G…Granny Smith?” Blossomforth asked tentatively, not yet noticing the Earth Pony mare’s look. “A-are you okay?”

Granny Smith slowly turned to face the two Pegasi, and they both jumped upon seeing her lower lip trembling and contracted pupils. With a voice that was shaking with fear and worry, she asked, “Y…y’all heard what he had said didn’t ya? Please tell me y’all heard what them stallions jus’ said, cause Ah know that Ah do not have carrots in mah ears!”

“What?” Derpy asked, sounding slightly perplexed. “Y-you mean about the part where they were heard to destroy the town?”

“No!” Granny Smith cried, grabbing the mailmare by her shoulders. “Ah’m talkin’ ‘but th’ part where they said they had a whole army comin’ fer the entire town!”

“Y-y-yes, we heard them say that.” Blossomforth replied, putting a hoof on Granny Smith’s own shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. “Is there something about it that you’ve found out?”

“Y’all remember when Ah told y’all about them Tantabus things that came and attacked mah farm b’fore Ah came here?” Granny Smith asked, watching as the two mares nodded. “When Ah got here, there were so many o’ them things they could’ve been mistaken fer th’ flock o’ Fruit Bats that live on th’ Western Fields o’ mah farm! When Ah heard that bat pony lookin colt say that there was a whole army comin’ Ah got a real bad feelin in me jus’ now! Ah feelin’ that what happened at th’ barn is gonna happen again! Only this time with those varmints!”

Derpy and Blossomforth both gasped, horror filling both of their eyes. Thoughts of the ones they cared about being attacked by the ponies they just saw filled their heads. Feelings of dread filled their stomachs as their fear began to skyrocket.

“Do you…” The former began, looking like she was struggling with what she was going to say. “Do you really think that even more of those stallions would go an attack your farm?”

“Ah don’t know, but Ah ain’t about to sit around and find out!” Granny Smith growled, jumping off from her stretcher.

“W-wait, Granny Smith, where are you going?!” Derpy asked, sitting up from her own bed.

“Where do ya think Ah’m goin’?!” Granny Smith seethed, snapping her head back to the two mares. “Ah’m headin’ t’ mah farm t’ git t’ mah grandfilly b’fore them varmints do, and you two are comin’ with me!”

Blossomforth paused. “W…we are?”

“Yer darn tootin’ you are, and both o’ y’all have real good reasons why ya should!” Granny Smith replied, stomping over to the mares. “Derpy, you have a darlin’ filly that’s sweeter than any o’ th’ apple treats Ah make, frolickin’ with mah grandfilly an’ her friends. An’ that very same filly is waitin’ fer you, t’ come git her an’ take her in yer arms again! Do you really wanna keep her waitin’ any longer?!”

“N-no, of course not!” Derpy replied immediately. “I want to get to my little muffin now!”

“Yer darn right you do!” The mint green mare stated, before snapping her gaze to Blossomforth. “And Blossomforth, you have a marefriend that’s plowed more ponies in this town than mah grandson has plowed fillies and mares, waitin’ her you too! Ah’m bettin’ five bits, she’s tryin’ t’ get’ mah grandson t’ rut her into th’ ground right now, ‘cause she can’t wait fer you t’ come join her!”

“H-how is that last part a reason to go with you?!” Blossomforth thought, her cheeks burning a deep apple red. “Also, Cloudy is not my marefriend!”

“Oh, yeah? That little nickname ya gave her might beg t’ differ.” Granny Smith retorted, making Blossomforth blush even harder. “Anyway, ya both have yer reasons to come with me back t’ mah farm, and it shouldn’t matter if y’all had jus’ been through Tartarus back! if ya care ‘bout th’ ones ya love enough t’ the point where yer willin’ t’ go through that again, then y’all should git on yer hooves, an’ follow me t’ the barn! Now are ya comin’ with me, ‘r do Ah have t’ go mahself?!”

For a few moments, neither Pegasus said anything, just letting Granny Smith’s words and question mull over their minds. With their fearful expressions quickly changing to determination, Derpy and Blossomforth rose from their stretchers and trotted over to Granny Smith. Before they could make their way out the door, they were stopped by the Heart Triplets.

“H-hey, where do you three think you’re going?!” Nurse Snowheart demanded, stopping the trio of mares in their tracks. “You’re not supposed to be up right now, especially with those injuries!”

“Where do ya think Ah’m goin’ young filly?! Ah’m goin’ t’ save mah grandfilly!” Granny Smith asked, stopping momentarily to glance at the nurse. “And these two are here with me so they can save their own.”

“B-but you can’t go injured like that!” Sweetheart pleaded. “At least let the wounds finish healing before you leave!”

“I’m sorry Nurse, but we can’t do that.” Blossomforth replied softly, yet firmly. “I’m not sure if you overheard what was said, but those three stallions are about to have a whole army of them swarming own all over town! And odds are, they’ll also be going to sweet Apple Acres, where my godfilly and Granny Smith’s grandfilly is, so we need to get there before they do!”

“So you can end up right back here again?! I think not!” Snowheart spat acidly. “I am not going to waste any more of my time and energy keeping ponies who’re too stubborn to care about their own well-being back where they’re supposed to be! What good would trying to save your grandchildren or godchildren do if you can’t even walk right?! The only thing you’ll be doing for them is increasing the chances of them getting killed!”

In the blink of an eye, Snowheart found herself staring into the glowing symmetrical orange eyes of one angry Derpy. The mailmare’s teeth were borne in a ferocious snarl as she flared her wings in defiance, the red eye on her roseray flashing angrily. “Now you listen here Nurse!” she hissed, her tone carrying a hint of venom at the last word. “In case you may have forgotten, you, me, those other two nurses, Blossomforth, and Granny Smith are all part of the Seven Clans of Equestria! Some of the most powerful families there are! It is going to take a hell of a lot more than just some bruises and broken bones to stop of from fighting, especially if it means fighting for the ones we love most!”

She stomped her hoof to keep the phthalo yellow Earth Pony from cutting her hoof. “I get that you’re a Nurse and you’re just doing your job, and I respect that, but, don’t think that’s going to keep me from getting to my little muffin when she’s in danger! If there is even the slightest chance that I can get to her and save her from whatever’s trying to hurt her, then I’m going to take it! Even if it means getting me wings ripped off, I will gladly pay the price of never flying again if it means I can have her in my embrace again!” She grabbed the Nurse’s own roseray and pulled her in closer to the point where their muzzles were touching. “So, don’t you dare get in my way of me saving my Dinky, or I swear, you will find out the real reason why ponies call me Derpy instead of Ditzy, got it?!”

By the end of her tirade, Derpy was breathing through her nostrils in a way that seemed like she was a bull seeing red and ready to charge. Snowheart’s demeanor was the complete opposite, looking like she was staring into the eyes of Solaris himself as she shook on the spot. Just as it looked like Derpy was going to let Snowheart go, Nurse Sweetheart spoke up.

“U-um, Ms. Derpy…” She said timidly, trying not to anger the mailmare any further. “Y-you do realize t-that m-me and m-my s-s-sister c-can go into the s-same f-final f-form as you, r-right?”

Derpy slowly turned to face the chubby mare, and Sweetheart realized she had made the wrong move by speaking up. She whimpered upon seeing the look of fire on Derpy’s face, and she immediately backed off, stuttering, “N-nothing!”

Gently setting Snowheart down, Derpy huffed and turned tail, letting said appendage slap Snowheart in the face as she trotted back to Blossomforth and Granny Smith. Without another look back, they made their way out the Town Square, nopony daring to stop them.

“My goodness, that was a little…intense.” Redheart murmured after a moment of silence. “I’ve never seen Ms. Derpy so upset before; not that I blame her.”

“Well, this is her daughter that we’re talking about, and Granny Smith does want to protect her grandfoals.” Tenderheart murmured. “Once they set their minds on things like that, nopony is going to stop them, unless they wanna get bucked across Sweet Apple Acres or get the Solar Stare.”

“Yeah.” Sweetheart nodded. “Though, I don’t really know what Blossomforth’s reason is.”

“I-if you heard correctly…” Snowheart murmured, slowly rising to her hooves. “Granny Smith had mentioned that she had a marefriend she needed go get to. Her name was Cloud Kicker if the name rings a bell.”

Sweethearts cheeks turned beet red. “Oh…her…right.” She murmured, images of the sexy persian blue mare entering her mind. “D-do you think they’re going to be alright?”

“You heard what they said, especially Granny Smith and Ms. Derpy.” Redheart replied. “No one is going to get in the way of them saving their families. And honestly, I’d be doing the same thing if I were in their position.”

“And then you’d be viewed as rather reckless and uncouth.” Snowheart said, rubbing the collar around her neck. “Are you really prepared to go through that?”

“If it means saving the two of you, yes.” Redheart said firmly. “And I know that the two of you would do the same, just like how we’d to the same for each other.”

“Damn right we would.” Tenderheart smirked, running a hoof down Redheart's back. As she looked over to Sweetheart, she added dryly, “Sweetheart, your tail is hiking.”

“Gah! Sorry!” She squeaked, yanking her tail down between her legs. As she did so, she felt a slight dampness, and her face burned even hotter as she hissed, “Damn you Cloud Kicker and your sexiness!”

Crimson Skies stumbled about the ground as she, the Wonderbolts, Shining Armor and Spearhead all appeared outside of the Town Square. Her head felt like a jumbled mess as she struggled to keep her balance on the dirt ground, only to fail in the process. She fell to the ground with a thump as her heart pounded in her ears, both her hooves coming to the side of it in an effort to sooth it. Crimson then felt herself being gently lifted back up to her hooves, and she found herself locking eyes with Fleetfoot, who smiled gently back at her. It didn’t take her too long to collect her barings, but once she did, she found herself staring into the glaring yellow eyes of the Death Triplets.

“Sorry about that everypony, Deathhorn got a little carried away with the teleportation spell.” Deathwing murmured, patting his second brother on the back. “Then again, due to the amount of power coursing through us, I can’t really blame him for it.”

“Great, not only do you have to nearly squash us, but you’ve gotta give us a damn headache too?!” Spitfire growled, rubbing her head. “You are just giving us more and more reasons to burn you all alive!”

“Oh, we know.” Deathhoof laughed. “And the more pissed off you guys get, the more fun it’s going to be to have you all groveling at our hooves and begging for mercy.”

Shining Armor’s eyes glowed as his horn ignited. “As if we’re going to bow to the likes of you, let alone your psycho of a Queen! the one way we’re going to even think of doing that is if you turn all of us into a mangled mess!”

“That can be arranged Captain.” Deathhorn said, his horn igniting with a black aura. “Dark Solid Form Magic: Black Lightning Explosion!”

With that shout, the Nightmare Unicorn fired an enormous blast of black lightning at the several Pegasi and one other Unicorn, going at a speed that took them all by surprise. Shining Armor managed to get his act together to conger up a shield to protect them all. The moment the attack hit, it proved to be far stronger than Shining Armor had anticipated. The entire group felt themselves being pushed back by the force of the blast; a large trail being left in the dirt as well. Eventually, and much to Shining Armor’s shock, the blast started to crack at his shield, and before he knew it, all of them were being blown back by a massive explosion. As they fell to the ground, Deathwing called out a command to his third brother.

“Deathhoof!” He shouted, never losing his fanged vampiric grin. “Give them a little taste of the dirt!”

“You got it big bro!” Deathhoof smirked, rearing up and slamming his armored forehooves on the ground. “Nightmare Earth Make: Dark Vine Snare!”

Large cracks appeared on the earth as they made their way towards the flyers and guards, to had only just took notice of the earth splitting. Their eyes widened when they saw what looked like spikes poking out of the ground, and they leapt away to avoid being stabbed. This turned out to be ineffective, as pitch black vines burst out from the ground and sailed towards them. Crimson, Fleetfoot, and Soarin were able to evade the vines, but others weren’t, and found themselves either ensnared or even impaled by the vines. They found themselves pulled and yanked into the air, spun around before they were pulled back down to earth and slammed into the ground.

“You guys!” Crimson Skies cried, horrified at the state her allies were put in and the power behind the stallions. “Hold on, I’m coming!”

“Crimson Skies, wait a minute!” Fleetfoot shouted as she and Soarin flew after her. As they did a large vine suddenly flew out and impaled itself in Crimson’s chest. The palomino mare screamed as she was driven into the ground with such force a large crater was left. Soarin and Fleetfoot made to rescue her, but they were stopped when a giant slice of black wind struck in front of them.

“I don’t think so!” Deathwing shouted, flaring his bat wings and ascending towards the trio of flyers. “You wanna get to your little friend, you’ll have to go through me!”

“So be it then!” Soarin shouted, his emerald green eyes glowing. “Sky Pegasus: Wing Attack!”

The light cornflower blue stallion unleashed a flock of wind slices at Deathwing, who smirked as an inky black aura surrounded him. with the edges of his bat wings shining he swung them, which sent a flock of even larger black wind slices at Soarin’s own. Soarin winced as a few slices ended up cutting into him and his suit, with one slicing him right in the eye. This slight distraction from the pain was all that Deathwing needed land a powerful sock to Soarin’s stomach. A glob of blood left his mouth as he was sent flying away and crashing into a house.

“Soarin!” Fleetfoot shouted in horror, before glaring icily at Deathwing. “You’re going to pay for that…”

“Oh yeah? Why do you come and make me?” Deathwing taunted, his yellow eyes flashing. “That is if you can, since you’re only one pony.”

“Watch it baby, you say the wrong thing and this one pony’s gonna freeze you solid!” Fleetfoot shouted, her magenta eyes blazing. “Ice Pegasus: Freezing Explosion!”

To Deathwing’s complete shock, the arctic blue mare shot a breath of misty ice from her hooves, its blue coldness shooting through the air. The bat winged stallion’s shock at the new attack was enough for him to get partially frozen in midair. The then found himself falling to the ground with a sickening thud as the ice kept its hold on him. As he struggled to get himself out, he saw Fleetfoot hovering over him, a small smile etched on her face.

“How’d you like that honey? Bet you didn’t expect me to release an ice attack, did you?” She asked. “I don’t blame you really, since you really don’t see ponies handling the element of ice, especially since it’s such a rarity to see these days.”

“I admit, you did take me off guard when you froze me in midair.” Deathwing said, closing his eyes as black fire suddenly surrounded his body. In less than a few moments, Fleetfoot’s magical eyes was melted away

“Fire Pegasus: Neigh!” A large golden stream of fire suddenly soared towards the azure blue stallion, slamming into him with a resounding boom. As Deathwing went spiraling through the air, Spitfire came soaring in, before whirling around and kicking the stallion in the gut.

“Did you already forget that I was here?!” Spitfire yelled as she socked the stallion in his face. “We’re called the Wonderbolts for a reason, because there’s more than one of us here!”

Deathwing merely smirked, flaring his large bat wings and using them to shoot himself right at the enraged brilliant golden mare. When they collided, Spitfire ended up being the one being pushed back, rather violently, through the air. Undeterred, the Wonderbolt Captain shot another stream of fire from her mouth at the incoming Nightmare Thestral in an attempt to try to scorch him. He merely swatted it away with a wing before he unleashed his own attack on the fiery Pegasus.

“Nightmare Fire Thestral: Dark Neigh!” Deathwing shouted, shooting off a gigantic blast of fire at Spitfire, watching as it consumed her. The agonized scream she let out was music to the bat winged stallion’s ears as the Wonderbolt crashed into the ground. As he flew after her, he was suddenly struck by a bolt of magenta magic. Snarling, he looked down, only to see Shining Armor, his horn ignited and his eyes glowing.

“It’s just like Spitfire said.” Shining said as he lashed his tail. “They’re not the only ones who’re here! You also have to watch out from danger down below!”

The alabaster stallion suddenly whirled around an sent a blast of magic at another darker one, causing a large explosion to ring out. When it cleared, it revealed a grinning Deathhorn, his sword horn surrounding in a swirling black aura.

“You’re right, you’re not just one pony in this little street.” The Nightmare Unicorn smirked, raising his chin up. “However, you also seemed to have forgotten that there’s at least two of us here, and soon, there will be more of us arriving! That is, unless we’re already here!”

“Heh, as if I’ve forgotten somepony with a horn as long as yours!” Shining Armor retorted as he charged at the azure blue stallion. Upon seeing his back turned, Deathwing began flying towards him in an attempt to ambush him from behind, but was stopped in midair.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunder Spear Flock!” A large flock of spears suddenly came flying out of nowhere, some of them impaling Deathwing right in his stomach and sending him to the ground. As he tried to yank them out, he felt a volt of electricity course through his body, followed by the other spears that struck in the ground around hm. He screamed as the lightning tore through him, before a loud explosion burst all over his spot on the street, enveloping him in a large cloud of smoke. A few moments later, it cleared, and Deathwing could be seen already on his hooves, his injuries quickly healed as if they weren’t there to begin with.

“Alright, who was the smartass that impaled me like he was trying to penetrate my ass?” The stallion demanded, his draconic eyes looking around swiftly. “Well, go one, come out and show yourself. Or do I have to slice you out here?!”

“No need.” The laid-back voice of Spearhead said as he came slamming into the ground, cracks splitting in the earth. Deathwing’s eyes widened when he saw that the stallion was adorned in his armored Ascension Mode, crackles of lightning surround hid body. “Sorry about taking you by surprise like that my dude, but you were going after my Captain, and I was only doing what a fellow guard should do.”

“That’s all well and good, but you’re still going to pay for that little sneak attack you did on me just now.” Deathwing said bluntly, flicking his tail as he stomped his hoof. “And after that, I’m gonna train you of every last bit of magic you have, like a real Vampire!”

Spearhead smirked, the lightning zapping about his body stronger as his cape flowed behind his armored body. “Well then, come on and try it!”

As the phthalo tangelo stallion soared towards the bat winged stallion, the large black vine that had been holding Crimson Skies to the ground began to shift. A burst of wind suddenly blasted out from its crater, and the vine was eventually sliced to ribbons, allowing the palomino mare to rise up from the crater. Crimson coughed up a mouthful of blood as she tore herself out of the ground, her stomach boring a big hole.

“Oh, sweet Celestia, this is the most agonizing pain I’ve ever felt in my life!” She cried as she fell to her side. “All the training sessions Captain Violet put me through was nothing compared to this; I can still feel the magic from that vine burning inside of me!”

“Crimson Skies!” Soarin shouted, narrowly evading Deathhoof’s black vines. “Are you alright over there?!”

“Y…yes, as okay as I can be anyway!” Crimson called back as loud as she could, wincing as she did so. “I have a hole in my chest from that vine just now!”

“I know, I’m betting that Captain Shining and Spearhead do too!” Soarin replied, sending a breath of wind at Deathhoof. “Don’t worry, we’ll be over there soon!”

“I-I’ll be here waiting then!” Crimson said, as she gently sat herself on her rump. She looked down at her stomach and took her bloodied hoof away. ‘This wound isn’t fatal, but it is pretty deep. I’m going to have to use some of my Adrenaline Magic to stop it and numb the pain, so I’m not bothered by it when I fight these three. Of course, my Adrenaline Mode Magic may not work on these three, given how much magic they have, so I may have to go into Ascension Mode instead, like Spearhead is. Question is, will that be enough?’

A powerful surge of magic suddenly made its presence known form the left side of Crimson, thus brining the young mare out of her line of thinking. Snapping her head in that direction, her ears flickered about as she heard the sounds of a fight coming from the crowed of houses in front of her. Closing her eyes, she made to feel out the presence of the fighters near the battle she was in, and she was able to make out two different sources of magic.

‘I can sense two ponies fighting from over the houses in front of me.’ Crimson thought, pursing her lips. ‘One is a Pegasus, and the other feels like it’s the same as the three stallions with me and the others. It looks like they weren’t kidding around when they said they’d be having more on the way.’ As she continued to feel out the presence of the two ponies, she suddenly detected two more smaller bodies of magic, and she gasped. ‘Wait…are those…oh no…oh no no no no NO!’

Pupils shrinking to pinpricks, Crimson shot to her feet, the pain in her stomach forgotten as she took to the air, a powerful sky-blue aura surrounding her body. As she took off to the two sources of magic, she heard Spitfire call out to her.

“Hey, where the buck do you think you’re going?!” Spitfire demanded. “You’re chickening out and leaving when there’s a battle to be fought?!”

“Of course I’m not!” Crimson Skies shouted back, stopping momentarily. “I sensed two magical bodies from here, along with two smaller ones! I’m heading over to see what’s going on before things get bad!”

“Wait a minute, are you sure?!” Fleetfoot asked worriedly. “You have a hole in your stomach from that vine!”

“I know, but I don’t care about that right now! There may be a family in danger, and they need help before they get killed!” Crimson replied. “Can I trust you guys to take care things here when I get back?!”

“What’re you waiting for, permission from us?!” Shining asked, speaking in between a magical power struggle. “Just go Crimson! We’ll stay here until you get back; and if we’re not here by the time you do, we can just meet back up at the Town Square!”

“Right, good luck everypony!” Crimson nodded, turning tail and racing towards the eastern side of Ponyville. ‘I hope I’m not too late!’

Windslicer’s wings wrapped around himself as he blocked another arrow shot form Silver Speed, the sharp appendage enveloped in a sharp cloak of wind. He gritted his teeth as he was dragged back by the arrow and the sharp wind, slices being cut into the ground in the process. With a loud whinny, he flared his wings and send the arrow in the other direction, watching as it rocketed off and exploded in between some nearby houses. Windslicer turned back just in time to see another arrow coming at him, which he blocked with his back sword. This in turned left Silver Speed an opening, one that she used to fly above the stallion and kick him right in the face. This left Windslicer unable to keep blocking the air, and it slammed right into his stomach, slicing into it as he was sent flying away.

“Shouldn’t have kept your eyes only on the arrow rather than both it and me.” Speed murmured as she watched the stallion crash into the ground in an explosion of wind. “That was your mistake just now; taking your eyes off of your opponent!”

Windslicer chuckled as he pulled himself back onto his hooves, his bat wings flaring as he shook the impact off of him. The bloodied slashes on his body vanished as quickly as they had come, though Silver Speed was a little put off by the black blood emitting from them.“Yes, I admit, that was a small mistake of mine. I would seem that I got a bit too caught up in the heat of the battle for a moment. No matter, I will still claim you as my own once this is over!”

With his sword latched into his fanged mouth, he flew towards Silver Speed at breakneck speed, who merely conjured up another bow and arrow. However, unlike last time, she didn’t just have one arrow, but three more that she shot at the same time. They shot from Silver Speed’s bow at the same time and clashed with Windslicer's swords as he swung them away. As they exploded behind him, Windslicer clashed his sword with Silver Speed’s boe, which, much to the stallion’s surprise, withstood against his sword as she tried to push him back.

With her eyes glowing a fierce purple, Silver Speed’s mouth went a gape and a large blast of wind shot at Windslicer, which sent him reeling away. Fortunately for the vampiric Nightmare stallion, he was able to collect his barings and spread his wings, stopping himself in midair as the wind blast vanished. He shook the impact off of him before sticking his sword into the ground, letting his right hoof rest on the bottom of the handle.

“Well, you certainly took me by surprise with that little sneak attack, very good.” Windslicer praised, looking up at Silver Speed. “I must point out, that bow of yours is quite durable; I was sure that it would break against my black sword.”

“Well too bad for you, this isn’t any ordinary bow dear.” Silver Speed said, holding said appendage in the air. “This bow is made of magic, and not just any kind of magic, but out of my Ascension Mode Magic. If I was in my Adrenaline Mode, I wouldn’t have been able to craft this bow into thin air, but since I’m in my Ascension Mode, I can.”

Windslicer blinked. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I’m not quite following you my dear. How is it possible that you could form a weapon of your own Cutie Mark out of thin air in that form?”

“Whenever I go into my Ascension Mode, I go into a different aura, and when that happens, it’s not just my whole body that grows, but my Cutie Mark as well.” Silver Speed explained. “Our Ascension Modes allow us to summon the Cutie Marks on our flanks and use them as a weapon against our enemies. The one drawback is, if our Cutie Mark isn’t exactly weapon material, then we’re going to have a rather hard time trying to use it while fighting.”

“Oh, I think I see.” Windslicer said, his eyes widening with recognition. “So, when your Cutie Mark was glowing earlier, it was actually forming itself into a weapon you were going to use when you were going into this…Ascension Mode?”

“Exactly.” Silver Speed replied firmly, summoning another arrow. “And it’s the very same weapon I’m going to use to defeat you!”

Without warning, the bluish gray mare suddenly flew at Windslicer her giant wings beating hard as she got halfway, before shooting off her arrow. Windslicer went wide eyes, before he took to the air, the arrow barely missing him as it soared past. He looked up only to see Silver Speed right in front of him, already pulling another arrow back. Cursing, Windslicer flew back just as Silver Speed fired, and he used his sword to block the arrow, even as it drove him away from the Pegasus mare.

To his surprise, the arrow proved to be much stronger than he had anticipated, and he found it being blasted out of his hooves. Before Windslicer could try to summon more with his dark magic, he found his face bursting with pain as Silver Speed swung a side kick to his face. As he fell to the ground, Silver speed flew back and pointed her bow forward, summoning four arrows this time in preparation for shooting.

“I don’t think so!” Windslicer shouted, bursting out from the ground and flaring his wings. With his draconic eyes shining a pure black, a flock of swords appeared all around him. “If you’re going to shoot your little arrows at me, then it’s only fair you get a taste of my swords!”

“That’s fine with me!” Silver Speed retorted, letting her arrows fire off and clashed with Windslicer’s incoming swords. “The question is, how long can your swords hold off against my arrows?!”

With a strong bet of her wings, Silver Speed shot down towards Windslicer as he was still firing off swords, her speed allowing her to get right under him unnoticed. By the time he did, he had delivered a swift sock to the chin, sending him spinning across the air before she flew up and kneed him in the stomach. Flying back, she swung her wings and delivered a few giant slashes of wind at the bat winged stallion, slicing into him, and causing black blood to fly.

Although she was put off by the color of the stallion’s life fluid, she didn’t let it affect her the first time, and wasted no time in firing an arrow at Windslicer. It stabbed right through his stomach, emitting screech of pain from the stallion as he was sent crashing into the earth once more. Not taking any chances, Silver Speed summoned four more spears and struck them down one by one into the motionless stallion, blasts of wind emitting from each one. When the smoke cleared, it revealed Windslicer in a six-foot crater, with arrows impaled into various parts of his body.

‘There, that should keep him down for a little while. Well, if it does for a stallion as powerful as he is.’ Silver Speed thought, slowly levitating herself down to the ground. ‘I had a feeling that my Ascension Mode would be a better option than my Adrenaline Mode. It at least stands a better chance against Windslicer than my Adrenaline Mode does. I at least don’t have to worry about my bones being broken and my wings being torn off.’

The bluish gray mare glanced over her home, looking into the direction of where she saw her foals the last time she did. Much to her utter dismay, she could see them still at the very same window that she had least seen them at, looking to have not moved from that spot. A solemn sigh left the single mother’s mouth she hung her head, facehoofing herself in the process. ‘It looks like Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter aren’t as scared as they were a few minutes ago. I really wish that they didn’t keep watching me the whole time though…the last thing they need is to see their mother trying to murder somepony. I’m gonna have to talk to them about not witnessing certain things, especially at their age.’

The sudden feeling of another magical presence caused Silver Speed’s eyes to snap open, and she spun around to face the newcomer, her arrow already readied to fire. Just as she fired, she was able to get a glimpse of the new arrival, and by the time she realized her mistake, it was too late. Silver Speed watched in horror as her arrow went soaring towards the pony in front of her, impaling them right in midair and sending them crashing to the ground. The feminine scream that came immediately afterward snapped her out of her horrified state, and she immediately flew over to the shot pony.

“Oh my goodness, sweetheart! Are you alright?!” Silver Speed cried, stopping in front of Crimson Skies as she writhed below her. “Sweet Faust, I am so, so sorry honey!”

Crimson Skies continued to cry out in pain, holding the new wound in her stomach as she looked up at a wide-eyes Silver Speed. Raising a shaky hoof, she lifted her goggles up, revealing teary blue eyes. “Y-y-you…you shot me! You fucking shot me in the stomach!”

“I know I know! I didn’t mean it baby, I really didn’t mean it!” Silver Speed protested, lifting Crimson out of the ground as gently as she could. “Are you okay, w-where does it hurt?”

“H-here…” Crimson replied, taking her hoof away to her wound. Leaning down, Silver Speed’s eyes widened when she saw the bloody wound on the lower right side of her stomach. Add insult to injury, it looked like the wound was already inflicted just minutes prior.

“Oh honey…I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to strike you!” Silver Speed whimpered, taking the younger Pegasus in her forelegs. “I-I thought that you were one of those other ponies that invaded the town!”

“W-why would you think that?” Crimson Skies asked. “I-it’s not like I was t-trying to sneak up on you or anything. I-I mean…t-those ponies powers feel so dark t-that it should’ve been obvious t-that I wasn’t one of t-them!”

“I know, and I’m sorry I hurt you!” Silver Speed murmured, running a hoof through Crimson’s chocolate mane. “C’mon, I’ll get you inside the house! Then I’ll get my first aid kit so I can-”

A streak of blackness suddenly protruding out of Silver Speed’s stomach, cutting off her sentence and causing it to die in her throat. Crimson Skies noticed the change in her expression, and her eyes widened when she saw a crimson liquid running out of her mouth and dripping down her chin. Looking down, Crimson screamed when she saw a sword sticking out of Silver Speed’s stomach, looking to be just inches away from her spine. Out of instinct, she jumped back, and let inadvertently let the mare fall into her crater.

“MISS!” Crimson Skies yelled, rushing over and pull the injured older mare out. “Miss are you okay?! Miss?! Miss?! Please, speak to me!”

“D-dammit…” Silver Speed cursed, holding her wound as the sword vanished in a flash of darkness. “I-I thought that he’d be down longer.”

“W-who?” Crimson asked, only to freeze when she heard an explosion in front of her. Looking up, she felt her body lock up when she saw Windslicer rising up from his own crater, wisps of dark magic surrounding him. The arrows that impaled him had also vanished along with his wounds, and he was stalking towards him with a wicked smirk across his face.

“My, Silver Speed, that was quite the effective trick that you pulled on me.” Windslicer said, flapping his wings. “I totally wasn’t expecting that to happen, well done. Oh, and it looks like you have a new guest as well.”

“Who are you?!” Crimson Skies demanded, flaring her wings as Silver Speed staggered to her hooves. “And why do you want this mare?!”

“H-he said his name is W-Windslicer, a-and he’s here t-to t-try to cultivate me i-into his Q-Queen’s A-army…o-or something like t-that.” Silver Speed murmured, holding her stomach. “M-my name is Silver Speed by the way dear.”

“Crimson Skies.” The palomino mare replied back, not taking her eyes off of Windslicer. “So…I take it you’re the one that hurt Silver Speed?”

“I wouldn’t say that I hurt her per say…more like showed her why I am a member of the Dark Army.” Windslicer replied, flicking his tail. “And she’s certainly showed me why she is named Silver Speed. She certainly lives up to her name in every way when it comes to battle, though I wonder if she lives up to it in…other ways.”

Already knowing what the Nightmare stallion was getting at, Crimson Skies snorted and stomped her hoof. “Listen buster, I really don’t know why you’re so eager to get all the mares in this town, and I’m getting really sick and tired of it! If I have to hear you say one more thing about how you’re going to take us as yours, then I’m going drain every last bit of magic out of you!”

“Oh, are you now? well, you’re welcome to try my dear…the fun is going to be doubled now that there are two mares instead of one.” Windslicer smirked, his fangs gleaming. “Though I wonder if you’ll both be able to handle me when I go at even greater strength. I guess we will just have to see.”

“C-Crimson Skies, honey…l-listen to me.” Silver Speed said, putting a hoof on the younger mare’s shoulder. “I’ve fought this stallion for a good while now, and I can tell you right now, that your Adrenaline Mode isn’t going to work on him. The only way that you’ll have even the slightest chance against him is if you ascend…at least then you’ll be able to keep up with him.”

“R-really?” Crimson asked, blinking in surprise. “I have to try Ascension Mode instead of Adrenaline Mode on this stallion?”

“Yes.” Silver Speed nodded, glancing back at the younger mare. “I know it may seem crazy, but that’s how it’s worked for me…at least up until now. Plus…” She nodded towards her house, and pointed up to where her foals were. “I’m not the only one whose life is at stake here.”

Crimson Skies glanced over to where Silver Speed was pointing, and gasped loudly upon seeing Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter at their window. ‘Oh, sweet Faust, I knew it! I knew that there wasn’t just one pony here when I came! Just my look that I have to run into a mare that’s not only a mom, but also has two foals in danger!’ She snapped her gaze back over to Windslicer, who was still boring his fanged smirk. ‘I’m gonna have to fight twice as hard to ensure that all three of them survive and don’t get abducted by this stallion! It’s my duty as a Shadowbolt, and if can’t even do that, I don’t deserve to be on this team!’

“Alright, Ms. Silver Speed, if you think that’s the only option, I’ll take your word for it.” Crimson finally replied. “And don’t worry, I’ll do all that I can to keep you and your foals safe!”

“Thank you dear, I appreciate that.” Silver Speed said thankfully. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Crimson replied, standing close to the older mare.

“I can see that you two are ready for round three my dear ladies.” Windslicer said gleefully, his eyes giving ff a white glow as black swords appeared once again. “Let’s see if you can hold your own against this round before, I finally take you for myself!”

“The only one who’s going to have something taken from them, is you!” Crimson Skies retorted, a sky-blue aura appearing as her Shadowbolt suit began to rip apart. She ripped her goggles off her head as her blue eyes blazed brightly, blue wind enveloping her and Silver Speed. “I hope your ready buddy, because by the time I’m done with you, this whole street will really be painted crimson!”

Author's Note

This chapter took a bit of a hassle out of me, mainly because I was trying to think up of a title that would appropriatley represent what this chapter was about, especially since it started out with Crimson Skies, the Wonderbolts, Shining Armor, and Spearhead at the beginning o it tool :applejackunsure: . Now, for this, I wanted to try to focus mainly on the Death Triplets and the group that was protecting the Town Square, and a bit back on Silver Speed, though I also wanted to try to have Crimson Skies and Silver Speed meet. Mainly because I'm planning to have a two on three fight between them and Windslicer, with a scene involving the Apple Family fighting the Dark Army in another chapter after the one I'll post after this one. This is I was focusing a bit too much on the Main Seven in my opinion at the point where I really shouldn't have, and I wanna try to fix that a bit with posting a chapter that focuses on at least one scene in between, before going back to that again :twilightblush: . While I'm not sure just how I'll make the chapter with the Apple Family, Silver Speed and Crimson Skies fighting the dark army, I will say I'll defiantly be starting that off with some fluff before things go to shit again :twilightoops: ! Oh, and just a heads, up, this chapter is named after one of the libraries that I created :rainbowlaugh: !

Well, that's it for now everypony :scootangel: ! Tune in next time for a sail back to the waters of the Everfree Forest :raritywink: ! I'm gonna warn you all right now, that this next chapter is going to get pretty...gory :pinkiesick: .

Chapter 54 - Alpha of the Seas

Large waves of water crashed against the sides of the magically morphed wooden ship as it swayed and swept across the seas of the Everfree Forest. The violently blowing wind blew wildly against the giant leafy sails as it pushed the ship across the wildly swaying water. As this happened, lightning bolts still shot out through the still gray covered sky as thunder roared across it, letting the ponies that were still on the ship know that it wasn’t calm yet. However, none of them were paying attention to any of those things at the moment. Not at the harshly blowing wind that slammed against the leaf made sails of the ship and pushed it forward. Not at the large clouds covering the sky and blocking the view of the moon and the stars from the view of the sailors down below. Not even at the ear-splitting lightning tearing through the sky or the flashes of thunder coursing through the clouds that would’ve made them jump out of their skin. The only thing they were focusing on was the powerful creature that was standing in the middle of their ship that they were all surrounding, whom was smiling at them calmly.

“I…I-I’m sorry darling, but could you repeat that please?” Rarity asked, her question making it seem as if she didn’t hear the Hippogriff. “I could’ve sworn t-that you just said that you were called…the legendary, Ranger of the Sky.”

“Yes, my lady, that is exactly what I said.” Sky Ranger replied in a gentle yet powerful voice, never losing his smile. “I am, indeed, this beautiful Eden’s Ranger of the Sky.”

“No way, you mean that you’re actually him?!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she grinned widely, bouncing over to the four-winged hippogriff. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! I can believe this; I really, really, really, can’t believe this! we’re actually meeting a living legend in the actual flesh! Most legends are supposed to be into ancient history and things like that, but holy cow, we’re actually meeting an actual living legend! How exciting is that?!”

“Exciting? Exciting?! How about trying batshit awesomely crazy?!” Fast Tracks shouted, bearing his own wide grin as he flew around the party pony. “Do you know how many crazy stories that I’ve heard about this guy and all that stuff he does in this forest?! I’ve been wanting to meet this guy ever since I first heard about him! Well, that’s not to say that I really expect to meet him when I heard of him, but still, you get what I’m saying, right?”

“Yes, Fast Tracks, we understand precisely what you’re getting at.” Lightning Shadow replied, giggling at her Vice Captain’s excitement. “We know how you have a knack for wanting to get to meet living legends and ancient beings face to face, even though it was impossible. Alas, it looks like you finally had your wish come true, in circumstances least expected that is.”

“You mean all our wish, sister?” Storm Shadow asked, raising a brow at her sister. “Don’t forget, Fast Tracks wasn’t the only one who was interested in knowing about the Everfree Forest’s Ranger of the Sky. We all wanted to know more about him, along with his history and just what he’s capable of…and I especially remember about how you were raving about wanting to know all the fact about the Ra-er, Sky Ranger, especially since you’re the most book loving of us. Isn’t that right Captain Violet?”

The ebony mare nodded, smiling sweetly as she patted a blushing Lightning on her head. “Why yes Storm, I most certainly do, and I still thing that it was one of the most adorable things that I’ve ever seen since having Lightning on our team. I still remember how you trotted and skipped about when you were told of a new living legend we discovered! Hmhm, it was so cute I just wanted to cuddle you all day!”

“Captain, please don’t remind me of that!” Lightning whimpered, her light gray striped face turning an even deeper shade of red. “You said that you’d never speak of that around other ponies!”

“I never made any promises Lightning.” Violet Fire chided playfully, booping Lightning on the nose. “Plus, you told your sister not to speak to anypony of that incident, not me. So, I’m not guilty of anything and I get to talk about it, hmhmhm!”

“Jerk…” Lightning Shadow huffed, crossing her forehooves as Twilight slowly stepped up to Sky Ranger.

“I…I can’t believe it. This is…this is just impossible.” She breathed, her wide violet eyes scanning Ranger’s regal body up and down. “How…how can I be staring into the face of an actual living legend? There’s no way that this can be really true!”

“Well, it has become possible Twilight; you can tell just by looking at the guy.” Zephyr said more calmly. “My Mom’s told me all about the Ranger of the Sky, and how he resigns in these woods that we’re sailing across. At I didn’t really believer her all that much, especially since no verbally speaking creature is said to live here, other than the Thestrals of Hallow Shades.” His ears went back as he frowned. “Now I’m feeling like a real piece of shit for not giving her the benefit of the doubt, especially now that I’m seeing it with my own two eyes.”

“I hate to say it, but honestly felt the same way. I owe an apology to my Mom and Dad for thinking they were pulling my leg; me Snowflake, and Midnight.” Goku nodded, staring in awe at the hippogriff stallion, mainly at his earrings. ‘That’s not the only thing that’s shocking about him either.’

“Hold on, wait a minute everypony, back up!” Applejack shouted, holding a hoof up. “Now, let me get all of this straight!” She turned to Sky Ranger with a skeptical frown on her face. “So, what yer tellin’ us is, yer th’ self-proclaimed Ranger of the Sky, that Violet Fire and th’ rest o’ these here Shadowbolts are talkin’ ‘bout?”

“They have namesyou know Applejack.” Rarity scolded, put Goku put a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head.

“Yes, my dear farmer, I am. All in the flesh and one hundred percent real.” Ranger replied, his tails skirt flicking about as he flared his four wings again. “I even have the namesake if you didn’t hear me or your comrades the last couple of times, but I can assure you that I am him.”

Rainbow Dash flew up to the large Hippogriff, hovering just above his face as she asked, “Oh yeah? And just how exactly do we know that you’re really this legend huh?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Goku hissed, grabbing the mare’s tail with her mouth and yanking hard. With a cry, the cyan mare found herself plummeting to the ground. “How many times do we have to tell you not to get into other’s faces like that?! You’re not going get anywhere with others if you keep that up, and the same goes for you, Applejack!”

“What?! What the hay did Ah do?!” Applejack asked, her jaw dropping. “All Ah did was ask him who he was!”

“After you had gotten up in his face like you were going to fight him.” Fluttershy said sternly, shaking her head. “You and Rainbow really need to learn about the concept of personal space, otherwise, you’re not going to get to know that things you want to know about somepony…or, in this case, somegriff.” She snapped her gaze over to Rarity, who looked like she was about to add something. “And you’re not any better either Rarity, so don’t you even start!”

As Rarity blushed with embarrassment, Sky Ranger chuckled and said, “Oh don’t worry about it girls, I’m not at all bothered by your friends behaviors. I’ve had others from my past do the same to me, only they actually did want to fight me!” He lifted a claw to brush some of his feathered purple mane out of the way. “Though, if you want to know if I’m actually the real thing, why don’t ask the ones who do know who I am?”

“Y-you mean us?” Blue Skies asked, blushing as the Hippogriff aimed his smile at her. “W-what do you want us to say about you?”

“Anything that you do know about me, since you do seem to know so much.” Ranger replied, giving a little shrug. “Just as long as it’s not anything false.”

“Y-yes, of course.” Blue nodded, her tail tucking between her hindlegs slightly. “We know that you resign in the Everfree Forest, and that you’re the tamer of its wild weather too. We also know that the Ranger of the Sky has the very same physical description that you have Mr. Ranger.”

“Is that so?” Applejack asked, still sounding doubtful. “And jus’ what description does so called Legend of the Everfree have that this, Sky Ranger, does?”

“The very same one that Sky Ranger does.” Zephyr replied softly, slowly pacing around the Hippogriff. “I mean, look at him, he has all of the descriptions that my Mom told me he’d have in the legend about him. A bright blue coat with some spots here and there, a mane and tail skirt of purple feathers, blue eyes that look like they’re made from the sky itself with the pupils literally shining white instead of being your typical black. Not to mention the fact that he has four wings instead of two and those…fashionable earrings on his ears.” One of his hooves reached up and gently grabbed at one of his own earrings hanging from his ears. “And this Hippogriff has each and every single description the Legend of the Everfree has, so there’s no question that he is indeed the Ranger of the Sky.”

“Wait a minute, seriously?!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her eyes wide with disbelief. “He really has four wings instead of two?! How in the hay is that even possible?!”

“That’s something that me and the other Shadowbolts were always wondering ourselves.” Violet Fire replied. “Then again, not every creature is quite the same way so…I guess it shouldn’t really come as that much of a surprise.”

“That it shouldn’t, and if you’ve been in this forest for long enough, you’d find that the creatures here aren’t exactly normal.” Ranger nodded, folding his wings as he walked about the ship. “And if you’ve been to the places that I have, you’d see that not all verbally vocalizing creatures are born the same way either.”

“Eenope.” Goku nodded, still looking at the Hippogriff stallion’s earrings. “No, they are most certainly not.”

“Well, it looks like you have your proof there, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and so do the Shadowbolts.” Fast Tracks said, raising a crimson eyebrow at the two active mares. “Do you believe that Sky Ranger is the legendary Ranger of the Sky now?”

Rainbow Dash huffed, rolling her eyes. “Yeah yeah, whatever we believe you, and him too.” She replied begrudgingly grumbling under her breath. Before anypony could replied, she suddenly flew right back up to Sky Ranger and jabbed a hoof into his chest. “However, just because you’re some great legend, doesn’t mean that you’re off my radar! I’ve got my eye on you, and if I see you messing with me or any of us for any reason, I’m gonna fry that beaked ass if you’re, you got me?” She warned, trying to intimidate the Hippogriff by getting right into his face.

“I got you, loud and clear by good athlete.” Sky Ranger chuckled casually, much to Rainbow Dash’s great annoyance. “Now, would you kindly stop glaring at me like you’re about to zap me?”

“Oh yeah? And what if I don’t?” Rainbow Dash dared with a growl, leaning in even closer to the Hippogriff. “What’re you gonna do if I don’t? Or are you afraid to hit a girl?”

Sky Ranger said nothing, but merely raised a brow at the Pegasus, not noticing the irritated glares aimed at her by the rest of her friends. Before they could chide her or pull her away, Sky Ranger merely lifted a claw and gave Rainbow Dash a gentle flick on her forehead. A flick that sent her flying into the wooden ship’s foremast with a sickening crunch, making everypony flinch. With a low moan of pain, she slowly slid down and slumped to the floor, her eyes swirls of pink as stars spun around her head.

“Yowch!” Pinkie Pie winced, rubbing her own forehead as if she had gotten a flick herself.

“Does that answer your question?” Sky Ranger asked, his still gentle tone carrying an undertone of firmness behind it. When the mare didn’t reply, Sky Ranger got a little worried and asked. “I’m sorry, did I overdo it?”

“Oh no dear, you didn’t overdo it at all.” Rarity replied, glaring down at Rainbow Dash. “In fact, I think that little love tap was just what our dear Rainbow needed at the moment.”

“I see…well, if you say so.” Sky Ranger said, shaking his head. “Anywho, now that we have the pleasantries out of the way, I’m curious about something. Why is it that a crew of young sailors like yourselves are here in this forest of all, well…forests? From what I’ve heard, it hasn’t been traveled by your kind since the time it first evolved and made itself known in Equestria.”

“That’s um, kind of a long story actually Ranger.” Fluttershy replied, blushing sheepishly. “You see Sky Ranger, me and the rest of my friends were planning for a celebration with our Queen, to celebrate the longest day of the year, called the Summer Sun Celebration. Unfortunately, we had gotten, um…brutally interrupted by an old enemy of Celestia’s, and she declared that she’d rule all of Equestria in Eternal Night after she had killed Celestia and her Sun. So, we’re on a mission across the Everfree Forest to get to the weapons needed to stop her and, um, purify her before she succeeds in her plot against Queen Celestia and everypony else, including us.”

“We’re here to help them oh that quest honey.” Violet Fire added, gesturing to herself and the rest of the Shadowbolts. “We’re the Shadowbolts, Ariel Flyers that take residence in the city and castle of Canterlot, and we were the ponies that Queen Celestia sent to aid these seven in their quest across this forest.”

“I just happen to come along with them.” Zephyr replied softly, nonchalantly holding a yellow hoof up. “I wasn’t really ordered by the Queen since she was pretty much on the upper stage floor and bloodied, trying to heal her own wounds. Even so, that didn’t mean that I was going to let Twilight and her friends face this alone, especially in a place like this. Plus, I’m a Solar Royal Guard of Queen Celestia’s Solar Division, and Twilight here is a foalhood friend of my so…” He draped wing over the smaller Unicorn, who blushed at the warm contact. “Oh, and I’m Zephyr Dragon Shield Doragon Shenron by the way, third in command of the Solar Royal Guard.”

“Very nice you meet you Captain Zephyr.” Sky Ranger said, giving a respectful nod to the now blushing blue stallion. “So, to summon this up correctly, you’re on a mission to defeat an old villain of your Queen, or, at the very least, from what I’ve heard, release her from a corruption that has plagued her before she takes over this land. And in order to do that, you have to travel into this Savage Eden of the East, in order to find the weapons needed to defeat them?”

“Eeyup, that fills up everythin’ that Fluttershy jus’ told ya.” Applejack replied, snorting slightly as she flicked her tail. “Th’ one drawback in this whole thing is that th’ weapons we need t’ defeat that Nightmare Moon varmint is that are in th’ same place that she is. At Queen Celestia’s old castle that’s said t’ be nestled right in th’ middle o’ this here forest.”

“Wait, old abandoned castle?” Sky Ranger blinked, the farmer’s last words catching up to him. “You wouldn’t happen to mean the newly formed castle in the middle of the Everfree Plains, would you?”

Fluttershy froze, her pupils contracting in her teal eyes as she took in the Hippogriff stallion’s last words. ‘Everfree…P-Plains?’

“Newly…formed castle?” Twilight asked, raising a navy-blue eyebrow. “What do you mean there’s a newly formed castle? There’s only one in this entire forest, and last I heard, it was all but turned into a pile of rubble.”

“Are you sure? Because while I was taking a flight around this forest, I had seen a castle being reconstructed and reformed before my very eyes. And I just so happened to be quite close to it as well.” Sky Ranger replied; his own face morphed into one of perplexation. “If the castle that you are looking for really is in the state that you said that it’s in, then must be a different kind of castle that I saw.”

“I’m afraid that we’re not quite following you darling.” Rarity said tentatively. “There’s no way that you could’ve seen another castle. Are you sure that you weren’t just seeing things?”

“Rarity! Don’t ask such a rude and offending question!” Goku hissed sharply, her tone making the alabaster Unicorn freeze. “I don’t see how you can possibly mistake seeing something as large as a damn castle! Especially if you’ve seen it up close!”

“No, it’s okay.” Sky Ranger assured, holding a talon up to calm the tan Thestral. “To answer your question Ms. Rarity, no, I was not seeing things. I know what I saw, and let me tell you, I rubbed my own eyes to ensure that I was just seeing things. Alas, with the amount of time that I’ve been in here, my eyes have developed quite a sharp edge to them. So even if I didn’t believe it, there was no mistaking what I had seen happen before me.”

“Hold on!” Twilight suddenly shouted, making everypony turn to her. “Where did you say that this new castle was in?”

“He said that it was in the Everfree Plains honey.” Violet Fire replied. “Didn’t you hear him the first time?”

“Yes, it’s just that…” Twilight replied, trailing off for a moment, before turning to Pinkie. “Pinkie Pie, do you still have that extra map? I want to see something really quick.”

Pinkie Pie smiled, reaching into her mane and pulling out the map and hanging it over to Twilight, who took it in her magic. Folding it open, she held it out in front of Sky Ranger and asked, “Okay, no Sky Ranger, you said that the castle you saw was in the Everfree Plains, correct?” She pointed to a yellow grassy part of the map. “These plains?”

“Yes, exactly there.” Sky Ranger replied, pointing to the same spot with a claw. “Right where that picture of a ruined castle is. Why do you ask?”

“…Because those plains are the exact location where Queen Celestia’s old castle is.” Twilight replied slowly, her eyes widening. “The very same place where you saw you said the new castle that you did.”

“Wait a minute…” Storm Shadow said as realization kicked in. “I-if…the castle that Sky Ranger saw being created is in the same place as the abandoned castle. T-then the abandoned castle that we’re looking for, where Nightmare Moon and the elements are is…”

“The very same castle that Sky Ranger had seen.” Lightning Shadow finished, her tone barely above a whisper. “And that means, Queen Celestia’s old castle has been rebuilt and is now standing proud and tall in the middle of the Everfree Forest.”

“B-b-but that’s impossible!” Rainbow Dash, who had recovered from her head flick, shouted in disbelief. “There is no way that a castle that’s been left alone for who knows how long could be rebuilt so quickly, no matter how much magic you have! Especially in a crazy and shitty place like this!”

“RD’s right.” Applejack nodded; her own mind unable to comprehend all the information. “Ah mean, sure, we Pegasi an’ Earth Ponies can form houses outta clouds, summon giant walls of earth, an’ encase our bodies in it an’ all o’ that. An’ we can even make dome or even a magically protective cabin if we have enough magic and endurance. Hay, me, Pinkie Pie, Goku, an’ Fast Tracks had made an’ morphed this entire ship out of a giant tree with our magical connection t’ th’ earth fer Faust’s sake, an’ that was after Ah found out jus’ how strong of a connection Thestrals had t’ th’ earth. How in th’ hay can somepony be able t’ make somethin’ as big as a castle, even if they didn’t completely make it themselves?!”

Zephyr, who had been mulling over the information Sky and Twilight had given, went wide eyed as something clicked in his mind. “Son of bitch…it was her!”

Sky Ranger looked over at the stallion. “Pardon?”

“It was Nightmare Moon Nocturnis! She was the one who made that new castle that Sky Ranger had seen!” Zephyr exclaimed, making everypony jump. “Why else would there suddenly be a random castle out in the middle of the Everfree Forest? Because Nightmare Moon was the one who created it with her own dark magic no less!”

“That…does make sense dear. I mean, Nightmare Moon has fled in the direction of the Everfree Forest, so she should be hiding in here.” Rarity murmured, mulling over the guard’s words. “A-and, based on what Twilight read in her Reference Guide, the Elements of Harmony are here, so there’s another chance Nightmare Moon is in the abandoned castle. Or rather, her new castle that she had created.”

“Oh dear…” Sky Ranger muttered, his eyes widening as he put the pieces together. “So, you’re telling me that it was this Nightmare Moon individual that made that castle?”

“Well, how else can you explain what you saw, Sky?” Fast Tracks asked knowingly. “Nightmare Moon resigning in the Everfree Forest? The Elements of Harmony being in Queen Celestia and Queen Luna’s abandoned castle? That very same castle being the one that you saw forming, and the one that Nightmare Moon is surely hiding inside with the Elements? There’s no other way to explain it, other than the fact that Nightmare Moon had created her own castle using the parts of the abandoned one as an extra back up! Not only that, there’s also a chance that she may have found the weapons you’re looking for, and she’s hidden them in different parts of her new castle for us to look!”

Blue Skies bit her lip as she thought over the light brown Thestrals words. “Y-you don’t think she could’ve really done that, do you?”

“I have no clue, but if she was powerful enough to make a giant castle made almost entirely out of her own magic…” Goku replied, her face grave as her ears pinned back. “The she’d have no problem hiding the Elements in different parts of her new castle, so we’d have no choice but to look for them. I’m not saying that I know that for sure, but it’s a possibility…and I really hope that I’m wrong.”

“Same here baby; that would really put a damper on your mission. Especially with whatever monsters or villainous creations that Nightmare Moon may have hidden in her castle.” Violet Fire nodded, before turning over to Sky Ranger. “Speaking of which, Sky Ranger, what exactly did this castle look like, and how big was it?”

The azure blue Hippogriff ruffled his wings. “Well, judging from the amount of times that I had seen the old version of the castle flying over the trees, it’d say that it’s big. At the very least, three to four times as big as the old version of your Queen’s castle.” He replied, making the ponies eyes widen in disbelief. “While it wasn’t big enough to be seen over the giant groves if trees it was more than big enough to be seen over the entire Everfree Plains, probably even bigger than your Queen’s new castle. It was mostly blue with some parts even black, with the tops of the tower having crescent moons, all of which are quite beautiful in my honest opinion. The tallest tower of the castle had a giant crescent moon that was so big it could easily be mistake for a star if your far enough away from it. Oh, and there was also a fight of icy stairs that went form the amount of earth that the castle was on to the larger part that it wasn’t connected to.”

“Black and blue walls and towers, statues of crescent moons, icy stairs…” Lightning Shadow murmured, soaking up the description of Nightmare Moon’s new castle in her head. “Yes, that definitely sounds like the new castle Nightmare Moon had created. The very same one that she’s resigning in right now, and the same one that we’re all heading to as well.”

“Well that’s just a might dandy ain’t it?!” Applejack growled, kicking at the wall of the ship. “Not only do we nearly eaten, electrocuted, buried alive, blood sucked, torn apart, an’ burned int’ fritters by all o’ these Faust forsaken critters in this abomination of a forest,” She ranted with an angry lash of her tail. “but now, we gotta deal with tryin’ t’ go through a new giant castle that Nightmare Moon varmint made fer herself, to look for them Elements we need t’ beat her! On top o’ that, she may have hidden ‘em somewhere in her castle, which will force’ us to searchin’ ‘round it, an’ fall fer whatever kind o’ trap she may have set up!” The farmer stomped the wooden ship hard, causing a large crack to appear as her emerald eyes glowed fiercely. “Can this damn mission git any harder than it already is?!”

A high-pitched squeak suddenly cut through the ship’s atmosphere like a knife through butter, and all eyes turned to see Chenoa flying towards them in a panic. The look on the bat pup’s face made it seem like he had seen something out of his deepest darkest nightmares, and it put everypony on edge. Immediately, Fluttershy, Goku, and Fast Tracks were in front of the bat, trying to calm him down and find out what was wrong.

“What is it girls, what’s the matter with Chenoa?” Blue Skies asked worriedly. “Why does he suddenly look so scared?”

Fluttershy, after receiving a few frantic squeaks from Chenoa, gasped and whipped her head to the others. “Everypony, we need to get the sails blowing and get out of here right now!”

“Why?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What did that bat tell you Flutters?”

“Chenoa said that there’s another water dwelling creature prowling around us right under the ship!” Goku replied immediately. “And it’s heading straight for us right now!”

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie screamed, going bug-eyed. “What is it?! What’re we going to get eaten by next?!”

“Don’t worry about that right now Pinkie!” Zephyr replied firmly, flying over to the steering wheel of the ship. “We need to get out of here, before whatever’s under is now get us! Now, go and ready your engine so we can-”

The next thing Sky Ranger and everypony knew, the ship was being thrown into the air by what looked to be a massive clubbed tail that burst from the water. Zephyr’s muzzle hit the steering wheel with such a force that it broke his muzzle, nearly rendering him unconscious in the process. While the same couldn’t be said for everypony else, those that couldn’t fly found themselves screaming louder than the ones that could as they were sent reeling through the air. Luckily, the Shadowbolts were able to get their barings quick enough to fly through the air and grab their friends, even the ones that could fly as the ship fell back towards the ocean. Just as landed, another tail shot out and send it in the opposite direction of the ponies and the one Hippogriff, with Zephyr still on it.

“GET BACK TO THE SHIP!” Goku ordered everypony loudly, making a beeline for the floating appendage. “ZEPHYR IS STILL ON THERE! WE NEED TO GET TO IT BEFORE THEY BOTH GET DRAGGED UNDER THE WATER!”

Nopony needed to be told twice as they flew straight for the ship, with Sky Ranger following close behind them, while keeping an eye out for the new creature in the water. He suddenly saw a draconic horned head burst out of the water and head for them, and the Hippogriff stallion went into action, firing a gigantic bolt of lightning at the creature. It went straight through the back of the creature’s neck, causing a huge shower of blood to reign out and a roar of pain to emit. The water dwelling creature’s head shot straight back down into the water with a mighty splash as the others made it to the ship, and Twilight faced to Zephyr’s side.

“Zephyr, are you alright!” Twilight asked desperately. “Zephie?! Zephie?! Please speak to me!”

Zephyr, who was holding his bloodied muzzle with one hoof, jammed his other into the lavender Unicorn’s mouth. “Calm down Twilight, you’re gonna make me bleed more if you keep shaking me like that! Just let me collect myself before I pass out from this bloody nose!”

“What in the heck was that?!” Pinkie cried as Zephyr struggled to his hooves. “That thing was so so so so HUGE! And it just whacked our ship to the side like it was nothing! It was so fast, that I didn’t have time to really see it with my own two eyes!”

“Try nearly smashing the ship to bits while you’re at it!” Rainbow Dash added frantically, staring down at the large holes in the wooden ship. “Does anypony know what in the shit that thing was?!”

“I’m not exactly sure…” Rarity said, rubbing at her eyes. “Though, if my eyes saw correctly, it looked like I had seen two giant spiked tails instead of one. Unlike the giant snake head that I had seen before Sky Ranger had went and struck it with that lightning bolt.”

“Wait, two tails?” Applejack repeated, snapping her head over to Rarity. “How in th’ hay can this new critter have two tails instead o’ one? The only way that can happen is if it’s…is if its…”

“Hydra…” Fluttershy breathed, her voice carrying a basket load of terror.

Goku snapped her head to Fluttershy, her own cat-like golden eyes wide. “W-what did you say Fluttershy?” She said, her voice slightly shaky.

“H-H-Hydra! It’s a Hydra that attacked us!” Fluttershy repeated much louder. “It was a Hydra that attacked the ship! A flying Hydra!”

Right as she said the species of their new adversary, an ear-splitting cross of a screech and a roar exploded throughout the sky, making everypony cover their ears. Another violent smack against the ship sent them tumbling across the deck of the ship, but thankfully, the ones that were earth bound weren’t thrown off of the ship. A scream suddenly echoed about, sounding so bone chilling that it caused everypony’s head to shoot into the direction of where it had come. They saw Rarity on her haunches, her eyes as wide as saucers with her whole body was shaking as if she was drenched an ice-cold water. Following the direction of the fashionista’s gaze, almost everypony froze in place at the new creature that they saw.

Looking over the giant wooden ship, green eyes flashing with hunger and malice, was probably the biggest Hydra that was ever witness by the eyes of ponies. It had deep orange scaly skin that seemed to give off a bit of a shine, despite their being no moon in the cloud covered sky, being lit only by the flashing lightning. They all had razor tipped head and neck spines, as red as the blood that dripped from the neck of one of the heads of the five headed beast. Each of them had long horns that were slightly curved down in the middle and upward at the end, looking like they could pierce through a pony quite easily swiftly. The beast had a massive pair of draconic wings, with the bottom of them being the same scarlet red color as their head, neck, back, and tails spines, the five tails adorning them as well. Lastly, the Hydra’s five tails had huge clubbed spikes, the very same ones that smashed the ships side and bottom, and right in the center of where the Hydra’s chest, was a bright green gem flashing as bright as its eyes.

“Whoa…” Fast Tracks murmured. “Now that is one giant and downright badass looking Hydra!”

“Really?! That’s all you have to say?!” Rainbow Dash shouted incredulously a vein pulsing through her forehead. “We are literally staring into the eyes of something that can easily be mistaken for a four headed dragon, and that’s the first thing you say out of the top of your head?!”

“Well, why wouldn’t it be?” Fast Tracks countered back with a hard frown. “I mean, look at it! its appearance alone is enough for me to say that it’s awesome looking! Even if it is planning to try to sink the ship and eat us all, which, by the way we’re not planning to do!”

“Neither am I!” Sky Ranger replied firmly, flying in front of the ponies as lightning danced around his body. “This creature may be fearsome and powerful, but I so am I! I am not known as the Ranger of the Sky for a reason, because I am a master of said sky! And I will use that same mastery to ensure that none of you get eaten by this beast!”

“W-wait, you’re going to fight him by yourself?” Fluttershy cried, worry clouding her voice. “Don’t you think that you should let us help you?”

Sky Ranger glanced at the veterinarian, the smile he shot her so reassuring that it quelled most of her fear and worry. “Do not worry, I know what I am doing my dear gentle caretaker. If I did not think that I could compete with this beast, then I wouldn’t be trying to fight him on my own at all. As I have said before, I am known as the Ranger of the Sky in this beautiful forest for a very well induced reason, because those very same skies have helped me in times like this.”

“…Are you sure that you’ll be able to take him on by yourself?” Zephyr asked after a short moment of silence. “What if the Hydra overwhelms you to the point where he’ll subdue you long enough to go after us and try to burn us alive?”

“I don’t let that happen!” Sky Ranger declared firmly, hovering higher in the air. “And even if it does, I have a plan of how we can escape if this ship gets sunken into the waters.”

“Wait, you already came up with an idea of how to help us escape?!” Twilight asked, aghast. “W-what kind of plan is that?!”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to explain, as you can all plainly see.” Sky Ranger replied, the lightning around his body growing. “Let’s just say that you’ll find it quite…enjoyable.”

Blue Skies gasped, a blush coming to her face as she caught onto what the Hippogriff stallion was saying. “Oh…my…”

Before anypony could question him any farther, Sky Ranger let out an echoing screech and shot towards the five headed Hydra, lightning dancing around him. The beast roared and charged at the Hippogriff, the middle head preparing to shoot off a breath of fire at the azure blue flyer. Just as it fired, Sky Ranger let out a huge breath of azure lightning that clashed in an enormous power struggle between the two for a long moment. When it ended, Sky Ranger flew closer to the head that tried to burn him, using one of his four wings to swing at huge slice of lightning at the beast, which cut deep into the third head of the Hydra.

The third hydra head let out a deafening roar of pain as lightning tore through its slippery scaly body, blood spurting from its neck and from the parts that the lightning was stabbing it. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sky Ranger shot another one of his other four wings out, sending another slice of lightning at the middle head that sliced it completely off. Blood sprayed form the wound like a fountain, some getting onto the ship as the middle head of the hydra fell into the water with a mighty splash.

“HOLY SHIT!” Rainbow Dash screamed, backpaddling instinctively. “Did he just decapitate one of that Hydra’s heads?!”

“Y-yes dear, I’m afraid he did.” Rarity replied weakly, feeling bile rise up in her throat. “And it was the upmost revolting sight to see.”

“You bet it was!” Pinkie Pie gagged, her entire body turning a deep shade of green. “Oh boy that was just disgusting! Like trying to chew and swallow a moldy cake!”

Applejack nodded, her own face once again going green as if she was becoming seasick again right at that moment. “Ain’t that th’ truth. Ah really wish he could’ve told us what he was going t’ beat this thing like that b’fore he went ahead an’ did it.”

“I don’t think it wouldn’t have mattered Applejack.” Goku said, looking far less disturbed by the brutal act. “Because that move that Sky Ranger pulled isn’t going to help him in defeating that Hydra.”

“What’re you talking about Goku?” Rainbow Dash asked perplexedly. “He literally just sliced off one of those things heads. Isn’t that supposed to make it weaker or something?”

“No baby, it’s not.” Violet Fire replied gravely. “I don’t know if you know this about hydras, but other than the fact that they have more than one head, adorn wings and even being able to breath fire, they have incredible regenerative abilities. It’s so powerful that the Hydra can easily be mistaken as an alien if it were not for its multi-headed draconic appearance. If you try to slice any of its limbs, wings, or even the heads off, they’ll simply grow back at a speed so fast it’s like fire spreading around a forest.”

“Are y’all serious?!” Applejack shouted, her incoming sickness momentarily. “So, no matter how many times that Sky Ranger cuts off that varmint’s heads, they’ll just keep growin’ back?!”

Fluttershy nodded gently, looking only slightly less unfazed by what she brutal act that she had witnessed. “It’s especially bad if you cut off the heads, rather than the limbs, tails, and wings, because while that one head you cut off will grow back almost immediately after it’s cut off.” She explained, brushing some of her beautiful mane away. “If you try to cut off all of the heads of the however…then the Hydra will not only grow them all back simultaneously…they will even have twice the number of heads than before. Even worse, they’ll grow twice as big as they did before in order to maintain them.”

“T-T-Twice the number of heads?” Twilight stammered, her mind freezing slightly as she tried to take in the information. “T-then how is Sky Ranger supposed to d-defeat him?!”

“I don’t think you’ll need to worry about Twilight.” Storm Shadow replied gently, staring at the glowing gem within the Hydra’s chest. “Something tells me he’s going to find a way.”

There was suddenly a bright flash of light, followed by the chirping of lighting and crackling and clapping of thunder brought their attention back to the fight. They could see the middle head of the Hydra having grown back with a sickening popping sound, the beast had lightning shooting all around its body as it roared and screeched a Sky Ranger. The Hippogriff stallion was currently diving towards the five headed winged beast, his whole entire body covered in in the same cloak of clouds and lightning as it was last time. Swooping down, he swung one of his fused thunderous wings down the chest of the five head Hydra, leaving deep puncturing cuts down its skin. As the Hydra roared out in agony, Sky Ranger flew back from the beast, watching as the blood from the slashes flew and sprayed out onto the miniature sea.

With lightning crackling wildly around him, Sky Ranger shot a blast of lightning out of his mouth and at the Hydra, watching as it struck the beast right in its chest and sending it crashing away through the water. Strangely enough, it didn’t look like it was hurting the Hydra, even as the attack blew him away from Sky Ranger and the ponies on the attacked ship. The moment the Hippogriff stallion stopped, the Hydra roared and charged back at them, only this time, it tried a different tactic of attack. When it was within range, the beast suddenly lashed one of its giant clubbed tails out, the spikey club shooting towards Sky Ranger at breakneck speed as it slammed into him. Just a she was hit the club slammed directly into the right side of the ship, gaining the same large punctures that the left part of the ship had.

“SKY RANGER!” Fluttershy cried, watching in horror as the Hippogriff was driven deep into the wood of the ship. Her horror soon turned into shock when a large stream of blue lightning traveled up the clubbed tail of the Hydra, slicing and stabbing as it did so. It reached the Hydra and made its body explode into a shower of lighting as it sliced and stabbed the creature, causing blood fly as an explosion of lightning rang out. As the tail club pulled away, Sky Ranger suddenly came flying out, turning into a giant bird of grey clouds and lightning in the process.

With a loud screech, Sky Ranger collided with the five headed Hydra, sinking his enlarged talons into the beast’s stomach and slashing mercilessly at it as he chomped on one of the its other heads. While this move was able to stun the Hydra somewhat, even as he sent volts of electricity through its body, it left him vulnerable to the other four heads the Hydra occupied. Wasting no time, they lunged forward and sunk their teeth into the sides, shoulders, and neck of Sky Rangers giant storm cloud covered form.

Despite the pain shooting through his body, Sky Ranger continued on relentlessly with his assault, using his talons to stab at the Hydra’s stomach, ripping out flesh and slicing off chunks that he flung into the sea around them. The crystal-clear blue waters turned a deep scarlet, the color growing stronger the more Sky Ranger Continued to rip at the Hydra. Even as he ripped out a chunk of flesh from the neck of its second head, causing his face to get showered with blood. He then proceeded to use one of his enlarged wing claws to slash and stab at the other headless Hydra heads, splitting their necks apart and ripping off their heads to gain the upper claw in the fight.

Although its body burned in pain, the Hydra did not give up, and with a mighty heave, its slammed one of its tail clubs into Sky Ranger’s back, stunning him long enough to get him to let go. The same thing could not be said for the Hydra itself, for the four of its five heads, having now grown back, got their own grip on Sky Ranger. With a heave, it sank one of its massive clawed forelegs straight through Sky Rangers giant thunderbird form, before shooting a blast of yellow lightning at him. Following his pain filled screech, the Hydra pulled Sky Ranger into the bloodied water with it, its clubbed tails smacking against the surface as they disappeared below it.

“Oh no! The Hydra pulled him under the sea with it!” Twilight cried desperately; her violet eyes wide with panic. “We have to go after him!”

The lavender Unicorn made to jump into the sea, but Pinkie Pie stopped her before she could even climb all the way over. “NO! You can go panicky now! If you do, you’re going to get zapped, and not in the good kind of zapped either!

“Pinkie Pie’s right Twilight. The last thing Sky Ranger needs is you putting yourself in Danger so needlessly.” Zephyr stated to his friend, staring down into the water. “Can’t you see what’s happening down there? Can’t you see those flashes of light?”

“Flashes of…light?” Looking down, Twilight’s eyes widened when she saw blue light flashing every few moments in the water. Through the split-second flashes, she could make the outline of the Hydra and Sky Ranger’s giant thunderbird form duking it out under the ship. “T-they’re still fighting down there?”

“It looks like they are honey; and there’s something else.” Violet Fire replied, pointing down with a black hoof at the volts of lightning rising out of the rushing water. “It looks like Sky Ranger is using the water as a tool to try to electrocute the Hydra while its underwater. It does make sense, since water does nothing to protecting anything or anypony from being electrocuted by lightning.”

“Which means that the Hydra won’t be able to evade Sky Ranger’s attacks!” Fast Tracks added, a wide grin stretching across his face. “So as long as he stays under water, then he’ll have the advantage!”

“M-maybe so, but…” Blue Skies murmured worriedly. “If Sky Ranger keeps shooting lightning all over the water, w-won’t be also electrocute the other animals roaming around it too.”

“I’m sure he’s taken that into account Blue, but it’s not like he really has much of a voice if this was his plan.” Lighting Shadow replied. “Sky Ranger’s just going to have to deal with that consequence when it comes if it means defeating the Hydra. Besides, it did pull him into the water while holding onto him with four of its heads, so he was undeniably backed into a corner.”

“True.” Storm Shadow nodded. “Though something tells me things will be fine-”

The feeling of something colliding with the ship and sending it flying forward cut off the light grey mare, and most found themselves tumbling across the neck. Another smack to the ship, this time coming from the front, sent them reeling back from where they were pushed, before a final strike sent them up into the air.

“Oh sure! Things are going to just fine! Good one, Storm Shadow!” Rainbow Dash shouted, glaring at the Shadowbolt. “Tell us, did you mean things will be fine for us and Sky Ranger?! Or for the dumb fish swimming in this damn water?!”

“I’ve decided I’m not going to answer that.” Came the dark grey mare’s blunt reply. “Though I think a majority of you know what I was getting at.”

Goku raised a hoof up. “I sure did!” She replied dryly as Chenoa squeaked pitifully in her other hoof.

“Everypony, look!” Rarity shouted, pointing a hoof forward as her sapphire eyes widened at the sight of Sky Ranger and Hydra burst out from the water. The former’s claws were currently sunk into the latter’s stomach, which Sky Ranger then used to slice upward and slice the Hydra’s stomach apart in various splits. Lunging forward, he bit a mouthful of the Hydra’s wounds and ripped out a giant chunk of scaly flesh, before spinning around and slashing at it with his giant wings once more.

As the bloodied Hydra tried to fly away from the thunderous Hippogriff, the latter flew back a good distance away from the beast, before inhaling and letting a giant bolt of blue lightning strike it. The bolt pierced straight through the Hydra’s stomach, just below the shining emerald green core that was in the center of its chest, before entering out of its back. Blood burst out the wound and flew out of the five heads’ mouths as it went falling towards the sea. With a clap of thunder resounding across the sky, Sky Ranger dived down, his enlarged beak stabbing the Hydra one last time, lightning coursing through him before they both vanished into the sea.

“Whoa, look at him go!” Applejack said, tipping her hat. “He’s givin’ that mutant varmint a run fer his apples in that water!”

“Um, I think you mean a run for his bits.” Fluttershy corrected gently, making the farmer blush.

“I know, it’s almost like Sky Ranger is playing with that ruffian instead of actually fighting him.” Rarity nodded, holding a hoof to her forehead. “Although, those last few moves that our dear Hippogriff pulled on that Hydra were rather…one another level, if I may admit.”

“Well, we are in the Everfree Forest right now Rarity, and in here, brutality us pretty much a way of life.” Goku muttered, smiling as Chenoa gave a squeak of agreement. “So, you can’t really blame Sky Ranger for going off like that on the Hydra, even if may seem barbaric.”

“She has a point there, Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “Still though, I wonder how long Sky Ranger can hold out against the Hydra before it begins to overwhelm him.”

As if to show that he could, Sky Ranger suddenly burst out of the water, two of the five tail clubs of the Hydra in its claws as he carried it into the air. After wildly spinning the winged beast around, he threw it into the opposite direction of the ship, where the Hydra immediately took flight. With a loud simultaneous roar, he flew at a charging Sky Ranger, all five of its heads’ mouths open in an attempt to shoot a combined lightning bolt at the storm raptor formed Hippogriff. Sky Ranger retaliated with his own blast of lightning that looked to be just as large as the ones that five headed Hydra shot out form its own group of mouths. They clashed in a power struggle that split the clouds above them apart, revealing the beautiful twinkling stars and the moon that now lit the waters below them.

The moment of amazement was cut short for the ponies witnessing it as the power struggle came to an explosive end, and Sky Ranger made his next move. With a clap of his storm covered wings the enlarged Hippogriff soared towards the Hydra, who flew right back at him with its own claws outstretched. They clashed once more in an explosion of power, lightning, and thunder as Sky Ranger lunged forward, snapping his enlarged beak around the neck of one of the heads. With a heave, he ripped it off, letting blood rain over the sky as he ripped at the Hydra’s draconic wings and tore the flesh off its back. Pushing the enraged Hydra back, Sky Ranger collided into it and sent it diving towards the water, sending another slash of lightning that sliced off another one of its heads.

“Something tells me that Sky Ranger’s going to be holding out for quite a sometime.” Lightning Shadow replied. “I mean, it clearly looks like he has the advantage in this battle.”

“Uh-huh!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “He’s really giving that big scary scaly Hydra a real party he is! I know that it’s not going to be long before he delivers the grand finale! Oh, I can’t wait for it!”

Just as those words left the party pony, Zephyr, who had been heading back to the steering wheel, froze as he heard a gut-wrenching crack of wood. Looking over to the source, he paled upon seeing a massive wooden crack appear in the middle of the ship, looking to slowly be growing larger by the moment. As he got closer to inspect it, the Solar Royal Guard saw even more of the cracks start to spread along the ship.

“Oh shit…” The royal blue stallion murmured, biting his lip as he stomped his hoof. “SHIT!”

“Zephyr, honey?” Violet Fire asked gently, having heard the older stallion’s curse. “What’s the matter?”

“You guys, I don’t want to set you all in a panic,” Zephyr replied as calmly as he could. “but I am really hoping that Sky Ranger gets to the grand finale quickly.”

“Why’s that?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Are you afraid that you might get electrocuted by them or something.”

“No, I’m not.” Zephyr replied, glaring up at Dash with a serious expression. “I’m afraid that if Sky Ranger doesn’t defeat that Hydra soon, he’s not the only who’s going to become sea food.”

“W-w-what are you talking about Zephyr?” Blue Skies stammered. “I-is there another sea creature that we should know about?”

Zephyr flicked his tail, ruffling his wings as he let out an anxious snort. “No there isn’t, but I’m afraid that we’re going to have another close encounter with one.” He replied gravely, his garnet eyes flashing brightly. “Because our ship…is starting to get eaten up by the sea.”

Author's Note

I admit, I had a little bit too much fun writing this piece of chapter involving the next sea creature that the girls, the Shadowbolts, Zephyr, and our new OC Sky Ranger was going to face, but I just could not contain myself. Throughout almost the entire chapter to the end, I was relishing in writing about the next beast and the fight that was going to transpire afterward, and I'm pretty satisfied with out it went. Now, for this of you who're curious as to where I got the idea for the five headed hydra, is from the movie of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where Gidorah had appeared and was battling for dominance against Godzilla, along with Rodan and Mothra :twilightsmile: . I know that Gidorah only has three heads and not five, but still, I think you can all see where I got the idea for the hydra can't you, so I'm not really ripping it off from the movie :ajsmug: . Finally, I did tell you guys that things were going to get pretty gory brutal in the fight between the draconic Hydra and Sky Ranger, but if it wasn't exactly up to your standards as I said that it was going to be in my last author's note, then I apologize :twilightblush: . Don't worry though, the fight won't be quite as long the next time we come back here, and I'm even planning to throw in another surprise in store involving Sky Ranger :pinkiehappy: !!!

Well, that's all for now everypony :scootangel: !!! Next time were going back to Ponyville where the Apple Family and our good ol' Apple Matriarch is going to have a throw down with the Dark Army, and Crimson Skies shows off the Shadowbolt that's nestled deep inside of her :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 55 - Burning Fangs and Crimson Petals

When Spike and other fillies had planned to show Sheton the upper part of their clubhouse, Dinky carrying him up there at the risk of zapping him was not what they had in mind. The draconic colt had unfortunately been inadvertedly victimized by the muffin loving filly’s magical bursts of excitement during his time in Ponyville, so he was understandably worried. He could feel his heart bounding against his scaly chest as he watched Dinky levitate Sheton in her magic and carry him around the treehouse upper base of the clubhouse. Thankfully, Sheton didn’t have a single mark of singed fur on him from the assistance up the clubhouse, but that didn’t stop Spike and the other fillies from giving Dinky quite the chastising afterward.

Luckily for her, Sheton stepped in before Dinky could be sent into a fit of guilty tears, and even hugged her to show that he wasn’t made at her for the stunt she had pulled. That part of their playdate was soon quickly forgotten, when Sheton saw with his own eyes the higher part of the fillies’ clubhouse, which looked even bigger, and more amazing than the base downstairs.

“Well Sheton, do you like the clubhouses upper base? Huh, huh?! Do you?!” Spike asked, his reptilian tail wagging like a puppy meeting its owner for the first time. “Do you think that it’s even better than the one downstairs?”

The stormy grey Thestral colt nodded, his blue eyes wide as his dilated pupils shimmered while he walked about the room. He stared in awe at the various posters, beanbags, tables, and chests that were inside the upper part of the clubhouse, and there was even a latter that led to a door above the ceiling. “Yeah, it is…I can’t believe how large it is compared to the room that’s downstairs! How do you even get a room to be this big?!” He asked, his young mind struggling to grasp the sight in front of him.

“Well, like we said before, we had some help from our sisters in helpin’ t’ build this entire place.” Apple Bloom replied, bouncing up and down on a huge beanbag. “Though for this room in particular, we had some extra help by some hooves that’re closer t’ our size, if ya can git mah drift there.”

“Um…y-yeah, I think I can.” Sheton replied, the image of a soft green Earth Pony filly appearing in his mind for some reason. “So, um…this is the upper part of the clubhouse that you guys like to go up to from time to time.”

“Yeah, but it’s not quite as frequent as you may think it to be.” Sweetie Belle replied, her magic encasing a rug that she used to straighten out. “You see, on days that me and the girls like to just come over here and hang out together, we’re usually at the bottom part of our clubhouse. When we need to get away from things that put us in a bad mood, or if we just wanna blow off some steam, we usually come up to this higher point of the clubhouse.”

“Personally, Ilike it more when we come up and stay at the top of this place rather than the bottom.” Fire Flash murmured, zipping around the clubhouse. “I mean, why wouldn’t I? There’s a lot more room for me to fly around, I can do longer stunts and flips in the air while having more time to keep myself from slamming into the walls, floors, or the ceiling. Not to mention that I can look at all of these awesome posters of the Wonderbolts for motivation and inspiration!”

“I take it that you got those from Ms.-er, from Rainbow Dash?” Sheton asked knowingly, walking over and sitting on a large dark blue beanbag. “I mean, you look like the type of filly that would enjoy something like that.”

“That she is! Your eyes are as sharp as ever Sheton!” Crescent Shield smiled sweetly. “Well, yes the posters and comics here are a source of interest for some foals, but that’s just mainly for Fire Flash and her own sister. I prefer more intellectual things like books, maps, stethoscopes, charts and things like that, along with learning about ancient history, legends and supernatural sources and creatures of the past. Of course, you already knew that was my thing, along with Spike~!”

Spike giggled as the ocean blue filly ruffled his mane. “It sure is! Like big sister like little sister! Or more like big sister and little sister and brother~!”

“Don’t I know that one.” Sheton chirped, his fangs shining as he grinned. “So, aside from Crescent Shield, Spike, and Fire Flash’s reason, why do you guys like to come up here?”

“Well, for me, I like to use this part of the clubhouse to try different kinds of arts and crafts, along with writing various different songs I think of!” Sweetie replied, her tail skirt swishing about as she laid on a bright green beanbag. “Some of the chests that we have here have lots and lots of paper, pencils, and coloring pencils that we save so I can do just that! Singing and doing art really helps me feel better if I’m not doing all that good, but I mainly like singing.”

“Oh, okay.” Sheton nodded, waiting until he was sure Sweetie was finished before asking, “So, I guess you wanna be a singer someday?”

The alabaster filly paused, mulling over the words for a moment. “Well…I never really thought about becoming an actual singer to be honest. I mean sure it seems fun, but it’s never really crossed my mind all that much. Though I wouldn’t mind trying it, since I like to sing pretty much all the time, hmhm!”

“Oh yeah!” Dinky giggled, a hoof coming to her mouth. “She really, really does! Even when she’s not really supposed to be!”

“Hush you.” Apple Bloom chided, flicking the back of the filly’s head with her tail. “Fer me, Ah like mainly fer the fact that Ah can watch th’ sunset an’ th’ sunrise from here whenever Ah feel like spending th’ night here. There’s also the fact that there are loads an’ loads o’ apples that Ah can get from here simply just by goin’ t’ th’ windows an’ pluckin’ ‘em off. Another thing Ah like while bein’ up here is that there’s plenty o’ tools an’ wood Ah can use to build somethin’ if Ah feel like it.”

“Oh wow…I can totally see why you like to be up here Apple Bloom.” Sheton nodded, staring at the apple filled branches outside their windows. “I mean, you are a farm filly and all.”

“That Ah am, through and through.” The sun yellow filly replied proudly crossing her forehooves as she straightened up her bow. “Got a problem with that?”

Sheton rapidly shook his head. “N-no! All I was saying that it does make since that you’d like t’ build and make things with wood!” He said quickly, beads of sweat rolling down his face at Apple Boom’s suspicious glare. “S-since that’s generally what farmers are known to do…besides running their acres and harvesting their crops and food in order for them to last through the winter.”

“That an’ two bits will git ya a cup o’ applesauce.” Apple Bloom murmured. “Speakin’ o’ which…when yer sister an’ y’all came onto th’ farm, Ah happen t’ hear form here that ya really like fruit, especially’ drinkin’ from fruit, is that right?”

“Um…yeah?” Sheton asked, one of his tufted ears twitching. “Why?”

“Well, Ya did tell me back on th’ farm that ya did like eatin’ fruit more than any other foods.” Apple Bloom murmured. “So, Ah was thinkin’ that maybe ya wanna try some o’ th’ apples here in this tree?”

Sheton gasped, his eyes widening as his large feathered bat wings flared. With dilated pupils and a big smile, he squeaked, “Really?! Can I?! Please please please please please?!”

Dinky cooed in delight at Sheton’s expression, while Scootaloo used all of her willpower and self-control not to leap from her own orange beanbag and glomp the Thestral colt. That, however, did not stop the one thought coursing through her mind as she fought to keep still. ‘So cute!’

“Alright, alright, take it easy with that face Sheton!” Apple Bloom said, giggling as she held her hooves up at Sheton’s puppy dog face. With a toss of her scarlet mane, she hopped off of her yellow beanbag and trotted over to one of the window. “Jus’ sit tight, Ah’ll git ya a nice basket o’ them of that’s what ya want.”

“Oh yes please!” Sheton begged, his tongue drooling as his tail wagged like a dog and another squee left him. “And after I’m done draining them, I’ll can give you the seeds so you, Applejack, Granny Smith, and the rest of the Apple Family can use them to grow more apple trees!”

Apple Bloom paused, before grinning at the Thestral colt. “Ya know what, that ain’t a bad idea there. Ah’ll have t’ see if Granny Smith can find t’ time t’ plant ‘em when all o’ this is over.”

“Yeah, and we can help you too!” Dinky squeaked as Spike eagerly nodded.

Once Sheton was able to collect himself out of the prospect of getting to drink from a delicious fruit, he looked over to Scootaloo and asked, “Oh, I’m sorry Scootaloo, I didn’t ask you why you liked coming up here. I was uh, too distracted by the prospect of um…drinking from apples.”

“I-i-it’s okay…y-you actually l-looked r-r-really cute w-when you d-did that a-actually.” Scootaloo replied, her orange cheeks sporting a red tint while Sheton blushed along with her. “T-the r-reason I l-like to c-come up here i-is because o-of the p-p-peace and q-quiet u-up here. I-it’s so c-calm and p-peaceful t-that you c-can just l-let your mind w-wander, w-while being s-surrounded b-by a-all the adorable l-little c-creatures h-here.” A blissful smile came to the filly’s face as she ran a hoof through her extended purple mane. “A-and I e-even like t-to s-spend t-the night u-up here, a-and w-watching all t-the n-nocturnal c-creatures roaming a-about.”

“Whoa, wait a minute!” Sheton said, sitting up in his beanbag. “You guys let the animals come inside of this part of the treehouse?”

“Yep!” Spike chirped with a goofy grin. “Whenever I come up here with Crescent, Scootaloo and the others, we sometimes get birds, squirrels, mice, and other tree dwelling animals here. They sometimes hang around with us here in both parts of the clubhouse, and it even got to the point where we’d ask Fluttershy for some extra food in case they happen to come here! One time, we even had a Fruit Bat come in and sleep inside here!”

“Wait what?!” Sheton gasped loudly, his tufted ears perking. “You had an actual Fruit Bat here?!”

“Uh-huh, and it was reallycute!” Sweetie cooed, clapping her forehooves. “It just flew through the window one night while me, the girls, and Spike were spending a night up here when it just flew in out of nowhere! It was probably lured in by the scent of the apple fritters that we had up here, because it kept trying to get at them! He probably thought they were full of juice, and drain them!” The alabaster filly giggled, rolling over on her green beanbag in the process. “Haha, it was so funny; Apple Bloom kept swatting at him to get him to leave out of here!”

Sweetie Belle suddenly found her face meetin her beanbag as a large lump appeared on her head. Apple Bloom, who was now back with a foreleg full of apples, scowled down at her with her other hoof raised. “Now you know darn well that was far from th’ reason why Ah kept tryin’ t’ git at that lil’ critter! Ah didn’t want him t’ burn his mouth from tryin’ t’ drain th’ fritters, ‘r even worse, his tongue!”

“Wait…you were trying to help the Fruit Bat?” Fire Flash asked, blinking in surprise. “We thought you were trying to shoo him out.”

“Well Ah wasn’t,dumbass.” Apple Bloom snorted, her tail smacking the crimson filly’s face. “Ah knew that poor critter would’ve burned his lil’ tongue if he tried t’ latch onto one o’ th’ fritters! So, Ah had Scootaloo hold him fer a minute while Ah got him some apples he could really drink from. If he burned his tongue before that, there’s no way he would’ve been able t’ do it!”

“Apple Bloom’s actually right about that Fire Flash.” Crescent Shield murmured. “From what I’ve read, Fruit Bats, and any kind of bat that eats fruit, have tongues that’re forked and have razor sharp points at the tips of them. They use those forked tips to shoot out and latch onto the fruit they’re aiming for from the branch and pull into their mouths so they can drain it of their juices.”

“E-exactly, w-which is w-why Apple Bloom g-gave the F-Fruit B-bat to m-me while she g-got him t-the apples.” Scootaloo nodded, smiling approvingly at the sun yellow filly. “T-that was r-really smart of y-you by the w-way A-Apple Bloom f-for taking t-that p-precaution.”

“Well, why wouldn’t Ah?” Apple Bloom asked, walking over to Sheton and hanging him his small basket load of apples. “Ah’ve been t’ th’ Western Fields on Sweet Apple Acres an’ watched a good number o’ Fruit Bats an’ Vampire Fruit Bats dine on th’ Apples a good number o’ times. Ya tend t’ pick up a few things along th’ way, forked tongues being on o’ them.”

“Well, I’m glad that you managed to keep the bat from injuring themselves.” Sheton murmured, his fangs piercing the apple in his hooves. After spending more than several seconds of drinking from the fruit, let it fall into the separate bowl of the basket before continuing. “Though, you may not wanna let the scent of any apple goods go out the window so carelessly next time. A Fruit Bat may come and try to have a drink, and you may not be able to stop it this time.”

“Don’t worry, Ah’ve taken that precaution along all others t’ keep that from nearly happenin’ again, an’ Scootaloo an’ Crescent Shield helped too.” Apple Bloom reassured as the aforementioned fillies smiled. “Speakin’ o’ which, that reminds me o’ something.”

Sheton tilted his head. “What is it?”

“You know that Dragons, kinda like how Spike is, have forked tongues right?” Apple Bloom asked, earning a light nod from Sheton. “Does that mean that Thestrals have ‘em too?”

“Uh, what’re you talking about AB?” Fire Flash asked. “What kind of question is that?”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Dinky asked, flicking her tail skirt. “I mean, many bat species do have forked tongue they use to get at insects or fruits, or anything like that. Plus, Sheton is half bat, so he has to have some traits similar to that of a bat.”

“Dinky has a point Fire.” Crescent snorted, frowning over at Fire Flash. “You’ve really gotta pay attention to what ponies are asking.”

“Oh well, um…” Sheton murmured, poking his forehooves together. “…y-yeah, we actually do have forked tongues. Though ponies don’t really believe it because our tongues look like normal tongues, and that is because…we can make our tongues go from being whole to being forked.”

Scootaloo’s single visible eye widened. “W-w-wow, y-you can?”

“Uh-huh, but we don’t do it very often.” Sheton replied, blushing as he rubbed the back of his head. “W-we only do it when we have fruit around is or when we’re thirsty for it. I can do it do, but…I kind of didn’t because of how, um…thirsty I was. So, I just sunk my fangs into it and drained it before I did that.”

“Oooooh, I think I can see now.” Fire Flash said, recognition finally clicking in her. “Can you show us how it works?”

“Fire Flash!” Sweetie cried, looking aghast. “I can’t believe you’d ask such a thing! Why would you wanna know something like that?!”

“What?” Fire Flash frowned. “All I was asking was if he could do the same thing that bats can whenever they drink fruit? I mean, like Dinky said, Sheton’s half bat and has a lot of traits that come with it, besides being so strong, so I has to be able to do that, shouldn’t he?”

“Well, probably but that doesn’t mean that he has to show us right now!” The grayish violet filly replied with a deep frown. “Besides, that’s very personal information, not to mention a little…nasty. No offense there Sheton.”

“No taken Dinky.” Sheton murmured sheepishly. “And don’t worry, it’s fine, I had a lot of foals back in Canterlot City who’re curious about whether I can actually turn my tongue into a tool to pluck fruits off of trees.” Her tufted ears fell limp as he grabbed his tail. “Only…not for the reasons that you’reall wondering.”

“Oh…Ah see.” Apple Bloom murmured, cringing somewhat. “So, ya don’t wanna talk about it then?”

“No, not really…and I’d rather not show the um…freaky thing that I can do with my tongue.” Sheton replied softly, his nose twitching as he pulled at his fedora. “You may be rather, um…put off by it.”

Spike nodded. “That’s understandable, I mean, no normal pony would want to see another pony’s tongue turn into one like that of a snake.” He murmured, before looking off to the side. ‘And I certainly know they wouldn’t want to know what my tongue could do. At least if they were all up to my age.’

There was suddenly a shuffle as Scootaloo crawled off of her beanbag and walked over to Sheton, draping a wing over the colt and pressing him close to her. “It’s o-okay Sheton, y-you don’t need to t-tell us a-about your, u-tm…t-t-trait if y-you don’t w-want t-to. I can s-see t-that it’s a p-pretty sensitive t-topic to you.” She said gently, running a hoof down the colt’s mane in affectionately. “E-everypony has t-their t-things that t-they d-d-don’t really w-wanna share w-with others, m-mainly because it r-reminds them of s-something bad t-that happened to t-them. S-so if you don’t w-ant to tell us, t-t-then don’t worry about it, y-you can a-always t-t-tell us w-when y-you’re ready.” She then brought Sheton into a hug, wrapping both wings around him. “O-or, w-when you a b-bit more c-comfortable w-with us.”

“Thank you Scootaloo, I really appreciate that.” Sheton said, leaning into the bright orange filly’s shoulder. “I think you, me, and the other fillies will be really great friends.”

“M…me too.” Scootaloo nodded, gently rubbing the colt’s back.

Crescent Shield and most of the other fillies smiled and cooed at the tender scene between the two soft spoken foals, while Spike just giggled, and Fire Flash turned away with a gag. Before she could even think of trying to separate them, each and every single one of the foals felt a wave of power wash over them. It went over the entirety of the upper part of their clubhouse, making all of them freeze, not by the amount, but by the eerie feeling of coldness and darkness that came along with it. Shivers of fear when down each of their spines as the wave of power hung in the air, before slowly, almost too slowly, vanishing from the atmosphere.

“W…w-w-w-what was t-t-t-that?!” Dinky cried, clinging tightly to Spike. “D-d-d-did anypony else feel that?!”

“I sure did, and I don’t like it one single bit.” Spike replied, holding Dinky close using one clawed foreleg. “Do any of you know who it is? O-or where it came from?”

Crescent shook her head, rubbing her horn with a delicate hoof. “I don’t know, but whatever it was, it wasn’t like anything I’ve ever felt. And it was definitely not that of either my brother Shining Armor, my sister Twilight, or even my othersister Moondancer, that’s for sure.”

“Whatever it is, Ah’m sure that it ain’t Big Mac an’ mah other sisters can’t handle.” Apple Bloom said confidently, looking a little less worried. “Plus, they have Mr. Moon Blade there with ‘em, which is even better! Ah only wish that Granny Smith were here t’ take care o’ whatever varmint is her on th’ farm…now that would really be somethin’ t’ see.”

“You’re damn right it would!” Fire Flash laughed. “Anypony that messes with this farm, they’re gonna get a nice good ass kicking from your grandma! I wouldn’t be surprised if she felt that wave of power and is on her way here right now!”

Granny Smith’s hooves slammed across the earth of the streets of Ponyville as she neared the end of and towards the path leading towards her farm. The wounds on her bandaged legs and barrel screamed in protest against her frantic running, but she paid it no mind, her thoughts not even focused on her own pain right now. All she was thinking about was reaching her farm before whatever had gotten there was able to get the chance to hurt any of her grandchildren. The Apple Matriarch didn’t know if she’d actually be able to make it in time before that happened or not, but one thing she did know was that either way, if anything like those ethereal creatures tried to hurt her family, there’d be Tartarus to pay.

“Um, Granny Smith, don’t you think that you should slow down just a little?” Blossomforth asked worriedly as she and Derpy flew above the Earth Pony. “You might tear open your wounds if you don’t take it easy.”

“Take it easy? Take it easy?!” Granny Smith shouted, snapping her head up to glare at the pinkish grey mare. “Mah granddaughter is up on mah farm a defenseless victim of whatever may already be up there, an’ yer tellin’ me t’ take it easy?! Ah don’t think so young filly!”

“And it’s not just Apple Bloom either Blossomforth.” Derpy added sternly, frowning hard at her fellow Rosario. “My little muffin is somewhere on the farm too, and she may be in danger as well, along with Apple Bloom, her friends, and maybe even that sweet little colt I meet earlier! I think me and her have every reason to not take it easy right now!”

“Wait, you mean Sheton?” Blossomforth asked, looking taken aback. “How do you know that he’s even there?”

“I don’t, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to take any chances in getting him out of danger if I can help it, along with Dinky.” Derpy replied, snapping her gaze forward. “He’s the little brother of one of my best friends, and she’d never forgive me, or herself if anything happened to him. Just like how I know how you won’t ever forgive yourself if you ever let anything happen to Cloud Kicker.”

Blossomforth paused, the mailmare’s last sentence imprinting deep into her minds. “Y-yeah, you have a point there.”

“O’ course she does sugarplum!” Granny Smith snorted, her braided tail lashing as she continued to gallop at full speed. “That’s why none o’ us should be takin’ it easy right now. Especially with all o’ our loved one’s lives that may be on th’ line right now! The sooner we can git’ t’ ‘em, th’ sooner we can ensure that they, along with us, can all live t’ see another day!”

“Hey…I think I see the farm!” Derpy suddenly said as they began to go up a hill. “Yeah, I can see it just up above this hill!”

“Ya can?!” Granny Smith asked, her voice filling with hope. “What else can you and Blossomforth see?!”

“I don’t really see anything else from where I’m seeing, other than some large cracks in the ground and some craters.” Derpy replied. “Other than that, things look pretty quiet and…oh no.”

“W-what?” Blossomforth asked, noticing the pale and terrified look on Derpy’s face. “What do you see?”

With a shaky hoof, Derpy raised a hoof up towards the sky, and the other mares looked up to see a giant inky black stream of smoke sailing across the sky. All three mares watched with ever growing horror as it continued to sail down the direction that they were going, before vanishing over the hill they were galloping on. An earth-shaking explosion suddenly rang out, and a wave of blackness suddenly washed down the hill, sweeping over the three mares. It sent a chill down their spines that nearly made them stop in their pursuit, but the desire to get to their loved ones kept them going. After what seemed like miles of running, they found themselves at the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, only to gasp upon seeing the black smoke from a gigantic crater in front of Granny Smith’s house.

“What in the world was that?!” Derpy cried, her terror increasing even further. “Was that some sort of meteor or something?!”

“…No, that sure as hell ain’t no meteor there.” Granny Smith replied acidly, her sunset orange eyes flashing brightly. “Ah feel magical power comin’ from that smoke, so Ah know fer sure that ain’t no damn meteor that’s in there. That’s th’ varmint that’s here t’ kill mah grandchildren an’ demolish th’ entire farm like them Tantabus things tried t’ do jus’ hours ago!”

The door to the Apple Family household suddenly burst open, and Scarlet Prism, Honey Blossom, and Jubilee came flying out as if she was being chased. “What in th’ buck was all o’ that rucku-” Scarlet demanded, only to stop when she saw the enormous crater in front of the house. “Whoa, what in th’ hay is that?!”

“Scarlet, git back inside th’ house!” Granny Smith shouted from the other side, her authoritive tone filled with fear. “Ah don’t want ya dealin’ with this varmint!”

“G-G-Granny Smith, is that you?!” Jubilee cried, her voice filled with shock, disbelief, and happiness all at once. “Ya finally came back t’ th’ farm! W-wait, why’re Derpy and Blossomforth here with you?!”

“Never mind that girls, jus’ bit back inside th’ house!” Granny Smith replied, stomping her hoof down. “Me, Blossomforth an’ Derpy will take care o’ this varmint ourselves! Y’all jus’ keep everypony in th’ house an’ barn inside an’ safe!”

Before any of the three mares could protest or even try to help, they all heard a dark and downright psychotic laughter coming from within the smoke. The six mares all watched as the cloak of smoke was blown away by what could’ve only been by wings. Wings that could’ve easily been mistaken for a bat’s or a dragon’s or maybe both, the membranes and feathers as red as the apples hanging from the trees around them. The fur oh the muscular wings were the same inky back color as the smoke that surrounded the being adorning them, along with their entire body, revealed to be as stallion. Their mane and tail skirt were the same blood red color as the wing membranes, while their eyes of deep green draconic slits stared at the ponies with lust and huger. A long sword horn stood tall on top of the pony’s horn, with swirls of red in it, and their Cutie Mark was a set of a red winged and fanged serpent like dragon surrounded by flames.

“Now why would any of you even think of going when I just arrived here?” The bat winged and horned stallion asked. “And here I was planning to have a nice drink with you all while you were here…after we had ourselves a duel.”

“Like hell Ah’d wanna have a cup o’ cider with a dark lookin’ varmint like you!” Granny Smith snarled; her ears pinned back as she violently snorted. “Though if it’s a fight ya want than its definitely one that yer gonna git!”

“G-Granny Smith, who is this stallion?” Honey Blossom stammered, her hindlegs shaking. “W-why is he here on our farm?”

“Nevermind that Honey Blossom, jus’ git back inside th’ damn house!” Granny Smith demanded, stomping her hoof again. “We’ll send this asshole back t’ kingdom come and all th’ way t’ th’ other side o’ this orchard b’fore th’ end o’ this night! Now git yer asses inside b’fore a burn ‘em!”

Realizing that their grandmother was not going to let up, Honey Blossom urged a reluctant Scarlet Prism and Jubilee back inside the house, closing it behind them with a resounding slam. The bat winged alicorn let out a chuckled as he turned from the house, and over to the three mares that were behind him. “Oh, now why would you go and do that? I was hoping that I’d get to face all six of you in battle. I suppose that I’ll just have to stick with the three of you.”

“Yer damn right you do.” Derpy hissed, her crossed eyes coming together as her pupils narrowed into slits. “Neither me or Blossomforth are going to let you face Granny Smith alone in this fight, neither are we going to let you harm anypony else here or this farm! We don’t care if you have both wings and a horn, we’re still going to drive you six feet under the ground!”

“Oh, so you think that you can make me, the great Serafino, cower and tremble before three mares like yourselves?” The bat winged Unicorn stallion, now named Serafino asked with an amused fanged grin. “Well, isn’t that an amusing declaration if I’ve ever heard one. Do you really think that you can live up to that?”

As soon as that question was answered, a green vine suddenly burst out of the ground and slammed directly into Serafino’s chest, knocking the wind out of the stallion and sending him flying. The vine then wrapped around his barrel and slammed him directly into the ground, making the crater he was in even larger than it was before. As he pulled himself out, he found himself blinded by a bright green and blue light that caused his sensitive reptilian eyes to snap shut to keep himself from losing his sight. When it died down, his orbs of green widened upon seeing all three mares in their Ascension Modes.

“We don’t think Granny Smith can bury you.” Blossomforth declared, her soft voice carrying an undertone that could mistake her for being a knight. “We know she can, and with us on her side, we’ll sink you in the earth three times deeper!”

In a flash of lightning, Blossomforth vanished before appearing in front of Serafino, delivering a side kick directly into his face as she sent a volt of bright blue lightning soaring through him. As he flew away from her and the household, Derpy suddenly appeared in front of him and sent a giant slice of wind that sent him smashing into the ground. Serafino hissed and shot a blast of bright green magic at the mailmare, hitting in her in her armored chest and sending her high into the air. Derpy let out a ground before using a giant wing to whack the bolt of magic before diving back down towards the downed stallion. Serafino snorted and rolled to the side, missing Derpy’s hooves as they slammed into the ground, before leaping back to his feet, his horn already ignited.

“Ah don’t think so!” Granny Smith shouted, slamming her hooves down on the ground. “Earth Make Knight: Thorn Vine Snare Trap!”

Channeling her magic through the ground, she sent a group of giant thorn vines flying towards Serafino, either impaling or wrapping around him as they carried him away from Blossomforth and Derpy. The vines once again threw him into the ground, and Derpy and Blossomforth both soared above his greater, shooting bolts of lightning and slices of wind that met Serafino at the same time.

Granny Smith covered her face with her forelegs as she was enveloped by the cloud of smoke that rushed after her and cloaked her entire form. When it cleared, the Apple Matriarch could see Derpy and Blossomforth hovering next to her, much to her surprise. Before she could ask them anything, a burst of green power burst form the crater Serafino was in, and the bat winged Unicorn stallion could be seen slowly walking out of it.

“Well, that was a rather large display of power from you all, I’m impressed.” Serafino said, flicking his tail skirt. “Though I have to ask…that isn’t really all that you have is it? I’d hate for that to be all there is for you to offer me before I kill you all.”

“Oh, trust me, we’re nowhere near finished with you yet.” Granny Smith growled, her hooves digging into the cracked ground as she paws at it. “If ya honestly think that’s all we have packed in our cider barrels, then ya really need a good buck t’ th’ head t’ git that across!”

Serafino chuckled, brushing a scarlet hoof down his chest fluff. “Oh, don’t worry, I know that you have plenty of power nestled within all three of you. Packed with the fire in each of your eyes and the determination that I can see in your bodies…I know that you are more than what you seem, including you.” The bat winged Unicorn stallion grinned widely, his fangs gleaming as Granny Smith merely glowered at him. “And since you were so generous as to show me a taste of your power, allow me to show you a display of my own!”

“W-what kind of display?” Blossomforth stammered, her ears pinning back.

“You’ll see I a moment.” Serafino smirked as his reptilian eyes glowed.“Dark Solid Form Magic: Black Slicing Whirlwind!”

Without warning, Serafino reared up and shot a giant blast of black magic that tore up through the ground due to the size and the power behind it. Granny Smith’s eyes widened at how fast the magic blast was coming, but before she could summon a wall, Derpy and Blossomforth intervened.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Whirlwind Explosion!” Derpy shouted her hooves shooting out as a blast of wind at the magical blast. As it clashed with Serafino’s magical blast, Blossomforth followed behind the mailmare shortly after.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Electric Explosion!” The weather mare shouted, lighting bursting out of her own hooves and joining Derpy’s own attack. The two elements fused into one and did well in keeping Serafino's own attack at bay from them, and Granny Smith especially. The mint green mare was snapped out of her stupor long before the attacks began to collide, and she slammed her hooves down again, trying to summon a large wall of earth.

“Don’t worry Granny Smith, we’ve got you’re back!” Derpy shouted over the roaring power. “Me and Blossomforth aren’t going to let this blood sucking pervert hurt you!”

“That’s right!” Blossomforth nodded, her red and green cape billowing wildly behind her. “As long as we’re here, you’ll be safe!”

“Are you sure the two of you will be able to keep that vow?!”Serafino shouted over his own magic blast.“It looks like you’re having a hard time keeping yourselves safe!”

At that very same moment, the Nightmare stallion’s magical blast seemed to grow in size and intensity and began to push his adversaries’ own back. Try as they might to increase their own, it didn’t seem to be doing them any good, and before they realized it, all three of them were blown back.

“Gah, son of a bitch…that damn…” Granny Smith grunted as she sat up from the crater covered ground. “Should’ve known he was gonna pull somethin’ like that…”

“Are you okay Granny Smith?” Derpy asked as she and Blossomforth flew over to her. “That was one hay of a magical blast there! I really thought that the two of us would be able to take it on, especially with our combined attacks.”

“Me too…I guess Serafino was much powerful than we thought.” Blossomforth murmured, as she and Derpy helped Granny Smith up on her hooves. “Now that I think about it, I think I should’ve seen that coming…especially with the last creatures me and Amethyst ended up facing.”

“Yeah…” Granny Smith sighed, looking up to where Serafino was last seen, only to go wide eyed when he saw that he was gone. “Wait, where did he go?”

“Oh no, he’s gone!” Derpy cried, looking back and forth in search for the Nightmare stallion. “Did any of you see where he went?”

“No.” Blossomforth replied. “But I can certainly feel him…he’s still somewhere around here. The question is…where?”

Suddenly the ground beneath the three mares cracked violently, and all of their heads snapped down to see emerald green light emitting from it. They immediately realized where Serafino was, but by then it was too late, and the stallion ascended upon them. Before she knew it, Granny Smith found herself choking as Serafino lunged forward and sank his fangs deep into her neck, clamping down tight. She didn’t even have enough room in her windpipe to scream as Serafino pinned her to the ground and actually began to drink from her. The Apple Matriarch’s eyes rolled into the back of her head as she felt herself being drained, feeling as if her whole body was burning in the process like somepony had lit it on fire.

“GRANNY SMITH!” Derpy screamed flying over to the two ponies as Serafino continued to drink form her. “Sky Pegasus Knight: Whirlwind Neigh!”

A gigantic yellow blast of wind shot from her mouth as it soared towards Serafino with the intent to blast him away from Granny Smith. The stallion merely ignited his horn and sent another giant blast of magic at the attack, sending it shooting into another direction as Derpy was sent flying into a grove of trees.

“Get away from her you bloodthirsty BEAST!” Blossomforth shouted, her eyes blazing as lightning danced around her form. “Lightning Pegasus Knight: Electric Wing Attack!”

Swinging both of her giant wings forward, Blossomforth shot out flock of lightning slashes that went at a speed much faster than Derpy’s own attack. This time, it did its intended target, but also its unintended target as well, causing both of them to let out screams of pain. An explosion rang out that cause smoke to appear; smoke that Derpy blew away with her wings as she game swooping in, kicking Serafino away from Granny Smith.

“Blossomforth what the hell?!” Derpy shouted indignantly as she cradled the burnt Earth Pony mare. “Why would you go and burn Granny Smith like that?!”

“I-I didn’t; I-I was trying to aim for Serafino!” Blossomforth stammered, flying besides the two mares. “I didn’t mean to hit Granny Smith, I’m so sorry!”

The mint green mare coughed, holding a hoof to her muzzle as blood dripped from it. “I-it’s alright sugarplum…it ain’t the f-first time that Ah got burnt like this. S-so it’s all good, A-Ah can still fight.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that my dear mares.” The lustful and sadistic voice of Serafino murmured said, making all three mares turn to the grinning stallion. “In case you haven’t realize, I had drained a good portion of that Earth Pony’s magic when I had her pinned down. So, I am very much expecting her to not be able to fight as well from here on out.”

Derpy’s pupils contracted. “You what?” She hissed, the sound sending a shiver down Blossomforth's spin. “You drunk Granny Smith’s magic out of her?! Like some sort of Vampire drinking actual blood from a pony?!”

“That I did, and because of that, your dear friend with be severely weakened and will be at a grave disadvantage now that she doesn’t have as much power.” Serafino replied proudly, licking his lips in a way that made it seem like he was cleaning them of blood. “Of course, due to how injured she looked when you had all came here, I suppose she was already at a bit of a disadvantage in this fight anyway.”

“Why you…” Blossomforth snarled, her eyes glowing a bright blue. “You are going to pay for that one. We’re going to show you how you like it when you get your power drained form you!”

“I’d like to see you try, if you actually can that is.” Serafino murmured, getting into an attack position as a bright green aura of power surrounded him. “Though I wonder how you’ll fare now that one of you isn’t as strong as a few minutes ago! Oh, that will be quite the fun fight to discover thatanswer, especially when I turn up the heat!”

“Dammit…” Granny Smith cursed, coughing up another glob of blood.

The sound of roaring winds could be heard throughout the streets and next to the Silver Household as Crimson Skies and Silver Speed both flew at Windslicer. Both their wind and the Nightmare Thestral’s black power collided with one another in an overwhelming power struggle that caused the nearby houses to shake and vibrate violently. They eventually flew back from one another before Windslicer summoned another flock of black swords, sending them flying towards the mares with a motion of his shining white eyes. As before, Silver Speed summoned her bow and arrows, shooting a flock of them right at Windslicer’s swords, an explosion ringing out as they collided. Crimson Skies the cover of the smoke to deliver a sneak surprise attack on Windslicer, and the moment she appeared, she launched it

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Wing Attack!” She shouted, swinging her wings in a graceful arc which caused a flock of slicing wind to appear. They sailed towards Windslicer, who used his bat wings to split the attacks apart and let them collide with the ground around him. He looked back up at Crimson Skies, only for the young mare to kick the stallion right in his face, sending him flying across the street. Flying back, she inhaled deeply and was about to send a breath of wind at him, only for Silver Speed to intervene.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Wind Arrow Flock!” Silver Speed shouted, another flock of arrows shooting past the younger Pegasus and towards Windslicer. Crimson Skies watched wide eyed as they either impaled Windslicer or exploded around him as he was driven into the ground. The wind slices cut their way into the Nightmare Thestral, and that, along with flying black blood, was all that Crimson Skies was able to see before it vanished in the blue wind.

“M-Ms. Silver Speed!” Crimson Skies stammered whirling around to face the older mare and mother. “Was that you who shot those arrows?”

“Yes dear, and I’m sorry.” Silver Speed replied, lowering her bow some as she hovered away from Crimson Skies. “I had taken advantage of Windslicer’s distraction towards you, and I, um…took advantage of that. I-I’m sorry if I had startled you back there.”

Crimson Skies shook her head. “N-no, it’s fine, I think it sort of helped me in not being caught of guard by any other move that Windslicer might try on me. I was already on the verge of blowing him away from the both of us anyway.” She murmured somewhat sheepishly. “J…just warn me next time when you’re about to do that, okay? I don’t want to have a repeat of what happened next time when you had uh…accidentally impaled me when I arrived here.”

“Yes of course.” Silver Speed nodded, before she noticed movement that was coming from the swirling wind in front of her. “Crimson, watch out!”

“Nightmare Thestral: Black Sword Flock!” Came the shout of an all too familiar lustful and nightmarish stallion.

The young palomino mare whipped her had around just in time to see a black sword flying towards her, and it was only thanks to her sharp eyes she was able to dodge it. She wasn’t able to do it entirely though, and she found herself getting a savage cut to her left cheek in the process, causing blood to spew out. Crimson Skies winced at the sharp pain in her face, which left her victim to another sword that sliced her along her side, this one going deeper than the last. Out of instinct, her left hoof went to her right side, allowing a third sword to stab her right in her left wing and sent her to the ground.

“Crimson Skies!” Silver Speed shouted flying down towards the younger mare. As she did so, she noticed out of her peripheral vison, another large black sword flying towards her. Just like with last time, she found herself impaled through the stomach and the back, which sent her tumbling across the ground. With a growl, the bluish grey Pegasus yanked the sword out just as it vanished in a swirl of blackness, causing blood to spurt out her wound and onto her armor clothes.

“There’s no need to worry about stabbing your dear partner again, Silver Speed. I already have that move in the bag.” Windslicer said as he slowly emerged from the smoke, black blood dripping from his body. “Although, unlike you, I don’t be as careless where I stab unlike you were, and it will be much more severe than yours.”

“W-what in the…how’re you still standing after that?!” Crimson Skies asked, slowly staggering up to her hooves. “I saw you get impaled by almost all of those arrows and sliced by that wind that Silver Speed conjured up!”

“Yes, you did, and as you, me and Silver Speed can see, it didn’t hurt as much as you had expected.” Windslicer grinned maliciously, as if the wounds weren’t hurting him. “Do you really think that little arrows made of wind and whirlwinds of them are enough to hurt me? I’m afraid that you’ll both have to do much better than that.”

Crimson Skies blue eyes glowed in retaliation. “So, you want the both of us to show you something better? Alright then, I’ll show you better! Ms. Silver Speed, cover me!”

Slamming an armored hoof on the ground, the palomino mare vanished in a flash of blue wind, before reappearing behind Windslicer and elbowing him in the back of the head. Grabbing him by his tail skirt with her mouth, she threw him into the air and sent an explosion of wind at the Nightmare Thestral’s, sending him even higher. Flying in the air, she elbowed Windslicer in his gut, causing a glob of black blood to fly from his mouth as Crimson Skies socked him right in his fanged face. As she flew away from him, Silver Speed suddenly soared passed her, sending a giant wind cloaked arrow up at Windslicer, watching as it impaled him and enveloped him in swirling wind. Before it could fully die down, Crimson Skies flew up above him, taking in another inhale of breath as she dived down towards Windslicer.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Swirling Whirlwind Neigh!” She shouted, letting he breath of blue wind shoot down towards Windslicer just as he saw it descending. It collided with him as if it was a freight rain falling from the sky, thus sending him crashing to the ground as Crimson continued to fly down at him.

“I’m not done with you yet!” The palomino mare shouted switching positions and letting her hindlegs slam right into Windslicer, driving him deeper into the ground. As she flew back up, she grabbed Windslicer by his wings and hoisted him back up. Holding him out in front of her, Crimson Skies slammed her forehead into the Nightmare Thestral’s muzzle, before throwing him into the air above her. Wind exploded around her, and she extender her hooves upward to send another explosion of wind up at the stallion, that is until Windslicer finally retaliated.

“Oh no you don’t! You’re not going to get the drop on my that easily!”He shouted, flaring his wings. “Nightmare Thestral: Black Nightmare Explosion!”

With yellow blazing in his draconic eyes, Windslicer shot down an explosion of blackness from his own hooves, letting it fall right down towards Crimson Skies. The Shadowbolt cried out in agony as it enveloped her, its burning sensation coursing all throughout her body as she was sent slamming into Windslicer’s crater. Crimson Skies coughed up a mouthful of blood, and opened her eyes to see the Nightmare Thestral hovering above her, but he was far from done.

“There’s more where that came from!” He shouted, his fangs gleaming as he began to swing his wings downward. “Nightmare Thestral: Black Slicing Wing Attack!”

Against the screaming protest in her body, Crimson Skies all but tore her frame out of the ground and shot a large blast of wind up at the flock of black slices. She watched as they clashed with the large bullet of wind before dissolving as her own wind soared up at Windslicer. The stallion’s eyes widened as the attack came up at him, before a scream tore from his throat as it met him in midair, sending him even higher. Flaring her giant wings, Crimson Skies inhaled and shot a large blast of wind from her mouth at the now falling Windslicer, watching as it collided with his back and sent deep cuts all over him. As black blood flew through the air, Crimson Skies made to fly after him to finish him off, only for Silver Speed to stop her.

“Hold it right there, Crimson Skies! Let me have this one!” The older mare shouted to her, aiming her bow and arrows up at a falling Windslicer. Just before she fired them, volts of purple lightning appeared around her and the arrows, the chirping sound resonating within her and Crimson Skies ears. “Lightning Sky Pegasus Knight: Thunder Wind Arrow Flock!”

With her eyes glowing a bright purple, she shot the group of several arrows at Windslicer, the purple lightning and blue wind roaring and crackling around them. Windslicer, sensing the arrows coming for him, turned around to deflect them, but paused upon seeing the addition of lightning that was packed within them. This threw him off guard, allowing a few of them to impale him in his stomach, wings, and legs, slices of wind and zaps of lightning coursing through him. The Nightmare stallion let out an agonized scream as he was caught within another explosion, and as he fell through the ground, Crimson Skies made her move to finish him.

“Alright, it’s time for me to end this!” Crimson Skies shouted, wind swirling around her as she prepared to make her finishing move. Taking a leaf from Silver Speed’s book, she closed her eyes and summoned another one of the three elements in her arsenal, and, seconds later, blue fire burst out of her, joining her wind. Extending her forehooves out, a sphere of fire appeared in he left hoof, while one of lightning appeared in her right. With her eyes blazing and her wings flared to their fullest span, the palomino mare made her move. “Lightning Sky Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Slicing Lightning Whirlwind!”

Slamming both attacks together, the lightning and wind in her hooves burst out into a massive explosion of power that shot towards Windslicer at speed exceeding that of a normal Pegasus pony. The Nightmare Thestral, who was struggled against the burning pain from the electric volts, had enough time to look up and see the fused stream of lighting and wind soar at him.

“Like hell I’m gonna let you kill me that easy!” Thinking quickly, he shot his own forehooves out and sent a wave of darkness. “Nightmare Thestral: Black Nightmare Explosion!”

Cursing under her breath Crimson Skies was forced to watch as their attacks collided with one another in one final power struggle that would ultimately decide to conclusion of the fight. It would be seen that both of the contestants were looking to be on their last legs, something that Silver Speed noticed, which led her to try to help Crimson Skies.

“Just hold on Crimson Skies!” She shouted, flying over to her with her bow and arrow ready. “I’ll send you some of my arrows so you can-”

“NO!” Crimson Skies yelled, making the mare freeze in place. “I’ll be the one to finish this, you just focus on making sure this bastard and none like him get to your kids!”

“Ha, do you really think that you can stop me?! A member of the Dark Army of our beloved Nightmare Moon?!” Windslicer laughed, a wide maniacal grin stretched across his face. “Don’t make me laugh! You’ll have better look getting yourself buried under the very ground you walk than defeating somepony as powerful as me! Not that you ever stood a chance against me even before this fight began!”

Crimson Skies snarled, and her eyes blazed their brightest blue yet. “The only one who’s going to be buried beneath the earth is YOU!” She shouted, her declaration ending in a scream as she continued to fire off her attack. “Now fall!”

With those words, the young Shadowbolt channeled more of her magic through her attack, making it twice as big as Windslicer’s and causing it to be slowly eaten up. The Nightmare Thestral’s eyes widened upon seeing his attack being overwhelmed, and he tried to make it grow in size and strength as well. However, it was too late, and before he knew it, he found himself being consumed in a stream of lightning and wind. His screams echoed about the street as he was sent flying down it, away from Crimson Skies and Silver Speed, the former’s attack dying down only few moments later.

“Heh, I told you that I was gonna make you bleed.” Crimson Skies said, panting as she plopped back down on all fours. “That’s what you get for not taking me seriously, and messing with a Shadowbolt.”

“Crimson Skies, honey, that was incredible!” Silver Speed exclaimed as she flew over to the younger mare. She held her forelegs out and let Crimson Skies fall into them. “The way that you combined to of your three affinities like that; I was not expecting that to happen.”

“W-well that’s what you saw happen.” Crimson replied, giggling slightly as she looked into Silver Speed’s beautiful violet eyes. “Just so you know, I didn’t really think of it from the top of my head. I had seen you do it when you shot your last flock of arrows back at Windslicer, and, I, um…well, I sort of got the idea for my last move. I’m sorry if I made it seem like I was ripping off of you by doing that.”

“Don’t worry about it dear, I’m just glad that you and my children are alright.” Silver Speed said gently, patting the younger mare on the head as if she were her daughter. “Speaking of which, thank you for coming to help my keep them safe. That was very courageous for a young mare like yourself to do.”

“W-w-well, I don’t like it when I see somepony in danger especially if it’s a pony that has a family with them.” Crimson murmured, her cheeks turning a slight pink. “S-so, I just did what anypony would do if they saw something like that happen.”

“Well, since you do look like your part of a military force, I’d expect no less, regardless of how young, timid and inexperienced that pony is.” Silver Speed said, leaning in and kissing Crimson Skies on her forehead. “I can tell just by this fight alone that you’ll make an excellent hero and flyer…you’re Captain must be proud.”

“You have no idea.” Crimson muttered shyly, the blush on her cheeks turning darker as she rubbed her forehead. ‘I can’t believe she did that...’

“Anyway, now that that bloodthirsty pervert is gone.” Silver Speed sighed, stepping away from Crimson Skies and looking over at her house. “I think it’s time that I go and check up on my kids and see if they’re okay. Odds are that they’re going to be asking me a bunch of questions involving this fight…and you too. You’re welcome to come with me if you want Crimson, since you did save all three of us in a way.”

“Um, a-are you sure?” Crimson asked hesitantly. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea, t-there’s a few Wonderbolts and guards I was fighting with a little while ago. If I stay here, I may be too late in giving them some aid after I had felt that you were in danger.”

Silver Speed raised a reassuring hoof, smiling sweetly at Crimson. “Oh, it’s no trouble honey, I was already planning on taking my foals somewhere safer anyway. After what happened here, I don’t think I should be back here for a while. Who knows how many ponies like Windslicer are out here roaming Ponyville right now?”

“Yeah, that does sound like a good idea.” Crimson Skies nodded. “Though, if you want to go somewhere safer, then your best chance is the Town Square. Just to let you know, you may here some ruckus outside and, um…”

“Yes, I know honey, don’t worry. I’ll let you lead me and my kids to a route safe enough to get to the Town Square. It’s the least I can do for you after you risked your life to help me.” Silver Speed said, her sweet smile gaining a gentler edge to it. “Just one more thing…can you handle young foals?”

“Oh, certainly!” Crimson replied, beaming brightly as a smile adorned her face. “I don’t mind being around your foals! I’ve always had a love for them anyway, just like a good member of my family and clanmates.”

“Okay good, I just wanted to be sure, so you don’t feel particularly overwhelmed.” Silver Speed said, sighing with relief. “Well then, let’s get going; the sooner we get my kids to the Town Square the better.”

Crimson Skies nodded eagerly, following behind the older mare with a light skip in her step as they both receded from their Ascension Modes. “Mhm; and the sooner we do that, the sooner I get to pinch their cheeks and tickle them to Tartarus and back!” She chirped happily, earning an amused laugh from Silver Speed.

Author's Note

Okay so, just a shoutout, when I had said that I was going to be writing some fluff at the beginning of this chapter, I did not expect to be as long as it was going to make it, and I was having a bit of trouble trying to figure out how I was going to end it :twilightblush: . I had even originally though of taking it out and letting the last to scenes be in this chapter, but I had decided to leave it in, for after going through it, I thought that it be more appropriate to leave it in there. I could make another fluffy scene like that the next time I come back to Sheton, Crescent, Spike, and the CMC, so why take one out that I had already made to keep a steady pace in this chapter :twilightsmile: ?

The same thing occurred to me when I was getting back to Silver Speed and Crimson Skies, and I was briefly wondering if I had executed the meeting and the start of the incoming battle between Granny Smith, Derpy, Blossomforth, and Serafino, along with the rest of the Apple Family. Including with the end of the battle between Silver Speed, Crimson Skies, and Windslicer, as well as showing just how strong of a mare Crimson Skies really is on the inside :raritywink: . If there's anything about it that seems off or of there's anything that I can change in it, let me know in the comments and I'll do what I can :pinkiesmile: .

Well, that's all for now; next time we'll be going back on the setting sails in the Everfree, and when we do, I will have an amazing surprise for all of you in store :pinkiehappy: !!!

Chapter 56 - The Unholy Offspring of Lightning and Death

The sound of chirping lightning and ear-splitting thunder could be heard throughout the vast waters of the Everfree Forest as the five-headed Hydra and Sky Ranger clashed. The enlarged thunderous Hippogriff stallion screeched loudly as he collided violently with the multi-headed reptile in mid-air, sending courses of lightning through the beast as the sky erupted with its own blood. The Hydra let out a loud chorused roar in return as it launched hits five heads at Ranger, its gigantic razor-sharp teeth sinking into the cloud covered form of its opponent as it rolled them around in the air with its wings. This did not deter Sky Ranger as he beat his gigantic wings furiously, not wanting to give the Hydra the advantage so easily in the fight. He could feel the beasts tail clubs collided with him as the Hydra attempted to bludgeon him from behind, only to get electrocuted once more.

Overwhelmed with pain, the Hydra let out a multitude of roars and ripped itself away from Sky Ranger, though not before it felt more chunks of its flesh being ripped out. Blood once more rained down from the air, most of it falling into the water while most of landed onto the wooden ship, where his new comrades were currently taking safety in. It fell all across the sails and the deck of the ship, showering the sails and making a pool of crimson on the deck. However, none of them paid attention to any of that, for all of them were too focused on what their temporary Captain of the ship had just said to them.

“W…what did you just say Zephyr?” Twilight asked in a voice barely above a whisper, her wet and bloodied mane falling limp. “Please tell me that I did not hear you say that our ship is falling apart!”

“That’s exactly what I just said Twilight.” Zephyr replied gravely, another crack appearing inside of the ship. “It looks like the ship that Goku, Fast Tracks, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie had made is starting to give out on us.”

“It’s true, Ah can see the damn cracks and splits comin’ from all around it.” Applejack added, pointing to various parts of the ship. “It looks like our ship is startin’ to git on its last legs, we’ve barely just even started fully sailin’ it!”

“B-but it can’t fall apart now!” Rarity protested, looking like she was going to have a panic attack and faint. “W-we’ve just started to get across these waters, and from the looks of it, we aren’t even halfway through it! We can’t really be expected to swim all the way to the other side of this miniature sea, do we?!”

“I don’t think we’ll have any other choice Rarity.” Fluttershy murmured, a frown adorning her face as she looked about the horizon at the forest ahead of them. “From where I can see, were still a good distance away from the shore as a matter of a fact, it doesn’t look like we’ve even gotten halfway across here yet. Mainly because of the water dragon that came and tried to eat us earlier, and…the fight that’s happening in front of us now. If the ship breaks any further, we may have to end up swimming over there.”

“Awww, already?! I don’t wanna leave this big awesome ship now!” Pinkie Pie whined, hanging form one of the sails on the foremast. “We’ve only just made it and we were having so much fun sailing across the water like real actual pirates! Are we really going to have to do the abandon ship order before we’ve even had all the fun of sailing?!”

“I’m afraid you may have to honey.” Violet Fire sighed, looking up at the sky. “The weather isn’t exactly looking too good right now, especially with what’s happening above us. Though I don’t think that we may have to end up swimming…at least not in the manner your implying.”

“Captain V’s right.” Fast Tracks nodded. “Remember when Sky Ranger told us about that plan that he has to help us escape if he feels like the Hydra won’t go down? He looked us all right in our faces and said that it’d be the best course of action if we want to make it out of here alive.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right!” Goku exclaimed, her golden eyes lightning up. “Ranger told us that he was going to transform all of us, and those transformations were going to be able to help us glide through here before that Hydra at us!”
“Exactly.” Lightning Shadow nodded, turning to watch the resuming fight between the Hippogriff stallion and the Hydra. “The only question is, will Sky Ranger be able to beat the Hydra before he’ll have to do that.”

“That can’t really be answer for certain, but I hope the ending comes quick.” Storm Shadow replied, looking around the slowly cracking ship. “I can feel the magic in this ship slowly draining, and it’s not going to be too long before it falls apart at an even quicker rate. The magic that the tree was connected to even before Goku tore it from the ground is vanishing, and when it does…this ship will no longer be able to hold out.”

“Oh dear…if that’s true then, Sky Ranger will need to finish the fight fast!” Blue Skies whimpered, her ears pinning back. “Then again, I don’t think it’ll really matters if he wins or loses this fight against the Hydra anymore. We’ll still have to make a decision to either abandon ship, or get sunken into the ocean by the Hydra…either way, we’re gonna be leaving this ship soon enough.”

“Uh, I think it’ll be a lot sooner than you think.” Rainbow Dash said, her cyan face paling as a shadow loomed over the ship. “EVERYPONY SCATTER!”

Looking up, everypony’s eyes widened when they saw Sky Range falling towards them; his large back colliding with the right side of the ship with a sickening crunch. Splitters and chunks of wood went flying in all directions of the ship, said ship cracking and breaking even more from the impact of the collision. Luckily, it didn’t last for very long, and Sky Ranger was back in the air again, his thunderous form emitting lightning crackling around him as he flew up at the Hydra once more.

“Sweet Faust that was way too close!” Goku cried as she held Chenoa tightly to her. “At the rate they’re going, they’re gonna end up destroying the ship faster than the magic is draining from it!”

“No shit sherlock…” Zephyr murmured, his ears pinning above the holes in his Captain’s hat. “One more hit like that, and we’re definitely going to be taking a swim sooner tha we’d like. Only…Sky Ranger won’t be able to help us in that regard in time.”

Chenoa let out a worried squeak of agreement.

Clapping his giant wings together, Sky Ranger propelled himself up towards the Hydra, aiming for its group of heads. The hive headed draconic beast saw it coming and was able to reel itself back just as Sky Ranger’s claws swiped at it. This proved to do nothing as Sky Ranger shot out a blast of blue lighting at the Hydra, who merely let it strike it in the chest as it was blown back. Once the attack receded, the hydra roared as bolts of lightning crackled around it, some of it reigning down from the sky and joining it. It then let out a breath of fire mixed with lighting as it struck Sky Ranger right where his stomach was, the attack going right through his back as he spiraled through the air.

By the time he managed to fight himself, the Hydra was already coming at him, but Sky Ranger was quickly to strike back despite his pain. With a swift swing of one of his wings, he sliced two of the heads of the Hydra off his beak coming in to rip off a fourth one while one of his talons went for a fifth. Blood squirted out of the heads like multiple hoses from four of the five headless necks as he shot a blast of lightning at the Hydra’s stomach.

‘Something’s not right here…I’m hurting the hydra, but it doesn’t seem like I’m getting anywhere, especially with the regenerative abilities.’ Sky Ranger thought to himself as he watched the Hydra plummet into the water. ‘I didn’t really notice it at first, but when I hit it in the chest just now, it didn’t look like it had hurt it in anyway. In fact, it almost seemed as if it was letting me hit it directly there…why is that?’

The Hydra suddenly burst out of the water, all of its heads intact once more as it flapped its enormous wings to propel itself up towards Sky Ranger. As if showing him the revelation to his confusion, a shining green light shined form its chest, allowing Sky Ranger to see the emerald that was right in the center of its chest. At that moment, something struck inside of Sky Ranger, something that had him thinking about that significant thing.

‘That emerald…I’ve seen it before. From what I can remember, each and every single Hydra that I’ve seen in this forest has that.’ Sky Ranger thought to himself, a perplexed frown on his face. ‘I know that it’s made for something highly important that helps the Hydras in fights, either against each other, or another beast in this forest. I just can’t seem to remember what.’

Fortunately for Sky Ranger, he didn’t have to wait very long for the answer to his theory, fore the Hydra’s five heads let out blasts of lighting that combined onto one. Holding his talons out, Sky Ranger’s own beak sent out a blast of blue lightning from them, and there was another power that came as a result. As it did so, Sky Ranger felt the attack was much more powerful than the last one and as the attacks exploded in midair, Sky Ranger immediately got his answer.

‘Son of a…of course!’ He thought, recognition clicking within him. ‘It’s the gem in the center of the Hydra’s chest! That’s what’s helping it fight me this entire time and why it’s doesn’t seem to be tiring! The gem is absorbing the attacks that I shoot at a certain spot on the Hydra so it can fire them right back at me!’ Sky Ranger mentally slapped himself, wishing he had known this fact much sooner. ‘If that’s the case, then it’s quite apparent that there’s only one way that I can defeat it. And that, is if I destroy the gemstone itself!’

With that though in mind, Sky Ranger flew back from the Hydra, evading to the left as it tried to slash at him with its claws. Flaring his four thunderous wings out, Sky Ranger screeched as he summoned lightning all over him, the chirping echoing about the air. The lighting ripping through the air above him joined the lightning he was emitting, making it stronger and even brighter than it was just moments ago. Looking back at the Hydra he could see it flying towards him, all four of its heads inhaling to let out an attack that gave Sky Ranger the impression that it was to finish him off.

‘Very well then, if that’s how you want to do this, your wish is my command.’ Sky Ranger though to himself, preparing to fire off his own attack. ‘However, I will not be the one who falls to their watery grave!’

With that thought, Sky Ranger soared towards the Hydra just as its five heads shot out blasts of lightning and fire, once again going into its combination. Just as it was about to hit, Sky Ranger ducked under it, flying just under the Hydra before he shot is attack up at it. Unlike all of its other bolts, this one was going up in near straight line, going right towards the emerald glowing within the center of its chest. A sickening glass-like crack echoed about the air as the bolt struck the emerald, even going straight through it and out of the Hydra’s back. The loudest roar of pain burst out from the Hydra’s five heads as blood burst out from its chest and back, its giant form falling to the ocean. As it vanished within the watery depths, another thought struck Sky Ranger, this one being more terrifying than the last.

‘Wait a minute, if I was going to defeat the Hydra, then that mean that I had to destroy the emerald within its chest. Otherwise it would just keep coming at me.’ The enlarged Hippogriff stallion thought as his heart rate increased. ‘If that were to happen then, something rather catastrophic would happen, not to the Hydra but to those around it. And that thing is…oh no!’

With his heart filled with fear, Sky Ranger raced down towards the wooden ship that Goku and the others were still currently resigning in. He could see the ship was starting to come apart, which only served to fuel his fear and desperation to get down there and get them all away from the Hydra as quick as possible. As he receded back to his normal form and landed onto the main deck of the ship, the others immediately met with him.

“Well Sky Ranger did you do it?” Twilight asked hopefully, biting her lip. “Did you manage to defeat the Hydra?”

“Yes, I did, I was finally able to find the weakness that was literally staring in front of me the entire time.” Sky Ranger replied immediately, a frown adorning his face. “But I’m afraid that we don’t have time to celebrate right now. I need to get all of you off of this ship right now before you all get blown away!”

“Blown away?” Rainbow Dash asked, a confused frown on her own face. “What the hay are you talking about?”

Sky Ranger slammed a talon onto the ground, large cracks appearing as he did so. “No time to explain right now! I just need all of you to get to the left side of the ship, now!”

Everypony jumped at the authoritive commanding tone in the Hippogriff stallion’s voice, but they nonetheless complied to his orders. As they did so, a bright green light emitted from behind them, causing them to turn around to see the motionless Hydra glowing near the ship.

“Um, Sky Ranger…” Fluttershy murmured, looking over at the Hippogriff stallion. “W-what’s happening to the Hydra?”

“Something that’s going to blow us all into bloody smithereens if we stay here talking about it instead of escaping.” Sky Ranger replied briskly, looking over at the ocean and over at the ponies in earnest. “Alright, now, I want each of you to hold hooves while two of you hold onto my talons.”

“Now why in th’ hay do ya want us t’ do that?” Applejack asked. “Jus’ what are ya plannin’ here Sky?”

“Why do you think I’m planning?” Sky Ranger asked incredulously, taking a hold of Goku and Rarity’s hooves. “I’m going to turn all of you into Sea Ponies; the plan that I had told you all before I went to fight the Hydra!”

“Wait, you were actually going to do it?!” Pinkie Pie cried, her cerulean eyes widening. “We’re going to be turned into sea creatures?!”

“Well…partially yes!” Sky Ranger replied, looking back at the glowing Hydra. “Now is everypony ready to go?!”

“W-wait a second!” Twilight suddenly cried. “H-how are you going to even turn is into Sea Ponies?! Shouldn’t you have some kind of magical artifact or amulet or something that allows you to do something like-?”

“For the love of Shenron, Twilight, we do not have time for you asking Sky Ranger about is questions right now!” Zephyr suddenly shouted, startling the lavender Unicorn. “We are about to get blown up by a creature that’s not even trying to, and the last thing we need for you to do is try to get more research on him or his powers! Now come on and grab my damn hoof already!”

Under the guard-like command of the royal blue stallion’s voice, Twilight all but wrapped her entire hoof around Zephyrs own, which had suddenly turned into a set of claws. Seeing that the left side was secure, Sky Ranger looked over at the right side and saw that it, along with Chenoa was secure as well. Closing his eyes, a bright white, pink, and orange aura began to appear around him, slowly spreading throughout the air and encasing the ponies and bat pup in its warmth.

“Oh my…” Rarity cooed, her eyes becoming half lidded. “This is…so warm…”

“Alright, the transformation is ready to go.” Sky Ranger said, his hindlegs hunching in preparation for a leap. “Is everypony ready to go now?”

“Ready when you are Sky Ranger!” Goku replied back, her tone surprisingly eager. “Let’s get with the swimming!”

“Alright then…” Sky Ranger nodded, his azure eyes flashing. “JUMP!”

With those words, everypony either flew or jumped over the side of the ship, the screams of Blue Skies, Rarity and Fast Tracks echoing about as they headed towards the water. It felt like a pretty long fall, for the ship was rather large in comparison to the average marine or pirate ship. Time seemed to slow down as the sound of an explosion rang in Sky Ranger and the ponies’ ears, letting them know that the Hydra finally had exploded. Just before they hit the water, the heard the ship explode behind them as evident by the large chunks of wood and one of the masts falling. That was the last thing they saw before the coolness of the water swept over them and the sound of bubbles filled their ears.

Then there was a flash of bright light, and then a powerful shockwave, before everything went dark.

When Goku finally came to, she did so slowly. As if her body and mind were trying to carefully prepare her for what was to come when returned to the waking world. The first thing to start functioning was her eyes, and as they fluttered open, she could see the surface of water above her, which was being lit by the moon just to the right of her vision. The first thing to come to her mind as she moved her forehooves to her face was that she was in the water and from the way she was laying, she was at the bottom. Her first initial instinct was to hold her breath, but as she inhaled, she immediately realized that she was able to breath it. As if the water she was currently lying in and surrounded in was air itself, like she was a mermare.

‘Wait a minute…’ The tan Thestral thought to herself as she slowly sat up. ‘I was just on the ship with Sky Ranger and the others. He had told us to jump because he was going to transform us into water dwelling creatures before the Hydra that he was fighting exploded. If I’m here in the water, and I’m able to breath then that means…’

“Oh good, you’re finally awake.” A familiar regal, intelligent and powerful voice suddenly said, causing her to jump and snap fully awake. Whipping her head around, she found herself meeting the familiar azure eyes of Sky Ranger. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I…is that you Sky Ranger?” Goku asked dumbly, looking the transformed Hippogriff’s new body up and down. “You look...different than what you were just a few moments ago. Like…a hay of lot different.”

Indeed, Sky Ranger did look different; a good portion more than his Hippogriff form for when he was still on their wooden ship. His white patched sky-blue fur was replaced with that of scaly skin that looked smooth to the touch, while his ears and beak were replaced with that of a pony’s ears and muzzle. His talons were replaced with flippers that were the same gleaming white color as his talons were, with his hindlegs and hooves being that of hind fins. Lastly, his feathery mane and tail had become that of indigo fins, while his lower body had become like that of a mermare’s own.

“Yes, I look quite a lot different when what I originally looked like back on your ship. I admit, it’s quite the rather breathtaking look is it not?” Sky Ranger asked, smiling brightly at Goku, who just merely nodded her head. “However, I’m not the only one here who went through a breathtaking transformation.”

Raising a jet-black eyebrow, Goku followed Sky Ranger’s downward pointing flipper and let out a gasp at what she saw. The lower part of her body, once having a set of tri-colored hindlegs and a long overly extended tail, now had the lower body of that of a mermare’s. Her hindlegs were nowhere in sight, but Goku could see that her lower fish body had the same trio-colors of her forelegs, and her tailfin still had the midnight blue highlights at the edges. Looking at her wise, she could still see that her wings had changed somewhat as well. Both of them looking slightly smaller, but by no means any less strong, the wing claws still looking as fierce as ever. Although the membranes were more see-through than they usually were, unlike her usual ones. As Goku felt at her mane, she noticed that it was a mix of her normal mane and head fins, giving her the impression that her mane was now designed for adapting underwater.

“Well?” Sky Ranger asked, his grin not faltering in the slightest. “What do you think? Rather amazing isn’t it?”

“I…I can’t believe it…I’m a Sea Pony.” Goku whispered, her forehooves coming to her face and muzzle. As she felt around it, she could still feel her fangs poking from out of her lips, even when in her new transformation. Once the shock of her new form sunk in, a smile broke out onto her face and she let out a squeal. “I’m a Sea Pony!”

Sky Ranger chuckled, watching as Goku swam around in her new form. “I take it you like you new aquatic form?”

“Like it?!” Without warning, Goku swam up to Sky Ranger and enveloped him in a tight hug, spinning him around in the water. “I bucking love it! I never ever thought that I’d actually become or be turned, into a Sea Pony before! This is just absolutely incredible!”

“That it is Goku, and for ponies like you, it would be.” Sky Ranger said, wincing slightly at the strength behind Goku’s hug. “And I can certainly say the same about your friends too.”

“My friends?” Goku asked, her glee being replaced with confusion once more. Smiling, Sky Ranger pointed behind her, and Goku looked to see her friends in a group behind her. Her eyes widened when she saw that each and every one of them were turned into Sea Ponies like her. Some of them were swimming around, while the others were admiring their new transformations and raveling in them. A good few of them seemed to be watching out for danger while the rest seemed to be admiring the underwater world around them. As they continued to frolic about, Fluttershy, who was conversing with what looked to be a white Stingray, noticed the tan Sea Pony out of the corner of her eye and she gasped.

“Everypony look!” She suddenly shouted, the volume of it making everypony pause in their swimming. “Goku’s finally awake!”

Upon hearing this, the rest of the groups’ gaze snapped over to where Goku and Sky Ranger was, and all of their faces lit up with joy. Before she knew it, Goku found herself in a group hug by the rest of her six friends, Violet Fire and Fast Tracks included. Storm Shadow, Lightning Shadow, and Blue Skies all just hovered back, though they too were smiling with just as much joy.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re finally awake honey!” Violet Fire cooed, planting a motherly kiss on Goku’s forehead. “I thought that you were never going to wake up while we were down here!”

“Yeah, glad to see that you’re up and kicking, or in this case up and swimming.” Fast Tracks nodded, giving a wide fanged grin. “And you look just as awesome in this from as you do in this form, not to mention sexier!”

“Yeah, I am…and, um…thanks.” Goku murmured bashfully, blushing softly as her friends parted from her. “Wait a minute what do you mean you thought I was never going to wake up? Are you saying that I was actually unconscious when I was going through this transformation?”

“Well, yes dear, but not for very long.” Rarity replied. “From what we were able to determine, you had probably gotten hit on the head by one of the parts of the ship. Or you had gotten overwhelmed by the shockwave of the explosion from the hydra that had, unfortunately, demolished our ship. Either way, you were out for a good while…maybe for about five or ten minutes at best.”

“Ten minutes?!” Goku repeated, her forehooves flying to her head as she rubbed at it, wincing just a second later. “Damn…I guess I must’ve gotten hit pretty hard by the ship and that explosion. I guess it’s a good think that the transformation had completed just before I feel in the water, huh?”

“Emphasis on just before.” Rainbow Dash replied with a laugh. “Had that not happened, you definitely would’ve been sleeping down forever. Either that, or you may have been eaten by a bunch of Cragadiles or Sharks or Dragons or-”

“Okay Dash we get it, and Goku gets it too.” Twilight interrupted sternly. “Please don’t go and put that mental image in our heads. We’ve got enough things to worry about already, and we don’t need the fact that underwater predators may come down here and eat us.”

“Yeah Dashie, I don’t wanna think about Goku’s inner party streamers flying about and getting ripped out by a bunch of Sharks, Cragadiles, and Dragons.” Pinkie Pie frowned, her pink colors going green. “And not the fun type of streamers either?”

Lightning Shadow raised a brow at Pinkie. “Inner party streamers?”

“I think that’s her way of calling Goku’s entrails.” Storm Shadow whispered in her twin sister’s ear. “Along with her own and her friends’.”

“Its’ just Pinkie being Pinkie Lightning, just go with it.” Applejack said with a chuckle, waving a dismissive hoof. “So…where’s th’ remnants of our ship?”

“It’s just over there.” Zephyr replied, pointing a hoof over at a large mess of wood behind Goku and Sky Ranger. “The explosion from the Hydra was so powerful that it had ended up destroying the rest of the ship, even though it was still more or less intact. All it is now is just a pile of wood joining all the other ships that might be here.”

“I see.” Goku murmured sighing somewhat dejectedly. “Well, it’s not like we can’t make another to sail back here. That is unless Queen Celestia and her army meet up with us over at Nightmare Moon’s castle and decided to take us back herself.” Her ears suddenly perked as she looked around again, looking slightly more worried. “Wait a second, where’s Chenoa?! He didn’t get caught up in the blast, did he?!”

“No Goku, don’t worry, he’s right here.” Fluttershy said sweetly, swimming over and presenting the transformed bat pup to the tan Sea Pony. Chenoa’s pure white fur gave way to scaly skin that shining just as bright, with his bat wings becoming see through wings, just like Goku’s own, the claws still extended, looking design for the water. The pup also looked to have a set of four legs, flippers adorning his paw-like feet to allow him to paddle trough the water along with his wings. Finally, his tail had seemed to thicken and grow in length, the tip having a large kitchen knife like stinger at the tip of it.

“Oh, my Faust, Chenoa!” Goku squealed, bringing the sea bat into her arms. “Look at you, you look so adorable! With those little forelegs and watery wings, and that wickedlooking stinger you have! Now you can swim around in the water just like your Auntie Goku and the rest of us can; and you can use that wicked stinger if yours to sting and fend off any sea creature that tries to eat you! Isn’t that right?”

Chenoa squeaked happily in response, nuzzling into Goku’s scaly chest as she kissed his forehead.

“Ah have t’ say Sky Ranger AH didn’t really expect you t’ be able to turn us all int’ Sea Ponies like that.” Applejack commented, admiring her aquatic form. “An’ I especially wasn’t expecting ya t’ be able t’ chance that bat int’ a sea bat…how were you even able t’ do that?”

Fast Tracks hissed. “His name is Chenoa, dammit!”

“Oh, well you see, that’s actually a very simple question.” Sky Ranger replied, smiling as he pointed at his chest. “You see these nine pearls imbedded in my chest?”

“Why yes we do, and we must say, that they look absolutely divine.” Rarity cooed; her eyes wide as she stared at the gleaming ‘V’ shaped pearls. “Where did you even get such gems like those?”

Sky Ranger’s smile faltered slightly, and he rubbed the back of his head. “That…is a story that I’d like to save for another time. The way I got these pearls within me is not something that I’d like to talk about very often.”

Blue Skies, sensing the solemnness in Sky Ranger’s tone, frowned with sympathy. “Oh, I see…well, that’s okay Ranger. You can just tell us how you were able to transform us with them; you don’t need to tell us where you got them.”

“Thank you.” Sky Ranger said, smiling gratefully at the palomino Sea Pony. “Anyways, it’s quite the simple thing to do. All I had to do was focus my magic into the pearls in my chest, and awaken the magic flowing within them. Then, I just let the magic within the pearls spread out to any living thing, Pony, Hippogriff, or otherwise, into an aquatic creature. Which is exactly what happened with all of you when I spread the magic of the pearls to you.”

“Seriously? It’s that simple?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow in perplexation. “I thought that it was a lot more complicated than that.”

“Well, it more or less is.” Sky Ranger murmured. “You see, while I can turn more than one creature into an aquatic one, I can only do it a limited number of times. Just how there are nine pearls in my chest, I can only do the transformation technique a number of nine times. If I do it even more than one time after that, I’ll immediately lose consciousness.”

“Oh! Well that makes a lot more sense put like that!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Is that why only eight of your gems are glowing instead of all nine?”

“That’s correct Pinkie Pie.” Sky Ranger nodded. “And the more times I use the technique that I used on you, the more of these pearls will dim. I will have to wait a whole hour for the one that I used just now to regain it shine before I can use it again. It’s been ten minutes, so it’ll be another fifty minutes before this one fully…recharges.”

“I see…then that means we’ll have to stay underwater for a good while, depending on how long it takes to get to the other side of the Everfree.” Goku murmured, before looking down at Chenoa. “In the meantime, we get to enjoy these new forms of ours, while I get to enjoy seeing Chenoa’s new adorable form, heeheehee!”

“Um, Goku, Ah don’t wanna break up this little tender moment o’ yours…” Applejack said, tapping the Sea Pony mare on the shoulder. “…but A think we’d better get a move on right now. Now that we’re awake, it’s best if we get t’ th’ other side of this here sea as soon as possible. With how many underwater critters there are here, who knows when we might get preyed upon like a bunch o’ sheep on a ranch.”

“Applejack has a point there Goku.” Zephyr nodded. “We’ve been lucky these past ten minutes being able to swim and collect ourselves without any nearby danger. If we stay here any longer, these waters are going to be painted even redder than they already are…only this time, it’ll be with our own blood instead of the Hydra’s.”

“That’s right, we still have to get to Nightmare Moon anyway.” Twilight said firmly, before turning to Sky Ranger. “Sky Ranger, would you mind if you helped us swim our way through here? I’m afraid we’re not exactly used to traveling underwater.”

“Why of course, I was the one to change you into aquatic equines.” Sky Ranger replied, smiling eagerly as his tail flapped about. “Come now everyone, allow me to take you on a journey through the seas!”

The future Bearers of Harmony and the Shadowbolts found themselves enjoying their swim through the water much more than they though they would. Aside from the vast amounts of the H20 that was being light by the Moon up above, there were so many other beautiful things that the water blessed their eyes with. Numerous towers and groups of algae covered rocks adorned the sea floor, adorning various colors and shapes that seemed to glow and shine. Aquatic plants of all species and sized littered to sand covered sea floor as if it was a forest growing under the very one above the Sea Ponies were swimming under. That, however, was nothing compared to the amount of aquatic wildlife swimming about, ranging from various species, be it fish, crabs, octopus, eels, snakes, sea reptilians, and marine mammals as well, with some predatory aquatic fish resigning within them as well.

“Wow…” Blue Skies breathed, staring in awe at the aquatic world around them. “It’s so beautiful down here! Look all of the plants and fish…I’ve never been in a sea like this before!”

“I know, isn’t it just wonderful?” Fluttershy gushed, smiling with absolute glee. “I’ve always wondered what aquatic life would be here. I’ve been to aquariums before in my life, and they’re all very beautiful, but I’ve always wondered what it’d be like in the Everfree Forest. It’s even more beautiful than I had ever thought that it would be; as much as the land above~!”

“Yeah...I never even thought that a place like the Everfree could contain something this…breathtaking.” Twilight breathed, swimming alongside Zephyr. “I guess I was so focused on how dangerous that it was that I didn’t seem to see the other qualities that it held.”

“That’s okay Twilight; I’m sure that many ponies like you would feel the same way if they were in your position.” Zephyr said gently, rubbing a hoof down Twilight’s scaly back. “Then again, even if they did see something as beautiful as this, they’d still be unable to really open their eyes and really see it.”

“Sad, but true…and I’m glad you think so Fluttershy.” Sky Ranger murmured, smiling back at the Sea Pony mare and stallion. “I have always had an appreciation for the beauty that this forest held, both in land and in the water. I’m sure that a good number of animal lovers like you, Blue Skies, Violet Fire, Fast Tracks and Goku had always wondered what life was like under this behemoth of a forest. Too bad those that did probably ended up being eaten by the life that was down here.”

“I’m betting that they were. Too bad that this forest is far too dangerous for ponies that aren’t Thestrals or Kirins to live in, let alone explore and study in.” Goku nodded solemnly, sighing as she swam about the water. “I gotta admit though, it is so incredible being a sea pony!”

“You better believe your fish tailed ass it is, G!” Rainbow Dash laughed as she and Applejack swam around the group. “Not only to I get to swim around here as fast as I want, but I also get to breath both underwater and in the air! How cool is that?!”

“Perdy darn dandy if ya ask me RD.” Applejack replied with a chuckle, bumping hooves with the cyan athlete. “AH have t’ be honest though…it does feel a might weird not havin’ mah hindlegs an’ a fish tail instead. Almost as if Ah didn’t even have em in the first place.”

“I agree with you there dear. It’s like we were born as Sea Ponies instead of actual ponies designed to walk on the very earth that we thrive upon.” Rarity nodded, running her hooves down her own body, as if feeling it for the first time. “Be that as it may, it doesn’t take away just how absolutely glamorous that I look! I mean just look at these fins; they’re absolutely divine!”

“Forget the fins, look at our Cutie Marks!” Pinkie Pie said, pointing to a fin that contained her mark of three balloons. “Those pearls not only turned us into Sea Ponies, but it also made sure that we still had our marks on us before we did! If that’s not super-duper amazing, I don’t know what is!”

“Maybe now having the ability to breath underwater and looking like legendary versions of merponies?” Fluttershy suggested sweetly, waving her tailfin innocently. “Maybe you could count that is something even more amazing than having Cutie Mark fins?”

Pinkie giggled. “Yeah, maybe you can count that too, heehee!”

“Oh totally, and it really helps in relieving all of the stress and being hunted down by so many wild beasts, on the ground, in the air, and even underground and in the sea!” Fast Tracks said jovially, ascending and ascending in the water. “It feels so good to just swim around and breath in water as if you were flying in it!”

“And it also gives us a chance to explore these new bodies.” Lightning Shadow nodded, observing her Sea Pony form carefully. “To think there was an actual power that could make something like this happen…I have to wonder just what other powers and species are out in this world. just like what other secrets that this forest may hold.”

“Oh, it holds many secrets by dear…both beautiful and deadly.” Sky Ranger replied, look around at the vast aquatic world. “Though, it’s nothing compared to the secret that lies in the middle of this beautiful forest…one that all animal lovers would kill to discover.”

“Oh really?” Storm Shadow asked, raising a brow. “And what kind of secret is that?”

The azure blue Sea Pony stallion looked back at the group swimming behind them. “Have any of you heard of the place called, Rambling Rock Ridge?”

“The ramblin’ what now?” Applejack asked, raising a brow.

“Rambling Rock Ridge, Applejack…you need to learn to pay attention when ponies are saying certain things.” Rarity replied, ignoring the glare the farmer shot at her. “I do apologize for my friend’s behavior Applejack. What were you saying about this place?”

“Well… the Rambling Rock Ridge is actually a cave that’s said to be nestled right in the middle of the Everfree Forest, right behind your Queen’s old castle on the Everfree Plains. Well, what was left of the castle before it was transformed by Nightmare Moon anyway.” Sky Ranger said somewhat sheepishly at the end before continuing. “However, what’s so legendary about it, is that it is said to be the Beating Heart of the Everfree Forest.”

“The beating heart?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Why in the is it called that?”

“Because within the cave entrance of the Rambling Rock Ridge, is said to be another stretch of the Everfree wilderness.” Fluttershy replied. “The Everfree Forest is big enough as it is, big enough to eve rival the forests of the Undiscovered West in fact. However, legend has it, that within the Rambling Rock Ridge’s cave entrance, is a bountiful Eden of land that is as beautiful as it is endless. It contains vast areas of trees, forests, jungles, mountains, swamps, plains, shrubs and waters as far as the eyes can see, with all the animals that you can find that inhabit this very forest and so many more. It is said to be one of the many wildernesses that remaining completely untouched by the Three Pony Tribes, thus letting it remain truly wild, with the only species of equine there being the Thestrals and Kirins.”

“Wait a second Fluttershy…you just said that this Eden in this Rambling Rock Ridge place is the only number of wild places that aren’t inhabited by ponies.” Twilight said. “How can it be a really wild place its inhabited by Thestrals and Kirins?”

“Because, the Thestrals and Kirins that’re apart of the Eden within Rambling Rock Ridge are said to have been in it since it was first originated.” Fluttershy replied, glancing over that the lavender Sea Pony Unicorn. “Not only that, but the Thestrals and the Kirins have not been known for hunting or killing any of the creatures within it, other than the purpose of food when it comes to the herbivores, just like any other carnivore. That, and…well, Thestrals and Kirins aren’t really included as part of the Pony Tribes due to the short amount of time they’ve been in this plant and their powers.” She shot Goku, Fast Tracks, and Zephyr a sheepish smile. “Other than that, they leave the animals alone and join them all in what is known as, a least in there, the Great Circle of Life.”

“The Great Circle of Life…now that’s something that I know is made to be philosophical.” Rarity said, giggling in a hoof. “You really enjoy learning about things that have do with nature, don’t you dear?”

“I certainly do Rarity, and I know that I’m not the only one either.” Fluttershy replied, earning smiles from Zephyr, Goku and Violet Fire. “I don’t know if the Eden of the Everfree Forest is real or not…but if it is, I’d love to see it.”

“Hey…everypony, look!” The ebony mare shouted, pointing a hoof up. “I think I can see the shore from up here!”

“Yeah me too!” Fast Tracks nodded, his expression brightening. “It’s faint, ‘cause I can’t really see from outside of the water, but I can see the outline of trees from down here!”

“It looks like we’ve finally made it to the other side.” Zephyr murmured. “It took us nearly an hour to get there, but we finally made it.”

“Well, it was a good hour well spent in my opinion.” Sky Ranger commented, looking down at his ninth gem, which was now glowing as if it wasn’t even used. “My ninth Pearl Stone is back to its beautiful shine, and it’s ready to be used in another transformation move again. Though I get the feeling that I’m going to be using it for a lot more ponies this time.”

“Yeah, I do too.” Goku nodded dryly, giggling as she gently elbowed the Sea Pony stallion in his side. “We can worry about that later though. Right now, we’ve got a surface we need to swim back to, and forest to continue trekking.”

“Awww, do we have to leave already?!” Pinkie Pie whined pathetically. “I wanna swim some more down here! It was so much fun experiencing what it was like to be a Sea Pony! I don’t want that to end now!”

“Sorry Pinks, but we gotta go unfortunately.” Applejack said gently, yet firmly putting a hoof on the Sea Earth Pony’s back. “We still got a villain we need t’ defeat an’ a town we need t’ save from that very same varmint too. Ah’m afraid that we’re gonna have t’ cut this lil’ free time o’ ours short.”

“Well shit, and I was already getting used to being a Sea Pony too.” Rainbow Dash grumbled, crossing her forehooves. “Life can be really shitty sometimes…”

“Oh, now don’t be like that girls, it’s not like it’s going to be the last time you get to swim with me.” Sky Ranger said optimistically, a cheery grin on his face. “If you want, after all of this over, and if you’re Queen is okay with it, I can turn all of you into Sea Ponies again and we can all swim through the entire sea together, for much longer.”

“Wow really?” Blue Skies asked excitedly. “You’d really do that for us?”

“Well if course; it’s the least that I can do after you had let me guide you through this forest.” Sky Ranger replied, rubbing his flippers as he blushed. “Plus…I do want to make up for more or less getting your ship destroyed anyway.”

“Alright! Now that’s what I’m talking about baby!” Fast Tracks cheered, doing flips and circles around the water. “Come on you guys, let’s get to that castle and send Nightmare Moon to Tartarus and back so we can swim through these waters again!”

“Right back at ya Fast!” Rainbow Dash cheered as she followed the Sea Pony stallion up towards the surface.

“Guys wait!” Twilight shouted, but the two athletes were already swimming their way up to the surface. “I swear, those two are too much alike….”

“That makes two of us.” Violet Fire giggled. “Come on you guys, let’s get back up there before those two knuckleheads get lost.”

“Right back at you V.” Goku as she swam to towards the surface, Chenoa and the others following close behind her.

Thankfully, Rainbow Dash and Fast Tracks didn’t run into any beasts or anything else that was dangerous after the others exited the sea. Although they did spend a good few minutes trying to find the reckless cyan Pegasus and light brown Thestral through the thick foliage of trees. After they had managed to regroup, while giving the duo a good scolding, the group was no once again trekking through the forest as they did before they had set sail. Only this time, Sky Ranger was now accompanying them, serving as extra protection and company for the ponies. Little did any of them realize, that they were about to get another temporary companion along the way.

“I have to say Sky Ranger; it was rather pleasant experience that you put us through under the seas of the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy said, smiling sweetly at the Hippogriff. “In all of my life, I had never dreamed that I’d ever become a Sea Pony, especially in a place like this. That was certainly one of the best experiences of my life, without a doubt.”

“Indeed darling, that swim was just exquisite!” Rarity gushed, her tail skirt flicking about. “My Cutie Mark shined the brightest that I had ever seen since I had first gotten it! It just absolutely sparkled under the water while I was swimming, and my mane and tail oh! No words could describe just how graceful they looked under the water!”

“Uh-huh, it was just so much fun being down there!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she bounced around the Hippogriff. “I’ve been to ponds and pools and swam in them before, and it was fun in its own way, but that had to be the best swim that I’ve ever had in my life!”

“Well, I’m glad that you all had fun, and I’m happy that I could provide.” Sky Ranger said, smiling back at the mares and Shadowbolts. “Though, I’m pretty sure that a good portion of you still found it rather off that you had been turned into another different species.”

“Ah certainly did…Ah am never gonna forget the feelin’ of having a giant tail fin instead o’ mah own back hooves.” Applejack nodded, looking back at side legs and giving them a few kicks. “Still, it was rather nice t’ be able t’ breath underwater…an’ swim around in too. Ah guess Ah wouldn’t mind tryin’ it out again sometime.”

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t!” Rainbow Dash snickered, hovering above the rest. “Do you know how awesome the feeling was to be swimming and breathing underwater as a Sea Pony?! And here I thought going fast in the air was the only cool thing about being a Pegasus! Well, other than being able to control the weather and all that!”

“That makes two of us!” Fast Tracks nodded. “I can’t wait to get back into that water and swim as if I was flying in it! Another legitimate reason to take Nightmare Moon down where she stands!”

“I think Goku and her friends have that covered Fast Tracks, but I can see your point.” Violet Fire said, patting the light brown stallion on his head. “I have to say though, you all looked quite alluring in the Sea Pony forms Sky Ranger had you all go into! And Chenoa, oh he just looked so adorable in his, and fierce with his stinger too!” She reached over to said bat and scratching him under his chin, earning a content squeal from the pup in response. “If he was that cute in his aquatic form, then I wonder how cute Sheton would look if he was turned into a Sea Pony!”

As soon as those words left her mouth, Fluttershy, Blue Skies, Goku, Lightning Shadow, and Storm Shadow all paused, the image of a Sea Pony Sheton forming in their minds. A squeal left Goku and Blue Skies mouths, the former’s being louder than the latter’s while Lightning and Storm merely blushed, managing to keep themselves composed.

“Dammit Violet Fire, you just had to put that mental image in my head, didn’t you?!” Goku shouted, her cheeks burning. “And just when I thought I had gotten myself all prepped up and ready for battle again, you just had to go and ruin it!”

“I know, and here I thought that Sheton couldn’t get any cuter than he already is!” Blue Skies whined, frowning at her Captain. “Why did you have to go and say that Captain?! Whyyyyyy?!”

The ebony mare giggled, smiling in amusement at her teammates and Goku’s blushing faces. “I’m sorry girls, I just couldn’t help it! The thought was just too much to keep to myself and I had to voice it out to you!” She said, her tail flicking about in excitement. “I can just tell by the looks on your faces that you’d love to see something like that happen! And I certainly know the rest of you would want to see that happen to your own siblings too!”

“You have no idea…” Fluttershy replied, the blush on her face darkening as the image of a Sea Pony Scootaloo appeared in her mind. As these thoughts continued to race through the gentle Pegasus’s head, she was brought sharply back to reality when a smell hit her nostrils. A smell so strong and coppery that it made her want to gag and retch right on the spot had it not taken her aback so strongly. She wasn’t the only one however, for Goku had also picked up the scent, which was far stronger for her, and even more revolting.

“Um…Fluttershy? Goku?” Blue Skies asked, noticing the change in both mare’s body language. “Is there something the matter?”

“Girls, stop.” Goku said abruptly, her commanding undertone making everypony, even Zephyr and Sky Ranger stop in their tracks. Not taking her eyes from in front of her, she took a few sniffs, and gave just the slightest grimace on her face. “Do you guys smell that?”

Rainbow Dash paused. “Smell what?”

“That…coppery and sour scent.” Fluttershy replied, her pupils contracting slightly. “I don’t want to scare you guys, but I know that smell, and it is not something that you're going to like.”

Raising a brow, Zephyr stepped up towards the group and gave a few sniffs of the air himself, and just a moment later, he reeled back. “Oh, Sweet Faust and Shenron…that’s blood!”

Rarity paled. “B-b-b-blood?! Y-you mean a-actual blood?!” She stammered as if she didn’t believe what Zephyr had said. “The very same fluid that is pumped through our veins by our hearts?”

“The very same one Rarity.” Fast Tracks asked, his own face scrunched up in disgust as he looked over at Lightning, Storm, and Violet. “And it looks like we’re not the only ones who smell it either.”

“Oh goodness, it’s so…strong and foul!” Lightning Shadow gagged, holding a hoof to her muzzle as Storm Shadow draped a wing over her. “What kind of poor creature in this forest could’ve gotten injured to the point where it’s blood is this strong?”

Sky Ranger who was also sniffing out in the air, froze and let out a gasp. His azure eyes wide as his shining white pupils contracted in realization. “Dragon…”

Twilight snapped her head over to the Hippogriff stallion. “W-what did you say?”

“A dragon…it’s dragon blood that we’re smelling!” Sky Ranger repeated, slightly louder. “There’s no doubt about it; there’s an injured dragon somewhere around here!”

“Whoa, hold on, wait!” Rainbow Dash shouted as Fluttershy, Blue Skies, Violet, Goku and Zephyr all gasped in horrified shock. “You’re saying that there’s an actual dragon here?! Like the one that we nearly got burned by while we were sailing here?!”

Pinkie Pie nodded, confirming the cyan mare’s suspicions. “It looks like it Dashie, I can smell that icky scent too!”

“Whoa nelly…now that’s not something that Ah was expectin’ t’ happen…at least not again.” Applejack murmured, still trying to comfort her sister. “What do y’all think could’ve happened t’ th’ critter?”

“I don’t know, but I’m not gonna just stand here and wait to find out.” Goku replied, her eyes narrowed. “Come on guys, follow me!”

Spreading her bat wings, the tan Thestral took off into the grove of thick burly and foliage filled trees, ignoring the protest of most of her friends as they followed her, Chenoa included. Leaves and trees rustled under and around them as they followed the scent of the dragon blood, which was growing stronger by the second as they neared. It soon began to get so overwhelming that some of them felt tears welling up in their eyes at how sharp the pain the smell was in their nostrils and in their eyes, but they continued to push on. Despite the potential danger ahead, Goku did slow down, and from the way Fluttershy, Zephyr, and Violet Fire were following after them, they weren’t either.

After what seemed like endless running and flying, the ponies and one Hippogriff found themselves in front of a scene that made them all freeze. Just twenty feet away from them, was a huge dirt trail going down the path that they were going on. It started just behind a large tree that appeared to be violently snapped in half, before going down for a few yards and up again, stopping at the very top of the path. As they continued to examine it, they could see what looked to be large black and blue circles that looked to be like scales, and as they looked closer, the group could see they actually were scales. Some of the scales were piled on top of large patches of blood covering almost the entire dirt trail, forming small pools of blood that went up it.

“Oh shit…” Rainbow Dash murmured, her jaw hanging open slightly. “What the hay happened here?”

“It looks like something crazy happened here, that’s what!” Pinkie Pie said, staring wide-eyed at the scene before them. “What do you guys think happened here?”

“Well…judging by the blood and scales that are here.” Storm Shadow replied, eyeing the scales and crimson stains closely. “It looks like an animal of some sorts got into a little accident…and judging from the snapped tree beside us, I’d say it was a flight accident.’

“Oh no…you don’t think the poor thing’s still in pain, do you?” Blue Skies asked as she looked at each of the others. “Wait a minute, what am I saying?! Of course he’s in pain! Why else would there be blood and scales all over here?! We have to help it!”

“Blue Skies wait!” Violet Fire shouted, grabbing onto the young mare’s tail with her teeth. “Listen honey, I know you want to help the drake, but you can’t go rushing in like that.”

“Why not?!” Blue Skies shouted, glaring back at the ebony mare. “Are you saying that I should just let that poor dragon blood to death from whatever wound they have?”

“No, she’s not.” Sky Ranger said, putting a talon on Blue’s shoulder to calm her down. “What Violet is saying is that you need to go by this carefully. While your intentions may be pure, there’s no guarantee that the dragon will let you help it. Odds are he may try to attack you or scorch you alive the moment he sees you pop up so suddenly.”

“Sky Ranger is right Blue.” Fluttershy nodded, her tone gentle and soothing, yet firm. “If there’s one thing that’s dangerous besides a wild animal, is one that is wounded and scared. An animal that is either scared or critically injured by another is going to fight for its life if it encounters another animal that has the intent to harm it. Even if it may not be our intention, it’s still going to fight and bite back if it believes it’s in danger. It will even go as far as to kill its potential enemy if that’s what it has to do, and they won’t hesitate either.”

Blue Skies anger quickly diminished, her ears falling limp. “Oh…right. I’m sorry…I wasn’t thinking there.”

“Don’t worry about it Blue, just keep calm and tread carefully.” Zephyr replied, patting the smaller Pegasus on her head. “Alright everypony, whatever you do, don’t make any sudden movements or sounds while we’re heading up here. As you can plainly see the dragon that’s over this slope is most likely inured to the point where it can’t even fly. So be sure to tread lightly and look as none threatening as you possibly can while we tend to it.”

“Darling…are you sure that’s the best idea?” Rarity said tentatively, taking a step forward. “This is a dragon that we’re talking about, a creature that hardly accepts help from anything or anypony, even other dragons. We know for certain that they don’t accept help from ponies, nor do they offer any help in return to us; not that they’ve ever have. And I don’t think that this particular dragon will be too pleased with us doing that…especially in whatever state he’s in.”

“Yeah, not to mention that the last dragon we met tried to burn us alive!” Rainbow Dash growled, crossing her forehooves. “Why should we go out of our way to help this dragon when the last one tried to eat us like that Hydra did?!”

“Because it’s the right thing to do Dash, for one.” Fluttershy said sternly, glaring up at the cyan mare. “The second reason is because this dragon wasn’t the one that tried to eat us back in the sea that we were sailing and swimming in! Third, this dragon is so wounded to as to where he may not be able to fly right now, and I don’t need to see it to know it! The scales and the blood all over here is proof enough of that!”

“Yeah…we can kind of see that Fluttershy.” Twilight murmured, only to shrink back when the buttermilk Pegasus’s glare was trained on her. “L-look…we won’t stop you if this is what you want to do. It’s obvious just by looking at you you’re not backing out from this, but still…are you really sure you want to do this? This isn’t like you to want to actually get up close with a dragon.”

“Twi’s right Fluttershy…with the exception o’ Spike, he’s the only dragon you’ll go anywhere near, and he’s not even a full one.” Applejack added tentatively. “An’ there’s that lil’ phobia that ya have o’ them critters too…what’s so different about this one here?”

“Applejack, were you not paying attention to what Fluttershy was saying?” Lightning Shadow asked incredulously. “This was not the dragon who attacked us back in the sea, there’s blood and scales all over here, and the poor thing is probably writhing in agony right now! What more reasons do you need to understand why Fluttershy wants to do this?”

“And this has nothing to do with my dracophobia either.” Fluttershy added stomping her hoof in the ground, caring not for the blood that coated it. “This is about me helping an injured animal in need, regardless of the fac that it’s a dragon and I have a phobia of them. Under normal circumstances, I probably would’ve cowered in fear of one and ran under a rock, but this is not one of those times. I’m a Rosario and a Tenshi, and it is my sworn duty to protect and nurture forms of life! And if it happens to be a dragon, one of the two creatures in this forest that I’m more terrified of than any other creature, then so be it!”

With a graceful lash of her tail, Fluttershy turned tail and trotted down the slope, Goku, Zephyr, Blue Skies and Sky Ranger following close behind. The others looked at one another, before eventually following suit, Rainbow Dash grumbling and Rarity whimpering all the while. As they went down the slope and up again, they saw bigger, more fresher pools of blood, and even larger scales covering the ground beneath their hooves. The metallic stench filled their nostrils and hit the roof of their mouths causing them to cringe and even gag in disgust. They eventually found themselves at the very top of the slope, where the foul stench of the blood and scales reached its maximum peak. When they looked around, none of them could surpass their gasps at what lay before them.

Laying just below them, with large blankets of algae covering random parts, was probably the biggest clearing they mares had seen so far, minus the Shadowbolts. The size of the clearing that they had all fought the Timberwolves in was nothing compared to the one that they saw now. Large towers of algae covered rocks were towering in random parts of the amazingly wide space, with a huge abundance of grass that covered every single inch of the earth around the rocks. On the walls of the clearing, were rocks and boulders that poked out in various random spaces, the algae covering the towering rocks covering those parts as well. As the finishing touch, an enormous water hole stretched out in the very center of the clearing, the sight of large fish swimming around it being illuminated by the light of the Moon.

It was a rather extraordinary sight if the ponies were being entirely honest with themselves, but that wasn’t what had them so shocked and horrified. What had them in such a state was the sight of the creature that they were all searching for in it, and the condition it was in.

Lying right at the top of the clearing, a great pool of blood surrounding it, was possibly the most extraordinary looking dragon that they had ever seen. To say that it was a giant would’ve been a major understatement. It was absolutely ginormous, bigger than both the Battoookami and the Manticore combined, almost three times as big. The scales adorning its body was black, the blackest the mares had ever laid their eyes upon, equivalent the night sky above them and Nightmare Moon’s own coat; having different shadings of blue. Its wingspan was absolutely massive, stretching over stretching well over half of the large pit clearing, with its tail pretty much doing the same, having light and dark blue spots adorning them, along with its legs. It had a large set of wolf-like ear set on its head, with smaller ones in between them, and a set of blackish blue spines going down its back. At the base of its tail was a much, much smaller set of wing fins, and at the very base of its tail, were wing fins were slightly bigger than the ones at the base.

All of which looked to be absolutely sliced to ribbons, and dripping with blood.

“Oh…my…Faust…” Rarity said, her voice just barely above a whisper as her pupils contracted. “What…what in the world happened here?”

“Ah…have no idea Rares. I was expectin’ this here dragon t’ be a little roughed up an’ not really all that hurt, but it looks like Ah was wrong.” Applejack replied, looking as if she was trying to deny the harsh truth of the brutal scene before her. “Ah certainly wasn’t expectin’ anythin’ like…this…’r fer him ‘r her t’ be lookin’ like, well…that.”

“Look at all of that…that…blood.” Twilight breathed, her intellect mind trying desperately to understand what she was seeing. “I’ve…I’ve never seen so much blood in my life. W…what could’ve caused all of this?!”

“Don’t look at me, I wasn’t expecting any of this either!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, doing her best to not looked to disgusted at the sight. “Still…whatever did this must’ve had a really big grudge against this big guy.”

“Y-yeah…this isn’t was I was expecting to see at all either.” Pinkie Pie whimpered, her vibrant pink colors starting to turn a deep shade of blue. “The poor thing must be in a lot of pain to look like that…Fluttershy w-what do you think happen to him?”

As the party pony and the others turned to look at the two Pegasi, they all froze upon seeing the looks of shock, horror, and absolute awe etched on their faces, Zephyr included. Neither mares acknowledged that they had even heard Pinkie Pie, both of them continuing to stare at the scene before them.

“…Fluttershy…Goku…Zephyr?” Violet Fire asked after a short silence. “Are you three okay?”

The ebony mare's soft voice seemed to snap the three ponies out of it; they gave jumps of surprise as they looked back up at Violet Fire, who was looking back down at them worriedly. They looked at her for a moment longer, then at their friends, and back at each other again. Their eyes went back down to the bloodied and wounded dragon lying just yards away from them, before looking at each other for a third time. A silent message seemed to pass between them, and their expressions morphed into ones of fierce determination as they nodded to each other. Then, without warning, the trio spread their massive wings and took off towards the fallen beast, leaving their surprised friends at the edge.

“Wh-hey! Guys wait up!” Fast Tracks shouted as he took off after the girls, his team and the others following shorty after.

It didn’t take even five seconds for Goku, Zephyr, and Fluttershy to reach the other side of the clearing, the latter landing on the blood covered ground while the former continued to soar overhead. Fluttershy barely registered the blood sticking to her hooves and legs as she rushed over to the fallen dragon, Goku landing at her side just a second later, white Zephyr hovered above them both. None of them said word to each other as they took in the gruesome state that the dragon was in, and the scarlet pool that went around its entire body. They took in everything, from the slashes and bite marks that adorned its head, neck and legs, to the holes and tears in its wings, to the cuts that ran along its back, and the fins on its tail. Every single part of the dragon was either cut, or bit onto, and not a single injury had blood not seeping out of the wounds. It looked as if the mighty beast looked to as if it was already dead, if its still body and was anything to go by. Even so, Goku, Fluttershy, and Zephyr had a feeling that something else was up.

Before they could think on it any farther, the rest of their friends and the Shadowbolts came flying in, a couple of them doing their best not to get too much blood on them. They quickly rushed to the two mares’ sides and joined them in seeing what was wrong with the dragon.

“Mother of Faust…it’s worse than I thought.” Storm Shadow said as she pulled back her giggles, allowing everypony to see the shock and horror in her icy blue eyes. “Look at him…he’s completely butchered…”

“Butchered?! He looks like an apple that went through th’ cider machine an’ came out more like applesauce then cider!” Applejack exclaimed, shooting the dark grey mare an incredulous look. “Is he even still alive?!”

“I doesn’t look like it.” Lightning Shadow replied hovering over to the dragon and inspecting its injuries. “Those wounds are deep, but they don’t look like they’re fatal…and the blood is still fresh, so I don’t think he’s been here for very long. Do you think we should check to see if he’s still alive?”

“I’ll do it.” Blue Skies said before anypony else could reply. Pulling back her goggles, she quietly hovered to the ground, paying no mind to the blood covering it. She slowly walked towards the dragon, taking care not to spook or startle it awake as she made her way towards its stomach. The palomino mare lightly pressed her ear against it, listening out for the faintest sound of breathing or heartbeat. A few seconds past, and a faint thumping sound reached her ears.

“Oh thank Celestia…he’s alive, I can feel his heartbeat.” She finally said, pulling her head away as she looked back at the others. “It’s faint, but…it’s still there…barely.”

“Wait, really?!” Rarity asked in disbelief. “I honestly thought that he was dead! How can he still be breathing in the state that he’s in?!”

“I have no idea….” Violet Fire said with a small chuckle. “I’m actually wondering that too to be honest. I don’t know how he can still be alive, but…he just is.”

“Wow…I figured that he’d still be hangin’ on there, but still…wow!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “This dragon’s got nerves of steel!”

“You can say that again Dashie!” Pinkie Pie giggled, happy and relieved to know the dragon was still alive. “Hey Fluttershy, Goku, do you know what kind of dragon it is?”

“We do...and we were definitely expecting to find a dragon of this kind here.” Zephyr replied, slowly looking over at the others. “Nor did we ever think that we were going to even see it.”

“What do y’all mean?” Applejack asked, raising a golden eyebrow. “Just what kind o’ dragon is this?”

“One that I thought was just a legend…well, up until now at least.” Goku replied as she slowly looked at each of her friends an the Shadowbolts. Her golden feline eyes were filled with shock, disbelief, awe, and amazement, all of which reflected in her voice as she spoke. “Everypony…we haven’t found just any dragon here in this clearing; we’ve found…a Night Fury.”

Author's Note

Okay, I have a bit of a confession to make here...out of all the chapters that I had written and was the most excited about either writing or rewriting, this one has to be at the very top of that list and because of that...I sort of lost focus writing the last chapter :ajsleepy: . My impatience sort of got the best of me and I felt like I sort of rushed the last chapter so I can get to this one...mainly about the surprise in this chapter and the new beast that the girls, Zephyr and the Shadowbolts will be helping instead of fighting :twilightblush: . I'm sorry about that, that was a heat of the moment type of thing, and I'll be sure to ensure that it won't happen again for the rest of the story, especially towards the finale battles now that it's past me :raritywink: . Speaking of which, I hope you guys liked the surprise that I showed you all here, because I certainly had a fun time writing it and describing it, along with that little adventure under the sea :scootangel: !!!

Well, that's all for now :twilightsmile: . Tune in next time for some intel about my favorite species of all HTTYD Movie dragons, along with a beautiful act of generosity from our overdramatic fashionista :raritywink: !!! With any luck it should come out later on today or tonight at best :pinkiehappy: !!!

Chapter 57 - A Generous Spirit

The silence in the clearing pit was so strong that the only thing that could be heard was the gentle breeze of the wind and the sounds of roaming animals nearby. The strength of the silence made all the other sound around the ponies and one Hippogriff, including the soft breathing of the wounded dragon, seem like they were in a bustling city instead of a forest. The rancid stench of blood was the only thing to remind them that they were still in the Everfree, and not in a city, as much as some of them would’ve preferred. However, none of them were currently focused on one of that at the moment. Not at the forest above them, not at the noises of the animals prowling it, not even at the dragon lying in a pool of blood in front of them. The only thing they were focused on was the words that emitted from the mouth of Fluttershy, and the species of dragon she had said that they had encountered.

“A…a Night Fury?” Twilight asked, her violet eyes widening. “You mean an actual Night Fury, the most elusive and dangerous dragons known to exist on the face of Equestria?!”

“The very same one.” Fluttershy nodded gently, confirming the lavender Unicorn’s guess. “It’s actually really simple to see. If you look closely at its texture and its body shape, you can see it’s the real thing.”

“Yes…she’s right! I can see it too!” Fast Tracks exclaimed, examining the Night Fury’s body parts closely. “It really is a Night Fury, and actual living breathing Night Fury!”

“My goodness…I never thought I’d see a Night Fury now, especially at a time like this.” Violet Fire murmured, staring down at the black dragon. “Me and my team have seen a few dragons whenever we ventured into the Everfree, and we’ve even had some up close and personal encounters with them. But…to see an actual Night Fury here…especially…this close…I never thought that it would be possible.”

“Y’all seem pretty excited t’ see this ‘ere Night Fury dragon.” Applejack asked, looking from in between the beast and the Shadowbolts. “Ah don’t mean t’ be rude but, would any o’ y’all mind explainin’ t’ us just what’s so amazin’ ‘bout this critter? It just seems like any other ordinary dragon t’ me.”

“An ordinary dragon? An ordinary dragon?!” Goku repeated incredulously, looking at the tangerine Earth Pony as if she had said the most insulting thing in the world. “Applejack, the night Fury isn’t just any ordinary dragon, let alone your average or standard dragon! The Night Fury is considered to be a legend compared to other dragons, especially the ones in the Dragon Lands! It’s one of the many species of Dragons that are said to not only come from lands beyond that of Equestria, but one of few dragons able to use magic, and think, like we do!”

“What do you mean by that?” Rarity asked, tilting her head. “I’m afraid I’m not quite following what you’re trying to say, darling.”

“I think we should all explain.” Zephyr said, brushing her mane out of her face. “You see…back in the Medieval Times, the Breezy Vikings in forests beyond Equestria used to be in a constant battle with dragons, day in and day out, though its mostly at night. This is mainly because the dragons raid their villages for food, be it farm animals and even other ponies, since, well, we did use to fight them. There were many species of dragons that lived during that time, such as Nadder Heads, Grongoles, Monstrous Nightmares, Terrible Terrors…all of them were fierce on their own way. Out of all of them however, the Night Fury was the one who was at the top of the food chain, in many more ways than the ones you may think.”

“How’s that?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously. “Does it have to do with them being able to think and use magic the same way as ponies can? Like Goku said they could?”

“Pretty much, yeah.” The royal blue stallion nodded. “You see…the Night Fury is considered to be a…special type of dragon. Not only because it’s the most elusive of the most least known o dragon species, but because of its powers and the way that it thinks. For one, Night Fury’s are fast; not just the normal standard fast, but like, fast…the fastest of any dragon species, and the most efficient whenever its hunting or fighting. Out of all the dragons that the Vikings fought in the past, the Night Fury was the one dragon that they could not kill, let alone fight or defeat. It never stole food during the nighttime raids, never showed itself in combat with the Vikings, and…it never missed whenever it did attack the villages.”

“Really? It never ever misses its target?” Rainbow Dash asked, her magenta eyes wide with amazement. “Each and every time it aims, the Night Fury always hits its mark?”

“Always Rainbow Dash…it always hits its mark no matter what else is happening.” Sky Ranger replied, looking straight at the cyan mare. “It moved so swiftly and so fast that nopony ever saw it coming, and those that did, were only able to capture a glimpse of it before it vanished, and death claimed them in his dark cold cloak. Because of this, the Night Fury’s speed and size were left relatively unknown, which made it all the more feared and watched out for. Anypony who’s ever come in contact with a Night Fury has never been known to live to tell the tale, so they decided that none of them were to engage one, and avoid it whenever they could. The Night Furies were considered to be that dangerous.”

“It sure was, and if they did encounter one, all they could do was hide and prey that it didn’t find them, and if the Night Fury did find them…” Goku’s ears flattened against her head, dipping at the blood beneath her hooves. “Well, let’s just say that the Night Fury made their deaths as swift and as painless as possible. It did prefer to finish off its enemies as quickly as possible anyway, rather than let the fight drag on or let them suffer.”

“Oh my…that does sound quite petrifying when you put it like that.” Rarity said, trying to hold back a shiver that threatened to go up her spine. “I know that dragons can be scary in all fairness, but…this Night Fury dragon seems like quite a force to be reckoned with.”

“It is.” Violet Fire nodded, turning to look at the alabaster Unicorn. “It’s because of those reasons that the Night Fury is considered to be the most dangerous of all the dragon species of this time and the past time. That, and…because of the powers that it holds, both that of your standard dragon…and the ones that are very much like ours.”

“Powers like ours?” Twilight asked, giving an inquisitive tilt of her head. “What kind of powers does the Night Fury have?”

“They’re very unusual and bizarre; the type of powers you would more likely find in ponies rather than other creatures.” Storm Shadow replied simply. “You may find this hard to believe…but Night Furies are known to have the ability use magic equivalent to that of an Earth Pony, Unicorn, and a Pegasus. They can cover themselves in scale-like armor that’s harder than the ones that adorn their body, which increases their strength and durability to blunt force attacks or magical ones. They can shoot bolts of magic out of their mouths that look like fire but is actually magic, and even increase and decrease power in those same attacks, judging on just who or what they’re fighting. Night Furies can also use the elements of nature, and even change the color of their entire bodies to represent which of those five elements that their using.”

“Wow, really?!” Pinkie Pie asked her eyes wide with amazement. “That is so cool! I never knew that Night Fury’s could do that, I bet they look really cool when they do turn colors!”

“Well, based on all pictures we’ve seen of them, they really do.” Lightning Shadow replied, giving a little chuckle. “Anyway, yeah…Night Furies can change color to let other dragons know of what specific element that they’re going to use. Like if they turn white, then that means their using wind. If they turn yellow, then that means their using lightning. If they turn red and orange, then that means their using fire, even though they can already breathe fire. If they turn green or brown, then that means their using earth, and if they turn blue, then that means their using water.”

“There’s even be theories from the Breezy Vikings that the Night Fury has the ability to use ice, but since it was never really shown in or talked about very much, it wasn’t really proven.” Blue Skies added, giving a flick of her tail. “It has been proven however, that the Night Fury likes to use lightning out of those five elements the most, because it’s the quickest and most efficient way for it to finish off its enemies. Thanks to this, its unpredictable power and ferocity, and the fact that the Night Fury attacks at, well, night, it was given the nickname, ‘The Unholy Offspring of Lightning and Death Itself.’”

“Oh…oh wow…” Twilight murmured, her jaw hanging slightly as she took in the Shadowbolt’s words. “That sounds really…really…”

“Poetic? Yes, I know…it really is, isn’t it?” Fluttershy asked, smiling at the lavender Unicorn. “I admit, it sounded pretty scary when I first heard it, but when you think about its powers and its reputation, it does suit them. Although, I’d never call a Night Fury by that, especially not the offspring of death.”

“Well, I think that it’s pretty cool that they have a name like that.” Rainbow Dash murmured, crossing her forelegs. “It lets us know just how awesome the Night Fury is…and judging from everything you’ve told us; they sound pretty awesome.”

“They really are.” Violet Fire smiled. “They’re one of the many dragons that ponies both fear and respect at the same time, and want to know more of. The only problem with that is they’re so elusive, and, they live here…so we can only go off of what we know of them from before Equestria was founded.”

“That makes sense Ah suppose…it’s not every day that ya see a dragon just loungin’ ‘round, let alone lookin’ like he got into a fight with a bunch o’ Timberwolves.” Applejack shrugged, giving a flick of her tail. “Though, there is somethin’ ‘bout what y’all had said ‘bout this here feller an’ his kind that’s buggin’ me a bit.”

“What’s that Applejack?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Earlier, ya mentioned that the Night Fury doesn’t really fight th’ Vikin’s ‘r steals any farm animals ‘r anythin’ like that, and avoids ponies as much as it can.” The tangerine mare replied, running a hoof through her golden blonde mane. “If it doesn’t do any o’ that, then why go t’ them raids in the first place?”

“See now that, that was what we was going to explain. Because, that’s where the Night Fury’s more intellect thinking comes in.” Zephyr replied, a small smile coming to her face. “You know how many animals, along with dragons, are known to be quite territorial and protective or their land and their own species, in the animal kingdom? Well, things are a bit different for the Night Fury; at least then it comes to raids and the fight for survival between the Vikings. Whenever it did join the raid, it wasn’t to try to take the food or fight the Vikings, but to protect the other dragons from the Vikings and prevent them from being taken and killed.”

“W-what?” Twilight asked, blinking a few times as she registered her foalhood friend had said. “The Night Fury…protects other dragons? Even ones that aren’t its own species?”

“Yes, it does.” Sky Ranger replied firmly. “Like Goku said, Night Furies were known to be more intellect and…caring, when it came to other dragons. Now, they do behave as any other dragon, and protect the things that they see of value, like food, gems, and treasure. However, when it comes to other dragons’ lives, especially hatchlings, they can be quite…protective and even nurturing to them. Night Fury’s have been known to help and care for dragons that are old, injured, and sick, and have been known to feed and look after the hatchlings of other dragons if their parents aren’t with them. They’ll care for them and keep them under their wing, until their parents either come back or they can fend for themselves once they leave the nest. Night Furies have even been known to adopt abandoned hatchlings into their families and raise them as her own, even going so far as to, um…make them as they were too. I’m not exactly sure how they do that but…they do make them official parts of their families if they chose to.”

“Wow...now that sounds even more cool!” Rainbow Dash said, grinning down at the Night Fury. “Now I can totally see why you guys think this dragon is so awesome!”

“I you think that’s awesome, then wait till you here this…” Fast Tracks said as he hovered down next to the Night Fury, reaching a hoof out towards it. “You know how many dragons tend to get burned alive if they’re consumed or fall into a big enough inferno? Well you see-”

That was as far as Fast Tracks was able to get before he placed his hoof on the Night Fury’s right foreleg. The moment it made contact, the light brown stallion blaring pain course through his head as he was flown back, all the while being nearly deafened by a chest rumbling pain-filled groan. He fell right into the arms of Pinkie Pie, who had her arms out ready to catch him before he even made it halfway towards her.

“Whoa!” Goku shouted as she scrambled way from the dragon, nearly falling in the puddle of its blood as Chenoa flew up to her. The others were right behind her as they back away a full twenty feet from the Night Fury, who now looked to be much more alive than dead just a few minutes ago. If its breathing was non-existent before, it was definitely more noticeable now. As evident by the quick rising and falling of its chest and the harsh ragged breathing that it was giving through its nostrils. The wound on its foreleg form where Fast Tracks had accidentally touched it opened up a little more, and a bit of blood flowed out of it and onto the already large crimson river beneath it.

“Whoa…I was definitely not expecting that to happen.” Applejack said, trying to calm her increasing heartbeat.

“Damn it, Fast Tracks! What is wrong with you?!” Lightning Shadow exclaimed, glaring down at her teammate. “Why did you have to go and just touch him like that?! Are you trying to make his wounds worse?!”

“I-I didn’t mean to! I wasn’t even trying to touch him at all!” Fast Tracks stuttered out, shrinking under the silvery grey mare’s glare. “I had no idea that he was gonna just flip out like that, honest!”

“Well, at least we can see now that he isn’t minutes away from death.” Storm Shadow said calmly, watching as the Night Fury began to shift. “As a matter a fact, it looks like he’s still able to move, despite all of those injuries.”

“As good as it is to know that, he shouldn’t be trying to move right now.” Fluttershy said, her face morphing into a concerned frown. “With injuries as serious as those, he needs to stay as still as possible, or he’ll make them worse. We’ve got to keep him still long enough so I can use my healing magic to close them.”

“Uh, Fluttershy…” Pinkie Pie said slowly, pointing a hoof out. “…I think that be a bit of a teensy-weensy tiny problem.”

Giving the bubblegum pink Earth Pony a confused look, the buttermilk Pegasus and the rest followed the line of her hoof back to the Night Fury and gasped. The large dragon had shifted itself right into its stomach, and was slowly beginning to sit itself on his haunches. They watched as its blood continued to drop from its wounds, its wings standing halfway spread as it struggled to keep itself upright. With a slow shake of its breath, and a couple heavier breaths, it turned into the direction of the eleven ponies, and slowly opened its eyes.

Goku felt her heart skip a beat and her breath leave her lungs as she stared wide-eyed into the slitted fiery yellow and orange orbs of the Night Fury. Her whole entire body went stone still, all thought seeming to leave her mind as her piercing golden eyes looked straight back at the wounded dragon. Not a single sound was heard across the clearing pit, except for the dragon’s heavy breathing as the tan Pegasus and her friends held their gazes on the Night Fury’s own. The silent staring contest only lasted for a minute, but for Goku it seemed to last forever as she stared into the soul of the very creature that she had the ability to turn into. An indescribable feeling suddenly overcame her at that moment, so much so that she didn’t noticed the metal dragon on her necklace giving a faint glow, or her friends trying to gain her attention. That is, until she felt a warm hoof gently touch her shoulder, snapping her out of her trance and ending her staring contact with the Night Fury.

“Goku, are you alright?” Twilight asked quietly, watching as the tan Pegasus snapped her gaze towards her. “You spaced out there for a moment…”

“Y…yeah, I’m fine. Sorry about that, I just…” Goku said softly. “…I got lost for a second there, looking at that Night Fury.”

“You mean at its eyes?” Rarity asked, glancing at the Kirin. “Yes, I can see why…I have to admit, they do look quite…fiery in their own fashionable way. I can say without a doubt that I’ve never seen eyes quite like that in my life.”

“Same here Rares.” Applejack murmured, giving a little gulp. “Ah feel like Ah’m being cooked int’ an apple fritter on in oven jus’ by lookin’ at ‘em”

Another moment of silence passed, before Rainbow Dash spoke up. “Okay so…how do you guys want to do this? We came down here to help this big guy get back in the air, but now that he’s awake…that may be a little bit harder now.”

“Well, there’s one thing I do know that we absolutely need to take precaution of.” Fluttershy replied, narrowing her eyes a little. “Like I said before, animals are at their most dangerous when their either protecting their offspring, or if their cornered with no way out. When an animal is cornered, especially a wounded one, it’ll do whatever it can to escape their adversary, even resorting to killing them if that’s what they have to do. So, my advice to you all is to try to look as none threatening as you possibly can, and let the Night Fury know that we’re not a threat. This is a dragon that we’re trying to help here, and they can be extremely unpredictable and aggressive if pushed or treated the wrong way. So, whatever you do, don’t give it any sign or reason that we’re here to harm it, okay?”

“Don’t need to tell us twice.” Fast Tracks replied grimly, rubbing the side of his head. “I think I can speak for all of when I say that I do not wanna be cooked alive!”

“Our thoughts exactly sweetie.” Violet Fire muttered dryly, patting the light brown stallion on the head. “So…who’s going to go first to try to keep him calm?”

“I will.” Fluttershy replied immediately, holding a hoof up. “I was able to calm the Manticore before I found that giant thorn under his paw. I’m also pretty much the most expert on the animals here and how they behave, so I should be able to do it. I don’t really have any idea how the Night Fury will react or what he’ll do but…I can at least give it a shot.”

“We’ll go with you.” Goku suddenly said, coming up next to the buttermilk Pegasus as Chenoa gave a squeak of agreement. “I know you have a way with animals and all Fluttershy, and I trust that you can do this. Still, it wouldn’t hurt if you had some backup just in case the Night Fury gets scared. Plus, I’m pretty much half dragon myself, so I should be able to keep him from getting too worked up.”

“Good idea, thank you Goku.” Fluttershy said, flashing the Thestral a gentle appreciative smile. She then turned to the rest of her friends and the other Shadowbolts “Girls? Captain Violet Fire? Do you want to come?”

“I think we’ll just stay here, sorry darling.” Rarity said, smiling apologetically. “It’s not that we don’t want to help you in healing him. It’s just…we’d rather not do anything to scare our fallen friend any more than he probably is. If we all go to him at one, it may give him the wrong impression, and he may attack without warning. Best if we go in a few ponies at a time, just to be safe.”

“Wow Rarity, that’s actually pretty smart.” Twilight said, looking impressed. “Where did you learn something like that? I never took you for one to know how to best calm frightened animals.”

“Well, there’s a lot of things you and the others don’t know about me darling.” The alabaster Unicorn said sweetly, winking at the magical protégé. “Though, to answer your question, I learned this little important fact from Opalescence, my dear darling cat. When I first got her, she was just so shy and scared; the poor dear wouldn’t let more than few ponies near here, and if there was more than that, she’d have an awful meltdown! Overtime, I quickly learned that Opal doesn’t like more than three or four ponies around her, and that it wasn’t wise to have her in a whole crowed. So, I made sure that only a specific number of ponies approached and made contact with her, so she wouldn’t get so frightened. She’s much better now, though she still doesn’t like being in such large crowds, and prefers being in much smaller groups, and around children. I figured that somepony else may need help in a situation like that, so I took that lesson to heart, and watched out for anyone that may need help with their pets’ sociality around ponies.”

“Wow, that’s actually pretty neat, Rarity.” Zephyr murmured, and impressed smile making its way to his face. “I bet a lot of ponies came to you about their pets being scared around ponies.”

Well, not really. I was always too busy with my customers orders and fashion lines to really worry about that, and animals aren’t really my thing anyway.” Rarity said abashedly, her cheeks flushing a bit. “I always had a feeling that I may need to give somepony that same advice someday. I just didn’t think it be for something like, well…this.”

“Well, considering all the shit that we go through, and the shit we’re going through now, I’m not really all that surprised.” Rainbow Dash said with a shrug. “Still, it is pretty cool to see a real-live dragon so up close.”

“And we can talk about how cool it is later, Rainbow Dash.” Goku said plainly. “We’re on a bit of a schedule, and it’s taking us way longer than we should to get to the castle of the two sisters. So I say get this dragon up and moving as quick as possible so we can continue on, and so you can finally, ‘kick that Nightmare Moon jerk’s ass’, as you so kindly stated.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” The cyan mare nodded. “Just saying.”

Goku sighed gave a roll of her eyes at the athlete’s antics before she and Fluttershy turned back to the Night Fury, who was watching them all silently. They looked at each other for a moment, before slowly making their way towards the dragon, their steps slow and tentative, Chenoa following close behind. The large black and blue dragon watched them both wearily, Goku especially; is eyes never leaving the metal dragon hanging from her neck. It continued to give off that faint glow, which grew brighter the closer than the tan Pegasus got, until it was practically shining like a flashlight.

It was only when the two mares got within tails length of the dragon did they stop, and the dragon give off some sort of reaction. It suddenly shifted up on all fours and began to back away slightly from them, lowering its head. The Night Fury spread its bloodied wings slightly wider as it bared its teeth large teeth at them, the smallest of growls leaving its throat. The girls could tell that it wasn’t hostile, but it did give a clear message for them to watch their step; which was only made clearer by its tail slowly whipping back and forth.

“Okay, I think that’s as close as he’s going to let us come.” Goku murmured taking in a few breaths. “Well Fluttershy, it’s your call…go ahead and do your stuff.”

“Right.” Fluttershy nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat as she drew in a deep breath. With all the courage she could muster, the buttermilk Pegasus slowly walked closer to the Night Fury, her head lowered, and ears flattened. She kept her teal eyes locked right onto the dragon’s, wanting to look as non-threatening as she possibly could and show the dragon she was not there to harm him. Once she got within hooves length, she began to speak to the dragon, her voice gentle and soothing.

“Hello Mr. Night Fury…it’s very nice to meet you this evening.” She began, not taking her eyes off of the beasts’ own. “I have to say; I didn’t really expect to encounter a dragon of your species here in the Everfree Forest. At least, not up close in personal…”

The wounded Night Fury paused, looking at Fluttershy with expression that looked to convey surprise at her words. He slowly raised his head, his posture relaxing somewhat as he stared at the buttermilk Pegasus with a look of curiosity. A moment, he gave out a soft growling sound from his throat, indicating to Goku and the others that he was trying to communicate with Fluttershy.

“Yes, I can understand you, my and Goku here can. I have a special talent that lets me know what animals are trying to say.” Fluttershy chuckled softly, gesturing to the butterfly Cutie Mark on her flank. “It doesn’t just limit me to other animals; it lets me talk to dragons too, and pretty much any animal that I come across. So I can tell what you’re saying, even if you can’t voice your thoughts verbally, I can tell what you’re talking about just through the sounds that you’re making.”

The Night Fury titled his head, his yellowish garnet eyes glancing down to the Cutie Mark on Fluttershy’s flank in interest, before locking eyes with her again. The slitted pupils in his eyes stretched slightly as his posture relaxed more, before he softly growled again, to Goku this time.

“Why am are me and my friends here? Well, long story short, we’re here on a mission to defeat an enemy of our home town, and we came across a deep dirt trail in the ground.” Goku explained calmly, keeping her own voice low and soft. “It, um…it had some splatters of blood covering it, along with a good number of scales in them too. I’m assuming that those scales and all of that blood belonged to you, Mr. Night Fury?”

The night black and dark blue dragon looked around his body, staring at the slashes and bit marks that covered his body and wings. Giving an involuntary shudder, and wincing at the pain it caused, he looked back at Fluttershy and Goku and nodded slowly, its cat-like fins drooping as it purred softly.

“Those are some very nasty wounds that you have there. I’m amazing that you’re able to move, let along stand up.” Fluttershy continued, her eyes trailing down the dragon’s body. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but…could you tell me how you sustained those injuries?”

The Night Fury paused, looking to be taken aback by the question, but, seeing the interest concern on the two mares, he answered anyway. He let out a series of deep growls and soft purrs, pretty much like how the Manticore did, while Fluttershy stood and listened, her attention never breaking. She gave a nod every few seconds while Goku stood beside her, and the others waited in the background. A couple of minutes later, Fluttershy spoke again.

“I see…so some purple mist came out of nowhere and attacked you while you were out hunting, and you got into a fight with a flock of Sky Dragons?” She asked quietly, earning a slow nod from the large dragon. “I see…that would explain those slashes and bits on you and why so many of your scales were ripped off. Are you able to regenerate them or grow them back?”

The Night Fury nodded letting out another soft growl as it gestured to its wings and tail, allowing the buttermilk Pegasus to see the full extent of the injuries. As it did this, its expression became solemn as a deep purr escaping its throat as it pawed at the ground.

“Hm…so you can’t regenerate all your scales because you used so much of your magic to fend off the Cave Demons and get away before they ate you?” Fluttershy asked gently her expression morphing into sympathy as the Night Fury nodded again. “You poor thing…you must be in so much pain right now. What do you say to me and my friends helping you be relieved of that pain?”

The large dragon paused again, tilting its head to the side perplexedly at Fluttershy’s words and her offer. Giggling at the beasts rather cute expression, Goku elaborated for her. “Sorry, what Fluttershy mean is, me and a couple of my friends actually have a talent for healing magic and treating the wounds of injured ponies. If you want, we can use that same healing magic to heal your wounds, especially the ones on your wings. If you let us that is.”

The male Night Fury’s eyes widened as it reeled back some, its expression that of shock and disbelief as it took in what Goku had just said. It soon regained its composure, leaning close to Fluttershy and Goku as a low growl escaped its throat.

“Why of course we’d do that for you…I would most certainly do it for you, even if they won’t. I do have a love and respect for animals, along with the rest of my family.” Fluttershy replied, letting out a small laugh. “I know that you’re a dragon and all, and that they don’t really get along with ponies. Even so, that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to help one that’s in need, especially one that’s as elusive and amazing as you, Mr. Night Fury. Every animal deserves love, kindness, and respect from ponies, and dragons are no exception, even if some don’t seem to agree…for obvious reasons.” She looked off to the side as she said the last part, a disappointed frown morphing into her face. As quickly as it came, it disappeared, her gentle smile returning once more. “So, what do you say Mr. Night Fury? Will you let me and the rest of my friends help you heal your wounds so your able to fly and go back home?”

For a minute or two, the Night Fury gave no response, just staring down at Fluttershy and Goku as if they wre trying to contemplate whether she was telling the truth, or just pulling his leg. He searched into her teal eyes for any sign of deceit or trickery, but found only honesty, gentleness, and a deep sense of sadness and sympathy. He looked in between her and Goku, who had the same expression on her face, along with something else that, for some strange reason, made him feel safe around her. The dragon looked down at his bloodied, claws and bitten body, then over at the other mares standing a good few feet away from them. After another moment of thought, the Night Fury looked back at Fluttershy and Gou again, and nodded slowly giving them his consent.

The buttermilk Pegasus and tan Thestral beamed at the dragon, elated upon seeing that the dragon was allowing them and their friends to help them, even if he still seemed a bit cautious of them. Giving the best a thankful nod, they turned to the rest of their friends and silently motioned for them to come over. They did so, albeit reluctantly, nervous about how the Night Fury would react, Rarity especially, since she was the one who suggested that they not overwhelm the beast. They stopped just next to Fluttershy and Goku, not wanting to get any closer to the dragon for fear of setting him off or scaring him, or worse. Fortunately for them, the Night Fury didn’t seem like it was nervous or scared with all of them there at once. Though he could see that they were keeping a respectable distance; something that only further proved in his mind that they weren’t a threat, and were really there to help him.

“So…what did he say?” Applejack asked cautiously as she looked at Goku and Fluttershy. “He’s not gonna try an’ burn our hides, is he?”

“No, he’s not.” Goku said reassuringly. “He said that he’ll let us help him, and allow us to heal his wounds so he can get out of this pit.”

“He did?” Rarity asked, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “I thought for sure that he was going to refuse. How did you manage to get him to agree?”

“We didn’t.” Fluttershy replied, shaking her head. “He could see that we’re not here to harm him and help him instead. Plus, Night Fury aren’t nearly as prideful and stubborn as other dragons are, at least when it comes to accepting help. So, it wasn’t really all that hard for us to convince him to accept it.”

“Huh…and I thought that you were awesome with animals before.” Rainbow Dash said, getting over her amazement. “Way to go Fluttershy, you tamed your very first dragon! And you didn’t get scared or anything!”

“Well…under normal circumstances, I probably would be scared of being up close and personal with a dragon.” Fluttershy said bashfully, hiding behind her mane. “This wasn’t one of those times I guess…this wasn’t just a big scary gem eating fire breathing dragon. This was an creature and dire need of help and care, so when I saw him like that…I just threw fear into the wind to help him.”

“Well, it certainly paid off in the end honey.” Violet Fire said, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a sweet smile. “You really are something else.”

“Yeah, she totally is!” Pinkie Pie giggled as the others nodded in agreement.

“Anyway, now that we’ve got that out of the way…” Goku began, looking in between the dragon and her friends. “…now there’s the problem with this big guy back up and kicking, and to do that, he needs treatment. How many of you guys know healing magic?”

“Not very much….” Twilight replied, her shoulders sagging as her head slumped. “I was always so focused on the spells taught to me by Queen Celestia, that I didn’t have time to practice that type of magic. I do know one type of healing magic, but that’s for self-healing though; meaning that I use my magic to heal my own wounds instead of others.”

“Seriously?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously, one of her prismatic eyebrows raised. “Come on Twilight, your Queen Celestia’s star student! You know so many more spells than I know the amount of Daring Do books that come out! How can you not know something as important as healing magic?!”

“I…I don’t know.” The lavender Unicorn replied, a guilty expression on her face. “I just…never found the time to really do it while I was growing up. Especially with so much of my time learning new assignments and spells from the Queen. I know that’s no excuse but…it’s the only way I can explain why I never learned the healing magic to heal other ponies, other than myself.”

“Oh, that’s alright Twilight.” Rarity said gently, giving a winning smile. “Not everypony can be prepared for certain situations like this, not even you. We all tend to not obtain things that are needed for things like healing others…all we can do is learn from those mistakes and ensure that we’re smarter next time.” As she took her hoof away from Twilight’s shoulder, a smirk made its way to her face. “Despite that, just because you don’t quite have the accessories needed to help this dragon, doesn’t mean that none of us do.”

“Whaddya mean by that Rarity?” Applejack asked inquisitively.

“Oh come now, dear.” The alabaster Unicorn snorted, gracefully tossing her mane. “Do you honestly believe that Fluttershy is the only one that knows how to do healing magic?”

“Wait, what?” Pinkie Pie asked, her eyes widening. “Rarity…are you saying that…you can help make this dragon all better?”

“I most certainly am!” Rarity said cheerfully. “As I said, Fluttershy’s family isn’t the only clan that specializes in healing magic. My family specializes in it too; except for us, we have the ability to regenerate certain parts of our bodies…well, except for our heads and hearts that is. That’s beside the point...that I’m trying to say is, with enough magic and concentration, I can heal practically all of this poor dragon’s wounds in record time. It’ll take quite a bit out of me when I’m done, and I may need to rest for a bit. However, if it’ll help this mighty beast feel the freedom of flight again, then it’ll be worth it.”

“Whoa…that’s…actually really awesome of you Rarity.” Rainbow Dash grinned, impressed by the alabaster Unicorn’s act of generosity. “This is actually the first time I’ve heard you say something nice about one of the animals since we got here. What made you decide to change your mind?”

“Well…it was the fact that I wasn’t exactly myself when we first came here. Everything in this forest, from the weather, the trees, and animals and the magic put me in quite the unladylike state. Something that I’m still feeling a bit ashamed of right now…” Rarity admitted guiltily, looking to each of her friends. “That and Fluttershy’s words from earlier…about how she was willing to risk getting either eaten or burned alive, just to help the very creature that she fears the most. She was also right about one thing; that if any of us her in her horseshoes, we’d probably to the same thing, and after thinking it over, I realized that I’d to the same thing for my dear Opal, and even Sweetie Belle of need be. So, I figured if I could do it for them, then why not help somepony, or some creature that really needs it too?”

She looked up at the Night Fury, a small smile adorning her features. “Besides, this dragon does have the rather exquisite scales, even if they are a bit…how shall I say, stained.”

“Way to put it lightly there Rarity.” Fast Tracks snorted dryly. "Real classy..."

“Rarity…” Fluttershy said after a long moment of silence, her voice shaking as her eyes glazed over. “I…I don’t know what to say…thank you.”

“Think nothing of it dear, I’m just following your example of doing what’s right; this being one of them.” Rarity replied, waving a hoof dismissively as she stepped closer to the Night Fury. “Now, would you be so kind as to stand back? I’d like to have a bit of room if I’m going to put my magic to good use.”

“Wait, you’re going to heal him?” Sky Ranger asked, blinking in surprise. “By yourself?”

“Well of course darling, what did you think I was going to do?” The alabaster Unicorn asked, rolling her eyes. “As kind as it is for Fluttershy to give this creature, I believe she has done quite enough of that for us, along with giving us information on how to avoid them and what to expect should we fight them. I think it would be fair for at least one of us to pick up the slack and do the same…even if it isn’t for one of us.”

“Rarity, honey, are you sure that you want to do this all by yourself?” Fluttershy asked worriedly. “I can do this on my own if you want; you don’t need to do this because you feel like you have to or because of what I said. Really, I can use my own healing magic to heal Mr. Night Fury’s so you can-”

“Thank you darling, but no.” Rarity interrupted, her tone polite yet firm. “You have done more than enough on your part as far as I’m concerned, especially with all the healing you’ve done for us at the beginning of our adventure. You and I know for a fact that all of that has burnt you out, and despite the rather nutritious boost of energy dear Goku and had given us before hoof, something tells me that you are not quite back to one hundred percent yet. So, you just sit back and rest while I do some of the work for once okay, darling? No ifs, ands, or buts.”

“Well…okay…if you’re sure.” Fluttershy murmured, hesitantly backing off. “Just…be gentle with him, okay Rarity? Treating wounds, be it through magic or normal means can really hurt an animal if you’re not careful, or if you don’t have enough experience with it. So, try not to overwhelm him or give him too much at once, okay?”

“Oh, don’t worry dear, I intend to be as gentle with this mighty beast as I’m able to.” Rarity replied, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a wink. “As a matter of a fact, with what I have planned, I think he’ll find this treatment to be quite…relaxing.”

With those words, the alabaster Unicorn walked right in front of the Night Fury, who stared back down at her curiously, wondering what she was going to do. She motioned with a hoof for it to come closer, and after some hesitation on his part, the dragon did so. As soon as he was within reach, Rarity ignited her sword-like horn and gingerly touched it to the Night Fury’s forehead.

The moment she did so, a huge aura of beautiful azure magic encased the dragon’s entire body, and his eyes widened in surprise, his pupils slitting at the unfamiliar sensation. Just as soon as the surprise came however, the Night Fury’s expression became that of utter relief and contentment his pupils dilating once more. A loud, rumbling cat-like purr escaped its throat as it hung suspended in Rarity’s magic as the warm feeling coursing through its body, causing the Night Fury to close its eyes. Zephyr, Sky Ranger, Goku, Fluttershy and the girls all watched in silent awe as the fashionista did her work, running her magic through the dragon’s entire body as she worked on his wounds. They could see the bite marks and slashes slowly being closed up, and the blood withering away from its body, allowing them to see more of its scales. They wanted to express their amazement, but they kept quiet, not wanting to break Rarity’s concentration in healing the nocturnal dragon.

After what seemed like forever, which in reality was only a few minutes, Rarity slowly lowered the Night Fury back down to the ground, the aura around his body vanishing with a poof. The large dragon’s eyes snapped open as he fell back down on his feet, stumbling for a moment.

“There we are, good as new! Now he won’t have those horrid injuries to keep him grounded in this pit.” Rarity chirped, smiling at the dragon as he marveled his healed wounds. “Do you feel better now, darling?”

In response, the dragon’s pupils dilated their biggest size yet as looked at Rarity, giving her what looked to be his best happy smile, despite his razor teeth being in full display. He then started jumping and running around the ponies, purring and rumbling loudly as he flapped his wings jovially. The girls and Shadowbolts all watched him silently, smiling fondly as the dragon celebrated his newfound movement and mobility.

Without warning, the Night Fury suddenly stopped in front of the girls and leapt into the air, spreading his wings as he attempted to give them a test flight. For a few moments, it looked as if he was able to properly fly and get out into the open air again. That theory went flying right out the window not even a second later as the Night Fury began to lose balance in the air. Before Rarity or any of the girls could even blink, the large dragon back crashing back down to the ground, just several feet away from them.

“What the-what the hay just happened?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, looking taken aback. “He was flying just fine just a second ago! Why did he crash?!”

“I don’t now…I didn’t see anything wrong with the way that he was flying.” Twilight said, inspecting the dragon’s body as she searched for any more injuries. When she found none, she turned back to Rarity, who was staring at the Night Fury slack-jawed. “Rarity, did you miss any of the Night Fury’s wounds when you healed them?”

“N-no, I didn’t!” The fashionista replied with a slight stutter. “I-I healed each and every single one of him! His wings, his head, legs, back, all of them! I don’t see how he’s not able to properly fly.”

“Wait.” Sky Ranger suddenly said, holding a claw out as he walked towards the Night Fury. The dragon raised his head up to look at him, but was taken by surprise when he walked passed him and made his way towards the beast’s tail. The Night Fury and the others watched as the azure blue Hippogriff inspected his tail, going from the base, all the way down to the tip. When he reached the end of the dragon’s tail, he gasped, a talon rising to cover his beak.

“Um…Rarity…” He began hesitantly, slowly looking over to the alabaster Unicorn. “I don’t think you healed every injury on him. At least not fully…”

“What do you mean Sky Ranger?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously. “How could Rarity have missed something?”

Wordlessly, Sky Ranger lifted the end of the Night Fury’s tail, and slowly lifted it into view. The dragon and everypony else’s eyes widened, gasps leaving their throats as they saw the left tailfin on the Night Fury’s tail. A large portion hung limply in the air, just barely more than enough skin keeping it stuck to the tail and preventing it from falling off. While there was no blood or any tears, they could see the thick muscles hanging from the tail, twitching ever so slightly.

“Ooooh…” Pinkie Pie cringed, her ears falling limp. “Never mind…”

“Oh…oh boy…” Applejack murmured as she sucked in a breath through her teeth. “That’s unfortunate…Ah definitely did into see that comin’…”

“Oh my goodness…look at it…it’s almost completely torn off.” Twilight said, holding a hoof to her mouth. “Is…is that why he wasn’t able to stay in the air?”

“As much as I hate to admit it, it was.” Sky Ranger replied gently setting the Night Fury’s tail down. “You see girls, a Night Fury’s anatomy is different compared to other dragons. Most dragons would only need a pair of large muscular wings for them to be able to fly…but with the Night Fury, its different. They are a…special type of dragon, that needs a certain body shape that helps them move and fly as fast as they do, and be able to stop and land like they do. This is why they have a set of fins on their tails, both on the base and at the tip. These very same tail fins help them fly, take off, stop and land with more speed, grace, and efficiency than most dragons, which makes it all the more important for the Night Fury to not lose either one of them. Even if they have both of their wings, they still need those tail fins to really be able to fly and take off…and land safely, and if they don’t have them…” She trailed off, looking off to the side. “...well, you all saw what happened.”

“That…that’s insane!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, looking from between the Night Fury’s tail, and her friend. “So, even though he does have wings, he still needs those fins on his tail to be able to really fly and stay in the air?!”

“Unfortunately, yes, they do.” Blue Skies nodded solemnly, staring down at the Night Fury sympathetically. “All Night Fury species have fins on their tails that allow them to fly in a way different from your standard dragon…and that’s what makes them so special. It’s important that the Night Fury doesn’t lose even one of those fins on either part of their tails, ever. If they do, they won’t be able to stay in the air long enough to either hunt, or get away from an enemy dragon, or from places like this. If they happen to be in the air above water, and they lose one of the tail fins, they’ll know doubt drown…or get eaten by any water-dwelling predator if the drowning doesn’t kill them first.”

“My goodness…that…that’s horrible!” Twilight cried putting a hoof to her mouth. “So, what you’re saying…if we hadn’t found this poor dear like he was…he may have been forever stuck in this pit, or worse?!”

“Well…maybe not forever.” Lightning Shadow replied with a shrug. “The Night Fury, along with other dragons like them, have the ability to regenerate any excessive damage that’s not too fatal, and will be back in shape within a day or two. That is, as long as they haven’t lost too much magic in a fight or anything…if so, then it’ll take much longer for them to do it, and while that process is going on…they’ll be very vulnerable.”

Silence ran over the pit as the other girls took in what the Shadowbolts had said, all of their minds reeling in shock from her words. Beside them, the Night Fury whimpered staring sadly at the limp fin on his tail as Fluttershy tenderly rubbed the top of his head, rubbing her warm furry face against his. The silence of the clearing was suddenly broken by the sound of somepony stomping their hoof, and they all looked to see Rarity with a determined look on her face.

“Well, we can’t have that, now can we?!” The alabaster Unicorn said, her sapphire eyes flashing. “No poor animal that can fly deserves to be grounded so they can be prey for the wolves that lie in wait! They deserve to be up high in the sky and be able to fly away from all the things that could hurt them down below! Not only that, this is a total crime against fashion, and as a fashionista myself, I cannot let such an act to unfixed!”

Giving a rather ungraceful lash of her tail, the alabaster Unicorn trotted over to where Fluttershy was and took Night Fury’s tail in her hooves. She inspected it as if it were a huge tear in a dress that she was making for an important customer, and something that urgently needed to be fixed. She then took a look at her own tail, running her eyes through its silky skirt, before looking back at the limp tail fin and the thick bare muscles sticking out. A moment later, a small smirk made its way to her face

“Hm…yes, I think that may work. If I put it in just right… yes, there we go!” She said to herself, fondling with the tail fin in her hooves. “Girls, I think I may know just how to get this dragon properly flying again!”

“How are you gonna do that?” Rainbow Dash asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow. “No offense Rarity, but you don’t really have the things needed for this big guy to heal from something like that. I’m no doctor or anything, but even I know that putting that back together, is not gonna be easy.”

“I know I don’t have the essentials needed to put something like a tail fin back on a tail, darling.” Rarity said dryly as she gave a toss of her mane. Her face soon morphed into a smirk reached out for her tail and held it in front of her. Then again, with what I’m about to do, I don’t need to. There’s a lot of things you all don’t quite know about me…and I intend to show you just what I mean by that.”

Before anypony could say anything, the alabaster Unicorn took a firm hold of her tail skirt with both of her hooves, and held it up horizontally in front of her. Closing her eyes, she swung her head down in a graceful arc, and sliced it clean off with her horn.

“R-R-Rarity!” Violet Fire exclaimed; her eyes wide with shock. “What did you that for sweetie?!”

Rarity smiled, levitating her torn tail skirt to the ground as she looked over at Violet Fire and the others.

“For this.” She said gently as she began to go to work.

The alabaster Unicorn took the Night Fury’s nearly severed tail fin in her hooves and lined up with the thin muscles that it was supposed to be attached to. With a great amount of concentration and efficiency, she was able to slip the fin in just the right holes where specific tail muscles were supposed to be in. Once they were fully in, Rarity took her tail skirt and began to loop the hairs in and out of the tail fin, making sure she got every hole in the torn appendage. When that was done, she used the rest of her severed tail skirt to keep the newly sewn fin firmly in place, before stepping back to admire her work.

“There you are go darling, now your tail is as good as new!” She said sweetly, watching as the Night Fury moved its tail around, using the muscles to fold and spread the fins. “You shouldn’t have any trouble getting back up in the air again anymore now. Why don’t you give it a little test flight to see if it works?”

The Night Fury stared at Rarity for a few moments, before he nodded and spread his wing, taking off into the air once again. The dragon stayed low to the ground, not wanting to take any risks of going too high and crashing to the ground again. He stayed like that for a minute longer, waiting for himself to lose control of staying in the air again, but it didn’t happen. Feeling a sense of confidence, the Night Fury went up higher, and continued every few seconds the more his newly fixed tail fin kept him up in the air. Soon he was flying fast and hard around the clearing, purring and giving loud happy rumbles while the ponies below watched on in amazement.

“Wow Rarity…you did it! You really did it!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, looking at the fashionista with a wide smile. “You fixed his tail; you helped him fly again!”

“I most certainly did!” Rarity said with a wink, giving a proud toss of her mane. “And it worked better than I expected! I did think that he’d have just the slightest bit of trouble trying to stay airborne…but it looks like I did a better job than I thought.”

“Yes, you did…but it didn’t come without a cost.” Twilight said, her expression downcast as she walked up to Rarity. “Now you don’t have your beautiful tail skirt anymore! It’s gonna take forever for it to grow back!”

“Oh, don’t worry about it darling! I knew what I was doing, and I was willing to pay the price of it meant helping this Night Fury fly and fixing that crime of fashion done to him.” Rarity said reassuringly, putting a hoof on the lavender Unicorn’s shoulder. “Besides, short tails are in this season anyway.”

“Oh, really now?” Storm Shadow asked, looking over at Goku and Fluttershy’s own tails. “I highly doubt that somehow.”

Right as she said this, the Night Fury came landing back down on the ground hard, skidding to a halt in front of the girls. It continued to and purr and rumble loudly, prancing and leaping around as his tongue hung out of his mouth like a dog. He stopped in front of Rarity, his dilated pupils staring to her in what looked to be happiness and gratitude.

“Well, I can see that you have no trouble keeping yourself anymore dear.” She said dryly, putting a hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle. “I take it that you like you’re newly fixed tail?”

In response to her question, the Night Fury leapt onto Rarity, showering her in a series of sloppy kisses while the fashionista squealed and laughed underneath her. Under any other circumstance, she probably would’ve been repulsed by being covered in the saliva of animal, even if they were just being friendly and expressing their appreciation. Right now however, she was just so proud of herself and happy for helping the dragon be able to fly properly that she couldn’t bring herself to care at that moment.

It took the combined effort of almost everypony to get the Night Fury off of Rarity before he drowned her in slobber, and some gentle coaxing from Fluttershy. It took a minute or two, but when Fast Tracks intervened, and joined in on calming the dragon down, he finally backed off.

“Well, I guess we can all take that is a big slobbery yes.” Fast Tracks chuckled dryly as she helped the alabaster Unicorn back up on her hooves. “You okay there, Rarity?”

“Yes darling, I’m fine…besides the fact that I am covered head to hoof in a dragon’s mouth fluids…” Rarity replied, cringing as she shook some of the saliva off of her hooves. “…and in his life fluids as well.”

“Don’t worry Rarity, there’s a pond just behind us; we can go and wash up there.” Applejack said, gesturing to the large pond behind them. “Though we’re gonna need to hurry…we’re kind o’ hustlin’ ‘ere.”

“Yeah AJ, we know.” Rainbow Dash said knowingly, none of them noticing the Night Fury slinking off. “Luckily for us, only a few of us are covered in this stuff, and the Shadowbolts only got in on their suits.

“That may be true, but blood isn’t the same as water or any other liquids.” Fluttershy pointed out. “Even if we have only some of it on, it’ll still be pretty hard to get off.”

“Uh, Fluttershy…” Pinkie Pie began. “I don’t think we’ll need to worry about that.”

Right as she said that, the Night Fury suddenly jumped in front of all of them, the scales on his body fully healed, his mouth dripping and his entire body glowing a deep ocean blue. Before any of them could say anything, they found themselves getting blasted in a sea of water as the Night Fury sprayed them all like a living hose. Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts all flew back, letting the dragon wash the others clean of his blood, before he finally stopped just a minute later.

“Well, that’s one way to do it…” Goku muttered to herself, shivering as her mane clinging to her face while Chenoa squeaked beside her.

“Oh right…Lightning Shadow and Storm Shadow said that the Night Fury can use water along with the four elements.” Fluttershy murmured, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. “Thank you for that Mr. Night Fury. I appreciate you washing us off, even if it was with your mouth.”

Giving what looked like another smile, the Night Fury purred to Fluttershy, his tail splashing against the water behind him. The buttermilk Pegasus’s eyes widened for a moment, before a sheepish smile came to her face, her cheeks turning a bit redder.

“Oh, I’m sorry…” She said apologetically. “Thank you, Sapphire Flame.”

The Night Fury, now named Sapphire Flame, smiled again, giving out what sounded like to be a laugh as he let out another purr.

“Alright then, looks like we’ve done what we came here to do.” Violet Fire smiled, hovering over to the seven mares. “I have to admit…that worked out better than I thought that it would; for just a second there I thought that the Ni-I mean, Sapphire Flame wouldn’t accept our help. You’re a lot better at taming animals than I thought Fluttershy.”

The buttermilk Pegasus blushed her deepest shade of red yet. “Well, what can I say? I did always have a deep connection with animals, whether it be normal ones or the ones here. Still, even I didn’t think I’d be able to tame a dragon…I guess I had a deeper connection with them than I thought, huh?”

“Heheh, yeah, I guess you did.” Fast Tracks chuckled, giving Fluttershy a pat on the back. “Kudos to you Fluttershy, for taming the most elusive and exotic dragon ever known to ponykind! You should really be given a medal or trophy for that!”

“Now, now, Fast Tracks, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Fluttershy was only doing what she believed was right, and while I do think she deserves the praise, I don’t think she’d like that much praise.” Zephyr said, the smallest hint of a smile coming to his face. “Besides, we have more important matters that we need to attend to; like getting to the Castle of the Two Sisters.”

“Don’t worry Zephyr, we haven’t forgotten about that. Or, at least…I haven’t forgotten.” Twilight said, shaking the water off of her body. “Though, I don’t know how we’re gonna get there from here. I don’t see any path that leads from the one we were on from this pit…and the trees aren’t helping much either.”

“Do you want me to go up there and look?” Sky Ranger offered. “I’m sure I could see it of I go up high enough. Besides the Shadowbolts, I’m quite the expert flyer, so it should only take me no less than a minute to go up there and come back down.”

Before the lavender Unicorn could reply, they heard a deep set of rumbling and purring coming from Sapphire Flame trying to speak to them. He made gestured with his claws up to the other side of the pit, and made a few flaps of his wings in the process.

“Uh, Fluttershy, do ya know what this critter’s tryin’ to say?” Applejack asked, glancing at the buttermilk Pegasus.

“His name is Sapphire Flame, Applejack, I said what his name was a minute ago.” Fluttershy said firmly, gesturing to the dragon. “As for what he’s trying to say, he’s saying that, if we want, he can take them to the castle and get us there in record time.”

“Wait, really?!” Pinkie Pie asked, a smile slowly coming to her face. “He’s saying that he wants to give us a ride?!”

Sapphire replied with another set of rumbling and purrs, and Fluttershy immediately translated them to the others. “Yes, he said that he’ll give us a ride to the castle and get is there as quickly as he could. At least, the ones that can’t fly, like Rarity, Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie. He’s actually been over there a few times, but he never really went in it…he says that there’s something…off about it that he really doesn’t like.”

“Something off about it, huh?” Violet Fire muttered, looking down at the ground. ‘I think I have a pretty good idea what that might be…’

“Well, that’s quite generous of him.” Rarity said, smirking up at Sapphire Flame. “I’m assuming he’s doing this to pay me back for healing his injuries and fixing his tail?”

At this, the Night Fury looked away, pawing at the ground somewhat shyly as he glanced at the alabaster Unicorn every couple of seconds. This earned him a little laugh from the fashionista as she walked up and scratched him on the back of his muscular neck.

“I thought so.” She said dryly, running a hoof gingerly across the side of the dragon’s face as she turned to the others. “Well girls, what do you say? Are you gonna take Mr. Sapphire Flame on his offer and let him give us a ride?”

“Well…we might as well…we’re on a bit of a tight schedule anyway.” Applejack said hesitantly, slowly walking to the large dragon. “Ah’ll admit…Ah’m kind o’ nervous ‘bout this. Ah never really ride on a dragon b’fore, so Ah don’t really know what t’ expect.”

“Yeah, me neither!” Pinkie Pie said trotting up next to the tangerine mare. “But I still think that it’s cool that we get to ride a dragon! Oh, I can’t wait to see what it feels like!”

“Only you would Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said with a slight smile, as she and the other three mares slowly, albeit nervously, climbed into Sapphire Flames back. The Night Fury hunched his upper body down, letting them set themselves onto his back and hold onto the large spines that ran down his back. Once they were all settle, it shifted back up, looking at the other mares and letting out a purr, shifting his wings in preparation.

“It looks like Sapphire’s ready to go.” Fluttershy with a light giggle as she turned to the others. “Is everypony else ready too?”

“We were born ready Flutters; ready even before we got here!” Rainbow Dash replied, grinning wildly as she slammed her hooves together. “Let’s get to that castle and finally show Nightmare Moon what happens when you mess with our town and our friends!

“My thoughts exactly.” Goku said softly, chuckling at the cyan mare’s enthusiasm before she turned to Night Fury and the Shadowbolts. “Well Captain Violet Fire, Sapphire Flame…let’s the way, shall we?”

Smiling, the ebony mare opened her mouth to reply, but before she could her eyes caught sight of Sapphire Flame, whose body was glowing bright with different shades of blue. His fiery eyes were closed as he slowly spread his wings to their fullest span, dragging one of his claws across the ground in preparation for takeoff.

‘Oh no…’ Zephyr thought, noticing the expression on the Night Fury’s face. ‘Don’t tell me he’s going to…’

“Uh…what’s he doin’?” Applejack asked, squinting her eyes in an attempt to block out the glow coming from the dragon’s spines. “Why’s his body glowin’ like that?”

“I don’t know, but it’s so pretty!” Pinkie Pie said, staring deep into the rather beautiful light. “Do you think he’s going to transform?”

As if to answer her question, Sapphire Flame opened his eyes and slowly turned to look at the girls resting on his back. Though it was somewhat difficult, they could see what looked to be a smirk etched onto his face, which was only confirmed further by how his gleaming teeth were displayed. The look in his eyes didn’t not help in settling their apprehensiveness either, as evident by what Rarity said next.

“Oh, dear me…” She said weakly, her ears falling limp against her head as she gulped. “Girls…I think we may need to need to hold on tight. I fear that we are going to be in for a rather unpredictable ride.”

“What do you mea-” Twilight began to ask, only to be cut off when Sapphire Flame let out a half-roar half-scream that echoed about the pit they were in. The mares and one stallion all covered their ears to block out the near deafening sound as it made the ground beneath them shook. As quickly as it came, it stopped, and the ponies were left reel in the shock of the sound before they looked over at Sapphire Flame. They were only able to look at him for just a few moments, before he rocketed off into to sky, leaving a powerful shockwave that blew all the other flyers back and nearly sent them tumbling to the ground. They watched as the Night Fury took off with a screaming Applejack, Twilight and Rarity, and a cheering Pinkie in tow, disappearing into the giant trees above them before the others could even blink.

“Well…that was quite the, um…takeoff.” Fluttershy said after a few moments of silence. “I was thinking that it’d take Sapphire much longer to regain control of flight. It looks like I was wrong…”

“Well, this is a Night Fury that we’re talking about.” Sky Ranger chuckled, spreading his own four wings and hovering in the air. “They’re not like any ordinary Dragon, so it shouldn’t really be all that surprising.”

“No doubt about that.” Zephyr chuckled. “C’mon, let’s go after them before our new reptilian friend crashes himself and our friends face first into a giant tree.”

“Heh, now that’d be funny to see!” Rainbow Dash guffawed, but nonetheless complied as she, Goku, Fluttershy, Zephyr, Sky Ranger, and the Shadowbolts all took to the skies and after their friends.

Author's Note

Wow...that was rather quicker than I thought was even possible would be...I actually manage to get the next revised chapter out, and not even that long before the last :derpyderp2: ! Well, here it is, the beautiful act of generosity from by divine mare of fashion :raritystarry: !!! This is another one of the chapters that I didn't have to do much revision with, like with the chapter focusing on Celestia's memories to the day that Luna had become corrupted, Nightmare Moon's invasion in the Town Square, and Fluttershy's timing of the Manticore :twilightsmile: . Now, after doing a thorough going over of the chapters similar to this one, I think that I still have a good number I will need to revise, especially when it comes to the final battles for this first book, though I think I can say that it'll be somewhat different for what's happening in Ponyville :pinkiesmile: . I'm gonna have to see where that goes, especially with the little fighters that will be making a reappearance, along with a greater and more powerful character :raritywink: ! For now, I'm just glad that I was able to get this urge to rewrite Rarity living up to her Element out of the way, and that I can really focus on the rest of the story at a smooth pace once more :twilightsmile: .

Well, that's it for today; tune in next time for a revisit to Venture Vine, Celestia and the Royal Guards as they encounter another beast of the Everfree Forest :rainbowdetermined2: !!! One that they surely won't see coming, unlike with the Ursa Major :derpytongue2: !!!

Chapter 58 - The Spotted Ninja

The leaves and grass crunched and fell flat underneath Venture Vine’s hooves as she, Celestia and the rest of the Solar and Lunar Guards trekked their way through the trees of the Everfree Forest. The grass green mare’s reptilian golden eyes scanned throughout the entirety of the grove of wooden trees as she walked side by side with her Queen, the guards following behind them in preparation. The swan white Alicorn quietly walked next to Venture Vine, her own expression clam and composed, although even she was on the lookout for any creature that may ambush them in the forest. Luckily for them, Venture Vine was the most in tune with environment around them, so she was the best one to rely on when it came to wild beasts and wildernesses. Which was exactly what Venture Vine was currently doing, though even she had yet to be surprised by the next creature they encountered.

“Venture Vine, have you detected any magical presences of any wild beasts around here?” Celestia asked, finally breaking the silence from within the group. “It has been nearly an hour since we have left the cave of the Ursa Major and her young cub, and so far, my and my guards have not seen, heard, or felt anything.”

The grass green mare sniffed at the air, her highly sensitive nostrils pulling in the scent of the leaves below and around her. Once she was sure that there were no other animals around her, at least not that of carnivores, she turned back to the Queen and replied. “No, I haven’t. I’ve been feeling around with my own magical presence around this part of the forest the entire time, and I haven’t detected a single thing. It looks like that this part of the forest is clear…for the time being at least.”

“Yes, we shouldn’t let our guard down, like we had when we had come across the Ursas nearly an hour ago.” Celestia nodded, sighing softly through her nose. “That fight was admittedly one of the toughest that my troops had during the journey through this forest. At least when it came to the Ursa Major and her desire to protect her offspring. Forgive me for making this statement, but I think that it was better if we just faced one Ursa instead of two because if that were to happen…”

“Things really would’ve ended in a catastrophic conclusion.” Venture nodded back, swishing her tail about under her dragon skin cloak. “The reason for that is, even though Ursa Minors are generally weaker than their parents or adult Ursa Majors, they have less control over their magic than the older ones. Because of this, they’re far more unpredictable in a fight with another creature than the adults and the parents are.”

“Indeed they are, all the more reason why I’m thankful to the gods and goddesses above that we didn’t have to face both of them in that fight.” Celestia added, giving a shake of her head. “Even so, I’m still wondering why the cub never came out of the cave in the first place…”

“I probably had something to do with it.” Venture murmured, rubbing the back of her head from under her cloak. “Since I didn’t run away from him, or didn’t do anything threatening towards him, the Ursa Minor didn’t seem me as a threat to him. He certainly proved that when he took me in his forelegs after he started chasing me around as if he was a new playmate. Although, it may also have been because since its mother was fighting a danger that required her to use some of her magic, the Ursa Minor realized that it was best for it to stay inside until the heat died down.”

“Hmmm…that may be a plausible explanation.” Celestia murmured, pondering over Venture’s explanation in her head. “Whatever the case, I’m glad that we only had to fight one, and that the outcome of the battle ended in the way it did. I wouldn’t to think about how it was going to end if things happened differently.”

“Neither to do…and that’s why I’m all the gladder that it ended the way it did…and that the Ursa Major let us go instead of trying to kill us again.” Venture nodded, looking over at the swan white Alicorn. “I still can’t believe that the cub didn’t hold anything against me for blowing a hole in its mother’s stomach.”

“You mean the hole that we blew in her?” Celestia asked, raising a multi-colored brow at the grass green mare. “Remember, we had planned a combination attack and hit the Ursa Major at the same time. It wasn’t just you who gave her that injury that finally took her down.”

“I know, I’m sorry…I sort of forgot about that.” Venture said apologetically. “I’m just having a bit of a hard time fathoming how the Ursa Minor didn’t kill me, even though you and I had it’s mother in a pool of her own blood.”

“The mind of the animal is quite the mysterious one indeed.” Celestia said, looking up at the trees above them. “I have spent a good amount of my life trying to understand it but never could; only my sister was even remotely capable of doing it. Supposedly because of her Thestral heritage, especially as a goddess and Alicorn like me. Perhaps if I had inherited something like that as well, I would have a better understanding of these creatures like Luna.” Her ears flattened as she looked down at the ground. ‘And not just Luna either…but just like her as well.’

“It’s okay Queen Celestia, not everypony can understand or connect with beasts like Queen Luna and me, and the Thestrals can.” Venture Vine said, putting a comforting hoof on the much larger mare’s side. “Luckily for you, you have me to help you watch out for them and the things you need to know about them in order to keep yourself from becoming dinner. Not that any of the guards, or even the Thestrals would let that happen to you, but you get what I’m saying right?”

“Yes, I do.” Celestia said, smiling slightly. “And the same goes with you Venture Vine, for your son would burn the Cutie Marks off of me if I let you die or become dinner yourself.”

Venture Vine laughed; her sharp teen gleaming as she grinned toothily. “You’re damn right he would!”

At that moment, a loud rumbling sound made itself known throughout the grove of trees the group was traveling in, making them all stop in their tracks. The guards summoned their weapons and looked around, thinking that there was a bloodthirsty beast nearby waiting to ambush them where they stood. The sound came again, and as it did, they noticed that there was something off about the rumbling. It wasn’t like that of a wild animal’s growl before it jumped out of the shadows and made itself known, but one like that of somepony’s stomach growling. As it came a third time, all the guards turned to Venture Vine and Celestia, the former having a massive blush on her face while the latter looked amused.

“Well, I see somepony has an upset stomach, do they not?” Celestia asked, smiling down at an embarrassed Venture Vine. “I take it you didn’t have anything to eat since the start of this journey?”

“I haven’t had anything to eat since this morning!” Venture Vine replied, stomping her hoof as she glared up at the larger mare. “I’ve only had time for breakfast before I went to training some of the hatchlings in my Martial Arts Magic Training Class. By the time that was over, and I could go home I was so exhausted that I ended up sleeping in for the rest of the day and well into the night, until you came, woke me up, and told me about what happened.”

“Oh dear…I’m sorry for that. Had I known that you hadn’t had a decent meal since yesterday, I would’ve brought something before hoof.” Celestia said apologetically, her pristine white ears pinning back. “Would you like for us to stop for a short break while you go…on the prowl?”

“If you’re trying to say going out to hunt for meat, then yes.” Venture Vine said bluntly. “And yes, I would like for that, “short”, break as to where as I can go out hunting for a deer or moose or something big enough to fill a belly like mine. I am half dragon you know, and besides plants, I also do need a good portion of meat as well!”

“That you do Venture Vine, that you do.” Celestia nodded, smiling gently at the smaller mare as she set her spear down, motioning her guards to stop. “Do you want us to wait here while you go out and sate your lumbering hunger?”

“That would be a good idea thank you.” Venture Vine replied with a firm nod. “You waited for me while I was investigating the cave of the Ursa Major and her cub. So, think it’d be good if you did again, especially if I get ambushed or something like that. Plus, I think the guards do need a good break, especially from all of the battles that we had with the animals in this forest, including the Ursa.”

“Yes, I believe they do.” Celestia nodded as she glanced back at the guards, some of which lookin like they were going to collapse. “Well then, it’s settled. We’ll wait for you until you get back, and if there’s any danger here, I’ll be sure to send you a signal to let you know.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.” Venture replied, giving a bow. “And I’ve I’m in danger I’ll be sure to give out a nice big roar to let you know where I am so you can save my ass.”

“That you will Venture.” Celestia giggled. “Just make sure that you don’t make us go deaf when you do roar. I don’t wanna have more than half of my troops go deaf; including the Thestrals.”

Venture Vine giggled back and nodded, blowing a raspberry at the swan white Alicorn before the grass green Kirin turned tail and spread her draconic wings. With a powerful beat from them, she took into the grove of trees, being sure to look out of the corner of her eye at Celestia and the group so she could remember where they were. Once they were out of sight, Venture Vine turned tail and focused on what was in front of her, narrowly avoiding a tree branch that she had nearly ran into.

Five minutes into her flight, Venture Vine eventually descended down to the ground, sweeping up dirt and dust as she looked around the new part of the forest grove. Looking around, she immediately began sniffing and searching for any sign of herbivores or plant eaters that were nearby in the trees. Venture listed watched, and felt for anything, a whiff of a smell, the tracks of an Elk, Moose, Deer, Buffalo, or another or a change in the wind to give off an alluring scent. For the first few minutes she didn’t detect anything, and figured that there wasn’t anything around here, telling her to move further.

That’s when she heard twig sound of a twig snapping, making Venture Vine’s ears perk up and her head to whip around to the source. As she felt the wind blow in her she picked up the scent of an animal, one that instantly made her mouth water as she took more of it in.

‘Forest Buffalo.’ The grass green mare thought to herself, her pupils thinning into sharper slits as she trotted towards the scent of the plant eater. As she passed through the gigantic trees the scent of the Moose grew stronger and more intoxicating, nearly sending Venture Vine into a rush that was nearly sent her in a frenzy. She fought down her primal instincts and continued on the trail of the Moose, all the while making sure to keep deep prints in the ground to show where she had gone off.

It didn’t take her too long to find her intended target, slowly roaming around the trees and feeding on the foliage that it could reach. Unsurprisingly, due to the forest they were both in, it was much bigger than your average Buffalo, twice as big in fact, with a pair of branch-like horns that made a normal Buffalo’s look like they were still growing. Its deep green fur melted in quite nicely with the grass and bushes the trees, and it would’ve been impossible to see were it not for its shining horns and gleaming brown eyes.

‘Whoa, now that is one big Buffalo…bigger than any other that I’ve ever seen…even bigger than the African Cape Buffalos!’ Venture Vine thought to herself, taken aback a bit. ‘Still…it looks like a very decent sized meal. One that should hold me over at least until we get over the other side of the forest. Maybe when we get through the waters, I can go for a bigger meal…or even another Buffalo as big as that.’

As that thought coursed through her mind, her stomach gave another rumble; not enough to alert the Moose of her presence, but it did remind her what she was here for. Snapping back to her senses Venture Vine went took off her cloak and went into a crouching position, silently slinking towards the Buffalo. She made sure to keep low to the ground, her grass green fur helping her blend in with the tall grass as she stalked. Although her fur helped, Venture Vine’s red mane was a big blind spot which meant that she had to go nice and slow in her creeping up on the Forest Buffalo. There was no wind in sight either, meaning that her scent couldn’t be blown in the direction of the Forest to give it a head start.

As Venture Vine was getting within range of the Forest Buffalo, she suddenly felt a slight tremor beneath her feet, causin her to pause and the moose to look up from its feeding. Its ears swiveled about as it watched and listened out for anything amiss or any creature, causing Venture to freeze in place, as if the giant beast had spotted her in her crouch. For almost a minute, the Forest Buffalo stayed where it was, taking extra precaution to ensure that there were no carnivores around it, even giving a few sniffs of the airs. Eventually, the bovine relaxed and dipped its head down and resumed its grazing.

Giving a sigh of relief, Venture Vine resumed her stalking of the Forest Buffalo, being sure to slink from just behind the beast so it wouldn’t have that much of a head start. The scent of the moose filled her nostrils, and as she got closer, she could see that the Forest Buffalo was even larger up close, and looked to be quite well built. It was also clear by the scars she could see adorning its body, that he was an experienced fighter, and he would not go down easy.

‘As if hunting is easy for any predator, even us; regardless of what animal it is.’ Venture Vine thought dryly to herself as she crouched all the way to the ground. Closing her eyes, she focused her magic into her mane, and it gave a very faint flow as it shorted to the length of her lower neck as to not get in the way when she attacked. With that taken care of, Venture Vine just that little bit closer, until she was sure that she was within range of attack, which was about five meters. She waited until the Forest Buffalo was completely turned around with its rump facing her, and once it looked like it wasn’t going to turn or look back, she hunched her body in preparation. Letting out a low growl, she summoned her tail blade from within her, and with a deafening explosive roar, she attacked.

The Forest Buffalo, its head flying form the ground at the sound of the roar, whirled around to see Venture Vine diving down at him, claws and teeth bared. Just as she was about to pounce, the bovine reared its hindlegs up, slamming his cloven hooves into Venture’s chest and slamming her into a tree.

Venture slid down the tree, her head reeling from the impact of the kick as she held her stomach with a claw, having not expected the attack. Thankfully enough, her draconic skin was able to keep the sharp points of the Forest Buffalo cloven hooves from stabbing her, but it certainly didn’t take away from the pain of it. As she looked up, she saw the Forest Buffalo charging towards her, snorting hard through its nostrils. Venture quickly darted off to the side just as the bull slammed the base of its horn into the giant tree she was leaning against, the sound echoing about the grove.

With its back turned, Venture Vine charge and leapt onto the bovine’s back, sinking her claws deep into its thick hide, while her teeth went into his back. The bovine bellowed loudly as it attempted to buck the Kirin off, pain shooting through its body as Venture’s teeth and claws dug and slashed into its furred skin. It purposely collided into the trees, making the smaller ones shakes in impact in an extra attempt to get Venture off of it, and it was slowly working. The hard impacts in the trees were starting to make her lose focus, and Venture knew at this rate, she had to either let go or risk getting her skull cracked.

Thinking quickly, and waiting for the right minute, Venture Vine leaped off the Forest Buffalo’s back, only to latch onto it again, this time on its side. With a snarl she lunged again and bit the Forest Buffalo in the back of its neck, sickening crunch echoing in her ears as she used her hindlegs to propel herself with the Forest Buffalo. Blood ran freely down the bovine’s back and sides as it twisted its buff body left and right, snorting as its tail whipped wildly about. However, Venture’s claws and teeth had an iron grip, and it didn’t seem like she was going to be letting go while the struggle continued.

At some point, Venture Vine felt the Forest Buffalo starting to slow down, and she once again let go just as the Forest Buffalo stomped the grassy ground. As she latched on, her fangs immediately went for the bovine’s neck, and she latched down hard, biting with all the strength her draconic jaws could muster. The Forest Buffalo’s airway was abruptly cut off, and it found itself even harder than ever to either drive Venture Vine into the ground, or get away from her so it could flee into the forest. Every few seconds, its hooves wound hit her chest or stomach, and even her tail on occasion dazing her for a moment or two, but Venture refused to give up or let go. Her scarlet claws latched tightly to the buffalo’s shoulders digging so deep that it reached the bone, ensuring that she didn’t lose her grip.

Eventually, after several or so minutes of bucking, stomping and writhing, the Forest Buffalo very slowly, but surely began to slowly down. It still but up a brutal fight for a good few minutes longer, be it stomping on venture, kicking wildly, or colliding into trees, it soon began to wear down, with Venture Vine still gripping him all the while. Finally, it fell to its knees, slowly losing its balance as its life was drained out of the Kirin mare below him, before falling to its side. It kicked weakly for a few moments, and with a swift twist of her head, Venture Vine snapped its neck, abruptly ending the Forest Buffalo’s suffering for good.

With her prey finally dead, Venture Vine tore her fangs out of its throat, blood flying and spraying from the neck wound as it pooled on the ground beneath her feet. She panted for a minute or two, even though she wasn’t really tired, thanks to her draconic stamina. Licking the blood from her lips, she motioned over to the Forest Buffalo’s belly and ripped into it, her bloodied fangs easily slicing into the thick skin. As she began to consume its insides, Venture kept her ears perked and listened for anything that maybe nearby her and her kill. She even listened out for that little tremor in the ground, a part of her believing that it was caused by a beast nearby.

‘It was probably just a little earthquake in the ground.’ Venture thought to herself as she wolfed down another chunk of fresh and bloodied meat. Moaning in relief from the taste, she went down for more, taking in an even larger chunk. ‘This a forest of unpredictability after all…from the animals to the weather, to the very forest itself. This happens in all the other wildernesses that we don’t control, so this isn’t any different. Only it’s much more dangerous and riskier for ponies that aren’t either Kirins or Thestrals, like me Goku, her siblings, parents, and Zephyr. I hope they’re all doing alright, and Zephyr and the girls are making progress.’

Ten minutes into her feeding, Venture Vine’s ears perked up when she felt the ground beneath her shake, as if there was another earthquake that was happening underneath her. She paused for a moment or two, thinking that it was just another coincidence, and went back to scarfing down her meal of Forest Buffalo. A little while later, a third, much more violent shake came, this one being strong enough to shake even some of the smaller trees around her. This time, Venture Vine looked around, still not seeing or smelling anything nearby, but still on edge, nonetheless.

“You know what? I think this isn’t the best place to feed right now.” The grass green mare thought to herself, biting her lip in nervousness. “I should probably take this and get back to Celestia and the rest of the guards. They’ll probably be put off by seeing me eating a fellow plant eater, but hey, it’s not like I’m entirely the same anyway.”

With those words, Venture Vine grabbed the dead Forest Buffalo by the throat and began to drag the behemoth beast away from its deathbed, blood trailing behind it. Thanks to her draconic strength, she had little to no problem taking the carcass with her, even if was a good deal bigger than she was and far heavier. As she drew nearer to the spot where she had first made it into the grove, the shaking drew her attention, only this time, it was accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of earth cracking. Venture dropped her killed and looked around, her reptilian eyes managing to capture some large cracks nearby and around her.

“Oh boy, it looks like there really is an earthquake happening, and I’m in the center of it!” Venture said to herself. “I’d better get going before I get caught in it!”

Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed her dragon cloak sitting just feet away from her, and she sprinted over to where it lay. After throwing it around her, she raced back to her kill and took it back in her teeth, dragging it away even faster than before, using her wings for extra muscle to speed the process. As Venture was heading down the path back to Queen Celestia and the Royal Guards, a huge crack appeared in the earth in front of her, making her stop dead in her tracks as she looked down at it. Her eyes widened even further when she saw bright yellow light emitting from it, and not just any light either.

‘Magic.’ Venture Vine concluded, her eyes narrowing as she stared down at the light shining from the crack in front of her. Against her better judgement, she climbed over her carcass and crept over to the light, her claws and teeth bared in preparation. Her draconic instincts screamed at her to get back, but her head pushed her on to investigate what this strange discovery was. This would prove to be her undoing, and it would show so in one devastating explosion.

Just as Venture Vine was a neck’s length away from the glowing cracks in the ground, the yellow light emitting from it vanished as quickly as it came. This took Venture Vine off guard, and she blinked a few times as if trying to determine that what she saw was real. As she began to sniff it, she noticed a peculiar scent emitting from underneath the ground, the scent of an animal, and once that was surely not a ground dwelling creature. As she picked her head up, Venture looked around for some sign, any sign of a creature near her.

“Who’s there?” The grass green mare demanded, her tail skirt transforming into a large scarlet blade as she did. “Show yourself!”

Immediately afterwards, the creature did as commanded.

There a sound of earth exploding outward, and Venture Vine whirled around just in time to see something yellow slam into her, sending her flying and knocking the wind out of her. As Venture was being deafened by an ear-piercing panther-like scream, she tumbled and slid across the ground before coming to a stop. Shaking the dust out of her eyes, she was about to get up when she felt a paw slam into her chest, and claws piercing into it. The force of the impact left her unable to scream, but it did not take away the shock of the creature that she saw bearing down on her.

Looming over the grass green Kirin, eyes gleaming teeth shining, was the biggest leopard that Venture laid eyes on in her entire life. It was easily the size of a Cape Buffalo, with deep sunflower yellow fur that shined under the light of the Moon, with deep garnet orange spots adorning its fur. Despite its spots being the same color as Venture’s son’s, fur, the same could not be said for its eyes, which were the same bright yellow as her’s with shining white pupils. On both of its elbows, were two miniature scythe blades sticking out of them, lightly curved upward, a much larger one adoring the tip of its tail and two more on its hawk like wings. Lastly, it had a gleaming set of con-like saber teeth that looked to be over a foot long, the tips giving a faint glint as the leopard bare them at Venture Vine.

‘Holy bucking shit!’ Venture Vine thought, immediately recognizing the species of that that was on top of her. ‘Its a damn Kamahyō!’

Kamahyōs, or more simply known as, the Scythe Leopards, were another species of unnatural beasts that inhabited the Everfree, and one of the four species of Big Cats as well. It was known for its assassin-like stealth that it used to stalk its prey through the trees and bushes of the Everfree Forest, which were parts that it could be found in. There was no possible way you could hear them, not unless they wanted you to, and by the time you did, it would already be too late for that poor soul. The Kamahyō’s were also known for their incredible physical strength, strength they used to propel through the treetops and bring down prey far larger than it was. Once it was subdued, it would use its twin sword-like saber teeth to repeatedly stab their victims’ throats until they bleed out.

Another terrifying factor to note about the Kamahyō was the scythe-like claws blades that it used to either stab or slice into their prey or enemies. Even going so far as to sever their heads though that was a rarity in itself. They also served to ensure that the Kamahyō never lost its grip on its prey unless it allowed itself to let go, which was close to impossible with a cat like this. The most horrifying aspect about the Kamahyō however, was that it had an earth affinity that allowed it to travel through the ground, taking its victim by surprise. The very same tactic that the Kamahyō used on Venture Vine to get her right where it wanted her.

The Kamahyō let out another scream and raised its other scythe-like clawed paw, preparing to bring them across the Kirin mare’s neck. Venture Vine roared up at the big cat, and, summoning every ounce of strength she possessed, threw the cat off and away from her. She got to her feet and rubbed at the spot where she was nearly stabbed, and looked up, only to see the Kamahyō already sprinting towards her.

“Shit!” Venture cursed, turning tail and making her way back down to where Celestia and the Royal Guards were. In her haste to get away, she forgot she still had her wings and just when she realized that she could fly to get away, the Kamahyō was upon her. They tumbled across the ground as the clawed and bit at one another, and it soon ended with the Kamahyō once again on top and trying to get at Venture Vine’s neck.

“Not so fast there!” The grass green mare shouted, using her draconic strength to keep the cat’s sabers at bay with one claw. As she used the other to fend off one of its own, Venture Vine used her hind claws to viciously slash at the Kamahyō’s stomach, leaving deep slash marks within its furry belly. It let out a roar of pain, and Venture Vine used that opportunity to once again throw the cat off of her, and launch her own attack.

“Fire Dragon: Roar!” She shouted, a blast of golden yellow fire leaving from out of her mouth as it enveloped the tumbling Kamahyō in its fiery cloak. The cat roared and screamed in agony as it rolled across the ground, swiping at the fire in an attempt to out it out. With the giant feline distracted, Venture Vine turned tail and rushed back to the group, this time remembering to use her wings.

It took her far less time to reach the group than it was when she had left, and when she did make it, Venture found a majority of the group either resting, conversing with one another, or merely keeping watch. Celestia also seemed to be talking to a few of the Royal Guards from both groups from the looks of it, but whatever they were talking about was cut short when the swan white Alicorn saw Venture Vine approaching. The relieved smile that had just adorned her face turned into a worried frown when she saw the panicked look on the grass green mare’s face.

“Venture Vine, is everything alright?” Celestia asked worriedly, watching as the smaller mare panted in front of her. She noticed the blood coating her mouth and teeth, before asking, “I take it the hunt didn’t go well?”

“Oh no, the hunt went just fine.” Venture Vine replied quickly. “It’s what happened afterward that’s gone down to shit!”

Celestia’s expression grew even more worried as a thought popped in her mind. “Were you attacked by an Everfree beast?”

“As if it’s not painfully obvious!” Venture Vine replied, snapping her head up to the Queen. “I was ten minutes into eating, when I was ambushed by a Kamahyō! It must’ve smelled the blood from my Forest Buffalo carcass, because it burst form the ground out of nowhere and attacked me!”

“A Kama…hyō?” Celestia repeated, the word not quite fitting on the tip of her tongue. “I’m afraid that I’m not quite following you Venture Vine.”

“A Scythe Leopard, your Majesty.” Venture emphasized. “I was attacked by a Scythe Leopard after it had gotten a whiff of my kill, and it attacked me!”

“It did?” Celestia asked, now on high alert. “Were you injured in anyway?”

“Other than feeling like I was about to get my chest ripped open, fine. I also gave the Kamahyō a nice good breath of fire so I could escape” Venture Vine replied. “Still, we need to go, there’s no telling when its gonna put out the fire and-”

The scream of the Kamahyō cut the grass green mare off, alerting her and the rest of the group of its presence. Whipping around she watched as the saber-toothed cat charged at her once more, claws unsheathed and mouth agape to display its teeth. Venture Vine flared her wings and flew out of reach just as the Kamahyō pounced at her, its claws clawing deep into her wings and leaving deep slashes it and her side. Venture Vine winced from the impact, but was able to shake it off as she half-climbed and half-ran up a tree, the Kamahyō hot on her heels.

“Hold on Venture Vine, I’m coming!” Celestia shouted, encasing the tail of the Kamahyō in her magic, stopping it in its tracks. It flapped it’s wings in an attempt to get out of the magical hold, but Celestia yanked it back down, sending it flying into a nearby tree. Celestia looked back up to where Venture Vine had gone, and saw her on a giant tree branch, blood seeping from her side and her wing.

“Venture Vine, are you alright?!” Celestia asked. “Hold on dear, I’ll come and heal you!”

Just as she said that, the grass green mare’s eyes widened and she screamed, “BEHIND YOU!”

Celestia turned around just in time for the Kamahyō to smash into her, sending her crashing to the ground as her spear went flying. Grunting, the swan white Alicorn used her armored hooves to keep the cat’s claws at bay, her armor protecting her stomach from its hind claws. Igniting her horn, she grabbed her spear and sunk it into the Kamahyō’s side, before pushing it off of her. As she got to her hooves, she found her lower neck being slashed by the feline as it lunged at her neck, but her magic once again served to keep her safe.

“Not so fast there, bucko!” A Thestral stallion shouted, flying in and colliding with the sabered feline and sending it away from Celestia. They tumbled across the ground and the Lunar Guard found an opportunity to kick the Kamahyō away from him and into a tree. That agile cat quickly recovered though, and lunged at the Lunar Guard, but he was able to repel the cat’s strength with his own supernatural power. They punched and slashed at one another, with the Lunar Guard even using his fangs to bite the Kamahyō in the shoulder, inadvertedly starting to drain it of its magic.

The Kamahyo roared and thrashed to shake him off, slamming the Lunar Guard into the ground as it lunged for the back of his neck. The Thestral stallion was already getting back onto its feet when he felt the smaller sharp teeth of the feline sink into him, and he let out bat-like screech as his hooves flew to the Kamahyō's neck. With all the force his Thestral strength would allow, he threw the Kamahyō away from him as he crashed to the ground.

As Celestia and the rest of the Luna Guards rushed to their fallen comrade, Kamahyō took that moment of distraction to silently creep up on Queen Celestia. The brush and bushes surrounding its giant frame allowed it to creep around the group with relative ease. Just as it got within range, Venture Vine noticed it about to pounce, and leapt into action just as it did.

“Fire Dragon: Iron Fist!” She shouted her left claw cloak into fire as she flew down and slammed it into the Kamahyō's side. The two flew away from Celestia and the Royal Guars, and Venture flew away as the Kamahyō tumbled across the ground, the act putting out the fire. It flared its wings as it glared at Venture Vine, who went into an attack position as her bladed tail slowly swayed behind her, its scarlet color gleaming in the moonlight.

“Your Majesty what’re your orders?” A Solar Earth Pony Guard asked as he stood just behind the swan white Alicorn. “Should we step in and help Ms. Venture?”

Celestia was silent for a few moments, before replying. “No, let’s let Venture Vine deal with this creature. Help her only if you feel the need to, but don’t directly interfere with it; I believe that Venture has this herself.”

“Understood.” A Solar Unicorn Guard nodded; his horn ignited in preparation.

The scream from the Kamahyō alerted all the other Royal Guards to the fight, and the cat could be seen flying towards Venture Vine. The mare whirled around and lashed out with her tail blade, slashing the Kamahyō in the chest. The cat flew back, but flared its wings and lunged at Venture again as the grass green Kirin flew at it. The feline’s scythe blade clashed with Venture’s own as sparks flew through the air, their wings carrying them as they swung their tails at one another. In that moment the Kamahyō lunged at her and tried to slice at her throat, but Venture Vine flew up and away from it, her hind claws slashing at its face.

The Kamahyō screamed in pain as he reeled back some from the attack, but it managed to collect itself as it flew after Venture Vine, Celestia and the Guards following. The sabered spotted cat collided with Venture Vine in midair, and they once again began to slash and bit each other, with the latter ensuring she wasn’t stabbed by the Kamahyō's saber teeth. As their tail blades, clashed, Venture Vine decided to put some distance between them.

“Fire Dragon: Sword Tail!” The grass green mare shouted, flames surrounding her tail blade and swinging it at the Kamahyō, striking it right in its stomach. Blood sprayed from the cat’s wounds as she flew up towards the giant branches of the titanic trees, vanishing into the leaves as she stopped to take a breather.

“Wow that cat is good. It’s almost like he can see my attacks coming before they even come, and he’s able to match them.” Venture though to herself, her wings partially spread. “I’ll need to strike more quickly and try new attacks if I’m going to get the upper hoof…or claw.”

“Venture above you!” The sudden cry of Queen Celestia registered from below.

Venture’s head snapped up to see the Kamahyō diving down towards her, its eyes gleaming as its wings tucked to its sides. Venture Vine reared up to meet the feline and they both sank their claws into each other’s skin, Venture’s slashing across the Kamahyō’s chest. She pushed the beast off of her before it could sink its sabers into her shoulders, and with a blast of fire, she shot it into another tree as it fell to the ground.

“Nice one there, Venture Vine!” A Solar Earth Pony Royal Guard shouted with glee. “Show that giant furball who’s boss!”

Venture Vine’s reptilian eyes snapped over to the stallion, flashing with anger as she bared her fangs at him. “Hey, don’t you dare call this beautiful creation of nature a furball! He may be trying to eat us but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna tolerate your name-calling of them! So watch it buster, of you’re gonna get burnt!”

The stallion shrunk back. “S-sorry…!”

Snorting, the grass green Kirin turned back to the Kamahyō, and noticed that blood was dripping from where its chest was, along with its stomach. The feline inspected the wounds, before looking back at Venture Vine, a blood curdling snarl leaving its throat. As Venture growled back, they starting to circle around one another, ears pinned back and tails swaying as their wings were flared in defiance.

Then without warning, the Kamahyō darted towards Venture Vine, darting from side to side so Venture couldn’t tell which side that it was going to attack from. She made a guess, and got it wrong, finding herself being jumped on and pinned to the ground by the Kamahyō as it tried to go for her throat. It was only thanks to one of her claws grabbing it by its throat that she was saved from certain death. Then again, thanks to her draconic skin, it wouldn’t have been very easy for the feline anyway.

“Gotta admit, you don’t waste any time finishing the job, or at least trying to!” Venture Vine commented, using her tail blade to block the Kamahyō's scythe blade. “Alright then, if that’s what you want, then allow me to fulfill your request!”

With a strong hoist from her hindlegs, Venture Vine flung the Kamahyō as with last time, sending it crashing into a tree as she took off into the air. Shaking off the impact of the attack, the Kamahyō screamed and flew after her, following her higher into the trees as they vanished into the branches and leaves.

Tucking her wings in, Venture Vine dived into a tangle of large leaves and branches, the Kamahyō following close behind as she went in. The giant feline swung its scythe-like claws, slicing through the leaves and branches with ease as it attempted to grab Venture Vine and pull her out. The grass green mare retaliated by swiping and clashing her own claws with the Kamahyō’s as she kicked it away from her. Undeterred, the sabered spotted cat went on top of the tangle of branches, and attacked Venture from above, trying to get at her head and neck as she crawled through the branches. At some point, she found a hole from inside the large branch tangles and made to go for it, only to scream when she felt claws digging into her hip.

“Sorry honey, but you’re too late!” Venture said firmly, swiping with her claws across the Kamahyō’s right forepaw and digging deep into it. The spotted feline screamed and yanked its paw away, taking to the air as Venture crawled out of the hole and down to the ground. After a few seconds of tending to its leg, the Kamahyō looked up and see Venture Vine down below, a roar echoing from where she was. Hissing, the Kamahyō flared its wings as it descended down towards her, sabers bared as it prepared to deliver the final blow.

“Alright, it’s time to end this!” Venture Vine shouted as golden fire swirled around her. “Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Flame Lotus Exploding Flame Blade!”

Swinging her forelegs and claws outward, Venture Vine shot a giant swirling blaze of fire at the Kamahyō, who was just only meters away from hitting her. It had not time to dodge or block the grass green Kirin’s attack, before it, it found itself being it right into the stomach, and flying through the giant trees as it screamed in agony. It eventually collided into a tree, the fire driving it deeper into the bark before the fire vanished, leaving the cat inside of its crater. It didn’t last long however, for it slowly began to slide out, before falling to the ground.

“Oh no, hold on!” Venture Vine gasped, her reptilian eyes widening in terror as she flew towards the falling beast. Thankfully, she was able to catch it just before it hit the ground, and she gently set it down onto its side. At first, she panicked upon not seeing it move, but relaxed slightly when she saw its stomach and chest rising and falling slowly. ‘Well, at least he’s still breathing…’

“Venture Vine!” The grass green mare turned to see Queen Celestia flying towards her, the rest of the guards right behind her as the Solar Queen landed in front of her. “Are you alright; is it over?”

“Yes, it’s over now…I finally managed to beat the big guy.” Venture Vine replied, glancing back at the unconscious Kamahyō. “I admit, I may have overdone it, at least when it came to my magic and tail blade, but…he looks like he’s a pretty tough kitty. So, I’m positive that he’s going to survive those injuries and keep going on.”

“I see…well, I suppose that is a good thing.” Celestia nodded, before taking a moment to inspect Venture’s wounds. “What is the extent of your injuries?”

“A few claw marks on my left wing, on my hip, and my shoulder.” Venture clarified, looking at each of the bloodied claw marks. “Other than that, I’m not really feeling like I’m being weighed down…not that these injuries could anyway.”

“Only claw marks…if that’s the case then I suppose I don’t need to be too worried.” Celestia nodded, smiling in relief. “Still, I’d feel better if you at least let me heal those, just in case.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night your Highness.” Venture Vine sighed as she turned her blade back into its regular tail skirt. “Actually, before you do that, I need to take a trip back to my kill sight?”

“Kill sight?” Celestia repeated, before realization clicked. “Oh, you mean so you can finish your meal?”

“Well…yeah.” Venture replied sheepishly. “That, and so I can leave a little apology gift for this cat for sending him into a tree. I…hadn’t planned on doing that, but hey, coincidences do tend to happen. Anyway, wait here, I’ll be back, and then we can get on out of here!”

Before Celestia could reply, Venture Vine ran off and spread her wings, taking flight back to where she had first flown back before making a sharp right. As she vanished into the trees, one of the guards walked up to Celestia and asked. “Um, pardon me your Highness, but, is Venture really going back to where she was attacked by that beast?”

“Yes, I’m afraid she is.” Celestia replied dryly. “Apparently, she felt bad for the way she had beaten the…Scythe Leopard, and wanted to make it up to her by giving it her kill.”

“Giving it…her kill?” The Royal Guard asked, looking surprise. “Even though it tried to kill her?”

“It appears so.” Celestia nodded. “Despite trying to take her life, and a couple of ours, Venture Vine appears not to hold anything against the beast. She felt that she had gotten carried away and decided that she needed to do something to express her apologies to it. It may seem highly unusual but…that’s how Venture Vine is doing this.”

“I…I see…” The Royal Guard nodded, silently soaking the information in. “Ms. Venture is one strange mare, isn’t she?”

“Hmhmhm…yes, I suppose she is.” Celestia replied, giggling slightly. “Then again, aren’t we all a little strange on the inside, my little pony?”

The Royal Guard paused, taking a moment to mull over his Queen’s words. Eventually, he let out a chuckle of his own before saying. “Yeah…I guess we are.”

Author's Note

I feel...more or less okay with how this chapter went out, and to be honest I don't think it was one of my better ones, especially with the hunt that I added in this. I just wanted to get back to how Venture Vine Queen Celestia and the rest of the guards were doing on their side of the adventure. That and remember to add another beast of the Everfree Forest to show that they're far from out of danger, even though they are now nearly halfway through the forest by this point. Also, in case any of you were wondering, that fight scene with Venture and the Kamayhō was an idea that I got from watching the animated movie of Tarzan, where he was fighting Sabor after he had tried to ambush him and his gorilla family in that one scene :raritywink: . I had this chapter sitting on my head for a while and I didn't know how I could right it, until that one scene came into my head, and the rest...well it all came afterward just like that :twilightsheepish: . Sorry if this chapter didn't fit to your standards, I was feeling a little under the weather and couldnt think of anything else to describe this new update rather than the one I came up with :ajsleepy: .

Well, that's all for right now everypony; tune in next time for a revisit to ponyville where the Granny Smith, Derpy, and Blossomforth struggle against their new foe. All while the town gets a new ally joining into battle; a great and powerful new ally :raritywink: !

Chapter 59 - Kicker of the Clouds

Cloud Kicker and Moon Blade promptly collapsed on the large warm bed that lay underneath them, both of them, panting heavily as sweat gleamed onto their fur. Their manes clung to their faces and necks, both them and their tails a jumbled mess of hair, as if they had been tossing and turning all night in their beds. Although, here, it wasn’t from a bad dream, but from something far less unpleasant and much more pleasurable. As the duo continued lay back and recover their lost breath, Cloud Kicker suddenly rolled to her side and draped a hoof over Moon Blade’s chest, making him pause and look over at her. Lifting a shaky left hoof, he moved his jet-black mane out of his ghostly handsome face, allowing his twin bloody orbs of red to fully see the persian blue mare lying beside him. He reached out with his hoof again and brushed away Cloud’s own mane and the Pegasus looked up at him in response, face flushed, and tongue protruded out.

“My goodness Cloud Kicker…you look completely out of it.” Moon Blade murmured eventually catching his breath as he stared into Cloud’s half-lidded eyes. “Are you alright my dear?”

For a several moments longer, Cloud Kicker said nothing, just continuing to pant as she lay her head on Moon’s outstretched right arm. She let her half-closed eyes slowly close as if she was going to sleep, before she opened them again, her amber golden gaze shining into Moon’s. Then, a small yet sensual smile stretched across her muzzle as she sat to gaze down at him.

“Am I alright? Am I alright?!” Cloud Kicker asked, her expression brightening as she giggled. “I am more than alright; I feel like that I’ve just gotten back from the biggest high of my life!”

Moon Blade paused, Cloud’s words taking him by surprise. “You...you do?”

“Hay yeah I do, that rutting you gave me was so incredible!” Cloud Kicker replied, falling back onto the bed in a fit of giggles. “I’ll be honest with you honey, while I was planning on giving you a real good time after you saved me and my niece, but damn! I was not expecting you to give me the ploughing of my life! I’ve had a lot of good bangs over the years before and after I moved to Ponyville, with the exception of one, but hot damn that was…holy shit!”

“I see…” Moon Blade murmured, smiling slightly as his fangs glistened. “So I take it that I was able to satisfy your deepest urges.”

“I don’t think satisfy is the right word there, baby.” Cloud Kicker replied dryly, letting out a little snort. “I think managing to send me back to heaven and back is the right way to describe how I’m feeling right now. That seriously had to be the best rutting that I’ve ever had from any stallion in ages!”

“Oh, really now?” Moon Blade asked as he sat up. “Even better than Sir Big Macintosh?”

This time it was Cloud Kicker’s turn to pause, a sheepish blush coming to her face as she poked her forehooves together. “Okay, let me rephrase that one. You’re possibly the best stallion that I’ve a rut with, with Big Mac being a veeeeeery close second.” She replied, her tone matching her face as she too sat up. “To put it simply, you too have to be the best stallions that I’ve ever had the pleasure of bucking with.”

“Well, judging from how Big Mac is just by looking at him, I can see why you’re so infatuated with him, along with many of the other mares in this town, like you told me.” Moon Blade chuckled; spreading is large bat wings out. “As glad as I am that I was able to satisfy you, I’m afraid that I can’t really take all of the credit when it comes to this.”

“What do you mean?” Cloud Kicker replied, looking at the Thestral stallion in perplexation. “You literally had me on Cloud Nine more times than I’ve ever been! How can you possibly say that you can’t take the title of the best mare pleaser?”

“Because that title never belonged to me in the first place, long even before this.” Moon Blade replied casually. “That title belongs to another stallion, or for the lack of a better word, four other stallions who happen to be dear friends of mine, that have that title all to themselves.”

“Oh really?” Cloud Kicker asked, her interest peaked. “And just who’re these stallions?”

“…I’d rather not say who they are, for most of them are quite the secretive stallions, and would like it if they were the ones to introduce themselves rather than somepony else.” Moon Blade replied after a moment of silence. “Though I will say this; not all of them are with me anymore…one of them ended up sacrificing his life for Equestria’s safety and future. Leaving me the other three, and a good bunch of our other comrades to protect this land ourselves.”

“Oh…I see.” Cloud Kicker murmured softly, her ears flattening. “I’m…sorry about that honey.”

Moon Blade wrapped a wing around the smaller flyer. “It’s alright dear, there’s no way you could’ve known…that one stallion was indeed the wonderful one. Truly worthy of honor and respect, and one of the many ponies that I’d call by friend no matter what.” He replied gently as he gave her a tight squeeze. “Along with being an amazing friend, leader, and protector, he and the few other stallion friends of mine, besides me, have quite the way with the ladies too. You wouldn’t believe all of the ways that they created when it comes to pleasing mares, it always gets them every single time.”

“They’re that good?” Cloud Kicker asked, her eyes widening slightly as her mind swirling with the possibilities of her getting a good bang with these unknown stallions. “So…how many mares have they gotten with since you’ve known them?”

“More than I can even care to count…and trust me I have certainly lost count over the years that I’ve been with them.” Moon Blade replied shaking her head as he chuckled again. “There was not one mare that I didn’t see with them that didn’t like look she had the most wonderful mating session of their lives. And believe me, the mating session these three stallions took them on were quite something, and I say that because…well…I had the fortunate or unfortunate pleasure of joining them. Along with some of my other dear friends that weren’t stallions but mares themselves. We were quite the sexually active bunch, and still are to this very day.”

“Wow…if all of that’s true then these three stallions must be quite the players and pleasers. Not that it really bothers me, since I’m pretty much the same.” Cloud Kicker said with a shrug, rubbing a hoof across Moon Blade’s left thigh in a sensual manner. “So…do you think I’ll ever get the chance to meet these three hunky breeders of nature?”

“I wouldn’t say that your odds are very high…you’d have to have an incredible amount of luck to be able to even meet them.” Moon Blade replied honestly, giving the persian blue mare an apologetic smile. “However, if you want to have a little help in confirming who these stallions are…I’ll give you a little hint. One, these three stallions are all brothers, with the youngest adopted and the middle one being bigger than the eldest. Number two, thanks to the word getting out that they’re experts at pleasing mares, they’ve earned the nickname as the Natural Born Breeders, though they’re more commonly known as the Chaotic Trio.”

“Natural Born Breeders…” Cloud Kicker felt a shiver go down her thighs as tingle went across her inner thighs. “Oh buck…I can feel myself getting worked up just from hearing and saying those three words alone. I’m gonna have to watch out for any stallions that’re nicknamed that.”

“You most certainly should my dear; trust me, it’ll be so worth it when you finally do meet them down the road.” Moon Blade smirked, her fangs gleaming. “Those three well send you on a ride that you will never forget. One that will surely make mine’s seem like a cakewalk.”

Cloud Kicker giggled, leaning into the ghostly white stallion and nuzzling their cheeks. “I’ll be sure to remember that Moonie. I can tell just by listening to you that these three stallions are the real deal and they’ll give me, and maybe even Blossomforth the ride of both our lives.” Without warning, she suddenly leapt up on the stallion and pinned him to the bed. “For now, though, I’m just fine with you giving me the ride of my life. Which is exactly what I’m planning to do for you right now~.”

“A-a-are you sure about that Cloud?” Moon Blade stammered, his face turning red. “I-I mean, we just, um…went through your repayment session. Maybe we should go and check on the others to see if they’re alright, a-and wash up before Big Mac-.”

“Oh, don’t be suck a worry wart Moonie.” Cloud Kicker replied gently, putting a hoof on the stallions fanged lips. “My niece was kind enough to put a silencing spell on the door, and I’m sure that she’s told everypony what we’re up to right now, including dear Big Mac. So, I’m sure he and the others will understand and won’t get mad. Besides, it’s not like he and his sisters aren’t used to a lot of work anyway.”

Lowering her rump down, she began to slowly grind against Moon Blade’s thighs, prompting him to let out a bat-like squeak. “Now, why don’t I give you the ride that you so wonderfully gave me? And don’t worry, I’ll go as slow as you want me to~. Or I can go really fast, since you stallions do seem to like going at a mare like a rabbit, whatever floats your boat~.” She cooed, leaning in to lick at his curved razor fangs. “So…whaddya say stud? Ready to make me bloat like your drinking my blood?”

Before Moon Blade could reply to the extremely sexually tempting request, both noticed a purple flash out of their peripheral vision. They looked over just as it had vanished and a rapid knocking echoed about the bedroom, making it sound like the pony behind it was panicked. Cloud Kicker moved from the bed and towards the door, only for it to swing open, revealing a panicked Amethyst and Apple Grove at the door.

“Cloud Kicker, Apple Grove…” Moon Blade murmured, noticing the look on both the young mare’s faces. “…What is the matter? Why do you too look so frightened?”

“Aunt Cloud, Mr. Moon Blade, you both need to come down quick!” Amethyst cried, paying no attention to the smell of sweat, funk in the room. “There’s something happening outside form downstairs that you need to know about, now!”

“Whoa there, settle down there Ame.” Cloud replied, trying her best to sooth her niece. “Tell us what’s wrong and we’ll come and see what’s going on.”

Apple Grove wasted no time beating around the bush. “It’s terrible y’all, there’s some kind o’ Alicorn stallion outside o’ th’ barn, and it looked like he was fightin’ somepony! When Honey Blossom, Jubilee an’ Scarlet came back, they told is that th’ ponies he’s fightin’ are Ms. Derpy, Blossomforth, an’ Granny Smith!”

Cloud Kicker and Moon Blade’s eyes bulged. “WHAT?!”

Serafino whinnied loudly as he slammed his forehooves on the ground, making giant black and red thorned vines burst out of the ground and soar towards the trio in front of him. Derpy and Blossomforth flew in and dispelled them with either lightning or wind, while Granny Smith retaliated with green vines of her own. The sound of slicing wind and chirping lightning echoed and exploded throughout the clearing as the four met through the smoke clouds.

“Earth Make Knight: Giant Earth Dome!” Granny Smith summoning a large sphere of earth that blocked the magical blast of Serafino. Cracks appeared around the sphere, but it managed to withstand against the bat winged Alicorn’s magic as he flew towards it. just when he was about to turn around to kick it to pieces, Derpy came diving in towards him.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Whirlwind explosion!” The mailmare shouted, shooting down a giant blast of blue wind at the Nightmare Alicorn below her. Serafino's draconic eyes shot up to see the attack coming towards him, and he stopped midflight, his horn ignited as he pointed it upward.

“Nightmare Solid Form Magic: Black Serrated Whirlwind!” He shouted, shooting a huge blast of black lightning at Derpy’s own attack, causing a huge shockwave to ring out. Derpy was taken aback by the sudden retaliation, but pushed forward nonetheless, determined to drive Serafino into the ground.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Whinny!” Blossomforth shouted a blast of blue lightning at Serafino from the side, rather than from behind. Serafino noticed the attack coming out of the corner of his eye, and one of his scarlet hooves shot out towards her.

“Nightmare Lightning Alicorn Thestral: Green Lightning Explosion!” He shouted, his hoof shooting out a blast of green lightning coated energy at the mare. Blossomforth’s eyes widened at the sudden attack aimed at her, but was soon to pay it no mind as she continued on with her breath attack. As the two mares went on in their power struggle with the Nightmare Alicorn Thestral, Granny Smith suddenly appeared out of her earth sphere, only to go wide eyes at what she was seeing before her.

“Holy shit, he’s managin’ t’ hold th’ both o’ them back at the same time!” She said to herself as she slowly climbed out of her earth sphere. “Still, it looks like they’re distractin’ him, so that gives me time t’ try t’ git a hit on him!”

With her eyes glowing, Granny Smith slammed her forehooves down on the ground again, the earth beginning to morph and distort as a result. It soon began to travel up her legs as if they were plants emerging for the first time and coated the lower half of her armored forelegs in its own protective armor. The same thing happened with her hindlegs, which weren’t armored, and the earth covering them became just as hard as the first two.

“Alright now that that’s done, time fer me t’ give this varmint the beatdown of his life!” Granny Smith said, taking off with a powerful leap as she her armor and her legs glowed. “Earth Make Knight: Armored Fist Gattling Machine Gun!”

With speed that far surpassed the normal pony limit, Granny Smith’s forelegs gave rapid strikes that all slammed into Serafino. In the heat of her desire to pummel the stallion, she didn’t take notice tha the wasn’t being blown away by her strikes. In fact, it didn’t even look like he was being hurt by them, nor was it doing anything to cancel out his attacks.

"Is that all you’ve got my dear Granny Smith?" Serafino asked, smirking through the rapid-fire punches coming from the Apple Matriarch. "If it is, then allow me show you how you really throw a significant round of punches!"

Before Granny Smith saw it, a large black and thorned vine suddenly burst form the ground, courtesy of Serafino stomping the ground with his left forehoof. Blood flew from Granny Smith’s mouth as the vine stabbed into her, almost going through her as it sent her flying away from the stallion. Gritting her teeth, she dug her hind hooves into the ground in an attempted to get back her balance, leaving deep hoof trails in the ground under her. The mint green mare coughed again as she attempted to walk back towards Serafino, even with the vine impaled within her.

“Y-yer…not gonna…g-git rid o’ me…t-that easily!” She stammered, more blood flowing from her mouth as she gripped the black vine. “A-Ah’m not done with ya…y-y-yet!”

“Aaaah, so you were able to withstand being thrown into the ground by my vine were you not?” Serafino asked smoothly and silkily, looking and sounding to be genuinely impressed. "Very impressive…however, it’ll take more than a high pain tolerance to try to get me to fall to my knees and beg for mercy!"

Inhaling deeply, green fire suddenly erupted from the inky black Nightmare Alicorn’s, and it traveled up the vine and down towards where Granny Smith was. She screamed as she was engulfed in a sea of flames that ended in an explosion that sent her flying away, the vine violently ripped from her. At the same time, Serafino’s wind and lightning attack consumed Derpy and Blossomforth’s own as they too were consumed in it. With near simultaneous screams they all crashed to the ground, resulting in large craters.

"I must admit, that was quite clever of you to try to attack me all at once.” Serafino replied, his wind and magic diminishing. "I honestly wasn’t expecting you to try that plan out and have one of you attack my while the rest of you take advantage of my distraction."

Derpy groaned, spitting out a mouthful of blood as the crimson substance flowed from her face lower stomach, and hindlegs. “You bastard…you had figured out our idea just like that?”

“Of course, I did my dear, it wasn’t too hard to figure out.” Serafino replied, flicking his scarlet tail skirt. “While you were trying to either bury me into the ground or slice me into ribbons, you had made a good effort in letting your friend Blossomforth sneak up on me. At least until I had heard her unleash her attack on me, and well…I reacted.” As he stared at Blossomforth, he then turned to Granny Smith, who laying face first in the ground in a pool of her blood. “After she put in her effort to try to electrocute me, Granny Smith tried taking advantage of that distraction to turn my face into bloodied mush. Which as you can plainly see…didn’t exactly end up succeeding.”

“N-no shit Sherlock!” Granny Smith hissed, struggling to get up. “Ah can still feel them damn thorns o’ yers stabbin’ mah damn stomach!”

"Oh, dear me…perhaps I have made more emphasis on that than it thought that I did." Serafino chuckled, his fangs gleaming as he grinned somewhat sadistically. “No matter, the pain will end for you soon, and once I dispose of the three of you, I’ll go after your dear little family! Once I’m done with them, I can start my work of burning this entire farm to the ground!"

Granny Smith’s insides twisted as if they were being strangled by a boa constrictor. ‘No…’

“B-burn it to the ground?” Blossomforth stammered, paling in horror. “W-why in the world would you want to do that?!”

"For our dear ruler, why else?" Serafino replied nonchalantly, chuckling softly. "Our great and wonderful Queen Nightmare Moon has her sights set on this measly little town, and she plans to take it as her’s for the taking! Well, that is, after we’re done demolishing it under her orders that is, which, from what I’ve seen, this farm as well."

Derpy’s blood ran cold. “D-destroy all of the t-town?”

"That’s right, and once we’ve accomplished that, along with all the other places that worship our Queen’s sister’s wretched sun." Serafino replied, his smooth tone turning into revulsion at the last three words. "After that, we can all start working from the ground up to rebuild this entire land into one that truly worships and fears dear Queen and her night!"

“No, you don’t ya damn varmint.” Granny Smith glowered as she forced herself onto her hooves, blood dripping from her stomach. “Ah don’t know why ya think ya need t’ burn down an entire city t’ make your damn Queen happy, and Ah don’t care! This is mah farm, an’ there is no way in hell that Ah’m gonna let you take that away from me, or any o’ mah grandchildren! You even think o’ harmin’ this farm, an’ this town…an’ Ah’ll make ya wish ya never came back t’ life!”

With a scream, the mind green mare slammed her forelegs down again and sent a group of vines shooting towards Serafino, who merely sliced them apart with slices from his wings. He swung them again and a dark green wave of wind emerged, slamming into Granny Smith and sending her tumbling.

“Granny Smith!” Derpy and Blossomforth cried in unison.

"And just how in the name of Nightmare Moon herself are young going to do that?” Serafino asked, his smirk becoming wider. "You’re looking to be only seconds from falling back face first into the ground and your losing quite the amount of blood in the process. How can you possibly hope to be able to keep fighting in that state?"

“Don’t underestimate us Earth Ponies hon’.” Granny Smith replied, a grin of her own coming to her bloodied muzzle. “We may not have fancy wings like some o’ my granddaughters an’ mah grandson, an’ a we may not have a fancy magical horn like you do, but that don’t mean we ain’t defenseless. We Earth Ponies are known fer our stamina an’ bein’ able t’ take a beatin’ an’ bein’ able t’ git back up again. So, it doesn’t matter how many times ya hit me, or th’ rest o’ us we’ll keep gettin’ back up every time!”

“That’s right!” Derpy shouted as she too got to her hooves. “And if you even think about laying a hoof on anypony else here, you’re going to end up in a body bag!”

Blossomforth nodded in agreement. “Mhm!”

"Well then…" Serafino murmured, thick wisps of green magic surrounding him, looking even stronger than last time. "If you’re so willing to become mangled corpses bleeding on the ground, I’m happy to accommodate you three!"

“NOT ON MY WATCH YOUR NOT, YOU ASSHOLE!!!” Another familiar voice screamed out, making Serafino, Granny Smith, Derpy, and Blossomforth flinch in surprise. Whirling around the Nightmare Thestral Alicorn was just in time to see the snarling face of an ascended Cloud Kicker before a bolt of amber golden lightning soared down at him. His horn instinctively ignited to create a shield to block the rather large bolt of lightning, but he was unable to make it in time, and found himself being blown away and crashing to the ground.

“Cloud Kicker!” Blossomforth shouted relief and happiness reflecting in her voice as a smile came to her face. “You’re here!”

“Your damn right I’m here Blossom!” Cloud Kicker murmured, flying down towards the ascended pinkish grey mare. “You okay there? That perverted bastard didn’t touch you anywhere that only I could, did he?”

“No, he didn’t.” Blossomforth replied with a giggle. “Though he did give me, Derpy and Granny Smith a real good thrashing. Wait, were you inside watching the whole time?”

“No, actually I wasn’t.” Cloud Kicker replied, her ears pinning back as she rubbed the back of her head. “I was, um…preoccupied with something that took up a good amount of my time since I was here, and I didn’t hear what was going on outside.”

Blossomforth frowned and confusion. “What do you mean you couldn’t hear what was going on from outside? Did the house have a silencing spell that was put on there or something?”

All of a sudden Derpy suddenly landed in front of them, her tail facing them as she shot out a blast of wind from her mouth. It clashed with a whirlwind of black wind that was shot by Serafino, who had taken advantage of the two Pegasi being distracted. As dust and smoke blasted throughout the front yard, Derpy found herself being pushed back by Serafino’s attack. With a flash of her golden eyes, lightning appeared around her and coursed through traveling up her body and into her wind attack. It caught Serafino off guard, and he found himself being pushed away, and before long, he was sent flying, courses of electricity coursing through him.

“Don’t worry about that for now Blossomforth, the fact that Cloud Kicker is here is all that should matter, along with Amethyst and Dinky.” The mailmare replied, turning to her friend and her elder half-sister. “Speaking of which, are my little muffins alright?”

“They’re both alright little sis, keep your muffin in its wrapper.” Cloud Kicker replied, a fond smile coming to her face. “Amethyst is back in Granny Smith’s home with the rest of the Apple Family members, and Dinky’s over at Applejack’s little sister’s clubhouse, way out of sight from this creepy guy. So, you and I don’t need to worry about him getting either Amethyst or Dinky, especially not little Dinky.”

Derpy sighed with relief, feeling like a weight was lifted off of her shoulders. “Oh, thank Faust and Mother Natura…that’s probably the best news that I’ve heard all day...or night. I don’t even know which one to call this time anymore.”

“Well, maybe when our good ol’ Queen gits her Sun risin’ back up again, we can git back on track with day an’ night!” Granny Smith replied, finally on her hooves as she glanced over at where Serafino was. “Fer now, let’s deal with this varmint an’ git him off o’ mah farm!”

“That makes four of us.” Cloud Kicker murmured, a snarl coming to her face as she glared daggers at the Nightmare Alicorn Thestral. “When I’m done with him, he’s gonna wish that he never laid a hoof on my precious and sexy Blossomforth!”

Blossomforth looked over at Cloud Kicker with a raised watermelon brow. “Your precious?”

“Sexy?” Derpy added in an equally dry tone.

At that moment, two of the three mares felt the ground beneath them crack, and the next thing they knew, they found themselves flown into the air by black vines. They cried as they felt the large thorns stab into their armor and lower sections before they were sent deep into the ground, cracks appearing in the process.

“Derpy!” Cloud Kicker cried in horror. “Blossomforth!”

"The one who’s going to learn a hard lesson about not messing with somepony is you my dear Pegasus." Serafino murmured, his scarlet hooves glowing as brightly as his eyes. “And believe me, I am only just getting started."

“You let 'em go right now!” Granny Smith shouted, bounding into the air towards Serafino and kicking him hard in his side. She whirled around to give him another axe kick to the face, before slamming her forehoof into chest, sending him skidding back. She summoned another vine in an attempt to impale Serafino, but it was sliced to ribbons by Serafino’s bat wings. The next thing Granny Smith knew, her jaw was exploding with pain as she was sent flying through the air and toppling across the ground.

“You want me to let your precious friends go?” Serafino asked, shaking one of his hooves as if it was stinging from the punch. “No need to worry, I’ll let you all go soon enough. Right after I’ve turned you all into red and black husks on the ground.”

Amber golden lightning suddenly exploded form where Cloud Kicker was, and the persian blue mare flew towards the Nightmare Alicorn. Outstretching her forehooves, she shot a blast of lightning at Serafino, who blocked it with a giant shield that he was just able to put up in time. It did end up pushing the stallion back though, and an explosion rang out that covered both the mare and stallion in smoke.

Blossomforth, who was pulling Derpy out of their crater, looked up and cried, “Cloud Kicker!”

“If you think I’m gonna let you turn anypony here into a mangled carcass on this orchard floor then you’re so wrong!” Cloud Kicker growled, her eyes blazing with fury and teeth bared out like a bloodthirsty wolf. “The only one who’s going to be leaving here in a body bag is you, you damn perverted snaky freak! That is if I don’t turn you to ash first!”

“You’re going to turn me to ash?” Serafino repeated, smirking. “Well, you can try, but it won’t work on my dear. You’ll have to be quite the efficient one in battle to be able to bring my down by yourself.”

“Never said that I was doing this on my own! Then again, I wouldn’t mind having you all to myself anyway!” Cloud Kicker shot back. “Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Electric Explosion!”

Slamming her hoof into Serafino’s chest, she sent an explosion of lightning at him that sent hi reeling away from the persian blue mare and the others. In a flash of lightning, she vanished and reappeared behind him, sending a powerful kick square into his back that sent him ascending into the air. Inhaling deeply, Cloud Kicker shot a breath of lightning up at him, but just when it was about to hit, Serafino suddenly whirled around and shot a blast of green lightning that easily countered his adversary’s.

“You really think you’re the only one who can vanish and unleash attacks in the blink of an eye?” Serafino asked with a smirk. “Do you even know who you’re dealing with right now?”

In a burst of green magic, Serafino vanished and appeared in front of Cloud Kicker just a few moments later, his horn aimed at her face. Before he could blast it off, Cloud Kicker’s head shot to the left side, letting the magic bolt merely shoot past her and into the trees. She then ducked and swung her left hoof across Serafino’s face, but he managed to recover as he flipped through the air, even as Cloud Kicker came flying at him.

“Not so fast!” He shouted as he whirled around with his hind hooves cocked back. They collided with Cloud Kicker’s muzzle, making her nose and jaw explode with pain as she flew away from him thanks to the force. As Cloud Kicker tried to recover from the vicious kick, Serafino struck once again. “Nightmare Earth Make: Red Thorned Vine Snare!”

A few black vines burst from the ground and shot towards Cloud Kicker, who leapt away with a flap of her giant wings. With her forehooves out in front of her, she shot a blast of lightning that managed to hit two of the three thorned vines. The third vine was far luckier, and it wasted no time wrapping around Cloud Kicker and squeezing tightly around her. With a scream, the persian blue mare was sent into the air before she was sent slamming into the ground, before being dragged across it.

“How do you like that?” Serafino asked, raising a scarlet brow. “Thanks to the fused magic that I have of all the three Pony Tribes, including that of the Thestrals, I’m able to make my attacks far stronger than yours.”

“You let that young filly go right now!” Granny Smith snarled loudly, rearing up on her hind hooves and summoning her own vines. Vines of her own once again burst form the ground and sailed at Serafino, who turned his head and aimed his horn forward. With his eyes flashing, he shot a blast of bright green magic at them, immediately incinerating them into ash as the blast headed towards Granny Smith. The Apple Matriarch thought quickly and summoned a dome of earth, but it didn’t quite come in time, and she screamed as she was enveloped in the magic and sent flying away.

“Granny Smith!” Blossomforth and Derpy shouted in unison as they watched the mint green mare crash to the ground.

“Too slow.” Serafino murmured with a dark chuckle. His bat ears suddenly picked up the sound of chirping light, and he looked over to see the vine holding Cloud Kicker down explode and said persian blue mare rise out from her crater. He could see a pair of amber golden orbs glaring at him through the smoke, before there was a flash of lightning, and two hind hooves were connecting the Serafino’s face.

“No, you’re too slow!” Cloud Kicker shot back as she watched the Nightmare Alicorn stallion fly away from her. “And I’m gonna make sure you get even slower before I finish you off!”

Vanishing in a swirl of lightning, Cloud Kicker reappeared behind Serafino and grabbed him by his horn, slamming his head into the ground as he electrocuted him with her lightning. Grabbing him by his tail skirt, she swung him around in the air and let him go flying away from her. Grunting, Serafino spread his feathered bat wings and righted himself, shooting multiple blasts of magic at Cloud Kicker to stop her midflight. The persian blue mare just kept vanishing each time a bolt was coming at her, and she soon found herself in front of Serafino, driving him into the ground. As she flew above him, she shot her forelegs downward as lightning appeared in front of them.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Lightning Neigh!” She shouted, her breath of lightning shooting down towards Serafino at lightning speed. The Nightmare Alicorn hissed and shot a blast of magic from his horn, countering it with Cloud Kicker’s breath attack.

“No, you don’t!” Derpy shouted, swinging her wings forward and sending slices of wind at the stallion, watching as they cut into his sides. This caused Serafino's magical attack to get dispelled, and he was sent driven into the ground by Cloud Kicker’s lightning breath attack.

“Nice one Derpy!” Blossomforth chirped, smiling at the silvery grey mailmare. “Go get him Cloud!”

“Oh, trust me, I’m planning to, and this next move will finish him for good!” The persian blue mares shouted, raising her forelegs in the air as a large sphere of magic appeared. “Get ready ya perverted asshole, cause I’m gonna turn you to ash!”

Just seconds after those words left her mouth, a black vine suddenly shot out of the smoke and stabbed Cloud Kicker right through her armored stomach. It dispelled her attack and made a glob of blood leave her mouth as she stared in shock at the vine impaling her. Before she could even scream, she was pulled back down to earth and slammed violently into the ground, knocking the wind right out of her.

“CLOUD KICKER!” Blossomforth screamed, racing over to her fallen friend as the vine protruded out of her. She took the persian blue mare in her arms and tried to shake her awake, tears falling from her eyes. “A-are you alright?! Please speak to me; say something, anything!”

“Blossomforth, baby, please calm down!” Derpy cried, pulling the younger mare away from her elder half-sister. “You can’t shake her so hard like that in her current state! You’ll only make her wounds worsen along with the ones she may already have!”

Before Blossomforth could reply, a smooth, yet sinister voice smoke through the vanishing smoke and dust. “Oh, I don’t think you’ll need to worry about hurting her more my dear. I’ll be putting her out of her misery soon enough.”

Both Blossomforth and Derpy snapped their heads over to see Serafino calmly stepping towards them, his bleed wounds sealing up before their eyes. His wings were flared, allowing the two mares to see the gleaming membranes that shined as bright as his fangs. “Oh, don’t give me those faces…you’ll be joining our dear friend soon enough. Right after I teach her a lesson about trying sneak attacks on me and taking me by surprise.”

“Over my dead body.” Cloud Kicker suddenly snarled, staggering to her hooves as she stepped in front of Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker. “You harm so much as a single hair on my little sister’s head, and you are going to have the same cross eyes as she do! And trust me, you don’t want to know how she got them!”

“Ooooh, so you two are sisters, are you?” Serafino asked gleefully, looking to be fascinated by the unintentional revelation. “How interesting…I can sense the magical power coming from you, but it’s not quite the same…perhaps the two of you are only half-sisters?”

“Even if we are only half…” Cloud Kicker began, pawing at the ground like a bull. “I’m still not going to let you hurt Derpy, or Blossomforth, and especially not Granny Smith more than she already is right now! If you want to get to any of them, you’ll have to get passed me first!”

“Cloud no!” Blossomforth cried, looking horrified. “You can’t!”

“Really? You’re going to take me on all by yourself?” Serafino laughed, his scarlet tail skirt flicking about im amusement. “Your friends could barely hold off against me, and it was just before you interrupted our fight. What can you hope to do against me in the state that I put you?”

“Don’t really know.” Cloud Kicker replied honestly, even casually. “That doesn’t really matter to me right now. What does matter, is I keep my friends and family safe, even if it means that I get pummeled to the ground for it over and over again!”

Serafino chuckled again, his fangs gleaming as his horn ignited. “I think that can be arranged my dear. Though am quite curious as to how much of a beating you alone can take to save those you love. Do you really think you can withstand it and still be able to get back up and keep your comrades safe?” He asked as he reared up as if he was going to summon more vines again.

“Yes, she will.” Another smooth and refined voice said from behind him. “Because she won’t fighting you alone.”

The sickening sound of a blade piercing flesh echoed in Derpy, Blossomforth, and a now awake Cloud Kicker’s ears as Serafino froze in place. All four of their eyes were locked onto the gleaming purple blade piercing out of Serafino’s stomach, black blood dripping from the wound. It was then twisted, before a wave of bright purple light exploded form behind the Nightmare Alicorn, sending him flying away from the three mares and across the field. Snapping their gazes forward, all four mares went wide eyed upon seeing Moon Blade in front of them.

“M-Moon Blade?!” Cloud Kicker cried in surprise, coughing slightly as she shot to her haunches, her wounds temporarily forgotten. “W-what’re you doing here?! I-I thought you said that you were staying in the house to keep the others safe?!”

“I was, but after seeing you all struggling outside, there’s been a slight change of plans.” Moon Blade replied as his sword vanished in thin air. “And something tells me that soon enough, I won’t be the only one to come either.”

“Wait a minute, Cloud, do you know this stallion?” Derpy blinked, looking over at her older sister.

“Actually, we both do Derpy.” Blossomforth replied before Cloud Kicker did. “Long story short, he had saved us both from those Tantabus monsters that were attacking Ponyville. Me when I was making it back to the Town Square, and Cloud while she was with Amethyst, Dinky, Snowflake, the other foals.”

“Oh…” Derpy breathe, looking back at the ghostly white stallion. “So, you’re the one who save my sister and daughters and Blossomforth?”

“Yes, I was.” Moon Blade replied curtly, yet politely, looking ahead behind the trio of mares. “I’m afraid that you’re going to have to save your thanks for later. We all have more pressing matters at hoof right now.”

As if to show how right he was, a familiar shout rang through the air. “Nightmare Solid Form Magic: Green Slicing Whirlwind!”

A blast of green magical wind shot towards the group, causing the three mares to scream and scramble away before they were sliced to ribbons. Moon Blade however stayed where he was, and summoned another sword, sending another blast of purple light from it that clashed with the magical blast. The power struggle that emitted afterward lasted for several long moments, before Moon Blade ended it, amplifying his magical blast that made Serafino’s explode in midair in front of him. When the smoke cleared, Serafino could be seen hovering above them, a green light emitting from where his bleeding chest was.

“That was quite the low move that you just pulled there.” Serafino hissed, glaring down harshly at the Lunar Guard Captain. “Attacking a foe from behind while he’s talking with his would-be victims? That’s’ quite low if you ask me.”

Moon Blade bared his faces, stomping his hoof on the ground so hard that several large cracks appeared in the earth. “Don’t talk as if you know any better you bastardly fiend! I can smell the foul scent of darkness pouring off of you and it is absolutely revolting. I can tell just by that you would’ve done the same thing!”

“…Well, yes, I probably would’ve if the roles were reversed.” Serafino finally admitted, giving a little shrug. “Either way, that doesn’t mean that you’re not going to suffer for that sneak attack, including that mare who did the same thing to me.”

“I’m afraid that I cannot allow you to do that.” Moon Blade said, swinging his sword out as it sliced through the air. “These mares and the rest of the ponies on this farm are under my sole protection as Captain of the Lunar Royal Guard, and I will do so under any threat. Even if that threat is that of a pony that should’ve been long gone before this time.”

Serafino snarled furiously down at the ghostly white stallion, his eyes flashing as thick wisps of green magic swirled around him. “The only one who’s going to be dead on this farm is all of the ponies here, including you, you false fanged beast! When I’m done with you, you will be begging for me to end you!”

Moon Blade’s own eyes flashed as he flared his wings. “Come and try it.”

Author's Note

Okay, now, I just wanna say that I was a little bit misleading in what was going to be going down in the incoming next chapters :twilightblush: . What I meant to say, was that it was going to be Granny Smith, Derpy and Blossomforth fighting their new foe, all while they'd slowly be getting help from Moon Blade and the rest of the Apple Family, which will occur next chapter. I had only realized it just after completing the writing of this chapter, and I went back and fixed that in the last blog post, so things should be much clearer for all of you now :twilightblush: . Also, in case you were wondering about that little scene, and before you go off on Moon Blade about slacking off on his duties, let me just say that a good amount of time had passed since the Tantabus invasion, and things had calmed down to the point where everypony could breath again and even relax for sometime before the Dark Army had arrived. More than two and a half hours at best, of not a bit longer, so that left more than enough time for everypony, Guard or not, to collect themselves and, in Moon Blade's terms...blow off some steam so to speak, before things finally start getting back on track for him and the residence of Ponyville :twilightsheepish: . That, and our dear Cloud Kicker can be quite the persistent mare, especially when it comes to repaying those who do something for her that requires what she gave Moon Blade :derpytongue2: . Now, again, I apologize if I ended up misleading you all on what was going to come in this chapter, but the next one will hopefully make up for this one for things you were hoping to find in it :pinkiesad2: .

That's all for right now; next time we're going to get back with Shining Armor, Spearhead, and the Wonderbolts, who will very soon get a powerful ally added into the mix :raritywink: .

Chapter 60 - Wands of Stars

As the numbers slowly rose against Serafino on Sweet Apple Acres grew to hold him off, Shining Armor, Spearhead and the Wonderbolts were all in a violent scuffle of their own. Said scuffle being the Death Triplets, Deathwing, Deathhorn, and Deathhoof, who were all still currently trying to turn all of the Town Square into dust. Unfortunately, the Solar Military and Ariel Flyers were currently putting them all in a tight circle that left them with no other choice than to try to fight their way to the all but demolished building. It was alright with them though, for they were taking absolute, if not sadistic glee in fighting the five ponies, who, unfortunately enough, were looking pretty worse for wear. That didn’t bother them though, for the only thing on their minds was protecting the ponies of the town they were in, before both ended up as piles of bones, rubble, and dust.

“WONDERBOLTS, FIRE!!!” Spitfire roared, her large wings flaring out as she pulled herself out of the cloak of roaring fire that she was coated into. Soarin, and Fleetfoot followed suit not even a second later as they stopped just behind their captain after pulling themselves out of their own elemental cloaks. They watched as they rained down on the Death Triplets, who tried to evade the gigantic streams of elements as they exploded around them, encasing the whole street in a swirl color. Enormous clouds of dust followed suit just a second and a half later, until it completely encased Deathwing, Deathhorn, and Deathhoof, and the attacks that they released.

“Wow…that explosion was bigger than I thought it was going to be!” Shining Armor muttered, lifting a hoof to block the dust getting in his face. “Do you think that got them?”

“It looks like it.” Spearhead replied with a nod. “They didn’t see the attack coming, and they pretty much didn’t have any time to try to dodge or evade it.”

“It had better, I seriously don’t want to waste any more time on these bastards than we need to.” Shining murmured with a tired and anxious sigh. “Especially since there’s still more of them all throughout the town.”

All of a sudden, Spearhead looked off to the right, gasped, and reach out to tap his Captain on the shoulder. “Captain, look out!”

The alabaster Unicorn whipped around just as a giant bolt of sinister black lightning made its way towards him. He ignited his horn to counter it, but spearhead beat him to it, creating a lightning coated spear and shooting it directly at the magical bolt. They exploded in midair, causing a cloud if smoke to appear, the very same smoke that allowed a group of black vines to shoot at them from out of nowhere.

“Spearhead watch out!” Shining Armor said, running into his Second in Command just as the vines impaled them both. The rest either wrapped around them or stabbed them with the large thorns sticking out, as they were carried in the air, right in the range of Windslicer.

“Found you!” The azure blue stallion shouted, grinning widely. “Nightmare Lightning Thestral: Black lightning Explosion!”

A giant wave of lightning coated darkness was sent blasting out of Windslicer’s cloven hooves and towards Shining Armor and Spearhead, both of whom were still suspended in the air. Just before they were hit, a wave of bright blue eyes swarmed in out of nowhere, countering the black lighting wave and freezing it over. Shining Armor and spearhead watched in awe as the lightning turned wave of ice slowly cracked, before shattering into mist.

“Did you really think that I was going to let you electrocute these boys to death?!” Fleetfoot asked incredulously, sending another wave of ice at the vines holding Spearhead and Shining Armor. “I don’t think so!” She added, punching the frozen vines as they shattered under the force of her punch.

“Awww come on, that was so not cool there!” Deathhoof shouted from below, a hard frown on her face. “I was just seconds away from burying those two six feet under; and you had to go and run it for me!”

“Well, it sucks to be you then bro!” Soarin shouted as he came soaring down at Deathhoof, a cloak of green wind surrounding him. “You can’t just expect us to just let you catch us by mistake and just take it like we’re your slaves! We’re Wonderbolts and Royal Guards for a reason you know!”

With a snarl, Deathhoof whirled around and prepared to summon more vines to shot at Soarin, but a bolt of fire blasted him from behind. This cut his incoming attack off and allowed Soarin to shoot a breath of wind at Deathhoof, getting him sliced at the same time he was burn as he was enveloped in a huge explosion.

“Deathhoof!” Deathhorn cried, his bat-like ears ringing at the sound of his brother’s agonized screams. Snapping her gaze over to the two Pegasi, he snarled, “You’re going to pay for that you bitch made assholes! Dark Solid Form Magic: Black Lightning Bolt Barrage!”

With his sword horn blazing with black magic, Deathhorn shot a shower of black lightning bolts at Spitfire and Soarin, who effectively dodged them with their sharpened senses. Although their coats did get sliced and torn in the process, not that it really mattered to either Pegasus. Spitfire made the first move, her entire body cloaked in strong orange fire as it was just minutes before.

“Fire Pegasus: Scorching Whinny!” She shouted fiercely, sending out a blast of orange fire down at Deathhoof, who countered it with a giant black lightning bolt of his own. While the Nightmare Unicorn stallion was distracted, Fleetfoot came soaring in from behind him, and attacked.

“Ice Pegasus: Ice Spike Floor!” She shouted, slamming her hooves on the ground and created a giant sheet of ice that immediately turned into spikes. Deathhorn’s sensitive ears heard the sound of crystalizing ice, and turned around, only to find his hooves covered in ice as it traveled up his body. His draconic eyes widened and was just able to gasp before he found himself completely coated in spikes of ice.

“Nice save Fleetfoot, now just leave him to me!” Shining Armor said, igniting his horn as he charged towards the frozen Deathhorn. “Solid Form Magic Knight: Spiraling Fire Explosion!”

Eyes flashing, Shining shot a huge blast of spiraling fire at the frozen Deathhoof, and he and everypony watched as it collided with the frozen stallion. Moments later, the fire vanished, leaving nothing but a melted stunt of ice that flowed with water.

“Well Captain, looks like you got him!” Spearhead exclaimed. “You completely incinerated him like he was ash!”

“Not quite.”

The phthalo tangelo stallion jumped at the voice from behind him, along with Shining Armor, and the both spun around, only for a wave of black fire to envelop them. they both tumbled across the ground as the fire burned at their bodies, and it was only thanks to their armor that they weren’t scorched.

“Captain Armor, Spearhead!” Soarin shouted. “Hold tight we’re coming!”

“Not while I’m still here you’re not!” Windslicer shouted, flying in front of Soarin and giving him a good sock to the face. “If you wanna try and save your puny little comrades, then you’ll have to get through me! ‘Cause there’s no way in Tartarus that I’m gonna let you deprive them of their fun, let alone mine!”

Before Soarin could reply, Windslicer gave him a swift kick to the face, sending him crashing to the ground. The bat winged Nightmare stallion flew down towards him to drive him deeper into the ground, but Soarin managed to roll out of the way just as Windslicer struck. His emerald green eyes glowed brightly as he swung his wings forward, sending slices of wind at the azure blue Thestral at breakneck speed.

“Fire Pegasus: Firebolt Barrage!” Spitfire shouted, shooting a multitude of firebolts at Soarin’s own wind attacks. The light cornflower blue stallion watched as they combined together, catching Windslicer off guard as the fire and wind mixed into one. He soon found himself sliced and burnt at the same time, turning him into a whinnying mess as he was sent hurdling across the air before crashing onto the roof of a house.

“Finally, got that bastard to shut up.” Spitfire snorted, her tail whipping about. “I was beginning to think that my ears were gonna ring constantly if I kept hearing him talking.”

“C…Captain…” Soarin murmured, blinking a couple of times. “Was that you who sent those firebolts at my wind slashes?”

“Well of course it was me! Didn’t you hear me when I called my attack out?” Spitfire asked, sounding as if Soarin should’ve known she’d come into help. “I had a little plan to combine both mine and your attacks together when you shot your own out at Windslicer. After that we’d let our magic to the rest for us…and it certainly did its job in catching him off guard.”

“That’s all well and good and all…” Soarin murmured as he frowned. “but don’t you think that it would’ve been smarter if you had told me what your plan was first before you went ahead with it. Especially since you didn’t have my okay in the matter?”

Spitfire glared down at her second in command. “Hey, don’t go acting like I should’ve went about this the smart way, because I did! Remember, I’m the Captain of this team here, which means I can form any tactic that I chose! Even if it means fusing my attack the that of my teammates!”

“That’s not what I was meaning, nor was it what I was thinking!” Soarin shouted back, frowning even harder. “All I was saying was that you could’ve at least told me what you were going to do before you did it for a second, I thought you were one of those Dark Army ponies who were cancelling out my attacks! What was I supposed to think?”

“Oh, I don’t know Soarin, maybe try staying more focused on what’s in front of you and which attacks are being shouted out around you instead of than worrying about how to use your powers?” Spitfire suggested, growling. “Maybe if you did that, you would still see that it was your allies helping you instead of your enemies trying to incinerate your little punk ass to a crisp!”

Soarin paused, a large sweat drop falling down the back of his head. “Punk ass?”

Fleetfoot suddenly flew in front of her fellow teammates, a magenta red aura surrounding her suited form as she shot a blast of fire from her hooves at in an incoming group of vines. Soarin and Spitfire both watched as the vines were frozen in place, only for another one to soar over them and head towards Fleetfoot. She screamed as it impaled her, but she managed to keep it from going right through her even as she was sent crashing into the ground.

“Are you done with your bickering now?!” She asked angrily, glaring pointedly at Spitfire as she said this. “If you are then we have three overly powered perverted and egotistical stallions that we need to defeat, along with two stallions that we need to save from being killed!”

“As if you’re going to have any chance in doing that!” Deathhoof shouted from behind his giant thorned vine. Digging his hooves deeper into the ground, his vine glowed as it drove Fleetfoot deeper into the ground, while the screaming mare did her best to keep herself from being impaled further in her stomach. “Two of you are already down and I have one of you on the ground groveling! What makes you think that you can save your comrades, especially since one of them had abandoned you at our mercy!”

“Crimson Skies didn’t abandon us you prick!” Soarin shouted with a stomp of his own hooves. “She sensed somepony else was in danger and went to go help them! Even though she’s not a part of the Wonderbolt team, we decided to entrust her to come back and help us once she’s finished her part of the deal!”

“I doubt that she’ll do that.” Spitfire murmured, crossing her forearms. “Then again, it’s not like I’ve ever trusted a Shadowbolt in the first place.”

“Oh, really now?” Deathhorn asked, stepping from behind Deathhoof with his sword horn crackling with electricity. “Then she’d better get here soon for all of your sakes, or else we’re going to take our sweet time in ripping all of you, limb from limb.”

“Like hay I’m going to wait for you to do something like that!” Spitfire shouted in fury as flames exploded around her. “The only thing that I’ll be waiting for is when we final get rid of you bastards so you can go back the Tartarus you came from!”

“Captain, wait, come back!” Soarin shouted, but was unable to stop her in time as spitfire flew down at Deathhoof. “You’re falling right into his trap!”

“Sorry bucko, she just did.” Deathhorn smirked as he fired off his attack. “Nightmare Solid Form Magic: Scorching Black Fire Drill!”

“Nice try asshole!” Spitfire shouted, outstretching her forehooves. “Fire Pegasus: Scorching Fiery Explosion!”

As the orange and black fire clashed with one another, a powerful shockwave echoed about the street near the town hall. It washed over the fighters that were either down, or were trying to keep a noticeable distance away from the two competing flyers. Soarin flew over to where Fleetfoot was while Deathhoof was distracted by the fight, and tried to pull the vine off of the arctic blue mare.

“Nice try!” Deathhoof shouted, summoning another vine and sending it straight at Soarin. He only had time to widen his eyes before he was stabbed in the stomach and dragged across the ground.

“Soarin!” Fleetfoot cried, before another gob of blood left her mouth.

As Fleetfoot called out her teammate name, she heard a scream, and saw the form of her Captain flying away from her and crashing across the ground. Her eyes widened with even further upon seeing her suited form burnt and scorched by black flames.

“Wow, that was a real power struggle there wasn’t it?” Deathhorn asked, blowing at his horn as if it were a smoking pistol. “Too bad it didn’t last very long for her.”

“Why you no good-” Fleetfoot hissed, struggling even harder against the vine holding her down in the ground. “I’m gonna make you pay for that-!”

Deathhoof chuckled darkly, his yellow draconic eyes flashing. “Yeah, don’t see much of a chance of that happening sweet cheeks. With the state that me and my bros put you and your little squad in, you won’t be having much success in taking us down. Let alone our entire army, even though your numbers are just as big as ours.”

“Deathhoof and Deathhorn are right there.” Deathwing said, as he flew in and landed right in between his brothers. “With your fellow flyers down, those other guards out, and our whole army fighting against your own, there isn’t much hope of you defeating us. Why do you think you think you can still win against us of all ponies?”

A large lightning coated spear suddenly landed in front of them, followed by several more as they formed a circle around the trio of Nightmare Ponies. They barely had any time to react before they found themselves electrocuted on the spot as the ground exploded underneath them. this action caused the vines that Deathhorn was controlling to loosen up, allowing Soarin and Fleetfoot to get back up and rush to their Captain.

“Faustdammit…” Spitfire hissed; her forelegs being thrown over her teams’ shoulders. “…I’m gonna make that damn Unicorn pay for that one.”

“I-I think you may have t-to wait one that one C-Captain.” Soarin said with a slight wheeze, taking tentative ragged breaths. “I-it looks like C-Captain Armor and S-Spearhead have this one f-for now…”

Chunks of rubble flew through the air as Windslicer burst out of it, whipping around to find the ones who attacked him and his brothers. “Alright, who’s the smartass who did that to us?! Come out and show yourselves before I slice you out!”

As if to show the culprit behind the attack, the smoke surrounding the trio of brothers cleared, revealing the armored, yet bruised forms of Spearhead and Shining Armor in front of them. A fierce colored glow could be seen in both on their eyes as their Ascension Armor gleamed in the Moon’s light, their capes billowing behind them. Shining Armor’s horn blazed with magic while a flock of spears surrounded Spearhead, lightning coating all of them.

“That would been me dude.” Spearhead said casually. “And believe me, I am far from done; I have plenty more of these things to throw at you!”

“And if you try to throw more of your own at me, then I’ll just block them with everything I got too!” Shining Armor added, stomping his hoof. “They don’t call me Shining Armor for nothing!”

“Come on and try it!” Deathhorn shouted, his own sinister horn blazing with magic. “By the time we’re done with you, you’ll be begging us to send you to the depths of Tartarus!”

“The only ones going to Tartarus are you three, and the rest of your bastard army!” Shining Armor retorted. “By the time we’re done with you all, it’ll be as if you were nothing more than a bad dream this whole town shared!”

“Well then you all had better prepare yourselves.” Deathhoof said venomously. “Because we’re gonna make that so-called dream, into a living nightmare!”

Crimson Skies’ bright blue eyes gleamed brightly as she scanned the streets of Ponyville, trying her best to keep as quiet as possible as to not alert any of the Nightmare Ponies near them. She could see some of them prowling both above and below, whether it be fighting off the Royal Guards, or simply looking for ponies they could take hostage and back to their Queen. The palomino mare pursed her lips and kept going forward, trying not to stay in one spot or stare at her enemies for too long. Behind her, Silver Speed was following, her two foals riding on her back as she stayed as close to the young Shadowbolt as she could, also doing her best not to make a single noise to give herself away.

“Ms. Silver Speed, do you see anything coming from behind you?” Crimson asked, keeping her voice as quiet as possible. “So far, everything is clear from the front where I’m standing. Can you feel anything near you?”

Silver Speed shook her head, letting her magic feel around the street they were in. “No dear, I don’t…I can feel darker magic at a much farther distance. However, I’m not sensing any of it up close, so for now, we’re not in any immediate danger.”

“Good, then that means we’re doing good lying low.” Crimson nodded, looking back ahead of her. “Still, I wouldn’t let my guard down. Any of them could pop up at us at any moment, and that’s the last thing any of us need, especially you three.”

“M-m-momma.” Chip Cutter stammered, causing both mares to pause even though only one of them was being addressed. “T-t-those ponies a-aren’t gonna c-come and g-get us l-like that l-last pony did, a-are they?”

“No baby, they’re not, I’m not going to let them.” Silver Speed said gently, yet firmly as she looked back at her two foals. “Like I said before, as long as I’m here I’m not going to let anything bad happen to either of you; that’s a promise.”

“And don’t worry about anything happening to your dear mommy either.” Crimson chirped sweetly, flicking her tail. “She’s under the protecting of one of the two most elite flyers in Equestria, so there’s no way I’m gonna let her get hurt.”

“Um, miss Crimson Skies…” Silver Spoon squeaked. “Speaking of which…are you apart o the Wonderbolts? Your suit doesn’t exactly match all of the others that’re in Cloudsdale.”

Crimson Skies giggled. “No sweetie, I’m not a part of the Wonderbolts; I’m sorry if my suit gave you the wrong impression.” She replied gently, giving her clothing a gentle tug. “I’m actually apart of another Ariel Flight Team called that takes seclusion in Canterlot, called the Shadowbolts.”

“The…Shadowbolts?” Silver Speed asked, the name coming out slowly. “I’m afraid that I’m not quite following you there dear.”

“Yeah, me neither.” Chip added. “What’re the Shadowbolts?”

“They’re a group of Ariel Flyers pretty much like the Wonderbolts, only there are some differences between our two groups.” Crimson Skies replied in a patient and explanatory tone, still keeping a lookout. “Other than the fact that we have darker suits, we tend to operate during the nighttime rather than the day. The reason for that is because the Shadowbolts are a more nocturnal bunch, and like bats, we’re active during the dark while we, in a metaphorical way, sleep during the day. Does that make sense?”

“I can.” Silver Speed replied before either of her children could reply. “While the sun is out, it’s the Wonderbolts who’re operating while your own team rests and regathers their strength. Then, once the daytime ends and the nighttime begins, that’s when you operate and go on your missions while the Wonderbolts recuperate and recover themselves.”

“Exactly!” Crimson Skies said, smiling brightly. “Another difference between the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts is that our HQ isn’t suspended in the clouds like Cloudsdale City. It’s actually earthbound and secluded somewhere deep within Canterlot City, and trust me, it is a hay of a lot larger than in Cloudsdale.” She paused and put a suited hoof to her mouth, locking eyes with Silver Speed. “Oh, I’m sorry, please excuse my-”

“No, it’s alright honey, my kids have been subjected to plenty of foul words…no thanks to me in that regard.” Silver Speed murmured with a blush, holding her hoof up. “Anyway, you were saying about your team and headquarters?”

“Oh right, I’m sorry.” Crimson Skies said, rubbing the back of her head. “Anyway, yes, the Shadowbolts HQ is secluded in a very concealed place in Canterlot City. And it’s someplace where only we Shadowbolts, and those we absolutely trust can enter, besides the Queen…otherwise, you won’t have any amount of luck going down it.”

“That is understandable, you can’t just let anypony into an organization like that.” Silver Speed nodded. “They’d have to be a part of it, or be a trusted friend or comrade of it, least they risk something getting leaked out that would endanger the team or those they care about.”

“Mhm, just the way that the Shadowbolts operate!” Crimson Skies giggled, the cuteness behind it making Silver Speed want to squeeze her. “Other than us being rather…secretive, there’s our whole team as a whole. See, while we are known as an Ariel Flight Team, we don’t just accept Pegasi as part of the team…then again, Pegasi aren’t the only flyers we accept and take in to be Shadowbolts.”

“Flyers other than Pegasi?” Silver Spoon asked, tilting her head. “What other flyers do you accept into your team besides Pegasi?”

“Before I answer that, let me ask you something honey.” Crimson Skies replied. “What do you, your brother, and your mommy know about Thestrals?”

Silver Speed looked back up at Crimson Skies, the question taking her by so much surprise that she almost stopped walking. ‘Thestrals?’

“Thestrals…you mean the Bat Ponies?” Chip Cutter asked, as Crimson nodded. “W-well…not very much really. All me and big sis do know is that they have fangs like that of a…a Vampire, they can hang upside down from trees like an actual bat does, and they drink fruit despite having fangs like a Vampire. They also have large scary looking bat wings, the eyes of a cat, and they like to hang around at night, and they really hate the sunlight.”

“Mhm, mhm, good, good…that’s a good guess.” Crimson Skies murmured. “There’s also the fact that they can use Adrenaline and Ascension Modes like we can, with some even being from the Clans of Equestria like you and me. That, and the fact that they have a ridiculous amount of physical strength, let alone magic, to the point where its supernatural, and they can be pretty, um…ferocious.”

“Oh, trust me dear, me and my dear foals know that much. We’ve heard plenty of that from a good number of ponies in the places that we’ve gone to during family outings, especially in Canterlot City.” Silver Speed commented dryly, earning nods of recognition from her foals. “Why do you mention it?”

“I’m explaining all of this because….” Crimson Skies hesitated before answering. “…because I have a Thestral that’s part of my team.”

Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter gasped in shock. “You do?!” The latter asked, his jaw dropped in disbelief. “You have an actual Thestral on your team?”

“I sure do baby, fangs, bat wings, supernatural strength and pretty much everything else.” Crimson Skies confirmed, winking at the young colt. “Although I think he emphasized his love for fruit just a little bit too much in me and the rest of my team’s opinion, but yes, my second in command is a Thestral.”

“O-oh wow…I-I never thought that there’d be an actual Thestral on a m-military team like the Wonder-er…Shadowbolts.” Silver Spoon murmured apprehensively, her ears falling limp. “Is…is he nice?”

Crimson Skies flashed the young bluish grey filly a gentle and reassuring smile. “Yes, Silver Spoon he is…in fact, Fast Tracks, is actually very laid back and easy going, like many of the other Shadowbolts. I mean sure, he can be a bit of an airhead, and enjoys himself on the battlefield a little too much, but he’s a really sweet stallion. Once you get past the fact that he looks like a Vampire Pony from the Old Days and a second-generation species of Dracula.” She looked away as a blush came to her face. ‘Not to mention that he’s really funny and…cute too. Not quite as cute as Sheton is, but still pretty close.’

“I see…I’ll have to take some time of my management to see if me and my children can meet this Fast Tracks stallion.” Silver Speed murmured, smiling in amusement at the blush on the younger Pegasus’s face. “So Crimson darling…tell me about your Captain. What is she like? Is she your typical loud and hard commanding officer?”

“Actually…no she’s not; in fact, my Shadowbolt Captain isn’t like that at all, surprisingly.” Crimson Skies replied, her blush turning slightly darker. “Captain Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario actually has a gentler disposition than most other generals, and is actually very kindhearted by nature. She’s doesn’t scream or shout out orders like most drill sergeants do in order to push the cadets, and chooses a gentler approach to us, including me and the rest of my own team. Then again, that doesn’t mean she’s not firm when she needs to be, though she doesn’t do that by resorting to screaming her head off at the cadets.” A shiver went down her spine as her tail flicked. “I may not be able to handle all of that anyway…”

“My…your captain is definitely unlike all the other military leaders around here.” Silver Speed said after a moment of silence. “I would’ve never thought that I’d hear of a Captain that’s not very hard or intimidating towards the ones they’re training. This Violet Fire must have a special method of pushing you if she doesn’t have to resort to make you all scared of her.”

“You have no idea.” Crimson Skies laughed sheepishly. “Though for the most part, Captain Violet can be a very kind and caring mare, and she’s not afraid of expressing her affection towards us, even if it means not really being taken seriously. In fact, whenever we meetings or sometimes get together, Captain Violet Fire sometimes like to flirt around with the team and act, um…seductive, around them too, even me.” Her face grew an even deeper shade of red as she said this. “I’ve lost count of the amount of times that Captain Violet Fire’s flirted with me and acted like she was trying to hit on me and the other members of the team. Oh wow, my face is just burning remembering it! Damn her for being so attractive and sexy!”

Silver Speed giggled, running a hoof through her gleaming silver mane. “Oh, I can see just by the blush on your face that your Captain is certainly somepony that would catch ponies’ eyes, regardless of their gender or tribe.” She cooed softly, making Crimson Skies hang her head in embarrassment. “Now that I bring it up, you said that your Captain doesn’t just accept Pegasus ponies, or even Thestrals into your team of Shadowbolts, unlike the Wonderbolts. What exactly you mean by that honey?”

Ears perking, Crimson Skies eagerly opened her mouth to explain, but snapped it shut just a second and a half later, her eyes widening. She whipped her head forward as she looked around a large street that she and Silver Speed were just about to cross through. The young mother, sensing the chance in Crimson Skies body language, stopped as well, her wings ruffling in anticipation and preparation, while Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter.

“Ms. Crimson Skies.” Silver Spoon murmured. “Is there something wrong?”

“Shhhhhh…” Crimson Skies shushed. “Quiet honey…don’t make a single sound.”

This made Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter snap both of their mouths shut, and they clung tightly to each other, and to their mother. Crimson Skies slowly walked over to the clearing in the street and looked around, feeling around it with her magic to detect the presence of the Nightmare Ponies. She could feel something ominous coming from where she was, but couldn’t put her hoof on what it was, which only put her more on edge. Silver Speed and her children stayed where they were, not daring to go any closer until Crimson Skies gave the signal.

“What is it Crimson?” Silver Speed asked, breaking the silence. “Do you sense anypony nearby?”

“No, I don’t…and that’s the thing.” Crimson Skies replied, glancing back at the bluish gray mare standing some distance away. “I keep feeling something ominous around her, but I can’t tell if it’s one of those Dark Army ponies trying to get the jump on us, or something else entirely.”

Silver Speed frowned. “Well that doesn’t sound very reassuring.” She murmured, flicking her silvery tail from behind her. “Do you think we should take another route from here?”

“Yes, that’s the better option I’m thinking of right now.” Crimson Skies said. “There’s just something really fishy about this part of the street. It’s just too quiet, and I would’ve thought that it would at least have a few Royal Guards and those other ponies fighting and…there’s none.”

“That does sound fishy indeed dear.” Silver Speed nodded. “I do think we should take another route, hopefully one that’ll give us a shortcut to the Town Square. We’ll only be increasing our chances of being caught if we stay here.”

“Sounds like a good ide-” Before Crimson Skies could finish her sentence, something burst out from the ground and stabbed her in the stomach and through the back. Crimson’s face of worry instantly became one of pained shock as she looked up to see a black thorned vine sticking out of the ground. She gurgled on her blood as it flowed from her mouth while she was sent into the air, the vine yanking her back down to the ground as she met it face first.

Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter screamed in unison while their mother let out a gasp of horror, and, without thinking, she ran over to the fallen mare. “Crimson Skies!”

“NO! Stay back!” Crimson suddenly cried. “Remember, we’re not the only ones at risk her! You’re in even bigger danger with your kids here too!”

Realizing her mistake, Silver Speed spread her wings and was about to fly out of harm’s way, but before she could, she felt the ground give way from underneath her. She, Crimson, Silver Spoon and Chip Cutter all screamed when they fell into the large crater that they were in, colliding with each other in a massive tumble.

“Oooow…that hurt.” Chip Cutter whined rubbing at his side. “Is everypony okay?”

“I’m not, but I hope you are little bro.” Silver Speed replied, glancing over at her sibling. “What was that just now? Did an earthquake infiltrate its way into the town?”

“No…that was no earthquake.” Crimson Skies said, coughing as Silver Speed sat her up. “This sinkhole was definitely made form magic. The only question is, who is it that did it?”

“Heheh, it looks like my little trap worked after all!” A dark and all too familiar voice said, before either mare could answer. “And look here, it looks like I even got a couple little squirts in the process too, lucky me!”

Silver Speed and Crimson Skies froze, feeling their blood come to a standstill as the voice registered in their minds. They shared a look of fear and shock before slowly looking up, and locking eyes with the familiar azure blue draconic eyes of Windslicer. The stallion looked rather worse for were, with deep gashes all over his body that were seeping black blood with like multiple breaks in rocks. Bruises could be seen adorning his muzzle, while his mouth only contained on fang, and his wings were ripped along the middle and the ends. Despite the various injuries adorning him, none of that took away the malicious grin adorning his face while his eyes gleamed behind his disheveled grey mane.

“Hello there ladies, I see that you haven’t gotten very far.” Windslicer said smoothly, his voice having an undertone of malice behind it. “Did you miss me?”

“Windslicer?!” Silver Speed cried standing protectively in front of her foals. “That’s impossible! We thought you had been killed!”

“Y-yeah, I saw you get obliterated with my last attack!” Crimson Skies squeaked. “How in Faust’s name can you still be alive?!”

“How am I alive?” Windslicer asked, throwing his head back and letting out an icy laugh. “I think the better question is how am I not dead right now, but I can go with that too. It’s because that attack of yours didn’t completely kill me off.”

Crimson Skies frowned in confusion. “What’re you talking about? I saw you get blown away by my combined magic attack!”

“Exactly.” Windslicer nodded, flicking his tail. “And that’s all your move did to me, was just blow me high into the sky, not kill me.”

“It…” Crimson Skies gulped. “I-it didn’t?”

“Nope, it most certainly didn’t my dear…why would I be standing here right now if that was the case?” Windslicer asked knowingly. “Though if you do wanna know how I was able to survive it, then just take a look right here.” He tapped right at the center of his chest, where an azure blue light could be seen shining from within it.

“What…” Silver Speed murmured, squinting her eyes. “What is that?”

“The magnificent little gift that our dear Queen have to us before she went us on our mission to eradicate this town.” Windslicer replied proudly. “It is called the Magic Life Form Gemstone, something that the Queen created with her own magic to ensure that we’ll be able to sustain the physical forms that she had brought up and made of her own accord. Pretty much like the ones the Tantabuses had when our dear Queen Moon sent them here before us. You have seen come into the town, haven’t you?”

“No, I honestly haven't.” Crimson Skies replied firmly not breaking eye contact with the Nightmare Thestral stallion. “Though from what Captain Shining Armor had told me and a few others, there were these monstrous pony-like creatures that came into the town. That, and he also told me that they had these crystal-like spheres where their chests were that Captain Armor and the rest of his soldiers shattered in order to defeat them once and for all. Is…is that the same gem that they had before you arrived here?”

“Indeed; and judging by the way that I don’t feel any of their magic, I can see that they have sadly been eliminated.” Windslicer nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. “Still though, that doesn’t mean that we have though, and trust me, eradicating us will not be easy.”

“What’re you saying?” Crimson Skies asked as black lightning appeared around Windslicer’s nightmarish body. “That your whole army is basically unstoppable?”

“Well, yes, we are…I mean we are known as the Dark Army for a reason. That and you have very little options in defeating us, not that you can.” Windslicer replied his battered and torn wings flaring wide. “If you want to kill us for real, then it looks like your only two options are to either cut off our heads or destroy the Magic Life Form Gemstones within us. Otherwise, all your other attacks, even slicing us in half, won’t work in finishing us off!”

With that said, Windslicer flared his wings wide and pointed one of his forehooves downward, the lightning cloaking him growing by the second. Realizing what was about to happen, Silver Speed and Crimson Skies shot to their hooves and tried to fly out with the foals, only for Windslicer to suddenly slam his other front hoof into the ground. Without warning, large black vines burst out and wrapped around them, the vines stabbing them in the process as they were all pinned to the ground.

“Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention, like Earth Ponies, Thestrals have a deep, if not stronger, connection to the earth.” Windslicer commended absentmindedly with a shrug. “Quite efficient to have powers similar to that of the three Pony Tribes, even if you’re not an Alicorn. Of course, since Thestrals are common where you’ve probably gone to, I’m sure you already knew that…now…die!”

Just before the Nightmare Thestral could strike the subdue group into ash, a giant beam of light grayish magenta magic shot out from out of nowhere. It slammed right into Windslicer and sent him flying away from the two mares and foals, all of which looked to be taken aback and in complete shock. As the beam of magic disappeared, the vines subduing them suddenly came apart, although quite roughly thanks to the thorns that made their way into them.

“Come on, let’s get out of here!” Crimson Skies commanded, picking up Silver Spoon and flying out of the giant crater. Silver Speed followed suit and carried Chip Cutter up with her to the surface, where all of them took a few moments to recover and tend to one another.

“Whoa, that was really scary!” Chip Cutter cried, wincing at the cuts in his bloodied fur. “Are you two okay, Momma, Silver Spoon?”

“Yes sweetie, I’m fine, I’m just a little scratched up as all.” Silver Speed said gently. “Though I can’t quite say the same thing for you two.”

“F-forget us for now…” Silver Spoon stammered, shaking on her hooves. “Who was it that shot that magic bolt at us?”

“That would be me, dearie.” A sultry voice replied out of nowhere.

All four heads turned to the source of the feminine voice, sensing no darkness or malice from it, yet still taking them by surprise. Once they located the owner of the voice, their eyes widened when they saw that it belonged to what had to be the most alluring mare they had ever seen. At first, they thought that it was a Unicorn, as evident by the horn protruding from her head, but as she got closer, they noticed there was more to it. She had a solid azure blue coat that matched the color of the sky in daytime, with an even lighter cornflower blue mane and tail skirt that gleamed in the nighttime. Her cat-like eyes were a dark grayish violet, the same color as the membranes on her large bat wings, while a purple coat and wizards had full of white and yellow starts adorned her head and neck. She had a large staff with a huge gleaming shuriken-like star at the top, and her Cutie Mark was of a magic want covered in white starry magic.

“Oh my, it looks like I’ve fallen upon a couple of endangered citizens, and even a couple of little foals as well.” The voice said, its voice sounding refined and sultry. “My day is just filled with surprises, isn’t it?”

‘This mare…her power level…it’s completely off the charts!’ Crimson Skies though in her head, before asking, “You…you were the one who launched that?”

“Of course I did dearie. Though, I may have overdone it on that last attack.” The Unicorn Thestral replied mostly to herself, running a hoof through her long silky mane. “But, with the situation that I saw happening, I suppose that it was necessary.”

“W-who…who is that mare?” Silver Spoon asked, her voice just above a whisper. “Where did she come from?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never seen her before.” Chip Cutter replied softly, watching as the mare stepped closer. His eyes scanned over the magician hat and cape that the Unicorn was adorning on her, and a thought came to his mind. ‘Is she a magician?’

The Unicorn mare soon locked eyes with Crimson Skies and Silver Speed, and her eyes widened upon seeing the state that both mares were in. Gasping, she rushed over to them and began to examine their wounds.

“Oh my goodness! Are you four alright?” She asked, her eyes scanning over bloodied injuries adorning the two mares. “How did you get these cuts and puncture wounds?”

“Windslicer…h-he was the one who gave me these slashes.” Silver Speed replied, pointing over Crimson Skies’ shoulder. “We weren’t really able to get out of the way in time. He t-took us both by complete surprise.”

“I see…” The mare said softly, staring at the wounds for a moment longer before she looked down at the foals in front of her. “Are you little ones alight?”

“Y-yes, we can.” Silver Spoon replied, holding her mother’s legs tighter. “That stallion messed us up really bad though, and it really hurts.”

“I’d be surprised if it didn’t. With the power I felt emitting from that stallion, I’m amazed you two are still even standing.” The Unicorn mare murmured quietly. She stood back up and looked around her, seeing no other ponies in sight. “Are there any others out here that four are you with?”

“No, it’s just me, these foals, and Silver Speed here.” Crimson Skies replied softly. “We’ve actually been trying to get to the Town Square that’s in the middle of this town. Unfortunately, we got stopped by you know who...”

“Is that so…?” The Unicorn mare asked, looking over to where she blasted Windslicer. “Then I think it’s in your best interest if you go about your way to your desired destination. I’ll take care of your little furry friends here.”

“A-are you sure?” Silver Speed asked, sounding doubtful. “That stallion is really powerful, despite him not really being a Unicorn or Earth Pony. Ms. Crimson Skies and I already had enough of a hard time fighting them while in their normal states. Are you sure you’ll be able to handle them yourself?”

“I wouldn’t be telling you to go and leave me here if I didn’t think I could.” The Unicorn mare replied softly, flashing the young colt a fanged grin. “Besides I’ve dealt with powerful foes like this in the past before, and, not to brag or anything, but I’m not a great and powerful sorcerer for nothing.”

“Well…alright, if you’re sure.” Crimson Skies said tentatively, reluctantly giving into the strange mare’s demands. “L-let me just ask one thing though…who are you?”

The Unicorn’s ears perked, and she slowly turned away from the emerging Windslicer and looked into Crimson Skies’ brilliant blue eyes. Her own dark violet orbs pierced into her’s for what seemed like forever, and the young Pegasus felt herself cowing under it. Then, it disappeared, replaced with a smile that made Crimson Skies’ cheeks go redder than the petals on her Cutie Mark.

“I go my many names my dear…The Lone Wanderer, The Elusive Traveler, The Mare of the Stars and Cosmos…all of these names and many more, I am called.” She replied, her sultry tone matching the smile on her face. “Though, if you want to address me my something friendlier…you can refer to me as, the Great and Powerful Trixie."

Author's Note

I am not even going to try to go into detail about strong and powerful of writers block I had before I finally have some inspiration to write this damn chapter :ajbemused: . It honestly did start out pretty well at first, but almost halfway along the way, something just went off in my mind, and I spent some time off of that chapter while I just cleared it. I eventually managed to get my imaginational powers back into gear and get back to this, mainly because of a picture that I found of the new ally that I had added in this chapter, and I will say that it was alluring :ajsmug: . I will admit, the last parts of this chapter introducing Trixie into the mix was a bit of an edited version from the last chapter that I had Trixie introduce herself in, so if you managed to catch that, then good for any of you who did. Still though, I bet you guys weren't expecting me to make Trixie a Thestral, like Goku, Snowflake, Midnight, and Sheton, did you :duck: ? Pretty big surprise to find at the end of this chapter, huh :rainbowlaugh: ?

Well, that's all for this chapter for right now; I hope you enjoyed the surprise character that I threw into this one :twilightsmile: . Next time we're going to be getting back to our group in the Everfree, and as they near the Castle of the Two Sisters, they'll really be in a race against time to get to the Dark Queen :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 61 - The Demons of Speed

The sounds of Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie’s screaming could be heard throughout the sky as they held on to Sapphire Flame for dear life. The Night Fury flapped his wings with all his might as he tore through the sky as fast as his body, and newly fixed tail, would allow. His own roars and screams could be heard echoing in the air as he sailed above the Everfree Forest, with his being full of excitement. Well, at least as high as he could go with gigantic trees towering over the normal ones and obscuring the sky above them all. Goku, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Sky Ranger, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts could be seen on either side and behind Sapphire, doing their best to keep up with the large dragon carrying their friends. The Shadowbolts and Rainbow Dash had no problem keeping up, since they were all used to flying fast, and even Goku didn’t seem to be winded by the fast flying. The only one who looked to be having trouble was Fluttershy, since she wasn’t quite used to flying at this speed or magnitude, but she seemed to be holding up pretty well. The same couldn’t really be said for their other three friends, as they were currently not to fall off their new reptilian companion.

“WOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!, THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!” Pinkie Pie screamed jovially, throwing her forehooves out on either side of her. “This is the most amazing ride that I ever had in my entire life!!!”

“Amazing?! This is nowhere near amazing in any way Pinkie Pie! This is a nightmare is what it is with nothing fun about it whatsoever!” Rarity shrieked angrily, her forehooves wrapped tightly around Applejack. “We are riding on the most dangerous creature in all of Equestria, who is going at speeds faster than needle on a sewing machine, and could fall of at any given moment! I don’t see how you can see that any of this is amazing or fun in the least!”

“Ah have to agree with Rarity on this one Pinks!” Applejack shouted, hunching her body down as she held on tightly to Sapphire’s back spines. “This is definitely not how Ah imagined ridin’ a dragon would be like! This critter is goin’ way too fast fer mah likin’!” She glanced down at the ground below her, and put a hoof to her mouth as she tried not to get nauseous. “An’ Ah really don’t like bein’ this high up neither!”

“Then why did you even agree to ride Sapphie with us in the first place?!” Pinkie Pie asked loudly, momentarily stopping her cheering. “You could’ve just flown with us yourself! You and I both have Pegasus magic, and can use it to fly super-duper fast!”

“Ah’ve ever really been one fer fancy flyin’ Pinkie Pie, Ah feel a lot more comfortable on th’ ground since Ah know Ah ain’t fallin’ from th’ sky ready to crash!” The farmer replied, turning her head to glare at the bubblegum pink pony. “And Ah should be askin’ you th' same thing! Why aren’t you usin’ yer own Pegasus magic to fly like RD an’ th’ others?!”

Pinkie Pie frowned, raising on eyebrow at Applejack. “Uh, didn’t you hear what I said like, fifteen minutes ago?! I wanted to know what it was like to ride a dragon, since we don’t really have dragons where we’re around! Sure, it’s fun flying by yourself and all, and it’s a lot of fun when flying with Dashie and Fluttershy, but it’s just as fun riding on a creature that can fly too, isn’t it?!”

“Well maybe…unless the creature that we’re riding is a DRAGON! Which we’re currently riding on right now, which is not fun by the way!” Rarity replied as she too turned her head to scowl at Pinkie Pie.

“Well, Sapphire seems to be having fun, now that he can flying again!” Twilight said, putting a hoof over her forehead to keep her mane from blowing in her face. The lavender Unicorn said at the far end of her three friends, clutching tightly to Rarity as she said in between the dragon’s spines. She looked to her left where Fluttershy was, and saw her flying close beside them, just behind Sapphire’s left wing. “Fluttershy, are all Night Furies this excitable?!”

“None that I can think of!” The buttermilk Pegasus replied, raising her voice loud enough for Twilight to hear her. “Night Furies are known to be particularly playful with one another, and they do tend to get pretty excited about some things, but not like this! I guess after Rarity fixed his tail, he was so happy about the fact that he could fly again, that he decided to show us what it was like for him!”

“Well, it looks like it’s working, cause Pinkie Pie is certainly enjoying it!” Goku commented dryly, watching in amusement as party pony continued screaming in excitement. “I’m amazed that you guys are still managing to hold onto him, I thought that you guys would’ve fallen off by now!”

“That’s cause some o’ us don’t want to end up as ponified applesauce on the ground!” Applejack shouted up at the tan Thestral, using on hoof to hold onto her Stetson. “Unlike you, whose pretty much havin’ th’ time o’ her life doin’ some fancy flyin’ herself with this critter!”

“Well I’m certainly enjoying this! I’ll tell you that much!” Rainbow Dash shouted, giving a wide fanged grin as she flew around Sapphire Flame. “I know dragons can be pretty fast, but didn’t think they’d be this fast! This dragon really does have a need for speed, doesn’t he?!”

“That may look like what I’m doing, but I’m not really trying to play with Sapphire!” Goku said to Applejack, crossing her forehooves as she ignored Rainbow Dash. “I’m actually looking out for any moment that he may get carried away and seriously hurt you guys! Not that I’m saying that he’s intending to but, hey, there’s nothing wrong with being prepared for anything!”

“I agree!” Sky Ranger said, looking to be highly amused by the Night Fury’s antics. “Night Fury’s can be quite excitable when something like what Miss Rarity did happens to them. It looks like there isn’t any exception here, though he may be overdoing it a little bit.”

Just as those words left the azure blue Hippogriff’s beak, Sapphire and his pony companions suddenly found themselves in a large wide-open space of air with a large lake-like river just below them. Before anypony could react, Sapphire Flame suddenly tucked his wings in and dove down straight towards the water, with his four riders screaming all the while. Faster than any of them could blink, the Night Fury dove head first into the river with a resounding splash, causing water to shoot up into the air.

“Be prepared for anything huh?” Violet Fire asked with a small smirk, raising an eyebrow at the tan Pegasus. “Were you prepared for him doing that?”

Goku and Sky Ranger didn’t say anything, the former choosing instead to look off to the side as the latter’s cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. With a snort, Goku dived down after Sapphire and the rest of her friends, followed closely by Sky Ranger and the rest of her friends and the Shadowbolts.

“Sapphire, what in the hay are you doing?!” The tan Thestral asked perplexedly, watching as the dragon dove in and out of the water. “We’re supposed to be trying to get to the Castle of the Two Sisters! I thought that you were going to take us there!”

Sapphire momentarily stopped his jumping in and out of the water to face Goku, giving her a few chirps and guttural rumbles. After that, he proceeded to go back to what he was doing much to Applejack, Rarity and Twilight’s utter dismay.

“Sapphire Flame said that he is, he’s just taking his time to get used to the fact that he’s able to fly again.” Fluttershy said to Goku, keeping a fair distance away from the splashes of water. “It’s been a while since he was trapped in that pit before we found him. He didn’t really think that he’d be able to fly again even if he did recover from his injuries, and he wanted to be sure that he was really healed before doing anything else.”

“Why in--the world--would he do--that?!” Rarity asked, her question being muffled by Sapphire’s continuous dives into the water. “I used my magic to heal every last scale and membrane on his body! How can he think that he’s not fully and completely healed?!”

At this question, Sapphire Flame turned his head to look at the alabaster Unicorn, giving her a few loud purrs and chirps, before giving her what looked like a wink. Rarity paused at this sudden action, and looked over at Fluttershy questioningly, having obviously not understood what he had said.

“He, um…he said that it’s not that he doesn’t believe that you healed him properly enough, it’s just that he wants to test out just how well your magic worked on him.” The buttermilk Pegasus replied with a shrug, giving Rarity a small smile. “Your magic felt really nice when you used it on him, and he felt that it gave him some newfound energy. So, he wanted to test it out, and see just how well it worked on him…and so far, he thinks you really outdid yourself.”

Rarity blinked, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “He…he does?”

“Mhm…Sapphire said that your magic made it feel like he never had any of those wounds in the first place, and that he was never downed in the first place.” Fluttershy nodded, her smile growing gentler as the Night Fury nodded in agreement. “It gave him a feeling of rejuvenation that he never felt before, and he’s very thankful to you for doing that for him Rarity.”

“Oh, well…I’m glad to hear how impressed he is that I had managed to help him feel livelier.” The fashionista said after a second or two of silence, her pure white cheeks turning pink. “I…I didn’t think that he was that happy that I had helped him so much. I suppose I really outdid myself this time around.”

“With how well you fixed his tail, I’d say you definitely did.” Zephyr nodded, glancing back at the newly formed fin on Sapphire’s tail.

Sapphire Flame suddenly let out a loud roar, giving strong flaps of his wings as he shot off from the large river of water and out of the split trees, along with the much larger ones. Now that they were really in the air, the Night Fury took sharp dives and turns through the air, the blue patterns on his scales shining ever so slightly in the Moon’s light. He then began to fire a multitude of sapphire blue flames into the air, everypony watching as they exploded in the air. Feeling another rush of elation and adrenaline, the large dragon went even higher in the air, doing drill-like spins as the four ponies on his back held on for dear life.

“And now he’s spinning.” Storm Shadow murmured dryly, watching with half-lidded eyes as the Night Fury dove up and down through the air. “He really seems to be enjoying himself…”

“Pffft, I’ll say! Though you can’t really say the same for Twilight and the others!” Fast Tracks said, holding back a snort of laughter. “They look like they’re going to hurl on the big guy; at least Rarity and Applejack!”

“Oh dear, that doesn’t sound good.” Fluttershy said worriedly, watching as Sapphire dived down again. “Do you think maybe I should tell him to stop now?”

“…No, I don’t think so.” Lightning Shadow replied with a shake of her head. “I’m positive that he’s gonna stop his over excited elation in just a few seconds.”

Fluttershy looked over at the light grey Pegasus and was about to speak, but was cut off when her keen ears picked up what sounded to be like a sharp ‘pomf’ sound from below. She looked down and saw Sapphire Flame and her four friends rushing back up towards them, no longer spinning around like giant scaly pinwheel. When they got back her and the other’s level, he was no longer doing hard strong flaps, but gentler ones and steady soaring instead. Applejack, Rarity and Twilight, who had their eyes shut at his last stunt, slowly opened their eyes to find themselves no longer being carried through the air like crazy. They all let out collective sighs of relief when they saw that the Sapphire had finally calmed down, and was actually being gentle with them in the flight.

“Oh, thank Celestia he finally stopped…” Applejack sighed, throwing her head back as she exhaled loudly. “Fer a second there Ah thought he was gonna go on like this forever.”

“So did I.” Rarity said, letting go of Applejack’s barrel as she used her hooves to straighten her hair. “I admit, that was a rather scary and bumpy ride that we had back there, but at least it did wonders for cleaning my mane and tail. I only wish I had a towel and a brush, then they’d look good as new!”

“Here Rarity, I’ll help you with that.” Twilight said sweetly, igniting her horn in encasing the alabaster Unicorns mane in a light grayish orchid aura. Rarity flinched at the sudden contact, but settled down a few seconds later as the warm feeling spread through her head. Just several seconds later, the aura around them vanished, and the fashionista’s mane was nice and dry once more.

“Ahhhhh, that feels so much better…thank you Twilight, I really needed that.” Rarity sighed pleasantly, fluffing up her mane and tail skirt. “Oh, and you even restored the curls in them as well!”

“I most definitely did!” The lavender Unicorn chirped, sticking her tongue out at the fashionista. “I’ve developed a knack for not only using my magic to help ponies get dry fairly quickly but also to restore the style their manes and tails were originally in! I did the same for mine after Rainbow Dash made it cotton candy a couple of years after I moved to Ponyville, and it sort of stuck with me after that. So, I decided to keep it on me for any other pony that may need it.”

“Well, it looks like you were right to hold onto it.” Rarity said, gently bopping her friend on the nose. “I certainly did wonders for me…well, at least for my mane and tail. Now I’ll look much more presentable for when we face that dastardly Nightmare! She will pay for making me suffer a horrible crime against fashion!”

“Well, I’m glad that you’re so intent on giving Nightmare Moon a piece of your mind along with the rest of us Rarity…” Goku said dryly, smirking in amusement at the alabaster Unicorn. “Because I’m happy to say that you’re finally going to get that chance.”

Raising their eyebrows in perplexation, the four ponies riding the Night Fury and the ones in the air with the tan Thestral looked to where she was pointing and felt each of their eyes widen at what they saw. Just two whole entire kilometers away from them, on a split portion of hill and earth, was what looked to be a nocturnal castle. To say that it was huge would’ve been an understatement or even an insult, due to the beauty that it held. It was even bigger than the castle back in Canterlot City, where Queen Celestia lived, and that size, along with the glow it gave off thanks to the Moon’s light made it easily spotted. It even gave a shine to the golden plains that spread across the land like an ocean that the castle was centered in. Even though it was a good distance away from them, the shine and gleam that the castle cave off, along with the dark ominous presence, made the group seem like they were flying up close to it.

“Whoa, would you look at that!” Fast Tracks said, a wide grin stretching across his face. “Are you guys seeing what I’m seeing? Cause I’m pretty sure we finally made it to our adversaries abandoned little hideout.”

“My word…just look at it!” Rarity gashed, her sapphire eyes glowing with awe. “Is that really the castle of Nightmare Moon Nocturnis?!”

“No way…that can’t be it!” Twilight cried; her violet eyes wide as saucers. “There has to be some sort of mistake! Sky Ranger, is this the castle you were talking about?! This is the castle you said had transformed?!”

“I’m afraid so Twilight.” Sky Ranger nodded solemnly. “It’s just like I told you during our journey through the Everfree Seas. The castle that your beloved Queens lived in is no longer what it used to be, and I saw it turn and transform with my own eyes. This castle is most certainly the one that we’re looking for, without a single doubt, and as I said, it’s within the Everfree Plains.”

“It is?! Yes, finally!” Rainbow Dash shouted, throwing her hooves up into the air as she did loops into the air. “We finally found where that asshole Nightmare Moon is hiding!”

“And it took only six and a half whole hours, ten minutes, nearly getting electrocuted, trapped underground, drowned underwater, battling a pack of Timberwolves, Hinoinus, Dōkutsuakumas, a Cragadile, a Battookuma, a Manticore, a Doragontora, a Shinomōkin, and helping a Night Fury fly to do it!” Pinkie Pie added cheerfully, petting said dragon on one of his wings. “Heeheehee, time really flies by huh?! It feels like only a moment ago that we were doing all of that, and now we’re finally at the castle!”

“Which means that those Elements must be in there somewhere.” Applejack murmured narrowing her eyes as she looked over a Twilight. “Ah’m right, ain’t I Twilight? You did say that the weapons that we’re lookin’ fer are in there, ain’t they?”

“Well, yeah they are but…” Twilight replied, rubbing the back of her head. “I’m not exactly sure where in this new castle they actually are. From where I’m looking, that new castle has to have so many new rooms that they could be anywhere, and it could take us forever to find them! And while we are searching for them, Nightmare Moon might try to finish us off when we least expect it, and we’ll fail our mission!”

“Twilight, with everypony’s lives on the line, as well as our siblings, and Queen Celestia’s sister, I think the mission isn’t the only thing that we should be worrying about right now.” Goku said firmly, glaring sternly at the lavender Unicorn as she flew in front of them. “Though you do bring up a good point about one thing. Nightmare Moon may try to kill us without us realizing it…so I say that we stay together and not separate. That way, we’ll be able to protect each other if she tries to sneak up on us.”

“That’s…actually a very well calculated idea Goku.” Lightning Shadow said, a small smile coming to her face. “Plus, you’ll have us to try to detect any threat that may come at any of you from above. That way, Nightmare Moon won’t try to get at you from above or with anything else that she may throw at you.”

“Alright then, looks like the plan is set!” Violet Fire said, clapping her forehooves. “Let’s get down there and get to those Elements!”

“Right behind ya, V!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, shooting a hoof into the air. “Lead the way Sapphie!”

The Night Fury gave a loud yowl of compliance, giving his wings a hard flap as he dove down towards the thick grove of giant trees, the others following suit. They all sucked and swerved through the large branches as Sapphire Flame went as quickly as his body would allow, obliterating those he couldn’t fly past. As he continued to soar through the forest, a light that they had seen in the flight was growing brighter the closer they got to it. The ponies and dragon continued like this for a minute longer, not wanting to waste a second in trying to get to the plains where the castle was, so they could find Nightmare Moon and the Elements. Eventually, they made it out of the woods and right at the edge of it, where the plains looked to begin. The Night Fury stopped right at the edge, landing with a couple flaps of his wings, allowing Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Twilight to hop off of his back.

“Oh ground, sweet, sweet ground! How I’ve missed you so!” Rarity exclaimed, pressing her face against the cool grass. “I thought it’d never be able to feel your grassy essence again! I’m so glad to be out of that air and down here at last!”

“Geez Rarity, get a grip on yourself.” Rainbow Dash groaned. “I get that you’re glad to be on the ground, but come on! You don’t have to make such a sappy scene about it!”

“Rainbow Dash, darling, did you not see me, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight screaming for our lives as Sapphire tore and spun through the air, and dove into the water like a dolphin?!” The alabaster Unicorn asked. “I think after all of that, I think I’m within my rights to be a little dramatic about it!”

“Jus’ a little...” Applejack said dryly, giving Rarity a half-lidded expression. “Right.”

“Well, either way, we’re at the castle now, and that’s all that really matters right now.” Twilight said, stepping in between Rarity and Applejack. “I’m honestly surprised that we were able to get here this fast, but, I’m glad we did. Sapphire’s speed really helped us in getting here quickly.”

“Emphasis on quick.” Zephyr murmured with a small amused grin. “More like insanely quick!”

“Yes, I agree…it was a good thing that Sapphire offered to get as here quickly, otherwise I don’t know how long we would’ve been trekking through this forest.” Fluttershy nodded, turning to the Night Fury with an appreciative smile. “Thank you so much for your help Sapphire. I can’t tell you how happy we are that you came with us, and got us here as fast as you did.”

“You fly safe now, okay sweetie? And be sure not to run into anymore Cave Demons this time around.” Fluttershy advised softly, yet firmly. “Be sure not to put too much strain on your new tail too, especially since it only just got fixed. The last thing you need is to be stuck in another pit with nopony and no creature to help you.”

Sapphire nodded lightly, another purr leaving his throat as he gave Fluttershy a big wet lick on her cheek, prompting her to giggle out in response. At that moment, Chenoa flew up to the drake and nuzzled his face against his larger scaly one, prompting a coo from Goku, Violet, Fluttershy, and Crimson Skies. With that, the Night Fury broke from the group and spread his wings, taking off into the air with a single flap. The sound of his flapping wings prompted the other girls to look behind them just in time to see him head into the forest, his bidding roar echoing in the shadows.

“Oh my, he’s leaving already?” Rarity asked. “I thought that he was going to stay with us.”

“I’m sure he may have wanted to, but I think he saw that his business here was done, and that we could take this from here.” Sky Ranger murmured, shrugging. “He probably has a family that he needs to go to anyway, and he didn’t want to keep them waiting and worried.”

“Bummer, I was hoping that’d he’d say a bit longer.” Fast Tracks said, shoulders sagging a bit. “I would’ve loved to race against that big guy!”

“Well, if we ever see him again, he may let you. but you can worry about that some other time.” Storm Shadow said, gently motioning the light brown stallion to the plains in front of them. “Now that we’re here in these plans, we can find just trek our way over to it, and find where the Elements of Harmony are for Goku and the others. We need to be careful though; Nightmare Moon is inside there somewhere, and there isn’t any telling what tricks she may have waiting for us when we do get there so we’ll need to keep our eyes open and our ears peeled.”

“Lightning Shadow’s right; we can’t just assume that Nightmare Moon won’t try anything to stop us especially with what Sky Ranger told us about her remolding the castle.” Lightning Shadow nodded, looking over at the building in the distance. “Now that it’s been restructured, we’ll need to be even more on guard than before, least we end up slipping up.”

“Oh, I really don’t wanna fall into any booby traps that Nightmare Moon is probably setting for us!” Blue Skies whimpered, biting her lip in worry. “We’ve already had enough of that from the Dōkutsuakumas, I don’t think I can handle whatever Nightmare Moon’s going to have made for us!”

Pinkie Pie snorted, a hoof coming to her mouth to stifle a low giggle. “Heehee…booby trap…”

“Hey, don’t worry Blue, we ain’t gonna let you get capture by Nightmare Moon; that’s why we’re here.” Fast Tracks said confidently. “Of course, you also should remember that we’re also here to keep Goku and her group safe, along with Zephyr. Don’t let your fear make you forget that squirt.”

“R-right…” The palomino mare nodded, taking a few breaths to calm herself down.

The trek through the golden plains was relatively silent for the most part, the only sound being their hooves making contact with the withered out grass beneath them. Unlike within the forest, the that a much better view of the environment around them, and they could see more easily through the horizon, especially with the small miniature hills dotting different parts of the plains. Although they had an increased chance of spotting danger, their attention was focused mainly on the enormous castle that was getting closer to them the more they closed the distance. Even with how far they were, they could still feel the eerie sensation of darkness and evil coming from the building, which was even grater than the awe they felt that such a thing existed in the first place. So much so that a couple of them could help but voice their own opinions on the new castle now towering in the middle of the forest.

“Ah have t’ say…Ah honestly thought that castle t’ be in far less shape b’fore we came ‘ere.” Applejack murmured as they began trudging through the tall golden grass. “Ah mean, I know that it’d be all aged an’ worn out after a thousand somethin’ years, but…Ah was not expectin’ it t’ be put back together.”

“Neither did I…then again, I suppose this was to be expected, after what Sky Ranger had told us back on our ship. Nothing quite lasts forever, and I suppose this castle happened to be one of those things.” Rarity nodded, her sapphire eyes scanning over the textures of the castle just thousands of feet away from them. “I do wonder if there’s some ancient art that I could savage on there. That would bring up some great inspiration for some of my new lines.”

“There might be, but I wouldn’t get my expectations up too high.” Twilight said, glancing over at Rarity. “The castle looks pretty devilish even from this far away, so I doubt that there’s any art pieces or tapestries that are up to your tastes.”

The alabaster Unicorn just stared at the lavender Unicorn for a moment, before her shoulders sagged in dejection. “Oh, I see. Well, it can’t hurt to try, right?”

“Ugh, this grass is so damn tall!” Rainbow Dash growled, swiping at the large grains surrounding her and the rest of the group. “What kind of grass gets to be this high in clearings?! If I didn’t know any better, this place looks like an overly large lawn!”

“Yes, it would wouldn’t it?” Sky Ranger asked with chuckle. “That’s the way the Everfree Forest works unfortunately…nothing is quite as it seems here. Not the animals, not the weather, not the plants, vegetation and environment…nothing. It can seem pretty aggravating, but this is a forest of many impossibilities and the Everfree Plains just so happens to be one of them.”

“Indeed.” Fluttershy nodded as the tail towers of grass brushed against her body. “Although, this part of the Everfree Forest is one that I haven’t seen and heard little about, but I have heard about the creeks, swamps, and ponds that’re dotted around this particular part of the Everfree Forest. Along with the herbivores that live in wildernesses like this, such as antelope, gazelle, and bison, like the ones that’re in the Undiscovered West, though the ones here are more, um…magically advanced.” She paused as she straightened her silky mane. “Speaking of wetlands, there is one other creature that I’ve heard about that’s said to live in lands that have wet areas but isn’t really known to be here.”

“Oh, really now?” Sky Ranger asked. “And just what none native Equestrian creature have you heard about might I ask?”

“Well, you’re all going to think that this is, pretty perplexing, but just bear with me for now.” The veterinarian replied, sighing slightly. “Have any of you heard the Legend of the Bunyip?”

Fast Tracks, Blue Skies, Violet Fire, Zephyr, and Goku all gasped, their heads whipping around to face the yellow mare. All the others stopped as well, though their expressions were more of confusion than shock or anything else.

“T-t-the Bunyip?!” Blue Skies repeated, her pupils contracting. “You mean the actual Bunyip? The infamous Devil of Thestralia?!”

“The very same one.” Fluttershy nodded, looking nowhere near as surprise as her four other fellow flyers. “I take it that you heard if it?”

“Heard of it?!” Fast Tracks cried; his own cat-like eyes wide. “My parents used to tell me all about that thing when I was just a fledgling! There is not a single thing about that creature that they have not told me about!”

Fluttershy raised a cherry blossom brow. “Are you sure about that Fast? Not that I’m saying your parents haven’t told you everything about the Bunyip, but do you really know all that there is to it? I can fill you in on some bits and pieces if you want.”

“Hold on now wait jus’ a chicken peckin’ minute!” Applejack shouted. “Can somepony tell me what this so-called bunyip thing is? I have not heard any critter like that, let alone on that’s called by that name!”

“Of course you wouldn’t honey; like Fluttershy said, it’d not native in Equestria, but it’s still known quite famously nonetheless.” Violet Fire replied softly. “See, the Thestralian Bunyip is the stuff of many nightmares and all things terrifying. If there is any creature in mythology or supernatural fiction that is far too bizarre to be real, it would indeed be the Bunyip. It’s said to live in the inhabitants and wildernesses of Thestralia, were you can find a good majority of the Thestrals that’re not said to live in Equestria, though not in the more civilian areas.”

“Wait, there are more Thestral species?” Twilight asked in disbelief. “I thought that you could only find them in places like Canterlot City of Luna Bay?”

“That is true, but unless you’ve heard of the Thestralian continent, you’ll known that’s where you can find plenty, and I mean, plenty of Thestrals living quite freely.” Goku murmured. “I haven’t been to Thestralia mind you, but I have heard by my Mom that it’s a pretty wonderful place that is a paradise for Thestrals. Never really thought about going there, I but I would like to go there sometime, and maybe take my brother there too.”

“You totally should G…you will love it there.” Fast Tracks giggled, the faintest hint of a blush on his face. He soon shook it off before returning to the topic at hoof. “Anyway, I’m kind of swerving of the tracks here. The Bunyip is said to live on the Thestralian continent, but the Thestrals themselves tend to stay very clear of the big guy…and for good reason.”

Rarity frowned. “W-what kind of reason is that dear?”

“You know how Thestrals like Fast Tracks and Goku have a thing for the nighttime right?” Zephyr asked. “Well, if it was any other place, Thestrals would have no trouble frolicking in the nighttime without a single care in the world. Drinking fruit, exploring the woods, swimming through the waters, rutting each other senseless until the sun comes up…” He smiled in amusement upon seeing the fierce blushes on Rarity, Fluttershy, Blue Skies, and Twilight’s faces. “In Thestralia though, the Thestrals are a little bit more cautious about where they are in the woodlands and forests, where there are watery areas, because that’s where the Bunyip is said to resign within.”

“Watery areas?” Pinkie Pie asked, her face twisted in confusion before it brightened. “Oh, you mean like swamps, rivers, creeks, and lakes?! Those kinds of watery liquid places?!”

“Yes Pinkie, those kinds of places.” Fluttershy replied. “During the day time, it’s relatively safe for Thestrals to go roaming through the Thestralian wilderness, the only threat they have to facing being the Thestralian animals. At night however, it’s more dangerous when at night, especially with the Bunyip around, because those very same watery places are where it lies in wait to grab any unlucky Thestral within its reach. The Bunyip had a particular taste for thestral flesh, which includes mares, foals, and foreigners.”

“E-even foals?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking a little pale. “So, this Bunyip thing didn’t just go after the adult Thestrals? It also went after the squirts too?”

“Especially the foals, mainly because they were the most vulnerable, and the bunyip would have the most success in hunting them down.” Goku replied gravely as Chenoa silently flew beside her. “Although, that didn’t mean the young fledglings wouldn’t but put a fight. Like how it’s mentioned many times, Thestrals, even the young ones, are quite powerful, mostly in physical terms. So even if the Bunyip were to get a hold of them, the foals would put up a ferocious fight against them. In the end though, most of them would get dragged into their watery graves, with only a small hoofful of them surviving.”

“My word…that does sound absolutely petrifying…and tragic.” Rarity murmured solemnly. “I can’t imagine facing something as terrifying and bloodthirsty as that. Let alone losing any foals to such a creature…and just when I thought you could find all of the horrid beasts in this cursed forest.”

“If you think that’s petrifying, then just wait till you hear about the powers that the Bunyip holds, along with its appearance.” Lightning Shadow said. “Like Thestrals, the Bunyip are depicted as supernatural creatures with powers to match, only with them, it’s on the actual supernatural fictional scale. The types of appearances that it’s said to have is just as out of proportions as its powers, making it all the scarier. Some thestral describe the Bunyip having the head of a crocodile, with a dog-like face, a bull’s horns, an elephant’s tusks, with a horse’s tail, and a thick coat of dark grey fur.”

“…Wow, now that is bizarre Lightning!” Pinkie Pie stated, shuddering a bit as the mental image flashed into her mind. “I was already picturing the bunyip in my head while you were describing it! Now that I have, I can totally see why you said that its way out of whack and just wrong!”

“Good to see that somepony here can paint a clear picture in their minds of the Bunyip.” Storm Shadow murmured dryly. “That’s only one of this scaly snake-like, feathery, horned, and bearded killer, however. Other depictions of the bunyip describe it as having the traits of both land, and water dwelling animals, with long razor-sharp claws, powerful hindlegs, and water repellant outer fur. The most bizarre description of the Bunyip is that’s said to only have one eye on its head, and a mouth right where it’s stomach is said to be.”

Applejack gagged. “A mouth on its stomach?” She asked, looking like she was going to throw up on the ground. “That is jus’…that jus’ ain’t right! what kind o’ critter has a mouth in the same place as it’s stomach is supposed to be?!”

“Creatures as bizarre as Thestrallia’s Devil, that’s what.” Fast Tracks replied, glancing back at the farmer. “Nopony really knows what the Bunyip’s true form is form the different descriptions that the Thestralian Thestrals have given mythologists, and they probably never will. One thing they do know, is that whenever a wolfish howl echoes through the night, that is the sign that the Bunyip is on the hunt and looking for fresh meat.”

“That’s right, and unless you have a group with you that is specialized in dealing with savage beasts like the Bunyip, you’re going to have one hay of a night in the Thestralian wilderness.” Violet Fire added softly. “So, if any of you ever plan to visit Thestralia, be sure never to travel on your own at night, at least around areas where there are lakes, swamps, and keep both your ears pricked. So that you don’t miss the ear-piercing booming howls of the Bunyip, and get grabbed, drowned, and eaten by the Devil of Thestralia.”

“Oh, trust me, I’ll definitely be keeping my ears and eyes open!” Rainbow Dash stated cockily, crossing her forelegs. “If there’s one thing that I don’t let happen, is somepony or something getting the jump on me! When that happens, they’d better watch out, because I’ll show them why I have need for speed!”

“Oh, we don’t doubt it Rainbow Dash.” Zephyr murmured. “Just as long as you don’t go flying off again like the last few times, we should be safe. The last thing we need is for you to separate from us again and possibly get into an altercation with an animal all on your own.”

Twilight nodded. “Agreed.”

An eardrum bursting cougar-like scream suddenly tore through the Everfree Plains just as these words left the lavender Unicorn’s mouth. Twilight and just about everypony else covered their ears with their hooves, trying desperately to block out the sound as it ripped through the air like a nuclear explosion. Thankfully for them, the sound vanished as quickly as it came, but it didn’t take away the aching ringing that was now active within their ears.

“Holy shit…!” Goku cursed loudly, rubbing tentatively at her eardrums. “That had to be the loudest scream I’ve ever heard in my life! What in the hay even was that?!”

“I don’t know Goku, but oooooowww!” Pinkie Pie whined. “It really hurt my ears! Was that another kind of whacky animal or something!”

Sky Ranger, who had been silent the entire time of the explanation Bunyip history and origins, replied, “Yes, and I know exaclty what it was…and we must get to the castle, now!”

Without warning, the azure blue hippogriff’s wings flared out, and he swung them forward, causing four sharp gusts of wind to emerge from them. The ponies behind him watched wide-eyed as they cut down the overly tall yellow plain grass, making a clear path for them to the point where they could see more of Nightmare Moon’s castle in front of them. With at don’t, Sky Ranger immediately began to fly down it, the sheer franticness in his movements causing the others to follow suit.

“Whoa there Sky Ranger, what’s gotten int’ ya?!” Applejack asked. “Ya look like there’s somepony out t’ git ya an’ their hot on yer tail!”

“Forgive me if I’m looking a bit out of character at the moment young adventurers, but I have little time to explain!” Sky Ranger replied, looking back at the farmer and the rest of the group fearfully. “That scream you heard just now belonged to the most dangerous animal in the plains of the Everfree Forest, and judging from that scream, it knows we’re here! That’s why we must get to the castle as soon as possible before we’re caught by it!”

Fluttershy gasped, a thought coming to her as she gazed at Sky Ranger with a look of terror that was stronger than his. “S-Sky, are you talking about the animal I think you’re talking about?!”

Another loud scream ruined any chance of Sky Ranger confirming Fluttershy’s fears, for the being that made itself known did it for her. Before anypony knew what happened, something black and yellow slammed into Sky Ranger while was looking away with a sickening thudding sound. All eyes followed the blur as it vanished into the plains behind then, Sky Ranger’s agonized screams echoing about in the night sky. Coming to a halt, the seven mares, one guard, and five Shadowbolts immediately rushed to the Hippogriff’s aid, coming upon the spot he and the unknown creature landed in just moments later. When they got their however, they all gasped, Fluttershy’s being the loudest and most horrified of all when they what had caught Sky Ranger.

Bearing down on the dazed Hippogriff, foreclaws sinking deep into its chest, was possibly the most frightening version of a Cheetah they had ever seen. It was clearly said speed demon of the Zebrican Plains, due to the circle-like black spots on its fur, and the tear lines going up and down the corners of its eyes and mouth. However, just one look at its body let the ponies know that it was no ordinary Cheetah. It was taller than your average Cheetah, and much buffer as well, with wings that were like that of a Peregrine Falcon’s, its forelegs and claws matching the raptors to the smallest details.

It also had the head of a Cheetah as well, though it looked to be twice as big, with two five-inch-long fangs that were like twin sabers. Along its entire body, were spots that connected together while others stayed apart, making it look like a jaguar or a leopard, or the infamous “King Cheetah”, and it had a set of feathers where the base of its tail was. Another set of feathers could be seen at the end of its tail as well, looking like a large triangular blade, and it had the reddest shade of eyes ever known to exist. When the ponies looked into them, it reminded them of looking into twin pools of blood, making them all the more scared of the creature in front of them.

Rarity let out a shrill shriek of terror, causing the feline to snap its red-eyed gaze towards them in surprise. As it glared into each of their wide eyes, the alabaster Unicorn cried, “What in the name of Faust is that thing?!”

“I…I-I don’t know…it looks like a C-Cheetah.” Twilight stammered. “O-or at least, I think it’s a Cheetah…Fluttershy, do you know what it is.”

“Y…y-y-yes Twilight, I do…and its one animal I wish we did not run into.” Fluttershy whispered, her voice filled with absolute fear. “T-that cat…is a Farukonchītā.”

Blue Skies gasped, her neck moving light toothpaste as she locked eyes with the buttermilk Pegasus as her lower lip quivered. “W…w-what did you say Fluttershy?”

A screech emitting from Sky Ranger drew everypony’s attention back towards him and the Farukonchītā, who was thrown back as Sky Ranger pushed it off and away. He lunged at the feline, managing to get a few slashes and beak stabs in before sending it flying away with powerful swing of his muscular tail, sending a blast of lightning over at the cat afterwards. “They are called Farukonchītās, a simpler term being the Falcon Cheetahs, and out of all of the beasts that live in the Everfree this one is potentially the most dangerous of them all second only to the Night Fury!”

“Th’ most dangerous?” Applejack asked. “How is that critter even more dangerous than that dragon that we were ridin’ on no less than ten minutes ago?!”

“It’s because of the powers that it holds within its form Applejack.” Goku replied, keeping a lookout for the falconic feline. “The Farukonchītās, unlike most other animals here, have all the key qualities needed for it to be more an efficient hunter than all the predators in the Everfree Forest, only with them, it’s on a higher scale. Unlike regular Cheetahs, the Farukonchītā has the equal amount of strength as it does the speed in order for it to hunt down prey, and the falcon wings it has on it allows the cat another strategy when it comes to pursing their meals. However, the real power lies within its magic.”

Twilight’s ears perked. “It’s magic? What is about the Farukonchītā’s magic that makes it stand out from all of the other creatures we faced?”

“Like the Shinomōkin, Doragontora, Manticore, Hinoinu, and Dōkutsuakuma, the Farukonchītā as the power over pretty much most of the Element of Nature, except for water, like the Water Dragon and Hydra.” Fluttershy explained urgently. “It can increase the magic and flow of its physical and magical attacks without losing any of the speed behind it, and even activate their attacks just as fast.” She gulped when she saw two crimson orbs gleaming through the tall pillars of golden grass. “However, the Farukonchītās true power lies within their talons.”

“Their talons?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head. What’s so scary about their talons?”

“The falconic talons of the Farukonchītās aren’t just for show Pinkie, they actually act like moderating gloves to help them control and lock away their greatest power.” Violet Fire replied, she and her team hovering high in the air as she kept watch for the cat. “When the Farukonchītās take of the skin on their forelegs, it reveals draconic skin underneath instead of fur. When that happens, the Falcon Cheetahs undergo a transformation that makes them pass of as being half Cheetah, and half dragon, rather than half falcon. It will then allow the Farukonchītās to have the powers of the draconic beasts too, with an even greater amount of speed to match, very much like the Doragontora.”

“Despite these qualities, not even that is the biggest reason why the Farukonchītās are presumably the most feared beast here.” Lightning Shadow said gravely. “It’s because their powers are at such an inconceivable scale, that these ferocious cats may very well pass of as being demonic.”

“D-d-d-d-demonic?!” Rarity stammered, tucking her tail between her legs. “Are you meaning to tell us that t-these cats are actual demons?!”

A powerful gust of wind left the alabaster Unicorn without an answer as it picked up dust in its wake, the scream of a Farukonchītā following just a split second later. Said dust soon began to swirl around the group as it grew in size, width, and intensity, the wind growing stronger with each passing second.

“Looks like we’ll have to worry about that egghead fact later Rares!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her magenta eyes flashing. “It looks like these furballs are finally ready to rumble!”

Just as the athlete said this a giant flock of wind slashes came at them from all side, leaving the ponies no room to block them. Those that were earthbound or not in the air took to the ground, doing their best to protect themselves and shield those near them, while the Shadowbolts deflected as much of the attacks as they could. Just as quickly as the attacks came, they stopped, and the when the group looked around again, they found themselves face to face with the Farukonchītā that attacked Sky Ranger. However, they could also see that the feline was not alone this time, much to their chargin.

“Oh no…” Lightning Shadow murmured, her ears flattening. “It just had to be coalition, didn’t it?”

“It looks like it sis, unfortunately.” Storm Shadow nodded, sighing with frustration. “And just when we thought we’d have a tough enough time with one of them…”

Indeed, the “King Cheetah” versioned Farukonchītā had a coalition of comrades, each one of them just as ferocious and foreboding in their own right. The first one on the left of the largest one had jet-black belt with even blacker spots adorning it, the spots so dark the colors could easily be told apart. It had the deepest shade of indigo eyes ever seen, reminding anypony who saw them of the amethyst flower color. The second one on the right of the leader had bright sunset orange fur with even deeper fiery orange spots, its eyes being a piercing icy blue. The tip of its tail had feathers that were nearly as big as its leader, and it had a large mass of mane going from the top of its neck, to its midback. The third one on the far left had a pure white hide, with silvery grey spots adorning its fur, having a set of blazing sun yellow eyes and a huge mass of chest fluff. The last one on the far right had fur and spots that made it look more like a regular cheetah, save for the wings and talons. Its saber-like teeth were slightly shorter than the rest, and it had a gleaming pair of fiery orang eyes, much like the spots of the second Farukonchītā.

“Whoa nelly, now Ah didn’t see that comin’.” Applejack murmured. “Ah take it that these are that critter’s bothers an’ sisters.”

“Yes and no Applejack.” Zephyr explained. “Those four other Farukonchītās are siblings, but they’re all males, every last one of them.”

“Wait, all five of them?!” Twilight asked in surprise. “How does that work? I thought that cat’s like Cheetahs were supposed to be solitary?”

“For the most part, they are, but it’s a little bit different with Cheetahs.” Goku replied. “You know how male lions form a coalition if there’s more than one of them? Well, Cheetahs pretty much do the same thing, only with them, it’s males that form packs rather than the females, because female Cheetahs are solitary. Like male lions, male Cheetahs, form coalitions to help both expand, and defend their territories from other rival cheetahs, as well as keep a lookout for enemies and prey. Those bonds last for a lifetime, until death do the brothers apart, and since the Farukonchītās have a good majority of Cheetah traits within them, they do the same thing.”

“So, what you’re basically telling us…” Rarity said, gulping audibly. “…the more brothers that this cat has, the worse off we’re going to be?”

“In terms that better describe hour situation, yes.” Fast Track replied bluntly. “And the only way we can stand any chance of finally getting to that castle is through them.”

“Well, guess there’s no other choice then.” Goku shrugged, closing her eyes for a few moments before a sky-blue aura surrounded her exploded around her. “C’mon girls, let’s show these Speed Demons of the Everfree why we’re so light on our hooves! Time for all of us to finally ascend!”

Blue Skies whimpered. “Woohoo…”

Author's Note

Out of all of the chapters that I was anticipating on writing, this one about the Farukonchītā was probably the most anticipated, and the one I was most excited for :twilightsmile: . I had gotten the idea to write about this particular predator of the Everfree while thinking about the Miracinonyx, or in more simpler terms, the American Cheetah as I was trying to think of what kind of creature I would introduce before the girls finally got to the one enemy they had been searching for this entire journey :raritywink: . I also put in the little idea of combining the African Speed Demon with the fastest bird of prey ever to exist, making them quite the speedy carnivore wouldn't you agree :pinkiehappy: ? Also, just to let you know, I was going to post this last night, but the WIFI that was made for my cruise ship that me and my family went on was not a secure network for my iPhone, so I had to wait until today to do it, which was such a pain in the ass :ajbemused: . Still, it was worth the wait, and now I have it out and ready to be read :pinkiesmile: .

Well, that's all for now; next time we're going to have an alliance formed between the Wonderbolts, Guards, and our Great and Powerful Magician! Then, after that, we're going to get our first taste of Nightmare Moon's Stars of the Galaxy :rainbowdetermined2: !!! Oh, and just for the hell of it, I'll leave a list of the Canon Everfree creatures, and different Everfree animals that I created in this story so you'll remember what kind the girls, Celestia, and Venture Vine have all faced up to this point :raritywink: .

Fighters of the Everfree

Cragadile

Ursa Major

Timberwolf

Hydra

Farukonchītā – Falcon Cheetah

Shinomōkin – Death Raptor

Doragontora – Dragon Tiger

Kamahyō – Scythe Leopard

Hinoinu – Fire Dog

Night Fury - Dragon

Dōkutsuakuma – Cave Demon

Chapter 63 - Stars of the Galaxy

Nightmare Moon’s muzzle was spread into a small, yet pleased grin as she walked around the gigantic training deep within the reaches of her new castle. All around the aforementioned room, there were nightmarish versions of Earth Ponies, Unicorn’s and Pegasus ponies were training each other to the max. Roaring flames of fire, wind, and chirps of lightning echoed about the air, followed by blast of magic that exploded within Nightmare Moon’s sensitive ears. She felt the ground shake beneath her as domes of earth and giant red thorned black vines burst from the icy ground of the castle and lunged at their victims. Any other King or Queen of such an army would’ve been either easily aggravated or downright pissed off that such a thing was happening underneath a castle of all things. However, Nightmare Moon Nocturnis was not like most rulers, and relished in the fact that her Dark Army was training in such a manner. It just told her they’d be all the more ready for the army that was to come, and the other Alicorn leading it, along with the ponies coming after her.

“Yes, my dear children. Keep training to your very limits! Don’t you dare hold back in anything that you’re doing!” Nightmare Moon urged, her turquoise slitted eyes gleaming with glee. “Soon, you will be able to show the army of my dear sister the might of the Dark Army and show them all why the night is better than the day! It won’t be very long before we finally get the revenge I have craved for so long, and I will make sure that it is sweet for all of us!”

All of the Nightmare Dark Army Ponies screeched and his in compliance and continued on with their sparring and training with one another. Their Dark Queen’s words seemed to fuel their spirits and strengthen their fury and determination, and the giant training grounds seemed to become more destructive than ever. This made the fanged smile on Nightmare Moon’s face even wider, so much so that it nearly showed all of her serrated fangs and incisors. As she continued to walk down the training area, her eyes laid upon a cloaked pony that was just outside of the training grounds, observing the ponies around them.

“Ah, Garnet Blaze Bijuu…I didn’t expect to see you of all ponies here.” Nightmare Moon crooned softly, her expression softening at the sight of the pony. “I take it you are rather pleased that your Dark Army is pushing themselves so consistently?”

The aforementioned pony jumped ever so slightly and turned to where Nightmare Moon was, their eyes widening upon seeing the Dark Queen. A hoof suddenly went up to the hood of the cloak, and pulled it back, revealing the face of a Nightmare Earth Pony mare. She had the same palomino colored coat as Crimson Skies, only hers had more of a tan to it than the Shadowbolt Pegasus mare. Her thick mane was a deep garnet orange color, the mane being done in a high ponytail despite its long length, with her hooves being the same color. Her eyes were a gleaming azure blue color, very much like Windslicer’s, both of which were slitted like a cat’s and her Cutie Mark was of a Firefox looming over a blue sphere. The mare’s hind hooves were covered in steel jet-black boots, with a long midnight blue cloak hanging from behind her shoulders, held by a large bright purple gemstone. To finish her appearance off, she had a large silvery and purple scythe having a crescent shaped blade at the end, with a gleaming purple gemstone at the top.

“Oh, Queen Moon! I didn’t see you over there!” Garnet Blaze Bijuu chirped in a bubbly energetic voice. “Oh yes, I’m really happy that my army is training so hard! It’s gonna make the upcoming battle so much more fun!”

“Oh, I don’t doubt that it will be my dear.” Nightmare Moon, reaching over and patting Garnet Blaze on the head, earning a giggle from the Earth Pony mare. “You are a mare that strives for exciting things to happen, and I know that this will probably be the most exciting thing that you’ve ever experienced!”

Garnet Blaze squealed, trotting in place as she held her scythe in her mouth, before calming down and replying, “Oh yay! This battle is going to be so amazing! I can almost feel my scythe shaking in my hooves, like it wants to just go and slice as many ponies as possible before they even get here!” She said, swinging her weapon around as if there was somepony in front of her she was trying to slice. “I can even feel the Tailed Beast inside of me roaring and slamming against its cage too! It really wants to get out! I wanna let it out so badly, but I can’t because our enemies aren’t here, and I feel if they don’t get here it’s gonna just explode!”

“Patience my child…all will come in due time. You won’t have to wait for much longer to unleash the beast nestled within your soul.” Nightmare Moon replied, putting a hoof in the shaking mare’s shoulder. “If there is one thing that being trapped on the Moon has taught me, and quite well might I add, is that patience is a virtue. If you wait long enough, good things will come to you, and trust me when I say, it will be splendid!”

“Um…don’t you mean patience is a virtue?” Garnet Blaze asked, blinking a bit as she tilted her head. “Or something like that?”

“Er, yes dear, that.” Nightmare Moon murmured, sweat dropping a bit. “Forgive me, I was a bit too into the moment there.”

“That’s okay! Everypony gets caught up in the heat of a lot of things, even victory!” Garnet Blaze giggled, going back to her bubbly demeanor. “Just as long as you still remember what’s at stake and what you need to do, it’s all good!”

The sin black Alicorn nodded, smiling in approval at the tan Earth Pony. “Indeed.”

Just then, Nightmare Moon, Garnet Blaze, and just above everypony else either froze or jumped when they heard an enormously loud bang from inside the training room. As it echoed about the room, they heard a familiar voice cry out, “MOTHER!”

Nightmare Moon’s expression of glee turned into one of worry as she looked up and saw her ‘daughter’ flying through the Darky Army like a demon bat out of hell. Judging by the terrified shock on her face, Nightmare Moon believed that something had went seriously wrong, and as Nyx got closer, that feeling grew.

“Mother, mother, you need to come quick!” Nyx cried as she stopped in front of the larger Alicorn and Garnet Blaze. “There’s something you really need to see!”

“Calm down my child, breath, please.” Nightmare Moon instructed firmly, yet calmly. “What is going on?”

Nyx took a couple of minutes catch her breath, before she finally looked up at her ‘mother’, her draconic eyes as wide as the horseshoes on her hooves. After sucking in another large breath, she finally began to speak. ”I...I was outside of the castle looking out into the horizon when I saw some light coming from the Everfree Plains! At first I thought that it was just animals fighting, but when I got a closer look I realized that it was actually ponies; at least thirteen of them!

“Thirteen ponies?” Nightmare Moon murmured, her eyes widening slightly. She took a moment to think, before she looked back at her daughter and asked. “Hold on…one of them didn’t happen to be a Thestral mare with golden yellow eyes, tri-colored forelegs, and much too long for a mane and tail, would they?”

“Y…yes, there was a mare that looked like that, she also didn’t have a Cutie Mark either.” Nyx added, looking to have finally caught her breath. “Are…are those the mares that you were telling me about that were after the Elements of Harmony?”

“If one of them was that excuse of a Thestral, then there’s no doubt that they are.” Nightmare Moon snarled softly, looking off to the side. “Also, you said that there are six other ponies with them? What did they look like? Were they Royal Guards or were they Ariel Flyers?”

“Well, one of them was a Pegasus stallion that had a deep royal blue coat, a deep blue and golden yellow mane and tail with garnet eyes. Another was a Pegasus mare with an ebony black coat with a black and dark purple mane and tail with golden yellow eyes. There were also two Pegasus ponies that had black striped dark grey coats, with black manes and tails; one having light blue eyes, and the other having deep red eyes. There was a palomino colored Pegasus mare with a chocolate mane and tail and sky-blue eyes, and a light brown Thestral stallion with a light brown and deep red mane and tail skirt, along with violet eyes.” Nyx quickly explained, naming out the Shadowbolt's descriptions in the blink of an eye. “There was also another creature there…a cross between a bird and a pony. He had a deep indigo mane and tail, with an azure blue coat, and even lighter blue eyes as well. I don’t know about that creature, but I could tell from the body language of the other six ponies, that one is a Royal Guard, and the others are Ariel Flyers.”

“Wow, not that is a lot more of ponies, more than I thought there’d be!” Garnet commented, looking pretty surprise. “It looks like Queen Moon’s sister sent more ponies to get the Elements of Harmony that I thought she would.”

“A cross between a pony and a bird…now I know that I’ve heard a creature like that before, but where?” Nightmare Moon murmured, looking down at the ground. A moment later, she shook her head before addressing Nyx once more. “No matter, the fact that there are over thirteen ponies, one being another Thestral, and another creature I’ve never seen before lets me know that our foes have come sooner than I thought.”

“Yes…much sooner than we both thought they would.” Nyx murmured. “What’re we going to do?”

“Don’t worry my dear daughter, I know exactly what to do.” Nightmare Moon assured, putting a hoof on the smaller Alicorn’s shoulder. “Captain Nightshade!”

In less than two seconds, the Captain of the Galaxy Star Bolts came swooping in, and gave a brief bow to her Queen. “Your Majesty?”

“Oh good, you’re here.” Nightmare Moon said, smiling with approval. “It appears that our dear opponents have arrived a little bit ahead of schedule, and they have some allies with them, several of them being Ariel Flyers. I want you and the rest of your team to go and take care of them, but don’t lay a hoof on the others they have with them. I will take care of them myself, along with a few other members of my army.”

“Are you wish my Queen.” Nightshade nodded, standing upright before calling out into the room. “Stratus, Blueball, Starry Skies, Charger, let’s go! We have a few unwanted guests that we need to take care of!”

With those words, the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain spread her wings and took off towards the double doors of the training room, her team following close behind. As they left, Nyx turned back to her mother and asked, “Wait, you’re only sending the Galaxy Star Bolts out there? Wouldn’t it make sense to at least sent a couple of other ponies out there too?”

“Yeah, I wanna slice somepony in half!” Garnet Blaze nodded, frowning in disappointment. “Why can’t I go out there?!”

“Worry not my dear children… the Galaxy Star Bolts will be able to take care of whatever problem that arises with those seven ponies’ new allies.” Nightmare Moon assured. “As for the Royal Guard and the…other unusual creature with them, well, it’s not like Garnet Blaze and her Army can’t take care of them.” She glanced back down at the tan Nightmare Earth Pony. “Not yet though, all in good time.”

“Awww…” Garnet Blaze murmured, hanging her head dejectedly.

“Oh, well that does make sense…I’m sorry mother.” Nyx murmured apologetically. “So, are you and I going to take on the rest of the ponies outside?”

“Well, you yes, but me…at least not yet.” Nightmare Moon replied, smiling down at her ‘daughter’. “I have another group of ponies that I want to put against those seven ponies…not only to make things fairer, but to see if they really have what it takes to face off against me.”

Nyx paused, a sinking feeling coming into her gut as she stared up at her ‘mother’. Although she had a very good guess as to what ponies Nightmare Moon was talking about, she still couldn’t help but ask, “W…what ponies will you put against those other seven?”

“Only the some of most formidable members of Dark Army Ponies that I have, besides our dear Garnet Blaze Bijuu here.” Nightmare Moon replied, patting the aforementioned mare on her head. “For those seven mares, I’m unleashing…the Savage Six.”

Flames tore and ate through the grass of the Everfree plains as it lit up into the night sky, smoke slowly rising from the bats that were either aflame or charred to crisps. The armor of Goku, Twilight and the other six mares with them shined as brightly as the Moon above them as they surveyed the plains, keeping a lookout for their feline opponents. None of them noticed any sign or magic feeling of the Farukonchītās that they were fighting just a few minutes ago after Goku had sent them flying away in a burning mess. The Shadowbolts, Sky Ranger, and Zephyr stayed suspended above them, keeping an extra eye out for the cats, or any other Farukonchītās that may have heard the commotion and came to investigate.

“Well you guys, whaddya see?!” Goku shouted up to the sky after another moment of silence. “I don’t see any of the Farukonchītās around here, do you?!”

“No, we don’t!” Zephyr shouted back. “We’re still looking around, but we cant’s see them! We can’t even feel their magical essence right now, so they’re not close by yet!”

“I see…it looks like I packed much more power into that attack than I thought.” Goku murmured, looking down at the burnt ground beneath her. “I wonder if overdid it with that last one…”

“I think you may have, with just how much fire that I saw you pack within your last technique.” Fluttershy said draping a gigantic wing over the tan Thestral. “Still though, I wouldn’t be too worried about them. Farukonchītās are known for recovering quit quickly from critical injuries like the ones you have given them…they’re not just quick on their paws and with their magic you know.”

“Yeah, and that’s exaclty why we need to be on guard, at least until we get to the castle.” Twilight advised, walking up to the two flyers. “We don’t want to give any indication that we’re still here before those cats come back to try to get us again. The longer we stay here, especially in these forms, the greater we’re going to get taken by surprised by the Farukonchītās.”

“So…” Pinkie Pie murmured. “…you’re saying that we need to get out of our Ascension Modes and keep a low profile?”

“Ah’m pretty sure that’s exaclty what Twi’s sayin’ Pinks.” Applejack murmured bluntly. “Ah’m startin’ t’ git a lil’ but uncomfortable in this form anyway, so I think we’d better change back now.”

“Very well then darling, if that’s what you want.” Rarity sighed, closing her eyes as her armored body shined and went back into her normal form, along with the others. “It is a bit disappointing too…I really was starting to enjoy being in that form. It really did help me give off quite the graceful appearance if I do say so myself.”

“You mean like all of the other times you went into it?” Rainbow Dash deadpanned. “Especially inside of your head?”

The alabaster Unicorn nodded eagerly. “Yes, exaclty like that dear.”

At that moment, Zephyr came flying into the scene. “Alright, it looks like we’re all done here, so we should probably get going. We have a bigger chance of not being scene now that none of you are in your Ascension modes Anymore, but there’s still a chance that we may be detected before we’re even seen.”

“Zephyr’s right, if our Ascension Modes give us away, the wind will.” Sky Ranger added, looking about the Everfree Plains, even as the fire slowly dimmed out. “Farukonchītās have a smell that’s just as good, if not better than the antelopes of Zebrica. If the wind so much as blows into the direction that Goku sent those Farukonchītās, they are going to be on our tails before they even see us in their line of sight.”

“Good idea honey, let’s-” Violet Fire began, only to stop as her nostrils flared, and she took a few sniffs of the air. A second later, her eyes widened, and a grave expression came to her face. “Oh no…”

“What is it Captain Violet Fire?” Blue Skies asked softly. “Do you sense the Farukonchītā brothers coming?”

“Well, yes and no honey.” Violet Fire said, slowly turning to look behind her. “I sense a Farukonchītā nearby…but it’s not the brothers.”

As if to show who it really was, a shadow slowly began to emerge through the golden grass, said grass giving crunches with each step that came closer. As the figure drew nearer, two dark leaf green orbs shone through the grass, and before anypony knew it, a Farukonchītā emerged from the grass, talons, wings, sabers and all. Just one look at the cat let them know that it was not one of the Farukonchītā brothers, but another one entirely. It was slightly smaller, giving most of the ponies the impression that it was a female, its fur being a solid ocean blue in color, as it her fur was made from the very ocean itself. Her body was adorned with even darker midnight blue spots, made in the same way as the lead Farukonchītā’s own coat, and her wings being a combination of her fur and eye color. Her body was hunched, and her teeth were borne ever so slightly, not exactly hostile, but not overly friendly either.

“Oh great, it’s another one of them!” Rainbow Dash snorted, glaring at the cat. “What does this one want with us?”

“I don’t know, but maybe we should ask her…something is telling me that she’s not here to eat us.” Goku replied, keeping a wing flared out to keep the cyan mare in place. “Fluttershy?”

The buttermilk Pegasus nodded, slowly walking up to the female Farukonchītā as to not make her feel threatened. The cat hissed a soft warning at her as she approached, her talon-like claws unsheathing some as the Pegasus got closer. Fluttershy stopped just short of the Farukonchītās foreleg length, and began to gently speak to her.

“Hello Ms. Farukonchītā, it’s very nice to meet you this fine evening.” Fluttershy cooed, her gentle and soothing tone making the cat pause. “I hope we didn’t scare you or anything. We were just trying to make our way through these plains and ever to that castle is all.”

The female Farukonchītā blinked for a few moments, looking back at the gigantic castle, before looking back at Fluttershy. She gave a few soft hisses and growls towards the buttermilk mare, and a moment later, Fluttershy’s eyes went wide.

“W-what? Of course we weren’t trying to come after your cubs!” Fluttershy replied, not noticing the wide eyes looks shot her way. “Why in the world would you think that? Especially since we’re all ponies?!”

The female Farukonchītās ears went back, and it pawed at the ground, hissing and growling for. few moments longer as she gestured with her forepaws. The more Fluttershy listened, the more understanding the look on her face became more present, not noticed by most of the others. When the Farukonchītā finally stopped its communication with the mare, Fluttershy turned back to the others, allowing them all see the guilt-ridden expression on her face and in her eyes.

“Everypony…” She began softly, rubbing her left foreleg. “I think we may have made a big lapse of judgement with the Farukonchītā coalition.”

“What’re ya talkin’ ‘bout sugarcube?” Applejack asked, raising a golden eyebrow.

“What Fluttershy means, is that the brothers weren’t trying to kill us.” Goku replied, having heard the conversation with her sensitive ears. “They were trying to keep us from getting to their family.”

“There…their family?” Rarity asked. “I’m afraid that I’m not understanding what you’re saying darling.”

“What I’m implying is that the Farukonchītā coalition has a family with this female, and I’m pretty sure that the biggest brother is the one who’s her mate.” The tan Thestral continued. “From what I heard her say to Fluttershy, she was nursing her six cubs when she felt magical essences, ours, from somewhere inside the plains, and she had her mate and his brothers go investigate. Which lead to us having the fight we did with them and me well…sending them flying.”

“R-really?” Twilight stammered slightly. “So…the reason why they attacked us wasn’t because we were looking for food. It was because they…they were…”

“Protecting their offspring.” Lightning Shadow murmured. “The female Farukonchītā sensed a threat to her cubs, and wanted no harm to come to them. So, in order to protect them, she had her mate and his brothers go and get rid of it…which turned out to be us.”

Sky Ranger’s ears flattened against his skull. “Oh my…”

“Awwww…we’re sorry poor kitty! We didn’t mean to frighten you or may you scared!” Pinkie Pie cooed sadly, her mane and tail drooping as her colors started to turn blue. “We didn’t you had your adorable little kitties with you hiding somewhere along here! We thought your mate and his brothers were trying to eat us and we ended up messing them up really bad! Can you forgive us?!”

Before the Farukonchītā could reply, the sound of several impacts echoed about the spot the ponies, hippogriff, and spotted feline were in. Flames immediately erupted and swirled around the group, and they all screamed out in terror. All except or the female Farukonchītā, who looked to know what was happening, and not looking pleased by it either.

“Oh, COME ON!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “We had just dealt with these guys?! can they really recover form an ass kicking that quickly?!”

“You tell me Rainbow Dash!” Fast Tracks exclaimed. “Do these flames give you a good enough answer?!”

The forms of the five Farukonchītā brothers slowly emerged from the roaring flames before the cyan mare could answer. Their eyes pierced through each of the ponies’ skulls as they glared at them, their smoked, charted and cut flames slowly healing before their eyes. The largest one walked past his mate, not sparing her a second glance as he stood in front of Fluttershy, who stayed rooted where she was. She glanced back at the female within the group, only to see her staring right back, and in those few moments, a brief message passed through them, as if they were communicating on a telepathic level. Just as quickly as they locked eyes they looked away and Fluttershy stared right back into the red ones of the lead Farukonchītā, who looked to be ready to attack.

A blue blur suddenly shot in front of the feline before he could, and it took him a second to realize that it was his made doing it. Her wings were flared, and she her teeth were borne to their fullest extent, making her mate stop dead in his tracks. She hissed and growled at the male that wasn’t in any way hostile, but in a way that all but demanded him to listen.

“What…what is she doing?” Zephyr asked, surprised by the female Farukonchītā’s actions. “I thought that her mate was going to attack us.”

“He was.” Goku replied. “But it looks like her mate is stopping us from doing so.”

The next minute or two, the two Farukonchītās conversed, soft hisses, purrs, and growls resounding from them as they did so. The ponies stood behind them, keeping their guards up as they glanced at each of the other four, who looked to be waiting for their leader’s command. Another minute later, the male Farukonchītā glanced back at Fluttershy, walking towards her in a way that let her know he had something to say. She listened intently as he growled in hissed at her, his tail swaying behind her as he stood protectively in front of his mate.

“Yes, I can assure you that none of us were here to harm your cubs or your mate. We didn’t even have any idea that your family was even here.” Fluttershy replied softly, glancing back at her friends. “Right guys?”

“Weeeeeeeell…” Pinkie Pie said innocently. “Sky Ranger did tell us that there was a super scary creature here in these plains and that it was-”

“Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash shouted, cuffing the Earth Pony on the back of her head.

“Uh, I mean…yeah, we really did not know that you were here!” Pinkie Pie nodded, realizing her mistake. “Like I said, we really thought that you and your brothers were trying to eat us, that’s all, honest!”

For the longest several moments, the Farukonchītā did nothing, his bloody orbs for eyes staring deep into the ones of each of the ponies, Sky Ranger’s included. They all stared right back, showing as much honesty in their eyes as possible as to avoid not getting eaten again. Eventually, the cat looked away, and with a soft hiss to his brothers, they all made their way towards their eldest brother, before stepping off to the side, allowing the group to pass.

“W…what?” Rarity breathed. “They’re...letting us go?”

“Well duh, they believe us when we said what we said so obviously.” Rainbow Dash replied, gesturing to the six felines. “Now come on, let’s get to that castle already! It’s already within our reach, and I wanna get to that Nightmare bitch already!”

“We get it Dash, keep yer saddle on.” Applejack sighed, grabbing the cyan mare’s tail and pulling her back. “Let’s all go together though, don’t wanna risk ya gettin’ caught like with last time before we faced off against those wooly lil’ doggies.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “One time.”

“Well, if they’re letting us go than I say we go now.” Fast Tracks said, flying head. “I really don’t want to have my eyes clawed out by these guys.”

Blue Skies nodded. “You and me both.”

As the ponies and one hippogriff made their way through the Farukonchītā family, Fluttershy stopped upon hearing a sudden hiss from behind her. Looking back, she saw the lead Farukonchītā hissing at her, his ears pinned back, and his teeth bared in a way that made it seem like he was giving her a warning. Fluttershy let out an audible gulp, and nodded towards the feline, before quickly trotting ahead, stopping next to Goku.

“You okay there Fluttershy?” Goku asked, noticing the mare’s look. “You look like you’ve seen a spirit or something.”

“Y-yes, I’m fine; the Farukonchītās were just giving us a little farewell.” Fluttershy replied, taking a few deep breaths. “He…he also added a little bit of a warning to us…all of us.”

The tan Thestral’s eyebrow raised. “Oh? and what did he tell you?”

Fluttershy hesitated for a few moments, before looking Goku in the eyes and saying. “The lead Farukonchītā said…that if gets any suspicion that we’re after him and his family, even after what happened just now, then he was going to show us the biggest reasons why his kind are known as the Demons of Speed. Emphasis on the demon part, and not in a way thay any of us will like.”

Against everypony’s expectations, the gallop and flight to the castle of the two sisters didn’t not take anywhere near as long as the group thought that it would. It took just another ten minutes before the group found themselves at the very edge of the Everfree Plains, just in front of the Nightmare Castle. They would’ve merely walked their way up to it, had it not been for the giant crevasse that went all the way around the castle in a giant circle. It left them no choice but to fly each other over to the caste, except there was a large icy bridge right in front of them allowing them a free path up the castle.

“This…is not what I was expecting to see.” Rarity replied after a long stretch of silence. “I mean, we all did see the castle but…I wasn’t expecting to see a bridge here.”

“Forget the bridge, look at the ground around the castle!” Twilight said, pointing at the icy grass and dirt not too far away from them. “It’s all a bright icy blue color rather than its usual green and brown color, and its glittering like diamonds. Do you think that Nightmare Moon cover it with magic or something?”

“Ah have no idea, but one thing Ah will say.” Applejack replied, pawing at the ground beneath her golden hooves. “It looks really cold an’ hard enough t’ slip on.”

“That it does.” Goku nodded. “So is anypony going to muster up enough bravery to go and investigate?”

“I will!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed before anypony could. “I’m real sick and tired of you always taking the lead on things G! This time, I’m going to take the lead and see what freaky things that Nightmare Moon has for us out here!”

“Fee free Dash, but we’re going to be coming with you just in case.” Violet Fire said softly, yet firmly. “Not that we’re doubting your capabilities, but we’d rather not take the chance of you getting yourself caught or attacked like the last couple of times you did.”

Rainbow Dash snarled. “One time, V, one time!”

The ebony black mare giggled as she and the rest of her team followed Rainbow Dash over the icy bridge, where the behemoth of a castle was standing. They looked around the front yard of the castle, taking in the sight of the gleaming and icy looking grass and ground around them. Even though it looked like they could slip on them they still moved and swayed as it was any other ordinary grass.

“Wow, now this stuff is just weird.” Fast Tracks murmured. “It looks like Nightmare Moon made a bit more decorations to her castle than she thought she would.”

“Uh-huh…” Blue Skies nodded. “…and it looks really cold too. I feel like I’ll freeze over if I even step on it!”

“Exaclty what I was thinking.” Lightning Shadow murmured. “As unusual as this all looks, we still shouldn’t let that distract us. If we let our guards down for even one second, then we’ll be falling into whatever trap that Nightmare Moon has for us.”

Lightning Shadow nodded. “And that will be bad for all of us here, and not just the Shadowbolts either.”

“Did you find anything Rainbow Dash?” Violet Fire asked, glancing over at the cyan mare, who was also glancing around. “Anything like a trap or something?”

“No, nothing yet, but the second I do, I’m going to blast it all the way back to kingdom come and beyond!” Rainbow Dash replied. “And anypony here tries a sneak attack on me, I’ll drive them into the ground!” After a few more moments of searching, Rainbow Dash relaxed and called to the rest of her friends. “Alright guys, the bridge is nice and secure! You can come on and cross it now!”

If the cyan mare was expecting any response from the rest of her friends, she didn’t immediately get one from any of them. They all stood where they were, as if some unknown force was holding them in place and keeping them from crossing the bridge.

“Uh, you guys, did you hear me?!” Rainbow Dash asked even louder. “I said that you could cross now!”

This time, the Pegasus did get a response from one of her friends, this one being from Applejack. However, Rainbow was completely unprepared for the farmer’s words.

“Uh, Rainbow Dash,” The tangerine mare called out, her voice filled with confusion in worry. “Ya might wanna take a look down into this ‘ere pit ya went down!”

“What?!” The cyan mare asked in surprise. “Why?!”

“Just look down hon’!” Applejack continued, pointing a hoof down. “Ah think ya might see somethin’ thay may worry ya!”

Raising a prismatic eyebrow, Rainbow Dash walked over to the edge of the cliff on the left side of the bridge. Looking down, she felt her entire body stiffen and her blood freeze over when she saw a faint light spreading all throughout the pit. As she continued to stare down at it, she began to notice that it was getting progressively brighter.

‘Wait…is that really light coming from out of there? Because that seriously looks like something else down there.’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself, flicking her tail. As the strange light continued to travel up, her ears picked up a weird crunching sound, and recognition clicked in her eyes, horror gripping her heart. ‘Wait…that’s not light…that’s-!’

As Rainbow Dash kept staring down at the crevasse below her, Fast Tracks came up to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Yo Dash, what’s going on? is there something you’re seeing down in that crevasse there?”

No sooner did those words leave the light brown stallion’s mouth, the cyan mare found herself calling out to the rest of her friends. “VIOLET FIRE, EVERYPONY!!! GET THE BUCK OVER HERE NOW!!!” Rainbow Dash screamed, making Fast Tracks jump back in shock. “THERE’S A WALL OF ICE HEADING UP THIS CREVASSE; HURRY!!!”

None of them needed to be told a second time, for the Shadowbolts were already flying towards the cyan mare before she even finished talking. Goku and the rest were following behind just a couple seconds later, with Sapphire tailing behind them. As they made their way across the bridge, the light below them glowed brighter, much brighter than before. Right as they were about to reach the end, there was a loud rumbling before the light exploded into a bright ethereal light that they had seen from inside the forest before battling the serpents. It just barely missed Sky Ranger as he and the rest of the group collided with it, preventing them from reaching their friends, soon turning into a giant wall of impenetrable ice.

“Oh no, we’re trapped!” Rainbow Dash cried, rearing up and slamming her forehooves on the ground. “I seriously did not expect Nightmare Moon to have a wall of ice waiting for us! how did she manage to make one this big?!”

“I have no idea, but I was not expecting that either.” Fast Tracks replied, a frown forming on his face. “Then again, there could be some other crevices and entrances down in that pit, so she could’ve used that to hide this ice wall-er…case to trap us..”

“Well, she certainly selected her ice wall’s hiding place quite precisely. I’ll give her that…” Lightning Shadow grunted, her ears flattening. “What I don’t understand is, why isn’t she coming out to confront us?”

“…Yeah…good question.” Storm Shadow murmured, her eyes scanning the area. “You think she might be sending somepony else here?”

“Maybe, but I guess we’ll find out soon enough.” Violet Fire replied, standing protectively beside Rainbow Dash. “Stay on guard everypony, be sure to keep your eyes open all around you; especially in the ground.”

Right as those words left the ebony black mare’s mouth, another voice floating through the misty area.

“Rainbow Dash…Rainbow Dash…”

The cyan mare’s head snapped into the direction of the voice, her ears swiveling left and right as she tried to determine if she really heard it. A moment passed, and she slowly began to relax, thinking that she must’ve been hearing things. As she turned to look at Violet Fire, the voice called out to her again.

“Rainbow Dash, come here my dear.”

“Rainbow Dash, is something the matter?” Violet Fire asked, lifting up her goggles as she gave the other mare a look of worry. “Do you see an animal nearby?”

“No…but I definitely hear somepony calling out my name.” Rainbow Dash replied curtly, her pinned and her lips curled back slightly.

“Somepony’s calling you?” Fast Tracks said, his ears perking up in alarm. “Is…is it Nightmare Moon?”

“No, I don’t think so…it doesn’t sound like it’s her. So, I’m sure that it’s somepony else saying my name.” The cyan mare replied, not looking at the light brown stallion. With a snort, she whirled around and lowered her head, planting her hooves wide as she flared her wings. “Whose there, c’mon out and show yourself! I heard you calling out my name, so why don’t you come out and well me who you are!” She shouted, baring her fangs out to their fullest extent as her wing claws jutted out.

“Oh, don’t look so scared Rainbow Dash, we’re not here to hurt you.” The voice, sounding quite feminine said reassuringly. “It’s alright, we’re not here to harm you, or your little friends either.”

“Oh yeah? I highly doubt that!” Fast Tracks shouted back, obviously not believing…whoever it was that was talking. “If you’re not trying to attack us or Dash, then why are you hiding like you are trying to?! As far as I’m concerned, anypony who does that is just asking for trouble!”

“Hmmmm, yes…it does seem like we’re doing that aren’t we? We apologize of we’re coming off as a little…suspicious to you all.” The voice said, echoing about the mist like a gentle breeze. “We can assure you, that we’re not here with any intention to harm any of you…as a matter of a fact, we’ve actually been expecting you from quite some time now.”

“Expecting us?" Storm Shadow repeated, tilting her head slightly. “You mean, you’ve been waiting for us and Rainbow Dash to come here?”

“Well, maybe not all of you per say, since the four of you looked to be quite the…dark and formidable Ariel Flight Team.” The unknown mare said, an unnerving chuckle following her words. “We’ve been mostly expecting that beautiful young mare you have with you there.”

“Wait, do you mean Rainbow Dash?!” Lightning Shadow asked, her ruby eyes widening as she made the connection. When there was no reply the light grey mare’s ears pinned back as she dragged her hoof across the ground. “What do you want with her?!”

“We can assure you that it’s nothing bad if that’s you may be thinking.” The mare replied, her tone carrying what sounded like mild amusement. “We can tell just by the look of her that she’s quite the experienced flyer, which makes it all the more wonderful that she’s here.”

“Why are you so interested in how good of a flyer she is?” Violet Fire asked firmly, her tone laced with suspicion as she put a protective wing in front of Rainbow Dash. “As a matter of a fact, how do you even know her name like she asked? If you know her name, then you must know just how good of a flyer she is!”

“Oh, we do my dear, we all most certainly do know that she is an excellent flyer. The bravest, most magnificent flyer in all of the land.” The mare replied, her voice seeming to flow like water through a stream. “And it is for that reason alone that we are here to see her in pony.”

“Is that so?” Fast Tracks asked briskly, his violet eyes flashing. “Then I guess you wouldn’t mind telling us just what other reason you’re here to see her. Based on how you’re talking about her, you must be a Pegasus like us, so let me ask you this. Why is it that you’re so concerned about how well she can fly? And why is it that you’re so thrilled that she’s a Pegasus?”

“So we could see if you would accept our offer that we plan to give her.” The mare replied simply. “One that I’m sure without a single shadow of a doubt that she would not want to refuse…”

“Offer?” Rainbow Dash paused, getting out of her offensive stance and standing upright. “What do you mean by offer? Just what are you planning to offer me?”

“The offer to join the greats, fastest, most powerful Ariel Fight Team in all of the Everfree; and soon to be all of Equestria. Along with the entire universe!” The mare said, her voice raising in volume and power. “The graceful, the formidable, the unpredictable, and the magnificent…Galaxy Star Bolts!”

The moment those three words were said, a powerful blast of wind rocketed out from within the mist, wave of dust to rush towards Rainbow Dash and the rest of the Shadowbolts. The cyan mare enough time to widen her eyes before she found herself in the protective embrace of Violet Fire as the dust swept over them. They and the rest of the team stayed like that for a few moments, before it receded, allowing the several Pegasi to get up from their ducked positions and look around. They saw the outlines of ponies walking out of the shadows, and immediately put up fighting stances as they came closer to them. When the unknown figures fully came into view, each of the other Pegasi felt their eyes widen in surprise and total shock.

The ponies standing in front of them, as Rainbow Dash and the others expected, were Pegasus ponies like them, as evident by the wings spread on either side of them. There were at least five of them, as they looked very closely, the cyan mare and the Shadowbolts could see that each of them had some very distinguishing features on all of them. There were two stallions and three mares, all of which looking to be quite large and foreboding, each of them covered in an ethereal aura. Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts could also see that it they were dressed in suits that were very similar, yet at the same time, very different from theirs.

Like the Shadowbolts, their suits were black, but instead of it just being where their head masks and hooves were, it was black almost all over. All over their suits, were the outlines of a rather beautiful multitude of stars, just like the ones found in the Milky Way Galaxy. It was as if they were wearing the very galaxy itself, due to how the unknown Pegasi’s suits seem to twinkle brightly in the mist. Where their masks were, they were shade a deep midnight blue, also having the same stars within the larger part of the suit, with the same being where their hooves were. In between those two colors, where a line of pure white stars going around their necks, and hooves, preventing the colors form merging into one another. As a finishing touch to their attire, right where their flanks are, where their Cutie Marks were supposed to be, was the symbol of the Milky Way Galaxy, with a golden star right in the middle.

Another thing that Violet Fire, her team, and Rainbow Dash noticed was the dark and vibrant colors of their manes, tails, and muzzles that stuck out from within their suits. The first one, in the middle, was a mare, with a royal blue mane and tail and a light blue coat, and deep peru red eyes that were lighter than Moon Blade’s. The second pony at the right side of her was a stallion with a spikey cyan mane and tail, with streaks of white in the center of the. His muzzle was a very pale grey color, with what looked to be a scar on the left side of his mouth, and he had a pair of sea green eyes. The third pony on the left side of the first one was a mare with a deep shade of bluish-purple fur, a lighting shaped bluish violet mane and tail. Her eyes were a very pale lavender, and there even looked to be volts of electricity dancing about her mane and tail, which really took the other ponies by surprise. The fourth pony next to the second one was a mare with pale violet fur, and a somewhat wavy pale pink mane and tail with white streaks, and deep ocean blue eyes. The last pony at the far right of the third pony was a stallion with greenish gray fur, along with a bit of a goatee formed under his chin. He had a silvery cyan mane and tail, the tail looking like it was shaped like a tornado, and he had a set of gleaming emerald green eyes.

“Holy shit…” Rainbow Dash said, staring wide-eyed at the Pegasi in front of her and the Shadowbolts. “Are…are you guys the Galaxy Star Bolts?”

“Why yes Rainbow Dash, we most certainly are.” The first pony, the mare from earlier, replied smoothly, flashing the cyan mare a small grin. “So…do you all like what you see?”

“Like what we see? We don’t even know what we’re supposed to be looking at!” Fast Tracks exclaimed, taking a couple steps back. “Just what in the hay are we even supposed to be looking at anyway?!”

“Oh come now, weren’t you listening to a thing that I just said?” The mare chuckled, giving a light shake of her head. “Though, I suppose I can’t blame you for being so shocked. This is the first time you’re seeing a team as rare as us, so I can see why you’re having such a hard time taking this in.”

“Not really…some of us are just a little taken aback by how some of you look. Though, we can see why you’re called the Galaxy Star Bolts, since you do have that galaxy texture and stars in your suits.” Storm Shadow replied calmly, her bright blue eyes scanning over each of the Pegasi in front of her and her team. “Speaking of which? Would you mind telling us who you all are? I don’t think it’d be very appropriate for us to be calling you by your team name. Plus, something tells me you already know our names too, so you may as well tell us all of yours.”

“Why yes Storm Shadow, we do…we know quite a bit about you and your team…along with your dear sweet Captain Violet Fire.” The first mare said casually, giving the dark grey Pegasus a small grin. “But you are right, where are my manners? It would be appropriate for me to tell mine and the rest of my team’s name. We wouldn’t want to start our little contest when we don’t even know both teams’ names, now would we?”

The royal blue maned mare walked over to the cyan blue Pegasus stallion beside her. “This fierce looking stallion is Stratus, he’s just as fierce as he looks and is quite the fighter in the air. He also has…a bit of a temper, and is quite prone to get angry very easily, so you may want to watch what you say around him.”

“Damn straight.” Stratus growled, his voice deep and gruff as he glared at the other Pegasi in front of him. “None of you had better mess with me in any way, or else you’re gonna find yourselves in a full body wing and hoof cast, drinkin’ through a straw! That I can promise you!”

“See? Quite the anger…” The Galaxy Stat Bolt leader said with a slight giggle, before gesturing to the pink maned mare besides Stratus. “This lovely mare is Starry Skies…she’s quite the experienced user of the wind and storms, and knows how to use them better than anypony here. Anypony who’s in this tactful mare’s line of wind or lighting attack from her will find it extremely difficult to escape it, let alone, survive it.”

“Pleased you make your acquaintance, fellow brothers and sisters.” Starry Skies said sweetly, giving a polite head bow. “I do hope that we have a wonderful time getting to know each other.”

Giving the pale pink maned Pegasus, now named Starry Skies, a pat on the back, the first mare turned to the bluish violet maned mare beside her. “This little vibrant sweetheart of a mare here is called Blueball Blitz. I know what you may be thinking right now, why is it that she has little electric volts in her mane? Well, I’ll put it to you this way…dear Blitz here has quite the affinity for lightning and thunder. So much so that it’s like she was destined to master it before she even used it. I would advise you to be very careful with her…she has the tendency to get carried away with our little…playdates.”

“Hiya! It’s really really, REALLY nice to meet all of you!” Blueball Blitz replied in an overly cheerful voice, giving Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts and unnaturally wide grin. “I can’t wait for the all the super-duper awesome fun that we’re going to have! I hope that you all can keep up with me, because I do not hold back in any type of fun ever, heehee!”

‘Yeesh…’ Rainbow Dash murmured, a chill running down her spine. ‘This mare is like a Pegasus version of Pinkie Pie!’

Blue Skies whimpered. “S-scary…!”

“Oh yes, that reminds me…little Blueball Blitz is potentially the fastest one here in the entire team. So be sure that you can keep up with her in the air like she said, or else you’ll find yourself in for quite the…shocker of a result of your mistake.” The Galaxy Star Bolt leader said, giving Blueball an affectionate pat on the head, before turning to the last Pegasus with her. “This handsome stallion here is Charger, one of the best weather masters here on the team, besides me and Starry Skies. His name is rather fitting of his skills, because he can charge up quite the amount of power in any of his attacks and make them as strong as he likes. So be sure to make any of your attacks as strong as his if you ever end up facing him…or you’ll find yourself in quite the whirlwind of trouble.”

“Hey there little kiddies.” Charger said, his voice, deep and raspy, yet smooth. “A nice time to meet ya this fine night. I hope get to know each other quite well, if you’re willin’.”

“Hmhmhm, quite the gentlemen, isn’t he?” The first mare said as she walked away from charger to stand in between her whole team. “Last but most certainly not least, there is me, the current leader of my team. I am known as Nightshade, and I am the one in command of all of these wonderful dears here. We are also all under the command of the most wonderful leader we have ever had…I think you know who I’m talking about.”

“…Your leader is Nightmare Moon, isn’t it?” Lightning Shadow asked, narrowing her ruby red eyes. “You five are affiliated with her?”

“That we are, dear Lightning Shadow.” Nightshade nodded, winking at the light grey mare. “I have to say, we are quite lucky to have a leader like her. She did so much to help us reach where we are today, the suits, the power, the skills, the speed…all so we can achieve our dream and goal to become the most feared flyers in the Everfree and Equestria. Oh, we don’t know what we’d do without her, or where we’d be if she hadn’t taken us under her wing.”

“Wonderful leader huh?” Fast Tracks asked with a snort. “Well then, if she’s such a ‘wonderful leader’ to you all, then why did she do all the stuff that she did back in Ponyville?!”

The Galaxy Star Bolts paused, looking at each other with what looked to be confusion, before looking back at the Shadowbolts.

“I’m afraid we don’t quite know what you mean Fast Tracks.” Nightshade said, raising a royal blue eyebrow at the light brown stallion. “Our Queen didn’t tell us about anything she had done anywhere since she got here. All she did was escape from the Moon and-”

“BULLSHIT!” Rainbow Dash yelled, sharply cutting off the Galaxy Star Bolt leader as she stomped a hoof. “You expect us to believe that you don’t know what Nightmare Moon had done when she returned from her time-out from the Moon?! Sorry, Captain Nightshade, but we all know exactly what your so-called ‘Queen’ really did when she was in our town! Me and my friends all saw it with our own two eyes! She came into our town at the start of the Summer Sun Celebration, nearly destroyed the whole Town Square! She injured and nearly killed everypony inside, including me, my friends, and our siblings, as a result of her little bucking stunt! Worst of all, she attacked our Queen, her sister, and stabbed her right through the chest in front of hundreds of ponies!”

“WHAT?!” Violet Fire yelled, looking at Rainbow Dash with an expression of horrified shock. “Queen Celestia…was almost killed?!”

“Yes, she was! That bitch stabbed Queen Celestia with her own horn, in front of everypony in the Town Square, including me and my friends!” The cyan mare replied in a slightly calmer tone as she faced the ebony mare. She could still remember the look of horror on Twilight’s face from the sight of the Queen being taken down so easily by Nightmare Moon, as well as the scream she let out shortly after. The memory sent a shiver down Rainbow Dash’s spine as she thought about it, but she did her best not to show it. “If that wasn’t enough, she even so far as to shock her with a thousand volts of electricity, before letting her fall of her horn! Not only that, she even set the whole Town Square on fire, while ponies were still in it before she left! She’s lucky that Applejack was there to stop me from going after her, otherwise I would’ve given her the shock of a bucking lifetime, made her feel every bit of pain she gave the Queen!”

“Holy…holy shit.” Fast Tracks murmured quietly. “I had no idea that she caused so much damage.”

“Neither did we…” Nightshade nodded, slowly getting over her surprise. “I suppose our dear Queen was happier to be free from her prison than I thought.”

“Happy?! Happy?! She was acting goddamn sadistic psycho when she invaded the bucking Town Square and attacked the Queen!” Rainbow Dash shouted, staring at the light blue mare incredulously. “I’d say that her being happy to be gone from the damn Moon is a major understatement!”

“Yes, maybe it is…I’ll have to ask the Queen just what went down at your home when this is over.” Nightshade said, giving the enraged cyan mare a small grin. “Well, we can worry about that later…we still have some business that we need to take care of here.“

“Business?” Storm Shadow asked suspiciously. “What kind of business?”

“The offer that we were planning to give to her earlier of course. You were listening to what we were saying weren’t you Storm Shadow?” The Galaxy Star Bolt Captain replied, giving a little laugh. “So Rainbow Dash, have you made up your mind about joining our team?”

“…What?” Rainbow Dash asked darkly, narrowing her eyes.

“You heard me dear, we want to you to join me and the rest of my team as a member of what will soon be known as the greatest Ariel Flight Team that ever roamed the land.” Nightshade said, grinning widely at the cyan mare. “You have the speed, the agility, strength, and the technique for us to be able to achieve that goal. Not to mention that you are from a family that’s part of the Secret Seven, the seven most powerful clans that Equestria has ever seen! It would be an enormous benefit for all of us if we had a pony, a Pegasus pony, like that on a team like ours! Plus, with the powers, techniques, and the reputation that those families have…it would make us even more feared and respected then we could ever hope to dream of! All that we need a somepony that fits all of those calibers, and that pony, my dear Rainbow Dash…is you.”

Nothing was said after that for a moment or two. Rainbow Dash, the Shadowbolts, and the Galaxy Star Bolt all stayed where they were, both Ariel Teams looking at Rainbow with faces of expectance and worry. Rainbow Dash stood where she was, her head lowered and her prismatic mane hanging over her face, covering her eyes.

“So…let me get this straight for a second here.” She finally began, her voice even and calm. “You want me, Rainbow Dash Wisp, to join you, the Galaxy Star Bolts, and work under Nightmare Moon? The very same pony who took control of Queen Celestia’s sister and took her away from her all those decades ago? The very same pony who invaded my home’s Town Hall and hurt injured so many ponies? The very same monster, who attacked the Queen and nearly killed her on the spot? That’s who you want me to work under if I join your team?”

“Well, I wouldn’t really say work under, or even serve her. More like team up with Nightmare Moon in achieving her goal of Eternal Night, while she helps us achieve ours.” Nightshade replied, giving a little shrug as she gave a little motion with her hoof. “And if you say yes to our offer, she will most certainly help you achieve yours, as being known as the best flyer in all of Equestria. So…what do you say Rainbow? Do you accept our offer in joining our team, and becoming a member of the greatest flyers there are?”

Once again, another stretch of silence echoed about the valley as the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain eagerly waited for the cyan mare’s response. The Shadowbolts besides Rainbow Dash also waited for what she would say, although they were more worried and anxious than their soon-to-be combatants. Rainbow Dash still stayed where she was, not a single hair on her body moving as her head remained lowered, her eyes completely shadowed. The silence was almost palpable, and for a single moment, the Shadowbolts began to worry that the athlete really was going to accept her offer.

A worry that was immediately destroyed just a few seconds later.

Before anypony realized what was happening, cerise lightning exploded from out Rainbow Dash, causing chunks of earth and dust to explode all around her. The Shadowbolts and Galaxy Star Bolts all jumped back in shock and surprise at this sudden action, none of them having expected it to happen. Rainbow Dash’s head snapped up, revealing to magenta orbs of light for eyes that blazed brightly with unbridled fury in them. Rearing up on her hind legs, the cyan mare flared her prismatic feathers out, her thestral-like fangs bared as she yelled out the first response that formed in her mind.

“LIKE BUCKING HAY!!!”

Faster than almost everypony could blink, Rainbow Dash gave a hard clap of her wings, allowing a huge bolt of lightning to burst out of them. Its bird-like chirps could be heard all throughout the misty fog as it zoomed to towards a gob-smacked Nightshade and her team. It exploded the moment it hit its intended target, stopping just a few inches from the Galaxy Star Bolts as they all instinctively jumped back. The effect was just like one when Rainbow Dash summoned the lightning, and the five ponies used their wings to cover the cloud of dust that exploded in front of them. As it settled, the Galaxy Star Bolts looked up at the cyan mare, staring in shock right into her anger-filled glowing eyes.

“You guys are absolutely out of your bucking minds if you think I’m going to join a group of assholes like you!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily a growl leaving her throat as she gave a snort. “Do you really think I’d accept the offer that you’re giving me after all that’s happened in the last several hours?! I’ve seen what you’re bitch of a Queen did to our home, I’ve seen just how much a ‘wonderful’ leader she is after nearly killing the Queen and everypony else at the Summer Sun Celebration, and let me tell you, she is the worst Queen I have ever seen in my entire life! Nopony in their right mind would follow somepony that dared to do what she did to so many innocent ponies, unless they were complete deranged psychopaths like her!”

Dragging her hoof across the ground, the cyan mare gave a violent flap of her wings as she took to the air above the other Pegasi. The lightning that was so violently dancing around her vanished, but her eyes still retained that angry cerise glow. “I don’t know what Queen Luna was like before she became Nightmare Moon, but from what Queen Celestia told us about her, she sounded pretty awesome. And if that’s really the case, then I can pretty much say without a doubt that she would’ve been two hundred percent cooler than your Queen is and ever will be! A real Queen wouldn’t do something as uncool as harming innocent ponies, let alone attack another ruler without any reason for retaliation! Anypony who would even think of following and working for a pony like that is even more insane than she is, and based on that ‘offer’ you planned to give me, that would mean that you’re those insane ponies! You guys probably are a pretty fast and powerful Ariel Fight Team, and I’m betting you do have an HQ somewhere in the Everfree, but after everything that’s happened, there is no way that I’d join anypony who serves Nightmare Moon! So you can take your little offer for me to join your team, and shove it up your galaxy stared asses, because my answer for you, is NO BUCKING WAY!!!”

Heavy rapid breaths escaped from Rainbow Dash’s throat after those words were spoken, as she was obviously tired form that rage-filled tirade. The glow in her eyes receded somewhat as she took some time to recover from her explosive outburst. The Shadowbolts looked at her with wide-eyed expressions, which slowly morphed into relieved, and even proud smiles at her words of choice, happy that she didn’t accept. The same could somewhat be said for the Galaxy Star Bolts, but as their shock off, their faces morphed into ones of narrow-eyed frowns as each of their eyes gleamed dangerously.

“Are you sure that you don’t want to reconsider that?” Nightshade asked, her voice dangerously calm as she took a step forward. “You’re throwing away a chance of a lifetime here Rainbow Dash, one you may never get again. Think hard about this, because it is something that I really, really think that you’ll come to enjoy in due time.”

“Chance of a lifetime? Oh, don’t worry, I already have that, though not in the way that you’re thinking.” Rainbow Dash said curtly, crossing her forehooves as she frowned hard down at the light blue mare. “I do have a chance to be something great, and that’s to be one of the greatest Wonderbolts that ever existed on the face of Equestria! To me, that is the best chance of a lifetime that I could ever hope to have, and one that’s a hay of a lot better than any that you could ever hope to give me! So you can just take your offer, and shove it up your non-existent starry asses!”

“Is that so…?” Nightshade asked slowly, tilting her head to the side. “I take it that means you’re declining our offer?”

“I think I already made that pretty obvious, but yeah, you bet your starry asses I’m turning down your offer!” The cyan mare huff, holding her head up proudly. “I’ve said it a bunch of times before, and I’ll say it again, if doing anything like this, means that I have to leave my friends behind, then I’m not going to do it! I never ever leave any of my friends in the rut for whatever reason anypony may have! Never have, and never wi-AAAAAAAGH!!!”

Rainbow Dash didn’t get to finish he sentence, for before she could, she felt pain blossom into her stomach and spread throughout her entire body. Her eyes shot open wide, the glow in them completely giving out as she hunched over in midair, the air in her lungs knocked out. A pain-filled scream rang out of her throat as a glob of blood flew out her mouth, the audible sound of bones cracking filling her sharp ears as peru electricity coursed through her body. She had just a few seconds to notice a light and royal blue wing filling her vision before she found herself flying through the mist and crashing into what felt like an ice-cold wall. The cyan mare fell to the ground with a sickening thud, her forelegs immediately wrapping around her barrel as she tried desperately to soothe the pain in her stomach.

“Well, that’s quite a shame. I was hoping that we could get through this without having to use any unnecessary force.” Nightshade said, wiping the blood off her suit as she let out a sigh. “Oh well…it looks like we will have to do this the hard way then.”

“Rainbow Dash!” Blue Skies cried, rushing over to the fallen mare, her Captain and teammates following close behind her.

“O-oh...buck, that hurt…!” Rainbow Dash groaned, her face contorted with pain as she leaned in against Shadow Steps chest. “That mare can really pack a punch, dammit!”

“Are you okay? Where does it hurt?” Storm Shadow asked worriedly, watching as the mare continued to writhe. “Can we see it? Please? We need to see where it hurts so we can see how bad it is.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t reply, but slowly took her hooves away from her barrel, allowing the Shadowbolts to see the damage Nightshade did to her. They all winced when they saw the hood shape imprint in her barrel, which was slowly beginning to swell.

“Oh…oh shit…damn!” Fast Tracks hissed, holding a hoof to his mouth. “That is one nasty imprint there! Just how hard did she punch you?!”

“I have…n-no idea…she moved so fast, that I didn’t even see her coming.” Rainbow Dash replied, slowly getting onto her haunches. “That mare is as strong has hay! It felt like I was being bucked by Applejack’s brother Big Mac, except…this felt almost like Goku bucking me instead of him! Ugh!”

“Can you stand up?” Violet Fire asked, putting a hoof on one of Rainbow Dash’s shoulders. “I can help you stand up if you want.”

“No, I think I can get up by myself.” Rainbow Dash replied, getting to her hooves as she took in slowly steady breaths. “Besides, me and you have other things we need to worry about right now.”

“She’s right all of you do have more worrying matters to attend to.” Nightshade suddenly said, causing Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts to look up at her. “One of those being the possibility of you facing the Queen’s wrath thanks to the way you disrespected us like that.”

“Disrespect you?! The only ones who deserve any kind of disrespect is you, you stupid bitch!” Blue Skies shouted, snarling up at the light blue Pegasus. “What do you have to gain, attacking one of our new friends like that when she didn’t even do anything to you?!”

“Why nothing of course.” Nightshade replied with a shrug. “Just the fact that she knows not to talk down on us like she’s above us.”

“Oh, is that so?” Storm Shadow asked pointedly, raising a jet-black eyebrow. “Weren’t you the one who was offering her a spot to be the Captain of your group?”

“Why yes, we were…we just didn’t like the way she turned down our offer is all.” The light blue mare replied, crossing her hooves as she scowled at the cyan mare. “That doesn’t mean that we don’t want her as our Captain though. She does have the skills necessary to do it, she just needs to learn some proper respect, that’s all. And what better way to do it than to beat it into her?”

“I think you’ve done enough beating on her, Captain Nightshade.” Violet Fire said firmly, a scowl on her own face as she stepped in front of Rainbow Dash. “If you think I’m gonna let you lay another hoof on her sweet little head, then you’ve got another thing coming.”

“Really now?” The light blue mare asked, her scowl forming into an amused grin. “And just what are you going to do about it?”

“What do you think? We’re going to keep you and the rest of your teammates form hurting her, or any of her other friends if your planning to.” The ebony black mare said, flaring her wings. “They don’t have time to play games with any of you. They’re on a mission, and it wouldn’t do any good if they were kept from completing it by ponies like you. So, we’re going to fight you, take you out, and make sure you never show any of your faces here again…that is, unless you’re thinking about backing out.”

“Backing out?! Do you even realize who you’re talking to Captain Violet Fire?! We are the Galaxy Star Bolts, we never back down from any challenge? Especially one between another Ariel Flight Team like you!” Nightshade asked, throwing her head back in laughter. “If you honestly think that we’re going to surrender just like that, then you’ve got another thing coming my dear.”

“Well then,” Blue Skies began softly, lowering her head as she spread her forelegs apart. “I guess we both know what we should do then, don’t we?”

“Yes, I believe we do…” Nightshade smirked, hovering back twenty feet from Violet Fire and landing on the ground. She lifted down her moon white goggles, which shined the darkness as she called to her teammates behind her. “Galaxy Star Bolts, take position!”

“Shadowbolts, with me!” Violet Fire commanded at the same time as Nightshade, both leaders’ teams coming to their sides a split second later. They all took the same positions that Violet Fire and Nightshade did, the former scanning all five Pegasi in front of them.

‘These ponies… they all look pretty formidable…I can tell just by looking at them that they’re very experienced fighters like us. I can sense the magic practically oozing out from them, it’s overwhelming…nowhere near an Alicorn’s level, but definitely no pushover.’ Violet Fire thought to herself contemplatively. ‘They also each look to have specific talents when it comes to the weather, and judging just by their appearances, they have a specific element that they’re most good at. So that means I should have a specific member of my team take a Galaxy Bolt that they can match in combat.’

Suddenly, as if reading her thoughts, Fast Tracks voice cut through the misty space. “So Captain, do you have any idea of which of these punks we should take?”

“…Yes, I do. I’ve just about figured out who should take who.” The ebony mare said as she turned to her second in command. “Fast Tracks, you take Stratus. Both of you look to be the most physically strongest of the team, so you should be able to match him in hoof to hoof combat.”

“Right, got it.” The light brown stallion nodded, whipping his head back to glare at Stratus.

“Lightning Shadow, you’ll take Starry Skies.” Violet Fire stated, her golden eyes locking on the light grey mare. “You two seem to be the smartest out of all of us, not to mention the most tactful, so you may be able to match any of her tactics.”

“Whatever you say, Captain.” Shadow Step nodded, taking a few steps towards the pale purple mare.

“Storm Shadow, you’re going to take Charger.” Violet Fire continued, motioning to the stallion with the goatee. “Something tells me that you’re gonna be able to match his skills. While you do that, I’ll handle Nightshade.”

“Yes Captain.” The dark grey mare nodded, trotting over to charger. Just as she did, she glanced over at Blueball Blitz, who was eagerly trotting in place. “Wait, what about Blueball Blitz? Who’s going to take her on?”

Violet Fire paused, looking over at the bluish-purple mare for a moment. Blueball looked right back at her, her wide creepy grin still plastered on her face as her mane and tail continued to crackle with electricity. The ebony black mare thought for a moment, wondering if she should take on her along with Nightshade so her team wouldn’t have to deal with two themselves. Just before she could make her decision, Blue Skies did it for her.

“H-hey…C-Captain Violet Fire.” She said, her voice slightly shaking as she walked up to her. “Let me…take care of that Blueball mare.”

Violet Fire looked over at Blue Skies, her eyes widened slightly in surprise. “I-I’m sorry honey?”

“Yeah, I’ll take Blitz on.” Rainbow Dash repeated, sounding less strained as she stood beside the Shadowbolt Captain. “That Nightshade mare said that she’s the fastest on her team…so, I should be able to match it with my own. Along with whatever attacks she may have up her sleeve.”

“Are you sure? You looked pretty scared of her a few moments ago…”

“I’ve had much worse things scare me in the past, trust me on that.” Blue Skies insisted, glancing over at the ebony mare. “It’s going to take a lot more than that to make me not fight them. It’s alright…I’ll be able to hold my own, and I’ll ask for your help if I need it.”

“Well…alright then. If you think you can take her, then I’ll trust you with her.” Violet Fire murmured, turning back to look at Nightshade. “Just don’t do anything reckless, okay honey? The last thing you and your friends need is for you to be down and unable to help them in battling Nightmare Moon.”

“I ain’t making any promises.” The young palomino mare said, glancing. “But, I’ll make sure I’m not too messed up…or else I won’t be able to look my sister in the yes again.”

With those words Blue Skies joined in with the rest of the Shadowbolts in the stare down with the Galaxy Star Bolts, aura of their eye color appearing around their bodies, while Rainbow Dash laid off to the side a good distance away. Although the same didn’t happen with the other Ariel Flight Team, the ethereal auras around them seemed to grow in size and intensity, causing dust to fly up all around them. The Shadowbolts noticed this, but didn’t give any reaction as they waited for their Captain to give the signal. Violet Fire said nothing, but gave a hard stomp of her hoof as her goggles flashed, before she took off into the air towards Galaxy Star Bolts, her team followed almost immediately after. At the same time, Nightshade stomped her hoof as well, signaling her team to attack too. Rainbow Dash followed the Shadowbolts the second they advanced, her battle cry mingling with theirs as she and the bolts clashed.

A huge cloud of dust and power exploded in midair.

Author's Note

Wow...out of all the chapters that I have officially written in this special edition of my first book, this one has to be probably one of the longest ones yet :applejackconfused: !!! Like, literally, the very longes one I had written yet, and wow, did it come a lot sooner than I thought that it would :derpyderp2: ! Now, I'm just going to say right now, that I had thought of continuing to make the battle with the Farukonchītās longer, but after I did something I thought, that since we were reaching the peak of the fight I figured that I end it just as quickly as it had begun, with an incredibly random scene at thee end of it, bet you weren't expecting that huh :derpytongue2: ?! The rest of the chapter was mostly an edit with an additional copy paste of the last version of this, with the extra Shadowbolt addition in the mix...other that, the rest of the chapter following the Galaxy Star Bolts is pretty much the same as with the first version :raritywink: . Hope you guys are okay with that, becuase the next chapter is going to be more or less the same way, before I get to a majority of the battle chapters and write them all completely off the top of my head :twilightsmile: .

Well that's all for now folks; tune in tomorrow for the fight between the Shadowbolts and the Galaxy Star Bolts, with Rainbow Dash showing the loyalty that she has within her :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 64 - A Loyal Comrade

Goku screamed out in a mixture of surprise, shock, and pain as she slammed face first into ethereal mist that burst out from the put under the bridge. White hot pain shot through her entire body, making her feel as if she was being electrocuted by countless volts of lightning. The sound of the electricity chirping filled her bat ears, along with the horrified screams of her friends as she writhed agonized in midair. An explosion suddenly resounded around the entire pit, and Goku found herself rocketing back and slamming right into her friends, causing them to end up in a huge pile.

“Oooooh…damn it, that hurt.” The tan Thestral murmured, her voice muffled by Twilight fur as she lay under her. “That felt like I was being electrocuted by one of Midnight’s storm clouds.”

“Goku, are you alright?!” Sky Ranger asked, rushing over to the mare as Twilight quickly got off of her. “My goodness, you’re all burnt up!”

“What in th’ Sam hay was that?!” Applejack asked as she stepped off of Pinkie Pie. “That wall jus’ came outta nowhere jus’s like that! How in the hay was it able to come up so fast?!”

“I can’t really tell; we didn’t notice it until it just came out of nowhere like that.” Twilight replied worriedly, her violet eyes scanning the starry wall in front of them. “It’s even bigger than it was last time we were all in it!”

“Do you think Dashie is okay?” Pinkie Pie asked anxiously, looking in between each of her friends. “She’s on the other side of the bridge! What if she got caught by that big Nightmare Moon meanie?!”

“…No, she’s still there.” Fluttershy replied softly after a moment of silence. “I can still feel her magical essence, along with the Shadowbolts’. They’re all still very close by, they haven’t gotten very far.”

“Really? You can still feel them there?” Rarity asked, staring at Fluttershy with wide eyes. “B-but how? That whole wall is blocking our entire view of them!”

“We may not be able to see them, we can still use our own magic to detect their own.” The buttermilk Pegasus explained, glancing at the alabaster Unicorn. “I channeled my magic into my nose, and I used it to detect Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolt’s scents from behind that wall. It doesn’t matter if I can or can’t see them, I can still figure out if they’re still there either by detecting their magic or searching for their scents. And since I combined the two, I had a better chance of finding them.”

“Wow, you were able to find them jus’ by doin’ that?” Applejack asked, letting out a little whistle. “Ah knew ya had a good sense o’ smell, but wow…never knew you were capable of doin’ somethin’ like that.”

The buttermilk Pegasus blushed, turning away as she hid behind her mane. “Oh, it’s not really anything special, really. I just occasionally use it if I can’t find any of my animal friends the old-fashioned way.”

“Well, it certainly helped us in knowing that Rainbow Dash, Violet Fire and everypony else are alright.” Zephyr said, getting back up on his hooves as he fluffed his wings. “The only problem is, how’re we going to get through this wall, so we can to them?”

“We could use our magic to break through it.” Pinkie Pie suggested absentmindedly. “I mean, it’s not like anypony is keeping it up, and it did come out on its own. So, we could try to blast our way through it.”

“I don’t know if that’ll work Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said skeptically, her brows furrowing. “I can sense the magic coming from this wall, and its overwhelming to say the least. I don’t know if we can even put a single dent in it.”

“Well we won’t know unless we try sugarcube.” Applejack stated, dragging a hoof across the ground. “We got to anyway, RD an’ them Shadowbolts ‘r on the other side fightin’ who knows what, an’ we can jus’ sit ‘ere an’ do nothin’.”

“Applejack’s right.” Goku said firmly, giving a strong nod. “Rainbow Dash is our friend, and we can’t just leave her in there to face Nightmare Moon and anything else in there alone. I don’t doubt that the Shadowbolts will be able to defend her, but even they may have their hooves full in there with something. That’s all the more reason for us to try to break through this wall so we can get to them and give them a helping hoof.”

“Well said darling, I couldn’t have put it any better myself.” Rarity said, flashing a smile at the tan Pegasus. “I can’t imagine what Dash and the others must be facing in there, and I don’t think I really want to know either. Regardless, we do need to find some way to get through here! Time is of the essence and we can’t afford to waste a single moment!”

“Uh-huh! The sooner get to Dashie, the better!” Pinkie Pie said, grinning determinedly. “So Goku, you any ideas on how we can get through this giant starry wall?”

Goku opened her mouth to speak, but snapped it shut when her ears picked up the sound of something behind her. She turned around to where the trees were, and noticed Fluttershy’s backside facing them, her ears perked and her head high. The tan Pegasus’s guard immediately went up, her own ears flattening as her eyes narrowed.

“Goku, is something wrong?” Zephyr asked, his face morphing into worry. “What do you see?”

“…I thought I heard something coming from the forest.” She slowly replied, looking behind her at the forest towering behind the plains. “Fluttershy, did you hear it too?”

The buttermilk Pegasus’s ears swiveled, and she nodded her head. “Yes, I can…it sounds like explosions coming from inside of the forest. Like there’s something or somepony fighting inside of it.”

“Oh my, you don’t think that there are other ponies inside of there, do you?” Sky Ranger asked worriedly. “It’s one thing if it’s the animals we faced, but it’s another thing entirely if there are other ponies.”

“Well…” Pinkie Pie murmured. “Queen Celly did say that she was going to be sending an army of ponies here in the Everfree, along with herself to help us in the battle. So those explosions that Flutters, Goku and Zephyr are hearing may be coming from them.”

The royal blue stallion glanced over at Pinkie. “How did you know I could hear it too?”

The party pony giggled slyly. “Just a hunch Zephie~!”

“Pinkie does have a point…I mean, Celestia swore she’d come with her own army of guards, and it’s been more than several hours since we came here.” Twilight nodded. “Do you guys really think that it’s here?”

“Ah don’t know sugarcube, but if it is, then they’d better come quick!” Applejack said, stomping her hoof on the icy bridge. “If Ah have t’ stand on this bridge any longer, Ah’m gonna freeze int’ a popsicle versioned caramel apple treat!”

Goku giggled. “Sucks to be you then AJ, hmhm!”

The sound of exploding shockwaves, ear splitting lightning and flickering flames could be heard all throughout exterior of the Castle of the Two Sisters. Fire, lightning and wind of all sizes and colors could be seen dancing all about the sky as the Shadowbolts, Galaxy Star Bolts, and Rainbow Dash duked it out with one another. Neighs and whinnies echoed, wings flapped violently, feathers flew about the air, and streaks of color burst into fireworks as the Pegasi put all of their moves and powers to their fullest use. None of their forms could be seen in the air due to the speed they were going at. Just multiple streaks of color slamming into one another, which only added to the intensity and epicenes of the fight.

Violet Fire’s goggles left flashes of light trailing behind her as she slammed full force into Nightshade, driving both her armored forehooves into the mare’s chest with resounding force. The light blue mare grunted form the impact, before swinging her left wing at the ebony mare’s face before she saw it coming. Violet Fire cried out as her head was knocked sideways, and Nightshade used that opportunity to spin around and deliver another kick to the Shadowbolt Captain’s face. The blow sent Violet Fire flying, but she righted herself and was able to counter a slash of wind that was thrown at her, before flying forward and slamming her knee into Nightshade’s stomach.

The Galaxy Star Bolt Captain hunched over in pain as a bit of blood flew out of her mouth but was unfortunately not given any time to recover. Violet Fire then did a midair front flip and slammed her right hindleg into Nightshades back, sending her diving down towards the ground. The light blue mare flared her wings to stop her descent and was about to ascend back up to Violet Fire, only to see a golden lightning bolt dive down towards her.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Electric Lightning Bolt!” Violet Fire screamed out as the lightning made impact and sent Nightshade descend to the ground. She watched as the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain was sent crashing into the ground, a cloud of dust enveloping her.

“I must say Captain Nightshade, your quite durable when you’re in the air.” Violet Fire murmured, watching as the light blue mare pulled herself out of the crater. “Other than my team and the rest of the Shadowbolts back at our HQ, nopony’s ever been able to recover that fast from an attack that quickly. Especially an attack from me.”

“I could say the same to you, Captain Violet Fire. You’re quite the formidable opponent, as formidable as a good majority of the Nightmare Dark Army.” Nightshade said silkily, a small smile etched onto her face as she shook the dirt clinging to her. “You certainly live up to your title as the Captain of the Shadowbolts when it comes to speed and strength, and you’re quite resilient when in the air. Although, I do wonder…if you’re able to keep up with us when we’re at our full strength.”

“Well, considering how well I’m doing well so far, I might. Then again, I may not able to withstand it either.” The ebony black mare said. “I guess we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”

“Yes, I suppose we will.” Nightshade smirked, before soaring towards Violet Fire again, flames enveloping her. “Nightmare Fire Pegasus: Swirling Scorching Inferno!”

Violet Fire was ready even before the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain had lunged for her, her forelegs raised in defense. She blocked Nightshade’s fiery blast to her chest, before grabbing both of the mare’s hindlegs and flipping her around in the air and throwing her away. Like last time, Nightshade righted herself in the air and met Violet Fire’s incoming bunch that was aimed at her stomach with her own. They both flew back, the auras around their bodies glowing brighter as flames the colors of their manes ignited around them. They clashed again, wings and hooves swinging and beating at each other at rapid speed as the roaring flames surrounding them lit up the air.

“Tell me Captain Nightshade!” Violet Fire continued as she evaded Nightshade’s punches. “Why are you working with Nightmare Moon and aiding her in trying to bring out Eternal Night?!”

“Why do you think?!” Nightshade asked, ducking under a side kick. “It’s because we want to make our Queen’s dream of being loved and respected finally come true! That sister of her’s has took it all for herself for fartoo long, and it’s time that changes now!”

“And you and your army really think that this is the way to do it?! Using unnecessary force, hurting innocent ponies, and nearly killing the Solar Queen?!” Violet Fire asked, ascending down towards Nightshade slamming her hind hooves into her stomach. “I admit, Queen Celestia could’ve done a better job in preventing her sister from turning against her, and she and Queen Luna have by deepest condolences for what they went through! I can only imagine what they both had to go through while Queen Luna was tormented by the hatred her subjects were throwing at her.”

“Is that so?” Nightshade asked, raising an eyebrow. “Then why are you fighting against us and trying to stop our Queen from claiming what is rightfully her’s?!”

“Because what you and Nightmare Moon are doing is just wrong, and it’s going completely against how difference should be settled if there’s another, more peaceful way!” Violet Fire replied, grabbing Nightshade’s tail and throwing her towards the ground. “We can’t allow you or your Queen to take out this cruelty on anypony anymore, and unless you surrender now, you’ll leave us no choice but to eliminate you!”

“Surrender? You’re seriously asking us, the most powerful, strongest, and fastest flyers ever to surrender to you?!” Nightshade laughed as she ascended back up towards the ebony black mare. “I’m sorry to say sweetheart, but you’re barking up the wrong tree here! We are the Galaxy Star Bolts, and we do not submit to anypony but the Dark Queen herself! And unless you do what you’re suggesting to us, we’ll have no choice but to turn you into dust!”

“Sorry Captain Nightshade, but that’s not going to fly!” Violet Fire declared firmly as she flew back from the light blue mare. “We’re the Shadowbolts, and our sworn duty is to protect the innocent from all that threaten to harm the, which includes you! Fire Pegasus Knight: Scorching Whinny!”

A gigantic blast of fire shot out of the armored ebony mare’s mouth, watching as it sailed towards the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain. Nightshade smirked and aimed her forehooves forward, twisting them as she shot a swirling pillar of fire at Violet’s own attack. There was a temporary power struggle, before both attacks exploded in midair, smoke rising from into the air as a result

"Is that right?" Nightshade chucked, a small fanged smirk coming to her face. "Well then...it looks like we both know how this is going to end, don't we?"

"Yes...I suppose we do." Violet Fire murmured, her brows furrowing. "Still, we won't know the outcome unless we see for ourselves!"

"Thatmuch we can agree on!" Nightshade laughed as she and the Shadowbolt Captain collided.

Fast Tracks let out a loud battle cry as he shot a hoof at Stratus’s face, to which the grayish beige stallion blocked, before throwing one of his own. It slammed directly into the light brown stallion’s cheek, but he was able to fight back the pain to deliver another blow. He slammed one of his powerful booted hindleg into Stratus’s stomach, causing him to fly back as Fast Tracks flew towards him. Stratus did several midair backflips and gave Fast Tracks and uppercut to chin as he approached, causing his jaw to snap shut with an audible crack as he was sent spiraling through the air. As Stratus balanced himself, Fast Tracks took a moment to sooth the pain in his jaw, before shooting glare at the Galaxy Star Bolt.

“Hey! That was a cheap bucking shot there, pal!” He snapped indignantly. “You totally tricked me back there when it looked like you were hurt from my hit!”

“Yeah, so? What does it matter to you punk?” Stratus asked, giving a little snort. “You think that just because you guys are an Ariel Team that we’re going to go easy on you? Give me a damn break, as if we’d go easy on a bunch of foals like you!”

“Oh, so I’m a foal, huh?” Fast Tracks asked, his ears flattening. “Well tell me, can a foal do this?! Lightning Pegasus Knight: Electric Volt Tail Swipe!”

With speed that matched his name, Fast Tracks charged at Stratus, catching him off guard at the speed he was going. This gave the Vice Shadowbolt Captain enough time to do a side spin in and give Stratus a power electrified tails swipe to the side of his scarred face. Stratus cried out in pain as he was sent flying, electricity coursing through his veins, but flared his wings out to stop himself as his white goggles flashed brightly with anger.

“Nightmare Sky Pegasus: Black Slicing Wind!” He shouted, swinging his wings out and sending giant slices of wind at the light brown stallion.

“Tch, is that all you got?!” Fast Tracks asked with a snort as he shot a couple of bolts of violet lighting to counter Stratus’s attacks. “Do you really think you’re going to take me down with a few wind slices?”

“No, I don’t.” Stratus replied, suddenly appearing from the smoke made by his and Fast Track’s attacks. “But that’s not going to stop me from giving you one hay of a beatdown, you damn Shadowbolt!”

Before Fast Tracks could say anything, Stratus slammed his right hoof into the other stallion’s chest, causing him to hunch over and gasp from shock and pain. Stratus then shot his other hoof in Fast Tracks’ upper back, sending him diving down towards the ground. As he descended, the pale gray stallion dived down after him, connecting both his hind hooves into Fast Tracks’ stomach. Stratus then swung a hoof at his face, before doing a front flip and slamming one of his hind hooves into the Shadowbolt’s stomach again. He spun around to deliver a hard buck, but halted as Fast Tracks grabbed his tail and yanked him hard to the side, throwing the pale gray stallion off balance. Just before they hit the ground, Fast Tracks spun him around before throwing him to the ground, where he crashed, forming large crater.

“You call that a beatdown?” The light brown stallion asked, frowning. “Please, I’ve gotten way more painful blows during training. Compared to all of that, what you just did was nothing!”

Growling, Stratus tore himself form the spit and boulder covered ground and rocketed towards Fast Tracks, his lips curled back into a ferocious snarl. “Oh yeah?! Well we’ll just see about that, little colt! I’m just getting started!” He shouted, flying up to Fast Tracks with swirls of black wind covering both of his hooves. “Nightmare Sky Pegasus: Black Wind Barrage!”

Stratus delivered a series of hard and quick punches to his opponent, but Fast Tracks was quick to dodge each and every one of them. He then moved back a bit and swung his leg into Stratus’s side, but as he pulled it away, the pale gray stallion grabbed it. Stratus shot his wind covered elbow into Fast Track’s leg, and it was only thanks to the training he went through at Shadowbolt HQ that the bones didn’t shatter under the overwhelming strength. Fast Tracks gritted his long curved fangs, and shot his other hindleg into the other stallion’s face, watching it connect with a sickening crack as it connected with his jaw.

With his right hindleg now free, Fast Tracks grabbed Stratus by the shoulders, and gave him a hard headbutt, causing the pale gray Pegasus’s eyes to roll back in shock and pain. The light brown stallion gave him a hard punch to the face, before shooting a bolt of lightning at him, sending him crashing into one of the icy walls of the abandoned castle.

“Sky Thestral Knight: Serrated Wind Flock!” The light brown stallion shouted, sending multiple purple slices of wind at stratus, sending him further into the castle. As he took a moment to catch his breath, he mulled over the fight so far.

‘Damn…that son a of a bitch is strong. He was so close to breaking my leg.’ Fast Tracks murmured to himself, tentatively rubbing his right hindleg. ‘Good thing Captain’s training made it more durable and denser than a normal Pegasus, especially since I’m a Thestral. I’m gonna have to really watch out for anymore moves like that, or else I’ll end up with some bent legs.’

“Fast Tracks!” Violet Fire suddenly shouted, causing the light brown stallion to look over at his Captain. “Be careful where you and Stratus are fighting around here! Remember, Goku, Twilight and their friends are planning to search that castle for the Elements, and Nightmare Moon might be in there too! We don’t need it destroyed like it used to be before Nightmare Moon fixed it!”

“Right, sorry Captain!” The light brown stallion shouted back.

The sound of earth cracking suddenly filled Fast Track’s ears, causing him to look down and see Stratus pulling himself out of the hold in the castle. The pale gray stallion took a second to shake the rubble and dust off of him, before looking up at the other stallion with angry eyes.

“You goddamn bastard...you’re going to pay for that one!” He yelled, stomping his forehooves down as blood covered his suit. “Nopony headbutts me like that and lives to tell the tale!”

“Oh yeah? Well guess what buddy, I just did headbutt you, and I did ithard.” Fast Tracks smirked, crossing his forehooves. “And you know what else? I’m still alive, and not dead! So that means I do get to tell the tale!”

“Not if I can help it, asshole!” Stratus shouted as he flew up towards Fast Tracks. “By the time I’m done with you, your skull’s gonna looked like a cracked egg!”

“I’d love to see you try you bucking cheapskate!” Fast Tacks shouted back, before he and the pale grey stallion engaged in their furious blunt force fight.

Lightning Shadow’s whole body spun like a ponified tornado as she unleashed large whirlwind at Starry Skies, to which she countered with a whirlwind of her own. They both met and exploded in midair, before both Pegasi collided with each other, using their wings to try to push each other back with all their strength. They pulled themselves away before Starry skies unleashes a barrage of wind slashes at Lightning Shadow, to which the light grey mare swiftly, and rather gracefully dodged. Flipping in the air, she shot her right hindleg out, aiming for Starry Skies head, enabling the pale violet mare to use both her forehooves to block it.

Starry then grabbed Lighting Shadow by her tail and yanked her down, only or her head to snap upwards when the light grey mare shot her other hind hoof into the Galaxy Star Bolt’s chin. This caused her to release the Shadowbolts leg, and Shadow Step did a back flip before rocketing up to deliver a sock to Starry Skies gut, her hoof infused with a large ball of wind. Starry Skies managed to block the attack, but it didn’t stop her from being blow away be the wind.

As she was sent reeling back black bolts of lightning appeared on Lightning Shadow, and she soared towards the pale violet mare, who was able to stop herself in the air. She was able to lock eyes with the Shadowbolt for just a second before she felt her vision become enveloped by a sea of ruby red.

“Shadow Lightning Pegasus Knight: Dark Lightning Thunderous Explosion!” Lightning Shadow shouted; hooves outstretched as the jet-black darkness and blue lighting struck Starry Skies. She screamed as the lightning bolts coursed through her veins, but she was able to fight off the pain to deliver a hard punch to the left side of the light grey mare’s face. This action took Lightning Shadow by surprise, so much so that she was almost unable to block a giant drill of wind aimed right at her.

“Nightmare Sky Pegasus Knight: Black Sky Drill!” Starry Skies shouted; her own hooves stretched out to send a blast of wind at Lightning Shadow. The attack left her armor somewhat sliced up and a few fresh cuts on her legs and face, but Lightning Shadow was otherwise alright, not even looking winded from the blast.

“My, you seem to be handling my attacks particularly well, Lightning Shadow.” Starry Skies complimented, hovering some feet away. “There are bleeding cuts all along you, and you don’t even look theleast bit in pain. I must say, I am quite surprised...and impressed”

“So, you noticed already it, huh?” The light grey mare asked, a small smile making its way to her face. “You caught on pretty quickly, looks like you really are as sharp as Nightshade said you’d be. Don’t get me wrong these cuts are making me feel like I’m being cut by a sword, but hey, I’ve have had a lot worse than this.”

“Is that so? Even more than this? Well then, I suppose all of that training you did with your Captain did wonders for you being able to handle pain, hm?” Starry Skies asked, an amused smile coming to her face. “I supposed it’s to be expected, since you are in Ariel Flyer yourself. If you couldn’t handle pain and are unable to fight from cuts like that, then there’s no chance that you’d be able to handle any attack that’s thrown at her.”

“Well, it’s a good thing for you that I am an Ariel Flyer.” Lightning Shadow murmured, wiping some off her blood off of her face. “Especially a Shadowbolt Ariel Flyer…we’re built to withstand any types of pain, no matter how intense it is. We did learn from the best after all.”

“So you did.” Starry Skies nodded. “Though does leave me curious as to just how much pain you’re able to withstand.”

“Why don’t you come and find out yourself?” The light grey mare asked, putting her forehooves up. “I’d be more than happy to show just how high our pain tolerance is.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Starry Skies giggled, before she shot towards the light grey mare, spinning like a horizontal whirlwind. “ Nightmare Sky Pegasus: Black Whirlwind Tornado Buster! ”

“Wh-hey! That was Captain Violet Fire’s attack, you copycat!” Lightning Shadow shouted somewhat indignantly. As she shot a blast of wind to counter Starry’s bodily attack, Lighting Shadow added, “Where you to get off copying somepony else’s attack, especially if you haven’t even seen them for yourself?!”

“You never said that we couldn’t use any of our own attacks that were just like yours!” Starry Skies laughed, speaking through the whirlwind she had made herself in. “You were launching an attack that only ponies with Pegasus magic could do, including this! Did you really expect anything less of us?!”

Lightning Shadow grunted, using her wings to fling the pale violet mare away from her. “Of course not! I just thought that you would’ve gotten a bit more creative than that.”

“More creative huh?” Starry Skies asked, raising an eyebrow. “Alright then, let me show just how creative I can be!”

Flaring her wings out, sapphire blue lightning encased the pale violet mare, slowing growing in intensity and power as she hovered in the air. Right around the same time, a large swirl of wind surrounded her, morphing together with the lightning, causing some of to swirl with the wind. With a single flap, Starry Skies shot herself at Shadow Step again, turning herself into a large lighting infused whirlwind.

“Here I come Lightning!” Starry Skies cried gleefully. “Nightmare Lightning Sky Pegasus: Black Thunderous Slicing Tornado Whirlwind!”

“Oh shit!” The light grey mare cried as she flew back from the incoming mare. “Shadow Lightning Pegasus Knight: Dark Thunderous Lighting Bolt!”

Before she felt herself getting slammed into by the full force of Starry Skies’ attack, Lightning Shadow let her own attack collided with Starry’s. Unfortunately, the power struggle didn’t last very long, and in the end, Starry Skies won out in this struggle. The feeling of the lightning occurring through her veins and the whirling slashing at her body made Lightning Shadow powerless to stop the scream that ripped out of her throat. She spun through the air and slammed into the ground, causing large chunks of earth and dust clouds to explode out from within.

“Uh-oh, looks like I may have composed a bittoo much magic.” Starry Skies murmured to herself. “I hope she wasn’t taken out by that so quickly.”

Right as she said that, something burst out form the dust filled crater, and the pale violet mare found herself looking into the flashing goggles of Lightning Shadow. Her cape was torn asunder, and her armor and skirt having more tears and cuts in it than from earlier. There were burns on some parts of her fur, mane and tail, and they were all covered in her blood. Some of her feathers looked to be either bent or missing and there was even a large cut in her right here. Despite this, the light grey mare didn’t look to be in pain, not showing the slightest bit of agony, despite how bloodied she looked.

“Oh my, you’re back up already?” Starry Skies gasped, eyes widening in surprise. “It hasn’t even been thirty seconds; it looks like you are able to withstand any level of pain.”

“You see? I told you that I could take it. The Shadowbolts are built for withstanding any form of pain that’s injected in them, andnot just the physical.” Shadow Step said, spitting a broken tooth out. “If you were expecting me to be taken down by an attack like that, then I’m sorry to say that you were incorrect in your calculations.”

“I suppose I was…I must’ve gotten rusty from fighting I’ve done in the past.” Starry Skies sighed, before adjusting her goggles. “Looks like I’ll just have to up my anti then hm?”

“Bring it on!” Lightning Shadow shouted, her ears pinning back as lightning appeared around her. “I may be weaker than you, but I’ll take on anything you throw at me!”

“I’m going to hold you to that sweetie.”S tarry Skies chirped, lightning forming around her own body as both Pegasi charged at each other. “Show me what you have packed in that brain of yours!”

Storm Shadow’s wings stretched back behind her as she drove herself through the air, wind picking up around her as she went into a spinning motion. Down below, charger was soaring up towards her, attempting to create his own tornado of wind to counter the dark grey mare’s own. In the blink of an eye, both of them met in midair, their whirlwinds collided with each other and sending a shockwave through the air. The mare and stallion pushed with all their might, attempting to get the upper hand over the other as their whirlwinds continued to roar with power and intensity.

Eventually, Storm Shadow and charger pulled back, letting their whirlwinds explode in midair and send wind flying everywhere. With the wind covering her, Storm Shadow soared through it with blue and black lighting covering her body, attempting to take Charger by surprise, with her new sneak attack. Suddenly, the greenish gray stallion popped out in front of her, almost catching the dark grey mare off guard as he aimed a punch towards her. Storm Shadow effectively ducked under him before delivering an electrical shock to his chin, stunning the Charger as his head snapped to the side. The dark grey mare then punched him a few times in the stomach before whirling around and bucking him in the chest, sending him flying away.

“Shadow Lightning Pegasus Knight: Black Thunderous Slicing Wind Attack!” Storm Shadow then pulled her wings back and clapped them together, sending a huge bolt of lightning and darkness at Charger as he spiraled through the air. Suddenly the stallion began spinning around, encasing himself in a cloak of lightning himself as Storm Shadow’s clashed with it, causing it to bounce away and strike the ground beneath them.

“Nightmare Sky Pegasus: Black Slicing Whirlwind Tornado!” Before Storm Shadow what had hit her, a giant black tornado of wind shot out of Charger and flew towards her. The dark grey mare’s body reacted before her mind did, wings shooting out to counter the attacks with her own slices of wind to prevent from getting slashed.

When she managed to stop the last few from reaching her, she focused her attention back onto Charger, only to see him nowhere in sight. She suddenly heard the sound of roaring wind and she whirl around to see a giant another whirlwind diving towards her. Pursing her lips, Storm Shadow flared both of her wings out as black lightning incasing them.

“Shadow Pegasus Knight: Thunder Clap of Lightning!” She shouted, clapping her wings together as thunder echoed about the sky. A giant black lightning bolt fused by two shot up at Charger, its speed leaving him unable to evade the attack or block it. He did neither, and instead flew right into the lightning bolt, letting it encase him as he flew down towards a surprised Storm Shadow.

“Surprise! Bet you didn’t expect that, did you little lady?!” He shouted as he aimed a swing at her head. “Nightmare Lightning Sky Pegasus: Electric Thunderous Slicing Tornado!”

Storm Shadow swerved to the side of the bodily attack just as it was about to make contact, but before she could strike back, she felt something hard hit her right in the stomach. She hunched over in pain for a moment, before she felt Charger grab her by the back of her suit and throw her right over him. As she flew away, Charger whirled around and began spinning as he soared up towards her, just as Storm Shadow righted herself in the air.

“No, I wasn’t,” Storm Shadow replied, putting both forehooves in front of her to block the greenish gray stallion’s attack. “But were you expecting this?”

Before Charger could react, light blue lightning appeared around Storm Shadow, traveling down her hooves and onto Charger’s own hooves, before traveling all around his body. The Galaxy Star Bolt froze for just a second before screaming out in pain, his body spasming as Storm Shadow continued to electrocute him in the air. Still holding onto the stallion, the dark grey mare pulled him forward and gave him a violent headbutt, nearly breaking the white goggles he was wearing on his face as his head reeled back. The Shadowbolt released one of the stallion’s hooves while still holding onto his other as she slammed her hoof into his stomach, causing a couple of his ribs to crack. As the greenish grey stallion coughed up blood, Storm Shadow finally let him go, only to deliver a hard side kick to Charger’s head, before slamming both hind hooves into his back.

“Shadow Lightning Pegasus Knight: Dark Electric Whinny!” Storm Shadow shouted, shooting a giant mouthful of darkness and lightning down at charger as he fell towards the ground. This caused him to go diving down towards the earth even faster and slam into it, sending dust and chunks flying everywhere.

“It looks like that was a little bit more than you expected to get from me.” Storm Shadow murmured, hovering in the air. “It also looked like you were aware of what was about to happen before I even did it.”

Charger pulled himself out of his crater, burns covering his suited body and a bruise on the side of his head. Shaking off the dust, he looked up at Storm Shadow, his star white goggles flashing from afar as he ruffled his wings.

“Yeah, I kind of did…I just wasn’t expecting you to release that much electricity on me!” Charger said as he lifted himself back into the air. “Your one tough little lady, I’ll give you that much.”

“I wouldn’t say that I’m ‘tough’.” Storm Shadow said calmly, brushing her mane away from her face. “Though I can see why you seemed to think that, but you haven’t seen just how ‘tough’, that I am yet.”

“Oh, I haven’t huh?”Charger asked, a small grin coming to his face. “Well then, why don’t you show me just how tough you really are?”

Storm Shadow raised a jet-black eyebrow. “Are you sure? You may not be able to handle what me and the rest of my team have in store for you all.”

“Little lady, do you even realize who you’re talking to?” Charger asked, raising a silvery cyan eyebrow. “I’m a Galaxy Star Bolt, a member of the most powerful and fastest team in this forest! We’ve faced all kinds of unbelievable stuff here and a lot more! I think we can handle whatever that you have to throw at us. We didn’t become elite flyers by taking the easy route after all.”

“That I can agree with…because neither have we.” Storm Shadow said softly, her goggles glowing as she dived down towards the greenish grey stallion.

Blueball Blitz giggled maniacally as she swiftly dodged the bolts of light blue lightning bolts shot at her by Blue Skies, who was doing her very best to not get zapped by her own bolts. The two Pegasi flew through the air faster than any of the Shadowbolts or Galax Star Bolts, causing gusts of wind and dust to fly all around them. Their wings flapped and swung at each other, with Dash using her dagger-like wing claws to try to slash at the mare, only for Blitz to dodge each one.

“Heeheehee, wow you’re a fastone, aren’t you?!” The bluish violet mare giggled, grinning widely at the cyan mare. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered anypony that’s as fast as you before!”

“I could say the same to you Ms. Blueball!” Blue Skies shouted back, taking another swing with the claw on her left wing. “I’d say that you’re about as fast as I am! Your Captain wasn’t kidding when you said that you’re the fastest one on her little team!”

“Well of course I am Bluey!” Blueball chirped, blocking a punch to the side of her face. “I may not be the strongest or smartest of the Galaxy Star Bolts, but my speed makes up for all of that! It’s the sole reason why Captain Nighty let me join her team in the first place!” Without warning, the bluish violet mare shot her forehooves out and shouted,“ Nightmare Lightning Pegasus: Blue Thunderous Lightning Explosion!”

Blue Skies ducked under Blueball’s explosive as the lightning soared across the air, striking the wall behind them. “Not to be rude, but are you sure it isn’t because you’re able to keep lighting in your mane and tail?” She asked curiously. “Or that its quite literally made in the shape of lightning?”

“Ahahahaha, no silly! Of course not; why would she let me join just forthat?!” Blueball replied, laughing as if Blue Skies had said the funniest joke she had ever had. She then paused as a thoughtful expression came to her goggle covered face. “Though, I wouldn’t put it past the Captain if that was the other reason why she had me join the team! I really do look pretty awesome on me doesn’t it? Hmhmhm!”

“Well she’s about to get a reason to have you off the team!” Blue Skies shouted, flaring her wings as lightning appeared around her wings. “Sky Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Bolt of lightning!”

In the blink of an eye, she clapped them together, sending a huge bolt of magenta lightning at the distracted bluish violet mare. Blueball saw the attack coming, but was unable to evade it in time as it struck her full force, sending huge volts throughout her body. She screamed out as she was flown away, and crashed to the ground, the lightning causing that part of the ground to explode around her.

“Hehehe, it looks like I finally got you Blitz!” Blue Skies said unable to suppress a giggle. “Was that too much for you to handle?”

The sound of creepy giggling suddenly emerged from the dust covered area that Blueball Blitz was in, making Blue Skies pause. An unsettling feeling came over her as Blueball became more noticeable, and the athlete could see what she was coated in violet lightning. The mare suddenly snapped her head up, her goggles flashing as she smiled unnaturally wide, giggling louder than before. Flaring her wings, the bluish violet mare shot up at the cyan mare, who acted completely on instinct and dodged out of the way. She spun around only to see Blueball coming at her again, both hooves out stretched and coated with violet lightning.

“Nightmare Lightning Pegasus: Blue Electric Barrage!” She shouted gleefully, her hooves turning into multiple flying ones. Blue Skies cried out in terror and reeled back just as the Galaxy Star Bolt was about to strike her in the face with her multi-punch attack. The moment Blueball soared past her, she coated herself in lightning to prevent herself from getting seriously electrocuted by the bluish violet mare should she get a lucky hit.

As she righted herself, the palomino whirled around to search Blueball Blitz and found her rocketing up to her again, maniacally laughing all the while. This time however Blue Skies was ready, using her forehooves to block the other mare’s forehooves that were aimed at her face, their cloaks of lightning chirping loudly. The lightning covering both of their bodies exploded into a blinding light of magenta pink and violet colors as they attempted to push each other back.

“Heehee, wow, you’re really good Blue Skies!” Blueball chirped cutely. “You’ve been able to keep up with my speed longer than I thought you would! I guess you’re not the only fastest flyer in Equestria!”

“Thank you Blueball, you’re not so bad yourself?!” Blue Skies grunted; her ears pinned back as she pushed the other mare away. “Also, I’m one of the fastest flyers in in my team, not in Equestria! But I’m on my way to becoming the fastest flyer of the Shadowbolts, if that’s what you’re wondering!”

“Is that why you joined the Shadowbolts?”Blueball Blitz asked as she and Blue Skies blasted each other back. “Sure, they’re the world’s most talented flyers, but that’s just it! That’s about as great as they’re going to get! We on the other hoof, are aiming to be the greatest flyers in the whole universe! Why do you think we’re called the Galaxy Star Bolts?”

“I don’t know…probably because you guys really are made out of those stars in space or something?” Blue Skies asked innocently, not really needing to put much effort in her guessing. “Other than that, I don’t see how you could ever be called that…other than the fact that you have stars in your suits.”

“Huh…You know what? That may be a pretty good reason!” Blueball giggled as she put a hoof to her muzzle.“I’ll have to ask Captain Nightshade if we really are from outer space, eheeheeheeheeheehee!”

Blue Skies reeled back, a shiver going down her spine. ‘What the buck is wrong with this mare? Did she get dropped on her head or something?!’

The sight of Blueball flying at her brought Rainbow out of her thoughts, and she tilted her head to the side to avoid an electrified punch aimed at her. She grabbed the mare’s hoof, holding her in place, before slamming her hoof into Blueball’s unprotected stomach. Blueball gasped loudly as she hunched over, the wind knocked out of her as Rainbow Dash twisted her hoof around to add more damage.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Electric Explosion!” Before the Galaxy Star Bolt could try to absorb the pain, volts of electricity burst throughout her body, courtesy of Blue Skies as she let it out in one devastating explosion. Blitz screamed out as she was electrocuted, her body convulsing as if she was having a violent seizure as Blue Skies held her in place. This went on for a few moments, before the cyan mare finally stopped, allowing the bluish violet mare to fall limp in her grasp.

“Oh wow….it looks like I concentrated more power into that last attack than I thought that I did.” Blue Skies murmured, laughing sheepishly. “I’m sorry, I guess it really was too much for you.”

“Who said that this was too much for me to handle?” The voice of Blueball sweetly asked, her head slowly lifting to meet Blue Skies’. “Compared to how many training sessions and battles I’ve been in, this is nothing hmhmhm!”

“W-wha-GAH!” Blue Skies began to ask, only to scream out in surprise and pain when Blueball slammed her hoof into her stomach. The Galaxy Star Bolt then lifted her right foreleg up and slammed her elbow hard onto Rainbow Dash’s head, causing her vision to blur and go hazy. In her dazed state, she failed to notice Blueball moving above her and bucking her in the back sending her falling to the ground.

“Oopsie, I guess I got a little carried away back there!” Blueball giggled to herself watching as Rainbow Dash crash landed. “Captain Nighty is not going to be very happy with me about that, heehee!”

Blue Skies groaned in pain as she pulled herself out of the ground, dust and rubble covering it as she struggled to stand. One hoof clutching her head as it pounded loudly, while the other three were attempting to keep her balanced. She could hear her heart beating in her head, which only added to the pain she was in, but she did her best to fought it down. The chocolate maned Pegasus spread her wings and ruffled them, shaking the rubble and dust out of them as she climbed out of the crater. As Blue Skies tried to recover from the attack, Rainbow Dash, who was laying against the ice wall, looking just as shocked as Blue Skies.

“Ugh…Lauren H. Faust, that bitch is so bucking strong…!” She said to herself, straightening her back. “Blue looked like her head was about to explode from that last attack, how hard did she hit her?!”

“Looks like hit you harder than you think, haha!” Blueball commented as she watched the other mare struggle to her feet. “I have to say though; you have a pretty strong skull. For a second there I thought my elbow was going to snap in half, hmhm!”

Inhaling sharply, Blue Skies shot off to the air, and swung at the bluish violet mare only for the latter to duck under it before the palomino mare even got halfway. Before she could even try to plan another attack, Blueball’s hoof she out and made its way around her neck, and it was at that moment Blue Skies realized that it had turned cloven. The young mare flailed in the air, gasping in surprised shock, before both her forelegs made its way around Blueball’s, trying to get out of her grasp.

“Urgh…y-your c-c-crushing my t-throat!” She choked out, trying her best to breathe through the Galaxy Star Bolts surprisingly strong grasp. “P-p-please l-let go of…m-me!”

“Why would I do that silly? Did you forget what my Captain said?” Blueball asked innocently, tilting her head to the side. “We want to get Rainbow Dash…we need somepony to lead our team, somepony to help us in achieving our goal in becoming the universe’s greatest flyers? Why else would Captain Nightshade pick her of all ponies? Because she’s the one to do it!”

“We already told you…s-she’s not joining your team…s-she said so herself!” Blue Skies wheezed, kicking her hindlegs and flapping her ascended wings violently. “W-what part of that…d-don’t…understand?!”

“Oh, we understand perfectly Blue Skies, one hundred percent!” Blueball replied cheerfully, smiling sweetly at the palomino mare. “I get that Rainbow Dash doesn’t want to join our team, because she don’t see just what makes us so amazing, that no Pegasus in their right mind wouldn’t want to join!”

“What…?!” Blue Skies asked with a gasp, pausing in her struggling. “W-what the buck are you t-talking about?! What c-could you p-possibly show R-Rainbow D-Dash that w-would make her want to join a group of p-ponies like you?!”

“You really wanna know?” Blueball asked excitedly, her smile growing wider. “Well, since you’re so eager, I’ll personally show you an up close and personal demonstration as to why we Galaxy Star Bolts are so famous and feared! I will warn you though, this may sting a little, so try not to screamtoo loud, okay?”

Before Blue Skies could even begin to contemplate what Blueball had just said, violet lightning exploded out of the bluish violet mare, travelling up her foreleg and into Rainbow Dash in a tenth of a second. The palomino mare was given no warning before her mouth shot open, her screams tearing out of her as if somepony was driving an electric charged blade into her chest cavity. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head as her wings and limbs shot out, going stock still as electricity course throughout her entire body, her armor doing nothing to prevent it.

“BLUE SKIES!” Storm Shadow yelled, having heard her teammate’s scream as she shot her head in her direction.

“Whoa there, little missy! Not so fast!” Charger exclaimed, flying out in front of her. “You seriously don’t think I’m gonna let you go just like that are you?”

“Move!” Storm Shadow shouted, slightly losing her cool as se shot a slice of wind at the pale grey stallion. “Blue Skies is in trouble; I don’t have time to keep dealing with you!”

“I can see that, but there’s something that I don’t think you realize.” Charger said, evading the attack as he soared into the air. “You’re fighting us, which means if you want to get to your little friend, one of you will have to take out one of us! Or else our sweet little Blueball is just gonna keep giving her a shocker of a demonstration of our power!”

“Why you…!” Storm Shadow hissed, wind swirling around her as she met the stallion in midair and went into another power struggle.

“BLUE SKIES!!!” Violet Fire screamed, watching in horror as the palomino mare was electrified by her captor. She flew down to help her, but was stopped when Nightshade wrapped a foreleg around her neck, putting her in a headlock.

“Where do you think you’re going, hm?” The light blue mask asked, a wicked smile on her face. “Your fight is with me, remember? I don’t recall you saying that any of your teammates should help each other if one is in trouble.”

“Let me go!” The ebony black mare shouted angrily, struggling in the light blue mare’s powerful grasp. She attempted to elbow her in the stomach, but screamed out as she felt herself getting electrocuted by Nightshade, adding to the ones that Rainbow Dash was emitting.

“Awwww, what’s the matter Captain Violet Fire? Not able to take the thunder?” Nightshade asked, her tone sickeningly sweet as she gleefully listened to the ebony black mare’s cries of agony. “Well too bad, because there’s more where that came from!”

“Captain!” Lightning Shadow cried, whipping her head up to where her captain was. She attempted to fly up to her, but was blocked by Starry Skies.

“Not so fast.” Starry Skies said, waving a hood in front of the light grey mare. “We’re it through here yet sweetie, not by a long shot.”

“Get out of my way.” Lightning Shadow hissed sharply, her ears pinning back.

“I don’t think so dear.” Starry Skies chuckled, smiling sweetly at the Shadowbolt. “If you want to get to your Captain, you’ll have to get through me.”

“I said,” Lightning Shadow snarled, ruby red lightning and black essence dancing around her. “Get. Out. Of. My. Way!”

“Wow, Captain Nighty and the others are really letting them have it huh?” Blueball giggled, watching as her team held the Shadowbolts at bay. She turned back to Rainbow Dash, who was still screaming in her grasp. “Are you feelin’ it now Dash? Huh, are you feeling the true power of the Galaxy Star Bolts?”

“LEAVE HER ALONE NOW, YOU MOTHERBUCKING PSYCHOTIC BITCH!!!” Fast Tracks bellowed loudly as he zoomed down towards her. He was immediately intercepted by Stratus, who pulled both forearms behind him tightly. “Dammit...let me go you bastard!”

“Sorry big boy, but that ain’t happenin’.” Stratus smirked, keeping a firm hold on the struggling stallion. “This is what your rainbow maned friend gets by mouthing off to our Captain! Blueball here is just teaching her a lesson!”

“I’mgonna be the one teaching you a lesson if you don’t get the hay out of my way!” Fast Tracks shouted as he engaged the Galaxy Star Bolt once again. “Hold on Dash, we’re coming!”

And so, it went on like that for the next few moments, Blueball electrifying Rainbow Dash while the Shadowbolts tried to come to their aid, only to be continuously intercepted by the Galaxy Star Bolts each time. The mare’s screams were like torture to their ears, and they weren’t sure just how much more she could take before her body finally gave out. All they did know was that they have to save her, before it was too late.

Fortunately for them, they didn’t have to.

“LET HER GO!!!”

The raspy voice came out of nowhere, causing Blueball and the rest of her team to falter in their fights and looked up to where it had come from. They were met with the sigh of a shower of brilliant prismatic flames, raining down towards them from seemingly out of nowhere. They lit up the entire night sky as if they were fire coated meteors bursting out of a volcano and diving down towards earth with the intent in reducing it to nothing but ashes. Both Ariel Teams went wide eyed at the attack coming, and in their shocked states, Violet Fire and Fast Tracks used that opportunity to break away from their adversaries, leaving them in the line of fire.

“Fast Tracks, get Blue Skies out of there!” Violet Fire shouted as soon as she got free. “Hurry, before she gets hit by those fireballs!”

The light brown stallion didn’t need to be told a second time. With a quick nod, he dived down towards the brunt and lifeless looking cyan mare, hoisting her onto his back while Blueball was distracted. Luckily for him, Blueball was too busy trying to evade the fire shower, so she didn’t even notice Fast Tracks swooping in and grabbing Blue Skies.

“Uuuuh...F-Fast Tracks?” Blue Skies wheezed, slowly looking up at her fellow Shadowbolt who was carrying her. “I-Is…that you?”

“Don’t worry Dash, I got you!” The light brown stallion said, looking behind him to smile up at the palomino mare. “You just sight tight okay? We’re not going to let those Galaxy bastards hurt you anymore!”

No more words were said between them after that as Fast Tracks flew back towards the rest of his team, who were hovering in a section of the ethereal wall to keep from getting hit by the balls of fire. As soon as they saw him, they flew over to Fast Tracks and began to inspect Blue Skies’ injuries.

“Blue Skies?! Are you okay?!” Violet Fire asked, gently shaking the younger mare. “Can you hear me?! Say something honey, please!”

To the ebony black mare’s great relief, Rainbow Dash’s eyes slowly opened to meet her worried golden ones. “Y-yes Captain V-Violet…I-I’m still alive. N-no need to get so worked up right now, it’s not like you

“Blue, you were put in a chokehold by Blueball, and nearly electrocuted to death while being strangled at the same time.” Lightning Shadow pointed out softly, gesturing to her the scorches and burn marks. “I think after all that, our Captain is more than within her rights to get, ‘worked up’.”

“Does anypony know where those bolts of fire came from?” Fast Tracks asked, looking down at the flame covered ground. “I didn’t see anypony up in the sky earlier and shoot them down here…it’s like they came out of nowhere or something.”

Storm Shadow was about to reply to the light brown stallion’s question, when she saw something out of the corner of her peripheral vision. Looking to the source, her light blue eyes widened behind her goggles before she cried, “Look, up there!”

All the other Shadowbolts looked up into the sky and gasped upon seeing Rainbow Dash hovering high in the air, flames the color of her eyes surrounding her body. She also looked to be in her Ascension Mode just like the rest of the Shadowbolts, her prismatic cape billowing behind her. It also looked like lightning was surrounding her, which could be contrasted with the flames, thanks to the prismatic color it gave off.

“Wait a minute, hold on.” Lighting Shadow began, squinting her eyes. “Is that…who I think it is?!”

“Holy shit…yeah! It is!” Fast Tacks answered for her, his jaw dropping as he pointed forward. “It’s Rainbow Dash, she’s back up!”

Blue Skies’ ears perked up at hearing that name, her shock and elation making her forget about the pain she was in. She lifted her head up from Fast Track’s shoulder, and sure enough, the cyan mare was in the sky above them all.

“W-whoa…no way…” She croaked, a smile cracking to her lips. “R-Rainbow Dash...is up?”

“I have to be honest; I didn’t really expect her to be recover so quickly, especially with how brutally Nightshade had punched her.” Storm Shadow murmured softly a smile on her own muzzle. “Even so, I’m glad they came nonetheless.”

“Yeah, me too.” Violet Fire said softly, her own smile faltering a bit when she saw Spitfire.

“YOU BASRARDS!!!” Rainbow Dash roared, diving down towards the Galaxy Star Bolts as the lightning and flames coated her body. Her large wings flaring out as she pulled herself out of the scream of roaring fire that she was coated into. She watched as the lighting fused bolt of fire rained down on Nightshade, who tried to evade the gigantic stream of fused elements as it into the ground. Enormous clouds of dust followed suit just a second and a half later, until it completely encased both the Galaxy Star Bolts, and the attacks that they released.

“Wow…that explosion was bigger than I thought it was going to be.” Nightshade muttered, pushing a hoof to block the dust getting in his face. “Did she also fuse lightning and fire in that attack as well?”

“It looks like it.” Charger replied gruffly. “We nearly didn’t see the attack coming, and we barely had any time to try to dodge or evade it. You think she’s going to be a problem after all?”

“She’d better not, I seriously don’t want to waste any more time on these bastards than we need to, with her added into the mix.” Stratus said with a slight growl. “I’m already pissed off as it is, if this mare tries to resist us again, I don’t know what I’ll do!”

Suddenly, Starry Skies looked off to the right, gasped, and reach out to her Captain, who was looking off into the distance. “Captain…Captain watch out!”

The Wonderbolt Captain and the rest of her team followed the pale cornflower blue stallion’s hoof, and felt their eyes widen upon seeing Rainbow Dash explode through the smoke. Nightshade only had enough time to raise her hooves to protect herself, before she felt Rainbow Dash kick her right in her stomach, hard, sending her flying away.

“You’ve gotta be bucking kidding me!” Blueball Blitz shouted disbelievingly, her eyes building out in shock. “She actually got Captain Nighty back!”

“But how?! She’s not even an Ariel Flyer!” Stratus demanded; his eyebrows raised slightly. “I don’t think I’ve seen anypony manage to get a hit on Captain Nightshade without being a member of our team of some other Ariel Team!”

“I don’t have a clue…that little prismatic maned that mare is much more of a than we had anticipated her to be.”Starry Skies murmured, her eyes narrowing. “Come on team, let’s drive this mare into the ground!”

With a grunt, Stratus and the rest of the Galaxy Star Bolts flapped her wings and took off towards Rainbow Dash, with the rest of her team following close behind them. As they got within range, they saw the two mares in the middle of the battlefield, flying through the air and colliding with one another every few seconds.

“I have to admit Rainbow Dash; I didn’t really expect you to join in on this fight!” Nightshade said, flashing a grin at the enraged cyan mare. “For that entire time, I didn’t think that we’d get any reinforcements!”

“That’s only because you nearly punch my damn lungs out.” Rainbow Dash said coldly, her glare not faltering in the slightest. “Still though, I am not gonna let you hurt Blue Skies or any of the Shadowbolts anymore!”

“Of course you wouldn’t, I can see in your eyes how devoted you are to these ponies, even if you’ve only known them for a considerable amount of time.” Nightshade said, holding back a chuckle. “I take it that you’re reconsidering our offer?”

“Yeah, and my answer is just like last time; HELL NO!!!” Rainbow Dash replied with a scream, shooting her magenta colored forehooves outward. “Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Explosion of Lightning!”

Faster than Nightshade could even blink she was blasted away by an explosion of pink lightning, which sent her across the battlefield and crashing into the ice wall. As the Galaxy Star Bolts Captain slammed into it, the others intervened.

“That’s enough out of you!” Stratus bellowed, whirling around and preparing to kick the cyan mare in the back of her head. “Get the Tartarus way from our Captain you bitch!”

Rainbow Dash noticed stratus coming out of the corner of her eye, and moved her head to the side as Stratus shot his hindlegs out. She reached out and grabbed one of his forelegs, before she began to spin him around, Stratus screaming all the while. Rainbow Dash eventually let him go and she inhaled deeply as she prepared to blow him away.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Electric Whinny!” She shouted, shooting a blast of lightning at the flailing stallion, watching as he was sent slamming into the ice wall. Just as her attack died down, she felt somepony slam into her, and it took her just a second to realize that it was Starry Skies.

“Now that wasn’t very nice of you Rainbow Dash.” She murmured, smiling darkly down at the cyan mare as wind danced around her body. “Somepony needs to teach you a lesson in manners.”

“Manners? Forget manners, you damn dumb bitch!” Rainbow Dash spat angrily. “What I’m going to teach you is why you shouldn’t mess with the rainbow!”

Reaching out, she grasped the Galaxy Star Bolt’s suit in her hooves, before lightning exploded out of her, completely enveloping Starry Skies within it. Her screams of pain were all the Rainbow Dash needed to kick her off of her, and slam her into the ground, driving another bolt of lightning within her. With her down, Rainbow Dash looked over to see Charger and Blueball in front of her, both of their goggles flashing brightly.

“Well, you’re certainly quick on your hooves Rainbow Dash.” Charger commented; a smirk spread across his face. “Too bad that won’t help you when you’re up against me!”

With those words, fire began to surround the greenish grey stallion as he shot himself towards the cyan mare, going into his signature bodily tornado. Rainbow Dash waited until he was within range, before she jumped and grabbed him around his waist as he was still spinning. She then started flapping her ascended wings to make both spin together, going at such a speed that Charger began to lose control.

“What the-?! How did you manage to do that?!” Charger cried out as Rainbow Dash began to spin him with her. “Not even Captain Nightshade’s been able to get the drop on my like that!”

“You really shouldn’t underestimate me, especially your bitch of a Captain!” The cyan mare replied as they neared the icy wall. “Just because I’m not a member of some flight team doesn’t mean I can’t fly and fight like them!”

With a loud neigh, Rainbow Dash drove herself and Charger right into the icy wall, the former letting the latter go just as they hit, allowing Charger to take the full hit. The impact was enough to leave Charger in a daze for several moments, and in that time, Rainbow Dash had turned her attention back to Blueball.

“And now there’s just you…” Rainbow Dash breathed, glaring hatefully at the grinning bluish violet mare. “You are in for something special, along with the rest of you, especially for what you did to Blue Skies!”

Rather than be scared by Rainbow Dash’s threat, it only seemed to make her all the more excited to fight here. “Oooh, so have something big planned for all of us?! I can’t wait to see what it is, I can feel myself shaking just thinking about it!”

“Good for you.” Rainbow Dash grinned back. “Because by the time I do show you, you are all going to be blown away to the point where all of you are nothing but ash!”

With those words, Rainbow Dash hurled herself at Blueball, who merely giggled and began to counter the other mare’s rapid bunches. The two Pegasi flew through the air faster than any of the Shadowbolts or Galax Star Bolts, causing gusts of wind and dust to fly all around them. Their wings flapped and swung at each other, with Dash using her dagger-like wing claws to try to slash at the mare, only for Blitz to dodge each one.

“Heeheehee, wow you’re a fast one, aren’t you?!” The bluish violet mare giggled, grinning widely at the cyan mare. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered anypony that’s as fast asyou before!”

“I could say the same to you!” Rainbow Dash said, taking another swing with the claw on her left wing. “I’d say that you’re about as fast as I am! Your Captain wasn’t kidding when you said that you’re the fastest one on her little team!”

“Sure, am ya little silly filly!” Blueball chirped, blocking a punch to the side of her face. “I may not be the strongest or smartest of the Galaxy Star Bolts like Stratus or Starry, but my speed makes up for all of that! It’s the sole reason why Captain Nighty let me join her team in the first place, hmhmhm!”

Rainbow Dash ducked under Blueball’s wing strike as lightning shot out of it, striking the wall behind them. “Are you sure it isn’t because you’re able to keep lighting in your mane and tail? Or that its quite literally made in the shape of lightning?” She asked sardonically, a snort leaving from her nostrils.

“Ahahahaha, no silly! Of course not; why would she let me join just forthat?!” Blueball replied, laughing as if Rainbow Dash had said the funniest joke ever. She then paused as a thoughtful expression came to her goggle covered face. “Though, I wouldn’t put it past the Captain if that was the other reason why she had me join the team! I really do look pretty awesome on me doesn’t it? Hmhmhm!”

“Well she’s about to get a reason to have you off the team!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flaring her wings as lightning appeared around her wings. “Lightning Pegasus Knight: Ultra Thunderous Lightning Bolt!”

In the blink of an eye, she clapped her prismatic feathered together, sending a huge bolt of magenta lightning at the distracted bluish violet mare. Blueball saw the attack coming, but was unable to evade it in time as it struck her full force, sending huge volts throughout her body. She screamed out as she was flown away, and crashed to the ground, the lightning causing that part of the ground to explode around her.

“Heh, looks like I finally got you to shut up Blitz!” Rainbow Dash said after a few moments, a fanged smirk coming to her face. “Was that too much for you to handle?”

Not even a split second after that was said, the cyan mare heard a familiar cheerful voice. “Nope, it sure wasn’t!” Blueball said as she appeared out of the smoke. “In fact, that felt really, really awesome back there! You sure know how to pack your punches!” A smirk came to her face as she added, “Now let me show you mine…Nightmare Lightning Pegasus: Blue Electric Gatling Barrage!”

“Oh crap!” Rainbow Dash shouted, ducking and dodging this way and that to avoid the bluish violet mare’s punches. They flew about the air, Rainbow Dash’s Ascension Mode allowing her to be able to evade and make sharp turns in between Blueball’s rapid punches as her laughter echoed in her ears. The cyan mare tried to strike her a few times with lightning, but Blueball's speed allows her to easily dodge them or even have them countered.

“Aright, that’s enough!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her already worn patience gone as she shot her hooves out in front of her. “Fire Lightning Pegasus Knight: Flaming Thunder Scorching Electric Explosion!”

Before Blueball knew it, she found herself blasted in the face by the explosion of lightning that came from Rainbow Dash’s hooves. It sent her flying down the ground and crashing right through it, landing only meters away from her other teammates. Rainbow kept her attack going for several more moments, driving Blueball deeper into the ground, before she finally stopped, the lightning vanishing.

“There, that should shut her up for a while.” Rainbow Dash murmured, panting a few times as she attempted to catch her breath. As she hovered down to the ground, she glanced over to where the Shadowbolts were, and saw that most of them were tending to Blue Skies. “I should probably go and check up on Blue Skies, that Blueball girl dealt her a pretty bad blow…she may not be able to walk right now.”

With that, the cyan mare flared her prismatic wings and took off into towards the Shadowbolts, going as fast as her still somewhat injured body would allow. As she did so, she could only thing of one other thing other than the well-being of Blue Skies. She needed to end this fight quickly, before the one pony they were after decided she was done waiting and came after her, the Shadowbolts and the rest of their friends.

What Rainbow Dash was unaware of, help was indeed coming, and it was just minutes away.

Author's Note

I...am oddly satisfied with how this entire went out to be honest...I really thought that I would have to edit this version like I did with all of the other chapters, but this is probably the one chapter that I didn't need to do that much editing on or anything like that...heh, yay for me :twilightsheepish: . There wasn't really anything much to change in this chapter other than the addition of techniques, evening out the number of Pegasi that were fighting each other, and having Rainbow Dash jump in just as one of them was about to lose their life while she was recovering :pinkiesmile: . Other than that, and the slightly edited part with the Main Seven Sky Ranger, and Zephyr, along with the end, the rest of the chapter is more or less like the last version of this, and much more split apart :raritywink: . I thought about adding another scene with the rest of the girls, but just like the other couple of times, I felt that it would run a bit too long for me, so I deiced to have that scene done for either the next chapter or the third chapter after the next two, so stay in tune for that, regardless of how it goes :twilightsmile: . Just several more chapters and we'll be at the final battles for future of Ponyville and all of Equestria :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Well, that's all for now, tune in next time for the next few chapters for when we see a group of young foals gallop into the battlefield, and the two armies finally meeting :scootangel: !!!

Chapter 65 - Wings of the Black Abyss

Ordinarily, Sheton Crimson Flash Nightstalker Shenron was a pony that really loved the nighttime and all of the beauty that it held, as well as the creatures that were more nocturnal than others. This was unsurprising to those who knew of his species on his mother’s side, since all Thestrals were known for being particularly active during the night and very nocturnal. While Sheton did like the daytime and the beauty that it held as well, there were just some things about it that he honestly just really didn’t like. One of them being just how much light would be in his eyes whenever he was outside, either on his own, with his friends, and the rest of his family. Having such sensitive eyes that were made specifically for seeing during the night, it was a problem for him, and there was a couple of times where Sheton nearly went blind from looking at the Sun for too long. It was the main reason why Sheton almost always wore his Fedora wherever he went, except for when he went to bed, other than the fact that Evening Glory gave it to him on his seventh birthday. While he knew that the daytime had every reason to be just as beautiful as the night, Sheton just preferred to nighttime more, because he it made him feel safe, especially the shadows he’s sometimes nestle himself into.

Despite having never having any reason to really fear the night, as the stormy grey Thestral sat and spent time with his new friends, he was starting to feel uneasy. Not because of the fact that it was frighteningly dark all around the apple orchard, but because, for some unexplained reason, he was just feeling very anxious. Sheton didn’t know what it was, but it was getting worse as time went on, and it he an even worse feeling that he and his new friends’ lives would be on a very dangerous line.

“Sheton?” The soft voice of Dinky asked, snapping the colt out his thoughts. “Are you okay?”

“H-huh?” Sheton asked, looking over at the grayish violet filly. Upon seeing her curious gaze directed towards him, he blinked and replied, “Oh, I’m okay Dinky, don’t worry. I was just really spaced out that’s all.”

“Spaced out?” Dinky asked innocently. “What were you thinking about?”

Sheton hesitated, his bat ears flicking back as he looked back out the wind he was just staring out of, before looking back at Dinky. “It was about…everything that had happened this morning. Or temporary morning, whatever you want to call it.”

“Oh.” Dinky murmured, her own ears going limp. “You mean all that happened after that scary Alicorn lady came into the Town Square?”

“Mhm, exactly that, and everything that went on afterward too.” Sheton replied softly. “I all happened so fast. I was hanging out with my sister and her friends, and along with the rest of you back in the Town Square. Then, I was being taken back to Ms. Twilight’s tree house with the rest of you, only to be taken again back to Sweet Apple Acres. Only here, it’s at the barn and Apple Bloom’s treehouse…so many things to happen in so little time.” He sighed as he plopped down onto his beanbag, his long mane spilling over his face. “Now that I’ve had some time to think about it, more than I did back at the treehouse, I’m only now seeing just how…terrifying all of this is.”

“I think we all do Sheton.” Dinky said softly, swishing her tail skirt from side to side. “I’m pretty sure that we’re all scared of what’s happened today, and, not be mean and all but, it’s not just you who’s scared.”

“I know that Dinky, it’s not like I haven’t noticed it.” Sheton murmured indignantly, giving a small, yet sharp glare towards the Unicorn filly. She shrunk back a bit as Sheton sighed and continued on more gently. “I’m sorry Dinky, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”

“No, it’s alright, I’m sorry if I sounded mean there.” Dinky shook her head, smiling reassuringly at Sheton. “Are you going to be okay?”

“I…don’t know honestly.” Sheton replied, sighing as he straightened the Fedora on his head. “But I think I will be. After all I have you, Crescent Shield, Spike and the other fillies here with me, so I think I can relax, if not a little bit.”

“Great!” Dinky squeaked, a smile spreading across her face. “Because me Apple Bloom and the others were just about to get started on our drawing contest!”

“You’re wha-whoa!” Sheton’s question was cut short when Dinky once again enveloped him in her aura of magic. Lifting him off of his beanbag, she carried him over to where Spike, Crescent Shield, and the other fillies were, at a large table full of papers and coloring pencils. Some of them looked like they were already going at it, while the rest of the group was trying to think of, or look for some inspiration.

“Oh, Sheton, you’re finally awake!” Sweetie Belle chirped, her expression brightening upon seeing her new friends. She scooted off to the side of the table and put a chair forward, allowing the colt to sit in between her and Fire Flash. “Did you have a good nap?”

“Um…yeah, I did. Thank you for asking Sweetie Belle.” Sheton replied, clearing his throat a bit as he tried to recover from being carried through the air. “I did get a little bit distracted by some of the noise you were making, but I did manage to rest up for a while.”

“O-oh, w-were sorry Sheton, w-we didn’t mean to disturb you.” Scootaloo said apologetically, her single eye gazing at the stormy grey colt’s. “W-were we m-make too much n-noise?”

“No, you weren’t, but I was almost woken up a couple of times.” Sheton replied, smiling at Apple Bloom as she hoofed him a few more apples. “It’s okay though, I slept like a bat in a cave, and it felt amazing!”

“I bet it did; you were literally hanging upside down like an actual bat. It was crazy!” Fire Flash exclaimed. “To be honest, I really thought that you were just making it up that you could actually hang from your tail”

Apple Bloom glanced over at Fire Flash with a raised brow. “An’ jus’ what reason would a Bat Pony have t’ like ‘bout doin’ somethin’ bat related?”

“Yeah Fire Flash.” Spike nodded. “Sheton is literally half bat! You can tell by his wings, ears, and his fangs! What makes you think that he can’t do a majority of the things that actual bats can do during the nighttime?”

“Because…well, I…” Fire Flash stammered over her words, trying to come up with a legitimate explanation for her thoughts. Eventually, she gave up and looked away from the eyes that were glaring disapprovingly at her. “…never mind, stupid thought.”

“Yeah, it was.” Crescent Shield chastised firmly. “Anyway, you feeling okay Sheton? Your heads not hurting from hanging upside down like that, is it?”

“Um…no?” Sheton blinked. “Why would you ask something like that?”

“Oh, nothing…it’s just that I thought that if you hung upside down for too long, that the blood in your body would rush to your head.” Crescent replied softly and absentmindedly. “It does tend to happen to pones who’re suspended upside down for too long. You get a sign when it does happen, when their eyes tend to get bloodshot. So…”

“Ooooh…right, that.” Sheton nodded, an understanding look coming to his face. “Don’t worry Crescent, I didn’t feel my head hurt from my reversed sleeping position. I was actually feeling kind of nice in fact. Besides, if we Thestrals did end up getting headaches due to the blood rushing to our heads when we hang upside down, we wouldn’t be doing it in the first place, hmm!”

“He makes a point there Crescent.” Sweetie Belle giggled as the ocean blue filly blushed. “Still though, if you feel like your head is hurting, we can always make it feel better.”

“Yeah!” Dinky nodded, smiling sweetly at the colt. “Whenever my head is feeling achy, my mommy and big sister kisses it to make it feel better! I can kiss your forehead if that’ll make you feel better! Or, maybe we can have Scootaloo do it instead!”

Scootaloo jumped, her single visible pupil dilating as she dropped her coloring pencils. “M-m-m-m-me?!”

Sheton flinched, blushing hard as he slowly shrunk into his seat, abruptly stopping in is coloring. Pulling his hat down over his face as he bit his lower lip. Taking a few breaths to calm himself, he slowly looked back up at Dinky, he timidly replied. “Um…t-t-thank you f-for the o-offer t-there D-Dinky…b-b-but I think I’ll be good f-for right now. I-I already g-get enough of t-that from m-my momma, a-and m-my s-sister…b-besides…” He glanced over at Scootaloo, who was extremely red in the face. “I-I don’t think Scootaloo would be c-comfortable with that, e-especially with w-what happened at M-Ms. F-Fluttershy’s c-cottage earlier today.”

“M-m-m-mh-h-h-h-hm.” Scootaloo nodded, squeezing her eye shut as she hit behind her large wings.

“Wait a minute, what?” Apple Bloom asked abruptly, her ears perking up as she too stopped in her coloring. “What happened at Ms. Fluttershy’s cottage?”

‘Uh-oh…I spoke too much!’ Sheton froze, his own ears going back as he began to sweat. “Um…n-nothing, nothing happened, nothing at all!”

“No, don’t you dare say nothin’ happened!” Apple Bloom shouted, sitting up in her seat. “What happened between you an’ Scootaloo back at Ms. Fluttershy’s cottage?!”

“Nothing Apple Bloom, I swear!” Sheton cried pitifully, backing away from the advancing farm filly. “I-I just said something to her by accident and I made her really embarrassed!”

“What did you say?” Sweetie asked more calmly, yet just as curiously. “It wasn’t anything mean was it?”

“N-no, it wasn’t Sweetie Belle, honest!” Scootaloo cried desperately, immediately coming to Sheton’s defense. “S-Sheton d-didn’t s-say anything mean to me, h-honest…in fact, i-it was actually r-really s-sweet.”

Dinky glanced over at the bright orange filly. “Sweet? What did Sheton possibly say that was sweet but make you embarrassed at the same time?”

Spike shot a deadpan look at the grayish violet filly. “Did you seriously just ask that question to Scootaloo of all ponies?”

“It…it just slipped out of my mouth before I even realized it.” Sheton replied, sinking back into his seat as he sighed. “I-I asking Scootaloo if she wanted to be friends with me, and she, um…said something that made me think that she didn’t think I’d want to. S-so while I was comforting her…I-I sort of said that she was…w-w-was…”

“Was what?” Fire asked impatiently. “Come on Sheton, spit it out! What did you say to Scootaloo that was all damn mushy?!”

“I…I…I-I…!” Sheton stammered, not noticing the look Crescent shot at Fire. Before she could scold the crimson filly, the stormy grey Thestral blurted out. “I said Scootaloo was pretty! That she was really pretty, okay?! I looked her right in her eye and told her that I thought she looked pretty!”

The whole upper clubhouse went completely silent, nopony speaking a single word as they all stared at a fiercely blushing Sheton. A fly’s wings could’ve been heard buzzing around due to how quiet the room was, only broke by the whimpering coming from Scootaloo. Only Crescent and Spike were left unsurprised, but that did not stop one of the filly’s from asking Sheton the one question he did not want to answer.

“Did…did you really say that Sheton?” Sweetie asked softly. “Did you really say that Scootaloo was pretty?”

“Y…yes, I did.” Sheton replied, his eyes shut tight. “I said it right to Scootaloo with Ms. Fluttershy, and my three sisters watching! It told her how sweet and pretty of a filly she was just minutes before I met her!”

“Awwwwwwww!” Dinky cooed, her own cheeks flushing red as she smiled sweetly at Sheton, her hooves clapping together. “That is so sweet! I can’t believe you said something that sweet Sheton; that was so nice of you!”

Sheton ran his hooves through his mane, the blush on his face darkening. “Yeah, w-well…I sort of said it by accident to be honest. O-of course, I did mean it, but I didn’t really mean to say it out loud.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Apple Bloom asked, wrapping a foreleg around the colt. “If ya didn’t mean somethin’ like that, then why’d ya say it? Ya told scoots she was really good lookin’, an’ that made her feel nice, so why would ya wanna take that back if ya mean it?”

“Yeah!” Sweetie Belle squeaked with a giggle; a cute smile stretched across her own muzzle. “Saying something like that isn’t mean or embarrassing at all! It just shows just how sweet of a pony you are Sheton!”

“Y-yeah…I-I guess so.” Sheton nodded shyly, mentally deciding he wouldn’t tell them the other thing he said to Scootaloo. He seriously did not want to be assaulted by even more teasing than he already was. “C-can we not talk about this anymore, p-please? I-I’m already d-dealing with enough f-from N-N-Nightmare Moon returning, a-and I really don’t need this right now.”

“Y-yeah…S-Sheton’s right e-everypony.” Scootaloo nodded, looking like she wanted to go over and hug the fledgling colt. “I-I don’t think my cheeks c-can take much m-more of this!”

Spike giggled, his draconic tail wagging back and forth. “I think so too~!”

“Uh-oh, are they hurting?” Dinky asked, putting a hoof on the filly’s back. “You poor thing…I can kiss them if that’ll make you feel better.”

Scootaloo squeaked, her face turning even redder than t already was. “T-that’s not helping D-Dinky!”

“Oh, come on Sheton, we were just joking around with you, that’s all.” Fire Flash said coolly. “No need to get upset about that.”

“I-I know that Fire, that’s not why I’m upset.” Sheton replied. “It’s fine if you want to mess with me, b-but I feel like you’re doing it at my expense. T-that’s why I’m feeling the way I am right now…”

“Oh…Ah see.” Apple Bloom cooed, wrapping a foreleg around Sheton’s neck. “We’re sorry Sheton, we didn’t mean t’ hurt ya.”

“No, don’t worry, I’m not mad.” Sheton said reassuringly with a timid smile. “I just felt like you guys were getting carried away that’s all.”

“Yeah, they kind of were.” Crescent Shield nodded, glancing over at Sweetie Belle and Dinky. “I know a certain couple of Unicorns were.”

Sweetie Belle blushed, rubbing the back of her head as she giggled sheepishly. “Sorry…”

“Say, now that you bring it up…” Spike said, glancing over at Sheton. “Are you still reeling about what happened at the Town Square Sheton?”

“Spike, don’t ask such a rude question!” Crescent chastised sharply, glaring at the amethyst draconic colt. “I’m sure that Sheton doesn’t want to relive it! Especially since it happened only more than five hours ago!”

“No Crescent, it’s okay.” Sheton replied, holding a hoof up as he came to Spike’s defense. “To be honest with you all, yes…it is bothering me a little bit. Not as much as it did when I first saw Nightmare Moon, but it still does a little. I’ve seen plenty of scary things when I was younger, but that by far had to be the most petrifying thing I’ve ever seen in my life, more than any fictional monster!”

“I don’t blame you.” Dinky said softly, staring softly at the colt. “You did end up telling me about it before you came here. I could tell that you were a little down, and I thought that there was something up…it looks like I was right too.”

“Well, Ah can’t really blame ya.” Apple Bloom nodded. “When Ah first saw that varmint, Ah thought that mah boe was gonna fly off o’ mah head! Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever been more scared than Ah was at that moment!”

“M-m-m-mh-h-h-hm…” Scootaloo nodded, hugging herself. “I-I-I was s-s-so t-t-t-terrified! I-I-I-I c-couldn’t m-move o-o-o-or e-e-even b-b-b-breath! I-I-I-It was s-s-s-s-so s-s-s-scary!”

“That’s an understatement Scootaloo!” Sweetie added, her tail skirt tucking between her legs. “I thought that I was going to pass out! Not like the way that my sister does whenever somepony give her criticism, but like, overwhelmed by fear pass out!”

“I feel like that’s something that Melon Cake would say.” Crescent murmured. “But I can get what you’re saying Sweetie Belle. I…felt my mind shut down for a minute there…Nightmare Moon was the only thing I could focus on…and nothing else but that.”

Spike nodded with a whimper. “Me too.”

“You’re all literally reflecting my thoughts exactly…I felt all of that in my and maybe more than that too.” Sheton nodded, looking down at the ground as his mane spilled over his face. “I know I only say her once, but I can still remember every single detail on her. Her sin black fur and ethereal mane, her giant space-like bat wings, her icy armor, her gleaming vampiric fangs and…and…” He shivered as he forced the last words out of his fanged mouth. “Her eyes…her turquoise slitted blue eyes as cold as actual ice…it felt like I was staring right in the face of a giant bloodthirsty dragon!”

“Whoa…you only saw her once and you can remember all of those little details on her?” Fire asked, looking impressed. “You have a good eye there Sheton...a real good eye.”

“Yeah, sometimes I wish I didn’t, and what happened at the Town Square just became another reason.” Sheton admitted bluntly, running a hoof through his mane. “Yeah, every single one of those things were scary…but…there was something else about Nightmare Moon that struck out to me.”

“You noticed something else?” Dinky asked, blinking in curiosity. “What was it?”

For a moment, Sheton didn’t say anything, as if he was afraid of what the others would think if he did. Then, he looked back up at them, and quietly murmured. “For some reason…Nightmare Moon’s scent…was really familiar to me. She…she smelled…just like my Mom.”

Gasps echoed about the clubhouse as everypony stared at the fledgling Thestral colt in shock, with only Spike looking like he was as composed as him. Before any of them could question him on his discovery, they found themselves flown out of their seats as they tree, they were in shook violently out of nowhere. The tables, chairs, and just about everything not stuck to the walls fell with them as the foals tumbled across the floor with their items following.

“Whoa, what the buck was that?!” Fire cried, having been the only one to catch herself. “The tree just started shaking! You guys all felt that too right?”

Apple Bloom hoisted the beanbag that fallen on her off of her small form and glared heatedly at Fire Flash. “Ah don’t know Fire Flash, what do you think?! Nearly all o’ our stuff went flyin’ along with th’ rest o’ us! Ah think we all felt that really good!”

“The question is, who or what did it?” Spike asked, rubbing his head. “Nopony, with the exception of the Apple Family, should be strong enough to make a tree this size to shake so hard. Do you think something or somepony else could’ve done it?”

The sound of the second treehouse’s floor door flew open, preventing anypony from answering Spike’s question as somepony popped out from under it. Said draconic colt was sent flying into the far back of the room, consciousness leaving him as his head made contact with the hard-wooden wall. Nopony paid attention to it thought, for they were too focused on the pony they least expected to show up.

“C-Cousin Apple Grove?!” Apple Bloom cried, surprised by the older mare’s sudden intrusion into the treehouse. “What in th’ hay are you doin’ here?!”

Apple Grove wasted no time with explanations and just got straight to the point. “Apple Bloom, we need ya an’ yer friends t’ get outta this tree, right now!” She commanded, her violet eyes filled with desperation and panic as she ran towards her cousin.

“W-what?! W-w-why, what’s goin’ on?!” The sun yellow filly asked as the Pegasus grabbed her by the scruff of her neck like a cat would her kitten. “Why’re so scared, did somethin’ happen?!”

“Please Apple Bloom, jus’ listen t’ me fer right now okay?!” Grove pleaded as she made her way back to the floor door. “All of you, jus’ come with be before y’all-”

“MS. GROVE WATCH OUT!!!” Scootaloo suddenly screamed.

The warning came just in the nick of time as a pillar of dark green fire burst out of the floor door of the higher treehouse. It slammed into the ceiling with such a force that it went through the roof and into the upper part of the tree. It spread across the leaves and branches of the tree immediately making it a gigantic candle of dark green fire within seconds. Add insult to injury, it even spread into the upper clubhouse, adding to the fire coming from the floor door as the foals all screamed in terror.

“AH, MAH TAIL; IT’S ON FIRE!” Apple Bloom screamed, her hooves failing as the fire got at the end of her scarlet tail. “MAH TAIL IS ON FIRE! PUT IT OUT, SOMEPONY ANYPONY, PUT IT OUT!!!”

“Hold still!” Grove commanded, dropping her cousin as she began to repeatedly stomp on her burning tail. In no time, the fire was gone, and the tip of Apple Bloom’s tail was nothing more than charred smoky black hair. “Are you okay now cuz?”

“Y-y-yeah, Ah am now!” Apple Bloom whimpered, backing away from the fire as she held her tail close to her. “What in the hay was that?! Did a dragon come and decide t’ attack the farm?!”

“I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a dragon, little one.” A smooth, yet dark and chilling voice suddenly said. “Though from what I just did, I suppose you could consider me a partial part of the mighty reptilian.”

Apple Grove and all of the foals froze upon hearing the voice and they shook as a scarlet red hoof gripped the edge of the treehouse. It was soon followed by another, then a large sword horn covered with scarlet screaks, and soon revealed the head of a smirking Serafino. The rest of his form following shortly after as he plopped on all fours in the treehouse, draconic dark green eyes looking pointedly at Apple Grove.

“I have to admit my dear, you picked a pretty poor place to take seclusion from me.” He said smoothly, his fangs flashing as he grinned darkly at the young mare. “Of all the places to hide in your farm, you choose here? And with a group of helpless foals, nonetheless? Dear me, just how careless can you be?”

“Shut the fuck up you damn shitbag!” Apple Grove shouted, stomping her hoof. “You were th’ one who followed me here, an’ Ah sure as hell wasn’t puttin’ any o’ mah cousin’s friends in danger! Ah was tryin’ t’ git them out an’ git them away from yer ass! So, don’t you dare try t’ twist this!”

“I’m not twisting anything my dear Apple Grove.” Serafino replied casually, flicking his tail. “All I’m doing is pointing out your mistakes as to why you should’ve a bit smarter. That way, these precious foals wouldn’t be at my mercy now.”

“G-G-Grove…” Sweetie stammered. “Who is this stallion?!”

“From what Captain Moon Blade told me, another one o’ that Nightmare Moon varmint’s followers.” Apple Grove replied, causing all of the foals to gasp. “While Ah was with Ma an’ th’ rest o’ th’ family, this varmint here came flyin’ in like an apple fallin from th’ sky, an’ before we knew it! He was fightin’ Granny Smith, Ms. Blossomforth, an’ Ms. Derpy! At some point, Ms. Cloud Kicker joined in th’ fight, along with Captain Moon Blade, an’ while he was dukin’ it out with hm Ah took the opportunity t’ come git you guys an’ git ya outta here b’fore he got y’all too!”

“H-he was fightin’ Granny Smith?!” Apple Bloom cried, horror filling her heart. “Is she alright?”

“Oh yes my dear, I can assure you that she’s indeed very fine.” Serafino replied, his smooth tone gaining a lustful edge to it. “Although, I don’t think that’s going to last, especially with how much my master is mangling her and the rest of her little friends.”

“M-m-m-master?” Scootaloo stammered. “W-w-w-what master?”

“Oh, right, I forgot to mention.” Serafino replied casually, letting out a little chuckle. “I’m actually a magical copy of the real Serafino, not the actual one. Long story short, my real self saw this beautiful young mare here making a break for the woods. So, in the midst of my real self’s fight, he had created me for the purpose of going after her and see where she was going.” The grin on his face grew slightly wider as he glanced at each of the foals. “And, oh my goodness, what a little prize that I’ve found in my search. So many precious little foals to add to my dear Dark Queen’s colony…”

“You ain’t gonna touch any o’ these precious little sugar cubes, or take ‘em anywhere ya hear me?” Apple Grove glowered as the foals huddled behind her. “The only way yer getting’ t’ them is if ya go through mah dead body, an’ there’s no way that Ah’m goin’ anywhere with you either!”

“Oh, really now?” Serafino asked, amused by the lime green mare’s bold stance. “And just who’s going to stop me from getting what I want?”

As if to answer his question, a draconic roar suddenly echoed about the tree before a purple and green blur pounced on the Serafino. Everypony watched as Spike lunched and clamped his razor-sharp fangs down on Serafino’s right shoulder and clamped down hard, the sound of crunching bone resonating in their ears. The sin black stallion screamed in surprise in pain as the draconic colt’s claw turned hooves dug into his hooves and back, causing black blood to spew about.

“Spike!” Crescent Shield cried out in relief and surprise. She made to run towards him, but Apple Grove held her back, shaking his head at her not to interfere, least Serafino seriously harm her along with Spike.

“You little brat!” Serafino shouted, bucking and slamming into the walls as he tried to throw the Kirin off of him. At some point, he noticed the weight of the colt was beginning to get heavier, and before he knew it, he was through to the floor and onto his back. He only had time to look into the enraged eyes of an enlarged Spike, before he found himself bitten and slashed by the colt, splattering black blood and lose black fur everywhere.

After a few moments of the vicious attack, Spike grabbed Serafino by his through and through him into the other side of the treehouse. Ignoring the blood staining his face, forelegs, and chest, he snapped his head back to the group behind him. “What’re you guys still doing here?! All of you, get out of here now!”

“Are you nuts?!” Dinky cried; her eyes wide with disbelief. “We can’t just leave you here! There’s no way that you can be this stallion on your own!”

“Did you guys forget that I’m half-dragon and can turn into a full blooded one too?!” Spike asked as if it was plainly obvious. “It’s fine, I’ll hold him off while the rest of you leave, now just GO!”

He barely managed to get that last word out of his mouth before found himself having go dodge a magical blast shot at him by Serafino. As it hit the floor and created a giant hole within it, Spike leapt at him and once again grabbed at his neck with his teeth, slamming him into the wall behind them. As the Nightmare Alicorn stallion and Kirin colt struggled against one another, Apple Grove looked between them and the new hole in the ground, before making a painful decision.

“Come on y’all, let’s go!” She said regretfully, once again grabbing Apple Bloom and making her way towards the opening in the floor. “We’ll leave this t’ Spike!”

“WHAT?!” Crescent yelled, her jaw dropping. “We can’t leave him! Are you feeling the power coming off of this stallion right now?! How is Spike supposed to-?!”

An explosion of emerald green fire cut the ocean blue filly off as it spread and mixed along with Serafino’s darker fire. As Crescent and the other foals tried to get away from it, they heard Spike shout out, “Crescent, I’ll be fine alright! This fire isn’t going to kill me, but it will kill all of you if you don’t get out of here right now! At this right it’ll fall at any minute, so you need to leave!”

“B-but we can’t leave you!” Crescent protested desperately. “W-what if he ends up k-killing you?!”

Spike gave a vicious slash to Serafino’s face, causing him to stumble as the colt looked back at his foster sister. “I won’t let that happen; I didn’t get killed by the Battookuma that attacked Ponyville, and I’m not gonna let this asshole kill me either! He may be powerful, but so am I, I’m not part of two of the most powerful families for now reason! Now, get out of here!”

Crescent gave one last weak plead. “B-but…but, Spike…!”

“I, said…LEAVE!” He bellowed, his scream turning into a powerful roar that effectively shut down Crescent’s protests. Seeing that he wasn’t going to change his mind, Crescent tore her tear-filled eyes away from the colt and followed the others down the gaping floor. As Sheton made it down himself, he glanced over at Spike, his eyes holding a stern gaze to them.

“You’d better not die Spike; do you hear me?!” Sheton warned, sounding like his sister Goku for a moment. “Cause if you do, I swear, that I’ll make sure Twilight and Crescent will tear you a new one, that is if I don’t do it myself!”

Spike gave a violent tail swipe to Serafino as he tried to kick him away, looking back at the Thestral colt with a fanged grin. “Heh, don’t worry, I’m not planning on dying here! Besides, I wouldn’t be able to see you unleash that awesome Crimson Glare of yours if I did!”

Sheton gave a grin of his own, his fangs giving a shine the light of the green fires, before he flew down the gaping hole, where Apple Grove and the others were waiting. As soon as he made it over to them, Apple Grove ushered them all into the edge of trees of the orchard.

“Good, yer all here.” She said, relief flowing through her as she eyed them all. “Alright, now Ah want y’all t’ listen t’ me very carefully. Ah’m gonna take y’all t’ th’ edge of the orchard, right where the fence separates it from the actual woods. There ain’t really many places that Ah can have ya hide right now, an’ Ah’m pretty sure that Ponyville isn’t exactly safe at th’ moment either, especially if there are more varmints like him around.”

“A-a-are you sure t-that’s a g-good idea?” Scootaloo asked worriedly. “I-I mean, t-that stallion d-did end up seeing you sneak out to see us and m-made a c-clone to follow you. W-what if he d-does it a-again?”

“Ah won’t let that happen t’ any o’ y’all, Ah promise.” Apple Grove assured softly and gently, running a hoof through the filly’s mane. “If anypony like him tries t’ hurt y’all, Ah’ll make ‘em pay, an’ besides, it’s not like we’re goin’ right back t’ th’ house where he’ll surely see us.”

“Wait a minute…ya jus’ said yer takin’ is t’ where the edge of the orchard is.” Apple Bloom suddenly said, narrowing her eyes at her cousin. “Are ya takin’ us where Ah think yer takin’ us cousin Grove?”

The lime green mare nodded, one of her violet eyes winking down at the smaller filly. “Eeyup, exaclty that place cousin AB.”

“O-okay but…” Sweetie said hesitantly, looking back up at the tree and fire covered tree. “Is it really a good idea to leave Spike alone with that stallion?”

A painful scream coming from Serafino, followed by another deafening roar rendered everypony down below silent, and they watched as a stream of flames erupted from the burning leaves of the tree. All of their eyes went wide upon seeing pitches of black fur follow the fire as he fluttered down towards them like black snowflakes, the smell of smoke and fire lingering off of them.

“Uuuuh, yeah, I think he’ll be just fine.” Fire Flash replied after a long moment of silence. “In fact, I think it’s that black looking stallion that should we should be worried about.”

“You said it Fire.” Crescent murmured, flicking her tail. “Then again…maybe we shouldn’t.”

“Ditto.” Dinky nodded, looking worriedly up at the burning tree and the wooden houses attacked to it. ‘I hope he’ll be alright.’

“Eeyup, I think Spike’s got this handled jus’ fine.” Apple Grove replied, staring at the fire covered tree one final time before looking back down at the foals. “Come on y’all, let’s git t’ th’ Black Tree Grove b’fore that varmint comes after us again!”

All seven of the foals nodded firmly as they squeaked, “Got it!”

Trixie’s star covered cape billowed in the wind as she flew back from an incoming Deathgod, her horn ignited in preparation to block any incoming attack. Deathgod immediately retaliated afterward, blasting a powerful beam of magic at the azure blue Thestral to which she blocked with a giant shield the shape of the blade on her staff. As Deathgod hovered over her, Trixie lunged with her spear, stabbing the Nightmare Alicorn right in the chest and throwing him into the ground. Hovering over him, she drove her spear forward and stabbed him in his stomach again, driving him deeper into the earth.

“Why you…you little vile bloodthirsty bitch!” Deathgod shouted, grabbing Trixie’s spear and yanking it out of him, as he threw it to the side. “Nightmare Solid Form Magic: Bolt of Black Thunderous Lightning!”

Trixie cried out as the black lightning bolt shot right into her chest, nearly going through her as it sent her flying away from Deathgod. The Nightmare Alicorn smirked and teleported away, appearing, appearing behind Trixie and give her a vicious tail swipe to the magician. She was sent crashing to the ground as Deathgod flew down towards her, ready to finish her off with another magical attack.

“I don’t think so dearie!” Trixie shouted, rolling over on her back and pointing her star shaped spear at Deathgod. The blade at the front began to glow as bright as Trixie's eyes as she unleased her next attack. “Unicorn Thestral Solid Form Magic: Lunar Moonlight Blast!”

Faster than even Deathgod could blink, a pure white beam of magic shot out from the tip of Trixie's spear and shot up directly at her adversary. Deathgod’s yellow eyes widened as the attack headed straight for him, and he was barely able to conjure up a shield to block the attack, but was soon destroyed by the Trixie’s power. His scream resonated in Trixie’s bat-like ears as he was sent flying into the sky, before crashing to the ground.

“You shouldn’t underestimate my reflexes my dear foe.” Trixie murmured as Deathgod staggered to his feet. “Just because I may look like I won’t be able to defend myself, but don’t let that make you believe that I’m an easy target. It’s happened to plenty of ponies that I’ve fought over the years, and I’m sure that you won’t be the last either.”

“Don’t be so quick to think that.” Deathgod hissed as he burst out of the ground as he glared at Trixie. “I don’t know what kind of opponents that you’ve face during your time in this world, but I can assure you that I will be the last one you face! I haven’t even begun to show you the full force of the Dark Army yet!”

“Then by all means, bless my eyes with the power you possess.” Trixie crooned, twirling her spear in her magical grasp. “Otherwise, I’ll just shatter that precious gem that gave you said power in the first place.”

“Not if is shatter that damn spear of yours first!” Deathgod shouted, slamming his hooves down as the cracked grown glowed with yellow energy. “Nightmare Alicorn Earth Make: Black Thorned Vine Whip!”

A giant vine burst from the ground and lashed out at Trixie who merely smirked and leapt out of the way as the vine sliced into the ground. Large cracks were left in the split earth, and they just barely managed to miss Trixie as she continued to fly around the street. After a minute or two of evading she decided to retaliate, her horn ignited as she did so.

“Unicorn Thestral Solid Form Magic: Shooting Star Gattling Gun!” The magician shouted, her horn giving off multiple bolts of purple magic at the giant incoming vine. It was blasted and torn to shreds as the thorns flew everywhere, some of them nearly stabbing into Trixie.

“I’m not done with you yet!” Deathgod shouted, undeterred as he continued channeling more magic into the ground to strengthen his vines. “Nightmare Alicorn Earth Make: Impaling Vine Flock!”

Ears perking up at the sound of splitting earth, Trixie looked behind her and saw a whole group of vines rising up from the ground and heading towards her. As she turned around to face them, some ripped at her cape while others sliced her sides and face, causing blew to spew out as she fought against it. Gritting her fangs together, fire her horn off and blasted each of the individual vines that were coming for her, using her wings to slice them apart. When she got to the ground, she gave one final magical last towards the vines ultimately destroying them in the process.

“Too slow.” Trixie said as she glanced back at the Nightmare Alicorn. As she flared her wings in preparation to charge him, she suddenly cried out as felt multiple stabbing pains all throughout her legs. Looking down, her eyes went wide upon seeing more vines pop out and wrap around her before pulling her to the ground.

“Correction, you’re not fast enough.” Deathgod smirked, serrated fangs exposed. “Nightmare Alicorn Earth Make: Black Earth Dome Sphere!”

“Shit!” Trixie cursed as the large black earth dome encased her in its shell. “Not again!”

“I’ve got you know; there’s no way for you to escape from a dome of this magnitude!” Deathgod boasted as he ignited his horn. “Now say goodbye; Fire Nightmare Alicorn: Swirling Explosion of Black Fire!”

With roaring explosion, Deathgod shot off a blast of black fire at the black dome that Trixie was entrapped in, the flames heating it the closer it got. Just before it hit, it suddenly exploded, and for a moment, Deathgod thought that he had connected. That was when he noticed the purple magic coming from the end of his, and his eyes widened in disbelief when he saw Trixie out of his black earth dome.

‘What in the world…that’s impossible!’ He thought as his jaw dropped. ‘I made that dome and those vines three times as powerful now that I fused together with the Death Trio! How was this mare able to get past it?!’

Unfortunately, the Nightmare Alicorn didn’t have any more time to think on it, for he soon felt himself being blown away by Trixie’s attack. The sound of something cracking filled his ears before he found himself crashing into a house, just meters away from the magician as she took a moment to collect herself from the assault.

“Did you seriously try the same trick that you did on me just moments ago?” Trixie asked incredulously as blood flowed from her legs and face, a few thorns stuck within her. “Sorry my dear, but that’s only going to work once. If there’s one thing ponies should know about me, especially in battle, is that I never fall for the same trick twice. So, unless you have some other trick on that fused brain of yours, I suggest not doing that a third time.”

Deathgod snarled, tearing himself from the destroyed house as he glared at the azure blue Unicorn Thestral. “Why you…you dare criticize me and my intellect?! You have some nerve doing that when you fell for my trap the first time!”

“That may be so, but you didn’t get anywhere near as close of a chance to kill my like you did the first time.” Trixie murmured rolling her eyes. “So, like I said, you should really come up with more sneaky moves, otherwise I’ll just end it right here and now.”

“I’ll be the one who ends you, you damn excuse for a Bat Pony!” Deathgod shouted, flaring his wings as he flew at her. “You don’t stand a chance against me!”

“We’ll see about that sweetheart.” Trixie muttered softly, pointing her spear forward as she too flew forward.

Not too far away from the fight, Crimson Skies, Spearhead, Shining Armor, and Wonderbolts were all sitting off to the side of the Town Square. The palomino currently had all of them encased in a large blood red oval like dome with her sitting outside of it. She had her hooves pressed up against the tome, and it gave of a bright glow as her eyes gave off the same red shine as the dome did.

“C-Crimson, are you sure that you’re okay with healing all of us at the same time?” Fleetfoot asked worriedly. “I mean, you can do us one at a time if it makes it easier for you.”

“Thank you for the offer Fleetfoot, but no can do.” Crimson stated firmly, not breaking from her concentration. “All of your injures are much too severe for me to do resort that that plan of action, so the best one for me to take is to do it all at once. That way, all of you will be back in peek condition to help Ms. Trixie in her fight against Deathgod!”

“Well, for where I’m standing, it doesn’t look like she really needs our help for right now.” Soarin murmured. “I can tell just the way that she’s moving that she knows what she’s doing, and that she’s not even that winded right now.”

“Of course you can see that.” Spitfire snorted sarcastically, rolling her eyes as she cuffed the stallion across his head. “You’re just too caught up by how she looks to see how much she’s stealing our spotlight.”

“While I appreciate her help, I do wanna know who she is.” Spearhead murmured, staring at the mare as she battled Deathgod. “I’ve never seen her anywhere around anywhere, especially in Canterlot City…yet, I can’t help but feel like I should know her.”

“I do...her name is Trixie Lunamoon Nocturnis, also known as the Magic Wanderer Equestria.” Shining Armor replied as he sat on his haunches. “She’s known as the most powerful magically powered Unicorn in Canterlot, aside from me and my sister.”

“Wait, you know Ms. Trixie?” Crimson Skies asked, her the flashing redness dimming in her blue eyes as they widened in surprise. “Y-you even now where she’s from?”

“Yep, I sure do Crimson.” Shining nodded. “From what my little sister told me; Trixie came from the Thestral inhabited town of Hollow Shades, which is said to be in the northern part of the Everfree Forest.” A shocked gasp coming from Fleetfoot and Crimson let him know that they didn’t know that was where the magician came from. “When she was around my sister’s age, she was sent to Celestia’s School for Gifted Ponies, and they ended up being friends pretty quickly from what I’ve heard. Although, Trixie wasn’t quite enthusiastic about meeting other ponies that were friends with Twilight, which I can understand, since she was a Thestral and all.”

“I see…so she was a part of Queen Celestia’s school, was she?” Spearhead asked, glancing over at the magician, who looked to have Deathgod pinned to the ground. “That makes sense…I mean, where else would she have learned to harness such powerful magic?”

Soarin frowned skeptically. “I don’t know about that. I’ve seen plenty of powerful Unicorn’s come out from the Queen’s school, but this mare…she’s something else.”

“I agree…I wonder how she and the other Thestrals managed to survive in a forest as terrifying as the Everfree too.” Crimson Skies nodded, staring at Trixie for a moment longer before turning back to the ponies she was healing. “Well, we can worry about that later; we’ll let Trixie handle Deathgod for now. Let’s just focus on us and get ourselves patched up so we can take care of the rest of the Dark Army.”

“Yeah, right…” Spitfire snorted as she crossed her forehooves. “Us.”

Sheton’s emerald blue eyes flashed in the darkness as and he and the fillies zoomed through the orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Grove taking the lead in the run. The sound of pounding hooves and wing flaps was the only thing that could be heard as the young Pegasus mare led the foals’ father away from the burning tree and the two wooden houses that accompanied it. Every so often, one or two of them would look back at the carnage happening behind them, only to hear another explosion that caused them to look ahead of them once more.

“M-Ms. Apple Grove, how long do we have to keep running?!” Dinky huffed as she struggled to keep up with the group. “I’ve been running for who knows how long, I don’t know how long I can keep up!”

“Don’t worry sugarcube, we’re nearly at the edge of the orchard!” Apple Grove shouted behind the grayish violet filly. “We only have a few more yards and then we’ll get there!”

“Cousin Grove, are ya sure that it was a good idea t’ leave Spike t’ fend off that varmint?” Apple Bloom asked worriedly as she clung to her cousin’s back. “Ah mean, he threw him ‘round like how Winona does one o’ her toys. Don’t ya think we should go back?”

Appel Grove glanced over at the filly with a guilt-ridden expression. “Look AB, Ah didn’t like doin’ that any more than you did, okay? Ah didn’t wanna leave him b’hind, but it didn’t look like Spike was gonna let me take him with us! Besides didn’t ya hear him when he said tha he was half dragon, an’ can turn into a full one if he wanted to?! Who in their right mind would even think o’ takin’ on a full-grown dragon?!”

“Only somepony as psychotic as that guy.” Fire Flash snorted. “But you did have a point there Grove…odds are that guy’s already finished right now.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think we should take our chances.” Crescent Shield advise as she flew above the group. “Spike will be able to find us thanks to our scent, but that stallion may also follow him too, so I think we should take precautions and lie now until he comes, and comes alone.”

“Good idea Crescent,” Sweetie nodded, before noticing something ahead of her. “Hey guys, look!”

All the other foals followed the alabaster filly’s gaze, and went wide eyed when they saw that they were heading right towards enormous grove of trees. It didn’t look like any of the other trees that were around the orchard, they were all as black as the night sky above them, having no rich green leaves or ripe apples adorning any of them. Piles of fallen leaves of various colors adorned each and various parts of the ground, crunching under the hooves of the ponies as they ran under them. As they did so, Sheton couldn’t help but get the familiar smell of apples on the trees, as if they were still on there, like the trees they were just going past.

The stormy grey Thestral barely had any time to properly take it all in though, for he found himself and everypony else stopping under a particularly large tree. Apple Grove ushered them all under a huge gaping hole under it that managed to fit all of them, plus the older mare, as she too crawled inside. They took those several minutes to catch their breath from their frantic running, and a few more to take in what had just happened at the now destroyed treehouse. As Apple Grove crawled back out to look out for anymore danger, Sheton’s curiosity about where they were now was voiced.

“Um…Ms. Apple Grove?” The stormy grey Thestral colt asked as they stopped under a giant leafless tree. “W…what part of the orchard is this?”

Apple Grove took a few moments to catch her breath, before answering Sheton. “This…this is what th’ Ponyville Apple Family, ‘r Granny Smith likes t’ call, th’ Black Tree Grove. It’s a part of Sweet Apple Acres that was abandoned long ago by cousin Applejack her brother an’ sisters, an’ Granny Smith some time ago.”

“Abandoned?” Sheton repeated, looking somewhat surprised. “Were they not able to keep up with the apples in this part of the orchard?”

“Oh no, they were able to keep up with them just fine.” Fire Flash replied gruffly. “Unfortunately, AB’s awesome grandmother of a mare ended up having to deal with a pack of Timberwolves that had wandered onto the very edge of the farm. Long story short, they ended up having beef with Granny Smith, and…those damn mutts ended up burning up this part of the orchard beyond recognition, and I mean everything in it. Now the only thing left of this part of the orchard is all of these dead trees, which look like they could be used for some new Nightmare Night celebration or something like that.”

“Oh…” Sheton murmured, his ears pinning back as he looked over at Apple Bloom. “I guess that Granny Smith wasn’t very happy about that, huh Apple Bloom?”

The sun yellow filly snorted. “You have no idea Sheton.” She replied dryly. “Those wooden doggies really did a number ‘round here when they came here. Granny Smith lead them here t’ try t’ keep us safe from th’ Timberwolves an’ took them on herself. She managed t’ drive them away but…it ended up with this part o’ our orchard bein’ destroyed. Ah can still feel th’ magic from them doggies lingerin’ ‘round here…somewhat.”

“Awww, that had to suck.” Sheton murmured, draping a warm bat wing. “I’m sorry you had to go through that Apple Bloom.”

“It’s okay, at least we still have our other chest on different fields.” Apple Bloom said smiling sweetly at the colt. “This is just a small lose for us apples; we still have plenty o’ apple t’ bring int’ harvesting t’ keep this farm goin!”

“Yeah!” Dinky squeaked. “And there’s a lot of other places for us to play all we want with each other too!” She paused as she glanced over at Fire Flash. “Though, using the part of the orchard for a Nightmare Night party doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

Right at that moment, Apple Grove, who had just finished surveying the area of the grove of black trees, turned back to the foals. “Alright, it doesn’t look like there’s anypony here right now, so Ah think we can take a breather fer right now. Still, don’t let yer guard down no matter what happens okay? There’s no tellin’ when that varmint is gonna come after us, if he’s comin’ after us that is.”

“W-w-we won’t…w-we won’t l-leave u-unless we n-n-need t-too.” Scootaloo stammered softly, speaking up for the first time since they got her. “W-what’re you g-going t-to do?”

“Ah’m gonna keep a lookout fer that varmint if he comes here.” Apple Grove replied firmly. “Ah don’t know what’s happenin’ between him an’ Spike, but if he is on his way here, Ah’m gonna by y’all sometime t’ escape from th’ lack Tree Grove.”

“Y-you’re gonna fight him by yourself too?!” Crescent cried. “B-but that’s what-!”

“Ah know that that’s what Spike did sweetheart, jus’ listen t’ me okay?” Apple Grove said gently and firmly, holding a hoof up. “Ah’m not gonna really fight him all that long, Ah’m jus’ gonna keep him distracted long enough t’ let ya run back t’ th’ barn if hindin’ here doesn’t work. Once Ah’m sure that your safe, Ah’ll come an’ join’ y’all, an’ me an’ the others will keep ya safe.” A reassuring smile came onto her face as she looked fondly at them, mainly Apple Bloom. “Ah promise, Ah’ll make sure that Ah don’t die at that varmints hooves, an’ Ah don’t want any o’ y’all lookin’ back until yer back at th’ barn, ya understand?”

None of the foals replied for the longest time, honestly contemplating whether to take Apple Grove’s words to heart. The gentle reassurance in those violet eyes made them want to take it however, and after another minute of silence, Apple Bloom replied. “A…alright cousin Grove, we’ll trust ya t’ keep us safe. Jus’ try not t’ git taken out too quickly, alright?”

Apple Grove nodded, reaching over and patting her little cousin on her head. “Don’t worry, Ah’m not goin’ down any time so-”

The sound of something stabbing and sinking to flesh cut the young Pegasus mare off as she froze in shock, her eyes widening as her jaw dropped. Apple Bloom and all the foals’ eyes widened when they saw a thick stream of blood fall from Grove’s mouth, which fell onto the black blade protruding out of her stomach. Grove slowly looked down at the blade protruding out of her mouth, the shock slowly wearing off as the pain began to set in.

“Sorry, but it doesn’t look like your cousin is going to be protecting you anytime soon.” A familiar voice said from behind Grove. “Although, since you were so keen on that, I’ll this quick for you.”

Scootaloo screamed bloody murder as Apple Grove was yanked out of the entrance of the giant tree by her tail before she felt a set of claws grab her on the back or rump. Faster than she would’ve ever thought possible, Apple Grove found herself slammed into another one of the trees, the force so powerful that it knocked her out cold.

“APPLE GROVE!” Apple Bloom screamed as she watched her cousin fall to the ground with a sickening thud.

“Awww, don’t worry my dear, I didn’t hurt your dear cousin too much.” Serafino cooed as he smiled wickedly down at the filly. “Although I don’t think she’ll be waking up from that attack anytime soon.”

Fire Flash growled heatedly, her golden eyes flashing with anger. “Why you…you’re going to pay for that, you asshole!”

“My, my, what filthy language from such a young filly.” Serafino chuckled, not in the least bit intimidated by the filly’s glare. “I’m going to need to teach you a lesson for that, just like I did with that little insolent draconic colt.”

“Wait…are you talking about Spike?” Crescent asked, her eyes widening in horror. As soon as the horror came to her face, it was quickly replaced by anger. “What did you do to my brother Serafino?! if you even harmed a single scaly hair on his head, I swear…!”

Serafino let out another chuckled, giving his tail skirt a light flick. “Oh, no need to get so worked up my little filly…your dear big brother is just fine. In fact, due to his draconic heritage, he’ll survive the treehouse fire without a problem. That is, if he manages to regain consciousness quick enough to jump out of the treehouse before it falls on top of him.”

“Y-you…you got the drop on him?” Dinky asked with a slight stammer. “B-but how…h-h-he’s a Kirin, he never lets somepony take him out that quickly!”

“Well, it looks like he let his guard down for a little bit too long.” Serafino commented with a slight shrug. "No matter I’ve taken care of him, and rather quickly too, and now…” He smirked evilly down at the foals, pointedly at Sheton. “There’s just the seven of you.”

Sheton’s eyes widened in terror. “No, wait! D-don’t do it-!”

The young fledgling was barely able to get that sentence out of his mouth before the tree they were hiding in exploded out of nowhere. Sheton and all of the other foals all screamed out in terrified pain as they scattered about the Black Tree Grove, Sheton lying the furthest away from them. He moaned in pain at the bruises and that covered his body, and as he looked up, he felt his heart stop upon what he saw in front of him.

Serafino, who had not moved from the spot he was when the tree exploded, had all of the fillies around him, either encased his magic, or having thorns wrapped around them. Each of them struggled violently as they tried to escape from the stallion’s grasp, but they were either stilled in the air, or had Serafino’s vines grasp them tighter. All of them were giving out multiple pain filled cries of response from this, all of them torture in Sheton’s sensitive ears.

“S-S-S-Sheton!” Scootaloo wailed, tears falling from her single violet eye as she felt the thorned vines dig into her flesh. The bright orange filly sobbed with pain as she tried to break free, causing the thorns to drive deeper into her. “I-it hurts…! P-P-P-Please….h-h-help us!”

“Girls!” Sheton cried as he shot to his hooves. “Don’t worry, I’m coming!”

Serafino’s dark green eyes glowed. “I don’t think so little colt.”

Just as Sheton began to fly towards the Nightmare Alicorn, he felt himself violently slammed back int the ground, his fedora falling off of his head. He hissed and screeched like a bat in a cave as he fought and struggled against Serafino’s black vines, ignoring the thorns that stabbed into his small form. Thanks to his supernatural strength, he had a better chance of getting out, but at the very least he managed to get to his hooves.

“Faustdammit…let me go!” Sheton hissed, baring his fangs as his entrancing blue eyes glowed with anger. “Put my friends down, now!”

“Oh, so you want me to put them down?” Serafino asked, smiling in amusement at the colt as he watched him continue to fight. “And just what’re you going do to if I don’t?”

Sheton’s ears went back as a growl formed in the back of his throat. “Do you really want me to answer that question?” He asked, his tone gaining a sharp edge to it. “I don’t think you know who you’re dealing with right now!”

Serafino, although a little taken aback by the razor edge to Sheton’s voice, let out a laugh as he walked over to the colt. “Oh, I think you’re wrong there my little colt. I’m dealing with a colt that looks like a bat pup that’s fallen out of its mother’s embrace before it even managed to fly yet. That, and one who should know when to hold his tongue…and since your dear mother isn’t here, I’ll have to teach you that lesson for her.”

The next thing Sheton knew, the left side of his face exploded with pain as Serafino punched him across the face, not looking like he put much effort into it. The colt screamed as pain flashed through his head, a few teeth, plus his fangs, flew out of his mouth, having been torn out right at the roots. As Sheton fell to the ground, Serafino slammed a hoof down on his face, emitting another scream from the colt as his head was dug into the earth he lay upon.

“Awww, what’s the matter young colt? Not able to take the pain from a real Thestral?” Serafino asked, smiling in sadistic glee at the colt’s agony. “That’s too bad…I expected a lot better from one of the descendants of the Dark Queen.”

“You leave him alone you jerk!” Sweetie shouted, her horn igniting as she prepared to try to blast Serafino’s face off. When it was clear that he wasn’t listening to her, she growled and screamed, “I said, leave him alone!”

Blinded by rage, the ocean blue filly shot a blast of magic at Serafino, which ended up striking him in the back of the head. The stallion cried in pain in surprise as he stumbled forward trampling over Sheton as he did so. His right hoof slowly reached to the back of his head, and when he pulled it away, he watched as black blood slowly dripped from his hoof and into the ground. As if it was made of paste, Serafino’s head slowly turned into Sweetie’s direction, and shot her the most baleful look she had ever seen.

“You shouldn’t have done that young filly.”

The sheer iciness and dripping venom in Serafino’s tone sent a shiver down Sweetie’s spine, and as he teleported in front of her, all the rage she felt was sucked away. She squeaked in fear as she felt the stallion grab her by the horn and force her terrified emerald eyes to look into his evil darker ones.

“I must say that was quite the magical attack you shot at me…you actually hurt me there.” He commented as he clenched down on the horn in his hoof. “If you were a Thestral, like that colt over there, I would’ve been impressed by that move. Too bad that you’re not going to be able to use it again…”

Before Sweetie Belle could react, Serafino lunged forward and chomped down hard on the filly’s horn. Her screams of pain echoed about the clearing of the Black Tree Grove as Serafino pulled and yanked on her horn, sending sparks of pain through her head. Although he wasn’t trying to snap her horn in half, it was clear that he wanted to cause Sweetie as much pain as possible.

“Sweetie Belle!” Dinky squealed, tears falling from her golden eyes as she watched her fellow Unicorn get tormented. “Stop it, stop! Please stop hurting her!”

“LET HER GO YOU BASTARD!” Fire Flash screamed, blood dripping from her body as she struggled with all her might. The vines got tighter around her body as she did so, but that was the last thing on her mind. “DO IT NOW OR I SWEAR I WILL BURN YOU TO ASH!!!”

“Oh, and just how will you that my little filly?” Serafino asked, not stopping in his torment of the sobbing filly beneath him. “You’re not even able to loosen the vines entrapping you and your friends, and you’ll only quicken your death the more you do so. I suggest that you stay still, least you accidentally snap your own neck.”

“You damn varmint…” Apple Bloom hissed, her eyes glowing fiercely. “When we git outta this, Ah’m gonna bury you six feet under th’ ground, an’ Ah swear, Ah’m gonna make it slow!”

Serafino chuckled, finally letting go of Sweetie Belle’s horn as the filly sobbed and cried in agony, while he stared down in amusement at the farm filly. “Oh, really now? That was just what I was about to say about you and each of your friends. now that I bring that up, I think it’s about time I start to have my fun with you all…”

Scootaloo whimpered, her eye widening in fear. “F-f-f-fun?” She stammered, not liking the way that Serafino said it. “W-w-what d-do you m-mean…f-f-fun?”

Serafino slowly shifted his gaze towards Scootaloo, looking directly into her face. The grin on his face made the poor filly lose her bladder that she only just realized she was holding all day. “Why, the fun that I’m going to have in utterly breaking all of you of course. And, since you were so eager in finding out what it is…I think I’ll let you be my first participant.”

In the blink of an eye, Serafino teleported over to Scootaloo and away from Sweetie Belle, standing right in behind the petrified filly. She gasped as she felt him grab her mane and pull her head back, exposing her neck for all to see. As Serafino leaned his head down towards her’s, Scootaloo noticed his gleaming gaping fangs, and she immediately knew exaclty what he was going to do.

“N-no…no…n-n-n-no don’t p-p-please!” She pleaded, tears falling form her eye again as she began to sob. “N-no, d-d-don’t drink my blood! Please don’t drink my blood!”

Serafino paused in his advancing on Scootaloo’s neck, looked her in her single bloodshot eye, and replied, “Who said that I was going to drink your blood?”

Scootaloo paused, the question throwing her off guard. “W-what?”

“T-that’s right…I’m actually going for your magic reserves little one.” Serafino explained with a dark chuckle. “See, unlike Vampires and the rest of the Three Pony Tribes, we Bat Ponies have ability to drain ponies of their magic and use it as our own. Something that I’m pretty sure that you’re little Thestral friend can do as well if I’m correct.” He glanced over at an ashen faced Sheton for a moment, before looking back down at Scootaloo. “Although this will drain you of your magical reserves that’d be far less painful for you then me drinking your blood, you will do doubt be left in quite the dazed and aching state. If I do say so myself little one.”

“S-s-so…” Dinky stammered, stopping in her crying. “Y-you’re…not going to drink her blood?”

“Oh no, I was just going to drain her of all her magic.” Serafino replied casually, before a bloodthirsty smirk came to her face. “After that, then I’m going to drink her blood…every, single, drop.”

He didn’t even try to suppress his laugh at the screams of horror from Dinky, Scootaloo, Crescent and Sweetie Belle, nor the enraged obscenities from Apple Bloom and Fire Flash. As he once again traveled down to Scootaloo’s neck, he noticed out of the corner of his eye, that Sheton was struggling harder than ever.

“I am warning you Serafino, you better let her go right now!” He yelled, smoke shooting from his flared nostrils as his eyes blazed a bright blue. “I swear, I will make you regret it if you do!”

“By doing that? You can’t even escape my vines, even with the amazing strength you have.” Serafino grinned, his fangs inching closer to Scootaloo’s neck. “You really are a pathetic excuse for a Thestral…I almost feel sorry for your dear friends.”

“No, please don’t do it! I’ll do whatever you want, I swear!” Scootaloo pleaded, sobbing loudly as more tears poured down her cheeks. “I’ll even let you take all the magic I have, just please, please don’t drain me of my blood! I wanna live; liiihihihihiiive!”

“Then again…I really don’t.” Serafino added, giving on last pause as he looked around at all of the crying and screaming foals. “Now, say goodbye to your little friends...Sheton.”

With those final words, Serafino gave a stomp of his hooves, and the vines trapping the other fillies to the ground, Sheton included, became even tighter around them. They even wrapped around their necks and began to choke them, as if they were Anacondas trying to strangle them before swallowing them whole. As the foals struggled to breath, Serafino turned his attention back down to Scootaloo, who was the only one not choking on the vines. With a predatory grin, he leaned down and grazed his fags across her neck, causing her to squeak out in terror as he licked at the trickles of blood flowing from her cuts. Unable to resist any longer, Serafino opened his mouth wide and began to slowly clamp down on a screaming Scootaloo’s bleeding neck, and at that moment, something inside Sheton snapped.

“I SAID LET THEM GO!” He screamed out, his young childish voice gaining a dark and almost demonic edge to it.

A wave of solid black energy suddenly exploded from underneath the colt, tearing through the black vines like they were scrap paper. It washed over the clearing and enveloped Serafino and the fillies, blowing the former back while the latter were still rooted to the spot. The sound of bat-like screeching echoed through the air making everypony who was close by go deaf for a long agonizing minute. As quickly as it came, the dark power receded, allowing everypony to see and hear again, and when they glanced over at Sheton, they all froze upon what their eyes lay upon.

Sheton, who was just a minute ago looking like a helpless fledgling, now looked like something that crawled out from the most petrifying depths of Tartarus. His stormy grey colt had darkened considerably, to the point where it was almost as black as his mane. Said mane, which once had gentle midnight blue streaks in them, now had ones that were a deep red, as if they were painted in blood. The colt’s fangs, which were so violently punched out, had now regrown, to the point where they looked like sabers, gleaming brighter than ever. His wings had also turned an inky black color, even blacker than his mane, looking twice as big, with wing claws just as wicked as his new set of fangs. The most disturbing part, however, were Sheton’s eyes…what were once gentle orbs of emerald blue, were now a malicious blood red. A redness that made those who seemed to look into it feel like they were being scorched in the Eternal Pit of Hell Fire. Flooded with pain and agony beyond their comprehension and understanding.

The very same feeling that Serafino was currently feeling as he stared into the colt’s eyes, and looked on in terrified horror at his appearance.

“W-w-what…what in Solaris’s name happened to you?!” Serafino sputtered out, his shock finally beginning to wear off. “What did you do to yourself?!”

Sheton didn’t say a word, just baring his newly evolved fangs at Serafino as a blood curdling snarl left his throat, his darkened fur bristling. Without warning, deep red auras surrounded each of the wounded fillies, lifting them up with such a gentleness it was like tending to a group of newborn babies. They slowly carried them over to Sheton and nestled them behind him, being careful not to aggravate the wounds covering them. As they looked up at him, it was at that moment that they realized Sheton had also grown in height, nearly as tall as Serafino now.

“I told you not to hurt any of my new friends…but you didn’t listen.” The colt murmured, his soft voice holding a dark and powerful edge to it. “Now…you’re going to pay for it.”

“Don’t try to change the subject here you little brat!” Serafino commanded, stomping his hoof down and leave a crack in the ground. “I asked you a question, and I expect you to answer your superior! What did you do to make yourself turn into that?!”

No sooner did those words leave his mouth, did Sheton’s new tail skirt lash out and cracked like a whip, before his mouth opened to let out a leonine roar. The power behind it caused dust and chunks of earth to rip from the ground, as well as send Serafino into another one of the dead black trees. He could feel the power radiating from the roar alone, and it let him know that he was not just dealing with a helpless little colt anymore.

He was dealing with a monster.

“Don’t you dare demand me of something that doesn’t deserve to be given to somepony like you! You’re the one who hurt my friends, not me!” Sheton shouted, picking up his Fedora and setting it back upon his head. He aligned it in a way that gave him an even more menacing look, and it didn’t help that his hat was covering his right eye. “And how do you go off saying you’re my damn superior when none of us even know you?! That’s okay though, because what you did tonight alone lets me know that you’re nothing but a bloodthirsty deranged PSYCHOPATH!”

Rearing up, Sheton reared up and slammed his forehooves down, causing the ground in front of him to become obliterated with cracks and crevasses. They went up to where Serafino was, along with three he was leaning against, and buried both under the destroyed earth. As Serafino tried to pull himself out, he looked back up into Sheton’s eyes, shock and fear replacing his anger.

“W…w-what are you?” Serafino asked, a slight stammer coming to his smooth voice. “What in the hell are you?!”

Sheton flared his newly evolved sinister bat wings, his equally sinister bat ears pinning back as he hovered in the air, the fillies behind him watching in terrified awe all the while. With his eyes glowing redder than blood and teeth gleaming as sharp as knives, the colt growled and said, “I… am your worst nightmare!”

With a sound that was mixed between a screech and a roar, Sheton hurled himself at Serafino, going at a speed that would’ve had Rainbow Dash sweating in fear. He collided with Serafino with the force of an elephant, clamping down on his neck as he drove his hoof into the stallions’ stomach, sending him right through the tree he was under. The tree exploded on impact like a nuclear bomb and splinters and branches flew everywhere as Sheton carried the stallion in the air. Once they were well above the Black Tree Grove, Sheton spun through the air and delivered a powerful side kick to Serafino’s face, before delivering an axe kick to his head. With a screech, Sheton drove both of his blood red forehooves into the stallion’s back, driving him down to the earth as he crashed into it.

With a beat of his powerful wings, Sheton flew down towards Serafino as he was pulling himself from out of the ground, driving him right through it as chunks of earth rose as a result. The stallion’s screams could be heard echoing about the Black Tree Grove as Sheton tore him through it, right in front of the spectating fillies.

“Land Sakes…look at him.” Apple Bloom murmured softly, captivated by the scene happening before her. “He’s tearin’ that varmint up like he’s nothin’! he was barely able t’ git outta his vines jus’ a second ago.”

“No shit AB!” Fire Flash exclaimed. “He’s gone completely nuts! Scratch that, he’s going batshit crazy!”

“W-well can you b-blame him?” Dinky asked, wiping her tears. “H-he just saw is g-getting held to the g-ground b-by that s-stallion’s v-vines. N-not only that, h-he literally s-saw Sweetie B-Belle -getting her horn r-ripped off, a-and S-Scootaloo nearly g-get bitten! W-who wouldn’t g-get upset about that?”

Sweetie Belle, who was consoling a whimpering Scootaloo, looked over at Dinky and said, “W-well, to be fair…S-Serafino was b-biting and p-pulling at my horn. S-so I don’t t-think he was t-trying to r-rip it off.” She looked up at her horn and winced as another stab of pain flashed through her head. “S-still, i-it did hurt r-regardless…”

“Don’t worry Sweetie Belle, when this is all over, we can go to Nurse Redheart and see if she can do something about any possible nerve damage your horn has.” Crescent Shield said soothingly, rubbing her hoof down the Unicorn filly’s back. “Well, after Sheton finishes him off that is…”

“D-d-d-d-do you t-t-t-think S-S-S-Sheton w-w-w-will b-b-b-be o-o-o-okay?” Scootaloo asked, her eye still full of tears as she clung to Sweetie Belle. “S-S-S-Serafino m-m-managed t-t-t-to e-escape f-from S-S-S-Spike…w-w-w-will he d-d-do t-t-the s-s-s-s-same t-t-t-to S-S-Sheton?”

The sound of a tree exploding brought the foals attention back to the one on one fight, and they Sheton slamming Serafino into another tree. He whirled around and kicked the stallion into the tree, the sound of ribs cracking echoing about the air, before turning back around and lunging at the stallion. Sheton sunk he newly elongated fangs into Serafino’s lower neck, and after holding on for several moments, he ripped them out, blood spewing from the wound. The shock from the attack allowed Sheton to grab Serafino and life him in the air, throwing him across it as he blasted him with a bolt of fire.

“Oh yeah…he’s gonna be just fine.” Fire Flash replied; her mouth stretched into a grin. “And I have a feeling that Sheton isn’t going to be that easy to fool.”

“You damn pest, get the hell off of me!” Serafino yelled, kicking the enlarged colt off of him as he blasted him away with magic. “Fire Nightmare Alicorn Thestral: Green Sea of Fire!”

With his mouth agape, he shot a stream of fire from his mouth, letting it envelope the Sheton in a sea of green. The sound of the colt screeching in pain filled Serafino in a sense of satisfaction, letting him know he was at least some damageable retaliation. A few moments into the attack, he suddenly saw Sheton burst out of the fire, red eyes blazing as his giant wings melted in the darkness of the night, the claws gleaming.

‘That’s impossible!’ Serafino thought to himself, his dark green eyes widened in disbelief. ‘He managed to withstand my Nightmare Flames?!’

“Nice try there, asshole, but you’re not gonna get the drop on my like you did to Spike!” Sheton shouted acidly as his wings glowed with a blood red aura. “Dark Wind Thestral: Dark Bloody Slicing Flock!”

With a speed that was just as fast as his last attack, Sheton unleashed a flock of sinisterly dark wind attacks at Serafino. The speed in which they were going in left him barely able block most of the attacks, and as he tried to form a shield to stop the remaining ones, a few ended up viciously slicing into them. The pain that exploded through his body gave Sheton the opening he needed to send a vicious punch to his face, giving his fangs the same treatment that Serafino did him just minutes ago.

“Don’t think I’m done with you yet, because I’m just getting started!” Sheton shouted as she inhaled a deep breath of air. “Dark Fire Thestral: Dark Vortex of Scorching Flames!”

With a powerful exhale, a giant black vortex of dark fire blasted from the colt’s mouth and headed towards the spiraling Serafino. In his flight, he saw the vortex coming and tried to conjure a shield to protect him, but it was a practically futile effort. He found himself slamming into a dead tree, leaving him helpless against the flames that burned him and the tree along with it. He screamed in agony as Sheton’s flames drove him deeper into the tree, and by the time the attack ended, the tree exploded on impact, burying Serafino underneath it.

“How did you like that? Was that worthy enough for a Thestral?” Sheton asked, giving another flick of his tail skirt. “Because I’ve got plenty more where that came from, much more!"

Serafino then pulled himself out of the destroyed tree, shaking the bark and splinters out of his bloodied form. As he took a few moments to collect himself, he glared up at the enlarged colt with his own fangs bared and wings flared wide.

“Alright, now you’ve really made me mad you little wretched fledgling!” He shouted as he stomped his hoof. “I’ve tried being nice about all of this, but your pathetic little resistance has forced my hoof! And now, you’ve brought out the nightmare inside of me, and he’s about to teach you a lesson!”

“Oh, so you’re going to teach me a lesson?” Sheton asked incredulously, with a snort. “Did you seriously forget that you tried to kill my friends and drink one of them dry as if she was an apple?! You’re even more of a sociopath than I thought you were! While I do think that somepony needs to be taught a lesson, and it’s not going to be me! One of those lessons, is to not piss of a Thestral!”

“That makes two of us.” Serafino murmured, stopping out of the wooden debree as he ignited his horn. “I hope you’re ready you false Thestral, because I’m gonna show you why you shouldn’t disobey the Dark Army of Nightmare Moon!”

“And I’m going to show why you shouldn’t mess with the Thestrals of Hollow Shades! Especially one who’s friends you nearly murdered in front of their eyes!” Sheton retorted, giving another spine-chilling hiss. “Then again, I’ve already planned on doing just that, and I swear, when this is all over, you…will…bleed!”

Author's Note

Okay, I'm gonna say this right now, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter down :scootangel: ! Especially with the one about the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sheton, Crescent Shield, and Spike all slowly, but surely making their way into the battlefield and playing a apart in protecting their town agains the Dark Army. I could feel my heart pounding as I wrote this particular part of the chapter, especially one with Sheton's fight against Serafino after he had tried to kill the fillies :derpyderp2: ! Now, just like all of the other previous times, I was having a bit of trouble trying to think of what other scene to set the one with the foals apart before I went back with them, and after a while, I managed to think of the one having Trixie duking it with Deathgod, which was, in my honest opinion, a good scene. Especially since we're starting to near the edge of the climax of the incoming finale battles :ajsmug: . Now, I sensed that this chapter was running off for a bit too long, but while I was writing Sheton's fight with Serafino, I decided that I would make an except for this one...and maybe the next few chapters, because I have a sense that the next ones are going to be quite the eventful ones for our youthful little foals :twilightsheepish: . Also, for all of who who're wondering about Sheton's frighteningly dark powers, worry not all will be explained in due time, and trust me, your minds will be blown :derpyderp2: !!!

Well, that'll for now folks, tune in next time to everypony's favorite drake, and his face off against the mastermind of the events in the treehouse and the Black Tree Grove of Sweet Apple Acres :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 66 - Flames of the Amethyst

Fire.

It was everywhere; in every single section of the upper part of the clubhouse that was previous abandoned by Sheton and the fillies, with only one remaining. The flickering flames ate the wood below, around, and above it, making the solid brown color slowly turn into deep coal black, the fire weakening the wood in mere seconds. Posters hanging on the walls and ceilings melted and curled up as the fire slithered up them and burned away at the pictures and colors, some falling to meet the fire below. The beanbags that the foals here sitting on slowly got ripped open, the beads encased inside of the beanbag spilling out of the floor to get scorched as well. The drawers, table and chairs that the foals used to occupy caught up in the light and dark green flames as well, the table and some of the chairs falling to the floor as more of the flames washed over them.

As the flames continued to eat up the room, one individual within it lay in the middle of the carnage, his powers being the only thing keeping him from being burned alive.

When Spike finally began to start to come out of his unconscious state, the first thing that he noticed as the smoke and the heat that was surrounding him. The former warmed his scales and gave him a rather comfortable feeling while the latter entered his nostrils as filling his nostrils with a rather sweet aroma that only dragons and Kirins could like. Spike groaned as he sat up on his rump, rubbing at his throbbing head, his reptilian eyes slowly opening, only to see nothing but a sea of green. It took him a moment to realize the predicament that he was in right now, and when he did, he flipped.

“Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa, fire! There’s fire all over the clubhouse guys!” He cried running this way and that as he looked around for something to put it out. “Somepony, anypony, hurry up and put it out, quickly!”

The draconic colt frantically looked around the clubhouse in search of Sheton, Crescent Shield, and the other foals. There was not a trace of them there, and their scent was eaten away by the flames, leaving no trace that they were there first place.

“W-what the, they’re all gone?” Spike said to himself as confusion washed over him for a moment. “W-where did they go? Did they leave me behi-?”

The question died in his throat as the memories of what happened previously came back into his head, the dull throbbing no longer holding it back. Everything came back to him at once, Apple Grove coming in the clubhouse, Serafino invading it, and him giving the others a chance to escape before they were caught. He also remembered the drop that Serafino had got on him while he was distracted, which had him knocked out, allowing Serafino to escape.

“That bastard…he got the fucking drop on me!” he snarled fire spewing from his flared nostrils as he growled lowly. “When I get my damn claws on him, I am going to-ow!”

Spike flinched as he felt a stab of pain in his chest and on his face, and both of his claws went up to them, another pain filled sting coming as a result. When he pulled his claws away, he was surprised when he saw red liquid sticking to them, letting him know that it was his blood.

“Holy shit…this is my blood!” Spike cried; his eyes wide with shock. “I guess that guy was more powerful than I thought I was. I can’t believe he was able to cut through my dragon scales. I guess he knocked me out before I was able to go full dragon mode?” He shook his head, realizing that no wasn’t the time to think such thoughts. “What am I saying? I don’t have time for that; I need to put out this fire!”

Unfortunately, Spike wouldn’t get the chance to do it yet, for before he could, he felt the second treehouse lurch forward, and wood crack loudly causing him to nearly stumble. Immediately, he realized that the treehouse hidden within the branches was going to fall, and unless he got out, he was going to get buried alive under wood and branches. Wasting no time, he ran towards the hole Serafino made when he tried to blast his face off, and he jumped, landing hard on his feet as he hit the grassy ground below. As he ran from the burning treehouses, he looked back and gasped when he saw the that not only was were both tree houses were on fire, but it was also beginning to spread, quickly, towards the other trees.

‘Oh no, the fire’s spreading from that tree to all of the others!’ He thought in horror, watching as the flames neared the closest apple trees. ‘If it keeps spreading like that and consumes all the other trees before it, the Apple Family could lose part of their orchard and acres! I’ve got to stop it now!’

Without a moment’s hesitation, Spike began to run around the burning tree and began to eat up the flames running through the grass and making their way up the trees. A swirling sound filled the air as the flames were ripped from the grass and trees, making their way into the draconic colt’s mouth as he continued to consume it. He could feel his magical energy recovering and increasing with each second the more he ate the dark green flames, but he paid that no mind, even as his senses began to sharpen. When he was sure that the other trees were safe, he went back to the main tree and began to eat that fire up as well, even as it began to fall apart.

‘Sweet Faust, this is the most fire than I’ve ever consumed in my life!’ He thought as he continued to inhale the dark flames. ‘It’s a good thing I had all of those training sessions with Ms. Venture Vine! Otherwise I’d never be able to do this!’

Eventually, after what seemed like forever of eating the fire, Spike had finally managed to get every last flame off of the now destroyed tree. As he let out a massive burp and recovered from his massive meal, a frown adorned his face when he saw the burnt leave, branches, apples, and wood. It was burned to such a degree that Spike could see the second treehouse hidden within the tree, and watched as the wood and items within it fell to the ground, joining the remains of the first one.

“Awwww, I wasn’t able to make the fire go out in time! There’s barely anything left of the clubhouse now!” Spike whimpered, his lower lip quivering as his eyes shook. “Apple Bloom and Applejack are going to be so pissed off when they find out about it! We’ll have to build a whole entire house and get all of the things we had in it from scratch! Jeez, day really sucks ass!”

Before the draconic colt could break down in a fit of guilty tears his ears perked up when he heard the sound of an explosion coming from behind him. Thanks to his sharpened senses due to the fire that he ate, he was able to hear it much better than he already usually was, and as he turned around, he heard it come again. Curiously, he ran over to a tree and climbed up it with grace and efficiency that would’ve made a Leopard proud, and looked off into the distance. He didn’t have to wait long to see anything, and his slitted eyes caught the sight of a pillar of magic shooting into the air; magic that he saw just minutes ago.

“Serafino…” Spike breathed heatedly, his lips curling back into a snarl as his fanged gleamed, despite the black blood covering them. “So, he’s also after the Apple Family too, huh? Well he’s got another thing coming if he thinks I’m gonna let him burn them all to ash! By the time I’m done with him, he’ll be the one that’s turned in a pile of ashes!”

With an explosive roar, the draconic colt leapt int the air, flames exploding from his feet as they swirled formed a protective cloak around him. With his eyes blazing a beautiful emerald green, he shot off towards the Apple Family household, unaware of the life-threatening battle that was in store for him.

Goku cried out as she slammed herself against the wall, driving both of her hooves into it as hard as she could. The wall crackled with electricity, but Goku didn’t feel it, for she was covered in a cloak of golden lighting than enabled her to not feel the effects of the wall. She spun around and bucked it a few times making it shake somewhat under her strength, but I didn’t do move to even crack it. Undeterred, she flew back and a few blasts of golden lightning at the wall, packing in as much power as she believed she would need in the attack. The wall crackled loudly as the lightning bolts hit, before an explosion range throughout the clearing. When the dust settled, the tan Thestral and everypony else looked to see if she had been successful in her move. Much to their utter dismay and Goku’s irritation, there was not even a single mark on the space-like wall blocking the from the other side of the bridge.

“Dammit, none of my attacks are working!” Goku snorted, giving a hard stomp of her hoof, causing the icy bridge to crack violently. “Just how strong is this wall?! It’s like it’s an impenetrable triple blocked cement wall made to keep us here, and prevent us from getting in there!”

“Yeah…none of us can get through it either.” Applejack murmured, looking at the ethereal wall expectantly. “It’s like tryin’ to buck a tree full of its apples, but the apples won’t come down. Like they’re somethin’ keepin’ them up there an’ not lettin’ ya get them no matter how hard you try t’ buck it.

“I think that’s potentially the best way to describe it Applejack.” Rarity said knowingly. “I’m not using any of my magic and yet I can still feel just how powerful this wall really is. Oh, I can only imagine how much trouble that dear Rainbow Dash and the Shadowbolts are facing behind it.”

“Well…judgin’ by how much noise we’re hearin’ behind this ‘ere wall…it sounds like a lot.” Applejack said somberly. “Ah wonder if RD okay back there. Ah know she has th’ Shadowbolts there t’ protect her, but…I can’t help wonderin’ if things are okay back there.”

“Oh, don’t you worry one itty bitty bit about Dashie, Jackie!” Pinkie Pie said sweetly, bouncing over to the farmer. “We all know how Dashie is; she’s not the type of pony to go down without a fight! I’m sure that whatever or whoever she and Captain Violet Fire are facing, they’re wiping the floor with them! Why else would we be hearing all of those sounds over there?! Because they’re doing just that!”

Applejack laughed, brushing some of her golden mane away from her eyes. “Yeah…ya’ll have a point there, Pinkie.”

“I most certainly do!” The bubblegum pink mare giggled, winking slyly. “Plus, Dashie has her most famous heroes there with her to help both her and the Shadowbolts, which makes it even better! If there’s anypony that Rainbow would trust to have her back, besides me and the Queen, it’s them! She is aiming to be just like them after all, isn’t she?”

“Why yes, she most certainly is.” Fluttershy nodded softly, smiling at Pinkie Pie. “For as long as I’ve known her, the one thing that Rainbow Dash has always wanted to be part of the greatest Ariel Team that Equestria’s ever seen! I know that it takes a lot to accomplish a dream that’s as big as the one she has, but I know that she can do it! Rainbow Dash has been striving to be a Wonderbolt for as long as he can remember without anything stopping her! So, there’s no way that’s going to happen now!”

“Yes darling, she most certainly will not. She has all of the skills that are required and quite the looks to make her noticeable and suitable for ponies like the Wonderbolts. And I’m sure that they would be thrilled to have somepony like her in their group.” Rarity nodded, before slightly annoyed expression morphed onto her face. “She just needs to get her attitude together and get that ego of her’s toned down a notch is all. I swear, the mare is going to drive those poor Wonderbolts up the wall with all of her awful bragging!”

“Uh, she knows that Goku’s standing right here with us, right?” Pinkie Pie whispered to Twilight, who was standing beside her.

“I’m pretty sure she does,” Twilight replied softly. “Though, I don’t think that Rarity cares right at the moment…yet.”

“I heard that.” Goku said firmly, making the alabaster Unicorn freeze up. “Listen Rarity, I know that there are some things that you don’t particularly like about Rainbow Dash; her ego being one of them. If I’m being entirely honest, even I get a bit annoyed by her constant bragging and boasting, but do you really expect anything less from a pony like her? Rainbow Dash has the tendency to boast and brag all of the time, even while we were fillies, so you really shouldn’t by expecting anything different at this point.”

“And you’re honestly saying that I am expecting anything different from her?” Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow at the tan Thestral. “Darling, I get that Rainbow Dash likes to boast about her accomplishments, and there’s nothing wrong with a little bragging here and there. But how is that mare going to get into the Wonderbolts if she wastes all her time rubbing her accomplishments in other ponies, faces instead of focusing on what’s important, thus making things worse than they already are? If you ask me, somepony like that is going to have quite the hard time getting into a group as marvelous as the Wonderbolts if all she does is flaunt her talents.”

Goku paused, Rarity’s words striking a memory in her mind and causing her to raise a jet-black eyebrow. “You wouldn’t be happening to say this because of what Rainbow Dash had done when we were battling the Doragontora at our old campsite, would you?”

“W-wha-no! O-of course not dear, this has nothing to do with what happened more than several hours ago! I’ve already forgiven Rainbow Dash for that, however foolish it was, and I’m not going to hold it against her!” Rarity replied quickly, holding her hooves up defensively as she shrunk under Goku’s gaze. “All that I’m saying is that if Rainbow Dash wants to get into a group like the Wonderbolts, she seriously needs to clean up her attitude and stop flaunting her talents in everypony and making them feel like they can’t do it themselves! Plus, that uncouth ego and anger problem of her’s is going to get either herself, or the rest of her comrades killed! There is no way that anypony would ever accept anypony like that on their team, even if she has the skills, speed and anatomy to do it!”

“…Yes, you do have a good point there, Rarity, as dramatic as it was.” Goku sighed, ignoring Rarity’s grimace at her language. “Be that as it may, you should also know that she’s also the pony that never lets anything she does run the risk of getting her friends, family, comrades, or anypony else killed. If there’s one thing that Rainbow Dash hates, is that her emotions and her ego have the reason that anypony around her is in danger. Sure, she may have the tendency to brag, and it does get on our nerves how she keeps showing off and telling the accomplishments she did continuously, but it’s not like she ever does it to endanger us. And even if somepony is endangered, she at least as the common courtesy to save her bragging and boasting for after she saves whoever is in danger. Tell me, has there ever been a time while we were with Rainbow Dash, she’s ever wasted time bragging instead of trying saving somepony?”

Rarity paused, thinking the question over as it swam in her head. A moment later, she looked back up at her, softly shaking her head.

“Has there ever been a time where while she was doing something like, signing somepony’s autograph while somepony was…oh I don’t know, falling from the sky on a popped hot air balloon?” Goku continued. “And even when she saw said pony in said hot air balloon, did she finished the autograph before going to save that pony?”

Rarity shook her head again, slightly faster this time.

“Has Rainbow Dash ever told ponies to their faces how she was going to save the ponies that were in danger while they were in said danger? Real danger that was quite literally, like, just a few feet away from her?”

Rarity didn’t shake her head this time. Instead giving a soft reply of, “No…she hasn’t.”

“Did Rainbow Dash ever try to do anything herself that she knew she couldn’t do, yet still tried to do anyway? Like plug a hole in a giant damn with her bare hooves to keep it from cracking, even as it continued to crumble?”

“Well no, of course not!” Rarity replied somewhat hotly. “Why would she even think of trying to do something like that?!”

“Because she would know that it was something that she couldn’t handle on her own, and that she’d need somepony else’s help to do it.” Goku replied softly, her expression clam and half-lidded. “There hasn’t been one time that, that Dash ever did bragging and boasting before saving, and not because it hasn’t happened yet. She’s one of the most loyal ponies there is, and not just because she’s a Pegasus, who, in case you don’t know, are known for their loyalty. If there is anything, and I mean anything, that will guarantee that her friends are safe, then Rainbow Dash would do it without any hesitation. And if you think otherwise, just because Rainbow Dash is known to be a real bragger, then you really need to take the time to sit down and ask yourself if you really truly, know Rainbow Dash. Because from what you’re telling me, you’re making it sound like you really don’t know her that well at all.”

Nothing was said between the two mares after those words were said. Rarity sat stood where she was, looking into Goku’s piercing cat-like golden orbs that sternly looked back at her. Silence rained over the area for what seemed like a long time, the only sounds heard being the ones from behind the ethereal wall. Eventually Goku back off, her expression softening as she took a couple of steps away from Rarity, before sighing.

“I’m…sorry if I had been coming on too strongly there, Rarity. It’s just…I really don’t like it when I hear anypony especially my own friends, talking about one another like their personalities or flaws make them bad.” She finally said, pushing her mane from her eyes. “Like I said, I understand why you think Rainbow Dash may not be suited for the something like the Wonderbolts because of her ego, impatience, and issues with her anger. However, that’s precisely the reason why Dash is trying to make herself good for them. The Wonderbolts know the time to show off and when to focus on more important things, and since Dash is wanting to be like them, she’s taking a leaf from their book. Why do you think we always see her flying through the sky and pulling off all of these dangerous stunts?”

“Because she’s doing everything in her power to become the type of pony that she wanted to become for so long!” Pinkie Pie replied immediately. “It only makes sense, since that means doing lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of training every single day! If she doesn’t do that, how is Rainbow Dash gonna able to get through all of those super-duper scary training exercises the Wonderbolts have for new members?! Here’s the answer; she won’t be able to!”

“Y…yes, thank you Pinkie Pie.” Goku said slowly. “That, and because bragging and boasting would be the last thing that a Wonderbolt would be expected to do when it comes to things like dangerous missions. Those reasons alone are precisely why Rainbow Dash trains so hard that she does, and save all her boasting for after the dust is settled. Sure, she may not seem like she’s suitable for the Wonderbolts because of how she acts, but if you look past that, you’ll see a pony has what is needed to become what she’s always wanted to be. You see what I’m saying Rarity?”

“Yes darling, I do.” Rarity finally softly giving a sigh of her own. “I’m letting what I see Rainbow Dash as now get in the way if what I see her truly becoming in the near future. I suppose all of the unnecessary and unladylike bragging and showing off that she’s done over the years has made me be a little blind seeing how much potential Rainbow Dash has.”

“Ah here ya there Rarity.” Applejack nodded, looking to be downcast. “Everythin’ that G said about RD is true, no doubt about that. Her loyalty, her dedication to be there ponies, even those she hasn’t known fer that long…her desire t’ be there fer that pony when they’re in danger, all o’ it. G knows that about her very well, an’ so do the rest o’ us…Ah guess the stunts she pulled while we were in this forest an’ all th’ critters we were fightin’ mad is forget that.”

“You’re not the only one under endless amounts of stress Applejack.” Twilight said softly. “From the start of this trip I’ve always been wondering If we were going to make it out alive, or perish inside of this forest. Other than finding the Elements and stopping Nightmare Moon, that’s been the only thing that was really on my mind for this whole journey. All of these crazy and unbelievable scenarios we faced, the Shinomōkin, the Doragontora, the Timberwolves, the Battookuma, the Manticore, and the Water Dragon and Hydra, the Hinoinus, Cave Demons, and finally Farukonchītās. All of those petrifying incidents made me come so inconceivably close to thinking that we’d never make it…and now, we’re facing this.”

Her ears flattened against her head as she looked down at the ground. “I know Rainbow Dash will be alright back there. She does have the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts there to make sure she doesn’t get herself killed. So, there’s a chance that she’ll be able to get back to us mostly unscathed. Still…” She glanced back over at the giant icy wall. “…I’m still concerned that she may get out of there worse for wear, even with the help of the Shadowbolts.”

Zephyr walked over and draped a wing over his foalhood friend. “I get what you’re saying Twilight, we all do at the moment right now. Still, you should have some faith in your friend, especially with how long you’ve known her, along with Goku. Not to sound mean but, how would it be fair to your friend if you didn’t believe in them when they believed in you? I say let Rainbow Dash handle this; the Shadowbolts are with her, so they’ll ensure that she’ll survive. For you, for her, and everypony else here”

Twilight paused at that question, looking into Zephyr’s shining garnet eyes as he stared back into her deep violet ones. She looked to be about to speak, but before she could, they all heard a loud explosion coming from behind them, so powerful they actually felt the ground shake beneath them. They all swiveled their attention to the direction of the giant trees beyond the Everfree Plains, just in time to hear a roar tear through the trees. It sounded so powerful that it made each of their chests rumble, and the fur on their necks stand straighter than the very grass they stood on.

“Oh, Celestia what is it now?” Rarity groaned, draping a foreleg over her forehead. “I don’t know how many jump scares that we’re going to have tonight, but I really hope that it’s not another creature in this dreadful forest!”

“As if we didn’t encounter enough of them already.” Applejack murmured; her ears raised in alarm. “Ah’m honestly getting real sick an’ tired o’ them sneakin’ up on us like th’ last ones did.”

“Um Applejack, if I may object.” Fluttershy said, glancing over at the farmer. “The only animals that really took us by surprise were the Farukonchītās we ran into in the plains of Everfree, and the Doragontora at our abandoned campsite. All the others either gave us a warning of their arrival, or gave time to prepare ourselves before we fought them.”

“Yeah Ah know, but still!” The farmer protested. “At least they had th’ common courtesy not t’ try t’ blast us away an’ burn us alive in a flamin’ inferno!”

“Girls, focus please.” Sky Ranger said firmly, flicking both mares with his tail. “This is not the time to be debating over which creature was more courteous than the other. There is one that is coming towards us that’s sounds pretty powerful, if that roar that we just heard was any indication. We don’t know what it could be, so we need to be prepared for it and whatever it could do, because we have no idea what it could do, or how powerful it is.”

“Especially if that roar is any indication.” Zephyr added, looking off into the forest beyond the plains. ‘Speaking of which…that roar sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?’

“Uh, girls, Sky Ranger, Zephie, Goku…” Pinkie Pie said, her eyes locked up in the air. “You maaaaay want to look up right now.”

“What?” Zephyr asked, raising a golden eyebrow at Pinkie Pie. “Why?”

“Just look you guys!” Pinkie Pie repeated, shooting a hoof in the air. “Trust me, I think you guys will really want to see it!”

The ponies and hippogriff each shared questioning looks at each other, before eventually looking to where Pinkie Pie was pointing. Not even a second later, all of their jaws dropped when they saw a huge pillar of light, thicker than the trees towering over them, shooting into the sky. It was similar to the pillars of light that the Timberwolves gave off, but instead of it being multicolored light, this light shined a pure shade of golden.

“Holy…whoa!” Zephyr exclaimed, his eyes widening from behind his goggles. “That is one huge light!”

“Yeah…it is.” Sky Ranger nodded. “The question is though…where is it coming from.”

“Ah don’t have any clue there sugarcube.” Applejack replied, one of her forelegs each up to group her hat as an enormous gust of wind blew into all of them. Once it dissipated, the farmer lowered her foreleg and continued to speak. “One thing Ah think Ah do know…wherever its coming from, ‘r whatever’s causin’ it…its closin’ in, fast.”

“Oh, I hope that it’s not another creature whose home or territory that we trespassed on.” Fluttershy said worriedly, a frown coming to her face. “We’ve fought so many poor animals already, I don’t think I can take having to harm another one. Even if it is to protect ourselves.”

“Well darling, I’m afraid by the looks of things, it would seem like we may have to once again.” Rarity said gently, giving the buttermilk Pegasus a sympathetic look. “After all, like Goku said, we need to be prepared for whatever’s coming at us, right Twilight? Twilight?”

The alabaster Unicorn looked over to the lavender one, perplexed as to why she didn’t get a response from her. When she looked eyes on Twilight, she blinked upon seeing the wide-eyed expression on her face, and the slight shaking of her body. One by one, the others looked to where she was, and shared similar reactions.

“Twilight, are you okay?” Goku asked, after a long stretch of silence. “Is there something wrong?”

“Oh my Faust…” The lavender Unicorn finally said, her voice just above of whisper. “I…I can’t believe it…she’s here. She’s…actually here.”

“Here?” Applejack asked. “Who? Whose here Twi? Is it them fancy guards that the Queen sent with us?”

Twilight looked over at Applejack, the smallest of smiles appearing to her face. “No…it’s not…it’s even better. Better than almost any of the guards that the Queen sent after us. It’s the Queen herself!”

“What?” Rarity asked, a look of confusion coming to her face. “Twilight, what in the world are you talking about? The Queen isn’t in the forest.”

“Yes, she is!” Twilight suddenly shouted, making the alabaster Unicorn jump. “Don’t you guys see that golden light coming from inside the forest?! That’s the Queen Celestia’s magic!”

“…Yeah, she’s right!” Goku exclaimed, her eyes widening as her ears perked. “I know that magical aura anywhere! It really is the Queen’s magic; she really is in the forest!”

“How can you be so sure?” Sky Ranger asked skeptically. “Not that I’m saying that you’re wrong or anything, but I haven’t seen that much of the Queen’s magic before. How do you know that it’s not just somepony else’s magic or that some wild animal?”

“Because we know what the Queen’s magic looks and feels like.” Goku replied immediately, locking eyes with the Wonderbolts. “Me and Twilight have known the Queen since we were fillies, and we’ve had plenty of times to see, feel and remember her magic in every single way, shape or form. The color, the amount of power, the feeling of it encasing us, and blasting during her and Twilight’s training sessions. We’ve seen how bright it shines and the color that it gives every single time the Queen activates. There is no mistaking that magic shining in the forest is her’s!”

“Okay, I see you’re point there.” Sky Ranger said after a moment of silence. “What does that prove though young sorcerer? What does that mean?”

Twilight looked at the azure blue hippogriff, tears forming in the edges of her eyes as she struggled to keep herself composed. “It means that Queen Celestia is here…and she’s headed this way!”

Serafino whinnied loudly as he shot a stream of powerful fire magic at Moon Blade, to which the Lunar Guard blocked with his ethereal sword. The spun the deep purple blade around like fan, sending the fire in multiple directions as it flashed with Moon’s spinning sword. Serafino channeled as much magic as he could into the fire, but Moon was able to withstand it with just his sword alone, his Ascension Armor gleaming in the light of the fire. When the fire was finally extinguished, the Lunar Captain flew back as Serafino flew at him his horn ignited in preparation for a magical blast.

“Ethereal Thestral Magic: Indigo Sword Flock!” Moon shouted, a large flock of purple swords appearing around him. Pointing his main weapon forward, the sword flock flew towards Serafino like a colony of bats out of a cave as the stallion flew closer. Upon seeing the sword, Serafino conjured up a shield that was able to protect him against the swords that were at the very front of him.

Once they were gone, he made to go for Moon Blade again, but paused when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. His eyes widened in shock when he saw that the swords that he evaded were coming right back towards him, as if they were all multiple targeting missiles shot out of a jet. He tried to fly in different directions to get them away from him, but they followed him with each turn he made.

“There’s no point in trying to escape from my swords by doing that.” Moon murmured as he watched the Nightmare Alicorn tried to escape the swords. “I made these swords specifically for the purpose of chasing their intended target no matter how fast they go. So, unless you can find some way to get rid of all of them before some get you, you’re in for quite the slashing.”

"We’ll see about that Moon Blade Cifer!" Serafino shouted angrily, spinning around and igniting his horn as he pointed it at the swords. "Fire Nightmare Alicorn: Firebolt Flock!"

Multiple bolts of dark green fire shot out of Serafino’s horn, meeting with each of the swords that were sailing towards him in an attempt to stab him. They each exploded in the air, and as each one got closer, he was quicker to dissolve them with more powerful firebolts. When the last one was gone, he focused his attention back down to Serafino, only to go wide-eyed upon seeing the ghostly white Thestral flying towards him.

“I’ve got you now, you wretched stallion!” He shouted, swinging his sword forward he clashed with Serafino’s horn, which had was already swung down to counter the blade. Sparks flew through the air as the stallions fought for dominance with their weapons, and in the end, it was Moon Blade that one out, driving Serafino further in the air. “Ethereal Thestral Magic: Slicing Purple Wave of Mist!”

Swinging his sword upward, Moon Blade shot a giant wave of purple energy from the blade and towards the Nightmare Alicorn. As the stallion countered it with a magical blast, the Moon Blade fired off several more following the first one, distracting Serafino with them as he flew above his adversary. With his gigantic wings flared, he brought his sword upward as he flew towards the stallion, and with one swift motion, he brought his sword slicing down his back. A generous amount of blood sprayed from the wound as a deep slash was created down Serafino’s back, before Moon Blade flipped over and drove his hind hooves in the back of his head, sending him crashing right to the ground. Before Serafino even had time to absorb the pain, Moon Blade was already diving down with his sword pointed down, the smoke becoming rings as he went through them. Seconds later, the sound of blade piercing flesh accompanied the echoing sounds of earth exploding.

“You missed.” Serafino murmured, smirking up as the smoke cleared. When Moon Blade looked down, he said that while his blade did hit its mark, he didn’t reach is intended target. That target being the Magic Life Force Gemstone nestled within the center of Serafino’s chest. “You nearly had your mark there, Moon Blade, but unfortunately for you, all of this dust was in my favor. If it hadn’t been there, the maybe you may have gotten me.”

“Oh, come now, I’ve seen farmer lie much better than that.” Moon Blade said dryly, staying in his position as he stared Serafino right in his eyes. “You and I both know that we can see perfectly through all of this destruction, and you could’ve blocked that attack if you wanted. The only reason that you didn’t is because there was no need for you to.”

Serafino chuckled, lifting his hindlegs up and kicked Moon Blade away, ignoring the blood that spewed from his stomach as he got up. “Well, it looks like you got me in the act…then again, I shouldn’t be surprised that you did. We Thestrals are very good at reading the expressions and body language of individuals…though with me, I’m much better.”

“Only because you’re a part of an army that isn’t even real.” Moon Blade shot back, flicking his tail as his ears pinned back. “As well as following a Queen that’s far from the Queen you think that she is, because that’s not really what she is on the inside.”

“Watch it you mouthy little fledgling, that’s the Queen Moon you’re talking about!” Serafino snapped, his confident grin turning into a hideous scowl. “I should rip those fangs right out of your mouth for even thinking of saying something so revolting about our Dark Queen!”

“See? There, right there!” Moon Blade exclaimed, jabbing a hoof at Serafino. “Just the fact that you call her the Dark Queen alone just lets me know how much of a false Queen she is! Now that I think about it, it’s rather appropriate, just not for the reasons that you’re thinking probably.”

“Alright, now you’ve really done it.” Serafino hissed, slamming a hoof on the ground. “Forget about ripping your fangs out; I’m gonna burn your tongue right out of your mouth!”

“By all means, go on and try it my dark and bloodthirsty foe. My tongue is quite valuable to me…for more reasons that one.” Moon Blade said calmly, a slight blush coming to his face as he crossed his right foreleg around his left. “Though you’re not going to get anywhere the way you are now.”

Serafino smirked darkly, the scowl on his face vanished as if it wasn’t even there. “Oh, I know that this normal form of mine isn’t working. That’s why I’m going to show you something very special that I have in store, just for you.”

Now it was Moon Blade’s turn to frown. “What?”

“That’s right my Moon Blade; despite all you and your friends have seen so far, I haven’t shown you the true might of my power quite yet.” Serafino nodded, the smirk on his face growing slightly wider as the red lines along his body began to glow. “I was going to save it for later, but I feel that if I keep doing that now, it’s only going to work to your advantage.” His dark green eyes glowed menacingly as similarly colored aura appeared around his body. “By the time you see this, every single inch of these acres will be nothing but a field of fire!”

“Okay so, let me get this straight…” Blossomforth groaned softly as her rubbed the both of her temples with her hooves. “After you had gotten to Ms. Twilight’s castle, you were suddenly ambushed by those Tantabus creatures, and Captain Moon Blade came here to save you. Then, when you got to the farm, you got into a fight with another Tantabus that was at the farm to save Midnight to get killed. Finally, once Moon Blade got you, Amethyst, Midnight and the foals safe and secure, you then proceeded to take Captain Moon Blade up to Big Mac and Anna Blaze’s room and fuck the ever-living shit out of him?”

The persian blue mare, who was sitting in small circle consisting of the Apple Family, Derpy, Amethyst, and Blossomforth, chuckled sheepishly. She rubbed the back of her head with a bandaged foreleg, a deep blush coming to her face as she looked down at the ground. “Um…yeah Blossomforth, that pretty much sums up what me and him had done after the dust had finally settled around here.”

Blossomforth sighed again, plopping down on the couch she was sitting on as she covered her face with her forelegs. Taking a deep breath, she sat back up and stared at Blossomforth with an annoyed, yet tired expression. “Cloud Kicker not that I was expecting anything less from you or anything, but…couldn’t you have at least waited until all of this was over before you and Captain Moon Blade to decide to get it on?!”

“Blossomforth does have a point Aunt Cloud.” Amethyst murmured, a frown of her own adorning her face. “Of all the times you decided to get yourself bloated like a balloon; did you really have to pick now to do it?! Did you seriously forget all of the danger that was happening all around us, or were you seriously that horny that you wanted to get fucked like it would be your last one?”

“Look, I couldn’t help myself alright?! It’s not my fault that Moon Blade is so stunningly hot and sexy, even with that armor on!” Cloud Kicker huffed, stomping the floor with her hooves. “Just one look into those damn red eyes and I…I just had to have him! I know I didn’t think the shit through, and it wasn’t smart okay?! I just figured that since there was no more danger to happen here, I could try to relieve some stress before I went back in the game.”

“Well, ya certainly achieved doin’ that hon’.” Granny Smith snorted dryly, her bangs shadowing some of her face. “Well, at least ya didn’t do it with Big Mac this time, not that it’s any problem with me. At least a don’t have t’ worry ‘bout fixin’ th’ stools an’ repairin’ th’ bed…again.”

Big Mac blushed. “E…eyup.”

“Well, next time, try to hold your impulses back for after the threat is gone entirely, okay big sis?” Derpy asked, her expression softer than Blossomforth's. “I seriously don’t want to have you telling either of about how one of those monsters tried to ambush you while you were getting a another creampie.”

“Mom!” Amethyst shouted, her cheeks flaring a red-hot color as Cloud Kicker giggled.

“Oh, don’t worry you worry about that Ditzy. I’ll be sure to save plenty of that for when I know I won’t be disturbed.” Cloud Kicker said in amusement as she elbowed her little sister. “Although, I wouldn’t mind if you want to join in one of my other bangs…and if you want, maybe we can have Moon Blade go into a three-way.”

Amethyst rounded on her aunt, her face now resembling a cherry. “Aunt Cloud!”

Derpy giggled, grinning back at her sister as she replied, “As tempting as that is, I think I’m okay with pleasing myself for now. Besides, I have dinky to take care of, and I don’t really have the time to get myself plowed into my bed.” Leaning in closer, her eyes became half lidded as she added, “Though, if the opportunity does arise, I may take you up on that offer~.”

Cloud Kicker chuckled reaching over and patting her sister on the head. “Good girl~.”

“Oh Faust…” Amethyst groaned as she facehoofed. “You two are just…ugh.”

“I know Ame…trust me.” Blossomforth said gently. “I know…”

“Hey, you guys, any o’ y’all get word from Apple Grove yet?” Apple Fritter asked, looking at each of the mares and one worriedly. “It’s been a good half hour since she left t’ check on th’ foals after that varmint came here. Ah’m startin’ t’ git worried that she ain’t comin’ back right now.”

Granny Smith shot her grandniece a soft look. “Hey now, don’t y’all worry there, Fritter; yer darlin’ lil’ daughter’s a tough filly. She ain’t gonna let herself git hurt that easily, let alone th’ foals fer that matter, Apple Bloom especially. ‘Sides, it’s not like he saw her sneakin’ outta th’ back o’ th’ house while he was fightin’ Moon Blade, right?”

“Yeah, Ah know that.” Fritter nodded, giving a flick of her tail. “Still though, Ah can’t help but feel like somethin’ went really wrong while she was there.”

“That’s probably yer mother’s intuition callin’.” Big Mac murmured, draping a massive wing over the smaller mare’s back. “Alright, Ah’ll tell ya what, we’ll give Apple Grove another twenty minutes, an’ if she ain’t back here by then, Ah’ll go lookin’ for her.”

Fritter looked up at Big Mac. “You’d do that fer me, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup.” The scarlet red stallion replied, smiling gently at the younger mare. “Ah’m sure Ah can find her somewhere in these orchards along with the lil’ ones. Ah mean, it’s not like they could’ve gotten far around here anyway…”

“Oh, thank you Mac!” Fritter cooed, throwing her arms around Big Mac’s muscular neck. “Ah knew Ah could count you an’ th’ rest o’ th’ family here! You really are a reliable stallion, ya know that!”

Big Mach chuckled, leaning in and nuzzling his cousin. “Eeyup.”

All of a sudden, there was a massive explosion coming from outside the force so violent that it made the entire house shake on impact. The ponies inside it screamed as they were sent across the floor, the sounds of picture frames and glass items fell to the floor. As they tried to recover from the sudden shake, Granny Smith shot to her hooves.

“What in the hay was that?!” Granny Smith demanded, looking pointedly out the window. “Ah jus’ heard an explosion from outside!”

“S-so did we…” Derpy stammered, holding her head. “Owww, my head…what in Natura’s name was that?”

“I don’t know, but I think I know who it came from.” Cloud Kicker murmured, holding her sister in her forelegs. “That bastard really like to make a show, doesn’t he?”

Amethyst walked over to the window, her ears pinned back as she bit her lip, trying to prepare herself for what she was about to see. Using her magic to open the window flaps, she peeked outside, and let out a small gasp that did nothing to hide the terror in it.

“Amethyst?” Blossomforth asked, noticing the change in the Unicorn mare’s body language. “Is there something the matter?”

“U-um…g-g-guys?” She squeaked, sounding, and looking, like she was going to wet herself. “You may want to take a look outside.”

With each of their curiosity peaked, they walked over to where Amethyst was looking, and took their own positions in front of the window. When their eyes laid on what Amethyst was seeing, all of their eyes went just as wide as her’s. Some of them letting how whimpers, others merely stared with their jaws dropped off their hinges, while Granny Smith breathed out three words.

“Sweet Harvest Saplin’…”

When Moon Blade was wondering just what kind of new power that Serafino had in store for him, the very last thing he was expecting was the new form that the stallion was now presenting to him. Moon Blade had seen many different transformations both before, and after he had ascended to be the Captain of the Lunar Division, all unique in their own ways. While many of them were quite intimidating and scary, none of them were quite to the point where they may do things like haunt him in his dreams. Overtime, he had become used to seeing many different forms that would very well scare many other ponies upon first glance, and upon fighting Serafino, he didn’t really expect to see anything less from him either.

Now though, as he was staring at the new form that Serafino was now in, he started to contemplate whether or not to add his new form to his list. That least being of one of the most terrifying looking transformations that he has ever seen.

Serafino, who had just moments ago had the form of a dark, yet alluring looking bat winged Alicorn stallion, was now looking like a hybrid monster from Tartarus. His fur, which was once a sin black color, as dark as Nightmare Moon’s was now a menacing blood red, redder than even Moon Blade’s own, with sinister sin black streaks adorning his body. Serafino’s scarlet cloven hooves that used to complete the end of his legs, were now giant draconic paws, lined with giant stallion-sized claws that looked to be as sharp as Moon Blade’s fangs. His bat like wings had grown in side, length, and span, looking to be more muscular with the membranes becoming less see through and looking more like a bloody version of outer space. Serafino’s mane and tail skirt, which were once a deep blood red, were now a mane of slicked back jet-black scales, with his tail skirt being a wickedly sin black tail blade. To top his appearance off, he had a gleaming set of fangs that looked to be even more vampiric than before, looking twice as big as Big Mac, and his gleaming green eyes were an even darker color than before, which, for some reason, made him look even more menacing than before.

“Oh dear…” Moon Blade murmured, finally managed to form some words. “This, was not what I was expecting.”

“Are you surprised?” Serafino asked, his voice sounding much deeper, to the point where it made the ground shake beneath his clawed paws. “I bet you weren’t expecting you me to do something like this, were you? Maybe you were expecting far more…petrifying, then this?”

“Actually, I was more or less expecting this new form.” Moon Blade replied, sounding calmer than before as he regained his composure. “I mean, you did say that you were going to make this orchard in a field of fire, so I felt like your new form was connected to something similar to a dragon of some sorts.” His bat ears pinned back as his expression became one of slight embarrassment. “Although, I wasn’t expecting you to actually become a Kirin…or Nightmare Kirin if this is what you want to call it.”

“Well…you’re not entirely wrong there.” Serafino crooned, letting out a little chuckle. “Yes, I am in the form of a Nightmare Kirin, but if you look closely, it’s not a complete form of one.” He gestured to his bat ears and the fangs protruding from his lips. “As you can see, part of me is a still a Nightmare Thestral, so I can somewhat use the abilities of both a Kirin, and a Thestral all in one…quite the combination is it not?”

“Yes, I suppose that it is.” Moon Blade murmured, his eyes narrowing as he pointed his sword forward. “Still though, regardless of how much power you’ve gained in this new form, there’s no way that I will let you turn this orchard into a land of ashes! Even if it takes my last breath, I will ensure this family’s safety!”

Serafino let out a low deep chuckle, the sound of it making Moon Blade’s heart skip a beat. “Tell that to our Dark Queen when she throws you in our dungeon…”

Without warning, Serafino threw his head back and let out an earth-shaking roar mixed with a screech that made Moon Blade stumble off of his hooves. His hooves flew to his ears as he tried to block out the agonizing sound that was trying to make him go deaf. When the sound finally stopped Moon Blade opened his eyes to see one of Serafino’s giant claws paws sailing down towards him like an anchor from a pirate ship. Instinctively, he lifted his forelegs to stop the attack, only to find himself buried underneath the ground faster than he can even process. When Serafino too his paw away, he smiled in glee upon seeing Moon Blade in the giant paw shaped crater in the earth.

“Well, that was quite easily done.” Serafino murmured, dragging his foot across the ground as he gave a flick of his tail. “Then again, with the form that I’m in now, that was to be expected.”

‘M-my body…I-I…I can’t move a single inch of it!’ Moon Blade thought, his whole body giving little shakes as his mouth hung open. ‘How hard did he hit me?!’

The ghostly white stallion’s answer came just seconds later when pain suddenly washed over his body like a tidal wave crashing onto a beach. His screams echoed about the orchard as Serafino stood above him, relishing in his writhes of agony.

“Uh-oh, it looks like I hit you a little too hard there, Captain Moon Blade.” Serafino crooned, taking a step closer to the fallen Lunar Guard. “It doesn’t look like you can move any part of your body…almost like your completely paralyzed.”

“Y…y-y-you, vile beast…!” Moon Blade hissed, doing his best to glare up at his foe. “Y-y-you will…p-p-pay for this…!”

“Make me pay? In the state you’re in?” Serafino laughed, his teeth gleaming as he smiled down at Moon Blade. “Don’t make me laugh little Thestral…I’ve heard plenty of foes bluff far better than that, and even they looked far less pathetic than you do now. It doesn’t look like you’ll be causing me any trouble anymore.” He glanced over at the Apple Family Household, taking notice of the ponies staring from inside of the windows. “Well, maybe not you in general.”

Moon Blade’s bloody orbs for eyes watched in horror as Serafino made his way towards the Apple Family Household. It didn’t take a rocket science to figure out what he was going to do; the Lunar Captain could figure it out just by his body language alone. “W-wait…stop; don’t you dare hurt them! I swear if you even think about it, I will end you!”

“And who’s going to stop me? It certainly won’t be you, and I don’t see any of your other guards coming to help either.” Serafino crooned, glancing back at Moon Blade. “You’re all on your own, and it doesn’t look like your new friends are coming to help you either.” He looked back in front of the house and grinned hungrily. “They’re all mines for the taking, and after I kill them, I will turn this entire orchard in to one of flames and ash!”

“N-no…no!” Moon Blade wheezed, clenching his teeth in desperation. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“…Watch me.” Serafino murmured opening his mouth as a large orb of light appeared inside of it. It stayed in its original size at first, but slowly grew in light and intensity as the giant Nightmare Kirin prepared to blast the house into oblivion. “Say goodbye to your friends, Captain Moon Blade Cifer!”

As Moon Blade let out a final desperate scream, Serafino shot his blast of fire, the giant stream of flames exploding from his mouth and soaring towards the house. The screams of the ponies inside reached Serafino and Moon Blade’s ears, both reacting in entirely different ways as the flames got closer to its’ intended target. It would only be mere seconds before it was obliterated into nothing, and there was nothing anypony could do to stop it.

Nopony…except for one pissed off draconic colt.

A flash of emerald green suddenly appeared in front of the Apple Family Household, an explosive roar resounding through the air before emerald green flames appeared form out of nowhere. It clashed with the darker green flames that were soaring out of Serafino’s mouth, and as it drove them back, Moon Blade was given the sight of who had just saved all the lives in the Apple Family Household.

‘SPIKE?!’ He thought, shock and relief washing over him in an instant.

Emerald green flames burst all over Spike’s body as he continued to par Serafino’s flames with his own, the extra flames cloaking his body adding to the power behind it. The shock that Serafino was feeling at the sudden interference allowed the colt to gain the advantage, and with a final push, he sent Serafino toppling over onto his back. The ground shook as Serafino made impact with it, and as he rubbed at his burning face, he sat up, and locked eyes with the enraged mulberry Kirin.

“You…what the hell are you doing here?!” Serafino demanded, his second wave of shock overriding his feeling of pain. “I thought that my clone left you at the treehouse to die!”

“He did, but unfortunately for him, I wasn’t as knocked out as long as he thought I’d be, thanks for that by the way, asshole.” Spike replied heatedly, letting out a hostile growl that sounded like that of a Gray Wolf’s. “Now that I’m here, I can give you some payback for not only getting the drop on me, but for also destroying my friends’ treehouse…while they were still inside!”

With another roar, Spike lunged for Serafino, swinging around in the air with his large silvery grey tail blade slicing through the air. Serafino barely even had time to blink as the blade sliced across his face, causing blood to spray out like founding from the wound. The Nightmare Kirin let out a roar of agony as he threw his head back, allowing Spike to shoot off multiple bolts of fire form his mouth, shooting him repeatedly in his face. At his wits end, Serafino smacked the colt away from him with his claws, watching as he crashed to the ground not too far away from Moon Blade, a fall which he quickly recovered from.

“Well, it looks like you’re not as helpless as I thought you were…” Serafino murmured, lowering his right paw from his face as blood dripped from it. “It would seem that you do have some fight in you after all, little hatchling.”

“You’re damn right I do you overgrown snake-like horse!” Spike shouted back, slamming his tail blade into the ground as he snorted smoke through his nostrils. “Add that to the face that you have pissed me off royally, and you have yourself somepony who is ready to rip you to shreds and burn you to a crisp!”

“Awww, so the little Kirin that’s no larger than a fledgling is going to turn me, one that’s twice as big as that house, into a pillar of fire?” Serafino laughed, grinning humorously as his own bladed tail swayed about. “How cute…while you’re more welcome to try, but I don’t think you’ll have much luck in that state, especially since there’s a chance that you’ll end up like your pathetic guard of a friend over there.”

“Leave Captain Moon Blade out of this; this fight is between you and me now. He’s done his part, and now it’s my turn to finish what he started.” Spike commanded, his usual bubby and chipper personality all but tossed aside. In its place was a completely different spike, one that sound like a general more than anything else. “I heard what you were going to do before I even stopped you, and let me tell you, you are fill of minitour shit if you think that I’m gonna let you destroy this entire orchard! I stopped your fire from spreading to the trees on the east side of this orchard, so there’s no way in hell that I’m gonna let you destroy the rest!”

“So…you manage to keep my fire from eating up part of the part of the orchard you were all in?” Serafino commented absentmindedly, raising a brown at the draconic colt as he ruffled his wings. “Impressive…though, I wonder if you’ll able to keep up with me when I begin to destroy this entire orchard more accordingly.”

Spike gave a smirk of his own, showing his own set of gleaming gemstone-piercing fangs. “Oh, trust me, I will…once you see this!”

With his reptilian eyes gleaming, spike threw his head back and roared, a gigantic pillar of green flames exploding out of him. As it shot into the sky, Spike slowly began to go through the transformation form a small adorable Kirin, to a behemoth and intimidating dragon. His mulberry lavender scales darkened to the point where they’re a gleaming cold amethyst purple, while his spines brightened, becoming an even paler green. Said spines then began to grow slightly in length, gaining dark purple lines in between them at the top of the head to the very back of the neck. His purple claws turned to that of fingers, more like that of a primate’s having holes in the center that had gleaming silver claws jet out of them. Spike’s tail blade also enlarged change in color, becoming a deep shade of indigo purple and splitting apart, becoming multiple blades that all curved downward. Lastly, the two lines in between Spike’s back spines glowed, and two massive wings exploded out, the pale green membranes gleaming in the Moon’s light, as a set of curved horns appeared on his head.

With his transformation complete, Spike let out another roar that sends Serafino reeling back some, who now looked completely shocked by what he saw. It as a complete contrast to the smug look that he had just moments earlier, which gave great pleasure to the transformed drake as he glared at the Nightmare Kirin. Without giving him a chance to recover from his shock, Spike immediately went on the offense.

“Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Roar!” He bellowed loudly, shooting out a gigantic stream of flames at Serafino, who countered them with his own dark green flames. The shockwave that came afterwards was so powerful that it caused both trees, the barn, and the house to shake slightly as the two beasts fought for dominance. Eventually, Spike on out for the second time in the power struggle, and with another burst of power, Serafino was sent flying and tumbling across the ground. As he tried to recover from the blast looked up to see Spike flying towards him, both of his fists covered in fire.

“Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Iron Fists!” Spike yelled, shooting both of his flaming fists out and delivering vicious punches at Serafino’s face, sending his head this way and that. As the Nightmare Kirin was sent flying towards the trees, he suddenly felt something grab him by the tail, and yank him back, sending him back towards the clearing. As he tumbled, Spike landed on top of him, sending vicious slashes and bits to the Serafino’s skin ripping out chunks of flesh and causing blood to fly as a result. With another slice across his face, Spike flew back and up into the air, both wings covered in bright green fire.

“I’m not done with you!” He roared as he bared his fangs. “Fire Dragon: Wing Attack!”

Clapping his wings downward, he sent both bolts of fire down at Serafino, both of them fusing together and creating a giant ball of fire. Serafino grunted and pulled his bloodied body off the ground as he used a wing to block the attack in a vain attempt to protect him. Unfortunately, that did nothing to help him be protected by the smoldering heat and wave of power that enveloped him. Serafino screamed in agony as the flames ate his flesh making the wounds that he already had burn hotter with pain, making him writhe.

“There’s plenty more where that came from!” Spike screamed as he lifted his clawed hands up, a large orb of fire being held in it. “Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Brilliant Flame!”

Throwing his arms down, Spike shot the orb of fire down at Serafino, almost as if it was a bomb that he was sending out into a battlefield. Serafino scrambled get to his feet, but the fire burning at his wounds prevented him from doing so, leaving him at the mercy of Spike’s next attack. It hit him full force enveloping him in a spiraling explosion of fire nearly drowning out his pain filled scream as Spike hovered down meters away from him.

“What’s the matter Serafino, not able to take the heat of the Purple Flash?” Spike taunted as the flames receded. “That’s too bad…you deserve no less after nearly burning all of my friends alive!”

Serafino glared daggers up at Spike, which did nothing to wipe the smirk off the amethyst drake’s face as he slammed a dark paw on the ground. “Why, you…insolent little brat of a hatchling! How dare you go playing with me as if I’m a mere chew toy for you?! Are you even taking this fight seriously?!”

“When am I not serious when in situations like this?” Spike asked, rolling his slitted eyes. “All I was going was giving you a good dose of payback for not only knocking me out so quickly, nearly killing me and my friends, and Apple Grove, in our treehouse!”

“Oh, stop with your damn whining already!” Serafino snorted, breathing hard though his nostrils. “It’s not like you were going to die in that treehouse, you’re half dragon! Dragons can literally bath in molten magma; what’s a little fire going to do to them?!”

Spike’s left eye twitched, completely taken aback by Serafino’s callousness. “Are…are you bullshitting me right now?! None of my other friends are dragon’s or even half dragon like I am, you dumbass!” He roared, slamming his bladed tail on the ground. “With the exception of one of Sheton, there’s no way they would’ve all been able to survive that, especially without me to help them! Sure, me, and Sheton may have been able to leave out of there unscathed, but the same can’t be said for the others! You really think that only two of us surviving is better than all of us surviving?!”

“I don’t know, and I honestly really don’t care.” Serafino replied bluntly. “All I’m saying is that a colt of your heritage shouldn’t really be worried about the lives of ponies. Especially since you come from the most fear species of creatures on the face of Equestria.”

“Well, too bad for you, and luckily for them, I’m not like most dragons.” Spike retorted, flames spewing from his nostrils. “Unlike them, I actually care whether about my friends live or die, which is exaclty why I’m gonna stand and fight to make sure they don’t have to deal with the likes of you!”

“Well then…if you’re so confident that they’ll survive long enough to be beyond my reach, then feel free to try to keep me from them.” Serafino dared, flaring his wings as he lowered his head in preparation. “Besides, it’s not like you’ll be able to get to them anyway, especially with the little friend I sent after them that I’m sure you met back at your clubhouse.”

“Oh…I don’t think I’ll need to worry about them. I’m getting the impression that they’ll do just fine without me, especially with the colt they have with them.” Spike said, smiling fearlessly, swaying his bladed tail around like a stegosaurus. “Now come on and fight me like the ‘real’ Kirin you are; you’ll be begging me to end you when I finally beat you!”

“Gladly.” Serafino said as his eyes began to glow, flames surrounding his giant form. “Just as long as you’re ready to accept defeat when I break you!”

“Oh, I was born ready for this!” Spike shouted, rearing up and bashing his fists together. “Yeah, I’m all fired up now!”

Author's Note

Okay, I have a bit of a confession to make...after I was done writing the beginning of this chapter, I had added a scene with the Main Seven back in the Everfree into it, mainly because I felt that it would be suitable :twilightblush: . Especially since there's a final couple scenes that I'm planning to add in the next chapter from the last versions of the battle with the Galaxy Star Bolts and the Shadowbolts. That'll probably be the last time that I'll add scenes for the first versions of this book, before I begin to write the rest of this story from the top of my head, at least until we move on from the final battles and go back to the celebration that I may or may not be planning to edit :derpytongue2: . With that being said, I certainly enjoyed writing the scene with Spike trying to save part of Sweet Apple Acres, and his intervention with Serafino trying to burn down the Apple Family Household and all the ponies in it :pinkiehappy: ! Ha, I was so pumped as I was writing that, and I'll probably feel the same why as I write the next one :yay: ! Also, if for those of you who got the little comment Spike made at the end of this, let me know in the comments below if you can figure out who usually say that :raritywink: !!!

Well, that's all for now; tune in next time for when we go back to Sheton and the rest of the foals, with the latter showing why angry mares and fillies are not to be taken lightly for any reason :rainbowderp: .

Chapter 67 - Fury of the Fillies

“Cousin Apple Grove…Cousin Apple Grove! Wake up…wake up, please!”

The sound of a young filly calling out her name was the first thing that Apple Grove noticed as she slowly returned from her state of unconsciousness. It was a bit more difficult for her to open her eyes, since they both felt like led as she tried to slide the eyelids apart. After a few moments, she finally managed to get them open, she was able to see a blur of red and yellow in her field of vision, not quite able to make it out yet. One of her forelegs came to her face and rubbed them, and when she pulled away, she saw that she could see more clearly. After blinking a few more times, she was able to make out the face of a filly. That filly being her cousin Apple Bloom, her sunset orange eyes staring bag at her own groggy violet ones as they dripped with tears. The sight of her little cousin crying was the driving force that Apple Grove needed to become fully away, and she wasted no time in questioning her cousin in her crying.

“A…Apple Bloom?” Apple Grove asked, her groggy tone not quite matching the alarmed look on her face. “What…what’s goin’ on here? Why’re ya cryin’?”

“Oh, thank Faust, you’re still live!” Apple Bloom wailed, wrapping her arms around the older mare’s neck. “Ah thought you were never gonna wake up! Ah was honestly beginin’ think that you were dead!”

“Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo cried suddenly, rushing over and pulling the farm filly off of the Pegasus mare. “D-don’t squeeze her s-so tight! I-I-I know that you’re happy t-that she’s awake, b-but, she’s still i-injured! G-give her sometime t-to collect h-herself b-before you t-touch her, o-okay?”

“Um, Scoots, while that is sensible and all…” Fire Flash murmured. “Don’t you think we should tell her about the woo-”

The sound of Apple Grove coughing up blood cut the crimson filly off, and she and the other fillies looked back over to her. She took a few ragged and shallow breaths as her pain filled eyes looked up into each of their own. “W…w-wait a minute…hold on? What in th’ hay’s goin’ on girls? W-what happened to me?”

“Y-you…you were thrown into a tree.” Dinky replied, holdin Grove’s Stetson. “A-after you had taken us out of the clubhouse, you had brought us over here to the Black Tree Grove and hid us under one of the trees. You were about to go keep a lookout for S-Serafino, but he took you by surprise and s-s-stabbed you i-in t-t-t-the s-s-stomach. T-then…h-he threw you into this t-tree and…you lost consciousness.”

Apple Grove stared at Dinky for a moment, trying to make sense of her words before it all began to slowly come back to her. Another one of her hooves came to her head as she tried to soothe the headache inside of it. “It…it’s all comin’ back t’ me now…yeah, Ah’m startin’ t’ remember it all now…jeez Ah hit mah head hard.” She sighed as she looked up at the foals again, and it was only then that she noticed the bruises, cuts, and blood coating their little bodies. “Sweet Celestia, what th’ hay happen y’ y’all?! Why’re ya all so…bloody?!”

“You can ask Serafino about that.” Crescent Shield spat. “After he had knocked you out, he had the audacity to try to make the tree we were hiding under explode. Now only that, while we were all scattered around, he held is down to the ground with vines…covered with thorns!”

“N-not only that…” Sweetie added. “He even b-bit me on my h-horn and tried to r-rip it off of my head!” She whimpered as she gingerly rubbed her hoof over her horn. “I-it really hurt a lot…it felt like he was trying to rip my skull in two!”

“He tried to do what?!” Apple Grove shouted; her eyes widened in horrified anger. “Why that damn…that varmint’s gonna pay fer hurtin’ y’all like that! Stand back everypony, Ah’m gonna teach that varmint a lesson!”

“No wait, don’t-!” Fire Flash cried as she held her forelegs out, only to be cut off as Apple Grove cried out and fell back to the ground. “Please Apple Grove, don’t move! You’re…not quite in the state to be trying to do anything right now…”

Apple Grove, who was gritting to try to fight off the sharp aching in her stomach, looked up at the crimson filly and asked, “W…what makes ya say that?”

“U-um…w-w-well, um…” Scootaloo stammered, trying to come up with a proper way to tell Apple Grove about the true state of her condition. Unable to do it, she whimpered and merely pointed down to where the Pegasus mare’s stomach was. Looking down, Apple Grove froze upon seeing a piece of bark sticking out of her stomach, with the other end protruding out of her back. The shock she felt was so sudden that she didn’t feel the pains set in, but once the fully extent of her injuries fully sunk in, she did.

Then, Apple Grove screamed.

“AAAAAAAAAUUUUGGGGH!!!” She wailed loudly, throwing her head back and letting it echo throughout her dark namesake as her hooves went to her stomach. Tears fell from her eyes that mirrored the rest of the foals as she writhed and thrashed all about the ground, blood seeping from her wound. Well, as much as Apple Grove was able to thrash when she had a giant piece of bark impaling her in her stomach.

“Apple Grove, please stop!” Apple Bloom cried, her tears falling faster as she tried to stop her cousin from moving. “Ya gotta stop; yer only gonna make that wound worse if you keep thrashin’ ‘round like that!”

Much to the farm filly’s dismay, her pleads seem to fall on deaf ears, and she just continued to scream and sob. The blood from the hole in her stomach flowed at an even faster pace, despite the bark keeping most of it from draining endlessly. The foals crowded around her and tried to keep her still, but her constant thrashes were making impossible for them to do so.

“Dammit, it’s no use! She’s not staying still!” Fire Flash growled, trying, and failing to keep the mare’s hindlegs in place. “What’re we gonna do?! At this rate, she’s gonna pass out again, and she may not wake up this time!”

“H-hold on, l-let me try something!” Scootaloo begged, gently pushing passed the others and making her way towards Apple Grove’s head. Holding back a sob of her own, she lunged forward and wrapped her forelegs around the mare’s neck, bringing her face in her chest and muffling her agonized cries. Closing her eye, Scootaloo then began to rock her back and forth, stroking her disheveled mane as she tried with all her might to ease her pain.

“Shhhhhh, it’s okay Grove…it’s okay…” She cooed gently, keeping her voice steady even as her single eye flowed with tears. “Just calm down and breath…deep, deep breaths.”

For a moment or two, it didn’t look like Apple Grove had heard her, which would make sense, due to the indescribably pain that she was in. Then, much to their disbelief, her sobs and cries slowly, but surely, started to recede as Scootaloo continued to comfort her. After another half minute of stroking her mane, rocking her, and whispering into her ear, Apple Grove finally went silent, letting out the occasional whimper.

“There we go…that’s better.” Scootaloo said sweetly, smiling at the crying mare as her lower lip quivered. Leaning in, Scootaloo began to gently kiss the mare’s tears away and brushed some of her mane from her face. “Are you able to breathe now?”

“Y…y-y-yeah, Ah am now.” Apple Grove sniffled softly, fighting back the pain as she looked down at Scootaloo and her gentle expression. “H-how…how did you do that hon’? A-Ah was a screamin’ mess just s-seconds ago…h-h-how did ya m-managed t-to calm me d-down?”

“I…don’t really know…I-I was just able to do it.” Scootaloo replied, rubbing one of her bruised forelegs. “M-my big s-sister always used t-to do it f-for me w-whenever I-I was in pain…s-so I-I decided t-to do the s-same f-for you. B-because, y-you w-w-were in a l-l-lot of p-p-pain.”

“No shit, sherlock…” Fire Flash muttered, looking off to the side.

“W-well, it looks like it managed t’ work fer me…Ah really l-lost mahself there.” Apple Grove commented, doing her best to hold back at chuckle as she felt around at the bark. “A-are…are all o’ y’all okay?”

“Well, aside from Sweetie nearly getting her horn bitten off, us getting pierced by the thorned vines, and nearly suffocating, we’re just peachy.” Dinky replied bluntly, the slightest hint of sarcasm coming to her voice. “Can’t really say the same for Sheton though.”

“S-Sheton?!” Apple Grove cried, her ears perking up as she finally noticed that the stormy grey colt was nowhere in sight. How she didn’t manage to see he wasn’t among the group; she would never know. “W-where is he?! Is the lil’ darlin’ alright?!”

“Physically, yes…well, now at least.” Crescent Shield replied, wiping away at Apple Bloom’s tears. “Mentally and emotionally…not so much. Let’s just say that after seeing us get hurt, he decided that he’d give Serafino a taste of his own medicine.”

Apple Grove’s eyes narrowed. “What’re ya talkin’ ‘bout?”

The sound of something slamming into the ground brought the attention of Apple Grove and all the fillies towards it, and they saw Serafino laying in the crater. The stallion groaned painfully as he used forehooves to sit up, spitting out a glob of blood as he panted heavily. Before he could even look up, a dark grey blur shot down on him and slam him deeper into the ground, that blur revealing itself to an enlarged Sheton. The Thestral hissed loudly and dug one of his forehooves in the side of Serafino’s head, causing him to let out a hiss of his own as he struggled to get out of Sheton’s grasp.

“You insufferable insolent brat…!” Serafino spat as he glared back up at Sheton. “Get off of me this instant!”

Sheton’s sinister bat ears pinned back, his tongue flicking out like a snake as he lashed his tail out. “Oh, I’ll let you go alright, right after I pop your bucking skull open, you damn PSYCHO!”

Apple Bloom who had been the first to notice Sheton come flying down, turned back to her now wide-eyed cousin and asked, “Does that answer your question, Cousin Grove?”

Upon hearing Apple Bloom’s voice, Sheton looked up from Serafino, and his gleaming red eyes made contact with Apple Grove’s. The instant they did, he paused, and his expression softened slightly as he softly murmured, “M…Ms. Apple Grove?”

The lime green Pegasus mare said nothing to the colt, her expression still as wide-eyed and as fearful as it was just moments after seeing him. She couldn’t say anything, not even when the urge to ask if he was okay rose up from within her, for there was something holding her back from doing so. That something being Sheton’s eyes; those gleaming, fiery, blood red orbs for eyes scorching into her very soul and making her body feel like it was ablaze with fire. It was as if she was staring into two glaring twin suns of crimson red that burned even hotter than Celestia’s Sun. It made her want to bow down to the colt and submit to him right then and there, least Sheton do horrible things to Grove that would make her beg him for mercy.

It was only thanks to Serafino taking advantage of Sheton’s distraction that Apple Grove was broken free from the petrifying spell. Throwing his hoof away from his head, he slid out from under the colt and slammed his hind hooves square into his muzzle, catching him entirely off guard, and bringing back him in the game. Several of Sheton’s teeth, his new fangs included, flew out of his mouth as he slid across the ground, a loud pained groan leaving his throat as he held a hoof to his muzzle. As he looked up, he saw Serafino flying towards him, and he only had time to get up to his hooves before he found himself slammed into a tree, one of Serafino’s cloven hooves pressed to his throat.

“I told you that you’d better let go of me you little brat.” Serafino hissed, pressing his hoof deeper against Sheton’s throat. “When your elders tell you to do something, you’re expected to do what they say! Not try to walk over them when they’re down and writhing!”

Sheton snarled loudly, one of his own hooves coming to the larger stallion’s as he clenched it, hard, his bloodied lips curled back. “You’re the one who was walking all over us when we were down; especially when we didn’t try to do it to you!” He then smirked as another, stronger and sharper set of fangs emerged from his upper jaw. “Although, even if we did, we’d be well within our justification to do you, because you, are a bucking, SADIST!”

Twisting his right forehoof forward, Sheton snapped Serafino’s right one in two, emitting a scream from the stallion as he pulled away. Taking this opportunity, Sheton pushed him back, and took in a deep inhale. “Dark Fire Thestral Magic: Crimson Fire Abyss Explosion!”

Serafino barely had time to look up to see the swirl of dark red flames colliding to him, sending him into a spiraling mess that went past Apple Grove and the fillies. Without sparing them a second glance, he flew past them, blood red aura surrounding his body as his wings of blackness left dark streaks along with his aura.

“You’re going to pay for that one!” Serafino hissed, pointing his horn forward as it ignited. “Solid Form Nightmare Alicorn Magic: Scorching Spiraling Stream of Fire!”

Neighing loudly, a giant pillar of green fire exploded form his hooves and headed straight towards Sheton, he flared his wings and came to a dead stop. Bringing both of his wings in front of him, he sent the stream of fire in opposite directions, setting the trees closest to them on fire. With his eyes still giving off that blazing crimson glare, he reared up and slammed his hooves down, causing it to become cracked all around him.

“Way too slow, asshole.” Sheton growled softly as the cracks he mane in the ground glowed a deep red. “Dark Thestral Earth Make: Crimson Vines of the Abyss!”

Serafino’s eyes were already eyeing the ground before Sheton finished his attack, but he was only fast enough to do that before vines burst out of the ground. Unlike all of his own vines, they were a dark sinister black, like the new wings Sheton had, with the thorns being as red as Sheton’s new colored eyes. They wrapped around Serafino and dug deep into his skin and flesh, coiling around him like multiple snakes in a single burrowing nest. Struggle as he might, Serafino was not able to break from the vines, and even screamed out in pain as he felt the thorns in his body burn form the inside.

‘These vines…they’re not like mine or the rest of the Dark Army’s!’ The Nightmare Alicorn thought as he stared at slowly advancing Sheton. ‘They’re something else…something not quite of our power!’

“Well, what do you think of me now, huh Serafino? Is this what you were looking for when you called me your so called descendent of your Dark Queen?” Sheton asked, baring his shining fangs at the larger stallion as his red eyes stared into Serafino’s dark green ones. “Because it looks like you got yourself a nice good taste of what the Thestrals of Hollow Shades and Canterlot City are capable of. As evident by the fact that I threw you all around the Black Tree Grove in this orchard.”

Doing his best not to look intimidated by Sheton’s twin crimson suns for eyes, Serafino glared back down at him and replied, “You think that this measly little effort of yours is enough to keep me down and away from your little friends? I’ve been in countless battles with youngsters that have put of a much worthier effort than you, and from what you’ve displayed to be, it is anything but worthy. All any of your attacks are going is just angering me even more!”

Sheton’s tail skirt suddenly lashed out, striking Serafino dead in the face and leaving a deep gash across it. “That lie was so bad that it was almost laughable, and I maybe would’ve laughed if I wasn’t so pissed off right now!” He hissed, lowering his head but not breaking eye contact with the stallion in front of him. “You say that my attacks have no effect on you, then what was all of that screaming and writhing that you did a few minute ago huh? Was that all really just an act or were you really overwhelmed by it?”

Serafino was about to snap back at him, but cried out at the feeling of the vines burning at him, causing his eyes at squeeze. He bit his lip as he tried to keep from screaming, not wanting to give the colt the satisfaction, but just that act lone gave him away.

“That’s what I thought…such a bullshit piece of a lie.” Sheton snorted, shaking his head as he took a few steps back away from Serafino. “Now you listen here Serafino, I may have known Apple Bloom and the fillies for less than thirty hours, but one thing that I don’t stand for is anypony hurting any new friend I have. Regardless of how little time that I’ve known them, anypony that harms any friends of mine, especially for reasons like yours, are going to find themselves pummeled into the ground! And for the past few minutes, I’ve done just that, but you are deserving of so much more!”

“Oh, I’m so scared right now.” Serafino taunted, despite the pain he was in. “And just what other move are you going to pull on me that will give you the revenge of me hurting your precious friends?”

Sheton tilted his head to the side, doing it in a way that made his Fedora cover one of his burning red eyes once more. “By burning you to a crisp…”

Without warning, a black and crimson flames burst out of Sheton, followed by crackles of crimson lighting as he slowly however away from Serafino. Once he got a reasonable distance away from him, he landed on his hindlegs, with both his wings and forelegs outstretched. The fire and lighting grew with intensity as his eyes glowed through the power, the rest of his body almost nonexistent within the elements.

“Heh, so you’re planning to combine both lightning and fire to finish me off?” Serafino asked, smirking despite the feeling forming in his gut. “Is that really the best that you can do?”

“These aren’t your ordinary flames and lightning.” Sheton snarled. “These are the type that I know that will blow ponies like you away…because they were designed for ponies like you.”

Serafino’s face fell. “What was that?”

“That’s right, my family aren’t like most ponies, but more like the ones that’re in the Lunar Bay Kingdom or Hollow Shades.” Sheton nodded, a small grin coming to his muzzle. “We Thestrals have powers that’re made for the specific purpose of slaying ponies and creatures that have powers that’re eerily like yours! My Mom always told me that I should have it just in case, especially since I’m the only one of four siblings that can use it, and it looks like I finally get to use it…on you!”

“Like hell I’m going to let you do that!” Serafino shouted, flaring his wings as he tried to get out of Sheton’s crimson vines. As he did so, he felt them become tighter around his body, to the point where he felt his bones begin to crack. “Dammit, why can’t I get out of these vines?!”

“Oh, a little something that I forgot to mention.” Sheton murmured as he extended his forehooves forward. “We Thestrals have the abilities to use three of our different types of magic at the same time of we want to, which is a more or less a combination of the magic of the Three Pony Tribes. So, you can try to get out of those vines as much as you want, you’re only going to get yourself more hurt than you already are.” A low growl burst from his throat as his tail lashed out. “Then again, after what you’ve done, that’s not so bad.”

With those words, flared his massive wings of blackness to their fullest span, his eyes glowing their brightest red as the fire and lightning swirled his hooves. They compressed and condensed into a ball that he prepared to fire off one on devastating explosion, the chirping and roaring both resonating in Sheton’s bat ears. As the pillar of the combined elements swirled around him, Sheton finally unleased his attack.

“Now…say goodnight Serafino!” The stormy grey Thestral shouted as he let finally loose on his enemy. “Dark Fire Lightning Thestral: Swirling Abyss of Thundering Flames!”

With an explosion that nearly deafened all that were near it, Sheton shot off the combined elements at Serafino, who was all but immobile in the dark red vines. In a last-ditch effort to defend himself, he shot a powerful blast of magic that, only for a moment, withstood Sheton’s attack, before it was eaten up. Serafino could now do nothing but scream as the attack consumed him, ripping both him and the vines off of the ground as it shot him across the black trees and far beyond the Black Tree Grove. The roar of power resounded across the trees for what seemed like forever, before they eventually died down, leaving nothing but deafening silence, a victorious colt, and group of gob-smacked fillies behind.

“Heh…see? I told you that I was going to make you bleed.” Sheton murmured, plopping down on all four of his hooves. “Then again…I guess I made you burn more than bleed in this case.”

With a sigh, he turned back to where the Apple Grove and the fillies were, and flew over to them as the power around him receded. As he did so, his new physical form also began to go back to normal; his coat lightened back to its light stormy grey, while the crimson streaks in his mane and tail returned to their soft midnight blue. The sinister blackness covering his wings whisked away, letting the emerald blue membranes reveal themselves once more, and his physic went back to that of a foal’s. By the time he reached the group the chilling crimson color that formed his eyes dimmed, the gentler and more emerald blue color taking its place once more.

“I’m…sorry you guys had to see all of that.” Sheton murmured apologetically, the dark power filled voice he had no longer there. It now had its usual soft-spoken and sweet, of not shy edge to it like it always did. “Are all of you guys okay?”

Nopony replied to Sheton’s question of concern; it was as if they didn’t even hear him speaking to them at all. They all just sat there, staring at him, all of their eyes as wide as they were when they first saw his transformation. Sheton’s ears pinned back at their stares, resisting the urge to look away as he pawed at the ground.

“Please stop staring at me like that you guys…its creepy.” He begged as politely as he could, trying not to sound rude. They all complied, but still didn’t say a word as most of their eyes began to fill with tears. “W-w-what’s wrong girls? W-why are you crying all of a sudden? A-are you all scared that might-”

A whimper from Scootaloo suddenly cut him off as the Pegasus filly slowly got up, her legs shaking as she did so. With her single violet eye still streaming tears, she slowly made her way over to Sheton, her lower lip quivering. Sheton shrunk back slightly, but let the shy filly approach her as she stared into his nervous eyes.

“S…Scootaloo? Are…a-are you alright?” He asked her gently, glancing down at the small cuts on her neck before looking back up at her. His question only seemed to make Scootaloo cry harder, for her whole body was now shaking. “S-Scootaloo? P-please, say somethi-”

That was all he managed to say before Scootaloo lunged and threw her forelegs around his neck, with her wings going around his entire body. Sheton immediately felt warmth spread through his body as Scootaloo pulled him into her, her chin resting on his shoulder. Scootaloo then proceeded to let her tears and sobs out as she hugged the colt for all she was worth.

“Scootaloo…?” Sheton asked, dumbfounded.

“T…t-thank you…thank you!” Scootaloo sobbed, slightly tightening her hug on the colt, taking care not to hurt him. “Y-you…you saved us…! T-thank you!”

Right as she said that, Sheton heard more crying, and he looked up to see Sweetie Belle rushing toward them, tears falling from her own eyes. As she hugged Sheton, Dinky followed, coming on the right side as she took the colt in her arms. The last to follow was Apple Bloom, and she squeezed her way into the group hug as they all softly whimpered and cried, hugging Sheton with all of their might. Only Crescent Shield and Fire Flash stayed behind, but even they looked like they wanted to join in the hug; the only thing holding them back was being sure that Apple Grove was alright. Apple Grove, as if sensing this, gently pushed both foals forward, silently assuring them that she’d be fine for the time being. With nothing holding them back, they all rushed over to the group, taking their own positions as they completed the group hug.

For those next few minutes, most of the goals just wailed and sobbed into each other, each having their own grip on Sheton. Only Fire Flash was silent, but even she looked like she was going to tear up a bit, and it was only thanks to her tough exterior that she didn’t. Sheton, sensing that now wasn’t the time for talking yet, finally returned the embrace, wrapping both of his large wings around all of them. And so, they stayed like that, comforting each other and easing one another’s pain form their ordeal, Apple Grove sitting from afar and fondly watching all the while.

The wind blew in Rainbow Dash’s face as she ascended into the sky, her beautiful prismatic wings flapping hard and fast as went as high as she could. Her nearly healed wounds strained against her body, making her ascension in the air uncomfortable to say the least. The athlete didn’t pay any attention to it, her mind focused on only one thing, and one thing only. To help the Shadowbolts and her lifelong heroes end the fight with the Galaxy Star Bolts once and for all.

‘I can’t believe how long this has gone on. At the rate this is going, there is no way that me and my friends will be able to get in that castle!’ Rainbow Dash thought grimly as she continued to rise. ‘For all we know, Nightmare Moon could be in that castle just waiting to pick us off as soon as her little team are done with us! Well, I’m not gonna let that happen! I swear, even if it’s the last thing I do, I’m gonna make sure that I’m gonna be there when they do face her! That I can promise!’

With a final push, the cyan mare flared her wings and stopped her ascension into the air, satisfied with the height that she was at. She took a moment to collect herself, she took a look down at where the castle was. At the height that she was, the demolished building was far smaller than it looked from where she was, small enough for her to cover it with her hoof. It was also apparent that the Shadowbolts were keeping a lookout for the Galaxy Star Bolts, if the tiny specs of colors down below were any indication. To top it all off, the ethereal wall that had trapped her and the Bolts seemed to expand outwards once it got to a certain height. This making it impossible for Rainbow Dash to see her friends or most of the Everfree Plains surrounding the castle anywhere.

‘Looks like Captain Violet Fire, and the others are still with Crimson Skies, which means she hasn’t quite recovered yet. I don’t think they’re gonna be able to last much longer though…especially with how those bastards have been throwing them around so much, including me.’ Rainbow Dash thought, a worried frown coming to her face. ‘Seriously, they didn’t even look the slightest bit winded while they fought, including Nightshade! At this rate, they’re gonna drain them until they can’t fight anymore, and I can’t let that happen to any of them! The Shadowbolts risked their lives to help us get here! There’s no way that I’m gonna let all of their efforts be in vein!’

Closing her eyes, the cyan mare summoned up the Pegasus magic within her system, conjuring up the largest lightning cloak that she had produced that night. Unlike the last once however, it wasn’t just give off one color, but a multitude of colors like the ones in her mane. She continued to draw out her magic, making the lightning grow stronger, until it was so big that there was no way the others couldn’t notice it down below. The chirping of the lightning filled her ears, the power within it coursing through her veins and making the pain she was currently feeling vanish as it was never there.

‘Alright…I think this may be enough for what I have planned.’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself, opening her eyes as they glowed brightly. ‘Still, just to be sure, let’s add a little extra more…at least twenty percent more to be safe! Soon, I’ll blow every single one of those Galaxy Star Bolts away!’

While Rainbow Dash prepared to release her finishing move on Nightmare Moon’s Ariel Flyers, the Shadowbolts were all huddle together down far below. While some of them were keeping an eye out for any movement form the Galaxy Star Bolts, the rest were all tending to Blue Skies, who looked like she was beginning to recover form Blueball’s assault.

“Blue Skies, are you able to get up now?” Violet Fire asked gently as she ran a hoof down the mare’s, staring into her youngest teammate’s blue eyes. “If you can’t then don’t try. I don’t want to you to injure yourself any more than you already are.”

The palomino mare shook her head, putting a hoof on her captain’s shoulder as she smiled up at her in reassurance. “No, I’ll be alright Captain Violet…I’m already feeling the pain starting to wear off a bit. So, it’s not hurting like I did before.”

“I’m sure it is, but I don’t think we can all deny that all felt that last attack!” Fast Tracks exclaimed, a shiver going from his spine down to his tail skirt. “Do you even realize how loud you screamed up there Blue? It felt like somepony was trying to stab me in my ears with my own damn fangs; that had to be the loudest scream I’ve ever heard!”

“Well, when you’re getting electrocuted by lightning, that tends to happen frequently.” Lightning Shadow murmured, flicking her tail. “Although, even I’m amazed that you managed to maintain consciousness Blue Skies. I was inconceivably sure that you were going to either pass out…or even die.”

“S-so did I…” Blue Skies murmured, leaning against Violet Fire as the ebony mare held. “I mean, I felt the power that mare had…and there was so much of it too. I don’t even know how I was even able to stake away from all of that. I’m so glad that Rainbow Dash came in and took advantage of the distraction of our fight. If she didn’t then…then I would’ve…”

“We know Blue, you don’t need to say it.” Storm Shadow said calmly and gently. “We all know what you’re thinking, and we’re all glad that Rainbow Dash came in when she did. Her friends weren’t kidding when they said the was the toughest mare out of them.”

“Yeah, she definitely is.” Violet Fire said with a giggle. “Let’s just hope that whatever move she has planned will finish the Galaxy Star Bolts off. I don’t know if we can hold off against them in our Ascension Modes; if we don’t, we may have to let out our trump cards. I really hope that it doesn’t come to that.”

Blue Skies nodded. “Yeah, me too Captain…” She said softly, letting out a sigh as she glanced off at the side. Suddenly a sharp gasp left from her as she shot to her hooves, her namesake eyes widening in terror as she stared forward.

“Blue, what’s the matter baby?” Violet asked, noticing the look of terror on her face. The palomino mare said nothing, just pointing a shaky hoof forward, to which the ebony mare followed, only for her eyes to widen with horror. “W-what the-?!”

“Oh shit, they’re gone!” Fast Tracks shouted, his bat wings flaring in alarm. “Where the hell did they go?! I didn’t even hear them move!”

“If they were that quite to be able to get past even your hearing, then we’ve underestimated them some.” Lightning Shadow murmured. “Regardless, we should still listen out for them, they could be anywhere around here.”

“Wise words Lightning Shadow...it is good to have some teamwork.” An all too familiar voice said, carrying a somewhat dark edge to it. “Something that you and the rest of your team definitely need at the moment.”

Storm Shadow’s eyes widened, and she spun around, only to see nopony in sight. Before she could do anything else, she felt a tremor in the ground, and she looked down to see ethereal light emerging form the cracks in the ground. Knowing what was about to happen, she turned the rest of her team and screamed, “EVERYPONY SCATTER!”

All of the other Shadowbolts had already snapped their heads to the source of the voice, but they were not in time to see what Storm Shadow had. A massive explosion sent them all flying from where they were, screaming as they felt powerful bolts of lightning, slashes of wind, and scorching fire hit their exhausted bodies all at once. They slammed into the ground as the lightning jolted through them, causing them to writhe and twitch as they both groaned in agony. Opening their eyes, they froze upon seeing Nightshade hovering over them, the misty aura surrounding her swirling wildly.

“What the hay?” Fast Tracks asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. “How is she still okay after all that Rainbow Dahs threw at her?! There’s no way she should be able to move, let alone stand up!”

“Yeah…” Violet Fire panted. “…just how strong is this mare?”

“You fools…did you really think that it was going to be that easy?” Nightshade asked, a serrated smile coming to her lips. “It’s going to take more than all of that to take the Galaxy Star Bolt Captain down.”

“Sweet bucking Faust…” Lightning Shadow wheezed, letting out an involuntary wince. “…I’ve heard of turning the tables but, come on.”

“I have to admit, you two did manage to make me break quite the sweat. I can’t remember a time where I’ve ever had to fight anywhere near this hard.” Nightshade continued, giving a couple of cracks of her neck. “The question is though…will you still be able fight as hard as you have been until now?”

“What…what do you mean by that?!” Violet Fire demanded, a burst of adrenaline coursing through her as she got to her feet. “Are you saying that I still won’t be able to fight you?!”

“Oh no, of course not. No need to get so offended Captain Violet Fire.” Nightshade replied sweetly, giving a dismissive hoof wave. “I’m just wondering if you both will still be able to stand your ground…especially with what I have in store for you.”

“What’re you talking about?” Storm Shadow asked suspiciously. “What’re you planning to do with us?”

“It’s not just what I plan to do with you.” Stratus replied, his own smile turning more conniving. “It’s also what we’re all planning to do with your other friend.”

In the blink of an eye, Blue Skies was on her hooves, her wings flaring. “You’re still talking about Rainbow Dash, aren’t you?! What’re you planning to do with her?!”

“Nothing that’ll have negative ever lasting effects, I can assure you. I’m going to give her a full-on experience of the true power of the Galaxy Star Bolts.” Starry Skies replied calmly, ignoring the palomino mare’s glare. “First things first, we all need to deal with you, and once were done with you, Rainbow Dash is next. Once I have her, I can turn her to my side, and help her achieve her dream of becoming known as a member of the greatest flyers Equestria has ever seen!”

Blueball giggled and in agreement, and looked to be about to say something, only to abruptly stop. As she looked around the battlefield, her smile slowly began to fade, and was soon replaced with a look of perplexation. “Um…you guys…I don’t see her.”

“What do you mean?” Charger asked, looking over at the bluish violet mare. “Who don’t you see?”

“Rainbow Dash; I don’t see her anywhere around here!” Blueball exclaimed her eyes so wide they looked to be bulging out of her skull. “She’s gone!”

“She’s what?!” Nightshade shouted, her stance faltering as a confused frown came to her face as her head snapped to Blueball. She too looked around the destroyed front yard of the castle, and, true to Blueball’s word, the cyan mare was nowhere in sight. “So…she got away did she?” Nightshade asked, sounding nowhere near as surprised as the other two mares. “Well, that is quite the surprise, isn’t it? That’s fine…we’ll find her, no matter how hard we have to search around her.”

“Oh Yeah? What makes you think you’ll be able to find her?” Violet Fire asked, narrowing her golden eyes at the light blue Pegasus. “From what we know, we’re not the only ones who haven’t notice Rainbow Dash vanish into thin air. She didn’t leave a single trace or sound as to where she is!”

“That may be so, but that doesn’t really concern us.” Nightshade replied nonchalantly. “Even if we didn’t happen to see her, that doesn’t mean that we haven’t taken the necessary means to ensure that she does not escape from us. This ethereal wall we built around her will be see to it that she doesn’t get away, so finding her will be quite easy.”

“Are you sure about that?” Fast Tracks asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because something tells me that your plan may not go as you hoped. As for that wall you said that you built up…” She looked up at the Moon shining in the sky above them at the tiny speck of multi-color in the sky. “…You may want to get that checked out.”

“Oh don’t worry, I can assure you this wall will keep your friend here. It may not look like it will because of how we set it, but don’t be deceived. All things are not as they appear after all.” The Galaxy Star Bolt Captain said, smiling knowingly at the other two Captains. “We can worry about that later. I think it’s about time we finish this, do you not agree?”

“As if I haven’t been trying to do that in the first place.” Blue Skies spat, growling at the Galaxy Star Bolt. “I’m tired of fighting you anyway; I just wanna finish you so you won’t bother my teammates anymore!”

“For some reason, I don’t think that’s gonna happen.” Violet Fire said, getting into a battle stance. “Though, at least we can agree one that…we need to finish this, and finish it now.”

“Good, I’m glad to see that you’re so enthusiastic.” Nightshade said happily, dragging her hoof across the ground. “I hope you two are ready! Because now I’m really going to be tearing the two of you up!”

Before any of the mares could engage, they were stopped dead in their tracks by what had be the loudest explosion that they had ever heard in their entire lives. It was so powerful that it made all three mares lose their footing and tumble to the ground, letting them feel the ground shaking violently beneath them. They covered their ears to block out the booming sound as it tore through the ears as they felt the ground beneath them continued to rumble.

“Ugh…what the…hay was that?!” Starry Skies asked, rubbing at her ears. “Did you set a bomb somewhere and set it off here somewhere?!”

“No, we didn’t.” Violet Fire replied casually, flicking her ears to make sure she could still hear. “That was a really loud explosion though. I was seriously not expecting that.”

“Neither were we, but holy shit that was loud!” Charger grunted, rubbing the inside of his ears. “I don’t know what that was, but that had to be the biggest boom I’ve ever heard in my life.”

“I hate to say, it but I have to agree with him.” Stratus grunted as the ringing in his ears slowly went away. “Just what did you Shadowbolts do?! Set a huge nuclear bomb off?!”

“I don’t think so Stratus!” Blueball replied, looking up into the sky. “But I think I might know somepony who did something even cooler than that!”

Raising a snow-white eyebrow at the bluish violet mare, Nightshade looked up into the sky along with her, and felt her entire body freeze in midair. Ascending down from the sky, faster than a Peregrine Falcon diving after a Pigeon, was Rainbow Dash, encased in the biggest cloak of lightning they had seen her in. Her prismatic wings were stretched all the way past her tail. Her hooves were outstretched in front of her, the shining tip of a mace cone accompanying her in her dive. Her mane and tail were blended together into one beautiful prismatic streak that flowed behind her, the same being with her wings. Following the line of the rainbow trail, were two huge prismatic colored rings that were expanding all across the night sky, the biggest ring encasing the entire Moon within it.

“OOOOOOOOH YEEEEEEEEEEEAHHHH!!!” Rainbow Dash screamed, grinning her widest grin as she dived down. “THIS IS AWESOOOOOOOOOOOME!!!”

“No way…!” Fast Tracks exclaimed, his violet eyes widening behind his goggles. “She did it! Rainbow Dash actually did it; she really pulled it off!”

“Pulled what off?!” Stratus demanded looking over at her the Shadowbolt. “What did she do?!”

“HEY, GALAXY STAR BASTARDS! CAN YOU SEE ME?!” The cyan mare grinned as she ascended closer. “CAN YOU SEE HOW INCREDIBLY AWEOSME THAT I LOOK RIGHT NOW?! DO YOU SEE THE POWER OF THE RAINBOW THAT’S COMING DOWN ON YOUR STARRY ASSES?! I HOPE YOU DO, BECAUSE YOU HAVEN’T EVEN SEEN THE HALF OF IT YET!”

“That little rainbow maned bitch…what in the hay is she talking about?!” Charger growled, putting a forehoof over his eyes to block out the light. “Is she trying to show off with that little show of her’s?!”

“I don’t know, but it looks so pretty!” Blueball replied, her eyes shining with amazement at the large prismatic rings. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything this pretty before!”

“HERE I COME YOU ASSHOLES! THIS FIGHT ENDS NOW!” Rainbow Dash continued, her eyes blazing as she prepared to attack. “YOU’VE BEEN SHAKING US AROUND LIKE RAGDOLLS FOR WAY TOO LONG, AND ITS TIME I PUT AN END TO IT NOW! GET READY TO GET BLOWN OUT OF THE SKY YOU MOTHER BUCKERS!”

As those words left her mouth, the cyan mare folded her wings and suddenly began to spin around, slowly turning herself into a giant whirlwind. It was similar to the one that Fluttershy had unleashed to eliminate the Timberwolves, only this time, it had lightning added to the concoction. Pretty much like the one Starry Skies had used against Shadow Step, only with this one, it would be much bigger; bigger than even Fluttershy’s.

“Uh, what is she doing?” Fast Tracks asked nervously. “Why is she spinning around like that?”

Lightning Shadow, who was watching Rainbow’s movements, let out a gasp of realization. She whipped her head to the light brown stallion, her eyes wide with both fear and panic. “She’s going to try to pull off a lightning infused whirlwind! She’s planning to slam it down right in the middle of this field, and use her speed to for more impact!”

“Rainbow’s gonna do WHAT?!” Storm Shadow shouted, paling under her fur. “Is she insane?! She’s gonna kill every last one of us if she pulls off a stunt like that!”

“You’re telling me!” Blue Skies nodded, looking back up at the mare. “But I don’t think we can do anything about it! Come on you guys, we gotta get out of here!”

“Don’t need to tell us twice!” Fast Tracks said as he they all flew over to the end of the wall.

“Hey, where are you going?!” Stratus shouted angrily. “Come back here you damn cowards! We’re not finished with you three yet!”

“Yeah!” Blueball added, frowning childishly. “The fun is just getting started! Why’re you guys leaving now?!”

“Cause we’re trying not to get killed, that’s why!” Fast Tracks shouted back. “And if you guys are smart, you’ll try not to get yourselves too! And this fight was already over the second Rainbow pulled off that move, and in the state she put you all in, it doesn’t look like you’re gonna get out of this alive!”

“No…no…no! this isn’t it!” Nightshade shouted, before another bolt struck her. “I’m not gonna let it end this way! I am the leader of the most powerful Ariel Flight Team in the world! I will not go out like this!”

“HERE IT COMES! TIME TO BLOW YOU ALL AWAY!” Rainbow Dash yelled, spinning faster than ever. “LIGHTNING PEGASUS KNIGHT: THUNDER WHIRLWIND TORNADO BUSTER!!!”

“Oh shit, she’s gonna blow!” Stratus shouted, panic filling him. “Come on Blueball! We need to get the hell out of here!”

“Awww, but I wanna watch the fireworks!” Blueball whined. “Can’t we just stay for just a little bit longer?!”

“NO, WE CANNOT!” Stratus bellowed, yanking onto his teammates suit. “We are about to get buried and electrocuted alive by that braggart mare, and it’s not gonna do us any good if we just sit around waiting for her to hit us! We need to get to Captain Nightshade and the others before-!”

It was too late; Rainbow had unleashed her attack before the Galaxy Star Bolt could finish his sentence. By the time by both looked up, the giant lightning coated whirlwind was already sailing towards them at speed in which neither of them could stop in time. They, along with Nightshade would only watch as the attack soared closer to the ground, before finally making impact.

The explosion of power that came afterword was easily on par with the force that Rainbow Dash’s rainbow rings had emitted, if not even louder than that. The whole field that the Shadowbolts and the Galaxy Star Bolts burst into a giant mass of multicolored electrical charge light and wind tore throughout it. Clouds of dust burst from the ground, large chunks of earth flew in all directions, and large cracks slithered their way through the ground like a pod of snakes. Any living thing that was on that area, which was the Galaxy Star bolts, found themselves unable to defend themselves against the unstoppable onslaught. They only had time to scream before they found themselves zapped to death by the large lightning bolts, before being buried under the large chunks of earth. Thick dust clouds swept over the field and the castle, rising up all across the large ethereal wall until it eventually became a huge mushroom cloud in the sky.

The rumbling and chirping lightning went on for more than a minute, leaving nothing in its path unscathed or untouched. The only exception was the huge abandoned castle, which, by some unexplainable means, stayed completely intact, even as the lightning struck it as well. The chunks of earth that didn’t land on the ground ended up falling over the edges and into the pits below, where a certain group of Pegasi were hiding.

Slowly, the earth-shattering shaking began to recede, along with the intensity and volume of the chirping lighting, before it all came to a dead stop. Then, all the remained as the eerie and defeating silence. There was no sign of anypony anywhere around in the entire section of the field. Not under the piles of rubble, not in between the cracks in the ground and especially not in the abandoned castle. It was completely and utterly silent, with the Galaxy Star Bolts nowhere in sight, along with the Shadowbolts, and Rainbow Dash herself.

It took about ten whole minutes for them to stop crying and sobbing from their life-threatening experience, but Sheton finally managed to calm most of the fillies down. Once they had managed to collect themselves, the each began to tend to each other’s wounds, mainly Apple Grove’s, for her were the most critical of them all. Sheton and the fillies had only sustained minor puncture wounds, and the bruises they had around them didn’t look like they’d get infected. Apple Grove, however, was the worst off from them, thanks to Serafino throwing her violently into one of the trees in the Black Tree Grove. From what they were seeing, it didn’t look like the bark had it anything final within her, but it was still needed to be looked at. It would’ve been good for her to take bark out, so Grove wouldn’t feel it, but the foals knew they did that, her blood would drain faster, and her wound may become more life threatening.

With that option out, there was no choice left but to try to carry Apple Grove with them back to the barn, something that Sheton himself took it upon himself to do. Before they knew it, they were on their way back to the barn, although at quite a slow pace as to not cause Apple Grove anymore pain.

“Apple Grove, are you sure that you’re okay with me carrying you like this?” Sheton asked, glancing over at the lime green mare. “I mean, you literally have a bark of tree wood impaled into your stomach; that has to hurt.”

“Yeah, it honestly does hurt…maybe not as much as it did before, but still.” Apple Grove replied, giving a grunt as she clung to the colt’s neck. “Aside from that, Ah’m okay with this form of travel, especially with you of all ponies doin’ it. Yer th’ only one here strong enough t’ even attempt t’ carry me across here an’ back t’ th’ barn so…it was th’ only option available.”

“That is true.” Dinky nodded, looking about the dead grove of trees. “Still though, you shouldn’t try to move too much. If you do, you may drive that wood deeper into you, and it’ll make you bleed even more!”

“Um, I think Apple Grove was already having that planned Dinky.” Fire Flash deadpanned, rolling her eyes. “Why do you think that she’s trying her best not to do just that? Like she’s looking like a sack of potatoes? ‘cause she’s trying not to bleed out and pass out again, or worse!”

“I’m amazed that you didn’t feel yourself get stabbed Apple Grove.” Sweetie Belle added. “How were you not able to feel any of that? I would’ve started screaming my head off if I felt a piece of wood that large stab into me!”

“Ah…don’t really know...” Apple Grove murmured. “When Ah hit th’ tree, Ah guess Ah was so shocked by th’ impact o’ th’ hit, that Ah didn’t feel th’ pain. Ah guess Ah was bein’ saved th’ pain o’ that after Ah was literally stabbed in’ th’ back by that Serafino varmint. It all happened so fast that Ah didn’t even have any time t’ react.”

“Well, that is what happened when you’re taken by surprise in the manner that you were.” Crescent Shield commented absentmindedly. “You’re given little to no time to respond to the enemies attack, and everything else comes afterward in such a blur, and due to that, you don’t really feel anything else…not even the pain.”

“I-I-I think t-that can s-sum up j-just how A-Apple Groves e-experience w-with s-s-Serafino w-went i-in t-t-those f-few m-m-moments.” Scootaloo said softly, her indigo mane sweeping the ground as she walked with them. “I-I was c-certainly f-feeling it f-for a f-few m-moments…b-before I…w-w-well, l-lost it, f-for a m-moment t-there.”

“Hey, it’s okay Scootaloo, nopony blames for reacting the way that you did when you saw Serafino stab Apple Grove.” Sheton murmured, glancing over at the bright orange filly. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t start freaking out by something as horrible as that. Then again, I’m surprised that I wasn’t freaking out as much as the rest of you were.”

“That’s because you’ve got nerves of steel!” Fire Flash commented, patting the colt hard on his head, making his fedora fall over his eyes. “I admit, I was also pretty surprised that you kept so quite while all that was happening. Even so, I’m pretty impressed that you managed to keep somewhat of a level head during all of that…I was totally expecting you to start crying and screaming.”

“As ashamed as Ah am to admit it, Ah was too.” Apple Bloom murmured; her ears flattened in guilt. “It looks like we underestimated yer level headedness, huh Sheton?”

“W-well, I do have an amazing role model of a sister.” Sheton replied sheepishly, his cheeks blossoming into a blush. “I guess I just tended to pick up her habits while I was growing up.”

“Heh, ya sure did.” Crescent giggled, running a hoof down Sheton’s tail. “In more ways than one.”

Suddenly Apple Grove gave a loud groan and the foals all stopped and locked their eyes with her, seeing one of her hooves touching around her stomach. Wasting no time, all of the foals crowded around her, Sheton still having the mare on his back. “Apple Grove, are you okay?!” Apple Bloom asked, her concern spiked.

“Ah…Ah was, but doesn’t look like Ah am as much no more.” Apple Grove replied as she inhaled sharply. “C…can ya put me down Sheton? Ah think Ah need t’ lie down for a bit…”

“Of course…” Sheton nodded, walking over to a nearby dead tree and gently setting the mare on her side. “Do, um…do you need your hat too?”

“Yeah, hon’ if ya would.” Apple Grove replied, reaching out with a hoof a few seconds later and taking her hat from Sheton’s mouth. She waved it in front of her face like a fan and let out a soft, yet tired sigh. “Oh, that feels better…”

“Is your wood wound bothering you Apple Grove?” Sweetie asked, taking a step forward. “We can help ease it if you want us to. You really like you need somepony to help you relax.”

“Thank you Dinky, but Ah don’t think any amount of relaxin’ gonna fix this.” Apple Grove replied, setting her hat on her barrel. “Ah’m just…feelin’ real tired right now…Ah think it may have been b’cause of all o’ th’ blood Ah’m loosin. Even if it wasn’t a lot, it’s th’ only thing that can explain why Ah’m feelin’ this way.”

“Oh no…if that’s the case than we need to get you over there quickly!” Crescent said, her worry increasing. “Loss of blood is only one of the specific ways that ponies can die, especially with the injury that make it a result! Somepony needs to get down to the barn and get Granny Smith, so she can come and get Apple Grove!”

“Well, can’t all go.” Fire Flash pointed out. “If we do, then the only thing we’ll be doing is leaving Apple Grove at the mercy of whatever is out here in this part of the forest. She can’t walk or fly, and if she tried to use her magic, then she’s only gonna make her condition worse!”

“We never said that we were all going to go Fire.” Sheton said sternly. “What I’m sure we were all thinking is at least one of us go and fine Granny Smith, and bring her back so she can get Apple Grove back to the farm. While that’s being done, the rest of us can stay here and keep a lookout for any danger that may come at Apple Grove.”

“That…doesn’t sound like a bad idea. From what Ah saw, you looked like you can definitely protect me Sheton…even if ya did scare me shitless doin’ it.” Apple Grove said, her tone becoming somewhat humorous at the last part. “Th’ question is…which one o’ y’all is gonna go.”

“…I’ll do it.” Dinky said before anypony could reply. “I’ll be sure to go get Granny Smith, I’ll also be sure to get my Auntie Cloud and Big Sister Amethyst. All of them together should be able to help Apple Grove back to the farm if they work together to do it. So, it won’t take as long to get her back to the barn.”

“A-a-are you sure a-about that D-Dinky?” Scootaloo asked worriedly. “M-maybe y-you s-should have s-somepony g-go with you…j-just to b-be safe?”

“I appreciate the offer Scootaloo, but I’ll be fine, really.” Dinky said sweetly. “Don’t forget, I’m half Pegasus, and I can use my Pegasus Adrenaline to fly over the hills. That way, I can keep myself out of danger, and spot the farm more quickly! I kill two birds with one stone!”

Scootaloo flinched at the metaphor. “P…p-please don’t say that...I-I know you were being metaphoric, b-but…s-still, please don’t say that Dinky.”

“Sorry.” Dinky winced. “Anyway, I’m going off now; I’ll be back as soon as I can. Whatever you do, don’t let Apple Grove out of your sight, and done move until I get back, okay?”

“Dinky, in Apple Grove’s condition, I don’t think any of us will be going anywhere.” Sheton murmured dryly, before a determined smile came to his face. “Still though, you can count on us; we’ll keep her safe if it’s the last thing we-”

The colt’s cheery expression immediately turned into one of shocked pain as something burst out of the ground and pierced his stomach. As the object protruded out of his back, Sheton coughed up a small glob of blood that landed on Dinky’s face, who looked like she had lost all color within her face. Sheton had little time to take in what happened before the object hat that stabbed him lifted his now limp form off of the ground, a familiar head following moments later. When Dinky, Apple Grove and the fillies saw who it was, almost all of them screamed, with Dinky turning tail and running into the direction of the Apple Family Household. Apple Grove watched in horrified shock as Serafino’s dark form emerged from the, Sheton’s limp form still hanging from his horn as his hat fell off of his head.

‘You gotta be kiddin’ me!’ She thought, feeling her face go greener than normal.

“Well, well, well…it looks like I was able to take my little adversary by surprise.” Serafino crooned, smiling sadistically as he watched the colt shake slightly on top of his horn. “That was easier than I thought that I’d be. I suppose he was more exhausted than I thought he’d be…”

With a swift swing of his head, he sent the colt flying off his horn with a sickening squelch and watched as he landed fight in front of the fillies. Presumably Scootaloo, who screamed out in horror as Sheton laid at her hooves, a pool of blood slowly growing from his stab wound. She immediately took him in her forehooves, her gentleness preventing her from causing any unintentional harm, even as she continued to scream and cry.

“I have to admit, you really did quite the number on me. For a second there, I really did think I was done for.” Serafino admitted. “Alas, the incredible powers of my dear Dark Queen saved me, all in the form of the amazing Magical Life Force Gemstone.”

“H…h-h-how…a-are you s-s-still alive?” Sheton wheezed, coughing up more blood as he stared up at Serafino from within Scootaloo’s embrace. “I…I-I sent you f-flying across t-the B-Black Tree G-Grove…t-there’s no way y-yo should b-be…”

“Alive?” Serafino finished, smirking down at the colt. “I’m not surprised. With the how much power you unleashed on me; it would’ve sent anypony not of my power flying into oblivion with no chance of getting back up again. Unfortunately for you by dear colt…your dealing with the complete opposite of that.”

Sheton’s ears pinned back, biting his lip as he fought another cough that was rising from his throat. “Damn it…I-I was so s-sure t-that you w-were g-gone this t-time.”

“Oh, don’t feel ashamed…it’s not like you put a fresh amount of effort in your last move.” Serafino said in an almost soothing tone. “It’s just that it didn’t do quite enough to really finish me off. Not to worry though, you don’t need to feel so low for long…I’ll put you out of your misery quick. As for your friends…well, let’s just say that it won’t be as fast.”

“L-like hell Ah’m gonna let ya do that!” Apple Grove grunted, struggling, and failing to get to her hooves and stay on them. A scream left her as she plopped down to the ground, the bark of wood going slightly deeper within as a result. “If ya think Ah’m gonna let ya harm a single hair on these youngin’s heads, then you have no idea who yer dealin’ with!”

“Please, with the wound that I gave you, you don’t look like you’ll be able to do a thing.” Serafino taunted, smiling toothily at the lime green mare. “But don’t worry though, once I’m done with these little ones, I’m gonna give you all attention you want.” His eyes gained a lustful edge to them as he ran his snake-like tongue across his lips as he added sensually, “And trust me, we will be having lots of fun~.”

“The one who’s gonna be havin’ fun is me, when Ah tear ya limb from limb!” Apple Grove hissed, forcing herself to her haunches. “Come on, jus’ try t’ do somethin’ t’ me! Ah’ll send it back t’ ya a hundred times over!”

“Oh, I can assure you my dear, I will be doing so many things to you.” Serafino crooned, flicking his tail skirt. “Even if it takes me until my Dark Queen all night to achieve her victory over her sister, I will make you submit to me!”

“No,” A soft voice said, the undertone behind it carrying endless amounts of rage. “You won’t.”

Serafino’s ears perked, looking down at Scootaloo, who had been the one who had spoken, looking like she had finally stopped screaming. “What was that little filly?”

Scootaloo said nothing to the stallion for some time, instead gently dragging Sheton over to where Apple Grove was. As she set her within the older mare’s forelegs, she turned back to Serafino, her head lowered to the point where her single eye was shadowed as she repeated, “I said, no, you won’t…we won’t let you.”

“Won’t let me?” Serafino laughed, nearly doubling over. “What do you mean you won’t let me? All of you are just some measly little fillies; What can you do against me that that colt had all but accomplished doing?”

“It looks like you forgot one little important key factory Serafino.” Crescent said coldly, her face morphed into a glare. “You’re not just dealing with fillies; you’re dealing with ones that can use the same powers that Sheton can use! Add that to the fact that there are five of us here, and the odds aren’t looking to be in your favor.”

“Hmmm…you do make a good point there my little Crescent.” Serafino murmured, smirking at the glare the ocean blue filly shot his way. “Still though, I wonder just how you will be able to withstand my might.”

“So, you’re wondering just how we’re gonna hold against you huh?” Fire Flash glowered as her mane and tail began to float. “Well allow is to tell you…BY KICKING YOUR BLOODTHIRSTY ASS!”

With those words said, auras the color of the each of the enraged filly’s eyes exploded from out of them, immediately morphing together and shooting into the air like a massive pillar. Serafino used one of his forelegs to block the wave of power and the intense light coming from each of the fillies. When the waves of dust and the light receded, Serafino was allowed to see the fillies again, and felt his eyes go even wider upon seeing their new states. Each of the fillies now looked like grown versions of mares, their mane and tails thicker and longer and length, with their wings grown in length, size, and span, and their horns longer and sharpened at the tip. Each of the bruises and wounds that they had were all gone, as if they weren’t even there, and each of their eyes glowed so brightly that their pupils looked white instead of black.

“Oh my…this is a surprise…I wasn’t expecting you to pull off this amount of power.” Serafino said, quickly regaining his composure as he grinned once more. “Perhaps you fillies aren’t as helpless as I thought you were.”

“Oh, we are far from helpless in yer eyes Serafino.” Apple Bloom murmured softly; her scarlet brows furrowed. “And you are about to learn that one lesson first hoof, the hard, an’ painful way! When we’re done teachin’ ya that, yer gonna wish ya never hurt the colt that saved our hides!”

None of the other enlarged fillies said anything after that, and almost simultaneously lunged at Serafino, with Fire Flash delivering the first strike. The enlarged crimson filly shot a blast fo fire at the sin black Nightmare Alicorn, completely enveloping him inside of it as he was sent soaring across the grove of black trees. He used his wings to repel the flames and whisked them away, and when he looked up, he saw Crescent Shield hovering above him, her horn ignited, glowing as brightly as her golden eyes.

“Surprise, you monster!” she shouted, pointing her lengthened horn down and blasting Serafino with a blast of magic that dug him right into the ground. Serafino screamed as the magic ripped through him and drove him into the earth, and he lifted his forehooves up and tried to block some of the attack to par it with his own. He eventually got enough time to ignite his horn and get into a power struggle with Crescent Shield, allowing the other fillies to come charging in.

“Ah got ya know, ya varmint!” Apple Bloom shouted angrily as she slammed her forehooves onto the ground, shining cracks appearing as vines burst out of the ground. With Serafino distracted in trying to blast Crescent away, he was unable to see the group of vines coming at him until it was too late. He was brought to attention about them when he felt one of them striking him just below the gem within his chest, while the others wrapped around him and raised him into the air. Crescent flared her wings and took off, firing off multiple bolts of magic to which Serafino parred with his own.

“You think that just because you have me restrained that I’m defenseless?!” Serafino shouted; his horn still ignited. “I still have my horn with me, and at the moment, it’s all I need!”

“That’s not what you should be worried about right now!” Crescent shouted angrily, giving her wings a violent flap. “You may be still be able to use your magic, but you’re not just dealing with one magic user here, or one filly either!”

As she said this, Serafino’s suddenly found himself being hurled back down to the ground and slammed into it by Apple Bloom’s vines. The impact was so strong that Serafino was actually sent bouncing off of the ground, right into the attack range of Sweetie Belle.

“Got you!” She shouted with a slight squeak as she ignited her horn. Ignoring the pain that flashed through her head, she shot multiple bolts of magic at the stallion. “How do you like that, you hon-snapping freak?! Huh?! How do you like THIS?!”

Serafino was unable to reply, for he was too busy screaming in agony at the bolts that sliced through his flesh like a flock of arrows. The assault didn’t stop until he found himself being slammed into a tree, but not before another bolt of magic stabbed him in his stomach. He slowly slid off of the tree and onto his side, groaning as ebony liquid flowed from his wounds. As he tried to lift himself from up off the ground, something slammed into the ground in front of him, and he looked up to see the glaring expression of Scootaloo. Just like with Apple Grove, Serafino felt his entire body freeze as he stared into the bright orange filly’s single visible eye, which was glowing a menacing bright orange instead of its soft indigo purple.

“You, are going to BEG ME FOR MERCY!” She started with a soft hiss, and ended with a ferocious intensified scream. Flaring her massive wings, she lunged forward and grabbed Serafino by his mane with her mouth and flung him into the air with such force that he was high in the air in less than a split second. With a powerful bound, Scootaloo rocketed into the air, causing a huge crater to appear in her wake as she went like an orange and purple blur towards the stallion. Time seemed to slow for a few moments as the filly glared down at Serafino with her shining orange eye, before she lunged forward and unleashed her rage on him.

The pain Serafino felt made him feel like every single bone in his body was being shattered all at once, with the pain coming at the same time. It was so sudden and so shocking that he didn’t have any time to scream as Scootaloo repeatedly punched him for all that he was worth. With an enraged scream that sounded more like that of a Chimpanzee’s Scootaloo spun around in the air and drove her left hindleg into Serafino’s gut, sending him shooting to the ground. It was so fast that he was almost missed diving towards the ground, and everypony felt the ground shake violently as Serafino crashed into the ground with such a force that several trees were ripped out of the ground as a result. The rest of the fillies all jumped and flew back from the force of the strike, some of them even putting up shields to protect themselves from the trees potentially falling on top of them.

“W-whoa…!” Sheton gasped, his eyes wide with amazement as he watched the fight take place in front of him. “T-they’re all wiping the floor with him…h-he can barely even get a strike in!”

“Well, he is goin’ off against several fillies at the same time.” Apple Grove murmured, chuckling as she held the colt in her forelegs. “Several severely pissed off fillies might Ah had. Who just saw their one o’ their friends nearly get murdered in front o’ their eyes!”

“Yeah, you make a good point there.” Sheton said, letting out a giggle despite the pain that came along with it. “I mean, the same thing was about to happen to them, especially with Scootaloo when she was about to get bitten. Oh boy, I really went crazy there during that fight! I can still feel my eyes burning from them glowing so much.”

“That makes seven of us.” Apple Grove giggled back, leaning in and kissing the colt softly on his cheek. She gently pressed one of her hooves against the hole in his stomach, keeping as much blood from flowing out as possible. “Even though you’ve known them fer a real short time, it really looked like ya managed to make a real good impression on ‘em. Explains why they’re so adamant on makin’ that varmint pay fer hurtin’ ya after ya saved them from certain death…yer really somethin’, ya know that?”

“Yeah…I-I guess I am.” Sheton replied bashfully, another blush coming to his face. “Oh, and I’m sorry that I made you scared of my new form Ms. Apple Grove.”

“Hey, don’t worry ‘bout it Sheton, Ah completely understand why ya felt the way ya did.” Apple Grove said understandingly as she continued to watch the fillies pummel Serafino. “Th’ only thing Ah’m upset is that Ah won’t be able t’ give that varmint a nice good hit t’ th’ face! Although, you did yer part in handlin’ that fer me…an’ th’ other fillies ‘r doin’ it fer me too.”

“Yeah, they are.” Sheton nodded, sighing as he ran his hooves through his tail. “Should, um…should we be worried about them?”

Apple Grove chuckled softly, gently nuzzling the Thestral foal as she replied, “Nah, I don’t think we should…cause right now, those fillies look so pissed that they could finish that varmint off right now if they wanted to! Although, Ah was, an’ still Ah’m hopin’ fer that t’ happen, an’ Ah know yer thinkin’ th’ same thing.”

“…Yeah.” Sheton admitted, hanging his head. “You got me there.”

“Thought so.” Apple Grove cooed, patting the colt on his head.

Serafino ripped himself from the tree that he was sent into as he locked eyes with each of the fillies that he was fighting. Each of them glared right back at him, their combined anger and rage making him feel like he was staring into the eyes of a hungry pack of Timberwolves. A snarl came to his face as he felt rage build up within him, rage that he unleased in a loud guttural scream.

“You relentless little BRATS!” He slammed his forelegs down, leaving a large crater. “I have had just about enough of your resistance against me! I am going to burn the skin off of each and every one of your bodies before I eat every single one of you alive!”

“You know, you really need to work more on your threats pal.” Fire Flash snorted. “You’re really starting to sound like a deranged sociopath. Then again, considering that you tried to murder all of us, I think that’s just the name to call you!”

“I think downright monster is the more appropriate word to call him.” Sweetie said sharply, her emerald eyes giving off a fierce glow. “After everything he’s done, there’s no other word besides that, that should be describing what he is!”

“Look who’s talking, each and every single one of you threw me around like a ragdoll!” Serafino snapped back, snarling menacingly. “You’re even more out of control than that fledgling of a colt there; at least he had shown some restrain when he was fighting me.”

“Maybe so, but I think we have every legitimate reason not to hold back anything on you, you bucking dumbass!” Crescent said bitterly, lashing her tail skirt out as her wings bristled. “It’s a lot more than you deserve, and you’re gonna get much more from us; we’re just getting started!”

“That’s right.” Scootaloo said softly, her glowing orange eye burning into both of Serafino’s. “I have never seen or met a stallion more curler in my life! You should be ashamed of what you did to all of us, Sheton included, especially after he risked his life to save us all!” Her lips curled back slightly. “Then again, after everything you’ve done, I can see you have no shame at all, let alone any kindness.”

“Kindness? Kindness?!” Serafino repeated, glaring daggers at the soft-spoken filly. “The only kind thing that you’ll be receiving form me is a quick death into Faust’s embrace! Though, after all that you’ve done to me, I think I’ll delay that for now and just switch to causing you as much agony as possible!”

“As nice as it would be t’ be Faust, me an’ mah friends don’t have any plans t’ go t’ Paradise anytime soon partner. Me an’ mah friends, includin’ our new one, have way too much we wanna do, and the last thing we want is fer somepony like you t’ take all o’ those chances away from us!” Apple Bloom said heatedly, stomping her hoof as she lowered herself into another battle stance. “Ah hope yer ready fer the next 'round Serafino, ‘cause we’re gonna show ya first hoof why ya should never mess with the Crusaders o’ Ponyville Elementary!”

Author's Note

Well, here you are folks, another one of the best chapters that I have ever written so far, involving Spike, my OC foals, and the world famous Cutie Mark Crusaders :scootangel: !!! Of all there three chapters that I've written so far, this one is probably one of the easiest to write, mainly because I added the final scene with the Shadowbolts, Rainbow Dash, and the Galaxy Star Bolts as way to make good cut scene into this chapter :raritywink: . Then, after that, I'd go and head back to the foals and how they were dealing with their own enemies and how they were taking this terrifying time, which, while I was going through it, worked quite smoothly :twilightblush: . I'll admit, I had only the slightest bit of trouble trying to write the second scene with the foals fighting Serafino, especially Apple Bloom and the fillies after poor Sheton got...taken out the way he was :twilightoops: , but things managed to go by smoothly after that...well, as smoothly as you can get with constant distractions keeping you for letting your imagination run wild :ajbemused: . Don't worry though, our cute little fledgling colt's gonna make it, and the fillies will be sure to make Serafino pay fully for not only nearly strangling all of them to death, but also nearly piercing Sheton in his heart and taking him by surprise so brutally :pinkiecrazy: . Oh, and if I hadn't made this clear enough in this chapter, I'm just gonna come out and say it. Don't fuck with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, just...don't. It is the last thing that you will ever do around them if you fuck with any of them in the way that Serafino did :rainbowderp: .

Well, that's all for tonight everypony; I hope you enjoyed seeing these few, yet intense and suspenseful chapters involving our sweet little foals playing their part in protecting all of ponyville :twilightsmile: ! Next time, we're going back to the Everfree Forest adventure, and we will finally see the Light and Dark Armies finally meet :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 68 - Blaze of the Night

“Twilight? Are you alright darling?” Rarity asked, slowly running a hoof up and down the lavender Unicorn’s back. “You’ve been sitting there for the past ten minutes without saying a word. Not that I don’t mind the peace and quiet but…you’ve barely even spoken.”

Twilight took a deep shaky breath, blinking away to tears floating in her eyes. “I…I’m sorry Rarity, I didn’t mean to make you nervous. I’m just…I’m a little out of it right now.”

“Would this happen t’ be because o’ th’ fact that yer mentors on her way here right now?” Applejack asked softly with a half-lidded expression.

“Y…yeah, kind of.” Twilight nodded, lifting a hoof to rub at her eyes. “I just…I can’t believe that she’s really on her way here. D-don’t get me wrong, I really was expecting her to come while we were searching for the Elements, b-but…” She sniffled again. “I…I honestly didn’t expect her to get here…so soon. We’ve been through so much petrifying situations here, almost getting burnt alive, drowning, eaten alive, and now…this. I was almost convinced that we weren’t gonna make it through, and a couple of us did lose our heads and get more than a little out of commission.” She glanced over at Rarity and Fluttershy, who both shared little chuckles as they smiled at Twilight. “Now though…I feel kind of silly that I thought that.”

“Oh, it’s alright Twilight…you don’t need to feel silly.” Fluttershy cooed, wrapping a wing around the lavender Unicorn. “You’re not the only one whose been stressed and scared of what’s going to happen to us here. We’ve all had the same thoughts running through our minds, even before we came here, but I’m sure you already knew that.”

Twilight blushed, looking away with a sheepish smile. “Yeah…I already theorized that.”

“Sure you did.” Goku said, glancing over at Twilight with an amused smile. “Don’t forget though, Rainbow Dash, Violet Fire and the Shadowbolts are still behind there. We’re not exactly out of the woods yet.”

“Uh Goku,” Pinkie Pie began slowly. “We still are in the woods.”

“It was just a phrase, Pinkie Pie.” Applejack explained patiently. “G meant it both literally an’ figuratively.”

“Plus.” The tan Pegasus continued, starring up at the starry wall. “There’s also our other guest that we’re going to be meeting very soon.”

“What other guest?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head. “Is it those ponies that Dashie and the Shadowbolts are battling right now?”

Goku snorted. “No Pinkie Pie, I mean-”

“Oh! Oh! Is it Queen Celestia?!” Pinkie Pie excitedly. “Because you already said you and Twilight already said she was coming here.”

“That’s not it either Pinkie Pie. I’m talking about-”

“Or do you mean the Wonderbolts? They’re already here, and their Captains over that wall trying to help Dashie. So I don’t see how-”

“W-wha…no, of course not! We literally saw them fly up and over that wall! Why would you think-”

“Oh wait, are you parents coming?! That is so awesome! You always told us how they were members of Celly’s royal guard, and they were the best of the best! Oh, if they really are coming it’d be more awesome cause I-”

Pinkie Pie’s chatty tirade was finally cut off when Zephyr gently, but firmly, placed a hoof onto her lips. Abruptly, the bubblegum pink mare went silent, her cerulean eyes darting to meet the royal blue Pegasus’s own.

“Pinkie Pie, please, let Goku speak.” The Solar Royal Guard said, his tone matching his actions as he stared into Pinkie’s eyes. “She doesn’t mean any of that, especially what you said about her parents. I think she means the pony that we’re here to stop.”

Pinkie Pie blinked a couple of times as Zephyr slowly took his hoof away from her muzzle. A second later, her eyes widened slightly as recognition clicked into them. “Oooooooh, you mean that big black scary meanie pants Nightmare Moon!”

“Yes, thank you.” Goku nodded, flashing her fellow Shenron a thankful smile. “That’s what I’ve been trying to say this whole time.”

“Well why didn’t you say that before?” Pinkie Pie chortled. “I would’ve saved all this trouble guessing if you did.”

“Wha…b-because you were…because you, I…we…never mind.” Goku sighed, putting a hoof to her face as she shook it. “Let’s just keep watch until Rainbow Dash and the Bolts can take care of whatever’s going on back there.”

“Um, darling…” Rarity murmured softly. “…I don’t think you’ll have to wait for very long.”

Flicking her ear, the tan Pegasus looked over to where the alabaster Unicorn was. “What do you mean...what the…?!”

That was all that the Kirin was able to get out of her mouth before the rest of her words died in her mouth, her jaw hanging unhinged. She, Rarity and just about everypony else stared wide-eyed at the ethereal wall, which looked like it had little multiple explosions on it. That wasn’t the only thing that took them by surprise, however. It was the fact that those little bursts of light were all different shades of color.

Colors of the rainbow.

“Uh, I don’t mean to make anypony scared here,” Sky Ranger began. “But can anypony explain to me what that was?”

“It looks like there’s an explosion that’s going on!” Zephyr replied, looking just as taken aback as the azure blue Hippogriff. “That’s what it looks like.”

“Anypony know what’s causin’ it?” Applejack asked. “Ah’m pretty sure that there’s somethin’, ‘r somepony, makin’ it happen.”

“Me too.” Fluttershy nodded, her ears picking up the sound of chirping and explosions. “And I think I know who’s causing it.”

“You do?” Twilight asked, looking over at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Who?”

All of a sudden, the girls felt themselves shooting up more than several feet in the air by an explosion that was even louder than one they heard just minutes before. They all screamed as they tumbled across the ground, futility trying to regain their footing as the ground shook at its most violet pace yet. As if that wasn’t enough of an unexpected surprise, the wall they were standing in front of light in a bright prismatic light, nearly blinding them as it shined. As quickly as it came, it slowly receded, a powerful gust of wind following shorty after. Then, it all went quiet.

“Whoa, that was one big blast!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Anypony know where that came from?!”

“Your guess as good as ours, girl!” Gou replied, slowly hovering back down to the ground. “First there’s little fireworks going on and then there’s another blast?! How many times are we gonna keep experiencing that?!”

“Just what Ah’m thinkin sugarcube.” Applejack snorted, getting back up to her hooves. “Ah’ve pretty much had it up to here with all o’ these jump scares! If Ah get knocked off mah hooves one more time Ah’m gonna-”

“Girls!” Fluttershy suddenly exclaimed. “Look up! At the wall!”

The four other mares, the Wonderbolts included, all looked up to where the lavender Unicorn was pointing. Gasped left each of their throats when they saw the ethereal wall as beginning to crack and break before their eyes. It started off small at first, leaving the girls unsure as to whether it was really happening. It then began to pick up speed, growing shorter by the second as it shattered and turned to mist.

“I…I don’t believe it.” Rarity murmured. “The wall is beginning to break!”

“But, how can that be possible?” Twilight asked, looking in between her friends. “We didn’t see anything that happened over there. What could’ve caused to dissolve and dissipate?”

“I have no clue, but it’s going away either way.” Goku replied a small smile on her face. “Now we’ll finally be able to get to Dash and the others.”

“You don’t think Rainbow, Violet and the rest of the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts will be hurt too badly, do you?” Fluttershy asked worriedly.

“Only one way to find out.” Sky Ranger replied, flaring her wings. “Come on young travelers!”

“Hey now, wait fer us!” Applejack shouted as she and the others galloped after the two Wonderbolts. By some miracle, the bridge, which looked to be severely charred, still intact, rope and all, allowing the six mares run across it. When they reached the other side, they were immediately assaulted by the telltale sign of smoke and ash filling their nostrils. After taking a few moments to try to adjust to the smell, they looked around in shock at the destruction in front of them.

“Oh my word…” Rarity breathed. “What in the name of Faust happened here?”

“You tell me...” Twilight replied. “It looks like either a hurricane or a giant storm passed through here!”

“That’s an understatement.” Zephyr snorted, fighting back the urge to sneeze. “It looks and smells like somepony lit of a hundred bombs all over this field!”

“Yes, we can tell.” Fluttershy grimaced, her eyes becoming watery. “Do any you see Rainbow Dash, Violet Fire and her team anywhere? And the Wonderbolts?”

“I can’t tell.” Goku replied, sniffing the air. “I can still smell her scent here, along with the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts. Along with some…other ponies that were here.”

“You can?” Sky Ranger asked raising an eyebrow. “Your sense of smell is that strong?”

“Goku’s sense of smell is equivalently stronger than that of a normal pony.” Twilight explained. “Since she has the powers of a dragon, and a Thestral her five senses exceed that of what an ordinary pony is capable of. She can detect things in the dark, listen for even the reduced of sound, and smell farther than ponies that have even the sharpest of senses. Even when she’s not in her Kirin Mode, she can still detect things that ponies without powers like her’s, or Zephyr’s, or a Bat Pony’s, can’t. It’s one of the benefits from not only being in apart family that’s part of the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, but one another family that’s known to be supernatural”

“Seriously?” Sky Ranger asked, looking somewhat amazed. “So does that mean that all of you can do that?”

“Only if we’re in our transformations are similar to Goku’s darling.” Rarity replied, tapping at the cross hanging from her neck. “Goku’s family is the only one that’s able to use their powers while still being able to somewhat maintain being in their normal forms. The rest of us on the other hoof, half to work just the slightest bit harder to get to her level, and even then, she still exceeds us.”

“I see…” Sky Ranger murmured, absorbing the information. “Is Rainbow Dash the same way was well?”

“Well, more or less sugarcube.” Applejack replied tentatively, glancing over at the azure blue Hippogriff. “Though, Rainbow Dash’s powers are a bit more destructive and most of ours…well, alien like, which is why it ain’t quite as mixed in with’ the rest of our own powers.”

Sky ranger raised an eyebrow at that, but before he could as what she meant by that, they suddenly heard Zephyr speak up. “hey, um…guys? I think don’t think that Rainbow Dash is hidden anywhere below here.”

Twilight looked over at the royal blue stallion, a sapphire blue brow raised. “How do you know that?”

Zephyr pointed a golden hoof up. “Because I can see her DIVING RIGHT FOR US!!!”

At those words, everypony’s heads immediately snapped up to where Zephyr was pointing, and they all froze upon seeing a large prismatic trail diving down towards them. At the speed it was going it looked like it was going to blow them all away, and the eight mares had a pretty good idea what, or who, it was.

“EVERYPONY TAKE COVER!!!” Goku screamed, galloping off and diving to the ground. The other’s followed immediately afterword going off in random directions and taking cover, just in the nick of time.

The rainbow trail slammed into the ground, the force not being anywhere near that of the last explosion, but still being pretty close all considering. They waited for the shaking to recede, before they even dared to look in the direction of the collision. There, standing in the middle of the public fountain sized crater in which she mad made, was Rainbow Dash, coated head to hoof in a cloak of multicolored lightning.

“R…Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “I-is that you?”

The cyan mare, with her eyes glowing as two bright magenta orbs, smiled cockily at the buttermilk Pegasus, her fangs gleaming. “No, it’s your one and only Firefly Wisp, the General of the Wonderbolts and creator of the Sonic Fireboom. Of course, it’s me!”

“Land sakes girl, don’t scare us like that!” Applejack scolded, frowning at her friend. “Fer a second there we thought ya were some critter divin’ down on us ready t’ carry us off!”

“Uh, did you guys not see the rainbow trail heading for you? It should’ve been pretty obvious, what, or who, was coming for you.” She laughed as the lightning around her slowly began to disappear. “Who did you think it was, one of those dumb Galaxy Star Bastards I took out?”

Rarity raised an indigo eyebrow at Rainbow Dash “I beg your pardon dear? The who now?”

“DASHIE!!!” Pinkie Pie suddenly screamed, making everypony jump and look over at her. She suddenly leaped into the air straight towards Rainbow Dash, forelegs open wide. “YOU’RE OKAY!!!”

“WAIT! DON’T TOUCH-” Rainbow Dash began to scream back, but it was too late. Pinkie Pie landed right on top of Rainbow, while she was still coated in lightning, causing both of them to fall to the ground.

The second she made contact, Pinkie Pie’s whole body began to twist and turn in unnatural directions as Rainbow’s lightning zapped her all over. She didn’t scream or even cry out, but she did make low moaning sounds as she was electrocuted. Just as quickly as it started, it stopped, and she collapsed right into Rainbow Dash’s forelegs.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash cried, sitting up and holding the Earth Pony. “Pinkie, Pinkie are you okay?! Come on girl, say something! Please!”

A second later, Pinkie Pie’s eyes snapped open and she leaped out of Rainbow Dash’s embrace. Her whole body shook as she turned to look at the cyan Pegasus with a wide grin on her face.

“Holy moly that was one big zap!” She exclaimed, trotting in place. “I’ve hardly been struck by lightning before, but that had to be the biggest zap I’ve ever heard in my life!”

“Uuuuh, the buck was that?!” Zephyr asked, slowly recovering from his shock. “How did you survive that?!”

“Survive what?” Pinkie Pie asked, the grin on her face not faltering in the slightest. “All that happened was that I got zapped by lightning.”

“Yeah, that’s exactly what she’s talking about!” Zephyr exclaimed. “How in the bucking Tartarus did you manage to recover so quickly form that electrocution?! Most ponies that don’t go through enough training wouldn’t be able to move an inch! Especially from that much lightning!”

“Oh, I that’s easy.” Pinkie Pie giggled. “I just chose not to focus too much on the pain, and it didn’t hurt me as much. You really should try it; it’ll really help you to recover a lot faster from zaps like that, heehee!”

Zephyr’s mind shut down for a long moment, before winding up again. “That…that doesn’t make any bucking sense! How in the hell are we supposed to understand that?!”

“Hon’, it’s best of you don’t question a thing that mare says.” Applejack said dryly, looking sympathetically at stallion. “Trust me, you’ll save yourself a long torturous headache if you do. Just go with whatever she says and does, and you’ll be just fine.”

“Oh, thank Faust…” Rainbow Dash said, breathing a sigh of relief. “For a second there I really thought I had charred you up there Pinks.”

“Oh, you could never ever char me up Dashie.” Pinkie Pie giggled, smiling cheekily at the cyan mare. “I didn’t really hurt that much! If anything, it felt like a real good buzz!”

“Yeah well, don’t do that again okay?” Rainbow Dash said, running a hoof through her mane. “I really thought that I had hurt you back there. I mean, I know you’re you and all but…seriously, be more careful okay?”

Pinkie Pie giggled again, bringing Rainbow Dash in a tight hug. “With you around, I don’t think I really need to be careful.”

“Well, you two seem to be having a lovely little time.” A familiar soft voice said from behind the nine mares. They all jumped and turned around to see Violet Fire, and the rest of her team hovering behind them, most of them having various expression of amusement on their faces.

“Oh, hey there Violet Fire!” Goku said with a wide grin. It soon faltered when she saw the condition that they were all in. “Oh jeez, what in the hay happened to you guys?!”

“A lot Goku, a lot.” Fast Tracks murmured, crossing his arms. “More than we can even begin to explain to you.”

“Though, if you wanted put more simply….” Storm Shadow said. “…we had a little run in with a few Bolts ourselves.”

“Wait a minute.” Twilight began, holding a hoof up. “Are you meaning to imply that you ran into another group of Ariel Flyers?”

“Pretty sharp aren’t you kid?” Fast Tracks snorted dryly. “To answer your question, yes, we fought a group of Ariel Flyers while your friend, the Shadowbolts and us were trapped in this giant trap. I hate to admit it, we got our asses kicked left and right trying to hold our own against them.” He glanced over at Rainbow Dash with a thankful expression. “That is, until a totally awesome mare sent them all flying in one epic explosion!”

Rainbow Dash grinned. “You’re welcome.”

“Well, I’m glad to see that you’re okay Captain.” Icy Mist said. “I knew that you, Rainbow Dash and your team could do it.”

Blue Skies giggled. “Yeah, I guess we did…even if one of us did nearly get electrocuted to death."

“While we’re on the subject.” Rarity said, taking a step forward. “Would you mind explaining to us what in the world happened here to cause all of this?”

“Rares, didn’t you here what Captain Spitfire just said?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking annoyed at Rarity. “They were in a fight with another group of Bolts that bucked our asses all over the air, and the castle!”

“Well of course I heard her Dash, I have working ears you know.” Rarity replied hotly with a snort. “What I was referring to was what had happened to end the battle like this?”

Rainbow Dash paused, her eyes widening slightly. “Oh, yeah…that. W-well, you see I-”

“Yeah that’s what I wanna know!” Fast Tracks suddenly shouted, looking pointedly at Rainbow Dash. “What in the hay did you do back there, Rainbow Dash?! Some kind of sonic boom the color of the rainbow or something?!”

“Uuuuh, um…” The cyan mare tried to say, her lips fumbling. “I-I uh-”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that in my life!” Lightning Shadow nodded, giving Rainbow Dash an impressed smile. “Sure, I’ve seen my fair share of combined attacks, but none anywhere near like the one you did, especially at that power level!”

“T-that’s because I didn’t really try something like that before.” Rainbow Dash stuttered. “A-at least, not here.”

“Well, that the hay was it?” Store Shadow asked patiently. “If you had tried it before, then you should’ve known what was going to happen even before you did it. Seriously, you were this close to blowing of us away and turning us all into ash.”

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying too!” Rainbow Dash protested, holding her hooves up in defense. “I was just trying to stop those Galaxy Star Bolts from killing you guys and me! I didn’t know what else to do, so I did the one thing that my brain told me to! I pulled off the Sonic Rainboom!”

“The…Sonic Rainboom?” Violet Fire asked slowly, her golden eyes slowly widening. “T…that was what we saw in the air?”

“I’m pretty sure that it was Captain.” Blue Skies replied softly. “I mean, we did see an explosion of prismatic colors explode into the sky. There’s no other name that can explain what it was, and what Rainbow Dash called it is the only one.”

“Whoa, now that is just crazy!” Fast Track exclaimed, grinning his widest grin yet. “You actually managed to pull off a sonic boom; and not just any sonic boom, but a Sonic Rainboom! How in the hell did you manage to pull that off?!”

“As much as I’m sure that our dear Rainbow Dash wants to explain I’m afraid that we don’t have anywhere near enough time to do that.” Rarity murmured, glancing at the castle that was just in front of them. “We’re finally at our desired destination, and the last thing that we should do I waste any more time in getting to the one responsible for all of this.”

“Good idea Rarity.” Twilight said, smiling approvingly. “We’re already here anyway. So, we might as well get to it while the going is still good.”

“Exactly what I was thinking Twilight.” Goku grinned as she began to walk ahead of the group and towards the Nightmare Castle. “Come on guys, we have a castle to explore!”

With a flick of her tail, she silently gestured to all of them to follow her, and everypony else, Sky Ranger included, followed. All of their eyes were trained directly on the behemoth of a castle that they were now heading towards, each of them feeling the instinctual urge to turn tail and run. As much as most of them wanted to do so, they fought the urge down, their determination and desire to find and defeat the one that hurt their loved ones ushering them forward. It was the only thing keeping them from following their instincts, least they back out and make the worst decision of their lives.

After what seemed like an eternity of trekking towards the castle, which in reality was only a few minutes, they found themselves at the entrance of the castle. All of them could feel the aura of malice and dark power emitting from it, chilling them to the very bone. From the gigantic double doors that they were about to go through, to the moon flag billowing at the very top. Upon first seeing it, it was already a giant to their eyes, even so far away; certainly, bigger than Celestia’s. Now that they were standing just in front of it, they found themselves unable to come up with any proper words to describe the sheer size of the newly restricted castle. One thing they could all agree on though, was that it was the biggest castle they had ever seen in their entire lives, and probably will ever see.

Swallowing as much fear as they were allowed to, each of the ponies and one Hippogriff looked at one another, giving light nods to each other to signal their readiness. With nothing else to say, Goku walked over and gently pushed the double doors open, no sound coming out of them as she did so. With a silent prayer to the Goddess of the Ponies, they all slowly entered into the darkness of the castle, the doors closing behind them with a menacingly slow and soft slam.

Celestia’s regal sword-like horn glowed brightly as she rocketed her way through the giant trees of the Everfree, blasting away any branches and trees that were in her way. She ducked, swerved and leaped her way through the branches, her majestic wings conjuring up dust from the ground as she soared past it. Not too far away from her, Venture Vine was flying next to her, his armor giving faint gleams in the faint shadows of the forest. Behind them, the rest of the Solar and Lunar Guards that they were leading were flying and galloping just behind them, effortlessly keeping pace with the two flyers. As Celestia ascended into the air, the trees became less and less dense allowing her to get a better view of the outside of the forest.

As her horn lit her way through the forest, she could feel a powerful surge of magic up ahead of her, the amount of which easily being on par with her own magic. It grew stronger the closer that she, Venture and the rest her guards got, as well as colder, sinister and bloodthirsty. It was something that Celestia had felt before, something that always haunted her, even after a thousand peaceful years of not feeling it. She knew that there was only one being capable of wielding that kind of power, and that very same being was just yards away, silently waiting in the shadows for her victims to come. Celestia didn’t know what Nightmare Moon had in store for her, her guards, or her students and her friends when they finally did confront her, but she did no one thing.

The end of the Dark Queen’s terror was near.

“Venture Vine, how close are we to my abandoned castle?” The swan white Alicorn asked, keeping her gaze forward as they flew through the giant trees. “Can you sense any magical presences from how far we were?”

The grass green mare stayed quiet for a brief moment, closing his eyes and concentrating on searching for any magical essences ahead of them. By some miracle, he managed to keep himself from running into or colliding with any of the trees while he focused. He eventually locked onto something, and, after taking a few sniffs, opened his eyes and looked back to his Queen.

“Your highness, I can detect thirteen magical presences from where we’re heading to, and they’re all very close.” Venture Vine plied, glancing back at her Queen as she flew alone side her. She suddenly rose up into the air, just in time to avoid a large branch that he was closing in on. “I can also sense another type of magic. This one is larger, much larger than all seven of them, as well as darker.”

“Yes, I know, I sensed it too.” Celestia nodded, expertly fighting back a shiver that threatened to go down her spine. “How are they, are they alright? Have the confronted Nightmare Moon yet?”

Venture Vine shook her head, not bothering to focus on the energy this time. “No, I’m afraid not…as a matter of a fact, I don’t sense Nightmare Moon anywhere near them yet. Despite the power that she’s giving off, even from this distance. As for the condition of the others, I think I can say that they more or less alright.”

“Could you be more specific?” Celestia asked, her brows slightly furrowing with worry. “Just what is the state of their condition?”

“Well…judging from what I felt, they’re still somewhat recovering some of their energy, my son included. Probably from confrontations with some of the beasts that they faced.” Venture Vine replied explanatorily. “I can tell that they’re making progress, and it won’t really be too much longer before their back in peak condition. For now, though…they’re getting there.”

‘The Shadowbolts must’ve had something to do with that…looks like I made a wise decision in sending them to protect Twilight and her friends after all.’ Celestia thought, as she mulled over Venture Vine’s words. After making a mental note to thank Violet Fire and her team for replenishing her student’s and her friends’ power reserves, the swan while Alicorn looked back up at the royal blue stallion. “I see, thank you for your intel Venture Vine. Continue keeping your eyes forward, and watch out for any danger that may come at us. We cannot afford to get distracted by anything that may keep us from our mission.”

“Yes, your Majesty, of course.” Venture Vine replied, giving a formal nod to her Queen, before turning her direction back ahead of her. “I’ll let you know if I sense anything coming.”

Both ponies went silent after that, the former letting the latter’s words sink into her mind as they continued to fly through the forest. A wave of relief washed over when she was told of her student’s fate, making her all the more relieved that she made sent the Shadowbolts in when she did. Despite this, she still couldn’t help but be concerned for her faithful student, Goku and the rest of her friends, especially since it had been stated that they had battled Everfree animals. She only hoped that they student wasn’t too torn up from that experience, or else their mission would become just a little harder than she had originally thought.

‘Don’t worry Twilight…’ The swan white Alicorn thought, her eyes flashing as she pursed her lips. ‘…I don’t let you die here tonight. It is not your time to go yet, neither is it your friends, and especially not Goku’s. You all have so much more to accomplish, and I will not let your decisions tonight end that…not by a long shot.’

Just as this though crossed her mind, she saw an opening through the branches, and before she even realized she was doing, she found herself flying towards that opening. Venture Vine, although surprised by her Queen’s sudden rush of agility, she found herself following after her, the rest of the guards doing their best to keep up. It didn’t take long at all for them to finally make their way out of the giant pillars for trees, and they all felt their eyes widen when they saw themselves in front of a seemingly endless stream of plains.

“My goodness…I’ve never seen so much grass in my life.” Celestia murmured softly, realizing that the Everfree had been through much more of an unexpected transformation since she had last been in it. “Where are we now?”

“The Everfree Plains, if I’m correct.” Venture Vine said, walking up next to her Queen. “This is the one part of the Everfree Forest that doesn’t have trees, but a seemingly fast and endless amount of plains stretching over the very center of it. According to what me and my son had learned about it, this is where the self-proclaimed demonic Farukonchītās live.”

“The…Farukonchītās?” Celestia repeated slowly, looking like she was having trouble saying the word.

“The Falcon Cheetahs your Majesty.” Venture Vine emphasized patiently, walking around the plains and observing their vastness. “They’re one of the few predatory animals here that don’t necessarily live in the forest like all of the other carnivores. They tend to live in part of the forest like this, where they have a better view of danger and quarry. They are also known to be as strong as they are fast, which is why they’re given the nickname, the Speed Demons of the Everfree.”

“Oh, I see…now I understand.” Celestia nodded. “Is there a chance that we may run into them as we go through these plains?”

Venture Vine walked in front of her Queen, her nostrils flaring as she took a few deep sniffs of the air and kept her ears pricked. Celestia patiently waited as Venture continued to detect any magical essences, while the guards stood to attention. Finally, Venture Vine looked back at her Queen, her tail swishing about. “I can’t smell any of them around here at least not very strongly; they must’ve left the plains. Still, I can smell the scent of my son, Twilight and Goku…along with the other ponies. I think I can assume that they’ve taken care of the Farukonchītās for us, however inadvertedly.”

“I suppose that the girls, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts had to have at least one more animal encounter here in this forest.” Celestia sighed as she closed her eyes, preventing her from seeing the look of shock that suddenly appeared on Venture’s face. “Still, you are right…at least we can head to the castle without facing anymore distractions.”

“U-um…your Majesty?” One of the Solar Royal Guards said from behind her, making her turn to him. Her pale lavender eyes widened slightly upon seeing the flabbergasted look on his face. “I think you may want to take a look at your, um…old castle right now.”

“Why? What’s wrong with my…old…castle…?” Celestia began as she looked back to where her and her sister’s abandoned castle was, only to fall silent. She felt her eyes widen even further when they laid upon what had to be the largest castle that she had ever seen in her millennium long lifespan. The castle back in Canterlot City was nothing compared to the dark, menacing, and downright evil looking castle that stood in the middle of the Everfree Plains. It was so big that it looked like it could fit her own castle within it, and that was saying something.

“Mother of Faust and all that is holy…” Another Solar Royal Guard murmured, trying his best to pick his jaw up off the floor. “…that has got to be the biggest castle that I have ever laid my eyes on!”

“Big?!” A Lunar Royal Guard repeated incredulously. “That castle is fucking huge! Not even Queen Celestia’s own castle is as big as that! That looks like it could fit every single one of us, and probably even more than that!”

Another Thestral gulped. “Y-you…you don’t think that’s the castle that our corrupted Queen is resigning herself in, do you?”

“…No, it is most certainly her.” Celestia suddenly said, her dark tone causing all of the guards to look over at her. “Even in its corrupted state, I can feel my dear sister’s power coming from that castle, even from afar. I can feel her power, and feel the evil behind it, including from that castle that she made. There is nopony that I’ve ever met in all of my existence that can do something like this, nopony, except for my own sister.”

“If that’s true, then we need to hustle on over there.” Venture Vine murmured, getting over her shock as she locked eyes with her Queen. “Nightmare Moon has already created a castle in who know how short of a time it took her to do so. For all we know, she may already have whatever monsters she has lying in wait for us when we get there, and that’s if she hasn’t done anything to Zephyr and the girls first.”

“You’re right; no time to waste.” Celestia nodded, aiming her spear forward as she flared her wings. “Come everypony, to the castle!”

Unlike with the last group, it didn’t take nearly as long for the Solar and Lunar Army to finally make it to the nocturnal Nightmare Castle. As they did so, they were all greeted with the sight of a practically desolated part of the Everfree plains, presumably where their young travelers had fought the Farukonchītās. Unfortunately, neither them, Venture Vine, or Celestia had any time to really take it, for they were too focused on the castle they were heading to. Upon reaching it, they were greeted with the sight of an absolutely devastated land of earth, all of it giving of an almost revolting stench of a fight that was no doubt happened here. Though, from what Venture Vine was able to detect with her smell, it wasn’t the girls for once, but the ponies Celestia sent as extra aid and protection. However, there was also something else that Venture Vine detected, something that she did not quite expect to get, but that was put on hold for a moment.

“My word…look at all of the destruction here.” Celestia commented as she observed the destroyed earth and piles of rubble all over the ground. “The Shadowbolts must’ve really had a tough time with whatever enemies they were facing.”

“Yeah, it really does look like it. I can still feel the power in this field, and their smell is still so strong that I almost can’t stand it.” Venture said absentmindedly, doing her best not to scrunch her face up. “There’s also another scent that I’m getting…one that I don’t think that I’ve ever gotten before.”

Celestia looked over at the smaller mare. “What is it?”

“I…don’t know why, but…” Venture Vine said slowly and contemplatively. “For some reason, I’m getting the smell of another unknown creature here. Something along the lines of a pony and…a bird, like a hybrid of some sorts.”

“A pony bird hybrid?” Celestia asked, silently taking in the mare’s words. “That’s what you’re detecting around here.”

“Well, back at that icy looking bridge, but yeah.” Venture Vine replied; her face still scrunched up into one of confusion. “It was mixed with Zephyr, Goku and the rest of the girls own scents, all in one spot, without much movement or anything. I can even smell it going all the way to those doors too.” She glanced back up at the Queen, her tail skirt giving a gentle sway. “I don’t know who it was that was with Twilight and the rest of her gang, but it looks like they’ve made a new ally of some sort.”

“Hmm…maybe.” Celestia nodded, looking up at the double doors of the castle. “We can think about that later. For now, I believe we all have a little confrontation with my sister to uphold.”

Right at that moment, one of the Thestrals looked up, having picked up a strange sound coming from up above. When she detected it, her cat-like eyes went wide and a gasp left her, before she turned to Celestia and Venture, shouting, “Your Highness, Venture Vine, above you!”

Luckily, the warning came just a little earlier before it was said, for Venture Vine was already lunging towards Celestia and knocking her out of the way. It came just in time as a large blur of orange dived down from the air and slammed into the ground just feet away from where Venture Vine and Celestia were standing. They, along with all of the guards readied their weapons and themselves as the unknown figure was slowly revealed. The figure turned out to be none other than Garnet Blaze Bijuu, side extended out and cape flowing behind her.

“Oh yes! Finally, the Light Army is here at the castle at last!” She squealed gleefully, slamming the foot of her scythe to the ground. “I was wondering when you were all going to get here! I was almost about to come out here and go searching for you guys myself!”

‘This mare…there’s something about her that’s off, yet familiar. I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve seen her before, but where?’ Celestia thought to herself as her lips pursed. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, and ignoring the knotted feeling in her gut, Celestia asked, “So, I take it that you’re one of the ponies that’re apart of my sister’s army?”

“Yep, I sure am, your Royal Sunniness!” Garnet Blaze giggled, spinning her scythe around in one hoof as she gave a foxy grin. “I am the leader of the most feared army in all of the land! The Infamous Orange Fox and Garnet Flash of the Lunar Army!” She stopped spinning her scythe as she set it down, her grin becoming more feral. “Though, if you want to address me on more pleasant terms…then you can feel free call me, Garnet Blaze Bijuu.”

The instant those words left her mouth, both Celestia and Luna both gasped, along with a good majority of the Lunar Royal Guards that were with them. Celestia took a step back as her magic nearly fizzled out around her spear, while Venture Vine merely paled under her draconic skin, although for a bit of a different reason.

“G-G-Garnet Blaze?!” Celestia stammered, horror shaking in her voice.

“B-B-B-B-Bijuu?!” Venture gulped, her hindlegs shaking.

“Oooooh, so the two of you heard of sweet little old me, huh?” Garnet Blaze cooed, taking notice of the looks of shocked recognition on the two mare’s faces. “I take it that you were told of me and all the fun things that I’ve done in my lifetime?”

Indeed, they were, mainly Queen Celestia, for she had not just been told of and heard about Garnet Blaze Bijuu, but she had actually met her in pony. Over two hundred years ago, before her sister’s banishment to the Moon, Celestia had been told by her sister that a new mare had risen in the ranks of the Lunar Division. The very first pony in her guard that was not a Thestral, but a pony just the ones in the Sun Goddess’s Solar Division. Garnet Blaze was known to be a very cheery and optimistic mare, and one that was not afraid to face any challenge that was thrown at her from anything. Even if that challenge meant enlisting in the Equestrian Royal Guard, one that she immediately took when she was at the ripe age of sixteen. After enlisting through two years of military training, Garnet Blaze slowly began to rise to the ranks in Luna’s Lunar Division with each accomplishment she made.

By the time she was twenty-five, Garnet had reached the rank of the Captain of the Lunar Division and was known as the youngest Captain known to reach that rank, known for her sneakiness and cunning onto the battlefield. That, along the mare’s sheer raw power and ferocity that she displayed whenever in the face of danger while she was serving under Queen Luna’s reign. The last moments of Garnet Blaze’s life was when she fell under the corruption of a corrupted Queen Luna, and was forced to fight against the ponies she once fought aside. It was only thanks to Celestia getting a lucky shot on her that she wasn’t able to wipe out more than half of the Solar Division, her included. Though it still pained the Solar Queen to her core do so to such a sweet and bubbly young mare who had only barely begun to live.

The Clan that Garnet Blaze was known to originate from was known as the Bijuu, or Tail Beast Clan which was said to originate from the wild continent of North Amareica. They were all known for their petrifying transformations into gigantic tailed beasts that were said to represent predatory mammals of all types, from Lions, to Wolves, to Cheetahs, and even ones as small as that of Foxes. Despite the slight size difference, none of those Clans were to be taken lightly, for they were known to cause destruction beyond that of even a Dragons, without even having to use the full extent of their power. And that was when they used just their tails to attacks, which were known to smash mountains and send tidal waves crashing to the shores. These ponies were not ones that could be defeated by any easy means and entire army would be needed to face off against at least one of them, and that is only if that army could hold their ground.

Both mares were brought out of their shocked states when they heard Garnet Blaze giggle again, the grin on her face widening slightly. “Well, I take it by your expressions that you do know about me! After all, how could you forget the one mare that nearly killed half of your Solar Army…Queen Celestia?”

“N-no…no, this is impossible! This is just…no!” Celestia stammered, the last words coming out in a cry as her lower lip quivered. “T-there’s…no way that you should still be alive! You had been killed countless centuries ago! How is it that you’re still alive?!”

“C…Celestia?” Venture Vine asked, locking eyes with the terrified swan white Alicorn. “What’s the matter? Do you know this mare?”

“I do…much too well in fact.” Celestia gulped as she swallowed a lump in her throat. “Venture…that mare is Garnet Blaze Bijuu, The Legendary Orange Flash and Garnet Fox of Equestria’s Ancient History and Historical Legends. She was also one of the first none Thestral that joined the Lunar Guard while my younger sister was still in power, up until she became the youngest Captain to ever join the Lunar Division, at only twenty-five years old.” She took several deep breaths, not noticing Venture’s shocked look as Celestia continued on in a more sorrowful and fear-filled tone. “Garnet…Garnet was also one of the ponies that was corrupted by my sister the day that she had transformed into Nightmare Moon.”

“R…really?” Venture Vine asked, slowly turning back to the dark mare in front of them. “If…if that’s true, then she should be dead right now. It’s been over a whole millennium, and if she lived during that time, then she’s supposed to be long deceased.”

“That’s right miss dragon pony mare! By all accounts, I should infarct be dead. Afterall, this was my burial ground after Queen Celestia stabbed me through my heart and sliced it in two.” The creamy Earth Pony mare nodded in confirmation, giggling softly as her incredibly thick tail flicked behind her. “For those last thousand years, I was…that is until my awesome Lunar Queen brought me, and a bunch of other ponies out of our beds under the ground!”

Celestia froze like a statue, her eyes widening even further as her fur turned an even lighter shade of white. “She…she did what?”

Garnet Blaze smiled again, giving rapid nods of her head as she held her scythe in both of her hooves. “That’s right, your awesome and powerful Queen of a sister brought us back out from our forever sleep, and gave as another chance a life! Though, I’m pretty sure that you’re wondering how she managed to do something like that, aren’t you?” Without waiting for Celestia to reply, Garnet pulled her cape to the side and puffed her chest out, revealing a gleaming blue gemstone in the center of it. “Tada, here’s your answer!”

“What the…?” Venture blurted out, blinking in confusion. “What in the world is that?”

“This, is the oh so sweet and totally amazing Magical Life Force Gemstone that our oh so sweet and amazing Moon Goddess made for all of us!” Garnet replied cheerfully, gently running a hoof across the gem. “When she summoned us, she gave me, and each and every one of us these gems as we were getting our physical bodies back! It helps us to sustain our physical forms and help us to not dissolve into the creepy husky skulls that we all were!”

“Magical…Life Force…Gemstone?” Celestia repeated, slowly regaining her composure.

“Uh-huh, that’s exaclty what I said~!” Garnet Blaze replied slyly, her overly thick mane bouncing as she giggled some more. “They also help us to be able to keep going in battle regardless of how many injures that we sustain in our upcoming fight! And as long as we don’t let them get destroy by anything, or anypony, then we’ll all be good without a problem!” The creamy Earth Pony mare looked back down at the gemstone again, and laughed as it glowed in response to her cheerfulness. “Heehee, amazing what kind of things that you can create during a whole thousand years trapped in the very essence of outer space!”

“I…I cannot believe this.” Celestia murmured softly, looking like she was about to fall into her haunches. “How could all of this have happened…of all the things that could’ve been prepared for, this was not something that I was anticipating. Just…just what has the Nightmare done to be sister while she was trapped onto the Moon?”

“Celestia…Celestia, snap out of it!” Venture Vine barked, causing the swan whit Alicorn to jump and look over at her. “Listen, I know that you’re shocked by everything that you’re learning right now, but you can’t let that distract you right now! We need to get passed this mare so we can get to Zephyr and his friends, so we can help them all in their fight against your sister!”

Celestia let out a soft gasp, her senses coming back to her as she shook her head. “R-r-right, I’m sorry Venture…I suppose Garnet Blaze’s return got to me more than I thought that I did.” She said with a slight stammer as she straightened herself. “I don’t know how all of this was made possible to lead to your revival Garnet Blaze, but I will say this! You were not meant to be used like these, least of all by the creature that took my sister away from me. You were put to rest centuries ago, even if it wasn’t by the best of circumstances, and were meant to stay in your eternal resting spot in ever lasting peace. I swear, if it’s the last thing I do, I will end your suffering once more, and make sure that you stay rested for the rest of time.”

If Garnet Blaze showed any reactions of anger or displeasure, she didn’t show it in her expression, as evident by the giggle she let out in response. “So, you’re gonna put me back inside of my spooky bed, huh? well, you’re more than welcome to try if you want Queen Celestia! Though, I don’t think it would be as fun if I was the only one to fight all of you, so let me bring out some guests!”

Before Celestia and Venture Vine could attempt to stop the mare, she put her scythe in her teeth and slammed her forehooves on the ground. The force was so powerful that it nearly knocked the entire Solar Army off balance and onto the ground. As they all recovered from it, they noticed the ground begin to morph and shift behind them, before dark forms began to rise from underneath the ground. Venture Vine and Celestia nearly lost their bladder when they saw a whole army sized group of ponies rise from the ground as if they were zombies rising from the graves.

Each of the ponies they were now facing looked like vampiric versions of the ponies from the Three Pony Tribes, looking just as scary as the Thestrals on the opposite side. Some of them had buff bodies that made them look like monstrous versions of boxers, with others having vast muscular wings spans that were on par with Goku’s, while others had horns that looked to be sharper than any sword made by ponies. All of them had slitted eyes like that of cat’s with fangs like that of vampires, making them look even more menacing, which was only amplified by the inky black auras surrounding their bodies. They eyed the ponies in front of them with looks that could only be described as hunger, making them feel as if they were being eaten even though nothing had happened yet.

“Surprise!” Garnet Blaze chirped through the scythe in her mouth, trotting in place. “You guys like it?! I brought the entire Dark Army over here to meet you all, and in just one sweep! I really do live up to my title as the Captain of the Lunar Division huh?”

“Sweet Lauren Holy Faust Lifegiver…” Celestia breathed. “What in the name of all that is holy has my sister done to these ponies?”

“Look at how many of them there are!” Venture Vine whispered, eyeing each of the Nightmare Ponies. "There’s an…entire army of them, probably even more than the forces that we have here!”

“Uh-huh! There sure are, and they can’t wait to tango with all of you!” Garnet Blaze said, setting her scythe back down. “Can you hear it? They’re tummies are just rumbling with hunger, and they’re dying to just get at least one good hit on all of you! You can handle that, right Queen Celestia?”

“…If I was any less of the mare that I am now, I don’t think I would’ve been able to face even half of these ponies here, Captain Garnet Blaze.” Celestia said solemnly, narrowing her eyes as she flared her wings. “However, I’m not the same mare that I was a millennium ago; I am fully prepared to face you and your entire Dark Army with all of my might! Whatever it takes to free all of you and my sister from the corruption of Miasma, even if it means slaying you all once more!”

Garnet Blaze let out a cheer of excitement. “Woohoo, there we go! That’s the kind of determination that I like to see! It gives you a much more graceful and ladylike appearance to you given the fact that you’re a Queen and all!” With a grin that was the very definition of foxy, she pointed her giant scythe forward. “I hope you ready your Majesty, because you’re about to relearn why I was given the nickname the Orange Fox! And trust me, I’ll make sure that you’ll have a lot of fun learning that lesson; believe it!"

Author's Note

Alright now, the first part of this chapter was taken out by the last version of when after Rainbow Dash had used the Sonic Rainboom and her signature technique to wipe out the Galaxy Star Bolts once and for all and save the Wonderbolts and the Shadowbolts from sudden death :twilightblush: . For this newly edited version if it, I just took out the dialogue on the Wonderbolts and replaced them with Zephyr and Sky Ranger being the ones that said them instead, especially since I already have them taking care of the Dark Army that's back in Ponyville, so that's a good first part of this chapter that was done fast, having a scene that, again, I felt like would fit in a chapter like this :derpytongue2: ! Now, as for that scene with Celestia, Venture Vine, and the guards coming to the Everfree Plains, I guess to some of you that may have seemed a little unnecessary, but since they didn't see the new castle that Queen Celestia has, I figured that I let them take some time to take in the new castle that Nightmare Moon/Luna made before moving on their quest. because, who wouldn't be flabbergasted to see a new nightmarish caslte in the middle of a forest like the Everfree, especially in since it was made in such a short amount of time :pinkiecrazy: ? As for the encounter with Garnet Blaze...well, it's just say that I hope I've given a better explanation about those Magic Life Force Gemstones, especially with how the Dark Army sounds like they've been here in Equestria before :ajsmug: .

Well, that's all for right now; next time we see the girls, Zephyr and Sky Ranger take a little bit of an exploration across Nightmare Moon's castle, before finally coming face to face with the Goddess of the Black Moon herself :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 69 - The Savage Six

As a young fledgling, Goku was taken to a good number of amazing places that were dotted in various parts of Equestria, other than the city of Canterlot. There were many types of museums, palaces and exhibits that their hometown had, and Goku and her sisters had the pleasure to going to practically every single one of them. When they ran out of places to go there, they would take trips and family outings to other towns and cities in Equestria and see what ancient and historical things they had to offer. From Manehatten, to Vanhoover, to Fillydelphia and even to Appleoosa, they did it all, traveling to every civilized place they could learn as much as they could about them. The only place that they didn’t go were Dodge City, Lunar Bay, and Griffonstone, the last kingdom being reasonable since the griffons there weren’t exactly fond of ponies. So, they stayed well clear of there and went to the places that were welcoming, and absorbed all the facts they could about that one place, regardless of how dark and disturbing it was.

As the tan Thestral and the rest of her friends made their way through the newly constructed castle of the two sisters, she found herself not making any exception here. Yet as she walked through the giant hallway of the icy building, she found herself shivering nonstop as if she was submerged in the iciest of water. With each step she took, she found the aura of darkness and evil wrap around her as if she was being strangled by a Green Anaconda, making her feel like Nightmare Moon was right there with them all. The sin black mare definitely lived up to her reputation as the Dark Queen if she was able to make her of all ponies feel like she was staring right in the face of death without them coming face to face yet. Even so, she wasn’t able to let a little cold fear get the best of her, even if some of her friends looked like they would.

“Land sakes, this place is really dark lookin’ ain’t it?” Applejack asked, breaking the five-minute-long silence. “This has t’ th’ darkest lookin’ place that Ah’ve ever seen…it kinda reminds me o’ the Black Tree Grove back at mah family’s farm. Only here, it’s a lot more…chilly feelin’.”

“I hear you there AJ.” Rainbow Dash nodded, rubbing her forelegs as she fought to keep herself from shivering. “Why does this castle have to be so goddamn cold! If Nightmare Moon was going to rebuild this place, the least she could’ve done is make it warmer! I feel like I’m about to freeze in midair!”

“Dash, you do realize that there isn’t exaclty any air conditioner in here, do you not?” Rarity asked tentatively, glancing back up at the cyan more. “You shouldn’t really expect a castle to really have those sorts of things, especially one that is as foul and revolting looking as this! Besides, we’re the enemy, so it’s not like Nightmare Moon is going to do us any little small favors like that!”

“Rainbow Dash knows there aren’t any air conditioners here Rarity, we all do.” Twilight murmured, huddling herself close to Zephyr. “Then again, I’m affirmative that that’s not the reason why we’re all feeing so cold right now. I can feel this cold and evil feeling aura of power emitting from all over this castle. It’s…it’s making me feel like Nightmare Moon is right here with all of us; even though we haven’t even found her yet!”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking Twilight.” Goku murmured, continuing to walk ahead of the ground as she looked around at the doors on either side. “Still though, I wouldn’t let that distract you a whole lot…I’m pretty sure that’s just Nightmare Moon’s way of trying to scare us. And I’m positive that by the time we finally do get to her, she’ll be expecting us to start shitting bricks and have our tails between our legs.”

“Well I’m certainly starting to feel scared right now!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, looking around at the dark looking paintings that were hanging above the doors. “I mean, just look at all of these crazy paintings and all of those torches of fire! I seriously don’t want to find out what’s in those rooms, even if a reeeeeeeally big part of me does want to!”

Fluttershy smiled gently at the party pony, draping an angelic wing over her now lavender and bright purple furry back. “Don’t worry Pinkie, we’re not gonna let anything happen to you, we all swear it.” She said, cooing in a way that made it seem like she was talking to a scared puppy. “As long as the six of us, Zephyr and Sky Ranger are here, we’re not gonna let anything happen to us, or you, right everypony?”

“That’s right.” Zephyr said softly, looking to be in fully royal guard mode as he held Twilight close to him. His ears suddenly perked up as he heard the sound of a door opening, and he turned around to see Sky Ranger lagging behind them. “Um…Sky Ranger, what’re you doing?”

The azure blue Hippogriff stared into the room he had opened for a few more moments, before closing the door back behind him. “Hm? Oh, I was observing the rooms that were in here, I was trying to see if I had could find anything suspicious, but…all I see what look like bedrooms. And very, very comfortable looking ones at that.”

“Wait a minute what?” Rainbow Dash asked, whirling her head to Sky Ranger. “There’s nothing but bedrooms behind all of these doors?”

“Well, from what I saw in the first room, yes.” Sky Ranger replied as he caught up with the rest of the group. “It would seem that Nightmare Moon wanted to create cozy living environments for anypony else that she may have in here.”

“Seriously?” Applejack asked, trotting over to one of the rooms and opening the door. Looking inside, her eyes widened when she saw an absolutely ravish room that looked to be suited for a ruler, only slightly smaller. “Holy shit, he’s right! Ah’m seein’ a room in here right now, and it a mighty fancy lookin’!”

“Yeah!” Pinkie Pie said, her voice echoing about the dark hallway. As all eyes turned to her, they could see her popping in and out of multiple rooms every split second; how she was able to dot that so quickly none of them would no. “There are so many bedrooms in this hallway more than I’ve ever seen in any hotel hallway! If the rest of the castle is like this, then I wonder what the places like the bakery and lunch room are like!”

“Forget the rooms, look at the tapestries on hanging from the walls!” Rarity gushed, her eyes shining as she took in the nocturnal pictures. “I have never seen anything done in such an articulate and fashionable style before! It pales in compassion to all of the dresses and symbols I’ve made before I was out of high school! It…it’s just…absolutely divine!”

“Well, it doesn't look like you’re looking so scared anymore Rarity; I’m glad for that.” Fluttershy giggled, smiling sweetly at the alabaster mare. A moment later a disappointed frown came to her face as she bowed her head. “Although, I am a bit sad that there aren’t really animals around here in the castle. Of course, they were all outside of the castle, but…I guess there was a part of me that was hoping there would at least be a flock of bats here. I guess this castle was too dark for even them to be in.”

“Heh, yeah, probably.” Goku murmured, giving a soft giggle. Just a split second later, she found herself stopping dead in her tracks her pupils contracted. “Oh SHIT, CHENOA!!!”

Sky Ranger, who was staring up at the tapestries, jumped at the tan Thestral’s sudden shouted and looked over at her. “I beg your pardon Goku?”

“Chenoa! I completely forgot about him during our battle with the Farukonchītās!” Goku cried sounding like a frantic mother that had last sight of their foal. “Dammit, dammit, dammit! I cannot believe that I left him out there in the plains during that right! I’ve got to go back out there and get him!”

“Hold on a second Goku!” Pinkie Pie shouted, reaching out and grabbing onto the Thestrals tail as she began to fly for the door. “Calm down a second, you don’t need to worry about Chenoa, he’s fine!”

“Oh yeah? And how do you know that?” Goku snapped back, baring her fangs at the smiling bubblegum Earth Pony. “For all I know, he could be out there those plains suffering from burn marks or worse after those Farukonchītās possibly preyed upon him, or one of us had accidentally struck him with one of our attacks! How can you possibly know that he’s okay?!”

“Because…” Pinkie Pie said, both hooves coming to her mane as she pulled it apart. “He’s right here!”

Goku gasped loudly as he locked eyes with the familiar blue ones of the cumulus white bat pup, who was nestled right in Pinkie’s mane. She squealed loudly as the Chenoa flew out and landed right into her arms. “Oh, my Faust Chenoa, it’s you! I can’t believe you okay, and alive! I was so sure that you got caught up in the attack by the Farukonchītās!”

The white bat pup, who was busy nuzzling into Goku’s chest, looked up and gave a few squeaks to the tan Thestral. Goku took a moment to recover from her joy and listened to what the pup was trying to tell her.

“Wait what? Pinkie Pie had found you hiding in the grass while you were trying to hide one of the Farukonchītās?” Goku asked, looking at Pinkie and back down at the pup again. “And after she found you, she hid you in your main and kept you in the whole time we were at the bridge and this castle?”

“Yep, I sure did! I felt my Pinkie Sense telling me that there was somepony among us that was amiss. So, I did a teeny-weeny bit of searching after you had sent those Farukonchītās away, and I found this little guy nestled deep in the grass. So, I did the only thing I knew would keep him safe and had him nestled in my mane!”

“…And you didn’t think that it would be smart to tell Goku this right after you did it?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising a brow at Pinkie. “Seriously, Goku looked like she was about to rip your damn throat out!”

“Honestly Pinkie, what were you thinking? Letting Goku think that Chenoa was injured and hurt somewhere, even if it was only for a few moments.” Fluttershy murmured, frowning at Pinkie in a way that seemed like she was a mother scolding her child. “How could you be so careless as to not let her know of Chenoa’s safety until we were here at the castle?”

Pinkie Pie winced, her mane deflating a bit as her coat, mane and tail gained a deep shade of blue, along with her eyes. “Oh…I’m sorry Fluttershy, I didn’t mean to forget about showing Chenoa to Goku. I was just so focused on making super-duper extra sure that he was safe, especially from those Galaxy Star Bolts that Dashie was facing. I’m sorry, I didn’t want to make you guys made at me!”

Applejack sighed, walking over and putting a hoof on the whimpering Earth Pony’s shoulder. “Hey, don’t be too hard on yerself Pinkie. Fluttershy ain’t mad that ya kept that lil critter with ya…she’s just upset that ya didn’t let us know about it sooner.” She said firmly, yet gently as Pinkie locked her darkening blue eyes with the farmer’s emerald ones. “We know that ya didn’t mean t’ do it…there was a situation at hoof, an’ ya did th’ only thing any sensible pony could. It’s jus’ that ya kept us in th’ dark ‘bout it that’s all.”

“I know…I can see that now, an’ it was really a super-duper meanie thing for me to do.” Pinkie Pie nodded, glancing over at Goku. “I’m sorry Goku, I didn’t mean to make you mad…I hope you’re not too mad at me.”

The tan Thestral sighed. “Well, normally, I’d be giving you a nice good lump across your head for your stupidity.” She murmured bluntly, making Pinkie flinch, as if she was nursing a large lump on her head. “Be that as it may, since you did keep Chenoa safe up until this point after our brief, yet brutal fight with the Farukonchītās, I’ll leave you off with a warning.” Her eyes sharpened into a glare as her pupils became ever so thinner. “However, if you pull something like this again, I won’t be as forgiving next time, am I clear Pinkie Pie?”

Pinkie Pie nodded, shrinking under Goku’s glare while feeling she was being reprimanded by her mother. “Y-yes Goku…I understand.”

“Good...now, let’s-whoa!” Whatever Goku was going to say next was cut off when Chenoa suddenly flew out of her hooves. He let out a loud squeak of what seemed to be surprise and fear as he stared wide eyed at something ahead of him.

“C…Chenoa?” Violet Fire asked, speaking up for the first time since she and her team entered into the castle with the others. “Is there something the matter baby?”

“Yeah, you look like you’ve seen a falcon diving for you.” Fast Tracks added. “What’s the matter little buddy?”

The white bat pup looked down at the ponies for a moment, his expressions slightly less fearful, still having a sense on uncomfortableness. Without making a sound, he pointed a clawed hindleg forward, and they all looked over to where he was looking. Their eyes widened, and a few of them even gasped when they saw that the young bat pup had seen. Just about ten feet or so feet away from them, up a flight of stairs was a giant tapestry hung up for all to see; intentionally or unintentionally they didn’t know. This tapestry was not like all of the ones hanging on either side of the hallway, or the ones hanging up on either side of it though. It was more suited for the forest that was just outside of the castle, rather than the dark nighttime flare that the castle itself gave off.

“What in the world?” Lightning Shadow whispered softly. “What is that tapestry doing here? I didn’t even see it!”

“I don’t know…I don’t know how we even missed that either.” Storm Shadow replied, lifting her goggles as her icy blue eyes narrowed at the picture. “I don’t know why, but there’s just something about it that’s giving off a very…powerful vibe. I can’t really explain why it does but…it just does.”

“I-I can feel it too…a-and it looks really scary too.” Blue Skies said nervously, huddling close to Storm Shadow. “W-was that tapestry here before?”

“Well, if it wasn’t changed in anyway by Nightmare Moon’s magic, then there’s no doubt that it has been there the whole time.” Twilight replied, eyeing the piece of art inquisitively. “What do you think about it Goku?”

The tan thestral said nothing to the lavender Unicorn, not even looking like she had heard her at all when she talked to her. She was too focused on the tapestry in front of her, almost too focused, and as she continued to stare at it, she found herself slowly walking towards it.

“Goku?” Sky Ranger asked, noticing the change in the mare’s behavior. “Is there something the matter?”

Again, Goku didn’t say a word as she made her way over to the stairs her eyes still transfixed on the tapestry all the while. Her friends, the Shadowbolts, and Sky Ranger all looked at one another, before following Goku up the stairs towards the tapestry. When the young mare was finally within hooves reach, she was able to see it more clearly, due to the hallway being so dark. On the tapestry was the painting of a beautiful forest, the trees stretching out as far as the eyes could see, with vast mountains towering over them in the background. Animals of all shapes, sizes, and species dotted the landscape, with a small watering hole making up the side of the tapestry, and a beautiful sun shining on the upper sight. As beautiful as a majority of the tapestry was, Goku was more focused on the figure that was in the middle of it, and for good reason.

Hovering in the very center of the beautiful tapestry of wilderness, with the wildest and most crazy smirk shown was the most sinister looking Alicorn mare Goku had seen in her life. She had very a dark coat of fur, ranging from two light and dark shades of purple, both of them being a bright indigo and a dark violet. Her mane and tail are a smooth shade of red, as if they were both painted in the color scarlet, both as red as her ruby colored eyes. The Alicorn also ha a long sword-like horn that looked than even Celestia’s, looking to be ignited, and a huge pair of wings that resembled that of an eagle’s wings. Lastly, she had a regalia that was a deep gleaming grey color, having blood red gems in them, and her Cutie Mark was of a star-like diamond surrounded by leaf green vines.

For what seemed like an eternity, Goku found herself staring into the deep red eyes of the alicorn, both shining as bright as the ignited magic in her horn. Her ears picked up what sounded like speaking, but if she was understanding what any of her friends were saying to her, it didn’t look like she was. The thestral just continued to stare at the face of the wildly smiling mare, looking as if she was having the time of her life.

Then, in the blink of an eye, the red eyes of the alicorn painting moved as quick as lightning and locked right onto her’s.

Goku’s eyes snapped open wide, and she screamed as she backpedaled, landing right onto Fluttershy, who stumbled a bit as she caught the other mare. One of her tri-colored hooves came to her chest as she tried to calm down her rapidly beating heart. Right as she did this, she felt a warm hoof press itself against her cheek, and looked up to see Fluttershy staring down at her.

“My goodness Goku, are you okay?” She asked, her expression matching her concerned tone. “Is there something on the painting that scared you?”

“Yeah, it most certainly did!” Goku replied, sitting back up. “Feel free to call me crazy, but I could’ve sworn that that Alicorn’s eyes had just trained right onto me! I’m telling you, it really looked like she was just looking right at me!”

“Oh, don’t worry G, we believe you.” Rainbow Dash replied gruffly, frowning up at the picture as well. “That painting is already putting me on edge, and it’s not even doing anything too me!”

“You’re not the only one feeling that darling.” Rarity murmured, her ears falling back. “I admit, that while this painting is quite the exquisite one, despite not fitting in this castle, I can’t help but feel…scared by it. I do not know what it is, but this tapestry is just sending shiver down my spine!”

“That’s probably this whole entire castle making that happen.” Pinkie Pie commented, holding a frightened Chenoa in her shaking forelegs. “It would make sense, since it feels like a gigantic spooky Nightmare Night Castle! So, I guess Queen Moonie decided to leave that tapestry there to add some extra flare, and if she did, it is working!”

Applejack snorted, adjusting her hat as she gave a flick of her tail. “Well, whatever th’ reason that pic is there, we don’t really have anytime t’ dwell on it. we got varmint t’ look fer, we can worry about that thing later…”

“Applejack’s right, let’s just leave the tapestry for now and keep looking for Nightmare Moon.” Zephyr added, heading up the next separate flight of stairs. “Come on Goku, let’s get going.”

“R-right, I’m coming Zephie.” Goku replied, finally managing to calm down as her friends went ahead without her. With one last apprehensive glance to the Alicorn mare in the tapestry, she turned tail and trotted after Sky Ranger and the other ponies, feeling a slight shiver go down her spine as she did so. Had she looked at the painting for just a few seconds longer, she would’ve seen the Alicorn painting’s eyes give a faint red glow, before receding back to normal.

Despite Rainbow Dash’s initial option of explaining while searching, it didn’t take her anywhere near as long to explain the events with the Galaxy Star Bolts. In fact, by the time they had begun searching through the next hallway for the Elements of Harmony, she was more than halfway through her story about the events that transpired. There were a few slightly off topic questions that she had to answer, due to her friends randomly cutting her off at certain places. Aside from that, she was able to give a rather thorough summary of the battle between the two Ariel Flight Teams, leaving no details out. Once she was finished, she gave her friends a few moments to let the events sink in, though there was one very important factor she was not quite ready to tell yet.

“Alright so, lemme see if Ah got all o’ this straight.” Applejack began slowly, collecting her thoughts. “After y’all got trapped in that large starry trap, y’all were confronted by these Galaxy Star Bolt varmints, who went on an’ on ‘bout how they were th’ planet’s greatest flyers. Then, they tried t’ make ya join their team an’ fight against th’ Shadowbolts, you refused, an’ got th’ Tartarus punched outta ya. Then, y’all fought fer sometime, an’ then ya went in th’ air an’ sent down a lightning coated tornado down on ‘em?”

“Yeah, that pretty much sums up at that happened out there.” Rainbow Dash replied casually. “I know it’s sounds a little far-fetched, but…it happened.”

“I would say that I’m surprised, but I’d be lying at this point.” Goku sighed knowingly. “With everything that Nightmare Moon’s done until now, I’m not really all that shocked that she’d try a trick like on you of all ponies Dash. She knew just the right buttons to press, mentioning your speed, technique, wit, bravery, and desire to be the best of the best. If hadn’t been for the Shadowbolts being there with you, who knows what would’ve happened.”

“I think you’re giving us a little too much credit on that statement Goku.” Lighting Shadow chuckled. “To be completely honest we didn’t really do much of anything until the battle. Rainbow Dash herself refused the Galaxy Star Bolt’s offer.”

“Wait, what?” Rarity asked, slightly surprised. “She did?”

“Uh, duh!” Rainbow Dash replied, rolling her eyes. “Did you honestly think that I was gonna agree to join a group that I’ve never even heard of before? I made it one hundred and twenty percent clear to them that the only team that I was going to join was the Wonderbolts! I mean come on, me, joining a team that’s not only fake, but also one that serves Nightmare Moon?! Do you honestly thing I’d do something like that?!”

“W-well, no, I don’t.” Rarity stammered, shrinking back slightly at the cyan mare’s glare. “I was just…surprised that you didn’t even give it the least bit of consideration.”

Pinkie Pie frowned at the alabaster Unicorn. “And why would Dashie even think of doing something like that? They were clearly trying to lure her into joining them, so Nightmare Moon could stop us from being able to use all six of the Elements of Harmony against her and beat her big black ugly butt once and for all! They made it so obvious based on what Dashie told us, so there was no reason for her to even think of considering joining a group of ponies like them!”

“Exactly! Thank you, Pinkie!”

“Well, technically, the Reference Guide for the Elements that I read back in the library did say that there was a possibility of there being seven Elements instead of just six.” Twilight pointed out. “Though, I do see the point your trying to make Pinkie. If Nightmare Moon was able to capture at least one of us, that would pretty much destroy all chances of us being able to us the Elements to defeat her.”

“Plus, if I joined the Galaxy Star Bolts, that also meant leaving you all behind to face that bitch by yourselves.” Rainbow Dash snorted, “And like I said countless times before, I never, ever leave my friends hanging! Period!”

“Well, I’m glad that you were still thinking about us, even while you were separated from us.” Fluttershy said gratefully, smiling softly at her fellow Pegasus. “And I’m glad that you came back to us, like I believed you would.”

“M-me too.” Rarity said weakly. “I…I apologize for my earlier words dear. I would I appear that I had underestimate your will power for a moment.”

Rainbow Dash waved a hoof dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, it’s over now, and we don’t need to deal with them anymore. Now we can just focus on getting those Elements, finding Nightmare Moon, kicking her inky ass, and ending this damn charade of her’s.”

“Exactly what I was ‘bout t’ say RD.” Applejack chuckled. “Say Goku, are ya getting anythin’ with that nose o’ yers?”

Goku, who had her head lowered and nose pointed to the floor, looked over at the farmer. “Nothing yet…I can’t pick up any indication that Nightmare Moon went through this part of the castle. Whatever she did to not leave her scent lingering, she covered up her tracks well…really well.”

“Figures.” Fast Tracks snorted, a frown adorning his face. “Of course she wouldn’t want us to get any lead so we can find her more easily…bucking bitch.”

“However…” The tan Thestral continued, gaining everypony’s attention. “I can try to detect her magic if I use my own to try and detect it. If you guys try hard enough, you can do it too.”

“How do we do that?” Sky Ranger asked.

“Simple, just close your eyes, and use your magic to concentrate on any magical sources that you can find anywhere around you.” Goku explained, turning her head away. “It always worked for me whenever I tried to find my sisters and brother back in Canterlot if we couldn’t find each other. Give it a try and see.”

The azure blue Hippogriff and the Shadowbolts all complied, closing their eyes and focusing on detecting any outside magical sources with their own magic. A minute or two passed, but they were unable to detect anything, not even the magical essence of Nightmare Moon herself, who they were sure was hiding somewhere in the castle. After another moment of concentration, most of them broke focus and stopped searching.

“We’re sorry Goku, it seems that we were not able to find what we were looking for using your technique.” Blue Skies sighed dejectedly. “I suppose that Nightmare Moon hid her magic better than we had originally thought.”

“Yeah, that might be the case.” Violet Fire said softly. “Looks like we’re going to have to search the old-fashioned way.”

“Aw man, that’s going to take forever!” Fast Tracks groaned. “Do we really have to search through this entire castle to find Nightmare Moon?! She could be hiding right under our hooves for all we know, and we wouldn’t even realize it!”

Storm Shadow lightly cuffed the back of the light brown stallion’s head. “Are you trying to scare Goku and the others?”

“I hate to admit it, but he may have a point.” Lightning Shadow sighed. “Nightmare Moon could be hiding anywhere right now, and try to get us when we least expect it. So we’ll have to really be on our guard and look out for anything that may seem remotely suspicious.”

“So, what should we do?” Fluttershy asked. “Do we split up or do we stay together? We stand a better chance of being prepared for any surprise attack form Nightmare Moon if we do the latter.”

I think that may be a good idea.” Goku nodded, looking over at her friends. “Is that okay with you girls?”

Before any of the mares could reply, Twilight’s voice cut through the hallway. “Hold it!” She cried, holding a hoof out to them. The rest of the group all looked to where she was, and saw that her horn was ignited, and her eyes were closed.

“Whoa, what’s the matter Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Were you able to find something.”

“…Yes, I was.” The lavender Unicorn replied after a moment of silence. “It’s faint…really faint, but…I can sense a magical essence somewhere in the castle.”

“Really? You can?!” Pinkie Pie asked excitedly. “Is it Nightmare Moon’s magic?”

Twilight, whose eyes were still closed, frowned slightly. “No…it’s not her’s. This one is lighter, warmer, and…purer. Something that I’ve never…wait, I can sense another one!”

“Another?!” Applejack repeated, her eyes widening. “You can sense two of ‘em?!”

“Yes, yes I can!” Twilight nodded enthusiastically. At that moment, she gasped. “I just found a third one!”

“My word Twilight…” Rarity breathed, putting a hoof to her chest. “…just how many if these magical essences are you finding?”

“Three, I found three.” She replied, continuing to concentrate. “Wait no, there’s Four of them…five…six?!” A moment later, Twilight snapped her eyes open. “I just found six magical essences!”

“S-six?” Goku stammered. “Are you sure there aren’t any more than that?”

“I kept on trying to locate, I don’t sense anymore, not even Nightmare Moon’s.” Twilight replied, looking over at the tan Pegasus. “There’s seven magical essences, and nothing else after that.”

“Wait a second, Twilight just mentioned that there were either six or seven Elements of Harmony in her Reference Guide.” Fluttershy said slowly, her teal eyes widening slightly. “I-if Twilight found six magical essences, then that means…”

“She found the Elements!” Pinkie Pie replied, finishing where the buttermilk Pegasus had trailed off. “Twilight found the elements here in the castle!”

“Alright, way to go Twi!” Rainbow Dash said, giving the lavender mare a hard pat on the back. “You found those things, without even having to search for where they were! Looks like that magic of yours is really helping you out here huh?”

“Of course it is you dolt.” Goku snorted. “Twilight is the Queen’s protégé after all…what, did you think she wasn’t going to be able to detect them?”

“I…I did it…I really did it.” Twilight whispered to herself. “I was able to find the Elements…just like that.”

“Yeah, you sure did sugarcube.” Applejack said, grinning at her friend. “Though, maybe you can save yourself praise for later. Mind leadin’ us t’ where ya were able to sense ‘em?”

“O-oh, right!” Getting her wits together, Twilight ignited her horn again and locked onto the magic of the Elements again. It didn’t take long for her to find them again and get a grip on their location, which wasn’t too far at all.

“Okay, I’ve locked onto the Elements again.” Twilight said, turning to her friends. “And there just up ahead of us! Come on girls, we can get to them faster if I can manage to keep my hold on their essence and where they are!”

“Right behind you Twilight!” Goku said enthusiastically, barely paying attention to the unusually warm feeling resonating within her chest.

Two double doors burst open as Goku, Twilight, their friends and the team of bolts flew and galloped their way through it. Their hooves and wings beat against the cement floor and summoned up gusts of wind as they tore into the room that the twin doors were guarding. As they looked around, they could see they were in a giant throne room; one that was clearly made for the nighttime. On either side of the room, there were two much smaller more doors close to the one that they had entered through, both being lit with torches like the ones that stretched down on either side of the decorated walls. On the walls on both sides of the room, were shining glass walls with symbols of the moon and the night, the both going all the way done to the end of the room.

On either side of that wall, were more tapestries and symbols of the Moon, and standing in the middle of it, was a massive throne chair. The chair itself was a very pale blue color, having waves of blue and massive bat wings spread on either side, with the tip having a crescent moon on the top. From behind the chair, at the very top was another darker purple moon which looked to be made in a circle, having an even smaller one in the center. At the very front of the chair, was a small, yet beautiful set of pale blue stairs spanning all the way down to the icy floor.

“Wow…now this is a massive throne room…it’s even bigger than Queen Celestia’s!” Zephyr exclaimed; his garnet eyes wide with awe. “I guess the rooms, hallways, and castle aren’t the only things that’re overly large. Looks like Nightmare Moon wanted an extra-large and nocturnal throne room.”

“It looks like it; she did the same thing to the rooms and the hallways, so why not do the same with her new throne room.” Sky Ranger said, his azure eyes observing the beautiful decorations around them. “It’s shame that we’ll have to tear it down soon”

“Well Twilight?” Applejack asked anxiously, not wanting to waste any time. “Is this th’ place where them Elements ‘r at?”

“Yes, I can still sense them from where we were just a minute ago.” Twilight said, her eyes slowly looking up at the large pillar holding the spheres. “They’re…coming from down underneath the rug.”

“Really? It’s coming from under us?” Rainbow Dash asked skeptically, raising a prismatic eyebrow. “Are you sure that your magic’s not playing trick on you there Twi?”

Twilight nodded, resisting the urge to give her friend the stink eye. “Yes Rainbow, I’m sure…magic that I’ve locked onto led me to here. I’m still locking onto it now, and it’s telling me that the Elements are right under us.”

“…Yeah, I can feel it too.” Goku replied after a moment of silence. “They’re definitely in there.”

“Okay, that’s one explanation.” Rarity said. “Here’s another one; how’re we going to get them out?”

“Well, there’s only one way we can do that.” Fluttershy replied softly as she looked over at Twilight. “Twilight, would you care to do the honors?”

Enticed by the sweetness in the mare’s voice, the lavender Unicorn blushed and walked over to where she could feel the elements pulsing magic. Dragging a hoof through the icy floor, she felt a cape in the floor, which she realized was a floor door. Knowing what to do, she ignited her horn and encased the floor door in magic as she slid it open. The results that happened afterward were immediate.

“Whoa!” Twilight cried, taking a few steps back as she felt the ground shake slightly underneath her. Slowly, almost deliberately, a large pillar slowly emerged from out of the ground, looking like it hadn’t been touched in centuries. It also had long metal arms that had large plates sitting on them, and on those plates, were giant cement spheres sitting on their flat surfaces.

“Whoa…so those are the Elements?” Fast Tracks murmured, observing the large objects. “They’re a lot…bigger than I thought they be.”

“Same here.” Rarity nodded. “I was expecting them to have some more flare to them, but it seems like they’re more…duller than I expected.”

“Maybe, but that’s probably to keep their power from running amok.” Twilight muttered, before looking over at the Shadowbolts. “Violet, can you and your team get those down here so I can awaken the Elements?’

“Sure thing sweetie, and don’t worry, we’ll be gentle.” Violet Fire said as she and her team flew over to the pillar, Fluttershy and Dash included. With as much carefulness as they could manage, they lifted the sphere off of their sitting positions, a couple of them trying not to buckle under their surprising weighed.

“Careful…careful.” Twilight cautioned, watching as the Pegasi put the spheres in a circle. When Fluttershy put the sixth one down, she walked over to them and inspected them, noticing the different shaped gems that were imprinted on them.

‘It must be to tell the Elements apart, so they don’t get mixed up...smart.’ She thought to herself, rubbing a hoof tentatively over the smooth surface of one of the spheres. As she continued to inspect them, she felt that tug in her chest once more, only it was much more noticeable now that it was in front of the Elements. ‘Why…do feel the sudden urge to be near them all of a sudden? And why is it growing stronger the closer I get to them?’

“One, two, three four, fix six…” Pinkie Pie counted, trailing off when she noticed something. “I don’t see the last Element anywhere! Didn’t Twilight’s Reference Guide say that there was the possibility of a seventh Element here?”

“It did, and I also saw something that might be able to help us find it.” Twilight replied, laying down in front of the Elements. “I had read a section in the Reference Guide, that in order to summon the final Element, the other six must be present. When they are, a spark must be used to ignite them in order for the seventh Element of Harmony to be revealed.”

“What in th’ hay is that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked, not understanding a thing that Twilight had just said.

“I’m not sure, but I’m positive that I have an idea of what it would mean.” Twilight replied, her eyes locking onto the Elements. “I’m gonna try to ignite them, so I want all of you to stand back. This is the first time I’ve tried something like this, and I don’t want all of you to get in the way of anything bad. So, keep your distance okay?”

“Sure thing Twilight, good luck.” Goku said, turning to the others. “Come on everypony, you heard her. She needs to concentrate on this, and it’s not gonna help her if we distract her. So let’s go wait outside and stay as quite as possible.”

Sensing the non-argumentized tone in the tan Pegasus’s voice, the others followed suit, the Bolts giving Twilight once last glance before flying after the others. As they left, none of them noticed a stream of ethereal mist make its way through one of the broken windows and head towards Twilight.

The lavender Unicorn herself did not notice this either, for she was too focused on trying to ignite the Elements and bring them out of their stony prison. They were each encased in a brilliant raspberry magenta aura, slowly being levitated into the air. As they continued to float, small cracks began to appear around them, and Twilight’s ears automatically picked up on it.

‘I’m doing it…I’m going it, I’m unlocking the elements!’ She thought excitedly, listening as they continued to crack. ‘Just a little more and the seventh Element will be unlocked!’

“Awww, are you having a little trouble there?” A terrifyingly familiar voice whispered into her ear. “Poor dear, why don’t I give you a little extra boost?”

Twilight’s eyes shot wide open, her whole body freezing as her intelligent mind immediately recognized the owner of the voice. Despite the fact that she had heard it only once, the silky, dark, icy, and malicious tone it gave off made it crystal clear just who it was. The lavender Unicorn lifted her head just in time to see two draconic turquoise slitted orbs gleaming back at her, and then, pain.

Twilight screamed as a powerful blast of telekinesis hit her square in the chest, sending her zooming away from the Elements and right into the air. Her scream of surprise and shock turned into one of excruciating agony as the blast tore through her body, making her feel as if it was on fire. The blast sent her higher and higher into the air, until she crashed into the far corner of the roof with a near deafening boom.

Not even a second after hearing her scream, Goku and the five other mares raced back into the room, the Shadowbolts and Wonderbolts hot on their heels. They searched frantically for the Twilight, and looked up to see her falling towards them, large chunks of rubble falling with her as she crashed to the ground.

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash yelled, flying over and pulling the younger mare out of the rubble. “Are you alright sugarcube? What in the hay happened?”

“T-the Elements…I wasn’t able to ignite them…” The lavender Unicorn coughed violently, her whole body covered in cuts and bruises as she looked up at Applejack. “I-I g-g-got distracted and…blasted away.”

“You got shot away?!” Fluttershy repeated. “By what?!”

Twilight wheezed, pointing a shaky hoof forward. “H-her…!”

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and the other ponies looked to where Twilight was pointing, and gasp when they saw a large ethereal tornado swirling in front of the. The six Elements that Twilight attempted to ignite began spinning around with it as the tornado slowly began to take shape in front of the sixteen ponies. Suddenly, the ethereal mist dissipated, and the sight that greeted all of their eyes caused all of them to freeze up in terror.

The being that they saw standing before them was one that most of them all saw only once, but just the sheer presence of her alone was more than enough for her image to be burned into their memories. Their eyes ran over each and every nook and cranny of her being, from the otherworldly black coat that clung to nearly every part of her body. To the gleaming azure blue armor thay gleamed in the reflection of the very Moon she raised. To the starry twilight membranes that made up her enormous bat-like wings, which seem to stretch on endlessly. To the ethereal mist that made of her mane and tail floating from her head and rump, and finally the azure blue armor that adorned the majority of her upper body. There was not a single doubt in their minds that this mare was the one they were searching for. The one that nearly destroyed the Town Square, attacked Queen Celestia, and sent a horde of Timberwolves into their town. The very same mare went off to lie in wait to obliterate the ones sent to defeat her and stop her from achieving her evil deeds for good.

The Dark Queen, and the Goddess of the Black Moon Nightmare Moon Nocturnis.

“Mother of Faust…” Sky Ranger whispered, his voice calm and powerful voice sounding to be on the verge of shaking. “S-so that’s…”

“Ho…ly…shit…!” Fast Tracks breathed; his eyes wider than dinner plates. “C-Captain…i-i-is that who I think it is?”

“Yes…it is.” Violet Fire replied; her voice almost as quiet as Sky Ranger’s as her golden eyes stared into the ones of the sin black Alicorn before them. “It’s her…”

“Nightmare Moon…” Storm Shadow said, softly. “…So, she really did escape from the Moon after all.”

Lightning’s ears folded back. “This is not good…not good at all.”

“As if that wasn’t made plainly obvious from the very beginning.” Storm Shadow murmured, looking to be the only who not showing any visible fear.

“Mhm.” Shadow Step nodded, swallowing a lump in her throat.

“Well…well…well, my dear darling dutiful sun-loving guests have finally arrived.” Nightmare Moon said slowly, her tone calm and even as she stared directly at seven ponies that in front of her. The sin black Alicorn’s trailed up to meet that of the Shadowbolts and Sky Ranger, and a smile slowly stretched across her face. “And I see you brought a few…guests with you to the occasion. I must admit, I wasn’t you to come here…at least not so soon, but I’m not giving any complaints. It’ll only make the fun that’s about to come that much more exciting.”

“So, you spent all this time waiting for us here, did you?” Goku asked a grin of her own coming to her muzzle. “Sorry if we kept you waiting, we had more than a few run ins with a few furry and scaly friends if you catch my drift. Long story short, we had to force our way through, and even help one of them get back on their feet if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I understand perfectly my little pony…I can definitely see why that would put a hold on your quest. Especially through a forest like this.” Nightmare Moon chuckled, giving a little flex of her wings. “The animals of this forest are quite…unpredictable, if I do say so myself…then again, when you live in a forest like this, it is to be expected. I have to say, I’m impressed that you managed to make it this far…perhaps you are not as weak as I assumed you to be.”

“Who in the hay are you calling weak?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, baring her fangs. “As far as I’m concerned, the only weak ones here were those little Galaxy Star Bolt bastards that you sent to fight me, the Shadowbolts! They would not stop going on and on about how they were the greatest flyers in the Everfree and all that shit! So, we decided to show them what a real bolt is, and thanks to me, we shut them up for good!”

“And almost took us along with them.” Blue Skies murmured, glancing over at the cyan mare.

Nightmare Moon chuckled, looking to be unaffected by Rainbow Dash’s comment. “Hmhm, yes I know that…I had the chance to watch my dear children fight with you one on one. Especially with you, Rainbow Dash…and I must admit, you are quite the fighter.”

“Wait, you saw us fighting your servants?” Lightning Shadow asked perplexedly. “How were you able to do that? We didn’t see you anywhere outside of the castle!”

“Of course you didn’t, I was secluded in this castle the whole time and watching from inside, which is why you couldn’t see me.” Nightmare Moon snorted. “Oh, and in case you’re all wondering why you weren’t able to sense my power level, I was keeping it contained. That way, you wouldn’t get a special lead as to just where in this castle that I could be.”

“…Okay, but that still doesn’t explain how you were able to see their fight.” Sky Ranger said after a moment. “I mean, with the way this castle was restructured by you, there is no way you could see anything outside other than through the windows.”

“You don’t need to worry about that…let’s just say I have my ways of knowing.” Nightmare Moon replied, waving a hoof. “Just like I’ve always had even before I was banished to my precious Moon.”

“Whatever, we don’t give a lick jus’ how in the hay you were able to see whatever RD, them fancy flyers, ‘r any o’ us did while in this ‘ere forest.” Applejack snorted, glaring up at the sin black Alicorn. “All that matters t’ us is that we can finally put ya in yer damn place an’ stop all o’ th’ horrible things you’ve done!”

“What horrible things? You mean putting my sister in her place, revealing the weakling that she truly is and showing everypony the beauty of my night?” Nightmare Moon asked, sounding as if Applejack was accusing her of something she ‘didn’t’ do. “If that’s what you’re talking about, then I don’t see how all of what I did is horrible in anyway.”

“You…you seriously don’t-” Rarity stuttered, looking to be in complete shock at what had come out of Nightmare Moon’s mouth. Sapphire eyes blazing brightly, the alabaster Unicorn stamped her hoof. “Are you certifiably insane?! You most certainly did do something horrible, downright abominable and horrid even! You nearly destroy the entire town hall, endangered the lives of dozens of ponies, and nearly took the life of our Queen, and put our dear little sisters’ lives in danger!”

“Not to mention the roof that you made cave in trapped hundreds of foals under it.” Fluttershy added, a frown formed on her face. “Those poor babies, I could still here them screaming and crying, even after you struck me down! It’s a good thing our sisters and Goku’s little brother wasn’t anywhere near the crash, or else they would’ve been trapped too! Do you know how many of those foals’ parents are probably wracked with worry right now, even as we speak?! What have you got to say for yourself about that?! Don’t you feel the least bit guilty about what you did?!”

All of a sudden, there was a powerful gust of wind that swept over the ponies, courtesy of Nightmare Moon sending it to them with a flap of her wings. She slammed an armored hoof onto the ground, the force behind causing cracks to appear as she flared her wings.

“I would advise you to watch your tongue little Pegasus, you are speaking to a goddess. Or have you forgotten that little important fact already?” She stated quietly, her voice carrying an icy undertone. “The last time you tried to speak to me like that, I nearly caved your pink little chest in in front of your little bird friends. The only reason I spared you was because I was finally happy to be out of my prison, and didn’t really feel like dealing with you. Don’t make me have to change my mind and correct my mistake.”

“The only one who’s mistake is going to be corrected is yours Nightmare Moon.” Twilight retorted, dragging a hoof across the ground. The bruises that wracked her body now seemed to be powerless to keep her from going against the sin black Alicorn. “Though to be more precise, everything you done, mistake isn’t a strong enough word to describe all the terrors that you’ve inflicted upon us. If anything, I’d say what you did to us and Queen Celestia was downright diabolical, and we’re here to put a stop to it once and for all!”

“If you’re talking about what my sister told you about me and my ascension in my now more powerful form, and what was needed in order to ‘defeat me’, than I already know about that.” Nightmare Moon murmured, her brows furrowing. “She was kind enough to let me hear about our little history together and why I became what I am know…along with how I need to stop you from accomplishing your little ‘mission’.”

“So, you know about that too huh?” Goku asked, raising a jet-black eyebrow. “Then you should also know that we’re going to do whatever we can to stop you right here, right now. Especially now that we’ve found the Elements!”

“That may be so, but there’s one little flaw with that plan of yours little mare.” Nightmare Moon smirked as she levitated the encased Elements in the air. “I have them with me, and as long as I do, you stand very little chance of defeating me! And the only way you can do that without your precious Elements is if you take my life! Not that you can of course!”

“Of course we’re not going to try and take your life, who said that we could kill an immortal being?” Rarity snorted rolling her eyes. “If we did that, we wouldn’t be able to save the other poor life that you have under your retched control.”

“Other life?” Nightmare Moon asked, raising an ethereal blue eyebrow. “Just what are you going on about?”

“None of your damn business you moon flanked bitch!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily, lashing her tail. “Now, are you gonna shut your damn mouth so we can do this thing? Or are you gonna bore us do death with all of your bucking talk?!”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes narrowed. “What did you just call me?” She snarled, baring her vampiric fangs.

“Y’all heard RD.” Applejack said, smirking slightly. “We’re sick an’ tired o’ all o’ yer yappin’ ‘bout how we won’t stand a chance against ya. If ya think we can beat ya, then why don’t ya prove it to us?”

“Are…are you really that confident in yourselves?” Nightmare Moon asked, her draconic eyes widening in disbelief. “You seriously think you even stand a chance against me?”

“We never said that we just want to see if you can back up your claims about being able to take on all of us.” Goku replied, ruffling her wings. “So why don’t you go on, and do just that, so we know for sure?”

Nightmare Moon went quiet for a moment, her narrowed eyes staring right into the determined eyes of the seven mares glaring back at her. She honestly could not believe that these little ponies thought they had even the slimmest chance of winning against her, especially without the Element of Harmony. As much as she wanted to belief they were bluffing, she could see just by looking into their glowing eyes that they were serious. They really wanted them to show them what she was made of. Nightmare Moon didn’t know what drove them to think that they could win, but she could see that they were not going to back down. Each and every of them were ready fight and fight hard, possibly to the death even, as much as she believed otherwise, and something told her it would not be easy.

‘Well, it’s a good thing for me, because I have just the ponies that I know will have them all but groveling at my hooves. If they managed to survive their onslaught that is.’ The sin black Alicorn thought to herself as she let out a low chuckle. “I see…very well then, I shall humor you all in your little silly attempt to challenge me. However, before we do, I have at least a few more guests that I want to have join in this little, duel.”

“Guests?” Twilight asked, perplexed. “What’re you talking about?”

Rather than revealing their identity, Nightmare Moon merely smirked as she gave three hard taps on the ground with one of her armored hooves. Just seconds afterward, seven swirls of blackness appeared around either side of the sin black Alicorn, the seventh one the closest to her. When they vanished, they revealed to be seven ponies, all mares, two of them looking to be from one Pony Tribe each, with Nyx being among them. However, that did not take away group’s shock about seeing them, or taking in their descriptions.

The first mare in the circle was a Unicorn mare, looking to be an adult version of Sweetie Belle, with a coat that was far darker color than Twilight’s, to the point where it was almost indigo. She had a curly two-tone mane and tail skirt that was a mixture of dark purple and bright pink, her eyes being the same violet color as Twilight’s. Her eyes were shadowed an inky black, and her Cutie Mark was a sword piercing right through a crescent Moon. The second mare was an Earth Pony with a dark ocean blue coat, slightly darker than Crescent Shield’s own, with a long scarlet red mane and tail, her head having a purple bandana around it. Her eyes were the same emerald green color as Applejack’s and her Cutie Mark was of a trio of oranges. The third mare was a Pegasus grayish azure blue coat, with her mane and tail having a mixture of bright purple and aquamarine, and magenta pink eyes, her wings being a combination of all four colors. Her hooves were covered in regalia that had rose colored gemstones on them, and her Cutie Mark was of a grey cloud with lightning bolts shooting out of them.

The fourth mare in the group was an attractive Unicorn mare with a coal black coat, and a bright yellow mane and tail skirt, with the mane style in a way that Rarity’s would be when she woke in the morning. Her eyes were a deep swirling vortex of midnight blue, and her Cutie Mark was of three shining black gemstones, looking as only slightly lighter than her fur. The fourth mare was, much to the girl’s shock, looked like a straight maned version of Pinkie Pie herself. The only difference being that her coat was a slightly dark shade of pink, with her mane and tail being a deep blood red color. Her eyes were a shade of blue so pale that they were almost white, and her Cutie Mark was of a muffin that had red sprinkles on it. The sixth and final mare was a hybrid between a Pegasus and a Thestral, her fur being a ruby red, as well as the feathers covering her ebony leathered bat wings. Her similarly colored mane and tail skirt had pure white streaks in them, and her eyes were a menacing dark blue, with her Cutie Mark being a ball of fire with a bat wing spread out.

“No way…those ponies just materialized here out of thin air.” Sky Ranger said softly, his eyes wide in shocked disbelief. “That’s impossible, no living creature that’s not a Unicorn, or even half, should be able to do that!”

“Ah yes, no that’s much better. Now things look to be on a fairer scale for all of us.” Nightmare Moon crooned, looking over at each of the Nightmare Ponies in front of her. “Sun-lovers, I’d like you to meet seven of my most loyal and trusted subjects here in my entire Dark Army, known as the Savage Six. I was told my dear little Nixie that you were nearing our castle, and I thought that they would be more suited to your competitive liking.”

“Wait a second, those seven are your most powerful allies?” Zephyr asked, his eyes widening with terror. “Only the seven of them?”

“Indeed, they are; however understandable it is to not really believe that.” Nightmare Moon replied as the sin black Alicorn began to present the ponies. “This mare here is our magic loving user, Starlight Shadow Majikku, my Dark Armies best Magic user. Anything that you try to throw at her, she’ll send back at you with twice the power behind it.”

“Hello there, it’s very nice to meet you all.” Starlight Shadow murmured in a surprisingly calm and polite tone. “I can feel the magic coming from every single one of you and it is just wonderous. I’m certain that we’ll have quite the experimental time together.”

‘Sweet Celestia…I don’t like the way that mare is looking at me.’ Twilight thought as she gave a slight shudder. ‘She looks like she wants to use me as an experiment of hers!’ She paused as that thought sunk in her mind, a blush coming to her face, ‘Wait…I do that with Spike…crap.’

“Hmhm, yes, I’m sure you will.” Nightmare Moon chucked in amusement, before gesturing to the the ocean blue Earth Pony mare. “This sturdy looking mare is known as Curaçao Sweet Orange Tyrant, the strongest one out of all of us, other than that dear hybrid mare over there. Anypony who is up for hoof to hoof combat, and martial arts, you can always come to this mare to do it.”

“Yer damn right Ah do! Nothin’ better than gettin’ that blood pumpin’ body sweatin’ in a good an’ clean hoof fight.” Curaçao nodded, running a hoof across her purple bandana with a cheery grin. It soon turned into a stern one that could only be found on farmers as she added. “Just as long as ya don’t use any o’ that fancy Unicorn magic on me. Otherwise, we’re really gonna have a problem one another, so don’t try none o’ that, ya hear?”

‘This mare is definitely a farmer; Ah can feel it in mah bones.’ Applejack thought her emerald eyes locked with Curaçao’s own as Nightmare Moon went to the next mare. ‘Her name is only given it away even more. Except…why is her last name Tyrant?’

“This mare is known as Grayscale Force Arashiikimono.” Nightmare Moon said, putting a hoof on the grayish blue Pegasus’s mares back. “She’s not one that likes to be taken lightly, nor is she one to be disobeyed when she gives orders. So, I suggest that you abide by her wishes while you are fighting her, otherwise she’ll use quite the excessive force on you.”

“That’s right, I am not somepony you want to underestimate for any reason.” Grayscale Force snorted, crossing her forelegs. “And you’d better do whatever I tell you to, otherwise I’ve got no problem beating you into a mangled pulp if that’ll get you to listen to me!”

‘Sweet Faust, this mare looks like she wants to snap my damn neck!’ Rainbow Dash thought as she gave a slight flinch. ‘I’d better make sure to watch my step with her that I can tell just by looking at her that she’ll have no problem with killing me!’

“See? No problems using for, regardless of whether it’s necessary or not.” Nightmare Moon winked as he went over to the next mare. “This lovely looking mare here is known as Insipid Kesshoryuraion…our little lover of crystals, gems, and anything that shines. It makes it all the more dangerous for whoever is going to face her, especially with those alluring good looks.”

“Indeed; nopony, mare or stallion, can resist the likes of moa~.” Insipid nodded, her tone gaining a sensual tone as she eyed each of the ponies hungrily. “I cannot wait to take you all for myself and explore each lovely part of your bodies. I just love a pony that writhes around while moaning and screaming my name.”

Rarity let out a gulp as she felt Insipid’s eyes train into her own, gazing at her with a look of lust made her feel like she was going to get rutted. ‘I do not like the way she’s looking at me.’

“Quite the charming young mare indeed.” Nightmare Moon crooned as she motioned to the fifth mare the one that looked like Pinkie Pie. “This energetic young mare is Red Velvet Konton, and out of all of them, I think she’s one of the two ponies you need to watch out for. She can use her powers in ways that you can hardly even imagine. As for the one that fights here…well, I suggest you pray that she ends your suffering soon.”

“Oh, I don’t think they need to do that Queen Moonie.” Red Velvet giggled, smiling in a way that made her seem like she was an Earth Pony version of Blueball. “I just wanna have some fun with them, that’s all! And trust me, I will make absolute sure that whoever chooses to fight me, will be having the best fun they can possibly imagine, heeheeheeheehee!”

‘This mare…there’s something really really reeeeeally rotten about her!’ Pinkie Pie thought, a deep frown on her face. ‘I’d better watch myself around her! She looks like she could give Dashie and my friends a lot of trouble!’

With a pat on the dark pink mare’s scarlet maned she motioned to the last mare hovering above the group alone with Grayscale Force. “And last but most certainly not least, meet our one and only, Havocwing Datenshi! As I just said before, Red Velvet is one of the two mares that you need to watch out for, mainly because of the clan that she comes from. I’m pretty sure that at least one of you are aware of the Fallen Angel Clan, and if you’re not…well, you are going to be in for quite the brutal fight.”

Fluttershy, who was listening in on the intel of the last mare, let out a soft that did nothing to black out the horror behind it. It took a moment to process the name of the clan that Nightmare Moon said that Havocwing was from, and when it did, she felt her heart stop for a full three seconds. ‘D…D-D-D-Datenshi?! T-The infamous Fallen Angel Clan of Tartarus?! Oh…oh no…if Nightmare Moon really is telling the truth about that then…oh my. It looks like I’m gonna be in more of a rough fight that I thought I would be!’

“Awww, come on Queen Moon, there’s no need to make them scared.” Havocwing cooed sweetly, her childish voice sounding very in appropriate for her appearance and smile. “I just want to have a nice time with them, that’s all.” Her grin became more feral as her dark blue eyes glowed, both focused on Fluttershy. “Yeah, that’s right…just a nice, good and sweet time~.”

‘Okay, I take back what I thought just now!’ Fluttershy thought as she let out a gulp. ‘I am going to be put through HELL!’

“So, those are the most Sadistic Seven members of your Dark Army, are they?” Zephyr asked, glancing over at Nyx. “What about her? She looks like she’s far more capable in battle than the rest of them.”

Nightmare Moon grinned widely as she draped a wing over Nyx, who let out a giggle as she got mentioned by the Solar Royal Guard. “Who, this little one? Why, this is my dear little Nyx Nocturnis, the heir to my throne and the future ruler of my Eternal Nocturnal Kingdom. I’m so glad that you asked. I was wondering when somepony was going to take notice of her.” She leaned in and nuzzled Nyx, who laughed at the sudden contact. “And since you were so kind as to acknowledge her presence, I’ll give you the pleasure to fight her, yourself."

Zephyr paled. “W-what?”

“Really Momma, you’re really gonna let me fight a Royal Guard?!” Nyx gasped, looking up at her ‘mother’ with eye turquoise eyes. At the larger Alicorn’s nod, the smaller on squealed and started trotting in place. “Oh yay, I’ve always wanted to fight a pony that was a part of the Royal Divisions! Now I’m finally gonna get my wish, oh this is gonna be so much fun!”

‘Oh crap…oh crap oh crap oh CRAP!’ Zephyr mentally cursed, not at all liking the way that Nyx was smiling at him. His eyes widened even further when he saw a pair of feathered bat wings appear from either side of the mare. ‘Scratch that…I am royally screwed!’

“I call tell by the looks on your faces that you know just what these mares are capable of. Very good…you are about to face them all in battle after all.” Nightmare Moon said, smiling excitedly as she stepped to the back of the group. “Now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, let us commence with the grand finale!”

With a flick of his tail, Nightmare Moon ignited her horn, and Sky Ranger the Shadowbolts, who were quiet the entire time, felt themselves encased in an aura of her magic. Looks of shock and horror washed over them as the auras grew brighter, Nightmare Moon grinning at them all the while as they struggled to get away. Before they got the chance to even open their mouths to help, they all vanished in the blink of an eye.

“W-w-what the-?! Sky Ranger, Violet Fire, you guys?!” Goku cried, her eyes widening up seeing the Shadowbolts and Hippogriff no longer with them. With a snarl, she whipped her head back to Nightmare Moon and growled. “What did you do to them?! Where did they go?!”

“Calm down little fledgling, I was just sending them out of the castle so they wouldn’t disturb your one on one fights.” Nightmare Moon replied casually, laughing at the tan Thestral’s ashen face. “Now that they’re gone, I’ll I send each of your friends somewhere more private, so they won’t be disturbed. As for you and your fellow clan member…well, let’s just say that you’re both in for a treat; form me and my dear daughter.”

Right as she said that, her horn ignited for what had to be the second time since the girls’ arrival, and they were all encased in her magic as well. At that moment, the lack wisps of darkness began to surround six ponies that presented themselves, all of them having grins of anticipation on each of their faces. The last thing Goku heard was the terrified cries of each of her friends, before they, the Elements, Nightmare Moon, Nyx, and their six allies all vanished in a flash of blue light.

Author's Note

Man, I am just on a damn roll today aren't I?! just one day after posting the last chapter out on Blaze of the Night, I was not expecting to have this next new chapter out so quickly, let alone ready to post :derpyderp2: ! I guess my imagination is running a bit more wilder than I thought that it was...heh, lucky me huh :twilightblush: ? Now, I did say that I was going to have the group do some exploring on the new castle, but I don't think I really accomplished that part of the chapter in my opinion, and I'm pretty sure that you're all going to think and say the same thing :ajsleepy: . However, one thing that I do think that I did a much better job on is the edited encounter with Nightmare Moon, along with the ponies that I'm going to have them all face, after some slight conversing in the next chapter :scootangel: ! Now, I'm pretty sure that you guys are wondering about that, and, I'm just going to say that these characters are ideas that I got from a MLP fan-art picture called Crisis Equestria, but, much to my surprise, there is no story that has these new characters :applejackconfused: . All I know is their names and, their Pony Tribe, and their colors and Cutie Marks, nothing else; the rest of the things that I added in were completely thought up from the top of my head, which I felt would suit them :ajsmug: . Also, due to the expressions and body language that I got from first seeing the faunar of my dear Savage Six, I tried giving them personalities that would suit them, so I hope you guys are fine with that :raritywink: . Now, as for the tapestry the one that that I know that every single one of you are wondering about, like stated before, all will be revealed in due time, but I will say that your minds will be blown when you find out the connections about that :pinkiegasp: !!!

Well, that's all for now; tune in next time for the beginning of the final battles between the Goddess of the Black Moon and her Dark Army :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 70 - The Magic Ignites

The very first thing that Goku felt when she appeared in the new location that she was in was a headache that threated to spit her skull in half. Her acute vision blurred wildly, and she let out a groan as she stumbled on her hooves. She swayed back and forth, nearly falling off of her clawed feet as she attempted to fight of the migraine hammering at her skull. A took a moment for her to regain control of her body, and when she did, she promptly fell on her haunches and but both hooves to the sides of her head.

“Oooooooh…my bucking head…goddamn that Nightmare Moon, nearly knocking me unconscious with that magic trick of her’s. I am so gonna feel the effects of that headache for an entire week!” The tan Thestral groaned, rubbing her temples as tenderly as she could. As the pain in her head began to go away, Goku blinked a few times and looked around the new part of the castle we were in. “Ugh…where in the hay am I? Is this some new part of the castle?”

At that moment, Goku suddenly gasped as the memory of what had just happened came flooding into her mind. She and the rest of her friends had been teleported out of the room where she, her friends, Sky Ranger, and the Shadowbolts were just a several minutes ago. Goku also remembered that while each of her friends had been teleported away, she had been teleported along with their new adversaries, which meant only one thing.

“Twilight!” She shouted, her terrified voice echoing about their new location as she looked around frantically for the lavender Unicorn. “Twilight, girls, are you hear?! Can and of you hear me?! Please, answer me if you can!”

Goku then went silent, her cries echoing about her new section of the castle as she waited for any of her friends to respond to her. When no answer came, Goku grew even more worried, lowering her head to the floor and sniffing at the ground. She walked around the new room of the abandoned castle, trying to detect any of her friends, only to find none of them there. With a frustrated growl, Goku slammed her hooves onto the ground, leaving a few large cracks in it as she snapped her head up.

“Nightmare Moon?! Where are you?!” She yelled, her powerful voice reverberating throughout the new room. “Show yourself! If you don’t, I’ll burn this entire castle down and pull you out form the ground up!”

For a moment, Goku got no response, and for a moment she seriously considered going through her threat and reducing the entire room to smoke and ash. Before she could however, she felt a surge of dark, overwhelming, yet very familiar power slowly growing from behind her. Goku whipped her head around to see a large tornado of ethereal mist slowly rising from the ground, causing dust to flow all over the room. Turning her whole body around, Goku panted all of her legs wide, flaring her feathered dragon wings as her red eyes blazed with fury, looking to be seconds away from attacking her foe.

Eventually, the ethereal most exploded into a large orb of power that expanded throughout the entire room and enveloped, everything, Goku included, in its path. The sound of glass shattering filled the crimson Kirin’s ears, but she paid it no mind, keeping her narrowed eyes forward at what was in front of her. When the light receded, Goku felt a blood curdling snarl leave her throat as her eyes landed on the mare standing just meters away from her.

“My my…you have quite the temper on you, don’t you little pony?” Nightmare Moon asked coyly, smirking down at the much younger mare. “Well, it’s not really all that surprising to me…dragons have been known to have quite the short tempers. So, I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised by your hot-headed attitude towards me. Hmhmhm, it only tells me that you’re that much excited to continue this little contest.”

“Cut the damn bullshit Nightmare Moon! I didn’t come here for a little chit chat or to have a little playdate with you.” Goku snarled, lashing her tail skirt out. “Where are the rest of my friends, Sky Ranger, and Shadowbolts?!”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. they’re all safe and sound, that much I can assure you.” Nightmare Moon replied, waving a hoof dismissively. “Though I do suppose that you’re wondering what I did with them aren’t you?”

Goku snorted, twin streams of smoke shooting out of her nostrils. “I think that’s what I asked just several seconds ago. Now, are you going to tell me what you did to them, or am I going to have to make your fur more red than black?”

“As menacing as I think I would look with red fur, I’m afraid that I’m going to have to decline.” Nightmare Moon said dismissively. “Just in case you forgot me telling you, I sent each of your friends in different rooms in my brand-new castle. That way, nopony will disturb them, or us, while the rest of my Dark Army deal with Celestia’s own.” Right as she said that, her bat ears perked and flicked about, and a small smile came to her face. “And it looks like the fight is finally going to commence.”

“What?” Goku frowned, her own ears pinning back. “What’re you talking about?”

“You can hear it, can’t you?” Nightmare Moon asked. “The sound of our two armies clashing with one another? I know you can, just focus you magic in your hearing and you’ll hear it too.”

Though it seemed incredibly wrong to her to take advice from a being as vile as Nightmare Moon, Goku did so, channeling her magic into her sensitive ears to sharpen them. It didn’t take long for her efforts to pay off, for she heard the familiar war like sound of ponies neighing and weapons clashing outside. The sound of explosions and even roaring could also be heard, roaring that could only belong to that of a dragon.

“You’re right…it looks like Queen Celestia finally managed to make it here. Along with whoever else was with her.” Goku murmured, glancing up at the sin black Alicorn. “Well, at least me and my friends won’t have to worry about them coming to make things worse.”

“Maybe not for you, but things will certainly be getting worse for your dear Queen.” Nightmare Moon retorted. “And things will most definitely be getting worse for you as well…that I can promise you.”

“We’ll see about that, now won’t we?” Goku hissed acidly, baring her fangs up at the sin black Alicorn. “Anyway, I’ve had enough chit chat with you, I’ve got a nation to protect, and an Element to get, and I’m pretty sure that the rest of my friends are doing that right now.”

“Yes, I believe they are little fledgling.” Nightmare Moon murmured, flaring her feathered bat wings. “Now then…shall we commence in our battle?”

Rather than answer, Goku merely closed her eyes as azure blue aura surrounded her body, quickly picking up in strength and speed within just a few seconds. Then, the power exploded out of her and began to surround her, as if magical bombs went off in Goku’s body bodies. The tan Thestral’s power swirled her around and morphed as she all let out a loud echoing neigh that nearly deafened the Nightmare Moon. There was suddenly a bright flash of light, and Nightmare Moon was forced to cover her eyes with one of her wings to keep from getting blinded by the intensity of the light. The light dissipated after a moment, allowing the sin black Alicorn to look and see what had happened. When she laid eyes on Goku again, her jaw dropped as she stared wide eyed at her seven challengers’ new transformations.

Goku, for the lack of a better word, now looked like a cross between a dragon and a pony, very much like Spike’s own form. She had grown in height and strength to the point where she was almost up to Big Macintosh’s size. Her creamy tan fur had lightened considerably to the point where she was a pale white, while still maintaining some of her tan color. Her mane became more like that of a dragon’s scales, while still looked like a of pony’s mane, her tail becoming a pure azure blue sword-like blade. Goku’s hooves turned into that of claws, which were the same color as her now golden yellow scaly mane, her wings growing in size, length, and span. Her golden eyes became a blazing emerald blue, slitted more like that of a dragon’s, and her teeth lengthened in sharpened, becoming similar to that of a saber tooth cat’s own.

“Oh yeah, I always love it when I do that. It just makes me feel so exhilarated~.” Goku purred a pleasurable shiver going down her spine. After managing to control herself after a few moments, she looked back up at a shocked Nightmare Moon and asked, “Well Nightmare Moon? I’m going all out now, so why don’t you go ahead and do the same? I mean it’s only fair…unless you think you can take me in the form, you’re in now.”

That seemed to snap Nightmare Moon out of her stupor, and she gave a few headshakes before she smirked back down at the Kirin. “My that’s quite the form you have. It’s rather fitting, considering the clan that you and your family is from. Now…allow me to show you the power of the Goddess of the Black Moon!”

Closing her eyes, a deep red aura appeared around Nightmare Moon, washing over her entire body and turning her into a bright pony-shape of red. When it dissipated, she was seen adorned in a new set of armor, its color going from a glittering icy blue, to a deep blood ruby red. Her massive wings had feather and wing armor with holes where the wing claws were supposed to be, allowing them to poke out. From her mid back, all the way down to her rump was a deep armored skirt with razor sharp feathers at the ends, while the rest of her armor was like that of a Royal Guard, except it was more demonic looking. Her forelegs and hindlegs were also adorned in blood ruby armor, with metal boots covering the lower half of her hindlegs, and what looked to be metal gloves covering her front ones. To top her new appearance off, her armor had a pair of crow wings where her chest was, and her head armor had a pair of red crow wings where her ears were.

“There, that’s much better, so much more than my last armor.” She sighed, grinning down at a wide eyed Goku as a flock of swords hovered behind her. “Do you like what you see, little fledgling?”

“H-h-how…how the buck did you do that?!” Goku all but demanded, pointing a hoof, or claw, at the sin black alicorn. “You just made that armor appear out of thin air! Nopony should be able to do something like that! Not unless they…t-they…”

“Have two things; one, being an overwhelming amount of magical power, which I have, thanks to my Alicorn heritage.” Nightmare Moon said somewhat smugly. “Or two, a specific type of magical power that allows them to wear different types of armor. A magic which I also have; that very same magic being called…Requip Magic.”

Goku gasped, her draconic pupils thinning as her heart plummeted to the floor. “R-R-Requip Magic?!”

“Ohohoho, so you’ve heard of this magic before?” Nightmare Moon cooed, raising a brow at the pale white Kirin. “I can tell by that little horrified look on your face that you have.”

“It…it’s something that my Mom and her family branch can use.” Goku replied, doing her best to regain her composure. “All members of the Nightstalker clan can use Requip Armor Magic to let them adorn any kind of offense or defensive armor that they’d like. Me and my sisters can do it to, but my brother can’t since he’s still pretty young.” Her eyes narrowed as her ears pinned back in anger. “How is it that you were able to do something like that? As far as I’m concerned only my mother’s clan can do it!”

“Well, that may be true for you, but in general, far from it my dear.” Nightmare Moon replied, flexing her armored wings. “Your clan is not the only one that knows of magic like this, anypony with magic even remotely similar to mine can do this. If your family is the only one you know that does this, then you really need to expand on your knowledge of magic and the clans that they belong to.”

“Well forgive me if my knowledge isn’t as vast as yours. I just found out about your abilities literally like, a minute ago!” Goku snap sassily, flicking her tail skirt. “Not everypony can be a bookworm like Twilight, and as smart as I am, even I know that there are somethings that I don’t know and have yet to discover.”

“Well, it looks like you also have a little bit of wisdom in you despite your age. Such a rarity it is to see such a thing these days.” Nightmare Moon chuckled, ignoring the heated glare Goku shot her. “I am curious about something though…if your mother and sisters can use the same Requip magic, why didn’t you do the same just now? I mean it would’ve made things fairer, since I do like fighting ponies in nice steely armor.”

“I…don’t have very good control over my Requip Magic unfortunately.” Goku replied, an embarrassed blush coming to her face. “Don’t get me wrong, I can still use it…it’s just…due to how much power and magic I have in me, it tends to run amok. It’s not the same with my Shenron powers, because I can control that okay, but with my Nightstalker Requip powers…” She looked back up at Nightmare Moon with a grimace. “Let’s just say this fight of ours will end more quickly than even you would like.”

“Oh, I see.” Nightmare Moon murmured, letting out a shrug. “Oh well, it’s not like I haven’t run into ponies whose powers are like that before in my lifetime. That still doesn’t mean that I’m not going to enjoy tearing your scales off piece by piece.” She added, her feral dark fanged grin returning. “Get ready little fledgling, because you’re about to experience the might of my Requip Tartarus’s Wheel!”

Twilight let out a groan of pain as she began to regain consciousness, her whole entire head pounding as if she was hit by a sledge hammer. Her vision went in and out of place, blurring all over as she tried to regain her senses and bring herself back into the waking world. As she began to regain control of her body, the first thing she noticed was that she was a little colt. For a brief moment, she thought that she was laying in snow, but as she put her hoof down, she realized it was a floor, with no snow whatsoever. With this realization in mind, Twilight plopped both forehooves in front of her and sat herself up. She felt another pulse through her head, and one of her hooves came to her horn to tentatively rub it, trying to sooth the ache. As she opened her eyes, she found herself looking into a pair of dark purple eyes.

“Oh good, you’re finally awake!” The mare said excitedly, a bright smile on her face. “I was wondering when you were going to get up! I thought that I’d have to use a spell to get you up!”

Twilight’s eyes snapped open, and she let out a scream of surprise at the unknown mare in front of her. The lavender mare was so taken aback that she jumped more than ten feet backwards and slid across the smooth cool floor. This caused a third pulse to go through her horn and it distracted her for a few moments, and she finally got control of it, she focused on the mare in front of her. A horrified gasp escaped her when she saw who it was, and she shot to her hooves, her headache all but forgotten.

“S-S-S-Starlight Shadow?!” She cried, the name coming out in a stutter as she pointed a hoof at her supposed foe. “W-w-w-what are you doing here?!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I scare you?" Starlight asked curiously, tilting her head to the side. “I guess I was standing a little top close to you for your own comfort.”

“Don’t try to chance the subject!” Twilight shouted, stomping a hoof. “I said what’re you doing here?! Why am I not with the rest of my friends?! And where the hay is Nightmare Moon?!”

Starlight giggled, her curly two-toned mane and tail bouncing with her movements. “Whoa there, miss, no need to get so worked up there! To answer all of your questions in order, you were teleported here along with me, which is what happened with the rest of your friends. Which is why you’re is why not with them, and as with Nightmare Moon…well, I’m guessing that she’s with your Bat Pony friend.”

“G-Goku?!” Twilight gasped, paling as her pupils contracted. “S-she’s with Nightmare Moon?!”

Starlight nodded, a small smirk coming to her face as she flicked her tail skirt. “Yes, she most certainly is…well, at least from what I’m theorizing. I’m sure your wondering why, aren’t you? It’s because out of all of you Nightmare Moon sensed that she was the strongest out of all of you seven. So, she deemed it appropriate for her to be the one to challenge our dear Dark Queen…well, other than that Royal Guard of yours and our Majesty’s dear little Nyx.”

“N-nightmare Moon is going to fight Goku?!” Twilight cried, feeling her heart begin to thud in her chest. “No…NO! This is not happening; this just cannot be happening!”

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but it is.” Starlight chuckled sweetly, the smirk on her face growing wider. “It was our dear Dark Queen’s choice to pick who she was going to fight and who’d be worthy enough to challenge her.”

Twilight’s face morphed from one of terror into one of anger. “Well there’s no way that I’m gonna let that happen! Sorry to cut this meeting short, but I can’t waste my time here; I need to get to my friends so we can all help Goku!”

Before Starlight could try to stop her, Twilight turned tail and raced over to the giant double doors that was at the back of the giant battle room. Just as she reached the doors and encased them with her magic, she immediately found herself flown back by an unknown force. She let out a cry as she was sent tumbling across the floor, stopping halfway across it as her eyes rolled around as if they were googling eyes.

“What in Celestia’s name was that?!” Twilight cried, looking up at the door before going back at Starlight. “What did you do to the door?!”

“Who, me? I didn’t do a thing~.” Starlight said sweetly, looking off to the side. “Well, apart from putting a magical special shield on the door to keep you from leaving, hmhmhm.”

“So you did to something to the door!” Twilight clarified accusingly. “What makes you think that you can just trap me here with you?!”

“Nothing really.” Starlight replied, running a hoof through her curly locks. “Except that I have something here with the both of us that I think that you’ll want.”

“Something I want?” Twilight frowned, her anger diminishing slightly. “What are you talking about? All I see is this really giant room with magically infused doors, having you and me in it?! What could you have that would want to keep me from leaving?!”

The dark purple Unicorn smirked, igniting her horn in a space-like aura, and in a flash of light, a large sphere appeared in front of her. “Maybe something like…this?”

Twilight gasped, her brain shutting down for a moment as her violet eyes stared at the sphere in Starlight’s hold. “The…the Element of Magic…”

“That’s right…one of the six precious gemstones that you need to even stand a chance against our Queen Moon.” Starlight nodded, her smirk becoming viler. “In case you haven’t figured out, our Queen didn’t just teleport you me, and the rest of our group to different sections of the castle. She also had one of each of your weapons transported with one of our groups, besides one of us from both groups. So, if I have one Element, then that means that Grayscale, Red, Insipid, Curaçao, Havocwing and Nyx have one of these with them as well.”

“They have one of the Elements with them too?” Twilight asked, her ears pinning back. “W-what does that mean?”

“Oh come on? you mean you really haven’t figured it out yet?” Starlight asked, raising a two-toned eyebrow. “It means that if you wanna get your Elements, let alone get to our Queen, then you’re all going to have to get passed the six of us.”

“You…you mean I have to f-fight you?” Twilight asked, gulping a bit. “As in actually fight you?”

“Precisely…as in a literal actual fight.” Starlight nodded, setting the Element of Magic down about twenty feet away from her. “So, whaddya say? You want to conduct a little experiment with me by seeing which one of us Unicorn’s is the stronger Magic Mage?”

“E-experiment...are you really asking me that?!” Twilight cried, her surprise turning to anger. “Each of my friends and all of ponyville is in peril! You're seriously asking me if I want to experiment with you?!”

Starlight paused, a perplexed frown coming to her face as she raised her ignited horn from its position. “Well of course sweetie. Maybe not in the way you're used to, but I can assure you, it'll be much more fun this way. You can come at me with all you want, which I can assure you, isn’t going to work.” She flicked her tail skirt, and aimed her long horn back at Twilight again. “Now, are you gonna make a move? Or will I have to make it for you?”

"Well, it's not like I have much of a choice, do I?" Twilight deadpanned, lowering her head as she stretched her forelegs apart form one another. "Just so you know, I may not look it, but I happen to be essentially experience in combat, be it hoof to hoof or magical. So don't expect me to be an easy target for you, let alone Nightmare Moon!"

“That's Queen Moon to you missy!” Starlight stated firmly, glaring warningly at the lavender Unicorn. Her stern look soon faded away to a small grin as she ignited her horn in a space-like aura. “As far as you being an expert in combat, I could really care less about that. As far as I’m concerned, the only thing that’ll accomplish is me having more fun stripping you of all the magic you have. Oh, and before you ask, I also happen to have a sharp eye any sneaky tricks, so try not to do any of that with me here, okay?”

“I never said that I was going to trick you!” Twilight protested, lashing her tail out. “What gave you that idea?!”

“Nothing; and I know that you didn’t say you’d trick me.” Starlight replied nonchalantly, giving a slight shrug. “The again, I’m not the mare to take any chances…especially in moments like this. Now…let’s do this!”

Twilight cried out in terror as Starlight shot a blast of space-like telekinesis at her, and she just barely manage to get out of the way in time. Giggling, Starlight fired off several more blasts at the lavender Unicorn, to which the mage dodged as well. As she took a few moments to recover, Twilight looked to where Starlight fired the shots, and went wide-eyed as she saw the damaged floor begin to fix itself.

“Oh, right, I neglected to mention something about Queen Moon’s new castle.” Starlight said somewhat bashfully, her cheeks turning a light pink. “When Nightmare Moon constructed this castle with her magic, she created it in a way that any damage that’s taken will be able to fix itself in the blink of an eye. Just as long as the damage isn’t too great to where she has to reset the spell again.”

“N-no way…” Twilight whispered as she looked back at Starlight. “She’s…she’s that powerful?!”

“I think that powerful is a bit of an understatement.” Starlight replied. “I’d say that she’s an embodiment of multiple magical spells and techniques! It’s one of the many things that I love about Queen Moon the most! I just love a pony that can use magic and spells that our out of this world!” Her long and lethal horn ignited again as her expression of glee turned into a deep frown of frustration. “Speaking of which, when are you going to start showing your trump cards yet? While I’m all for making the first move, I don’t want to be the one that makes does this forever. I do like a good fair fight you know!”

Before Twilight could respond, Starlight fired off a particularly large blast of magic at Twilight, and this time, the other Unicorn conjured up a shield to block it. The force of the attack took Twilight by surprise, so much so that it let her know that this dark Unicorn was not pulling any punches, and she wasn’t just aiming to pound her into the ground either.

She was aiming to kill.

Gritting her teeth, Twilight let out a lough whinny and turned her shield into a blast of magic of her own, letting it fight against Starlight’s. The dark purple Unicorn was taken by surprise by the sudden change in tactics, but nonetheless smiled in glee at the change of pace. The two mares continued on in their power struggle for a few more moments, before an explosion rang out in their room of battle.

“Yes, now that’s more like it! Now you’re starting to get it!” Starlight squealed out as the dust settled, allowing her to see the now hardened look on Twilight’s face. “That’s the face that I want to witness! The look of somepony who knows that they have to do all that it takes to ensure that they win!”

“Wow...you’re really aiming to try to terminate me, aren’t you? You didn’t even hesitate the first time; let alone the last several ones.” Twilight murmured, a disappointed frown coming to her face. “It looks like fighting you like this isn't going to work out for me, and probably not in my Ascension Mode either. Then again, with who we were facing, I don't think even that will work in the first place.”

“As if I fighting a mare who comes from a family who're masters of magic would be easy period.” Starlight murmured, rolling her eyes. “Now, let’s push the talking aside and get down to our little experimental fight. Something tells me that we’re going to know a lot about each other’s powers and tactics.”

“I do too, but before we do that though…” Twilight began as a dark glow started to appear on her back. “Let me change into something a bit more…suitable, for our duel.”

Starlight blinked curiously; her interest peaked. “Suitable?”

Twilight said nothing; instead closing her eyes as the dark blue aura that was surrounding her back began to glow brighter. It slowly surrounded the rest of her body as she went through a rather nocturnal transformation. Her lavender coat turned a deep shade of purple, just a shade lighter than Starlight’s own, her hooves darkening even more to the point where they were as dark as her eyes. Her mane and tail grew in length, both turning a jet-black color as the pink and purple streaks combining into a deep red color, and her tail becoming more leonine. Her horn became longer and sharper at the tip, with indigo streaks going around it, while a set of fangs poked out from the corner of her lips. Wisps of dark blue magic appeared where Twilight’s shoulder blades were materializing into massive bat wings that had wing claws as sharp as her fangs. As the wisps of magic vanished, Twilight could be seen in gleaming white and jet-black armor adorning her chest, midsection, legs, and hooves. Finally, top it off, a scythe appeared in the air, conjured up by the last particles of dark blue magic, which was now encased in a dark blue aura.

“Oh, my goodness, look at you!” Starlight said gleefully, an excited grin on her face. “That has to be the most interesting transformation that I’ve ever seen! Is that a clan power of yours?!”

“Yes, it is, thank you for noticing.” Twilight replied, setting her scythe on the ground. She blew out the extended strand of jet-black mane on her face, only for it to fall back over the left side of her face. “Just in case you haven’t heard of it, I come from the Sparkle Clan, one that’s known for going into nocturnal transformations and casting spells that would require the most powerful Unicorn to do. Spells like summoning weapons, like this scythe that I just conjured up while I was going into this form.” She twirled the aforementioned weapon in her magic, the blade shining in the room’s icy light before she slammed it back down. “That, and this form also sharpens my senses, and enhances my strength, so I’ll be able to be more in tune with your attacks and be able to sense them better.”

“Wow, so that form can not only amplify and increase your magical strength, but also your physical strength as well?” Starlight asked, rubbing a hoof across her chin. “Interesting…you just gave me much more experimental plans for you! I am going to have so much fun researching your body and magic!”

“You’ll have to defeat me if you want to have even the slightest opportunity to do that.” Twilight replied, pointing her scythe at her. “And trust me, I have no intentions of getting defeated, especially by somepony as powerful as you!”

“Heh, so you can sense how much power I have huh? You’re a lot sharper than I thought!” Starlight said impressively, her sharp purple horn igniting as a flock of special swords appeared around her. “I would like to know the name of my future experiment though! I’d hate to have to conduct my research on you without even knowing your name.”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed as she lashed her leonine tail. “My name is Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle; protégé of Queen Celestia Daybringer, the Goddess of the Sun and the Solar Queen.”

“Twilight…a fitting name for a mare that has a Cutie Mark symbolizing magic.” Starlight crooned, lowering her head as her mane partially shadowed her face. “And of course, you know that my name is Starlight Shadow Majikku, the leader of the second in command of them Savage Seven. Though I wonder if you know the meaning of my clan name and what it specializes in.”

“You do realize who you’re talking to right?” Twilight asked, raising a darkened brow. “As somepony who loves magic, I pretty much know any type of magic that you can conjure up. And of course I know what you’re clan name is and what it specializes in, especially since mine does the same thing!”

“Good, then you know exactly what to expect form me as I do you.” Starlight nodded, swirls of special energy surrounding her. “Now…show me the magic inside of you!”

With those words, Starlight shot her magical swords at Twilight, her dark eyes as bright as the gemstone in her chest as she did so. Twilight’s own eyes flashed, as he flared her wings, taking off with a single bound and meeting the swords with a powerful clash.

Rainbow Dash fell flat on her face as she appeared in whatever room that she was in, falling to her side a second later as she put her hooves to her face. She took one hoof away to pull herself to her haunches as she attempted to sit up, using the other hoof to gingerly rub at her muzzle. A couple of moments later, she opened her eyes and looked around to the new castle room that she was in, which immediately put her on alert.

“Where the buck am I?!” Rainbow Dash asked herself, hovering into the air. Her pupiless eyes scanned her new surroundings, searching for any signs of the sin black Alicorn, only to find nothing. “That bucking Moon bitch must’ve separated me away from G and the others! I swear, when I find her, I’m going to give her a laser beam right in that Moon covered ass of her’s!”

“Geez, you are a really loud one, aren’t you?” A familiar voice said briskly, making Rainbow Dash’s ears perk up. “You must have the lungs of a Snow Leopard, and those furballs can roar loud.”

Whipping her head in front of her, Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened upon seeing Grayscale Force hovering just thirty feet away from her in the large room. Both of her armored forehooves were crossed, and an annoyed frown could be seen stretched across her face. Her two-toned mane was partially covering the left side of her face, making her look even more intimidating as the gemstone in her armored chest flashed as bright as her eyes.

“YOU!” Rainbow Dash shouted; her fangs bared as she glared heatedly at the other mare. “WHAT IN THE HAY ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”

Grayscale jumped a bit, both of her hooves coming to her ears as she hissed in discomfort. “By Faust, you are not letting up on the shouting, are you? It’s bad enough that I got pair with somepony as hotheaded as you, but do you really have to go screaming your head off?! I have really sensitive ears you know!”

“Cut the bullshit, you jewelry wearing bitch!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her eyes blazing brightly as she snarled at the azure blue Pegasus. “You’d better tell me where the hay Goku and the rest of my friends are! If you don’t, I’m gonna knock all the teeth out of that smart mouth of yours!”

“Well…if it’ll save me from going dear, then I guess I have no choice.” Grayscale Force sighed heavily, her ears pinning back. “I’m gonna keep this short and sweet; Queen Moon sent each of you into one of these giant ass different rooms, so you’d be fighting one of each of us. I’m not sure which rooms Queen Moon sent them in, but what I am sure is that each and every one of your friends are going to get pummeled.”

“She did what?!” Rainbow Dash asked, her shock temporarily ruling over her anger. “When the hay did she do that?!”

Grayscale’s jaw dropped. “You seriously forgot when you were teleported here? Wow, Queen Moon’s technique must’ve made you even more of an idiot.” She snorted, ignoring the glare the cyan mare sent her way. “Take a minute and think back, like, half am minute ago, when Queen Moon encased you in her magic. Doesn’t that seem just the slightest bit familiar to you?”

“…Oh, right, no I remember.” Rainbow Dash replied, the memory of the sudden teleportation coming to her a few seconds later. As soon as that recognition came, she shook her head and returned to glaring back at Grayscale. “Still though, that doesn’t mean that I’m buying any of you crap about that happening to my friends! I’ll bet that you just did that to me to keep me from the rest my friends and your own, so they and that Nightmare Moon cunt could finish them off!”

“If that’s what you wanna believe, then go ahead.” Grayscale shrugged, blowing some of her mane away from her face. “Either way, I don’t really care…the only thing I care about is destroying anypony that’s a threat to our Dark Queen and her future reign. One of those threats happen to be you, and as long as you’re still alive, there’s no way that I’m going to let you win in this fight.”

“That’s funny, I was just about to say the same thing to you.” Rainbow Dash smirked as her eyes began to glow again. “Only with me, I’m not just gonna win…I’m gonna Sonic Rainboom you right out of this castle!”

With those words, followed by an enraged shriek, Rainbow Dash hurled herself at Grayscale, who merely deadpanned at the reckless attack. When the cyan mare got within range, Grayscale’s right hoof slammed into her stomach, the armor surrounding it adding to the power behind the punch. Rainbow Dash hunched forward as the sound of shattering ribs echoed in her ears, a large glob of blood leaving her mouth as she screamed in pain. Whirling around, Grayscale kicked the mare right in her muzzle, sending her flying and crashing right into the double doors that had Grayscale’s Cutie Mark in the center.

The instant she made contact with the icy door, volts of electricity erupted to life, sending volts of electricity throughout the mare’s body. Her screams of agony echoed about the room that she and Grayscale were in, the azure blue mare watching with a passive expression as she crossed her forehooves. She watched as the electricity gave off an explosion, sending the mare sprawling across the floor in an electrified heap.

“Did you seriously try to go with a full-on charge?” Grayscale asked sarcastically. “That attack was so predictable that I could’ve sensed it while blindfolded.”

Rainbow Dash groaned, sitting up as she coughed up another mouthful of blood a few bloodied teeth. As she tried to sit up, she found herself falling back down to the icy ground, covering her stomach as blood dripped form her mouth.

‘Sweet Faust above…this mare is powerful!’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself, her hooves feeling an imprint in her stomach. ‘She hasn’t even used her full power on me and I’m already feeling like I’m going to throw up!’

“What? Is that it? just one hit and your already down?” Grayscale asked disappointedly. “I know I said that I wanted to get this over with, but not this fast. I was hoping that you’d put up least a bit more of a fight than that. I guess you really are just all bark and no bite.”

This set Rainbow off big time. “H-hey it’s not my fault that I didn’t have any idea how powerful your physical attacks would be!”

“Well then you shouldn’t have gotten so hot-headed and tried to do head-on charge towards me.” Grayscale retorted, rolling her eyes. “That’s one of the many things that can get you killed in a fight. You’re incredibly bucking lucky that all you got were broken ribs and electrical shock form the seal put I put on that door. Try something like that again and you’re not going to be so fortunate.”

“Are you saying that I don’t have what it takes to kick your ass?” Rainbow Dash asked, letting out a low growl. “Cause it looks like that’s what you’re trying to say right now.”

“No, I’m saying that if you let your emotions and recklessness get the better of you, that is what is going to increase your chances in getting killed. Especially by somepony like me, the Gray Wolf of the Storm Realm.” Grayscale replied, baring her teeth like a wolf. Her expression relaxed after that brief explanation and she gave a shrug. “Although, if you want to take it like that, then I really don’t care. You’ve clearly proved that point after you tried to it.”

“Alright that’s it!” Rainbow Dash shouted, rising to her hooves and slamming one down on the ground. “I am so going to make you eat those words! forget about me Sonic Rainbooming you to the end of Equestria! I’m gonna make you explode into nothing but mist!”

“Come on and try it…if you’re hotheadedness will allow you.” Grayscale grunted, lashing her tail out. “I will let you know though, there’s a reason why I’m called the Gray Wolf of the Storm Realm. That reason being, if you mess with the wolf, or any member of its pack, you get the fangs!” The grayish blue Pegasus bared her teeth again, and her canines seemed to elongate as if trying to emphasize their owner’s point.

“Well then, it’s a good thing you’re not up against Goku, ‘cause she’d definitely give you a dose of her own fangs.” Rainbow Dash snorted as streaks of teal magic began to swirl around her. “Because I’m going to give you something a lot worse!”

“Right back at you.” Grayscale retorted, lightning surrounding her as she let out a wolfish howl.

Two simultaneous explosions of power burst from the two mares after those words, enveloping their entire bodies as if eradicating them. It washed over the large icy room that they were both in, before they vanished, allowing the two Pegasi two see their new forms. Rainbow Dash’s entire body was now a blazing teal color, with some parts of it having colors that contrasted it. Her fur, mane and tail were a shining color of blue and green, with the tips of her mane, tail, and her feathers being a shining white, along with her hooves. Rainbow Dash’s eyes were a blazing golden yellow, with no sign of the magenta irises and pupils being in sight.

Just as her transformation finished, the power surrounding Grayscale vanished, revealing the bluish grey mares own form. Her gleaming silver armor covering her hooves and chest had now spread all over her body, her head and neck being the only one being uncovered. It was now an obsidian black color, still shining as bright as the grey armor she wore just moments prior. The ones that weren’t covered had seemed to undergo some chances as well. A set of canines appeared inside of Grayscale’s muzzle, looking to belong to that of a dog’s or a wolf’s. Her mane and tail had lengthened and looked to be more untamed, her tail skirt becoming more wolf-like while her ears lengthened and became pointier. Her eyes, which were once twin pools of magenta, were now twin skies of azure blue, as blue as the gem inside the center of her newly adorned armor. Lastly, the armor where her hooves were, had several holes in them, allowing her clawed paws to jet out and scrape against the floor beneath her.

“Gotta admit, that’s a pretty gnarly looking form you have there.” Rainbow Dash commented. “I can see why you were given your nickname.”

“I could say the same for you.” Grayscale murmured, flicking her extended tail out as her feathered draconic wings flared. “That transformation of yours is pretty flashy I have to admit.”

“Well of course it does, I am from the most awesome clan in all of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash boasted, putting a hoof to her chest. “Only somepony awesome as me can have powers as awesome as this! The same powers that I’m gonna use to blow you away!”

“Well, you certainly seem like the mare who likes powers like that.” Grayscale muttered with a roll of her eyes. “Before we do this though, could you tell me who you are? I’d like to at least know the name of the pony that’s threat to my Queen’s reign…so I can make sure that you’re not a threat to it again.”

Rainbow Dash smirked, flaring her wings as she declared proudly, “I am Rainbow Diana Dash Wisp! Member of the Wisp Clan and future member of the Wonderbolts! And before you tell me who you are, it’s fine; your Queen already told me it. So, you don’t need to waste your breath with that.”

“As if I was even going to try.” Grayscale snorted. “Get ready, because you’re going to get the fangs of the Strom Realm’s Gray Wolf!”

“And you’re about to get an ass full of the Wisps!” Rainbow shot back, hunching her body down. “I hope that you’re ready too Grayscale Force, because you’re about to taste the rainbow!”

“Waaaaaah!” Pinkie Pie cried wildly, her forelegs flailing as she fell from the air and landed face first onto the icy floor with a comical splat. She stayed in that position for a moment or two, the lower half of her body hanging in the air along with her tail. Eventually, she rolled her lower half forward and pulled her face off of the icy floor, her eyes rolling around like bingo balls as her head swayed from side to side. The Earth Pony then shook it violently before rubbing it with her hooves as if she was trying to spread out dough.

“Owwwwwwww…that really hurt…!” She whined rubbing at her eyes as she stared down at the floor. Pinkie cried out in surprise upon seeing her reflection staring back at her and she instinctively shot to her hooves, her headache all but forgotten. Once she realized that it was just her reflection, she sighed and murmured, “Oh wow, that was close! I thought that was something in the floor waiting to attack me! Good thing that it’s just me staring back at me…”

Once she calmed down, Pinkie Pie looked around at the giant room she was now in, taken aback by the sheer size of it alone. When she looked to where the door was, her eyes bulged when she saw the mark of a giant red sprinkled cupcake with a skull in the center. Saliva pooled down her face like a waterfall as she galloped over to the door, her pupils dilated in awe.

“Oh wow, that is such a huge cupcake, it looks so delicious! Though, I wonder why that skull is in the center.” Pinkie Pie commented, her tone becoming slightly perplexed. She the shrugged and let out a giggle. “Oh well, it’ probably there to add some extra flare! I bet it’ll make it seem that much more delicious!”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you~.” An equally bubbly, yet dark voice said from behind the party pony. “That cupcake may look delicious, but trust me, it’s anything but, hmhmhm!”

Pinkie Pie let out a scream of fight, her entire body turning purple as she whirled around at the new voice, her eyes wider than birthday cakes. A gasp of shock left her when she saw Red Velvet, sitting on top of another one of the Elements with a knife in her mouth.

“Surprise!” Red giggled, letting the knife fall in one of her hooves as she smiled at Pinkie Pie, the act being anything but sweet. “Bet you didn’t expect to see me, did you?”

“It’s you!” Pinkie Pie squealed, jamming a hoof at the lighter pink mare. “Did you teleport here along with me too?!”

Red paused, Pinkie Pie’s reaction taking her off guard as she was not expecting it. A smile soon came to her lips as she gave another giggled. “Well…you could say that, if both you and I were teleported by Queen Moonie! You see, she was the one who teleported you and the rest of your friends, while me, Starlight, Insipid, Grayscale, Nyxie, and Havocwing all teleported ourselves with you at the same time!”

“Wow, really?! That is so awesome!” Pinkie Pie gasped, her eyes widening again, this time with amazement. “How did you even manage to do that?! No offense, but you’re not really a Unicorn, like Twilight and Rarity!”

“Or Insipid and Starlight don’t forget them…and no offense taken.” Red added, giggling after saying the last part. “As for how I was able to do it, I think you and I already know the answer to that. You did hear the last name that Queen Moonie said when she came to me, didn’t you?”

Not even a split second after those words were said, Pinkie gasped as her pupils slowly dilated again. “Wait a minute…are…are you from the…the…t-t-the-?!”

“Yep~!” Red nodded, hopping off of the encased Element and turning her back towards to the darker pink pony. She smirked upon hearing the loud gasp that Pinkie let out upon seeing the red-eyed and multi-pointed symbol on the lighter mare’s back. “I am from the one and only famous Konton clan, one of the craziest clans that there is out there!”

“No way, that is SO COOL!” Pinkie Pie cheered, bouncing up and down like she had one a lottery load of candy. “I’ve never ever ever met anypony that’s from the same family as me! The only ones that I’ve ever known were the ones from my own family, and nopony else other than that!”

“Awww, that sounds really sad…!” Red cooed, looking at Pinkie Pie with a sympathetic frown. It soon vanished and an almost overly bright grin came to her face. “Well, it looks like your lucky day today, or maybe, lucky night! Well, as lucky as you can get when you’re about to be turned into really dark and messy screams of confetti by one of Queen Moonie’s Savage Six!”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head like toddler being asked a question they didn’t understand. “How can it be my lucky day when you’re going to turn me into icky confetti?”

“Well, it’ your lucky day because you get to meet a member of your clan that’s not of your own family!” Red replied, giving Pinkie a wide cheerful smile. “That’s something great to smile about isn’t it? To meet somepony that you’re going to fight that has the same powers as you? if that’s not something to smile about, I don’t know what is, hahahahaha!”

“…Yeah, that is pretty exciting now that I think about it.” Pinkie Pie giggled, laughing along with the darker mare. When she calmed down, her eyes locked onto the sphere behind Red and she gasped for the third time since that meeting. “Hey, look, it’s one of the Elements of Harmony!”

Red abruptly stopped giggling, blinking before looking at the sphere, before looking back at Pinkie again. A small, yet creepy grin came to her face as she said, “Yep, it sure is! This nice good little Element that you need to even stand even the teeniest tiniest chance of getting to Queen Moonie! You want it? Huh? You want this nice big Element?”

“Yes yes! I do! I need it, just like how the rest of my friends need theirs!” Pinkie Pie whined, her lower lip quivering as she held her hooves together. “Please, please let me get it! Pretty please with extra frosting and a cheer on top of your favorite cupcake?”

Red’s jaw dropped. “How did you know what my favorite cupcake was red velvet?!”

“Just a hunch.” Pinkie Pie shrugged. “Anyway, can I pleeeeeease have the Element?!”

“Sure, you can have it.” Red shrugged, pointing her knife at Pinkie Pie. “That is, if you manage to show me a good time that is! And show me how you have a real party!”

Pinkie Pie was silent for a full ten seconds, and when she did speak it was something that Red was not expecting. “Uuuuuuh, no offense to you Reddy, but…I don’t think my friend would be happy about me banging you and making you squirt like water flower.”

The excited grin on Red’s face fell as quickly as the popping of a balloon, and a blush as red as the sprinkles on her Cutie Mark exploded across her face. “W-w-wha-?! What’re you-no! No, I was talking about that kind of party!” She shouted, a frown coming to her face as she violently shook her head. “What I mean is you and me showing each other why the Konton clan is the funniest and craziest clan out there!”

“Oooooooh, you mean that kind of party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, a giggle leaving her as she fell on her rump in a laughing fit. “Why didn’t you just put it like that?! It would’ve made more sense and didn’t sound as sexy as it did, hahaha!”

“B-b-because I did!” Red stammered, looking ready to drop her knife. “I-I never said anything sexual would happen! I-I just said t-that I wanted us to give each other a p-party!”

“Yeah, a party that involved us squirting really liquid streamers, and spraying out really funky smelly frosting!” Pinkie Pie said, laughing harder as she held her barrel. “I know that’s not what you mean, but you certainly made it sound like that!”

“Well yeah b-but…t-that’s not…y-you, I-I-!” Red stuttered, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. After a minute longer of trying to explain, she sighed heavily and replied, “Oh forget it, let’s just start this party already!”

Pinkie Pie, sensing that she had put her supposed foe in a bad mood, wiped the mirthful tears from her eyes and said, “Alright, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…you’re right! Let’s get this show on the road, heeheehee!”

Red gave a roll of her pale blue eyes, but nodded nonetheless as an aura of many different colors appeared on her body. Her long curtain of bloody mane and tail float up as the multi-colored magical aura swirled around her. As it did so she took the knife in her right hoof, and completely without warning, sliced it across her left forelegs.

“Whoa!” Pinkie Pie gasped. “What did you do that for Reddy?!”

The dark pink mare said nothing, just smiling sadistically at her with her mane covering her left eye as the blood dropped from her left foreleg. Then, much to Pinkie Pie’s horrified amazement, the blood grew larger and actually morph and distort in midair. Holding out the knife in her hoof, Pinkie watched as the blood morphed and stuck itself to the knife, making it larger and more menacing as the silvery blade turned a deep scarlet. Red giggled maniacally as she grabbed her newly enlarged blade and slammed it into the ground, her blood swapping and swirling around her body in the process. A couple of moments later it stopped, revealing itself to be menacing looking armor that covered the dark pink mare’s entire body.

“Ahhhhh, I love it when my blood gets pumping for a nice good party!” Red sighed flicking her tail as she brushed her mane from her face. “I get that sensible feel that we’re going to be having the party of a lifetime!”

“Y-y-you…you just cut yourself and made armor out of your own blood!” Pinkie Pie cried, her body morphing between green and lavender. “W-why would you do something like that?! That is just icky!”

“Icky? Totally, but it does serve well to help me not get myself to banged up for our fun!” Red shrugged, swinging her blade around as her bloody armor gleamed. “Besides, there’s no stronger armor than the one that you make from your own blood! At least that’s one of my mottos, hmhmhm!”

“That…doesn’t really make any sense honestly.” Pinkie murmured, a perplexed frown. “How can your blood be stronger than any armor in Equestria?! Queen Celly’s own Royal Guards have armor that’s said to be strong enough to withstand that of even the strongest of blows, even from that of a dragon! How is it that armor made from blood is stronger than even that?!”

“Well, I can’t really say, but at least for me, it is.” Red replied, running a hoof through the bodily protection she now adorned. Her head then lowered slightly, and her mane fell over her left eye once more as she pointed her blade at Pinkie Pie. “Now that I’ve gotten myself suited up for this party, why don’t you show me how much of a party animal you can become?”

At these words Pinkie Pie’s expression of confusion immediately turned into one of excited determination. “Oh, so you want to see how much of an animal I am at partying? Alright then Reddy, I’ll show you how I really party!”

A multi-colored flash of light suddenly appeared in Pinkie Pie’s eyes, though quite the same as Red’s as swirls of color began to swirl around her. With a loud cheerful whinny of mirth, she was covered in a giant pillar of magic that temporarily blinded Red in the process. As she regained her sight, she started noticing that the magic coming off of Pinkie was a bit different from her own power. At first, Red figured that it was a new color of chaotic magic, but when the magic vanished and revealed Pinkie’s new form, Red let out a gasp of shock.

Pinkie Pie, just like Red, was adorned in armor, but unlike Red’s it wasn’t just one color, nor was it a combination of colors. The armor actually changed different colors every few seconds, from reddish orange, blue, green, brown, white, and even a blackish purple. Pinkie’s bright bubblegum pink fur was now a deep brown, very much like the earth that the castle stood on. Her mane and tail were a combination of deep orange and red as if they were dipped in fire, with her eyes being two twin pools of ocean blue. The sclera’s of her eyes were also shining a blazing azure blue, while her pupils were a blackish purple. There was no sign of the icy power that the Earth Pony held, but due to the icy clouds coming from her nostrils as she snorted, she still had it.

“Whoa!” Red shouted. “What kind of form is that?! Is that your Konton form?”

“Unfortunately, no.” Pinkie Pie replied, a breath of ice leaving her mouth as she spoke. “This is actually a from another clan of mine, whose powers are kinda sorta similar to yours but not quite there. It lets me use the Elements of Nature, how cool is that?!”

“I guess that’s cool.” Red said lamely, a frown coming to her face. “It’s just…I thought that you were going to fight me with your Konton powers.”

“Yeah, about that…my Konton powers are not exactly in the proper control right now, so I’m still working on it.” Pinkie said sheepishly. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to fight you fairly with the same clan powers, but…I don’t think it’ll end well for me if I do. So, I’m going to have to settle for this clan power instead. I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you what you wanted, but I hope you can understand.”

Red frowned slightly harder, as if contemplating on whether or not to except the circumstances of the fight. A moment later, she sighed and gave flick of her tail. “Well, alright I guess I can understand that. Not everypony’s power is perfect, and it doesn’t really make it fun if somepony’s power keeps them from partying anyway.” Just as quickly as the frown came, it vanished, replaced by a crazed smirk. “Doesn’t mean that I’m not gonna hold back on you though!”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” Pinkie giggled as a wide grin came to her face. “Time to get this show on the road; Pinkie Pie Style!”

Rarity let out a shriek of terrified surprised as she suddenly appeared in another one of the combat rooms as one of her friends. She stumbled this way and that as she struggled to keep her balance, the headache pulsing in her head making that tasks even harder. Eventually, the pain in her head one the tug of war, and Rarity found herself dramatically fall to the icy ground. A loud pitiful whine left her as one of her forelegs came to her forehead, the rest of her limbs and tail skirt sprawling about.

“My goodness, that was just absolutely horrid!” She wailed pitifully; a deep frown etched on her face. “I cannot believe that I was transported in such a horrid manner, it felt like I was being strangled by my own fabric!” A stream of anime tears fell down her white cheeks as she stared up at the ceiling. “I am so glad that Sweetie Belle isn’t here to see me like this! I can’t bear to imagine what she’d think of me if she saw her dear big sister in such a state!”

A pregnant pause came a second later, and Rarity mulled over what she had just said, and she sat back up. “Oh, what am I thinking?! She would never think such a thing of me! What she’s too much of a sweetheart to do something like that. What she would be doing is trying to cheer me up and hugging me until I stopped in all of my wallowing!” A smile came to her face as a mirthful giggle escaped her. “Yes, that’s what would happen! Oh, I can’t wait to see her and take her in my embrace again! First thing’s first though…” Her sapphire eyes narrowed. “…I must find my way out of here!”

The alabaster Unicorn then began to try to find her way out of the room, that being to look around for an exit. As she did so, she couldn’t help but be captivated by the icy and glittering windows and nighttime decorations on the combat room. It gave her the same feeling she felt as she was looking at the tapestries in the first hallway with her friends. The more she looked at it, the more she felt entranced, until the desire to escape was all but forgotten.

“Oh, my, word! This room is just absolutely beautiful! Even more so than the tapestries in the first hallway of this castle!” She gushed a wide smile coming to her face. “I’ve never seen ancient beauty of this caliber! None of the art that I’ve seen at the museums can even remotely compare to this! This has to be the best I’ve ever seen, even if it is from a villain!”

A loud gasp left the Unicorn was the last word left her, and the reason as to why she was hear calm slamming into her head like a diamond colliding with her head. A sneer came to her face as her hear flattened, her head shaking violently. “NO! Do not be distracted by this divine ancient art! Remember the real reason why you are here Rarity! You are here to defeat you’re enemy and get to your friends so we can defeat that horrid beast of a mare!”

“Horrid?" Another equally refined, and darker voice asked back. “How dare you say such a thing about my wonderful Queen?”

Ears perking, Rarity spun around from the window she was facing and let out another dramatic gasp upon seeing Insipid in the room with her. The mare was currently running an obsidian hoof across one of the seven Elements of Harmony as if it was a precious gem. Her half-lidded midnight blue eyes stared back at Rarity with a scowl even nastier than Rarity’s own.

“Well, look who it is.” Rarity sneered, glaring at the other Unicorn. “The mare who looked at me as if I was somepony who she’d claim.”

“Says the mare who just said that my Queen was a horrid mare.” Insipid shot back, her own ears going flat. “I have the nerve to wash that mouth of yours out with soap, so you can learn some proper manners.”

“M-m-me?! Learn proper manners?!” Rarity sputtered incredulously. Just as quickly as the shock was on her face, it was replaced with a glare as sharp as sewing needles. “Do you know who you are speaking to?! I am Rarity Belle Cifer, the most prim and proper mare in all of Ponyville! I am more proper than your so-called Queen can ever be, especially with all that she’s done!”

“Now that is a false statement if I’ve ever seen one.” Insipid said blandly, rolling her eyes as she continued to stroke the Element she was sitting in front of. “I cannot sense a single trace of primness or properness anywhere near on you! You may look like that on the outside, but you are anything but either of those things! I can see it in your eyes, and it is just revolting!”

Rarity growled, her face going read at the insults. “…Revolting? Revolting?!” She screeched, slamming one of her cyan stocked cloven hooves on the ground. “If anypony here is revolting, is that false Queen of a mare that you seem to worship so much! Do you have any idea what she’s done ever since she crashed the Summer Sun Celebration in the Town Square?! She nearly killed Queen Celestia and let herself bath in her blood! If that is not revolting, I don’t know what is!”

Insipid sighed, stopping in her rubbing of the Element and frowning at Rarity. “I admit, Queen Moon was a bit…unorthodox and messy in her assault on her sister. Even I wouldn’t have struck somepony in such a messy and unclean manner.” Her blue eyes narrowed as they gave a soft, yet sinister glow. “However, that doesn’t mean what she did wasn’t justified…after all that mare had put her through she had what was coming to her! And trust me, my Queen has so much more in store for that so-called Solar Queen!”

“W-wasn’t…j-j-justified…ARE YOU INSANE?!” Rarity screeched, her eyes blazing with fury as her tail skirt lashed out. “You honestly believe, without a shadow of a doubt that what Nightmare Moon had done this night was justified?! What in the name of Faust is wrong with you?!”

“I think I should be asking you that question my dear.” Insipid shot back, her tone holding the slightest bit of sarcasm. “I don’t know what was going through your head when you decide to come to this castle and challenge our Queen. You were all better off staying in that town of yours while being eliminated by the rest of Dark Army! You must really have a death wish if you think you even stand the slightest chance against our divine goddess.”

“Oh, I’m begging for death at the hands of Nightmare Moon?” Rarity scoffed, rolling her eyes. “I think you should be worried more about your monster of a Queen then me. When we’re done with all of you, Nightmare Moon will be next, and trust me, we will make her regret ever messing with us, our town, and the Queen!”

“There you go, going on about all those insufferable heroic little deeds of yours when what you’re doing is anything but!” Insipid said dryly, tossing her wavy yellow mane. “I swear, I’ve heard enough of that to last a dozen lifetime. You are such a hopeless snob of a pony you know that?”

Rarity growled, her face growing red. “What did you call me?”

“You heard me darling.” Insipid crooned, relishing in turning Rarity’s buttons. “You are a spoiled short-tempered little snob who throws tantrums like a five-year-old when she doesn’t get what she wants. Look, you already going red in the face; seems like you’re not a proper lady after all.”

“Alright, that is IT! I HAVE HAD JUST ABOUT ENOUGH OF YOU!” Rarity snapped, looking as angry as she was when Goku almost crushed her with the giant tree. “Barely even a few minutes and I am already tired of hearing you ramble on and talking about this divine goddess of yours! I think it’s time that somepony put you in your proper place!”

“Oh, you’re going to put me in my proper place?” Insipid laughed, her tail skirt flickering as she got up from the floor. “Funny, I was just going to say the same thing to you darling. Although, I think I should also add that I’ll also be teaching you to watch your tongue. I will not tolerate any disrespect towards our Queen of the Night!”

“Tch, respect is the last thing Nightmare Moon is going to get from us, especially me.” Rarity snorted, the tip of her horn glinting as she pointed it at Insipid. “As for you…well, I’m going to teach you what happens when you show rudeness to the Ponyville’s White Fashionista!”

“Big talk from a mare who can hardly control her temper at the most meager of insults.” Insipid murmured dully. “Though I am curious as to how you’re going to show me that your more than the snob I see that you are.”

Rather than get angry at the name calling, a smirk came to Rarity’s face as inly black tendrils suddenly appeared around her body. “Do don’t worry my dear, I plan to show just how much of a lady I am.” She said in a sweet and somewhat acidic tone as her eyes gave a flash of yellow. “As for you…well, we’ll see who’s being a spoiled snob when this is over.”

“That much we can agree on.” Insipid nodded, a smirk coming to her own face as she let out a low growl. A beautiful yellow and blue aura surrounded the obsidian black mare, and Rarity’s eyes widened upon seeing whiskers appear on Insipid’s cheeks. “And I’ll show what happens when you mess with a lioness’s precious gems!”

A house shaking roar erupted from the throat of Insipid, making Rarity’s hooves come to her ears in an effort to keep the sound from drilling into them. This prevented the alabaster Unicorn from seeing the powerful transformation that the mare was going into, nor could she hear the sound of it either. When the sound finally died down, Rarity’s pain-filled eyes slowly opened, only to go wide eyes upon seeing Insipid, who now looked like a hybrid version of a winged lion. Her pitch-black hooves were now a lethal set of paws, all of them holding long curved bright yellow claws on all four feet. Insipid’s shoulders also adorned a pair of wings, looking to be a mixture of feathers and membranes, very much like Goku’s own bat wings, only her’s were slightly smaller. Her midnight blue eyes had become more cat-like, as much as the whisker marks on her cheek and the canines that now adorned her lips. The most noticeable part of the Unicorn mare was her fur, which now looked like it was glittering like a diamond, or a crystal found deep within the confinements of an underground cave.

No sooner did Insipid's transformation complete itself, Rarity’s own transformation began to make itself known. The tendrils that were swimming across her elegant frame had finally settled into the ground, swirling around the mare for mere moments before settling down. Rarity’s already pristine white fur had gotten impossibly whiter, to the point where she actually looked like a ghost. The lower half of her legs no had sinister black stockings, replacing the sapphire ones that were once coating them, as black as the wild and straight mane and tail skirt she now adorned. Rarity’s eyes were now a deep shade of jade green, with cat-like slits replacing the round pupils she had. Both of which looking as sharp as the vampiric fangs she now adorned, and the wing claws her new part of draconic wings now adorned.

Neither mare said anything, just silently taking in each other’s appearances, as if contemplating how much of an advantage it would give one another. Then, with eyes blazing and roars erupting from their throats, they charge, letting their curved horns clash, before they were enveloped by each other’s swirls of power.

Applejack found herself spinning like a ballerina on a performance stage when she appeared in a different room of the castle. The effects of Nightmare Moon’s teleportation spell left her unable to catch herself when she stopped spinning. She then found herself falling face first into the cold smooth floor, which resulted in her getting a nasty bruise on the center of her forehead.

“Gah, Consarn it!” She shouted, both forehooves coming to her head as she attempted to sooth the pain. The farmer propped herself on her haunches as she bit her lip, trying to keep herself from moaning out in pain. “Oh boy…now that is an apple that I do not wanna have on me for too long.” She said to herself as she looked up at the bruise on her forehead. “That felt like mah head was bein’ grinded int’ cider in mah Granny’s cider machine!”

After another few seconds of soothing her bruise, Applejack too a moment to look around the room and observe her surroundings. The clopping of her hooves could be heard echoing about the large room as she tried to figure out where she was.

“Land sakes, that was a real wild ride Ah was on fer a moment there.” Applejack murmured to herself as she flicked her golden tail. “Ah wonder where that varmint Nightmare Moon had sent me to. It couldn’t have been real far; Ah wouldn’t be able to find mah friends if that were the case!”

“Oh, Ah don’t think ya need t’ worry ‘bout tryin’ t’ find yer friends partner.” Another accented voice said form out of nowhere. “’Cause yer gonna be joinin’ ‘em real soon.”

Applejack jumped, the fur on her neck standing on end as she looked around for the voice that made itself known. When she saw nopony in sight, she nervously asked, “Who’s there! Show yourself!”

“Oh, come on now hon’, did ya seriously forget seein’ me just a couple minutes ago?” The voice asked, sounding a bit hurt. “Ya couldn’t have been that affected by Queen Moon’s fancy teleportation spell.”

“Trust me Ah ain’t, and Ah know that Ah ain’t hearin’ things right now.” Applejack replied firmly, her eyes narrowed as she pawed at the ground. “Now, where are you?! Ya better come out right now ‘r Ah’ll force ya out!”

“Now now, no need t’ git all hotheaded there sug’.” The voice said with a slight coo, a chuckle following afterward. “If yer that eager t’ git things started, Ah’ll go ahead an’ do it fer ya if that’ll make ya calm down. Though Ah hope ya won’t be too surprised by what ya find.”

Right at that moment, vines burst out of the ground in a large pillar of swirls, causing Applejack to jump and spin around to the vines. Her jaw dropped upon seeing it appear from out of the ground, but as they parted to reveal the pony inside, Applejack’s shock soon turned to anger.

“Well now, it looks like mah hopes weren’t dashed after all.” Curaçao murmured, looking to be pleased. “You recognize me pretty well, an’ real fast too hon’…well done.”

“So…it’s you, ain’t it?” Applejack asked lowly, snorting as her head lowered. “Ah should’ve known that you’d be th’ first one that Ah’d see when Ah got here.” She glanced over at the grey orb behind the mare and added, “An’ Ah can see ya got one o’ them Elements there with ya too.”

“Ah sure would, the one an’ only Curaçao Sweet Orange Tyrant, at yer service!” The dark blue Earth Pony replied sweetly, giving the tangerine mare a wink. "Might Ah know th’ name of th’ mare that Ah’m gonna be havin’ this rodeo with?”

“…Ah’m Applejack; Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, manager of the Ponyville Sweet Apple Acre Orchard.” The farmer said after a moment of hesitation, eyes still narrowed. “Now that we’ve gotten those little pleasantries outta the way, answer me this. Where are the rest o’ mah friends an’ what did that Nightmare Moon mare do to them?”

Curaçao chuckled softly, running a hoof through her long silky scarlet mane. “Mah, somepony’s impatient ain’t they? Well, if yer that worried, then allow me t’ say that Queen Moon had transported both your group an’ mine t’ some o’ th’ combat rooms inside o’ th’ castle. She didn’t bring no harm t’ any o’ them, and merely had them and their opponents sent to those rooms so they could have their fights in peace.”

“Oh, so she went and did that did she?” Applejack asked skeptically, not really buying the other Earth Pony’s explanation. “How do Ah know that this ain’t some bullshit that yer spoutin’ t’ make me lower mah guard?”

“’Cause if Ah wanted, Ah could’ve struck ya down while Ah was comin’ outta th’ ground with mah vines.” Curaçao replied casually, waving a hoof in the air. “Then again, even if Ah didn’t, Ah still could’ve taken ya down if Ah wanted, since Ah am th’ faster an’ th’ stronger one.”

“Excuse me?” Applejack asked, looking visibly offended. “Are you sayin’ that Ah don’t have what it takes t’ kicker yer orange flanked ass?”

“Of course not sug’…all Ah’m sayin’ is that Ah’m jus’ more experience in th’ good ol’ fashioned hoof t’ hoof combat.” Curaçao replied with a small giggle. “While you, on th’ other hoof ‘re on th’ less experienced side of it.”

“Alright, now Ah know that yer insultin’ me!” Applejack growled, stomping a hoof on the flat, yet hard dark colored floor. “Why don’t ya put them oranges where yer mouth is an’ show me what ya got up that lil’ bandana of yers?!”

“Oh, so you’ve noticed it huh? It’s a nice tough to me when it comes to looks; you can thank darlin’ lil’ Insipid fer that.” Curaçao said, a hoof coming to run across the purple bandana wrapped around her head. “Still though, Ah can see that yer eager t’ get this lil’ party started, so, why don’t we git this rodeo started.”

“Oh, Ah’ll git this rodeo started alright, an’ what a rodeo it will be.” Applejack said, backing away from the dark blue Earth Pony. One of her hooves made its way to her muzzle as her emerald eyes glowed brightly. “Though, lemme jus’ say, it ain’t gonna be you who starts it.”

Applejack’s mouth then went agape, and for a spit second, the Curaçao could’ve sword that she saw canines glinting in the farmer’s mouth. Unfortunately, she had little time to dwell on it before Applejack’s mouth came clamping down on her hoof. Blood flowed out of the wound like water from an overrunning sink as she took her hoof away, letting it clop back to the floor.

“Damn, that always hurts like a bitch when Ah do that.” Applejack cursed as steam rose from out of her wound. “Ah really wish there was a less painful way fer me t’ do this.”

“Did…” Curaçao blinked, looking to be taken aback. “Did you jus’ bite yer own foreleg?”

“Eeyup, Ah sure did partner. What’s it to you?” Applejack said somewhat smugly. “An’ before ya ask, no it ain’t t’ give mahself pain. It’s so it can help me t’ not pull any punches this time ‘round.”

“Not pull any punches?” Curaçao asked, looking confused. “What’re ya talkin’ bout hon’?”

“Ah mean, that it’s time fer you t’ experience the full might o’ th’ Apple Family!” Applejack relied as volts of electricity appeared around her. “An’, why apples, are a hay of a lot better than oranges!”

A bright orb of light appeared from high above the farmer, followed by volts of lightning that slammed into the farmer. It swirled around her like an electrified tornado, loud clouds of dust washing over the room as Curaçao watched on in awe. Thanks to the light not being too bright, he the dark blue Earth Pony didn’t have to worry about being blinded, though that didn’t stop her form protecting her eyes. A loud echoing neigh was what made her look back over to Applejack, and what she saw made her jaw drop.

Applejack, for the lack of a better word, looked like a knight made form the confinements of the Celestia’s Solar Royal Guard, with some slight differences. Form her head to the base of her neck, she was covered in dark golden armor that had apple red lines running along them. The red bands on her mane and tail were gone, allowing them to fly freely, their golden color now a cumulus white. On top of her head, her Stetson had also undergone changes, looking to be as hard as the armor she wore, with no intentions of being blown off her head. Lastly, her facial features were armored as well though the armor looked to be fused into her face, allowing her to still be able to move it around.

“There, now that’s more like it.” Applejack sighed, as the light and electricity receded. “Now Ah feel like Ah can take on a whole pack o’ Timberwolves without breakin’ a sweat!”

“Is…that you’re true power?” Curaçao asked, once she managed to get over her shock. “The one that you’ve been saving up until now?”

“Sure is, and it’s one that Ah’m proud to wield!” Applejack replied proudly, stomping her armored hoof. “This here is the world-famous Sweet Apple Titan form that all mah kin hold! The very same power that Ah’m gonna use t’ beat yer flank in th’ ground!”

“Wait, Sweet Apple Titan?!” Curaçao cried out, her eyes widening as if she remembered something. “You have that kind of power?!”

Applejack paused, the dark blue Earth Pony’s words taking her by surprise. “Wait, you know of mah family’s power?”

“Yeah…as hard as it is t’ believe, Ah do.” Curacao replied, narrowing her own emerald green eyes. “Back in mah lifetime, Ah had heard of this family that had this power known as the titans, where they can go int’ th’ armored forms o’ ponies an’ what not. That, an’ how they’re able t’ be able t’ fly if they reach a certain height in that power. ‘R something like that…”

“Well…ya ain’t wrong there, but Ah haven’t really reached that height o’ mah power yet.” Applejack said sheepishly. “Though that ain’t gonna stop me from usin’ it on ya anyway! Ah hope yer ready fer this, ‘cause Ah ain’t holdin’ back anythin’!”

“Good, Ah be insulted if you did anyway.” Curaçao chuckled, a somewhat feral grin coming to her face as her eyes gave a menacing red glow. “’Specially with what Ah have in store fer ya hon’.”

“Oh really?” Applejack asked, raising a white eyebrow. “And what might that be Curaçao?”

The dark blue Earth Pony smirked somewhat darkly and close her eyes as an inky black aura appeared around her body. Then, it vanished in an explosion of red and black as electricity danced about it, this one even more powerful than that of Applejack’s own transformation. It went for a bit longer than the farmer’s, but this mattered not to Applejack as the power washed over the entire combat room, enough to nearly knock her off her hooves. Fortunately for her, the wave receded, allowing Applejack to let her own jaw fall of its hinges upon seeing Curaçao’s new form.

The bandana wearing Earth Pony mare, like Applejack, was adorned in beautiful fighting armor, although with her, Curaçao’s looked more sinister. Her inky black and white lined armor had curved and pointed ends where her hooves and shoulders were, both points glinting in wherever the light rise from inside the room. As with Applejack, the armor where Curaçao’s flank was supposed to be, the symbol of her Cutie Mark glowed bright and proud. Her mane and tail were both longer and wilder, a stormy grey replacing her scarlet red, with her eyes being the color scarlet instead. Finally, as it was with Goku, her lips now adorned a set of fangs protruding out, with her ears being just like that of a bat’s as well.

“Holy shit…” Applejack whispered in disbelief, inadvertedly taking a step away from Curacao. “Is that…your…?”

“It sure is sug’…this is mah family’s power, its pride an’ glory!” Curacao replied jovially. “Git ready Applejack, because yer ‘bout t’ git a real bitter taste, an’ a bite, of the Sweet Orange Tyrants!”

A loud squeal of terror escape from Fluttershy as she appeared in her own room of battle by the magic of Nightmare Moon. She had barely even begun to fall to the ground before her wings flared and she pushed herself back int the air. Her large teal eyes were wide with fear as she immediately began looking around, wasting no time in trying to search for Havocwing. Beads of sweat rolled down her face and her neck as her hear slammed against her chest like a gorilla in a cage as she took quick rapid breaths.

“Oh dear…oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear! This is not good, not good at all!” She said to herself as her hooves came to her muzzle. “Of all the ponies that I had to face right now, it just had to be one from the Datenshi clan! Why couldn’t I have been pared with any of the other mares that Nightmare Moon had for us?! Any one of them would’ve been a far better option than that Havocwing mare; she looked like she was going to burn me alive!”

A moment or two later of breathing to the point of hyperventilating, Fluttershy but her hooves to her chest and took slower ones. She shut her eyes tight and slowed her flaps as she fought to control herself, whispering soothing words in her mind. A few moments later, she managed to mostly get herself under control and more focused on the task at hoof. The buttermilk Pegasus slowly set herself down, her hindhooves meeting the floor before her forehooves as she folded her wings to her side.

“Okay, clam down Fluttershy…now isn’t the time to get panicky here.” She firmly stated to herself, brushing her mane from her face. “That is exactly what Nightmare Moon wants you to feel so I’d be easier for her in this battle. And that is exaclty what Havocwing wanted when you first made eye contact with her for the first time.” A shudder went down her spine as the image of the crimson mare’s menacing dark blue eyes appeared in her mind. “Now…what I need to do next is find out where Havocwing is so I c-can…d-duke it out w-with her.”

“Oh, don’t worry, you won’t need to waste your time with that.” A sweet, yet sinister voice said from out of nowhere. “In fact, I’ll show you where I am right now!”

Fluttershy gave a shriek of surprised terror, and spun around just in time to see a gigantic ball of crimson fire shoot down towards her. Her wings flared as she flew back, the fire missing her by a hair as it slammed into the ground with resounding boom, making a large crater in the smooth floor. As she surveyed the damage while recovering from the scare, Fluttershy went wide eyed when she saw the floor start to reconstruct itself.

“W-what the…what in the world is this?!” The Pegasus asked herself as the floor went back to its normal state. “I…I-I couldn’t have seen that! T-the floor didn’t just fix itself did it?! No, I must’ve been seeing things. Yes, that’s it, I must be going a little crazy!”

As if to prove she wasn’t, several more bolts of fire rained down from the ceiling, smashing into the floor and causing Fluttershy to fly even further back. Just as with last time, the craters in the floor slowly fixed themselves, much to Fluttershy’s amazed shock. It was at that moment that she knew she was not going crazy, but still…

“This…this is just impossible. No floor should be able to do something like this…at least not without magic.” Fluttershy said to herself, feeling slightly calmer now that she knew that she was still sane. “Nightmare Moon must’ve done this…she is an Alicorn, so I suppose that she’s powerful enough to do something like this.”

“You’re damn right she is!” The same sinister voice made itself known again. “Queen Moon is the most powerful badass mare alive, and don’t you forget it!”

Fluttershy jumped at the familiar voice, despite having heard it only once, and she looked around in the air. “H-H-Havocwing, i-is that you around here?!” She asked with a slight stammer, blushing a moment later realize how stupid of a question that was. “I can hear you voice around this room, so I know that it’s you!”

“Awww, look who finally decided to ask me where I was.” Havocwing cooed, her voice echoing about the room. “It did take you a good minute there to finally focus on me though…”

The blush on Fluttershy’s face grew slightly darker. “Y-yes, I did…I’m sorry about that. I just really got distracted by the, um…floor and whatnot.”

“Oh, that’s okay…anypony that’s not of the Dark Army would be shocked by something like that happening.” Havocwing murmured, a giggle leaving her. “Enough about that, though, why don’t you just focus on me for the time being?”

“Y-yes…I think should do that.” Fluttershy murmured, running a hoof through his mane. “C-could you um…maybe show yourself please Havocwing? I can’t really see you in all of this darkness…”

“Well…normally I wouldn’t let myself be shown does just a little bit longer.” Havocwing said after a moment of what sounded like contemplation. “But since you asked so nicely…I think I can make an exception…once.”

A meteor of scarlet flames shot down fifty feet away from Fluttershy as she backed away from them instinctively. Even from the distance that she was, she could still feel the amount of heat rising from it, making her feel like she was being scorched. Fortunately for her, she didn’t have to experience that feeling for long, for the flame eventually diminished, revealing Fluttershy’s supposed clan foe.

“Well look what we’ve got here it’s a pony from the enemy clan of my own.” Havocwing said mirthfully as she smiled at Fluttershy. “I gotta say, I wasn’t expecting you to be this hot and sexy~.”

Fluttershy’s face went beet red again, having not expecting the compliment from the crimson mare. “Oh, um…t-thank you…y-y-you don’t really look that bad yourself.” She said, feeling like se should at least return the favor. ‘She kind of looks a little bit like Fire Flash.’

“Why thank you sweetie, I always love it when somepony takes notice of my amazing Fallen Angel sexiness.” Havocwing cooed, wiggling her rump in front of Fluttershy for a moment. “Then again, with the clans that we both come from, that really shouldn’t be a surprise.”

“Y-yeah…” Fluttershy mumbled, looking off to the side as she rubbed one of her forelegs. ‘If only she knew the other clan I’m originated from.’

“Awww, what’s the matter there, sweetie?” Havocwing asked in an all too sweet tone. “Afraid that you’re going to face off against your families most feared enemy?”

Fluttershy paused, looking at the ruby red mare in slight surprise. “H-how did you know that I was from the Tenshi clan?”

“Oh please, as if it wasn’t so plainly obvious.” Havocwing replied playfully, sticking her tongue out. “I mean just look at you, those angelic wings, that hot piece of ass figure, that soft, sweet, motherly voice of yours. Not to mention the angel wing tattoo on your back, even though that’s on the more basic level…” She raised a two-toned eyebrow at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Shall I go on?”

“No, I think you made your point clear enough.” Fluttershy murmured, running her hoof across her silky mane. “I guess I should’ve seen that one coming.”

“That’s fine honey, not everypony can catch on so quickly. And even those that do can’t do it all the time, we all slip up somewhere.” Havocwing shrugged nonchalantly, a small smirk coming to her face. “Despite that, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to let that happen with me, especially with somepony of your powers.”

“W-w-wait a minute…you mean you want to fight? R-right now?!” Fluttershy stuttered, taking a step back. “W-w-we can’t talk this out or anything?”

“I hardly think there’s anything to discuss between clans that’re similar in power but are enemies at the same time baby.” Havocwing said as she flared wings. “What I want us to do, is fight, and show us why are clans are feared in the heavens and in the underworld!”

“W-w-wait, we don’t have to do this Havocwing!” Fluttershy pleaded, holding both hooves out in front of her. “We can find some other way to resolve this, w-we don’t have to trade blows!”

“Uh, yeah we do.” Havocwing said, raising a brow. “Isn’t that why we were brought here in the first place by Queen Moon? So, we can do just that; clash swords and make feathers fly.”

“E-except we don’t need to really do that.” Fluttershy retorted softly, a small nervous smile on her face. “W-we can just sit together and talk it out with one another, and not have to shed any b-blood. Doesn’t that sound like a much better and cleaner option to you?”

“…Well, it does.” Havocwing said, putting a hoof to her chin in contemplation. Fluttershy’s ears perked as her heart filled with hope, which was soon dashed a moment later by what the ruby red mare said next. “Except it’s only good for you, while for me…it’s really not. I mean if it was any other time, I could think about maybe being more civil with you.”

Her eyes blazed as she lifted one of her hooves up and shot a massive bolt of crimson fire just above Fluttershy’s head, making the other mare scream and duck. “The only problem with that…is that you are an enemy of the Queen of the Black Moon. Because of that, it is my duty as a member of the Dark Army to eradicate any enemy to my Queen and her rule. So, there isn’t going to be any time for talking at all sweetie. Now…” She bared her teeth at the gentler mare. “…are you gonna bring out your true wings, or am I going to have to make you?”

“Havocwing…I really, really, don’t want to fight you.” Fluttershy said in another ditch effort to try to avoid the inevitable fight. “Please, we don’t have to make it end like this, and neither do the rest of your friends. We can go search for the rest of my friends and yours and try to resolve this, peacefully!” Her teal eyes locked into Havocwing’s dark blue ones; a pleading look brewing inside of them. “I’m begging you, just let this matter go and let’s go and end all of this…please.”

For a few moments, Havocwing just stood there, staring at Fluttershy as if she couldn’t comprehend what she was saying. The silence was so strong that it could’ve been sliced with a sword as if it was made of flesh, to the point where it was almost palpable. Finally, Havocwing lowered her head, and softly began to speak.

“Alright, I can see that it’s not going to be as easy to try to convince you.” She said, lifting her head back up. “So…let me go about this in another way. What’s your name sexy?”

“Um…F-Fluttershy.” Fluttershy replied, blushing deeply again at the compliment. “Fluttershy Kindheart Rosario Tenshi.”

“My, that’s quite long name, but an appropriate on nonetheless.” Havocwing crooned, one of her hooves pawing across the floor. “Tell me, to you have anypony that you care about, more so than anypony else in the world?”

“W-well…I have a younger sister named Scootaloo.” Fluttershy said, fondness making its way into her voice as she smiled softly. “She actually lives with me in Ponyville, and she has since she was six years old. Scootaloo is such a sweet little filly, more so than almost any I’ve ever met! Well, save for her friend Lily Longsocks, but that’s besides the-”

“How would you feel if she were to die?” Havocwing interrupted abruptly.

Fluttershy froze, slowly looking up at the ruby Pegasus as her fond smile went upside down. “W-w-what?”

“You heard me honey...how would you feel if the one pony you loved most, were to die right in front of you?” Havocwing asked sweetly and deliberately. “Or better yet…what if I were the one to do it?”

One the words of the darker Pegasus was processed, Fluttershy slowly felt her shock turn into disbelieving anger. “What did you just say?”

“Oh, I think you heard what I said Fluttershy. How would you react, or feel, if I, the one and only, Havocwing Datenshi took the life of your oh so sweet little sister?” Havocwing asked, her teeth gleaming as she flashed a predatory grin. “You would certainly feel a certain way about that, wouldn’t you?”

“Are…” Fluttershy breathed, her body beginning to shake slightly. “Are you…threatening my little sister…w-with…with death?”

“Death? Oh, Tartarus no, perish the thought!” Havocwing replied, a hoof coming to her muzzle as a look of fake horror came to her face. As quickly as it came, it was gone, a look of pure sadistic excitement replacing it. “I’m threatening her with the most horrible, most agonizing, most inequine she will ever have in her entire life! So much so that she’ll be begging me to give her the sweet embrace of death into Paradise…or Heaven.” A giggle left her as she ruffled her wings, one of her hooves coming to play with the strands of her mane. “Although, you can still prevent that, if you can muster up the strength to draw your sword toward your foe. Otherwise, your sister will get an early ticket into Faust's embrace…and I don’t think you want that, do you sweetie?”

For the longest time, Fluttershy said nothing, just staring at Havocwing with a mixture of disbelief and horror, while the ruby mare grinned back at her predatorily. Biting her lip, Fluttershy’s head lowered, her silky pink mane falling over her eyes as her large wings began to preen. When she spoke again, her voice was still soft, but held an undertone of barely contained rage.

“How dare you…?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper, though still heard, thanks to Havocwing’s sensitive hearing. “You think you can just be transported here with me…make threats to my family, to my sister, and expect me not to do anything?” A cat-like snarl left the buttermilk Pegasus before she growled out, “How dare you…HOW DARE YOU?!”

Snapping her head up, Havocwing was met with the blazing golden orange gaze of Fluttershy, who’s expression was twisted into one of pure rage. Flaring her wings out, pure white power bust from underneath the mare digging into the icy floor as it spun around her in powerful waves. It covered Fluttershy in its protective light and as she neighed into the air, causing Havocwing to flatten her ears. Despite the rush of power and the loudness that came from it, it did nothing to stifle Havocwing’s excitement, especially when she saw Fluttershy’s new form.

Fluttershy, who moments ago looked like a simple, yet beautiful looking Pegasus, now looked like a pony who was deemed as a champion of the heavens. From her shoulders to her rump, she was covered in gleaming silvery armor, her leg armor being a shining golden white. Unlike the standard armor, there were black sleeves that connected the leg armor to the rest of Fluttershy’s armor, preventing it from falling apart. Where her shoulders and her rump were beautiful symbols of angel wings that shined as bright as the mare’s now golden white eyes, with a golden blue angel winged heart imbedded her chest armor. Pure white angel wings replaced her Pegasus wings, spanning at a larger, longer and wider span than even her Ascension Mode wings, both the same white color as her eyes and mane. To top her angel appearance off, right in the center of her angel winged heart symbol, was a hole, allowing the chain that connected her roseray to her neck to hang free, and a white halo appeared on her head.

“Oh yes, now that’s what I wanted to see!” Havocwing cheered happily, shooting a hoof in the air. “The almighty power of my clan’s most feared enemy! Well done honey, I’m impressed!”

“SILENCE!” Fluttershy bellowed, stomping an armored hoof on the ground and causing the room to violently shake. “Now you listen here, just because you’re a member of my clan’s most sworn enemy, doesn’t mean that you can just go and make threat towards my family! Most especially my little sister Scootaloo! You have terrifyingly dark power and originate from the deepest pits of hell, but you do not! I repeat, you do not, threaten, my, SISTER!” Her white eyes blazed brightly as a pure white sword appeared behind her, a pair of angel wings as a guard, while the handle was a silvery grey. “You even think about harming a single hair on her sweet little head, and I, will, END YOU!”

Havocwing threw her head back and laughed, relishing in Fluttershy’s righteous, but justifiable, anger. “Now there’s the anger suitable from a member of the Tenshi clan! I can see that divine range flickering in those beautiful eyes of yours! It’s been so long since I had experienced such a thing since the Dark Army was last cut down!” The widest grin spread across her face as she flared her wings and took to the air. “Now I get the chance to experience it again! This really is the best night ever!”

“If your done with indulging yourself in your excitement, I’d like us to commence.” Fluttershy stated firmly, her eyes still shining as her sword stabbed the ground below them. “You’re a member of the Datenshi clan, aren’t you? I would’ve expected you to not want to keep any of your opponent’s waiting, especially in battle.”

“Oh yes, how rude of me. Thank you for that sweetie, I almost forgot that I had to transform as well.” Havocwing giggled, ignoring the ashen-face look Fluttershy shot at her. “Pardon me for a second my sweet butterfly.”

Flying some feet away from the enraged angelic Pegasus, Havocwing closed her eyes as a blood red aura surrounded her body. Flames immediately erupted from out of her just moments later and the encased the ruby mare in a fiery orb of red and heat. Fluttershy watched on in silent anger as the powerful flames soon receded, allowing her to see a sight that did not surprise her one bit. Just like Fluttershy, Havocwing was now in an angelic form, only hers was far more sinister looking than her opponents more righteous one. Her armor was a pitch-black color, even darker than the night sky itself, with blood red stockings in between the leg and body armor that kept them together. On either side of her shoulder, were large curved blades that curved upward, having red and black symbols of clawed angel wings imbedded in both of them. The very same clawed wings that Havocwing was adorning now, with membranes sticking out from under the sinister black feathers. Her eyes were now a deep menacing sin black, with pupils as red as a droplet of blood glowing in the middle, and a fiery halo could be seen hovering above her head.

“Oooooh, yes, I always love it when I can put this beautiful armor of mine on!” Havocwing moaned pleasurably, flexing her enlarged crow-like wings. “Well, how do I like Fluttershy? Do I look like somepony sexy and worthy enough to bang and battle?”

“You look just how any Datenshi would look when going in their ultimate form, an eerily dark similarity to mine.” Fluttershy responded curtly, her the glow in her eyes diminishing slightly as she took her sword in her hoof. “You are missing one detail though…your sword.”

Havocwing laughed, holding her armored stomach as her sharpened teeth gleamed. “You have quite the good eye there don’t you. I had hoped that little detail would go unnoticed, but I suppose I can’t hide anything from a member of the Tenshi clan. It really wouldn’t be a fair fight anyway.” In a flash of black, a black sword as twice as long as Fluttershy’s appeared, the handle being a sin black imbedded with blood red gems with a pair of grow wings as a guard. “I hope your ready Fluttershy, because I’m going to show you the fill might of the Fallen Angels of Tartarus!”

“OH, I am most certainly ready to face your might, Havocwing Datenshi!” Fluttershy declared, ripping her sword from the ground and pointing it at the other mare. “I just hope that you’re, because you’re about to face my clan’s divine judgment!”

Author's Note

Hooooooo BOY :applejackconfused: !!! I cannot explain to any of you the stress and the thinking that I had to go through in writing this :derpyderp2: ! While this didn't take me as long as it did to go through before I posted this, there were so many frustrating situation that I had to deal with before I was finally able to complete this :ajbemused: . From dealing with people who won't let me and my Mom move into our new apartment on the exact date, to this random heat waves both outside and inside my own body, not to mention the random times for writers block and the long train ride from Oakland to Pleasant Hill...it was just so goddamn awful :twilightangry2: !!! I am so glad that I was able to do this before tomorrow, because things are about to get real busy for me, I kid you not :twilightoops: !!!

Now, to explain the scenario of this chapter, I decided to add one scene each with the Main Seven's interactions, and make sure that they weren't really too long or too short. Well, at least on as much of a steady scale when I was writing what I can now say is the longest chapter that I have written so far. Now, I'm sure you'r all wondering why I didn't add Nyx and Zephyr into the mix, and thats because I'm planning to save them for the next chapter, especially with who I'm gonna start the fights with :raritywink: . As for the fights themselves, I'm trying to see if I should write them with only one battle scene each or do cuts in between like I did with the last free chapters before writing the start of the final battles, cause...I am really lost on how to write them write now :applejackunsure: . I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna figure it out eventually, but, just so there's no false hope, I'm gonna say right now that the updates aren't going to be quite as frequent as they were than it was the last three months :rainbowderp: . However, that doesn't mean I'm going to give up in this story, let alone the series, it's just that I'm going to be a lot more...busier, than I usual am, even more so now that summer is over :twilightblush: . Don't what days I'll be able to have enough free time to get back on this, but I can assure you, this series is far from over :raritywink: . I'll post a blog post that'll hopefully explain everything that may not make sense, in this note, but for now...that's what's happening :twilightsmile: .

Well, that's all for now everypony; tune in next time for the final battles between the light and dark forces, and the climax soon to me after :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 71 - Reinforcements

During the years that she had been living in Canterlot City, Venture Vine had run into a good number of challengers, each of them formidable in their own way. Some of them were just form the three Pony Tribes, others from the Equestrian Clans that were said to protect Equestria form major threats, with all of them being quite the brawlers. While most were on more cordial terms, there were a few were more hostile than others, mainly because of Venture’s heritage. It didn’t really bother the mare though, and the one silver lining she got from those confrontations was plenty of fighting experience. Each scar she gained was a symbol of it, along with her toughness, thus showing all around her that she was not a mare to be messed with. That became even more apparent when she adopted Zephyr, giving her all the more reason not to let anypony mess with her, let alone her son. Since then, there hasn’t been anypony that has tried to fight her, and any that did, would find themselves with fur as black as charcoal.

Now though, it looked like Venture Vine had finally found her supposed match.

The loud insane giggling of Garnet Blaze could be heard in Venture Vine’s ears as the palomino Earth Pony swung her viciously with her scythe. The blade came centimeters away from cutting into Venture’s skin and her scarlet mane, but her reflexes allowed her to evade it despite her large frame. Grunting, she spun around and let Garnet’s bladed weapon clash with her own bladed tail, generating sparks that lit up the air. After being pushed back by Garnet, Venture Vine flared her wings and flew back, taking in a deep inhale.

“Fire Dragon: Roar!” She roared, shooting a blast of scarlet flames at the Earth Pony, who merely smirked as she landed on the ground. Holding her scythe out in front of her, she began to spin it at a rapid pace, causing the fire to shoot into all directions. As Venture continued to fire her stream of flames at her enemy, Celestia suddenly appeared from up above the Kirin, her horn blazing with energy.

“Solar Sun Beam!” She shouted loudly, her regal sword horn pointing down at Garnet Blaze while she was distracted. Garnet’s fox-like ears managed to pick up the roaring power of the Solar Queen’s smell, and she looked up to see the incoming beam. Just a split second after, a large flash of read appeared form up above the mare, blocking Celestia’s attack as Venture’s own ended.

“Heehee, almost had me there!” The Nightmare Earth Pony giggled as her azure eyes shined with excitement. She raised her scythe up and swung it in the air with such a force that a large silvery slash bust out from it. “But you didn’t get me quite yet!”

Celestia’s eyes widened, and her giant wings flapped hard to get her out of the range of Garnet Blaze’s attack, and just in the nick of time. She looked down and saw to her terror, Garnet swinging her scythe several more times, causing the same amount of slashes to appear and head towards the larger mare. The swan white Alicorn flew across the air to avoid the giant slashes cutting into her, unaware of the real purpose of that attack. Celestia then felt something hot wrap around her hindlegs and bring her down towards her, causing her to lose her magical grip on her spear. She screamed out as she was slammed into the ground, an enormous crater being left in her wake as a gigantic cloud of smoke burst from the impact.

“Your Majesty!” Venture shouted, flying over to the downed swan white Alicorn. Her reptilian eyes widened upon see her leader all but buried into the ground below her. “Are you alright?! Say something!”

“I think you should be worrying more about yourself Venture!” A dark and bubbly voice said from behind her. “Fire Fox Style: Flaming Tail Whips!”

Venture Vine spun back around to Garnet Blaze’s voice, only to see streaks of blood red magic sailing straight towards her like a flock of arrows. Putting her focus on her own safety for the time being, Venture shot a blast of fire at the tendrils of magic in an effort to burn them to crisps. To her shock, the tendrils shot through the flames and wrapped around her, with some impaling her at the same time. Globs of blood burst from Venture’s fanged mouth before she was yanked forward, heading straight towards a grinning Garnet Blaze. Her scythe was pulled back in preparation for a swing, a swing that she soon delivered upon Venture, creating a deep slash across the larger mare’s chest.

An agonized roar of pain exploded out of Venture’s mouth like a bomb on a field as blood sprayed out of her wound like a garden hose. She fought valiantly against the tendrils of burning magic holding her limbs, but was kept in place as Garnet delivered another slash, before turning around and delivering a powerful kick to Venture. The grass green mare was sent flying from the Dark Army Leader, tumbling just a few feet away from the crater Celestia was still emerged in.

“Uh-oh, it looks like I may have gotten a little too carried away there.” Garnet Blaze murmured to herself, putting a hoof to her muzzle. “Are you okay there Ms. Venture?”

Venture, whether from the pain in her legs or because she didn’t want to, chose not to respond to the Nightmare Earth Pony’s question. She groaned as she pulled herself form the ground, hissing as the burn marks on her body painfully flared in response. ‘Faustdammit, that mare’s power is something else!’ She thought, staring at the deep red cloak of magic surrounding the smaller mare, looking to be in the shape of a fox. Garnet Blaze’s tail was also split into two parts at the end, while a part of fox-like ears covered her own. ‘It must be because of that cloak of magic that she has protecting her. It would explain why my last attack didn’t work on her…it must be able to keep her safe from certain affinities, like m fire. Just my like to have to face a Bijuu of all ponies...’

“Oh yay, it looks like you’re able to get back up after all!” Garnet squealed, grinning widely as clutched her scythe tightly. “And it looks like you were able to figure out the secret to my little cloak of protection. Sorry to say, but your fire, however hot and scorch that it is, won’t really have much of an effect on me! You’ll have to try something bigger than that!”

Venture’s ears pinned back, and she bared her teeth at the other mare, but before she could make some sort of comeback, there was an explosion. An explosion that came from the crater Celestia was driven in, with the swan white Alicorn slowly emerging out of it. Her eyes were blazing a bright purple lavender and her majestic wings were flared to their fullest span; her mane and tail skirt billowing wildly behind her.

“Luckily for her, she is not alone!” Celestia declared, pointing her large spear at the cloaked Nightmare Earth pony. “Venture Vine Dragon Shenron is not the only here who can use the affinity of fire! There are many others here who can use the flames of the earth, including your truly, the Queen of the Sun herself!”

Pointing her spear forward, Celestia shot a blast of golden magic at Garnet Blaze, who pursed her lips and jumped back, ducking her head under the stream of magic. She watched as it soared through the Solar Lunar, and Dark Royal Guards, knocking some of them out of the while others were incinerated by the power. Thankfully, neither the guards from the Solar and Lunar Division seemed to be hurt or even death, though the same thing couldn’t be said for some of the Dark Army. Despite this, it did nothing to wipe away the grin of amazed excitement on Garnet’s face as she looked back at the Solar Queen.

“Wow, that was one hay of a beam of heat that you shot there from your spear Queen Celestia!” Garnet commented, giggling merrily as she swung her scythe around. “You’re just as strong as you were over a thousand years ago! I can see that you haven’t changed a single bit…aside from being the slightest bit rusty.”

“Well, what were you expecting?” Venture Vine asked, finally finding the strength to get back on her claws again. “That Queen Celestia was going to stay the same efficient fighter that she was when she was in her prime? Everyone regardless of status or experience, gets rusty somewhere if they’re out of it long enough.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty common.” Garnet Blaze replied. “Still, that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to knock you both out to the curb! Fire Fox Style: Spiraling Blaze!”

Faster than anypony could blink, Garnet Blaze shot out a blast of orange fire where Celestia and Venture Vine was. The former, sensing the attack was going after the latter, rushed into help, but Venture was one step ahead of the Alicorn.

“Hold on Celestia, I got this!” The grass green mare said, letting the fire spiral towards her. When it was within range, she opened her mouth and inhaled, consuming the fire just as it was about to hit her. Celestia watched with wide eyes as the Kirin at the stream of flames, her eyes and body giving a faint golden glow as she did so. When the last of the fire was eaten, Venture breathed hard through her nostrils, streams of flickering orange flying out.

“Oh wow, now that was a hefty meal you gave me there Garnet!” Venture commented, flashing a toothy grin over to the smaller mare. “That has to be some of the hottest fire that I’ve ever tasted in my life!”

“Well of course they are silly! They are made from the Orange Fox, the former leader of the Lunar Army after all!” Garnet giggled, her magic tails swaying about behind her. “What else would you expect from a mare like me? Especially considering that I’m from a family of giant tailed beasts?”

“It’d expect no less from a clan like that. I mean, I am one that likes things that involve nature, and so does a certain momma’s boy.” Venture murmured, holding back a chuckle as Zephyr entered her mind. “Anyway, I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to cook you like a smoked fish!”

Garnet’s eyes bulged. “You’re gonna do what to me?!”

“Fire Dragon: Flame Lotus Iron Fists!” Venture Vine shouted, flying up to Garnet Blaze and unleashing a series of fiery punches on the smaller mare. The Nightmare Earth Pony used her magical fox cloak to protect her from the flames, all while taking the blunt force of Venture’s punches. This left her unable to see the incoming tail blade coming at her, and she felt her stomach being sliced open before pain washed over it. A scream left the foxy mare’s mouth, allowing one of Venture’s punches to colliding with her face, sending her flying back and crashing through the two fighting armies.

“I can see you weren’t expecting me to do that were you?” Venture Vine asked, hovering in the air as flames coated her claws. “Always be on the lookout for any surprise attacks that your enemy may have in store for you. Otherwise you’ll be in for quite the rude awakening.”

A low giggle could be heard from inside the slowly clearing smoke as Garnet Blaze supported herself on her haunches. One cloaked hoof was pressed against her bleeding stomach, while the other was a good deal into the ground. “Funny you should say that Venture Vine…” She said, looking up at the other mare with a somewhat dark smirk. “…Because I was about to tell you the exact same thing!”

A perplexed frown came to the draconic mare’s face. “Oh yeah? And just what kind of sneak attack do you have planned for me, my dear little cunning fox?”

“Where you least expect.” Garnet replied, her eyes blazing. “Under your tail!”

“Wait, wha-?!” The feeling of something latching around her entire body cut Venture Vine off as she was shot right into the air. The feeling of burning heat washing around her entire body made her let out a loud scream of agony as it clenched her tightly. Add insult to injury, a sharp stabbing pain made its way to her back, feeling like it was going to pierce right into her draconic skin.

“Venture Vine!” Celestia shouted, spreading giant her wings and shooting of towards her fellow flyer. It was even five seconds that she was airborne that she was grabbed by her midsection by something that flared just as hit, but this time Celestia was quick to fight it. She managed to get a few blasts of magic in before two more tails of that same magic wrapped around her.

“Sorry, Celestia, but you’re going to have to try better than that!” Garnet Blaze laughed, watching the swan white Alicorn struggle as Venture was slammed into the ground. “Come on! Stop holding back on me and show me why you’re called the Solar Queen!”

Celestia growled, flapping her wings and firing off her horn in an effort to get out of Garnet Blaze’s magical fox tails. Glaring down at the Nightmare Earth Pony, she shouted, “You know, I didn’t gain that title by letting my enemies get the drop on me without me putting up a fight! If you want me to show you my true power like I did a thousand years ago, then so be it! Solar Flare!”

Closing her eyes, a bright flash of golden light erupted from Celestia’s entire body, washing over the area of the battlefield and covering all in its blinding power. Those closes to it immediately found themselves unable to see, Garnet Blaze included, who shielded her blue yes with her bloodied foreleg. Thankfully, the light only lasted for a few moments, but that was all the time Celestia needed to get free and to be able to launch a counterattack.

“Solar Beam of the Sun!” She shouted, pointing her horn down and unleashing a blast of golden fire down at Garnet Blaze. The Nightmare Earth Pony was just getting her sight back when she saw the attack coming for her, and screamed as she was enveloped in the magic, before an explosion rang out.

“Nice try Garnet, but you should know better than to try to pull a trick like that on me. After all, we did have that unfortunate duel the night my sister turned against me.” Celestia murmured, diving down to where she had last scene Venture Vine. As she landed, she spotted the grass green mare side of a huge crater, steam rising out from the destroyed earth, along with the Kirin herself.

“Aaaah, sweet Shenron almighty!” Venture growled as she rolled over onto her back. “That mare has such powerful magic! I mean, I get that she’s from the Bijuu clans, but come on!”

“Well, that’s what you should expect from the legendary millennia old Orange Fox of the Lunar Division. I can see why my sister decided to add her as part of her army…even if it’s on a darker side now.” Celestia said, helping the smaller mare up. “Can you stand up?”

“Of course, I can stand…” Venture Vine replied snidely, snorting as she shook her mane. “What do I look like? A five-year-old who got up because she got a scrape on her knee?”

“No, but you did take the full force of being slammed int the ground like a meteor shooting down form the essence of outer space.” Celestia replied dryly. “If you weren’t a normal mare, it’d say that fall would’ve most surely killed you.”

“Well, thank Faust for ponies being able to use draconic powers huh?” Venture asked, raising a brow at Celestia before turning back to Garnet Blaze. “This is turning out be a lot tougher than I thought. That mare is throwing us around like ragdolls, and I don’t think she’s even using her full power on us!”

“That’s what I’ve been thinking this whole time too.” Celestia replied, picking up her spear with her magic. “Garnet Blaze has always been one to hold back a bit, just so she can get an estimate on how just how powerful her enemies are. She does love to build up the thrill of the battle before she really let’s lose on her enemies, which, I’m afraid, will be a bit of a disadvantage for us.”

“So, what you’re saying is, that if we keep going at the rate that we’re going, we’re going to end up as fox chow for this mare?” Venture asked, glancing over at Celestia.

“Precisely.” Celestia nodded, her lavender eyes giving a faint glow as Garnet Blaze emerged from her crater. “Which means, we’re going to have to stop pulling our punches from here on out.”

Venture flicked her bladed tail, a soft growl leaving her. “Well then, in that case, I had better go into my Ascension Mode if we’re gonna make this mare not hold back anymore. I just hope that I don’t blow everypony here by my flames.”

“I think the only ponies who needs to worry about that is the Dark Army.” Celestia said somewhat smugly. “Then again, both the Solar and Lunar Division may be more than a little…singed, afterward.”

“Well, that’s just what they’re gonna have to deal with.” Venture shrugged, a fiery red aura surrounding her body. “I ama Kirin after all.”

“Well, it looks like you guys are about to finally take off the kiddy gloves huh?” Garnet Blaze commented, her cloak of reddish orange magic swishing and swirling around her. She clutched her scythe in her right hoof, the gem in the blade giving a faint glow. “I was wondering when you were finally gonna reach that point. It was getting just a teeny tiny bit boring to thrash you all around like that.”

“Oh, trust me honey, we were both thinking the same thing.” Venture murmured, slamming her tail skirt into the ground. “Speaking of which, I think it’s about time for you to stop playing with us as if we were rabbits and show us the true fox within you. Nopony else is holding back, so I suggest you do the same, with you being the leader and all.”

“I thought you’d never ask!” Garnet Blaze chirped as her power began to grow. Another magic tail sprouted out from behind the Nightmare Earth Pony, making her actual tail follow suit. “I hope you’re ready Venture, because I’m going to show you why I’m not only known as the Orange Fox of the Solar Division, but also the Nine-Tailed Kitsune of the Undiscovered West!”

Just as those words left her mouth, Garnet, Celestia, and Venture Vine all froze upon seeing a large swirl of turquoise blue magic appear above them. Celestia froze upon seeing the magic knowing who it was from due to the color of the magic itself. ‘Oh no…’

“Celestia?” Venture Vine asked, watching as the swan white Alicorn pointed her spear forward.

“Stay close to me Venture Vine!” Celestia commanded, her eyes narrowed, and her wings flared wide. “I’ve seen that magic before! I know that it only spells trouble!”

“W-why?!” Venture asked, now on high alert. “What’s about to-?!”

A sharp electric burst cut the grass green mare from what else she was going to say as more than several figures well from the sky. Most of them screamed as they fell from the sky and crashed right in front of Celestia, Venture, and Garnet. Before the smoke even cleared, Venture was already hit with familiar scent, one that made her freeze in her tracks.

‘Wait…this scent!’ She thought, her golden eyes widening as the smoke cleared. ‘Is that-?!’

“Owwwwwwww, I think I fell on my tailbone.” Zephyr groaned as he pulled himself from off of the ground. “Is everypony else okay? What about you Sky Ranger?”

“I’m alright Zephyr, thank you.” Sky replied, rubbing his head with one of his talons. “Though I’m more concerned about you and the Shadowbolts.”

“If you count landing headfirst on the dirt ground fine, then yes.” Fast Tracks hissed, flicking his tail skirt. “Why that damn Nightmare bitch! I am so going to drain her dry of her magic when I get my hooves on her! I’m gonna have a migraine for a week!”

“I think that Goku will have that covered for you Fast.” Lighting Shadow murmured, rubbing at one of her wings. “I fact, I think she’ll even double the draining since Nightmare Moon may have done the same to her own friends.”

“More than likely.” Storm Shadow nodded, helping Violet Fire up. “The question is, where are we?”

“Um, Sky Ranger, everypony…” Violet Fire said, gesturing them all to look at her. “You may wanna take a look behind you.”

The azure blue hippogriff and four other Shadowbolts turned to where the ebony mare was looking and went wide-eyed at what they saw. All around them, they could see three different armies either fighting each other or working together to overwhelm the other side. From Pegasi ascending and descending from the sky and unleashing endless lighting, wind and fire from the air they flew in. To Unicorns firing off multiple different types of magic, and Earth Ponies creating domes and striking with vines from the very ground they galloped upon. Even the Thestrals looked like they were playing an especial part in the fight, looking like they were the at the best advantage in the fight. The fighting the seven individuals were seeing was one that could easily be mistaken as a war, and it was at that moment that that was exactly what was happening right now.

A war between day and night.

“My word…this is quite the massacre.” Sky Ranger murmured quietly, his feathered ponyish ears pinning back. “It looks like Nightmare Moon was long prepared for our incoming arrival.”

“Uh-huh…” Lightning Shadow murmured, flicking her tail. “I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting Nightmare Moon’s army to get this large. How did she even managed to get this many ponies to fight for her? I mean, it hasn’t even been a full day after she arrived!”

At those words, Celestia chose that time to step in. “I think I can explain that my little ponies.”

All six ponies and the one hippogriff jumped at the voice, before they turned around and stared into the eyes of a bemused Celestia and a shocked Venture Vine. When Zephyr locked eyes with the grass green mare, his eyes went even wider and he gasped, “Mom?!”

“Zephyr…” Venture Vine murmured back softly, looking far less shocked to see her adopted son here. “I…didn’t expect to see you here sweetie.”

“Me?! The last thing that I expected was to see you here in the Everfree Forest!” Zephyr exclaimed, resisting the urge to run over and hug the mare. “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but, what’re you even doing her anyway?!”

“She’s here with me on Royal Assistance to help my protégé and her friends in their battle with Nightmare Moon.” Celestia replied, gesturing to the mare with her spear. “I had believed that her strength would become an essential part of our own army. Although, even I could not have anticipated something like this.” Her ears went back as she thought back to what Garnet had told them twenty minutes ago. ‘Nor was I prepared for how it was going to follow suit.’

“I see…well, it’s nice to see more familiar faces here on the battlefield.” Violet Fire giggled, smiling sweetly at the Kirin mare. “It’s nice to see you again Ms. Venture Vine!”

Venture grinned back. “It’s good to see you too honey; and how many times do I have to tell you? You can just call me Venture; you don’t always need to add the Miss in it all the time.”

“VV, you do realize who you’re saying this to, right?” Fast Tracks asked, raising a brow. “This is a Kindheart Rosario; they are known for always being polite like that. It is so painful that it is not even funny.”

Blue Skies giggled. “He got you there, Venture.”

“Yes, I know, but still…” Venture snorted, with a roll of her eyes. She was about to say something else, before she noticed the large bit mark on the right side of Zephyr’s neck. “Zephyr! Where in the world did you get that mark?!”

Zephyr’s ears pinned back. “A Doragontora attacked me and the girls back in the forest.” He replied getting straight to the point. “After we had escaped the talons of a Shinomōkin, we had a little campout at one of the clearings we found. While we were recuperating, a Doragontora found us and decided that we’d be the perfect prey to ambush. To explain to wound, I got it by pushing one of the girls out of the way just before the Doragontora could rip her throat out.” A frown came to his face as he reluctantly. “Though…that was after I was electrocuted by the Shinomōkin and knocked unconscious.”

“You got electrocuted?!” Venture Vine cried, her eyes widening in horror. “How did you even manage to survive that?!”

“I’m not sure…though my guess is that since there were so many of us it was chasing, it could focus all of its power on just one target.” Zephyr replied. “So, it decided to improvise and spread its power to all of us, one of them being one of Goku’s other friends, who I took the brunt force of the attack for.”

“I get the feeling that wasn’t the only time you had to try to jump in at the last moment.” Storm Shadow said, staring at Zephyr with knowing expression. When the royal blue stallion didn’t reply, the dark grey mare hung her head and shook it. “My goodness, you just cannot catch a break, can you Zephyr?”

“Nope he most certainly cannot.” Lightning Shadow replied, staring at Zephyr sympathetically. “You are a real glutton for punishment, aren’t you?”

Zephyr sighed. “You have no idea.” He said, before looking back over at Celestia and Venture. “Anyway, we can save the little reunion hugs for later Mom. Right now, we have a darker matter that we all need to attend to.”

“Yeah, before we do that honey.” Venture Vine said, staring at Sky Ranger. “Would you mind tell who in the name of the Almighty Shenron that is?”

“Oh, pardon me, I didn’t introduce myself.” Sky Ranger replied sheepishly. “My name is Sky Ranger Kaminarinoraion Shizensoshiryu. The one and only Legendary Ranger of the Sky of the Everfree Forest; I’m happy to make your acquaintances.”

“Wait, Ranger of the Sky?!” Venture shouted, her eyes bulging. “You’re the Ranger of the Sky that me and my son have heard so much about?!”

“Yeah, I know, I was just as shocked as you were Mom.” Zephyr said dryly. “And if that’s not shocking enough, he’s also a Hippogriff.”

Celestia froze, her eyes widening at those revelations. ‘Sky Ranger? H-Hippogriff?’

“Hippogriff?!” Venture Vine all but screamed. “You mean those creatures that live in the Andes Kingdom that’s South of the boarders of Equestria?!”

“The very same one!” Blue Skies chirped cutely. “I honestly couldn’t believe it myself, but after Sky Ranger explained everything on the ship, it all came together! It was a really interesting and exciting encounter for me and the rest of the team! Definitely one that we’ll be telling everypony back in HQ!”

“Wait a moment, a ship?” Celestia asked, shaking her previous thoughts out. “How did you all manage to get a ship in the Everfree Forest?”

As that question was asked, Violet Fire’s ears pricked and she turned back around, her golden eyes widening as a gasp escaped her. “Um, your Majesty…I think we may need to put that explanation on hold for now. We have somepony who looks, well…like she’s going to burst.”

Celestia’s went wide with horrified realization, and she flared her wings, jumping in front of the group with her spear ignited. It came just in time as well, for Garnet, who had taken advantage of the distraction, had shot a stream of fire from her mouth that was headed right at them. It clashed with Celestia’s spear, which she was spinning around to disperse the flames, before adding a magical bolt to the mix. After a few moments of a power struggle, there was an explosion, before the smoke was soon dispersed by Celestia’s wings.

“Shit, I was so close to taking you all by surprise!” Garnet Blaze cursed as she stomped her hoof down. “I guess I did get a bit carried away for a minute there.”

“In case you didn’t hear me before, I said that I would not allow myself to be taken by surprise without fierce retaliation.” Celestia stated firmly, lashing her tail skirt out. “You were foolish if you think that the added reinforcements would get me to drop my guard so easily.”

Garnet threw her head back and laughed mirthfully, an edge of darkness added to it. “Oh Celly, that laugh was so bad it was actually funny! You don’t need to hide what you were really doing from me! I know you were conversing with those ponies and that Hippogriff over there! You cannot say anything without these ears of mine not hearing it, hmhmhm!”

“Oh, and you’re saying that you’d be able to take advantage of our arrival and use it as a way to deliver a sneak attack on the Queen?” Sky Ranger asked with a raised brow. “I hate to say it my dear, but perhaps that move of yours, wasn’t so cunning as you thought it’d be.”

Before Garnet could reply to that comment, a sweeter, gentler, more chipper voice made itself known. “Oh, don’t be silly! Garnet may have lost herself in her excitement, but that didn’t mean that attack wasn’t well thought out. I mean you were this close away from being burned to a crisp.”

Zephyr felt the color in his face drain away when he saw Nyx, slowly hovering down in the air, landing on the right side of Garnet Blaze. Feeling Zephyr’s eyes on her, the sin black Alicorn glanced over at him and smiled warmly. “Hi there Zephyr! I can see you’re still up and kicking after that nasty fall you had~.”

“Oh no…” Zephyr groaned, shivering at the half-lidded look that Nyx was giving him. “Not her…”

“Zephyr…” Venture Vine said, noticing the look on her son’s face. “Do you know that mare?”

“Not at all!” He replied immediately. “And before you ask, yes, she’s apart of Nightmare Moon’s Dark Army! And she has me, and only me, in her sights as one of the ponies she wants to fight!”

“And that’s bad how may I ask?” Venture asked, raising a brow.

Zephyr shot a glare at his mother as he hissed, “Because she’s an also Alicorn too!” To prove his statement, he jabbed a hoof forward, and Venture followed to see a pair of large wings on Nyx’s back. The dark mare grinned as she locked eyes with Garnet Blaze, who gasped in delight before the two mares gave a tackle hug to each other.

“Oh…oh dear…” The grass green Kirin said, her ears going limp. “That is bad…”

“You think?!” Zephyr snarled, lashing his tail out as he looked back at Nyx once more.

“Wow Garnet, I had no idea that you’d be all the way out here!” Nyx giggled, glancing over at the rest of the army. “I knew that the rest of the Dark Army would be here eventually, but the last thing I was expecting was you to be here too!”

“Silly little filly, of course I’d be here!” Garnet Blaze giggled. “Why wouldn’t I be? I am the leader of this Dark Army after all! I think the more appropriate response would be for me to ask you why you’re here!”

“Well, long story short, Momma’s foes had finally arrived, but there turned out to be a bit more than we anticipated.” Nyx replied, blushing slightly as she rubbed the back of her head. “So, she had them, along with me teleported out here. Though, like I said, I didn’t expect the rest of the Dark Army to be here.”

“Oh, I see…that explains why you suddenly popped here out of nowhere.” Garnet murmured, thinking it over for a moment before smiling again. “Oh well, now that you’re here, you may as well join me in this little fight! In fact, you couldn’t have come at a much better time! I was just about to go into my second round with Queen Celestia and her draconic friend, and now that you’re here, things got so much more fun!”

“Really?! Oh Garnet~!” Nyx cooed, a giggle leaving her. “So, does this mean that I can join in the fight too?!”

“What’re you wanting from me, permission?!" Garnet Blaze laughed heartily, slapping Nyx’s back. “You’re Queen Moonie’s sweet little girl! You’re the future heir to this whole nation, so I think it’s only fair that you get to do your part, hmhmhm!”

“Oh great! This is just great!” Fast Tracks groaned, resisting the urge to plant his face into the ground. “Not only do we have to deal with a whole Dark Army that was converged out of who knows where, but we also have to deal with a mare that’s the dark version of an Alicorn! How can this get any worse?!”

“Maybe the fact that the mare that’s supposedly leading this entire army is a member of the Bijuu clan?” Lightning Shadow asked absentmindedly.

The light brown thestral shot a sharp glare at the light grey mare, a tick mark forming on his head. “Not helping Lightning!”

Blue Skies gulped at this revelation. “B…B-B-Bijuu?! Y-you mean the T-Tailed B-Beasts of the Undiscovered West?!”

“Well…this complicates things.” Storm Shadow murmured, taking the revelation far better than Blue was. “We’re really going to be in for the fight if our lives, aren’t we?”

“Due to how much power I’m feeling from this army, I think that was pretty obvious.” Violet Fire replied, flicking her tail as she turned to Celestia. “Your Highness, what’re you orders?”

The swan white Alicorn looked in between Nyx and Garnet Blaze, observing both their strengths simultaneously. “For right now, I want you and the rest of your squad to join in with the Solar and Lunar Division in the fight with the Dark Army. Me, Zephyr, and Venture Vine will stay here and take care of their Garnet Blaze and…Nyx was it?” She looked over at Zephyr, and received a nod from the royal blue stallion. “You five help the two divisions in any way that you can, and we’ll keep these two off of your tails.”

“As you wish.” Violet Fire replied, flaring her wings in preparation for takeoff. She paused as something that Celestia had said caught up to her. “Wait, did you just say-?!”

“We can explain it later honey.” Venture Vine abruptly cut the ebony mare off. “Just go on and let lose your inner beasts on these bastards.”

Violet Fire stared into Venture’s golden eyes for a second longer, before turning to her teammates and nodding. Flaring their own wings, they took off into the air, descending into the battle forces below them.

“I have to be honest, I never thought that I’d have you fighting alongside me.” Zephyr murmured, glancing over at his mother. “At least…not now of all times.”

“Neither did I…and I was certainly not expecting you to be here. Even when Queen Celestia had called my from home for me to join on her trek though the Everfree.” Venture chuckled, smiling fondly at her son. “You don’t hear me complaining though, because there isn’t anypony I’d rather fight alongside other than you.”

“Same here.” Zephyr said softly. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you really in action. I wonder, are you still able to show the inner dragon inside of you?”

“Sweetie, you do realize who you’re talking to right?” Venture Vine asked, a wide fanged smirk coming to her face. “You’re the son of the Venturous Kirin, one that’s known for not only loving the thrill of an adventure but getting herself into all tons of shit!” A giggle left her that contrasted deeply with her large frame. “And now is certainly no exception!”

“As is your character Venture.” Celestia said, her spear pointing in front of her. “And now it looks like you’ll final be able to sate your venturous spirit once more. Only the circumstances seem more darker than they usually are for you.”

“Ah I don’t mind; I do need to get out every now and again to stretch my legs…and wings.” Venture shrugged, flicking her bladed tail. “All I’m seeing right now is a perfect opportunity to do just that.”

“Sure you do.” Zephyr sighed as he shook his head as he locked eyes with Nyx once again. “Just try not to get too carried away okay? The last thing I want is for you to be burned beyond recognition before you’ve even had the change to give me and the girls a reunion hug.”

“Oh, trust me Zephie, I don’t plan on dying anywhere near before I get a chance to do that, and afterward too.” Venture Vine smirked as a fiery red aura surrounded her. “I haven’t seen those little hatchlings in so long, and I wanna see how much they’ve grown. No way I’m dying before that happens!”

“Good.” Zephyr nodded, a red aura of his own surrounding him. “Because I am not dying by the hooves of her!” He added, putting deep emphasis on the last word as he glared at Nyx.

“Awww, what’s the matter Zephyr? Tired of waiting for me to get in the game?” Nyx cooed, smiling sweetly at the Solar Royal Guard. A little giggle escaped her as a shining dark light began to glow off of her. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to wait any longer, because I have something really special planned for you that I know will make this fight worthwhile!”

“Oh, really then?” Zephyr raised a curious brow at the sin black Alicorn. “And just what do you have for me that’ll make this “fun”, for the both of…us?” He trailed off as his eyes widened, watching as the dark light that was surrounding Nyx fully enveloped her.

In just a few moments, the dark light vanished from the bat winged mare, and when it vanished, Zephyr froze when she saw Nyx adorned in what looked to be hellish red armor. The very same armor that Nightmare Moon adorned herself back inside of the castle. For some reason, it made Nyx look even scarier than her ‘mother’, despite Zephyr not knowing they were both currently wearing the same armor at the moment.

“Tada! Say hello to me Requip: Tartarus’s Wheel!” Nyx chirped, giving a flex of her armored wings. “This is a little gift that I got from my Momma long before we even came here! It’s the most amazing magic she has in her arsenal, and I got to inherit it! now, I finally get to use it on somepony who isn’t a part of the Dark Army!”

“R…R-R-Requip Magic?!” Zephyr stammered as Celestia and Venture Vine went wide eyed. “Y-you mean the magic where…?!”

Garnet Blaze nodded, another toothy grin coming to her face. “That’s right! The very same magic that is used to change whatever weapon a pony has into something as lethal as they want! The very same magic Nyx will you to kick your handsome little scaly ass all over this field!”

“It sure is!” Nyx nodded, before flashing Zephyr a predatory grin. “I hope your ready Zephyr, because I’m about to show why I’m next in line to be the new Dark Queen of Equestria!”

‘Okay, I’ve said it before, and I will say it again…’ Zephyr whimpered mentally, gulping as he shivered under Nyx’s excitedly dark look. ‘I am so screwed!’

Author's Note

I have to say, I was a bit conflicted on just how to go with this chapter, especially since the next eleven or so ones are going to be the final conclusions to the fight with the Dark Queen and the Dark Army. For this one was trying to decide on whether to keep this chapter as a whole one solely focusing on Celestia, Venture and the armies, or adding a scene with the Main Seven and the Savage Six, along with Nightmare Moon. In the end, I decided to just leave this chapter the way is I had planned it just last night, feeling that the cutscenes would be more appropriate with the girls and their own foes. Speaking of which, unlike with the last versions of them, the final battles will be somewhat longer, and won't be bunched up not one gigantic chapter like with the four parted final battle of the first version of this battle. Because I got way to carried away on that last version; it was so so...so...wow :derpyderp2: . As for the last few chapters afterward, I'm sure those ones just need a bit more editing before they get reposted, and I know I'll have fun with those chapters :raritywink: .

Anywho, that's all for right now :scootangel: ! Tune in next time for the next ten chapters of our dear future Element Bearers, and all of Ponyville in their final stand with the Dark Army :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 72 - Lasers and Lightning

Goku let out a deafening draconic roar as she took off towards the sin black Alicorn in front of her, claws aimed right at her armor covered chest. Nightmare Moon flared her winds and ascended into the air, letting the Kirin slam into the ground where the Elements were. Goku let out a cry of fear as she blew the dust away from her wings, fearful that she had hit one of the Elements. To her immense relief, she none of the stones looked to be shattered, still having the cracks Twilight had given them while she was trying to summon them.

“My my, aren’t we the eager little filly?” Nightmare Moon asked slyly, hovering above the crimson Kirin. “You should be more careful with controlling that excitement. It almost led you to destroying your precious Elements, and then you’d have no hope in defeating me.”

Goku said nothing, just letting out a deep rumbling around as she flared her wings and took off after Nightmare Moon. When she was within range, she suddenly vanished in a red flash before reappearing behind nightmare Moon. Intertwining her claws, she formed them into a large double fist and smashed it into the back of Nightmare Moon’s armored head. The blow was enough to stun her, allowing Goku to reappear behind her and knee the larger mare in the lower part of her armored stomach, causing her to cough up blood. Goku then slashed her across the face before sending her flying off with a hard tail smack.

Nightmare Moon grunted as she felt the pain radiate throughout her head, face and stomach, but she fought it down, teleporting away in a flash of turquoise blue magic. Goku stopped just as she was flying towards the dark mare again, and looked around frantically for her nemesis. A chilling laughed echoed about the room, sending a fearful shiver down Goku’s spine. She ignored it however, and focused in detecting her foe.

“Tartarus’s Wheel: Scattered Crimson Petals!” Suddenly she felt a cold presence appear behind her, and, out of pure instinct, she spun around with her wings enclosed around her. A flock of deep scarlet arrows was heading for her, and thanks to the thick layer of skin in her wings, they didn’t to much damage. This however, left Nightmare Moon to be able to shoot a bolt of magic at the pale white Kirin, to which she retaliated with a stream of blazing golden fire. To the sin black Alicorn’s shock, the fire managed to withstand her magical blast, and a loud explosion resounded soon after.

“I’m not done yet!” Goku shouted, using the smoke to race at Nightmare Moon and take her by surprise. With a roar, she slammed her claws into the larger mare’s stomach, causing her to let out a scream of pain. Nightmare Moon was quick to fight it off however, pushing the smaller mare off of her and yanking her claws out. Spreading her wings out, she swung her left one out at Goku in an uppercut slashed, driving her largest wing claw from her stomach and up her chest.

“Tartarus’s Wheel: Slash of Blood!” It was now Goku’s turn to scream as Nightmare Moon delivered an ‘x’ shaped slashed in the mare’s chest, causing blood to fly from her wound. As she spat out a glob of blood, the crimson Kirin felt her muzzle explode her pain as Nightmare Moon slammed an armored hoof into her face, almost knocking her out. As she fell to the ground, she felt an aura of magic grab her by her scaly tail skirt before she was flown around in the air. She was suddenly let go, and plummeted towards the ground, crashing into it without resounding boom and causing dust to fly everywhere.

“Dear me…that was quite the attack that you had pulled on me.” Nightmare Moon said, locking the blood form her lips. “I must admit, I was caught the slightest bit off guard when you did that, but it’s nothing that wasn’t used on my before.”

“Gah…! Son of a bitch…!” Goku grunted, rising up to her haunches. She tentatively put a claw to her chest and her barrel, feeling the blood staining her already red coat. “You…you just stabbed me! You almost sliced my stomach open!”

“And? You had attempted to rip mine open as well.” Nightmare Moon retorted, letting out a snort. “I think that’s a far trade to me, don’t you think?”

“Fair trade? I’ll show you a fair trade!” Goku shouted, shooting up to her clawed feet and lashing her tail out. In a swirl of golden, she vanished form the crater that she made and appeared behind Nightmare Moon, her bladed tail engulfed in flames. “Super Saiyan Kirin: Golden Fire Tail!”

Doing a front flip, the pale white Kirin swung her tail downward in an attempt to give a deep slash to Nightmare Moon’s back. She immediately regretted that action the instant she felt one of the sin black Alicorn’s wing claws slice into her own back, before slicing upward. Nightmare Moon then proceeded to spin her whole body around and deliver a slash to Goku, who was already up righting herself to get away from the larger mare.

“Tartarus’s Wheel: Crimson Sword Flock!” Goku cried out as the flock of crimson swords impaled themselves into her, sliced deep into unprotected stomach and chest due to how close they were. This allowed Nightmare Moon to launch her next attack, and she ignited her horn, encasing both of Goku’s feathered dragon wings and proceeded to slam one of her knees into her chin. The younger mare let out a loud scream of agony as pain exploded throughout her muzzle and head, leaving her in a daze. With a sadistic laugh, Nightmare Moon lashed her tail out and let it strike the center of Goku’s back, sending her crashing into the smooth, yet painfully hard icy floor.

Gritting her teeth, Goku growled and shoot her draconic tail upward and colliding it with Nightmare Moon’s incoming swords. This in turn caused Nightmare Moon to fly back, allowing Goku to spin around and blast the sin black with a stream of crimson flames. However, that was not the only attack the pale white Kirin had in store for her.

“Super Saiyan Kirin: Final Flash!” As Nightmare Moon sailed away, Goku shot both of her golden claws outward, and a flash of golden light shot from them and ascended towards her enemy. Just before she was about to hit, Nightmare Moon smirked and vanished in a flash of crimson light, and it was at that moment that Goku realized the mistake she had made. Goku flared her wings in an effort to fly out of the way of the sin black Alicorn’s next attack, but she wasn’t quick enough.

With a loud neigh, Nightmare Moon blasted the pale white Kirin away from her and into the highest wall, almost sending her right through it. As the smoke enveloped her, Goku suddenly emerged from the smoke, looking like she was going to throw up from the impact. She hit the ground with a hard slam, leaving an Alicorn sized crater in her wake. Goku groaned in agony as her body twitched and spasmed on the ground, while Nightmare Moon hovered above her.

“Awww, what’s the matter little hatchling? Not able to keep up with the famous Mare on the Moon anymore?” Nightmare Moon asked teasingly, her tone so sweet that it made Goku’s stomach churn. “Poor dear…it looks like you weren’t to live up to your title as a member of the Secret Seven Clans after all.”

“Y-you…shut the bucking hay up!” Goku spat venomously, tearing herself from out of her crater. “If you seriously think that this is all that I have up my arsenal, then you are sorely mistaken Nightmare Moon! The only reason that you’re thinking what you are now is because, unlike me, you’re not taking this fight seriously!”

Nightmare Moon bust out laughing, putting a hoof to her armored chest. “I’m not taking the fight seriously? What about you my dear? You’re giving me everything that you have, and you’re not even at full power like I am.”

“Not at full power? Are you seriously telling me that right now?” Goku asked, shaking her head incredulously. “I am most certainly going all out at you! You just don’t see it because you’re so focused on ripping me apart! Maybe if you stop acting so sadistic and actually focus on taking me seriously, you may see the damn difference!”

“Oh, really now? Well then little hatchling, if that’s how you want it, then that’s exactly what you will get. I have been meaning to show off more of my skill to you anyway.” Nightmare Moon replied, giving a little flick of her ethereal tail skirt. “I just wonder if the same thing can be said for your little friends while they’re going against my dear creations. That’d be very unfortunate for you if it went the other way around.”

Goku said nothing, just giving the ground another tail slap as she flared her wings her emerald red eyes blazing brightly. With a golden aura of power roaring off of her she let out a roar and once gain hurled herself at Nightmare Moon. The sin black Alicorn smirked and spread her own wings, charging at the crimson Kirin and meeting her at the middle of the room, before a huge clang and an explosion rang out.

Rarity hissed as she soared down towards her hybrid enemy, both of their curved horns clashing loudly as sparks flew from them. The mares hissed and snarled at one another as they fought for dominance, their cat-like eyes blazing with fury and auras swirling with power. They eventually separated, before Insipid lunged for Rarity, claws and teeth bared as her wings beat on either side of her. Rarity bared her fangs and let her own cloven hooves clash with Insipid’s claws as she tried to slice her throat out. At one point, Insipid tried to deliver a tail swipe to Rarity’s face, but the ghostly white bat winged Unicorns wings deflected the attack and bounced it back. With a graceful spin, Rarity let her extended tail skirt collided with Insipid’s face, letting her fly across the room and skid across the ground.

“Cifer Belle Machine Gun: Laser Flock!” Rarity shouted loudly, pointing her sharpened horn at Insipid and sending a flock of spear like lasers at her. Insipid’s ears pricked, and she looked up to see the attacks coming at her. With a burst of agility, she flapped her wings and dodged the attacks, letting them stab and explode into the smooth icy ground.

“You’ll have to be quicker than that my dear!” Insipid shouted, her midnight blue eyes glowing as she inhaled. “Roar of the Crystal Ice Dragoness!”

To Rarity’s shock, a blast of icy midnight blue power burst out of Insipid’s mouth, glittering in the small light that was in their fight room. Flaring her bat wings, Rarity flew to the side as the attack collided with the locked door. Undeterred, Insipid kept her attack going, letting it cover one of the walls and with its icy power as Rarity flew around her. Stopping temporarily, Insipid resorted to shooting off blasts of the icy power at her opponent. This proved to be much more difficult for Rarity to dodge them, and she had to resort to using her wings to block them from hitting her.

‘It’s a good thing these wings of mine are stronger than they look, and I can use them for offensive and defensive strategies.’ The pale white Unicorn thought to herself, ducking a blast that was aimed at her face. ‘If it was just used for flight, then I’d be at a bit of a disadvantage here.’

With a flap of her wings, Rarity ascended into the air and let herself hover above Insipid, who was glaring back up at her with bared canines. Giving a defiant hiss back at her, Rarity folded her wings and dived down towards her, her horn ignited with sea green energy.

“Take this!” She shouted as she unleashed her attack. “Cifer Belle Machine Gun: Sea Green Laser!”

Insipid growled and flew back from the attack, watching as it tore into the ground below them and left a deep line within it. As Rarity paused in her attack, Insipid prepared to blast her away again, only to find herself dodging several more blasts of laser-like energy. These attacks struck into the windows and roof of the newly fixed room, stirring a deep anger inside of the obsidian black mare.

“Watch where you are aiming that horn of yours you brute!” She shouted, hovering above Rarity as she glared down at her. “Queen Moon had just finished primping this entire castle up hours before you even got here! If you go on and keep destroying it, it’ll be like it was all a waste of time for her!”

“Oh, don’t you go giving me that careful nonsense!” Rarity spat, lashing her tail skirt out. “Are you even looking at the room right now?! The rooms are repairing themselves in front of both of us! It is grossly apparent that so called Queen of yours had taken her time in making sure that this castle was put in the upmost condition! Possibly so she won’t have to worry about repairing her in her little future reign, which, by the way, will not happen!”

“Like I care about whether this castle is able to fix itself or not! I still care as to whether or not divine parts of this castle are being destroyed!” Insipid shouted. “And our Queen’s reign most certainly will happen! Right after me and the rest of the Savage Six get rid of the seven of you, especially that horrid Thestral front of yours! Wing Attack of the Crystal Ice Dragoness!”

Flaring her feathered wings, Insipid shot down a flock of blue icy wing attacks down at an enraged Rarity, who flipped and spun through the air. Her grace and agility allowed her to prevent herself from being sliced in half by Insipid’s attacks, much to Insipid’s chagrin. As she recovered from her acrobatic moment, she found herself clashing horns with Insipid’s, sparks bursting from the steely edges once more. With a growl, Rarity pushed back against Insipid with such force that it caused her to stumble.

“Don’t you dare talk about Goku that way you ruffian!” Rarity screeched, spinning around and bucking Insipid in her chest. “She may have tried to crush me with a giant tree before we sailed across the waters of this forest, but that doesn’t mean that I’ll let you badmouth her like that! I will not tolerate any disrespect sent to any of my friends, including Goku, especially if it’s from somepony like you!”

Stomping her hooves, Rarity flew at Insipid, swinging her wings forward and letting sea green wing slices emit from her wings. Seeing them coming, Insipid ignite her horn and shot out large crystalized blasts of magic at Rarity’s own. Multiple explosions rung through the air, and Rarity used the cover of the smoke to try to take Insipid by surprise and pull of a sneak attack. Alas, it was not to be, for Insipid’s leonine ears allowed her to hear Rarity coming, and let her hoof collide with the side of Rarity’s face just as she was about to sock the leonine mare.

“You think you can try some simple sneak attack on me and expect me not to see it coming?!” Insipid snarled, leaping in the air and kicking Rarity across the floor. “I could hear you zooming around me before you even positioned yourself!”

Rarity picked herself up from off the ground, spitting out blood as she did so. “Oh really? And just how were you able to do something like that?”

“You mean you haven’t figured it out already? You’re even slower than I thought you were.” Insipid snorted, ignoring the tick mark that formed on Rarity’s forehead. “It’s all thanks to my hybrid form that my hearing and sight is enhanced. Due to the powers that I inherited, like many of the Crystal Ponies in the Crystal Empire, my five senses are sharpened considerably to the point where they can be on par with that of a dragon’s.” She paused as one of her ears flicked. “Then again, my final form is half dragon, so I suppose that somewhat counts.”

Rarity’s eyes went wide. “W-wait, what?”

In a burst of midnight blue magic, Insipid vanished and reappeared in front of Rarity, driving her hindhooves deep into her face. As Rarity skidded across the floor, she felt herself being grabbed by her tails skirt and yanking her back. Leaping in the air, Insipid did a rather athletic spin kick to Rarity’s face, before driving her forehoof into her back as she slammed into the wall. Growling, Insipid flared her wings and shot towards Rarity, who was imbedded into the wall.

“N-not so fast!” Rarity stammered out, her horn flaring as she pointed it at Insipid. “Cifer Belle Machine Gun: Sea Green Laser Flock!”

“Oh, you’re not going to get the drop on me like that again!”Insipid shouted. “Blazing Horn of the Crystal Ice Dragoness!”

With the tip of her horn swirling with magic, Insipid blasted her attack at Rarity’s own flock of attacks, the former’s being large enough to counter the latter’s. Another explosion rung through the air, this one bigger than the last. At one point, one of Rarity’s attack’s managed to get past Insipid’s own, and she found herself getting pierced through the stomach. She was sent flying away from the smoke enveloped Rarity, and she rolled across the ground, blood seeping from the gaping hole wound.

“Dammit, that brute got me!”Insipid hissed as she brought a paw to her stomach. “She almost got me where my precious Life Force Gemstone was! Oh, she’s going to pay for that one!”

“Are you sure you should be worrying about that dearie?” An elegant voice asked form within the smoke as it cleared. “I just hit you in a vital part where you’d surely be weakened…is a gem really something you should be concerned with?”

Insipid shot up to her hooves and roared at Rarity. “Of course, it is you idiot! It’s the one thing that’s keeping me up and going in this form! The very form that my beloved Queen blessed me with since I last had it! If I let it get destroyed, then I’ll not only lose this fight, but this form will vanish as well!”

There was a pregnant pause as Rarity blinked, taking in what the hybrid obsidian winged Unicorn had said. Once it had sunk in, she blinked a few more times before asking, “That…that gem actually helps you keep this form? The very form that you’re containing right now?”

“Yes, it does! And as long as I can keep it from being damaged, I’ll be able to use my powers to rip those wings off your back!”Insipid snorted. “Not like it’s going to matter, since you’re not going to be able to beat me anyway!”

“Oh, really now?” Rarity asked, a small, yet sly smirk coming to her fanged muzzle. “You really think that I won’t be able to defeat you now? Especially after that little bit of information you just so generously and stupidly spilled to me? I hate to say it darling, but that’s going to be your undoing.”

“My undoing?!” Insipid shouted incredulously. “Underestimating me and making a mockery out of me will be your undoing if you keep it up! Trust me, you keep pushing my buttons, and I’ll show you who’s the real stupid one!”

“Well then…” Rarity said smoothly. “…I guess we’ll just have to see how far I can push you before that stupidly of yours finally gets the better of you.”

Insipid snarled loudly, her curbed leonine claws digging into the ground beneath them. “Come and try it!”

Grayscale Force’s wolfish ears filled with the sound of the chirping lightning as she crouched down, watching as a Laser Wisp Molded Rainbow Dash flew towards her. The athlete whinnied loudly as she drew her hoof forward, aiming right for Grayscale’s face, only for it to be blocked by her enemy. Grayscale’s claws clenched around Rainbow’s hoof, preventing her from escaping as she held out her other paw lightning appearing in it. It blasted right into Rainbow Dash, sending her flying away as her hoof was raked by Grayscale’s claws. Just as the lightning was about to send her into the wall, Rainbow Dash vanished in a flash of light, letting the lightning slam into the wall and destroy it. It didn’t really matter though, for the wall immediately began to fix itself, as if it was never hit in the first place.

“Sorry Gray, but you’re going to need to try better than that!” Rainbow Dash shouted, her bright yellow eyes flashing as she zoomed towards Grayscale. “A little bolt of lightning is going to be able to stop me in this form!”

Grayscale snorted, undeterred by Rainbow’s last second move. “We’ll see about that Dash.”

“Laser Wisp!” Rainbow Dash shouted, speeding towards the wolfish Pegasus mare and colliding with her. Grayscale grunted as she felt her armored forehooves shake under the impact, but the armor did not give in, and she sent Dash careening back. With her paws outstretched, she blasts several shots of lighting at Dash as she sped and zoomed throughout the battle room, the sounds of explosions making the room shake. When Rainbow Dash got within range of her, she shot a laser-like blasts of energy at Grayscale, who effortlessly dodged to the side as he pierced straight through the window behind her.

“You do realize that this room isn’t going to really collapse in on itself no matter what attack you try to dish out on me, right?” Grayscale asked uncaringly. “Queen Moon specifically made it as to where practically nothing can destroy it. So, she doesn’t have to worry about the castle possibly being destroyed.”

“You really think that I give a shit about that?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, shooting several more beams of lasers at the grayish azure Pegasus. They barely managed to connect as Grayscale simply vanished and reappeared in a flash of lightning every several seconds. “The only thing I care about is kicking your ass so I can get that Element and beat Nightmare Moon!”

“Yeah, I’m aware of that,” Grayscale murmured, evading another laser blast. “Still, there’s no way that I’m going to let you win this fight! Thunder Omega: Lightning Strike!”

Flaring her wings, Grayscale flew towards Rainbow Dash, shooting a huge bolt of lightning at the Laser Wisp Pegasus, aiming right for her chest. Rainbow Dash shot her own forelegs out, and laser-like blast of wisp energy clashed with Grayscale’s lighting attack. The explosion that came afterward allowed Rainbow Dash to vanished within the smoke and try to pull off a sneak attack onto Grayscale. She shot a magical blast of energy at the wolfish Pegasus, and sent her crashing down into the floor, leaving a large crater. Grayscale let out a mixture of a scream and a doggish cry at the sudden move, and she gritted her teeth as she attempted to get back up.

“How’d you like that?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, giving her wings a hard flap. “There’s plenty more where that came from!”

With those words, Rainbow Dash shot a flock of energy blasts at Grayscale, presuming to herself that she was still down on the floor. More smoke and dust rose from the area, enveloping most of the area that both of the mares were in. As Rainbow Dash continued with her assault, she didn’t notice the flash of light coming from the smoke

“Thunder Omega: Chain of Lightning!”

The next thing that Rainbow Dash knew, something was wrapping around her, and sending volts of electricity through her body. The Laser Wisp mare let out a scream of agony as the lightning coiled around her body like the tail of a dragon. With a heave it pulled her into the air and slammed into the ground, the very same part where she was making Grayscale’s crater. It then continued to throw the mare all across the ground, crating even more craters before driving her right into the middle of the room.

“Ah, w-w-what the hay?!” Rainbow Dash grunted, opening her glowing yellow eyes and looking up in the air. To her shock, she saw Grayscale hovering above her, a bit of steam or smoke coming out form where her armor covered her back. “You’re still moving?!”

“Of course, I am, what do you think I am? A helpless newborn pup?” Grayscale asked, baring her teeth down at the electrified mare. “Did you really believe that I was going to stay down after just that one attack? I can move just as fast as you can, maybe not in the same way, but certainly at the same speed! You may want to not waste all of that time talking more time actually doing something.”

“What did you just say?!” Rainbow Dash shouted, ripping herself out of the ground. “Of course, I was dishing myself out on you! I literally had you on the ground and at my mercy just a few seconds ago!”

“Yes, you did, until you started wasting that bit of time bragging.” Grayscale retorted, folding her forearms. “It may have just been for a few moments, but that was all the time that I needed to get my ass out of there and away from your line of fire.” Her eyes flashed a bright magenta pink as she raised her claws into the air. “And now…I’ll pay you back for that little laser shower a hundred times fold! Thunder Omega: Lightning Shower!”

A large sphere of electricity appeared in Grayscale’s claws, growing in size before it she threw it down towards Rainbow Dash. The moment she did, it split apart in multiple bolts of lightning that shot down towards Rainbow Dash, chirping loudly in the process. Rainbow Dash’s eyes bulged out as she zoomed throughout the room, narrowly evading the lightning bolts as they struck the ground around her. It was only thanks to the speed her Laser Wisp Mode granted her that kept her from being able keep from being electrocuted again.

“You think you can keep my flying like this?!” Rainbow Dash growled, looking back over at Grayscale. “Think again ya bitchy mutt!”

Spinning around, Rainbow Dash hot another barrage of lasers at Grayscale sending her shooting right into the roof above them. Grayscale grunted from the force of the attack, but her armor managed to protect her from suffering any fatal injuries. With a snarl, she shot town towards the Laser Wisp Pegasus both of her forehooves condensing orbs of chirping lightning. Rainbow Dash shot towards her without hesitation, holding orbs of laser-like energy that she let collided with Grayscale’s lightning attack. There was a brief power struggle before a huge explosion rose from the clashing mares, sending them flying back from one another and crashing into the walls.

“Dammit, I was hoping that last attack would’ve been enough to finish you.” Rainbow Dash grunted in disappointment. “It looks like I’ll have to take this up a notch here…”

“That last move you shot at me must’ve but me in more shock than I thought.” Grayscale grunted, one of her paws picking at her ear. “I can still hear the ringing in my ears…you almost made me go deaf for a second there.”

“Well that makes it all the easier for me to knock the teeth right out of your mouth!” Rainbow Dash shouted, slamming a hoof down onto the ground. “Trying to use the same attack that I used on you, that is so not cool!”

“Technically, I didn’t use the exact same move that you did on me, and I certainly didn’t just strike you in your back.” Grayscale murmured. “Plus, I’m using lightning, while your using powers that come from aliens of all things, creatures from an entirely different planet. So you really don’t have any reason to think that I ripped off your own attack, especially since I also gave a name for my own technique.”

“Y-yeah well…y-you still did rip it off on me!” Rainbow Dash said, sputtering a bit as her face flushed in embarrassment. “And I’m going to make you pay for it!”

Grayscale sighed, rolling her eyes as she flicked her wolfish tail. “Whatever, I really don’t care what you think I did. All I care about is getting rid of you, so I don’t have to hear that loudmouth of yours…seriously, you are really getting on my nerves.”

“The feeling is mutual from here Grayscale, trust me on that.” Rainbow Dash snorted, pawing the ground as she flared her wings. “What do you say that we stop with our little warm up and we actually start fighting like real Pegasi?”

“Now that I can agree on.” Grayscale said, unsheathing her claws as she bared her teeth. “I just hope your prepared to have your throat out. Because trust me, that will not be a pleasant experience for you.”

“Oh, I know that it won’t, because I’m not letting you get that luxury!” Rainbow chuckled. “All I’m hoping for is that your prepared to be sent off to the other end of Equestria. And trust me, that is going to go off into with a Sonic Rainboom!”

Author's Note

Okay, there' something that I forgot to mention in the last blog post on Reinforcements, which ties into me saying that there'd be cuteness in between the fights in Ponyville and in the newly fixed Dark Castle. Before I had posted this chapter, I went with the decision to add up to three or maybe even four cutscenes the will show the battles and the confrontations with the Main Six, the Light and Dark Armies, and the residents of Ponyville. I looked through this last chapter, I believe that it worked out well enough, so I'll be going with that plan during the final battles before we finally see Queen Luna freed from the clutches of Nightmare Moon. Although, since I'm going with that routine, the next half of the next chapter after the last one I'm going to be writing after this, will probably have only one of the Main Seven in it, and after I get past that part, I'll go back to the fights happening back in Ponyville. That part of the chapter may be a bit harder than the rest, but I know it'll be far less harder than be editing the last few chapters of Luna's return to Equestria :rainbowlaugh: !!! Though, we'll get to that hurdle when we get there, for now, I hope you enjoy this chapter and the upcoming ones :scootangel: !!! Tune in next time for the second half of the Main Seven's fight, before we start to get back to Ponyville :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 73 - Elemental Streamers and Knives of Blood

Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle’s nocturnal scythe clashed with the ethereal blades of Starlight Shadow’s own weaponry as a clang reverberated in midair. The shockwave of power echoed about the magic filled area as sparks flew from their sharpened weapons. They shared brief direct contact for a moment, their violet eyes piercing into one another’s like kunai knives. The two mares eventually separated, before Twilight flew at Starlight again, swinging her scythe down at her once more after spinning it like a disc through the air.

Starlight laughed, letting her ethereal blades lock with Twilight’s scythe as she pushed back against her force with all her magical might. One of her eyes looked up at Twilight through her curly two-toned mane as she giggled, “Ha! You almost had me there, Sparkle!”

Twilight didn’t respond, merely grunting as Starlight’s swords swung her backwards, creating an opening for the indigo Unicorn to attack. Without hesitation, Starlight lunged forward and pointed one of her swords at Twilight’s chest, aiming to pierce her heart. Twilight’s sharp eyes saw it coming unfortunately, and her wings enclosed around her. Their durability kept Starlight’s blades from cutting into them, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt like Tartarus for Twilight.

‘Shit, now I know that’s going to leave a sting!’ Twilight thought to herself, flaring her wings to push Starlight back. ‘It didn’t hurt as much as it did while I was increasing my pain tolerance during my training with my dad, but now…! Dammit, I really wish I didn’t slack of so much in my training and mainly focused on my studies!’

“Yoo-hoo, you shouldn’t let yourself get distracted right now!” Starlight’s voice pierced through Twilight’s thoughts like the blades she wielded. “I’m still here!”

“Dammit!” Twilight cursed, raising her scythe defensively against Starlight’s swords. Out of her peripheral vision, she noticed a flock of them surrounding Starlight like it did minutes ago, and it let her know exaclty what was about to happen. ‘Oh no, I gotta move!’

“Space Magic: Ethereal Sword Flock!” Starlight shouted, shooting a hoof forward as the swords flew at Twilight moments later. Twilight’s massive wings of ebony flapped hard, taking her away from the swords that flew through the air and stabbed the room. Some of them barely managed to get at her elongated tails skirt, but other than losing a few tail hairs, Twilight was otherwise unharmed. As Twilight began to slow down, she suddenly noticed that Starlight was no longer in front of her. Eyes widening, she looked up and saw Starlight diving towards her, and Twilight once again found herself clashing blades with her.

“Surprise!” Starlight said gleefully, her violet eyes glowing as a cosmetic aura surrounded her. “Bet you weren’t anticipating me to try to strike from above huh?”

“No, not really.” Twilight replied firmly, baring her fangs at Starlight as her back hooves slid across the smooth blue floor. “I wasn’t just expecting you to vanish and appear in front of me so fast!”

With that last word shouted, Twilight drove one of her hooves into Starlight’s gut, causing her to hunch over as Twilight delivered a sock to her face. Spinning around, she let her armored hindhooves slam into her stomach, sending Starlight tumbling across the ground. Spitting out blood, Starlight looked up at Twilight only to see her flying at her with her scythe reared back.

“Sparkle Scythe Meister: Letter C Hunter!” She shouted, swinging her scythe forward and letting a large wave of slashing magic shoot out from the blade. Starlight’s eyes widened as she saw the attack coming at her, and she leaped away just in time for the attack to slice right into the ground beneath her. As she surveyed the damage, her eyes grew even bigger at how deep the slice was within the floor.

“Holy shit! You actually made a split into the floor!” Starlight cried, looking back up at Twilight, who was hovering in front of her. “How did you even manage to do that?!”

“Isn’t obvious, the answers staring you right in the eyes.” Twilight replied, twirling her scythe in her hooves. “Though, if you want a simpler explanation, it’s because of the powers that that the clan that my father originates from has. They allow us to gain supernatural strength and use exponential levels of magic, both physically, and…well, magically. Although for this power, we’re given more…darker versions of power, such as this scythe, but it’s specifically designed to eradicate all forms of evil, no matter what it may be. Thanks to the power that I’m using right now, I’m able to conjure it through my scythe, or any other weapon that I can use. Which is why I was able to create the damage to the floor that I did just now.”

“That’s…a pretty straightforward explanation there.” Starlight murmured, glancing back down at the slice in the ground. She was unsurprised when she saw it begin to fix itself, albeit a bit slower than the last time it was severely damaged. “What else can that mode of yours let you do?”

Twilight flicked her tail, blowing her elongated bang from her face. “Well, other than allowing me to use powers that’re more or less similar to Goku’s, though not quite as strong, it can let me absorb the powers of my enemies. Although, the way I do it requires me to take more savage and…animalistic measures.”

Now it was Starlight’s turn to pause. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed, pointing her scythe at Starlight in retaliation. “You’ll have to find out for yourself. Sparkle Scythe Meister: Number Six Hunter!”

Without warning, Twilight swung her scythe again and swung another slashing attack at Starlight, this one being in the number six shape. It went at a far faster pace that Starlight was not able to dodge or evade, and she found herself slammed into the wall. Starlight cried out in pain as she spat out a bit of blood, watching as Twilight soared towards her.

“Oh no you don’t!” Starlight shouted, pulling herself out of the hole in the wall. “You’re not gonna get to slice me up that easily! Space Magic: Ethereal Wave!”

Aiming her horn towards Twilight, Starlight shot a huge wave of ethereal magic right at the bat winged Unicorn, the magic tearing through the air. Twilight’s ears pinned back as she ignited her own horn, a dark purple aura surrounding it.

“Death Horn Cannon!” She shouted, letting the magic around her horn explode like cannon fire, watching as it collided with Starlight’s ethereal wave. The two mares found themselves locked in a powerful magic ethereal struggle, an explosion coming a few moments later. Thanks to Twilight’s sharpened vision, she had no trouble sailing through the smoke and towards Starlight, who was trying to look for her the smoke.

“Got you!” Twilight shouted, swinging her scythe down and letting the blade slash across Starlight’s face with all her might. Thanks to how quickly the strike came, Starlight didn’t realize that she had gotten cut for at least a couple of seconds. Once the pain set in however, she found herself screaming as one of her hooves flew to her face to stop the black blood from blinding her, allowing Twilight to attack again. Starlight’s screaming turned into gagging as Twilight let the end of her scythe slam into her chest, a soft, yet audible crack following just a split second later. The dark purple winged Unicorn watched as Starlight reeled through the air, and once again crumbled into the ground in a heap.

“Grr…dammit, I can’t believe that you nearly blinded me!” Starlight hissed, glaring at Twilight with her one visible eye. “I was totally not ready for that last attack you know!”

“Well, it’s not like I had attacked you from behind or anything.” Twilight murmured, frowning back at the indigo Unicorn. “I just happened to see and opening an caught you off guard, and you just weren’t able to evade it in time.”

“Yes, but still, you were this close from making me go half blind, which would’ve put me at a serious disadvantage in this fight!” Starlight growled, wiping the inky black blood form her face before she revealed her wounded face. Ethereal mist suddenly emerged from the wound where Starlight’s right eye was, and Twilight watched in silent awe as the wound healed. “You’re so lucky that Queen Moon granted us these powers, otherwise you’d really be seeing me lose it with that sneak attack of yours!”

“Isn’t that what you were doing just a minute ago?” Twilight asked, tilting her head as her bat-like ears flicked. “I mean, you were coming at me particularly hard with your last few attacks, and I could feel that you were not holding back in any of them.”

“Yeah, but that’s only because I was having the time of my life trying to learn your strengths and weaknesses in this in this fight!” Starlight retorted, slamming a hoof down on the glittering floor. “Now though, I think I may need to teach you what happens when you try to attack me when I least expect it, especially in a column of smoke! Space Magic: Wave of Outer Space!”

With a whinny, Starlight conjured up her swords, and once again shot them towards Twilight, followed by a wave of space-like energy. Like before, Twilight stayed suspended in the air, her sharp eyes following the swords movements she deflected them with her scythe. Once they were gone, Twilight used her magic to split apart the wave of space magic that was threatening to wash her up and sweep her in it. This hardly prove to be effective when the magic suddenly began to coil around the spot she was hovering.

“Good luck trying to save yourself like that!” Starlight laughed. “This wave of magic is designed in a way that no matter how much you slice and cut into it. It’s just going to keep coming back at you! You’ll have to find some other way to save yourself from it!”

Twilight hissed as she dodged a few streaks of the space wave, some of them just narrowly managing to get her before she blasted it off. She looked up just in time to see it rising above her, its shadow casting over her before it came crashing down towards her. Twilight only had time to scream before she was engulfed in the sparkling wave of magic, much to Starlight’s immense glee.

“Yes, I finally got you!” Starlight cheered; a wide grin stretched across her face. With a simple command from her horn, she made the space magic expand, allowing her to see Twilight’s head through its coils. “How’re you going to get yourself out of there now?!”

Twilight hissed in discomfort as she tried to free herself from the space magic that had her coiled within its grasp, but the more she did, the tighter it began to squeeze. With a frustrated cry, she glared down at Starlight and said, “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?”

“Me?! Look at yourself trying to get out of something as powerful as the magic of outer space!” Starlight retorted. “You literally have nothing but your head sticking out of there, and I highly doubt that’s going to anything for you!”

At this, Twilight paused, looking up at her horn, before looking down at the magic that had her within its grasp. With a smirk that showed every inch of her glistening fangs, she shouted, “Well, maybe not my scythe or my physical strength at the moment, but my horn can!”

Shutting her eyes tightly, Twilight focused on channeling her energy to horn, and with a final push, turned into a large sphere of magic. It expanded across the room and tore away at the waves of space magic that had her in it grasp, leaving her able to fly freely. Without wasting any time, she grabbed her scythe and hurled it at a shocked Starlight.

“Sparkle Scythe Meister: Letter U Hunter Barrage!” She shouted, swinging her scythe in front of her repeatedly. A flock of ‘U’ shaped slices emerged and sailed towards Starlight, who conjured up a shield to block them from slicing into her. Just as she deactivated it, Twilight was once again in front of her, and this time, Twilight was too fast for her to evade.

“You’re mine now!” Twilight yelled, slamming the top metallic bar of her scythe into Starlight’s chest. A mixture of pain and terror made up for the gasp that left Starlight’s throat as she was slammed into the ground, with the blade of Twilight’s scythe aimed at her throat.

“It looks like you’re in a bit of a tight spot right now.” Twilight said, one of her eyes shadowed by her extended bangs. “What do you have planned to try to escape me?”

“Seriously? This is how you’re going to finish me off?” Starlight asked, hardly fazed by the blade pressed against her neck. “You do realize that you’re only gonna waste your strength like this, right?”

“You think I don’t know that? You’re practically oozing of dark magic, which is all that your body is made out of, so I know that you’re not really real.” Twilight shot back, her brows furrowing. “The very same thing this power of mine is made to destroy, and judging from how much there is, it’ll prove to be exceptionally beneficial for me.”

“Beneficial? What in the hay are-” Starlight froze, looking again at Twilight’s scythe, then at her fangs, and into her cat-like eyes. “Wait, do you mean that this power of yours lets you increase and amplify your magical reserves?!”

“Yes, that’s right, my family, on my father’s side, are known for absorbing the magical essence o anything that is even remotely dark and evil. Which by the way, gave us the nickname as the Soul Eaters of Tartarus.” Twilight replied, her eyes glowing. “I don’t even need to feel your magic to know that there is evil reeking off of you, and it’s no thanks to Nightmare Moon.” Her expression softened slightly. “Don’t worry though, whatever she did to you, I’ll free you from it. It’s apparent that you’re not from this timeline, based on what Nightmare Moon told me about you and your other friends.” She raised her scythe in the air, aiming right for the Magic Life Force Gemstone in Starlight’s chest. “After I finish with you, Nightmare Moon is next, and I'll make her we make her pay for all she's done. To Celestia, to Luna to me, my friends, and everypony else in our town!”

At this, Starlight snarled and shouted, “Like hay I'll let you do that, you bitch!”

Without warning, Twilight felt something sharp stab right into her stomach before it pushed her away from the enraged Unicorn. Blood flew from Twilight’s mouth as she crashed to the floor, her scythe clanking to next to her in a heap. Twilight moaned with pain as she pushed herself up, looking into the angry violet eyes of her adversary.

“There is no way that I’m going to let you go anywhere near our Queen of the Dark! If you then you really need Curaçao to knock some sense into your thick skull!” She shouted, waves of space-like magic swirling around her. “We are the Savage Six, the strongest members of the Dark Army, and it is our sole duty to protect our Queen from any threat, which includes you!”

“The only threat here is your Queen herself, the very same Queen who I saw stab mine right before my eyes.” Twilight retorted with a wheeze, forcing herself onto her hooves. “She’s also the very same Queen that is in control of the real Lunar Goddesses’ body, and as long as she is, she’s a threat to me, me friends, and home, and Equestria. No matter what, me and my friends have to stop her, even if it means going through you.”

“Well, you’re going to have a tough time with that Sparkle.” Starlight breathed icily. “I still have plenty of magic condensed in my arsenal to obliterate you into nothingness. Let’s see how long you can hold out before you can even think of fulfilling that vow.”

Twilight bared her elongated curved teeth, gripping her scythe with her magic as it glowed with her energy. “Challenge accepted, Starlight Shadow Majikku.”

Applejack whinnied a loud battle cry as she galloped full speed towards Curacao, her right hoof reared back in preparation for an uppercut. The ocean blue Earth Pony’s slitted eyes allowed her to evade the movement, even as Applejack went in for another punch with her left hoof. It was met with a block, before Curacao slammed her other hoof into Applejack’s hardened face, sending her face whipping to the other side. Applejack stumbled on her hooves as she struggled to maintain her balance, and once she did, she went for the other armored earth pony again. One of her hind legs lifted to slam into Curaçao’s head, only for the other mare to block that with one of her forelegs, before grabbing it and spinning Applejack in the air. The farmer neighed in surprise as she was thrown into one of the walls crashing into them as she fell to the ground.

With a bat-like screech and a neigh, Curaçao shot off toward Applejack was she was propping herself back up. Her eyes widened upon seeing Curaçao approaching, and Applejack scrambled to her hooves and got out of the way just in time. As Curaçao slammed her hindhooves into the wall, Applejack leaped at her, her forehooves outstretched to grab Curaçao and slam her into the ground.

“Black Cloud Jump!” Curaçao suddenly shouted, leaping and kicking the air so hard that she jumped in the air. She repeated this action several more times before coming down on Applejack, one of her cloven armored hooves outstretched. “Dark Hoof Bullet!”

Applejack leapt in the air, doing several backflips in the process as Curaçao let her hoof leave a massive hole and multiple cracks in the floor. As Applejack landed a few feet away from her, she made eye contact with her opponent for just a moment, before she launched her next move.

“Dark Flash!” Curaçao suddenly shouted, vanishing in a flash of darkness, faster than Applejack could blink. She frantically looked around, and her golden white eyes caught side of Curaçao coming in from behind her. Applejack whirled around and let one of her hooves slam into Curacao’s own hooves, causing a shock wave to emit form the force.

“Dark Hoof Bullet: Barrage!” Curaçao shouted, and her hooves became a blur as she let them slam into Applejack’s armored forelegs. Applejack gritted her teeth from the force of the punches, but managed to keep herself suspended upright, up until Curacao planned another move. Her eyes caught one of her hindlegs trying to swing at her, and, almost out of instinct Applejack countered it with her own hindlegs and send it off in the other direction. Just as she was about to face her again, Applejack noticed a reddish black slice come out of Curacao’s leg, and slice right through the glittering walls.

“What in buckin’ tarnation?!” Applejack inadvertedly shouted before she could stop herself, caught off guard. This moment of distraction allowed Curacao to buck the Sweet Apple Titan right in her face, before grabbing her tail and throwing her into the ground. As Curacao lunged for her, Applejack’s back hooves suddenly shot up and collided with her opponent’s muzzle, sending her tumbling across the ground.

“Heh, ya almost had me there, hon’…but ya may have gotten a lil’ too carried away back there.” Applejack murmured, wiping at her hardened mouth as she glanced behind her. “That was what allowed me t’ pull off that lil’ counterattack Ah gave ya.”

Curacao snorted, spitting blood from her mouth as she stared at Applejack. “Yeah, Ah noticed that thank ya very much. Ya made that pretty obvious from th’ fact thay ya nearly knocked out mah damn teeth. You really caught me off there with that attack.”

“Look who’s talkin’!” Applejack shot back, flicking her free tail. “Ya totally took me by surprise when ya pulled off that little kickin’ attack ya did there! It was a good thing Ah countered it, otherwise Ah would’ve had my damn head sliced off like an apple pie!”

“I think your overexaggerating it a bit there…” Curacao murmured with a slight chuckle. “Ah can say fer certain that you wouldn’t have been decapitated. Even so, you certainly would’ve had a really nasty wound, either on your neck or on your face. One that you would certainly have branded on ya fer a real long time.”

Applejack frowned confusedly. “What th’ hay do ya mean by that?”

“Well…let’s just say that the injuries inflicted by my family are ones that pretty much nothin’ can truly heal.” Curacao replied, rubbing the back of her head. “T’ put it more simply, you’d have a permanent scar from it if it doesn’t kill ya. If ya hadn’t evaded that last attack, that was what would’ve happened, but you got lucky that time.”

“…Ah really don’t see how that’s such a bad thing.” Applejack said after some silence had passed between them. “Ah’ve gotten plenty o’ scars back in th’ four years that Ah spent tryin’ t’ master this power o’ mine. So, Ah don’t really understand why that’d be such a problem if Ah got another ‘specially if it’s from you.”

“Well, given that you are a farmer, you make a valid point ‘bout that.” Curacao murmured, giving a shrug of her shoulders. “Ah’m sure yer wonderin’ just what the hay it was that Ah conjured up back there right? Well, to Answer whatever question ya may have, what as was about to use was called the Black Tempest Slice, one o’ may families Six Powers.”

Applejack froze, her white eyes widening as she took an involuntary step back. “S-S-Six…P-P-Powers?”

“Oh, so ya heard o’ that type o’ power have ya?” Curacao asked noticing the shocked look on the armored farmer’s face. “Heh, what am Ah sayin’? O’ course you should know it. What farmer that has powers like ours doesn’t?”

“Ah do…members like mah o’ th’ Apples, Grapes, Carrots, and Corns have ‘em…not exactly the same, but pretty similar.” Applejack replied, calming down slightly. “S-so…yer sayin’ that yer able t’ use ‘em too?”

“Yer damn tootin’ mah little sweet slice, only mine ‘r a bit more…darker than yers.” Curaçao replied, running a hoof through her dark armor. “Not t’ mention it packs a hay of a lot more of a wallop when it makes direct contact with its intended target. Somethin’ that yer sure t’ experience before Ah end this lil’ duel o’ ours.”

“Oh crap…that is not good fer me, ‘specially since Ah haven’t really heard o yer…other family before, o’ th’ Tyrants.” Applejack muttered, biting her lip. “If it’s true that you can use the same Six Powers that we can use, then that means Ah’m at a real disadvantage. Which means th’ only way that can even stand a chance t’ par against is fer me t’ use…”

“That’s right, ya gotta use yer own six abilities so you can try to stay even with me.” Curacao replied, holding back her laughter. “Though, jus’ sayin’ Ah highly doubt that they’ll stand much of a chance against mine, especially with all o’ the training Ah put int’ mine.”

“Don’t get so cocky there sugarcube.” Applejack growled, stomping one of her forehooves. “Ah may not have had as much experience as you in battle, but that don’t mean Ah don’t know a thing ‘r two mahself. Ya even think of underestimatin’ me, an’ you’ll be in fer a real world of hurt.”

“Who said Ah wasn’t expectin’ ya t’ give me a worthy fight? Ah could tell that ya weren’t holdin’ back, even if ya didn’t use all o’ yer moves.” Curacao giggled. “Still though, Ah’m curious as to how much, hurt, you can dish out on me.”

“Careful now, ya may get jus’ that.” Applejack murmured, lowering herself in preparation. “Ah can’t promise that you’ll like what Ah have t’ give though. Ya my end up regrettin’ makin’ me t’ do jus’ that.”

“Well, let’s see where this fight takes us then.” Curaçao murmured, flicking her tail. “Th’ sooner Ah see what ya have cooked up fer me, the better.”

Applejack smirked. “Now that we can agree on.”

Pinkie Pie giggled jovially as she bounced and jumped around the room that she and Red Velvet were in, the latter slashing at the former with her bloody blades. Deep cuts were made in the floor as a result of the darker pink mare’s attacks, and the windows were smashed due to the shockwaves behind them. Every so often, Pinkie Pie shot off large vines at Red to keep some distance from them, only for the vines to be repeatedly sliced and cut down. Relentlessly, Pinkie Pie used the power of her elemental transformation to catch her opponent in some kind of hold so she could strike back. Red, undeterred by the incoming elements, used her bloody weapons to deflect or block them from her, before retaliating in kind with her blades.

“Bloody Slicers!” Red shouted, swinging her scarlet blade out at Pinkie and causing a flock of slashes to appear. With armored Earth Pony snorted and merely ducked and dodged through them, jumping over a few before bounding towards red. Thanks to the armor covering her hooves, it allowed her to clash against her blades without worrying about having to get cut for, for the time being.

“Is that really all that you have up your sleeve Reddy?” Pinkie Pie asked, smiling slightly at a smirking Red. “I know that you have a heck of a lot more party energy packed up in you, so why the small attack?”

“Oh nothing, just testing out your strength and durability as all.” Red replied, gripping her blade tightly with her hooves. “It’s gotta be hard for you to have to control all of those elements all at once, so’ I’m seeing if you have proper control over them.”

Pinkie Pie frowned, leaping back as Red drew her blade black and tried to bring it down onto her face. “What’re you talking about?! Of course, I have total control over my super-duper colorful powers right now! Why else would you think that I’d have all six of them out here in the open right now?! Even if they’re not completely in view!”

“Mmmmm, that’s true.” Red nodded, spinning her blade in her grip. “Still though, one’s power can run amok without the proper control behind it. You look like you have control over it now, but I wonder how long that’s going to last!” Pointing her blade forward, a small orb of magic appeared in front of it as she shouted. “Bloody Flying Needles!”

Eyes widening, Pinkie Pie frantically dodged the multiple large and extremely sharp needles that were trying to penetrate her. At one point, one of the needles manage to slice her across one of her cheeks, and Pinkie was not prepared for the searing pain that came afterward. Pain that made her let out a pain-filled scream as she clutched her cheek.

“Hurts, doesn’t it?” Red asked, smiling sadistically. “Something I forgot to mention about this little bloody power of mine. Each of these needles has contains a heated sensation of magic that’ll make you feel like you’re being burned by fire. It’s a good thing that you got hit by only one of these needles, because you’d be in a world of fiery pain of you had gotten hit by it all!”

“Oh, don’t you even think of giving me that you dirty little lying meanie pants!” Pinkie Pie shouted, glaring daggered with her tri-colored eyes. “You left that fact out on purpose so I’d be angrier that you didn’t tell me what would happen if it hit me!”

“Well, it’s not like I’d tell you my powers effects so you can think of how to avoid them. which would only give you more of an advantage over me.” Red shrugged, blowing her dark pink bangs from her face. “Then again, even if you did, you’d still be in a real pickle if I just used some other chaotic power of mine.”

“Y-yeah well…it’s still a cheap shot! One that I’m going to make you pay for!” Pinkie Pie shouted, her eyes glowing as she slammed her forelegs on the ground. Rearing in the air, a large orb of fire appeared in her hoof as she shouted, “Fire Hoof!”

Faster than Red could blink, Pinkie Pie launched her hoof forward and a large stream of fire sailed towards Red at breakneck speed. Red went wide-eyed at the sudden attack, and she used her bloody blade to slash at the fire and split it in two. She leaped over the fire before it could reform, and aimed to descended upon Pinkie, her sword drawn back above her head.

“Bloody Wave Slash!” Red shouted, swinging her sword down and sending a large slash of red down at Pinkie Pie. The earth brown mare’s eyes looked up to see it coming, and she cancelled out her fire attack to create to go on the offensive.

“Ice Cone!” Pinkie shouted, slamming her forehooves onto the ground and making a large shield of ice around her. It came just in the nick of time, and the red wave slash clashed with the ice shield, some ice shattered from the force of it. It didn’t, however, shatter the entire cone, and sure enough the wave of energy dispersed, just as Red landed back down on the floor.

“Nice try, but that little icy shield isn’t going to protect you from me!” Red growled, pointing her sword forward. “Bloody Explosion!”

With a loud boom, an even bigger orb of red shot from Red’s blade, and it slammed into Pinkie’s ice shield with enough force to make it explode upon impact. Red shielded her eyes form the shards of ice that flew through the air, and when it vanished, she looked over to where Pinkie was. Or at least, where she used to be after the ice cone was destroyed from the dark pink mare’s attack.

“What the hay?!” Red gasped, looking around at the battle room. “Where the buck did you go, huh?! Come out before I slice you to pieces and make you into a red velvet cupcake!”

The dark pink mare got no response, but instead got a child-like giggle that echoed off of the walls. She suddenly felt a surge of electricity coming from below her, and looked down, only to see Pinkie Pie under her, a wide grin plastered on her face.

“Surprise!” She said cheerfully, before she launched her attack. “Lightning Hooves!”

The next thing Red knew, she found herself screaming in pain as Pinkie slammed her forehooves into her chest, right where her gemstone was. Red found herself launched into the air as she was ripped apart from the inside by multiple volts of electricity. She fell to the ground with a sickening splat as smoke rose from her charred mane and tail, a moan of pain leaving her.

“Awww, what’s the matter Reddie? Not able to take being struck by lightning?” Pinkie asked, her lower lip stuck out. It soon vanished and was replaced with a glare that was as dark as the void-like pupils she bore. “Well, that’s what you get for pulling that last cheap shot on me! Nopony makes a party pooper of me and gets away with it!”

Red growled, coughing black blood from her mouth as she slowly rose from the ground. Slowly turning her head, she let one of her icy blue eyes glare at the other Earth Pony as she bared her bloodied teeth. “So, you wanna play it like that, huh Pinkie Pie? Alright then, we’ll have this little party your way!”

Exploding to her hooves, Red shot one of them out, and her sword flew through the air and rested in her grip. Raising it in the air, she slammed it down on the ground as it began to glow brightly, before Red shouted, “Bloody Crimson Wave!”

To Pinkie’s repulsed shock, a large wave of scarlet exploded from out of the ground after a pool of it had appeared around Red. It washed over the floor like a giant angry wave crashing onto the shore of a beach, heading straight towards the other mare. Holding back the urge to gag, Pinkie slammed her forehooves onto the ground again, and shouted, “Wave of Ice!”

Just as Red’s wave of crimson was about to drown Pinkie Pie, a large watery wave of ice exploded from out of her, clashing with the wave of red. The sound of crashing water echoed about the room as the two liquid abilities fought each other in a powerful struggle over power. Red poured all that she had within her crimson wave, but Pinkie did as well, just as tirelessly as she, and after a while, the two attacks finally gave out. They both exploded into a giant mixture of red and blue liquid as they leapt back from the carnage, however little there was.

“Whoa, now that was a close one!” Pinkie exclaimed. “For a second there I thought that I was going to drown in all of that stuff! I so did not want taste a single drop of that!”

Red growled, ripping her blade from out of the floor as a tick mark appeared on her head. “That wasn’t meant for you to taste, let alone drink! It was made to drown you to drown in my Blood Crimson Wave’s steamy sensation! Just like you said was almost about to happen, until you pulled off that little wave of water on it!”

“Well, it’s a good think that I’m able to use a mixture of water and snow then huh? That was the first thing that came into mind when I saw that really nasty wave of blood coming at me!” Pinkie Pie retorted, finding that time to stick to her tongue out in disgust. “I mean seriously, it smelled sooooo bad! Like a super-duper delicious cupcake that’s been rotting away for weeks and weeks and weeks, except you don’t notice it until it really hits you in the nose!”

“Yeah well, it’s not gonna work on me again, you little silly filly!” Red countered, blatantly ignoring the look of revulsion on Pinkie’s face. “You’re still gonna be in a world of pain by the time we’re finished here, and it’s going to be on hay of a party for me!”

“Hey! That’s my line!” Pinkie accused, jabbing a hoof at Red. “Nopony steals lines from me and gets away with it! That was a whole new level of low!”

“Oh, really now?” Red giggled, running a hoof across her blade. “Well then, why don’t you make me take it back? If you can try, given that sneaky little move you did on me.”

Pinkie giggled as well, flashing a wide grin that paled in comparison to the tone in her voice as she spoke, “As you wish…Reddie~.”

Author's Note

Mmmmm...I fell alright about this next chapter with the fight between the Main Seven I guess, Nightmare Moon and the Savage Six :applejackunsure: . One of the main things that really bugged me about this while writing it is what kind of techniques and names of said moves I should give to the girls and their adversaries while they were dueling. It was much easier for me to do it with the Savage Six than it was for the Main Seven, mainly because I already had them thought up off the top of my head, unlike with the other girls. One the thoughts of Soul Eater and One Piece entered my mind however, it slowly, but surely began to become more easier for me, especially since I didn't want Applejack's fight to be one of just Marital Arts with Curaçao, like how it is on Attack On Titan. Looking over the techniques, I feel like I flushed it out well, especially with Pinkie Pie's fight with Red Velvet and all. Also, for those of you who were wondering if Applejack was going to unleash her own Six Powers, don't worry, you'll see it soon, at least in the next chapter after this one :twilightblush: . As for Twilight, yes, her techniques are based off of Soul Eater, with Maka Albarn and her partner Soul's own combined techniques, and I'm pretty sure that you guys can guess why I picked that anime for Twilight's powers to come from, other than Levy Mcgarden's Solid Script Magic from Fairy Tail :derpytongue2: .

Well, that's all for now, get read to see our dear fashionista in a graceful battle with her greedy counterpart, after we see a divine duel and another look back into the Light and Dark Armies :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 74 - Obsidian Scales and Emerald Diamonds

Fluttershy Kindheart Rosario Tenshi was usually not a short-tempered pony, nor was she one to give into her anger easily. As a member of two of the kindest and gentlest clans in Equestria, it would be highly unusual, and rather out of character for somepony like her to do that. Usually, she was very in tune with her emotions, and was able to stop herself just short of losing it with somepony. Whenever she did get angry over something, like somepony saying something horrible about her animals or her sister, she wouldn’t freak out or anything like that. What she would do instead, was give them a nice good dose of the Solar Stare, and those ponies would be sent running home with their tails between their legs. Right before they apologized either to her or Scootaloo for whatever they did or said to her that is. Despite that, along with being one of the most mature ponies in Ponyville, she did find herself not able to contain herself, though those were rather minor incidences.

Now though, as Fluttershy clashed swords with the devilish looking Pegasus mare with her, she found herself in a whirlwind of fury. She wasn’t just angry either though, she was downright pissed the Tartarus off.

The sound of otherworldly weapons clashing could be heard in the air, provided with such power and force that shook the entire room. So much so that it looked like it was going to be destroyed on the inside and out with strike. Flashes of black red, yellow and white could be seen soaring through the air, colliding with a force that could’ve destroyed entire houses. Both sides seemed to be evenly matched, which was apparent, given the fact that they came from clans that were eerily similar, yet so drastically different at the same time.

Havocwing laughed gleefully as she flew through the with Fluttershy, her crow-like wings flapping and taking her across the air with minimum effort. The golden Pegasus she was fighting followed suit, if going ever so slightly slower as she followed her movements. Their godly swords of light and dark sailed through the air as they collided, blowing each other’s manes back. Their armor gleamed as light danced about them, contrasting with one another as their massive wings beat each other with the fury of two Sea Eagles fighting over a fish.

“Whoa there Fluttershy, you are on a roll right now!” Havocwing commented as their swords made sparks fly. “Just a few minutes ago, you looked anything but ready to fight me, and now, you seriously look like you wanna rip my wings off! That’s probably the fastest that I’ve been able to get somepony to challenge me!”

Fluttershy didn’t reply right away, just snarling at Havocwing as she pushed back against her black blade, her golden eyes gleaming. With a final pushed, she sent Havocwing plummeting back down to the ground, before releasing a large slash of celestial magic down at her. Havocwing smirked, before swinging her sword upward, a wave of black magic flying up to counter Fluttershy’s own as they both collided. A room shaking explosion burst across the air as smoke burst from the impact, enveloping both mares from their field of view.

“Silence!” Fluttershy seethed, swinging her sword out and slicing through the smoke that kept her glare off of Havocwing. “Don’t you dare try to make it seem like I had suddenly changed my mind and wanted to slice the armor right off your body! You know exaclty what you said to make me like this!”

“Oh? What exaclty did I say to you to make you like this?” Havocwing asked tauntingly, raising a brow. “I’m sure that it wasn’t anything that bad sweetie~.”

“Do not play dumb with me!” Fluttershy shouted, flapping her angel wings with the force of a Haast’s Eagle. “You looked me right in my eyes and said that you’d kill my sweet Scootaloo right in front of my eyes if I didn’t comply to your demands! How can you expect me to believe that you forgot that you said such a horrible thing?!”

Havocwing let out a gasp of fake recognition, a hoof coming to her muzzle. “Oh, right, that! The one thing that turned you into the raging angel of Faust that you are now! Oh wow, the look on your face when I said that! I am so going to tell Nyx and the others about that one!”

“Well, unfortunately for you, you’re not going to get that chance.” Fluttershy said, her now soft voice doing nothing to hide the rage behind it. “By the time we’re finished here, there will be no trace of your magical presence left! And you will be devoured by the sword in my hooves!”

“Ooooh, now I can’t wait see if you can pull that off!!” Havocwing growled anticipatingly, gripping her down darks sword tightly. “I admit, I may have gone a little bit too far there, but it was so worth it! Now I’m getting the fight that I deserve, so you’d better make it worth my while, cause I’m not holding anything back!”

“Neither am I, but I’ll make you wish that I did!” Fluttershy retorted, bringing her sword back in preparation for a swing. “Holy Release: Celestial Slash!”

Instead of a vertical slash, Fluttershy unleashed a horizontal one, and a wave of pure white magic erupted from her sword. It flew through the air and soared towards Havocwing, who smirked toothily before she raised her own sword. It came down and cut the celestial slash in half, and she let the attack cut into the wall behind him, right where the Element of Kindness was. The golden yellow Pegasus unleashed several more slashes at her scarlet counterpart, and she ended up cutting those apart as well.

“Wow, those were good attacks there Fluttershy! I could feel the burning rage behind each of them!”Havocwing commented, letting the attacks explode behind them. “Still though, it’s going to take more than those to even scratch me! Destruction Release: Solarium Slash!”

Havocwing swung her sword outward, and several slashes of black magic ended up coming out of her darker sword. Fluttershy pursed her lips and flared her wings, leaping over some of the slashes, while cutting down others that were closer to her. She looked back to where Havocwing was standing, only to see the mare ascending toward her, the fiery slitted pupils in her eyes glowing. Another shockwave exploded across the air as the two mares let their swords clash and slash at one another, more sparks showering from the air.

“You weren’t thinking that I’d pull that kind of trick off, huh?” Havocwing smirked, her fangs flashing. “One of the advantages that I’d have for being a Datenshi!”

“Of course, I was! Who do you think you saying this to?!” Fluttershy replied, not in the least bit amused. “I’m a Tenshi! I’m expected to know as much as there is to know about our clan’s greatest sworn enemy! Including about the tricks and powers that you have!” With a heave, she sent Havocwing spiraling down to the ground before Fluttershy raised her sword in the air. “Holy Release: Rays of Starlight!”

Several rays of golden light appeared in the air, before shooting down towards Havocwing like a flock of arrows being unleased from the sky. The speed they were going at left Havocwing not able to dodge them, so she used her wings to bounce them away, letting them explode into the ground. She soon realized how much of a mistake that was, for she could feel the burning sensation of the light coursing through her clawed wings.

“Dammit, that was stupid of me. I should’ve known that those rays of light were going to burn my wings…shit.” Havocwing cursed, folding her wings tightly to her sides for a moment. “Alright, now it’s my turn! Destruction Release: Termination!”

swinging her sword upward, Havocwing unleased a huge wave of black flickering flames at Fluttershy, who let out a terrified gasp. Flapping her wings quickly, she just barely evaded the flames, watching as they tore through the glittering ceiling. When they slowly went out, Fluttershy saw a massive hole made in the ceiling, which was slowly fixing itself.

“Good thing that you dodged those flames when you did, otherwise you would’ve been screwed.”Havocwing commented, laughing at Fluttershy’s terrified look. “Just in case you don’t know, those flames are specifically designed to melt through just about anything that it touches! Even if it’s something as well designed and durable as my dear sweet Queen Moon’s castle, however beautiful that it is! Had those flames hit you, not even that armor of yours would’ve done much to protect you from having ever-lasting burns.”

“Okay, no I know that you are taking me for a foal!” Fluttershy frowned. “I already told you that I’m a Tenshi! Your clans sworn enemy, I know what I need to about you should I have to face any of you sometime in my life! Are you seriously expecting me not to know an attack as dangerous as that?!”

“Well no baby! I’d expect no less from the mortal angels of Faust, and I’m genuinely impressed that you managed to evade it!” Havocwing replied, giving a slow clap of her hooves. “Now…let’s see if you can avoid the rest!” Shooting her hooves out, orbs of darkness appeared in them as she shouted, “Destruction Release: Explosive Hellfire!”

With a cry of terror, Fluttershy flew through the air, her speed allowing her to dodge the explosive balls of black demonic fire being shot throughout the air. The laughter coming from Havocwing echoed in her ears, sending a shiver down her armored back as she stopped just above the scarlet Pegasus. With a swing of her sword, she cut apart the last bolt of black fire, before flaring her wings as wide as they could go.

“So, you’re using fire for your next technique, are you?” Fluttershy asked, her golden eyes gleaming. “Well, allow me to respond to back in kind! Holy Release: Faust’s Wings!”

With her wings giving off a pure white glow, she swung them down at the speed of a blinking eye, and pure white feathers covered in golden fire emerged. Havocwing’s sinister black eyes went wide at the incoming attack, she flew back with a flap of her crow wings, letting the feathers pierce through the ground. As she recovered from the shower of feathers, she looked up, only to see Fluttershy diving at her, her sword drawn back.

“I’m not done with you yet!” She shouted angrily, unleashing her next attack on her fallen counterpart. “Holy Release: Consecration!”

Pointing her sword forward, Fluttershy unleashed a wave of golden flames at Havocwing, who was unfortunately backed up against the nocturnal wall. With no place to run, Havocwing shot into the air, her wings flared wide as a red aura surrounded them. “I’m not going down that easily! Destruction Release: Wings of Solaris!”

Swinging her own wings out, Havocwing unleashed a giant flock of black crow feathers, all pelted in fire that was as red as her fur. Fluttershy watched as they tore through her wave of golden fire, before they began to pierce into her armor and her wings. She screamed as she felt the fire around the feathers burn inside her armor and her wings, leaving an opening for Havocwing. In the blink of an eye, she was right above the Tenshi Pegasus and swung her black blade striking her right into her shoulder. As she crashed to the ground, Havocwing pointed her sword down, ready to unleash her own wave of magic on Fluttershy.

“Get a load of this!” Havocwing shouted gleefully. “Destruction Release: Desecration!”

A large wave of crimson flames emerged from out of Havocwing’s sword as she swung it downward, letting them dive down towards Fluttershy. The golden Pegasus, who was busying herself with ending to her wings, snapped her head up to the flames. Her eyes widened in horror at what was about to happen, but she had just enough time to kept herself from getting scorched.

“Oh no, I gotta get rid of those flames now!” Fluttershy said to herself, rearing up and shooting her forehooves out. “Holy Release: Radiance!”

The defensive move came just in the nick of time, and an enormous ray of golden light burst from Fluttershy’s hooves, clashing with Havocwing’s crimson fire. After a brief power struggle, the ray of light ate up the flames, allowing Fluttershy to take a breather from the attack. As her angelic magic went to work on healing her wounds, Havocwing flew down to meet her.

“Whoa, now that was a surprise.” Havocwing commented. “I thought for sure that I had you back there! The last thing I expected was for you to release a ray of light on my flames.”

“Okay…that one, I will buy.” Fluttershy murmured, panting slightly. “I don’t believe for a minute that you don’t know a single one of my own techniques like I do your own. Alas, I can see the surprise on your face by what I did, so I’ll believe you when I saw that you were not expecting me to do what I just did.”

“Oh, well thank you for that honey; I was getting a bit upset by you not believing me earlier.” Havocwing pouted, giggling at the glare Fluttershy gave her. “Though, would you believe me when I said that I would pull the same move on you that you just did on me?”

Fluttershy’s expression went from a glare to a deadpan. When she finally did speak, she just said one simple word. “Absolutely.”

“Well that’s good.” Havocwing said softly, before she smiled sadistically. “Because that’s the exaclty same move I’m gonna unleash on you right now!” Before Fluttershy could say anything, Havocwing flapped her wings and rose into the air, her hooves shot out into the air. “I hope your eyes have a high pain tolerance, because you are gonna see light so dark you’ll wish you’ll be blind like the late Snowdrop!”

Fluttershy gulped audibly. “Oh dear…”

“Fire Dragon Knight: Scorching Roar!” Venture Vine roared loudly as she soared through the air on her draconic wings, one of her claws engulfed in pure golden flames. As she brought it down towards Garnet Blaze, the cloaked Nightmare Earth Pony knocked it away before sending a side kick to Venture’s face, sending her skidding across the ground. Flaring her wings, Venture flew into the air, and watched as Garnet shot her magical tails out at her, intent in impaling her in midair. The grass green Kirin let out a bright stream of flames at the tails, engulfing them in fire. With a flap of her powerful wings, Venture Vine flew high above the Garnet, fire appearing around her wings.

“Fire Fox Style: Swirling Flaming Tail!” Garnet shouted, lashing her orange magic tails out as they fused together into a giant one. It pierced into Venture Vine’s soft stomach, but it thankfully didn’t go in too deep into her, her golden armor seeing to that. Ripping it out, she flapped her wings and flew through the air, one of her claws holding the wound in her stomach. As Garnet’s tails came back to her, bursts of golden flames wrapped themselves around Venture’s wings.

“Fire Dragon Knight: Wing Attack!” The mare roared, flapping her wings downward and sending twin streams of flames down at Garnet Blaze. The Nightmare Earth Pony smirked and lifted her scythe, sending deep slashes into the fire just as it was about to hit her.

“Wow, that felt really hot there, Venture!” Garnet giggled, letting the end of her scythe plop to the ground next to her. “Good thing that I managed to slice them in two, otherwise I definitely would’ve had some really bad burns!”

“Well, too bad for you, burns aren’t going to be the only thing that you’re getting!” Venture retorted, growling loudly. “Oh no, by the time me and Celestia are done with you, you’re going to wish we’re only gave you burns!”

With another roar, Venture flew at the Nightmare Earth Pony, her claws outstretched as she shot them at Garnet Blaze’s face. The Nightmare Earth Pony managed to duck under the first few strikes, before blocking a couple more of them with her scythe. As she did this however, she could see some bis of her blade flying through the air, taking her by surprise and shock. This gave Venture Vine the opportunity to strike again, and gave the smaller mare a few vicious slashes across her face, before giving another to her chest.

Upon feeling the Magical Life Force Gemstone in her chest get struck, Garnet Blaze let out a gasp of terror, and she leapt back from the grass green Kirin. She put as much distance between them as she possibly could, wanting to take at least a moment to access the damage. Garnet only had time to look down at it for a split second before she found herself getting elbowed in the face before one of Venture’s hindlegs slammed into her stomach. Venture then grabbed the mare by her shoulders and drove her further into it, her mouth agape as she went for her throat.

“Not so fast you blood thirsty lizard mare!” Garnet shouted, lunging up and sinking her own fangs into Venture’s muzzle. This move was so unexpected that Venture’s wings flared and attempted to get her away from Garnet, only for the Dark Army Leader to grab her by her throat. She let her teeth cut into Venture’s muzzle as she ripped her own head away, one of her hooves colliding with the left side of the larger mare’s face. As Garnet kicked Venture off of her, she lashed out at Venture with her magical aura. “Fire Fox Style: Claws of Fire!”

Venture Vine suddenly found herself screaming as she felt a pair of magical claws wrap around her and squeeze tightly. Despite the armor coating her and her immunity of fire, even that did nothing to keep away the burning painful sensation that coursed throughout her body. So powerful was the pain she was in, she almost didn’t feel herself getting slammed into the ground, hard.

“Ha, looks like I’m not the one who’s going to be getting burns tonight!” Garnet laughed as she raised Venture up and slammed her down again. “I guess the tables have turned for you now Venture Vine, for you and all of your friends!”

“Are you sure that you mean all of us?!” A familiar regal voice shouted out of nowhere. With a surprised jump, Garnet Blaze whipped her head around, only to see Celestia sending a blast of magic at her. “Solar Beam!”

Garnet’s vision was washed in a sea of yellow as Celestia’s Solar Beam drove her into the ground, not even giving her enough time to scream. As she attempted to recover from the blast, she found herself surrounded by vines, which proceeded to wrap around her and carry her into the air, right in front of an angry Celestia.
“Goddammit, how dare you cage me in these vines like some kind of animal?!” Garnet demanded, ripping and biting at the vines. “Put me down right now!”

“What, so you can try to target even more of my subjects that’re fighting against your army?” Celestia asked, her mane and tail skirt billowing behind her. “I’m afraid that I cannot do that, especially with how much power you have that you still haven’t displayed. You’re known as the Orange Fox for a reason, and the longer we fight, the more danger my subjects will be put in by you. Thus, I will end you right here, right now! Solar Drill!”

The next thing Garnet knew, she was screaming loudly as she was enveloped in bright yellow light which proceeded to burn her all over her body. It was so powerful that it sent the Nightmare Earth Pony flying across the sky and over the warzone. In the midst of the firing, she sailed over Zephyr and Nyx, who were locked in a rather brutal battle of their own. The former’s eyes allowed him to see the bright light above him, and he watched wide-eyed as Garnet was slammed into the ground.

“Whoa, now that is some bright light.” He murmured to himself, briefly ignoring the sin black Alicorn mare in front of him. “Garnet really must’ve pissed Celestia off something fierce.”

“Whoa there Zephie! You may wanna keep your eyes on your fight right now!”

With a jump, Zephyr whirled around to see Nyx charging at him, covered in gleaming black and white bat-like armor, a sword in her magic. He raised his wings and let his wing claws clash with it, even as it began to push him into the ground. Flaring his wings out, he pushed the blade back and lashed out with his claws.

“Nice try, but you’re wide open!” Nyx shouted as she struck with her sword. “Crescent Black Moon Slash!”

A few large black slashes of magic emitted from Nyx’s swords, and they cut into Zephyr’s forelegs, wings, and chest, sending him flying away. He roared in pain as he crashed to the ground, but through the tumble, the Solar Royal Guard managed to prop himself back up in his feet. As he looked up, he saw Nyx soaring towards him, her sword reared back in preparation for a probable stabbing.

“I don’t think so!” Zephyr shouted, shooting his claws out. “Lightning Dragon Knight: Divulsion Electric Explosion!”

A burst of orange lightning exploded form Zephyr’s claws, chirping and screeching as it rippled through the air and ground. Despite the danger of that attack, it did nothing to wipe the smirk off of Nyx’s face.

“Nice one Zephyr, but you’ll need to try harder than this!” She said as she pointed her sword forward. “Crescent Black Moon Blast!”

To Zephyr’s shock, a large wave of blackness exploded form Nyx’s sword, looking just as big, if not bigger, than that of Zephyr’s own. They clashed in a brutal power struggle that sent both of the fighters flying away, along with catching some of their forces. When it vanished all that was left was a huge cloud of smoke that rose into the sky, showing the devastation of the attacks. It didn’t matter though, for Zephyr and Nyx could see each other just fine through the grey cloud, and, their eyes glowing holes into each other.

“I have to admit Nyx, you are no joke in combat.” Zephyr complimented, small bits of lightning dancing around him. “I could feel the force behind that last attack of yours, even as I launched my own at it.”

“I could say the same for you Zephyr, you definitely deserve your title as a Solar Royal Guard of Celestia’s Solar Division.” Nyx giggled, spinning her sword around in her magic. “Nopony’s managed to last this long against my Vampire Armor without at least getting some slashes. You’ve hardly gotten any yourself…but then again, neither have I.”

Well, that’s because my draconic scales are helping me to avoid injuries like that…though not as much as they should in this form.” Zephyr replied, quietly muttering the last part. “As for you, that armor of yours is really something; I’ve hardly managed to make a dent in it. It’s almost like I’m trying to pierce the armor of another Kirin or a Dragon.”

“Well, that’s what you get when you have Reequip Magic like me and my Momma’s” Nyx shouted, summoning another sword with her magic as prepared to launch her next attack on the stallion. “Alright, time to blow you away!”

“Not if I send you flying first!” Zephyr retorted, lightnin coating both of his claws as he fused them together. “Lightning Dragon Knight: Heavenward Halberd!”

“Sorry, but that’s not going to work!” Nyx shouted, swinging her black swords out with all her might.“Crescent Blade Black Moon Flock!”

Both attacks were launched at the same time, Nyx unleashing a flock of back slashes while Zephyr unleased a godly twin trio bladed spear of lightning. Those that were close enough to the right saw the next explosion coming, and did their best to get out of the way to avoid being caught up in it. Celestia and Venture Vine were well away from the fight, and they watched as a devastating explosion washed around where Zephyr and Nyx were, consuming them in its magic. As they did so, they were unaware of the wisps of dark red magic emitting from a crater nearby. A crater were a certain foxy Nightmare Earth Pony was slowly emerging.

Insipid roared and lashed out with her tail skirt, letting it wrap around Rarity’s neck as she evaded a strike to her head by her horn. After spinning her around in the air, she slammed the bat winged mare into the ground, though not with enough force to leave a crater in the hard floor. She then lunged for Rarity, her own curved horn aiming straight for her stomach, but Rarity was one step ahead of her adversary. With a swing of one of her hindlegs, she let her hoof collide with Insipid’s horn, hard enough to leave her dazed and keep herself from being gored. Flipping over onto her stomach, she turned around and bucked Insipid in her face, sending her spiraling through the air and away from her.

“That attack as do predictable that I didn’t even need to observe what you were going to do next!” Rarity spat acidly, shaking her head as she spun around to face Insipid. “Cifer Bell Machine Gun: Rapid Gattling Gun!”

As Insipid got to her hooves, she snapped her head behind her to see the flock of emerald green magic soaring towards her. Thinking quickly, she conjured up a crystallized shied that was able to protect her from her potential puncture wounds. She gritted her teeth as she felt herself being slowly pushed back by Rarity’s relentless assault on her, even as smoke began to cover her.

“…It’s going to make more than just this little flock of magic to bring me down!” Insipid shouted, pushing her shield forward to put some distance between herself and Rarity. “Crystal Gemstone Flock Crystal Ice Dragoness!”

Rarity’s bat-like ears picked up the sound of magic being conjured, shortly following by the sound of something meeting her flock of laser-like blasts. Looking up, she saw that there were dark blue gemstones meeting her blasts, making them explode in midair and shower the air. A gasp of shock left Rarity upon seeing this; so much so that she cancelled her attack and jumped back.

“What the…are you seriously using gemstones to counter my Rapid Gattling Gun attack?!” She demanded, her eyes flashing green with anger as her tail lashed out behind her. “What kind of sane pony does something so horrid like that?!”

Insipid, who had also stopped her attack, upon seeing Rarity pause in hers, looked at Rarity as if she was an utter idiot. “You’re kidding me right dearie? Are you seriously asking something like that to a Crystal Pony, of all ponies? Who are, in case you didn’t know, made entirely of crystals themselves?”

“Yes, I know that, you dense buffoon! I can clearly see your fur glittering and shining from where I’m standing!” Rarity huffed, rolling her eyes. “Now that you say, that begs the question even more as to how you can even think of using such beautiful valuables against me! Gemstones should be used for creating beauty, not destroy it!”

“Well, you’re certainly not looking very beautiful from where I’m standing.” Insipid muttered, just low enough for Rarity not to hear. “As for your earlier question, this is just thow my powers work. It’s not like I can do anything about it, even if I want to change it. besides, it’s not like your powers are really that different from mine…well, with yours being more laser-like.”

“Well if you ask me, that’s just a waste of something that could easily be made into something that can be absolutely divine!” Rarity spat scornfully. “That is certainly not a pony that I would want to associate with for any design they may want me to make.”

Insipid chuckled, her canines gleaming as she ruffled her wings. “Well, it’s a good thing that I’m not going to be one of your clients darling. Because I’m going to rip you into tiny little pieces of fabric! Crystal Claw Swipe of the Crystal Ice Dragoness!”

Rarity shrieked and flew into the air, narrowly dodging the large flock of crystalized claw swipe slashes that were swung at her. As she recovered from her shock, she saw another flock of them sailing up at her, and she flew to the side and let them crash into the wall. As Rarity looked back to where Insipid was, she found herself getting a claw swipe to the face, before getting knee to the gut. Rarity coughed up blood as she began to fall to the ground, but was stopped in midair when Insipid’s claws and teeth cut into her massive bat wings. Rarity screamed as the sharp appendages pierced into the leather, before she found herself flung into the wall, hard. She slowly slid down the wall before falling to the ground, face first in the process.

“Crystal Diamond Barrage of the Crystal Ice Dragoness!” Insipid shouted, pointing her horn down and unleashing another barrage of gemstone on Rarity. Rarity tried to use her wings to block the sharp objects, but she wasn’t quite fast enough, and found herself screaming as the weapons pierced and stabbed into her skin. The relentless attack one on for a few agonizing moments, before Insipid ceased, taking that time to grin down at her bleeding foe.

“How’d you like that Rarity? You certainly were not thinking that I’d actually produce or conjure up an attack like that, were you?” Insipid asked, flying down towards the shaking bat mare. “It certainly helped me in taking you by surprise, even if it was rather ungraceful of me to do so.”

Rarity trembled from head to foot as she lowly lifted her head, one of her visible green eyes glaring up at her foe. “Alright, I will agree with you on that one. I don’t know anypony in their right mind who would produce such an uncouth move on their enemy.”

“Oh, and you’re saying that grabbing me by the throat with your tail is?” Insipid asked, turning her nose up as she gave Rarity a criticizing look. “Like you’re one to talk.”

“…You’re right, point taken.” Rarity said bashfully, her face flushing a bit as she forced herself on her hooves. “Speaking of which, you may want to check around your neck darling~.”

“My ne-ack!” Insipid began to ask, only to gasp when she felt something wrap around her neck and hold her up. The obsidian hybrid Unicorn felt like she was hanging by a noose as Rarity held her in place. The ghostly black bat winged Unicorn smirked slightly at Insipid, her horn alight with green magic as she aimed it right at Insipid’s gemstone.

“W-why you…you ruffian!” Insipid gagged, struggling violently against Rarity’s grip. “You tricked me into falling for a trap!”

“Well…I wouldn’t say tricked you per say.” Rarity said in defense. “Yes, you did rough me up rather badly with those gemstones, but that didn’t mean I was faking it. I just so happened to come up with a little plan at the last second before you finished me off. I merely took advantage of you relishing in your supposed ‘victory’ over me, when the time was right, all I had to was wait for an opening, and strike!”

Insipid snarled through the tail around her neck, her midnight blue eyes glaring daggers into Rarity’s cat-like green ones. “So, even when your broken and bloodied, you’d use that as a way to gain the upper hoof on me when I least expect it?! What kind of lady does that?!”

“A lady that is willing to resort to any measure necessary in order to win and to survive, no matter who she’s up against. Even if it means that she has to get her beautiful hooves a little dirty, like right now.” Rarity replied, running one of her inky stocked hooves through her mane. “Anyway, believe we should end this little quarrel…it was fun, but I’ve had my fair share of it now. The sooner I get that Element and find the Goku and others, the sooner I can get out of this form. Honestly I don’t know how long I can stand being in it!”

“So, you don’t like being in that form of yours because you don’t feel very attractive in it, do you not?” Insipid asked with a slight gasp, somehow managing to maintain consciousness through the coiling tail. “Well then, let me help you with that!”

Before Rarity realized what was happening, she felt multiple sharp points stabbing her in her stomach, making her hunch over and gasp in pained shock. The sudden movement caused her to lose her grasp on Insipid, letting her land on her hooves. Looking down, Rarity said Insipid’s tail skirt, which was now one of sharpened icy blades, imbedded in her stomach. She only had time to moan in pain, before the bladed tail skirt pulled itself out, allowing Rarity to fall to the floor.

“You know, I seem to recall you telling me which one of us will see who is stupider than the other.” Insipid commented, prepping her mane up. “I admit, it was rather dumb of me to fall for a trap like that, but I made up for it. By throwing your own attack right back at you, except in a more…straightforward way.”

“S…s-shoot…I did n-not see that coming.” Rarity wheezed, looking up at the obsidian Unicorn. “I should’ve known that you were going to pull something like that.”

“Well, too bad for you, you didn’t. Hmhm, now who’s the stupider one here?” Insipid asked, raising her tail skirt in the air. “Don’t worry though, you don’t have to live with that shame for long. Because I’ll be putting out of your misery soon, that way, I won’t have to deal with your annoying snobbish attitude anymore.” Her horn ignited as she pointed it at Rarity. “Say goodnight darling…it’s been so much fun~.”

“No dear…I’m afraid that you’ve got it backwards.” Rarity sighed, lowering her head with her horn pointed at Insipid’s chest. “It’s you, who should be saying goodnight.”

Just as she said this, in the blink of an eye, a green laser-like blast fired right out of Rarity’s horn before Insipid could react. The next thing she knew, it was piercing right into her black chest, right in the middle of her Magical Life Force Gemstone. Insipid’s face of sadistic glee turned into one of shock as she looked down at her chest, and then back up at a smirking Rarity.

“Y-y-you…” She coughed, black blood spilling from her mouth. “H-how did you…m-manage…to f-finally g-get my m-m-main weakness?”

“Oh Insipid? Don’t you know?” Rarity asked, slowly getting up as Insipid began to vanish. “A lady must always be prepared to take advantage of any opportunity.” She smiled serenely as she patted the obsidian mare’s cheek. “And that is just what I did…darling~.”

Insipid opened her mouth to speak, but it turned onto a low raspy moan as her body began to dissolve and distort into black tendrils of magic. She looked into rarity’s glowing green eyes as she slowly vanished in front of her eyes, letting one last soundless breath as she did so. With a shatter of her horn, the obsidian black Unicorn was gone turned to nothing in front of the fashionista before her.

“Oh goodness me, that was a far more unpleasant sight than I thought it would be. Unsurprising since she was just the manifestation of a pony to begin with.” Rarity muttered to herself, draping a foreleg over her forehead. “Well, now that that’s settled…” her gaze snapped over to the Element that was waiting for her in the far center of the room. “…time to get my divine gem!”

Author's Note

Alright guys, here's the next chapter all ready and out for the reading! I gotta say, this one took me longer than I expected to, and for once, it was not just because of my writers block, but for some shit that I needed go get together in my outside life apart form here. I'm not going to really go into detail on that, but I'll just say it was a little dramatic for me the last several days and um...I needed some time to collect myself before going back to any down time. Now though, things are slowly getting better and I'm getting back in my spirits again, it's going at a really shitty pace but...we're getting there :raritywink: .

Now for this chapter, you guys might be wondering why I had decided to cut back a bit on my original plan to have the three scenes of the Main Seven's fight in each chapter. Well, that's because for this chapter, I wanted to get back on how things are doing with Celestia, Venture Vine, and Zephyr, with them holding up against the Dark Army an all. Not to mention I also wanted to try and get back with the situation in Ponyville, which, unfortunately was not able tp put in this chapter :ajsleepy: . Once I do that, I'll get back to the first phase of my plan for the final chapters with the girls, and the next time I do, we'll be getting to the ending conclusions of their fights with the Savage Six, with the same thing happening for the others OCs and main characters, before finally getting to Nightmare Moon. Only six more chapter away from the big ending final fight of this first book, before we get to the celebration of the return of our dear Moon Goddess, and that one I know I will enjoy revising :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Well, that's all for now, tune un next time for when we see our favorite little foals and fire breathing drake kick some Dark Army ass! Before going back into our dear down to earth farmer and see her tip the scales of her battle in her favor :ajsmug: .

Chapter 75 - Clash of the Six Powers

For as long as Sheton could remember, he hasn’t ever experienced pain very much in his young and short life since he was born. At least, not the physical pain that he’d feel whenever he was training with the other Thestrals and his mother back home. The closest thing he ever felt to pain was the emotional type whenever he was being bullied by the colts and fillies at the school that he went to in Canterlot City. Being the sensitive and soft-hearted little colt that he was, it made it hurt that much more, and there were more than a few times where he was found crying in a secluded area shortly afterward. It hurt more than any kind of physical pain he had gone through, be it during training in his abilities, or the rare times the other foals tried to beat him up. Luckily enough for him, it ended as quickly as it had started after they witnessed his Thestral strength but didn’t end the emotional bullying. As he grew older, he found himself slowly getting less and less bullied, and the only agonizing pain that he found himself going through was during his rigorous training sessions. Sheton didn’t mind though, since it was to help build his strength and pain tolerance, and would one day help him when facing anything threat that he may have in the future.

Now, as Sheton lay in the forelegs of the young adult Pegasus mare that was with him, he found himself thinking he should’ve trained more. Because he was feeling what had to be the worst pain he ever experienced in his life.

The stormy grey Thestral colt took slow shallow breaths, trying to keep the pain in his body to a minimum level as he lay in Apple Grove’s embrace. He shivered as the hole going through his stomach and his back stung in the coldness of the night, dried blood coating his fur and ground beneath him. Every so often, he coughed slightly aggravating the most serious wounds on his body and causing him to let out groans of quiet agony. This was immediately soothed by Apple Grove, who kept the young foal close to her, trying to provide as much comfort as possible.

“Damn, that there injury is hurtin’ ya something fierce ain’t it?” Grove asked, nuzzling her cheek against Sheton’s face. “Is there anythin’ Ah can do t’ help ya make it better?”

Sheton shook his head, doing his best not to move too much. “N-no, it’s alright M-Ms. A-Apple Grove…t-there’s not m-much either of us c-can do at t-the m-m-moment. W-we’re not r-really in the s-state to m-move right now.”

“Yeah, yer not wrong there…” Grove nodded, flanking at the large stick of wood that was longed into her stomach. “Ah still can’t believe Ah wasn’t able t’ feel this thing until after Ah had gotten mahself together again. Ah must’ve been in so much shock by what that Serafino varmint did t’ me that mah mind didn’t have enough time t’ react t’ it.”

“U-uh-huh…I-I guess it’s a g-good thing that you were unconscious w-when you got h-hit…otherwise t-things p-p-probably would’ve b-been a lot w-worse.” Sheton murmured, shivering as he still remembered the agonized scream that Grove gave. “D-do y-you think y-you’ll be able t- h-heal f-from that?”

“Hon’ do ya even realize who yer askin’ that to?” Grove asked, holding back a chuckle. “Ah’m a member of the Sweet Apple Titans. We’re known fer bein’ able t’ take a beatin’ of any caliber; if Ah can’t git back up from somethin’ like this, then Ah don’t deserve th’ name.”

“Heehee…yeah, you definitely seem like the pony who can handle something like this.” Sheton giggled lightly. “T-then again, I’m a thestral and we’re kind of known for the same thing, s-so that makes two of us.”

“Judgin by how well yer takin’ these hits, I’d say you are.” Grove giggled back. “Yer one tough little colt; even if ya do look like a baby Vampire.”

Sheton bit back a laugh, letting it dissolve into a humorous snort instead. “Very funny.” He said softly, his fangs gleaming as he grinned.

The sound of something slamming into the ground near them caught the duo’s attention, and they looked over to who had gotten hit. The curly indigo mane and the ocean blue fur let them know that it was Crescent Shield that had fallen, looking to be banged and bruised. That lasted for only a moment, before the filly shot to her hooves, thick wisps of yellow magic swirling around her like a see-through sphere. With an echoing whinny, she flared her owl-like wings and took off into the air, leaving the crater in her wake.

Grove and Sheton followed Crescent Shield to where she was flying over, and watched as she collided right into Serafino. Her horn punctured his side and caught him off balance, allowing Fire Flash to rain down on him and slam into his other side, engulfing him in flames. As all three of them hovered in midair, grappling at each other like Golden Eagles, the bat winged Nightmare Alicorn stallion failed to notice Scootaloo descending towards them.

“Heads up Crescent!” Fire shouted, flapping her wings to pull herself away from Serafino. The winged Unicorn filly looked up at where Scootaloo was coming from, and instinctively teleported out of the way. Just a second after they did so, Scootaloo slammed into Serafino’s back with all the power and might that her little body could muster, and it as a lot. Almost faster than the other fillies could blink, they both slammed into the ground, creating a massive crater that made multiple cracks slither across the ground.

Smoke exploded form the cracks, obscuring both the filly and the stallion from view of the other fillies, Sheton, and Grove. Despite this, they could still here the yell of pained rage coming from Serafino, along with the sound of Scootaloo painfully squealing. When the smoke vanished, it showed Serafino hovering on top of Scootaloo, one of his hooves, driving deep into her chest to keep her from escaping.

“You are such a sneaky cowardly little girl, attack me from behind!” He hissed acidly, glaring down at bright orange filly. “I have half the nerve to snap your own spine for nearly breaking mine! What kind of pony goes for an attack like that?!”

There was suddenly a massive explosion as multiple jungle-like vines burst form the ground, lashing out at Serafino was if they were Cobras spitting out venom. They coiled around Serafino like multiple garter snakes confined into a single space, gripping him tightly. Serafino grunted and used his wings to try to slice at the vines, which kept him form from seeing the sun yellow filly approach him. By the time he did notice, a pair of yellow hooves were slamming into his face, colliding with so much force that it made his fangs fly out of his mouth. He gave a low hiss of pain as he spat out black blood, before looking into the glowing eyes of an enraged Apple Bloom.

“Somepony who would even think of attackin a group of foals that weren’t tryin’ t’ fight him in the first place, that’s who!” She replied, snorting hard as she drove her hooves deeper into the ground. “Also, that was fer knockin’ Sheton’s fangs outta his own mouth ya varmint! Ah can only imagine how much that hurt him, ‘specially since Bat Pony’s teeth are longer than ours!”

“Oh, don’t me such a little drama queen.” Serafino spat, rolling his reptilian green eyes. “In case you didn’t see, his fangs almost immediately grew back; stronger and sharper than they were before. So you don’t need to worry about him not being able to use them for drinking fruit or something like that.”

There was a flash of emerald green magic, before Sweetie Belle suddenly appeared in front of him, a glare as sharp as the tip of her horn aimed right at the stallion. “That’s not the point and you know it! It’s not just about Sheton losing his fangs! It’s about you making him watch as you were about to maim every single one of us! He told you to leave us alone, but you didn’t listen, and you got yourself one hay of a beating.”

“Not to mention that you made us think that you killed him, especially after he put his life on the line to save us from you, you damn asshole!” Fire snapped, fire dancing around her enlarged frame. “Now, we’re going to make you pay for hurting him!”

“Like I said before, we weren’t going to show you any mercy.” Scootaloo said softly, propping herself on her forehooves. “You hurt one of the friends of the Crusaders of Ponyville, and we’re not going to let you get away with that! Speaking of which, Dinky should be back with some of the members of the Sweet Apple Titan Family, and when they find out what happened, and what you did…” Her singe visible eye glowed a bright orange, somehow freezing Serafino in place. “…I can’t say what they’ll do, but…I know that it won’t end well for you.”

“Ha, you really think that I’m scared of a little group of farmers?!” Serafino snorted, throwing his head back in a laugh. “Did you forget that I’m not even the real Serafino, but a clone of him? The one that is real is back at that little farm filly’s home, most likely burning both it and some of the trees to his heart’s content. I’m pretty sure that I won’t have to worry about them by the time I’m done with you.”

“Ah wouldn’t be so sure ‘bout that there partner.” Apple Bloom retorted. “In case you forgot, there’s one other foal that’s apart o’ this group. One that happens to be the most durable of them all, so Ah’m bettin’ that he’s back at mah house, tearin’ yer so-called master a new one fer burnin’ down our clubhouse.” She suddenly paused, as if she had just remembered something important. “Speakin’ o’ which…”

Without warning, the vines entrapping Serafino sent him in the air, spinning him around in it, before bringing him down and slamming him into the ground. Scootaloo, Fire, Sweetie, Crescent, Sheton and Grove all watched as Apple Bloom repeatedly slammed the Nightmare Alicorn Thestral stallion into the ground, letting him collide into a few black trees. Eventually, she stopped in her brutal assault, and let him crash to the ground in front of her, groaning in agony.

“That was fer burnin’ down our clubhouse ya bat winged varmint!” Apple Bloom yelled right into his face. “An’ fer impalin’ mah cousin on a tree an’ nearly buryin’ Spike alive!”

“You do realize that he also played a part in doing that right?” Serafino asked, glancing up at the sun yellow filly. “I mean, he was spewing fire out to and it spread about your little clubhouse, so I don’t think you should blame it all on me.”
“You’re seriously trying to throw the blame around?” Scootaloo whispered in astonishment, shaking her head. “We all saw you do it yourself, and the only reason Spike did it too was because he was trying to save us from you! You were going to burn all of us and Apple Grove inside there, and it was only thanks to Spike trying to set you aflame that prevented that!”

“That may be so little filly, but he’s on fire still added to mine in the destruction of your hangout.” Serafino murmured. “So, in a way, he’s still at fault.”

“Whether he meant to or not doesn’t really matter to any of us.” Crescent said, hovering above her friends and enemy. “All that matters to us, is making sure that you’re gone for good, both you, and the real Serafino! That, and taking our revenge for you hurting Sheton and Grove!”

Serafino chuckled, his eyes beginning to glow. “Not if I take my revenge on that colt first! Solid Form Nightmare Alicorn Magic: Flaming Green Spiral Explosion!”

Within the blink of an eye, Serafino fired off a giant fiery blast of magic at Apple Bloom, striking her right in the chest and sending her flying away. As she collided with Scootaloo, the vines holding Serafino faltered, and he took this chance to rip away from them. Firing off his horn again, he shot his attack at Sweetie Belle, letting it hit her in the face as she was sent skidding and tumbling across the ground. Snapping his gaze up to Crescent, he shot at her, but Crescent managed to conjure up a shield, letting the attack bounce off of her. Serafino flared his wings, and flew out of the way, letting the attack hit directly into Fire Flash.

“Oh no, Fire Flash!” Crescent cried, her hooves flying to her face. Before she could apologize, she felt herself getting hit in the back and slammed into the ground. As she looked behind her, she felt a hoof drive into the back of her head, sending it into the ground.

“Oh my, striking down your own ally and friend?” Serafino asked, chuckling maliciously. “That’s not very nice.”

“Not nice?! I’ll show you what’s not nice!” A tug on his tail drew Serafino’s attention away from Crescent, and it was at that moment he realized he had made a mistake. That mistake being to briefly forget about the overly strong bright orange Pegasus filly that he sent flying along with Apple Bloom.

‘Oh dammit!’ Serafino thought in terror, those few seconds allowing him to think that before he was slammed into a tree. He scrambled to his hooves, and looked up to see Scootaloo’s hoof reared back in preparation for a punch, one that slammed into the tree as Serafino evaded it. It mattered little to the filly, for she ripped her hoof out as if it had merely gone through scratch paper, before she let one of her legs swing at Serafino, aiming at his head. He tried to dodge it, but his horn was unluck, and the stunning feeling caused by the strike caused him to mess up in the flight he planned to take. A strike to his chest, right into his Magical Life Force Gemstone, send him skidding across the ground, and Scootaloo pounced on him like a cat on a cornered house mouse.

“You have some nerve calling ponies out for doing mean things to do when you’ve done the same thing to us.” Scootaloo said softly, an undertone of fury lacing her voice. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a pony as hypocritical as you…not even my school bullies are at your level!”

Serafino snorted, lifting his hindlegs and kicking Scootaloo away from him. “Well, then it’s a good thing that you only have to deal with your little school bullies. Because if I was in any of their positions, I’d be making your lives a living hell. Which is exaclty what I’m planning to make the last few moments of your miserable life be!”

“Not if we have anything to say about it.” Scootaloo said as the rest of her friends appeared on either side of her. She looked down at the gemstone she had struck, and took notice of the multiple cracks in it. “It looks like you’re on your last legs too…it won’t be alone before this fight of ours is decided and one of us comes out as the victor.”

“Now that I can agree with you one with no complaint.” Serafino grinned evilly, blowing his long mane from his face. “Though that victor is not going to be any of you, especially that little fledging friend of yours.”

Fire Flash snarled softly, flames engulfing her body as she flared her wings. “We’ll see about that, bastard.”

As the fillies and the stallion charged at one another once again, Grove pulled both herself and Sheton over to one of the closest trees. Once she had gotten herself as comfortable as possible, she did her best to tend to Sheton, who was trying his hardest not to show his discomfort.

“Wow, they are not holdin’ back on him, are they?” Grove asked, adjusting her Stetson. “At this rate, they may destroy the entire Black Tree Grove.”

“W-well, can you really blame them? T-they saw me get s-stabbed right in the chest, presumably w-where the heart is.” Sheton pointed out, wiping at his muzzle. “I know I’ve only met them ours b-before, b-but…if I s-saw that h-happen to one of them I-I’d probably go insane too.”

“Ya mean like how ya did when ya saw that varmint almost bite Scootaloo on her neck?” Grove asked, making Sheton blushed. “Boy, what I wouldn’t have given to see that happen…”

“Yeah, I…wasn’t exactly thinking straight back there.” The stormy grey Thestral colt murmured, rubbing the back of his head. “I just hope that Granny Smith won’t be mad at me for destroying part of, um…this part of the orchard.”

“Oh, Ah don’t think you’ll need to worry ‘bout that sugar.” Grove cooed. “If anythin’ Granny will be a might proud o’ you fer what ya did fer them fillies. Besides, this part of the Sweet Apple Acres Orchard was abandoned a pretty long time ago, so it won’t really matter either way.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Sheton murmured, staring back at the fight unfolding before them. “I hope that Dinky will get back soon. I don’t know how long this fight is going to last…if help doesn’t come soon, I know things are going to get worse for us.”

“Oh, don’t worry hon’, Ah’m sure that lil’ fillies back on her way here right now with th’ others, an’ maybe even Spike.” Grove said reassuringly, nuzzling the colt tenderly. “It hasn’t been that long at all since Dinky left, so she should be on her way back here already. As fer Spike…well, he’s a tough colt, so whatever that varmint did t’ him, he’ll bounce right back up from it so he can throw it right back at this stallion a hundred-fold. Jus’ wait, once they get back, we’ll make sure this Serafino fellow is gone fer good, and you can even help us do it.”

“Yeah…” Sheton nodded, sighing as he let himself rest against the larger flyer. “I hope so…”

The house and barn of Sweet Apple Acres shook under the force of Spike’s draconic roar as he flew at the darker Kirin in front of him. Both of his enlarged clawed digits were encased in emerald green flames that he hurled at a draconic Serafino, one hitting his face while the other slashed him in his chest. As the sinister black draconic Nightmare Kirin was sent sprawling away, Spike lashed out with his clubbed tail, letting it slam into Serafino’s stomach, letting the spikes of his club sink into them.

“Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Roar!” He shouted, shooting a pillar sized stream of magic at Serafino, letting it collide with his chest. The draconic stallions’ claws dug into the ground as he attempted to keep himself from being flown away. Growling, Serafino roared and let out a stream of crimson flames at Spike’s own fire, letting it come to an even battle struggle of ignition. Eventually, the fire missed with one another and exploded, showering the two fighters in smoke.

That was soon forgotten as Serafino used his wings to send the smoke vanishing so he could search for Spike in the field. He soon saw the ground beginning to brighten up, and he looked up to see Spike descending towards him, one of his hindlegs coated in flames.

“Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Talon!” He roared, swinging his leg out just when he was within reach, his claws gleaming through the fire. Serafino narrowly managed to dodge the attack, and he reached out and grabbed Spike’s leg, spinning him across the air as his mouth filled with scarlet flames.

“Nightmare Thestral Kirin: Demonic Crimson Bolts of Fire!” Serafino shouted, letting fire blast out of his own mouth like multiple bullets. They collided with Spike, hitting him in his chest, stomach, and face, with one of them getting to his wings before he fell to the ground. When he came to a stop, he opened his clenched eyes, and locked them with those of Moon Blade.

“Whoa, sorry Moon Blade, I didn’t see you there!” Spike exclaimed, his fear and worry giving way overriding his pain. “I didn’t hit you anywhere, did I?”

“No, you didn’t kiddo. I was just hear trying to recover from being bitch-smacked into the ground before you showed up.” Moon replied, forcing his head out of the ground. “That reminds me, what are you even doing here in the first place?”

“Long story short, me, Sheton, Apple Grove, and the girls had a run in with Serafino…or rather, the replica of him back at the clubhouse.” Spike replied, rolling himself over. Reaching out with his digits, he pulled Moon out of the ground and gently set him on the ground. “The bastard knocked me unconscious as the others were escaping from him. So, when I woke back up, and out of the destruction of the clubhouse, I searched for his scent, and went came back here to get him back for it.” He snorted smoke from his nostrils as he took in the bruises on the ghostly white stallion’s body. “It looks like you beat me to him though.”

“Hey, don’t stop me from giving that stallion the roughhousing he deserves. Especially after everything he had done to you and those precious young pups.” Moon murmured, gesturing to the gigantic reptilian stallion in front of them. “Speaking of which, I want to pay him back for trying to send me six feet under the ground.”

“That makes two of us then.” Spike smirked widely as Moon shook the dust and rubble form her coat, mane and tail.

“So…you’re back up on your hooves, are you?” Serafino asked, letting his tail smack against the ground. “No matter, it doesn’t make a difference if you’ve managed to recover from my last assault. It’s you’re only going to further your suffering if you keep this pitiful game of yours up.”

“Isn’t that what a soldier is supposed to be able to endure?” Moon asked, raising an inky black brow at his enemy. “It doesn’t matter the extent of injuries or physical, mental, or even psychological trauma that we have to endure. We are the Royal Guards of Equestria, and as long as we stand, we won’t let evil tyrants like you leave your mark of evil on the earth!”

“Big talk coming from vampiric looking stallion who was just moments ago squashed like big under my claws.” Serafino laughed, the sound making Moon and Spike shiver involuntarily. “I’d like to see just how you can hold up to that little oath of yours…if you have any strength to do so at all.”

“Oh, trust me, I have plenty of strength left in my arsenal for you.” Moon replied, his long fangs shining as his scarlet orbs glowed. “Time for me to show you the next level of my power!”

With a snort, Moon raised his gleaming purple sword towards his face, letting the front of the weapon rest onto his neck. The move took Serafino and Spike by surprise, and the latter started to get a little scared. Before the titanic drake could ask him what he was planning, Moon suddenly sliced a cut right onto his neck.

“M-M-M-Moon Blade!” Spike cried in disbelief as he took a step back, causing the ground to shake a bit. “What in the name of Igneel did you do that for?!”

Moon glanced at Spike, giving him a bit of a smirk. “To show him the monster within me~.”

As he said this, Moon’s body suddenly froze up, and he slammed his ethereal sword into the ground while he got down on one knee. For a moment, there was nothing but shaking coming from Moon, leaving Spike and Serafino to wonder what he was planning to do. Then, he raised his head up and let out an ear-piercing screech, one so loud that it made Spike cover his ears in pain, causing him to briefly forget about Serafino. That pain however, quickly turned into terrified amazement when he saw Moon Blade beginning to change color and form, with a black and purple aura surrounding him. His ghostly white fur darkened to a more sinister indigo color, with his mane and tail becoming just a shade lighter. A grove of feathers grew on the upper edges of his wings, which seemed to grow in size and length as they reached halfway down the wings. Moon’s mane and tail skirt grew wilder and even thicker, with his leonine tail growing larger and more muscular. Finally, the armor covering his hooves broke apart, revealing claws mixed between that of a bat’s and a dragon’s.

Moon didn’t move until the aura that was surrounding him was gone, and when he did, it was slow and composed. To both Spike and Serafino’s surprise, he actually continued to go upwards, until he was halfway up to Spike’s height, on his hindlegs. He pulled his sword out of the ground, which then grew more than twice its normal length, and when he opened his eyes, they were now a gleaming dark violet. With the sclera’s of Moon’s eyes being an inky black very much like the ink you would find in an ink jar.

‘Whoa…now that is one badass looking form!’ Spike thought staring in amazement at the sight in front of him. ‘Is this one of Moon Blade’s ultimate forms?!’

“My word…what in the world is that?” Serafino asked, looking just as shocked as Spike, if not a bit intimidated. “What did you do to yourself? Did that cut you gave to your neck have something to do with it?”

Moon didn’t answer, just letting out a feral growl as he gripped his enlarged sword with his curved purple claws. Then, in a flash of black and purple, he was in front of Serafino, delivering a vicious lash across the lower part of his chest and stomach. The giant Nightmare Kirin roared in agony as blood burst form his wound like a hose, and he tumbled to the ground. Pain seared throughout his entire body, making him feel like he was being struck with multiple tasers and having his muscles and bones mangled form the inside.

“Why you…vampiric blood sucking bastard, what the Tartarus did you do?!” he demanded as he forced himself to his clawed feet. “What kind of an attack was that?!”

“One that will make your blood scream for mercy and beg to be let free.” Moon replied, pointing his sword at the transformed stallion. “This is my Murasame Vampiric Void Dragon Form, allowing me to use the powers of the void, the dragon, and the vampire, all in one! With this, I will be able to send you to into the vortex of oblivion, never to return to this farm again!”

Rather than feel intimidated by Moon’s form or his threat, Serafino merely chuckled. “Oh, so that’s it; you think a few little zaps of lightning are all that it’s going to take to finally defeat me? You are even more naïve than you let on to be.”

“Careful now, you may want to watch your words.” Moon said softly, pointing his spear at the draconic stallion as it crackled with blue electricity. “If you play with lightning, you’re going to get more than zapped.”

Spike sweat dropped. “Um, don’t you mean, if you play with fire, you’re going to get burnt?”

“You know what I meant Spike.” Moon murmured, not bothering to look at the drake as he flared his bladed wings. “Now, come!”

“Hey, save some for me Moon!” Spike exclaimed, flaring his wings as he followed after the newly transformed stallion. As the trio duked it out in midair, none of them noticed the grayish violet Unicorn filly that had made it to the battlefield. She only took a few spare moments to gape at the fight happening before her, before focusing her attention on the house in front of her. Without a second thought, she ran over to it and started banging on the door, desperate to get to the only ponies that she knew could help.

“Hello?! Hello, is anypony in there?!” Dinky cried as she continued to knock violently. “Granny Smith, Big Sis Amethyst, Momma, anypony! Open the door and help me, please!”

“Dark Flash!” Curaçao shouted, vanishing in another dark streak of magic and out of Applejack’s sight. Applejack who was crouched in a leaping position, merely listened out as she heard her opponent bounce about in the air. At the last second, her swung up to look up behind her to see Curaçao approaching her form above, both of her armored hooves extended out.

“Iron Mass!” A flash of red washed over Curacao’s body, and it vanished just as she made contact with the ground. Applejack managed to leap out of the way, doing a whirlwind of backflips before landing on the ground, just in time to see Curacao swinging one of her hindlegs down at her.

“Whoa nelly!” She cried, leaping away again on a more instinctual level as Curacao’s hindlegs made holes in the floor. Without warning, Curacao did a full split with her hindlegs and made another move that caught Applejack completely off guard.

“Iron Mass: Spinning Wheel!” The next thing Applejack knew, Curacao was a whirling horizontal cartwheel that leave deep holes in the floor. Applejack was barely enough time to turn tail and try to gallop away as the ocean blue mare. With one final drive, Curacao leaped in the air and headbutted Applejack in her armored forehead. An action she immediately regretted as a dull pain flashed through her head, but that didn’t stop her from pulling another leg attack on Applejack. “Black Storm Leg!”

“Oh no you don’t!” Applejack shouted, lifting one of her own legs and kicking it away from her just as Curacao swung it. The slash of black went sailing in the other direction, crashing through one of the windows as Applejack leapt up and swung her leg into the side of Curacao’s head. The attack sent her reeling back, and as Applejack galloped after her, Curacao kicked at her, sending her further away.

“Not on my watch; Dark Cloud Jump!” She shouted, kicking at the air a few more times as she jumped further and further away from Applejack. Once she was far enough away from her, Curacao actually kicked off the air back towards her with her hoof outstretched. “Dark Hoof Bullet!”

This time, the attack managed to hit Applejack, striking her right in her upper stomach, though not quite as hard as Curacao would’ve liked. At the very last moment, Applejack had managed to jump back, lessening the force of the bunch as she leapt away and skidded to a halt. As she did so, she couldn’t help but look down to see the floors fixing themselves right in front of her.

‘Damn, these floors aren’t like any that I’ve seen.’ She thought as she flicked her tail. ‘That Nightmare Moon must’ve done something pretty special with her magic ‘r somethin’

“I see you jumped back so my Dark Hoof Bullet wouldn’t hit you as hard.” Curaçao suddenly said, snapping Applejack out of her thoughts. “That was honestly pretty smart of you to do that, even with that armor of yours. It surely would’ve broken it and let my hoof go right through your chest and your heart.”

“O’ course it was, with your powers bein’ like mine, Ah should know what moves to avoid, especially in my most vulnerable places.” Applejack nodded, letting out a snort. “Besides, it’s not like yer really given me the opportunity t’ show what Ah can do anyway. Yer really beginin’ t’ run me ragged right now, with you movin’ so fast.”

“Oh, Ah’m sorry, Ah’m Ah not fighting fairly right now?” Curaçao cooed, tilting her head. “My had sweetie, Ah guess Ah got a lil’ too carried away back there. Ya know, with me showin’ off mah own version o’ th’ Six Powers, even if they seem a lil’ dark.”

‘A little?! Those attacks look like they’ve come from the deepest densest parts o’ mah farm’s Black Tree Grove!’ Applejack thought to herself, a tick mark appearing on her forehead. Taking a moment to calm herself, Applejack shook her head and said, “Yeah they did, but it don’t really bother me as much no more. Ah’ve seen plenty o’ that by yer leader since she had come an’ busted the Summer Sun Celebration, so it don’t really effect as much.”

“Awww now that’s just said, now it won’t be as thrilling for me to see the look of terror on your face while I send you through the wall.” Curaçao pouted, the expression looking anything but genuine. “No matter, Ah’m still gonna have fun breakin’ ya b’fore Ah finally squash ya into applesauce.”

Applejack could not help but let out a light chortle. “Okay, that was kind of a good comeback there sugarcube, considerin’ Ah am an Apple after all.” She replied, smirking a bit. “And speakin’ o’ sending me int’ th’ wall…Titan Shave!”

In a flash of white, Applejack vanished and came up in front of Curaçao, one of her leg extended in an attempt to kick her again. Curaçao’s red slitted eyes saw it however, and she lifted her forehooves up to block the axe kick. She swung her arms out to send the farmer staggering back, and tried to swing Applejack’s legs out form under her. Before she could, Applejack regain her balance and lashed her legs out again letting her’s and Curaçao’s clash in midair. As they parted, Applejack lashed out with one of her hooves.

“Titan Hoof Pistol!” Applejack shouted, aiming it at Curaçao’s stomach, only for the other Earth Pony mare to smack it away. She lashed out with her other hooves, but Applejack ducked under it and shot her other hoof out. Just like with last time, Curaçao evaded it, leaping away just before it made contact with her armored body.

“Apple Tempest Slice!” Applejack shouted, shooting a vertical white slash out of her leg, letting it sail towards Curaçao. Curaçao snorted and simply held still, letting her Iron Mass protect her from the attack, before she bounded towards Applejack.

“Dark Cloud Jump!” In a flash of blue and red, Curacao bounded across the air and waited for an opening to take Applejack by surprise. At the last moment, she appeared with her hoof shot out and aiming to hit Applejack square in the face. The armored farmer just barely managed to evade it, jumping away in a series of backflips before lunging at Curaçao.

“Titan Sun Step!” She yelled, bouncing off the air with a circle of fire left behind her. In a burst of speed, she flipped in the air and brought her leg down on Curaçao’s arm just as the ocean blue mare began to leap away from her. The icy floor cracked under the pressure; Curacao’s foreleg being dug into it as Applejack hovered over her.

‘Damn she’s fast!’ Curaçao thought to herself, glancing at Applejack’s hindleg before looking into her glowing white eyes. ‘This mare is definitely no joke.’

“Ya see right there darlin’? Ah ain’t no joke of a mare here.” Applejack said as if she were reading Curaçao’s mind. “Ah may have mah hooves tied most o’ th’ time with th’ farm, but that don’t mean Ah don’t know a thing ‘r two ‘bout combat. Then again, what farmer don’t know about shit like that?”

Curaçao’s expression relaxed somewhat, her burning red eyes flickering into Applejack’s fiery white ones. “Ya got a point there…every farmer should know how t’ keep themselves safe.” A small fanged smirk made its way to her face. “They should also know when t’ take advantage of any opportunity fer victory…Dark Hoof Bullet!”

A small bit of blood exited out of Applejack’s mouth and shoulder as Curaçao shot her hoof into it, making her stumble. The ocean blue mare suddenly vanished, before appearing just feet away from Applejack and lashing out with her legs. “Black Storm Leg: X!”

Before Applejack even realized it, and ‘X’ shaped slice of black magic was hurling into her, sending her skidding across the ground where she crashed into the wall. When she regained her senses, she propped herself up, only to stop at what she was feeling. Looking behind her, her white eyes widened she saw she had crashed into her Element, and that there was also a crack in it.

“Oh no!” She cried, spinning around to access the damage. Thankfully the crack wasn’t too wide, but still large enough to look pretty serious. ‘Shit, Ah actually left a mark on this thing, an’ at th’ worst o’ times! It’s a good thing Ah slowed mahself down when Ah did, otherwise it could’ve been a lot worse!’

“Uh-oh, it looks like Ah left a lil’ mark on that there Element o’ yers.” Curaçao giggled. “You’d better be careful, ‘r ya may end up shatterin’ it t’ dust.”

“Yer the one that shot me int’ it!” Applejack retorted, snorting at the darker mare. She sighed as she ran a hoof through her mane, calming herself down. “Ya don’t have t’ worry ‘bout it though…cause Ah’m gonna end this fight right here, right now. Ah already got plenty o’ steam out from dealin’ all o’ th’ bullshit in this forest, so Ah’ll Ah want now is t’ send ya on’ th’ other side o’ it.”

“Well, in that case, why don’t we go ahead and finish it?” Curaçao asked suggestively. “I have one special attack that’ll surely give you what you want. One that will push the Six Powers Fighting Arts to the very limit; the Six Powers Extreme.”

Applejack paused. “Six Powers…Extreme?”

Curaçao nodded slowly, smirking maliciously. “Mhm, that’s right; th’ most extreme move there is. By the time I unleash it on you, you’ll be nothing more than an armored corpse on the ground.” She took a fighting stance that made it look like she was about to vanish again. “Be prepare for the end…Applejack Sweet Apple Titan!”

Author's Note

............

Okay, I am not even going to try to explain as to how I was able to get this chapter out as fast as I did right after the first one :applejackconfused: . To be honest, even I'm trying to figure that out myself, and I guess the only thing I can say is that my writers block wasn't bothering me as much as it did several days ago :twilightblush: . I suppose that played a major factor in helping me write this chapter huh? Speaking of which, just like how I had stated last time, I was going to focus back on the situations happening in Sweet Apple Acres, and in Ponyville, and as I was writing this, I had realized that I had only done have of that...at least in my mind at the time. For a moment, I was thinking of rewriting the end of this chapter to make up for it, until I remember just what I had named the title as, and managed to stop myself form making a pretty silly mistake :twilightblush: . I am so glad that I did, otherwise that would've been a bit of a waste of fiery writing :facehoof: .

Well, that's all for now everyone; tune in next time for the incoming conclusion to the fight in Ponyville before we witness one of the Savage Six receive some Divine Judgment by an angel of Faust herself :scootangel: !!!

P.S. Moon Blade's last middle and last names have been changed after some research done and editing made, so go please go back to chapter 13 at the part where Queen Celestia is summoning the Captains of the Solar Division, Lunar Division and Shadowbolts to see the slight changes made to him.

Chapter 76 - Divine Judgement

Thick swirls of bright violet magic swirled around Trixie as she spun her bladed spear in her magic, making it look like a whirlwind up at a hovering Deathgod. The Nightmare Alicorn hovered above her, his dark form being light by the pale glow of the moon as he gripped his sword in his own dark magic. Flapping his bat wings, he flew down towards Trixie with the intent on sending his blade through her head. Due to the speed that the blade was going at, it was knocked over to the side as his horn became the next unfortunate victim. As he tried to fire off a blast of magic, his horn collided with Trixie’s spear, causing his head to shoot to the side as a side kick was sent to his fanged face. Deathgod tumbled across the ground, but was able to prop himself back up thanks to his agility, preparing to attack again.

In that moment, he noticed just too late that Trixie had already pointed her spear at him, and sent a blast of magic straight into his armored chest. Thanks to the durability of the dark armor, it didn’t affect Deathgod as much, but it did stun him for a few moments, allowing Trixie to send a few slashes of magical wind at him. He conjured up a shield to block the attacks, but before he could move from his spot, he found himself in the coiling embrace of some dark green vines. It was at that moment that he realized his mistake, and he didn’t even bother trying to hide his anger at it.

“You, slutty little mare…you tricked me!” Deathgod shouted, his horn crackling with magic. “That last attack was a plan to get me when you least expected me to, wasn’t it?!”

“Well, look who just caught up after it just happened.” Trixie cooed, giggling as she watched Deathgod thrash about. “Should you really be all that surprised? I am a Magician my dear, and we are known for pulling little sneaky tricks~.”

“I wouldn’t call something like this something a magician would do.” Deathgod snorted, wincing as the vines began to hold him tighter. “More like something done my a Magic Mage.”

“That’s true, which is all the worse for you.” Trixie replied, grinning widely as she pointed her spear at him. “Because I happen to be both in one.”

The spear suddenly let out an explosion of magic that tore through the vine trap and collided into Deathgod, sending him across the deserted streets. He grunted as he used his sword to pull himself out of the ground, before letting it clash with Trixie’s own blade. Sparks emerged from the edges of the weapons as the two ponies tried to push each other back, a tie being a result after a bit of a struggle. With both of their horns ignited, they fired off blasts of magic, miniature explosions coming as a result as they teleported out of the line of fire. When the barrage of attacks ended, they appeared in front of one another, their attacks already ready to fire.

“Let’s see if you can take this!” Deathgod shouted, pointing his horn forward. “Solid Form Nightmare Alicorn Magic: Spiraling Thunderous Vortex of Fire!”

“That?! How about you try something of this magnitude!” Trixie shouted as she fired off her own horn. “Solid Form Thestral Magic: Stream of Twinkling Mist!”

Trixie’s attack came just a few seconds after that of Deathgod’s, but it mattered little due to the force that came when they collided. The explosion that was produced afterward was just as devastating, but it did nothing to the creators of it. For they were able to handle the shockwaves of their attacks, but they didn’t dare make a move until the smoke had vanished.

“I have to say, I’m honestly surprised that you didn’t use the smoke to your advantage to try to take me off guard.” Deathgod after a long moment of silence. “You had every opportunity to do it, yet you chose to stay where you were.”

“Yes, I did, and for quite the reason.” Trixie nodded, setting her spear on the ground. “Because you would have done the exact same thing to be. Of course, you may have had a shot at it, but there’s no way that it would’ve been that easy for you.”

“Would it now?” Deathgod asked, laughing a bit. “Just what makes you so sure of that?”

Trixie flared her majestic bat wings, the cornflower blue membranes shining softly. “Well, because I am a Thestral of course. I’m pretty sure that should tell you all that you need to know about me, and what you’ve found out so far.”

“I really don’t see how.” Deathgod murmured, tilting her head. “What is it about you being Thestral that reduces my chances of claiming you as one of the Dark Army, or just killing you right here and now?”

“Well, there are Thestrals in your so-called army aren’t there? So, I’m sure you got a feel of what it’s like to fight them before.” Trixie replied, partially folding her wings. “Or wait, maybe it’s because you’ve never faced one like me before? Is that it? Is it because I don’t have that dark power that you and the rest of your army do have?”

“Don’t talk to me as if I haven’t ever heard of your kind before, you shitty dimwitted bitch!” Deathgod shouted, slamming a hoof on the ground. “Of course, I’ve faced Thestrals before, and they’ve each proved themselves worthy of being called my opponents! Unlike you, who’s barely even taken me seriously for the entirety of this fight!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Trixie chuckled, her eyes glowing as she flicked her tail. “If you want me to stop playing around, then I’ll accommodate you. Just so you know though, I was taking this fight seriously; I just wanted to get a feel of your abilities before I decided to really let myself loose. Fair warning though…you may want to make sure your armor is extra durable, because things are going to get bloody.”

Bright purple light suddenly rose from out of Trixie, swaying and flickering as if she was covered in a cloak of flames. It condensed around the horned thestral, before vanishing to reveal the magician in a beautiful suit of knight-like armor; with a pair of boots and a Cutie Mark symbolled cape to match. Even her spear looked like it had gotten an upgrade, looking to be a bit more like a sword with the star blades curved and pointed forward. With a grin that showed off her gleaming fangs, she flared her evolved wings and took off towards a shocked Deathgod, who was just barely able to block her stab to his chest. As Trixie tipped the battle’s scales in her favor, her five companions watched from afar, still resigned to the side of the Town Square.

“Jeez, she’s really been going at it for some time, hasn’t she?” Shining Armor asked, grunting as he shifted in his position. “It don’t think I’ve seen her falter for one minute since I’ve seen her take over this entire fight.”

“You can say that again.” Spearhead murmured. “Then again, she is a Thestral after all, and their known for being far more durable than most ponies are. It’s almost as if they’re Bat pony versions of alicorns…or, to be more precise, a Bat Pony version of Queen Celestia.”

“Maybe, but even she’s not as powerful as the Queen.” Soarin clarified, giving a little shake of his mane. “I don’t even need to focus on her magical reserves to know that.”

“Well, however strong she is, I think we can all agree that we can’t keep letting this drag on forever.” Fleetfoot implied. “I know it’ll only be a matter of time before that Deathgod stallion ends up wearing Trixie down, and when that happens, we’ll really be in trouble.”

“So, what’re you suggesting we do?” Spitfire asked expectantly. “In case you didn’t notice, we all look like we’ve been through Tartarus and back, and we haven’t even gone in our final forms against that guy yet.”

“Exactly.” Fleetfoot nodded sagely, ignoring her captain’s snide tone. “So, what we should do is use our strongest attacks, and unleash it in one massive combo. After that, once we’re sure that he’ll be subdued long enough, Trixie can finish him off with whatever move she has planned.”

“After we tell her what we plan to do right?” Shining asked. “Because you’re making it sound like we plan to execute that without her knowledge.”

“You know what I meant.” Fleetfoot muttered bashfully. “But yes honey, that too.”

“Well you can count me out of it.” Spitfire snorted. “I’m all for getting rid of that fused pervert of a stallion, but no way I’m teaming up with a Thestral of all ponies. No way that is flying with me.”

Crimson Skies, who had been quiet for practically the whole conversing, let out a gasp of shocked disbelief. “W-what do you mean you’re not going to help her?! She’s risking her life against that stallion to save us and the ponies here! What reason could you possible need not to help her?!”

“What reason don’t I need?” Spitfire asked, raising a careless brow at the palomino Pegasus. “As far as I’m concerned, ponies like her are nothing but trouble. Especially if they’re associated in any way with the likes of…her.” A drip of venom entered the Wonderbolt Captain’s tone as she snorted smoke form her nose. “Sorry little Shadowbolt, but you’re barking up the wrong tree if you think I’ll even think of giving that mare my aid.”

“Well the way I see it, you don’t really have much of a choice in the matter Captain.” Fleetfoot said sternly, giving a disapproving shake of her head. “I know that you don’t like Thestrals very much, just like, well, Crimson Skies’ Captain, but that should not be any reason not to lend a helping hoof. There is a whole town of ponies here who need our help, and a mare out there who is putting her life at just as much risk of protecting it. Are you seriously going to let your animosity for Thestrals get in the way of your duty?!”

Spitfire shrunk back ever so slightly, Fleetfoot's words leaving a bit of a sting. “Well, n-no, but-”

“But nothing Captain, and we are not going to start with this little foalish dislike for Thestrals you have now you got that?” Fleetfoot stated sharply, stomping her hoof. She turned towards Crimson, who was staring at her with wide eyes. “Crimson honey, how long do you think we have until we’re finally let out of this healing cocoon of yours.”

“Um…not much longer.” Crimson replied, forcing herself out of her stupor. “I’d say you have about a minute or so left before you’re back in shape.”

“A minute; good.” Shining nodded. “As soon as this shell lets down, we are jumping right back in there, and not a moment too soon. The sooner we finally get rid of that stallion and the rest that’re here in this town, the better.”

“Um, you guys…” Spearhead said, his tone sounding shocked. “You may want to look over at the fight again.”

At the tone in his voice, the five other parties followed back to where he was looking, and saw a sight that made their jaws drop in shock. Trixie, who moments ago was adorned in armor that shined as bright as her weapon, was now soaked in black liquid. Presumably the blood that she had spilled from the multiple strikes she gave to Deathgod. Said azure blue fused stallion stood some thirty feet away, his face and wings covered in multiple slashes and cuts, with more than a few holes in his bat wings. His armor also looked to have taken some damage to, with some of his barrel, back, and legs now exposed. Though none of them had seemed to strike the spot where Trixie was presumably aiming at.

“What’s the matter dearie? Are you having trouble standing on your hooves right now?” Trixie asked, giving her hat a little tip. “That’s too bad; that armor must be slowing you down some.”

“S-shut up! It’s not the armor that’s wearing me out and you know it!” Deathgod snapped, digging his sword into the ground. ‘What is going on?! just minutes ago I had this mare in a barely evenly matched duel! Now that she’s in that form of hers, she taking my attacks like they’re nothing!’ He paused as he took a closer look at Trixie’s Ascension Armor. ‘Wait…could that be it? Is it her armor that’s giving her this major power boost?’

While these thoughts were mulling over in Deathgod’s head, Trixie seemed to notice the look he was giving her. She looked down at her gleaming nocturnal purple armor, before looking back into her opponent’s draconic eyes with a giggle. “I can see that you’re pretty interested in my armored form. It’s what’s called my Ascension Mode, a form that’s a bit different from my Adrenaline Mode, that difference being that I’m almost completely covered from head to rump in near impenetrable armor.” She explained, giving her booted hindlegs a few taps on the ground as she stretched them out. “Of course, it’s not like the standard armor where you have a helmet, but hey, you don’t see me complaining.”

Deathgod’s ears perked. “I knew it…so it is your armor that’s helping you gain the advantage back into this fight. I also take it that you’re able to do it because of the amount of magic you have?”

“Got it in on that one.” Trixie winked, blowing a raspberry. “Also, due to the amount of magic that I’m able to use despite the amount it took to go in this form, this armor is all the harder to break. Which should explain why you’re is slowly falling apart while mine has barely even any dents in it.”

“Hmph…I figured that to be as much.” Deathgod murmured softly, letting his head slump as he stared at the ground. He soon picked it back up and bared his fangs at the bat winged mare. “Even if you did an increase in your power, that still doesn’t guarantee you’ll get out of here with your life. Which was already forfeit the minute you decided to challenge me!”

“Neither of us know that for sure, and we don’t know which one’s fate is sealed either.” Trixie retorted, wiping some black blood from her face. “So why don’t you and I find that out in this concluding fight?”

“Oh, you are so going to regret giving out that offer.” Deathgod proclaimed, pointing his sword forward. “I’ll make absolute certain that you are the one who is begging me for death. Just like I will the rest of those little friends of yours.”

“I don’t know honey…” Trixie said casually, resting her spear on her shoulder. “I get the feeling somepony is going to be down and out…and it won’t be me.”

Streaks of scarlet and pale white light flew about the highest room of the nocturnal castle as they cast a bright shine through the glass windows. They shook along with the ground and roof as th colors zoomed across the air and collided with one another. Shockwaves emerged as a result of the collisions, making the interior of the room go temporarily silent, only for more waves to wash over as the noise returned. The streams of color soon slowed down and formed shapes, just enough to show two mares giving each other a stare down. One being a Tartarus version of an Alicorn, and the other being a cross with a ferocious draconic reptile. They glared at each other with as much contempt as their power emitting bodies would allow, before going at one another again.

Goku let her tail blade meet Nightmare Moon’s swords as they clashed at fill force, causing an ear-splitting grinding sound to claw at their ears. This was blatantly ignored as the two mares drove into one another, paying no mind to the sparks falling from the air. With a hiss, Nightmare Moon pushed her swords up, sending Goku’s tail up into the air and making her lose her balance in her flight. When she managed to get back into position, Goku said Nightmare Moon’s blades coming back down, aimed at her neck. Moving her wings forward, she let the bladed edges clash with the red weapons, both serving to protect her head from being lopped off.

“I have to admit, you nearly got me there with that move.” Goku said, looking up at the sin black Alicorn with a bit of a smirk. “You’re pretty agile, both on your hooves, and on your wings.”

“Well of course I am; it is to be expected from not only a pony of royal blood, but a mare with the blood of a goddess.” Nightmare Moon grunted, her eyes flashing. “What did you think was going to come from me? Some sloppy reckless moves from a pony that’s going through guard training for the first time?”

“You tell me.” Goku replied, letting their weapons clash another time before they flew a safe distance from each other. “I can feel that you’re having a real nice time trying to cut me down though, so that is something.”

“Yes, I most certainly am little hatchling.” Nightmare Moon nodded, smiling gleefully. “Because it’s been such a long time since I’ve had such a thrilling battle during my imprisonment in my wonderful Moon. To be honest I’ve almost forgotten what it felt like, but now that you’re all here, I have a chance to relive it to the fullest extent!”

With a whinny, Nightmare Moon aimed her horn at Goku, shooting a blast of magic that went through the ceiling after Goku evaded it. Taking that distraction as a chance to strike back, Goku flew down and delivered a side kick to Nightmare Moon’s face. It cut off the spell she was using and sent her head jerking to the side. Spinning fully around in order to face her again, Goku did a front flip and let her clawed hindleg slam into the back of nightmare Moon’s head. She was sent face first into the icy floor, allowing Goku to grab her ethereal tail and throw her into the air, the Alicorn’s swords clanking to the ground.

“Saiyan Kirin: Rapid Fire!” She shouted, holding one of her claws outward and letting multiple blasts of golden energy burst out. Nightmare Moon pursed her lips and conjured up a shield, allowing the attacks to slam into the shield full force. Due to the confidence she had in the shield that it would keep her safe, Nightmare Moon was left all the more surprised by how powerful the attacks seemed to be. Cracks began to appear in the bubble that she had compressed around herself, and Nightmare Moon merely amplified the power within the shield to strengthen it. It went on for a few seconds longer, before Goku let up, letting the smoke envelop the mare above her.

“Well, that was pretty endurable of you…it doesn’t take long for most ponies to have to change tactics when facing that attacks.” Goku murmured, setting her claw down while still hovering in the air. “Feeling a bit of a headache coming on from producing that shield?”

The smoke vanished several seconds after this was said, and it revealed Nightmare Moon, no longer in her bubble, with her head hung low. Slowly, it raised, and her razor-sharp teeth made themselves known as she grinned widely. “No, but you did leave me another opening…albeit foolishly.”

The sound of a weapon piercing flesh made Goku let out an involuntary gasp of shock, before pain slowly began to set in. Looking down, she saw one of Nightmare Moon’s scarlet blades piercing right into her scaly stomach. Without even knowing what she was doing, her claws were coming around the blade clutching it tightly as she prepared to yank it out.

“I don’t think so little hatchling!” Nightmare Moon’s voice shouted into the pale white Kirin’s ear. “Go forth my sword!”

Goku’s eyes widened upon hearing this, and she looked around for the second sword that she believed was coming to her from the front. She didn’t realize that the second sword was coming from the opposite side, until it was too late. Another cry left her as she felt something pierce her into her back, going at a much painfully quicker pace. Thankfully, her spine wasn’t hit, but from the way the sword lodged into her back, it was dangerously close. She felt to her knees and slumped to the floor, growling in agony as blood began to seep form our wounds.

“Well, that was a rather quicker strike than I expected.” Nightmare Moon murmured to herself as she flew down towards the bleeding mare before her. “What’s the matter little one? Are you in too much pain to fight anymore?”

Goku raised her tail and let it lash out at Nightmare Moon, to which the larger mare simply pulled her head away to keep her throat from being slit. With a guttural growl, Goku propped herself on her foreclaws and knees as she glared up at the Nocturnal Dark Queen.

“T-t-that…that was a d-dirty trick you p-pulled there.” She said in between gasps. “A-attacking me f-from the f-front i-is one t-t-thing…b-but the b-b-back? Now t-that is the d-definition of cowardly if I h-haven’t heard one.”

“Hm…yes, that would seem like an act of a coward to the eye of a mortal pony, or one like my dear sister.” Nightmare Moon said after some silence, shrugging afterward. “Unfortunately for you my dear…I’m not like most ponies.”

Goku breathed heavily through her draconic nose, letting her head hang in between her shoulders. “…Yeah, you make a good point there…that’s something that you would do, but I bet it’s not the same for the pony that your controlling. The one who I know is somewhere within the essence of her mind watching helplessly as you treat us like we were playthings.”

An icy fit of laughter suddenly burst through the room, causing a shiver to go down Goku’s spine as Nightmare Moon nearly doubled over in mirth. She used her wings to keep herself balanced as one of her front and back legs curled up due to how much she was laughing. “Oh, my dear little hatchling…you have no idea of the truth behind that statement. Too bad for you, you don’t be able to see the look on her face when I finally end all of you. Don’t worry though, I’ll be sure to let her know just how hard you fought to save her, along with the rest of your little friends.”

With no amount of gentleness whatsoever, Nightmare Moon yanked both of her swords out of Goku, both coming out almost simultaneously. Goku screamed as pain shot its away across her body, mainly her stomach and back as she collapsed to the ground. As her blood flowed and pooled under her, she looked up to see Nightmare Moon flapping into the air, both of her swords brought back in preparation for a final strike. Goku hissed as her claws scraped against the floor beneath her, realizing what was going to happen.

“Well, it’s been a rather fun fight I must say, but I’m afraid that I’m going to have to cut it short.” Nightmare Moon stated casually as her armor and swords glowed. “I have some unfinished business to take care of with my sister and the rest of her faithful subjects. Not to worry though, you don’t die alone; I’ll make sure that the Nyx and the Savage Six reunite you with your friend as quickly as possible, and any other loved ones that you have. Maybe that little Thestral colt brother of yours that I saw you cuddling with earlier. I know that you’d love for something like that to happen.”

Goku suddenly went still, freezing as if something or somepony had frozen every single acting nerve in her body. This went unnoticed by Nightmare Moon, who looked like she was going to finish the pale white Kirin off at any moment.

"This is the end; farewell Son Goku Kakarot Shenron!” Nightmare Moon shouted as she finally unleashed her killer blow. “Tartarus’s Wheel: Scattering Petals of Darkness!”

With all the physical and magical strength, she could muster, Nightmare Moon swung her swords down, releasing a flock of razor-sharp crimson slashes in the process. She even fired off a large bolt of turquoise magic for extra assurance that the mare before her would be demolished on the spot. Time seemed to go in slow motion as the attack edged ever closer to Goku, with Nightmare Moon watching giddily all the while. Had the attack not been so loud, and the sin black Alicorn not been so distracted, she would’ve heard the next two words whisper its way from Goku’s fanged mouth.

“You bitch.”

Without warning, the pale white Kirin mare shot up on her clawed feet, power exploding out of her as she raised one of her foreclaws up. A arge flat disc of pure white energy shot out from it, hovering in Goku’s claw as she shouted, “Saiyan Kirin: Destruction Disc!”

With a roar, Goku shot the disc forward like a frisbee across a playground, letting it glide through the air like a bat towards the wave of red. It collided with it with a loud electric chirp, and not even a split second afterward, it sliced through the slashes of red and magical bolt. Like scrap paper, it split in half vanishing in wisps of energy as it headed towards Nightmare Moon.

“What?!” The sin black Alicorn gasped, her eyes widening as the attack headed towards her. Out of instinct, she shot to the side and let the disc fly away from her, slicing into the ceiling and out of sight. Nightmare Moon stared at that particular spot for some time, even as the damage began to fix itself, before whirling back to face Goku.

“W-w-what…what in the name of Faust was that?!” Nightmare Moon half asked, and half demanded in a sputter. “What did you just do?!”

Goku didn’t immediately reply to the sin Alicorn, merely letting her outstretched claw fall to the ground before looking up at Nightmare Moon. For a split second, she could’ve sworn that she saw a flash of golden white dance about her eyes before vanishing. Before Nightmare Moon could question her on that, Goku finally spoke up.

“It’s not what I did Nightmare Moon, it’s what you just did.” She said, her soft voice gaining an otherworldly tone to it for a single second. “And that thing…was pissing me off.”

Fluttershy stared up in silent terrified awe at the large orb of blackness that Havocwing was gleefully emitting from above her. It expanded all over to the point where she could no longer see the ceiling, but only a cloud of darkness that contrasted deeply with the Pegasus generating it. The scarlet Pegasus’s chilling demonic laughter could be heard all throughout their area of battle, sending chills down the angel-like Pegasus’s spine.

‘Oh goodness, that’s such an enormous orb of darkness…I don’t know if I’ll be able to withstand all of it.’ Fluttershy thought, gritting her teeth. ‘Still, I have to at least try. What good am I to Goku and the girls if I can’t even get passed this mare, who isn’t even real?!’

“Aww what’s the matter darling? Too afraid to speak of the destructive magnificence that is my power?” Havocwing asked in amusement at Fluttershy’s silence. “I can’t blame you. Those who’re in my presence can’t help but gape at its glory, and you are no exception!”

“I admit, it’s…a rather terrifying sight to look at.” Fluttershy reluctantly admitted, feeling a beat of sweat roll down her eyebrow. She soon shook it off and lifted her sword, pointing it upward towards Havocwing. “Even so, there is no way in all of Faust’s holy name that I’m gonna let this attack be the one to finish me off! I have too many friends and ponies that I love who’re in danger and they need me! I’m not going to let it end here, especially not against you!”

“My my, such confident words from a mare who was just seconds ago about to lob my head off.” Havocwing cooed, her fanged mouth stretching into a grin. “Well, let’s see how much of this you’re able to handle then…Destruction Release: Essence of Darkness!”

Swinging her hooves down, Havocwing unleashed the orb of darkness right onto Fluttershy, small crackles of red lighting surrounding it. Fluttershy froze up from the sudden movement for just a split second, before she steeled herself and flared her angel wings. With a powerful flap, she took to the air, hovering just feet away from the essence of darkness.

“Very well…if you want to see just how much I can take, then I’ll show you!” She declared as she raised her sword up again. “Holy Release: Rays of Starlight!”

Just like last time, Fluttershy unleashed a flock of golden white light upon Havocwing, only this time, she was aiming for her orb of darkness shot right at her. They all collided with the darkness that was quickly slowly heading towards the angelic Pegasus and actually managed to push it back some. Unfortunately, that only worked for a short time before it continued its descent to the battlefield below.

“Ha, you think that just a few rays of that puny little holy light is going to be enough to stop this baby?” Havocwing guffawed. “Come on sweetie, put your back into it! I thought you said you were going to show me what you were really made of?!”

“Well that didn’t work.” Fluttershy grunted, mentally kicking herself. “Alright, time to up the ante a little bit.” Drawing her sword downward and gripping it tightly, she swung it upward as she shouted, “Holy Release: Celestial Slash!”

Another giant wave of golden energy erupted from Fluttershy’s sword and ripped through the air, clashing hard with Havocwing's dark orb. This time, she actually managed to make a split into it as the slash cut through the dark sphere. Even so, this still did not completely destroy it, but that didn’t stop Havocwing form voicing her impression.

“Wow, now that was much better there Fluttershy!” Havocwing said, unable to hold back a whistle. “You keep that up and you just may be able to survive this one!”

“You and I both know that was exaclty what I aimed to do! You just don’t think that I actually will be able to is all!” Fluttershy shot back as her wings began to glow. “Holy Release: Wings of Faust!”

Swinging her wings forward, Fluttershy shot a massive flock of feathers up at the split sphere of darkness, letting them hit all the spots they could. This proved to be effective as it soon began to crack as if multiple rocks were beating against a glass window. With one more long-range attack with her wings, she effectively destroyed it, although she was blown back quite brutally by the force of the explosion.

“That…was far too close for comfort.” Fluttershy said to herself, reaching out with a shaky hoof and summoning her sword forth. “I really thought that I was going to be swallowed up by all of that dark essence.”

“Well, luckily for you, you managed to make it, albeit by the skin of your teeth.” Havocwing stated hovering down to the floor. “Still though, I’m impressed that you were able to withstand it; you’re truly worthy of being called a Tenshi.”

“I could say the same to you…about being a Datenshi…Havocwing.” Fluttershy stated, snorting as she ruffled her wings. “Still, I’m not going to lose this fight. One way or another, I am going to beat you and find my friends so we can stop Nightmare Moon; together!”

“The way I see it, you’re not having very much luck with that.” Havocwing said passively, giving a little shrug. “The only way you can really win this fight is if you get my down permeantly, only then can you get your little Element and make it past those doors.” She gestured to the doors behind her, which had a symbol of Havocwing’s Cutie Mark on it. “You’re keeping up with me so far, but I can tell you won’t be able to last much longer.”

‘That’s because you keep firing off attacks at me that take a considerable amount of my power to withstand.’ Fluttershy thought, biting her tongue to keep the retort from leaving. “Well then…I guess I’ll have to finish you off before I reached that tipping point, don’t I?”

“Well, that was pretty much your goal since this entire fight…along with mine in away.” Havocwing replied, twirling her black sword in her hooves. “Then again, I can agree with you on wanting this to end. So…” Her sinister black eyes glowed a bright red. “Let’s do just that!”

Faster than Fluttershy could blink, Havocwing’s sword was logged inside of her armor, right where her chest was supposed to be protected. A stream of blood flew from a shocked Fluttershy’s mouth as one of her hooves went to her armored chest. Before she could even process what had just happened, she found herself being grabbed by the neck and slammed into the wall with force that would’ve shattered her spine. The sound of her Element beng knocked to the side was drowned out by the cry of pain the emanated from Fluttershy as Havocwing held her by the throat.

“I’ve got you now my little butterfly.” Havocwing whispered in the other frightened Pegasus’s ear. “Destruction Release: Termination!”

White hot pain exploded all over Fluttershy’s body was she was consumed in a cloak of crimson flames that erupted form Havocwing’s sword. Her screams echoed throughout the battle room as Havocwing stood their silently, sadistically watching as Fluttershy thrashed in agony. It only lasted for a minute, but to Fluttershy it felt like forever, almost as if she was being burned in the fires of Hell’s Eternal Pit of Fire.

Finally, Havocwing stopped, just as quickly as she had started the torment, and all put yanked her sword out of Fluttershy, letting her fall to the floor. “Well, how was that there Fluttershy? Was it warm enough for you, or was it too hot for your tastes?”

There was no response form the angelic Pegasus, who just continued to lie there in a burned and bloodied heap as she took short labored breaths. The Fallen Angel standing above her just chuckled, and brought her sword back to rest on her shoulder.

“I’m gonna go with the latter there.” She concluded, spreading her black wings and flapping into the air. “It’s alright though, you won’t be in pain for long…I’ll end it quickly with this last and final attack.”

Hovering away, Havocwing ascended into the air and let her sword slide into the strap on her hip, before lifting her hooves up into the air. A large stream of black energy began to spin and enlarge itself above her, forming into an even larger orb than the one before it. This one however, was a bit different, having an aura and streaks of purple instead of just red.

“This is the end for you, Fluttershy Tenshi! Now prepare to be obliterated by the power of Solaris!” Havocwing announced, flaring her wings to their widest span as her eye’s blades. “One I have you gone, your little friends will be next, along with any of the family you may have, including that dear little sister of yours!”

Just feet below Havocwing, Fluttershy shifted one of her ears perking as her wings gave a bit of a twitch. With her head still lowered, Havocwing could not see the glow coming from them, which spread through her body.

“Now, say goodnight, and be whisked away into the next life!” Havocwing shouted as she let her attack rain down upon Fluttershy. “Destruction Release: Eternal Darkness!”

With a sound that was mixed between a neigh and a roar, havoc let the orb of darkness soar down towards Fluttershy. She laughed evilly as it descended, wisps and crackles of red and purple magic bursting through the air as it went ever closer to its intended target. In that entire time, she never noticed the white aura surrounding Fluttershy, not even as it glowed ever brighter, until at the last second.

“Holy Release: Song of Paradise!”

A roar that was equivalent to a whole lion pride exploded across the room, going at such a volume that it made Havocwing instinctively pin her ears back. Just as she was recovering, she saw the sphere of darkness she threw gaining slam cracks, with white light shining out of it. Havocwing only had time to widen her eyes before it exploded, the light consuming it completely.

“What in the name of Solaris was-?!” Havocwing began, but was cut off when she saw Fluttershy burst from the light. The enraged glow in her eyes made Havocwing instinctively fly back, and she was just barely able to get her sword out to block Fluttershy’s incoming strike. Instantly afterward, Havocwing found herself slammed into the ceiling as Fluttershy pushed her into it.

‘That’s impossible how did she manage to get back up?! It hasn’t even been more than a minute that I saw her in a burned state!’ Havocwing thought to herself as she pulled herself from out of the ceiling. ‘Could it be that she managed to find another trick up her wings?!’

Havocwing didn’t have any more time to contemplate further, for Fluttershy released another wave of light, this time form her mouth. Growling, Havocwing shot her sword out and began spinning it to block the incoming roaring light.

“You’ll have to be quicker than that!” Havocwing growled at her opponent as she too opened her mouth. “Destruction Release: Roar of Tartarus!”

A large swirling stream of orange and crimson flames burst from Havocwing’s mouth like fire from a flamethrower, clashing with Fluttershy’s light. The power struggle only lasted seconds before a massive explosion tore through the room. As the smoke washed through the air, Fluttershy burst out from it and clashed swords with Havocwing one more. The scarlet Pegasus growled and spun around so that Fluttershy’s back was facing the wall, and let her collided with it as she pushed her back. The smirk Havocwing sported on her face afterwards fell very quickly when she saw Fluttershy jump off the wall fly back down at her.

“Holy Release: Celestial Slash!”

“Oh shi-!” Havocwing cursed before the wave of white slammed into her and drove her into the ground. A large crater was left in her wake as smoke burst out from inside of it, obscuring the Datenshi from view as Fluttershy slowly hovered down towards her. By the time she landed on the floor, Havocwing was already back in the air.

“You…filthy little bitch!” Havocwing spat. “Now you really pissed me off! Of all the things that I expected you to do, acting like you were forfeit was not on my list! You are so going to get your wings ripped off for that one!”

“That wasn’t a trick that I pulled, that was genuine pain.” Fluttershy retorted, flicking her tail. “I’ll admit, you were dangerously close to ending me, and you might have pulled it off. Had you not let your mouth cross a very intolerable line.”

“My mouth crossed the line?” Havocwing asked perplexedly. “And just what line was that?”

Fluttershy’s eyes narrowed, her teeth bared in a snarl that would’ve scared away a full grown male Manticore. “The very same line you crossed at the start of this fight. It’s bad enough you threatened the life of my sweet little sister once, but to do it twice…you must really have a death wish.”

Havocwing chuckled. “Okay, first off, you do realize that I’m not really real right? I’m a wonderful incarnation of my Queen’s amazingly beautiful dark magic.” She said explanatorily, gesturing to her gemstone. “Secondly, I can say whatever the Tartarus and the Hell I want; it’s not like you can really stop me…well, other than the Queen.” She pointed her sword forward, the blade giving of a bright red glow. “But, if you’re so tired of hearing me mouth off, I’ll save yo the trouble and finish you off now!”

“You fool…” Fluttershy said, bringing her sword towards her. “It won’t be me, who’ll be finished off.”

As these words left the angelic Pegasus’s mouth, the sword she had been holding began to glow, before slowly changing shape. Spreading her wings, Fluttershy took to the air, letting one foreleg stretch out while the other was brought back. While she did this, her sword continued to change and mold into a weapon to fit the stand she had herself in.

“What the Tartarus are you planning to do next?” Havocwing asked, raising a brow. “Are you gonna throw some sort of holy javelin at me?”

“No Havocwing…but when you see this, you’ll wish I had done just that.” Fluttershy replied as her new weapon finally finished forming itself. When the white glow around it vanished, Havocwing felt her eyes bulge upon seeing a large golden and white bow, with a golden string attacked at the ends of it. Stretching those very same strings, with the point right where the aimer was, was a large white arrow consumed by golden fire.

“No…no way…you’ve got to be shitting me!” Havocwing cried, fear entering her voice for the first time since the fight. “T-that…t-that’s not what I think it is, is it?!”

“It is…and it’ll be one of the two moves that fill finish you off for good.” Fluttershy declared, her eyes glowing as bright as the flames around the arrow. “Havocwing, say hello to the Holy Release: Apollo Arrow!”

Author's Note

Out of all the chapters, this is the one that I anticipated writing the most, especially when it came to the final fight's with the Main Seven. I was have just a bit of trouble as to how to star off the chapter, so I chose it with Trixie, the Shadowbolts, Spearhead, Shining Armor, and Crimson Skies, especially since I'll be adding just one last scene with them before getting to the next chapter I'm anticipating :raritywink: . As for the rest, I decided to add Goku to it again, because it was a bit of a while since we got back with her, and, like I said, I'm planning to do the same thing with her that I'm planning to do with the Dark Army in Ponyville. I did have quite a bit of fun writing Fluttershy's part of the chapter, especially since Heaven's Lost Property was the what was going through my head as I was doing it (I know its a bit of a perverted anime, don't judge me) :scootangel: . I admit, that may have went on a bit longer than I should've, but it'll be worth it in the end, trust me, along with the conclusions of the rest of the girl's fights.

Well, that's all for now; tune in next time for when we go back to the rest of the girls, before we see our dear librarian unleashes the fury of her magic upon her enemy :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 77 - Wrath of the Magical Star

Grayscale Force and Rainbow Dash sped through the air, their transformations allowing them to dart and zigzag across the room. Small but powerful shockwaves burst through the spots where they collided with one another, before they soared away from each other. The light from their new forms looked like streaks of color meeting in the air, even as they began to slow in their breakneck flight. Eventually, the colors gave way to the ones generating them, and it revealed a both the Laser Wisp and Wolfish Pegasus, who gave the other an intense stare down. They then bolted towards one another at the same time, meeting each other right in the center of the room as another shockwave expanded over them.

“Listen up here Rainbow Dash, just so we’re both perfectly straight here…” Grayscale growled out before she pushed Laser Wisp Pegasus away from her. “Despite my appearance, I mainly prefer vegetation rather than meat! Unless it’s to help keep my hybrid and wolf form and its magical reserves intact.”

Rainbow snorted, reaching out and shooting a few blasts of laser like magic at Grayscale, to which she evaded by vanishing in a swirl of lightning. Rainbow disappeared as well, and met with Grayscale in another one of their clashes through the air, before the former sent her crashing into the wall with a laser blast. Grayscale fell face first onto the floor, but she managed to quickly recover, her agility and stamina aiding her in it.

“Well isn’t that nice?” Rainbow asked with a flick of her tail. “Since you’re being so honest me here, allow me to say that I don’t really give a damn! You think I care if you into plants or meat, or both of them like sort of omnivore?! Shit no I don’t, but what I do care about is kicking your ass so I can get out of there and give that Nightmare Moon bitch a sock to the face!”

Grayscale let out a hostile growl, baring her teeth in a way that made her look like she was going to rip Rainbow’s throat out. “Yeah, like I’m going to let you even try to accomplish something like that, let alone leave here. You’ll have more muck getting your jugular vein and guts ripped out while they spill out all over the floor. Which is just what I’m planning to do once I have you begging and bleeding on the ground!”

“Heh, now that’d be something I know you’d love to do. Too bad for you, I don’t have time to give you that luxury. Before you know it, you’ll be nothing but a smoking pile of ashes; which won’t bother me, given the fact you’re not even real.” Rainbow snorted, letting out a sigh as she folded her wings to her sides. “Anyway, let’s get this shit of a over with…if I can’t get passed you and get that Element thing, this whole damn trip will have been for nothing.”

Without warning, the greenish blue glow tha was surrounding Rainbow receded, letting her normal natural colors be seen plain as day. Grayscale blinked in surprise at the sudden action, but before she could say anything, another aura surrounded her; this one being a deep red.

“What in the name of the Storm Kings and Queens are you doing?” Grayscale asked, a frown of confusion stretching down her muzzle. “Is that supposed to be some other sort of form that you’re going on right now?”

“I think that should’ve been made clear right now.” Rainbow replied in a snarky tone. “I think that this new form of mine will be much more to your style.”

When these words were said, the red aura enveloping rainbow dash swirled around her, going at the speed of a whirlwind before vanishing. Her recently returned cyan coat was now a deep scarlet red color, very much like her little sister’s own. Her mane and tail sported the same change, only they contained golden yellow streaks, the same color as the hawk-like eyes that Rainbow Dash now adorned. On both of her front legs were the talons of a raptor, while her falcon-like wings were not like that of an eagle’s, her upper lip undergoing the same change.

“What the hay?!” Grayscale gasped, taking a couple of steps back. “What kind of form is that supposed to be?!”

Rainbow smirked lowly, lowering herself into an offensive stance as she flared her enlarge winged. “The Eagle Wisp…”

With a screech equivalent to that of a raptor, Rainbow took off towards the wolfish Pegasus, both of her claws out in front of her. The sudden charge managed to break Grayscale out of her shock, and she let her own claws clash with Rainbow’s own. Rainbow lashed out with her upper beak, moving to gouge out one of Grayscale’s eyes, but the dark Pegasus wasn’t having any of that. A knee to the gut stopped Rainbow from her otherwise brutal lunge, before Grayscale slashed at her with her claws. She cut her across the chest, before her tail lashed out and wrapped around her neck and squeezed tight. With a snarl, Grayscale spun around, before throwing Rainbow into one of the windows, nearly breaking it in the process.

“Thunder Omega: Howl of Lightning!” Grayscale shouted, letting her maw open wide as she unleashed a breath of lightning at the Eagle Wisp Pegasus. Rainbow gave a hard flap of her wings and too a sharp left, narrowly dodging the strike that totally broke the window. It was left to magically repair itself while Rainbow recovered from the near collision, before looking back over at Grayscale.

“That was a close one there, but you’ll need to be much quicker, like how I was!” Rainbow shouted, screeching before she flew at Grayscale again. The two hybrid Pegasi then unleashed a barrage of slashes with their talons, wings beating hard to keep them in the air. At some point, Grayscale unleashed another mouthful of lightning at Rainbow as she snot into the air. The eagled Pegasus was quick to evade the attack, which allowed Grayscale to appear above her in a flash of lightning.

“Thunder Omega: Howl of Lightning!” Grayscale repeated, letting the lightning explode from her mouth and dive towards Rainbow. Rainbow snorted and flapped her eagle wings, pulling herself from the lightning as it exploded into the ground.

“You know, you really shouldn’t try to use the exact same attack like that, Grayscale!” Rainbow Dash shouted through the smoke. “It can really mess you up when your facing off against somepony like me!”

Without warning, a screech slice through the air, sounding so ear splitting that Grayscale’s ears pinned against her head. While she was distracted, Rainbow Dash suddenly burst though the smoke, with her hindlegs facing Grayscale. Her hooves slammed into the hybrid Pegasus, getting her right into her face and muzzle. Grayscale was sent flying into the wall behind her, her wolf tail grazing right over the Element Rainbow was fighting for.

“Oh crap, that was not what I was planning for!” Rainbow Dash cried, flying over to the element and inspecting it frantically. “Shit, I hope I didn’t damage it; Goku will kill me if I broke one of the only things that can stop Nightmare Moon!”

“Hold it right there…you think you can just ignore me in the middle of a fight?” Grayscale growled, her eyes peering through the smoke. “That’s the worst thing you can do to a wolf, especially a hybrid! Thunder Omega: Wings of Lightning!”

With a howl, Grayscale exploded from the smoke, both of her wings encased in lightning as she flapped them furiously. Rainbow cried out from the sudden action, and began flying backwards to avoid being electrocuted by Grayscale’s wings. Each time she managed to get close, she would lash out with one of the appendages, hoping to zap the eagled Pegasus in midair. Rainbow, despite her new form, narrowly managed to dodge the strikes to either herself, or her own wings as Grayscale growled furiously. At one point, Rainbow made a miscalculation, and found herself getting rammed in the chest by Grayscale’s left wing. She screamed as she was electrocuted, before Grayscale slashed her across the barrel and slammed her to the ground.

“So, you say I shouldn’t keep using the same attacks huh?” Grayscale asked angrily as she hovered above the downed Eagle Wisp Pegasus. “Well, how do you like this?! Thunder Omega: Lightning Shower!”

Once again, Grayscale unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts down at Rainbow Dash, some of them striking the ground around them. Grayscale paid this no mind and continued to try to zap Rainbow with her lightning, even as she was enveloped by the smoke. No sound came from the spot Rainbow lay, but Grayscale was too enraged to care, only focused on making her opponent suffer.

When grayscale finally stopped, she took a little time to catch her breath, all while watching the smoke clear to reveal the repaired floor. She waited for the grey clouds to reveal Rainbow lay motionless, but when it did, she was shocked to see a gaping hole where Rainbow used to be.

“She’s gone?! There’s no way that can be! Where the hay did she go?!” Grayscale asked herself as she looked around the room. “Come on out Rainbow; I know you’re hiding around here somewhere! Show yourself before I make you!”

There was the sudden sound of something cracking, prompting Grayscale to look down and see large splits appearing in the floor. At first she was confused, but when she saw the bright yellow glow coming from it, she immediately knew what, or rather, who, it was. Without hesitation, she flew down to where she assumed Rainbow was and followed her around the ground she was digging through.

“So, your little Wisp powers let you travel underground huh?” Grayscale asked, her tail lashing out from behind her. “I clever tactic I admit, but it’s not going to save you from me! Thunder Omega: Lightning Tail!”

Flipping around in the air, Grayscale lashed out with her tail and let it slam into the head of the crack were Rainbow was. The attack proved effective as lightning burst out from the splits in the floor, making it explode from where both mares were. Grayscale however away from the damage she caused and waited for Rainbow to reveal herself, eager to tear her throat out. What she got next however, was anything but what she was hoping to see.

In a flash of yellow, a giant drill burst through the smoke and flew at Grayscale, spinning at such a speed that it made the smoke around it swirl around it. Grayscale had no time to block or evade as it slammed into her, but it didn’t pierce or drill through her. In fact, it seemed to be blocked by something, that being Grayscale’s sinister black armor. As soon as that happened, Grayscale got another idea in her head.

“Heh, nice try, but I’m not gonna be left with a hole by this thing!” Grayscale shouted as her armor began to glow. “Thunder Omega: Armor of Lightning!”

Bright blue lightning suddenly exploded from out of Grayscale’s armor, enveloping the bright yellow drill and zapping it with lighting. With a mighty heave, she pushed the drill away from her, letting it explode in a shower of blue and yellow light. Just as she did this, Rainbow Dash suddenly burst out of the magical light, coated from shoulders to rump in dark blue armor.

“Big mistake there, Grayscale! Now you’re wide open!” Rainbow shouted, her eyes still glowing that bright yellow blaze as she closed in. “Blue Armor Wisp!”

The next thing Grayscale knew, she was being relentlessly bounded all over her body by Rainbow in her new form. Nothing, not even her armor could protect her from feeling the powerful force of Rainbow’s hooves, making her feel like her bones were shattering from in her body. Grayscale wasn’t even given the chance to scream as she was given blow after blow, going from her stomach, to her face and her wings, before she was sent in the sky with a powerful kick. As she flew through the air, Rainbow Dash flew up to meet her, hovering just a couple feet away from her.

“I have you now!” She shouted, letting one of her wings slam right into Grayscale’s neck, sending her zooming through the air and tumbling violently across the ground. Rainbow could hear the force of the tumbles that Grayscale took, and winced a bit when she slammed into the wall with a sickening slam. Just as that happened, Rainbow Dash winced, one of her hooves going to hold her right side.

“Dammit, I thought that lightning had only got my Drill Wisp Shot.” She grunted as she hovered in the air. “Shit, I should’ve just finished her off right there…I got too carried away.”

Grayscale gasped and sputtered as she lay motionless on the ground, her body giving little twitches on the ground. She could feel her body blaze with agony as she tried with all of her might to move, little bits of lightning appearing around her. As she tried to prop herself up on one of her shoulders, Rainbow Dash lowered herself to the ground.

“Hey, it looks like you’re finally on you last legs there, Grayscale. You probably can’t even stand up right now.” She murmured, ruffling her wings. “To be honest, I kind of had my full on this too, though not really in the way you have right now. So, what do you say we call it a draw and let me have that Element thing?”

Grayscale paused, her ears perking as one of her eyes twitched. “What…did you just say to me?”

“Yeah, you heard me; I’m giving you a chance to walk away from this and get obliterated after we take down that bitchy Queen of yours.” Rainbow nodded, giving the wolfish Pegasus a bit of a smirk. “I’m pretty sure that you’re beaten to the point where you can’t even perform anymore moves, and if there’s one thing I don’t do, it’s fight ponies who can’t defend themselves.” She took a few steps closer to Grayscale, unaware of the rage building up inside of her. “So, what’s your answer Grayscale? Ya gonna throw in the towel, or are you gonna give it one last push and get taken down by the Rainbow of Ponyville?”

For some time, Grayscale said nothing, looking at Rainbow as if she had just turned into a darker hybrid version of a hybrid wolf. Rainbow stared back at her more calmly, standing in a way as if she was expectin Grayscale to submit right there. When she finally realized Rainbow was serious, Grayscale’s head lowered, and her body began to shake, only not from the pain this time.

“You…you’re seriously telling me to submit to the likes of you? Am I really hearing you offering me, a member of the Arashiikimono, to submit in a fight?” Grayscale asked, her voice just above a whisper as she shook even more. “Why you…you insolent little PUP!”

Flaring her wings, Grayscale let out a mixture of a howl and a roar as she took to the air, lighting bursting and striking the air around her. Her lips were curled back, giving Rainbow Dash a snarl so ferocious that it would’ve made even the most ferocious of wolves submit to her.

“How dare you even think of trying to make somepony like me submit to an eyesore of a mare such as you?! Are you asking for me to rip your throat out?! Because that’s what it sounds like you’re trying to do by saying something like that to me of all ponies!” She shouted, her claws unsheathing and sheathing her claws repeatedly. “There is no way in all of the members of my family that I would ever back down to somepony as unworthy as you! Not in a thousand years, and most certainly not now!”

Rainbow Dash winced, taking another step back from the mare. “So…I take that as a no, then?”

“It’s not just a no…it’s one that will rip all of the guts from your body!” Grayscale shouted, shooting her claws out as lightning coated them. “One that will happen with this final attack!”

“Heh, I figured that be your response.” Rainbow Dash chuckled, blowing her mane from out of her face. “Oh well, guess I got no choice but to end this off with a bang.” With sharp inhale, Rainbow Dash propped herself on her forelegs and shouted, “Rocket Wisp!”

In flash of orange flames, Rainbow’s dark blue armor melted away, being fused with the magic of the new transformation she was going in. In just a few moments, she went from looking like a knight in blue armor, from a mare that looked crossed between that of a cyborg. The whites of her eyes were now an inky black color as black as the sky peering through the window. Her cyborg like form was a deep orange in color with deep black lines within them, while her mane and tail looked to be a mixture of orange and yellow. The flames that were surrounding her as she transformed expanded, forming a large circle around her as her metallic wings flared on either side of her.

“So, what kind of form is this supposed to be?!” Grayscale shouted, her canines gleaming as she bared them at Rainbow. “Is that the one that’s finally going to finish me off?!”

“Well, since you’re going to make one final move, I might as well do the same with just as much force as you’re planning to.” Rainbow Dash replied, letting her front hooves stretch out in front of her. “I did say that I was going to blow you away a few minutes ago, and that’s just what I’m planning to do! Maybe not in the way that I wanted, but hey, not everything can go the way you plan can it?”

Grayscale’s expression clamed somewhat, her snarl turning into a bit of a grin. “No…no it most certainly cannot! Which is why I’m gonna make sure that this plan of yours won’t work out the way you want it to, and that you’re turned to ash!” She slammed both her clawed paws together, the lightning in both of them combining into one. “This is goodbye and farewell, Rainbow Dash Wisp! Thunder Omega: Roar of the Heavens!”

A gigantic blast of lightning exploded from Grayscale’s paws, making loud chirping and screeching sounds as it dove down towards Rainbow Dash. The Rocket Wisp mare could hear it ringing in her ears, making practically every other sound get drowned out. Despite that, it did nothing to deter her from unleashing her own final blow.

“Alright Grayscale, you asked for this!” She shouted out as the flames continued to roar and swirl around her. “Prepare to get blown away!”

As Rainbow said this, a huge stream of orange and yellow flames exploded form her hooves, roaring through the air and meeting with Grayscale’s lightning. A powerful shockwave came bursting out as it flew about the room, making the windows shatter in the process. The two elements fought and pushed against one another as they tried to overwhelm the other and obliterate each other’s wielder. At some point, Rainbow began to get the upper hoof, and Grayscale watched in horror was her attack was slowly being consumed.

“No…no no no! This is not happening!” Grayscale shouted, desperate adding more power to her wave of lightning. “I can’t…I can’t lose here! Not now, not with my Queen still in danger!”

“Sorry Grayscale, but I ain’t gonna let you have this one!” Rainbow Dash shouted from below as she went on relentlessly. “My friends are all waiting for me, and there is no way I’ll let them face Nightmare Moon on their own! I’m not one to leave ponies hanging, and no way in Tartarus am I gonna start that now! Now, say goodbye!”

Grayscale’s scream of agony and defeat was followed just a few seconds after those last few words as Rainbow’s wave of fire finally overwhelmed her. A final howl was all that came from her was she was slammed into the ceiling; a huge hole being left as a result. Slowly, Rainbow’s attack receded, and by the time it was gone, there was no sign of Grayscale anywhere. Not even the remnants of her armor of Magical Life Force Gemstone graced Rainbow’s sight, leading her to only one conclusion.

“Well…that was a little longer than I expected it to be.” Rainbow murmured to herself as she receded out of her Rocket Wisp form. She sighed as she returned to her normal state, feeling the exhaustion from using so many techniques get to her. “I may have overdone it a bit there…oh well, at least I finally got rid of that mare for good.” Her tired magenta eyes then locked onto her Element, and a victorious smile decorated her cyan muzzle. “Now all that’s left…is my Element!”

Red Velvet screamed loudly like a foal at a birthday party as she dived through the air and swung her sword down at Pinkie Pie. The Element armored mare was quick to evade the blow that was meant to slice her face in half, and enveloped the darker pink mare in a bolt of fire. This was quickly dispelled by a swing of Red’s scarlet blade, and she once again lunged at Pinkie Pie, aiming right for her throat. Pinkie smirked and merely used one of her arms to block the attack, letting volts of electricity to course right through Red’s body. The Earth Pony screamed out in surprise and shock at the sudden intrusion of her body, allowing Pinkie to spun around and deliver a powerful kick to her face. Red tumbled across the ground, but managed to get to her hooves in the middle of it, digging her blade in the ground for extra support.

“What kick really hurt you know!” Red hissed as she wiped at her bloodied mouth. “What the hay were you trying to do, huh? Pop my teeth out as if they were chewed bubblegum?”

“I don’t know; what did it look like to you Reddie?” Pinkie asked with a cock of her head. “I mean, you did get electrocuted when you tried to slice my head off back there! Which, by the way, wasn’t really my fault. Though it did give me a chance to send you flying like confetti, so…I guess that was your own fault.”

“Well, whether it was stupid of me to do that or not, you almost succeeded either way.” Red snorted, rubbing her aching jaw. “Whether you make me toothless or not, I’m still gonna chop you up into little itty-bitty cupcakes!” She pointed the point of her sword at Pinkie and launched off her next attack. “Bloody Slicing Flock!”

Just like the last time, Red unleashed a flock of red at Pinkie Pie, to which she countered with her own blasts of wind. While she did so, she used the distraction made from her counter attacks to get closer to Red, even as she continued in her assault. By the time Red realized what was happening, Pinkie Pie was already on top of her.

“I got you again Reddie!” Pinkie giggled; both of her armored hooves encased in fire. “Twin Fire Fist Stream!”

Slamming both of her hooves together, Pinkie unleashed a torrent or orange and yellow flames upon Red who screamed at the sudden move. Her scream of fear soon turned into one of pain as she was consumed in the fire. The flames sent her flying through the air in a burning haze, before she crashed into the wall, the flames spreading all around it afterwards. Red moaned lowly as she slowly slid down the wall, her sword being the only thing to help her stay up.

“Uh-oh…it looks like I maaaaay have overdone it a little bit there.” Pinkie murmured sheepishly, one of her hooves coming to the back of her head. “Are you doing okay over there Reddie?”

“Does it look like I’m okay?! I have burns all over my body; including my Cutie Mark!” Red shouted indignantly, a tick mark forming on her head. “And why do you care if I’m okay?! I’m your bucking enemy remember?! You should be more worried about yourself!” Raising her sword, she slammed it on the ground and shouted, “Bloody Wave!”

“Uh-oh, not that thing again!” Pinkie Pie cried, her irises glowing as she summoned her water once more. “Ice Sphere!”

The large azure sphere of blue washed over Pinkie Pie just in time as she was enveloped in the wave of crimson. Pinkie could feel it pushing hard against her icy dome, and knew that if she kept this up for too long, she may get swept up in the waves. With that in mind, Pinkie quickly began to think up of an alternative escape plan, knowin she didn’t have too much time.

‘Wait, that’s it! one of the Elements I can control is earth! So that means all I have to do is…’ She thought as she looked down the glittering floor. ‘It looks like it’s gonna be pretty hard to pierce it, but it’s either that or get turned into cupcake batter!’

With that thought in mind, Pinkie concentrated on her earth powers and slammed her hooves into her space into the icy floor, creating a large hole in it. Without any hesitation, she plunged right into it, and just in the nick of time. For just seconds that she had managed to escape under the floor, the wave of crimson finally managed to break through the ice sphere, and let it mix with the miniature pool of red.

“Yes! How do you like that huh Pinkie Pie?!” Red shouted, grinning maniacally as the waves began to recede. “I bet that wave of red must taste so good for that sweet tasting tongue of yours! Well?! Does I taste as good as you imagined that it would be?!”

“No, it really didn’t.” A bubbly voice said from behind her. “In fact, I didn’t even taste it at all!”

Red paled under fur, and she whirled around to get a sock to the side of her face, sending her skidding across the ground in her own pool of red. Red groaned as she brought a hoof to her face, only to take it away when she saw the red liquid on it. She screamed out in revulsion as she scrambled to her hooves, trying, and failing, to get the liquid off of her.

“Aww gross! This is just disgusting!” Red cried, gagging as she tried wipe her fur clean. “Did you really have to punch me into my own bloody wave?!”

“What? It’s not really like your own attack can hurt you.” Pinkie replied with an innocent head tilt. “I can see why you think it’s disgusting though. It does smell pretty nasty now that I’m really thinking about it, and I’m even more glad that I didn’t taste it! The smell of all of this red paint is just as strong as the actual attack itself!”

“This is not red paint you idiot; all of this is blood! Pure, red, living giving and heart pumping blood! And it’s not supposed to taste good anyway! At least not for you!” Red corrected in agitation, stomping a hoof on the ground with a wet slap. She immediately regretted as more of it splashed onto her legs, making her nearly slip. “Despite that, you are a bit incorrect about this particular move not being harmful…at least if you don’t make it.”

Pinkie took a step back, feeling her Pinkie Sense tingle. “What…do you mean?”

Red smirked, her pale blue eyes glowing as she breathed out two words. “Bloody Needles.”

Pinkie’s jaw suddenly went slack, her eyes bulging as she felt what seemed like a hundred needles piercing her flesh and suspending her in the air. Looking down, her eyes widened when she realized that the things stabbing her were actual needles, going in various parts of her armored body. Due to the fact that she was still somewhat properly breathing, and her heart was still beating, she was given the impression that they didn’t hit any of her vital parts. Despite that reassurance, that did not take away the pain she was feeling that didn’t even allow her to scream, much less move.

“There, no I’ve got you right where I want you!” Red laughed, throwing her head back as her flat mane shook back and forth. “What’s the matter?! So shocked by my little party surprise that you can’t say anything?! That’s okay, that expression on your face is telling me all I need to know! I really took you by surprise there huh?!”

Pinkie was in took much shock and pain to speak, merely letting out a little cough of blood as she gasped for air. She was so focused on trying to suck in as much as possible, that she didn’t notice Red summoning two bloody blades, reading her final finishing strike.

“I have to say Pinkie Pie, you really gave me one hay of a party here, and it was honestly some of the most fun I’ve had in my lifetime!” Red commented, raising both swords above her, the blades glowing along with Red herself. “Too bad that I have to cut it short. If I stay here and play with you any longer, I might get targeted by those fun-looking friends of yours, and the last thing I want is for my friends to have their parted ended for them. Don’t worry though, I’ll help them in making their ending as fun and fantastic as possible!”

One of Pinkie’s ears twitched, her movements coming to a stop when those last words were said, as if those words had ceased all motions in her body. An aura then began to surround the party pony, one that was anything but bright and safe looking. It spread around her body and enveloped her form, even coating the bloody needles piercing her.

“Oh, what’s that? A brand new from that you’re trying to get yourself into?” Red asked, unaware of the danger she had unintentionally put herself in. “That’s cute, but you’re too late! I’m about to end this party off with a bang! See ya Pinkie Pie Soshi Konton! Twin Bloody Slicing Waves!”

With all the strength her Earth Pony could muster, Red slammed her swords down, sending large streaks of crimson towards Pinkie Pie. So powerful was the simultaneous swing, that it actually made twin splits in the ground. They crashed into Pinkie in an explosion of scarlet, the force making the wind and wave’s magic go in all directions. Several seconds of this went by, and when the magic calmed, it was revealed to Red that her target was nowhere to be seen.

“Hahaha, wow, what do you know!” Red giggled, plopping down to all four hooves. “That blast was even bigger than I thought! I totally blew you away Pinkie Pie!”

“Not quite~.”

Red froze, the familiar bubbly, yet dark undertone voice wiping the smile right off of her face like a stain on a wall. She suddenly felt a rush of power, before she was strike from the side, sending her slamming into the wall with a sickening crash. She scrambled back up to her hooves and snapped her head over to Pinkie, only for her eyes to bulge at what she was seeing.

Pinkie was standing just feet away from her, standing in a posture that was made her look like she was a zombie. The dark aura that rose from within her was now growling in wisps and tendrils, spreading all over the floor in a sea of black and purple. The multiple puncture wounds adorning her just moments ago were all gone, with her now sinister black armor having been repaired. The party pony’s, fur mane and tail had also changed to a sickly looking purple, hanging loosely in thick lush curtains.

“N-no way…y-you’re still alive?!” Red cried, shock giving way to anger. “H-how?! I riddled you with so many holes you should’ve been a pincushion!”

Pinkie let out a child-like giggle that seemed to echo, and despite the mirth behind it, there was no mistaking the chilling darkness under it. “That’s right you did Reddie, but there’s one little teeny tiny think that you happened to overlook.”

“I overlooked something?” Red’s frowned deepened. “What could I have possibly missed from you?”

“What do you think?” Pinkie asked, gesturing with her armored forelegs. “I told you earlier that I have the power of all the elements of that super-duper crazy nature, like you’ve already seen, heehee! So, you should know what this new form of mine is!”

Red paled, her pupils contracting as realization hit her like her face was being smacked into brick wall. “W-wait…y-y-you mean…!”

Pinkie’s smiled widened to the point where it looked like the top of her head would come off. “I knew you’d get it! Now it’s time for you to see just what it can do! Black Hole!”

Slamming her hooves into the ground, the black essence expanded even faster over the room, covering the entire floor before Red could react. For a while, nothing happened, and then, she felt herself not being able to move. She looked down at the essence that was coating her, and found that it was sticking to her legs. The essence of darkness then began to spin around her, at a steady pace, not going to fast, nor going too slow.

“So, this is the way that you’re going to end this little party with me? Make me sink into the ground?”Red snorted, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. “This has to be one of the most predictable attacks that I’ve ever seen!”

“That’s not what this little move is being used for~.” Pinkie stated in a sing-song voice, shaking her head slightly. “Take a look at pretty little gem on your chest~.”

Raising one of her eyebrows to confusion, Red looked down, and felt her eyes nearly bulge once again at what she was seeing. Right before her very eyes, her gemstone was slowly beginning to crack before her very eyes. It started with little spots here and there, but soon began to grow and pull itself apart. Red’s breathing began to increase as she realized exaclty what was going to happen, and what Pinkie was planning to do.

“No, no, no no no no no no! You can’t be serious right now!” Red cried, snapping her head up towards a smiling Pinkie. “This is what you were planning when you went into that form?!”

Pinkie finally looked up, allowing to Red to see the swirling vortex of purple and black that was now her eyes. “A last-minute plan, but a pretty clever plan nonetheless! It didn’t come to me at any time during this little fight, but I got a reeeeally distinct feeling that little pretty gem in your chest was what was letting you go down on me so hard! I’m never one to doubt my Pinkie Sense, and there was no reason for me to doubt it now!”

“Y-you what?!” Red cried, looking absolutely floored by the revelation. “How could you have possiblyknown my number one weakness?!”

“Just a hunch~.” Pinkie giggled. “Say bye bye, Reddie~…Back Vortex!”

As Pinkie held her hoof out, Red felt herself being pulled right towards the dark party pony, feeling her chest collide with the other mare’s chest. A large crack was heard as the gem set within her chest was broken, the shards shattering everywhere. Red only had time to gasp before she felt herself slowly vanishing in wisps of dark magic. The last thing she saw was Pinkie’s cheerfully smiling face and her hoof waving at her, before Red vanished into the air, leaving an echoing cry of defeat.

“Whew! That was some party I had with her huh?” Pinkie said to herself as the black essence vanished from the floor. “I honestly wish that she was real, so we could’ve probably had a draw or something…oh well.” She closed her eyes as the armor and darkish magic vanished from her, along with the colors on her entire body. When she spoke again, her bubbly voice no longer had the dark edge to it as she pointedly eyed her Element. “Yay, no I can get my Element of Harmony! Hold on Goku, Dashie, everypony! Auntie Pinkie Pie is coming~!”

Twilight and Starlight Shadow’s blades clashed with a bright shine as they fought to push against one another, their blades scraping against the other in sparks. Starlight was the first one to pull away, and Twilight leapt into the air to deliver the blade of her scythe crashing down towards Starlight. The dark purple Unicorn leap away and let the blade hit the area where Twilight was planning to hit, skidding across the ground as she landed.

“Wow, that was a really close call there; you almost had me there!” Starlight commented, levitating her swords with her magic. “You’re not messing around with me huh Twilight?”

Twilight snorted, ripping the blade of her scythe out and letting rest on her shoulder. “Who ever said that I was playing around with you? I’m not one to not take things seriously, which includes me getting to Nightmare Moon once I get passed you! I don’t know any sane pony that would even think of playing around in a scenario like this!”

“Yeah, you really don’t know.” Starlight giggled. “Because the only pony that I know would would see this as a party than a fight is Red Velvet! Then again, I’m very positive that you met somepony in your own lifetime whose like her, haven’t you?”

“…Okay, I take back what I said last time, I do know somepony who’s like your ally.” Twilight corrected herself, images of Red Velvet and Pinkie. coming into her mind. “Still, even if Pinkie doesn’t really take things seriously, she’s not somepony you should take lightly, which goes for the rest of my friends.” Her dark purple eyes glowed as she bared her teeth and flared her bat wings. “Which includes me!”

With a loud skree, Twilight flew into the air and shot down towards Starlight, once again aiming for her chest. Starlight giggled and merely raised her sword up, letting it counter with the larger blade shooting down towards her head and neck. The dark purple Unicorn was sent sliding across the floor, but she managed to keep her footing.

“You know, you should really try some different method in getting to your main target.” Starlight murmured, the smile on her face never leaving. “It never does well to do a head on charge…”

Twilight raised her scythe again, letting it swing down a bit higher over Starlight, the blade pointing right at her back. Starlight’s eyes widened at the sudden movement, almost caught off guard to the point where she could’ve gotten stabbed in the back. She leapt out of the range of the blade and swung her sword over to Twilight’s side, ready to slice her guts out. To her shock, Twilight’s scythe met her sword again and more sparks were sent scattering across the air, as a result of the clash.

“Do you even realize who you’re talking to while you’re saying that?!” Twilight half asked and half yelled, flying away from Starlight. “You’re fighting the portege of the Solar Queen and Sun Goddess herself! She’d be pretty disappointed in me if I were to think of an elaborate plan that would save my life when it’s on the brink of death! Letter C Hunter!”

Swinging her scythe from the left side, Twilight sent a giant ‘C’ shaped slash at Starlight, the attack being big enough to span across the entire room. Starlight screamed out in fear, and brought her cosmetic sword down on the attack, channeling as much magic as she could in her weapon. To her relief, she was able to split it apart, but it still managed to cut the sides of her cheeks, so she wasn’t left completely unharmed.

“Yeah…” Starlight frowned, feeling the blood run down her cheeks. “Somehow I doubt that.”

Twilight smirked and let out a series of ‘C’ shaped slashes from her scythe, allowing Starlight to dodge, block, or dispel the attacks. At some point, Starlight let out a series of magical bolts at the slices, making them shatter like a bullet going through glass. With a final burst, she shot one final stream of space-like magic at the last few, letting them get swept up in the wave of powerful magic.

“Wow, you are going crazy, aren’t you?” Starlight asked, huffing a bit as she flicked her tail. “I have to ask what’s going on with you? You weren’t like this just several minutes ago, and now your starting to come at me like some desperate rookie.”

“I’m sorry if I made it seem like that, I guess I was beginning to get a little frantic there.” Twilight said, inhaling deeply as if to calm herself. “I’m just getting a bit worried about how long this fight is going on between us. The more time I spend trying to win against you, the higher the chances that I won’t be able to get my Element, and that is not essential for me. Me and my friends need to find Nightmare Moon and defeat her and bring Queen Luna out of her corruption, and the only way we can do that, is if we obtain our Elements!”

She ignited horn, and fired off a blast of blackish dark purple magic at Starlight, who countered it with a stream of her own telekinesis. Wave after wave of shock and dust washed over the room from the process of the magic power struggle. Both mares gritted their teeth as they fought to dominate the other, but neither looked to be winning in the end. Eventually, they submitted to the stress of their attack flown back by the explosions that came from the devastating attacks.

“I think you’ve made that obvious more than a few times.” Starlight said, panting slightly as she blew smoke away from the tip of her horn. “While I admire your dedication, I’m going to have to state again, like I had the last few occasions. As long as magic flows through me and this gemstone, there’s no way I’m gonna let you get what you want!” Another flock of swords appeared around her as she pointed them at Twilight. “Space Magic: Swords of Outer Space!”

Just like with Twilight’s own attack, Twilight used her scythe to try to keep herself from being impaled by the sword shaped attacks. There were a couple of times where she got cut and graze, but her scythe and wings kept the more critical injuries at bay. This went on for time, and eventually Twilight slowly, but surely began to wear down and get sluggish. Starlight noticed this and grinned mirthfully, happy to see that she was finally tiring her enemy out. She waited until she was sure that there was an opening to deliver a fatal blow, and sure it enough, it came.

“I’ve got you!” She shouted, making Twilight momentarily pause. “Take this!”

Twilight gasped out in pain as she felt something large and sharp stab into her back, sending a fresh wave of coldness and pain throughout her body. For a moment, time seemed to slow down, as if she couldn’t process what had just happened to her. Then, a scream of absolute agony cut its way out of her throat, following by a spray of blood as she fell to the floor. Her scream turned into another gasp, followed by a gargle as she struggled to stop her wound from bleeding.

“Oh wow…that was a pretty swift strike; didn’t expect it to be that fast.” Starlight murmured, sounding surprised at herself. “Well, it’s okay though…it did the job, so that’s all that really matters.”

“I-I can’t believe it…you actually stabbed me…!” Twilight gasped as she held her stomach, for she was unable to hold her back. “H-how deep d-did you g-go…?!”

“Well, not deep enough to cause any significant damage, but enough to where I know you won’t be able to move for some time.” Starlight replied, holding one of her swords in front of her. “You don’t have to worry about that though, I will terminate your pain soon enough…with a little decapitation!”

‘Oh no, I can’t get up…I need to get up now!’ Twilight cried in her mind, weakly reaching out for her scythe. Surprisingly, Starlight didn’t try to stop her, merely watching as the bat winged Unicorn gripped her scythe with a hoof. ‘Come on body, please don’t give up on me now! If you do, this entire trip will have been for nothing, we’ll all be killed!’

“Awww, what’s this here? Still trying to make a last-ditch effort of defiance against me before you die?” Starlight cooed, running a hoof across her sword. “What a cute gesture…but one that is undoubtedly unnecessary on your part. It honestly makes you more said to look at…it’s not anything to be ashamed of though. You’re not the first pony to defy me to their last breath like that, so you have no worries about me judging you for it.”

This time, Twilight didn’t utter anything, just continuing to pain as she held her scythe as tightly as she could. Her single visible eye was closed, as if she was mediating despite the position she was in, leaving Starlight unaware of what she was thinking…or planning.

“This has been an exceptionally tremendous fight Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle, but I’m afraid that I’m going to have to cute it short.” Starlight murmured in an almost sad tone. “It’s okay though, I’ll be sure to put in a good word for Queen Moon and tell her you were a worthy opponent…even if she doesn’t agree with me on it.” She raised her sword above Twilights head, preparing to lay down the finishing blow. “This is the end, now…you die!”

Just seconds after those words were shouted, Starlight’s sword flew down towards Twilight’s awaiting neck. It seemed to slow down as it closed the distance on the bat winged Unicorn, coming ever closer to letting her head roll from her body. Then, just when the sword was centimeters from its target, a bright light exploded from out of Twilight.

Starlight found herself shot away from the sudden explosion of magic, but she managed to keep herself composed, watching as Twilight slowly rose from the ground. Streams of bluish white energy encased her in a protective sphere, and on the left side of it, it showed a symbol of her Cutie Mark on it.

“Heh, so you still have some fight left in you after all.” Starlight murmured, her serene smile coming back once more. “Not that it really matters…you’re still going to die!”

“I’m not the one who’s going to face death her, Starlight Shadow.” Twilight murmured, her eyes glowing a bluish white as she raised her scythe. “There’s only one pony here who’s going to be the victor, and it’s not going to be you.”

“Oh, so a Unicorn that originates form a family that can control all types of magic won’t win against somepony like you?” Starlight asked, letting out a little laugh. “And just how’re you gonna end this little duel of magic of ours?! You could barely even sit up if I recall a few seconds ago!”

“That doesn’t matter anymore…what does matter, is that this ends here and now.” Twilight said firmly, rearing her sword back. “And I’ll end it…with this finishing move! Secret Sparkle Technique: Witch Hunter!”

In the blink of an eye, the blade on Twilight’s scythe expanded, looking more like the head of a Unicorn shaped like that of a crescent moon. It was mostly pure white in color, with a pale blue aura surrounding it while the eye blazed a bright azure blue. The scythe’s mouth was also agape, showing a set of vampiric fangs looking just as sharp as the ones Twilight currently adorned.

“Wow, that’s quite the flashy trick!” Starlight complimented as she raised her sword upward. “It still doesn’t matter what you try though! I will finish you, and I will this duel! Now, come and accept your defeat! Space Magic: Split of Outer Space!”

Slamming her sword into the floor Starlight unleashed a wave of space-like magic, the wave itself splitting into the floor. As it rushed towards Twilight, the magical protégé swung her sword, unleashing her own slice of magic as it crashed right into Starlight’s. There was a brief battle for dominance against the two wielder’s magic, before Twilight’s white wave sliced through Starlight’s, taking the dark purple unicorn by complete shock.

“T-t-that’s impossible!” She cried as the attack flew towards her at rapid speeds “Her attack cut right through mind like it was a scissor through paper!”

“You will not wind this Starlight Shadow!” Twilight shouted, unleashing another massive wave for good measure. “I will defeat you!”

As if to show that she would both waves of magic slammed into Starlight, who had no chance to save herself as she driven to the back of the room. A loud shattering sound filled her ears as she collided with the back wall, and that was that was needed to tell her that her gemstone was shattered. She gave one last echoing whinny of anger and defeat, before she vanished in thick tendrils of black magic.

Twilight promptly collapsed onto her back, panting heavily form the extortion of her final attack as the backlash caught up with her. Beads of sweat rolled down her face as the pain in her stomach and back returned, causing her to let out a pained moan. She lay like that for a minute longer, before eventually sitting herself up, seeing no sign of Starlight Shadow anywhere.

“Thank goodness…I thought that I was never going to beat her.” Twilight said to herself, using her scythe to pull herself up. “Good thing she was only the manifestation of a pony, otherwise I would’ve really been in trouble if she was real.” Her eyes narrowed as she fixed them on the large stone sphere in front of her. “Now I can get my Element, and go find the others! Just you wait Nightmare Moon, I’m coming!”

Author's Note

I'm just going to come out and say it right now, I had Applejack's finishing scene in the last scene of this chapter, and was continuing on going. That was when I had a bit of brain fart and realized my mistake, and took that part out, with Twilight taking her place instead. it should've been that way now that I think about it, especially based on the titles chapter, so I don't know what drove me to that point :facehoof: . I guess my brain fart was far bigger than I thought it would be :twilightblush: . It's all good though, I realized my mistake, and I fixed it, and now the chapter is how I originally planned it to be.

Well that's all for now everypony; tune in next time for Goku unleashing the wrath of light onto Nightmare Moon, with her army's fate being decided in the next chapter :rainbowdetermined2: !!! Oh, and, just so there's no confusion in the next chapter, Rarity's fight scene had very much well ended in chapter 74; there were just a few more parts of dialogue that I forgot to add in there, so I'm gonna go and get that cleared up... :twilightblush: . Oh, and before you ask, yes, I purposely made Pinkie's voice as dark and menacing as Red's when she was in her Dark Matter Form, because why not :derpytongue2: ?

Chapter 78 - From Darkness into Light

Applejack’s hooves slid across the hard-blue floor as she galloped at Curaçao, one of her hooves aiming to strike her face. Curaçao merely let one of her forelegs raise up to block it, but this left Applejack undeterred, and she kept at it. Reeling back, she aimed that same hoof at Curaçao’s stomach area, managing to get her mark. Curacao grunted, but managed to keep herself steady as she countered and gave Applejack a flurry of punches, socks, sidekicks and bucks. Neither mare looked like they were giving in, but nor did it seem they were gaining the upper hoof. Not even when their hooves met, letting a shockwave burst throughout the room and cover them in smoke.

When the smoke faded from over the room, Applejack struck first, vanishing in a flash of white as she flew at Curaçao. “Apple Hoof Pistol!”

Once again, Curacao found herself being punched in the gut and send crashing into the wall with the sound of shattering glass. In a twist of fate, she didn’t collide with the Element that Applejack was trying so hard to get, so it was not damaged any more than it was. Nonetheless, Curacao was quick to get back up on her hooves and look around for Applejack.

‘I can’t see her at all…where did she go?!’ As she looked to her right, Applejack suddenly appeared in front of Curaçao socking her in the face and sending her tumbling through the floor. Just before she slid to a full halt, Applejack socked Curaçao in the gut for a third time, before leaping twenty feet away. The farmer suddenly jumped on one of the walls and leapt off it, letting both of her hindlegs hit Curaçao right in her back and drive her into the floor.

“Titan Tempest Slice!” Applejack shouted, swinging her left leg downward and letting the slicing attack strike Curaçao. She then jumped off of the air and soared down towards the ocean blue mare, driving her hooves into her armored back. “Twin Titan Hoof Pistols!”

Once Curacao was a good few feet deep into the floor, Applejack leapt away from her and waited for any retaliation against her foe. She watched as Curaçao picked herself up form out of the floor, and just in time, for it was beginning to repair itself. With one last heave, Curaçao leapt out of the hole, shaking the blood out of her eyes. Once she was able to see, she looked back at the crater in the floor, and back at Applejack with a stoic frown.

“Well, that was a sneaky little move that ya pulled on me, wasn’t it Applejack?” Curaçao asked, flicking her tail. “Ya almost made me get stuck in that hole…the Queen would not have been happy if one of us damaged it.”

“Oh, don’t you go overexaggeratin’ there.” Applejack snorted, shaking her head. “From what Ah’ve seen o’ this place in this entire fight, there ain’t no way that’s gonna happen. No matter how much we tear this place up by th’ roots, this place is jus’ gonna keep fixin’ itself up.”

“That’s true…as long as mah Queen manages to stay in her form that is.” Curacao replied, nodding as she pawed at the ground. “The only reason that this place is even made the way it was b’cause o’ her amazin’ magic. If y’all manage to defeat her, then all the magic she used to make this place will be gone jus’ like that. Ah know that she won’t like that, especially with jus’ how big this place is.”

“Wait, so yer tellin’ me, that if me an’ mah friends save Queen Luna from this Nightmare Moon varmint, then this whole castle will collapse?” Applejack asked, taking a moment to take the information in. Curaçao nodded, and Applejack let out a nervous whistle from her muzzle. “Well, that don’t sound good fer any o’ us…we’re gonna have t’ get outta this castle fast when that’s over.”

“Yes, you may have to…or else you may end up getting buried alive, or falling to the ground and leaving quite the messy stains on it.” Curaçao shrugged, her red eyes glowing as she bared her teeth at Applejack. “Not that Ah was plannin’ on lettin’ ya leave outta this room alive.”

“Now who’re you t’ go an’ decide something like that?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow at the ocean blue mare. “It’s not like yer real or anythin’ either…so Ah don’t think you really have any room t’ talk.” Her own white eyes blazed as she lashed her tail out. “Either way, ya ain’t keepin’ me here, Ah’m leavin’ this place an’ that’s that!”

“Well then…” Curaçao said as she hunched down. “Why don’t I help you with that?!”

It was at that moment that the two-mare vanished in a streak of red, black, and white, landing and jumping off of random spots in their room of battle. As Applejack ascended to the ground, she whirled around and saw Curaçao heading towards her. When she got within foreleg’s distance, Applejack shot a hoof at her face, but only managed to graze Curaçao as the mare vanished in a swirl of black. The farmer silently listened out for her, letting her ears pick up the sounds of her Dark Flash movements. Out of instinct, she spun around to see the darker Earth Pony coming at her again, and Applejack let one of her forehooves block Curaçao’s incoming punch. With a scream that was mixed between that of an equine and a mountain lion, Applejack slammed her other hoof into Curaçao’s armored side. The force behind it caused Curaçao to go stumbling back, allowing Applejack to go for another move.

“Titan Hoof Pistol!” She shouted, her right forehoof slamming into Curaçao’s chest, just below her Magical Life Force Gemstone. With a frightened gasp, Curacao jumped back so she could inspect the injury, inadvertently giving Applejack another opening to attack.

“Twin Titan Tempest Slice!” Applejack’s left leg kicked out, going upward before doing a downward motion in a split second, making a large X shaped tempest slash. It collided with Curaçao, sending her sliding back again, this time right into the wall. As she slid to the floor, Applejack used her Apple Sun Step to go take herself back some feet before heading back towards Curaçao.

“Alright Curaçao, Ah think Ah’ve had jus’ ‘bout enough o’ this lil’ game!” She shouted bringing both of her forehooves in front of her. “Time t’ end this! Secret Apple Technique…”

“Yer right, it is…” Curacao said, coughing up blood as she forced herself to stand. “Time for me to turn you into applesauce!”

With a menacing glow in her eyes, Curaçao vanished and appeared in front of a still airborne Applejack, driving her own forelegs into her armored stomach. Before Applejack could even contemplate what had just happened, she heard Curaçao shout out. “Secret Tyrant Technique: Twelve King Shot!”

Applejack’s entire body halted as she felt a combination of what seemed like twelve impacts slamming into her stomach. Though I didn’t pierce her armor, it still managed to get into her stomach and make every bone in her body freeze up. She wasn’t even able to scream before she was sent tumbling across the ground, right into her stomach.

“W-whoa nelly…t-t-that was s-some attack. T-t-that was jus’ like the S-Six King Gun t-t-that the A-Apple F-Family uses.” Applejack said to herself, holding her still armored stomach. “O-only this one h-hit’s a h-h-hay of a l-l-lot h-h-harder…!”

“I’ve got you now!” Curaçao shouted, lashing out with one of her legs. “Black Storm Leg: Black Phoenix!”

Applejack flinched and turned around to see a slicing attack shaped like a flaming black bird screeching towards her. She leaped out of the way just in time so she could see it leave a massive slice inside of the room. The farmer let out a sigh of relief, but that was soon turned into a cry of shock and pain when she felt a hoof drive itself into her stomach.

“Black Hoof Bullet!” Curacao shouted, her red slitted eyes burning into Applejack’s shocked white ones. “Machine Gun!”

Applejack found herself finally able to scream as she felt Curaçao’s one hoof hit multiple parts of her chest and stomach. While they didn’t go all the way through her armor, they did come dangerously close to where she could still feel the full impact. With one last jab, Curacao spun around and kicked Applejack in her face, sending her right into the ceiling.

“Dammit…Ah ain’t dyin’ here!” Applejack shouted moments after she began to fall. “Titan Shave!”

A flash of white enveloped Applejack as she vanished, taking her to Curaçao as she prepared to drive her into the floor. “Titan Tempest Slice!”

The attack just barely managed to get out of Applejack’s leg before she saw Curaçao vanished in a flash of darkness. The slice of wind collided into a nearby wall, and Applejack was left to wonder where Curaçao had gone. She didn’t have to wonder long, because the ocean blue mare had appeared in front of her again.

“Dark Hoof Bullet!” She shouted, lunging for Applejack’s neck. Applejack effectively dodged the hoof as it continued to dry to impale her while they both fell from the air. when they both reached the ground, Curaçao shot her hoof at Applejack again, only for it slam right into the floor. Her eyes snapped over to Applejack, only to see her planning another move.

“There we go!” She shouted, wasting no time in swinging her legs. “Titan Tempest Slice!”

“Shouldn’t have jinx it!” Curaçao smirked. “Iron Mass!”

Applejack cursed as her slice of wind was split, flying past either side of Curaçao as her Iron Mass kept her from being sliced in half. The moment the attack was away from them, Curacao shot her forehooves out, pressing them into Applejack’s stomach again.

“Oh no you don’t! Ah ain’t fallin’ fer that again!” Applejack shouted, shooting her hindlegs in front of Curacao. “Titan Sun Step!”

To Applejack’s horror, she barely managed to get ten feet away from Curaçao before her tail lashed out and wrapped around her midsection. Wasting no time, Curaçao pressed her forehooves into Applejack and unleashed her ultimate move. “Twelve King Shot!”

For the second time since that fight, Applejack was hit with multiple impacts that had her body spasming like she was having a seizure. As the force hit her, Curaçao let Applejack go, allowing her to slide across the floor in a broken heap. Applejack still continued to twitch as she coughed up a mouthful of blood, too focused on the pain to see Curaçao approaching.

“Sorry there sugarcube…Ah think it’s safe t’ say that ya did fall fer it.” She said smugly, smirking down at the Sweet Apple Titan. “Ya shouldn’t have opened yer mouth back there…ya may have gotten away from it.”

“Faustdammit…what is with ya, huh?!” Applejack demanded, glaring up at Curaçao as best she could. “Those attacks o’ yers are crazy! Nopony other than mah Granny has ever been able to get to a level surpassin’ even yers without trainin’ their asses off!”

“AH guess you could say Ah was one o’ those ponies who was really dedicated t’ their clans move an’ powers.” Curaçao replied with a little giggle. “Perhaps a lil’ too dedicated, as ya plainly saw with that last lil’ move there. Ya should’ve seen me back in mah day, Ah was killin’ it with anypony that dared try t’ mess with me. Too bad you’ll never really get t’ see it…’r here the tail b’hind it either.”

Applejack spat out more blood as she asked, “W-w-what do ya mean b-by that?”

“Ah mean, that yer life ends right here, right now.” Curaçao replied, grinning a feral grin as she stood upright. “It’s time t’ say goodbye sugarplum…”

The ocean blue mare then shot her hooves out in front of her, letting a small orb of darkness appear in them that gradually grew bigger. Applejack felt the bit of her stomach drop as she guessed what she was going to do. She tried to get up so she can move herself out of the rang of the attack, but her body did little to help her. Especially since had had taken two of those hits just minutes apart from one another.

‘Come on not now body…Ah’m beggin’ ya not now! If ya can let me hold mahself, then you can certainly let me get mahself outta danger!’ Applejack thought frantically. ‘Ah’m gonna get blown int’ applesauce by this move o’ her’s if ya don’t do somethin’!’ She suddenly paused as a thought came to her, and she almost slapped herself for her stupidity. ‘Wait a minute…that’s it!’

“Well, this has been one fun rodeo Applejack, but Ah’m afraid that Ah’m gonna have t’ take mah prize now. That prize bein’…yer life!” Curaçao declared, before pulling off her final move on the farmer. “Maximum Synch: Twelve King Shot!”

“Titan Body: Strength!”

A massive stream of solid back energy blasted form Curaçao’s hooves and enveloped Applejack in its wave of darkness. It hot across the room, colliding into the double doors with such a force that it actually left a massive hole in it. As devastating as the damage was, the hole wasn’t made into a gaping on, and after it vanished, the hole fixed itself.

“Heh…how did ya like that Applejack?” Curacao asked, panting heavily from the whiplash of her ultimate move. “Did ya feel the full force o’ that there wave o’ magic there, huh? Were ya able t’ feel the force of the Tyrants Titanic power?”

Curaçao was expecting silence to greet her as a response, which made her all the more shocked when she heard her question be answered. “Not really sugarcube.”

Plopping to all fours, Curaçao gazed in horrified shock as her black magic reveled Applejack, on her hind hooves with her forelegs blocking her face. There were some cracks in her armor, with some fragments of them missing, but she otherwise looked unharmed. At least, less harmed than she already was from Curaçao’s most devastating attacks.

“N-no…no…no, no, no! There jus’ ain’t no way!” Curaçao cried, taking a step back. “How can ya still be standin’ from that?! Better yet, how’re ya even still alive?!”

Applejack chuckled, falling to stand on all four legs at the moment. “Weren’t you th’ one who said that you were also one o’ the master o’ th’ Six Powers like me? That would mean that same user would know every single arsenal in each of those moves…includin’ th’ secrets underneath them.” She flicked her tail as she ran a hoof through her armor. “Didn’t ya notice something strange about how Ah was standin’ still like that when I used my Titan Body? How it didn’t so much as move, even when you used your strongest move?”

“…Wait, you’re saying that…” Curacao breathed before her face contorted into a snarl. “Ya sneaky lil’ varmint…! You used one o’ the two-ultimate defense of the Six Powers fer yer Titan Mass, didn’t you?!”

“Well look who’s quick to catch on?” Applejack asked, tapping at the side of her head with an armored hoof. “If you were able to figure it out that quickly, then AH don’t see any real reason fer you t’ be surprised. You are fightin somepony who can use moves that’re like yers…so these things are t’ be expected.”

Curaçao growled, her fangs flashing as her tail skirt slammed into the ground. “Why you…!”

“Alright then…time fer us t’ end this contest o’ ours. Ah hope yer ready fer this Curacao, ‘cause yer ‘bout t’ be turned int’ orange slices!” Applejack shouted, shooting her forehooves outward before Curacao could react. A white orb of light formed in it, and Curacao only needed to see its formation to know what. Applejack was planning.

“So, that’s what yer plannin’ huh?” Curacao asked, regaining some of her composure. “Tch, like that’ll do any real damage t’ me! Ah’ll just block it with my strongest Iron Mass Six Powers Technique!”

“Ya think you’ll survive this huh?” Applejack asked with a chuckle. “Well, let’s find out!”

“Bring it on!” Curacao dared, slamming her forehooves down as her body hunched. “Iron Mass: Power!”

“Ultimate Radius: Six King Pistol!”

Curaçao’s main defense came just milliseconds after Applejack unleashed a gigantic stream of pure white energy at her. It slammed directly into Curacao’s chest, sending her skidding hard across the floor before she eventually flew above it. She crashed into the wall, leaving a pony shaped hole in it as she slowly collapsed to the ground. For a moment, she didn’t move, and for a moment, Applejack thought she was the victor. At least until she saw Curaçao force herself up onto her hooves again.

“Wow…yer a tough lil’ gal ain’t you?” Applejack said in between pants, genuinely impressed by Curacao’s endurance. “Alright, if that wasn’t enough, Ah’ll just try another…time…”

Any other words that Applejack was going to say next were drowned out when she saw the Magical Life Force Gemstone in Curaçao’s chest shatter. The ocean blue mare gasped in shock and pain as she looked down at the small hole in her chest, wisps of black magic emerging from inside of it. With one last pained moan, Curacao Sweet Orange Tyrants body vanished in swirl of blackness, leaving nothing of her presence remaining.

“Well…that was somethin’ alright.” Applejack said as she panted for a few more moments. With a sigh, she fell back down on all four hooves and stretched them. “Whoa nelly, that was quite th’ fight…that Curacao mare was something fierce. Ah don’t even wanna think o’ the Tartarus Ah’d be in if she was actually a real-life pony.” Once she was sure she wasn’t going to collapse again, she focused her attention on the large grey sphere waiting to be claimed by her. “Oh well, Ah don’t really have time t’ worry ‘bout mah body right now. Time t’ git this here Element thing an’ git to G an’ th’ others…hope they’re alright.”

“Whoa…whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, hold on! Wait just a bucking second here!” Havocwing cried fearfully, holding her hooves up in front of Fluttershy. “D-did…did you say that attack was…the Apollo Arrow?!”

“Holy Release: Apollo Arrow.” Fluttershy replied, adding the first couple of words without missing a beat. “This is my most powerful techniques of all my holy abilities blessed to me and my family by Faust herself. With this move, there is no doubt that you will go out in a blaze of holy light.”

“Okay, I know you are being crazy right now!” Havocwing exclaimed. “Do you even realize what you’re doing right now?! Or what will happen if you even try to unleash that attack onto me and miss?! You’ll destroy the entire castle with that thing; if not a good portion of this forest and every living creature in it!”

“No, just you Havocwing.” Fluttershy declared firmly, her determined expression not changing a single bit. “While it’s true that the Apollo Arrow can be devastating if it’s at full power near any city, town, or village that happens to be within close range. However,” she pulled the arrow back further slightly. “If I focus all of that power on one target, I don’t have to worry about anypony, animal or any place being destroyed by Faust’s holiness. So, my friends, the animals, and the entire Everfree Forest will be safe…at least from me.”

Havocwing’s mouth snapped shit at this revelation about the Apollo Arrow, and she couldn’t help but take a few steps back. “You…you can really do that?”

“I can.” Fluttershy replied, her golden eyes glowing a fierce yellow. “Why’re you so surprised by that? I thought that you were supposed to know what there is to know about your clan’s sworn enemy. Is this the one move that you don’t fully know about?”

“…Alright, I admit, you got me there Fluttershy.” Havocwing admitted, growling begrudgingly. “Still, even if you can use a move as amazing as that, don’t think that’s an excuse to count me out!”

With a flap of her crow wings, Havocwing lifted herself into the air, taking her own black sword and lifting it into the air. Fluttershy’s eyes widened in surprise as she witnessed the black sword burst into crimson flames. Havocwing then brought her hooves in front of her, and put them in the same posture as Fluttershy did with her own. Fluttershy’s look of surprise turned into one of disbelief as she saw a large black bow and flaming arrow with a red string appear in Havocwing’s scarlet hooves.

“Sweet Faust…” Fluttershy whispered, letting her arrow falter a bit. “…is that the…?”

“Ha, how do you like this?!” Havocwing asked, grinning smugly at the angelic Pegasus. “It looks like I’m not the only one who can conjure up super devastating attacks! do you have any idea what this one is, Fluttershy~?”

Fluttershy’s reply came in just several simple words. “The Destruction Release: Solaris Arrow…”

“Heh, that’s right sweet cheeks! The best and most beautifully destructive move that Solaris Souleater himself blessed my family with!” Havocwing replied giddily, looking ready to unleash the arrow right then in there. “With how similar my attack is to yours, I’m sure you can guess just what’ll happen if this big baby here runs amok! It won’t just mean doom for you, but also for your little friends, your sister, and every single pony you hold dear!” Her eyes glowed as she gave her wings a particularly hard flap. “Let’s see which one will triumph over the other!”

Fluttershy growled like a lioness protecting her newborn cubs. “You’re going to regret making that challenge!”

With an echoing laugh from Havocwing, both Pegasi shot their arrows forward, both going at the same time as the tips danced with the fire that cloaked them. They didn’t even fly through the air for a full five seconds before they clashed, meeting each other in a struggle for dominance as their power exploded across the air. it was so powerful that it actually blew both mares away form their own weapons as electricity and magic zapped and struck everywhere.

The large windows cracked loudly, with a few of them shattering under the intensity of the two arrow’s tremendous power. The floor beneath them adorned gaping holes form the magic raining down for its source, and even the door behind them looked to be rattling and threatening to be swung open. As the clash between the arrows grew with intensity, Fluttershy took this chance to try to obtain her element before the arrows potentially destroyed it.

“I see you slowpoke!” Havocwing shouted, flying down towards Fluttershy and ramming her into the wall behind them. She struck the Ponyville Veterinarian in the face before kneeing her right in her stomach. “You really are stupid, aren’t you?! What makes you think I’m just gonna let you get what you want?! Nothing, not even our own weapons fighting, are going to stop me from tearing your wings off and burning you alive!”

Fluttershy grunted as Havocwing pressed her harder into the wall, her muzzle contorted into a snarl. “The only pony that I see being foolish here, Havocwing Datenshi…is you!” She pressed her hooves to Havocwing’s chest, both glowing a pure golden white. “Holy Release: Radiance!”

Havocwing found herself screaming in absolute agony as Fluttershy shot a wave of light into her, which shot her away as a result. The magic enveloped her in its bright light as she went tumbling across the ground, flailing wildly as she tried to take the flames out.

“GAH, YOU BUCKING BITCH!” Havocwing screamed loudly, her giant crow wings flapping around violently. “YOU’RE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT!”

“Make me.” Fluttershy breathed as she flared her wings and ascended in the air. “Holy Release: Wings of Faust!”

“Too slow!” Havocwing shouted, propping to her hooves as she flared her own wings out, the white flames still burning her. “Destruction Release: Wings of Solaris!”

Nearly at the same time, the flock of feathers shot out of both mare’s wings, and they met in a flurry of exploding magic. The smoke that was conjured up obscured both mares form each other’s vision, giving them no sign as to when they were going to attack. Even so, they took that chance, willing to go down permeantly if it meant one of them would come out the victor. Their wings helped them to make the smoke vanish, and both mares found themselves glaring at one another and snarling. Fluttershy went to lash out with her wings, but Havocwing was wing flap ahead of her.

“Bye bye now!” She chirped sweetly, before opening her fanged mouth wide. “Destruction Release: Roar of Tartarus!”

The crimson flames that burst out of Havocwing’s maw sent a screaming Fluttershy spiraling across the air. The attack came so fast that Fluttershy wasn’t able to full process it, at least until she was slammed into the wall. A spurt of blood escaped her mouth as she gasped out, and she found herself not even able to fell herself crash to the ground. She bit her lip to fight back the cry of pain that threatened to escape her as she lifted her head up. Opening her pain-filled eyes, she saw Havocwing smirking down at her, her large black wings giving slow gentle flaps. With a giggle, she pointed upward, prompting Fluttershy to look up and see that both of their arrows looked to be about ready to explode.

‘Oh no…they’re going to blow! I have to get out the range of fire quick, or I’ll be killed!’ Fluttershy cried, forcing her body to move as she struggled to stand. As she did so, she saw something out of the corner of her eye, and she froze upon seeing her Element. ‘Wait…i-is that the…’

“Sorry, but you’re too late Fluttershy!” Havocwing shouted, laughing maniacally. “Prepare to be blown away!”

The arrows then exploded, growing into a combined sphere of white and black that filled the entire room. The windows once again exploded upon impact as the magical light burst through them, either going to a different section, or outside. Havocwing and Fluttershy were unable to escape, and found themselves enveloped in their arrows’ magic, helpless to defend themselves against it. The holy and destructive magic continued to go wild for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality, only went on for a few painstaking minutes. When the magic finally disappeared, all that was left was an enormous room full of smoke, and no sign of the Pegasi anywhere. That is, until the smoke began to dissipate, letting Havocwing be the first one to be revealed.

“Ohohoho, wow! That had to be one of the most devastating explosions that I’ve ever seen!” Havocwing exclaimed jovially, ignoring the pain within her body and broken armor. “That nearly sent my flying out of here! Good thing I barred the door with my own magic, otherwise that would’ve been really bad!”

As the scarlet mare took a moment to calm herself down, she looked over to the spot where she last saw Fluttershy. A please smirk came to her muzzle as she saw a pile of bloodied feathers laying where the angelic Pegasus lay. Not only that, but there also didn’t seem to be any sign of her Element of Harmony anywhere at all.

“Heh, well would you look at that; I actually killed two birds with one stone…or one arrow to be precise.” Havocwing softly said to herself. “Not only did I defeat one of the angels of Faust, but I destroyed one of the seven weapons that could’ve defeated my beautiful Dark Queen! I cannot believe my luck tonight!” She trotted in place as she squealed happily, her wings spreading out and giving little flaps.“I won, I finally one! The power of Tartarus and the King of the Underworld has won this fight!”

“I don’t think so Havocwing~.”

The victorious grin on Havocwing’s face fell like an anchor splashing into water at the voice that made itself known in her ears. Her sinister black slitted eyes shook in disbelief as they slowly turned to look behind them. Clenching her teeth together, Havocwing spun around, and, to her utter horror, the Pegasus she believed was dead, was standing right in front of her. The shock she felt was so strong, that she did not notice the sword she had in her hoof, until it shot right through her chest.

“Forgive me Havocwing Datenshi…” Fluttershy said softly, not looking very apologetic as she dug her sword deeper into Havocwing. “…but I have won this fight.”

Havocwing gave a wheeze of pain, coughing up black blood as her Magical Life Force Gemstone shattered within her armor. “H-h-how…?” She asked in between slow pain-filled breaths. “H-how were you a-able to s-s-survive that b-blast?! I-i-it s-should’ve o-obliterated you!”

“I believe you know that answer just as much as I do Havocwing.” Fluttershy said softly and firmly, her expression still unchanged “As I stated earlier, my Apollo Arrow is only dangerous to those who I cast it upon just how you’re Solaris Arrow is dangerous for the same reason. Since neither of them reached their intended target, it didn’t reach the outcome that the both of us believed it would. In the end, we both survived, which worked in my favor, especially considering that last move you pulled.”

“L-last move…w-what’re you talking about?” Havocwing demanded. “A-all I did was s-send you into t-the wall!”

“Yes, you did…right next to this.” lifting one of her wings up, Fluttershy graced Havocwing with the sight of her element. It stood just on the left side of her, having the slightest bit of cracks in it, but otherwise looking unharmed. “In your excitement, you had sent me right into the saving grace of the mare we’re trying to save. Luckily, I had managed to use my wings to protect both me and it from being obliterated, so it wasn’t damaged any more than it was.” She let her white wing fall back down into its position as she stared into Havocwing’s shocked eyes. “Big mistake on your part, hm?”

“D…d-d-dammit…looks like I did it again.” Havocwing hissed, hanging her head slightly. “M-my damn thrill f-for fighting led me to b-be unprepared f-for what you had in s-store for me. I-I really g-gotta stop d-doing that…”

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of Havocwing, you weren’t that bad of a fighter.” Fluttershy stated in a surprisingly gentle tone. “You just let your excitement get the better of you, which is what led to me ultimately conquering you in the end.” She paused as her mind flashed back to the beginning of the fight. “Then again, I did more or less snap when you threatened my sister, so I don’t have any room to talk.”

“Y-yeah, you really don’t.” Havocwing chuckled, smiling despite the pain. “W-well, in any case…you’ve bested me. You’re the victor of this fight and I lost fair and square, and the only thing now, is for you to finish the job. So…why don’t you go on and get it over with.”

“…As you wish.” Fluttershy whispered, closing her eyes for a brief moment before reopening them. Flaring her nostrils, she gripped the sword tighter in her hoof as her wings flared to their fullest span and length yet. “Holy Release: Divine Judgement!”

Pure white light burst out of Fluttershy’ sword, traveling up Havocwing’s body as it covered her in a golden white aura. That very same light burst out of her eyes and mouth as her head was thrown back, letting the light shine up into the ceiling. No sound came out of her as she merely stood in the line of Fluttershy’s holy sword, letting the light absorb her entire magical being. In a span of half a minute, Havocwing Datenshi’s body turned into black wisps of dark magic, with holy light mixed into it as well. With a final soft exhalation of breath, the scarlet red Pegasus vanished, the particles of her gemstone falling to the floor.

“Farewell Havocwing Datenshi…may Faust and her angels have mercy on your soul in the next life.” She prayed silently, her sword vanishing as she exhaled through her nose. Ruffling her angel wings in preparation for flight, she looked over at her Element sitting quietly beside her. “Now that the Fallen Angel is dealt with…it’s just the Dark Queen herself.”

Nightmare Moon gave a loud cry of pain Goku’s claws slammed into her face, causing the larger mare to spiral across the air. Goku gritted her canines as they slid across the ground, her hind claws leaving deep marks in it. The sin black Alicorn lowered her head and fired off a powerful beam of magic at Goku, striking her right in the chest. Goku cried out as the magic hit her, which was abruptly cut short as she crashed into the wall. Only a few seconds late she erupted form the smoke and gave several claw swipes at Nightmare Moon, to which larger mare evade. She then spun around and bucked the crimson Kirin right in her face, before firing a large wind slash at her, hitting Goku in the back.

Goku found herself one again tumbling across the ground and crashing into the wall, and it took a little bit more time for her to get back on her feet away. Once she did however, she hurled herself back at Nightmare Moon, the aura of her golden as lively as ever.

“You’re going to pay for using that arrogant mouth of yours!” She shouted, her emerald cyan eyes blazing. “Nopony threatens my brother and gets away with it!”

“And just what’re go going to do to make me take it back?!” Nightmare Moon retorted, flaring her wings. “Behave as if you were my mother and put in in a corner, or even tan my hide?”

“If you were younger and knew what I could do to keep ponies line line…” Goku breathed, her eyes giving the faintest glow of red. “You’d be wishing I did the latter instead.”

With another explosion of power, Goku picked up speed and gathered as much of her magic as she could into one final attack. Nightmare Moon saw it coming, but surprisingly, she didn’t try to evade or dodge it or the Kirin. Instead, she smirked and ignited her horn and conjured up a shield to block it, confident that it would hold. Undeterred, Goku speed towards the sin black Alicorn, waiting until she was within range before unleashing her attack, her bladed tail lashing out in preparation. “Saiyan Kirin: Flaming Tail Blade!”

The force in which Goku’s tail blade collided with the shield took Nightmare Moon by surprise, so much so that she nearly lost control of her shield. She managed to shake off the effects though and continued to pump magic into her large shield. White and blue electric volts shot through the air as the two mares fought for dominance over the power struggle.

“How’s this for going all out, huh?!” Goku asked, fighting as hard as she could through the shield protecting Nightmare Moon. Eventually, it ended, and the two adversaries found themselves pushed back by each other’s power, obscured by the dust cloud that quickly followed.

“Don’t count me out just yet little hatchling!” Nightmare Moon shouted as she lashed out with her swords.“Tartarus’s Wheel: Scattered Crimson Petals!”

Goku flipped through the air as Nightmare Moon’s swords flew through the air and right towards her, but the Kirin managed to keep herself form getting stabbed again. She shot out a stream of golden fire from her mouth and let them clash with the flock of swords, making another explosion was over the room. She breathed somewhat heavily as she hovered in the air, her giant wings giving slow strong flaps to keep her in flight. Her draconic eyes looked through the smoke to see Nightmare Moon still standing where she was, looking to be searching for her. When their eyes met, Nightmare Moon gave her a cruel smirk, her armor gleaming as her and tail flowed behind her.

“My, you’re going on quite the rage fest, aren’t you?” Nightmare Moon asked knowingly, letting out a little giggle. “You were nowhere near this angry just several minutes ago.”

“Well, who’s fault is that I presume?” Goku asked sarcastically, snorting hard. “Oh, I know! It’s yours, maybe because you threatened to kill my little brother in front of me!”

“Oh, did I do that?” Nightmare Moon asked, feigning ignorance, before she laughed again. “I suppose I did go a little overboard. Though looking back on it, it was so worth seeing the look on your face! I haven’t seen such a scornful look in such a long time!” Her tongue ran across her lips as her eyes gleamed. “I wonder…how scornful and grief stricken you will feel when I drain that little colt of all his blood~. I can only imagine that you’ll be absolutely devastated~.”

The pale white Kirin snarled acidly at the sin black Alicorn. “The only who’s going to be devastated here will be you, and you alone Nightmare Moon! Especially when I strip you from the body that you have in your possession!”

With a loud roar, Goku let out another explosion of power as she gave her wings a hard flap, wind shooting out of them and blowing the remaining smoke away. She lashed out with her claws and slashes Nightmare Moon across her face, before kicking her in her stomach. As she was sent crashing to the ground, Goku raised her right claw up as another giant swirling disk appeared in her it. “Saiyan Kirin: Destructo Disc!”

With a heave, Goku shot the weapon down where Nightmare Moon was laying, and watched as it exploded in a swirl of golden and white magic. It nearly blinded Goku, but she didn’t let it bother her as she waited for the outcome of the attack and the battle. When the smoke cleared, she looked down, her eyes widened when she saw that Nightmare Moon was no longer there.

“Oh no, she disappeared!” Goku asked herself, looking all around herself. “Where the buck did she go?!”

“Right here!” A dark and powerful voice suddenly shouted down from below. “Tartarus’s Wheel: Petals of Darkness!”

She then heard the sound of magic being blasted from down below her, prompting her to snap her head in that direction and look down. Her eyes widened when she saw a flock of crimson feathers ascending towards her, and she instinctively closed her wings around her to block the incoming attacks. With a roar, she flared her wings out and sent the attack way from her, growling as Nightmare Moon smirked at her.

“My, you saw that attack coming quite quickly didn’t you?” The sin black Alicorn asked as she hovered in the air to meet the smaller mare. “It looks like your eyes are sharper than I gave them credit for.”

“Well of course they are, you dimwit! Why do you think I was able to still see you from inside all of thay smoke?” Goku asked, baring her fangs. “If you thought that you were going to get the drop on me like that, then you’re going to have to harder than what you’re doing now.”

“Oh, trust me, my little hatchling, I am giving you all that I contain and so much more than that.” Nightmare Moon asked smoothly. “I’m also showing you everything about my heritage that makes it the most respected and feared race in all of Equestria. Why do you think that there are only two of us that exist? It only makes it that much more apparent that all of these pathetic ponies that worship my dear sister should give the same amount of respect to me as she did to them?”

Goku raised an eyebrow. “If I recall, I remember there being three Alicorn Rulers instead of two, even after Queen Luna was banished. That other Alicorn being somepony that me another one of my friends are pretty close to. While I’m not sure if she was there with you on the night you took control of Queen Luna, I can definitively say that the Royal Sister’s aren’t the only Alicorns that exist, regardless of how rare the species are.”

“Another Alicorn? In this timeline? How utterly preposterous!” Nightmare Moon said, letting out an icy laugh that held no mirth. “There is no way that another Alicorn could ever exist in the time that I’ve been trapped inside my wonderful Moon! I don’t know what you’ve seen in your ridiculously short lifetime, but I think I can say that the only two Alicorn’s that exist, are me and Celestia!” A snarl left her throat as she said the last name, as if it was a foul taste in her mouth she couldn’t was out. “No matter though, that will be fixed very soon if I have anything to say about it. After I kill you and your meddlesome friends, I’ll take great pleasure in making my sister feel every single bit of pain that I felt when she trapped me inside the Moon! After that, I can begin my glorious reign in becoming Equestria’s new Ruler, and everypony will once again know me as the Queen of the Night!”

“Like hay you are!” Goku shouted angrily, her golden growing even stronger than ever. “I’ve had enough of your reign of tyranny on me, my friends, and everypony in my home! You tried to take the life of Queen Luna’s sister! You hurt dozens of innocent ponies, and now you’ve separated me from my friends, so you can pick them off one by one after you’re done with me! Well I’m not going to stand for it a second longer! Even if I don’t have the others with me, I’m going to stop this, and I’m going to stop it right now!”

“Ohohoho, you are, are you?” Nightmare Moon asked, not even the least bit fazed by the crimson Kirin’s ashen faced glare. “And just how’re you going to do that, my little pony?”

Goku opened her claws, bringing them together as she outstretched them in front of her. “With this.”

With a low growl, the pale white Kirin gathered as much energy as she could in her claws, a small white orb of magic appearing in just a few moments. It slowly grew larger in intensity, so much so that it was three times the size of a beachball. Nightmare Moon watched with curiosity as the ball of light grew in power, lighting up the entire Throne Room.

“My, that’s a rather exquisite looking ball you have there, isn’t it?” Nightmare Moon chuckled. “Is that what you’re going to use to finish me off? How cute; you really are an amusing little pony aren’t you?”

“You shouldn’t let what you’re seeing fool you Nightmare Moon.” Goku said, her expression still that of sternness and determination. “This is the Big Bang Kamehameha, the most powerful attack passed down to my family. One that only those with the highest power level can ever hope to achieve, and you’re about to feel the full brunt of it!”

“Oooooh, I quiver with fear!” Nightmare Moon taunted, putting both hooves to her cheeks as she made a fake fear filled face. It soon went back to her cold sadistic grin as she let out a loud cruel laugh, the sound making Goku shiver. “Well if you think you can take me down with a measly little trick like that, then you’re more than welcome to try! Though I seriously doubt that it’s going to do anything to me!”

“Hmph…we’ll just see about that!" Goku shouted as she fired off her attack. “Saiyan Kirin: Big Bang Kamehameha!”

With a final cry, Goku unleashed the pall of pure white energy onto Nightmare Moon, which turned into a gigantic stream of white as she fired. Nightmare Moon’s smirk remained as she ignited her horn and fired off an even bigger blast of magic at the Kirin’s Kamehameha Wave, confident that she could withstand it. This proven was immediately thrown out the window when Goku’s Kamehameha Wave slowly began to eat up Nightmare Moon’s blast. The sin black Alicorn’s reptilian widened in a mixture of shock, horror, and disbelief as her attack was eaten up, leaving her all but defenseless.

“No, no! This can’t be!” She shouted, using her wings in a futile effort to protect herself. “This cannot be happening to be, this is not happening to me! I am an Alicorn, the most powerful species of ponies there is! There is no way that I can lose to a pony of mere mortal flesh!”

“This is what happens when you let your powers and the species you were born into cloud your judgement and underestimate the ones weaker than you!” Goku shouted through the roar of her blast. “Now you’re seeing first hoof just how powerful these mortals can be! Its over Nightmare Moon, your reign of darkness ends HERE!”

“No….no…NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Nightmare Moon screamed, neighing in agony as the Kamehameha Wave enveloped and consumed her in its pure white light. Goku roared her loudest roar yet as she put all of her draconic power into her final attack, sending Nightmare Moon high into the air. With a final push, she sent her straight through the roof and into another room in the abandoned castle. She continued to fire her Big Bang Kamehameha for a moment longer, before she stopped, the light from the attack slowly fading away.

With the sin black Alicorn temporarily down, Goku finally realized, letting her body give out as the aura of her Kaioken Mode vanished, along with its colors adorning her body. Her wings lost all power, unable to keep the pale white Kirin in the air as she began to fall through the air, only semi-conscious. She crashed to the ground hard, but the numbness that went into her body prevented her from really feeling any pain, allowing her to try to recover. Goku’s breaths came out slow, yet heavy, the rapid beating of her heart thumping in her head and ears. Silenced reigned over the Royal Throne Room, and for some time, the Kirin remained motionless.

Eventually, Goku slowly rose for her crater, the numbness causing her body to ache painfully as she sat up. Wiping her scaly mane from her eyes, she laughed to herself. “Wow…that took a lot more out of me than I thought it would. Ugh, my body feels like absolute shit…I guess I kind of overdid it back there…oh well, no taking it back now.”

She sighed, leaning back slightly as she looked in front of her. Lying just where Nightmare Moon had been standing, was the seventh Element of Harmony, still partially cracked by Twilight’s magic. “I should probably go look for Twilight and the others...now that Nightmare Moon’s down for some time. We all need to be together if they’re going to be summoned, let alone work against Nightmare Moon when she comes back.” She looked back over at the double doors behind her, which had Nightmare Moon’s Cutie Mark displayed on it. “I really hope they’re not too far away…because that’d be really bad…for all of us.”

The sound of squeaking suddenly caught Goku’s attention, and her draconic ears perked up as the sound got louder. Turning to the source, she saw something white and small squeezing through the giant double doors behind her. As soon as it came all the way in, Goku gasped out, immediately recognizing what, and who, it was.

“Chenoa!” She cried, springing to her clawed feet in a mixture of shock and joy. With a wide grin, she flew over to the bat pup and threw her arms around him. Chenoa squeaked happily as he nuzzled into Goku’s chest, prompting a giggle from the mare. “My goodness, you have really got to stop disappearing on me like that! Where were you anyway?! I could see you anywhere where after Nightmare Moon teleported me here!”

At this, Chenoa’s jovial expression turned into one of realization, and he pulled himself out of Goku’s grasp. Wasting no time, he started squeaking and flapping his wings in a matter that was nothing short of urgent. Goku silently listened the entire time, her eyes growing wider with each squeak Chenoa gave.

“You…you’re saying that Nightmare Moon transported the girls to different rooms, and Zephyr and the Shadowbolts outside?!” Goku cried, her tone matching the flabbergasted expression on her fanged face. “Not only that, but Celestia, Venture Vine, and the Solar and Lunar Division are all outside fighting Nightmare Moon’s army?!”

Chenoa nodded rapidly, flying over and grabbing the head of Goku’s mane in his mouth, desperately pulling her forward. He still continued to let out his squeaks, even though they were muffled, and Goku continued listening the whole time.

“Wait, you know where the girls are?!” Goku asked, her eyes widening even further as Chenoa continued pulling on her mane. “You know where Nightmare Moon teleported them too?!”

Spitting Goku’s mane out, Chenoa nodded again, and began pulling at Goku’s mane again, the lower part this time. To his relief, Goku quickly snapped out of her shocked state and made her way over to the double doors. Her tail lashed out and grabbed Chenoa, yanking him forward as he let out a surprised squeak.

“Okay, you are just giving me more and more reasons to be glad that you came along! I’ll make sure that Fluttershy rewards you properly after this is all over!” Goku cried, slamming the giant doors open with a lash of her draconic tail. “Come on Chenoa, let’s get the girls!”

As Goku began to run down the hall, Chenoa suddenly flew in front of her, letting out a squeak that was so loud that she stopped in place. Already she was planning to ask him what was wrong but stopped when he pointed behind her. Blinking a couple of times, she turned around, and flinched when she saw her Element still sitting where Nightmare Moon had put it.

“Oh…right…I need to get my Element first.” She murmured out weakly, a massive sweat drop appearing on the back of her head. “Thanks for the reminder Chenoa…~”

The cumulus white bat pup rolled his baby blue eyes, shaking his head as he watched Goku fly back into the room and obtain her Element. Once she was sure she had it in a firm grip, both she and Chenoa began their fly down the dark nocturnal halls. All while praying their friends were alright, and that they weren’t too late.

Author's Note

Well, just when I thought that I wouldn't be able to do it again...I did it :scootangel: ! I managed to get another chapter out just hours before the last one; heh, I am on a roll today aren't it :rainbowlaugh: ?! Now, before I say anything else, I just wanna tell you guys to go back to the ending of chapter 75 and the ending of the second scene in chapter 76, because I made some changes with the ending of Rarity's battle and the beginning conclusion of Spike and Moon Blade's fight with Serafino, changes and additions that I forgot to do :twilightblush: . That way, you guys won't be confused as to why there's going to be changes in the chapter I plan to write with them eliminating that member of the Dark Army once and for all, and there won't be any confused questions in the comments section either :raritywink: . Oh, and one more thing, a good majority of the fight with Goku and Nightmare Moon was mostly consisted of the first version of it before I decided to edit this story, which some changes and editions added here and there :twilightsmile: . So anypony who's able to see them, will be able to see why it's a little different, yet somewhat the same all at the same time :derpytongue2: .

Anyway, that's all for now; tune in next time for the conclusion of the Dark Army's fate, and the Dark Queen's fall :yay: !!!

Chapter 80 - Defeat of the Dark Army (Part 2)

Trixie Lunamoon Nocturnis faced a good number of fights and confrontations during her time in that unpredictable land of Equestria. Having been born in the town of Hollow Shades, in the northern part of the Everfree, she was given a good taste in the art of combat very early in life. To the normal observer, it would be highly unusual for a young foal to be learning to fight at young age, but not for the Thestrals. They’re the type of ponies that don’t take any chances when it comes to them potentially running into danger, regardless of how friendly they are. It came to serve her well as she grew up, even more so whenever she faced the wild beasts of the Everfree Forest. As she got older, and began to travel out on her own, she faced more foes that helped her to be able to spot trouble. Eventually, Trixie found herself focusing more on her career as a magician rather than a fighter, but that didn’t mean she slacked off in her training.

As she continued to face off against the fused Deathgod, she felt more and more relieved that she didn’t let herself get rusty.

Deathgod panted hard as he struggled to stand, his shattered armor laying in pieces all around him with only a few pieces of them holding on. His sword was more intact, than his armor was, but even it was looking like it was on its last legs. The stallions azure furred body was covered in a manner of slashes, gashes, and puncture wounds, black blood flowing from them like multiple leaks in a pole. His giant bat-like wings were torn and tattered, barely looking like they could even support him in the air anymore. Eve Deathgod’s horn looked to be cracked in some places, not looking like it could cast anymore spells, let alone ignite. None of that though, could take away the burning rage and insanity that was in his draconic yellow orbs, all of which was aimed at the sexy bat mare in front of him.

“What’s the matter honey? Are you not able to stand anymore?” Trixie asked, looking somewhat less hammered then Deathgod was. “Oh, what am I saying? I don’t even need to ask, with injuries like that, I’m amazed your even standing at all.”

“Don’t you dare go mocking me now you bitch! I’ve had more than enough of your smart mouth to last me a lifetime!” Deathgod roared, “As a matter of a fact, I’ve had just about enough of you period! I just want to hurry up and get you out of the way so I can get to those other pests and be rid of this town!”

“You’ve done a good job in putting effort into that.” Trixie praised, looking over her staff as if it was a brand-new weapon. “It didn’t do much for you in the end. Other than roughing up those guards and elite flyers, you didn’t get far in trying to kill them. Even more so after I had come to this little town…and soon enough, you’ll eventually be nothing more than end essence of mist made by my blade.”

“I haven’t been defeated yet Trixie Lunamoon Nightstalker!” Deathgod shouted, pointing his sword at the azure blue Unicorn. “I still have plenty of fight left in me to ensure that you don’t live to see the rising of the Sun! I will make sure that the Moon will be the last thing you see before you die!”

Trixie chuckled in a low, and mirthful tone twirling her bladed staff in her magic as her violet eyes pierced right into Deathgod’s own slitted orbs. “Well then…come and show me all that you have left.”

With a roar, Deathgod spread his battered wings and took off with as much strength as they would allow. He raised his cracked sword and let it slam right into Trixie’s staff, only for the mare to push him back into the air. With her spear still pointed forward, she shot a blast of violet magic at the stallion, which was blocked by a shield he conjured. He was taken by surprise when the shield shattered, and his eyes found themselves focusing on the slices of wind that were aimed at him. This time, he wasn’t able to create a shield to block them, and instead focused on evading them, before retaliating with a blast of magic. Trixie ignited her own horn and shot it off, letting it meet Deathgod’s in an explosion of power. The two fighters stopped where they were, giving each other a few moments to see their glares, before whinnying and charging again.

While Trixie and Deathgod fought to keep themselves on their last legs, Crimson Skies was discussing the plan on how to help Trixie with the Royal Guards and Wonderbolts. The palomino mare’s ‘patients’ were just about ready to jump right back into battle, having finally been free from her healing cocoon. Despite the fact she managed to close their wounds, she was having a bit more trouble trying to formulate a plan with them.

“This doesn’t look good everypony…” Crimson Skies murmured, her face scrunched dup in worry at the duel in front of her. “It looks like Ms. Trixie isn’t going to last much longer. That Deathgod stallion looks like he’s on his last legs to, but it looks like he’s trying to let Trixie fall first before he does.”

“Well, she is covered in a coat of her own blood, despite the armor she’s wearing.” Shining added, looking just as concerned, despite his poker face. “She’s put up a valiant fight so far, but I know she’s reaching her limit. So, we have to formulate a plan that will take out that stallion once and for all before we actually start suffering casualties.”

“I think I may know what to do.” Soarin murmured, ruffling his wings as he continued to watch the scuffle. “I’ve been watching how this stallion fights up until this point, and I’ve been coming up with a strategy to get Trixie out of there.”

“Really?” Fleetfoot asked, looking over at her teammate. “You’ve been observing and plannin the fight the entire time?”

“I do have a knack for reading situations and planning what to do. Why do you think all the other Wonderbolts say I have a big brain?” Soarin asked, chuckling a bit. “Anyway, I was thinkin of this…first, I’ll go at him with my wind attacks, cutting Deathgod more than he already is. Then, when there’s an opening, Spearhead will impale him with his lightning spears, paralyzing him as much as they can. Next, Spitfire and Crimson Skies will use a combination attack to really wear Deathgod down, and finally…” He glanced over at Shining Armor. “…Trixie and Shining Armor will deal the final blow.”

“Wait, seriously?” Spearhead asked, looking a bit surprised. “Both Captain Armor and Trixie are gonna end him at the same time?”

“Yes; their combined powers, and in the state Deathgod was put in my Trixie, neither of you should have much trouble in winning.” Soarin replied, looking over at the others. “Oh, and for Fleetfoot, she’ll create a floor of ice to hold Deathgod at bay while Captain Shining and Trixie move in; if that’s alright with the rest of you.”

“Yeah, that’s alright with me sweetie.” Fleetfoot said sweetly, patting Soarin in the back. “Is that okay with everypony else?”

“Yes ma’am.” Crimson replied politely, with a firm bow. “That was a good formulation Soarin…I’m amazed you were able to come up with that so quickly!”

“Well, like I said, I am known for having a big brain.” Soarin side with a bit of a wink. “Anyway, is everypony ready to get this show on the road?”

Spitfire sighed. “Yeah, sure…whatever you say Soarin.” She replied as she got to her hooves. “Just so you know, this will be the only time I will ever team up with a Thestral got it? Don’t expect me to even think about trying it again in the future.”

Soarin rolled his eyes. “Yeah sure…whatever you say.” His eyes glowed as he focused them pointedly on Deathgod. “Now…wait for my signal.”

“Thestral Unicorn Earth Make: Nocturnal Vine Snare!” Trixie shouted as she summoned a group of vines form the ground. With a push of her magic, she shot the vines at Deathgod, watching as some of them impaled the stallion. He gritted his teeth and dug his hooves into the ground, feeling the sharp edges of the vines dig into his flesh. With a roar, he swung his bloodied wings forward and sliced through the vines, before charging at Trixie.

“Those had to be the weakest vines I’ve ever seen!” He shouted as he inhaled, before letting out a massive breath of fire. “Fire Nightmare Alicorn: Black Scorching Neigh!”

Trixie grinned toothily and flew into the air, letting the fire flew below her as she tucked her wings and dove towards Deathgod. She swung her bladed staff forward, and let it clash with the azure blue Alicorn’s sword, both meeting in powerful clashes. Their magic served to help their weapons break apart, allowing them to try to hack each other’s heads off as their magic did their work. A few minutes or so into the fight between blades, Trixie managed to push Deathgod back, and swirls of wind surrounding her.

“Nice try, but there’s no way I’ll let myself get burnt!” Trixie shouted, as she too took a deep inhale of breath. “Sky Thestral Unicorn: Blazing Misty Whirlwind!”

To Deathgod’s shock, Trixie had shot a giant blast of wind at him, and that very same disbelief was what had him caught in the blast. He was sent spiraling across the street before landing in a crumpled heap on the ground. The stallion looked up and saw Trixie in the air, before she went down to body slam him into the ground. He rolled across the ground as Trixie continued to try to slam him into the ground, presumably at his chest. Fed up, he lashed out with his sword as Trixie reared up again, letting the tip of the blade stab right into where her chest was. The Unicorn Thestral gasped as she felt the tip puncture into her skin, making her stagger and hunch over in surprise in pain.

“I’ve got you now.” Deathgod growled. “Thought that you could bury me six feet into the ground, did you? Sorry, but this is going to be your grave, not mine, cocky little fledgling!” He drove the sword in deeper, making Trixie cry out in pain. “Say goodnight…Trixie Lunamoon Nightstalker!”

All of a sudden, he heard somepony shout, “Ice Pegasus Knight: Freezing Whinny!”

Trixie suddenly found herself being pulled back and into the air, the sword getting wrenched out of her as she did so. Biting back a cry of pain, she watched as the stallion below her was stuck to a floor of ice, rendering him unable to escape. As he tried to figure out what was going on, he was hit with another surprise attack.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Lightning Spear Flock!” Spearhead shouted, summoning a flock of lighting coated spears and throwing them directly at Deathgod. He watched as they impaled him, sending volts of electricity through his body. Just as the lightning vanished, he suddenly felt the sensation of heat on his skin, growing stronger by the second.

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Phoenix Flower Flock!” Spitfire shouted, shooting out a massive group of giant fireballs at Deathgod. The Wonderbolt Captain watched with silent satisfaction as the bolts shot directly into the stallion, making him explode in a haze of flames.

‘Oh no, they’re back up on their hooves again!’ he thought through his agonized screams. ‘That cannot be possible! They’re even fully healed, like they were never injured in the first place!’

Just when Deathgod thought that things could not get any worse for him, he heard somepony shout out, “Sky Pegasus Knight: Crimson Slicing Whirlwind!”

A wave of scarlet wind crashed into Deathgod, the force being enough to send him flying out of his icy prison was he was sliced to ribbons. Black blood flew through the air as he once again collided with the cold hard ground, a trail of black liquid following. Hissing he propped himself on one of his elbows, and glared daggers at the group, presumably Trixie.

“So…this was your little plan was it?!” Deathgod shouted angrily. “To buy your friends some time so you can all come and finish me off together?!”

Trixie blinked a couple of times, before shaking her head. “Um…that, wasn’t me. In fact, I didn’t even realize they had come back.”

Deathgod paused. “What?”

“She’s right.” Shining Armor said as he stepped next to Trixie. “She didn’t plan this…we did.”

“Y…you?” Deathgod asked, his eyes slowly widening. “You were the ones who operated this?”

Soarin nodded. “I don’t know if you had noticed, but I had been watching you for a good majority of this fight. Taking in each of your movements and watching how you fight, and while I did that, I had discussed with the others on how we can finally defeat you.” He gestured to his fellow Wonderbolts. “First, I had Fleetfoot freeze the ground with ice, holding you in place and preventing you from escaping. Then, I had by second in command, spearhead, impale you and electrocute you with his, well…spears and electrocute you, paralyzing your nerves. With you unable to move, Spitfire came and set you on fire, making you even more disorientated.” He let his horn in bright violet magic. “After that, I was going to have Trixie combine her magic with me to finish you off once and for all.”

“…So, you weren’t just being healed by that little Pegasus of a mare.” Deathgod murmured, baring his fangs. “You were actually observing me and conjuring up a plan to take me down while this mare tired me out!”

“See now that, that last part was actually my plan.” Trixie piped up, holding up a hoof. “I honestly wasn’t really let into what they were going to do…all I was doing was trying to tire you out so I could finish you.” Her cat-like eyes trailed down to Deathgod’s gemstone, then back up to the stallion himself. “Though…I can work with this too.”

Deathgod said nothing in response to that, just growling as he gave the group the best glare he could. “Why you…!”

Shining Armor sighed, planting his hooves wide as he flicked his tail. “Ms. Trixie, are you ready to end this?”

The azure blue Unicorn Thestral nodded. “From the moment I entered this town.”

The Solar Division Captain raised a brow at that, but gave no comment as he joined horns with Trixie, both preparing to let off one final spell. With their eyes glowing they lowered their heads and let out a combined beam of magic at Deathgod, the speed giving him not time to protect himself. All he could do was scream as he was enveloped in the violet and purple blast, the power behind it shattering the gemstone in his chest as he dissolved into blackness. He let out one final scream of rage before he completely vanished along with the magical attack.

“Finally, it’s…over now.” Shining Armor panted, his legs wobbling as he let his head droop. “That took more out of me than I thought it would.”

“Well, you were fighting the rest of these things for about as long as the other guards have sweetie.” Trixie commented, rubbing the stallion’s back soothingly. “It’s alright, you’re not alone in this Captain Armor.”

“Finally, I thought I was never going to hear that stupid ass voice of his.” Spitfire snorted, flicking her tail. “If I had to hear it for one more moment, then I was going to go insane.”

“Well, we’re glad you didn’t.” Fleetfoot said dryly. “Because you would’ve burned this entire street down if that stallion set you off even more than you were.”

“Damn straight.” Spitfire hissed, glaring at Crimson Skies. “And we know who’s to blame for that!”

The palomino mare whimpered, anime tears falling from her face. “What did I do?!”

“Alright, that’s enough of that.” Trixie said, sighing as she went out of her Ascension Mode and letting her staff rest on her back. “The last thing we need is for any of you guys to start fighting again, especially that Wonderbolt Captain over there.” She giggled as Spitfire shot her heated glare over to her. “Why don’t we go around town and see how many of these ponies are still left before we get back to the Town Square and rest.”

“Exaclty what I was going to say.” Shining Armor said as he trudged forward. “Come on…the sooner we get this over with the sooner I can pass out.”

Spearhead chuckled, walking over to his Captain and putting one of his hooves around his neck to support him. “You and me both.”

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Spiraling Flaming Missile!” Violet Fire shouted, zooming down through the air in a swirling drill of flames. Her flames tasted the ground as she barreled past the Dark Army, who couldn’t see or block her attack in time. Whinnies and neighs of agony could be heard in the Shadowbolt Captain’s ears as she flew back into the air, her fire still protecting her in its cloak. As she continued to look at the carnage she left, she heard her second in command take the lead.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Wings of Thunder!” Fast Tracks shouted with glowing violet eyes, zipping and zigzagging through the Nightmare Ponies. His lightning coated wings and tails skirt sliced and stabbed into them, sending electric volts into their bodies. Those that were strong enough were able to crack the gemstones inside of their bodies, and the light brown stallion watched as they dissolved into blackness.

“There’s plenty more where that came from!” Fast shouted as he flew back into the crowed. “I am so not done with any of you bastards yet!”

“That makes two of us!” Storm Shadow shouted as she and her sister hovered above the Nightmare Dark Army. “Let’s go Lightning Shadow!”

“Right!” The lighter grey mare shouted as they both shot their forehooves down, their red and blue Ascension Armor gleaming brightly. “Dark Pegasus Knight: Black Fusion Explosion!”

Two giant blasts of dark essence exploded from the two grey mare’s hooves, combining into one giant stream of blackness. It dove into the Nightmare Dark Army and exploded all around it, enveloping them in Lightning and Storm’s power before they could react. The darkness they were covered in sent them into a massive panic; so much so that it let their last member of their group come in and finish the job.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Whirlwind Drill!” The voice of Blue Skies yelled, shooting out a giant drill of blue wind at the Dark Army. While some were sliced in various parts of their bodies, others were cut deem into their gemstones that gleamed within their chest. This caused more of them to vanish in a screech of dark magic, leaving that much less of the Dark left for them, Celestia, Zephyr, and Venture Vine to deal with.

As if on cue, two out of the trio came into finish off what was left of the Shadowbolts group of the Nightmare Ponies.

“Fire Dragon Knight: Scorching Roar!”

“Solar Beam of the Sun!”

Blue spun around, and screamed when she saw a combination draconic and magical flames soaring towards her in a giant mass. She screamed as she flapped her wings frantically, saving herself just as the flames were about to hit her. The young palomino and the other Shadowbolts watched as more Nightmare Ponies were incinerated, their bodies vanishing in a haze of blackness as their Magical Life Force Gemstones melted upon contact. When the fire vanished, all that was left was a clearing of ashes and smoke that floated into the air.

“Oh wow, look at how many I was able to get!” Venture Vine exclaimed as she and Celestia flew down to meet the Shadowbolts. “Those flames burned them so much; none of them could even see it coming!”

“Indeed, they did not.” Celestia nodded, smiling down at the grass green mare. “That was quite the powerful move you inflicted Venture Vine. It certainly did the job in the helping us reduce the number of Nightmare Ponies that’re here.”

“It may have helped, but it almost killed me too!” Blue shouted, a tick mark forming on her head as she stomped her forehooves. “Seriously, you’ve gotta watch where you’re aiming those things Ms. Venture vine! Who knows if you hit one of your allies, like you did just me!”

Venture chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head as a pink tint appeared on her dark green cheeks. “Sorry about that baby…looks like I got a little carried away back there. I guess I just wanted to get rid of these guys as quickly as possible so I can help my son with his share fo the Dark Army before we finally defeat Garnet Blaze.”

At that moment, Violet gasped, Venture’s words causing something to click in her mind. “Oh, that’s right, Garnet Blaze! I almost forgot about her! Does anypony know where she was last seen?!”

“The last I’ve seen for her, I had driven her into the ground with one of my Solar Beams.” Celestia replied, glancing at the spot where Garnet Blaze lay. “I can still feel her magic, even all the way from here, so I know she’s going to be getting up soon. We will need to be ready for when she does, for I sense the next clash we have, will be our final one.”

“Don’t need to tell us twice.” Fast Tracks replied, bashing his fists together. “I’ll be ready for that mare, and when she comes, I’ll be sure to give her everything I have!”

“We know you will Fast, as you always do.” Lightning nodded, smiling humorously. “By the way your Highness, there’s something we else need to tell you. do you remember that Hippogriff Sky Ranger that was with us earlier?”

“Why yes, I do.” Celestia replied with a bit of a head tilt. “Speaking of which, I hadn’t really seen him for the majority of the fight. Just where did he go?”

“Yeah, about that…” Strom replied nervously. “…he was here helping us with the Dark Army, but then he suddenly stopped. He told us that he was going to storm the castle and look for Goku and the other girls, because he sensed that there was something wrong from inside.”

Venture’s jaw dropped in surprise. “Wait, he went and did what?”

Violet opened her muzzle to clarify what Storm had said, but stopped when she saw something coming from the sky. A soft gasp escaped her, before she began flying towards Venture and Celestia with a frantic look in her eyes. “LOOK OUT!”

The warning came too late, and Celestia and Venture found themselves slammed into the ground by something much smaller than the latter. Thinking that it was one of the Dark Army, Celestia all but threw it off of her, and shot to her hooves. The glow that appeared around her horn diminished when she saw just who it was that she had thrown off of her, and she let out a gasp of horror.

“Zephyr!” Celestia cried, racing over to the bloodied and bleeding stallion as Venture cradled him in her claws. “Are you alright?! Can you hear us?!”

“A…aside from the ringing in my ears…I-I can hear you just fine.” He replied, opening his squinted orange eyes. “L-listen, we need to get out of here and into that castle while we still can!”

Venture vine was immediately on high alert. “What? Why, what’s the matter honey?”

“Heehee, I’m the matter Ms. Venture!”

All eight heads snapped over to Nyx, who could be seen hovering in the air in her black wing armor, a wide mirthful smile on her face. Her armor and sword were covered in both black and red blood, but it did nothing wipe the excitement from her eyes. “I have to say, your son really I something! I can’t remember a time where I felt such a rush up until now! He really is worth of being a member of the E.U.P. Guard, hmhmhm!”

“You little bat winged bitch…” Venture growled, motherly anger flaring inside of her. “…you are going to pay for hurting my baby.”

“Awww, don’t be mad Venture Vine, I didn’t kill him…not yet at least.” Nyx cooed, pouting a bit before she regained her smile. Her draconic eyes flickered over to the side of her, and the smile on her face widened a bit. “Although, I think that I shouldn’t be the only one who you should be worrying about anymore.”

Celestia went rigid, her stomach twisting as she began to sweat in her armor. “W…what’re you saying?”

The swan white Alicorn never got to have that question answered, because before she could, an earth splitting roar suddenly exploded in her ears. She, Venture Vine, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts all covered their ears as a wave of dark red power washed over the clearing. To their complete disbelief, it actually managed to take out the rest of the Dark Army, leaving not a single trace of them remaining. None of the members of the Solar or Lunar Divisions had any time to contemplate it, for they were too focused on where the power source had come from. When they did see it though, most of the guards just about lost control of their bladders upon what greeted them all.

Walking towards the group of petrified ponies, dark red magic enveloping her in thick swirls, was Garnet Blaze, who looked like she was going through some transformation. The entirety of her body was nothing but a deep shadow in the roaring magic surrounding her. The only thing that could be visibly seen was her azure blue eyes, which seemed to blaze with a fury that could only be seen in a feral or rabid animal. Though it wasn’t quite seen, it was clear to Celestia, Venture, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts that she was going through some sort of wicked transformation.

“Uh oh~…Garnet Blaze’s is maaaaad~.” Nyx cooed, an armored hoof coming to her muzzle. “You guys are in so much trouble~.”

Garnet Blaze snarled loudly, her magical tails slamming the ground around her as she shot her ashen face at Celestia and her two armies. “Alright, now you’ve really pissed me off now Queen Celly! Just when I thought that I couldn’t get any madder than I was, you just had to go and trick me with that last attack, so way to bucking go!”

“Oh jeez, looks like Garnet Blaze is back up again!” Venture Vine said, holding her son closer to her. “And she looks pissed as all Tartarus!”

“Yeah, we can all see that thank you!” Fast Tracks exclaimed indignantly, his forehead gaining a pulsing vein. “Now it looks like she’s going to burn each and every single one of us alive!”

“I think I’ve gotten my fill of you playing all these little games with me!” The Nightmare Earth Pony’s magical gemstone gleamed as she plopped down on all fours, letting her scythe fall to the ground. “Now it’s time for me to unleash the kitsune inside of me!”

After that angry declaration, she threw her head back, letting out another roar as the magic protecting her vanished. Hunching forward, Garnet Blaze slowly began to transform into the very cloak that she was protected in. Her palomino fur darkened to a redder orange, her hooves becoming claws that were just like that of a fox’s. Her orange mane fused with the darker orange fur, with a brighter orange streak doing down her neck. Garnet’s facial features become fox-like was well, her muzzle lengthening and her already sharp teeth sharpening even more. Finally, her tail split apart multiplied, turning from a ponies’ tail to that of over nine in total, all having bright orange tips. To finish of Garnet’s beastly appearance, the underside of her chin, neck, and stomach were the same palomino color as before, contrasting with the rest of her body.

“Oh yes…that feel so much better. It’s been so long since I’ve been in this form.” Garnet Blaze purred, her chipper voice gaining a booming edge to it. “Now I can really have some fun with you guys! I can’t wait to show you why I was named the Orange Fox of the Lunar Division!”

“Oh…shit…!” Zephyr breathed, his orange eyes shrinking in disbelief. “Now that is one big fox.”

“Not just any fox!” Lightning added, giving an audible gulp. “She’s become a nine-tailed fox!”

“How in the hay are we supposed to fight something like that?!” Blue cried, looking to be on the verge of tears. “Q-Queen Celestia said that she was form the Bijuu clan, and they’re power is unreal! How’re we going to survive an onslaught of that level?!”

“I don’t know baby, but there’s no way we can back down now.” Storm replied firmly. “Goku and her friends already have their hooves full Nightmare Moon Nocturnis. If we let this mare get passed her, in that form, then they’ll be in a much tighter pickle than they are now. So we have to do all we can to keep Garnet Blaze at bay, at least until Nightmare Moon is beaten.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth Storm Shadow.” Violet said softly, landing in front of her teammates. “Don’t worry Queen Celestia! We’ll do all we can to help you in defeating Garnet Blaze! Even if she was an ally a thousand years ago, she’s still technically our enemy, and we cannot let her get inside of this castle!”

“Thank you Captain Violet, I commend your courage.” Celestia said as she flared her wings and pointed her spear forward. “Do not worry, I will make sure that we finish this…together!”

“You had better, or I’m gonna be the one to burn those mares alive!” Venture growled, shifting her gaze up to Nyx. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you Nyx! I still need to pay you back for hurting my baby boy! When I’m done with you, you’re gonna be begging me to turn you into ashes!”

“Oh, so you’re going to burn me alive, huh?” Nyx cooed, grinning down at the grass green mare. “Sounds fun; I do wanna see how a Kirin is when they really go all out! Especially against somepony as powerful as Garnet Blaze here!” With another giggle, she flew over and perched herself on top of the house-sized fox’s head. “Well, why don’t we get to the final round? I can’t wait to end this whole thing off with a bang, and with the flames of the Orange Fox!”

Zephyr shivered, looking up at Nyx and Garnet Blaze with fear-filled eyes. “We…are…screwed.”

Sky Ranger’s eyes flashed in the darkness as he flew through the halls of Nightmare Moon’s nocturnal castle. No sound could be heard except for the flapping of his four wings as he tore through the halls of the giant building. Outside, he could hear the sound of roaring and destruction, giving him an inkling of just what was happening. A part of him wanted to go back out and help his new allies with whatever had been conjured up, but he shook it off. He had something that he needed to do, and that was to help the girls find each other, before Nightmare Moon decided to finish them off.

‘Besides, I had already discussed this little operation of mine with Captain Violet Fire and the rest of her team.’ He thought to himself, making a sharp turn down one hallway. ‘I just hope that their Queen, Zephyr, and that other draconic mare that was with them doesn’t take it the wrong way. I know I probably should’ve let them know about what I was going as well…no well, no time to dwell on that now…just get find the girls and help them get to Nightmare Moon!’

As Ranger continued to soar through the castle, he took a few moments to marvel at out well constructed that the castle was. From the various rooms, staircases and balconies, to the ancient paintings and just the entire interior altogether. Even though this castle belonged to the enemy, Ranger was unable to keep his amazement contained. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Nightmare Moon did have a good eye for beauty and fashion, even if it was dark. Even though she had made it right in the middle of the Everfree Forest, he highly doubted that anypony could miss it, even in the crowd of trees around it.

‘I wonder if the thestrals back in Hollow Shades used to take frequents to this castle before Nightmare Moon came and magically reconstructed it.’ The azure blue hippogriff thought to himself, flapping his wings as he went higher. ‘If so, then they’re going to be in for quite a shock when they see how it is now. No doubt they’ll be wondering what had happened to the abandoned castle…I can only imagine how they’ll react to this. That is, if this castle still manages to keep itself from falling apart after Luna is returned, and she decides to keep it.’

Just as he shifted his gaze back to the hall ahead of him, his pony-like ears suddenly picked up the sound of voices. Voices that were indeed feminine, and sounded very familiar, despite having only heard them a few times. Ranger continued to fly, listening out for the voices as they grow louder and more frantic with each passing second. By the time they were within reach, he found himself flying down a hallway that lead to a giant room. A room that had about six other hallways leading to what he presumed were more room.

“Oh dear…it looks like I’ve only found myself with another set of rooms to look through.” Ranger said to himself as he let out a disappointed sigh. “I’m never going to find the girls at this rate…but I won’t get anywhere if I complain about it.” He narrowed his as he spread his wings, looking over at the door closest to him. “Alright then, let’s take a look into these places; the sooner I can get through the them, the sooner I can-”

The azure blue Hippogriff unfortunately didn’t get to finish his sentence, for he saw something coming out of the nearest right hall that made him pause. With his keen vision, he was able to make out the shape of a pony flying towards him. At first, he thought that it was one of the Nightmare Ponies, but when he saw a mane of prismatic color, that thought was replaced by a new one.

‘Is that…Rainbow Dash?!’ Hippogriff wondered mentally, hovering back from the hallway. As if to answer his question, the cyan mare suddenly exploded from out of the hall, flying around a bit before coming to a stop. As she came into focus, Sky Ranger could see that she was carrying a rather large sphere in her hooves.

“Oh wow, that was some fight back there!” The athlete said to herself, having not yet noticed Ranger yet. “That is definitely going on my list of most awesome battles! I can’t wait to tell Fire Flash when I get back! Ha, she’s gonna be so bucking jealous!”

“R-rainbow Dash!” Ranger shouted, surprise and joy coating his voice. “You’re okay!”

Upon hearing her name being called, and the voice of the owner, Rainbow whipped her head around to see Ranger hovering in front of her. “Sky Ranger, you’re back in the castle!” She shouted, looking just as shocked and happy as he was. “What the hay happened to out there, dude?! We had thought that Nightmare Moon had done something to you and the Shadowbolts!”

“That’s…actually a funny story.” Ranger replied somewhat sheepishly. “Me, Violet Fire and her team were…sort of teleported out of the castle, and outside. When we did make it, we saw that Queen Celestia was there, along with what I could only assume was her army, along with-.”

“Wait, Queen Celestia’s here?!” Rainbow Dash cried, interrupting Ranger mid-sentence. “Sweet, about time she got here! So where is she now?! Is she here I this castle along with you?!”

Ranger opened his mouth to speak, but snapped his beak shut when he heard more voices coming from the other halls. Both he and Rainbow Dash turned their direction to them, and saw figures slowly emerging out of each. When they came into view, it took everything Rainbow Dash had not to rush over and hug every one of them.

“Wow, that was one really really really dark hall!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she balanced herself o her Element. “I’ve never seen anything look so dark in all of my life! Then again, I have seen the dark plenty of time, but not anywhere near like this!”

“Wooee…now that really took a lot outta me.” Applejack sighed, pulling on the rope that had her Element tied to it. “Really wish Ah ended that fight sooner…that way Ah wouldn’t be havin’ as much trouble tryin’ to move this thing!”

“Oh, finally! I thought that I was never going to get out of that dreaded hallway!” Rarity cried, collapsing onto her Element when she reached the wide-open space. “All of those feet of dragging this poor Element across this petrifying darkness! I don’t know anything that can be this draining, oh woes me!”

“Oh, my goodness…girls!” Fluttershy cried elatedly, being the third one to notice the rest of the group. “All of you…you’re all here!”

“Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, girls! You all made it!” Twilight shouted, dropping her Element and rushing over to the others. They all joined in a massive group hug while Ranger watched from just a few feet away, who was smiling fondly at the scene in front of him. “Oh, I thought that it was going to take forever to find you all! I can’t believe that I was going to be able to find you all in one place!”

“Neither did I.” Ranger said as he flew over to the six ponies. “It took me quite some time to make my way through this castle, for it is quite the big building. It was only thanks to a good amount of luck and me managing to hear your voices that I was able to find you.”

“Wait, you managed to follow us just by hearing our voices?” Rarity asked. “How in the world did you manage to do that?”

“I…just have very sensitive hearing, let’s leave it at that.” Ranger said dismissively, his voice gaining a firm edge to it. “Anyway, let’s go see if we can find Goku and Nightmare Moon…odds are that she’s still fighting her somewhere in the castle. We need to get over there quickly, before something bad happens to her.”

“Ya don’t need t’ tell us twice partner.” Applejack said resolutely, looking over at Twilight. “Hey Twi, ya think you can git a grab on Goku’s magic with that horn o’ yers?”

Twilight nodded, closing her eyes and ignited her horn, the others stepping away from her as they let her search magically for Goku. Nearly a minute of silence passed, which was almost broken by a frantic and impatient Rainbow Dash. Thankfully, before she could even utter a word, Twilight’s eyes snapped open and suddenly darted down the largest hallway. “This way everypony, come on!”

“Whoa, you found her already?!” Rainbow Dash asked as she and the others followed the lavender Unicorn. “Are you sure that she’s this way!”

“One hundred percent positive Rainbow; I can feel her magic roaring even from all the way over here!” Twilight replied as she led the way through the castle. “She is definitely down her somewhere!”

“Well what’re we waiting for?!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Let’s get to G and end that Meanie Moon’s party once and for all!”
Fluttershy sweat dropped, her eyes becoming anime cute as she looked at the Earth Pony. “Um, I think we just got to doing that Pinkie Pie…”

The fox formed Garnet Blaze roared loudly as she glared down at the ponies she towered over, her massive tails slamming into the ground. Clouds of dust and enormous cracks were left as a result as her aura of magic surrounded her entire being. As she continued to let her power roar over the clearing, Celestia, Venture, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts looked back up at her in terrified awe.

“Oh boy…she is really pissed now.” Zephyr said groggily, clutching to his mother as fought not to lose consciousness. “She looks like she’s going to snap each of our necks.”

“Yes…I can see the bloodlust in her eyes.” Celestia murmured softly, looking calmer but no less scared. “She is no longer pulling any punches…Garnet Blaze really intends to make sure that we don’t leave out of this forest alive.”

“Well, too bad for her, we don’t have any intention of dying here, or anytime soon.” Violet stated firmly, flaring her wings. “Your Highness, what’re your orders?”

“Well, I want you and your team to do all that you can to keep Garnet Blaze distracted, both from me, and from Venture and Zephyr.” Celestia replied firmly, spreading her wings and taking to the air. “While you do that, I will be staying here, gathering as much magic as I can to put in one final attack into the one area of Garnet that I know will render her defenseless.” The swan white Alicorn glanced over to Zephyr and Venture. “Venture Vine, I want you, your son, and the other guards to get somewhere safe; something tells me that the next move that I plan to make is going to be quite the destructive one.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice!” Venture said hoisting her son onto her back before addressing the Solar and Lunar Guards. “Oi, you heard the lady! Get your furry and fluffy asses moving!”

None of the guards needed to be told twice, especially when they saw the bright pure white aura surrounding their Queen. The white magic swirled around her as it condensed itself around her, putting her through a transformation that could only be that of an Ascension Mode. this did not go unnoticed by Garnet Blaze however, and she immediately went onto the offensive.

“Oh, no you don’t!” She roared loudly, raising a claw to crush the Solar Queen. “No way I’m gonna let you burn my face off!”

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Blue Slicing Whirlwind!”

A giant drill of blue wing exploded out of nowhere, slamming into Garnet’s fox face and sending her staggering back. She roared in pain and clutched at her face, wiping the blood off of it before looking around for the perpetrator. Garnet soon found her, and it was in the form of Blue Skies, who was still in her Ascension Mode Armor.

“Your face getting burnt isn’t what you should be worrying about, it should be your face getting sliced to ribbons!” She shouted as she inhaled deeply. “Sky Pegasus Knight: “Blue Whirling Roar!”

Another swirling blast of wind escaped from Blue’s mouth, but this time, Garnet was ready, letting out her own breath of fire. What she didn’t count on was the wind completely blowing her fire away in the blink of an eye. Blue smiled as she watched her wind win over Garnet’s fire, much to the latter’s terrified realization. Before she could berate herself for forgetting such an important fact, she heard somepony else shout out.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Electric Thunderous Wing Attack!” Fast yelled, hovering above Garnet before giving a hard flap of his wings. The lightning coating them shot out of the, chirping as they headed towards Garnet. Nyx, who was still perked atop the giant fox’s head, raised her sword to block the strikes, but some of them managed to get through. Even though the lightning bolts were far smaller than the fox and Nightmare Alicorn combined, they still managed to leave quite the sting on the duo.

“D-d-dammit…I can’t believe that he managed to get a hit on us, even in Garnet’s form.” Nyx said to herself, panting hard as blood pooled down her armored body. “It looks like I’m going to have to up my ain’t here.”

“Not on our watch you’re not sweetie!” Lightning Shadow shouted, coming from out of nowhere. “Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Abyss Explosion!”

Nyx gasped, and used her wings and sword to block the wave of darkness that enveloped her in its blackness. Unfortunately, not even this was able to keep the scream of agony that ripped from her throat as Lightning tore her apart. The sound of a gem cracking could be heard in her ears, and she looked down to see her Magical Life Force Gemstone breaking. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to worry about it breaking at the moment, for Garnet chose that time to intervene.

“You leave her alone!” She shouted lashing out with one of her massive tails and sending the light grey Pegasus crashing to the ground. Large chunks of rubble and cracks were shot up form the ground as Lightning tumbled across it, but she managed to shake it off. With a grunt, she flapped her wings and pulled herself back into the air, her red eyes gleaming up at Garnet Blaze.

“You know, that almost hurt back there…if it weren’t for the multiple beatings that I got from the creatures of this forest.” She said softly, blowing her mane out of her face. “Are you sure that you put all you had in that attack?”

“Well of course I did you meanie!” Garnet shouted, slamming a paw into the ground. “I can give you another demonstration if you want!”

“That won’t be necessary!” Storm Shadow exclaimed out of nowhere, appearing right below Garnet Blaze. “In fact, I think you’ve showed just enough of your power to us for one night! Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Neigh!”

Opening her mouth wide, she let out a large blast of darkness, letting it hit Garnet Blaze right in the stomach and her tumbling across the ground. This didn’t keep her down for long though, and she got back to her paws, before charging at Storm as her sister flew to her aid.

“Like hay I’m going to let you eat her!” Lightning shouted, stopping in front of her sister as she flared her wings. “Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Wing Attack!”

Faster than Garnet Blaze or Nyx could think, Lightning had shot large waves of darkness at them, letting them slice into the former’s front. Blood flew from the wounds as she roared and screamed, stumbling back and crashing right onto her back. Had it not been for her wings flaring at the last second, Nyx would’ve surely been crushed under her allies’ weight.

“Garnet Blaze!” The sin black Alicorn cried, flying towards her friend frantically. “Hold on, I’m coming-gah!”

A giant stream of black and purple fire suddenly appeared in front of Nyx, slamming into her with the force of an incoming comet. She screamed as Violet Fire collided directly into her stomach and chest, the force making her Magical Life Force Gemstone crack even more. Nyx’ wings flapped in a vain attempt to try to get away from Violet, but the Shadowbolt Captain was having none of it.

“Don’t tell me you forgot that I was here honey?!” Violet smirked as she flapped her own wings. “You really need to pay more attention to your surroundings!”

Nyx snarled, one of her hooves raising to punch Violet Fire away from her just as she was going to hit the ground. The ebony mare was sent slamming into the ground just as Nyx tumbled across it, getting to her hooves a second later. Not wasting any time, she shot a blast of magic at the spot where Violet lay, keeping git going for several seconds before stopping.

“Yeah, so, what were you saying about me needing to be more aware of my surroundings?” Nyx asked as smoke rose from Violet’s crater. “You really did sound like a hypocrite back there.”

A soft giggle could be heard from within the vanishing smoke, and Nyx felt her jaw drop when she saw Violet Fire rise to her hooves. “Oh yeah?” She asked, smiling sweetly at the shocked sin black Alicorn. “Then why don’t you look over there?”

Ears perking, Nyx slowly looked into the direction where Violet Fire was pointing, and felt her eyes bulge when she saw Garnet Blaze flying through the air. Nyx only had time to scream before the giant vixen crashed right on top of her, slamming her right into the ground. She didn’t stay there for long though, for Nyx soon found herself getting ripped out of the ground, stuck to Garnet’s back as the giant fox tried to get back on her paws.

“Ooooow…now that really hurt.” Garnet Blaze whimpered, looking up at Nyx as she felt her crawl back to the top of her head. “Are you alright Nyxie?”

“Y-yes…I’m okay Garnet Blaze…though you nearly crushed me back there.” Nyx replied as she looked into the fox’s pain-filled blue eyes. She gasped when she saw the large droplets of black blood flowing form her chest. “Oh goodness, what happened to you?!”

“We’re what happened to her!” Fast Tracks shouted, making Nyx look over to see him and the other Shadowbolts standing on either side of him. “Took your little friend by surprise at the last second and made sure to give her everything we had! We nearly finished her off too, had it not been for her blocking that one little weak point at the last second!”

“Yeah well, that’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of Bijuus you damn dolt!” Garnet Blaze shouted, growling as she forced herself onto her paws. “Speaking of which, it’s time for me to end this! I’m getting tired of you guys now, and if I have to look at any of you for a minute longer, I am going to explode!”

“In that case Garnet, why don’t I give you your wish before that minute is up?” The voice of Celestia asked, making both sides pause. “I’ll have this whole fight finished in just half that time.”

Garnet Blaze and Nyx turned to see Celestia hovering just yards away, adorned in gleaming golden armor, her mane and tail now streams of orange and yellow flames. Her eyes were a burning deep orange, which seemed to scorch right into the wide eyes of her two adversaries, who were growing even more scared by the second. Add insult to injury, a large sphere of flames could be seen conjuring right at the top of the Solar Queen’s horn.

“I must admit it has been quite a long time since I had faced someone as powerful as you too.” Celestia commented coolly, her vast wings flapping gently. “Aside from Discord and Nightmare Moon, nopony has managed to push me this far in battle.”

“Uh…w-w-what is that?!” Nyx cried, taking a step back on Garnet’s head. “D-don’t tell me that you’re planning to use that on us!”

“Oh, but I am.” Celestia replied, her head tilting just the slightest bit downward. “And it will be the very thing that will put you both out of your misery once and for all.” Her expression softened as she looked down at Garnet Blaze. “Especially for you…Lunar Captain Garnet Blaze Bijuu.”

The giant vixen flinched, staying silent for a few moments before letting out a growl that erupted from the back of her throat. “I dare you to try Celestia!” She shouted, far too angry to bother using formalities. “You think your puny fire will be able to stand up against mine?! Well, why don’t you come and prove it to me?!”

Celestia’s lips pursed. “I will, just like I did when you and I clashed over a thousand years ago on the night my sister and I clashed for the final time.” She replied, aiming the giant orb of fire at the enraged vixen. “And this time, I will make sure that you are put at peace for good.”

“We’ll see about that!” Garnet Blaze shouted, slamming her tails onto the ground. “Come on Nyx, let’s finish this swan of an Alicorn!”

Nyx nodded; her horn already ignited with as much magic as she could muster. “Right!”

With those final declarations, Garnet raised her head, the tip of her tails coming to them as she formed a large dark reddish orb. It hovered just outside of her mouth as it grew in size and power, looking to be just as powerful as Celestia’s sphere of fire. A few seconds later, it suddenly shrank down to a more bitable size, and Garnet wasted no time in consuming it. She hung her head, letting the power build up inside of her as she aimed it at Celestia.

“Say goodnight Queen Celestia Daybringer!” She shouted, before opening her mouth and letting her condensed power be unleashed. “Fire Fox Style Secret Technique: Bijuu Firebomb!”

“Solar Beam of the Sun Goddess!” Celestia shouted, shooting off her orb of fire at around the same time Garnet and Nyx shot their own magic. It clashed into a gigantic power struggle that blew all of the Shadowbolts, and some of the guards away. Clouds of dust washed over the clearing, chunks of earth were torn form the ground, and any golden grass closes to them were burned away. The ponies that were the safest watched in awe as their Queen and the Lunar Division’s Orange Fox went off against one another, but intent on taking the other one down. It seemed to go on for hours, but in reality, it lasted only a minute, before Celestia began to gain the edge.

“No…no…no no no no no no no no! I am not losing; I can’t be losing!” Garnet cried, trying, and failing, to push back against Celestia. “Nyx for the love of Solaris, please, help me!”

“I…I-I’m trying!” Nyx cried, her teeth gritting as she tried to pour as much magic she could into her blast.“It…it’s not working, she’s going to consume us both!”

“This is the end, Nyx Nocturnis, Garnet Blaze Bijuu!” Celestia shouted her voice so loud it seemed to echo across the clearing. “Now, say farewell!”

With a neigh that could be heard all about the clearing, Celestia poured all of her remaining magic into her stream of flames. Nyx and Garnet were utterly helpless to defend themselves against the fiery beam, and were soon swept up in the Solar Queen’s divine power. Their Magical Life Force Gemstones stood no change against such intense heat, and they melted into nothing but gleaming mush. With their one and only weakness finally abolished, the two members of the Dark Army vanished in streams of blackness, the fire helping to make sure they were gone. Once Celestia was sure that both beings were gone, she stopped in her magical assault, allowing her flames to flicker out into smoke.

“I wish I did not have to come to this…but even I could not have anticipated this happening, even for a second time.” Celestia murmured to herself, closing her eyes for a silent prayer. “May you forever rest in peace…Lunar Captain Garnet Blaze Bijuu.”

“Holy shit, that was so bucking awesome!” Fast cried as he and the other Shadowbolts flew up to the Queen. “You turned them all into a pile of ashes just like that! None of them stood a single chance against you!”

“Well, they were only manifestations of ponies, even though one of them did use to exist.” Storm said softly, glancing over at Celestia. “Are you…alright your Majesty?”

“Yes, I am…I’m feeling just a little bit…lamenting at the moment.” Celestia sighed as she receded out of her Ascension Mode. “Don’t worry, I’ll be alright, I’m just trying to handle doing such a horrid thing to somepony that I once called my ally.”

“Don’t worry Queen Celestia, I know you didn’t mean it.” Blue Skies cooed, running a hoof down one of Celestia’s legs. “Captain Garnet Blaze just wasn’t herself as all…she wasn’t even in control of herself, and that was all Nightmare Moon’s doing. I’m sure she wouldn’t be mad at you for breaking her from something she had no control over.”

Celestia nodded, smiling warmly down at the palomino mare. “Yes, your right…thank you for that Blue Skies.”

“Well, now that all of that is settled…” Lightning murmured. “…I think we should all head on into the castle now. I’m pretty sure that Goku and her friends are wondering where we are right now, and that they really need our help.”

“Lightning’s right.” Violet nodded, flicking her tail. “We’ve kept them waiting long enough, along with the rest of these ponies. So, what do you all say we storm that castle and search every room until we find the mare we’re looking for?”

“Exactly what I was going to say Captain Violet.” Celestia nodded, spreading her giant wings and taking flight once more. “Although, I have a feeling that we won’t even need to lift a hoof by the time we get there.”

Author's Note

I...don't really have much to say here, other than the fact that I am so glad that I finally managed to get this chapter out, with only a few chapters left. :applejackconfused: . I have to admit, when I first rewrote this story, I was so sure that I was going on the right track, but now that I'm reaching the end...it looks like I'll have to start from the ground up once again; something that...doesn't seem so bad to me now that I think about it :applejackunsure: . I'm sure that a lot of you saw the note that I left in my summary sometime ago, so you shouldn't be surprised by the fact that I'm restarting this from the ground up, one chapter at a time, but if that annoys some of you, then that's fine. You don't need to stick around and read this story to the end, and I'm not forcing you to either...all I'm saying is that my heart is telling me that I need to do this again :ajsleepy: . As I said before, I still have just a few more chapters left before I finally get to the squeals, and after those are out of the way...I'll be getting right back to this, and making a true story :twilightsmile: . If not for others, than at least for me :raritywink: .

Well, that's all for now...next time we're seeing the fall of Equestria's legendary Dark Queen, and afterwards we'll be getting an emotional reunion with the Royal Sisters :pinkiesad2: .

Chapter 80 - Fall of the Dark Queen

The sounds of pair of giant double doors exploded open, nearly breaking off of their hinges by the force behind them. A set of claws feet could be seen making their way into the room as a draconic mare and small white bat pup went inside. The former had a large sphere coiled around her tail, while the latter was looking around the room expectantly. The duo stopped just in the middle of the room, looking around for anything or anypony that happened to be there, but there was nothing.

“Huh…now that’s weird…I would’ve thought that Nightmare Moon would be here.” Goku said to himself, releasing her Element. “I guess I must’ve sent her flying in some other part of the castle huh Chenoa?”

The bat pup let out a soft squeak, flying around the giant throne room as he continued to watch and listen out for anything suspicious. Upon looking up, his eyes widened when he saw something sticking out from above the ceiling. Turning to face Goku, he squeaked to get her attention, and she turned to look where he was looking.

“Holy shit!” She cried, jumping back a bit as she stared at the massive hole in the ceiling. “That is one massive hole there! Wait…” She paused as she took a step closer towards it, her draconic azure eyes taking in the damage afar. “…you…you don’t think that was where Nightmare Moon went through after I had sent her flying, do you?”

Chenoa blinked, looking back at the hole in the ceiling, before looking back at Goku again. His shoulders went up and down, looking as if he was shrugging as he flew over to the Kirin mare, who was still looking at the hole. Though it didn’t look like it, she could see that it was beginning to fix itself, albeit at a very slow pace.

“Huh…it’s not really sealing up as fast as I thought that it would.” Goku said to herself, recalling the times where she witnessed the self-fixing of the castle. “I guess it’s because of the amount of power that I put into that last attack that it wasn’t really able to take it in properly. Heheh, I guess I really did overdo it a bit. Even more so if I actually sent Nightmare Moon outside.”

With her thoughts on the damage to the Throne Room concluded, Goku turned her attention back to her Element. Her claws ran along it as she inspected the solid grey sphere, feeling the overwhelming magic coursing through it. The longer she continued to observe it, the more she felt drawn to it, almost as if it was desperately trying to reach out to her. Goku briefly wondered how that was possible, since the Element wasn’t even out of its protective barrier yet and ready to be used.

‘It’s probably because I have so much magical power conjured up inside of me that the Element is responding in kind.’ Goku thought, tilting her head as Chenoa landed on her back. ‘That could be it…or maybe, it’s because the Element is determining me to be its bearer. Celestia did say once that the Elements of Harmony were the ones who chose their bearers instead of the other way around. Could that be what’s happening right now? If it is, then why is it doing it while it’s still contained? And why does it feel like I’m being tugged towards it like its already on me? Maybe I can ask Twilight and she and the rest of the girls get here…’

The Nightmare Throne Room doors suddenly bang open again, causing Goku let out a high-pitched cry of shock and surprise when she heard it. Out of pure instinct, the pale white Kirin landed to the ground face her presumed attackers, draconic wings and fangs out on full display. As the smoke cleared, she saw the silhouettes of ponies standing where the entrance was, and the mare hunched their bodies, preparing to attack. When the smoke finally cleared, Goku saw, much to her surprise and elation, that it was the rest of her friends, Sky Ranger included.

“Twilight! Girls!” Goku exclaimed, dropping her stance. “You…you made it! You’re here!”

“Goku!” Pinkie Pie squealed loudly, leaping across the air and tackling the draconic mare to the ground. “Oh, I am sooooo so so so SO happy you’re okay! We really thought that you had been really hurt, or even killed by that Nightmare Meanie Pants! I am soooo glad I was wrong!”

“I-erk! I-I’m glad to see that you’re alright too, Pinkie Pie.” Goku said, flinching slightly at the bone crushing intensity of Pinkie’s powerful hug. “U-uh…Pinkie, can you please let go honey? Y-you’re kind of crushing me…ack!”

“Queen Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed, rushing over to her mentor. “You made it! I didn’t think that you were actually going to come! A-at least…not this late!”

“I know, forgive me for that, my faithful student.” Celestia said, setting her spear down. “My arrival had come…a little later than I had anticipated, with me and my guards having to get through the animals in the forest. I apologize if I had arrived on such a short notice, apparently it was harder than I thought making it here, even with the additional guards.”

“Eh, don’t sweat it your Highness.” Rainbow Dash said nonchalantly. “The important thing is, we’re all here together, and now we get to kick Nightmare Moon’s ass once again!” She blinked and looked around the room. “Speakin’ of which, where the hay is she?”

“She’s…not exactly here at the moment.” Goku replied, pulling away from Twilight after hugging her as well. “You see, just sometime before you got here, I had sent her through the ceiling of one of the other rooms.”

Fluttershy paused, staring at the pale white Kirin. “You did what?”

“Eeyup, you heard me Flutters.” Goku said, giggling at her friends gob smacked faces. “I had pulled of my most powerful attack and sent Nightmare Moon blasting through the roof! She didn’t even last two secondsbefore she was sent flying right out of here!” She pointed a claw behind her, at the giant hole just below where the Elements were. “See? The holes still there, the very same one where we sent Nightmare Moon through.”

“Oh…oh my…” Rarity said, putting a hoof to her mouth. “That is a rather…large whole you all made there.”

“Exactly what I said.” Zephyr said dryly, snorting in amusement. “But I can safely say that it was warranted. With Nightmare Moon gone for hopefully a good amount of time, you and Goku can all get to summoning the Elements and officially finishing her off. After that, Queen Luna will be back here, safe and sound.”

“Oh, that’s right! The Elements!” Twilight shouted, her eyes widening. “Goku, I need your Element so I can finish summoning them! I was so close last time, and I need to do it quickly before something else happens! If I waste time like I did earlier, Nightmare Moon might come back and blast me off again!”

“Here it is Twilight.” Goku said gently, rolling her protected Element ahead of them. “Go on and get them out as soon as you can. Time is the one thing we don’t have on our side, so you’ll need to act quickly.”

“Right, got it!” Twilight said, breaking away from the group and making her way towards the Elements. When she reached them, she immediately ignited her horn and encased all six of the spheres in her aura. She channeled as much power as she could into them as she heard them start to crack again. “Just one spark, come on…come on!”

As Twilight continued her task of summoning the Elements, her friends, Goku, and Sky Ranger all watched from afar, keeping an eye out for any danger. Despite this, some of them couldn’t help but let their thought wonder, Goku being one of them. As she stared at Twilight, she couldn’t help but feel that tug in the depths of her body, that little something that was drawing her to where her friend was. Not only that, it was also trying to draw her towards the other weapons Twilight was trying to summon, something that confused the tan Kirin very greatly.

‘Alright, what is this that I’m feeling?’ She thought to herself, putting a claw to her chest as the feeling grew warmer. As the seconds ticked by, she felt the feeling in her chest grow stronger, more powerful, as well as…warmer. ‘It’s…drawing me towards the Elements again…almost like it’s telling me to join in with them. But…that can’t be right, they’re not even summoned yet…how can I be feeling all their magic already?’

Before Goku could think more on the feeling, she felt a hoof touch her shoulder. Jumping, she looked over to see the concerned eyes of Applejack.

“Are you alright there sugarcube?” The tangerine farmer asked, her emerald eyes filled with concern. “Ya zoned out fer a minute there.”

“…Uh, I guess so AJ…I’m not really sure.” The pale white Kirin replied, blinking a couple of times. “It’s just…I just have this weird feeling in my chest that’s drawing me towards the Elements. It was almost like…it’s telling me to go up and join them.”

Applejack raised a golden white eyebrow at this. “It is? what th’ hay’s makin’ ya think that?”

“I don’t know…” Goku replied, shaking her head. “…but whatever that feeling is…it’s getting stronger. And something’s telling me that by the time those Elements are summoned…it gonna come erupting out of me.”

Applejack looked like she was about to say something else, but was cut short by a shrill ear piercing scream, followed by a loud explosion. They whipped their heads around to see Twilight flying back towards them, as if somepony had struck her away. Luckily for her, Sky Ranger was able to catch her before she hit the ground, and everypony immediately crowded around them.

“Twilight!” The azure blue Hippogriff exclaimed as she cradled her student. “Twilight are you alright?! Please speak to me dear!”

Twilight coughed violently a hoof coming to her barrel as she looked up at her Mentor. “T-the Elements…I was so close to summoning them! B-but…I couldn’t do it in time! I was stopped again!”

“You were stopped?” Sky Ranger asked, kneeling by Twilight’s side. “By who?!”

Before Twilight could say who it was, a cold and insane laugh echoed about the old Throne Room, making everypony inside it freeze. Slowly turning their heads, and, to their absolute horror they saw the form of Nightmare Moon hovering above the Elements of Harmony. Just about every part of her body was covered in blood and bruises, with almost all of her armor gone. Her wings had also suffered severe damage, mini waterfalls of blood falling down form them, and running down her burnt fur. Despite all the grave injuries she had, the look on her face was still the same as it was when the mares first saw her. Cold, calculating, sadistic and full of unrelenting rage.

“Oh no…” Fluttershy whispered, her eyes wide with absolute fear.

“Are you kidding me?!” Goku shouted, her eyes nearly bulging out of her skull. “I hit her with the full force of my Kamehameha Wave! How in the bucking hay is she still even conscious after an attack like that?!”

“Y-yeah…that’s just crazy!” Applejack shouted; her emerald green eyes just as wide. “How strong is that mare?!”

No other words were said as Nightmare Moon continued to laugh, lightly landing in the middle of the Elements as she grinned sadistically at the ponies in front of her. She looked down at the Elements, which were miraculously still covered in Twilight’s aura, looking to be seconds from cracking. The sin black Alicorn stared at them for a few moments before, looking back at the petrified Queen and eight ponies. The stare down lasted for what seemed like an eternity, before two words escaped Nightmare Moon’s mouth.

“I win.”

Then, in one swift motion, she slammed her forehooves down and shattered all six Elements into dust.

“NO!” Twilight screamed, breaking away from Ranger and rushing over to where Nightmare Moon was. Before she could reach her, Goku grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her in and preventing her from getting any farther. “No no no no no NO! THE ELEMENTS!”

“Oh shit!” Rainbow Dash cursed, all color draining from her face. “They’re gone!”

“She…she shattered ‘em…just like that.” Applejack stammered, her whole body shaking. “That varmint shattered ‘em t’ dust…literally!”

“No…n-no…” Fluttershy whispered, backing away in horror. “T-those…those where our only h-hope...! Those were the only weapons that could defeat her!”

“Oh crud!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her entire body going a pale purple. “Now we’re really party pooped!”

“You little foals! Did you honestly think you could defeat an almighty divine equine being like me?!”Nightmare Moon shouted, her eyes blazing with triumph. “What a foolish bunch of foals you were, especially you sister! I told you that would not be able to stand up to the might of the almighty Queen of the Night did I not?! Now that I’ve shattered your precious little elements into dust, there’s nothing that you can, and nothing that will stop me from taking my rightly deserved revenge!”

Nopony said anything in any sort of retort or retaliation towards Nightmare Moon, all of them too overcome by the shock of the Elements being destroyed. All of them except for Goku, who looked like she was in a trance of some sort. The strange feeling that she had felt in her chest before the Elements were destroyed as now overwhelming her, making her oblivious to almost everything around her. The tan Kirin’s entire body shock as something powerful inside of her grew, feeling to be just seconds away from being let out.

“You lose you meddlesome little ponies! You have lost the battle between me and by beautiful night! All of your precious friends and family will no feel the full might of my night, and there’s nothing any of you can do about it!” Nightmare Moon continued, holding her head up high. “My dear sister’s son will fall, the precious light you have all basked in for so long will vanish for all eternity, and the night, will last, FOREVER!!!”

After those words left her mouth, the sin black Alicorn let out the loudest, coldest, most malicious laugh that she had let out that night. It echoed about the abandoned Throne Room filling the ears of the petrified ponies in front of her as her ethereal mane and tail billowed wildly in the air. In the heat of the sin black Alicorn’s supposed victory and the wake of the ten pony’s terror, nopony noticed Goku go stock still, her head lowered with her mane covering her eyes.

Then, something inside of the draconic mare exploded.

Nightmare Moon was just on the cusp of ending her triumphant laugh, when a loud earth cracking roar echoed about the old Throne Room. It was the loudest roar that any of the ponies had heard in their entire lives. Louder than the that of the Manticore who’s paw Fluttershy had healed in the forest. Louder than the giant water dragon and hydra that terrorized the girls on their watery adventure through the Everfree Seas. It was so loud, so explosive, and so gut- churningly powerful that it made everypony freeze, even Nightmare Moon, and look over at the Kirin in shock. As quickly as they did, the roaring abruptly stopped, and her head fell back down, eyes shadowed once again by her silky spikey black mane.

“Do you really think that you can stop the Elements of Harmony just like that, Nightmare Moon Nocturnis?” She asked softly, the deafening silence in the room allowing it, and the godly power behind it, to be heard by all. “Do you really think that shattering them to bits is going to just…make them disappear like they never even existed?”

Nightmare Moon, who was busy rubbing her bat-like ears to sooth them from the effects of Goku’s explosive roar, stopped in place. She looked over at the Kirin, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “What?”

“You heard me.” Goku replied, slowly lifting her head up to glare at Nightmare Moon. A sharp gasp left the sin black Alicorn’s throat when she saw a flash of golden white dance about the younger mare’s eyes. “Do you honestly think that destroying the bodies of the Elements is going to make them go away?”

Twilight, who was still in shock over seeing the Elements destroyed, froze, and looked over at Goku perplexedly. “B-bodies…?”

“What in the world are you going on about now, you little hatchling?” Nightmare Moon asked impatiently. “I destroyed your precious little Elements right in front of you! I destroyed them to the point where they are nothing but dust! You saw it for yourself!”

“That may be so, but just because you’ve destroyed the objects encasing the Elements, doesn’t mean you’ve destroyed their spirits.” Goku said, emphasizing the last word. “Isn’t there an old saying in this land, that even if the bodies of those, be it pony or object, dissolve into thin air, that the spirits of said pony and object live on? Now, what do you supposed that means about the Elements themselves? Especially since you’ve destroyed their bodies?”

No sooner did those words leave Goku’s mouth, multiple gasps, some louder than others, echoed about the room. It only took just several seconds for the girls, Zephyr, and Celestia to figure out what Goku was saying, before they all made the connection.

‘Of course! So that’s why Goku didn’t look so worried when Nightmare Moo destroyed the Elements!’ Twilight thought, staring at the back of the pale white Kirin. ‘She knows that they’re…!’

“W-w-wait a minute…” Fluttershy stammered, the smallest bit of hope returning to her mostly terrified voice. “Goku…a-are you meaning to tell us that…t-t-that…?!”

Goku smiled, nodding slightly despite not looking over at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Yes Fluttershy, you guess is spot on. The object encasing the Elements of Harmony may have been destroyed, but the same can’t be said for their spirits. Because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony…are right HERE!!!” She said, her soft voice ending in a shout that carried an air of power that took even Celestia by surprise.

Bright flashes of light brought Nightmare Moon out of her horrified shocked state, and she looked up, only to freeze in terror at what she saw. The sharps of the Elements which she had smashed to dust just seconds ago, were now floating in the air above each of the seven mares. They each shining a different color as they slowly formed into colorful orbs that hovered over the mares, all of which were now standing on either side of Goku.

“Applejack reassured me, Twilight and the others that we’d escape the clawed clutches of the Doragontora! Even in the face of danger, she was completely ensured that we would survive and continue on our journey to you!” Goku said, smirking at Nightmare Moon. “She represents the Element of…Honesty!”

The golden orbs of light swirled around applejack encasing her in a bright yellow light before it took form around the tangerine mare. A mix between a saddle and a suit of Solar Guard encased her entire body, with golden armored horseshoes to match. On either side of her purple saddle on her armor was the deep purple pattern of her cutie mark, with the same one being in the center of it. Only it wasn’t the color of purple, or the color of red like the apples on her flank, but the color of pure emerald green orange. A small tiara also appeared around her Stetson, with the gem also holding an emerald green apple right in the center.

“Fluttershy risked her life to protect us and the Shadowbolts form a Manticore, the famous King of the Everfree Forest!” Goku continued, gesturing to the angelic warrior Pegasus. “Instead of using brute force to tame it, she tamed it with gentleness, compassion, and understanding! Fluttershy represents the spirit of…Kindness!”

The buttermilk Pegasus closed her eyes and allowed the orbs of light to surround her and encase her in a new form. Her armor was now a deep forest green color, very similar in appearance to Applejack’s own leg and body armor, except with slight differences. Fluttershy also gained a set of wing blades that protected the top back of her angelic wings, along with sporting different types of flowers in her cherry blossom mane. At last, a large flower crescent appeared on her head, and a golden pink butterfly appeared in the center of her chest.

“Out of all of us, Pinkie Pie was the least scared out of all of us! Even as we all shook in the face of danger, she laughed in it, just like she did with the Hinoinus in the Everfree Graveyard!” Goku said, looking over at the bubblegum pink pony. “Pinkie Pie represents the Element of…Laughter!”

The orbs surrounding the bouncing party pony, creating themselves into a suit of armor that was whiter than Rarity’s own coat. It covered the lower half of her legs, stretched all the way down to her rump and ended at her lower stomach. A large pure white, and somewhat floppy fedora appeared onto the Pinkie Pie’s head, with a golden orange balloon in the center, with one in the center of her chest. To top of her somewhat off appearance, a huge poofy feather popped out form the left side of her fedora as it fell to hang off to said side.

“Rarity, who normally wouldn’t have set foot in the Everfree or go anywhere near the beasts of this incredible forest, took a brave step and got up close and personal with one!” The pale white Kirin said, her eyes trailing over to the alabaster Unicorn. “Instead of running away, she soothed the creature with a meaningful gift that saved it from the clutches of death! She represents the Element of…Generosity!”

Rarity closed her eyes and held onto her somewhat messy mane as the orbs of light incased her in a large ball. When it cleared, she was wearing a set of silvery grey armor that was included with a set of horseshoes, and even a tiara, much to Rarity’s elation. In the center of Rarity’s chest, was a deep indigo diamond shaped gemstone shaped in the same way as her Cutie Mark, with the same one being seen on her tiara. As the finishing touch, her mane and tail skirt regained its curls, looking as if they never got ruined.

“Rainbow Dash, who always wanted to be known as the best flyer in all the land, was faced with a decision that would either seal her fate or change it!” Goku shouted, locking eyes with the cyan mare. “Instead of giving into her heart’s desire, she chose to stick by those who needed her the most, just like she did with the Shadowbolts! She represents the Element of…Loyalty!”

Rainbow Dash grinned widely as the orbs surrounded her, her fangs gleaming their brightest yet as her armored clung to her body. It was a deep purple, slightly lighter than the gemstones on Rarity’s own armor, but didn’t shine any less radiantly. It covered her back, shoulders, lower legs, rumor, and even her head, though not in the same way as the average armor. Rainbow Dash’s head armor matched the angles and curves of her face, allowing her mane to flow freely down her face as if she wasn’t even wearing any armor at all. As the finishing touch, a ruby red lightning bolt latched onto into the center of her chest armor, and a set of wing blades latched onto the edges of her wings, with holes allowing her wing claws to jet out.

“When we found the Elements, Twilight was the one who had the power necessary to ignite the magic contained within them!” Goku said, looking at the lavender Unicorn standing beside her. “Even when you smashed it to pieces, she still managed to bring the spirits of the Elements out, with your help more or less!” She let out a little laugh, before she continued. “She represents the Element of…Magic!”

Twilight’s highlighted mane and tail flowed gracefully behind her as the colorful orbs surrounding her formed into her own armor. It was a deep indigo color, darker than when she went into her bat mode. It went from her upper chest all the way down to her rump, with leg armor covering the lower half of her legs. A tiara slightly larger than that of Rarity’s appeared onto her head, with a bright pink symbol of her cutie mark on top of it. The same pink magical star could be seen in the center of her armor where her chest was, thus completing her new attire.

Nightmare Moon stared in absolute horror and disbelief at the new forms of the six mares before her, her mind unable to fully comprehend what she was seeing. She couldn’t understand how the Elements could still be working, especially when she turned them into dust with her bare hooves. There was no way, there was just simply no way that it was possible for these ponies to be having the armor that they now adorned. Unfortunately, it was, and it happened right in front of her very eyes, no matter how much she didn’t want to believe them. And that, scared the sin black Alicorn more than anything at that moment.

“I knew that me and my friends coming to this forest to stop you was the best decision that we could’ve ever made! Even more so because we made it through together!” Goku shouted, flaring her wings as each of her friends stood proudly beside her. “The spirit of these six ponies, helped each of us overcome every single challenge that we either faced alone or were thrown at by you! And if it hadn’t been for me leading them and holding them together, we would’ve been right back where we started!”

“Y-you still don’t have the seventh Element with you!” Nightmare Moon said, trying, and failing, to keep the terror out of her voice. “You and your meddlesome friends may have shining sun loving armor now, but that doesn’t mean you do as well! So, the spark your little Unicorn friend ignited in those measly Elements didn’t work!”

“Oh, but it did…maybe not the spark you’re thinking, but a different kind of spark!” Goku smirked as she turned to each of her friends. A brief moment of silence passed as the tan Kirin smiled at each and every one of them, who all gave her their own warm, gentle and cheerful smiles in return. “I don’t know why…but from the very moment I laid eyes on those Elements, I felt that very same spark. It was small, but it was there nonetheless…and it grew even larger when you all came. It was at that moment when I realized who happy I was to hear you, to see you…and how much I cared about you all. The spark inside of me ignited along with all of you, because you all…are my best friends!”

As Goku turned around to face Nightmare Moon for the final time a bright orb of light appeared above her, causing her and her friends to look up. Hovering above the Kirin was a giant sphere, the very same sphere that sat atop the Element Chamber Pillar. As it hovered in front of the Kirin, a golden white aura surrounded her, and her eyes glowed the same color as well. Goku stared at the Element for a moment, feeling as it was calling out to her, asking, no-begging her to take it and claim it as her own. Slowly, she took it in her hooves, and the sphere continued to glow, Goku slowly looked back up at Nightmare Moon.

“You see Nightmare Moon…when the Elements are ignited by the spark, like one Twilight had made, the six Element of Harmony created the seventh and final Element. One more powerful than any of the other Elements put together!” She said, holding the cement sphere above her head. “The Element…of LIGHT!”

With those words, the sphere glowed a pure while light shattered into a large flock of orbs that swirled around Goku, filling her with a warmth that she had never felt before. As she hovered into the air, the light surrounding her formed into a beautiful set of armor. It was a blazing azure blue color, as blue as the sky on a sunny day, covering her lower legs, back, chest, rump ad shoulders. A set of wing blades that went all the way down the edges of her wings appeared, having holes that allowed her large draconic wing claws to poke out. A pure golden white gemstone latched onto the armor where her chest was, shining as bright as her mesmerizing golden irises. To top the appearance off, a long golden white cape appeared from behind Goku, and her leg armor adorned holes that allowed Goku’s claws to freely poke out.

‘Amazing…never before have I seen such a sight that was so incredible.’ Sky Ranger thought, watching in silent awe as the mare’s glowed with divine power. ‘It looks like Equestria have a new set of guardians once more…’

“Nightmare Moon Nocturnis…the crimes that you committed on the ponies of my home are ones that cannotbe unpunished!” Goku declared, her powerful voice echoing about the nocturnal Throne Room. “You nearly destroyed a building full of ponies, almost took the life of the Queen, hurt my friends, threw challenges at us that nearly got us killed, and separated us so you could eliminate us one by one, and kill of the Queen as a bonus! All of these acts you’ve done and many more, and you would’ve continued on had we not stepped in!”

Her eyes glowed a pure golden as she bared her teeth, letting out a growl that had Nightmare Moon trembling in unfathomable fear. “Well, that. Ends. Now! You took away one of the most beloved ponies that could’ve evergraced thus word, and its time she’s brought back! Your time in the rightful Queen of the Night’s body is over, and its time you were sent back to the Tartarus where you belong!”

Landing on her hind legs, Goku brought her forelegs together, creating her third and final Kamehameha Wave for that fight. As she did so, her own friends readied their down attacks, while the gems on their chests glowed, responding with Goku’s finishing move.

“No…no, NO! This is not happening to me, not again!” Nightmare Moon shouted, rearing up as she spread her bloodied bat wings. “I am Nightmare Moon Nocturnis, the rightful Goddess of the Moon and the rightful ruler of this land, I will not be bested by seven measly ponies! Not even a draconic monster of a little pony!”

Igniting her horn, the sin black Alicorn fired off a powerful beam of magic at the seven ponies, only for a large multicolored shield to suddenly appear around them. It sent the attack bouncing away from the and flying off into the other direction cashing into a nearby wall. Nightmare Moon stared in shock in horror at the action.

“The only monster here is you Nightmare Moon! And you’ve made Queen Luna into a bigger monster, one that we’re going to exterminate form you once and for all!” Goku declared as she prepared to launch her attack. “Now, feel the power of the Secret Seven Clans, and the power of FRIENDSHIP!!!”

With a roar that would’ve shattered all the windows in the entire castle, Goku unleased her attack, the gemstone on her chest gleaming. Twilight and the others followed suit, firing off their own magical blasts, bolts of lighting and gusts of wind, all combined into an attack completed by the power of the Elements. Nightmare Moon whinnied with rage and defiance as she shot her most powerful beam of magic she had yet. It collided with the element infused Kamehameha Wave with such an intensity that Celestia and Zephyr found themselves being blown away. Huge clouds of dust swept across the entire abandoned Throne Room, roaring at such a volume that it was the only thing that could be herd. It was one of the biggest power struggles that any of the ponies had seen in their entire lives. One that they couldn’t help but feel that they’ll have again in the future.

After what seemed like an endless cycle of a struggle between darkness and harmony, the latter eventually and inevitably one out, eating up Nightmare Moon’s largest attack. The sin black Alicorn tried desperately to pure magic into her attack, but it was all in vain, just like it was over a whole millennium ago. Before she knew it, the Dark Queen found herself enveloped in sea of color that ripped her of her old on the mare she took, and all she could do was scream.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Nightmare Moon bellowed, screaming out in pure agony as she was absorbed in color. With a final push, the seven mares shot the sin black Alicorn straight through the wall behind her, through the window and out behind the castle. Her neighs and whinnies echoed about the forest of the Everfree as she was blasted out of the castle and into the very forest that she hid herself in. The seven mares continued on in their attack, pouring all the power they had into their bodies, until they had not a single ounce left to give.

There was suddenly a bright flash of pure white light that consumed all the ponies in the destroyed Throne Room, Sky Ranger included. It completely obscured their vision of one another, leaving them unable to see themselves or anything else. Mares and Hippogriff could still hear though, and the sound of twinkling and roaring light was the one thing that they could hear.

Then, without any warning whatsoever, everything immediately went dark.

Author's Note

The title of this chapter pretty much gave what was going to happen, so no one should really be all that taken aback that this would be the one where Nightmare Moon was defeated. I will say that I didn't expect to get this chapter out as quickly as I did the last one...once again, but it looks like I managed to once more...and probably for the last time for this soon to be old version of the first book of my series :ajsleepy: . This chapter is one of the many once that mostly stayed the same, with me just taking out a few paragraphs while adding some new ones, with the rest staying at is is :twilightsmile: . I don't know how long it'll take me to get to the other chapters out, but can assure that it'll be quick :scootangel: !!! Just a couple more chapters left, before I get to the sequels, and come back and really make this story what I want it to be :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 81 - Sisters Reunited

When Goku began to regain consciousness, the first thing she felt was the incredibly warm feeling coursing throughout her body. A type of warmth that went beyond even her comprehension and understanding. It was one of the most amazing feelings that she ever felt in her entire life. For no words were able to comprehend or describe it. The warmth somewhat reminded of her having a big cozy blanket being draped over her as a filly whenever it was bedtime. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before, much more than that cozy bed could ever bring. It was as if Goku was being wrapped in a protective sphere of warm divine light made by Lauren Faust herself, made to keep her from the darkness of everything around her. Wherever this feeling came from, and however it had formed, the tan Thestral loved it. So much so that a part of her hoped it would never go away.

Alas, that feeling was soon put to an abrupt end.

“Goku?! Goku! Goku are you there, honey?!” A familiar voice said, echoing from outside of her semiconscious state. “Come on sweetie, wake up! Please wake up!”

With a soft moan, Goku opened her eyes as she came back to the waking world. With a slight cough, her eyes finally adjusted to the multiple shapes and colors in her keen vision. When her vision fully restored, she saw a that it was her friends, and Sky Ranger. As she looked up, she found herself staring into the teal blue eyes of Fluttershy.

“Ugh…girls, Fluttershy?” The pale white Kirin asked as she put a hoof to her head, despite not having a severe headache. “Is…is that you?”

“Goku! Oh, thank Faust you’re awake!” Fluttershy exclaimed, her sigh of relief blowing right into Goku’s face. “I thought that it was going to take you longer to wake up. I really thought that there was something wrong with you, or worse!”

“Wrong with me? Why would there be something wrong with-” Goku began to ask, only to go silent as she gasped. With a burst of speed, she sat up, slamming her forehead directly into Fluttershy’s own as she shot to her clawed feet. The buttermilk mare cried out in pained surprise as she reeled back, falling right into her haunches, not noticing the other’s winces. “Oh shit, Nightmare Moon! What happened girls?! Is the fight over?! Did we win?! That wasn’t just a dream, was it?! Was it?!”

“Whoa easy there Goku!” Sky Ranger said urgently, flying in front of her and holding her by the shoulders. “You don’t need to freak out…you beat her…all of you did.”

“Yeah, you don’t need to worry G!” Rainbow Dash nodded, flashing a fanged grin. “That bitch ain’t comin’ back ever again!”

Upon hearing this, Goku let out a huge sigh of relief and fell to her haunches, only to remember that she was wearing her new armor. “Oh, thank Faust…that is a huge relief! I seriously thought that I was going to have to blast her out of here for a fourth time! I honestly don’t think my body could’ve taken it if I did, haha!”

Fluttershy giggled, reaching out with a hoof and helping the tan Kirin back up, ignoring the red mark on her forehead. “Well, luckily for you sweetie, you had the rest of us with you. Not only that, we have the Elements now, and that’s what really helped us in defeating Nightmare Moon and freeing Luna from the Miasma’s grasp.”

“We most certainly did darling, and that’s not the only thing the Elements help us with!” Rarity chirped, as she presented her newly formed tail skirt. “Look! They even restored my beautiful tail skirt to all its divine glory! And here I thought that I was going to have to wait for months for it to grow back!”

“Yaaaaay! Good for you Rarity! You got your tail back!” Pinkie Pie shouted, bouncing over and hugging the alabaster Unicorn tightly. “And it looks just as divine as ever, hmhm!”

“I know!” The fashionista cooed, hugging the party pony back and nuzzling her. “I’ll never part with it again!”

“Oh hay yeah!” Rainbow Dash boasted, looking over her new armored form. “We look totally awesome! I had a feeling that those Element things were gonna give us something cool, but I didn’t think they’d give us this sweet armor!”

“Neither did I…” Twilight said softly, looking over her suit. “They even had symbols of our Cutie Marks on them, and that’s something I really didn’t expect to happen.”

Goku chuckled. “Well, we are the new Element Bearers now, so it kind of makes sense that they’d gain something to let ponies know that we are.” She looked down at her own armor, where the golden white gemstone shone in the center. “I am confused about my own armor, and my gemstone hasn’t chance.”

“I guess it’s probably because you don’t have your Cutie Mark yet.” Sky Ranger said, looking at the gem observingly. “When the rest of your friends gained their armor, their gemstones turned into their own Cutie Marks. I suppose since you haven’t gained yours yet, your gemstone stayed the same, and it may stay that way until you do get your Cutie Mark.”

“Huh…I never thought of it like that.” Goku murmured, looking from her gemstone to her flank as she took in the Hippogriff’s words. “Oh well, I don’t really care about that right now. I’m just happy that we stopped Nightmare Moon, and saved Ponyville and all of Equestria from Eternal Night!”

“Me too G.” Applejack nodded, running a hoof through her own armor. “Ah gotta be honest, when you an’ Twilight were tellin’ us ‘bout these here things, Ah that y’all were just spountin’ a lotta hooey. But now, after what we’ve been through in this forest, and findin’ how out these Elements really worked, Ah think Ah can say with all th’ honesty in me that…we really do represent the Elements o’ Friendship.”

“Indeed, you do…all of you.”

A squeak of terror from Chenoa alerted the group to the new voice, and the readied themselves for another confrontation. However, upon seeing who it was, their postures of defense turned into bows as Queen Celestia, the Shadowbolts, Venture Vine and Zephyr all came inside.

“Queen Celestia!” Twilight squealed, rushing over and throwing her arms around her mentors neck. The swan white Alicorn smiled and returned the hug, using one of her wings instead of her hooves, since they weren’t bloody.

“Congratulations my little ponies, I knew you could do it.” Celestia said warmly as the Solar and Lunar Guards stormed in. “You fought through thick and thin and managed to find the Elements and unlock them. I knew deep inside me that you were the ponies who could bring my sister back, and you did it.”

“Yeah…we sure did.” Twilight said, looking down at the star gemstone on her armor. A confused look then came to her face as she looked back up at her mentor. “But…I still don’t understand…I thought you said that Nightmare Moon was just an old mare’s tail.”

The swan white Alicorn giggled, putting a hoof on the lavender Unicorn’s armored shoulder. “Oh Twilight, did you forget what I had told you four years ago? I never said that Nightmare Moon wasn’t real. I told you that you needed to catch up with all of the wonderful friends you made over the years, nothing more, dear. You were so focused on reading all of those dusty old books that you were becoming more and more anti-social, and that worried me, Spike, and your family greatly. So, I felt that you needed to be sent somewhere where you could be closer to your friends, especially since Goku was off at college. That’s the precise reason why I had you go to Ponyville, so you could get out and venture more…and I’m so glad that I did.”

She pulled her hoof away, and looked over at the window, at her Sun that shined through the glass. “I will be honest with you all, I foresaw the return of Nightmare Moon, but I didn’t want to tell you or Goku about it so soon. Not since neither of, or your friends were ready for the task at hoof. When we met up in Twilight’s library, I knew deep down inside that it was you, her, and the rest of your friends who had the magic within you all to defeat her.”

“You did your Highness?” Venture Vine asked, looking over at her six friends and then back up at the Queen. “Wow…so even before they had come to this here forest and accepted your mission, you had known all along that they be the ones to be able wield the Elements of Harmony?”

“Yes, I did…well, that and some small part of me told me that they’d accept the task I was offering to them. Especially with the lives of your loved ones at stake.” Celestia said knowingly, giving a light nod. “However, unless they were able to let true friendship into their hearts, they would’ve have never been able to bring them to life. Not only that, without Goku, none of you would’ve been able to unleash their power, especially since there are seven of the Elements.”

“For some reason, I had a feeling that was the case.” Goku said giggling mirthfully. “I mean, we did read in Twilight’s Reference Guide that there was the possibility of seventh Element being present, and that it would take the other six to summon it. So, without me coming along with the girls, none of them, not even Twilight, would’ve been able to use the other Elements, and they would’ve been killed by Nightmare Moon right on the spot!”

“Exactly, my dear thestral. And because you and your friends helped each through your journey into the Everfree Forest, and you kept them together, you displayed how wonderful the magic of friendship is, and how essential it is to any pony’s lives.” Celestia said smiling down at the seven mares as the six of them smiled at a bashful Goku. As quickly as it had come however, the swan white Alicorn’s smile vanished, and she let out a sigh. “And hopefully, another one will learn that as well.”

Celestia’s pale lavender eyes looked straight ahead of her at the large gaping hole where the twin thrones used to be standing. The seven mares, seeing where their Queen was looking, glanced at the large hole, before looking back at her. It took them a few seconds to remember that there was something else that needed to be done, and once they did, they flipped.

“Oh SHIT!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, her curse echoing about the room and causing most of the other ponies to wince. “Queen Luna! We completely blew her right out of this bucking room! Oh no, I really hope she’s okay and we didn’t over do it! Well, we kind of overdid it anyway when we use the Elements on her, but still! I really hope we didn’t kill her!”

“Shimmer down Dash, we didn’t kill her.” Applejack said, setting a hoof on the cyan mare’s shoulder. “At least, Ah don’t think we did. We didn’t really kill her did we yer Highness?”

“No Applejack, do not worry. The Elements of Harmony only freed her from the nightmare that plagued her, nothing more.” Celestia said calming, her tone gentle and reassuring. “They were never designed for taking the lives of ponies that were corrupted by either outside power or their own. Rather, they free those individuals from the darkness that plagued them, this giving them another chance at redemption and life, while eternally imprisoning those that cannot get free, unless said otherwise.” She looked back over to the large hole. “In this case, it was the former, and I’m glad that it turned out that way for my sister. Although, I do worry for the condition that she’s in right now.”

“Well whatever are we doing just standing around here?!” Rarity all but demanded. “We simply must check up on her! I will absolutely not have one of the divine rulers of Equestria laying bloodied and beaten while we’re looking as if nothing had ever happened!”

“Took the words right out of my mouth Rarity!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “I really really really want to see Queen Luna! I’ve heard so so so so SO many stories about her, and I wanna see if any of them are true! Oh, and I wonder what she looks like too, since she is the Queen of the Night! Oh, I bet she’ll look sooooo PRETTY!”

The swan white Alicorn inwardly chuckled. 'You have no idea...'

“I’ve actually sort of been wanting to meet her myself.” Fluttershy admitted softly, gently pawing at the ground. “N-normally I would be very nervous about meeting a ruler of any land, Equestria or not…a-and I’d probably be shaking like a leaf of I did get the opportunity. I know Scootaloo would be if she were in my position.” She then took a deep breath and composed herself. “But…there’s just…something that’s compelling me to go see her. I don’t know what it is, but…I just really really do. I-I if you don’t mind that is, y-your Majesty.”

“Hmhm, not at all my little pony. I was actually having you all come to see her anyway…I can almost anticipate the reactions you’ll have once you do.” Celestia replied, smiling sweetly at the buttermilk Pegasus. She turned back to the Wonderbolts and her Guards. “Thank you for accompanying us in this journey, Venture Vine, Captain Violet Fire, you and your whole team. I am very glad that you chose to accept my notice in aiding us in finding Nightmare Moon…even if it was on such short notice.”

“I would never reject any kind of notice to help you your Highness, not me or any of the other Wonderbolts.” Violet Fire said softly, giving a respectful bow. “Anything that you need our help for we’ll do without a single moment’s hesitation.” Her soft yellow eyes went over to Goku, Twilight, and her friends, and she smiled sweetly. “Especially if it was with close friends of our own…”

“I’m glad to hear that my dear. That I could rely on ponies as dependable and reliable as all of you, both you and the Shadowbolts.” Celestia said with a little laugh. “You and your team are free to leave now and head back to your base. I’ll be sure to send your rewards over to you as soon as I get everything sorted out here. For now, I think I’d be best of you all head on out of here.”

“As you wish you Majesty.” Violet Fire said, giving the Queen a sharp salute before she flew to the door. “Come on Wonderbolts, let’s go!”

“Right, you got it Captain.” Soarin said, before turning back to the Shadowbolts. “See you and your team later Captain Violet Fire!”

“You too honey!” The ebony black mare replied, smiling sweetly at the light cornflower blue stallion. “You and your team fly safe on your way to base okay?”

“We will!” Blue Skies said, smiling warmly at the Shadowbolts. “Bye-bye!”

“See ya!” Fast Track grinned, Lightning and Storm giving them silent nods before they all vanished out of the entrance of the old Throne Room. Shortly after the Wonderbolts vanished, Celestia turned to Zephyr and Venture, who was right by her side as before.

“The same goes with you Zephyr, you are free to leave. I will also send you your payment when I have the appropriate time.” Celestia said softly, putting a hoof on the royal blue stallion’s shoulder. “Oh, and if you don’t mind, could you lead the other guards out of the Everfree Forest for me? I need somepony who can remember tracks and trails, even in an environment as big as this one.”

“Of course your Highness, I’ll get to it right away.” Zephyr replied, giving the Queen a bow before turning to the other guards. “C’mon everypony, time to head home. Our work here is done.”

The other Solar and Lunar Guards silently nodded, nodding to their third in command as he began to lead them out of the room. Just before he left though, Goku saw him leave, and quickly bid her foalhood friend farewell.

“See ya Zephyr!” she said as she waved a claw over at him. It was great seeing you again! Thanks for helping me and the rest of my friends!”

“You too G!” The royal blue stallion replied, smirking back at the pale white Kirin. “Good luck with your meeting with Queen Luna!”

“Thanks, good luck to your trek out of the Everfree!” Goku said, giggling as she continued to wave at the Solar Guard. “Say hi to my Mom and Dad if you see them okay?!”

“Sure thing, honey!” Venture Vine said winking at her fellow Kirin. “See ya!”

“Wait!” The surprisingly loud voice of Fluttershy cut through the room as she rushed over to the royal blue stallion. Zephyr and Venture stopped where they were, curious as to what the buttermilk Pegasus wanted to tell them.

“Yes Fluttershy?” The former asked softly, tilting his head to the side. “What’s the matter?”

No sooner did he ask this, Zephyr found his face cupped in the warm hooves of the beautiful mare in front of him. He was only given a moment to look into her half-lidded gaze, before her lips pressed gently, yet firmly against his. Zephyr’s pupils concreted as a surprised squeak left him, his whole-body stiffening at the sudden lip contact. He then felt Fluttershy’s tongue enter his mouth and swirl around it, letting him get a full taste of it. Zephyr’s wings flared outward as his face burned from the contact, and he felt a tingling inside of his loins.

Not too far away from them, Fluttershy’s friends were having various reactions as well. Rainbow Dash’s jaw hit the ground, her eyes nearly bugging out of her head. Rarity and Pinkie pie both let out overdramatic gasps, the latte’s eyes growing to the size of dinner plates. Twilight froze in place, feeling a blush coming to her face as her heart leapt in her chest. Chenoa let out a startled squeak while Applejack merely whistled, with Goku and Celestia looking like they were going to double over laughing.

The ones with the most composed reaction was Venture Vine, who was starting completely blanked faced at the scene. ‘That mare is so going to milk him dry.’ She thought dryly, letting outa quiet sigh. ‘About time too…I was wondering when my baby boy was gonna get laid…’

Then, as quickly as he began, the kiss ended, and Zephyr was left in a bit of a daze as he tried to comprehend what had happened. When he finally did, he looked back down at Fluttershy, only to find her luscious lips next to his ear as she whispered, “Don’t forget about my thank you gift for when this is all over Zephyr~. You and me are going to have some fun~.”

‘Oh yeah.’ Venture thought, a little smile decorating her face. ‘Definitely going to screw him into the ground.’

A sharp, high pitched whinny escaped Zephyr as his eyes slammed shut, shivering as Fluttershy slowly ran a hoof along his chest. He opened his eyes just in time to see a retreating Fluttershy bat her eyelashes at him and brush her tail under his chin. With that, she trotted off back to her friends, and the sway of her hips was all that Zephyr needed to hightail it out of there. As he, Venture, and Royal Guards left, Venture leaned in close to her son. “You do realize that she’s going to make you breed her until your dick is a shriveled husk, right?”

“Don’t remind me!” Zephyr whimper his face still burning as Venture laughed and patted him comfortingly on his back with a wing. While they left, a grinning Fluttershy flew back to her friends, caring not for the various looks they were all giving her.

“Uuuuh…” Rainbow Dash said, finally managing to find her voice. “What the hay was THAT?!”

Fluttershy giggled, winking at Rainbow Dash as she slowly licked her lips. “Just a little reminder of what Zephyr’s going to get from me. After all, I’m not one to let anypony go unrewarded, isn’t that right…Rarity?”

The alabaster unicorn blinked in perplexation, before Fluttershy’s words sunk in and she took gained a bit of a blush. Looking away, she rubbed her foreleg and stammered. “Er, y-yes darling…thank you for reminding me.”

“Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa hold on!” Rainbow held her hooves out in front of her. “What is she talking about Rarity?! What is going on between you and Zephyr?!”

“Nothing that’s any of your business Rainbow.” Goku said sternly, glaring warningly at the cyan mare. “What they’re doing with Zephyr is their business only, so just drop it.”

“But I-!” Rainbow began, only to cover at the ashen face Goku shot her. Not wanting to get her mane burned off, she slumped in defeat. “Okay…n-never mind…”

With the athlete firmly put in her place, Applejack turned to Celestia and asked, “So uh, Your Majesty? Mind tellin’ us jus’ how yer gonna get us outta here an’ over t’ yer sister?”

Without a single word, the swan white Alicorn ignited her horn, encasing them, and the new Element Bearers into large golden bubbles. Spreading her massive wings, she took to the air with a single flap and soared out of the large whole, out into the open are, the encased ponies following behind her.

“U-um, Queen Celestia?” Twilight asked, the slightest bit of apprehension in her voice as she stared at the ground that she was being lifted off of. “What’re you doing to us?”

“Nothing my faithful student, I am merely giving you a ride across the Everfree to see my sister.” Celestia calmly replied, smiling over at her mentor. “Think of it as me helping you save time and energy that you’ll have to use when you get back home to survey the damage done to your home.”

Oh, please don’t remind us of that your Highness.” Rarity groaned, draping a hoof over her forehead as she floated rathe gracefully in the air. “I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of damage that was done to our beautiful town, especially to my boutique! And I don’t even want to think of what happened to my dear Sweetums! I can almost hear her calling out to her big sister right now! Oh, if I have to stay out here anymore than I half to, I’m gonna be wracked with worry!”

“Same here Rares…even now, Ah’m thinkin’ about AB an’ how she’s doin’ along with them new friends o’ hers.” Applejack nodded. “But Ah don’t think we should fret, their safe with Midnight and Snowflake, and if they were attacked, odds are they’re at th’ farm right now. So, Ah don’t think we should worry too much.”

“Jackie’s right! Those little cuties are a lot tougher than they look, even from our standards!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she rolled about in her bubble. “Who knows, maybe even my little Melon Cake’s with them putting big smiles on their faces right now!”

“Hmhm, now that’d be something that I would really like to see.” Fluttershy giggled, imagining Scootaloo’s adorable laughter in her ears. “But I think we can worry about that later girls. I think we’ve made it to our, um…destination.”

Following the line of the buttermilk Pegasus hoof, everypony gasped upon seeing a huge pillar of smoke rising from a grove of trees just in front of them. As they flew through the titan sized ones, they could see that most of the trees were burnt and charred. Small flickers of fire could be seen on said trees as the mares were carried through them, and over to where the thick cloud of smoke was. Wordlessly, Celestia landed on the ground in front of the crater, and deactivated her horn, letting the Element Bearers and the Shadowbolts out of their bubbles.

With her wings still spread, Celestia flapped them hard, sending a powerful gust of wind that blew all of the smoke away, as if it wasn’t even there to begin with. Everypony waited with bated breath as the swan white Alicorn looked inside of the crater. The silence that reigned throughout the clearing was so strong the eleven ponies felt as if they were being choked as they waited for their Queen’s verdict on her sister’s fate.

“W-well…? H-how is she your Highness?” Goku asked hesitantly. “Is…i-is Queen Luna okay?”

Slowly the swan white Alicorn turned around to look at the ponies behind her, each of them holding looks of expectancy fear and hope. A tiny smile slowly stretched across Celestia’s face as she gazed at them warmly. Then, after another long period of silence, she finally spoke.

“Everypony…” She said, her warm tone will happiness, elation, and relief. “…come and meet my little sister.”

That was all the words that they needed to hear as they galloped over to the Queen, stopping just short of the edge of the crater. Loud gasps escaped their throat as some of their hooves flew to her mouth, a couple of them even beginning to cry. Celestia smiled at their face, before looking down at the sight that meet each of their eyes took all their breaths away.

Lying in the middle of the charred crater, positioned in a way as if she were merely sleeping, was the most exotic and elusive looking mare any of them had seen in their entire lives. Like Celestia and Nightmare Moon, she was an Alicorn, albeit a little less than half of Celestia when it came to size. She had a grayish phthalo blue coat that contrasted brightly with the charred ground she was laying in, with a lighter grayish persian blue and tail skirt. Her eyes were closed, but the ponies could see that she had ebony black stockings on her hooves, with fetlocks trailing behind them, like Celestia’s own. She had a set of moderate cyan regalia similar to that of Celestia’s own, with a crown to match, having a crescent moon in the center of the crown and chest regalia. At last, her Cutie Mark was of that same blotched crescent moon, except the blotch was now a deep ebony black instead of indigo.

They could also see that the Alicorn mare had traits that could’ve mad her pass for a bat pony, or Thestral. For one, she had large furry tufts on the tops of her ears, like that of a thestral’s, or Bat Pony. Along with a, slightly shorter, set of fangs that could’ve been mistaken for a Vampire Pony’s own. Her wings were also that of a bat’s, being deep ebony black in color, while still holding the feathers of a Pegasus, along with feathered tail fins to match. To top her alluring appearance off, was her figure, which was quite the eye catcher, much to a certain fashionista’s secret envy. Unlike Celestia’s own frame, which was more largely built, Luna’s was lean, slender, and sleek, with plumpness and curves in all the right places.

“Oh, my goodness…” Twilight said in a near whisper, staring in awe at the mare before her. “Q-Queen Celestia…is...is this?”

“Yes, my faithful student this is my sister, Queen Luna Nightwalker.” Celestia said, smiling down at her student. “She is quite the sight is she not?”

Fluttershy nodded gently, tears silently flowing down her face. “She’s…she’s so beautiful...m-more beautiful that I had ever thought she’d be. I…I knew that she’d be as beautiful as you your Majesty, b-but…but I wasn’t…”

“Expecting something like this?” Rarity finished, looking just as captivated. “I know how you feel darling. Even I wasn’t expecting our dear Queen Luna to be this…alluring.”

“I have no idea what that means, but I totally agree with you Rares!” Rainbow Dash said, eyeing the grayish phthalo Alicorn in amazement. “And look, she even has her own set of fangs and wings claws like me! How badass is that?!”

“It’s…something alright.” Applejack murmured. “She even has her own set a bat wings on her too, along with them tufts on her ears. Kinda reminds me o’ th’ Fruit Bats back on th’ farms…only they’re more like that of an actual bat.”

“Hold on a second!” Pinkie Pie said, holding a hoof up. “Queen Celly’s mane and tail are flowing and wavy like, but Queen Lulu’s isn’t! If they’re sisters, then why don’t they have the same flowing mane?”

Goku stared at Pinkie as if she had said worst joke in the entire world. “Really Pinkie Pie? Out of all the questions you had to ask about Queen Luna, that’s the first one you come up with?”

“What?” The bubblegum pink pony asked, frowning at the tan Kirin. “It does make sense doesn’t it? The Nightmare meanie pants had a mane that flowed like Queen Celly’s, so now that Queen Lulu’s back, shouldn’t her mane be like that of her sister?”

“Well, yes, it should.” Celestia replied calmly. “However, due to you and your friends freeing Luna from the Nightmare, I’m afraid she has lost her power for the time being. Being trapped on the Moon for one thousand hears with a dark creature’s power eating away at you can make you unable to reach out to your own power for a time. And that’s what happened to my sister now that she is no longer Nightmare Moon.” She held a hoof up. “Now, don’t take this as me saying that she won’t be able to get her power back, because she will. Luna just…needs some rest to recover her strength, both for that and for the celebration soon to take hold.”

“Oh, well that’s a relief. I was honestly wondering if she had a different form other than this, especially since me and my team had seen pictures of what Queen Luna really looked like.” Applejack murmured, sighing. “I’m glad that she won’t be like this forever, however pretty she looks like this.”

“Same here AJ.” Rainbow Dash said, grinning over at the light grey mare. “I’d take this form or some other one over the last one Queen Luna was in any day!”

“Um, pardon me everypony. I don’t mean to be rude but…” Goku said, holding a hoof up. “…Is nopony going to wake her up? I mean, we’ve been here for a good few minutes, and nopony’s bothered to try to wake her up. Are we really just going to leave her here until she does?”

“I-I will.” Fluttershy said, volunteering before anypony else could. Everypony else looked over at the buttermilk yellow mare, who still had tears falling from her eyes. “I want to be the one to wake her up…i-if you don’t mind that is your Highness. P-please…I-I-I just want to…please…”

“Of course, Fluttershy, go right ahead.” Celestia said, gesturing down with a hoof. “I would advise you to be careful when you do. My sister is quite the sensitive pony, so even the slightest mistouch will set her off.”

“Yes, your Highness, thank you so much!” Fluttershy replied elatedly. “I promise, I’ll be as gently as I possibly can.”

“Hey, why does-” Rainbow Dash began to ask, only to stop when Goku spread a wing out in front of her. Frowning, the cyan mare looked over at the tan mare, only to freeze upon the stern look she was giving her. Wordlessly, Goku firmly shook her head, silently letting Dash know to stay put, giving her a little glow in the eyes as a warning. A moment later, Rainbow crossed her legs and looked away, grumbling under her breath.

Without another word, Fluttershy spread her wings and flew down the crater, the rest of the Element Bearers following behind her soon after. The feeling of the crater’s heat washed over their bodies as the smell of burnt earth filled their nostrils, but that was the last thing on their minds, the only thing being to get to Queen Luna. Before they knew it, they were right in front of the Moon Goddess, who still hadn’t noticed any of them there, still in her sleep filled state.

Fluttershy stopped just in front of the phthalo blue Alicorn, her breaths coming out slow and shaky as her legs shook in anticipation. She looked over at her friends, and the Queen, tears still pooling from her eyes as they all looked back at her quietly. They all gave smiles of encouragement to the ebony black mare, letting her know that they were there with her, along with her team.

Nodding, Fluttershy took a deep shaky breath and turned back to Queen Luna, and, after one more moment of hesitation, leaned her head in. She brushed her cheek up against Luna’s as gently as she possibly could, feeling the comforting warmth come from it. Fluttershy pulled her head away and waited for any sign of life from the bat winged Alicorn. A few seconds of silence passed with nothing from the mare, and Fluttershy and the others worried that she may in fact be seriously hurt or worse. Then, as if proving them wrong, a soft moan escaped the fanged lips of Luna and she slowly lifted her head up from the ground.

“She…she’s waking up! Queen Luna’s waking up! S-she’s okay, she’s really okay!” Fluttershy cried, smiling widely at the ponies around her. With her body bursting with excitement, she turned back to Queen Luna who was trying to sit herself up. “Q…Queen Luna…a-are you okay? Can you hear us?”

With another moan, the phthalo blue Alicorn raised a hoof to her face, rubbing at her eyes in a way that made it look like she was coming out from a goodnight sleep. The cute yawn that she let out didn’t help her matters either, and Fluttershy found herself silently cooing at the sight of it. With a shake of her head, Luna slowly opened her eyes, revealing to absolutely captivating moderate cyan eyes, completed with slits shaped like that of diamonds.

“Oooooh…w…where am I?” The phthalo blue Alicorn asked, looking around at the incinerated she lay in. Looking in front of her, she jumped slightly at seeing the Shadowbolts and the Element Bearers with her. “Who…who are you ponies? W-w-where am I?! W-why am I not on the Moon?”

“Don’t worry Queen Luna, it’s okay.” Fluttershy said soothingly, holding a hoof out. “None of us are going to hurt you, I promise. As for where you are…you’re in the Everfree Forest.”

Luna paused, her fear and apprehension giving way to confusion. “T…the Everfree Forest? Y-you mean the forest that holds the castle that my sister and I live in?”

“Used to live in your Majesty…” Goku said gently. “…but yes, you are in the Everfree Forest, in a spot just behind you and your sister’s old castle.”

“As for who we are…” Rainbow Dash said as he hovered in the air. “We are the new Elements of Harmony, and the ponies that helped save you for Nightmare Moon!”

“The…Elements?” Luna asked, looking down at the ground as she tried to recall where she heard that name. A moment later, it began to click inside her head. “Yes…yes, I remember…it’s all coming back to me now. the fight me and my sister had, and her using the Elements to banish me to my Moon was I was about…to slay her.” She looked back up at seven mares, taking in their appearances. “I must say though, I have never seen ponies quite like you before. Has…h-has that much time really flown by so quickly?”

“I’m afraid so your Highness...a-and I’m sorry to say that…a-all the ponies you may have known are…d-d-dead now.” Fluttershy replied, lifting a hoof to try to wipe away her tears. “A lot has changed since you were last here Q-Queen Luna, a-and we apologize i-if this is all a little overwhelming for you, a-and if-”

“N-no, no…it is alright young one.” Queen Luna said quietly, holding a hoof up to silence the veterinarian. “To be completely honest with you, I was not expecting anything to truly stay the same during my exile on the Moon, the environment around me. Then again, neither was I expecting things to chance so much, even with the extended number of centuries that have passed.” She around at the giant trees around them. “I do notice one thing that has stayed the same though, and that’s the Everfree Forest. Even after spending a thousand years on the Moon, I can never forget the magic coursing through this place. Nor the scent of the leaves swaying in the trees, the sounds of the creatures prowling through the bushes, and the trees towering over me…I can remember it all on my Moon as clear as day. And now that I am back, feeling it for the first time in ten centuries…it’s…hard to describe how it’s making me feel, even now.”

Applejack chuckled. “Can’t say that we blame ya…we’d probably be feeling th’ same if we were in yer position Queen Luna. Even with th’ small amount of time we’ve spent in this forest, we still have a hard time absorbing all the weird stuff that’s in here. Our friend Fluttershy is the only one who can really stand it, and even now, I’m still wondering how she’s able to do it.” The aforementioned mare blushed looking away as she hit behind her mane. “Regardless, it’s good t’ have you back with us Queen Luna.”

Luna blushed, shrinking away slightly at the warm smiles the mares were all giving her. She opened her mouth to say something else, only to stop and snap it shut. A gasp escaped the Moon Goddess’s mouth as she shot to her hooves, as if the mere sight of the seven mares had granted her the strength to stand. Her slitted eyes widened as she stared at them, taking in the sight of their armored forms as they all looked back at her in surprise.

“Q…Queen Luna?” Fluttershy asked sensitively. “Are…are you okay? W-why are you staring at us like that?”

“Y-you…you ponies…!” Luna stuttered; her eyes wide as they could be as she pointed a shaky hoof towards them. “I…I know who you are, all of you! Y-you’re the ponies that I saw…b-back at your home! T-the home that I…that I nearly…!”

“You…remember who we are?” Goku asked, the smallest hint of surprise in her voice, which wa laced with confusion.

“Y-yes, I do!” Luna replied, lowering her foreleg. “I…I-I remember seeing you all back in the town that I had…invaded, while still in my dark state! I remember everything that happened in that town, even before I had come inside!”

Twilight’s eyes widened as Luna’s words sunk into her mind. “You…you do?” She asked softy, earning a slow nod from the Alicorn. “So…you know what you…h-had done as…Nightmare Moon?”

Tears built up in Luna’s eyes as she bit her lip, her fangs protruding out of her mouth as she nodded again. “I do…a-all of it. I remember…c-charging through the roof and d-destroying it on impact…l-landing in front of all of those t-t-terrified ponies. T-t-the fear in their eyes, a-and…what I had done afterward.”

“You mean when ya flew up t’ yer sister an’ stabbed her in th’ chest?” Applejack asked gently, yet straightforwardly. Goku, Fluttershy, and Rarity all glared at her sharply, but the tangerine mare ignored it, looking straight into Luna’s tear-filled eyes. “Yer sayin’ that ya remember that?”

“I do…all of it. I remember…f-filling her w-w-with electricity, a-and the feeling of her, b-b-blood on my horn as i…s-stabbed her. I remember the screams that she let when I had done so…a-and the feeling of her s-sliding off of my horn.” Luna replied, her eyes squeezing shut as she shook on the spot. Taking in a shaky breath, she looked back up at the Element Bearers, her slitted moderate cyan blue eyes locking straight with Fluttershy’s teal ones. “I…I even remember, what I did to you, young one…h-how I nearly…crushed you with my bare hoof.”

“You remember that too?” The buttermilk Pegasus asked gently, her hoof instinctively going over to her stomach and rubbing it.

“Every last bit of it…a-and, what happened afterword when we finally met again.” Luna replied, wiping away her tears. “The fight, me teleporting you all away in my Nightmare state, m-me…throwing you one friend around, a-and my sister coming in and fighting me…a-again.” She looked in between each of the Element Bearers. “Most of all…I remember all of you firing at me…the feeling of the Elements pulling the Nightmare out of me…me hitting something hard…and then, after that…n-nothing.”

Rainbow Dash winced, her ears pinning back. “Yeah…we figured that you would remember that, even if you weren’t really yourself. We’re uh…we’re really sorry that we did that to you Queen Luna. We didn’t mean to blast you out of your old castle like that…we were just tiring to get that Nightmare Moon bitch out of you. We didn’t mean to overdo it.”

“Especially me.” Goku said, rubbing the back of her head. “I admit, I went over the top back there when I used my Big Bang Kamehameha Wave on you. My Element’s magic, along with those of my friends really didn’t help matters for any of us either. So again, we are very sorry that you got basted out like that…a-and gave you any unnecessary injuries.”

Luna shook her head, giving all seven mares a gentle and reassuring smile. “Do not worry about that little ponies. I do not blame any of you for what you had to do to defeat the Nightmare inside me and free me from its grasp. I will admit, you did indeed get carried away in your final move, especially when sending me into the second half of the Everfree Forest, but you are forgiven for that. You were in a situation where you had to use whatever means necessary to defeat a mighty foe…even if that foe wore the coat of one of your Queens. So you are forgiven for going over the top in our final battle.” A sigh escaped her lips as she hung her head, flicking her tail skirt. “I just only hope that my sister can forgive me for what I’ve done as well.”

“Who said that I did not forgive you my dear sister?”

Luna’s slitted eyes snapped back open upon hearing the voice she hadn’t heard in over ten whole centuries, yet still able to recognize anywhere. Snapping her head up, another gasp left her throat when she saw the swan white Alicorn slowly stepped down the crater. Every single fiber in Luna’s body screamed at her to run, to get as far away as possible from Celestia. As much as the fearful part of her wanted to, her more joyful and hopeful side kept her rooted where she was. It was only when Celestia got with leg’s length of her did she finally manage to move, but she was only able to back away half a foot before she froze again.

“T-T-Tia?” She stuttered, a squeak in her voice as she stared into the eyes of her sister. “Is…i-is that really you?”

Celestia smiled warmly, tears forming in her eyes as she looked down at her sister. “It is, my dear sister…as I was from one thousand years ago.” She said, her voice as gentle and motherly as ever. “Although, I can’t that I’m entirely the same pony that you last saw, before…your exile.”

The smaller Alicorn nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning over the changing colors in her sister’s mane and tail skirt. Slowly, hesitantly, she lifted a hoof and ran it through the swan white Alicorn’s flowing mane. “Aye…you do look a little different from when I last saw you sister. Your mane and tail…they still have that pink color that they had over a millennium ago, only now, they are changing colors. This wouldn’t happen to be an effect from trying to use all of the Elements of Harmony by yourself, would it not?”

“Still as sharp as you were centuries ago little sister. Yes, this is indeed a side effect from using all the Elements of Harmony at once. Something that, even now, I wish I didn’t have to do.” Celestia nodded, closing her eyes as Luna took her hoof away. She looked over at the seven mares, who were standing just off to the side. “It is why these ponies here have the Elements with them now, and are adorned in their armor, because they are the new Bearers of Harmony.”

“I see…I suspected as much.” Luna said, looking down at the ground as she absorbed the information like a sponge.

After a moment, Celestia sighed, her smile being replaced by a guilty frown coming to her face as she began to say the words that she wanted to say for so long. “Luna, before we do anything else…I want to say, that I am sorry.”

Luna froze, slowly looking up at with wide slitted eyes. “Y…y-you what?”

“Yes, dearest sister…I am sorry, for all the pain that I have put you through over these last thousand years, even before that.” Celestia replied, looking down at Luna with eyes full of remorse. “From when I began to put my own subjects over you, to ignoring you when you needed me, and not giving you a listening ear when you wanted, pleaded, for me to talk to you. For letting you fall into the pain and despair from everything that everypony was saying about you. For letting you go to such desperate and consequential measures to find love…and for pushing you to becoming the monster you were one thousand years ago.”

The swan white Alicorn closed her eyes as her expression became more pained. “For the last ten centuries, I have watch you sit imprisoned on the very Moon that you raised, and there has not been a day that went by that I did not think about you, or the pain that I had put you through during that time. Even now, I still remember the look of pain, agony, aguish and absolute grief tha you gave me day you and I clashed, and as I raised your Moon each and every day, I still felt it. It had haunted me each and every single day for all of these countless years, even as Equestria slowly changed in your absence on your beautiful Moon. There is not a day that goes by that I did not think about what happened that fateful day, or the pain that I put you through. Not only by the Nightmares hooves, but at my own as well, and that is the worst thing that I could’ve ever done to you.” She slowly sat down on her haunches and reached out with a hoof, putting it ever so gently on Luna’s shoulder. “Which is why…I want you back by my side again, not only as my sister, but as a fellow Queen of Equestria.”

“You…y-you want me back as Equestria’s Queen?” Luna asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “A-after…after everything I’ve done, all the pain that I put you and the ponies through…y-you still…w-w-want be back as their ruler?”

“Yes Luna, I do, and I have been wanting it even after I had banished you to your Moon. It’s something that should’ve happened long ago, since our beloved mother had passed away, and it should’ve been that way the moment we both ascended.” Celestia replied, smiling warmly. “I know you may think that you do not deserve it after everythin you have done, both then and now, but believe me when I say Luna, despite everything that’s happened, you deserve to rule, and be a ruler. Not just beside me, but as a Queen yourself, even if others don’t seem to agree. There’s a reason why Mother had said that we would rule Equestria together, because we were mean to rule together as sisters. Something that, overtime, I have forgotten due to the love and admiration that many of our subjects were giving me instead of you.”

She got back up, looking down at the phthalo blue Alicorn while still holding her shoulder. “But now, that time has come and gone…you have paid for your crimes and served out your sentence, despite all that has happened today. You have a second chance at putting all of those past deeds behind you, and becoming the pony that you once were. So, I ask of you on this day, Queen Luna Nightwalker, not just as a pony, and not just as a ruler of Equestria, but as a pony. Will you accept my forgiveness for your deeds, my friendship, along with many others along the way, and come back to my side again as the fellow Ruler of Equestria?”

For the longest time, nothing was said between anypony; not Luna, not Celestia, and especially not the Element Bearers. The formers all looked expectantly at the latter, wondering whether or not she’d accept Celestia’s forgiveness and offer in friendship, and become the fellow ruler of Equestria once more. Despite what she had done, the latter could not believe that none of them held any grudges or ill will against her, especially since Luna wasn’t really. Though by what she had told them, she could still clearly see what it was that she had done…or rather, what the Nightmare made her do. Either way, they all severely hoped that Luna would accept her second chance to start anew and make new friends. Otherwise, they’d feel as if the whole trip to the Everfree was for nothing.

The phthalo blue Alicorn laid where she was, still in a state of shock and absolute disbelief at what her sister was saying, let alone offering. Luna had honestly thought that her sister would not forgive her for what she had done. Somewhere deep inside her she knew that her sister would forgive her deeds over a millennium ago, even though a large part of her believed that she wouldn’t. However, to hear that her sister had not only forgiven her for that, but for what she had done just hours after she escaped from the Moon was huge shock to her. Which only added to the looks on the new Element Bearer’s faces as they all looked bac at her expectantly.

Then, there was the offer that Celestia was giving her, to have a second chance at living as a true pony and gain the friends, love, and acceptance that she had craved for so long. A part of her, the guilty and self-loathing part wanted to decline, to reject her offer and run off never to be seen again. To not have to look into the kind, warm and forgiving faces of the ponies she had hurt, both in the past and in the current present. The larger, more elated part of Luna however, demanded that she accept, to take the chance to put the past behind her for good. It was, admittedly, a reasonably tempting offer, especially since it was Celestia of all ponies offering it, which gave Luna all the more reason to accept it, and take back her rightful place beside her sister.

As Luna continued to mull over accepting Celestia’s forgiveness and her friendship once more, another swarm of thoughts stabbed their way into her mind. Darker, harsher, and more tragic thoughts of her time on the Moon, and what had happened to lead to it. Or rather, who had led her banishment and did the one thing to finally snap the last thread of her remaining sanity and let the Nightmare take over. The more these thoughts plagued her mind, the more she found herself hesitating to accept the offer. Finally, after two full minutes of silence, Luna breathed out a long soft sigh, letting her thoughts clear as she thought up of what to say. Once she was sure everything was set, she opened her eyes and met those of her sister, giving her the most serious stern look she could give.

“Sister, in the time that I have spent ruling by your side in Equestria, I have experienced many types of pains, inside and outside of battle.” She said softly, the silence in the clearing allowing it to echo about. “I have experience pains of the mind, mental, emotional, and psychological, pushing to the very brink of my sanity. I have experience pains of the body, broken bones, torn insides, severed limbs, snapped horns, and every other injury that would’ve left me as a mere husk. I have even experienced the pain from within the very depths of my soul, pain so great that they threatened to rip me from the inside out and destroy me forever. These pains I have felt and so much more, both from our enemies, and form the hooves of many of the ponies that we swore to protect…and from ones I know we both wish we would rather not have met.”

The phthalo blue Alicorn stared down at the ground, her tufted bat-like ears folding back against her head. “I have also felt pain from the very ponies that I was sworn to protect, the very same ones who believed that I was nothing but a monster. The ones who whispered behind my back, looked at me with utter hatred and contempt, and even tried to attack me out of fear and rage. It is a pain that went on for days, weeks, and months with no end in sight, so much so that I believed there was no other pain than this. That nothing, not even you ignoring me and rejecting me when I needed you, would make me feel even worse than I already was...until, that day.”

Luna’s lips curled back, her serrated fangs showing as her beautiful face contorted into a hideous mask. “The day that you had finally decided to pay even the slightest bit of attention to me, was the day that I finally managed to get happiness. The type of happiness that would make anypony that happiest pony on the face of all Equis, and make all else that would make a pony happy pale in comparison. When I showed you what I had, I could see something in your eyes, something that told me to protect it from you. For if I did not, I would forever lose it, and truly have nothing to make my pain go away. Alas, due to my desperation for love and admiration, and my need to make the pain our subjects was giving me go away, I ignored it. If not for my sake, then for the sake of the one that I swore to forever protect. You saying that you would let me have this and that you would support me and help me protect my secret happiness only assure the more naïve side of me even more that you wouldn’t do anything to take it away.” She let out a hiss that would’ve made even the most primal and aggressive of domestic cat’s proud. “It left me unprepared for the deed that you were going to do, that would lead me to being unable to take the pain anymore, and turn into the monster I was so long ago. To take my revenge on you, and make you pay for taking away the only one that ever brought me any TRUE happiness!”

The Element Bearers and Celestia all flinched, reeling back from the phthalo blue Alicorn’s sudden shout and change in mood. Before any of them could think more on it, Luna flared her feathered bat wings and took to the air, her fangs flashing in the sun’s light. Her moderate cyan slitted eyes blazed as brightly as her Moon as she glared down at Celestia, who merely looked back at her with remorse and guilt.

“You have done many horrible things to me sister, things that I never imagined that you of all ponies would do to me! The one pony, besides mother who swore to look after and protect me when I needed it, and it only makes the one thing that you did to me all the more painful!” Luna shouted, as tears began to spill from her eyes. “Out of all the horrible painful things that were done to me, the deed that you did to me the day before my banishment was at the top of the list! It was the one thing that I would not wish upon anypony, not even any of enemies that we have defeated over the centuries! Out of all the ponies I expected to do you had done, it was not you, and to know it was brought me even more than the one I felt when you took my precious secret away from me!” The phthalo blue Alicorn’s face contorted into one of pure anguish as she added with a heartbroken sob, “A-and…and just when I believed that I wouldn’t feel it another time…I…I-I felt it again on my precious Moon…only it was…s-so so much worse! Worse than you banishing me, and leaving me up there to rot on the Moon for a whole MILLENIUM!”

Luna’s lips trembled as she squeezed her eyes shut, the tears in her eyes flowing like waterfalls as she dropped to the ground right on her haunches. She but both hooves to her face as she sobbed loudly into them, her tears flowing in between them. Her entire body shook as she lay on the ground, her sobs echoing about the clearing as her sister and everypony else looked on sadly.

“F-for the last ten centuries, I-I have sat upon the very Moon I raised, unable to look at nothing but the stars I made dance, the S-Sun that you raised and the world that we once ruled together. Unable to d-do nothing but think of all the pain that was inflicted on you by me and vice versa, a-and…and speak to the monster that took over me.” Luna whimpered as she curled up around herself. “It is something that will forever stay with me for as long as I continue to raise and lower the Moon, and protect ponies in their dreams…and it is something that I will never ever truly forgive you for Celestia.” She looked up at Celestia again, pure grief burning in her eyes as hot tears continued to spill from her eyes. “I have tried…believe me sister, I have tried so hard, for so long during my banishment, to find it in my heart to forgive you for what you had done to me. But…I can’t do it Tia…I-I just can’t…and as long as you and I continued to watch over this universe…I don’t think I ever will.”

Throughout her entire talk and rant, Celestia said nothing, just looking down at her sister with that same guilty and remorseful expression. She knew exactly what Luna was talking about when she said that she could ever forgive her for what she had done before her banishment. It was written all over the smaller Alicorn’s face even before she began talking about it, and it did not once give her even an ounce less of the guilt that she felt back then. Luna had every right to be mad at her for what she had done, and there was nothing she could say or do that could ever make up for what she did to her.

In all honesty, she really wasn’t expecting her to forgive her for it, even if a small naïve part of her believed she would. Now that Luna said it herself that she wouldn’t, that naïve part of her died inside of her, leaving her with the cold hard truth that part of her denied for all this time. As Celestia continued to stand in her guilt-ridden state, she didn’t notice Luna rising to her hooves and walking over to her. It was only when she felt a hoof on her shoulder that she opened her eyes to see her sister looking back up at her with a calmer, yet still somewhat anguished, expression.

“Be that as it may, sister…just because I cannot forgive you for what you had done to me, doesn’t mean that I will not take my place as the Queen of the Night again. While you may be a Queen like me, you are still a pony. Even you need help form somepony who is of your status, and I just happen to be the pony to do it.” Luna said, her voice soft once more. “Which is why…I will accept your offer in ruling alongside you again, along with your forgiveness. As for us being friends once more…” She looked down at the ground. “Well…I don’t believe there is a chance of that ever truly happening again. Nor do I believe that we can truly reconcile over what had happened.”

“R…really?” Celestia asked, her eyes glazing over as she stared down at her sister. “You’ll rule by my side once more?”

“Yes Tia, I do…many centuries have passed since we have last seen each other, and I want to learn all that has changed in the world, so I will be able to help you out more once I take back my place as one of Equestria’s rulers.” Luna nodded. “It will indeed take some time for me to settle into this new Equestria, but another part of me is telling me that I will fit in just nicely. Even if there are some who may disagree…after all, as you said, we were meant to rule together, were we not, sister?”

Celestia sniffled, tears of happiness and relief streaming form her eyes as she nodded. Slowly setting herself down on her haunches, she reached over and pulled her sister into a warm tight hug, wings wrapping around her as well. Luna flinched slightly at the contact, but soon returned the hug as she nuzzled into her elder sister’s neck.

“Yes Luna, we were…we were always meant to rule together as sisters. And I’m sorry that I lead to you to believe otherwise.” The swan white Alicorn said, voice wavering as she held her sister close. “I swear, I will do everything in my power to make up all that I have done to you, and insure that you get the love you’ve wanted for so long.”

“I know you will…you always did manage to keep your promises, even if there are some you can’t keep entirely.” Luna nodded, leaning into her sisters embrace. With a sniffle of her own, she buried her face in Celestia’s neck, staining her coat with her tears. “I’ve missed you so much big sister…”

“And I you, little sister.” Celestia whispered, tears continuing to spill from her own eyes. “And I you…”

Nothing else was said after that, just the sisters hugging each other and rejoicing in their reunion after one thousand years away from each other. The Element Bearers all stared off to the side, smiling warmly at the scene in front of them, with more than a few of them shedding tears. They could’ve stayed there and watched that tender moment between the two goddesses forever, but all good things had to come to an end. Eventually, the two sisters separated, and, after nuzzling each other briefly, turned to look at the other ponies around them.

“I can’t thank all of you enough for what you’ve done for me and my sister today my little ponies.” Celestia said, looking at both groups of ponies with utter gratitude. “I don’t know how I can repay any of you for putting your lives on the line for what you did today. This means more to many than you can ever know, and no words can express my thanks to all of you. I promise you, you will all be repaid in full for bringing my sister back to me.”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that Queen Celestia.” Goku said kindly, waving a dismissive claw. “We’re just glad that you’re reunited with your sister after so long. It’s one of the main reasons why we agreed to your mission and become the new Elements of Harmony, other than kicking Nightmare Moon’s ass all over the abandoned castle.” She glanced over at Luna. “No offense to you, Queen Luna.”

“No offense taken my little pony. I understand completely how you feel.” Luna said softly, giggling as she put a hoof to her mouth. “I was in your position, I would indeed be wanting to freeze the hide of the fiend that took over me and turned me against everypony that I loved. Alas, that was your job, and not mine…still, I am nonetheless happy that she is gone, so I thank you for that, all of you.”

“You are most welcome your Highness.” Rarity said politely, giving a respectful bow. “Now you won’t have to worry about that ruffian bothering you anymore. And you can come back with us and start anew with us and everypony else around you!”

“Got it in on that one AJ’ Rainbow Dash said, grinning over at the farmer and then at Luna.” “Who knows, you may even get a few new friends along the way! Well, other than the ones you’ve made now.”

Fluttershy giggled. “I think so too~.”

A squeal suddenly resounded around the crater, and everypony looked over to see Pinkie Pie bouncing around them with the biggest grin on her face. She stopped right in between her friends, looking in between the with eyes that sparkled with mirth and joy.

“Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my GOSH! This has to be the biggest, craziest, most awesomest day that we have ever had in our LIVES! First, we go onto an adventure through the most dangerous forest in Equestria, then we get these new cool and shiny suits of armor, and now we meet the Goddess of the Moon!” She squealed again and trotted in place, giggling in a way that made some of the ponies want to hug her. “We should totally have a HUGE party for this, bigger than any other party that I’ve thrown in Ponyville EVER! Oh, I can only imagine just how big it will be!”

“As much as Ah would like to agree with ya on that sugarcube, Ah don’t think that’s gonna be an option.” Applejack said, smiling solemnly at the bubblegum pink pony. “If Ah recall, that Nightmare Moon varmint had all but destroyed the Town Square and hurt a lotta ponies in the process. Now, Ah’m not sayin’ that we won’t be able to have the Summer Sun Celebration, at least not now. Ah’m just sayin’ with how much damage that’s been done, that may have to wait fer a lil’ bit…we kind o’ got a lotta cleanin’ up t’ do.”

“Applejack’s right Pinkie Pie.” Twilight nodded, smiling gently. “There’s also the fact that Queen Celestia herself was the one to plan the Summer Sun Celebration, and that Queen Luna is her sister. So you’ll have to ask both of them if it’s okay for you to throw a party in honor of Queen Luna and her return from the Moon.”

“As much as I appreciate your offer my dear, I am afraid I’m going to have to decline.” Celestia smiled, speaking up before Pinkie Pie could even open her mouth again. “So much has already happened today, and a party, as enjoyable as that would be for my sister, is the last thing that she needs right now. As she said, she is still a bit shaken up from her experience as Nightmare Moon, so she needs some time to recover from this before anything else.”

“Oh…okay, I understand Queen Celly.” Pinkie Pie said, looking down as she deflated slightly. A moment later, she perked back up, looking at the swan white Alicorn hopefully. “We still get to be there at Queen Lulu’s celebration, right? You know, for when she is ready for a party and to meet new ponies?”

Celestia nodded, giving the bubblegum pink pony her reassurance. “Of course you will…all of you.” She said softly and warmly. “I will let you all know when I am going to continue the Summer Sun Celebration, and where I will be holding it, though it’s gonna be a while before I do. For now, I have other matters that I need to attend to.”

“Don’t worry Queen Celestia, take all the time that you and your sister need together.” Twilight said softly, smiling at the sight of the two sisters smiling at one another. “We’re all kind of beat ourselves, and I really just wanna head back to my library, crawl into by bed, and sleep for the rest of the day. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this tired in a pretty long time.”

“Same here Twi…I can’t remember a time where I’ve felt this exhausted, not even when I’m training.” Rainbow Dash said, chuckling as she stretched her wings. “I cannot wait to get back to my cloud house…the sooner we get back to Ponyville, the sooner we can all snuggle up in bed and sleep like logs.”

“Hey, I was gonna say that!” Goku frowned, flicking the cyan mare with her tail. “Damn mind reader…”

“Well then, I guess we’d better get a move on.” Applejack said stretching her legs as she hiked up the crater. “We got a lotta work t’ do b’fore we git back t’ the celebration, so Ah don’t think we’ll be able to really relax jus’ yet. Although Ah am lookin’ forward t’ seein’ AB an’ th’ rest o’ th’ Crusaders again…that’d be more than enough t’ git me through any rough day like this.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself AJ!” Goku replied, spreading her feathered bat wings and joining the tangerine mare's side. “I’ve been wondering how my sisters and little brother have been doing ever since me and the girls left, and I can’t wait to see them all again! I have a feeling that when we get back, they’re gonna have quite the story to tell us all!”

Author's Note

Well...here it is you guys...the emotional if not slightly overextended reunion between the two Royal Sisters, after a whole millennium of being apart :pinkiesad2: . Now, one of the biggest changes that I made to this chapter is cutting out the Wonderbolts and adding Venture Vine to this chapter. Other than changing who is saying the dialogue and shortening some sentences and paragraphs, the rest of the chapter is pretty much the same as it is last time. Other than Zephyr getting a mouthful of Zephyr's lips and the promise of something fun happening with her :rainbowlaugh: !!! Oh that, and changing some parts where I had stated that Goku was a full blooded Pegasus :derpytongue2: ! Just saying right now, this was one of the chapters that I really anticipated the most, along with the last one and the sequel that comes after the one I'm planning to finish :ajsmug: . I won't say that it'll be but...let's just said that a certain draconic stallion will get it on with a certain gentle mare :heart: .

Well, that's all for this chapter...next time will be the celebration of the return of the Queen of the Night! Along with a very important author's note that will be made at the very end, so keep an eye out for that :eeyup: .

Chapter 82: A Celebration to Remember

A full week had passed since and fall and defeat of Nightmare Moon Nocturnis, and the return of Queen Luna Nightwalker. Those that experienced it could not be happier her reign of terror had finally come to an end, no longer having to fear her reign. It had taken countless hours, going through a huge forest, fighting dangerous wild creatures, and making split second decisions. Fortunately, thanks to the determination, perseverance, combined strength and teamwork of the ponies, they had all managed to make it out on one piece. The adventure was a long and brutal one for Goku and her friends, and the battle afterwards had pushed them to her limits. Even so, none of them gave up, and thanks to their reliance on one another, and Goku’s leadership they saved all of Equestria from Eternal Night.

Despite the victory, there was that fact that there were many ponies in the town hall that were seriously hurt. Along with the fact that the Town Square and some of the homes at Ponyville were more or less destroyed, the former being in the most severe condition. Other than those three problems, the rest of the citizens of Ponyville that were not at the Town Square were all fine; traumatized and maybe even mentally scared, but alive and well. Despite all of the horrors that Nightmare Moon had brought upon them, all of them were happy that none of them were dead, and their loved ones were okay. They were even more overjoyed when they saw that Queen Celestia was alright, as many of them knew she would be.

The one thing that the Queen did not mention though, was the fact that Goku and her friends were the ones responsible for Nightmare Moon’s defeat. As much as she knew that the public deserved to know the truth about who really saved her sister, Celestia knew that was the last thing that the new Element Bearers needed. The seven mares had more than enough excitement to probably last a lifetime. If they had to deal with the gratitude of everypony in their hometown, however, deserved it was, they wouldn’t be able to take it. Which was why the Sun Goddess had given them all two weeks to recover from the experience. All the while she spent some alone time with Luna, helping her recover from her traumatic experience as Nightmare Moon Nocturnis.

Before the new Element Bearers and any of their families knew it, the two weeks had come and gone, and they now found themselves back at the event they had all helped set up. Only this time, it wasn’t at Ponyville, since that was still going through repairs that Nightmare Moon’s Dark Army left. Queen Celestia instead to have the Summer Sun Celebration held up in in Canterlot, Goku and her siblings’ soon to be old home, much to most of the thestral’s friends’ surprise. Goku could see the point in that, since she wanted practically everypony where Celestia lived to see their Lunar Queen. Even if Luna didn’t live with her sister for all those centuries, she was still their ruler as well. Plus, more ponies would be there to see the event take place in Canterlot, especially since so many ponies in that city lived so close to the castle.

That was exactly where seven mares, and some of their family themselves at now along with dozens of other ponies. A dozen or so tables could be set around where the stairway to the castle was, with pretty much the same decorations displayed at the Town Square. Each of them could be seen either sitting at the tables, or going about the area, either talking with friends, eating food, or playing with the foals running about. The air around the castle seemed to radiate with the same positivity that it had back at Town Square before Nightmare Moon had ruined it. The fact that there were so many ponies were there only made that positivity stronger, and something told the new Element Bearers that by the time the Royal Sisters came, it would explode all throughout the city.

Just in front of the flight of golden stairs leading up the castle, the seven mares could be seen sitting at one of the tables closest to the stairs. The table they were at was a big one, big enough to fit them all, and still allow the younger ponies to be there. Even Derpy, Amethyst, Shining Armor and Spearhead were all there with them as well. All of them were currently conversing with each other, either casual or upbeat manners, with all of it being polite and courteous.

Out of all the things that were on their minds however, seeing Luna again was on the forefront of all of their minds. They had been wondering how she was doing for the last two weeks they were recovering and were very excited to see the Moon Goddess again. The same could be said for the foals, unable to contain their excitement seeing the one who would soon be visiting them in their dreams. Despite this, not all of them were visibly excited, some of them sweating bullets and looking like they were going to faint from the anticipation. Their mothers and sisters were visibly amused by this, but did their best to keep them calm, while keeping up their casual talk with one another.

“How long are you gonna keep biting your hooves like that Sheton?” Goku asked, an amused smile on her face as she watched her little brother shake next to her. “I know that you’re nervous about meeting Queen Luna and all, but calm down sweetie. It’s not like she’s going to come out as Nightmare Moon again and scare the Cutie Marks off of you.”

Sheton, who was currently biting his lips and rocking in his chair, stopped and looked over at his sister with a frown. “Okay sis, first of all, I don’t have even my Cutie Mark yet! I’m only seven, and my next birthday is still months away! Second, of course I’m nervous about meeting Queen Celestia’s sister! Why wouldn’t I be?! Me, Spike Crescent Shield, Dinky and the Cutie Mark Crusaders are gonna be meeting the Goddess of the Moon herself! The one who rules the night and protect ponies in their dreams; their dreams! Who wouldn’t be nervous, or terrified, about meeting somepony like that?!”

“I hear you there, sweetheart.” Fluttershy said softly, reaching over and gently patting the stormy grey colt on his back. “Ever since I told Scootaloo that we’d be meeting Queen Luna here in Canterlot, she’s been such a nervous wreck for the last week and a half. I did everything I could to calm her down, but the poor thing just wouldn’t stop shaking! It was only when I told her that you and her other friends would be there that she finally managed to settle down. I don’t think I’ve ever seen here that worked up in all of my life.”

“Y-y-yeah, it…i-i-it was really n-nerve-wracking f-for me w-when big sister told me t-that I was going to be c-coming w-with her to me Q-Q-Queen Luna.” The tangerine filly nodded, looking up at her older sister. “I-I’m sorry that I worried you so much b-big sister…I-I didn’t mean to s-s-stress you o-o-out.”

“Oh, that’s okay Loo-Loo.” The buttermilk Pegasus cooed, wrapping an angelic wing around her younger sister. “I understand perfectly how you felt for this past week and few days. In all honesty, I was more than a little nervous when meeting Queen Luna…but after a while, I took a real liking to her. She seemed like a wise gentle pony, so I’m sure you’ll take a liking to her too.”

Scootaloo nodded, burying her face in Fluttershy’s huge mass of chest fur. “I-I hope so too b-big sis…I-I hope s-so t-t-too.”

“Well, I’m not in the least bit nervous!” Dinky, sitting in her mother’s lap. “I’ve always wanted t meet the Queen of the Night form the very moment that my mommy told me all about her! I’ve always looked out at the stars wishing and praying that I’d get to meet her someday, and now that wish is finally coming true!”

“It sure is muffin.” Derpy cooed, nuzzling her youngest daughter. “Looks like all of that waiting and wishing is finally paying off for you. As I always say, patience is a virtue, and it looks like you’re waiting for all of those months are finally being rewarded.”

“They sure are Mom.” Amethyst said, patting her little sister’s head. As her sister giggled up at her, the magenta purple Unicorn turned to her mother and whispered in her ear. “I can’t wait to see the look on little Dinky and her friends’ face when she finally sees Queen Luna. I bet they are just going to be running around squealing their little heads off.”

Derpy giggled, winking up at her eldest daughter. “You and me both.”

“Hey uh, Applejack?” Apple Bloom asked, looking over at her sister. “Can…can Ah ask ya somethin’?”

Applejack, who was drinking a mug of cider with Rainbow Dash, turned to look at the sun yellow filly. “Sure Apple Bloom, what’s on yer mind?”

The sun yellow filly rubbed her hooves together, hesitating before she continued. “Do you uh…remember when me, Scoots, Sweetie Belle, Fire Flash, Sheton, Dinky Crescent Shield an’ Spike all told y’all ‘bout the fight that we had with that Serafino guy back on th’ farm?’

“Yeah, Ah do…what about it?” Applejack asked raising an eyebrow. “Do ya think that Ah’m mad at ya fer friends gettin’ int’ a fight with that varmint? Cause if that’s th’ case, then Ah told ya b’fore that Ah ain’t. Y’all were in a real tight situation, like Apple Grove had said, an’ didn’t really see any other way o’ getting back int’ th’ Town Square. Ah ain’t gonna get mad at ya fer doin’ somethin’ that ya believed ya had t’ do, ‘specially since it seemed like th’ only available option at th’ time.”

“The same goes for me Sweetie Belle.” Rarity said, tenderly rubbing her sister’s head. “While I wish that you didn’t have to get into an altercation like that so soon. Especially at such a young age, so I understand where you’re all coming from. You were given specific instructions by Snowflake to get to head on with her to Sweet Apple Acres under the belief that you'd all be safe. So there was no way that you could’ve known any of those monstrous creations could’ve been at the farm, and based on Apple Grove and Spike had told us, you had no choice but to protect yourselves at some point.”

“I agree with Rares one hundred percent with this one Fire Flash.” Rainbow Dash said, putting a foreleg around the crimson filly. “If it was any other situation, I probably would be more than a little pissed off that you just went and put yourself in danger. You’d also totally be grounded, and have your training upped to the maximum as a means of punishment for your shit.” A fanged grin came to her face as she ruffled Fire Flash’s mane. “But, since you didn’t really have much of a choice, and the place that you were trying to get to was being broken in by the very same place you were trying to get you, I’ll let it slide this time. Just try to be more careful next time okay, squirt? It’d really suck if I lost you to something that Nightmare Moon let out. Especially when you still have your whole life ahead of you.”

“Yeah…me too Spike, Crescent Shield.” Twilight said softly, pulling both foals close to her. “I would be absolutely crushed if I had lost either of you or both of you. Both me and Shining Armor, and…I don’t want to know what mom or dad would feel if they found out that you two were taken away from them.”

“We know sis, we’re sorry that we made you worry.” Crescent Shield said apologetically, wrapping her forelegs around her sister’s barrel. “We were as careful as we possibly could me, even when we fought that stallion. To be honest, I wish we didn’t have to fight either, since all we wanted was to just get to the Town Square and stay there.”

Twilight cut her little sister off, putting a hoof to her lips. “No no…it’s okay Crescent. You say that they were in trouble, and you wanted to help. I…I’m not gonna hold it against you or Spike, and especially not Sheton for suggesting it.” She looked over at the stormy grey colt. “And Sheton, thank you for looking after Crescent Shield while you, Spike, and your friends in your battle. It means a lot to me and Shining that you tried to keep her safe, and I know my mom and dad will appreciate that too.”

“T…thank you Twilight…a-and again, I’m sorry if I put any of Dinky and the others in danger everypony.” Sheton said timidly, addressing everypony at the table. “T-that wasn’t my intention, I-I just wanted is to help all those ponies and get all of us to safety and, well…I wasn’t really thinking.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for sweetheart.” Derpy said gently, kissing the colt on his forehead. “I’m just happy that my little muffin and the rest of you are safe. And we’re all so proud of you for holding your own and protecting each other when you really needed to. I’m also very thankful to you for looking out for her, and defending her from danger, even if you did get pretty banged up from it.”

“Banged up?! He literally had a hole in his stomach from when Serafino stabbed him!” Spike exclaimed, a massive sweat drop appearing on the back of his head. “Still, you’re welcome Ms. Derpy and, we’re all glad that you’re not mad at any of us.” Breathing out a relieved sigh, he leaned into Twilight. “Oh, and Twilight…I’m sorry that I couldn’t really protect your library while you were away.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that Spike.” Twilight giggled, kissing the Kirin on the cheek. “I can always get it repaired, and all of the books destroyed replaced with new ones. You and Crescent Shield are the ones that reallymattered to me…because it’s you two that can never be replaced.”

“Damn straight.” Shining Armor nodded, wrapping a strong foreleg around his sister. “I’d trade all the armor I have for you, Spike and Crescent Shield any day.”

Spearhead nodded. “True that.”

“Heehee, thanks you guys! That really means a lot!” Sweetie Belle said, hugging Rarity around her waist. “If I’m being honest, it was actually kind of fun for me and the others. Finally, being able to have a chance to test out magic and see just how far we’ve come since we first unlocked it. It was probably one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had!”

“I totally agree!” Fire Flash nodded, shooting to the air. “I have been waiting so long to be able to kick some flank instead of watching from the sidelines and seeing my big sis to it! I finally got that chance to do it, and oh my gosh, it was so AWESOME!”

“M-mhm…it really was. A-and I’m really glad that we got to experience it together…a-and I’m even more glad that the stallion we were fighting wasn’t real. O-otherwise it would’ve made us feel as if we were h-harming an i-i-innocent creature.” Her smile fell as she looked up at the sky, seeing the stars twinkling within it. “I-I just wish t-that Granny Smith could celebrate it with us too…”

“I’m sure you do kiddo.” Amethyst said, smiling softly at the tangerine filly. “Unfortunately, she’s an elderly mare now, and they never stay in one place for very long. A nice as it was for you to get to know her, she won’t be able to be everywhere you are. Ms. Smith is one of those mares who wants the quieter life, and I can’t really fault her for that. Still, I know she’s just as proud and thankful as me that your safe and Sheton kept you safe too.”

“Yeah, we know.” Apple Bloom nodded, sighing dejectedly. “Still, it sucks that she couldn’t be here with us t’ meet Queen Luna, includin’ Apple Grove. Ah really hope we see her again, an’ Cousin Grove recovers from that nasty wound she has….”

“I’m sure she will.” Amethyst nodded feeling face go a bit green. ‘Sweet Faust, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that gruesome before in my life. I’m amazed that Grove was able to even still maintain consciousness! It looks like the Sweet Apple Family is a lot more tougher than I thought they’d be…’

“Don’t worry Apple Bloom, I’m sure you’ll see your older cousin again.” Goku said sweetly, smiling at the young farm filly. “Remember she’s a Sweet Apple Titan, and they’re tough, just like Applejack, and it’s going to take more than being impaled through a tree to take a pony like that down. I know that we’ll eventually see Apple Gove again; maybe at the next Apple Family Reunion.”

“Yeah…hopefully.” Sheton nodded, sighing as he closed his slitted eyes.

“Hey you guys, look!” Pinkie Pie suddenly shouted, pointing a hoof up. “It’s Queen Celly! I can see her at the top of the stairs!”

The eleven ponies and eight foals, upon hearing this, along with noticing that everything had gotten very quiet all of a sudden, looked to where the party pony was pointing. Standing just at the top of the flight of stairs, color shifting mane flowing like gentle waves, as none other than Queen Celestia Daybringer herself. The armor that she wore at her abdomen castle was no longer present on her, now replaced with the regalia she wore at the Town Square. Her warm motherly smile was still as radiant as ever as she stared down at the ponies blow her, all of whom were looking back at her expectantly.

‘Huh…looks like Queen Celestia didn’t have to silence them this time. Must because they’re so eager to meet Queen Luna.’ Goku thought, looking around at the ponies. ‘Can’t say I blame them for that…I can practically feel the excitement coming from them just standing next to them. I can’t wait to see how my brother will react when he sees Queen Luna for the first time…something tells me that it’s gonna really worth seeing.’

The swan white Alicorn lifted a hoof to the air to keep the ponies silent, before using that same hoof to clear her throat. Once she was sure she had gotten herself collected, she began to speak. “Thank you all for coming here in this wonderful occasion everypony…it means so much to me that all of you are here to see this wonderful moment happen. I admit, it was a bit short noticed on my part, due to everything that’s happened, but as with last time, I am very glad that everything worked out. I do wish that the Summer Sun Celebration could’ve went more better planned the second time, but, it’s better to still happen then not happen at all.” She giggled to herself as most of the ponies in the audience laughed. “I apologize to all if I had left you in the time that you really needed me…there were some more…personal matters that I had to deal with regarding Nightmare Moon and her invasion in Ponyville. I do hope that the guards I had sent to your town were able to protect you to the best of their capabilities.”

“Oh, we most definitely did.” Spearhead chuckled, glancing over at his Captain. “Like a whole lot.”

Shining playfully punched him on the shoulder. “Shut it, you.”

“Either way, I am glad that whole event is over, and that many of you have recovered from the terrors put upon you by Nightmare Moon, even some of you can’t really be around to celebrate it. Now we can all come together and the annual Summer Sun Celebration, with an additional one and a new guest that I will soon be introducing in a few moments.” Celestia said, smiling happily down at the ponies down below as they cheered. “However, I would first like to speak a few words, just so you all can be prepared for what I have in store for each and every one of you on this glorious day.”

At this, every pony immediately went silent, their ears perked as they listened for what their Solar Queen was going to say. The element Bearers and their siblings all sat still where they were, also eager to hear what Celestia was going to tell them, despite having a hunch that they knew what it was.

“For many of you who do not know this, over one thousand years ago, I used to have an adoring younger sister by my side in the time that I have ruled Equestria. Like me, she was an Alicorn, and every bit as beautiful, regal, confident and refined as I was, and every bit as powerful as I.” Celestia began watching as nearly everypony in the crowd let out gasps and murmurs of shock and disbelief. “She used to be known as the Queen of the Night and the Goddess of the Moon, protector of all things that roamed the darkness and the slayer of all nightmares, be it in real life and in the dreams of ponies. My sister was a wise, strong and gentle pony, always there for those when they really needed it, doing it in ways that even I could not do. Despite this, my dear sister was not loved by our subjects, and she was especially not as loved as I was…not even by me.” The swan white Alicorn sigh dejectedly. “Thanks to the hate and fear she was given our subjects, and the negligence on my part for not seeing the pain she was in…she turned into a monster. The very same monster that terrorized all of you just two weeks prior, and tried to cast the entire land in Eternal Night.”

Celestia went silent for a couple of moments, taking that time to let her words sink in as the murmurs of the conversing ponies filled her ears. She slowly opened her eyes to look down at the Element Bearers, all of which who were looking at her with solemn looks of sympathy. A moment later, Celestia sighed and continued speaking. “The day that my dear sister had turned and fallen into darkness because of the pain she had endured by our subjects, was the worst day of my entire life in our three millennia of ruling. It has haunted me for the past ten centuries, and not once have I not had my dearest sister in my thoughts. I can only imagine what she suffered on her beautiful Moon thanks to the ponies who feared her, and my naivety to her suffering…and because of what I did to her just before her downfall. It is something that I have not forgotten even after that horrible night, and I will forever remember for as long as I live…and I am sure that my sister will as well.”

The Sun Goddess drew in a breath to compose herself, the looks of sympathy that everypony was giving her so strong that she could feel it within her soul. As much as she silently appreciated their condolences, she knew deep down that she didn’t deserve it. Just like she didn’t deserve Luna’s full forgiveness for what happened over a millennium ago. If these ponies, and the Element Bearers all found out the real reason for Luna’s downfall, the real reason why she had betrayed her, they would not be giving those looks. They would be giving her ones that were the utter opposite, the ones that she truly deserved for what she did to Luna. It didn’t really matter either way, she had made her choices, and she’d have to live with it for the rest of her eternal life.

Celestia sighed again and shook her head, clearing her mind of the dark thoughts. She would think about them another time when she had some time to herself. For now, this was about Luna, and giving her the second chance that she had accepted.

“Now, that time has come and gone…the Nightmare is gone, having paid for its crimes against me, my nation, and my sister, and will no longer terrorize her ever again.” Celestia said, smiling once more as her eyes shone with joy. “Most of all, my dearest sister has returned, freed form the Nightmare that plagued her, thanks to the ponies who risked their lives to bring her back. She is now back a new pony, and she is ready to take back her place as the Queen of Equestria once more, and rule by my side, as she always had before she was banished! Most of all, she is ready to bask you all in her glory and beauty and join pony society with all of you once more as the Queen of the Night!”

Cheers erupted from all around the section of the celebration, ponies stomping flying and casting light across the crowds using their horns. The sounds of their excited cheering and their congratulations towards their Solar Queen echoed about in Celestia’s ears, filling her with almost as much joy than she felt when her sister returned. All the while the new Element Bearers smiled warmly up at her, silently giving her their congratulations as well. The swan white Alicorn let the cheering go on for a minute longer, before she held up a hoof, silencing all immediately.

“Now my little ponies, I have come to you with a very special surprise guest in tow, one that none of you have seen until this very moment. A pony that will take back what was once her’s, and be there for all of you, as Ihave been!” Celestia said, smiling her widest smile as she held a regalia covered hoof out. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, say hello to the one and only, the Goddess of the Moon and the Queen of the Night, the Protector of Dreams, Slayer of Nightmares and my dearest sister…Queen Luna Nightwalker!”

A large tornado of royal blue mist suddenly appeared right next to Celestia, having specks of light that made it look like it was a piece of the night sky. Everypony down below watched in awe and anticipation as it began to take form. Slowly the ethereal blueness dissolved some and gave way to a pony, and the pony that the citizens all saw took their breaths away.

To say that Luna was beautiful would’ve been the biggest insult to have ever been come up with in all of Equestrian history. The mare standing before them all had beauty that was like that of the very night itself, rendering all of them completely speechless. Luna’s coat, which was one a light phthalo shade of blue, was now a solid dark midnight blue as dark as the night sky that floated above her. Her once light azure blue mane and tail skirt were now a moderate sapphire blue with clear grayish persian blue outlines, both flowing in the same manner as her sister’s own. On all four of her legs, and chest, and head was a tiara and regalia that matched the light sapphire blue eyeshadow adorning her eyelids, the chest plate and tiara having a crescent moon in the center. Her ebony black blotched crescent moon Cutie Mark shined brightly in the Moon’s light, as bright as the new regalia she now adorned. Despite this, it was nothing compared radiance found in her diamond slitted moderate cyan eyes, which shined with as much love, kindness, patience and wisdom as her sister did.

The silence that reigned over the entire area of the celebration was so powerful it could’ve easily made the clopping of somepony’s hooves sound like a slammed door. Nopony moved, none of them said a word, or even looked like they were breathing from the looks of it. They all just stared, bug eyed and jaw dropped as the Queen of the Night basked them all in her nighttime glory.

Out of all their reactions, none of them could compare to that of the looks of awe that the foals had, especially Sheton. The stormy grey colt looked like he was in some sort of captivated trance as he gazed upon Luna and took in her alluring beauty. His whole body was as still as a block of ice, with his mouth open in a small, yet adorable, ‘o’ shape. The most noticeable thing on his expression were his eyes, both of which being as wide as dinner plates, the irises so large that the blue irises nearly disappeared. Everything else around him was non-existent, nothing else was on his mind, nothing except the beautiful nighttime goddess that he wanted to meet all his life. He knew that she would be beautiful, to the point where it would rival that of her sisters, but what he was seeing now, went far beyond that. It was the most mind-blowing thing he had ever seen in his entire life, something that he’d remember for the rest of his life, and always remember every time he closed his eyes.

Goku, who was also looking in awe at Luna’s new form, looked over at her little brother. His expression was more than enough to almost send her into a laughing fit. ‘Priceless!’

The sound of near deafening cheering tore the tan thestral out of her thoughts, making her flinch as she pinned her sensitive ears back. She looked back up to where Luna was, and felt her jaw drop when she saw Luna’s feathered bat wings were spread. They looked to be even bigger from when she last saw them, something that really shouldn’t have been possible. Goku suddenly guessed that was what made the audience go wild. The bat wings making Luna that more captivating, something that Goku honestly and completely agreed with.

Anything else that Goku was thinking was cut off when she heard Celestia speak again, sounding absolutely overjoyed. “Thank you everypony, I am so glad that you have decided to welcome my sister in this wonderous occasion. Especially since it was made officially for her; I hope you will enjoy being in her company. For I know that she will greatly enjoy yours, along with those who saved her.” She gave one last glance down at the Element Bearers, giving them and their siblings a wink, before she finished her speech. “And now, without any further ado, let the celebration of the Sun, and my sister’s return, BEGIN!!!”

With those final words, the swan white Alicorn ignited her horn and raised her head, slowly bringing out the Sun that had been lowered by her sister while she was still as Nightmare Moon. Luna, Goku, her friends, their siblings, and everypony else watched as th golden orb raised in the sky, bringing light and warmth to all within its reach. Luna closed her eyes as her sister’s son basked her in its warmth, as if welcoming her back to the land she tried to bring to ruin, and giving her luck at her redemption.

“This is your moment little sister.” Celestia suddenly said, snapping Luna out of her thoughts and making her turn towards her. “This is the moment that you finally get your wish…to be given the love that you had never truly been given since you first took the crown. Go…embrace it, rejoice it and hold it close to you as a reminder of the many friendships and adventures in store for you.”

“I will Celestia…and thank you for doing this for me.” Luna nodded, giving her sister a gentle smile. “It means so much to me that you would go through all this trouble in helping me overcome my past and the pony that I once was.”

“Think nothing of it, dear Luna. Consider this as a start for me making up for all that I have done to you a thousand years ago. At least…all that I can make up for before for tha fateful night.” Celestia said, flashing the midnight blue Alicorn a loving, yet slightly pained smile. “Now, go…bask in the love our subjects have for you…and good luck.”

Luna said nothing this time, just nodding silently as she turned away from her sister, wings folding as she made her way down the golden stairs. As she reached the ponies, all of them parted ways and bowed to her, while still bearing overjoyed smiles on their faces. The foals with them also bowed, though a few of them could not contain their looks of awe aimed at Luna, something that made the Moon Goddess giggle gently at. As wonderful as it was to meet all of these new faces however, there was only one group of ponies she wanted to see. one that was sitting just a few hundred feet or so away from her.

With a smile, the midnight blue Alicorn slowly walked over to the Element Bearer’s table, silently taking in their expressions upon seeing her new form. When she got within range, she spread her wings slightly and gave a bow to them. “Hello, new Element Bearers, it is wonderful to see you all again after half a month of not speaking. I apologize if I had made any of you worry over me. I had been spending some of my time to recover from my time as Nightmare Moon, along with…trying to fit back into my role once more.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that your Highness, we’re just happy to see you again and to know that you’re doing alright.” Goku replied, smiling politely as she gave a wave of her hoof. “I have to say though…I wasn’t really expecting you to come out looking like…well this.”

“I am not surprised. You really wouldn’t be expecting to see me again looking like this, as I saw when I first appeared again.” Luna said, chuckling slightly. “In case you are all wondering, this my actual true form that I used to have before my exile on my Moon. The other form that you saw me in was actually what I looked like when I was but a filly. These past two weeks I have spent on Canterlot were me not only rekindling with my dear sister and my guards, but also recovering the power that I had lost a thousand years ago.” She spread her feathered bat wings slightly, displaying her fangs as she smiled a bit wider. “I cannot help but admit, it feels rather wonderful to have the power that I was always known for back in my hooves. That along with the beauty that it gives me…’tis quite the breath-taking sight, is it not my little ponies?”

“Breath taking?” Rainbow Dash asked, smiling up at the Moon Goddess. “You look totally awesome Queen Luna, if not an absolute badass! I mean, look at those wings, those fangs, that mane and tail! I don’t think I’ve ever seen any mare look as cool as you do right now!”

“Rainbow, please watch your language!” Rarity chastised, glaring at the cyan mare. “You are in the presence of royalty right now! I am sure the last thing that Queen Luna wants to hear right now are the vulgar words coming out of your mouth!”

Before Rainbow Dash could protest, Luna held up a hoof, silencing both her and Rarity before the latter could even say another word. “Fear not Rarity, it is alright. I am not mad at Rainbow Dash for her rather colorful language about my appearance. In fact, to be completely straight forward with you, I was more or less expecting it, and it only tells me just how amazed she is by my appearance.”

“I…i-it does?” Rarity asked sputtering in shock. “Y-you’re…touched by Rainbow Dash’s vulgar compliment?”

“As hard as it is to believe, I am. It is not the first time that I have been given compliment form anypony that was as…vulgar as Rainbow Dash’s. It certainly won’t be the last time I’ll hear it either that I can assure you, lady Rarity.” Luna replied with a firm nod. “It only tells me just how amazed she was by seeing me in this new form, rather than the one you saw in the Everfree Forest. And judging from what she said just now, she was very amazed.”

“Heh, well, that’s RD for ya her Highness. Always bein’ straight forward to the point where she’s as blunt as a baseball bat.” Applejack said, patting the cyan mare hard on the back. “She’s not the only one who was blown away from yer new appearance. When Ah saw ya in that new form o’ yers, fer jus’ a split second there, Ah thought ya had went back int’ that Nightmare Moon varmint. But after AB here calmed me down, Ah took a better look and realized it was really you, only ya look more…well, fancy lookin’.”

“I would imagine that you did think that I was Nightmare Moon again for a moment or two longer there. Thinking back on that, I could have planned that entrance more wisely and less, carelessly. I was just so happy to see all of my subjects again, that I didn’t really think of how my rather dramatic would be taken.” Luna said somewhat sheepishly, looking off to the side with a blush. “I apologize if I frightened you all with that display.”

“Oh, you don’t need to apologize for that Queen Lulu!” Pinkie Pie cooed, smiling widely at the Moon Goddess. “That entrance you made was actually really cool in my opinion! It something that I’d totally see either myself or Dashie doing, or maybe even Goku! That I can tell you for sure!”

Fluttershy giggled, putting a hoof to her mouth. “Hmhm…me too.”

“I appreciate that my little ponies. will try to make my greetings to you less frightening and more soothing this time around. After all, I am the Queen of the Night, and it’s my duty to make ponies feel safe, warm and comforted, be it in their dreams or in the waking world.” Luna said, smiling in appreciation at the bubblegum pink pony. At that moment, she noticed the younger ponies amongst the group, all of whom were staring at her with their big wide eyes. Surprised at the sight of the younger faces, she smiled gently and asked, “Oh my, who are these little ones?”

Sheton and the rest of the foals gasped when Luna’s diamond slitted gazed landed on them, and they react as any foals in the faces of importance would. They scurried about, hiding behind their parents and siblings, with their faces poking out from behind. Luna fought back a fit of amused giggles at this behavior as the mares all smiled down them, before they all turned addressing the Lunar Queen again.

“We’re sorry about that Queen Luna…they’re just a bit shy about meeting you after everything that’s happened in Ponyville.” Twilight said putting a forehoof on Crescent Shield and Spike’s shoulders. “It’s not that they don’t want to meet you. It’s just, well…they were so awed by your beauty that they don’t really know what to say.”

“That is quite alright Twilight, I understand perfectly that these little ones are more than a little apprehensive about meeting me today.” Luna said, giving an understanding nod as she smiled fondly at the foals. “There’s no need to worry, I am a patient mare, and I will wait for as long as it needs to until they are all ready to meet me. I have always had a fondness for foals, even when I was but a teen, and anything that I can do to make them comfortable in my presence, I will do. As I have said before, it is my sole duty to ensure ponies feel comfortable and safe around me.”

Fortunately for the Moon Goddess, she didn’t have to wait for Sheton and the rest of the foals to gain the confidence to greet her. Without a word, they all broke away from their sisters and slowly made their way over to Luna, looking as shy as can be. Luna watched as they approached her, feeling her heart melt upon seeing the cute blushing expressions on their faces. They all looked at each other, wondering which one of them would break the silence first and greet the regal being before them. After about half a minute, Scootaloo spoke up first, struggling, and failing, not to stutter.

“H…h-h-h-hello Q-Q-Q-Queen L-L-L-Luna…” She finally said, struggling to look into the midnight blue Alicorn’s beautiful cyan teal orbs. “I…i-i-i-it’s v-very nice to m-m-m-meet you. M-m-my name is S-S-S-Scootaloo K-Kindheart R-R-Rosario T-T-Tenshi…I…I-I-I’m F-F-F-Fluttershy’s y-y-y-younger s-s-sister.”

“My name is Spike Twinkleshine Sparkle, I’m Twilight’s Number One Assistant, and her little brother.” Spike said, sounding far more confident than Scootaloo. He then wrapped a hoof around Crescent Shield, pulling him close to her. “And this here is Crescent Shield, Twilight’s little sister. Sorry if she looks like an Alicorn like you your Highness. She actually happened to be one of the pony hybrids that come only once every hundred or so years.”

The ocean blue filly timidly waved her hoof, hiding behind her mane in a way no too different from Scootaloo’s. “H-hello…” She said quietly, unable to say anything else.

“I’m Sweetie Belle Cifer!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, flashing Luna a sweet smile. “I’m Rarity’s little sister! It’s really really nice to see you Queen Luna!”

“Same for me too!” Dinky chirped, wrapping a foreleg around Sweetie Belle. “My name is Dinky Kindheart Rosario, and my mommy is Derpy Kindheart Rosario, and my big sis is Amethyst Kindheart Rosario!”

“M-mah name’s Apple Bloom Sweet Apple Titan…” Apple Bloom said, her tone softer and shyer. “A…A-Ah’m Apple Bloom’s little sister…it’s real nice t’ see ya Q-Queen Luna.”

“My name’s Fire Flash your Highness.” Fire Flash said flying above the group. “I’m the awesome little sister of Rainbow Dash, it’s real cool to meet you Queen Luna.”

Sheton was the last one to present himself, breaking away from the group and walking within hooves length of the Lunar Queen. “Hello Queen Luna…m-my name is S-Sheton N-Nightstalker Shenron…a-and I’m Goku, Snowflake, and Midnight’s little brother. I-I-It’s very…v-very nice to meet you.”

For a moment or two, Luna didn’t say anything, just eyeing each if the foals as they all looked back up at her with looks of shyness, eagerness, timidity, and curiosity. Goku and the others watched, waiting somewhat nervously for the Moon Goddesses reactions to the foals greeting, and if she would take it well. Then, she slowly walked closer to them and reached a hoof out, gingerly stroking Sheton’s cheek, looking into his eyes as if she had seen them before.

“Um…Queen Luna?” The stormy grey colt asked, blushing a bit harder at the Lunar Queen’s touch. “I…is there something wrong?”

“No little one, there isn’t…it’s just…” Luna replied, taking her hoof away as her voice wavered somewhat. “You…you just remind me a lot of somepony. Someone t-that I used to know back then…before I was banished to my Moon.”

Goku’s bat ears perked as both she and everypony else’s expressions morphed into that of surprise at Luna’s words. A moment later, the tan thestral tentatively asked. “He…he does?”

“Indeed, and your brother looks very much like him as well. The same coat, same Pony Tribe, he even had the same mane color.” Luna nodded, glancing up at Goku before looking back down at Sheton. “The only difference is that he has a somewhat different eye color that isn’t too different from his, or my own…except without the, um…slits that my eyes have. He even used to act very much like you do in the time that I knew him…until…”

“Until he…went away?” Crescent Shield asked, keeping her voice as sensitive as she could, as to not give Luna any hurtful feelings. When she didn’t answer, the ocean blue filly hung her head dejectedly. “Oh, w-we’re sorry your Highness…”

“Do not feel sorry little one, it is alright.” Luna said gently, taking her hoof away from Sheton’s cheek. “There was no way any of you could have known. None of you were born anywhere near the time that my dear one was, so there was no way any of you could have meet. It matters not now…he is at peace, wherever he is. And I am glad to finally be amongst my own kind once again…”

“We are too Queen Luna.” Sheton said, smiling kindly up at the midnight blue Alicorn. “A-and I’m sorry if I gave you any bad memories of the pony you used to know.”

“Thank you Sheton…and don’t worry, you did not give me any painful memories at all. You just reminded so much of my dear one, that’s all.” Luna nodded, smiling gently at the young colt, before glancing at Crescent Shield. ‘And he’s not the only one…’

Just as that thought crossed her mind, she felt a gentle tug on her mane, making her look over to see Scootaloo holding it. She quickly too her hoof away, using to paw at the ground shyly as she hid behind her mane.

“U-Um…Queen L-Luna…” She began timidly, looking up at Lunar Queen with her single violet eye. “D-do…do you mind if…i-if I give you something?”

“Give me something?” Luna repeated, raising a royal blue eyebrow. “What is it that you want to give little Scootaloo?”

The tangerine filly blushed glancing over at Sheton before looking back up at Luna again. “Um, w-well…y-y-you see, um…a-a few days before w-we came here, m-me, my b-big sister a-and Sheton had m-m-made some f-flower necklaces f-for you. W-w-we, um…w-we wanted to give you them for you to wear a-at the celebration.”

Luna’s eyes widened slightly, before they softened, and she smiled warmly. “You made flower necklaces for me my dear? Both you and your friend?”

“U-Uh, yeah we did! Me and Scootaloo had went over to Miss Fluttershy’s home and asked her if she could help us make some flower necklaces for us to give you.” Sheton said, as he too pawed at the ground. “W-we had made them out of flowers that are most beautiful at the night time, o-or at least flower that resemble that of the nighttime.” The stormy grey colt looked over at Fluttershy. “M-Miss Fluttershy…do you have the flower necklaces?”

“Of course sweetie.” Fluttershy said sweetly, reaching from under the table and pulling them out into the open. Luna and most of the mare’s eyes widened upon seeing how beautifully crafted they were. “Here you go kids…”

Scootaloo nodded, giving Fluttershy a thankful smile as she turned a gave Sheton the flower necklaces. Nodding to her, he turned to Luna and flew up to her, snapping the flower necklaces open and enclosing them around the midnight blue Alicorn’s neck. He hovered back, letting Luna look over the necklaces as she moved her flowing mane out of the way.

“W-well? What do you think your Majesty?” Sheton asked hopefully. “Do you like them?”

“I…I love them little one…thank you, both you and Scootaloo.” Luna replied, smiling fondly at the two foals. “These flowers are quite the beautiful ones, and they represent me perfectly…you chose your flowers well, and you chose them wisely.”

“T-thank you Q-queen L-Luna…w-we’re so glad you like them.” Scootaloo asked, smiling shyly up at the older mare. “B-but, um…t-t-that’s not the only thing we wanted to give you.”

Luna raised a curious eyebrow, her fond smile still present. “Oh? What else is there that you want to give me?”

Scootaloo blushed at this question, staring up at the Queen for a moment before looking over at Sheton, who was looking right back at her. She tilted her head forward up at Luna while still looking into his eyes, sending him a silent message. The stormy grey colt’s eyes widened in realization before he too blushed and looked up at the Queen. He looked back at Scootaloo, and gave a silent nod of his own, before they slowly walked close to the Queen, heads held low.

‘What’re they planning?’ Goku asked, feeling a smile come to her face for some reason. A second later, her eyes widened as a guess came to her. ‘No…no! They’re not gonna…!’

Sheton raised a hoof up to Luna and made a motioned her closer, an action that took Luna by surprise, but complied nonetheless. Slowly, she lowered her head to the two foals’ level, watching them warily, yet curiously. Sheton and Scootaloo looked at her, then back at each other, hesitation getting the better of them one last time. Nodding to each other, they drew in a deep breath and closed their eyes in preparation.

Then, they leaned in, and pressed their lips softly against both of Luna’s cheeks.

The reactions the two foals got from their move was immediate as they both quickly pulled away, allowing Luna to take in what had just happened. Sweetie Belle, Spike, Rarity, Crescent Shield, Twilight, Snowflake and Midnight all gasped as their hooves flew to their mouths, their eyes widening. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, and Fire Flash’s eyes bulged as their jaws hit the ground or the floor, along with Pinkie’s. Amethyst Shining Armor, and Goku bit back snorts of laughter, while Derpy, Dinky and Fluttershy’s own hooves came to their mouths, squeals threatening to burst out.

Of all their reaction’s Luna was probably the most comical. Her cyan teal eyes were wide as her hooves, her diamond slitted pupils expanded over the irises. A blush redder than the apples on Applejacks’ flank was on her face, and she was stiller than a displayed statue. A shaky hoof rose to her left cheek as she slowly looked down at Sheton and Scootaloo, both sporting incredibly red faces.

“Did…did thy little ones giveth thy Moon Goddess’s cheeks contact of thy lips?” Luna asked, a bit of archaic tongue slipping into her words.

“E-e-eyup…w-w-we did…” Sheton replied timidly, shaking on the spot as he smiled widely at the Lunar Queen. “S-s-surprise…!”

“I…w-w-we f-felt l-like you d-d-deserved it...a-a-after barely getting any love from a-anypony since before you were b-b-banished.” Scootaloo added, her eyes squeezed shut. “W-we…w-w-we hope you l-liked it!”

For a long moment, Luna didn’t say anything, just silently staring at the foals as they anxiously awaited her response. When they got none, they looked up at her worriedly, fearing that they made have made a big mistake. Suddenly, they squealed in surprise and slight fright when they found themselves in the light teal blue aura of Luna’s magic, pulled directly into her now blank face. A long moment passed as she stared at both foals with an unreadable expression, all the while the rest of their family stayed back, wondering what she was going to do.

“I…I-I take it that you d-didn’t like it?” Sheton whimpered, his ears falling against his head. “I-I’m sorry! w-we just wanted to do something nice and-”

That was all he managed to say before a regalia covered hoof lightly pressed against his muzzle, cutting him off. She looked between Sheton and Scootaloo, the latter of which having not said a word as she looked at Luna nervously. Luna the closed her eyes, took a deep breath and leaned forward as both foals squeezed their eyes in preparation for a scolding.

Only for their eyes to snap back open upon feeling a soft warm part of lips press firmly against either of their foreheads.

A chorus of squeals and a few ‘Awwww’s broke out from the group of behind Scootaloo and Sheton as they tried to contemplate what had just happened. One it sunk in, they looked up at Luna, who was sporting a fanged victorious grin on her face. They both blushed hard as Luna gently set them down, allowing them to gingerly rub at their foreheads.

“W…w-w-what was that for?” Scootaloo asked weakly, setting her hoof down. “W-w-why did you go and d-do that?”

“Why do you think I did it, little one? Since thy was so brave and so daring as to give thy Queen of thy Night’s cheeks thy tender lip contact, I felt I should of thee lip contact in return.” Luna replied softly, a hint of smugness in her voice as she continued to grin down at the two blushing foals. “Consider both thy parties even, and thy former party thankful for such a loving gesture.”

Sheton blushed, frowning as he heard Goku, Amethyst, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Fire Flash and Shining Armor laughing from behind him and Scootaloo. “Y-y-your welcome your Highness…I…I’m glad you liked it.” He stammered, blushing hard at the ‘good job bro’ look that Spearhead was giving him.

“Hehehe, well, now that we’ve got that out of the way.” Spearhead, his chuckles subsiding. “What do you guys say wall throw down and get this party going? Our Lunar Queen is back, and we have something big to celebrate!”

“I think that is wonderful, sir Spearhead.” Luna nodded. “There are so many ponies here in this little group, and so many more, and I want to get to know as much as I can by the days end. I had lost my chance to do that a thousand years ago during my fall…I will not let this second chance go to waste.”

“Good, because you have all day to do it, starting with us.” Goku said, patting the table she and her friends were sitting next to. “Would you like to sit with us, your Highness?”

“I would love to Goku.” Luna nodded, smiling sweetly as she made her way over to the large table, the foals moving back to their parents and sisters. Just as she sat down at an open chair pulled out for her, she looked over at Sheton, who was seated just half a foot away from her. “Oh, and Sheton, I would like to thank both you and Scootaloo again for this beautiful flower necklace that you gave me. Nopony has given me a gift quite like this before, and it feels wonderful being worn around my neck.”

“Y-you’re welcome Q-Queen Luna. L-like I said, it resembled you greatly, and I felt that it would be a really nice touch to you too.” The stormy grey colt nodded, blushing as Goku patted him affectionately on the head. “I…I hope that me and my friends get to see you again more a-after the celebration. I…w-we’d really like to get to know you a lot more.”

“As do I, Sheton…as do I.” Luna said, draping one of her bat wings gently around the stormy grey colt and pulling him closer to her. He blushed hard at the sudden contact, but didn’t dare say a word and or pull away. “I would indeed like to get to know you, your friends and your families much better from this moment on, especially you. I believe that you and I are going to get along just splendidly from this moment forth.”

“Y-yeah, I think so too.” Sheton nodded smiling up at the midnight blue Alicorn. A moment of silence passed between them as they stared into each other’s eyes, while all the others conversed once more. Then, in a move that took the Lunar Queen completely by surprise, Sheton wrapped his forelegs around her barrel. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to meet you Queen Luna. I’ve been wanting to for so long since I first heard about you form my Mom, and now…I finally got my wish, and it was more than I could’ve ever imagine.” He looked up into Queen Luna’s diamond slitted eyes, with his emerald blue ones shining with love, awe and respect. “It’s great to have you back here with all of us again, even if you’ve never met some of us before. And I’m glad that you’re back here with us too.”

Luna was quiet for a couple of seconds, just looking down at the young thestral colt as he nuzzled deeply into her fur. A smile soon came to her face as she picked him up of his chair and set him into her lap, wrapping her forelegs and wings around him. The midnight blue Alicorn pressed her lips against his forehead, before bringing his face into her chest fur and nuzzling the top of his head. Those who were witnessing the tender moment let out another chorus of ‘Awwww’s as Luna held Sheton close to her like a mother would her child. As Sheton shyly reciprocated the Moon Goddesses’ hug, Luna leaned in, whispering softly into his tufted little ear.

“Nay…’tis wonderful to be back, little one.”

Author's Note

Well guys...here it is...the last and final chapter of the first, and soon to be old version, of the Guardians of Harmony :pinkiesad2: . I have to say, this came a bit faster than the last time that I had made it...and that's saying a lot. I guess with the choice that I made to rewrite it and really try to work on my grammar have begun to help me more than I thought. Maybe when I start to rewrite this for the third, and hopefully, final time, it'll really make its mark on the series I'm planning to crate, along with the next one next to this :twilightsmile: . I have given this some thought, and decided that while I am going to write the first two sequels, just to get them out of the way, I'm not going to leave any hints of what will happen in the third rewrite of my first story in those sequels, because it's going to leave a lot of confusion if I do that. Once the sequels are done, I'll be going back and doing my third rewrite of the first book of my Fairy Tail/Dragon Ball Series, and not just in the story itself, either :raritywink: . Not sure how long that will take me, since I do feel like I need break from doing such long rewrite, but I don't think I should be too long. Though I will say, with this final rewrite, I do plan to take my time, and not let my impatiens and desire to get the chapters out get the best of me again...just like it somewhat did this time :ajsleepy: . Don't worry, while the update may not be as quick as they were, I will make sure that they're worth the wait...I owe that much to the ones who stuck by me for this long at least :coolphoto: .

Well...that concludes the ending of the (old version) of my first book of my Equestrian Knight's Series :scootangel: !!! Hope you all enjoyed reading this version, because the brand new version will be far better than this...after I'm done with the sequels that :raritywink: . Oh, and be on the lookout for a blog that I will be releasing telling of this info, and some other very important that I will be giving out regarding my series, and my profile :pinkiesmile: .

Chapter 1 - Prologue

Long ago, deep in the heart of the Planet Harmonia itself, there lied an extraordinary land, one of which the whole world had ever seen before. It was vast, far from the barren deserted wastelands that populated many parts of the environment. Not only that, it was a magical land, so much so that it was practically mythical to anyone who happened to see it with their very own eyes. One that was left untouched by nothing but the creatures that lived there, so much so that no other being knew of its inhabitants. Besides the other creatures put in it before the one that would dominate over them all, no other living being was able to find it. In fact, in all of the time this extraordinary land existed, no other creature was known to inhabit it. Leaving the only the creatures that were living in it to populate it, adapt, thrive, civilize and eventually, rule over…and form a united nation of peace and harmony.

The beautiful magical land…of Equestria.

Equestria wasn’t just inhabited by just any types of creatures they were magical ones, that inhabited every part of the land that could be thought of. Some would think that it was normal for animals like ponies to inhabit a land like Equestria. This would be true in most circumstances, if they were normal ponies that is. Alas, the ponies that inhabited this land were not normal, put very magical, both inside and out in every possible way.

These ponies, along with the many other equines and creatures in the land, did not just appear by themselves by mere coincidence, but rather, they were made the way that they are now, with powerful abilities to match. Before Equines inhabited and dominated the land, before life even begun to exist in Planet Earth, the very planet itself didn’t even exist. The whole universe was barren and vast, filled with nothing but the tinkling of the many cosmos, stars, and twilight specimens that painted ebony universe and the entire milky way galaxy. There were many planets that were filled in the endless void, but not a single sign of life could be seen in many of them for millions of light years. All was silent, with not a single sound but the endless gleaming and twinkling of space. The stars and the cosmos showed no sign of any living breathing creatures, no matter how far searched. That is until the very creator of the ponies, and all of Harmonia herself had arrived.

No one knows where they both or she came from, or how many million and billions of light years they had traveled to get to where they were. Only one thing was known for sure, this being would be the very first to be known by all creatures in the very world she created. The very first equine that would ever walk the face of the very planet that was created by creator of all life…and the one that would soon give the start of a new Era.

Lauren Faust, goddess of the ponies, and the mother of all pony kind.

Lauren was the very first creature to have come to life and roam the very essence of outer space and the Milky Way Galaxy. She held the magic of equines that she would soon bless the very planet that they created with. She had a coat that looked like it could've only been made from the purest and most untainted of white. It shined so bright that it practically glowed like the very Sun that she moved each and every day. Her flowing mane and tail were made from the finest and richest of red color. Both of them were so long that they seem to go on in an endless stream of sparkling ethereal beauty, always leaving a scarlet trail behind her. She had an absolutely magnificent pair of wings, both of them so large, so wide, so long and so vast that they seemed to go on in an endless span. Each and every feather was groomed to the very definition of perfection, giving her the appearance of an angel. The final piece of her appearance was a regal horn that would make even the longest and sharpest of swords look like tiny daggers in comparison.

Out of all of these features that Faust had, the most striking one were her eyes. They were the brightest, vibrant and most beautiful color of blue any creature would ever see. When anypony or anyone looked into them, they would find themselves looking into an endless cyan sky of warmth, kindness, and love. As well as being reminded that as long as she was here, as long as she roamed...everything would be just fine. To top each and everyone of her astonishing features off, on each of her flanks was a blue and green sphere of the very planet of Harmonia. It gave all who saw it the belief and notion that she specialized in doing was protecting the land and all life within it.

Lauren were both known as the loyalist, optimistic, generous, honest, kindest and most magically powerful being that had ever come into existence. The very protector of the ponies and all other creatures that she had put upon the land along with the rest of her kind. Any of these creatures that she blessed would have unique magical abilities of their own, making each of them special in their own way. All the creatures living in the land of Harmonia had magical powers and abilities that made all of them worthy of respect. Out of all of these creatures, there was one species of creatures that soared above them all.

The Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasus Ponies; the members of the Three Pony Tribes.

First, there were the Earth Ponies, one of the three, yet last ponies to ascend from the three legendary species. By physical appearance, they would look like your normal everyday equines. However, if one where to analyze them more closely, they could see that they were anything but. For millennia years, when the ponies began to populate Equestria, Earth Ponies have had a special connection to the very ground that laid flat beneath their hooves. They had a very special and unique ability to grow acres of food from the ground, such as plants, fruits, and vegetables, even large trees, all having been made with their bare hooves. The reason for this is because they, like their other two pony counterparts, have magic running through their hooves that enabled them to grab objects the same way that the other creatures that could, except ponies didn’t have anything like claws or talons. They were also known for their almost endless endurance and incredible strength when it came to work in the fields or running. When fighting, they can deliver powerful blows to their opponents and inflict serious injuries with blunt force impact attacks. Earth Ponies are so connected to the earth, that and even use tactics that most creatures wouldn’t expect. Because of this, Earth Ponies were the most respected out of all the Three Pony Tribes, providing foods of all kinds for all other fellow ponies.

Next of the three Pony Tribes were the Pegasus Ponies. Unlike the Earth Ponies, Pegasus Ponies did not have a connection to the ground. At least not as strong as a connection to it as the Earth Ponies did. They had beautiful, massive, majestic pairs of bird-like wings that made it easy to identify them and make them stand out from their other fellow ponies. They had a special connection the sky as well as the amazing ability to walk on clouds and even control the weather, which was good, especially when it came to for growing planted food. They also had the power to control two of the five elements of nature, which was wind and lightning, both mainly used for fights, whether it was to protect their kind against a threat, or to help the very ponies that protected them prevail against any potential enemy.

The Pegasus ponies were not only known for their magical ability to control weather and walk in clouds, they were also known for their incredible speed and agility, especially when it came to escape. With their wings, they have better chances at saving their fellow ponies, and preventing as much casualties as possible when involving things like out of control weather. Their wings were also useful for delivering stunning blows, along with attacks that involved both lightning, wind, and even fire and ice. Although they could also use it in their hooves, they preferred to use magic in their wings, since their easier in providing impact and magical power. If there’s one thing that Pegasi are known for the most, its their incredibly sharp senses, thanks to how much they like to be in the air.

Finally, and last put most certainly not least, were the Unicorns. Unlike the Pegasus Ponies and the Earth Ponies, they did not have strong connections to the sky or to the earth. Rather, they have a connection when it came to magic itself that they were given. After all, the regal horns on their heads were not just for show. They were known for actually being able to cast magic that was completely visible to the naked eye. Normally, Unicorn magic was used for basic things like lifting or levitating objects in the air, big or small, depending on how powerful their magic actually was, in mid-air without having to pick it up with their teeth, or their hooves. If they had a certain amount of control over their magic, and if their magic even lifting many other objects all at once.

Unicorns were also known for casting powerful spells, which was very useful, especially in battle. For they could shoot blasts of magic form their horns, cast giant shield to protect themselves from fatal impact…even use it to levitate themselves to fly into their air, much like a Pegasus could. Unicorns were also known for being very smart when it came to things like politics, formulating plans, or solving problems like many other ponies would. Unfortunately, there were some Unicorns that took this wonderful gift to a darker level, practicing in magic that has zero tolerance in pony society. This had led to more than a few drastic measures needing to be taken, and even resorted in some tough decision making. While a majority of Unicorns have been kept from using dark magic in Equestria, there are still those that manage to get their hooves on them. Thus the ones that aren’t to deal with them accordingly for the safety of their land and the ponies in it.

These three tribes, along with the many species that inhabited the land of Equestria, with Galaxia and Cosmo ruling over and protecting them, worked together to make the land more prospering and welcoming for all other Equines alike and spreading happiness and joy wherever they could. Though there were some dark corners that Equestria was known to have. In fact, before it was even founded, it was nothing like it was now. It was a land that was the very definition of darkness, without a single shred of light and hope for anypony to grasp onto.

Before Equestria was founded and Faust became its ruler, it was set in a land full of absolute and utter chaos. All around, there were ponies that lied through their teeth, stole valuable and important items and greedily kept everything to themselves and sharing with no one, betrayed anypony that was naïve enough to trust them, inflicted pain and suffering others for their sick amusement, and ponies that didn’t even have the tiniest shred of compassion in their hearts. It was a land and a world or complete and utter darkness, with no light or warmth coming down on anypony anywhere. Some would even go so far as to take the lives of another pony, regardless of whether they were innocent or not. They would even do things to them so vile that it would leave the victim practically begging for death to take them in its cold dark embrace. They didn’t do this by their own choice though, for it was caused by the one being who created by it all. One that was as every bit as insane, mad, abominable as ponies say he is today.

Discord Konton, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, and the leader of the Konton Clan.

Discord inhabited Equestria in its time of darkness, created by the negative feelings of the ponies inhabiting the land, making life absolutely horrible for all ponies alike. The Chaos God put the ponies and all other creatures though endless amounts of pain and suffering all around for his own needs. He was a being that feed of the negative emotions and the darkness in pony’s hearts. A being that was of every bit discorded as his name, in looks, in personality, and in his abilities as well. He was so physically and magically powerful that he was on par with Faust herself, and could easily go against the Pony Goddess in a one on one battle. This went on for hundreds of years, if not millennia, with nothing to stop his reign of terror on the equines of Harmonia. Nothing to protect the ponies and give them even the slightest beckon of hope or salvation. No one that is, except for Faust and the ponies that would soon be known as the new rulers of Equestria for endless centuries to come.

Queen Celestia Daybringer and Queen Luna Nightwalker; the Goddesses of the Sun and Moon, and daughters of Faust herself.

Like their mother, Celestia and Luna were the two sisters that were not part of the Three Equine Tribes. At least not in the same way that they were. In fact, they were unlike any Earth Pony, Unicorn, or Pegasus that was born anywhere in Equestria. They were also known as Alicorns, the most powerful, rare, and the majestic species of ponies that ever lived as well as the rarest. They had the combined powers of all three of the Pony Tribes and were stronger, faster, and more capable of magic than any other Earth pony, Pegasus or Unicorn alive. It was easy to see why they were so gifted; since there were only ones, besides their mother, who could inherit such power, especially since they were one of the children of Faust that descended from the very heavens themselves. Nevertheless, it did not stop the two sisters, their mother, and the whole Alicorn race at the time, from confronting Discord, engaging him in a battle that would've shaked even the gods. It took countless lives being sacrificed from all four tribes of the ponies, and destruction being left in both party’s wake, but in the end, the chaos go was defeated. To ensure that he’d harm anypony ever again, Faust and her daughters turned Discord into stone, thus locking him in a frozen prison for all eternity.

Not long after the defeat of the Chaos Spirit, Celestia and Luna were crowned as the new Queens of Equestria, and shortly after, Faust disappeared from the face of the earth, as if she was never there in the first place. The two sisters and the rest of their family searched endlessly, every nook, cranny, forest, desert, jungle, and ocean in search of their beloved ruler, but sadly, not a single trace of her was found. The day that they had finally gave up the search was the day that they and the whole Alicorn race mourned the loss of the Pony Goddess. It was on that day that Celestia and Luna knew what they needed to do, and what they could do to make the memory of their dear mother to live on. It was on that day that the Royal Sisters vowed to do everything in their power to live up to their mother’s legacy. That no matter what, they’d do all they could to protect the ponies in her absence, until their time came to join their mother once again.

From then on, her daughters began the task of replenishing the land that Discord had so horribly destroyed, and bringing light, hope, and joy for all ponies alike. It took many centuries, many grueling battles, and many tears, but soon enough, they became rulers of Equestria and Harmonia. Celestia watched over the ponies during the day, and Luna watching them by night, as well as forming a guard of all three Pony Tribes, along with some families that were not of the main three pony tribes. This guard worked together with both princesses, eliminating all threats that came to them and to the ponies that they swore to protect, putting in the blood, sweat, and tears to do so. For a time, all was peaceful and calm in this beautiful land, but alas, as the saying goes peace never lasts forever, and it was only a matter of time before another evil being came to rise.

Like Discord, there was another being of darkness that threatened to shred the land into darkness and chaos, only this being was a pony. Not only that, but unlike Discord, he did not want to rule over Equestria, for he ruled over a land himself. He wanted to see the harmonious land obliterated, so he could expand his land, and rule over all as Celestia and Luna did.

Not long after the defeat of Discord, there was a land far outside that of Equestria that was far up into the Frozen North, a land that was covered in nothing but mountains of ice and snow, but somehow, through an incredible source of magic was able to thrive. This land was known as the Crystal Empire, a kingdom similar to that of Equestria but smaller, though it was by no means any less important or amazing. For example, the ponies that lived there were not of the ponies that were found in Equestria, at least not in appearance, for their bodies looked as if they were made of the very crystal mountains themselves, found deep in the snowy mountain terrain.

The reason for this is because each and every single one of the ponies that inhabited this land was known for spreading as much love and hope as they could throughout the empire in, thanks to them powering the Crystal Heart that Inhabited the kingdom. It was the one known way that the empire was protected by any outside dangers, and it was very efficient against any types of dangers. Alas, no amount of protective magic will be able to withstand everything, and soon enough, the Crystal Ponies would face another evil. One that came in a place and form that they never would’ve expected or would’ve even imagined.

As time passed on, a Unicorn named Sombra Doragonraion, who was the ruler of the Crystal Empire, had slowly began to succumb to the hatred that had begun to take hold of him ever since he was crowned king by his parents, or mainly his mother. Despite the fact that he was born in a family of royalty, it was anything but pleasant. Sombra had endured seemingly endless abuse and berated from his father, not getting one word or gesture of love and praise from him in any way, instead giving him the cold, harsh words of a judgmental pony. That was a job that was left to his mother, who protected him from his father as best she could, and gave him twice the love and praise that he seeked from both his parents.

Sombra did not know why his father was treating him the way that he was. It was possibly from his past failures, or because Sombra didn’t want to be the Emperor that his father wanted him to be. Which was a pony that ruled over all with an iron hoof, instead of love and wisdom. He feared that nothing he did would ever please his father, and was only thanks to his mother that he was able to keep going forward. It was however, not enough to keep him from his father’s wrath, and thus, the abuse continued well into Sombra’s adult years. Eventually, both his parents stepped down from their throne and crowned him as the new ruler and King of the Crystal Empire.

Unfortunately, even after his parents passing, he never forgot about the terror and fear that he endured his entire life up until this moment. Each time his mind wandered back to all those horrible memories, a piece of his heart would break, and a part of his soul would become darker, and darker. He began to become consumed by hatred and an unforeseen dark power, causing to him to lash out at others, even the one mare who loved him with all of her heart. This in turn had made the subjects of the Crystal Empire fear him, even his own wife and child, much to the Crystal King’s utter sorrow. He did his very best to try to keep himself from the brink of insanity and try to reconnect with the ones he adored.

Alas, the damage was too great, and soon enough, not even his own new family wanted anything to do with him. That was the final straw that broke the camel’s back, and Sombra finally snapped, unable to keep the insanity clawing at him any longer. Without any warning, he unleashed his rage on all of the Crystal Empire, and the ones he was supposed to love and cherish. Before long, he went from the strong, kind and wise ruler, to a pony with unrelenting hatred and unquenchable thirst for power and a dark heart. A heart that was blacker than the very night sky itself, and an anger that would frighten even that of the mightiest of dragons.

Soon, Emperor Sombra Doragonraion was no longer just the Ruler of the Crystal Empire and Husband of the Goddess of Love. He was also the Bringer of Hatred and Fear, and the infamous Black Lion of the North.

After the fateful day of his new transformation, Sombra became the Emperor that his father was known to be in his time of ruling the Crystal Empire. However, the way that Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire and treated his subjects was even worse than the way his father had done it. At a level that even his father would’ve found barbaric in nature. It was at such degree, that the only thing the Crystal Ponies felt during that time was endless agony, pain and depression and endless fear. His reign did not last long however, as the two royal sisters had discovered his twisted cruel misdeeds and put an end to his reign of terror once and for all. The battle as great and brutal, and there were a few times where they were nearly defeated, and taken over by Sombra. In the end, the sisters prevailed leaving Celestia’s niece, Cadence, Empress of Love, to watch over the Crystal Empire.

After the defeat of King Sombra, Celestia and Luna once again went back to their respective roles of watching over their precious ponies, day and night. In the wake of their defeat against their foes however, they realized that they in order to protect their land, they needed powerful allies. Ones that could go up against villains that were just as, if not; more powerful than they were themselves. Luckily for them, in the battle against the God of Chaos, the were given a helping hoof by groups of ponies that came from lands far beyond that of Equestria. From then one, they worked together to make Equestria a better place for all ponies; even the very ponies that helped them create the land into it was it was now.

Speaking of said ponies, after the fall of the God of Chaos, they had decided to settle down in different parts of Equestria, even ones that ponies have never been to before. Form the mountains of the Frozen North, to the sands of the Bony Dry Desert, to the forests of the Undiscovered West, to the destiny of the Forbidden Jungle. Even after settling down and building their own lives, they still played their part in helping the Queens in defending Equestria from all manners of evil, though they found it rather hard to with the lives they wanted to live. So they decided to form organizations that were dedicated to protecting where they lived and all that live in it, along with helping other groups that had the same problem, and come together to fight mighty forms of evil.

The Equestrian Guilds.

The Guilds of Equestria were not just any ordinary places for anypony to meet at, they were places made specifically for anypony to come together and learn all types of magic. Equestria was a land that was filled with magic, so it only made since for ponies that allied themselves with the Royal Sisters to create places where they could learn all types. Following after the guilds were the ponies that joined them, called the Magic Mages, all of them from all the Pony Tribes, besides the Unicorns, who learned different types of magic and used it however they chose. There were those who used dark magic, but it was mainly those that were born with it, so nopony really complained or were bothered by it. There were however, the Dark Guilds that constantly went at war with the Light Guilds, the former having risen after getting note of the latter, so there was another daily occurrence that continuously happened. The Royal Sisters were never bothered by it, since they usually managed to take care of it themselves, though there were a few occasions where they had to step in and settle the matters themselves.

As the centuries passed, life seemed to be flourishing, exhilarating, and absolutely perfect for the ponies of Equestria, with their Queens watching over them and protecting them from danger. Unfortunately, as the centuries passed the younger sister, Luna, began to grow sadden and depressed, for she had seen a change in most of the ponies. The Lunar Queen began to notice who they really respected, looked up to, and went to for guidance. Who they really worshiped and loved and depended on for leadership This only grew worse when she saw which of their two cycles that the ponies loved most. The very same cycles that Luna and Celestia both ruled over.

While everypony flourished in Celestia’s bright and gorgeous day, they shunned and slept through Luna’s calm, quiet, cool, peaceful, and beautiful night. Despite Celestia’s many reassurances that Luna was loved, she was not convinced, for she could see what was really happening. The Solar Queen was either naively oblivious to her sister’s pain or just brushing it off as mere jealously. Over time, the Queen of the Night’s sadness grew, to the point where she had shut out everypony out who tried to help her. Her friends, her family, even that of her elder sister, who finally began see just how much pain the younger Alicorn was in.

Slowly, but surely, Celestia had come to realized that her sister was not as loved as she had so naively thought. Not only that, but even she didn’t truly love her sister or care for her as much as she had originally believed. A small part of the Sun Goddess actually feared her sister, and of what she could be because of the powers that she held. Ones that exceeded even that of Celestia’s own in many unseen ways, something that brought her great shame. Unfortunately, by the time she had realized what she had done, it was far too late. The Queen of the Night did not want anything to do with her, having seen how little her sister cared about her. The Lunar Queen had even come to believe that her sister was taking all the love of their subjects for herself. A thought that was as every bit as true as Luna believed, creating an even bigger rift between her and her sister.

Soon, the Lunar Queen’s sadness and depression began to grow into anger and resentment, until the Goddess of the Moon finally snapped. One fateful day, Luna refused to lower the Moon so that her elder sister could make the Sun rise for the dawn. Celestia pleaded with her younger sister to stand down, to do her duty as the Queen of the Night, but Luna’s anger, jealousy, and hatred were too deep, too bitter, and far, far to consuming. She was so hurt, so damaged, and so emotionally and mental unstable that she became another entirely different being. And a final unforgivable act by her Celestia’s hand lead to Luna becoming known as one of the most common villains in all of Equestrian history.

Nightmare Moon, the Mare of Nightmares, the Goddess of the Black Moon and the Queen of Darkness.

In her new terrifying state, Nightmare moon vowed to her elder sister that she would shroud all of Equestria and the whole world in Eternal Night, the dawn would never again rise and her reign would last forever. Celestia once again tried to plead with her sister to surrender and lower the Moon, but the only answer Nightmare Moon gave was one with brute force and violence. At that moment, Celestia realized that the one sister she knew, the one sister she loved more than anything else in the world, was gone. Only the monster remained, the monster that she created…and there was only on way to stop it.

With no other option, Celestia finally went hoof to hoof against her younger sister. The battle that transpired afterward could only be described as a battle between gods. Mountains and forests cracked and tore from the ground from the magical blasts emitted from their sword-like horns. Hurricanes and wind currents sliced through the air, tearing through the land from powerful flaps of their majestic wings. Craters that were the size of giant space asteroids, were left in the earth from the powerful strikes of their hooves, and through it all, every single one of their subjects from servant lord, guard, and civilian, were there to witness it. It was a battle unlike anything Equestria had ever seen, second only to the battle with Discord. It was one that would forever be known throughout the history of Equestria and many future generations, as the Battle of the Two Sisters.

Seeing that the battle was not getting her anywhere, and she was losing fast, Celestia was forced to take drastic measures to save herself, the land, and all the ones in it. She turned to the greatest source of power Equestria had ever known. The one given to her and her sister by their beloved mother after she vanished form the face of the planet.

The Elements of Harmony; the most powerful sources of magic to ever exist in Harmonia.

With their combined power, and a heart heavier than the weight of even the biggest and heaviest mountain in the snowy lands of the Frozen North, Celestia rose up against her sister, defeating the mare with the elements. Try as she might, the Dark Queen was unable to withstand the power, and was permanently banished to the Moon she raised. From then on, and for the next one thousand years, Celestia ruled Equestria alone, taking the task of raising both the Sun and the Moon without her dear sister by her side. As time went on however, ponies began to take notice of the black unicorn head on the moon, and before long, Luna came to be known throughout history as, ‘The Mare on the Moon.’

Queen Celestia may have succeeded in defeating her younger sister and saving Equestria from Eternal Night, but even she knew that the peace would not last forever. One day, her sister would return, and all of Equestria would soon be in danger once again. When it did, not even she would be able to stop it, not without the help of the Elements of harmony, now that she was no longer connected to them. Luckily for her, on the thousandth day of the thousand year, when her sister was due to return a group of ponies, would soon rise up to face the Mare of Darkness. Her, along with many other foes, led by a pony more special that any of them combined. It would be a pony that would forge down a path that would change the lives of them, their friends, families, and the very history of Equestria forever.

For that pony herself, her path will be more adventurous, more wondrous, and more thrilling then even she herself could’ve ever imagined.

Author's Note

Now, before anyone says anything or leave any comment on the story, I would just like to point out, for those who have not read this story yet, I just want to say that this is going through a rewrite of practically all of the chapters, and that each one is going to be going through some special editing. Some parts of this story will be remaining the same, while some parts of it are going to be different, depending on how much editing the chapters will be needing. I have definitely noticed some run on sentences and grammatical errors that really need to be sorted out, along with some battles and adventure scenes that most definitely needed to be extended, shortened, and included, both before and after the Main Seven reach Nightmare Moon. During said adventure, I'm also going to be sure not to add to much description to the environment and try to make sure there's plenty of interaction and conversion between the characters, be it as a pair or in an entire group. I'm also may more pay not add the part 1-2-3-4-5 titles to the story and repeat them so often like I did the last time, cause I can see that some of the people viewing this were really not impressed with that. So that is totally something that is going to be changing in the new addition of this story, along with the adventure in the Everfree and the Point of View from the other mane characters and background ponies; looking back, I feel that could've been done a lot differently that what it was now :twilightsheepish: .

Another thing that I would like to point out in this story, if you look above at the tags, I have added another tag to the story, one that happens to be one of my all time favorite series :pinkiehappy: ! The main reason I added that tag was because I'm planning to give the Main Seven techniques that aren't that much different and eerily from that of the Wizards, Mages, and the Dragons Slayers from Fairy Tail. Especially since I'm planning to have brand new characters to be introduced in this series, and give some of the characters new appearances and powers. Speaking of which, some of the powers that I will be giving the Main Six in the story will either be from Fairy Tail itself, the Pirate Anime One Piece, or they'll be created by me personally due to the powers I'm planning to give the Main Seven and the other OCs. Though that's depending on how well I can do that and how well I can remember the techniques from Fairy Tail and One Piece, what they do, and how easily I can write and describe them. I will say, the characters, be it Main to Background, or OC will seem ridiculously overpowered as you read the incoming battles; then again, many of the people in Fairy Tail are overpowered so, I guess it doesn't really matter :derpytongue2: . I guess it's the same for One Piece, but it's was a working progress since the anime itself was created, though it's still enjoyable nonetheless. While I'm not entirely sure how that's going to go down, that is what I'm planning to do, since I'm going to changing and rewriting this story form start to finish. The updates may take longer than they once did after this, so I apologize if you any of you were wanting to really see what happens next, so I'll be sure to try to make some updates on each chapter, and how progress is going :twilightsmile: . Oh, and in case you're all wondering, yes, there will be mentioning of guilds in this series, but that won't be until later on :pinkiesmile: .

Finally, and I don't think this is something that I can stress enough, if anyone, anyone is going to favorite the story and add it to their libraries, like it or dislike it, please be sure to leave a reason as to why. I may or may not make any changes from the responses I may get, though that'll depend on the reason I get for the dislikes. However, if you do like it, then be sure to hit that thumbs up button so my story can get more views so other people can read it and find things in it that're up to their liking :raritywink: .

Chapter 13 - Rise of the Light and Dark Armies

While Goku and her friends were preparing for journey into the wilds of the Everfree, another event was taking place. In Canterlot City, on one of the many floors of the Royal Canterlot Castle, laid a room bigger than any other section in the building. It had enormous windows that looked to be made from the shiniest and most beautiful of crystals, all of which having art pictures and paintings dating back to ancient times. A large row of pillars lined both sides of the hallways, with the ceiling having beautiful ancient fabric cloths hanging from above.

At the far end of the room, stood an enormous chair with a small stairway leading to it, the lower parts of the chair having little waterfalls and pots of purple flowers on either side. Behind the throne, were two large blue clothes, one having the picture of the land, while the other had that of the air and the sea, with a large glass symbol of the sun hanging from above. This room was known as the Royal Throne Room, the largest room known to be located inside the Royal Castle of Canterlot City. It also belonged to that of the Sun Goddess Queen Celestia Daybringer herself.

The Throne Room wasn’t like any of the other rooms in the Castle; this was a room where everypony would get to see the Queen herself whenever she had the time to. It was for just about anything, be it business, discussing things like trade, peace treaties or alliances. Or it could even simply be for some one on one time with Celestia, something that very few ponies had the luxury of doing.

Or course, that wasn’t to say that there weren’t any guards here, like the countless others set up around the castle. Although, there were usually one or two lined up at the doors, with a long line of them set up down the hallway. There were rarely times where Celestia had the guards all lined up in the exact same place, ready to obey their Queen’s every command. The only times that this happened was during times of a major crisis or when danger was lurking just around the corner. Those time was where every ounce of their strength would be needed to face a deadly foe threating their beloved land. This, much to a certain Sun Goddesses’ dismay, was one of those times.

Queen Celestia loomed over her throne like a Bald Eagle perched over a treetop as each and every single guard gathered in the Throne Room right in front of her. All of the were split into groups that allowed them to be told apart. The first of them were the Solar Guards each of them set in what looked to be the heaviest set of armor anypony had ever scene. All of them were sported with swords and spears that looked to be made from the sharpest of metal. Those that were stallions looked buff and muscular, while the mares, looked to be more lithe, slender and feminine. Despite that, they looked to be just as strong and intimidating as the stallions, looking as deadly as they were elegant. A fearsome combination of strength and speed as one may say as expected in the most elite forces of Equestria.

The second group of guards looked to be just as, if not even scarier, then the ones in front of them, and for very good reason. Unlike the Solar Guards, they were not suited in the same golden armor made for them by Queen Celestia. Their armor that was a darker shade of black and purple, looking to be sharp and pointy, especially on the heads, which had what looked to be fins, while the horseshoes had blades. Some of their coats were a shade or two darker, and cat-like slitted eyes that seemed to shine in the darkness of the Throne Room like a firefly in the night.

Like the Pegasus ponies, all of them had wings, however they did not have the beautiful and majestic feathery texture found on Pegasi. Their wings were twice as big as their Pegasus counterparts, looking to be leathery, like that of a bat’s, yet at very muscular and sharp, giving them the appearance of Bat Ponies. Upon closer inspection, it could be made apparent that they actually were bat ponies, or Thestrals, as their more commonly known. The wing thumbs looked to be sharper than machetes; the edges looking like they could slice through somepony with a single swipe.

Large fluffy looking tufts of fur could be seen on the tips of their ears, adding some semblance of cuteness to their rather dark and frightening appearances. Poking out from the corners of their mouths, looking to be sharper than kitchen knives, were a set of curved fangs. All of them looked to be more than capable of piercing into and ripping out the throat of any living being, eve that of a pony, should they be provoked. These mysterious looking ponies of the night were known the Thestrals, elusive, secretive, and the long thought to be dead followers of Queen Luna Nightwalker herself.

The last group of ponies huddled in the Throne Room, standing at the far right of both the Solar and Lunar Guards, was another group of ponies, all of them being Pegasi. Unlike the last two groups ponies, they were not dressed in either the bright or dark colored suits of armor like the other Pegasi, Unicorns, Earth Ponies or even the Thestrals. They had tight leather black, purple, and yellow uniforms, with a set of flashing yellow goggles to match, with strong athletic frames that looked to be made for quick swift movements, and it did not look like it was restricted to just flying either. This group of ponies were known as the Shadowbolts, another formidable group that was founded by Queen Luna, which also long thought to have faded into ancient times countless centuries ago.

Celestia stared down at all three groups with an expression that remained unreadable, while they all stood to attention, lookin directly back at her. Despite their still postures, the swan their curiosity, confusion as to why they were called here could be sense by the Solar Queen. She could understand why, for this was something that she would not normally do unless it was an emergency, and after what happened at the Town Square, this was the case for one. Despite their nervousness, Celestia knew that she didn’t have any other choice on the matter, and that it needed to be done. This was a matter of the utmost importance, and she could only hope that they would not lose their nerve by what she was about to have them do.

With a soft sigh, Celestia raised a hoof, abruptly silence any murmuring from the ponies down below. Once she was sure they were all quiet, she finally began to speak. “Thank you all for coming my little ponies. I must admit, I did call you all on such short notice, and I apologize if I was interrupting anything that you were doing. To be honest, I wish that I could’ve called you all here on less than urgent circumstances.” She lowered her head as her ears pinned back against her head. “Alas, it seems that fate has other plans for us today…”

At these words, another chorus or murmuring broke through the crowd, all of them wondering just what all the fuss was about. This lasted for a few more minutes before one Solar Guard, this being a Unicorn with greenish brown fur and a silvery mane and tail raised a hoof.

“Um, your Highness…if I may ask, with your permission of course?” The stallion said, earning a nod from the Sun Goddess. “Why is it that you have called us and…them, here today?” He gestured to the Lunar Guards and the Shadowbolts standing next to them, sending them a nervous glance as he did so.

“I have called each and every one of you here for a matter that is of the greatest and utmost importance. One that is possibly greater than any other time that I have called you here.” Celestia replied her lavender eyes scanning each Guard inside the Throne Room. “Before I get into that, I must ask you that you keep as calm and composed as you possibly can. What I am about to tell you may get you all a bit…anxious, if not fearful for your very lives.”

The swan white Alicorn paused, taking a moment to let everypony voice their confusion at these words to one another, before she spoke again. “Not too long ago, while I was in Ponyville, I was just about to begin the annual Summer Sun Celebration and celebrate with my little ponies. Unfortunately, I was not able to, for somepony invaded the Town Square, and attacked me without warning, nearly eliminating me.”

As soon as those words left the mare’s lips, the group of Solar Guards let out loud gasps as they stared at up their Queen. Their eyes widened, and their jaws unhinged, unable to believe what they had just heard her say. The Lunar Guards on the left looked just as taken aback, having obviously not expected to hear this, but they were much more composed than the Solar Guards. The Shadowbolts looked to be the most shocked even though didn’t look like in their goggled and masked faces, though their captain looked a bit more composed.

At first, they believed that she was pulling a humorous prank on them, since, to them at least, it was virtually impossible for somepony as powerful as Celestia to fall so easily at the hooves of somepony else. Upon seeing her solemn expression however, they could see that what their Queen had said was anything but a joke, but something told them that that wasn’t the only shock they were going to get.

“Y-your Majesty…is this true?” Another Solar Guard, this one being a mare, asked tentatively, a disbelieving look on her face. “W-were you really attacked by somepony?”

“Yes, I’m afraid that you all heard me correctly. I was attacked without any provocation at the Town Square in Ponyville.” Celestia said sadly as she put a hoof to her chest. The memories of being stabbed through the chest, electrocuted, flew through her mind, but she cleared it form her head. “As much as I’m ashamed to admit it, I wasn’t able to do anything to stop it, or the destruction that she unleashed afterwards. Believe me when I say this, she left quite a bit of it in her wake, more than I can probably even count. I assume that you are all wondering just who it was that attacked me, are you not?”

None of the guards or Shadowbolts in the Throne Room responded, though many of them did give small nods. Celestia closed her eyes and lowered her head once more, letting out another sigh as she opened her eyes and addressed everypony once more.

“I will tell you, but before I do, let me just say that the pony who attacked me is the reason why I have the Lunar Guards and the Shadowbolts here. For I feel that they will all be much needed for what is to come, especially considering just who they’ll be up against.” The Queen replied, as she began her explanation. “First off, how many of you are aware of the event that took place over one thousand years ago? The day of the Lunar Eclipse?”

At these words, many of the ponies, the Lunar Guards and Shadowbolts especially, gave visible flinches as they all started to shift uncomfortably. Celestia could tell just by reading their body language, that they knew all too well what the Lunar Eclipse was. It was the day that Queen Luna, the Lunar Guard and Shadowbolts’ beloved leader had given into her pain and despair and surrender to the demon that plagued her. Thus leading her to transform into one of the most terrifying villains ever to be known to pony kind.

It was the day that the allied Solar and Lunar forces were divided into two sides, and forced to fight one another. A day that was considered the most destructive, brutal and bloody battle ever to be known in Equestrian history, one that would forever scar the face of Equis. It was also the day that the Goddess of the Moon and ruler of the night was imprisoned onto the very orb that gave the mare her name. The very same one that had now escaped and now controlled once more.

“Yes your Majesty, we do. We know of the Lunar Eclipse, and what came along with it.” Another pony, this one being a Thestral stallion, said softly. “It was the day that our dear beloved Queen of the Night was taken from us by that…blasted demon Miasma Shadowstalker. The very same one that turned our Queen into that monster known as Nightmare Moon.” After taking a moment to collect himself, he looked back up at Celestia curiously. “Why is it that you ask? Is there something about it that we don’t know?”

Celestia gave a slight pause, running a hoof through her ethereal color-changing mane a=s she addressed the Lunar Guard. “Yes, as a matter of a fact there is. I’m sure you all have heard the stories and tales of how I had defeated Nightmare Moon with the Elements of Harmony. Of how I had banished both her and my sister to the Moon for all eternity, correct?” A frown formed on the swan white Alicorn’s face as each of the ponies nodded. “Well, that’s not entirely true. There is actually an old saying on that event, or rather, a prophecy. One that ponies believe is only a myth. It is said that one the thousandth day of the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon’s time on the Moon will come to an abrupt end. The stars scattered all about the cosmos would gather together and aid her in her escape from the Moon. They will take her all across the fragments of outer space, and back to the planet of Harmonia. Where she will extract her revenge, and try to take over the land once more.” She looked down at her front hooves. “My little ponies, I am here to tell you, that prophecy has come true.”

The moment those last words left her mouth, each of the guards went as still as the very castle they were in. For a moment that seemed to stretch on forever, all of the ponies just staring at their Queen as if she had said the world was about to end. That Lunar Guards and Shadowbolts looked just as, if not even more flabbergasted by what the Sun Goddess had said, and they wondered if they had heard her right. Celestia said nothing, just looking down at her guards with a composed expression, showing them she was not joking around. Eventually they did, and when one of them spoke, this being a Shadowbolt Pegasus stallion. When it did, it sounded like he had seen the one thing he feared the most in his nightmares.

“The…the prophecy has…c-come true? M-my Queen, are you meaning to tell is that N-Nightmare Moon has…returned from her imprisonment?” He said with a stutter, his eyes widening with just the slightest bit of fear. “By Faust...if that’s true…then that means…”

“Yes my little ponies.” Celestia said as she raised her head and spread her vast wings, already knowing what the guard was about to ask before he even asked it. “The Lunar Eclipse has begun once more, and Nightmare Moon Nocturnis has returned.”

Complete, utter, and deafening silence was all that could be heard throughout the entire throne room. Many of the guards and Shadowbolts could be seen shaking slightly as they looked to one another, speaking in hushed tones and quiet whispers. Only their leaders looking be in control, yet even they looked to be scared. Celestia took in all their terrified expressions as her own features softened once more. Lowering her head and folding her wings, she let her posture became more relaxed, before continuing to speak.

“I see that you all are very terrified of this, since it’s been over a thousand years since it had last happened. I do not blame any of you in the least for feeling what you are feeling now. Why wouldn’t you be afraid? Anypony would, especially when the one pony who took my sister had threatened to shroud all the land in Eternal Darkness.” Celestia said with a slight chuckle. It lasted for no more than a few seconds before it was replaced with a frown as the swan white Alicorn looked each of her guards in the eyes. “Be that as it may, I am afraid that I must ask you all to bury that fear away deep inside your hearts. It is not just your lives that are at stake her, but also the lives of your supposed families, me, and just about every other pony here.”

She slowly rose form her throne and slowly began to make her way towards the stairs, her mane and tail skirt flowing behind her. Her hooves made soft thumping sounds as she kept her gaze locked on everypony in the Throne Room. “I am asking all of you, not just, as your Queen, or as this lands ruler, but as a fellow pony, to swallow whatever fear you have, and rise up together. To be prepared to protect not only yourselves, or the ones you love, but this very land itself. So that you may all live to see and fight another day, and right to free my sister from the darkness that plagued her and bring her back into the light? Are you all prepared for fighting, not for yourselves, but your loved ones, me, and my dear sister?”

As she made her way to the bottom of the stairs, Celestia flared her majestic wings taking regal, and rather intimidating, posture. “Are you prepared to face what may be the most powerful, dangerous, and deadliest foe that has ever come to pass, and protect those you love? So that they can all live to see the Sun rise once more, even at the potential cost of our own lives?” The swan white Alicorn asked, looking each and every one of her soldiers straight in the eyes.

For a few moments, none of the guards said anything, apprehensive expressions on their faces as they fidgeted on the spot. Celestia could practically feel it radiating off of them, along with what she thought was a small sense of hope, as she waited for their response. A small part of her expecting them to decline the offer, to back out of what she was assigning them to do, instead of agreeing to fight. It was the same thing she asked Goku and her friends to do back at the Golden Oaks Library when she offered them the choice to becoming the next bearers of the Elements of Harmony. This theory was proven wrong, when the guards’ fearful expressions wore off replaced by ones of determination as they all stood to attention.

“Queen Celestia, we’d be more than happy to assist you into bringing down the monster that took your sister. We’re also more than prepared to fight by your side if that’s what it takes.” One Solar Pegasus Guard said with sharp salute. “That is what you trained us for after all.”

“I believe you mean, what her and her sister have trained us for?” A Lunar Guard asked dryly, looking over at the Solar Guard. “All misinterpretations aside, I do have to agree with you. As loyal as we are to our beloved Queen Luna, that does not mean that we’re not prepared to fight alongside her sister should the moment call for it. Isn’t there a rule stating in the Royal Guard Rule Book that no group of soldiers should obey the other Queen unless one of them is out of commission or unable to take charge?”

“You’ve got that right, buddy!” A slightly raspy, masculine voice said from the far back as a Shadowbolt Pegasus stallion with a dark brown crimson streaked mane took to the air. “It doesn’t matter which one we’re following! Anypony who messes with either of the Queen’s, is going to have to answer to us! Nopony messes with the Queens when we’re around! Am I right guys?!”

“Yeah!” Many of the other Shadowbolts replied, giving the mare hoof pumps and pats on the back as the guards all gave nods of agreement.

Celestia looked over at all the ponies in front of her, a small, relieved smile plastered on her face. She slowly folded her majestic wings back to her sides as her lavender eyes shone with gratitude. “Thank you…you have no idea how relieved I am to hear you all agree to help me go through with this. I figured that you would be discouraged when I told you just what we’d be up against. It seems I underestimated just how dedicated and loyal you all are, a grave mistake on my part. Who knows? If things go according to plan, my sister will be saved, and you’ll get to see your Queen again after so long.” She looked over at the Lunar Guards and Shadowbolts with fondness as she said this. Taking another deep breath, her expression became serious once more as she spoke one more, her voice echoing across the Throne Room.

“Solar Division Captain Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle! Lunar Division Captain Moon Blade Ketsuekikiba! Shadowbolt Captain Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario! All of you, please step forward!”

Once those words were spoken, one pony from the Solar division stepped forward, while another from the Lunar Division, and the Shadowbolt flock flew from their respective parties. All three of them stood within a few hooves’ length of the Queen, giving brief bows to her, before holding their heads held high, waiting for her orders.

The first pony standing right in the middle of the group of three was a Unicorn stallion. He had a coat that was paler than the brightest of snow covering the highest mountain peak, with just a tinge of grey. His mane and tail skirt were long, a deep sapphire blue color with moderate and phthalo blue streaks in them, covered by a large helmet. His eyes were a deep shade of moderate cerulean, and his Cutie Mark was that of a large sapphire blue shield with a large six-pointed purple star, with three smaller grayish blue stars floating above it. He wore golden and yellow armor that looked to be in the shape of a saddle, with a hole at the back for his long leonine tail to move freely about. Right in the center of his chest, was the same six-pointed star as the one on his shield Cutie Mark. This stallion was known as Shining Armor Twinkleshine Sparkle, the Captain of the Royal Solar Guard Division.

The second pony standing at the right of the stallion looked to be a Bat Pony, with some slight differences. It was another stallion, a coat that was even whiter than the Unicorn stallion’s, almost frighteningly so. It shone so much that it seemed to glow in the light of the Moon, giving him the appearance of a ghost that had rose from its grave. His mane and tail skirt were long, just centimeters away from touching the ground, looking to be blacker than the deepest and darkest of underground pits. His eyes had the deepest color of red ever discovered, and when they were looked into, it was like staring into an endless sea of blood. His wings were huge, looking to be much stronger than those of the Lunar Guards, with the membranes stretching all the way down to his rump and tail fins. The Cutie Mark of a sword covered in a purple starry mist could be seen shining on his flank, and a set of dagger-like fangs could be seen poking out of his mouth, looking to be as longer than the other Thestral’s. This stallion was known as Moon Blade Ketsuekikiba Murasame, the Captain of the Royal Lunar Guard Division.

The last pony, standing at the left of the Unicorn stallion, was a Pegasus mare, and a rather beautiful one. She was covered in the same dark purple uniform as the other Pegasi sitting in the far back, indicating that she was a Shadowbolt. That did not however, leave anypony clueless as to what her fur color was, since her whole face and head was clearly visible looking to be black than ink. Her silky black mane and tail were very long, settling into a small pile next, with deep indigo highlights right at the tips and edges. The mare’s eyes were a beautiful golden yellow color, which seemed to give a slight shin. They looked strong, bright, radiant, and held an air of kindness, gentleness, and assertiveness that would’ve made Fluttershy either extremely proud or extremely jealous.

Her wings were as big as the Thestral’s, with a combination of inky black and indigo feathers, with her tail feathers, poking just out of her suit. Unlike the Unicorn and bat-winged stallion, her Cutie Mark could not be seen, being covered by her dark purple and black suit, though nopony really questioned it. Like Moon Blade, she also had a roseray hanging from her neck, with a blood red eye in the center, attached to her dog-like color, and a long chain. This mysterious, yet beautiful looking mare was known as Violet Fire Kindheart Rosario, the Captain of the elusive Shadowbolts.

“How may we be of service, your Highness?” Shining Armor asked respectfully, his deep voice rumbling from out of his throat.

“As the three of you are already aware by now, you are by far the top three strongest ponies here. More than capable of handling even the toughest of foes. Because of that, I have chosen you three to be the ones to lead your fellow soldiers and have them help you follow the task that I am going to assign you with.” Celestia replied, looking at each of them intently. “Captain Shining Armor, I want you and your troops to head down to Ponyville and keep the ponies there safe from any harm that may come to them. If there are any that are wounded and in need of help, feel free to have your best medics assist those that needed. I would also like you to have your most trusted soldier send some of your troops in the Everfree Forest to me and my sisters abandoned castle. It is to assist another group that I have sent in to find the Element of Harmony, so they can defeat Nightmare Moon.”

“As you command, your highness.” Shining Armor replied, giving a bow to the Solar Queen.

“Captain Moon Blade, I want you and your troops to assist Captain Shining Armor and his group in any way that you can. Have some of your troops patrol the skies so they can alert you of any danger that may come above. I would also like you to have one of your own soldiers lead his own batch of troops into the Everfree Forest to do the same thing as well for the ones who’ll defeat Nightmare Moon”

“As you wish, your Majesty.” Moon Blade replied, his voice low and refined as he too took a bow.

“Captain Violet Fire, you and your will take to the skies and head straight to the Everfree Forest as well, and assist the Solar and Lunar Guards that will be there.” Celestia before giving a slight pause. Her eyes widened slightly, as if she had remembered something important, before looking down at Violet Fire “Oh, and while you are at it, I would also like you to send one of your fellow Shadowbolts up to Cloudsdale and give note to Wonderbolt Captain Spitfire on what is going on, and see if you can get her and her troops to assist in protecting Ponyville as well.”

“It shall be done, my Queen.” Violet Fire replied, her tone softly and gently as she also gave a bow.

“Does everypony understand what they are now supposed to do?” Celestia asked, looking around the room one final time. She was given a chorus of nods, and the swan white Alicorn let out a deep exhale. “Good. You are to leave immediately, for there is no time to waste. The sooner we get to the Castle of the Two Sisters, the better, now go!”

Not needing to be told twice, the Guards, and Shadowbolts all filed out, leaving Celestia to stand in her Throne Room in silence. After another few minutes, she let out a sigh as she looked out the window at the now blank Moon floating in the night sky. She stared at it for a time, as if trying to see the black blotch that used to be there, before making her way towards the exit of the Throne Room.

‘So…it’s finally happened, hasn’t it, Luna? The day that you would return and try to take over the land once again…and extract your revenge against me.’ The swan white Alicorn thought as she closed her eyes for a few moments in reminiscence, before it morphed into one of determination. ‘Fear not sister, I may have failed to save you a millennium ago, but that doesn’t mean that I will fail a second time! I’ve taken all the necessary precautions I needed to ensure that history does not repeat itself.’

She looked up at the ceiling at the many fabric made symbols of the Sun and the Moon made for her, feeling a small stab of pain go through her chest. ‘It won’t be long before Elements are reawakened, and you are finally freed from Miasma’s grasp at last. After that, I’ll finally have you back by my side once more.’

With that goal set in mind, Celestia exited out of the Throne Room, encasing the giant entrance doors in an aura of golden yellow magic. With a loud resounding slam, she shut the doors behind her, leaving the Royal Throne Room in complete silence.

As the Solar Queen prepared for the destructive battle that was soon to come, another event was taking place in one other area. Unlike in Ponyville or Canterlot City however, it was in a place that nopony had ever inhabited for the last millennium. It was an environment that nopony dared to step inside, due to the many dangers that it held. Unlike the many towns and cities that adorned Equestria, this was a forest, and not just any type of forest either. It was a forest unlike any other that had ever been discovered before, one that only the brave, or the foolish, or the experienced would dare set hoof in. One that would make any other wilderness, other than one, look like a wonderland in comparison.

The Everfree Forest.

This forest was not like any of the other wild places found in any other part of Equestria, or in any other place beyond that. The Everfree Forest was a wilderness unlike any other, filled with many different animals, and even plants that would more than likely kill a pony on first sight. It was a forest with trees looking bigger than they should be, with dense bushes and woodlands that would easily be used as a hiding place. The animals roaming through the bushes, skies, and plains of it had many different strengths and abilities that made them fiercer than the other. All around it, the weather was unpredictable, changing in ways that would be catastrophic for any towns and cities that would be in it. That, and the wild and chaotic magic that the whole forest gave off gave anypony that walked in the forest the feeling of being watched. It was for these reasons alone that nopony entered it for any reason, and had their children stay away from it as best they could; least they be eaten or lost, or potentially die in the forest.

These reasons mattered very little to the pony that could currently flying through the trees, the ones that were at a normal height other than the behemoths. Her misty mane and tail billowed behind her as her bat wings flapped silently through the air. Her draconic eyes shine brightly in the near pitch-black darkness of the forest, the Moon being the only thing giving any light to the forest whatsoever. Her fur, blacker than any sin, seemed to merge perfectly with the shadows of the Everfree as she glided her way through them. Her bat-like ear took in any sounds of any animal that was sent her way, from roars, to bellows, to ear piercing screeches, and chirps and bleats of any nearby plant eaters.

“I can see that this place hasn’t changed in the slightest the last time that I’ve been here.” Nightmare Moon said to herself, her fangs glistening as she smirked to herself. She closed her eyes and let herself feel the magic flowing throughout the jungle-like woodlands. “Hmmm, yes, I can feel the magic flowing through this forest quite nicely. I can certainly see why that little Lunar Queen of a mare liked being around it and why her meddlesome sister didn’t. It’s just so wild, so raw, so…dark and bloodthirsty; exactly my cup of tea if I do say so myself. No wonder Celestia couldn’t stand to be anywhere near it whenever they did travel through here. Hmph, only goes to show just how much of a weak mare she was inside, unlike her dear little sister.”

Laughing to herself, Nightmare Moon gave another few hard flaps of her wings, pulling herself higher into the air and going past the giant trees. It didn’t take very long before she found herself at the very top of the forest of giant trees, allowing her to see the fast number of trees and the mountains beyond. As she looked up, she could see the night sky glittering with the stars that were twinkling above her. Right in the middle of the sky, the Moon cast her in it’s pure white glow, bringing a warm comforting feeling to the Alicorn. A peaceful expression made its way to her face, a content sigh leaving her as she closed her eyes in relief. It didn’t leave her face for a few moments, even as the sound of screeching birds and the clapping of thunder echoed about the sky above her.

“My, this forest has grown quite a lot in the last thousand years, hasn’t it?” The sin black Alicorn murmured to herself as she looked around the air. “It wasn’t quite this big when I was still here, with nowhere near this number of animals. Of course, with a magical and chaotic forest like this, I suppose I can’t really expect it to not grow at least this large. It would seem that these dear creatures have gotten quite busy after me and my sister had left.”

In the midst of her observation of the giant forest around her, Nightmare Moon noticed out of the corner of her eye, a large and somewhat demolished building. At first, she didn’t recognize it, but as it began to come into view more, something clicked inside of her mind.

“No way…it can’t be!” She said as she observed the building. “That can’t possibly be the castle that I’m looking for!”

As Nightmare Moon flew closer to the ruined building in front of her, she could see that it was indeed the castle she was trying to find. This castle being the thousand-year-old abandoned Castle of the Two sisters, the castle that Queen Celestia and Luna once shared with one another. The castle looked, for the lack of a better word, in utter ruins, yet still looked to be standing, despite nearly all of it being gone. A large portion of the castle missing with one two smaller towers on either side that were still on peek condition, even after all the time it was left behind. Thick coats of algae were growing on random parts of the castle, and a few or so trees could be seen growing around it from the inside and outside. Some distance away from the castle, was a large dirt trail that led to a fallen bridge that was supposed to have connected to the other split part of the earth. Said bridge however, was nowhere in sight, looking to be hanging right into the pit that separated the castle form the rest of the forest surrounding it.

“Oh dear, it would seem that me and my sister’s old castle has taken some damage while we were gone.” Nightmare Moon muttered, a frown coming to her black muzzle. Her eyes scanned around it, taking in the cracks, holes and destroyed towers that were no longer in sight. “It looks like I’m going to have to use more or my magic to fix it than I thought…oh well.”

Shrugging to herself, Nightmare Moon folded her wings halfway and descended towards the edge of the ground where her castle was. Spreading them out, she hovered in the air for a few moments before landing on the ground with a soft crunch of the grass. She exhaled her nostrils and walked over to the castle, using her magic to open the large double doors, which allowed her to see the inside of the old castle. Her turquoise eyes were greeted with the sight of the large hallways, and the multiple rooms adoring the sides of it. There was also old paintings and ancient art of the Sun and the Moon hanging off of the sides of the hallway. At the far end of the hallway, was a single large door, having torn fabric and broken windows of the Sun and the Moon on either side of the door and above it.

Nightmare Moon stared at the pictures and windows with an unreadable expression for some time. As if trying to contemplate whether she was happy to see pictures of her Moon, or upset that the symbols of the Sun were there also. As she walked down the hallway, she looked around at the fabric pieces that had the same pictures that had the signs of what use to be a castle belonging to two sisters. A look of revulsion came to Nightmare Moon’s face as she took in the sights of the Sun and the Moon rising with one another, as if merging day and night with each other. Just seeing such pictures gave the mare half a mind to just ignite them on fire and burn them until there wasn’t a trace of them left. To erase any trace that Celestia had left the day she and Nightmare Moon had clashed, and the former had banished her to her beautiful Moon, and left her to rot for one thousand whole years.

‘Get ahold of yourself Nightmare, now is not the time to be worrying over such trivial things.’ The sin black Alicorn thought to herself, giving a slight shake of her head. ‘You have far more important matters to attend to…like getting rid of those meddlesome mares that my sister sent to stop me, eliminating her, and taking my place as the rightful Queen of Equestria.’

Snorting, Nightmare Moon opened the door to the old Throne Room with her magic and walked inside, taking in the sight of the gigantic room inside. She looked around at the large walls having the large clear windows on either side, and the twin thrones sitting atop the stairs at the room’s far end. Finally, she looked up at the roof, which was devoid of the large encasement of glass that used to be there when the castle was still in peek condition. As she walked towards them, she sensed an incredibly powerful surge of magic just beneath her feet, making her freeze in place. The fur on her neck bristled as she bared her fangs, her draconic eyes slowly training down to the floor beneath her. A huge square lid could be seen under both of Nightmare Moon’s bare forehooves, encasing the one thing that had given Celestia the upper hoof in their fight. The seven weapons that led to Nightmare Moon’s imprisonment to the Moon for countless centuries, and would soon be used to stop her once more.

“So…my sister’s precious Elements are still here, are they?” Nightmare Moon asked herself, stepping away from the lid in the floor. “How surprising, I would’ve expected her to take them with her after she defeated me. It would seem that I was wrong in that factor…perhaps she hasn’t always relied on them to finish the job after all. It would seem she has grown some backbone over the last thousand years. Still, I wonder just how intact they are after all this time.”

Curiosity peeked, Nightmare Moon ignited her sword-like horn with magic and encased the lid in an aura of turquoise magic. She encased the square lid in the same aura and pushed it open revealing something large to be inside of the hole. Nightmare Moon pursed her lips and encased the large objects inside of the hole in the floor. With little to no effort, she pulled whatever was in the floor out into the open, making the ground rumble and shake as she did so. When the object was pulled out into full view Nightmare Moon took a few steps back to take a good look at it, and felt her eyes widen in shock. Towering above her was a large pillar having vines on either side of it, with long metal arms, each one going higher than the last. At the end of each those metal arms, sat large spheres holding the craving of gemstones in the middle of them. In the very center of that same pillar, was an even bigger pillar that had the engraving of a star, the only gemstone that seemed to have any type of shape out of the others.

For a moment or two, Nightmare Moon stood rooted in place, staring wide eyed at the large spheres sitting on the giant pillar before her. Out of all the things that she expected to find underneath the Element’s Secret Chambers, this was the last thing she believed that she was going to see. The weapons that Celestia had used to win against their fight going from their beautiful gem like appearances, to nothing more than large dusty spheres of cement. Once the sight fully sunk in, Nightmare Moon blinked, icy chilling laughter erupted from within her.

“Oh my Faust, is this really how lazy you have gotten, Celestia?!” Nightmare Moon exclaimed, nearly toppling over in her laughter. “I knew you were naïve, but now I can see that you are just plain idiotic! I would’ve thought that you were at least a bit smarter than that; leaving the Elements in such poor condition where they can so easily be destroyed!” After several more seconds of cold icy laughter, Nightmare Moon composed herself, and looked back up at the seven spheres with a wide fanged grin. “This makes my job so much easier, especially those seven little mares are the ones who’re going to be looking for it. Oh, I cannot wait to see the looks of utter despair on their faces when I shatter the Elements right in front of their eyes! Oh, this is going to be so much more fun than I thought it would be!”

Letting out another laugh, Nightmare Moon flew over the encased Elements to the two thorn chairs sitting at the top of the stairs in front of her. She eyed them for a moment, as if trying to figure out just what she was going to do with them, while going about with her plan. Draconic eyes glowing brightly, she ignited her horn, and fired off a large beam of magic at both of them, demolishing both chairs in the process. Smiling in satisfaction, she from the destroyed chairs and walked over to the Element Pillars that were still standing out on full display. She encased it and the Elements and pillar the were sitting on and lowered them back down into the floor, flipping the lid back over them with a loud clank.

“There, that takes care of that little problem.” Nightmare Moon said to herself as she stood just in the middle of the Throne Room. “Now for the next part…I don’t know if this’ll be able to work or not, given how much power this’ll take. Then again, I’ve had over ten centuries perfect this, along with so many other spells, so I think it’ll go off without a hitch.”

Closing her eyes, the turquoise aura of magic surrounded her, lighting up the entire room as it did so. It grew larger and more powerful in strength, the same streaks of it flowing about the room as clouds of dust swept all over. This went on for a few moment, Nightmare Moon’s aura growing in intensity as she prepared to unleash the power behind it. Suddenly, her draconic eyes snapped open, and with a neigh that echoed about the entire castle, she reared up and slammed her forehooves down.

The effect was immediate.

The millisecond that Nightmare Moon’s hooves touched the ground, a wave of magic washed over the floor, along with the entire room. The dusty stone-grey grounds and walls of the old throne room turned into a beautiful bright icy blue color that was smoother than silk. Cracks in the floor vanished, replaced by smooth and cool icy floors, looking to be see through. Broken and demolished windows torn away replaced by new ones having pictures of a nocturnal landscape, with the Moon hovering high above them. Behind the sin black Alicorn, a brand-new throne was being made, replacing the two ones that she had just destroyed.

The other rooms, hallways, and the exterior of the castle was also being repaired as well, other than the old throne room Nightmare Moon was currently in. The old fabric and imprints of the Moon were replaced were new icy glistening ones, while the ones of the Sun were demolished and disintegrated. Even the floor was given a beautiful gleaming white and blue color, with a giant crescent moon in the center. Outside, the large and small towers and smaller sheds were also being repaired, becoming much bigger. The castle itself also grew in size, becoming twice as big as the Castle of the Two Sisters, consisting of different twilight colors, with a few parts of it being blue and black. It grew so large that it could easily be seen across the wide-open plains outside of the castle, and the glow it gave off thanks to the Moon made it easily spotted. To top the appearance of the new castle off, a long icy white trail slithered across the ground. It went from the double door entrance, all the way down to where the bridge was, where a large icy bridge formed, replacing the old one.

Back inside the newly reformed Throne Room, Nightmare Moon stood in place, the curled bang of her ethereal made shadowing her eyes. She made no other movements, nor did she speak a word as the aura of power around her slowly vanished. Her mane and tail floated behind her as her eyes slowly opened, taking in the newly made sight of her castle. Another smile came to her face as she took in the new castle’s beauty, everything looking to be to her liking.

“Oh my…that turned out even better than I thought that it would.” Nightmare Moon said jovially, as she ruffled her wings. She looked up at the newly fixed roof, and smiled up at the large icy lantern having numerous crescent and full moons on it. “I’ve that picture in my head for so long of what I wanted my own castle to look like, and now, after a thousand years, I’ve finally done it. Now, all that’s left is to create my little dark army. I have no doubt that my sister will be coming here with her own, so I think that it’s only fitting that make my own for her.”

Closing her eyes, Nightmare Moon ignited her horn an in aura of magic, but instead of it being in the color of her eyes, it was the color of her fur. She lowered her head and let the tip of it touch her floor, letting the magic spread all throughout it. Thick wisps and blotches of solid black magic began to rise from the floor, as if they were corpses rising from the grave. They slowly began to take forms and bodies, distorted at first, but soon ones that belonged to that of an equine, almost twice the size of one.

Fur, manes, tails, and eyes of many different colors began to form on them, only there’s were far darker. One other thing drastically different about this army shadow ponies was that they had appearances like that of a Thestrals, except more sinister looking. Their wings were bigger, lined with larger curved claws, their fangs were not too far off from that of a saber tooth cat’s, and their ears were actually that of a bat’s designed for special hearing. Some of them even had horns, rivaling Nightmare Moon’s and length, and were curved in the same sinister fashion as Sombra’s. Their leonine tails lashed behind them like whips as they let out hisses that could freeze even the warmest blooded of creatures. Their fangs gleamed as bright as their armor as their glowing slitted eyes stared back at their Queen, who stared back at all of them fondly.

“My dear Nightmare Army children, it is so wonderful to see you all again, even if it has been a rather short time.” Nightmare Moon cooed, as if she were speaking to a group of young foals. “I honestly never thought that the day would come where you’d all be able to shine along with me. It would seem that fate has other plans for all of us, as it did with my freedom from by beautiful moon.”

The army of bat winged Nightmare Ponies all let out a chorus of hisses as they all stared back at their Queen in utter adoration. Their fangs stuck out like twin pick axes as they all smiled at her, their bat ear twitching every so often.

“Now my children, before we get down to business, there is something that I’d like to ask you all.” Nightmare Moon said, holding a hoof up to silence the hissing and murmuring. “Do any of you know what I have called you here for?”

A stretch of silence washed across the Lunar Throne Room, with all of the Shadow Ponies looking at one another in confusion. Nightmare Moon watched on in amusement as they tried to contemplate just what their Queen, or rather, their mother, had created them for.

“Of course, you wouldn’t. Only a select few of you know of the mission that I plan to give you all by this day’s end. For those of you who don’t know, you may have forgotten about it. No worries about that; allow me to tell you so you can make more sense of what is going on.” Nightmare Moon said, lowering her hoof as she cleared her throat. “Over a millennium ago, I had tried to take back my place as the ruler of this land, after somepony that I had once considered by family betrayed me. We ruled aside one another for countless of centuries, vanquishing foe after foe and keeping peace in the land that you know find yourselves in now. It was a peaceful time, until our dear subjects started to turn against me, and this pony that I use to rule with did nothing to help me. She let me wallow in my pit of despair, and did nothing to protect me from the wrath and the prejudice of my subjects, never noticing what was happening to me until it was too late. This pony, is Queen Celestia Daybringer, my dear, and soon to be dead, sister.”

The moment those last words left her mouth, the entire Nightmare Pony Army went dead silent, their gleaming draconic eyes staring back widely at their Queen. The sin black Alicorn watched them all intently, seeing the recognition that was slowly coming to their faces. As quickly as the shock came, it was replaced with looks of fury and anger, which was reflected off of the sinister black aura radiating form off of their bodies.

“Yes, my dear children, it was my very own sister that betrayed me, and left me to rot at the hooves of our, or rather, her, adoring subjects. Worst of all, she saw it happen right in front of her eyes, yet she did nothing to help me, her own sister. She only offering measly words of encouragement that did nothing to help me in the predicament that I was in, and by the time she realized just how far gone I was, it was too late.” Nightmare Moon explained as she closed her eyes, memories from over one thousand years ago swimming across her mind. Letting out a ground rumbling growl, she opened her eyes and looked back up at her Nightmare Army. “I didn’t think it could get any worse than what it was all those centuries ago. All the constant backlash, accusations, and attempts to attack me and even take my life, and being looked at as if I was a demon from Tartarus. All of it was so horrible, so much so that I didn’t think it could get any worse…and then, one day, it did.”

Nightmare Moon’s lips curled back, her pure white vampiric fangs gleaming in the darkness of the new Throne Room, as she began to shake. Her eyes squeezed shut for a moment as she snorted so hard that blue fire flew from her nostrils.

“Pushed to the brink of insanity, and on the very edge of madness, I had finally managed to find some semblance of happiness that I had tried to grasp for so long.” Nightmare Moon said, her voice softening as she looked down at the ground. “It was so wonderful, so blissful. It was at such a degree that I had completely forgot about everything around me, and focused only one that one thing that made me so happy. The one thing that brought a smile on my face and brought my heart more joy than any admirer of my night. I was so consumed with joy that I did not see my sister plotting my behind me back to take it away, and by the time I realized it…it was too late.” Her head rose up, and all of the Nightmare Army actually flinched back at seeing the furious, and absolutely anguished look on their Queen’s face. “I happened so unexpectedly that I was unable to stop it, and I have no idea of when it happened either. By the time I realized that had happened and who had done it, there was nothing that I could do about it…and that happiness that I felt, the one that I finally had after so long, was gone. It was whisked away like a mere speck in the wind just like that…which is why, Celestia must pay, and she must fall!”

Nightmare Moon suddenly flared her wings, sending out a powerful gust of wind throughout the room as she stood tall and proud in front of her magical army. “For too long, Celestia done me wrong, and evaded punishment that should’ve been inflicted when she began to turn against me. She has taken away all the love and respect that I should’ve gotten as well and kept it all to herself. She has ignored my cries for help, left me at the mercy of those who hated me, put her own subjects before me, and taken away the small inkling of happiness I thought that I would always have. Now on this night, she will finally face retribution for her crimes, and pay for all the suffering she has let be inflicted upon me. Tonight, this battle will mark the dawn of a new Era my children; the Era of the Darkness, the awakening of the Full Moon, and the rise of Eternal Night!”

A multitude of screeches and draconic roars broke out form inside Nightmare Moon’s Throne Room as the sin black Alicorn’s Nightmare Army went wild. The sinister aura surrounding their bodies grew and vibrated with intensity as their power went about uncontrollably. Nightmare Moon once again raised a silencing hoof, and just like that, all was quiet, and the Nightmare Army went silent once more.

“I am glad that you wish to aid me in this plot for revenge and my rise as the new Queen my children, this certainly pleases me a great deal.” Nightmare Moon praised raising an eyebrow down at her army. “I must honestly admit, I was never expecting you all to get this riled up, but I most definitely understand where you’re all coming from. You are all my precious creations after all, so that means you share everything with me; my powers, my memories, my feelings…even my hatred towards Celestia and her wretched day.”

At the last few words, the bat winged, saber fanged magic manifested ponies all let out more hisses and growls. Their eyes gleamed brightly as their tails lashed out, some stomping on the ground while others horn’s gleamed, looking ready to fire off powerful spells. Thankfully, any unnecessary damage to Nightmare Moon’s new Throne Room was prevented by the sin black Alicorn herself, who stomped on the ground a couple of times. They all stood to attention again, waiting for any orders that their Queen was going to give them.

“Now then, I believe that you should all go and prepare yourselves for the battle that is soon to come my dear children.” Nightmare Moon said sweetly, honey dripping from her words. “In the meantime, your dear mommy’s going to get ready herself. I have a feeling that it’s going to leave quite a scar on this forest…in more ways than one.”

Bearing wide and sinister smiles, each of the Nightmare Army ponies gave nods of obligement before they all began to give of sickly black auras. One by one they each sunk into the ground, leaving large holes of blackness in their wake, before they disappeared as well. Soon, there was no trace of their existence anywhere in the Throne Room, and Nightmare Moon was left there in complete silence once again.

“Well, that went much better than I thought that it would. For a moment there I didn’t think that I wouldn’t be able to pull it off, but it seems that I managed to pull it off without a hitch.” Nightmare Moon said, letting out a sigh. “Now, just one more thing…time to let my dear little children out to play…”

The aura of black magic appeared around her horn once again as she touched the smooth blue ground. Seven pits of pure blackness appeared, and six figures slowly rose from them, all of them having the shape and forms of ponies. They were covered in aura so dark that it was nearly impossible to identify them, but as they faded, it the appearances soon became crystal clear. A moment later, Nightmare Moon deactivated her magic and lifted her head to face the seven ponies in front of her, looking pleased at what she saw.

Five of the six ponies that were standing in front of her were Pegasi, with the last one being an Alicorn, very much like Nightmare Moon was. Although they matched each other’s height and size, but there were some significant differences that deeply contrasted them form one another. Several of the ponies were covered in suits that were black almost all over. There were also the outlines of a rather beautiful multitude of stars, just like the ones found in the Milky Way Galaxy. It was as if they were wearing the very galaxy itself, due to how the Pegasi’s suits seem to twinkle brightly in the room.

Where their masks were, they were shade a deep midnight blue, also having the same stars within the larger part of the suit, with the same being where their hooves were. In between those two colors, where a line of pure white stars going around their necks, and hooves, preventing the colors form merging into one another. Right where their Cutie Marks were supposed to be, was the symbol of the Milky Way Galaxy, with a golden white star right in the middle.

Another thing that was noticeable about the five Pegasi was the dark and vibrant colors of their manes, tails, and muzzles that stuck out from within their suits. The first one, in the middle, was a mare, with a royal blue mane and tail and a light blue coat, and deep peru red eyes that were lighter than Moon Blade’s. The second pony at the right side of her was a stallion with a spikey cyan mane and tail, with streaks of white in the center of the. His muzzle was very pale grey color, with what looked to be a scar on the left side of his mouth, and he had a pair of sea green eyes. The third pony on the left side of the first one was a mare with a deep shade of bluish-purple fur, a lighting shaped bluish violet mane and tail. Her eyes were a very pale lavender, and there even looked to be volts of electricity dancing about her mane and tail. The fourth pony next to the second one was a mare with pale violet fur, and a somewhat wavy pale pink mane and tail with white streaks, and deep ocean blue eyes.

The fifth pony at the far right of the third pony was a stallion with greenish gray fur, along with a bit of a goatee formed under his chin. He had a silvery cyan mane and tail, the tail looking like it was shaped like a tornado, and he had a set of gleaming emerald green eyes. The sixth and last pony, the Alicorn, was also adorned in attire, but unlike the six Pegasi, it was a set of deep silver regalia with sapphire blue gems. She had the same sin black fur as Nightmare Moon’s, with two gleaming turquoise orbs of the almighty dragon. One significant thing that set her apart from Nightmare Moon, was that her mane and tail skirt were a flowing indigo color, and her muscular wings were adorned with feathers. To top her appearance off, she had the Cutie Mark of a dark purple shield with a white crescent moon, and a purple plus sign just in the center of the moon.

“Hello, my dear children; it is so wonderful to see you all again.” Nightmare Moon said softly, looking down at the six ponies fondly. “I must admit, even though it was a mere short time since we had last spoke, it is so wonderful to see your precious little moon loving faces” She locked eyes with the sixth pony in front of her, her smile faltering slightly. “Especially yours, my dear little Nyx.”

The smaller sin black Alicorn, now referred to as Nyx, smiled up at Nightmare Moon, her own vampiric fangs mirroring the larger mare’s own. In a soft voice sweeter than silk, holding a bit of timidity, she replied, “It’s good to see you again too momma. I have to say, you weren’t exaggerating when you said that it was going to be a wild ride back to Equis.”

“Indeed, it was. I apologize if I made you feel nauseous my dear.” Nightmare Moon said, running a black hoof across Nyx’s cheek. “My overexcitement had gotten the better of me when I finally sensed that I was going to be free from my Moon. I was in such a rush that I did not think about how that rise would be for you and the others, so I’m sorry if I made you feel nauseous.” Her eyes trailed over to the five Pegasus ponies behind them. “Especially you five, Captain Nightshade, Stratus, Blueball Blitz, Starry Skies, and Charger.”

“My Queen, please don’t apologize. You made us specifically for the trials of speedy flying and fast pace training.” The first mare, Nightshade, said gently, giving a bow to her Queen. “As a matter of a fact, I’d say that the ride you brought us on was quite fun. It gave us a rather high and exhilarating feeling that I enjoyed quite a bit.”

“Totally!” The third pony replied cheerfully, taking to the air and smiling unnaturally widely at the sin black Dark Queen. “That had to be the rest fly through the galaxy that I ever had Queen Moonie! I’ve had a lot of fun flies through the universe with you, Captain Nighty, Nyx, and all the other Galaxy Star Bolts, but that last one really too the cake! I don’t think I’ve ever went that fast since you first made us.”

“That’s because there hasn’t been anypony that’s as fast as you before our dear Queen’s exile to her beautiful Moon.” The fourth pony, Starry Skies, said smoothly. “Now that she’s free, she was able to give us the chance to see just how quickly she can move.”

“That she has.” The fifth pony, Charger, nodded as he smirked at Starry Skies. “No offense to Captain Nightshade, but the speed that we saw Queen Moon go at after she got free, makes me feel like we’re still newbies in training.”

“Well, it certainly sucks to be you Charger.” The second pony, Straus, snorted as he stared blankly at the other stallion. “That just say that you need to get more training in after we’ve finished what the Queen will have us to. If you can’t get your ass out of your head and focus on the game, then you can just leave this group, ‘cause you’ll only slow us down.”

“Straus!” Nyx cried, snapping her head over to the pale grey stallion with a glare. “That was a very mean thing for you to say! You know just like the rest of us that Charger works and trains just as hard as the rest of us, even when during the nights we’re having fun! You take that back right now, or else!”

“No, it’s alright Nyx.” Charger said, holding a hoof up. “Don’t mind Straus, he’s just being an asshole, as per usual.”

“Yeah, and always taking things too seriously.” Nightshade added, shooting a sideways glare at Straus. “Looks like I’m going to need to give him another talk about learning to loosen up and be just a little bit nicer.”

“And just how many times have you had that talk with him Captain Nightshade?” Starry asked. “More times than we can even count since we first meet out Queen on her Moon all those centuries ago. No disrespect but, what makes you think that he’s going to actually take it to heart now?”

“Because he’s in a land where a majority of ponies treat each other kindly.” Nightmare Moon replied dryly, smacking Straus’s muzzle with her tail skirt. “And if he wants to be treated the same way, I expect him to do the same to our subject after we overthrow my sister and I become Equestria’s new Queen. Otherwise, Nightshade can simply beat it into him.”

“Well said my Queen.” Nightshade nodded, grinning evilly at Straus. “Otherwise, me and the others can simply beat it into him.”

“Oh, oh! I call first dibs on the first strike!” Blueball said, shooting her hoof up in the air. “The last pony to get it was Captain Nightshade, and she promised that I’d get a turn next time to give Straus a nice good pummeling!”

Nyx’s ears flattened. “Um, is that really necessary, Captain Nightshade? Not everything has to be solved with raising our hooves.”

“True, but there are just some ponies who need a lot more than simple words to get them to change if they want things to be better for them.” Starry said gently with a shrug. “You saw it yourself my dear Nyx…if words won’t help, then maybe some tough love will.”

“By tough love, you mean pulling Straus through the universe at unimaginable speeds, sending him into the Moon with wind slices, electrocuting him until his fur was black, and shooting him away from the Moon with tornados?” Nyx deadpanned, frowning deeply at the pale violet mare and the rest of her team. “That’s your definition of, ‘tough love’?”

“Of course, and ours us much more durable and tolerable than yours Nyx, no offense to you sweetie.” Nightshade cooed, winking at the indigo maned Alicorn. “While yours is just as, if not more effective, it wouldn’t really do well with us if our dear Straus was looking like he had stared into the eyes of the Death Goddess Selena herself.”

Straus snapped his gaze over to his captain, his teeth bared. “Are you calling me a crybaby Nightshade?”

“Of course not my dear Straus.” Nightshade replied as she pat the stallion on the head, ignoring the death glare he gave her. “I’m just saying that if our dear sweet Nyx here gave you her famous Nightmare Glare, you wouldn’t really be of much help in accomplishing our Queen’s goal in ruling all the land in Eternal Night.”

“Yeah!” Blueball nodded, sparks of electricity dancing across her mane and tail. “And we wouldn’t have you there for when we’re known as the world’s best flyers in all the land!”

“You mean the universe’s best flyers?” Charger asked, raising an eyebrow at the bluish violet mare. “There’s a reason why their called the Galaxy Star Bolts Blue. So, wouldn’t make sense if we were known as widely as the very galaxy we were named after?”

Blueball paused, mulling over Charger’s words for a moment before giggling. “Oh yeah, I would make more sense if I said that instead. Sorry Charger, my silly little noggin wasn’t smart enough to think of that, hmhmhm!”

“Assholes.” Straus growled, crossing his forehooves. “You are all a bunch of bitchy assholes.”

“Says the one whose acting like an asshole himself.” Starry retorted, smiling cheekily.

“Oh goodness.” Nyx sighed, shaking her head as she looked at her ‘mother’. “Those five never change, even after the last nine hundred years on the Moon. I wonder if they’re going to stay like this even after we’ve one against your sister momma.”

“Well, I for one hope that they will. It wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t act as they are now, even after we take the land as our own.” Nightmare Moon giggled, patting the smaller Alicorn on the head as if she were here actual child. “As is the downside for ruling over a kingdom my dear Nyx; you’re just going to have to work with some ponies that you don’t like. Even if they’re ones you’ve known for as long as you can remember. At least with them, you’ll be more use to their antics, and won’t be as annoyed as anypony else would.”

“Yes, you’re right about that momma.” Nyx sighed, smiling back up at Nightmare Moon. “Still, it feels like I’m watching over a group of foals who just won’t grow out of their foalish ways.”

“You and me both.” Nightmare Moon stated dryly, earning a giggle from Nyx. “Anywho, now that you’re all here, there is something that I wish to discuss with you all. It concerns whether or not I’ll be able to win against Celestia and get rid of her retched day once and for all.”

“What would this me, your Majesty?” Starry asked, tilting her head to the side. Just before Nightmare Moon could reply, the pale violet mare added, “This wouldn’t have to do with those mares that we saw back in that library, would it?”

“Still as sharp as you have always Starry…I’m impressed.” Nightmare Moon praised, making the smaller mare blush and look away. “Well, since you’ve guessed it, it’s only fair that I confirm it; yes, it has to do with the seven little mares that we all saw earlier. Apparently, they’re planning to make a trek into this very forest to try and take me out by themselves instead of my sister.”

“They’re what?!” Nightshade asked, unable to hold back a fit of laughter. “That’s what they were doing when we saw them in there? Trying to come up with a way to stop us, let alone you, the strongest being in all of existence?!”

“I would appear so my dear Nightshade. My dear sister is sending somepony else to do her dirty work, as per usual…she really hasn’t changed over these last thousand years.” The sin black Alicorn replied, not sharing in Nightshades amusement. “However, this is not what concerns me as if yet…it’s rather what these ponies are going to use to try and stop me.”

Blueball blinked curiously. “What’s that Queen Moonie? What could those ponies use that’ll stand any chance of even sending you to the ground?”

“These.” Nightmare Moon snarled, igniting her horn and making the square lid in the middle of the floor open up. Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts watched as the pillar holding the Elements rose form the ground and presented itself to them. “You all recall how Celestia had defeated me with what I said was, the Elements of Harmony correct? Well, what you see here are the very same weapons that was used that fateful day. And those seven ponies you saw are coming to this forest to use these weapons that you see here to defeat me once and for all.”

“Really? These large spheres of stone are what those ponies are gonna use to beat you?” Straus asked, frowning as he looked at the seven spheres. “No offense your Highness, but I don’t really see anything special about these things. They just look like ordinary orbs to me.”

“Don’t be so easily swayed Straus, your eyes can deceive you sometimes, so it’s best if you don’t always trust them.” Nyx advised, running a hoof down the seventh spear. “They may not look like it, but these spheres have incredible amounts of magical power within them. I can feel just by looking at them. If these are the same things those ponies are looking for, then we have to do what we can to make sure they aren’t brought back into their original forms.”

“That is exactly right my dear Nyx, which is why I want all of you to do just that.” Nightmare Moon nodded. “I have the familiar gut feeling that it’s going to take quite some time for those young mares to get here. So, in the meantime, I want you all to train yourselves to the best extent of your abilities for the battle that is yet to come. For I foresee that it is one that is going to need every single ounce of your strength and intellect if you want to win.”

“You can count on us to do that your Majesty. Nopony is going to try to stop your plans of ruling and our plans of being known as the best flyers in Equestria.” Nightshade said firmly, nodding to her Queen as she gave her a salute. “if you don’t mind me asking though, I would like to know something. Just how powerful are those ponies, if you want us to train as hard as we did back on the Moon?”

For a moment or two, Nightmare Moon didn’t reply, choosing to close her eyes and go into what looked to be like a meditative stare. Nyx and the Galaxy Star Bolts all stared back at her, patiently waiting for her to reply as silence loomed over the room. After what seemed like forever, she opened her eyes, and stared into all six of their own with the most intense look they’ve ever seen.

“I’m not going to go into too much detail, but I will say this.” Nightmare Moon said. “From what I felt form their magic power, they’re about as powerful as the members of the clans that I told you all about. The ones that me and my sister allied ourselves with in our time building Equestria into what it is now.”

Nyx and all the Galaxy Star Bolts’ eyes widened upon hearing these words, none of them having been prepared for their Queen to say them. They stayed like that for some time, processing the words that Nightmare Moon said as she herself waited for them to respond. Eventually, they snapped out of their induced states, and Nyx was the first ones to break the silence.

“Everypony, I think we should be heading outside to the back of the castle now.” She said softly, yet firmly. “If these ponies really are this powerful, then we need to get down to training as soon as possible.”

“Right, already on it Nyx.” Nightshade nodded, before turning back to Nightmare Moon. “If these nothing else that needs our assistance Queen Moon, we’ll be going now.”

“No, there’s nothing that I need you and your team for right now; you may leave.” Nightmare Moon said, walking over to her throne. “Although Nyx, I will need to see you again sometime later, so be sure to come when I give the signal, alright dear?”

“Yes momma.” Nyx replied, giving a respectful bow before they all flew out of the Throne Room. As the doors closed, Nightmare Moon once again lowered the Elements back into the ground, and sat on her throne. A bright light engulfed her entire body, vanishing a second later as Nightmare Moon was revealed once more. Her once naked form was now adorned with azure blue armor going down to her lower stomach, which also adorning wing blades. Her hooves were adorned in azure horseshoes, while her horn had a pure white crown having a crescent moon at the top, with a smaller blood red one right in the center of her head. To top the new attire off, a long indigo cape flowed about, attached itself to either of her shoulders.

“Ahhhhh, now that’s much better…such fitting attire for the future ruler of Equestria.” Nightmare Moon said to herself. “Now all that’s needed to do is wait for you and your little ponies, dear sister, and the battle that is soon to come. I swear, I will finish you off this time, and once you’re gone, your Sun will fall…and my Moon will rise.”

Author's Note

Well everypony, there you have it, the specialized edited chapter of number 13, all up and ready to be read :scootangel: ! For this chapter, there wasn't really anything to be changed other than the over extended sentences and thee overly long speeches with Queen Celestia and the explanations of the incident in Ponyville. The main reason for editing this chapter and changing it to the way it is now, is because, since I had Nightmare Moon be the main character here, there should be more scenes of her, which is part of the reason why I have her a scene in this chapter, the other part being because I wanted to show scene between the Galaxy Star Bolts like I did the last time I wrote them, along with bringing a certain black Alicorn filly that all seem to love to write about, and I love to read about when I get the chance :rainbowkiss: !!! Looking over this, I think this went along nicely...I even had this in my head while I was writing about this chapter the first time, but I just had so much on my mind that I just simply wasn't able to flush it out. Now though, I was finally able to, and I can definitely say that I couldn't be more happier that I was able to.

Now, before I conclude this Author's Note, I just want to say that I'm going to be doing some research on the techniques that I plan to give the Main Seven, along with Celestia and Nightmare Moon/Luna, and all the other characters that I have in this series, both main, and background, with some being the same, while others are different. This is one of the main reasons why I added the Fairy Tail tag to my stories, because...I feel that Fairy Tail and My Little Pony blend quite nicely, especially both show just how powerful friendship can be. Even if the latter explains it in a more specific sense rather than adventurous sense, despite the fact that I plan to make this story pretty adventurous :derpytongue2: . Updates will may be going along slower than they are right now because of this, but I'll try to make some updates on my progress with the bios and the stories whenever I can :twilightsmile: .

Well, that's all for right now, I'm gonna take some time off before I go into the Main Seven's bios and this story's chapters once I get my brain working again. Faust knows how fried it is right now, and how fried it will be by the time this is all over :rainbowlaugh: !!! Next time, the girls will be traveling into the Everfree and take a rather terrifying ride through the sky, by the master of said sky :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 36 - Sweet Melons and Sour Diamonds

The sound of ponies and foals quietly murmuring and talking filled Melon Cake’s ears as she rested herself on the large white pillow under her. Her chin rested on her forelegs while her right back leg was folded on the right side of her barrel, her tail curled around it. Her left front leg on the other hoof, was fully splayed out to her left side, still wrapped up in bandages and held straight out. Nurse Redheart had advised her to keep it like that so it the ointment she put on it allowed to heal faster, especially after Captain Shining Armor had accidentally stepped on it. Despite the force put in it, it didn’t leave any unneeded damage on her leg, much to the filly’s relief. It just a really painful ache jolting through her leg that took some time to go away. After she had given it another, very thorough check over, Redheart allowed the filly to go back to her friends. Though giving her another firm, yet gentle scolding about wandering off on her own without adult supervision. Before she did though, she gave the filly a pillow to rest on, not wanting her to have to sit on the uncomfortable hard surface of the Town Square’s floor. Melon Cake sweetly thanked her, before happily bounding to the far back of the Town Square, where some of the other foals were.

The soft green filly let out a soft sigh as she rolled over on the pillow, taking care not to put too much strain on her bandaged leg. She stared up silently at the ceiling, her thick spikey dark green mane resting on her face and the pillow around her. A soft humming left her mouth as her mind wandered back to the all that had happened earlier that day. Melon Cake had experienced a lot of crazy and unimaginable things, but never in her young life did she ever think that anything like this would happen. Going from playing and talking with her friends one moment, and then being trapped with her leg nearly broken the next. It was certainly not how she was expecting her day to go, especially one that was supposed to be marked as the longest day of the year, and her entire life. Melon Cake was even more shocked at just how it had gone down, and just who was the cause of it happening, somepony she never ever expected to see.

A shiver when down her spine as the memory of seeing how Queen Celestia struck down flashed through her mind, causing her to put a hoof to her chest. She gingerly rubbed at it, as if she was stabbed there as well by Nightmare Moon’s horn and left to bleed to death at her hooves. Melon Cake had no idea how much pain that Nightmare Moon had put the Queen in, and she didn’t really want to know either. She wanted to see if the Queen was okay, but was unable to thanks to the wood pile she was trapped in. Some hope and dread filled her when she saw the that the Queen and Nightmare Moon were both gone after she was rescued, which caused her to have mixed feelings. On one hoof, she hoped that Queen Celestia had recovered from the attack, and was off battling Nightmare Moon, preventing her from hurting anypony else. On the other hoof, she feared that Nightmare Moon had taken Celestia and whisked her away to whatever dark and creepy lair she had hidden somewhere the wasn’t from here. Melon Cake really hoped that it was the former, not wanting the dark Alicorn to come back and hurt her or her friends. If that happened, the soft green filly didn’t know what she’d do.

‘Come on Melon Cake, don’t think like that!’ Melon mentally scolded herself. ‘The Queen wouldn’t just go down and not get back up again! She’d take and face off against the meanie that tried to attack us and make them pay for it! She’s an Alicorn, and she’s an immortal one at that! She’s faced so many evil ponies in the past that she’ll know just what to do about them, like that other scary Alicorn! There is no wayshe’s gonna go down without a fight, especially if that villain tries to hurt us! That’s the Queen Celestia that I know!’

Melon Cake lightly slapped both of her cheeks in an effort to make the doubts and dark thoughts in her mind and heart go away. She repeated the words to herself over and over in her mind, until the more unpleasant thoughts left them for good. A few moments later, Melon Cake let out another more pleasant sigh, a smile of satisfaction coming to her face. As she let herself relax, one of her ears flicked when she heard the sound of hooves quietly clopping. She didn’t lift her head up or react to it, thinking that there was somepony coming to check up on them. That is, until she heard the pony suddenly speak up.

“M-M-Melon Cake?” A timid and innocent voice stuttered out, right into Melon Cake’s ear. “A-are you awake?”

The soft green slowly opened her multi-colored eyes, looking up to see another foal looking down at her through her mess of a mane. She pushed it back to get a much better look at the other foal, and felt a smile come to her face at who it was. It was an Earth Pony filly, like her, with pale light grayish raspberry coat, and a moderate orchid mane and tail. She had a pair of arctic blue eyes that reminded Melon of staring into beautiful glaciers of ice that lay in the Frozen North. The filly’s mane and tail were tied together with blue hairbands, with her mane in twin ponytails, and her Cutie Mark was of a little white porcupine with brown spines.

“Oh, hi Lily!” Melon Cake chirped, rolling over to face the other filly. “I didn’t even notice you there! Whatcha doin’ over here?”

Lily, fully named Lily Longsocks, pawed at the ground shyly, avoiding eye contact with the soft green filly. “W-well, I came out one of the rooms where the other foals were, a-after I noticed that you weren’t here with us. So, I came out to look for you and found you here, and, um…how you weren’t really moving. S-so I came to check up on you a-and see how you were doing. You, um…y-you’re doing okay, right?”

“Of course I am silly! Why wouldn’t I be okay?” Melon Cake giggled. “The only thing I have is a broken leg, and it’s not even hurting all that much! Well, not anymore anyway, but you get what I mean!”

“A-are you sure?” Lily asked, her worried expression not fading. “Y-you had some big one piled on top of you. And it looked p-p-pretty bad when M-Miss Midnight lifted it off of you.”

Melon Cake looked back at her splayed-out left leg, staring at the bandages coating it with thick layers of bandages and gauze. She gave it a little shift, and it sent an unpleasant ache through her limb, causing her to wince.

“Okay…so it aches a little bit every time I try to move it.” Melon Cake admitted. “It’s not that bad really. I don’t really feel any pain anymore, so it’s fine.”

“O-okay then, if you say so.” Lily said, nodding slightly. “I’m glad that y-you’re starting to feel better. I-I really thought that you were going be w-w-worse off than you were.”

“Oh, don’t worry Lily!” Melon Cake said, reaching out and patting the grayish violet filly on her head. “It’s gonna take a lot more than a little broken leg to keep Melon Cake Smoothie down! Besides, if I let that happen, how else would I be able to turn you and the other foals’ frowns upside down? Like the one you’re wearing right now?”

Lily stayed quiet for a moment, a small smile coming to her face. “You wouldn’t be able to, because you’d be sad yourself.”

“You bet your sweet little porcupine loving flank I wouldn’t! That’s why I need to make sure I have something to smile about!” Melon Cake replied, giving a wink. “I am Ponyville Elementary’s resident ‘Fun Filly’ after all!”

“Yeah, you are.” Lily replied, her smile growing slightly wider as she blushed.

“See? That little frown of yours is turning upside down already!” Melon Cake said, booping Lily on the nose. “Just goes to show that even at times like this, I can brighten up any foal’s day!”

“Yeah, you really can.” Lily giggled, giving a soft nod. “It’s one of the many reasons why me and everypony else love having you as a friend. We can always count on you to brighten up our day, besides Miss Pinkie Pie of course.”

“Yep! You sure can!” Melon Cake nodded back, giving another wink. “So, is there any other reason why you came here to see me? Instead of seeing if I was okay?”

Lily paused, her eyes widening slightly at the question. She soon composed herself and looked away, her timid expression coming back.

“W-well, um…I had wanted to see if you wanted to come back with me to the other foals.” Lily replied, rubbing at her foreleg. “You looked pretty lonely back there, so I though you needed some company.”

“Awww, is little Lily Longsocks worried that Melon Cake’s gonna get all boredy woredy?” Melon Cake cooed, leaning slightly closer to the other filly. “That’s so sweet; you trying to make me happy!”

“W-well…you always go out of your way to make us happy.” Lily said bashfully, her blush growing slightly deeper. “So, I thought it’d return the favor…if only a little.”

Melon Cake giggled, brushing some of her mane out of her face. “Well, I appreciate your offer Lily! You really didn’t need to do that for me…but, if you insist, I won’t resist! There’s just one teeny tiny problem.” Her smile turned sheepish. “I can’t walk right now.”

Lily paused, blinking a few times. “Oh…you can’t?” She asked, her tone carrying just the slightest bit of surprise.

“No, I still need to let my leg heal before I even trying walking. That’s why I’m keeping it like this.” Melon Cake replied, nodding slightly. “I can stand on all four of my legs though, so that’s at least somewhat reassuring. I just have to try to not put any pressure on it.”

“Oh…I see.” Lily said softly, looking at the ground for a moment, and then back at Melon Cake. “I-I could um…help you if you want.”

“Help me?” The soft green filly asked perplexedly. “What do you mean?”

“I-I mean…I-I-I could um…” Lily specified hesitantly, looking off to the side. “I could carry you there, if you want.”

“R…really?!” Melon Cake gasped, her eyes widening slightly. “You’d do that for me?”

“Mhm…I’m a pretty strong filly, stronger than most other foals.” Lily nodded, smiling. “I’m sure I’d have no trouble lifting you up, you and your large pillow.”

“Oh thank you Lily, that’s the second nicest thing that anypony’s done for me all day!” Melon Cake said happily, giving the pale grayish violet filly a thankful smile. “You’re a life saver!”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say I’m anything like that.” Lily protested, her blush growing deeper. “I-I’m just helping out a friend who looks like who needs it, that’s all.”

“Which is exactly why you’re a live saver!” Melon Cake retorted cheerfully. “And why you’re one of the best friends a pony could ask for!”

“Thank you…” Lily said quietly before she fell silent. Without another word, she walked around the soft green filly and stopped behind her. In one swift motion, she ducked her head under the large pillow and hoisted both it and Melon Cake onto her back. The soft green filly squeaked in surprise at the sudden action, but gigged as Lily carried her off.

“You’re pretty eager, aren’t you?” She asked grinning down at the other. “Never seen you this optimistic before.”

Lily looked back up at Melon with an apologetic look on her face. “O-oh, I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to startle you like that.” She said quietly. “I guess I just got a little excited back there.”

“Oh, you don’t need to apologize! There’s nothing wrong with a little excitement, a lot of ponies need it sometimes! Even ponies like you!” Melon Cake replied kindly. “Just give me a little warning next time, okay? For a second there I thought you were gonna knock me right off the pillow, hmhm!”

“S-sure, I’ll keep that in mind.” Lily replied, smiling up at the filly one last time before making her way over to where the other foals were. They were all formed in various groups ranging from a few to a whole mini herd, ranging from various colors, all having at least one or two adults with them. Each of them were all situated in various activities, ranging from eating, playing, and doing various games, be it with other foals or an adult. Melon Cake silently stared, wondering how in the world things had gotten so lively so quickly, especially since it was so close by.

The soft green filly was suddenly brought out of her thoughts when she and Lily were approached by another filly, who was also an Earth Pony Like them. She had a light amberish grey coat with a light brilliant scarlet mane and tail that were poofy and frizzy, and eyes that were a light fuchsia. The filly had a rather chubby physic, more so than all the other foals in the room, and on her snout was a pair of bluish violet glasses.

“Melon Cake, you finally here!” She said excitedly, a bright smile stretched across her face. “I wath wondering where you had run off too! We were beginning to think you weren’t going to thow up!”

“Sorry Twist, I was a little caught up in making sure that I didn’t get myself too excitable.” Melon Cake said, gesturing to her leg, which was dangling off to the side of the pillow. “As you can currently see…”

“Oh, that’s okay, your leg wath looking pretty bad anyway, and you needed to get it looked at by the Nurse.” Twist said, her tone sincere. “But now you’re here, and we all get to have fun together with the others! I’m sure the others will be really happy to see you!”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it!” Melon Cake giggled. “I wonder what kind of games that the others have in store!”

Twist giggled, skipping with a spring in her step. “You’ll just have to wait and see, heehee!”

Fortunately for the soft green filly, she didn’t have to wait long. She, Lily and Twist found themselves in front of a group of over ten foals. A few of them colts, while most of them were fillies, with Button Mash being among them, to Melon Cake’s slight surprise, which made the count up to eleven. All of them were formed in a tight circle, with plates of food and games laid out all around them all over their section of the floor. They were all talking, giggling and laughing, with a few of them roughhousing a bit, those being the colts, while the fillies were much quieter and more subdued.

The first foal was a Pegasus colt with a light bluish gray colt and a long dark grayish sapphire blue mane and tail, with his mane somewhat combed back, and grayish purple eyes. The second foal was also a Pegasus colt, thinner and slenderer looking in appearance. His coat was a light shade of light yellowish gray, with a brownish orange moderate mane and tail, both of them having lighter streaks, with his eyes being a light gamboge color. The third foal was a Unicorn filly with a pale light grayish rose coat, a moderate rose mane and tail, and moderate lime green eyes. The fourth young foal was an Earth Pony filly with a light grayish olive coat, a brilliant gamboge and light amber mane and tail, and moderate purple eyes. The fifth foal was an Earth Pony colt, looking to be the smallest of the bunch. He had a white grayish coat with dark brown spots, a dark tangelo mane and tail, and deep reddish-brown eyes.

The sixth foal was a Pegasus filly with a light cyanish gray coat, with a mane and tail that had pale light grayish heliotrope, crimson, brilliant gold, and moderate spring bud colors. They were both tied together by cyan hair bands and her eyes were a brilliant amber yellow. The seventh foal was a Unicorn filly with a light ceriseish gray coat, a mane and tail with light opal, rose, amber, brilliant scarlet, and amber, with light opal eyes. The eighth foal was an Earth Pony filly with a somewhat poofy dark pink coat having light grayish pink streaks in them, greenish blue eyes, and a deep yellowish orange coat. The ninth foal was also an Earth Pony filly with a light pale grayish opal coat, a grayish azure cornflower blue mane and tail, and light persian blue eyes. The tenth and final foal was a Pegasus filly with a pinkish gray coat, with a pale light grayish arctic blue mane and tail, and moderate scarlet eyes.

“Hey everypony, Lily ith back!” Twist exclaimed, gaining the other foals’ attention. “And she brought Melon Cake with her too!”

At these words, all the other foals stopped whatever they were doing and looked over to where the three fillies were. The instant their eyes landed on Melon Cake, they all smiled and rushed over to the soft green filly, crowding around her and bombarding her with greetings and questions.

“Melon Cake, you’re finally back!”

“It’s about time you got here!”

“What took you so long?!”

“Is your leg okay?”

“Was Nurse Redheart able to make it better?”

“You’re still going to be able to walk again, aren’t you?”

“Are those bandages making your leg itch?”

“Will your leg be able to heal?”

“How bad does it hurt?”

“Do you have any video games with you?”

Melon Cake laughed heartily, feeling her smile widen at the words and concerned faces that her friends were giving her. Reaching out with a hoof, she tapped Lily on the shoulder, silently gesturing her to set her down. The pale grayish filly wordlessly complied, getting down on her stomach and letting the others pull both the filly and her pillow out onto the floor.

“Guys, guys, there’s no need to get all anxious! I’m okay, honest! I just had an unfortunate scenario happen to me that’s all.” Melon Cake said, giving the foals her best reassuring smile. “As for my leg…it’s still healing, but it’s a lot better than how it felt a while ago.”

“So, Nurse Redheart was able to make it better?” An Earth Pony filly, going by the name of Kettle Korn, asked gently.

“Uh-huh, she made it a lot better, thanks to her medical equipment!” The soft green filly nodded. “Just need to keep myself from moving it too much and I’ll be back on all four hooves in no time!”

“That’s good to hear.” A Pegasus colt named Featherweight sighed in relief. “Your leg looked pretty back when that wood was lifted off of you. We really thought that you were going to be a lot far off.”

“T-that’s what I said.” Lily said with a slight giggle. “I was just saying that to M-Melon Cake j-just a minute ago. I was worried that she wasn’t gonna get better.”

“Something that Nurse Redheart made sure wouldn’t happen!” Melon Cake chirped. “Don’t you worry guys! This broken leg isn’t gonna keep Melon Cake Smoothie Ryūko down! It’s gonna take waaaaaaaay more than that to get me down for the count!”

“Only you wouldn’t let anything take you down Melon.” Another Pegasus colt, Rumble, said knowingly with a grin. “You’re way too tough of a filly to let something like that get to you!”

“Heehee, you got that right Rumble!” Melon Cake giggled, reaching out and pumping hooves with the light bluish grey colt. “So, what’re you guys doing here? You guys playing some type of game or something?”

“Oh, yeah!” A Unicorn filly, Toola Roola said, her expression brightening. “We’re playing this game called ‘Journey Through the Dragon Badlands’! It’s where each of us has to hurdle trek through the perils of dragon territory without getting caught by the dragons, trapped in molten lava, trapped in crevasses or crushed by large boulders! Me and Coconut Cream are already halfway there, and we just have two more courses to get through and we’ll win the treasure!”

“You wanna play it with us?” Coconut Cream, the Pegasus filly beside her, asked kindly. “I know we just started it, but you can still join in if you want. We haven’t really gotten that far in the game, and we can have more players in it.”

“Uh-huh!” Another filly, Ruby Pinch, said excitedly with a nod of her head. “It’d be more fun if we had you in it.”

Melon Cake thought for a moment, putting a hoof to her chin as a thoughtful expression came to her face. She glanced at Lily and at the other foals, then back at Rumble, Twist, Coconut Cream, and Toola Roola, who were waiting for her response. After a few more seconds, she smiled and nodded, setting her hoof back down onto her pillow.

“Sure, I’ll join the game!” She finally said, before gesturing to the other foals. “If you let Twist and the others play in the game too! I don’t like it if I get to participate in something and the rest of my friends won’t be able to.”

“That’s okay, we were going to include them in the game anyway.” Button Mash, who was also in the group, said with a smile. “There’s really not enough pieces for everypony, but we can all take turns once everypony else has theirs.”

“Great!” Melon Cake chirped happily. “So, is there one other figure that I can use to squeeze in there?”

“Uh, no…sorry Melon Cake.” Rumble said sheepishly. “This game only allows three to six players at a time, and me, Twist, Cream, Toola, and Button are already in it. You’ll have to wait for a little bit until one of us reaches the end.”

“That’s okay, I can wait.” The soft green filly nodded understandingly. “You guys look like you’re really having fun anyway, and I don’t wanna ruin that.”

“Thanks Melon Cake, I’m glad that you’re not upset with us or anything. Don’t worry, we’re be done in a little while.” An Earth Pony filly, called Noi, said sweetly, before turning back to the others. “So, where were we?”

“Huh?” Twist asked, looking at the bright yellow filly perplexedly for a moment. A split second later, recognition clicked in her bright fuchsia eyes. “Oh! We are at the part where Coconut Cream trieth to make her way pathed the crevatheths!”

“Oh, t-that’s nice…” Lily said softy, smiling at the amberish grey filly. “S-so, um…whose going next?”

“I am!” Another Pegasus filly, Cozy Glow, replied eagerly, holding a hoof up as she ruffled her wings. “I’m just behind Cream and Toola, and I only have a few spots left before I’m in the lead with them! Speaking of which, does anypony have the dice?”

“I do.” Button Mash replied, handing Cozy Glow the dice. “Sorry I held onto them for so long, I was just waiting for you guys to get back to the game.”

“That’s okay, thanks for waiting.” The grayish pink filly replied, winking at the chocolate brown colt.

“You can do it Cozy!” Another Earth Pony filly, Petunia cheered happily.

After Button Mash hoofed her the dice, she shook her hoof a couple of times before throwing them across the board. They rolled around a couple of times, before stopping on two individual numbers. Petunia and everypony else leaned in to take a closer look and see what Cozy had gotten.

“Twelve.” Rumble said, glancing up at Cozy Glow. “You get to go up twelve spaces.”

“Yay, that’s more than twice the number I was aiming for!” The grayish pink filly cheered, taking her figure and going up the twelve. “Heehee, lucky me!”

“You’re turn Twist.” Cream said, glancing at the amberish gray filly.

Twist eagerly took the dice and rolled them, and a few moments later, they stopped a new number. This time, instead of a two, it was a seven, more than twice as big as the one Cozy Glow had.

“Oh yes, a theven!” Twist said excitedly, moving her figure up the seven spaces. As soon as she dropped herself on the last space however, it began to shake a little. Then, before she knew it the space suddenly gave out and her figure was gone.

“Uh-oh, you just entered into a crevasse!” Toola cried her eyes widening as she flailed her hooves. “Twist has been eliminated!”

“Oh no!” Melon Cake exclaimed, putting both hooves to her cheeks as Twist’s figure came out from the side of the game board. “Poor Twist, she was so close to her goal! Now she’ll have to start all over from square one!”

“Oh, candy caneth!” Twist snorted, giving a light stamp of her hoof. “I was tho cloth to Cream and Toola too! I thould’ve known that wath going to happen!”

“That’s okay Twist, you’ll still get another try.” Noi said comfortingly, putting a hoof on the chubby filly’s back. “You won’t be taken completely out of the game unless you fall for the traps two more times. Don’t worry, you’re still in the game along with everypony else.”

“Yeah…except that I have to thtart all the way from the beginning.” Twist said solemnly, lightly kicking at the floor beneath her hooves. Thtupid crevath trap…”

Melon Cake bit her tongue, keeping herself from giggling at Twist’s adorable pouty expression as she looked at the other fillies. “Who’s turn is it now?”

“Mine!” Noi said, grabbing the dice before and throwing them back down almost immediately after. They soon laid out too very big and very round numbers in front of her. One that none of them that had the dice wanted to see.

“Oooooh…” Rumble murmured, drawing in a breath through clenched teeth. “Sorry Noi, you got two zeros.”

“Awwww, that’s too bad.” Melon Cake pouted, plopping her chin onto her pillow. “Noi was really aiming for that one too.”

“Darn it!” The light grayish olive filly shouted, slamming both hooves on the board game. “I was really aiming for a ten, not a dumb zero!”

“Hey, watch it Noi!” Toola said, using her magic to hold into place. “You almost toppled over all of our figures and nearly messed up the whole game!”

“Oh, sorry Toola.”

“My turn.” Rumble said, reaching out with a gesturing hoof.

Ruby ignited her horn and levitated the dice over to the bluish gray colt without speaking a word. Rumble wasted no time in shaking them before rolling them onto another section of the game. when he saw the number, his eyes widened and most of the other foals gasped in surprise.

“A…a ten.” He mumbled dumbly. “I got a ten!”

“Oh, come on! I was aiming for that!” Noi exclaimed in disbelief. “How in the heck did Rumble manage to get it when I didn’t?!”

“Oh, sorry to see that happen to you mate.” Pipsqueak winced, looking up at the larger filly sympathetically. “Looks like this game decided to choose somepony better to take control of its sails.”

Noi groaned, lashing her tail out as she plopped down on her rump, crossing her forehooves indignantly. “Phooey…”

“I-I guess it’s my turn next…” Lily mumbled softly, taking a few steps forward. “C-could um…could one of you hoof me the dice?”

“Here you go.” Cream said, grabbing the two appendages and giving them to the pale grayish violet filly.

“Thank you.” Lily said politely as the cyanish gray filly hovered back to her spot. Taking a deep breath, she steeled her nerves, if slightly. “A-alright, here I go.”

Using as much gentleness as her body would allow, Lily lightly threw the dice down, watching as they bounced around. When they settled upon a number, everypony leaned in for a closer look, and once again gasped at the result.

“An eighteen…” Ruby murmured softly, sounding as if she didn’t believe it. “Lily got an eighteen?!”

“Oh wow, Lily! You are on a roll today!” Petunia said sweetly, looking at the Earth filly with an impressed smile. A moment later, she realized what she had said and blushed, looking off to the side, smiling sheepishly. “Uh…no pun intended.”

“That’s okay, a-and thank you.” Lily smiled gently. “I honestly didn’t expect my number to get that high in the game yet. I guess I must be better at it than I thought…”

“Better than you thought?!” Noi asked incredulously. “That’s the fourthtime in a row that you got a number bigger than any one of us! How are you able to just keep climbing up?!”

Lily blushed, looking off to the side as she poked her forehooves. “I-I…I don’t really know how. I-I guess I’m just really good at it…a-and I really enjoy it anyway.”

“Yeah, I’m not buying that.” Noi stated flatly, staring suspiciously at the filly. “I know that you have some sort of secret tactic that’s helping you win this game! I can see it in your eyes and the way you’re acting!”

“That’s ridiculous.” Ruby murmured with a deadpan. “I don’t see how Lily can have anything that’s helping her cheat at the game. She’s just going about it how we are.”

“That’s what she wants you and the others to think!” Noi said, pressing her nose against the grayish rose filly as she pointed at Lily. “I can see why Scootaloo would be so good at games, since she’s never really played most of them before since she moved to Ponyville! But Lily has been here since, like, forever! Each and every time we play games like this, it’s either Scootaloo or Lily that’s managed to always come out on top! There’s got to be something that Lily knows about this game that we don’t, and is keeping it from us so we can’t win! I just know there is!”

“Uh-huh…right.” Rumble said slowly. “Cozy, it’s your turn again.”

Cozy nodded, taking the dice and rolling them down. “Oh sweet, I got a sixteen!”

“Really?!” Noi shouted, watching as the pale grayish pink filly moved her figure up. “That’s a number just below Lily’s!”

“Well, looks like she’s not the only one who the game chose as the better player.” Cozy Glow giggled, smiling sweetly at the greyish olive Earth Pony. She placed her piece just a couple spaces away from the crevasse “You’re turn now Twist!”

“Uh-oh, I can sense the end coming~!” Melon Cake said excitedly, a small grin on her face as her tail wagged back and forth.

“My turn!” Rumble said, throwing the dice. “Eleven!”

“Way to go there, Rumble!” Twist smiled, watching as the colt went up the exact number of spaces. After he went, Toola took he turn, taking the dice in her magic and threw them herself.

“Seventeen!” She chirped, moving her figure father up. “Yay, I made it passed the flowing molten lava!”

Ruby clapped her hooves together. “Yes, good for you Toola!”

“It’s getting closer!” Melon Cake continued. “I can feel it!”

“My turn!” Cream shouted, taking her turn and throwing the dice. “Oh yeah, I got a twenty!”

Noi’s jaw dropped to the floor. “A Twenty?! Are you kidding me?!”

“W-wait a minute.” Lily said as she watched Cream move her figure. “I-If Coconut Cream is already halfway through the game, and she got a twenty, then that means-”

“YAY, I WIN!” The cyanish gray filly cheered, cutting Lily off as she shot up into the air. “I did it I did it I did it! I made it to the end of the Dragon Badlands and reached the treasure!”

“Way to go Coconut Cream!” Twist cheered, bouncing up and down. “You won the game!”

“Oh yes, I knew you could do it Cream!” Toola smiled, squeezing the Pegasus filly tightly. “You were in the lead with Lily form the very start, and you still managed to every time! I just knew you were gonna come out on top!”

“C-congratulations Coconut Cream.” Lily said softly, clapping her hooves together. “L-looks like you finally managed to beat me. You were really great back there…”

The pale grayish raspberry filly suddenly squeaked as she felt herself encased in a magical aura. Before found herself pulled across the air and brought into the embrace of Toola and Cream.

“Awww thank you Lily, but don’t give me all the credit. Me and Toola weren’t the only one who played great.” Cream said sweetly as she nuzzled Lily. “You and the others were great back there too, even if you guys didn’t really get to where we were!”

“Yep, the important thing is that we all had fun!” Toola nodded, turning to the others. “Right guys?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Noi muttered, sighing as she looked solemnly at Lily. “Sorry I got a little frustrated there, Lily.”

Lily smiled gently. “That’s okay Noi…I-I can see how upsetting it can be to not always be able to win. S-still, it’s just like Toola said, we all at least had fun, and that’s all that matters.”

“Uh-huh!” Rumble nodded. “And Melon here knows all about fun!”

“I sure do!” The soft green filly giggled, reaching over and tussling the bluish gray colt’s mane. “Speaking of which, do you think you guys could squeeze me in for the next round? I’d love to make this game even more fun for you!”

“Oh sure, the celery coated filly with the creepy red eye would want to make a lame game likethis fun.” A new voice spoke out. “Then again, she’d try to make any game like this seem fun to anypony, especially all of you losers.”

Melon Cake, Rumble, and the other colts and fillies froze upon hearing the voice making its way towards them. The atmosphere in the group changed drastically as its snooty, arrogant and sassy tone made its way into their ears and filled them with an irrefutable amount of dread.

“Oh no…” Cozy moaned, taking a couple steps back. “Don’t tell me....”

“Ugh, not her again!” Button groaned as he faced hooved. “Please tell me it’s not her!”

“I-It looks like it is.” Petunia mumbled, hiding behind Button Mash. “I’m scared-!”

Twist frowned dejectedly, upset that her and her friends’ fun was ruined. “Oooooh, what do they want thith time?”

“I don’t know, but I get the feeling that it’s nothing pleasant.” Melon Cake replied, a frown on her own face as she turned to see who was behind her. ‘Then again, when has it ever been a pleasant meeting with those two?’

Walking up to the group of colts and fillies a with strut in her steps, head held high and smiling cockily, was young Earth Pony filly, looking to be quite the looker. She had a pale magenta pink coat, with a light grayish violet mane and tail that were both curled into gentle waves, with pure white streaks in the center. Her eyes were a brilliant cornflower blue, and her Cutie Mark was of a tiara, with a matching one shining atop her head. This filly went by the name of Diamond Dazzle Tiara Rich, the daughter of the business tycoon Filthy Rich, and future heiress to the Rich Mansion.

“Well well well, if it isn’t the demon eyed filly Felon Cake herself.” Diamond Tiara said mockingly. “Taking a little rest in that big soft pillow of yours from all the stupid hyper stuff you always do?”

“Hello to you too, Diamond Tiara.” Melon Cake replied flatly; her brows furrowed with disdain as she frowned down at the other filly. The sweet and cheerful demeanor that she had just minutes ago seemed to evaporate upon the arrival of her most disliked bully. “What do you want now? I thought you were with your parents and Silver Spoon.”

“Oh, I was, but unfortunately, Silver Spoon ended up getting taken out of here by her mom, Silver Slow, along with that weird wacky twin brother of her’s.” Diamond replied casually. “As for my parents…well, they’re having some quality time with the other adults here. I would’ve stayed with them, buy my mom encouraged that I needed to…ugh, ‘socialize’.” She added, sticking her tongue out in disgust.

“So then, you chose to be with us for the occasion?” Button asked, suspiciously. “I seriously doubt that you would want to be anywhere around us.”

“Yeah!” Ruby nodded, glaring daggers at Diamond. “Why can’t you go hang around with some other rich prissy and pompous ponies like the jerk you are?!”

“I would, but there aren’t many foals my age that suit my quota or my standards, other than Silvey of course.” Diamond replied, smiling slightly at the grayish rose red filly. “And for your information Nuby Pinch, I am not anywhere near as pompous or prissy as those other ponies back in Canterlot. What makes you think I’m anywhere near level?”

“You seriously want us to spell it out for you?” Noi asked incredulously, looking at the other Earth filly like she was crazy. “You are a total jerk to me and the others, you constantly harass us every single day that we’re at school, and you go out of your way to make every single our lives miserable! Why do you think we believe you’re just like them?!”

Diamond Tiara laughed, the mockery and cruelty behind it making Noi, Ruby, and the other foals cringe upon hearing it. “Oh Noi, you wound me so with those words! I don’t any of that cruel and nasty stuff to you guys! I just want to show how appreciative I am to have such wonderful, kind, and friendly, ponies going to the same school as me…doing my bidding!”

“That’s your definition of showing your appreciation?!” Rumble snorted. “By constantly bullying us each and every time that you get, and making us do whatever you want to?! That’s not how a real friend works Diamond Tiara, no real friend treats another pony like that! Especially the way that you treat us!”

“Rumble’s right!” Toola nodded. “A realfriend wouldn’t go out of their way to make us do what she wants, get us in trouble for something we didn’t do, and try to tear us down every chance she gets! If that’s how you treat your friends, however many you may have, then we’d rather be outcasts than befriend anypony like you!”

“Uh, excuse me Fumble, where do you go talking about how friends should and shouldn’t treat each other?” Diamond Tiara asked, smirking at the grayish blue Pegasus colt. “As far as I’m concerned, you don’t have any friends yourself! You don’t know a single thing about me, so you don’t have any right to make that stupid dumb statement! I know way more about being friends than you ever will! Along that lame big brother of yours who does nothing but sit around on the clouds with random mares, leaving you alone all by your little itty-bitty self.”

Rumble’s eyes flashed, his fur bristling at these words. “Don’t you dare bring Thunderlane into this!”

“Or what?” Diamond Tiara asked, smiled coldly. “What’re you gonna do? Are you gonna go tell on your big brother Thunderlame like the weak little crybaby little brother you are? Are you gonna go up to him and say, ‘Thunderlame, Diamond’s calling me names and being mean to me again! Please make her stop being mean to me!’ Huh? Is that what you’re gonna do?”

“I just might do that if you don’t leave me and my friends alone.” Rumble hissed; teeth bared in a snarl. His formed into cat-like slits, and it looked like his teeth were beginning to elongate and sharpen. “And for the record, I am notweak, nor am I a crybaby! I’m a strong colt, way stronger than you or Silver Spoon combined!”

“Oh, I highly doubt that Fumble.” Diamond Tiara snorted, rolling her eyes. “You’re a Pegasus,your kind aren’t mean to have the amazing awesome and lovely strength that we Earth Ponies have. We could easily wipe the floor with you and those other bird winged and bull horned ponies that live with us. Heck, I could easily take you down right here if I wanted to, and I wouldn’t even break a sweat!”

“Maybe not me, but there are plenty of other ponies here who could easily throw your prissy spoiled little flank across the ground!” Rumble retorted, pressing his nose against Diamond’s and pushing her back. “As a matter of a fact, I can name on pony here that can easily take you down with just one move!”

“Oh? And who might that be?” The pale magenta filly asked, pressing her forehead against Rumble’s. Before the grayish blue colt could reply, Diamond put a hoof to his mouth to silence him. “Oh, wait no, let me guess…it’s Little Longsnot, isn’t it?!”

“What did you just say?!” Melon Cake shouted, glaring down at Diamond. “I know that you did not just call Lily that!”

“You hear me Felon Cake! I was referring to little miss Little Longsnot over here!” Diamond repeated, smirking over at the soft green filly. Shoving Rumble out of the way, she made her way over to the aforementioned filly. “So, I take it that you want to ‘take me out in one fell swoop’ as Fumble so kindly stated?”

“N-n-no thank you!” Lily squeaked fearfully, hiding behind Coconut Cream. “I-I don’t wanna fight you! I really don’t! Please, just leave me alone!”

“Oh really? That anticipative shaking you’re doing is telling me otherwise.” Diamond said mockingly, taking notice of the filly’s shivering. “What’s the matter? Having trouble containing that creepy super strength that you wanna let out on me so badly?!”

“As if Diamond Tiara!” Coconut Cream said, standing protectively in front of the pale grayish violet filly. “She’s shaking because she scared! Not only of you, but what you might make her do is you keeping scaring her like that! Also, Lily’s super strength is not creepy, I for one, thing that really amazing!”

“Y-yeah, you tell her Creamy!” Featherweight suddenly exclaimed, “Tell her h-how cool Lily’s strength is!”

“Amazing! That little crybaby’s over the top freaky strength is amazing?! Give me a break!” Diamond laughed, putting a hoof to her forehead. “The only thing ‘amazing’ about Little Longsnot’s strength is that it somepony sent to the hospital more often than not because she either hugged them to tightly and broke their backs, or hit them to hard and sent them into buildings or something! Pretty much like a couple of another dumb pony with over the top freaky strength!” She added, smirking cruelly at Featherweight.

The yellowish grey Pegasus colt gasped, his pupils contracting as his ears went limp against his head. “You…” He whispered, his eyes growing misty as a white coated, yellow maned, and red eyed Pegasus popped into his mind. Hanging his head, he squeezed his eyes shut as he attempted not to cry, leaning into Petunia, who immediately brought him into a hug.

“Oi, you take that back!” Pipsqeak exclaimed, getting up in Diamond Tiara’s face as much as he could. “Lily is not the kind of pony to get violent with anypony, whether she means it or not! And even if she did, she’d only do it if she was trying to defend herself against somepony who was trying to harm her, or if somepony was trying to hurt us!”

“Like this?” With a swift swing of her hoof, Diamond knocked the tiny colt off his feet. She laughed carelessly as he landed on his back with a hard thud. “I don’t see Little Longsnot coming to defend you now.” She chuckled coldly, glancing at a still cowering Lily.

“Pip!” Petunia cried rushing over to the tiny colt. “Are you okay?”

“Hey!” Button Mash shouted, running over and standing in front of Pipsqueak. “Not cool!”

“Oh, is Glutton Crash gonna save day instead of Little Longsnot?” Diamond Tiara cooed, her voice dripping with sickening sweetness. “How cute, the freak of video games and vampires defending the freak of creepy super strength. Oh, you two perfectly for each other in the terms of freaks!”

“Why you…” Button breathed menacingly, his ears pinned back and his eyes glowing. If there was one thing that Button hated, it was being called a freak. He hated even more when somepony else, especially one of his friends, was called a freak too, and that was something that he would not stand for. No matter who it was that was saying it, even if it was one of his own friends. Diamond was lucky that she was a filly instead of a colt, or else he would’ve given her a nice good knuckle sandwich.

“That’s enough Diamond Tiara!” Melon Cake yelled, jumping from her pillow and landing right in front of Diamond. Nearly all of them cowered upon seeing the anger in her multi-colored gaze, despite the fact that it was directed it one foal in particular. “I don’t know what your problem is, but you better leave my friends alone! We didn’t come here so you could find us and just be a big meanie pants to them in any way you please! We’re not gonna let you ruin our-”

“Your what? Your Night? Day? Evening? Morning? Afternoon? Something along the lines of those? What makes you think I’m here to ruin whatever ‘fun’ you guys are having?” Diamond asked, raising a grayish violet eyebrow. “I come here and dazzle you all with my magnificence and show you all how generous I am to even come here and hang out with you all, and this is how you repay me? By belittling me and treating me as if I’m the very plague of existence? How terrible of you all…”

“The only terrible one here is you, Diamond.” Pipsqueak retorted. “Then again, I don’t think I can think of anypony that’s as terrible as you are.”

Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes, giving a snort at the dark brown colt. “Me, Diamond Dazzle Tiara, the richest prettiest and nicest pony in Ponyville Elementary a terrible pony? Please, the only ponies that are terrible are those stupid little blank flanks you like to hang out with!”

At this Melon Cake paused, mulling over the words that Diamond had said as they danced around in her mind. She then gasped, before looking back down at the Earth filly, her multicolored eyes narrowed and flashing. “Are you referring to who I think you’re referring to?”

“What do you think Felon Cake?” Diamond Tiara spat back, scrunching her nose up. “I’m talking about those Cutie Mark Catastrophes of ponies that go to our school all the time!”

A collective chorus of gasps left the colts and fillies mouths as they stared wide-eyed at Diamond Tiara, aghast at what she said. A moment later, Twist took a step towards Diamond, her ears pinned back.

“What did you juth thay?” Twist asked, her voice dangerously soft.

“You heard me you little lisp talking candy loving fat walking freak!” The pale magenta filly shouted, smiling lewdly at amberish gray filly. “I said that your little friends were called Cutie Mark Catastrophes, because that’s exactly what they are!”

“First of all, they’re called the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Coconut Cream shouted, stomping her hoof. “Second of all, how dare you go and say that those fillies are horrible ponies?! Especially when they’ve done absolutely nothing to you!”

“Nothing to me? Nothing to me?!” Diamond Tiara repeated, looking at the cyanish gray filly as if she was crazy. “They have done everything to me since the day they came to my school! Form the day they’ve been there, they’ve done nothing but still the fame, respect and recognition that I’ve worked so hard to gain from everypony! They’ve stolen all of my most cherished friends, stolen my title as the smartest and best foal in the class, taken away the all the adoration that the teachers have given me, and turned them all against me! Those blank flanks have done nothing but make me go from the perfect student at Ponyville Elementary, to the walking plague of the entire school!”

“By showing everypony there how much of a bully you are to the entire school?” Petunia asked, frowning at the pale magenta filly. “Because as far as I’m concerned, that’s the only thing that they’re guilty of!

“This coming from the filly who likes to spend her days digging up the remains of dead animals instead of leaving them to rot.” Diamond Tiara said flatly, earning a pained gasp from the grayish opal coated filly. “I mean seriously, keeping a collection of bones with you? That’s just disgusting, not to mention sick! Only something that crazy and sick pony who needs professional help would do!”

In the blink of an eye, Melon Cake was right in Diamond Tiara’s face. “Hey! That was uncalled for Diamond!" She shouted, her tail whipping back and forth behind her. "You better take that back right now and apologize to Petunia, or I’m gonna-”

“You’ll what? Go tattle on the Cutie Mark Catastrophes and tell them how ‘mean’ I’m being to you and your friends when I’m giving you nothing but the truth?” Diamond taunted, cutting Melon Cake off. “How typical of you Felon Cake; always relying on them to help you with whatever problems you have instead of me.”

“That’s only because I can never see any other way to get you to leave me and by friends alone.” The soft green filly hissed, her multicolored eyes flashing. “If it was anything else that I knew I for sure I could do without their help, I wouldn’t have to keep going to them and burdening them with it! One of those things being dealing with somepony like you!”

“Says the filly who couldn’t even stop herself from getting her leg broken, and had to rely on some stupid commoner nurse to fix it.” Diamond shot back, earning a feral growl from Melon Cake. “Keep on telling yourself all you will about those wannabe no good blank flank losers. You’re only gonna make yourselves more like them the more you hang out with them instead of somepony who can actually help you get to where you want to go in life. Just like that other blank flank loser they were hanging out with.”

Rumble paused, looking at Diamond Tiara with a raised eyebrow. “What’re you talking about?”

“Oh, you didn’t notice?” Diamond asked, smirking at Rumble. “While I was still with Silvey, I saw Scrapple Bloom, Squeaky Belle, Motorloo, Tire Trash, Crooked Shield and that dragon hybrid freak of a colt talking with another blank flank. I don’t know what they were doing, but it looked like they were having a real good time making those him suck up to them with whatever they were doing or saying. And judging from the look on his faces, that colt was hanging onto their every word and loving every second of it! I would’ve gone over and showed him what a real friend is, but thanks to that dumb cave of the roof by that big scary pony, I didn’t get my chance.” She smirked as she gave a toss of her mane. “Oh well, that’s fine. I’ll get to meet them eventually, and once I do; I’ll be able to show them how a real friend does things, and show them how much trouble the Cutie Mark Catastrophes, and that freaky lizard colt really is to him.”

“Not on my watch you’re not!” Melon shouted angrily, leaping off of her pillow. Using only three legs, she raced over to the pale magenta filly and pressing her muzzle against her’s. “I don’t know who those foals were that Apple Bloom and the others were with earlier today, but I’m gonna tell you something and I’m gonna tell you something right here, right now! For as long as I have known them, the Cutie Mark Crusaders have done nothing but be the bestest of friends to me and everypony else! I know that they’re are nothing like how you’re portraying them to be! They’re kind, sweet, honest, trustworthy, loyal, generous, and hardworking fillies who brighten everypony’s day wherever they go! Anypony who thinks otherwise is either just plain mean or doesn’t have any real friends like them themselves!”

Diamond Tiara snorted, pushing the other filly back watching as she reeled and topped hard onto her back. “That’s a lie in itself, and you know it, Felon Cake!” She shouted, watching as Melon Cake clutched her bandaged leg tightly. “Those blank flanks have all been wrapping you around their little hooves and leading you way from the true potential that you could all reach with me! Why can’t you see that what they’re doing is going to lead you into lives of commoner misery?!”

“Because they keep showing us how much more miserable our lives will be if we side with somepony like you!” Pipsqueak shouted, getting up from under Button Mash. “I’ve seen how the Cutie Mark Crusaders are both inside and outside of school, and everything they do together is an adventure in itself! More adventurous and thrilling than anything you try to make us do, which isn’t a whole lot!”

“T-that’s right! The Cutie Mark Crusaders are the best ponies to be around, even if you don’t seem to think so yourself Tiara! Anypony that does will see that it was the best] thing that ever happened to them!” Petunia added with a slight crack in her voice as she wiped her tears away. “And I’m sure that whoever that they met tonight, they'll take them on adventures that you yourself will NEVER be able to experience!”

“Oh, really now?” Diamond Tiara asked, tilting her head. “Then I feel sorry for the poor pony that does end up befriending them. With how those blank flanks are, they only thing their new ‘friend’ will accomplish with them, is going back to their mommies and daddies with a bunch of bruises and sticky tree sap.”

“It’s better than them having to be pushed around by somepony of your caliber!” Rumble retorted as he rounded on her once more. “And if you think that you’re going to try to force another pony to do your bidding, you’ve got another thing coming! Like Petunia said, whoever met Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Fire Flash have got to be the luckiest ponies in the world, and we’re not gonna let you ruin whatever good times they may have for them!”

“Even if it gets us all in trouble,” Noi said firmly, staring down hard at Diamond. “We’ll make absolute certain that those ponies that met the Crusaders don’t have to face your cruelty or tyranny! Even if we can’t be there for them all the time, we’ll definitely be there whenever we have the opportunity!”

“And I’ll be right there whenever you do try to prey on them!” Melon Cake shouted, stalking closer to Diamond despite her bandaged leg. “Whenever you try to sour their day with your stupid banter, I’ll be there to stop it. Whenever you try to tear them down like you always try to tear down Scootaloo and Lily, I’ll be there to wipe their tears away. Whenever I see any of them, or their new friends crying and down in the dumps with the blues, I’ll be there to pick them back up on their feet and put a big smile on their faces! Because that’s what Melon Cake Smoothie Byakko Konton does; put smiles on faces, and brighten up a ponies day! I haven’t stopped doing it then and I am so not gonna start now! I’m Ponyville Elementary’s Fun Filly for a reason, and as long as I still go there, nothing will stop me from turning any foals’ bad day, into something even better! Including those foals who you were planning to put under your control!”

Diamond Tiara laughed throwing her head back as it came out in loud sharp guffaws. A second later, she calmed down, and looked right back into Melon Cake’s multicolored glare. “Oh, so that’s how you wanna play it huh? Getting between me and my business with the Cutie Mark Catastrophes whenever you see the chance?”

“You better believe your snooty jewel loving flank I do!” The soft green filly replied, snorting indignantly. “Anything to keep you away from the CMC and any new friends that they happen to make!”

“If that’s how you want to do it, be by guest.” Diamond said nonchalantly. “Though you do realize if you do that, you’ll be facing my wrath, right?”

“As if we haven’t faced it before.” Ruby snorted. "Not that you can really do anything."

“We’ll do whatever it takes to protect them from the likes of you.” Melon Cake said, pressing her face closer to Diamonds as her eyes continued to glow. “Even if it means I have to watch you like a tiger watching a deer.”

“Ha! You’re going to watch me like one of those dumb birds that beast loving Pegasus keeps with her at that stinky cottage of hers?!” Diamond chortled, ignoring the frown from Lily and the glare from Petunia. “Please, as if you can do something like that! There’s no way when you can predict if I’m having my way with those dumb blank flanks or if they’re not worth my time!”

At these words, Melon smirked, hovering back a bit back so Diamond could see it. “Oh, trust me Diamond…I have my ways of knowing exactly when you’re up to no good.”

“Oh?” The pale magenta filly smirked back. “And just how, pray tell, do you have the powers to tell whether or not I’m showing those blank flanks who’s boss?”

“Oh, she does, Diamond.” Rumble replied crossing his forehooves, “Believe me, she really, really does.”

“You may not understand it, and you probably never will even if I do explain it, but believe me when I say this.” Melon Cake began softly, little too softly for Diamond’s liking. “I’m able to know when something bad is going to happen, especially if it’s something that you do. And when it does happen, I’ll see to it that you pay for it. I may not be there all the time to ensure that happens, and I may not even be able to prove it all the time, but whenever I see the opportunity, I’m going to take it. I am an opportunist after all, and when I see the opportunity to make sure you pay in full for what do to me, the CMC, anypony else that’re friend with them…I will take it. So you better watch your back Diamond, because you may never know just when my chance to make you pay for your cruelty will come.”

“Big talk coming from a filly who acts like she’s on a continuous sugar rush all the time and can’t even stand on all four legs, like a real Earth Pony.” Diamond Tiara said, kicking one of her own hindlegs out for emphasis. “Still, I accept you and your friends little challenge Felon Cake. Let’s see just how much ‘trouble’ you can catch me doing to the Cutie Mark Catastrophes new little ‘friend’ before I finally expose all of them for the true ponies they are. Not that you’ll really able to accomplish something like that.”

“Oh well see about that Diamond!” Melon Cake growled, stomping her hoof as Diamond began to walk off. “Just you wait, one day you’re gonna get exposed for who you really are! And when that day comes everypony will see just what you really are inside! A big mean, snooty, snobbish foal who gets away with everything, doesn’t know the meaning of true friendship!”

“Right back at you Felon Cake!” Diamond Tiara called back flicking her tail behind her. “See you when that day comes, blank flanks!”

With those words, the pale magenta filly vanished into crowds of other ponies, walking with the same strut she had when she first arrived. Melon Cake, and the rest of the foals stayed where they were, watching the filly leave with frowns on their lips and glares in their eyes. Not a single word was spoken between them as they all silently recovered from Diamond Tiara’s onslaught, the filly’s mocking laughter still ringing in their ears.

“Melon Cake?” Coconut Cream asked softly, breaking the silence. “Are you okay?”

Melon closed her eyes, inhaling and exhaling deeply as she calmed herself down. “Yeah…I am Creamy. I’m sorry that you and the others had to see me like that.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it.” Rumble said, draping a wing over the filly. “You weren’t the only one who wanted to give that filly a piece of her mind. I’m sure that the others wanted to show her what she was doing wasn’t cool.”

“Yeah!” Noi nodded. “You should’ve seen the look on Button Mash over here! He looked like he was going to rip her head off!”

“Your darn right I would’ve!” The chocolate brown colt snorted, dragging a hoof across the ground. “Stupid Diamond…she’s lucky that she’s a girl. Or else I would’ve shown her why I’m the master of all fighting games!”

“For some reason, I knew you were going to say something like that.” Cozy Glow said dryly, smiling at the colt in amusement. “You really do love your video games, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do.” Button replied, raising an eyebrow at the grayish pink filly. “You got a problem with that?”

Cozy Glow giggled, smiling cutely. “No problem at all!” She cooed, reaching up and patting him on the head.

“Jeez, I cannot stand that her.” Ruby groaned, giving an angry lash of her tail. “Why does she always have to come in and ruin everything good that we do?!”

“I don’t know, but I’m getting really thick of it.” Twist replied with a huff. “I don’t know how Apple Bloom and her friends can even thtand her! They must have the patienth of thaints!”

“I’m pretty sure that even a saint will eventually get tired of having to stand them before very long.” Featherweight murmured, sniffling. “And I’m pretty sure that the Crusaders will get tired of it themselves…it’s only a matter of time.”

Lily cringed, her ears flattening. “Oh, t-that won’t be pretty I imagine.”

“Maybe not, but it’ll totally be worth seeing that no good rotten filly in her place.” Rumble said enthusiastically. “Maybe then she’ll stop messing with us.”

“What about the other foal she was talking about?” Ruby asked, making the others turn to her. “She mentioned how she was going to target whoever it was…how’re they going to take it?”

“Well, if this colt’s anything like the Crusaders, he definitely won’t take anything she says or done lying down.” Toola replied firmly as Coconut Cream hovered back over to her. “If they can’t do it immediately them, that’s okay. We’ll be there to back them up and help them stand up for themselves whenever we can’t!”

“Uh-huh!” Cream nodded, bumping hooves with the ceriseish gray filly.

“Speaking of…are you okay Melon?” Petunia asked worriedly. “You took quite a fall when Diamond pushed you. Especially with that leg injury of yours…that had to hurt.”

Melon Cake winced, looking back at her left leg, which was fully stretched out behind her. She could still feel the jolt of pain from when Diamond had pushed her and caused her to bend it, but it was gradually fading away. “Y-yeah…I am now. My leg does still hurt a little bit, but it’s getting better. Nurse Redheart isn’t gonna be happy that I moved it around so much.”

“Don’t worry, Nurth Redheart won’t get too upthet.” Twist said comfortingly. “We juth have to explain to her what happened between you and Diamond, and she’ll thort it out with her dad.”

“I hope Mr. Rich does gets her to stop…” Featherweight sighed. “Or else we’ll have to dealing with her continuously.”

Featherweight frowned. “I highly doubt that.”

“Yeah, me too…” Melon Cake said, letting out another sigh. “Oh well, I’m not gonna what she said ruin our fun! Whaddya say we get back to the game?”

The colts and fillies all smiled back at her and nodded turning their attention back to the game that they were playing before Diamond stopped them. Melon Cake went back over to her pillow, climbing on top of it with the help of Lily. Once she was comfortable, she sighed and let her chin plop down on the pillow, with Lily standing right beside her.

“A-are you going to be okay M-Melon?” The pale grayish violet filly asked softly. “You looked a little tuckered out there.”

“I’ll be okay Lily…I’m just really upset at having to deal with Diamond again.” The soft green filly replied without lifting her head up. “I don’t know what we’re going to do! Every day she keeps bullying us, and it only gets worse every time! I feel like if something isn’t done soon, I’m gonna go nuts! And not the good kind of nuts I go into whenever something good’s happening! I’m talking about the, ‘I’m gonna slice somepony like a giant watermelon’ kind of nuts!”

Lily climbed up onto the pillow that Melon was laying on, snuggling up close to her. “I know Melon, I know…everything’s gonna be alright.” She cooed, rubbing the soft green filly’s back with a hoof. “We’re not alone…we have the Cutie Mark Crusaders to help deal with Diamond whenever she confronts us. That makes it somewhat better doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, it does.” Melon nodded, looking over at Lily with a small smile. “I’m just glad that Silver Spoon wasn’t here though. Not that I really have anything against her, but…if both of them were here…” She moaned softly and buried her face in the pillow. “I really hope we don’t have to deal with them again when the Summer Sun Celebration doesget back in order. Or else we’ll have more of our fun sucked out of today than it already was.”

“Well, I guess we’ll have to go someplace where we know she and Silver Spoon won’t bother us.” Lily said softly, leaning against Melon. “That way, we’ll all get to have fun at the Summer Sun Celebration, including the Crusaders.”

“Yeah, I would love for that to happen.” Melon said, giggling as she nuzzled Lily. “It’s gonna be a little hammered though…with me having this broken leg and all.”

“Oh, it won’t be so bad…y-you may not get to run around with us, b-but you’ll still have some fun with us.” Lily said optimistically, smiling gently at Melon. “P-p-plus, I’ll be there to catch you if you fall again…u-unless Nurse Redheart gives you some crutches o-or something.”

“Nah, crutches do nothing but make me be not able to have as much fun as I want to, even with the injured leg.” Melon Cake pouted, pressing herself closer against Lily. “I’d rather it you or the others be there to catch me whenever I fall.”

“W-well then…I-I’ll be right there when you do fall.” Lily said gently, resting her head on Melon’s forelegs. “Like a real friend would do.”

Melon Cake giggled, resting her chin on top of Lily’s head. “Yeah, like a real true friend.”

All of a sudden, Melon Cake began to shake rather violently, causing Lily to jerk her head away in surprise. This went on for a few moments, going completely unnoticed by Rumble, Coconut Cream, and the other foals, who were busy setting the game back up. Just as quickly as it started, Melon’s shaking stopped, she just sat there, staring off into space.

“M-M-Melon Cake? A-are you okay?” Lily asked after a long stretch of silence, putting a tentative hoof one of Melon’s own. “W-what was that?”

“That...was my Melon Sense Lily.” The soft green filly replied softly. “My Melon Sense just went off…and it’s just told me something big.”

Lily gasped, putting a hoof to her mouth as her eyes widened. Taking them away, she stared at Melon, giving the other filly her undivided attention. “W…w-w-what did it say?”

Slowly Melon Cake turned to the filly’s direction, looking out the window where the Moon was shining through. Lily followed her gaze, staring at the Moon silently, until she heard Melon Cake speak again.

“It told me…that the whole town is gonna get attacked again.” She replied quietly as she to look back at Lily. The two fillies made eye contact, and the latter shrunk back a bit at seeing the look of sheer terror in the former’s eyes. “And this time, it’s not going to be those monsters…but something a lot scarier!”

Author's Note

Okay, I'm just gonna come out and say it right now, this chapter is one of the many chapters that I had took from the last revision of the story and put back, because I didn't see anything that needed any revision. After some thoughts and contemplation, I had decided to put it there for the main reason of fluff and to show what had happened to the foals that Midnight had rescued, even though they're not the main focus of this story. This isn't the first chapter that I'm planning to put back into place due to not having to edit anything...just trying to see how I can get it back in as the story goes on. So if you see another chapter that comes out as fast as this one despite how long it is...well, you'll know the reason after seeing this chapter :twilightblush: .

There's another thing that I wanna get out there, and this involves a certain chubby filly with a pari of glasses and poofy mane. Twist does not deserve any of the hate that is being given to her by those just for her appearance and I personally think that she's pretty cute, regardless of her chubbiness and lips, like I put in this chapter. Just because she has a bad lisp and doesn't look as cute as all of the other foals doesn't mean that she should get repeatedly backlashed by everyone who hates her for those specific reasons. So what if Twist is chubby and has a lisp? That's no reason to hate on her so much, regardless of how annoying it can be, she still deserves some measure of respect and kindness, and I'm pretty sure not everyone's lips lasts forever, which I can assure won't last in this series. Trust me, at some point in this, Twist is gonna go through a change, one that I know will get her what she so desperately deserves and needs :raritywink: .

Also, yes you guys saw right, I had the CMC get formed before they actually did, but in this first book, they've only given each other the name; they haven't actually formed the organization itself yet, mainly because they don't yet have the tools needed to and because of...well, the whole Nightmare Moon problem as well :twilightblush: . So while they're calling themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they don't yet have their organization formed, but it bill be formed later on in the sequel to the one I'm planning to bring back for this, for when we really get down to business :twilightsmile: . I will say one thing, the crusaders, Spike, Crescent and Sheton included will again play a part in the finale battle of this first book like I did the last time, only this time I'll try to make it go more...efficiently :twilightsheepish: .

Well that's all for this chapter; stay tuned for a another little reunion back in the Everfree, the encounter with another fighter, and some more fluff after :heart: . Only it's going to be on the more...exotic and wild side :raritywink: .

Chapter 44 - Claws of Space

Unbeknownst to those who don’t exactly know Venture Vine, she is a mare that loves to explore and discover any kind of wild and exotic environment. It also helps that she’s an extremely athletic pony and loves to get outdoors whenever she sees the opportunity to really stretch her legs. It doesn’t exactly happen very often though, since Venture is a personal trainer for the Queen Celestia’s adopted son Spike, and a trainer for all the other Kirin hatchlings and foals that happen to live in Canterlot, not that she really minds that. Venture loves interacting with foals, other than Spike, Sheton, and Crescent Shield, and she enjoys the time she spends teaching and molding the Shenron colts and fillies into the fighters and protectors that they’re destined to be someday. The pay she receives from the Queen every two weeks was an added bonus, and it certainly helped in ensuring she was fixed for retirement, and had more time to spend with her son, Zephyr.

Despite all of this, Venture did sometimes wish that she had more spare time, so she can really explore the wildernesses that have yet to be discovered. That’s not to say that she hasn’t been out into the wild before, and there were times where she and Zephyr were invited by Evening Glory and Bardock on their family outings. Queen Celestia was very understanding and was more than happy to let Venture have some free time for all the work she’s done to help Spike and other foals under her tutelage grow. As thankful as Venture was for this, it was pretty marred at times when she couldn’t bring her son along with her, especially when he first started training in the Queen’s Solar Division. That was why she cherished every minute she could spend with the stallion, both of them having a bond stronger than the typical mother and son, especially since they weren’t normal ponies. Though there were times where Venture Vine wished they didn’t have to meet especially if they were dangerous situations.

This time, traveling through one of the most dangerous wildernesses in Equis, was definitely one of those times.

Venture pushed a thick tree branch from out of her way as she flew through the foliage of the trees in front of her, the branches pulling at her cloak. Her reptilian eyes glowed a soft yellow color as she scanned through the trees, taking in the trees up ahead. The large grass green Kirin mare’s nostrils were flared, taking in the different scents surrounding her. So far, the various scents of the plants were the only smells filling her nasal cavities, and there were no signs of any animals nearby, much to her relief. Her guard didn’t lower however, and she continued to remain prepared for any ambush or surprise attack that may just so happen to come at her, or the Queen and the other guards.

“Venture Vine, are you still able detect the presence of any of the girls here?” Celestia asked from behind her. “Any magical essence or sign that they have recently passed by here?”

“I am, they’ve certainly been going on the straight and narrow since that last clearing that we’ve been to.” Venture nodded. “It’s safe to assume that they have chance direction since they had first started their quest through this forest. Still though, we can be completely sure that it’ll stay like that. They may have run into an animal of some sort which caused them to go into another direction, so we’ll need to be prepared for that.”

“Indeed.” Celestia nodded, glancing about the thick trees. “This forest is one of many mysteries, possibly more so than any other wilderness that I’ve been into. Anything can happen here at any time in the most unexpected of ways; one of the many reasons ponies steer clear of it.”

“Ponies except for us Kirins and Thestrals.” Venture murmured, closing her eyes. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re the only type of ponies who can handle being in a place like this. To other ponies, this place is the epitome of danger and peril, and in some ways that is true. For ponies like me, Zephyr, Spike Evening Glory, Bardock, and their kids…places like the Everfree Forest is more than that…much more.”

“It’s a place of paradise for you, of safety and security where you can all go and not have to worry about being judged by others.” Celestia said softly. “While you yourself have never set hoof into the Everfree Forest that often, you still feel secluded and safe here, despite all of the dangers within it.”

“That I do.” Venture stated, a hoof coming to run through the scars on her face. “I mean, I get that there is an abundance of dangerous creatures here, but...I just can’t help but feel that I’m at home here. I guess it’s one of the many traits that I have since I’m half dragon and have the powers of one and need to be in the wilderness.”

“You mean like how Zephyr does?” Celestia asked, making Venture pause. “I mean, you are is dear mother, regardless of whether or not you’re blood related. He was bound to pick up a few things from you in the time that you had raised him.”

“Believe me, Zephyr’s most certainly picked quite a few things from me, some I wish that he didn’t pick up.” Venture replied with a chuckle her green cheeks turning a slight pink. “But yes, just like his dear old lady, having the gentleness, power and ferocity of a dragon, with the love for nature and the desire to be around it. That’s why neither me and him have any fear of this wilderness or the creatures that it contains...still though…”

“You’re still worried about Zephyr, despite the fact he has Goku and Twilight there to keep him said and vice versa?” Celestia asked, as if reading Venture’s mind. “That he may end up biting off more than he can chew in this forest?”

Venture’s dragon-like ears fell limp, her teeth chewing at her lower lip. “What gave it away?”

“The way you were talking about yourself and Zephyr, how you both love the essence of the wild and all of its freedom.” Celestia replied knowingly. “I could also sense some worry and doubt in your voice while you were saying it, plus that trail off at the end.”

“I was that obvious, huh?” The grass green mare sighed, her red mane spilling over her face as she lowered her head. “Well, I might as well say it…yes your Majesty, I have deep concerns tha my son may end up with more than he can handle. It also doesn’t help that he has seven mares that he’s supposed to keep safe on top of that, which only adds to his workload. I know that he’s a Royal Guard, and that’s his duty, but still…it doesn’t stop me worrying for him.”

“And who said that you shouldn’t be worried for him?” Celestia asked. “Every parent has their worries for their children no matter the situation that they’re in, so it’s understandable and perfectly normal for you to feel that way. I would most certainly be if I was in your position and it was my child in this forest.” She cleared her throat. “Be that as it may, every parent should have faith and believe that their child will make it out of whatever precarious situation in one piece. You do believe in Zephyr; do you not Venture?”

“Of course I do!” Venture replied adamantly, giving a sideways glare at the Solar Queen. “I’ve always believed in my son all his life, even when he’s had to deal with bullying and racism from his pees! How can you even think that I don’t have that?”

“I never said that I didn’t believe you didn’t believe in your child.” Celestia stated calmly, the firm reassurance in her tone calming Venture down immediately. “All that I’m implying is that you should not let that worry cloud your judgement and let you love your belief that your son will succeed. Every child wants their parent to believe in them no matter the reason, and it would be a major blow to Zephyr if you start doubting him. Especially when you of all ponies told him right to his face, before and after he became a guard, that you’d believe in him no matte matter what, do you not agree?”

“Yes, I do, and I remember always telling Zephyr that whenever I got the chance for felt that I needed to.” Venture nodded. “All that I’m saying is that I have my concerns about whether or not my son will come out of this without anything too life threatening.”

“As do I, even if Zephyr is not my child himself.” Celestia stated matter of factly. “Regardless, all that I am merely stating is that whether or not Zephyr will make it out without being physically, mentally, or even physiologically scarred, you should not lose hope in him. He is quite the mature, level headed and courageous young stallion, more than worthy of being the leader of my Solar Division if given the chance. For the longest time, he has held the upmost faith and belief in you and you’ve always managed to pull through. If there’s a more crucial time for you to do the same for him, it’s now, especially with all that is stake.”

“With you wanting to get your sister back, I know.” Venture sighed, her tail swishing from underneath her cloak. “I also know that of all the times that I need to believe in my son, the time is certainly now, and believe, me, I do. I just…I just hope that he won’t be too scarred by the upcoming battle that I know that we’ll all have with your sister.”

“The feeling is mutual Venture Vine.” Celestia murmured, letting out a sigh. “I hold you son to as much value as I do all of my subjects, as with you. We all hope that nothing crucial happens to him, least we end up paying for it in the end.”

“That makes two of us.” Venture Vine replied, adjusting the cloak around her frame. As the Kirin mare continued to walk ahead with the Queen, she was suddenly aware of the lack of light from above. As she looked up, she could see that there was nothing but blackness form where she was standing; no branches, no sky, and no moonlight.

“Oh my, it appears that we had stumbled upon a bit of an obstacle.” Celestia muttered, looking about the darkness in front of her. “It appears to be a cave of some sorts.”

“It doesn’t just appear to be, it is a cave.” Venture corrected, sniffing the air. “I can identify the telltale signs of animal bones and numerous animal scents in here. Chances are we might not find anything here, however…”

“…However?” Celestia asked, urging the mare to continue.

“I don’t want to get anypony’s hopes up on believing that nothing is here.” Venture replied, looking back at the Queen. “Which is why we shouldn’t let our guard down.”

“In a forest like this, it’d be unwise to do the opposite.” Celestia muttered, closing her eyes for a moment. “So, what do you suggest that we do?”

Pausing for a moment, Venture looked about the cave again, before looking back at the Queen and saying, “I’m going to go check it out, and see what’s inside.”

“All by yourself?” Celestia asked, her eyes widening in surprise. “Do you believe that is a good idea?”

“I am.” Venture replied firmly. “I know that it may sound crazy, but I wouldn’t be asking to go alone if I didn’t believe that I couldn’t handle whatever is in there. Plus, due to how big I’m guessing this cave is, it’ll take is a while to get around and even over it without running into something in the woods. And, not to sound overconfident or anything but, there isn’t anything scarier in this forest than a dragon, half pony or not.”

“That is true.” Celestia nodded, setting her spear down. “Are you sure that you don’t want to have anypony come with you.”

The grass green mare nodded. “I’m positive your Highness…don’t worry, I’ll be alright.” She said, her tail protruding out of her cloak as the tip turned into a large scarlet blade. “If anything pops out and tries to eat me, I’ll just slice it in two, or burn it to a crisp.”

“As you Kirins and Dragons are known to do.” Celestia murmured dryly, watching as Venture’s tail blade gleamed in the light of her magic. “Be careful in there, Venture Vine. We’ll be right here in case you need us.”

“Sure thing.” Venture nodded, her tail swishing about. “And if I feel that I’m in danger, I’ll give out a nice big roar so you guys can come in and help.”

With nothing else left to say to the Sun Goddess, the grass green mare trotted deeper inside of the cave, her reptilian eyes helping her see through the darkness. As she trekked through the interior, she noticed more animal bones lining up various parts of the cave and under her very hooves. They all ranged from deer, to pigs, moose, elk, bison and there was even the decaying carcass of an elephant that looked to have only been recently killed. A part of Venture was tempted to dive right into the gigantic carcass and stuff herself full of it, but she resisted the urge. She had more important matters to attend to at the moment; eating could wait. Celestia did say she was planning to restart the Summer Sun Celebration after this mess anyway.

‘Although, some other animal was clearly taking their sweet time devouring all of these dead animals here.’ Venture thought to herself after ten minutes of searching. ‘I’m not sure what it is, but it clearly has a big appetite, especially for animals as big as an elephant. Plus, there’s the fact that there’s more than one carcass in this cave, so that could only mean one thing…there’s an actual pack of carnivores resining in this cave. The question is, what is it?’

A gust of wind suddenly blowing into her form the front froze Venture in her tracks, making every single bone in her body lock up. For moment she wondered if she had felt what she did, or if it was just her imagination. She was soon given her answer, when she felt the gust of air again, and when it came a second time, she realized that it wasn’t air, far from it.

‘Oh shit, I smell the breath of an animal.’ The Kirin mare thought to herself, her heart skipping a small beat. ‘And I am standing just feet away from it.’

Doing her best to compose herself, Venture focused on seeing what kind of animal was in front of her, and once her eyes adjusted to the ever-growing darkness, she saw what it was. A gasp escaped her throat, her draconic pupils contracting as her jaw dropped, as if it was completely dislocated. A single word ran through her mind, one that was perfect for describing the gravity of the situation that she now found herself in. ‘Buck…’

Lying right in front of her, looking to be in the most peaceful restful sleep ever, was the largest bear that Venture had ever seen in her entire life. It was so big that it would make even an adult Battookuma seem like a cub in comparison. It had gleaming hide of misty blue fur, with shining stars nestled within them, as if the creature was blanketed by the very essence of space itself. It’s claws, about the size of an adult mare, were a gleaming golden color, slightly darker than Venture’s own eyes, looking to be sharper than curved daggers. Teeth the same color and sharpness as the claws could be seen protruding out of the bear’s mouth, looking to be able to crush a full-grown pony to a bloody fleshy mess. On the right side of it was a large whip like tail, that looked like it could leave a very nasty blood scar on a pony if given the chance.

The giant bear continued to snore in front of Venture, who continued to star in shock at its giant frame in complete silence. It was only when it let out a low rumbling growl did the Kirin mare snap out of her stupefied state, fear now replacing her shock.

‘Oh shit…oh shit oh shit, OH SHIT! I was NOT anticipating this in the least!’ Venture thought in a panic, sweat beginning to roll down her face. ‘I was way off in what I anticipated on finding in this cave when I got here! Of all the things that I expected to find here; an Ursa Minor was definitely not on that list!’

The grass green mare suddenly jumped when the Ursa suddenly raised its head, opening its mouth to show off its set of flesh slicing teeth. Its lips curled back to the point where its gums could be seen, allowing Venture to see the roots of the teeth. With an echoing snap the Ursa Minor closed its mouth and lowered its head back into its paws, letting out a third breath from its giant nostrils that blew Venture’s hood back.

‘Okay, okay, okay…just keep it together Venture Vine…don’t panic.’ The grass green mare said to herself. ‘The Ursa Minor is asleep and hasn’t noticed you yet, so you still have a chance to get out of here unscathed. It may be just a baby, but it’s still more than big enough to swallow you whole if it wanted to. Not only that, there’s no way an Ursa this young would be in this cave all by itself, because where there’s an Ursa Major…there’s always the mother.’ She took several deep breaths to clam herself, her heart slowly returning to its normal beat. ‘Just back out of the cave slowly and quietly, and don’t make a sound. You’ll be out of this cave without a scratch and you can let Queen Celestia know what you found so you can all make a quick getaway. the sooner we’ll be able to get to Zephyr, Goku and their friends, the better.’

Unfortunately for the draconic mare, fate seemed to have other plans for her, for as she began to back out of the cave, she made a fatal mistake. That mistake being to not only step down on a piece of bone hard enough to snap it, but to also fall into the sharper ones back first. “OW!”

The yell of pain that Venture Vine emitted echoed about the cave, at a volume that would most certainly wake the Ursa cub sleeping in front of her. Venture Vine froze where she lay as her gaze shot straight up to the space bear, watching as it began to stir, much to her horror. Her heart began to hammer against her chest like a drum as she watched the Ursa Minor move about, the bones around it clattering as it did so.

‘Oh no, oh no, oh no no no…oh no no no no NO!’ Venture thought frantically as she watched the Ursa begin to stand up. ‘It’s wakin up, it’s waking the buck up! Now it’s gonna see me and try to kill me, and I’ll have no choice but to burnt it to a crisp! That is if its mother doesn’t make up and try to squash me like an egg first! I gotta get out of here NOW!’

Try as she might, Venture couldn’t move a single one of her limbs, leaving her unable to do anything but watch was the Ursa Minor got onto its haunches. Just when it looked like it was about to wake up, the cub threw its head back and let out a rather loud yawn. It was so deep that Venture felt the ground beneath her shake, which helped her body to finally start moving again, and get her to her hooves. Just as she did so, the Ursa Minor suddenly fell back down to the ground with a thundering flop, emitting a dust cloud that flew into Venture and enveloped her for a few seconds.

‘Oh, thank Shenron, he didn’t wake up.’ Venture thought, a wave of relief was big as the dust cloud washing over her. ‘He was just wanting a different position to sleep in...for a second I really thought that he was gonna wake up. Guess that was me just being paranoid.’ A giggle left her as she blew her mane from her face and pulled her hood back up. ‘Okay, now that that’s over with, I can finally get out of this cave and-’

That was as far as the grass green mare was able to think before the eyes of the Ursa Minor snapped open, the brightness behind them seeming to light up the whole cave. The powerful light from its eyes caused Venture’s own eyes to snap shut to keep from going blind, and she put a foreleg to her hoof for extra assurance. A few moments later, she looked back up, and found herself looking into a set of glowing dark blue eyes that stared back at her groggily.

‘Or not…’ Venture Vine thought dejectedly, her panic returning tenfold.

With a sharp intake of breath, the Ursa Minor lifted its massive head from the ground, opening its jaws wide as it stretched all four of its limbs outward. Leaning back, it fell fight into its rump as it lifted its clawed paws to its face and rubbed at its eyes like a toddler. Venture would’ve found it cute if she didn’t feel like she was going to pass out from fear, and the cub in front of her wasn’t so big and menacing looking.

‘Well, now the baby is awake.’ Venture thought worriedly as the Ursa Minor blinked down at her. ‘So much for me being quiet and not wanting to wake it up…what’s it gonna do now?’

To the Ursa Minor’s credit, it didn’t try to attack Venture when it first saw her, since Ursa Minors are known to get pretty aggressive when cranky. In fact, the cub seemed to be more curious than angry, as evident when it leaned down and started sniffing at her.

“Whoa there, easy boy, it’s okay.” Venture said as soothingly as she could. “I’m not gonna hurt you, it’s alright.”

Reaching a scarlet red hoof out, she gingerly started rubbing the Ursa Minor on its nose in an effort to keep it from getting angry or agitated. It worked better than she had anticipated, for the cub started to hum contently, its eyes becoming half lidded at the gentle treatment it was receiving. Upon seeing this, Venture used her other hoof to reach out and scratch it under its chin, at least as much as she could reach anyway. Another louder hum came from the Ursa Minor as a wide smile came across its face.

‘I can’t believe it, it’s working! It’s actually working!’ Venture thought to herself, her confidence slowly growing. ‘I’m actually keeping the Ursa calm! I looks like all of those times I spent with Zephyr in the Canterlot Zoo really paid off! I really owe him big time for persuading me to learn how to calm animals in situations like this!’

As the grass green mare continued to display affection to the Ursa Minor, it suddenly began to get a little playful. Without warning, it lunged t Venture and pinned her to the ground, covering her face in thick trails of saliva as he repeatedly licked her. Venture squealed and laughed, trying in vain to get to cub to stop, but to no avail.

“H-hey stop it, knock it off!” Venture cried out in between laughs, unaware of just how loud she was being. “Get off of me ya big lug; you’re getting me all dirty!”

At some point, the Kirin mare was able to squeeze out of the cubs hold and get away a few feet, before the Ursa Minor suddenly jumped at her. Venture cried out as she flew back, narrowly avoiding its claws, but as she began to collect herself, she found herself in its massive paws once again. They tumbled across the ground, Ventures cries and squeals being hear all through the cave before it began to lick and nuzzle her again.

“Goddammit, get off of me!” Venture shouted, trying, and failing, to get the Ursa Minor to end its affectionate gestures. “I don’t have time for you to cover me in a blanket of your own glob of slobber! If you keep this up, you’re gonna wake your mother up!”

Try as she might, the Ursa Minor did not pay attention to any of Venture Vine’s commands and continued on with its overly affectionate assault on the Kirin. At some point, Venture came to the conclusion that she may have to use a little force on the cub to calm him down. Fortunately, and unfortunately for her, she didn’t have to, for something else made the Ursa Minor stop dead in his tracks. That something being an even bigger, more blood curdling growl that nearly made the Ursa Minor lost its own footing. He stopped dead in his tracks as if the growl froze him in place, and he dropped Venture, letting her fall to the bone covered floor. As Venture busied herself with getting the cub’s saliva off of her, the growl made itself known again and the grass green mare froze as well.

‘Do I dare turn around?’ Venture thought to herself, her face flushing blue. ‘Do I dare even take a single peek behind me and see that Mama Ursa is up and ready to kill me?’

Luckily for her, Venture didn’t have to really look behind her, for the look on the Ursa Minor’s face was enough to let her know just how bad things had gotten. Even so, that did not stop her from looking behind her to see an Ursa a hundred times as big as the cub, its star filled purple coat shining even brighter that the baby’s. Its scorching yellow eyes seemed to burn straight through Venture, making her feel as if she was brunt from the inside out. For a moment that seemed to last for an eternity, the two stared at one another. The Ursa’s Major’s eyes filled with murderous intent, while Ventures were filled with horrified terror, neither of them making a single move.

Then the Ursa Major opened its mouth and let out a roar that sent all of the bones littering the cave flying away like a flock of birds. It was only thanks to Venture’s hooves turning into claws and them digging into the earth that she wasn’t carried away. It was a different story for the saliva coating her, for it was all washed away from her in a single whoosh of air, her large cloak included. Just as quickly as it had come, it was gone, and Venture found herself staring once again into those furious yellow orbs. The grass green mare’s own reptilian gaze snapped over to the cub’s, only to find him staring back at her as well. His eyes told her one thing, a single thing that would either save her life, or end it right there.

Run.

Venture didn’t need to be told a second time. Spreading her wings from under her cloak, she turned tail and took off back to the entrance of the cave. In her haste to get away, her tail blade accidentally sliced across the Ursa Minor’s nose, emitting a cry of pain from the cub. The Ursa Major saw this, and let out an even louder roar that inadvertedly helped Venture pick up speed to get out of the cave. It only took her a minute to get back to the entrance and she found herself colliding with Queen Celestia.

“Venture Vine!” The swan white Alicorn exclaimed, surprise washing over her face. “What’s the matter, why are you so shaken up?”

“Your Highness, we need to get out of here right now!” Venture cried, flying away from the Sun Goddess. “I was right about finding an animal in the cave, but I was way off on what I thought it could be!”

“Yes, I heard roaring coming from within the cave a few moments go.” Celestia murmured, looking around at the slice trees and ground. “What did you find inside of the cave?”

After taking a few moments to collect herself, Venture Vine revealed her discovery. “It was an Ursa…and Ursa Minor and an Ursa Major.”

The sounds of the horrified and shocked gasps from the guards let Venture Vine know just how terrified they were by what she said. Celestia looked just as taken aback as them, though she did her best to hide it. “Are you sure Venture Vine?”

“I saw them with my own eyes Celestia! I saw them for a full five minutes, and not once was there a trick of the eye!” Venture shouted stomping her hoof. “We need to get away from this cave before the Ursa Major comes after us!”

Another roar that blew Venture, Celestia, and just about all of the other guards back prevented the latter from following the former’s course of action. As they recovered from the onslaught, they all froze upon seeing the Ursa Major emerge from its cave. The ground shook violently with each step she took, and as she reared up on her hind legs, the Ursa Major seemed to tower over all the trees, even though many were larger than even her. She glared down at the ponies with the upmost menace, and she let out another roar that blasted through the trees.

“Eeyup, it looks like I was right.” Venture gulped. “Mama Ursa is really pissed off!”

“Everypony, prepare for battle!” Celestia commanded, drawing her giant spear forward. “The creature we are facing off against now is extremely dangerous! More so than most of the animals in the Everfree Forest!”

To say that the Ursa Major, or any kind of Ursa for that matter, was dangerous, was a major understatement in itself. It was the biggest species of bear to ever roam the face of the entirety of Equis, more so than even the Battookuma. It was a creature that looked to be from the very essence of space itself, as evident by its starry coat. It was certainly the biggest and strongest animal in the Everfree Forest so far, second only to Dragons, with the speed and agility of one to match. Its massive forelegs and clawed paws gave it the power to rip one of the giant trees right out of its roots, the claws leaving gaping slashes into the bark. Just a single stomp of one of its legs allowed it to split the very earth apart, with its whip-like tail doing the same. It also had the ability to breath and ethereal fire-like mist that burned hotter than any fire, able to turn even the toughest trees to ash. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Ursas were able to use their space like powers to use magic like the ponies, from flying in the air and using attack related to it, smashing the earth, and firing off ethereal blasts. It was bad enough for ponies when they faced an Ursa Minor, but to face off against an adult is just asking for a death wish.

“As if that wasn’t made so viciously obvious!” Venture shouted, flaring her wings as her eyes glowed fiercely.

The Ursa Major roared again before slamming down on its forelegs again, causing the ground beneath it to split apart and crack. At the same time, it shot a stream of ethereal fire at Celestia, Venture, and the Royal Guards, all of whom either leaped or flew out of the way. They watched as the starry flames scorched the grass down to the very earth to the point where there was nothing but ashes, with the same happening some trees.

“Everypony scatter again!” An Earth Pony Solar Guard shouted, watching as a few trees came falling down towards them. It happened just in the nick of time as the wooden appendages landed with such force that they nearly snapped in two. As they recovered from their near-death experience, a roar brought their attention back to the Ursa Major, only to find her mouth open again. This time, Venture Vine was able to see it, and she went on the defensive before the giant bear could fire.

“Fire Kirin: Roar!” She shouted, shooting off a blast of flames at the Ursa Major, right into her gaping mouth. The Ursa Major’s mouth snapped shut before opening again to let her agonized roar erupt form her mouth, leaving her open for another attack by Venture Vine.

“Fire Kirin: Iron Claw!” Venture yelled, flying to the right side of the Ursa Major and delivering a burning claw swipe to its face. The purple starry bear roared again as the force and the heat from the attack causing her to stumble to the side. Growling, she raised a paw and took a swipe at the grass green mare, her claws glowing a bright yellow. Venture’s sharp eyes were able to see the attack coming in time and was able to dodge, but as she looked behind it, her eyes widened upon seeing large magic slices appear.

“What in the…?” She whispered to herself as she watched the slashes of magic slice into the trees behind her, going through them as if they were mere paper. Her eyes widened even further when she was it was some of the larger trees, which were slowly falling towards the ground. “Oh Faust…”

“Venture Vine, look out!” The terrified voice of Celestia yelled through the destruction and fighting. The grass green mare’s ears perked, and she turned around just in time to see the Ursa Major’s giant tail soaring towards her. The stunned shock she felt afterward left her unable to dodge or retaliate, and by the time she managed to get herself together, she was struck head on. Venture screamed as she was sent careening through the air, slamming into a giant tree with so much force that she threw up a mouthful of blood from the impact.

“Venture!” Celestia shouted again, only to freeze upon feeling a shadow loom over her. She spun around to see the Ursa Major back on her hindlegs once again, one of her paws raised to strike the ponies down below. Thinking quickly, Celestia charged her spear with magic and fired a golden flaming beam from the tip, watching as it struck the Ursa Major square in the center of her left paw. “Solar Beam!”

The Ursa Major roared in pain from the burning in her paw, leaving it open for another one of the swan white Alicorn’s attacks, to which she shot right at her chest. It was three times as big as the last one, and had enough force to send the beast toppling down onto her rump. The moment she did, she found herself assaulted by a series of tail swipes from Venture, the blade carving deep into her fur covered skin. Blood sprayed from the slashes like a fountain, and the Ursa Major roared loudly as she swiped angrily at the grass green Kirin mare. Remembering what happened last time, Venture narrowly flew passed the magical slices and flew right at the purple bear’s face, blasting a breath of fire in her face. As the Ursa Major tried to get rid of the burning sensation, Venture took this opportunity to try to bring the Ursa down for the count.

“Fire Kirin: Brilliant Flame!” She shouted, shooting a giant orb of flames down at the Ursa, the size being more than big enough to fit her head. The attack hit the beast square in her chest before exploding into flame as she fell square onto her back, causing a huge cloud of dust to wash over the gaint clearing. Everypony waited until it cleared, and they were greeted with the sight of the Ursa Major laying on the ground motionless, surrounded by fallen and broken trees.

“That…was way too damn close for my liking.” Venture said to herself, letting out a shudder. “It really looked like I was about to be sliced in two by her.”

“Are you alright Venture Vine?” Celestia asked, flying up to the Kirin mare. “The tail swipe that you took from the Ursa Major was quite the devastating one.”

“Aside from feeling like I was going to throw up, I’m alright.” Venture replied, shuddering. “This is a tough girl though, those attacks that we just shot off now aren’t gonna hold her down for long. At any moment she could get back up and try to eat all of us again, so I say that we make a hasty retreat.”

“As wise as a decision that is, I doubt that this Ursa Major will let us get away, especially with how much she looked like she wanted to kill us.” Celestia muttered, watching as the Ursa began to stir. “Venture, did you somehow do something to aggravate her?”

“No, I didn’t. As a matter of a fact, I was trying to keep as quiet as possible trying to get out of there.” Venture replied. “It was the baby that I saw first, but rather than try to kill me, it ended up…playing with me instead. The noise that the Ursa Minor was making was sure to wake its mother up, and I was trying to get it to calm down, but I couldn’t. At some point, all of that ruckus ended up waking up the Ursa Major, and well…you heard and saw what happened.”

“I see…I’m not exactly surprised honestly.” Celestia said, with a sigh. “Ursa Minors can tend to be rather curious and playful to anything that they may deem as such. They’re usually cranky if they’re woken up from their sleep. It would seem that you got lucky this time around.”

“And yet it still managed to piss his mother off to the point of wanting to kill me.” Venture said dejectedly. “Some luck that is.”

“Either way, we’re not quite out of the woods yet, metaphorically speaking.” Celestia said, adding the last two words as Venture went to correct her. “The only way we can defeat this creature is if we can hit it with enough force to render it unconscious, or to buy is enough time to escape.”

“Due to how big this girl is, that seems like a really tall furry order.” Venture commented as the Ursa Major turned over. “Though it looks like the only option that we have. Let’s just hope that the guards will be able to help us in making that easier…that is if they don’t lose their nerve first.”

“With the kind of guards that we have and how powerful that they are, I have full confidence that they’ll be able to.” Celestia said, winking at the grass green Kirin. “Just like how I know that you won’t fall so easily to the Ursa Major. Especially with Zephyr’s life on the line…”

Venture snorted, a stream of fire leaving her nostrils. “Damn straight.”

The sound of something slamming caused the two mares to turn back at the Ursa Major, and saw it sitting back up on her haunches. Giving a hard shake of her head, the purple bear blinked a couple of times, before glaring back down at the ponies in front of her. She bared her gigantic teeth at them before standing back on her hindlegs and roaring at them once again.

“Soldiers, follow my lead!” She commanded; her pale lavender eyes glowing as she took to the sir. “Attack!”

None of the guards needed to be told again, and joined their Queen and Venture in a second around with the mother Ursa Major. The giant bear roared again before charging her foes, clearly intent on devouring them all and killing them right where they stood.

Author's Note

Well everypony, what did I tell you? I told you that that the creatures that Zephyr, the Main Seven, and the Shadowbolts would be facing wouldn't be the only beast presented. They wouldn't be the only ones in a fight for their lives, and I think that this chapter very well proves it :ajsmug: . Now, I'm just gonna say, in the chapter where Celestia explained the situation in the Town Square, I had neglected to add the parts with the Ragadile and the Ursas while Fluttershy was explaining the animals that they'd be facing :twilightblush: . So that is a partial reason as to why I had added the Ragadile and added this chapter as well, with Venture Vine and Queen Celestia running into the Ursa. It would also give a thorough explanation as to why it was taking the former so long to make it too the caslte, while Dash and the Shadowbolts were fighting to the Galaxy Star Bolts :raritywink: . Now, for the next chapter, I'm thinking of combining the two fights happening both above and below the ground before finally going back to Ponyville and showing the next dark surprise they're soon going to get. One that will surely have them all fighting for their very lives, and not just the adults as well :rainbowderp: .

Well, that's all for this chapter for tonight folks :twilightsmile: . Tune in next time for the two upcoming animal fights as Queen Celestia, Venture Vine, Zephyr, the Main Seven, and the Shadowbolts all fight for each others survival, and to make it to their ever waiting dark foe of a Queen :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Chapter 48 - An Unwelcome Greeting

Crimson Skies couldn’t remember a time where she had seen town, country, village, or city in such turmoil than the one she was now in right now. The number of places that she had been to during her time in the Shadowbolts, and the missions she had taken gave her a good taste of what to expect in times of crisis. Crimson was also given a good dose of brutal scenes that she would’ve nearly puked at had she seen them for the first time. Now though, she no longer felt that urge upon seeing ponies covered in bloodied bandages, or have limbs that were bent in an unnatural angle, or still get help with a fatal injury. Still though, she couldn’t help but go green I the face when she saw a pony moaning with pain. Or feel her heart ache upon seeing a foal in a puddle of tears crying for their unconscious mother while being comforted by a nurse.

‘This is just horrible.’ The palomino mare thought to herself. ‘When I had gotten here with the Wonderbolts, I had figured that things were bad when I saw the town in smoke. Like it had just been bombed by some unknown source, but I didn’t think it’d be this bad. At least, not when it came to the civilians.’ She glanced over to her left to an Earth Pony mare and lying upon a bed, next to a Unicorn mare; the filly nuzzling into the older mare’s chest while the Unicorn mare was trying to console her. ‘While they may not hall have physical wounds, judging by the looks on their faces, they definitely saw something that’ll leave them with severe mental scars. Scars that’ll no doubt last for the rest of their lives, if what the Queen had told me Captain Violet Fire and the rest of the foals were true. I hope that she and the others are alright, especially Blue Skies, if I lost my older sister to the Dark Queen, then…’

Crimson squeezed her eyes shut as she kept that devastating thought from going any further than that. Now was not the time for her to be doubting the well-being of her Captain, her sister, or her team. She was a Shadowbolt, and while Shadowbolts were supposed to look out for each other, she was also supposed to believe in her teammates, most especially Blue Skies. Violet Fire and Blue had told her that they would make it back, they looked her right in the eyes and assured her they’d be back from their mission, promised her even. Crimson had full faith in her sister and captain, and believed whole heartedly they would succeed, yet that did not stop the worry gnawing at her stomach. The only thing she could do now while looking after the ponies in Ponyville, was just keep her optimism as high as possible until they returned. Until that time came, she’d have to hold her head up high and do her duty as a protector of Equestria.

“Alright, so let me see if I’ve got all of this straight Captain Armor.” Soarin said once he and his team had heard what happened in the Town Square. “Sometime after you had arrived here, you, Spearhead, and just about all of the Solar and Lunar Divisions were attacked by these space-like pony monsters. Then, when you were all on the verge of defeat, this Blossomforth mare had come and told you of their weakness. Finally, after that, you and all of the guards and the Shadowbolts here, and you were able to keep the town from being completely obliterated by them, without any casualties?”

“Yep, that just about sumps up all that you’ve been told been told Captain Soarin.” Shining Armor replied standing next to Spearhead. “I know that it may seem really hard to grasp or a load of shit, but that’s what I’m telling you happened. And yes, I didn’t lose one single soldier anywhere around this small and quaint town. Since it’s so small, I can feel each of my soldier’s magical signatures practically everywhere in the town. Oh, and in case you’re wondering how I can do that, I had instructed them all to send a magic flare to me to indicate they were all still alive.”

“Well, you are right about one thing. That does sound like a real complete load of shit.” Spitfire snorted, crossing her forelegs. “Then again, it’s not any less of one like the story that this little Shadowbolt here told us back at our headquarters.”

Crimson frowned at the brilliant golden mare. “I have a name you know.” She murmured softly, but Fleetfoot put a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head.

“Don’t bother, honey.” The arctic blue mare said softly. “We’ll deal with her.”

“Jeez, and just when I thought that things could not get any crazier than they already were right now.” Soarin sighed, running hoof through his blue mane. “I am really going to need a vacation after this, a nice long one to put it.”
“I think we all will.” Spearhead nodded, chuckling a little. “I can’t remember any time where I had fought so hard in my life. Those creatures really took a lot out of me and Shining, a vacation is something that’s sounding nice the longer we stay here.”

“Are you sure that you’re not planning on going on that vacation with a certain mare?” Spitfire asked, eyeing her second in command with a piercing look. “That mare being the leader of this filly’s little band of flyers?”

“Who said anything about that?” Soarin asked a frown of his own etched onto his face. “All I was saying was that I’d need a long break from this mission. I may not have fought anypony here yet, but I get the feeling that I’ll be doing just that, and even more.”

“Emphasis on the long.” Spitfire retorted, a fiery snort leaving her nostrils. “It’s not that I don’t think you’ll be walking out on us or anything. I just can’t help but be curious as to what you’ll be doing while you’re away, or rather, who you’ll be with.”

“I didn’t say that I was going to be going with anypony on my break.” Soarin stated firmly. “All I’m saying that I’ll really need some rest and relaxation when this mission is over. And I’m sure you and Fleetfoot will need it too, judging by how tarnished and messed up we found some of the guards when we came here. I didn’t say that I’d be going somewhere with anypony, even if I it was somepony that I knew.”

Spitfire’s suspicious eyes didn’t relent. “Maybe so, but you didn’t say that you wouldn’t be going with somepony either.”

“Captain, we know what you’re thinking.” Fleetfoot said, rolling her eyes. “You think that Soarin is gonna somehow group up with Captain Violet Fire and they’re gonna go to some swank hotel in the clouds so Captain Violet can ride Soarin like he’s never been ridden before. Sorry to burst you’re bubble, but you’re just making that assumption yourself.”

“I was not thinking that!” Spitfire snapped, her eyes flashing “Under no circumstances was I even thinking that in my mind right now! What the buck would even give you that idea?!”

“The fact that you’re so suspicious about what Soarin will be doing in his free time, and if he’s going to be the only one doing it or not.” Came Fleetfoot's knowing reply. “While you may not have said it, the look on your face was more than enough to show it. After all, you don’t need to be loud to be heard.”

Spearhead nodded in full agreement. “Got the spearhead in the target on that one.”

“Oh sure, you could tell what I was thinking just by looking at me, just like how you always tell me, Soarin, and everypony else at Headquarters.” Spitfire growled at the arctic blue mare. “You think that just because of your so-called ‘skill’ at reading ponies you know what they’re thinking before they even say it? Give me a break, it’s not like you’re some kind of mind reader!”

“I never said that I was. I’m merely stating that you shouldn’t be so quick to assume things that are not any of your business, especially if it involves Soarin and Captain Violet Fire.” Fleetfoot emphasized calmly, rubbing the blue stallion’s back with a wing. “Besides, it’s not like the two of you are really dating anyway…”

“What was that?!” Spitfire snarled as she hovered in front of an unflinching Fleetfoot. “I dare you to say that again!”

“Um, you guys?” Shining asked, coughing into his hoof. “Not to interrupt, but, is there something going on between the three of you?”

“Nothing that you need to worry about honey.” Fleetfloot replied sweetly, her motherly smile making the larger stallion’s cheeks turn red. “All I’ll say is that our Captain has some bad blood between another Ariel Flight Captain, and she really doesn’t like anypony outside of our team hanging around her.”

Crimson snorted. “That’s putting it lightly.”

“Ditto.” Soarin nodded.

“I heard that!” Spitfire shouted, glaring back at both Pegasi.

“Ah I see, a fierce rivalry between two ponies to prove which is the best.” Spearhead nodded, his tone calm and understanding. “There is no competition fiercer, especially if that rivalry is between us masters of the weather and skies; no pun intended there, Crimson.”

“None taken.” Crimson said, a giggle escaping her.

“Oh, it’s more than a mere rivalry.” Spitfire murmured, her eyes glowing fiercely as she stared at the buffer Pegasus stallion. “It’s a fight, one that will surely end with me coming out on top, and that black slut at the bottom. I can assure you that much.”

“Right…” Shining said slowly, eyeing the mare weirdly before turning to Crimson Skies and the other two Shadowbolts. “Is she always like that?”

“You have no idea.” Soarin groaned, the violent shudder going down his back being cooled by Fleetfoot’s comforting wing. “I cannot even begin to count the number of times where we had to deal with our Captain’s over the top anger and accusations. You have no idea how lucky you are to not have a Captain like her.”

“From what I’m seeing, I can see why.” Shining murmured. “Anyway, you had mention before that you had noticed some of the guards looking worse for wear when you got here. How are they doing right now? And better yet, why did it take you all so long to get here?”

“I can explain that.” Crimson Skies said, walking up to the Solar Captain. “You see, it had taken longer than necessary for Queen Celestia to assemble the Shadowbolts, and the Solar and Lunar Guards in her Royal Throne Room to tell us what was going on here. I really don’t know why, but it was, and by the time she did, a good amount of time had already passed. After she had explained Nightmare Moon’s escape and her attack here, she had my Captain send me to go to Wonderbolt Headquarters to tell Captain Spitfire and her team what she told us. Add all of that to Violet Fire going back to our headquarters to spread the message, and the amount of time it took me to get to Wonderbolt HQ…you have yourself a good amount of time spent.”

“I know that it may not seem like that long.” Fleetfoot said. “But going at the pace that wewere going, especially during a day that’s supposed to be a celebration, you find yourself going at a pretty slow pace during times of crisis. So, you aren’t really able to prepare quick enough for a time like this.”

“We’re sorry we made you and the other guards wait longer than it was necessary.” Soarin said solemnly. “We understand if you’re upset with us for letting you fight the enemy on your own.”

“No, it’s okay, we were just wondering why we haven’t seen you sooner than we should’ve.” Shining replied with a shake of his head. “Still though, it took a long ass time for me and the other troops to keep those things at bay until one of the mares here got to us about what we could do to finally defeat them. I can only imagine what else is going to be in store for us, it’s probably something a lot worse than ethereal space ponies.”

“Please don’t put that mental image in my head!” Crimson whined adorably, a stream of anime tears falling from her eyes. “I may not have been able to see those monsters with my own eyes, but I can tell just by your expressions and tones that it was bad! I really don’t wanna think of a whole army of monstrous and more intellectual ponies coming to bury us six feet under! Just the thought alone is gonna make me faint!”

“Then why did you even come here in the first place?” Spitfire asked, unimpressed. “If you’re gonna buckle before the enemy even arrives, then there’s no reason for you to even be here. As a matter of a fact, just the fact that you’re so petrified about facing the enemy before they even came is only showing how unprepared you are for this.”

“Well, in my defense I’m still somewhat of a rookie in the Shadowbolts!” Crimson snapped, shooting the Wonderbolt Captain a small glare. “I’ve been a part of the team for little more than a year, but I still more or less get cold hooves every now and again.”

“All the more reason why you’re not really cut out for the job you have.” Spitfire stated bluntly with a shrug. “Somepony who gets cold hooves so easily before the enemy has arrived is not a pony that I’d wanna have on my team.”

“All the more reason why it’s better that she’s on Captain Violet Fire’s team.” Soarin whispered to Fleetfoot, earning a firm nod from the arctic blue mare. “She would not survive a day where our headquarters are.”

“Mm-mm.” Fleetfoot, glancing at Crimson sympathetically as the palomino mare glared at Spitfire.

“Well at least I’m not running away right now. Not that I was going to anyway.” Crimson shot back at the Wonderbolt Captain. “And not everypony is as tough and brave as others are, so you can’t really fault them for being so frightened and terrified.”

Spitfire stared at the palomino filly for a few moments, and looked like she was going to speak, but stopped short. She merely snorted and looked away, her ears pinned back, not noticing the smiles of approval aimed at Crimson by Soarin and Fleetfoot.

“Hey, Crimson was it?” Shining asked, gaining the young mare’s attention. “Where’s you’re Captain? Isn’t she supposed to be here right now?”

“Oh, Captain Violet Fire said that she and a few of my other teammates were going to head into the Everfree Forest.” Crimson explained. “Queen had suggested that she did, thinking that the ponies she sent in there would need some extra assistance.”

“I see.” Shining murmured, looking up at the sky. ‘So, Queen Celestia did sent extra assistance to Twilight even before she went there herself. It looks like even she was concerned whether she, Goku, and their friends will be entirely successful on their own. I can only hope they made it to them in time, if they didn’t…’

“Hey, speaking of which, who’re the ponies that Queen Celestia had sent into the Everfree Forest?” Soarin asked, snapping Shining out of his thoughts. “Crimson Skies did tell us that the Queen had sent seven ponies into that forest to fight Nightmare Moon, and that they were part of the Equestria Clans, but we never really got their names.”

“We do.” Spearhead said, holding a hoof up. “Shining Armor had a little meetup with the Queen before we got here, and he asked her who she had sent into the Everfree. From what I was told, two of them happen to be ponies Shining Armor knows personally. The first one is his younger sister Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle, the other is Son Goku Kakarot Nightstalker Shenron, and their other friends are Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, Pinkie Pie Soshi Konton, Rarity Belle Cifer, Rainbow Dash Wisp, and Fluttershy Kindheart Rosario Tenshi.”

Soarin blinked in surprise. “Wait, TenshiKindheart Rosario? You mean one of the mares is from more than oneclan?”

“From what the Queen’s told us, she is.” Shining nodded. “Twilight’s told me of the friends she made her is from two clans, but I never really had the opportunity to see for myself. I guess I’ll just have to see if I can meet this mare before all of this ends.”

“Speaking of which, me, Fleetfoot, and Soarin happen to know one of them too.” Fleetfoot added, looking over at Shining Armor. “The sixth mare that you mentioned, Rainbow Dash Wisp, is a pony that me and my team met from time to time in Cloudsdale.”

“Oh, you do?” Spearhead asked. “So, is she a friend of yours?”

“Not exactly, but does like to hang out with us from time to time.” Fleetfoot replied dryly. “The baby’s a real fan of our team she is, just like all other Pegasi like her. Wanting to become just like us when she was a foal like us; she still does even now. I admit, she has plenty of guts and a good number of moves, but…she doesn’t look like the type of pony we’d want in our group.”

Shining raised a brow. “Why’s that? Is there something about her that we should be weary of?”

“Oh no, nothing like that.” Fleetfoot replied quickly. “It’s not that Rainbow Dash is a bad pony or anything. It’s just that she doesn’t have the emotional capabilities needed for her to become a part of our team. From what we’ve seen, she can be pretty short tempered and hot blooded, one that can get into her emotions easily, even if she was trained to control them.” She shot a glance at her captain. ‘Like a certain somepony we know.’

“I’m not exactly following here.” Shining murmured. “Shouldn’t that be something that many other cadets in training are trained to control?”

“Well yes, but I get the feeling that with Rainbow, it’s kind of different.” Fleetfoot replied. “I have no doubt that she’s mare who is loyal and devoted to protecting her comrades, and I’ve seen more than a couple of examples to prove that. Still, we can’t help but feel that letting her on our team would be more of a hindrance than a help of she can’t properly gain control her emotions when it’s needed. Even if she works with us to do just that.”

“Oh, now I see.” Shining said, realization clicking into his head. “Not that I’m judging, but from what you’re telling me, Rainbow Dash is one of those mares who have a hard time accepting that their egos are torn down a notch?”

“Uh-huh, that’s exactly what Fleetfoot’s telling you.” Spitfire nodded. “And just like how I said with ponies that’re weak willed, a pony who can’t control their own anger and swallow their pride is not somepony I’d want to have flying with us.”

‘Says the pony who nearly melted me alive in her office!’ Crimson Skies mentally screamed, a tick mare forming on her head as she glared at Spitfire. ‘Seriously, I am really wondering how she of all ponies got promoted to Captain Rank! Did she melt her way through all the other Pegasi she went against like she nearly did me?!’

“Says the mare who almost burned Crimson Skies alive.” Soarin commented as if reading Crimson Skies mind. “Seriously I’m amazed the office itself didn’t burn down with you.”

“Thank you.” Crimson and Fleetfoot said in unison, ignoring the heated glare Spitfire sent to all three of them.

“Aw don’t be so self-shorting you guys.” Spearhead cut in. “It may seem like this Rainbow Dash mare isn’t the most even tempered of ponies, but then again not all of us are. Queen Celestia didn’t let that fact get in the way of choosing her, Twilight, Goku and the rest of their friends to go after Nightmare Moon, so there’s no reason for you to doubt her. Especially since a few of us hadn’t even met her yet. Not to mention how you said she was a mare that was loyal and would stand by her comrades’ side no matter what. If Rainbow and the rest of Twilight and Goku’s have qualities like that, then I think their flaws like relentless anger can be forgiven.”

“…Spearhead’s right.” Shining nodded, smiling at his fellow guard. “Like I said, we should be so quick to judge those we haven’t even met. Queen Celestia trusts these friends of Goku and my little sister, and if she does, then so should be. Heh, who knows, maybe this whole experience will help them with whatever anger problem they may have.”

“Yeah…” Spitfire muttered, rolling her eyes. “Maybe…”

A bloodcurdling scream suddenly tore through the Town Square, silencing all most all activity within it and making the conversing ponies turn to the source. Their eyes widened upon seeing a terrified Derpy flying towards them like she had seen a monster out from Tartarus, with her bandages flying about. Out of instinct, Crimson Skies jump in front of her and caught her just as she was falling to the ground.

“Whoa whoa whoa, what’s the matter?!” Crimson asked, wincing as the silvery gray mare clung to her tightly. “Miss, please look at me, what’s going on? What’s happening?”

Letting out a terrified whimper, Derpy locked her teary yellow eyes with Crimson’s own blue ones. “You…y-y-you guys need to come over here q-quickly!”

“Why?” Soarin asked, on high alert. “Is there somepony coming here?”

“Y-yes, there is, they’re coming towards the Town Square right now! I saw them outside up in the sky!” Derpy cried, not noticing the three forms diving towards them. “Y-you’ve got to stop them before they-!”

The sound of the floor being violently hit cut the mailmare off, and everypony screamed as three light blue blurs slammed into it. the Wonderbolts, Crimson, Shining, and Spearhead froze upon seeing black auras emitting from the crater, letting them know there were ponies there. A moment later, three figures slowly emerged from the now deeper crater, and Crimson Skies nearly fainted on the spot upon see who they were.

Standing just behind the three craters, the black auras surrounding them, were three of the most frightening looking stallions they’d ever seen. All of them looked less like the soldiers and guards of Equestria and more like ones from the deepest pits of Tartarus. All three of them had deep azure blue fur, reminding the guards and flyers of the sky above, with manes and tails that reminded them of the darkest droplets of blood. Their yellow eyes scorched right into theirs, making them feel as if they were melting their eyes, and they had sets of needle-sharp vampiric teeth that could’ve been mistaken for sabers.

Despite the similarities, Shining Armor, Spearhead, and the four flyers could see that each of the tree stallions were from on Pony Tribe each. The first stallion had a massive muscular pair of bat wings, the membranes a bright pink with dagger-like wing blades jutting out. The second stallion had a horn that could’ve been mistaken for a sword a purple aura surrounding a large sword and shield he was holding. The third and final stallion was an Earth Pony, with a buff frame that was on par even Spearhead’s, with all three of them having dark razor edged and pointed sets of armor that looked to be able to do some serious damage.

“Well, look at what we have here boys!” The first stallion said, his face stretched into an excited grin. “It looks like we struck gold here, a whole building of sitting targets that’re ours for the taking!”

“Sure does bro.” The second stallion nodded, swinging his levitated sword around. “I have to say; I was kind of expecting it to be a little less than we expected. With how destroyed that this building is, I didn’t expect it to be this full.”

“I honestly didn’t if you want my opinion.” The third and final stallion shrugged. “Then again, none of us could just how many victims here, so it could’ve gone either way.”

“Who the buck are you assholes?!” Spitfire demanded, stomping her hoof as Derpy fled back over to the terrified crowed. “And what’re you doing here in the Town Square?! We didn’t give you guys permission to be over here!”

“Easy Captain.” Soarin said, holding a wing out in front of her. “You don’t wanna lose your head right now.”

“Wow, this girl looks like a real fighter here.” The first stallion grinned. “It looks like things are gonna get a lot more interesting for us guys.”

“You got that right big bro.” The second stallion nodded, chuckling. “That is, if we can get past those couple of guards and that other stallion with them.”

“Don’t worry, we can get past all of them no sweat.” The third stallion said confidently. “Not to say that there’s going to be more coming, but you guys can see what I mean.”

“Hey, did you guys here what you were asked?” Shining asked, lashing his tail out. “Captain Spitfire just asked you who you were. Now you had better answer her and us before I blast all three of your faces off!”

“Heheh, well, since you all look so ready for our upcoming challenge, we may as well tell you who your challengers will be.” The first stallion replied, hovering up into the air above the other two stallions. “I’m Deathwing, the eldest of these two awesome stallions here and the master of the skies. This one to the left of me is Deathhorn, the most magically enhanced and sharpest out of all of us, and this buff as buck guy to the right of me is Deathhoof, and out of all of us, he can pack the nastiest of punches!”

“Deathwing, Deathhorn, and Deathhoof…” Fleetfoot repeated, mulling over the names. “I can’t help but see that the three of you have eerily similar names. I take it you three are brothers or something like that?”

“Sharp one there, aren’t you?” Deathhorn asked, raising a brow at the arctic blue Pegasus. “I admit, it may seem weird that three stallions would have similar names, but then again, who doesn’t? Although it should probably tell you just what we’re here to do.”

“That something being to bring the death and destruction to practically everypony here in the Town Square, and in Ponyville?” Spearhead asked calmly, spinning his namesake around in one of his wings. When he got no reply from any of the stallions, he then went on. “Well, sorry to burst your bubbles, but there’s no way that we’re going to let that happen. If you want to lay harm to any of these ponies, you’re going to have to go through us.”

“That’s right!” Shining nodded, his horn igniting in preperation. “I don’t know what your deal is coming here like you own the place, and I really don’t care! We’re not going to let you harm a single pony here, especially the foals! The only way you bastards are going to do that is if you turn us into mangled corpses!”

“Or give us a death sentence as your names so bluntly states.” Spitfire added; her muzzle formed into a heated snarl. “If you can that is.”

“I think that can be arrange, since you all seem so eager to die.” Deathhoof replied gleefully as he and his two brother’s draconic eyes began to glow. The black auras that were surrounding them suddenly exploded into whirlwind of blackness as they slowly advanced on the guards and the flyers. “I hope you’re ready, ‘cause me and my bros ain’t gonna go easy on any of you! We are so gonna send you all back to kingdom come!” A snake-like tongue emerged from the Earth Pony stallion’s mouth, running across his lips as he eyed the mare’s lustfully. “And after that, we’re have some fun with the hot little ladies…oh yes, some nice good fun indeed!”

Crimson Skies paled, her tail tucking between her legs. “Oh crap…”

Author's Note

Whelp, here it its everypony; the self proclaimed unwelcome arrival of the Dark Army to a good majority of the ponies in Ponyville, mainly in the Town Square :twilightsmile: . I'm just going to say right now, that the hardest part of this chapter was who some of the members of the Dark Army that I was going to have meet Shining Armor, Spearhead, Crimson Skies, and the Wonderbolts were going to be. I had a hard enough time in the last chapter figuring out what name I was going to give the stallion who was trying to get Silver Speed and her foals, and I seriously did not want to be suck near the end of this chapter, figuring out names for the three stallion that the Guards and the Ariel Flyers were all going to fight near the end of this first book :facehoof: :ajbemused: . In case you were all wondering how I was finally able to that, it was from a picture I found of three monstrous looking stallions an how similarly terrifying they looked, and that's where I found the inspiration for these three stallions in this chapter :raritywink: . There was literally no other names that I could think of for these three stallions, and no other way, I could think them up either, it was just, just...wow :derpyderp2: !

Judging from how things look and are looking from the last few chapters here, we may not come back to Ponyville for a while :applejackunsure: . Especially since the girls, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts are getting ever closer to the end of their journey, so we may be focusing more on them before we go back to the Ponyville fight. Probably near the start or the beginning of the final fight between Nightmare Moon and Dark Army, the Main Seven, Zephyr, the Shadowbolts, Venture Vine, and Celestia herself. Either way, the next upcoming chapters may end up focusing more on the adventure through the Everfree with one or two uplifting chapters added in between it :heart: . However it's going to go, we'll definitely be coming back here for the upcoming fights :rainbowdetermined2: !!!

Anyway, that's all for now :scootangel: !!! Tune in next time for the girls having an encounter with a mob that could pass of as being the very definition of psychotic and bloodthirsty :twilightoops: !!!

Chapter 62 - The Great and Powerful Magician

The golden plains of the vast Everfree Forest blew and shook wildly as the sky-blue aura that was rising from Goku swirled wildly, her golden eyes glowing brightly. Her friends stood on either side of her while Sky Ranger and the Shadowbolts flew above them, keeping an eye on the falconic felines that were standing just meters away from them. The Farukonchītā coalition stood with their bodies hunched in preparation for a fight, though they didn’t attack right away. They were too entranced by that the tan Thestral was doing, wanting to see what was going to happen next.

“Goku, what in the world are you doing?!” Rarity cried. “Is now really the time to be fighting these beasts out here in the open?! We have other important matters that’re at stake!”

“I’m aware of that Rarity!” Goku shouted back. “Even so, it’s not like these Farukonchītās are going to let us leave that easily! Even if we did run for the castle, they’d chase right after us, and believe me, they’d love for us to do that!”

“G does haves a point there Rares!” Rainbow Dash nodded. “You can feel the magic coming off of these guys, can’t you? They’re not gonna let us bail out just like that, and I can tell from looking at them that they are just screaming speed!”

“I know that Rainbow Dash, but that’s not the point I’m trying to make!” Rarity snapped over the roaring swirls of power. “What I’m saying is if we fight these beasts here and now, we may end up giving ourselves away to Nightmare Moon earlier than we’re meaning to! And if that happens, she may come over here to finish us off herself!”

“An’ why would she do that?” Applejack asked. “In case ya forgot, there is a castle a dozen times bigger than th’ barn on mah orchard standin’ just yards away from us! Which was made just hours before we had entered this here damn forest! If ya ask me, that Nightmare Moon varmint made it fer th’ purpose o’ lettin’ us come t’ her than th’ other way around!”

“Applejack is right Rarity! I do have my doubts on whether Nightmare Moon will actually come and face us herself, especially with the castle she made!” Twilight nodded. “To my knowledge, she’s formed traps inside there just waiting to be snagged by us, and I honestly think that’s just as bad as her coming to fight us herself!”

“Uh-huh, and you know all know how I feel about booby traps!” Pinkie Pie added, pausing before she added something else. “Then again, that Queen Moonie meanie may try to fight all of us anyway, so I guess it’s going to happen! Just not in the way you’re thinking Rarity!”

The alabaster paused, mulling over these observations before replying. “Well, I suppose you are right there, girls! Still, I’d rather not take my chances!”

“Well, it’s not really like we have any choice right now Rarity!” Fluttershy said, pushing her long pink mane from her face. “Whether we right these Farukonchītās or not, we’ll still have to face Nightmare Moon whether or not she comes to us or we come to her. Plus, from their body language, this coalition of brothers are looking for a good meal. So, we’ll have to just cross our hearts and hope that we can beat them fast enough before your worst fears come to fruition.”

Rarity sagged, giving a low sigh of defeat. “Oh joy…” She whined pitifully.

“If you guys are done sulking and debating with one another, I suggest you join Goku in this fight!” Zephyr shouted from above. “Because looks like she’s gonna be taking them on by herself because you guys are taking too long!”

“Not on our watch she’s not!” Pinkie Pie declared excitedly as an emerald green aura surrounded her body. “Come on everypony, let’s get this party started!”

Nopony needed any farther prompting from the party pony, for auras of green, blue and even multiple colors surrounded the other five mares. They joined the aura of Goku which became a giant ball of multiple colors that very well blinded the Farukonchītās, who used their wings to shield their eyes from the sensitive light. There was the sound of an explosion, along with the feeling of the ground shaking, before all went silent. When the Farukonchītā coalition, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts looked again, they reeled back at what they laid their eyes upon.

The seven mares that were standing right in the middle of the plains, who were looking cornered and defenses before, now looked like soldiers ready for battle. Each one of them were now in their Ascension Modes, each of their armor gleaming with a different type of color or armor in their own right. Goku’s armor was as black as the night sky above them, with her hind boots being the same color, while her tan cape flowed behind her. Both looked to be longer and stronger than any of her friends, with the only difference being that there was no Cutie Mark in the center of her cape. Twilight’s Ascension Mode and boots armor as a deep shade of purple, a shade darker than her own coat, with her cape having the hot pink and purple streaks in her mane and tail. The rest of the cape was the same color as most of her mane, with her six-pointed star Cutie Mark right in the center. A shining pale blue color adorned rainbow dash’s armor, her cape having the colors of the rainbow like her mane, while her Cutie Mark dotted right in the center, having her eye color in the cloud as well.

Pinkie Pie armor was a shade of pink paler than both her mane and tail, both of which looking even more curly and poofy as ever. A blue color the same brightness of her twin cerulean blue orbs washed over her cape, while her Cutie Mark of three balloons dotted the center. Rarity’s Ascension Mode Armor was, surprisingly, a shining shade of azure blue rather than the more expected alabaster white. However, her cape was still the same solid indigo color as her mane and tail skirt, and her skirt shined as bright as her Cutie Mark of three gemstones, very much like the ones on the back of her cape. The armor on Applejack was a gleaming emerald green color, the same shade as her eyes, hers looking to be sturdier than most of the others. A long flowing cape billowed behind her, this being a pure golden color, while her Cutie Mark of three apples dotted it in the center. Last but certainly not least, Fluttershy was in a magnificent suit of shining teal armor, shining brighter than all of her friends’ other armor. A shining golden yellow cape flowed from behind the veterinarian, and her Cutie Mark of three butterflies shining onto it.

Without any hesitation, Goku let out a bat-like screech at the Farukonchītās, signaling that they were now ready to fight. The Farukonchītā coalition, sensing the battle had now begun, charge the seven mares at speeds that far surpassed that of a normal Zebrican Cheetah. Goku’s sharp cat-like eyes, sharpened by her Ascension Mode, allowed her to be able to counter the attack, and her left hoof swung through the air, striking the largest Farukonchītā in the face. The cat flew to the side from the blow, and as Goku flew towards it, the lead Farukonchītā countered her next attack by giving her an absolutely vicious slash across her face, before grabbing her by her shoulders and throwing her to the ground.

“Goku!” Twilight shouted as she ran towards her friend, her horn ignited for the preparation of an attack. A searing pain suddenly flashed through her horn as the orange Farukonchītā bit right down on it, his canines sending stabbing pains within it With strength that no normal Cheetah should’ve ever had, the feline swung the ascended unicorn across the air before letting her tumble across the grassy ground. As she looked up, she saw the orange Farukonchītā flying towards her, and she once more ignited her horn to blast him away. Just as she did, she heard a familiar raspy voice call out from out of nowhere.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Electric Thunderous Whinny!” Rainbow Dash yellowed, shooting out a gigantic blast of magenta lightning from her mouth. The orange Farukonchītā’s head snapped his head to the incoming attack, and both of his wings wrapped itself to protect itself from the blast as it struck him. As the cat flew across the plains, Twilight jumped when she saw Rainbow Dash land in front of her, lightning cracking around her armored form.

“Twilight, what the buck are you doing?!” Rainbow Dash demanded. “You need to be focusing on your own fight right now! Not on Goku’s own; that’s her fight, not yours!”

“What’re you talking about Rainbow Dash?! That cat clearly has her overpowered, especially with the blinding speed it has!” Twilight retorted, glaring at the cyan mare. “I have to go and help her before she gets her throat torn out!”

“The only one who’s throat is going to get torn out if you try a trick like that again!” Rainbow Dash growled back. “Did you forget that there are four other furballs like these trying to get at each of us?! Not to mention that they’re all a band of brothers for Faust’s sake?! If they see one of their brothers in danger, then they’re gonna back that brother up, which is exaclty what happened when that orange one came and stopped you! The only way you can help G is if you focus on your own opponent, and trust that Goku can trust her own opponent!”

Before Twilight could reply, the cyan mare flew off with a powerful flap of her wings, making a thick dust cloud appear. When it vanished, Twilight found herself staring into the gleaming piercing blue eyes of the orange Farukonchītā, who then lunged at her.

“Solid Form Magic Unicorn Knight: Thunderous Electric Bolt of Lightning!” Twilight shouted out, her extended horn igniting instinctively. A gigantic multi-colored lightning bolt shot out from the tip of her horn and struck the orange Farukonchītā, just like with the last one. This time, only one of the cat’s wings flared out and blocked the attack, before sending it away with a swift swing before he pounced on Twilight. They tumbled across the ground for a few moments, before Twilight eventually kicked the feline off, and shot a powerful blast of multi-colored magic at the cat. The orange Farukonchītā shot a blast of its own lightning at Twilight, and after a brief power struggle, Twilight overwhelmed her opponent, and sent him flying into the distance.

Applejack screamed as she was slammed into by the jet-black Farukonchītā, and they went into a brief power struggle that ended with Applejack being pinned. One of her armored hooves shot up to keep its fangs from piercing into her throat, and she used her hind legs to kick the black cat it its stomach. Just as she had rolled herself upright, the cat quickly recovered from the assault the Farukonchītā had lunged for her again, but this time, Applejack was ready. She whirled around, and kicked the cat right in his muzzle, before stomping her forehooves on the ground.

“Earth Make Earth Pony Knight: Giant Vine Trap!” She shouted as gigantic vines exploded from the ground and lunged for the black Farukonchītā. The feline swiftly slashes and cut at the vines, but they ended wrapping him up in its plant-like grasp rendering nearly immobile.

“Ah got ya now, ya lil’ varmint!” The farmer shouted with a sort. “Let’s see ya git outta that trap now!”

The Farukonchītā snarled loudly at Applejack, and started to wriggle his body as it began to give off a dark purple aura. Then, before Applejack knew it, the vines trapping the cat started to get sliced apart, and the Farukonchītā found himself being ripped free. Its wings flared wide and he flew at a shocked Applejack, giving breakneck slashes and slices at her armored form, screaming loudly all the while. As Applejack did her best to block the attacks, even as they began to slice into her armor, she found herself colliding into something, before she heard somepony shout out.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Wing Attack!” The voice of Fluttershy shouted, before multiple teal colored slices of wind came shooting down at them. Applejack’s eyes widened, and, running on her magic and sheer adrenaline, she jumped out of the way, leaving the black Farukonchītā behind her as the wind slices struck it.

“Whoa, what in th’ hay was that?!” Applejack asked herself, whipping her head towards the source of the wind slices. Her eyes widened when she saw a familiar armored buttermilk Pegasus hovering in the air. “Fluttershy, was that you sugarfoot?”

“Yes Applejack, that was me; I’m sorry!” Fluttershy shouted back to the armored farmer, looking apologetic. “I was aiming for the white Farukonchītā that I was righting!”

“Wait, th’ white one?” Applejack asked, looking over to her own Farukonchītā. Her eyes widened when she saw both the black and the white one together, the former of the two glaring at his opponent. “Oh nelly…”

“Hold on guys, I got you!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she galloped towards them, stopping just meters away from them. “Earth Make Earth Pony Knight: Giant Earth Sphere!”

A giant dome of earth appeared around the two Farukonchītā brothers, hovering above them and enclosing around them before they could react. Vines then followed, adding for extra grip around the sphere to ensure the cats didn’t get out easily.

“Well done darling, keep them just like that!” Rarity shouted, galloping past Pinkie Pie. “Belle Machine Gun Unicorn Knight: Diamond Gemstone Gattling Gun!”

With her horn glowing as bright as her eyes, she shot multiple bolts of giant diamond shaped bolts of magic at the vine covered earth sphere. Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all watched as Rarity slowly, but surely demolished the earth dome before it finally crumbled in a devastating explosion. Smoke rose in the air as Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack waited for the outcome of Rarity’s attack, only for the smoke to get blown away just a few seconds later. Their eyes widened when they saw that both Farukonchītās were barely even bruised from the attack and the trap.

“No buckin’ way…” Applejack whispered. “They don’t even look widened by the attack!”

“J-just what are these beasts made of?!’ Rarity cried, her lip quivering.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie screamed, “LOOK OUT!!!”

The bubblegum pink pony collided with Rarity and Applejack, sending them flying away as the black spotted Farukonchītā flew past them, colliding with the rest of his brothers. They looked back to see Rainbow Dash flying towards them, a large cloak of magenta lightning covering her as her fangs gleamed.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Electric Neigh!” The cyan mare shouted, shooting a blast of pink lightning at the trio of Farukonchītās. It blasted into them as they screamed from the electricity coursing through their veins, before an explosion rocked through Everfree Plains. As the trio of Farukonchītā were enveloped in smoke, Applejack and Rarity snapped their heads over to Rainbow Dash.

“RAINBOW DASH!” Rarity screamed. “WHAT IN THE WORLD DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!”

“What’re you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked perplexedly. “All I was doing was kicking that furball away into those other two and taking the chance to get all three of them at once! There’s no reason to get angry over something like that!”

“That ain’t what she meant RD.” Applejack deadpanned. “She’s talkin’ ‘bout was why you didn’t warn us that you were goin’ t’ attack?!”

“Yeah Dashie, you could’ve hit us back there!” Pinkie Pie frowned. “It’s a good thing that my Pinkie Sense kicked in at that moment, otherwise we would’ve all been electrocuted!”

“Hey, it’s not my damn fault that you guys didn’t see me!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily. “You should’ve been sharp enough to hear my coming! Especially since all of our magic is hyped up to the max! If you couldn’t hear me coming tha you really need to get your senses checked!”

Rarity’s glare sharpened. “Excuse me?”

“That’s enough Rainbow Dash, all of you!” Fluttershy said sternly as she and Twilight swooped down towards the other three mares, the former’s expression one of disapproval. She sent a torrent of wind at the snow white Farukonchītā chasing her, sending it spiraling away from her as she landed in front of her friends. “We have a battle with the fastest animals in the Everfree remember?! If we start arguing now, we are all going to be prey for the Farukonchītās before we know it!”

Twilight nodded, and looked to be ready to add something, but stomped when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. As it got closer, she gasped in horrified shock and cried out, “Girls, look over there!”

The six mares looked over to where the lavender armored Unicorn was pointing, and they all gasped when they saw Goku and the lead Farukonchītā still duking it out. Judging from the blood that that painting both the Thestral and the feline, neither had gotten an edge over each other yet, neither had the fight lost its pace. As the continued to kick, bite, slash, and punch at each other, Goku decided to make the first move.

“Fire Thestral Knight: Screeching Flaming Whinny!” She shouted, sending a blast of fire at the lead Farukonchītā, enveloping it in her fiery power. The cat screamed out in pain, but used it wings to extinguish the fire before flying at Goku. Opening its fanged mouth, the lead Farukonchītā retaliated with shooting out its own bolts of fire at the tan thestral to which she zig-zagged around as she got closer to the ferocious feline. Swinging her left wing out, she gave it a vicious slash across the Farukonchītā across its stomach and chest, before lashing her tail out and entrapping it.

Apinning around, she sent the Farukonchītā flying into the air, before sending a few bolts of fire at the cat, each one striking head on. As she prepared to drive the cat into the around, she felt something slam into her, the figure turning out to be the white Farukonchītā that Fluttershy had sent flying.

“GOKU!” Fluttershy yelled, her teal eyes widening with horror as she watched the feline attack her Thestral friend. ‘I thought that I had already taken care of that coalition brother! He didn’t know he’d recover that quickly!’

“NO! don’t interfere!” Goku shouted as she ripped the cat off of her. “I can take this these two just fine!”

The commanding and none argumentized tone in the Thestrals voice was enough to keep all six mares rooted in place. Although they still looked like they’d try to step in and help now that Goku was facing off against to Farukonchītās. However, it was soon apparent that they didn’t need to, for Goku ended up getting the upper hoof against the cat, bucking it in the face and sending it tumbling towards his brother.

“I’m not done with you just yet!” Goku hissed, flying over and grabbing both cat’s tails in her sharp teeth, and violently throwing them into the opposite direction. As they flew, the tan Thestral noticed she had flown them into the direction of the other three, who were tending to each other’s wounds. The trio of cats looked up while they were revering, having seen their brothers falling towards them, and as they flew up to catch them, Goku made her finishing move.

“Fire Thestral Knight: Blazing Burning Inferno!” She shouted, blazing swirls of fire exploding from her hooves as it soared towards the Farukonchītā coalition. They screamed out as the fire consumed them, sending them flying into the eastern direction of the forest. The fire also burned at the golden grass dotting the Everfree Plains, and left a golden trail of fire in the wake of the attack, surprisingly not spreading throughout the rest.

“Well, that should keep them down for now.” Goku sighed in relief, plopping down on all four hooves. “Now we can make our escape to the castle before they come back to try to finish us off.”

“Wow…she did it!” Blue Skies cried as she, the Shadowbolts, Sky Ranger, and Zephyr all hovered from up above. “She actually took all five of the Farukonchītā coalition out in one blast!”

“With excessive help from her friends that is.” Lightning Shadow added. “The question is, will it be enough to keep them away from the girls.”

“For the time being maybe.” Storm Shadow replied. “Farukonchītās aren’t known for being the Speed Demons of the Everfree for nothing. No doubt they’re already recovering from Goku’s last attack, and are coming back in a couple of minutes.”

“That may very well happen.” Fast Tracks nodded. “If it does, then Goku can use one of her more powerful attacks to send them flying again. Only this time, she may have to have her friends add to the extra magic and techniques, just in case.”

“Good idea Fast.” Violet Fire nodded. “Let’s stay up here and keep a lookout for them when or if they do come back. The last thing we want is to have what happened to Sky Ranger happen to the all of the girls.”

The aforementioned hippogriff stallion nodded. “Me neither…that was quite the unpleasant hit the Farukonchītā gave me. Though, something tells me that the coalition of Farukonchītā brothers will be the least of our worries.”

“Me too Sky Ranger.” Zephyr murmured, looking in the direction of Nightmare Moon’s castle. “Me too…”

What the Solar Royal Guard, the Shadowbolts, Sky Ranger, and the other ponies realized, was that they were, more or less not alone. Just at the top of the dark castle, a pair of young draconic turquoise eyes surveyed the scene, filled with shock and terror. They observed the scene for a moment longer, before the owner of the eyes spread their wings and took off into the castle.

Shining Armor and Spearhead let out loud battle cries as the each shot their attacks out in unison, a huge magical bolt sailing forward with flocks of spears surrounding it. in front of them, the Death Trio stood in between the two guards and the injured Wonderbolts, looks malice upon each of their faces. With a growl, Deathwing flared his massive wings and fired of as many slices of black wind as there were spears, watching as they all exploded into smoke. Deathhorn ignited his horn and shot off a magical blast even bigger than Shining Armor’s own, the two-attack colliding violently in the process. While Shining Armor was distracted with Deathhorn, Deathhoof went in and summoned a grove vines, sending them underground and right where Spearhead was standing. As he was about to fire off another round of spears, he suddenly felt something grab him by his legs and drag him into the ground.

“Spearhead!” Shining Armor shouted, glancing over at the giant hole where his comrade once was. His lapse of concentration caused his magical attack to falter slightly, and he was nearly blown off of his hooves by Deathhorn’s own. Gritting his teeth, he tore his attention away from the absence of Spearhead and focused on keeping his own threat at bay.

The phthalo tangelo stallion suddenly found himself being pulled out of the ground, and he took that opportunity to spit out the mouthfuls of dirt that managed to get in his mouth. Just as he collected himself, he found Windslicer glaring right into his eyes, before he flew back and attacked, shooting a blast of black wind out from his cloven hooves. Spearhead screamed in pain as the scalding hit flames engulfed him the vines holding him leaving him with no room to try to escape. Around that time, the vine holding Spearhead suddenly shot down taking his still flaming form with it, before it slammed him deep into the ground.

“Dammit, no!” Shining Armor cried, once again breaking form his power struggle with Deathhorn upon seeing his friend injured further. This time, Deathhorn took advantage of it, and with another powerful surge of magic, sent Shining Armor tumbling across the ground before he collided into a nearby house.

“Nice one there Deathhorn!” Deathhoof complimented grinning at his twin brother. “I didn’t think that you were going to throw him that far away from us!”

“Neither did I…” The azure blue Nightmare Unicorn murmured, blowing at his horn. “I guess I must amplify my attack at a far greater capacity than I meant to. Not that I’m complaining about that mind you, all the more power to make that pathetic excuse of a guard grovel at my hooves!”

“I think you mean at our hooves bro.” Deathwing murmured as he flew on either side of his two brothers. “Then again, I go agree with you on that last part. The more we make these puny ponies submit to us, the more they’ll learn not to tango with us!”

“Ice Pegasus: Freezing Whinny!” A familiar raspy voice suddenly shouted from behind the trio

The three bothers suddenly felt a coolness from behind them that was progressively growing stronger, and they looked behind them to see a massive incoming wave of ice. It washed over them before they had any chance to react, and they found themselves froze right where they were standing. Expressions of shock morphed into their faces as the Wonderbolts hovered in front of them, with Fleetfoot panting flighty.

“Good, I got them.” The arctic blue mare murmured to herself, letting her forehooves drop “That should keep them frozen for a few minutes.”

“Good work Fleetfoot, they never saw it coming.” Soarin said, gently patting his teammate on her back. “Come on Captain Spitfire, let’s cut this trio down.”

“Oh, I’m not just gonna cut them down…” Spitfire said heatedly as her strong orange eyes glowed fiercely. “…I’m gonna burn all of them into ashes!”

“Somehow I knew that’d be your response.” Soarin said, chuckling as a sky-blue aura emitted from around his body. “And while we’re at it, maybe we should go into our own Ascension Modes to turn up the heat.”

Fleetfoot nodded. “Good idea.”

With those words, the two mares’ bodies glowed with auras that matched the one of their one stallion teammates. In a matter of moments, they combined into one swirling ball of magic that roared with power for mere seconds, before it vanished, revealing all three of the Wonderbolts in their Ascension Modes. Spitfire’s armor was a combination of her golden yellow coat and her deep orange mane, an orange and yellow cape flowing behind her, having a pair of dark orange boots, with her Cutie Mark knitted into her cape. Soarin’s own was a mixture of a light and dark blue color, his dark cornflower blue cape having the imprint of a winged lightning bolt, while his own dark blue boots protected his hindlegs. The armor Fleetfoot’s was the brightest of them all, being a shining cumulus white and arctic blue, her hindlegs being covered in bright blue boots, and the symbol of a golden horseshoe gleaming on her light blue cape.

“There, now that’s more like it!” Fleetfoot sighed with relief. “Now I feel like I can fight at my peek condition again!”

“Glad that you’re ready to finally end these bastards.” Spitfire grunted, looking back at the frozen trio. “Now, let’s do this!”

“Right!” Soarin nodded as his eyes glowed. “Sky Pegasus Knight: Roaring Slicing Whirlwind!”

“Ice Pegasus Knight: Freezing Ice Blizzard!”

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Scorching Fiery Explosion!”

The three attacks the Wonderbolts let out emerged at a simultaneous time as they immediately combined into one elemental attack. The fused attack soared towards the frozen Death Trio and before anypony knew it, it collided with them, shattering both them and their ice prison into thousands of pieces as the attack enveloped them completely. The attacks soared down the street, and thankfully didn’t hit any houses as it flew down the town and eventually went out of sight. When it did, the three Wonderbolts waited for any trace of the three stallions that Fleetfoot had frozen, and, to their relief, they didn’t see them anywhere near the Town Square.

“Did…” Fleetfoot murmured. “Did that do it? are they finally gone now?”

“…Yeah, it looks like they are.” Soarin replied as he scanned the area. “I don’t see or feel a trace of them around here. Still though, we should check the spot where they were, just in case.”

“Yeah, I won’t be satisfied until I actually see that they’re gone.” Spitfire growled, stomping over to the spot where Fleetfoot had frozen the Death Trio. Once she got within range, she immediately snapped her strong orange eyes down towards what looked to be a pile of sinister black ashes being surrounded by fragments of ice. As she leaned closer, her nostrils picked up an absolutely retched smile coming from the pile, and she reeled back. “Holy shit that is just disgusting!”

“I take it that your satisfied now Captain?” Fleetfoot asked dryly, keeping a fair distance away from the pile herself. “That revolted look in your eyes is totally telling me you are.”

“Oh, shut it Fleetfoot! It’s not like I knew that it was gonna give off such a nasty smell!” Spitfire snapped, looking like she was going to incinerate Fleetfoot right then and there. “Still, at least those three sex-crazed bastards are dead now…and we don’t have to keep putting up with more of their shit.”

“Glad to see you’ve got your anger aid disgust towards them out of your system.” Soarin murmured. “Now we can focus on the rest of the Dark Army here, but first we need to check up on Captain Shining Armor and Spearhead. They both took a real beating back there and they may need some urgent medical assistance.”

There was a sudden sound of electricity and a balloon like popping, and the trio of Wonderbolts whipped around to see Shining Armor and Spearhead in front of them. The latter was leaning on the former’s shoulders, both of which looking to be out of it, as evident by their disheveled forms and bruised bodies. Despite this, that fire was still in their eyes, and it didn’t look like it was going to diminish anytime soon.

“No need to you guys; I got myself and Spearhead out of this.” Shining Armor said, letting Spearhead regain his footing. “So, I take it that you took care of those three stallions?”

“From the looks of it, yes.” Fleetfoot replied, glancing back at the black pile of ashes and scattered shards of ice. “We all pretty much wiped them out all at the same time, and we combined our attacks to further ensure that they were pretty much eradicated. We don’t feel any magic anywhere around here either, so that’s another sign.”

“Well that’s cool and all…” Spearhead said after a few moments of silence. “I wouldn’t let my guard down just yet. There’s a lot more of those three guys and they have just as much power as that trio of brother. So we can’t let our guard down, and we’re nowhere near out of the woods yet.”

“As true as that may be, you’re not quite in the state necessary to face off against a whole army like this.” Another voice said from out of nowhere. “Like your Pegasus friend said, you will need some treatment for your bodies, except it’s not just one of you.”

All five of the ponies turned to the new feminine voice, only to go wide eyed upon seeing Trixie flying into the scene, followed closely by Crimson Skies. The former shook her bat wings a bit as she surveyed the area, while the latter followed just behind Trixie, not making eye contact with Spitfire.

“Crimson Skies, you’re finally back!” Soarin exclaimed, looking happy and relieved. “I take it that things went alright at your end?”

Crimson Skies nodded. “Yeah, it did…it ended a bit on the bloody side, but I managed to save the pony in danger. Along with a couple of much younger ones in the process.” She replied, a small yet proud smile on her face. “They’re all safe and secure in the Town Square, and I can focus back on helping you guys!”

“Well, I’m afraid that you came too late for that little Shadowbolt.” Spitfire snorted, crossing her forelegs. “Me, Soarin and Fleetfoot already defeated those asshole three stallions all by ourselves, without help, especially yours.”

“Y…you did?” The palomino mare asked. “You actually beat all three of them?”

“Yes honey, we did, finally.” Fleetfoot replied with a gentle smile. “While they were distracted with Captain Shining Armor and Spearhead, I froze all three of them solid before they realized what had hit them. After that, me and my teammates ascended and combined all of our attacks to get them while they were subdued.”

“I see. Well that’s a relief.” Crimson Skies said, letting out a soft breath. “Now we don’t have to worry about them anymore. Though, there’s still more of the Dark Army that we have to face off against, and right now, the other Royal Guards are still preoccupied with them.”

“Right, we’ll have to let the Royal Guards deal with the Dark Army for the time being.” Trixie murmured, flicking his tails skirt. “Any of them that we can find wandering around her we can just work our way through them and go from there.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Shining Armor nodded. “Before do that though do you mind telling us just who you are miss?”

Trixie locked her dark grayish purple cat-like eyes with Shining Armor dark phthalo blue ones, and a small fanged smile made its way across her face. She opened her mouth to reply, but before she could even get a couple of words out of her mouth, the felt the ground beneath them violently rumbling. The azure blue Unicorn looked down at the ground as it went still once more, using the feel of her magic to detect the source of the rumbling while the others verbalized it.

“Did anypony else feel that?” Spearhead asked. “That, like, put a real bad feeling in my gut dudes.”

“Yeah I heard it to Spearhead.” Shining nodded. “And that didn’t sound good.”

“Oh no…” Soarin murmured, his ears pinning back. “Please tell me that it’s not what I think it is.”

“What is it?” spitfire asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost that’s just appeared.”

Fleetfoot, who had also been looking around, noticed cracks appearing in the ground all around her, her teammates, and the others. Her magenta eyes widened when she saw wisps of black magic coming from out of the cracks, and, realizing what was about to happen, she screamed out, “EVERYPONY, SCATTER!!!”

The warning sent everypony on a higher alert than they were now, but it came too late. The ground beneath them exploded as if a landmine was stepped on and activated and all seven ponies soaring into the air, enveloped in pitch black power. Screams ripped through the air as the scalding hot power burn through them before they fell to the ground, overcome with pain and shock from the blow. Only Trixie was left mostly unfazed by the attack, and as she looked around, she saw the form of three pony from inside the smoke.

“I knew it…” Trixie murmured gravely, her slitted violet eyes sharpening as the Death Trio was revealed. “It looks like these ponies aren’t out of the woods after all.”

“Did you honestly think that freezing us in ice and combining your attacks was enough for you to finish us off?!” Windslicer asked, sounding like he was going to laugh. “You’re even more pathetic than we thought you all were.”

Fleetfoot’s insides twisted, horror clouding her features. “No…impossible! Y-you three are supposed to be dead!”

“Well, surprise, surprise there dear…we’re still alive.” Deathhorn bragged, a toothy smirked etched across his face. “And we’re even more pissed off than ever before! You’re in real trouble now, especially with what we’re about to unleash on you!”

“W-what’re you bastards talking about?!” Spitfire demanded. “How in the hay are you all still alive?!”

“How are me and my big brothers still kicking you ask?” Deathhoof asked, raising a scarlet eyebrow. “Simple, just take. Look down here where our chests are.” He pointed at a gleaming yellow gem that was glowing in the center of his chest. “See these? These are the precious objects that our dear Queen Moon blessed us with to ensure that we don’t die in a fight. These are called Magic Life Form Gemstone, able to sustain our physical forms no matter the extent of the injuries. Just like the ones of the Tantabuses that were here in this town not a few or so hours ago, which is what kept us from being finished off by that dumb fused attack of yours.”

Crimson Skies went pale. “M-Magic Life Form Gemstones?!” She cried, recognition immediately clicking into her mind. “Y-you mean like the ones that stallion Windslicer had before Trixie defeated him?!”

“Ah, so you do know what these things can do?” Deathwing asked, a smile slowly making its way to his face. “Though I take it from the expression on your face, it didn’t quite work for Windslicer?”

“No, I’m afraid that gemstone wasn’t enough to help save your comrade form my power.” Trixie replied firmly. “I am Trixie Lunamoon Nightstalker, the Great and Powerful Magician and Sorcerer of Hallow Shades. I take it that you’re the Death Trio, Deathwing, Deathhoof, and Deathhorn?

“We sure are babe; glad to see somepony knows is!” Deathwing nodded, grinning widely and lustfully at the azure blue Unicorn. “Unfortunately for you, you won’t know us as that name for very long.”

Shining Armor’s ears pinned back. “What’re you talking about?”

The azure blue Nightmare Thestral grinned even wider. “You’ll see soon enough…Deathhorn, Deathhoof!”

The two stallions followed their eldest brother’s command, and they stood in a triangular shape along with Deathwing. Closing their eyes, the yellow gemstones within their chests started to shine, and an aura the same color washed over them. It grew in intensity and power as it began to swirl around them like a current, making dust fly.

“What the hay is going on?” Spearhead asked. “What’re they planning to do?”

“I don’t know.” Soarin replied nervously, taking a couple of steps back. “It may have something to do with those gemstones. I can feel the power coming growing them, and its growing quickly.”

“Whatever they’re planning, there’s no way I’m going to let them get what they want!” Spitfire shouted as she soared towards them. “I’ll burn all three of them to crisps!”

“Captain wait!” Fleetfoot cried, but her cries came too late as Spitfire hurled herself at the Death Trio, flames surrounding her. The instant she got within range; the brilliant golden mare was blasted away from the brothers by the yellow aura of power surrounding them, and she landed right into Soarin’s forelegs.

As they all looked up at the three Nightmare stallions, they saw they were all completely enveloped in the yellow aura of power, which condensed into a ball before becoming a bright burst of light. The group of ponies blocked their eyes from the blinding light which shined for a few moments, before it dissipated, and what they saw made their jaws drop in horror.

Standing in front of the swirling streams of yellow magic, was, not the three Death Trio brothers, but a pony that looked to be a fused Alicorn version of all three of them. His blue coat shined with such a brightness it was more of a pale blue than an azure blue, contrasting deeply with his blood colored mane and tail. His sun yellow eyes glowed as brightly as the membranes on his gigantic draconic wings, burning into the eyes of the ponies with such an intensity that it would’ve incinerated them on the spot. The Alicorn stallion’s large and long horn glinted with such sharpness that it looked to be able to pierce through even the toughest of armor, unlike the deep red and silvery grey armor that adorned the stallion’s muscular form. To top the new form off, he had a light and dark grey sword having a blood red handle and lighter red curved claws where the handle was, and a silvery ring with a gleaming blue gemstone could be seen on his horn.

“Ahhhhh…now that is so much better.” The Nightmare Alicorn stallion sighed to himself, his voice a mixture of deepness, raspiness, and smoothness. “Nothing better than becoming one entire being with another pony, especially if they’re your brothers.”

“Who…” Crimson Skies stammered. “W-w-who are you?! Where are the Death Trio?!”

“Whatever do you mean, they’re right here.” The Nightmare Alicorn stallion replied casually, tilting his head at the brilliant golden mare. “Or better yet…they’re all right here.”

“What?” Shining Armor asked, her eyes widening slightly. “What’re you talking about?!”

“H-he’s saying…” Soarin replied. “T-that they’re all fused into one.”

The Nightmare Alicorn nodded, his eyes gleaming as he smirked at the light cornflower blue stallion. “That’s right…Deathwing, Deathhorn, and Deathhoof may no longer be here, bat at the same time, they are. I am they, all three of us are one.” His smirk became more vampiric as his fangs gleamed. “Unfortunately for you six…now you’re really screwed.”

“They’re fused?!” Spearhead cried. “That’s impossible; ponies can’t fuse together!”

“Not unless you have the tools needed to do so.” The Nightmare Alicorn retorted, once again gesturing to the Magic Life Force Gemstone shining from within his armor. “Not only do these precious gems help us keep our life forces, but it also allows us to fuse with other members of our Dark Army that have the same ones. Just as long as they’re the same colors that is, or else it won’t really work.”

“Oh no…” Fleetfoot whispered, paling where she stood. “Then that means…”

“Yes, I can use the powers of all three of the ponies that I once was. Not anywhere near the power of our beloved Queen buy hey, it’s at least a little bit close.” The Nightmare Alicorn nodded, taking a battle stance as he pointed his sword at them. “Now I can use this power to eradicate you once and for all, like I should’ve from the start!

“You can try if you want but don’t think we’re going to surrender easily, especially me!” Trixie shouted, her own horn igniting as her bat wings flared. “I didn’t earn my title as Great and Powerful for nothing, and I’ll use that very same power to take you down!”

“I highly doubt you’ll accomplish a damn thing like that Trixie, but you’re free to try if you want to. It makes it all the more fun to tear you, limb from limb before we take all of you for ourselves.” Deathgod chuckled, flicking his tails skirt hard. “Oh, and one more thing, you can call me…Deathgod.”

With those words spoken, the Nightmare Alicorn’s horn ignited with a blazing golden aura and shot out a bolt of magic larger than any that was fired up until now. Shining Armor immediately intercepted the attack, shooting off a bolt of his own magic, letting it collide with Deathgod’s own attack, his being much smaller. It didn’t take too long for Deathgod to get the upper hoof in the power struggle, and he was once again blown away.

“Captain Armor!” Spearhead shouted, only to look back over at Deathgod and see his horn already ignited again. Thinking quickly, Spearhead summoned a flock of spears, all of them cracking with electricity. “Lightning Pegasus Knight: Thunderous Spear Flock!”

Deathgod smirked as the tangelo orange stallion shot the flock of spears at him, and he simply summoned a spear that easily deflected the attack. As the spears exploded in midair, he used his giant wings to sweep the smoke away, before replying. “Pathetic…”

In flash of golden magic, Deathgod vanished and appeared in front of a shocked Spearhead, delivering a powerful punch to his armored chest. The sound of it shattering filled both the stallions’ ears as the Pegasus flew away, joining his captain on the ground. The two Royal Guards taken down, he turned his attention to the Wonderbolts, and stomped his hooves, immediately summoning giant black thorned vines that sent them all shooting into the air, before they were slammed hard into the ground. With the Wonderbolts out of the way, Deathgod turned his attention towards Crimson Skies and Trixie, the latter of which looking terrified.

“And now it’s just you!” Deathgod grinned, his fangs gleaming as he blasted at the mare. “Say goodbye, little filly!”

“NOT SO FAST!” Trixie yelled, stepping in front of Crimson Skies and sending a magnificent blast of magic at Deathgod’s own. The sheer magnitude of the blast caught Deathgod off guard, so much so that Trixie was able to get the drop on him. With her wand-like spear pointed forward, she shot another blast at the Nightmare Alicorn’s armored chest, sending him flying away from the two mares and across the street.

“You…how dare you!” Deathgod demanded. “You dare get in my way of doing away with these excuses of ponies?!”

“Yes! I do dare you, you bloodthirsty tyrant!” Trixie replied back, flaring her bat wings. “Did you forget that I am here as well! You’re dealing with the Great and Powerful Magician of the Everfree Forest’s Hallow Shades! If you want to get to them, you will have to get through me!”

With a loud whinny, the azure blue Thestral flew at the Nightmare Alicorn, her horn ignited as bright as her eyes. Deathgod grunted and got to his hooves, his blast of magic countering Trixie's out as she collided with him, their swords clashing. Pushing the Nightmare Alicorn back with a powerful supernatural punch, Trixie pointed her spear at him, and once again fired off, nearly getting Deathgod as he vanished in the blink of an eye. Trixie’s cat-like eyes scanned the area around him as she felt for his magical presence, and in that moment, she heard Crimson Skies cry out.

“TRIXE, BEHIND YOU!”

Luckily for the palomino mare Trixie felt the dark presence behind her, and swung her spear through the air, letting it clash with Deathgod’s dark sword. This move kept her from being decapitated, and the two fought to push each other aside, sparks flying from their weapons. They flew away from one another and once more shot multiple blasts of magic at once another, creating craters and causing mini explosions within the air. They vanished through the air again, and clashed swords and horns with each other as they fought for dominance.

“You’re quite fast one your hooves and on your magic Trixie.” Deathgod commented as he smirked down at the horned Thestral. “You’re not quite as helpless as I thought you were!”

“I could say the same to you Deathgod, you’re certainly deserving of your name and status as the leader of the Dark Army.” Trixie said back with her own fanged grin. “Although you shouldn’t lie about me being helpless, you and I both know how much power I have stacked within me! I know you felt it yourself!”

With a loud feline hiss, Trixie drove Deathgod back from her and flared her wings, flying back couple dozen feet before letting out her first technique. “Solid Form Unicorn Thestral Magic: Starry Magic Drill!”

Another burst of magic exploded from Trixie’s horn as she shot it at Deathgod, and he conjured up a shield to help him block the blast. It was powerful than he expected it to be, and he found himself being pushed back by the sheer force of the blast. With a snarl, he stomped his hooves down as magic conjured through the ground. “Nightmare Alicorn Earth Make: Black Thorned Vine Snare Trap!”

Trixie screamed as she found herself wrapped in in thorned vines that pierces into her flesh and magician’s cape, all but keeping her in place. She ignited her horn as her grayish violet aura grew with intensity, but Deathgod was one step ahead.

“Nightmare Alicorn Earth Make: Earth Sphere Dome!”

A large ring of earth suddenly appeared around Trixie was it loomed over her and formed a giant earth sphere, completely trapping her inside the dome. Deathgod’s sensitive ears could pick up the sound of her cries and hisses, and it felt like music to his ears as he relished in the mare’s frantic struggles. As much as he would’ve liked it to continue on, he knew that he had to finish this, least Trixie get any ideas.

“Solid Form Nightmare Alicorn Magic: Black Thunderous Lightning Bolt!” He shouted, his horn conjuring up a giant black lightning bolt. With another stomp of his forehooves, he shot the giant lightning bolt at the earth dome, and it instantly exploded on impact as volts of electricity resonated around it. Deathgod used one of his wings to block the cloud of dust that enveloped him and the other ponies behind him, Crimson Skies watching in absolute horror.

“TRIXIE!” The palomino mare screamed, her tone matching her expression.

“Well whaddya know, I blew that hot pieces of ass away.” Deathgod murmured to himself as he let out a chuckle. “Shame too, she could’ve been a real suitable part of my Dark Army if she hadn’t been so resistant towards me.”

“You…you bucking monster!” Crimson Skies cried acidly, tears brimming in her eyes as her fur bristled. “How could you do such a horrible thing?!”

“Awww, what’s the matter? Sad that you won’t get to see your little friend again?” Deathgod crooned wickedly. “Don’t worry, you’ll be joining her in death soon…” He licked his lips as he eyed her with a hungry and lustful gaze. “…after I’ve had some fun with you and those other mares that is!”

“You mean them?” An unexpected voice said from behind the Nightmare Alicorn. “What about me dearie?”

Deathgod’s eyes went wide in shock, and he turned around just in time to get a wicked punch to the side of his face, sending him more than a hundred feet away. Pulling himself up, Deathgod spat out some black blood and a few loose teeth as he looked up, only for his jaw to drop upon seeing Trixie in front of him.

“What in the name of…impossible!” he shouted, shooting to his hooves as he snarled at the azure blue Unicorn. “I had you trapped directly in that earth dome, and you had no way of escaping! How in the name of Solaris did you manage to survive?!”

“Simple.” Trixie replied as she dusted off her cape. “When I felt you summoning your attack, I too the opportunity to out up a shield around myself while you were busying yourself. It was only thanks to me putting the shield just in between your vines and earth dome that you didn’t feel me create it, and all I had to do was wait out the explosion. Then while you were busying yourself with your gloating, I took the opportunity to take you by surprise, which is exaclty what I went and did.”

Deathgod hissed as his tail skirt lashed out like a whip, his draconic yellow eyes glaring hatefully into Trixie’s calm cat-like violet ones. “Why you little…you are going to pay for that! Nopony gets the bet of the Death Trio and gets away with it; nopony! By the time I’m with you, you will be pleading for me to give you the sweet embrace of death!”

“You will be the one begging me to kill you when we’re finished her, along with the rest of your Dark Army dearie.” Trixie shot back just as fiercely; her horn ignited as she pointed her spear at him. “Though how dark, deathly and absolutely unreal all of you are and feel, I don’t think I’ll have any problems with that.”

Author's Note

I just want to pointed out that I kind of reversed this chapter as I was writing it, the first part of it being the fight between the new fused Deathgod, the Wonderbolts, Crimson Skies, and the Royal Guards, and the other being Main Seven's fight between the Farukonchītās, in the Everfree Plains. As I was writing it, I felt that I'd be better to reverse it, especially with the name of the title that I had it be and all :twilightblush: . Now, I was also planning to add a third scene with Trixie duking it out with Deathgod when I didn't have the scenes of this chapter reversed, but I felt that it would run on for far too long, so I decided to do it like this instead, hope you guys are okay with that :twilightsmile: . If it makes you guys feel any better, we're already at the castle, and all it'll take is a good couple of other chapters before we officially get start to get to the final battles :scootangel: ! Though not before getting a few scenes with a certain bunch of foals :ajsmug: .

Well, that's all for now; tune in next time for one of the final solo scenes with the Dark Queen, where she gathers another fighting force for all of the Main Seven, and the Shadowbolts face off against another, even more formidable Ariel Flight Force in order to get all of them to their final opponent :rainbowdetermined2: !!! Oh, and, while this may or may not happen, expect the next chapter later on today, tonight, or at the very least, tomorrow :raritywink:

Chapter 79 - Defeat of the Dark Army (Part 1)

Granny Smith Sweet Apple Titan wasn’t a pony that usually showed fear, not even in situations where it’d be appropriate. As the Matriarch of the Apple Family, and the founder of Ponyville, Granny Smith didn’t think she should so much fear to anything. Least she makes the ponies she’s fighting to protect go into a wild panic, which included her own family. It wasn’t really that much of a problem for her, since she rarely ever felt scared at all. Even when she was a filly, living back in Appleoosa, anything that would’ve scared any other foal didn’t have much of an effect on Granny Smith. Nopony, not even the mint green mare herself, could figure out why she didn’t feel very scared in situations where she was supposed to.

Overtime, she came to accept it, seeing it as a pro that allows her to be able to think logically when it’s needed the most. Especially since she became the main protector of her family, and for the longest time, since her eldest son and daughter in law passed, Granny’s fear never got the better of her. As she grew older and wizened in her years, her fear of being harmed and death claiming her diminished to little fragments. So much so that Granny Smith found herself more ready to fight than ready to run, something she found herself doing since the arrival of the Tantabuses.

Now, as she galloped across family’s orchard, carrying the frantic Unicorn filly on her back, she felt her fear threatening to consume her. A type of fear that she had every right to feel, even more so after what and her family were told.

“Dinky, sugarcube, are you sure that ya weren’t seein’ things?” Granny Smith asked Dinky as she continued to sprint through the trees. Big Macintosh and Apple Fritter were close behind her, the latter of which looking like she was going to break down in tears. “Did that Serafino varmint really have a clone come t’ th’ girls treehouse and go after ‘em?!”

“Y-yes, he did!” Dinky whimpered, clutching the mint green mare’s mane as she clutched to her pale-yellow mane tightly. “W-we were all p-playing in the treehouse, a-and M-Ms. Apple Grove c-came t-to tell us t-that he was coming for us! I-It was only thanks to Spike giving us a head start t-that w-we were able to escape!”

“That explains why it was only Spike there and not the rest o’ th’ foals, including that lil’ fledglin’.” Granny Smith murmured, gritting her teeth as she leapt over a fallen log. “Alright, what happened next hon’?! Was Spike able t’ beat is clone?!”

The grayish violet Unicorn shook her head. “N-no…s-somehow, S-Serafino was able t-to get the drop on h-him, a-and left him t-to burn in the clubhouse…! I-it was only thanks to Spike’s dragon heritage t-t-that he…” She trailed, unable to say the words, but not really needing to either. Dinky took a deep breath and forced herself to continue. “A-after we escaped, M-Ms. Apple Grove took us to the edge of the orchard, t-to a place called, Black Tree Grove, I think.”

“Wait, they’re at Black Tree Grove?!” Apple Fritter asked, snapping her gaze over to the filly. “You mean that part o’ th’ orchard that was abandoned after Granny Smith failed t’ save it from a pack o’ Timberwolves?!”

“Y-yeah, t-that’s what she told us a-at least…” Dinky sniffled. “A-anyway, after she got us there, s-she got attacked by Serafino and…f-flung into a tree.” She looked over at Apple Fritter, deciding not to tell her about how Grove got impaled on one of the branches. “H-he also t-trapped us in vines, a-and was a-about to d-drink Scootaloo’s b-b-blood!” She hiccupped as she squeezed her eyes shut, fighting back the tears building in them. “I-it was only t-thanks to S-Sheton stopping him, t-that we weren’t k-killed.”

“Wait, what?” Big Mac asked, speaking up for the first time since his departure from his family’s home. “Sheton fought this Serafino fella?”

“H-he did…as c-crazy as it sounds.” Dinky replied, sniffling as she calmed down a bit. “I-it was honestly r-really scary. I-I’ve never seen any colt look so angry b-before, although Sheton d-did have every right to. H-he threw S-Serafino all across the grove and around it, a-and came c-close t-to demolishing him…Sheton nearly did to. A-at least u-until he pulled a s-surprise attack on Sheton w-when we least expected it.”

“So, lemme get all o’ this straight,” Big Mac said ducking under a tree he flew under. “After y’all made it t’ th’ Black Tree Grove, an’ Apple Grove was beaten, Sheton took it upon himself to give Serafino th’ ‘Ah’m the what fer?’”

“Y-yes, b-but S-Sheton ended up g-getting beaten in the end.” Dinky replied, looking off to the side. A moment of silence washed over the group before she said, “T-that does sound like a p-pretty tough pill to swallow, isn’t it?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said simply, before he smiled gently. “Though that don’t mean Ah don’t believe ya sugar foot. After all o’ th’ shit happened tonight, Ah’m willin’ t’ believe jus’ about anythin’ at this point. Ah am wonderin’ though, how is it that a colt th’ same age as you could throw down with a stallion that could handle Granny Smith, Ms. Cloud Kicker, Ms. Blossomforth, and Ms. Derpy.”

Dinky paled, giving an audible gulp. “Um…I-I don’t think you wanna know.”

The sound of an explosion brought the filly and three older ponies’ attention back to where they were heading towards. Their eyes widened when they saw flashes of color in the sky, followed by what looked like shapes flying through the air.

“What in th’ hay is that?!” Fritter asked, confusion lacing her voice. “That can’t be the foals up there, can it?!”

“It is them; I know it is!” Dinky cried, pointing a hoof upward. “That’s Fire Flash, Crescent Shield, Scootaloo and the others! They have to be the ones fighting Serafino right now!”

“Huh, never thought Ah’d see th’ day where Ah’d witness mah youngest grandfilly fightin’ fer her life.” Granny Smith murmured, her eyes narrowing. “Still, that don’t mean Ah ain’t gonna burn the hide o’ those who dare try t’ harm her!” Her orange eyes glowed as she picked up speed in her frantic sprint. “Hold on Apple Bloom, Granny’s comin’!”

Crescent Shield slammed into the ground just before she righted herself from being thrown into the air, making a large crater form under her. Whipping her head around, her wavy violet mane flew across the air, her bright yellow eyes glowed with fury as she glared up at the clone of Serafino. The bat winged Nightmare Alicorn stallion let out an echoing whinny as he dove down towards the filly, his horn glowing with magic. He shot a giant telekinetic blast at the filly, to which Crescent blocked by conjuring up as shield of her own. A deep trail was left in the ground as plates of earth rose form the ground, but Crescent managed to stay strong, allowing her friends to come in.

“We’ve got you know!” Fire Flash shouted, ascending towards Serafino in a large cloak of fire surrounded her, her teeth flashing. She rammed her entire body into the sin black stallion like a bull galloping through a red cape as they collided into the earth. Like a meteor sailing through the sky, they slammed into the ground, fire and dust exploding from that spot as a huge crater was created in that spot. Serafino growled as he glared at the crimson filly, who glowered back at him with just as much contempt.

“That burned you know…” He breathed; his horn pointed straight at her head. “…You’re really going to pay for that little trick!”

“Why don’t you make me then?” Fire asked in a hiss, stomping her hoof on the stallion’s chest in a fit of defiance. “I don’t see you acting all high and mighty right now, so I doubt you can even try and touch me!”

Serafino growled, and gave the filly a hard back-hoof across the face as she turned around and bucked her right in the face. His wings spread as he flew towards her, and used his forelegs to slam her into the ground, holding nothing back. Fire screamed as she was sent driven into the ground, leaving her helpless to the ignited magic he was now pointing at her.

“Who’s not able to do anything now?” Serafino asked, as he prepared to fire. “You really should learn when to hold your tongue, and not let your guard down.”

“Like you’re one to talk!” A squeaky voice sharply suddenly cut through the air. Making Serafino look to the side and see Sweetie Belle gallop towards him, her horn already sending off a blast of telekinesis at him. Due to the seed that it was going at, he was unable to protect himself as the blast hit him right into his face. He tumbled across the ground and groaned as he rubbed his face, before he noticed Apple Bloom in front of him.

“Surprise ya varmint!” She shouted, letting her forehooves meet the ground and summon a group of vines. They lashed out towards him, and Serafino snarled, summoning walls of earth in an effort to block the vines. While he was able to keep some at bay, others managed to evade and go around the walls, and wrapped around the Nightmare Alicorn, squeezing tight. Serafino clenched his teeth as they clenched his limbs and torso tightly, and let out a scream when Apple Bloom sped up, whirled around and kicked him in the stomach.

Since she was no longer controlling the vines, he was let go, and sent crashing into one of the trees. Another mouthful of blood flung from his mouth as he coughed violently, but when he looked up, he froze upon seeing Scootaloo flying towards him.

“Tch, like I’m gonna let you pummel me again you brat!” Serafino shouted, adrenaline surging through his manifested magical body. Spreading his wings, he flew into the air, moments before Scootaloo’s hoof slammed into the tree, leaving a massive hole inside of it. With her visible eye glowing, Scootaloo spread her own beautiful wings and went after Serafino, letting her head drive itself into her gut. The unbelievable force had Serafino gasping for are as it exploded out of his lungs, his eyes nearly bulging.

“Alright…I’ve had enough from you!” Serafino yelled, grabbing Scootaloo by one of her wings with his magic. He swung her hard around the air, before letting the screaming filly descend towards the earth and crash into the trees. With a neigh, he flapped his wings and headed towards the remaining fillies.

Apple Bloom immediately went on the defensive, standing in front of her remaining friends and creating a large earth wall. It was soon demolished by a powerful blast from Serafino, before the fillies found themselves staring into his glowing green eyes. Suddenly, Scootaloo appeared out of nowhere and bucked him in the face, sending him zooming through the trees.

“Thanks fer that there, Scoots!” Apple Bloom said thankfully, smiling sweetly up at the bright orange filly. “Ah thought Ah was about t’ git mah fast blasted off!”

“N-no worries A-Apple Bloom…” Scootaloo stammered, shaking the pieces of wood and rubble off of her fur. “A-are you guys okay?”

“Forget about us, look at yourself!” Fire exclaimed. “You look like you’ve been flung through multiple cheese graters! I’m amazed that you’re still even standing right now!”

“Um, Flash, you do realize that there are two ponies who’re in worse condition than we are right?” Sweetie asked, frowning at her friend. “Sheton and Ms. Apple Grove got stabbed and impaled, and both of them were taken by surprise! They’re looking a lot worse off than we are at the moment, and we barely even have more than these bruises and cuts! We’ve got to get them out of here and back to Granny Smith before Serafino gets to them first!”

They suddenly heard the sound of a tree being destroyed, and they looked to see Serafino tearing through the trees. His horn was ignited, and a massive orb of magic could be seen floating atop the tip, ready to fire.

“I think you should be more worried about yourselves!” He shouted angrily; his fangs bared in a hideous snarl. “Prepare to get blown away!”

“I’d like to see you try!” Crescent yelled, her own horn ablaze with tea blue magic that enlarged into an orb as well. She waited until Serafino was within range, before she shot her blast right at the Nightmare Alicorn. He shot his own attack just a few seconds before she did, and both orbs of magic exploded in a massive swirling sphere that blew both parties back. The fillies coughed as the cloud of smoke entered their lungs, but Scootaloo used her wings to dispel some of it and allow them to breath.

“Holy hay Crescent, that was massive!” Sweetie cried, staring wide-eyed at the winged horned filly. “How were you able to produce that much magic so quickly?!”

“I…honestly don’t know.” Crescent sighed, rubbing her horn. “I guess I was in such a furious state that my magic went wilder than I thought. Even I wasn’t expecting it to be able to keep Serafino’s attack at bay.”

“W-well, that’s what’s to be expected from a pony as magically enhanced as a Unicorn.” The soft, yet pained voice of Sheton said, making the fillies turn to him. “A Unicorn’s magic can be increased in both amount and devastation if their emotions are high enough. It happened with Twilight, Moondancer, and even Crescent a couple of times, so they know how it works.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Sweetie giggled softly. “I had some powerful magic surges back when I was younger, and they were crazy! Even a lot crazier than Rarity’s own surges, though…mine were a lot worse, like…so much worse.”

“I believe you.” Crescent snorted humorously. “Because we’ve seen it plenty of times, and you’ve certainly seen how my magical surges were. Take it from me and Sheton, we both know just how bad my bursts of magic were, even before me and Twilight came to Ponyville. Isn’t that right Sheton?”

The stormy grey colt giggled, the sound sounding a bit pained. “Yeah, more than Apple Bloom and the others know, including Spike.”

A bloodcurdling scream pierced through the small humorous air between the foals, making them nearly jump out of their fur. Looking around, they were greeted with the sight of Apple Fritter, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, Dinky standing just yards away from them. Each of them had looks that held every single description of shock and horror, Apple Fritter especially, especially after seeing the state Apple Grove was in.

“Apple Grove!” Fritter cried, racing over to the young adult Pegasus in a frantic panic. “Oh, mah Faust, what in th’ world happened to you?!”

“Ah got blind sighted Ma…” Came Apple Grove’s soft replied, her ears pinning back at the pained expression on the Earth Pony’s face. “…That’s all Ah can really say, is Ah got blind sighted tryin’ t’ protect th’ foals.” She tried to move to face her mother, but winced when she felt the wood impaled in her move along with her. “And…this is what happened.”

“Mah goodness…look at how big this branch is…!” Fritter whimpered, her forehooves shaking as she inspected the horrific injury her daughter sustained. “H-how’re you even still breathin’ right now?”

“Ah, have no idea Ma.” Grove sighed, letting her mane fall over her bruised face. “Maybe because Ah’m just incredibly lucky, ‘r b’cause the stallion that tried t’ kill these lil’ darlin’ is jus’ really, really careless.” She brushed her mane away from her face so she could look into Fritter’s emerald eyes, holding Sheton closer to her. “Either way, this is what happened, and Ah probably would’ve gotten int’ a lot worse shape had it not been fer this lil’ darlin’ here.”

Granny Smith and Dinky both gasped, the latter’s hooves coming to her mouth as tears appeared at the corner of her eyes. The former took a bit longer to compose herself, and when she spoke, the softness in her voice didn’t do anything to hide the horror behind it. “Land Sakes…Sheton, what in th’ name of Harvest Saplin’ got ya in that state?!”

“You should ask the stallion that Crescent Shield and the others send flying.” Sheton replied, shifting in Grove’s hold. “Though of you want a simpler explanation, it was because I spent my own time trying get rid of Serafino myself.”

“W-wait, are you serious?” Apple Fritter asked as she looked form her daughter to the colt, Dinky’s explanation racing back in his mind. “You a really did fought him while y’all were over here?”

“Eeyup, he most certainly Cousin Fritter!” Apple Bloom chirped. “Oooooh, you should’ve seen him; he went on him like a mountain lion on a white-tailed deer! He was jus’ demolishin’ him all over th’ Black Tree Grove! Ah saw it all, with mah very own eyes!”

“She’s tellin’ th’ honest truth Ma’.” Grove said in firm affirmation, patting the colt on his head as gently as she could. “That Serafino varmint had all the fillies near the brink of death, but Sheton stopped him just b’fore he could make a meal outta ‘em. This lil fledglin’ is a lot stronger than he looks, an’ that’s real shit Ah’m sayin’ right there.”

“S-s-see? I-I told you guys!” Dinky murmured, giving a little glare at the older ponies, plus the one she was still riding. “S-Sheton was the one who fought S-Serafino first, b-before the other girls did! I-it would explain why h-he looks so beat up right now!”

“Huh, well Ah’ll be…first your big sister and now you too sugarfoot.” Granny Smith murmured, walking over to Sheton and Grove. “Yer family really are somethin’ else ain’t they? Ah didn’t doubt you were strong, but all o’ this?” Her eyes trailed across the destroyed trees, cracks and craters in the Black Tree Grove. “Ah really wasn’t expectin’ ya t’ cause this much damage…even as young as ya are.”

Sheton chuckled. “W-well…t-that’s what happens when you’re born a Thestral. When it comes to dueling, you often cause more destruction then necessary.” His laughter faded and his fluffy little face became guilt-ridden. “I’m…sorry about that by the way Granny Smith…for destroying this part of your farm.”

“Sheton, this part o’ our orchard has been destroyed long ago, so what’s a few more demolished trees?” Big Mac asked, snorting as his thick mane shook in response. “What we should be focused on is getting’ y’all outta here b’fore that stallion comes back. That, an’ gettin’ those wounds o’ yers looked at.”

“Yeah, good idea Cousin Mac!” Apple Fritter said, very gently helping her daughter on her hooves and shifting her onto her back. “We can take ‘em t’ Ponyville Hospital; Ah’m sure Nurse Redheart can take some time out t’ have a look at ‘em! Though, Ah don’t know what she can do ‘bout Groves injuries here…”

The soft green Pegasus mare looked to be about to say something but stopped when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Looking over to it, she felt a gasp escape her as he instinctively clutched her mother’s neck.

“Everypony, move.” She said frantically, making the others turn to her.

“What?” Apple Bloom asked worriedly.

Grove suddenly jumped off of Fritter’s back and lunged for the foals. “GET DOWN!”

It was too late; a large stream of green energy blasted the entire group away from their spot, and they were sent tumbling across the ground. They groaned in pain form the sudden blast, some of them having obtained bruises from the attack. As they tried to recover and figure out what had happened, they all found themselves trapped in thorned vines.

“Oh no…!” Dinky gasped, fear overriding the sudden pain she was now in. “Not again!”

“W-w-what…in t-tarnation?!” Granny hissed, struggling against the appendages. “W-what th’ hay kind o’ vines ‘r these?!”

As if to reply to her question, swirls of black magic emerged from in front of them, revealing the bloodied and battered form of Serafino. His flared wings were covered in cuts and slashes, black blood dripping from them like water droplets from a faucet. His mane and tail skirt were horribly disheveled with some parts of them torn and burnt, and his entire body was covered in all manners of bruises, slashes, and hoofprints. Despite all of these injuries, they were not painful enough to wipe away the sadistic smirk etched onto his black muzzle.

“They’re my vines my dear~.” He crooned, taking casual steps towards his victims. “Vines that will ensure that none of you will escape from me.” His draconic green eyes trailed down to the foals and to Apple Grove. “Especially you seven.”

“D-dammit…yer still movin’?!” Apple Grove cried, breathing hard through the vines wrapped around her neck. “What is it gonna take t’ keep ya down?!”

“Much more than any of the hits you’ve inflicted on me.” Serafino laughed, his broke fangs shining through his gaping mouth. “Even I have to admit, I had underestimated the strength those little ones had. They actually had me fighting for my life before you four came to this little field of dark trees.” His tail skirt lashed out and struck the air, before one of his hooves came to strike Dinky across his face. “Alas, all did was make me quite angry at you…anger that I will enjoy taking out on all of you.”

“Like hay we’re gonna let ya do that!” Big Mac snorted, the thorns stabbing into his muscled body as he tried to fight out of the vines. “You even try layin’ a hoof on them, an’ Ah’ll make ya regret it!”

“You?! You can hardly even break through my vines, even with all of that muscle you have!” Serafino asked, grinning at Big Mac’s ashen faced look. “What good will all of that do if you can’t even use it properly?! Absolutely nothing, that’s what I can tell you.” His expression went back into its calm yet intimidating look as he glanced back down on the foals and Grove. “Which makes it all the more wonderful for me to take my revenge out on these little brats.”

“Don’t you dare even think about it!” Fritter hissed lowly, wincing as a thorn pierced into her barrel. “Ah swear, you will pay with that black hide o’ yers if you even try t’ hurt any o’ them youngin’s!”

“Oh, I’m gonna pay for them trying to defy me?” Serafino asked, smiling in amusement at the Earth Pony mother. “And just who is here that’s going to stop me from giving these foals the fate that they deserve?”

That moment, the Nightmare Alicorn stallion felt a surge of powerful magic explode from around him, feeling youthful, yet dark and menacing. Serafino’s whole body froze up, every magical muscle in his body going rigid at the familiar, yet scarily dark voice entering his left ear. He didn’t even need to turn around to realize who it was, but he did anyway, and was given a violent sock to the face. Serafino tumbled a good forty feet away from the group he had entrapped, and was given some time to feel the agonizing pain in his muzzle. With a loud groan, he clutched his mouth and looked up, only to freeze when he saw Sheton, in his monstrous looking form, red and black magic surrounding him.

“That would be me…” He said quietly, a small light running over his fangs as he bared them at the injured stallion. “…asshole.”

The Nightmare Kirin Serafino let out a roar of fury as he let his claws clash with those of Spike, whose own claws were coated with green flames. The claws on their digits dug into one another’s front feet as they fought to push each other back. At some point, the darker draconic pony began to gain the advantage of the struggle looking ready to pin Spike to the ground. Spike was quick to see it coming, and used his tail to keep him from falling. Opening his mouth, he shot a stream of emerald flames into Serafino’s face. Serafino screamed as his face was burnt, the fire nearly blinding him as he staggered away from Spike.

When he managed to disperse the flames, he looked around for Spike through the pain in his eyes, only to see a black and purple blur in front of him. It was only thanks to his sharp reaction time that he was able to stop Moon Blade’s ethereal sword from slicing into his face. This did little to deter the draconic bat hybrid stallion as he spun around to deliver a kick to Serafino’s face. The force behind the blow sent Serafino spiraling away despite his enormous size, and skidded across the orchard floor, growling as he did so. He lifted himself with his looked up at Moon, only to see the stallion flying towards him, his sword outstretched.

“Fire Nightmare Kirin: Green Flaming Vortex!” He shouted, opening his fanged mouth and shooting a blast of green flames at Moon. The stallion merely used his sword to slice the flames in two, allowing him to fly through the fire. When the flames ended, the Moon found himself staring into the eyes of the draconic Serafino, who went wide eyed upon see him.

“What?! How did you do that?!” He cried, reeling back from the sword strike that was aimed at his face. “Those flames should’ve demolished you the second they touched you!”

Moon let a little smirk come to his lips, one of his enlarged wings lashing out and slashing Serafino across his face. The next wing went down his neck, the claw leaving a deep cut that allowed black blood to spurt form it. His sword then went for the large gemstone inside of Serafino’s chest, but one of the Nightmare Kirin’s claws shot out and back clawed him away. Moon went tumbling across the ground, but flapped his wings to get himself upright again. Looking up, he saw another stream of dark green flames coming towards him.

“Not so fast!” Spike suddenly shot in front of Moon, his own maw agape with flames being ready to be blasted. “Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Roar!”

The brighter green flames clashed with the darker leaf green flames in a heated struggle of fire and power, one that nearly blew Moon away. It only lasted for several seconds before Spike’s flames began to push Serafino’s back, much to the latter’s disbelief. With one last surge of power, Spike manage to completely cover the monstrous stallion in a cloak of his fire, letting him fall and writhe in agony.

“I told you, I wasn’t going to let you burn this house done! Let alone Moon Blade!” Spike growled, letting the blades of his tail slam into the ground. With hard rumbling snort, he turned to the hybrid stallion standing behind him. “Are you alright Moon Blade?”

“Yes, I’m okay Spike, thank you for that save.” Moon replied with a curt nod, watching as Serafino tried to put out Spike’s flames. “You’re burning him quite a bit there, Spike…those flames are as hot as they’ve always been. You have certainly not gotten the least bit rusty since moving out of Canterlot and to this little town.”

“Well, when you have a martial arts and magic trainer like Venture Vine, you have lessons that tend to stick to you quite a bit.” Spike said with a somewhat sheepish smile. “Sure, she’s a big softie, but she really knows how to drill her lessons into ya.”

“For someone who’s sparred with her a good number of times, I believe that.” Moon chuckled, his violet eyes trailing down the old scars on Spike’s body. “I take it those scars are proof of her so called lessons?”

“Uh, no…they’re not.” Spike said with a slight sweat drop. “I actually got these from a Battookuma that attacked Ponyville four and a half years ago.”

“Oh, I see.” Moon nodded, before blinking as Spike’s words caught up to him. “Wait, what did you just say?”

Before Spike could specify what he meant, he suddenly whipped his head back in front of him and flared his wings. “Look out!”

Moon’s gazed snapped towards what Spike was seeing and saw Serafino flying towards them with a look of murder on his face. Moon lifted his sword, ready to stab Serafino’s eyes out, but Spike ended up beating him to the retaliation. One of his large claws slammed into the side of Serafino’s face, sending his head right into the ground. Lunging downward, Spike grabbed him by the back of his neck and flung him into the other direction. Flying into the air, he coated his wings in fire before flapping them downward.

“Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Wing Attack!” He shouted, letting the wing slices shoot down and slam into Serafino, slicing him into the process. As Serafino tried t extinguish the flames, Spike flew down towards him and let himself body slam into the Nightmare Kirin, forming a crater into the ground. Grabbing his tail, Spike threw Serafino across the air, letting skid hard through the ground as he formed a large orb of flames in his claws.

“Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Brilliant Flame!” Spike roared, flinging the giant orb of fire onto Serafino, watching as he exploded in a swirl of green flames. Serafino roared out in agony as the fire burnt at his skin, despite the draconic skin covering him. The flames had only just begun to die down, before Moon was in front of him, his sword drawn back and ready to strike.

“You’re done Serafino!” He shouted, swinging his sword downward at his chest. Serafino growled and lashed out with his tail, letting the bladed end of it clash with the sword. He then used that very same tail to send Moon flying back, but his wings helped him not to tumble. A breath of dark green flames could be seen heading towards him, and Moon opened his mouth, letting a giant bolt of indigo fire clash with the other flames.

“Did you forget what I had told you Serafino?” Moon asked, flapping his wings as he hovered above the draconic stallion. “I said that this form allowed me to use the powers of a dragon and a vampire all in one! Were you not paying attention to what I was saying?”

“As I would listen to anything said from a monster like you!” Serafino’s shouted, giving an angry flap of his feathered wings. “The only thing that I care about is eliminating you and that brat, so I don’t have to hear your aggravating voices again!”

“Is that so?” Moon asked softly as his eyes narrowed. “Well, let me put you out of your misery then.”

In a swirl of black and purple mist-like magic, Moon vanished, and left no trace of his previous presence anywhere. Serafino froze, and started looking around in search of the hybrid stallion he was so desperate to kill. Then, a searing pain exploded across his neck as the feeling of fangs punctured them, before the feeling of his magic being drained followed. Looking down, he saw that Moon Blade was on his shoulder, his fangs biting into the side of his neck as he began drinking from him.

“GAH! YOU LITTLE DAMN PEST!” Serafino bellowed, grabbing Moon and ripping him off of his neck. With a roar, he threw him across the air, only to be caught by Spike. “How dare you try to drink my blood?! Are you some kind of actual vampire or something?!”

Moon didn’t immediately answer, smirking as a long slithering tongue ran across his lips, muzzle, and fangs. Serafino and Spike watched with a bit queasiness as Moon licked the black blood off of his face, letting out a little moan of pleasure at the taste. Once he was finished, Moon exhaled softly, before finally replying. “That wasn’t your blood that I was drinking Serafino…at least not completely.”

The Nightmare Kirin paused, suddenly feeling his vision blur as he asked, “W-what?”

“Weren’t you listening to me before? This dark power of mine allows me to powers like that of a dragon and a vampire all in one.” Moon murmured softly, running a single claw across his ethereal blade. “You’ve seen the draconic part of it, which was why I was able to throw you around so much, but…” His smirk grew wider, and his tongue flicked out like a snake. “…the vampiric part of me allows me to drink, not the blood of my enemies…but their magic.”

“T-t-they’re…magic?” Serafino whispered, one of his claws coming to his neck. “Y-you…drunk my magic out of me?!”

‘Holy shit…so that’s why he had bit him in the neck!’ Spike thought, his emerald eyes wide with amazement. ‘That’s the same thing that Crimson and Blue Skies’ families can do!’

“That’s right…” Moon replied, the draconic slits in his eyes becoming thinner. “…and it will be that very same magic that will be used to end you once and for all.”

If Moon was expecting Serafino to be scared by that declaration, he wasn’t given it. Instead, Serafino let out a dark laugh as he shook his head. “Really? You think taking a little drink of my magic is going to help you? Nice try, but you’re not going to get anywhere by doing that. It’s going to do nothing but escalate your death even quicker!”

“Well, why don’t you come and prove that then?” Moon asked, gripping is blade in both laws as he pointed it at Serafino. “Spike, are you ready to end this?”

The mulberry draconic colt nodded, his fangs gleaming as he smirked widely. “You bet your vampiric ass I am Moon! Let’s end this fiery bastard!”

“You will be the ones who will meet your end little colt.” Serafino growled, his tail swaying back and forth. “Now…come and face the full might of my power!”

Moon’s wings flared. “As you wish.”

With a flap of his wings, Moon lunged towards Serafino, Spike following him a few moments later with a loud roar. Thanks to Moon’s smaller side, he was able to make his strikes far quicker, leaving Serafino occupied with trying to protect himself. His claws and tail acted as a defensive mechanism against the Lunar Captain, but there were a few times where Moon had got him in a few places. What he didn’t realize, was that Spike was using this to his advantage, waiting for an opening to be granted to him in the fight. At one point, Serafino had left a particular opening and Spike immediately went in for it.

“Aha, I’ve found one of your weak points!” Spike shouted as he inhaled. “Fire Titan Dragon: Titanic Fire Bolts!”

Multiple bolts of fire escaped from Spike’s mouth, turning into a flock of fire that repeatedly struck Serafino in the parts where Spike aimed at. Some of them merely angered Serafino, while others managed to topple him off of his clawed feet. At one point, he felt something strike the Nightmare Kirin in his back, sending him into the air. A wisp of blackness and dark purple magic appeared in front of him, revealing it to be Moon, who proceeded to use his own tail slam Serafino back into the ground. With a powerful wing flap, he dove towards Serafino as he slammed into the ground, his sword aimed out in front of him.

“Alright, he got him!” Spike cried as the smoke cleared, revealing Moon to be currently standing on top of a motionless Serafino. “Way to go Moon Blade!”

“Don’t be so quick to assume little lizard boy!” Serafino shouted over to him. “Why don’t you take a closer look?!”

Pausing, Spike did so, and saw that he had mistaken the outcome of Serafino and Moon’s fight from afar. His sharp eyes focused closer, and he saw that one of Serafino’s massive arms were currently blocking Moon’s purple sword. Which, upon even closer inspection was aimed right at the glowing gemstone in his chest.

“Oh…looks like I was a little too excited there.” Spike murmured to himself, sweat dropping a bit in the process. “I really gotta stop misinterpreting what I see…”

A snarl from Moon made Spike focus his attention back on the fight, and he watched as the draconic bat hybrid sunk his blade deeper in Serafino’s arm. With another plunge, he stabbed right through it and pierced right into the gem in the draconic stallion’s chest. Serafino gasped in shock and terror at the movement, before he growled and flung Moon Blade away, giving him a powerful slap from his tail in the process. Moon roared out as he was flung away, but was once again caught by Spike and set down on the ground.

“Whoa, you are really getting flown tonight huh?” Spike asked, gently setting a large claw on Moon Blade’s back. “You okay from that hit?”

Moon nodded, panting as he did so. “Yes, I’m alright…for now at least.” He gripped his sword as let out a pained growl, almost as if he was in pain. “I don’t think I can keep this up for much longer…we need to put an end to this, right now.”

“Yeah, we do…I can see that you’re gonna go through another kind of change.” Spike said, watching as Moon’s muscled began to bulge out a bit. “I have an idea…but I’ll need your help to pull it off.”

“You do?” Moon asked, his ears perking. “What’s what?”

“Well…how about that. You actually manage to pierce my gemstone.” Serafino chuckled as he got to his claws, unaware of Spike whispering into Moon’s ear. “Not that it really matters much…you only manage to crack it in some places, and not completely destroy it.” His eyes glowed as he bared his fangs at the duo. “I won’t let you get that chance again!”

“Careful there buddy…you might want to rethink that little vow of yours.” Spike said as flames began to swirl around him. “Because I’m about to burn it into a pile of ashes!”

“Really? With flames as weak as yours?” Serafino asked as his own dark fire began to emerge from out of him. “You could barely even burn me alive with them only moments ago…what good is this next attack going to do?”

Spike chuckled lowly, a fanged smirk coming to his face. “Burn you to a crisp.”

With a roar, the bright green flames surrounding the drake went at even higher levels, which contorted and gave way to the form of a roaring dragon. Serafino flinched and stepped back a bit, shocked at the sudden form that made itself known before it vanished just as quick. This left him oblivious to the plan that Moon Blade and Spike were about to inflict, and he didn’t realize it until the last second.

“Here we come Serafino, time for you get swallowed up by the flames of the Fire Dragon King Igneel!” Spike shouted, shooting his clawed digits forward. “Fire Titan Dragon Secret Art: Titanic Flame Lotus Draconic Sword!”

Swinging his arms, Spike created an enormous vortex of flames that soon condensed into a gigantic dragon-like sword that gleamed at the tip. It tore through the ground and left flames behind it as it slammed into Serafino. As the Nightmare Kirin tried to dispel them, Spike turned to Moon and shouted, “Now Moon!”

“Right!” Moon nodded, flapping his wings and flying right into the flames. He folded them halfway and let the spiraling fire spin him around, his sword pointed straight forward towards its intended target. By the time he was within reach, Serafino had finally managed to extinguish the front part of the flames, only to see Moon Blade in front of him.

‘Oh no…what is he doing here?!’ Serafino thought, watching as Moon raised his sword. Looking up, he saw the victorious smirk on Spike’s face, and it immediately clicked. ‘That brat…he-!’

“You’re done!” Moon yelled, bringing his sword down with all the strength his bat hybrid form had to offer. Without wasting any time, he let the blade and the magical wave it produced slash deep into the center of Serafino’s chest, and through his gemstone. Not taking any chances, Moon reared his sword back and let the tip stab right into it, all the way to the hilt as Serafino crashed to the ground. With a look of horror, he could only watch as Moon twisted his ethereal blade, before his gemstone shattered completely before his eyes.

“No…t-this…this cannot be.” Serafino whispered in disbelief, already feeling his real body beginning to dissolve. “Y-you…actually managed to beat me…?”

“We did…and for a very specific reason.” Moon said softly, staring straight into the stallion’s dark green eyes. “You underestimated our abilities and tactics and overestimated your own. We used our ego and desperate desire to kill us against you…something that ponies like me would never do.”

“Y-you…p-p-pests…” Serafino wheezed as he slowly dissolved away. “…j-just you w-wait…Queen Moon will make you p-pay for this…”

Moon chuckled, flapping his wings as he lifted himself away from his vanishing enemy. “Oh, I don’t think we have to worry about that. Something tells me that me and Spike will just fine…along with everypony else in this peaceful little town.” He slowly began to go into his normal form as the last of Serafino began to fade away. “Farewell…monster of the night.”

With those last words, Serafino finally disappeared, the remains of his body floating in the sky in a form of large black mist. Moon and Spike watched as it floated in the air before vanishing into the night sky above them. By the time it did, Moon blade was back to his bat winged fanged stallion form, his ethereal sword having vanished as well.

“Mission…complete.” Moon said softly, slowly hanging his head. He suddenly gasped as he hunched over, coughing up blood as it splattered against the ground. As he fell to one knee, he heard the sound of loud foot running towards him.

“Moon Blade!” Spike cried, slowly going back into his more coltish from as he skidded in front of the ghostly white stallion. “Are you okay?!”

“Y…yes, I’m alright, I just overextended myself.” Moon replied, his red eyes piercing into that of Spike’s emerald green ones. “That was an excellent plan Spike…it worked perfectly for us in the end. I commend you for thinking so quickly and efficiently in this time of crisis.”

“Heh, thanks Moon…though I didn’t really do much for it.” Spike said sheepishly with a bit of a blush on his face. “All I did was plan my secret move and have you jump into it to do the finishing blow is all.”

“It may have been simple, but was still an efficient plan nonetheless.” Moon praised, smiling a bit at the colt. “Now Serafino’s gone, and he won’t he hurting anypony on this farm again…well done Spike, I’m proud of you. I know that Twilight most certainly will when she gets back.”

Spike giggled, his tail wagging as his eyes sparkled. “I think so too~!”

“Right, now then…” Moon sighed as he got to his hooves. “Why don’t we go and get to the rest of your friends, hm? I’m sure they must be worried sick about you, especially considering the little escape you gave them.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right!” Spike gasped, horror clouding his features. “Serafino said that he had made a clone to go after Sheton and the others!” Before he could go into a freak out, he paused as his own words sunk in. “Hold on…the Serafino we defeated was the real one, so if we did that, then that means…”

“…The clone must’ve vanished as well.” Moon murmured, looking off into the trees. “That does seem like a reasonable explanation, I don’t wanna take any chances. Let’s get their quick before anything else bad happens.”

Spike nodded, hopping on Moon’s back as the stallion flared his bat wings. “Right then, let’s go Moon Blade!” He kicked his hindlegs into both of Moon Blade’s hips before pointing a claw forward. “Hiya!”

Moon rolled his eyes, shaking his head in amusement at Spike’s childish, yet adorable antics. With powerful flap of his wings, they took off to the western part of the orchard, unaware that the other danger was already being taken care of.

“I thought I told you last time, that I wasn’t going to let you hurt my new friends.” Sheton said softly, his blue eyes retaining that menacing red glow. “It looks like you didn’t learn your lesson from last time. Well…I’ll make sure you learn this time.”

“S-S-Sheton?” Granny Smith asked softly, her tone sounding shocked, if not a bit scared. “I-is that you, h-hon’?”

The enlarged colt’s left ear flicked over to Granny Smith, but he didn’t look back at her. “Granny Smith, Big Mac, Ms. Fritter…I’m gonna need you guys you guys to stay back. You don’t need to worry, I’ll finished this stallion, right here, right now.”

“You’re what?!” Fritter cried, staring at the colt as if he was insane. “Are you crazy?! That stallion will kill you! There’s no way that you can beat him all by yerself!”

“Fritter’s right Sheton.” Big Mac said a bit more calmly, yet still sounding just as worried. “Ya may have been able t’ defend yerself against him once, but not fer a second time. Yer covered in blood an’ injuries, an’ ya looked like you were gonna pass out. Yer not in any shape t’ be-”

This time, Sheton did look at the ponies behind him, his red eyes glowing as fiercely as they did the first time they came. Even though he was looking pointedly at the scarlet stallion, his grandmother, and cousin, they, Grove, and the foals all froze in place. Those red eyes once again had them all trapped in their crimson gaze, unable to do or say anything. Only this time, Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Apple Fritter ended up being their next victims.

“Big Mac…” He said softly, his dark undertone gaining a firmer edge to it. “…I said that I’d take care of this myself. This has nothing to do with how hurt I am, this is about us getting away from this stallion with our lives, and as long as he’s still here, we’re not going to be able to do that.” He turned away from them, letting them break free from his penetrating gaze as he settled it on the Nightmare Alicorn. “Just calm down and relax…I’ll handle this.”

“You will handle this?” Serafino asked, laughing darkly. “Sorry, but you’re not going to be handling anything. The only thing that will be handle is you being wiped out in front of these dear friends of yours.”

Sheton hissed, flicking his elongated tail skirt as he drove his hooves in the ground. “Not if I have anything to say about it!”

With a powerful bound, Sheton flared his wings and flapped them to propel himself towards Serafino, delivering a sock to his face. The stallion was sent careening away from the group and the colt that hit him as flew above the stallion. Inhaling deeply, Sheton shot a blast of black and red flames, sending him slamming through the ground with flames enveloping him. Knowing that his flames wouldn’t hurt him, Sheton’s hindlegs collided with Serafino’s stomach, driving him deeper into the ground. With a snarl, Sheton grabbed him by his tail skirt and threw him back towards the group, much to their dismay.

“Gah, don’t throw him back over here Sheton!” Scootaloo cried, flinching through the vines she was still trapped in. “I don’t wanna get my blood sucked!”

“Yeah, take it easy a little dude!” Fire nodded, baring her fanged teeth fearfully. “I get you wanna pummel this dude’s ass, but try to remember we’re here too!”

Faster than any of them could register, Sheton had appeared in front of them and spun around, slamming his hindlegs into Serafino’s back. The sound of a spine cracking could be heard in their ears as the Nightmare Alicorn was sent flying away, screaming as he did so. The dark grey colt turned and gave them a sheepish smile, before flying back at Serafino. Extending his forelegs out, black and crimson flames appeared within them, and shot them at his enemy.

“Dark Fire Thestral: Vortex of Scorching Flames!” He shouted, sending a giant swirl the flames at the stallion. Serafino managed to it coming, and flapped his wings to balance himself upright, to try to defend himself. Igniting his horn, he sent a blast of dark green flames at Sheton’s own, both watching as their flames clashed and exploded in midair

“Oh no, I’m not going to let you let that move out on me again!” Serafino shouted, his hooves skidding across the ground as he landed. When Sheton began to dive towards him, Serafino reared up and slammed them down. “Nightmare Earth Make: Dark Thorned Vine Snare!”

Sheton’s red eyes widened as he saw black vines bursting out of the ground, shooting up towards him. He flared his wings even wider and swung them out, letting the edges and the claws behind them slice and cut into the vines. Despite the skill, some of them vines did manage to cut and puncture them, but he fought through the pain and kept focusing on the stallion that he wanted to destroy. With a cry he let his wings lash out again, meeting Serafino in a clash of bladed wings as they fought to slash and stab at one another. Despite the size difference, this did nothing to stop Sheton from using all of his Thestral strength to hurt the stallion as much as possible.

“You’ll have to bring out more vines than that!” Sheton shouted, delivering a sharp kick to Serafino’s face before taking in a sharp inhale. “Dark Fire Thestral: Dark Scorching Skree!”

Serafino used one of his wings to block the giant stream of flames shot at him, an action that he immediately regretted upon feeling their scorching heat. He let out a scream of agony as he tried to escape the stream of fire, but found it to be a bit too big. Desperate, he ignited his horn and conjured up a shield to block the rest of the fire that tried to burn him. When the fire vanished, Serafino looked around for Sheton, only to see him not where he previously stood.

“Where did you go now, you brat?!” Serafino demanded, his head going back and forth. “Did you go into hiding again like the little coward you are?!”

There was suddenly the sound of earth being broken apart, before a hoof slammed into Serafino’s stomach, making him hunch over. Looking down, he saw a dark grey hoof protruding from the ground, followed by the face of the one who belonged to it.

“Coward? Me?” Sheton asked softly, baring his fangs at the older stallion. “The only coward I see is the stallion who’d dare try to hurt a group of foals, all for the sole reason of making him angry!”

With a skree, both Sheton and Serafino were enveloped in black and scarlet flames, which sent the latter flying into the air. Biting back a scream, Serafino flew out of the flames, doing his best to put them out as they burned at his body. When he finally began to focus back onto the fight, he found himself getting sliced by multiple sharp gusts of black and red.

“Dark Wind Thestral: Black Slicing Wind Flock!” Sheton shouted through his flames as he swung his wings out in front of him. since Serafino was caught off guard by the first flew slices, he wasn’t really able to keep most of the others at bay. Near the end, he used his magic to dispel some of the last few, until he finally decided to just end the colt right there.

“Dark Lightning Nightmare Alicorn: Dark Thunderous Chain of Lightning!” He shouted, pointing his horn forward down and unleashing a gigantic bolt of lightning. He watched as it tore through the air and slammed right into the spot where he was sure that Sheton was in. Though he heard no scream, the silence that came afterwards made him sure that he had got him.

“NOOOO!” Granny Smith bellowed in absolute horror. “SHETON!”

“Well, whaddya know, I finally got him, and it’s about time too!” Serafino laughed as he slowly hovered down. “I thought that I was never going to see the end of him! I guess that lightning attack was more devastating I thought!”

“You…you heartless BASTARD!” Fritter screamed, struggling violently against her vine trap as Big Mac snorted heatedly. “Ah swear y’all are gonna pay when Ah git may hooves on ya! Ya hear me?! You will PAY!”

Serafino laughed again, turning towards the horrified, angered, and teary-eyed group as he slowly walked towards them. “I’m sorry dear, but it doesn’t look like any of you will be doing any paying. At least, not the paying you want to do to me…but that doesn’t mean that you won’t get the chance do it.” He stomped his hoof down, and the vines ensnaring the group got even tighter, causing some of them to scream. “I know, you can pay with your lives and them some! How’s that for a payment method?”

“T-t-there’s no way you’re g-going to g-get away with t-this!” Dinky hissed, her tail flicking as she struggled against her vines. “J-just wait and see…S-Sheton will come out of that crater and kick your b-butt…”

“Really? I don’t see him coming out of there from where I am standing.” Serafino said, glancing back at the massive crater. “Yes, it looks like he’s finally down for the count, which means I can take my time making you all suffer.”

A second later, a black and grey blur suddenly shot past the mares, stallion, and fillies as it headed right for Serafino. The sound of something glassy shattering and a gasp of pained shock were the next things to be heard as Serafino was flung back. Crashing hard onto his back, Serafino’s right hoof came to his chest, only to freeze in horror. Slowly looking up, he saw that his gemstone was shattered with multiple cracks in it, courtesy of the colt now hovering in front of him.

“Surprise you asshole…looks like I’m not down for the count after all!” He said, smiling widely, the act having not a single ounce of mirth in it. “It doesn’t look like the same can be said to you though.”

“Y-y-you…that is impossible! How did you manage to survive a bolt of lightning that powerful?!” Serafino cried, fear lacing his voice as he staggered to his hooves. “You shouldn’t even be moving right now, let alone flying!”

“Did you already forget what I did back there?” Sheton asked incredulously. “I had taken you by surprise by traveling through the ground before blasting you into the air. It shouldn’t be that hard to figure out how I was able to escape. Your half Thestral, so you should know that thanks to our supernatural powers, our connection to the earth is far more powerful than that of even Earth Ponies.” He glanced over at the group behind him. “No offense Big Mac, Granny Smith, Ms. Apple Grove, Apple Bloom, Ms. Apple Fritter.”

Each of the apple family members sweat dropped, before Big Mac replied, “Er…none taken sonny.”

“Oh…that’s right…I had pulled that same trick on you earlier after you had sent my flying through those trees.” Serafino murmured, remembering the instant where he had stabbed Sheton in the stomach with his horn. “I can’t believe I had forgotten that…what with you and your little friends throwing me around and all.”

“Well I certainly haven’t, just so you know…” Sheton snorted, absentmindedly rubbing the spot where he was stabbed in his stomach. “…and I’m gonna make sure you pay in full for that, and that my friends will all have the pleasure of watching it!” Snapping his wings to his sides, he plopped down on the ground before slamming the ground with his forehooves. “Thestral Earth Make: Pitch Black Vine Snare!”

Serafino was barely given time to process the name of the move before he found himself choking on the giant vines holding him in place. His struggles only served to make them even tighter to the point where he could hardly move, and he could only watch as Sheton prepared to end the fight for good.

“Foolish little foal…you think these little vines will be enough to old me?!” He shouted, smiling in spite of the fear he felt. “All you’ll be doing is freeing me from them, and allowing me to come back to finish you off! Along with all of those puny little friends of yours! You’ll just be extending your suffering by doing this!”

“No…I won’t.” Sheton murmured, black and red fire and lightning appearing around him. “I’ll be getting rid of a pony who shouldn’t have messed with my friends when I told him not to. I’m going to blow you away, and this time…I’ll make sure that you won’t come back here ever again!” Rearing up on his forehooves, he let the combined lightning and fire exploded from his hooves in a gigantic stream. “Dark Fire Lightning Thestral: Flaming Thunderous Stake!”
At that very last word, Serafino froze, watching as the lightning and fire contorted into a large sharp stake. The lightning chirping and the fire roaring could be heard tearing its way into his ears as the attack drew closer towards him. Then, it slammed into him with as much force as Sheton had mustered, the cracked gemstone being the first thing it hit. Through the flames and lightning, Serafino heard it shattering it completely before he was sent flying into the distance, slowly dissolving as he did so. He gave out one final neigh of rage before his body dispersed into blackness inside the lightning and fire.

Sensing that the clone of Serafino was gone for good this time, Sheton let his attack disperse, before he dropped down on all fours. He hung his head as he panted, the exhaustion of using so much magic slowly catching up to him. With another deep inhale, he slowly turned towards the group, slowly beginning to stagger towards him.

“Heh…well…that took a little longer than I wanted to be…” He giggled, slowly going back into his normal size. When he spoke again, his soft voice was back to its sweet and innocent tone that it had before. “…and it looks like you’re all finale free.”

With a sudden cough of blood, Sheton suddenly staggered and fell forward, his face slowly heading towards the ground. He shut his eyes, preparing to feel the cold unforgiving ground, only to feel the impact of something soft and furry.

“Don’t worry, I got you!” Scootaloo cried, having gotten up from her spot before racing over to catch the colt. Gently falling onto her haunches, she held the stormy grey colt’s head in her forelegs as she looked into his eyes. “It’s okay…you don’t need to move right now. Just let us take care of you okay?”

“T-thanks for that…S-Scootaloo.” Sheton murmured, smiling up thankfully as the other surrounded him. “I don’t think I can really move anymore right now…so, I’m just gonna leave myself in your hooves.”

“After the beatin’ ya took from that varmint, you’d have t’ be an idiot not to.” Granny Smith murmured, walking towards the duo. “Still, Ah really have t’ be honest with ya…you were really somethin’ out there sugar-foot.”

“Totally!” Sweetie exclaimed, smiling brightly at the colt. “That’s the second time you sent him careening away like that! You must’ve been really upset at that stallion huh?”

“After what he tried t’ do t’ us, an’ what he did t’ Cousin Grove, Ah say he has every right t’ be pissed off.” Apple Bloom snorted. “The only thing Ah regret is not givin’ that damn varmint another good kick t’ his fanged face b’fore Sheton sent him flying.”

Big Mac glanced at his youngest sister. “Language Apple Bloom…” He admonished lowly.

“Trust me Cousin Bloom, Ah hear ya there.” Fritter said, hoisting her daughter on her back. “Alas, we can’t all git what we want all th’ time. At least Sheton gave him that kick t’ his face b’fore he finally ended him…now we can focus on gettin’ y’all looked at by a doctor.”

“Y-yeah, that’s a good idea.” Grove nodded, holding onto her mother by her neck. “Ah don’t know how long Ah can take this wood bein’ stuck in me.”

Crescent Shield went green in the face. “I don’t know how long I can stand looking at it.”

“Right.” Big Mac, walking over to the foals and ushering them along. “Let’s git back t’ th’ barn an’ do jus’ that. The sooner we git y’all taken care of properly, the better.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice.” Dinky sniffled, eager to be reunited with her big sister and mother again.

Author's Note

Okay, I know that some of you are going to get annoyed that I made this into a two parter, just like I did the last time, despite it being more than two. Still, this is the rough that I chose to go to, especially with what I have planned in the next chapter, so you're just going to have to deal with it, alright :ajbemused: ? Unless you have the patience to keep up with me in this insanely long first story of mine, I suggest to stop reading and leave now, otherwise, you can keep on going until the end :raritywink: . Now, for this chapter...I really don't know what to say, only that I was finally wrapping up the conclusion between the fight against Serafino, his clone, Moon Blade, Spike, Sheton and the fillies. The one reason I had Granny Smith, Apple Fritter, and Big Mac in there was so they could come and pick up the pieces after the fight, though I couldn't help but have them see Sheton beat the ever living shit out of Serafino before they did :rainbowlaugh: . Other than switching in between the groups near the end of the fights, there wasn't really anything made special about this particular chapter..that, along with feeling like this chapter ran on for too long so...sorry, nothing big this time around :twilightsheepish: .

Well, that's all for now everypony; tune in next time for the second part of the Dark Armies fall, before we at least witness their rulers demise...and the real Night Queen's return :yay: !!!