War For Equestria: The Battle For Winter Villageby TheEquestrianPlazaChaptersChapter 2Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12PrologueChapter 1Chapter 3EpilogueChapter 2Snow was gently falling as a patrol squad was walking back to their military camp carrying a body. "Keep moving squad!" The leader shouted, "We need to get this back to the General so he can plan his next move." "But i'm tired, and my hooves hurt from walking in this snow." A soldier shouted. "Never mind that. I'm freezing!" Another soldier shouted as he began warming himself up with his metal wing boosters. "Are you rookies rebels or sissies!" The leader shouted, "Keep moving and no..." He paused, "Draw your weapons." The soldiers drew their weapons and activated their guns. A unicorn froze and lit up his horn. All that they could see was snow falling and could hear the breeze. A light blue feather was dropping above them. The leader looked at the feather and grinned. Suddenly he realized where the feather came from and looked up at the sky. Nighthawk fell right above them, and with one powerful blast of his magic, he killed all of them from the shock wave. Nighthawk began walking towards a pony who was trying to crawl away, he slowly picked him up by the neck with his magic. The pony began panting and cried, "No-n-no please? Plea..." Nighthawk snapped his neck and the pony fell to the ground. He then walked around the area and saw nothing out of the ordinary besides his pet phoenix, with her white and blue feathers flew in to land. "Area secure. Penelope will return any..." He stopped and drew his sword. He began hearing something move in the snow. Suddenly a lone hoof popped out of the snow. Nighthawk knelt down and grabbed that hoof, "Penelope." a dark blue flame ignited as the phoenix began melting the snow and it revealed the commander's face. "Commander Cinni?" Firefly's ears popped up, "Cinnabar?" The commander began coughing, "Nighthawk?" "I'm hear, i'm hear commander." Firefly looked at the guard, "Get a medic to that area now. Nighthawk, we're getting transport in." Cinnabar coughed, and lit up her horn, "The Rose, she's revolted." Firefly grinned as he was looking at the video Penelope was sending. "What Rose? Who is she?" Nighthawk asked as he lit up his horn to keep her alive and warm. The commander pulled out a data pad,"She ca-can't get these codes..." she began to groan in pain and cough. Nighthawk shook his head, "Don't die on me commander. Cinni, that's a direct order!" Penelope began heating up to keep Cinnabar warm, but it wasn't enough. Cinni held on to Nighthawk's hoof, d-dont let the empire die, y-you must kill her..." Cinnabar's horn began dimming down, and her hoof slipped from Nighthawk's. Tears began filling his eyes and Penelope began shrieking in pain. A medical team flew in, and checked Cinnabar's vitals. Back at the base, Nighthawk and Firefly was watching a few cadets cover commander Cinnabar's casket with the Equestrian Flag. "I never believed that I would have somepony die in my hooves." Nighthawk said as a couple tears fell to the ground. "Especially not Cinni." "How do you know her?" Firefly asked. Nighthawk smiled, "We were cadets in training. I took her in as a partner, to help her with studies and training." Firefly chuckled, "Ah, hooking up with the mares huh?" Nighthawk laughed, "used too. But she was swift." "Who killed her again?" Nighthawk looked at the data pad, "She said something about the 'Rose' but I didn't understand any of that." "Well I do." A familiar alicorn said as he stepped in. "Sunny?" Nighthawk said with a smile on his face. Firefly grinned, "What are you doing here? I thought you were-" "Sent to the protect Cadence? Yea, she sent me here after we heard about the weapon. And I got some info of my own to share." Chapter 4The group walked into the control room that was busy beyond belief, Comet walked in and began briefing the commanders on the situation, "We got word of another attack south of the Crystal Empire." Nighthawk stopped and grinned, "Another winter village?" Comet stopped, "What do you mean another winter village?" Sunny chuckled, "You didn't know that there were other villages in the Crystal Empire?" "Uh, I didn't really do well, with geography in training." Comet faintly said, as he grabbed a data pad from a unicorn. "Well that's weird." "What is it?" Nighthawk asked. "The area has already been destroyed, but the troops are dead." Commander Firefly walked in, "Is there anything that they took?" Comet examined the report, "They took the weapon, sir." Nighthawk and commander Sunny grinned, "What?" both of them said in unison. "Look for yourselves. Cadet, transfer video to the view screen." The video came up and it showed several Equestrian troops dropping like flies from rebellion forces. "We got the package!" one soldier shouted. The camera moved over to another soldier and he was ready to speak, but he was shot down by a blast of magic. Suddenly another rebellion soldier was attacked by a blue blur and then it moved on to the next one and then the next one. The soldier with the recording began running to the evac ship but was shot down and then stabbed, bringing static to the video. Nighthawk grinned, "Cadet, can we play that back to the blur and magnify it." The cadet turned over, "yes sir we can." he played back the video and adjusted it to where they saw a young pegasus in light blue armor wielding what looks like sharp metal wings and was capable of creating magic from the wings. The pony had a cutie mark of a golden lightning bolt with a rainbow across the bolt. There was also a symbol of Celestia's royal crest on the chest plate. "Well, that pegasus, has some power in those wings." commander Sunny said. He looked at Nighthawk, who was mad, "Uh, Nighthawk?" He shook his head, "I have a quick call to make." Chapter 5Nighthawk slammed a data pad on the table as he was talking with princess Celestia over a video call, "So you hired an apprentice to take care of the dirty work?" "What apprentice?" Celestia asked in confusion. Nighthawk transferred the video to the princess and all that she did in response was sigh, "So you found out?" Nighthawk grinned, "What you thought the crest wouldn't give it away?" "Nighthawk," the princess began, "Hear me out, friend to friend for a second. When you were selected to be Commander by prophecy, you were only told the portion discussing the Defender of fire, and its elements that are held right?" Nighthawk just grinned, "I was told about the Defender, and its traits that are held. But nothing about any elements." Celestia looked shocked, "Really. Well then, time for a quick lesson. When the prophecy was first foretold, it stated that a Defender of fire will free Equestria, but it also stated that six Legendary Elements of Harmony, or Guardians, as I put it, will be destined to fight along with you and work together to be rid of this rebellion." "As stated by prophecy?" Nighthawk asked with a grin. "As stated by prophecy." He shook his head, "Then why wasn't I notified about any of this?" "We thought it better for your own protection at the time, with the conflict about your father." Nighthawk walked around in a circle, "I don't understand any of this still." "What do you not understand?" These elements that you speak of, what are they?" The princess smiled, they are the elements that you obtain, Nighthawk. Loyalty, Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, Kindness, and Magic." "And these are the so called elements told by prophecy?" "These elements, along with your powers will bring harmony to Equestria." Before Nighthawk could ask his next question, a soldier walked in, "Commander, we have a trace on the blue blur." Nighthawk nodded at the soldier and turned back to the princess, "My apologies Celestia." The princess chuckled, "No need for apologies commander, you know what you need to do." Nighthawk smiled and lowered his hat, "Let's hope so." Chapter 6A few Equestrian Battle zeppelins was flying towards the village where the unknown blue blur was spotted, and Nighthawk was determined to get his answers that he wanted from this little fighter. "Nighthawk I still think you're nuts about this." Firefly stated over the comm. "And why do you say that?" "I just think its nuts that we are finding a killer when we should be stopping the rebellion." Nighthawk chuckled a bit, but was not amused, "If the princess is right about this, then we might have a chance in getting some help with this weapon and this war." Firefly grinned, "And if she isn't?" "Then this was a waste of our time." Comet jumped into the comm, "Well, we need to know as soon as we can, I really don't want to get caught up in two battles." Nighthawk laughed, "Believe me, if there is a fight, we will know." He walked around in the snow and saw several soldiers torn to pieces. *Well, whoever this pegasus is, she made quick work. of them.* "Commander, we have a problem?" Sunshine Breeze stated over the comm. "Whats that?" "There's a nearby village who keeps receiving reports of unknown activity." "The Empire?" Sunshine was flying with another squad, "I'm not entirely, sure. The Commander wants you to head his way if we don't find anything." Nighthawk shook his head, "I'll do what I can, but this blur is our only chance to try putting an end to this war." "A marvelous end indeed." A mysterious voice called out. "But let me ask you? Will this, blur, even help you out?" Nighthawk noticed the hooded figure as she spun her scythe around in the air. her cloak was red like the blood of the lives she slaughtered, her weapon slowly dripping with fresh blood. "You must be Ruby Rose." Nighthawk said as he stood in a defensive stance. "You are so smart Commander. And now for the winning question, what would happen when we obtain the Crystal Heart?" Nighthawk smiled, "I don't know, but I think you are going to tell me." Ruby just laughed and lowered her hood, revealing her silver eyes. and the dark red colored aura shining from her horn as she was levitating her scythe. She swung it around a few times and brought it to an attacking stance, "I guess you'll find out in Tartarus!" She fired a blast of her magic at Nighthawk and he took advantage of it by countering the attack with a blast of his own. He shot himself up in the air and lowered his guard and visor, drew his sword and slammed it on top of Ruby. The smoke cleared and the two weapons were clashed together. "Hmm, what a pity." Ruby said as she flung Nighthawk out of the clash. "Maybe you will be a stronger challenge than I expected." She swung her weapon into the ground attempting to cut Nighthawk into peices. After the last attempt, however, Nighthawk kicked Ruby with his rear legs and pushed her back. As surprised as she was, Ruby began to laugh, "I was honestly expecting a little bit more from you." Suddenly she fired a beam of her magic, and nighthawk did the same forming a ball of fire. They were at it for a few seconds and once it exploded and the smoke cleared, Ruby's eyes met Nighthawk's and with a grin on her face she ripped her weapon out Nighthawk's side. He fell over in pain, and passed out. "What a pity." Ruby said as she spun her scythe around. "I was hoping for more of a challenge from ya. Ah well, I guess the General will have to do without ya." She fired one final blast burst to finish off Nighthawk but was deflected by a different pony. She pushed the blast away with her metal wings, and created two magical blades that she swung at Ruby. They pushed her back, and scared her too. Ruby looked up and the pony shot her wings up to an attack stance. Ruby swung her weapon one last time. "This isn't over." Ruby said as she teleported away, leaving rose petals to fall to the ground. The pony lowered her wings and turned to Nighthawk, who was still passed out. "Nighthawk!" Comet shouted as he landed and ran towards him. "This is Comet, I need a medical transport asap." Chapter 7Back at the Operating Base, Commanders Firefly and Sunny was outside watching the medical team take care of Nighthawk. "One mission." Firefly said, "We had one mission to get in, find this 'blur' and get moving." Sunny sighed, "Don't beat yourself up over this Firefly. We had no idea that this would be a set up." "To be honest, I don't believe it was a set up." "It was." Sunshine Breeze said as she walked in with a data pad. The two Commanders grinned, "Why's that?" Firefly asked. Sunshine showed him the data pad, "While we were looking for our new friend, the nearby village was raided by a small squad. We think Miss Rose was leading it and decided to stall for them." "Explains why she was there alone then." Sunny said. "But doesn't explain why we couldn't pick up a signal from the squad." Firefly replied. "Your scanners are useless if they are jammed." A young pony said. Commander Firefly grinned, "Who are you?" "They call me Rainbow Bliss, but Rainbow will be just fine?" Firefly, Sunny, and Sunshine were confused on who this pony was, well pegasus to be exact. Not like the cutie mark gave it away, a rainbow with a lightning bolt in the center, sea blue colored skin, her eyes which shinned like sapphires. This couldn't be the one they were looking for. Firefly grinned, "You aren't?" "Princess Celestia's Guardian? Yes." "Why didn't you come to us sooner?" Sunny asked. "We could've solved all of this." Rainbow chuckled a bit, "Easier said than done when you were assigned to defend the winter villages, and not get caught." Firefly was confused, "What are you-?" "Let me simplify it for you. When word gets out about some destined Guardian who will help a Defender. The enemy will do whatever it takes to kill whoever it is." Before Firefly could reply, one of the doctors came in, "Commander?" "What is it?" "Commander Nighthawk would like to speak with you." Firefly walked into the room and saw Nighthawk lying on the bed. He smiled, "How are you feeling?" Nighthawk was not amused, "Listen to me Firefly, I don't have time for your stupid decisions, and apparently Celestia isn't up for games either." "Commander, I-" "She's an apprentice of Celestia herself, and you are treating her like she is a cadet." "Nighthawk, can we trust her though?" "Why don't you stop looking at the picture like an analyst and think?" Nighthawk said as he shook his head. "She saved my life, thus I will trust her with my life." Firefly grinned, "But can I trust her though? She said herself that she's been hunted down because of her role." "And?" Nighthawk replied, "If that was the case, she would be in hiding by now. I sense loyalty in her, and that's what we need right now." with a slight chuckle Firefly smiled, "So you truly think its her?" "I believe it." Sunny stormed in, "Commander, we got a problem." Firefly looked at Sunny, then turned back at Nighthawk. "You better get going. Recovery will still be a few more hours." Chapter 8The room was dark and drafty. The Commander didn't even know know where he was. Well, he knew that he was hanging in midair with his front hooves chained up above him. "Wh-where am I?" The Commander asked. "Where else?" An unfamiliar voice called out. "Home, a cell? For all that you know, you could be dead." With all the courage that he could conjure up, the Commander took a deep breath, "I'm not afraid of you! Whoever you are." The figure lit up his horn, a dark red aura that began surrounded his neck, "That's what they all say before the true terror happens. And that terror, is me." He revealed his face, which scared the Commander a bit. "Y-you're that general. Fi-Firefox!" "So smart of you," General Firefox began compressing the Commander's neck, "But it wont keep you alive for long." The Commander began choking, "Night-hawk...he will c-crush you..." Firefox let go of his grip and chuckled, "Ah yes, the so called Defender of Equestria, who killed my best Captain. And now seeks out revenge no doubt." "You're wrong. He's probably thinking up a plan to kill you and every living traitor that sided with the Dark Empire." "Those are some brave words for a Commander getting ready to die as a traitor." The Commander shook his head, "I never served you and I never will!" All that the General did was roll his eyes, "Very well then." He pulled up a view screen revealing a giant cannon. "Let me ask you something Commander. Have you thought it possible to take the most dangerous, and deadly ice storm in Equestrian history, and fire it from a cannon?" "That's not possible." "Oh ye of little faith Commander? This weapon, is what I like to call Equestria's Ice Age. With this weapon, we will throw all of Equestria into a deep freeze, deadly enough to kill the kingdom and will be open for the Dark Empire to reign." "It'll never work!" The Commander shouted, "The Crystal Empire will still stop you!" "AND THAT'S WHERE YOU ARE WONG COMMANDER!" Firefox shouted back. He drew his sword and brought the tip of the blade to the Commander's neck, "With this weapon, the Crystal Empire will experience a freeze deadlier than ever, and when they do, they will perish like flies." He put his weapon away and took a deep breath, "Now, on to more important business." Before he continued a larger, and more curved blade approach the Commander's neck, and realized that it was Ruby Rose. Firefox continued, "We have searched your petty village for the crystal heart, and my spies have reported their findings empty in the Empire. So I must know one thing, where have you hidden the crystal heart?" "I wouldn't tell you even if my life depended on it." "Oh? But what of the life of your citizens?" "What are you-?" General Firefox transferred the screen to the Commander's village and to a small artillery force outside of that. "Fifty cannons ready to fire on your village. Do you want to save their lives?" "I- I don't..." "Then you will tell me where I will find the crystal heart." "My lord, we should just kill him now." Ruby said as her blade got closer to the Commander's neck. "Where's the heart Commander?" The Commander looked at the village on the screen, afraid of what would happen, but Firefox had enough, and activated his comm, "Lieutenant?" "WAIT!" The Commander sighed, "You must release me first." Firefox nodded and Ruby cut the chains, but left her scythe around his neck. He knelt down and lit up his horn, focusing his energy to a specific spot. He took a deep breath and as the light dimmed, a shinning crystal stood before them. The light blue, heart shapped crystal was just lying there. Firefox got closer to it and lifted it with his magic, "The power of the deadly ice and winter in my grasp, finally." He looked up at Ruby, "Take this and arm the weapon." Ruby nodded and took the heart, "With pleasure sir." and teleported away. The Commander looked up and sighed, and Firefox smiled and drew his sword, "Now, to finish this." "What are you doing?" Firefox pulled up his comm, "Lieutenant? Fire at will." "Understood sir." The Lieutenant replied, "Fire cannons!" With that one order, all of the artillery cannons began firing at the village. "No, no YOU TRAITOR!!!" "Yes, i'm a traitor," Firefox said as he dragged his weapon on the ground igniting sparks, "Everypony has understood that since this war started, and now that I have the heart, its time to put an end to this war." The Commander screamed his final words, "No, no please? NOOO!" Firefox raised his weapon and killed the Commander, while in the background the village was set to flames, and the camera shut down. Chapter 9The base was in a frenzy and Commander Firefly didn't really make it help, "REPORT!!!" Firefly screamed. "One of the winter villages was destroyed with an artillery barrage." one of the soldiers replied. "Who was the Commander?" "The Commander was kidnapped." Rainbow Bliss replied, "He was the one they wanted." Firefly grinned, "Why?" "Each Commander of the village is given a special power that will allow them to summon the crystal heart at any time. And that's probably why they raided the village." Firefly sighed, "That would have been helpful a while ago." Rainbow chuckled, "You never asked." "Oh Celestia please help me." Suddenly another soldier got a report that made the situation worse, "Sir?" "What is it?" "We have an army marching right toward another village." ` "Well obviously." "But they are carrying some sort of weapon, signature shows it holds the heart." Firefly looked surprised, "Wait, what?" "And by the looks of it, it's aimed right for the Crystal Empire." "Then we need to do something about it." Nighthawk said as he walked in with bandages still wrapped around his body. Firefly looked surprised, "But, Command-" "None of that now. Sunny, give us some more info on this weapon." Sunny activated the control table reveling a map of the village, the weapon, and the Crystal Empire. "This weapon is a mere doomsday device, which is capable of causing a deadly winter, and compared to the winter in the Crystal Empire." "We're talking the deadly Arctic winters." Nighthawk replied. "But that can't happen without the heart?" Firefly asked. "As mentioned before," Sunny Continued, "It can't be possible unless the dark side of the heart is harnessed." Firefly grinned, "And how is that possible?" Rainbow Bliss butted in, "The heart is like a free spirit, and when free it's channeling more of its energy towards the light side. But if you just cage it and imprison that energy..." "Then it can be like a power hungry beast." Nighthawk finished. "Precisely." "What's its radius?" Firefly asked. Sunny zoomed in on the cannon, "The entire firing radius spans throughout the Empire itself, but the after effects can cover Canterlot with nothing leftover." Nighthawk shook his head, "Then we don't have enough time. Sunny?" He nodded his head like he knew what he was going to say, "On it." and ran off. "Firefly?" He nodded, "Stay here and command?" "I need an artillery force to try holding them off? And you're my top pick." Firefly smiled, "I'll send them out ASAP." and he took off. Nighthawk looked at bliss who was adjusting her wing, "Think you can get there fast enough with my crew?" Rainbow Bliss laughed, "Pfft, can I get there fast enough? You're looking at the former Canterlot Flyers champion who pulled off the Castle course in twelve seconds flat." "In armor?" Bliss smiled, "I can make it ten." and she flew off towards the armory. Nighthawk chuckled and took off his bandages, "Helm? Patch me through to the Crystal Empire." After a simple "Aye Aye." Nighthawk threw on his hunters cowboy hat and was patched in with Cadence, "Princess Cadence?" He began, "You have an enemy force heading right for you with a doomsday cannon powered by the crystal heart." "Yes Commander, I have received word from Commander Sunny and a couple other Commanders about the heart, and we're making battle preparations as we speak." "Just make note that this weapon will destroy the Empire easily, and with that, this war would be over." Nighthawk replied. Cadence slowly nodded and and grabbed her helmet with her magic, "I know, that's why i'm declaring war against these monsters." Nighthawk grinned, "I'll be there ASAP Princess." Cadence smiled, "I know you will Commander." and cut the line. Nighthawk lowered his hat, "Captain you have control!" and headed towards the armory where Sunshine Breeze was there still finishing up modifications, "Are the mods ready Sunshine?" Sunshine nodded, "I modified the armor to withstand stronger attacks and the metal wings are set for faster flight." "Very well, get yourself prepared for attack." Sunshine smiled, "Yes sir." Nighthawk grinned, "Computer? Activate armor." All of a sudden, the phoenix on his chest plate lit up and the armor began equipping itself on Nighthawk. Chapter 10Smoke was rising at the winter village, and the Dark Empire slowly made their way towards it with their weapon of destruction, and their small army. Several ponies from the village lit up their horns, and guns and with the command, they opened fire on the troops as a couple artillery cannons began firing at the weapon. At the end of the cannon Rose was on talking with General Firefox, "Your orders are clear, raid the village, charge the cannon and then fire at will. That's it." Firefox ordered. "Don't you worry my lord, the Crystal Empire will be nothing but ice after we are done." "Very well, Ruby, don't fail me." Ruby smiled as she ended the call and looked at the Lieutenant, "Can we charge the cannon while its moving?" "Yes ma'am, it might slow us down with the addition of the artillery fire from the village." "Do it." "Yes ma'am. Power up the cannon, targeting laser by ten percent." The heart began spinning and it fired a simple targeting beam several miles outside of the empire. Cadence and several guards saw the beam and she sighed, "Evacuate the town." Cadence said as she spread out her wings. "Ma'am, what about you?" She looked over at the guards, don't worry about me. Just get the citizens to safety." Cadence flew up and she closed her eyes igniting her horn, beginning a transformation of her crystal form. She opened her eyes and she fired a blast of his magic up in the air and formed a magical dome around the Empire. "Let's hope that this works." "Cannon charging ma'am." The Lieutenant said with a smile. Before Ruby can reply one soldier screamed, "Look out!" and she was blasted off of the cannon, as well as several soldiers who were killed in the blast. Ruby looked up and saw a bright light fly around them, and a golden colored stream of light came down killing more soldiers. Out in the distance, Commander Firefly could see the light and realized that it was Sunny Glider. "Well?" Firefly began, "It looks like you became a decoy?" Sunny chuckled as he went around, "Just something to give Nighthawk and Rainbow some extra time to get here." Firefly shook his head, "Just don't get cocky." Ruby was able to slowly get back up and lit up her horn levitating her scythe. One of the lieutenants ran over to see if she was ok. She lowered her hood and turned over to the lieutenant, "Get that cannon to its location, and i'm putting you in command." The lieutenant grinned, "Where are you going?" "I have an alicorn to kill." she said with a chuckle and flew off after Sunny. Sunny turned over and saw the pony flying right at him, "Okay Commanders, you're clear to go." Firefly nodded, "Well finally!" He turned to the soldiers who were manning the cannons, "Fire at will boys!" Almost immediately, the cannons began firing at the enemy troops weakening their numbers. The lieutenant looked over and saw his troops falling like flies. He looked back at his corporal and screamed, "We're going to die like this!" The corporal nodded, "Maybe a full cavalry strike could buy us some time!" The Lieutenant nodded, "Very well!" He turned to the soldiers, "ALL OF YOU SISSIES DRAW YOUR WEAPONS AND KILL THEM ALL!" All of the troops drew their weapons, or activated their guns and began galloping towards the village, screaming their noble battle cry, "For the Empire!" The Commander of the village looked stunned as the enemy ponies, and unicorns charged at them, "I NEED ALL CANNONS, AND GUNNERS TO FIRE! NOW!!!" The two cannons in the village began aiming at the ponies and firing along with the earth pony and pegasus shooters heating up their guns as they tried defeating the charge. The enemy got closer, one of the earth pony soldiers jumped over the border wall with its long sword ready to stab the nearest soldier when suddenly, a blast of light blue magic pushed back the soldier, the rest moved forward, but they stopped when they saw a pony who's wings was lit up and was jumping at them, the pegasus swung her wings killing several of the troops, and with one swipe, sent another blade of magic killing several of the soldiers. Rainbow Bliss turned over to the others behind the barrier and raised her visor and guard, "The Crystal Empire won't last long without loyal soldiers. So you all fight like all of Equestria is on the line. WHO'S WITH ME!?" All of the soldiers looked at each other and drew their weapons, "Well boys, Lets take the fight to them." one of the soldiers screamed. The Commander of the village drew his battle axe and turned to his troops, "You heard her boys! For Equestria!" All of the troops drew their weapons and jumped over the border and the two armies began their Battle for Winter Village. Chapter 11Sunny landed in what felt like the middle of nowhere and began scanning the area for Ruby. He stopped and grinned, slowly began turning his head, but before he could draw his weapon, Ruby flew right at him and slammed him into a tree with the sharp blade of her scythe slowly. "You thought you can outrun me huh?" Ruby said as she chuckled, "Now it's time to see what will happen when Equestria losses a Commander." The blade nearly touched Sunny's neck when he began to laugh, "You think you can kill me?" Sunny teleported away from the tree, and appeared in mid air, wings up and his horn lit up, "Let me explain something to you. For one, i'm an alicorn, so its nearly impossible to kill me. And for two, even if i'm not able to kill you, I know who can..." Suddenly, Ruby was hit and pushed into the woods with a beam of blue colored magic. Sunny looked over and saw Nighthawk holding his saber ready to fight. "Okay not what I have in mind." Nighthawk looked over and chuckled, "You kidding?" Ruby jumped out into the open with her scythe facing straight up, but before she could attack a light blue flame slashed her from different angles, spun around her, and flew into the air, and with on flap of her wings, Penelope screeched and sen a flame to Ruby, burning her cheek just a little bit. Penelope flew over to Nighthawk and screeched with her wings up and was lit lit on fire. Ruby was breathing heavily, and she brought her hoof to her cheek feeling the burn, "So I see you've come for a rematch?" Nighthawk laughed, "After the injury that you gave me. Who wouldn't?" Ruby raised her hood, and swung her scythe to an attack position, "Very well, but this time, I'll make sure your head is on the general's desk." With one small smile, Penelope flew up and spun around Nighthawk and flew right into Nighthawk's chest piece and lighting up his armor to a shade of blue and white, his visor and mouth guard went down and blue and white stripes went down his visor. His horn lit up to a light blue colored aura and his saber lit up to a light blue flame, "Try me then." Ruby's eyes lit up and she began transforming to her super form and jumped at Nighthawk, the two weapons clashed, and it sent over a shock wave of snow. Meanwhile, back at the war zone, the Dark Empire began losing troops faster than the cannon would charge. The general got on the comm with the Lieutenant, "What's the status on the cannon?" "The cannon is at twenty percent, sir. We don't have enough time, and we can't hold of the enemy for long!" "You do whatever it takes to fire that cannon. Raise the power of the charge." "But sir, if the power is raised then it will strain the crystal. It will result in disaster..." The general lit up his horn, "YOU DO WHATEVER IT TAKES! AND DON'T LET ANYPONY STAND IN YOUR WAY!" The Lieutenant sighed, and looked at the operators, "Raise the power by twenty-five percent." They nodded and raised the power, it activated the heart and made it turn black about halfway and made it spin faster. The targeting laser got larger and fired a repulse charge that sent a shock wave towards the shield. It shook up the Empire and Cadence could feel the charge weigh on her powers, she pushed forward and sent in a beam of her magic to strengthen the shield, but before she knew it, another repulse came in and sent another shock wave at the shield. Back at the battle, Sunny could see the cannon sending out the repulse beam, and he knew that Cadence had a set shield, but he didn't know how long she could hold it. He looked at Rainbow and screamed, "Rainbow, hold the fort and destroy that cannon at all cost!" He lifted his wings and flew towards the Crystal Empire, before Rainbow Bliss could ask why. She watched him disappear into the clouds. Chapter 12Sunny was flying towards the Crystal Empire, but was a bit too late to beat the next repulse beam that slammed into the ground and sent the wave of snow coming right at him. "Oh great!" Sunny said as he lit up his horn and transformed into his super form. He then sped up towards the Empire the snow on his tail. Sunny could see Cadence holding the shield up and he began spinning to break a hole in the shield, Please open up? Please open up? He began thinking to himself. Cadence looked shocked herself and opened a small hole for Sunny to squeeze through and he slowed down a few feet of hitting the castle. He flew straight up to the Princess and ignited his horn. "I thought I told you to stay with the forces?" Cadence said as she felt the power of another shock wave. "You need my help princess." Sunny replied as he fired a beam of his magic forming a secondary shield around the kingdom, "You wont last long with these waves. You need me." Cadence grinned, "Very well then. Let's do this." The two fired another beam to support the shield. Ruby had enough with the fight and fired a blast of magic at Nighthawk. He blocked it with his sword and jumped right at her. the two clashed weapons, and after several swings to the neck and chest, Nighthawk had enough and teleported right above her and fired a blast of his magic above Ruby, knocking her to the ground. She teleported away from from the blast and with her magic flew right at Nighthawk and tried slamming her scythe into his chest, but instead, he teleported several feet in front of her and fired another blast, much larger than the other one, and pushed her back into several trees. Nighthawk landed with his saber set at a defensive position. Ruby jumped out of nowhere, her scythe ready to strike the back, and with one scream, snow began to rise in the air. Ruby and Nighthawk began to breathe heavily, he raised his guard and visor and looked at her directly in the eye. She looked down slowly and saw a drop of blood fall onto the snow. Slowly, her head came back up and noticed the back of her weapon was dug into his armor with just a little bit of blood seeping out. She looked down at her chest and saw Nighthawk's saber dug right into her armor and right through her chest. Nighthawk chuckled and went right to her ear, "You burn somepony with fire, prepare to burn yourself." He ripped the saber out of her side and the reaction made her fall to the ground. "And next time..." Nighthawk began as he ripped the scythe out of his back, "I'll give the general my regards with your head on his desk." With those final words he gave the final blow to Ruby with her scythe. He took a couple steps back and fell over from the injury. It also deactivated the transformation and Penelope fell over with a small screech and a small flame going on her wing. Meanwhile, the cannon was inches closer to the Empire, the beam now touching the shield. The Lieutenant looked at the radius of the cannon shot and it was close to the center, but not close enough. He shook his head and looked at the fight scene, Rainbow was closer to the cannon, he had no choice but to take the risk he didn't want to take. He looked at the operators, "Raise the charge to one hundred percent and prepare to fire." The operators looked at him with surprise, "Uh sir?" "Do it, now!" They sighed, "Yes sir." Before one of them touched the lever, Rainbow came out of no where her wings ready to strike, "Don't touch that lever. You know what will happen." The operators took action but before they could Rainbow killed the two with a strike of her magic from her wing. She then looked at the Lieutenant, who's hoof is on the lever. "Don't Lieutenant." "I'm sorry..." The Lieutenant said as he lifted it up, fully charging the cannon. The heart became black and started to spin faster, it charged the beam and sent it coming over to the shield. Sunny could see the repulse beam coming at them, and he sighed, "Oh sweet Celestia." The beam slammed into the shield and it knocked Cadence and Sunny back. They Lit up their horns and fired a beam once again, but the second beam hit the shield and it knocked Cadence out, weakening her part of the shield and making her pass out. Sunny shook his head and lowered his mouth guard and visor,"Very well then." He put all of his power into the last bit of the shield and held up the third wave. The Commander of the village looked up and saw the next repulse beam. He took his axe and threw it at the beam and exploded. Rainbow got closer to the Lieutenant who couldn't hit the button. "Please don't, you know what will happen." "I know what will happen." The Lieutenant said, "But my loyalty is to my general." He shot a blast of magic, but was deflected, and Rainbow stabbed the Lieutenant, He was mere inches away, and the edge of his hoof skimmed the button, the cannon began to charge and he looked at Rainbow, "Tulah morah." Rainbow grinned, "What?" All of a sudden the cannon sent a huge shock wave over in the battlefield, blew up the controls and the shot was larger than the test beam, and it couldn't be stopped. Sunny could see the shot being as bright as the the sun. He shook his head, and lowered the shield. Sunny had no choice but to try blocking it by force, he flew over and lit up his horn, and with one powerful blast, he tried stopping the shot, but all that it did was slow it down, but not fast enough. Rainbow Bliss woke up and could see the light of the corner of her eye, she turned over and began hesitating. There's no magical way to stop it...unless... She looked at her two wings and lowered her visor and guard, and as fast as she could, Rainbow tried speeding past the shot, she closed her eyes, and began shining like a diamond. "Move!" She screamed to Sunny. She activated her super form and began flying towards the blast. She covered her face with her wings and formed a shield. She began to spin as fast as she could towards the blast, and out in the distance a blast of light could be seen followed by a shock wave... PrologueRain began falling into the Crystal Empire as an Equestrian Battle Zeppelin came in transporting battle supplies and Commander Nighthawk. He began reading a letter from Princess Celestia, My dear Nighthawk, by the time you receive this message, you will already be on your way to the Crystal Empire to get equipped with a special Commanders armor that we have specially designed for you. My sister and I have evacuated to the outskirts of the Everfree Forest in a castle where we were born. We will be safe there until we can provide the power that you need to destroy this rebellion. Your orders are to fight and defend the kingdom that you are sworn to defend. And please, stay safe, if needed, stay hidden and win this war. Nighthawk walked into the armory with several machines and screens set up, "Commander Nighthawk. Please step onto the pad." A scientist called out on the speaker. Nighthawk looked down and saw four shoes set up on the pad, Nighthawk looked up with his hat on and winced his eyes in anger. He slowly stuck his hooves into the shoes and the screens came online, Screen monitor files? Online... the computer began showing pictures and military files and began showing, Vitals: Active Security Codes: Active Weaponry: Active Status:... The status bar began blinking several times until it gave a final check, Active The machines began powering up and mechanical arms moved in on Nighthawks legs and began equipping the armor. Other arms moved in on his back and began equipping armor, the leg pieces expanded all over his chest and went to his waist and began equipping the belt and a brand new Calvary Rapier that he began drawing with his magic, the blade shined like no other, symbolizing power, and duty. The rest of the armor began coming down his shoulders and across his chest with the Equestrian Symbol embedded on it. It then activated the helmet closed on him. "Commander Nighthawk, your rank has been changed from Defender, to Hunter and have been given authority over the Equestrian Army and provided any resources to defeat the rebellion. But be warned, there will be sacrifices that will be made, many choices that will be hard to decide on. Don't let that stop you from your objective. Win this war. Are you ready?" Nighthawk put his saber away and grinned, "Bring it on." He lowered his visor and and mouth guard and walked out of the armory. Chapter 1Deep in the mountain ranges of Eastern Equestria, a lone village known as Winter Village was fighting the blizzard winds once again. Now this village is actually a military outpost to the Crystal Empire. Anything transmitted, or transported to and from the Empire was wired to them first for analyzing, which made them a perfect target for enemy forces. However, no one knew of their whereabouts, until today. "Yes Princess, I understand the value that this weapon has to this war." Commander Cinnabar stated. "Just get it there as soon as possible." Princess Cadence stated, "I just dont want to begin on what the outcome will be if it gets in the wrong hooves." Cinni grinned, "Me neither." She began to feel shaking, and a loud rumbling noise. "Commander is there something wrong?" Cinnabar slowly shook her head, "I don't think so." Suddenly, the power went out and the Commander fell over from the blast. "Commander? What's wrong?" Cinnabar grinned, "Let me call you back." She got back up and ran outside to see several soldiers attacking the villagers and a battle zeppelin fly towards them. "Sir, we have a breech!" The commander took a couple steps, but turned around when she saw some cloaked figure come out of the sky and with one slash of its weapon, kill the commander, and several others around her. Back at the Equestrian Forward Operating Base, commander Firefly looked up at the screen and saw several red lights blink near the village, "Sweet Celestia help us!" Sunshine Breeze took a squad to investigate and the results were not pretty, "Aerial search confirms, no survivors." "You're lucky." Comet Burst shouted, "At least you get to fly and miss all these bodies lying around." "Just focus on finding that weapon and the commander." Nighthawk said as he looked at the video. "Well, I can tell you that there will be no pony outside of the village, at least no one important." Comet said as he moved closer to the base. "Keep searching dear, there should be something around." "And if there isnt?" Commander Firefly groaned, "Just find the weapon and any survivors you two, no matter what we need to find it." He slowly turned to Nighthawk, "Honestly, I don't know how they ever got married?" "It's Equestria, everything here is a faint mystery." Nighthawk said with a faint chuckle, "But it all works out in the end." Sunshine got back on the comm, "Commander, there's a base north of the village that picked up a faint scout's signature, they want us to check it out?" Nighthawk shook his head, "Negative, keep searching the village. I'll check out the signature." He lowered his hat and walked off. Chapter 3"Her name is Ruby," Sunny began. " She was considered the best of the best back when I was even a cadet under the queen's rule." Nighthawk grinned, Then how did we not hear about her before?" "The queen had all records, stories, papers, everything about her erased." "Why?" Firefly asked. "Ruby was still young, but she heard about the prophecy, and with her training excelling, she believed that she was the one. Ruby tried proving it to the queen, but the council rejected her, saying that she was corrupted with darkness. So she attacked Canterlot, angered that she couldn't fulfill the prophecy. Apparently they banished he to the Crystal Empire never to be heard from again." "So she got power hungry and wants revenge on Equestria?" Firefly asked with a confused look. Nighthawk shook his head, "If that was true, why is she targeting the Crystal Empire?" Sunny lit up his horn, and pulled put a data pad, "She's not. That weapon that she took from the village is just a piece of metal without it's main source, the crystal heart." The heart looked beautiful, designed by an ancient crystal that holds very powerful magic that can be used for good, or evil. Sunny continued scrolling through the pad, "With this crystal, she will have the power of cold winter in her hooves. Never mind the rebellion." "Then what are these codes for?" Firefly asked. "Sunny grinned, "It's for an initiation process that will put all of Equestria into a deadly winter, worse than the Empire itself. The codes keep the cannon from initiating the inner core of the crystal heart. Without them the heart will not exceed its true power." "What power?" Sunny shrugged his shoulders, "That's just it, we don't know." Nighthawk was in deep thought when Comet Burst ran in, " Sorry for the interruption sirs." Nighthawk grinned, "What's up Comet?" "We got a problem." EpilogueRainbow was knocked out cold, she could see a faces mouthing, "Wake up." She slowly came around and saw Sunny shaking her around. "Come on, wake up." Rainbow moaned, "Wh-what?" "I don't know what in Celestia's mind gave you the idea to sacrifice yourself the way you did, but you stopped the shot." Rainbow shook her head, and sounded a bit panicked, "I, I can't feel my wings." Sunny sighed, "They were destroyed in the blast. Since they were the ones who stopped it all." "What about the heart?" "Firefly is taking care of it all. The kingdom, and all of Equestria is is in your debt." Rainbow chuckled, "Well, y'know loyalty doesn't come without some sacrifice ..." Sunny laughed, "You're right." The two had their laugh and then they got something from their comms, "Hey, thanks for your concern for me, but umm, I'm stuck here with a dead body and a slight injury to the back along with some cracked armor and a passed out pet...can I get some transportation over here?" They laughed, and figured out that it was Nighthawk. Sunny got on the comm and laughed, "Standby Hawk we'll send Comet over with a medical transport." At the end of the fight Equestria had a lucky victory, and the Crystal Empire was shining like a star once again with the crystal heart back in its place, but the war was still at large. Back at the fortress where general Firefox was placed, he held a pony with it's magic and with one strike of the scythe that Nighthawk returned with Ruby's head, he killed the pony and ignited his horn. "He will die. And I will slaughter the princess. Have your victory you murdering monster, cause tomorrow..." He fired a blast and it hit a dummy of what looked like Nighthawk and it fell over with a mark in it's chest. "You will perish..." Author's Note And with that, another story ends, but another rises, who will the next guardian be? And more importantly, who will win the battle, stick around to find out ya'll...
Chapter 2Snow was gently falling as a patrol squad was walking back to their military camp carrying a body. "Keep moving squad!" The leader shouted, "We need to get this back to the General so he can plan his next move." "But i'm tired, and my hooves hurt from walking in this snow." A soldier shouted. "Never mind that. I'm freezing!" Another soldier shouted as he began warming himself up with his metal wing boosters. "Are you rookies rebels or sissies!" The leader shouted, "Keep moving and no..." He paused, "Draw your weapons." The soldiers drew their weapons and activated their guns. A unicorn froze and lit up his horn. All that they could see was snow falling and could hear the breeze. A light blue feather was dropping above them. The leader looked at the feather and grinned. Suddenly he realized where the feather came from and looked up at the sky. Nighthawk fell right above them, and with one powerful blast of his magic, he killed all of them from the shock wave. Nighthawk began walking towards a pony who was trying to crawl away, he slowly picked him up by the neck with his magic. The pony began panting and cried, "No-n-no please? Plea..." Nighthawk snapped his neck and the pony fell to the ground. He then walked around the area and saw nothing out of the ordinary besides his pet phoenix, with her white and blue feathers flew in to land. "Area secure. Penelope will return any..." He stopped and drew his sword. He began hearing something move in the snow. Suddenly a lone hoof popped out of the snow. Nighthawk knelt down and grabbed that hoof, "Penelope." a dark blue flame ignited as the phoenix began melting the snow and it revealed the commander's face. "Commander Cinni?" Firefly's ears popped up, "Cinnabar?" The commander began coughing, "Nighthawk?" "I'm hear, i'm hear commander." Firefly looked at the guard, "Get a medic to that area now. Nighthawk, we're getting transport in." Cinnabar coughed, and lit up her horn, "The Rose, she's revolted." Firefly grinned as he was looking at the video Penelope was sending. "What Rose? Who is she?" Nighthawk asked as he lit up his horn to keep her alive and warm. The commander pulled out a data pad,"She ca-can't get these codes..." she began to groan in pain and cough. Nighthawk shook his head, "Don't die on me commander. Cinni, that's a direct order!" Penelope began heating up to keep Cinnabar warm, but it wasn't enough. Cinni held on to Nighthawk's hoof, d-dont let the empire die, y-you must kill her..." Cinnabar's horn began dimming down, and her hoof slipped from Nighthawk's. Tears began filling his eyes and Penelope began shrieking in pain. A medical team flew in, and checked Cinnabar's vitals. Back at the base, Nighthawk and Firefly was watching a few cadets cover commander Cinnabar's casket with the Equestrian Flag. "I never believed that I would have somepony die in my hooves." Nighthawk said as a couple tears fell to the ground. "Especially not Cinni." "How do you know her?" Firefly asked. Nighthawk smiled, "We were cadets in training. I took her in as a partner, to help her with studies and training." Firefly chuckled, "Ah, hooking up with the mares huh?" Nighthawk laughed, "used too. But she was swift." "Who killed her again?" Nighthawk looked at the data pad, "She said something about the 'Rose' but I didn't understand any of that." "Well I do." A familiar alicorn said as he stepped in. "Sunny?" Nighthawk said with a smile on his face. Firefly grinned, "What are you doing here? I thought you were-" "Sent to the protect Cadence? Yea, she sent me here after we heard about the weapon. And I got some info of my own to share."
Chapter 4The group walked into the control room that was busy beyond belief, Comet walked in and began briefing the commanders on the situation, "We got word of another attack south of the Crystal Empire." Nighthawk stopped and grinned, "Another winter village?" Comet stopped, "What do you mean another winter village?" Sunny chuckled, "You didn't know that there were other villages in the Crystal Empire?" "Uh, I didn't really do well, with geography in training." Comet faintly said, as he grabbed a data pad from a unicorn. "Well that's weird." "What is it?" Nighthawk asked. "The area has already been destroyed, but the troops are dead." Commander Firefly walked in, "Is there anything that they took?" Comet examined the report, "They took the weapon, sir." Nighthawk and commander Sunny grinned, "What?" both of them said in unison. "Look for yourselves. Cadet, transfer video to the view screen." The video came up and it showed several Equestrian troops dropping like flies from rebellion forces. "We got the package!" one soldier shouted. The camera moved over to another soldier and he was ready to speak, but he was shot down by a blast of magic. Suddenly another rebellion soldier was attacked by a blue blur and then it moved on to the next one and then the next one. The soldier with the recording began running to the evac ship but was shot down and then stabbed, bringing static to the video. Nighthawk grinned, "Cadet, can we play that back to the blur and magnify it." The cadet turned over, "yes sir we can." he played back the video and adjusted it to where they saw a young pegasus in light blue armor wielding what looks like sharp metal wings and was capable of creating magic from the wings. The pony had a cutie mark of a golden lightning bolt with a rainbow across the bolt. There was also a symbol of Celestia's royal crest on the chest plate. "Well, that pegasus, has some power in those wings." commander Sunny said. He looked at Nighthawk, who was mad, "Uh, Nighthawk?" He shook his head, "I have a quick call to make."
Chapter 5Nighthawk slammed a data pad on the table as he was talking with princess Celestia over a video call, "So you hired an apprentice to take care of the dirty work?" "What apprentice?" Celestia asked in confusion. Nighthawk transferred the video to the princess and all that she did in response was sigh, "So you found out?" Nighthawk grinned, "What you thought the crest wouldn't give it away?" "Nighthawk," the princess began, "Hear me out, friend to friend for a second. When you were selected to be Commander by prophecy, you were only told the portion discussing the Defender of fire, and its elements that are held right?" Nighthawk just grinned, "I was told about the Defender, and its traits that are held. But nothing about any elements." Celestia looked shocked, "Really. Well then, time for a quick lesson. When the prophecy was first foretold, it stated that a Defender of fire will free Equestria, but it also stated that six Legendary Elements of Harmony, or Guardians, as I put it, will be destined to fight along with you and work together to be rid of this rebellion." "As stated by prophecy?" Nighthawk asked with a grin. "As stated by prophecy." He shook his head, "Then why wasn't I notified about any of this?" "We thought it better for your own protection at the time, with the conflict about your father." Nighthawk walked around in a circle, "I don't understand any of this still." "What do you not understand?" These elements that you speak of, what are they?" The princess smiled, they are the elements that you obtain, Nighthawk. Loyalty, Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, Kindness, and Magic." "And these are the so called elements told by prophecy?" "These elements, along with your powers will bring harmony to Equestria." Before Nighthawk could ask his next question, a soldier walked in, "Commander, we have a trace on the blue blur." Nighthawk nodded at the soldier and turned back to the princess, "My apologies Celestia." The princess chuckled, "No need for apologies commander, you know what you need to do." Nighthawk smiled and lowered his hat, "Let's hope so."
Chapter 6A few Equestrian Battle zeppelins was flying towards the village where the unknown blue blur was spotted, and Nighthawk was determined to get his answers that he wanted from this little fighter. "Nighthawk I still think you're nuts about this." Firefly stated over the comm. "And why do you say that?" "I just think its nuts that we are finding a killer when we should be stopping the rebellion." Nighthawk chuckled a bit, but was not amused, "If the princess is right about this, then we might have a chance in getting some help with this weapon and this war." Firefly grinned, "And if she isn't?" "Then this was a waste of our time." Comet jumped into the comm, "Well, we need to know as soon as we can, I really don't want to get caught up in two battles." Nighthawk laughed, "Believe me, if there is a fight, we will know." He walked around in the snow and saw several soldiers torn to pieces. *Well, whoever this pegasus is, she made quick work. of them.* "Commander, we have a problem?" Sunshine Breeze stated over the comm. "Whats that?" "There's a nearby village who keeps receiving reports of unknown activity." "The Empire?" Sunshine was flying with another squad, "I'm not entirely, sure. The Commander wants you to head his way if we don't find anything." Nighthawk shook his head, "I'll do what I can, but this blur is our only chance to try putting an end to this war." "A marvelous end indeed." A mysterious voice called out. "But let me ask you? Will this, blur, even help you out?" Nighthawk noticed the hooded figure as she spun her scythe around in the air. her cloak was red like the blood of the lives she slaughtered, her weapon slowly dripping with fresh blood. "You must be Ruby Rose." Nighthawk said as he stood in a defensive stance. "You are so smart Commander. And now for the winning question, what would happen when we obtain the Crystal Heart?" Nighthawk smiled, "I don't know, but I think you are going to tell me." Ruby just laughed and lowered her hood, revealing her silver eyes. and the dark red colored aura shining from her horn as she was levitating her scythe. She swung it around a few times and brought it to an attacking stance, "I guess you'll find out in Tartarus!" She fired a blast of her magic at Nighthawk and he took advantage of it by countering the attack with a blast of his own. He shot himself up in the air and lowered his guard and visor, drew his sword and slammed it on top of Ruby. The smoke cleared and the two weapons were clashed together. "Hmm, what a pity." Ruby said as she flung Nighthawk out of the clash. "Maybe you will be a stronger challenge than I expected." She swung her weapon into the ground attempting to cut Nighthawk into peices. After the last attempt, however, Nighthawk kicked Ruby with his rear legs and pushed her back. As surprised as she was, Ruby began to laugh, "I was honestly expecting a little bit more from you." Suddenly she fired a beam of her magic, and nighthawk did the same forming a ball of fire. They were at it for a few seconds and once it exploded and the smoke cleared, Ruby's eyes met Nighthawk's and with a grin on her face she ripped her weapon out Nighthawk's side. He fell over in pain, and passed out. "What a pity." Ruby said as she spun her scythe around. "I was hoping for more of a challenge from ya. Ah well, I guess the General will have to do without ya." She fired one final blast burst to finish off Nighthawk but was deflected by a different pony. She pushed the blast away with her metal wings, and created two magical blades that she swung at Ruby. They pushed her back, and scared her too. Ruby looked up and the pony shot her wings up to an attack stance. Ruby swung her weapon one last time. "This isn't over." Ruby said as she teleported away, leaving rose petals to fall to the ground. The pony lowered her wings and turned to Nighthawk, who was still passed out. "Nighthawk!" Comet shouted as he landed and ran towards him. "This is Comet, I need a medical transport asap."
Chapter 7Back at the Operating Base, Commanders Firefly and Sunny was outside watching the medical team take care of Nighthawk. "One mission." Firefly said, "We had one mission to get in, find this 'blur' and get moving." Sunny sighed, "Don't beat yourself up over this Firefly. We had no idea that this would be a set up." "To be honest, I don't believe it was a set up." "It was." Sunshine Breeze said as she walked in with a data pad. The two Commanders grinned, "Why's that?" Firefly asked. Sunshine showed him the data pad, "While we were looking for our new friend, the nearby village was raided by a small squad. We think Miss Rose was leading it and decided to stall for them." "Explains why she was there alone then." Sunny said. "But doesn't explain why we couldn't pick up a signal from the squad." Firefly replied. "Your scanners are useless if they are jammed." A young pony said. Commander Firefly grinned, "Who are you?" "They call me Rainbow Bliss, but Rainbow will be just fine?" Firefly, Sunny, and Sunshine were confused on who this pony was, well pegasus to be exact. Not like the cutie mark gave it away, a rainbow with a lightning bolt in the center, sea blue colored skin, her eyes which shinned like sapphires. This couldn't be the one they were looking for. Firefly grinned, "You aren't?" "Princess Celestia's Guardian? Yes." "Why didn't you come to us sooner?" Sunny asked. "We could've solved all of this." Rainbow chuckled a bit, "Easier said than done when you were assigned to defend the winter villages, and not get caught." Firefly was confused, "What are you-?" "Let me simplify it for you. When word gets out about some destined Guardian who will help a Defender. The enemy will do whatever it takes to kill whoever it is." Before Firefly could reply, one of the doctors came in, "Commander?" "What is it?" "Commander Nighthawk would like to speak with you." Firefly walked into the room and saw Nighthawk lying on the bed. He smiled, "How are you feeling?" Nighthawk was not amused, "Listen to me Firefly, I don't have time for your stupid decisions, and apparently Celestia isn't up for games either." "Commander, I-" "She's an apprentice of Celestia herself, and you are treating her like she is a cadet." "Nighthawk, can we trust her though?" "Why don't you stop looking at the picture like an analyst and think?" Nighthawk said as he shook his head. "She saved my life, thus I will trust her with my life." Firefly grinned, "But can I trust her though? She said herself that she's been hunted down because of her role." "And?" Nighthawk replied, "If that was the case, she would be in hiding by now. I sense loyalty in her, and that's what we need right now." with a slight chuckle Firefly smiled, "So you truly think its her?" "I believe it." Sunny stormed in, "Commander, we got a problem." Firefly looked at Sunny, then turned back at Nighthawk. "You better get going. Recovery will still be a few more hours."
Chapter 8The room was dark and drafty. The Commander didn't even know know where he was. Well, he knew that he was hanging in midair with his front hooves chained up above him. "Wh-where am I?" The Commander asked. "Where else?" An unfamiliar voice called out. "Home, a cell? For all that you know, you could be dead." With all the courage that he could conjure up, the Commander took a deep breath, "I'm not afraid of you! Whoever you are." The figure lit up his horn, a dark red aura that began surrounded his neck, "That's what they all say before the true terror happens. And that terror, is me." He revealed his face, which scared the Commander a bit. "Y-you're that general. Fi-Firefox!" "So smart of you," General Firefox began compressing the Commander's neck, "But it wont keep you alive for long." The Commander began choking, "Night-hawk...he will c-crush you..." Firefox let go of his grip and chuckled, "Ah yes, the so called Defender of Equestria, who killed my best Captain. And now seeks out revenge no doubt." "You're wrong. He's probably thinking up a plan to kill you and every living traitor that sided with the Dark Empire." "Those are some brave words for a Commander getting ready to die as a traitor." The Commander shook his head, "I never served you and I never will!" All that the General did was roll his eyes, "Very well then." He pulled up a view screen revealing a giant cannon. "Let me ask you something Commander. Have you thought it possible to take the most dangerous, and deadly ice storm in Equestrian history, and fire it from a cannon?" "That's not possible." "Oh ye of little faith Commander? This weapon, is what I like to call Equestria's Ice Age. With this weapon, we will throw all of Equestria into a deep freeze, deadly enough to kill the kingdom and will be open for the Dark Empire to reign." "It'll never work!" The Commander shouted, "The Crystal Empire will still stop you!" "AND THAT'S WHERE YOU ARE WONG COMMANDER!" Firefox shouted back. He drew his sword and brought the tip of the blade to the Commander's neck, "With this weapon, the Crystal Empire will experience a freeze deadlier than ever, and when they do, they will perish like flies." He put his weapon away and took a deep breath, "Now, on to more important business." Before he continued a larger, and more curved blade approach the Commander's neck, and realized that it was Ruby Rose. Firefox continued, "We have searched your petty village for the crystal heart, and my spies have reported their findings empty in the Empire. So I must know one thing, where have you hidden the crystal heart?" "I wouldn't tell you even if my life depended on it." "Oh? But what of the life of your citizens?" "What are you-?" General Firefox transferred the screen to the Commander's village and to a small artillery force outside of that. "Fifty cannons ready to fire on your village. Do you want to save their lives?" "I- I don't..." "Then you will tell me where I will find the crystal heart." "My lord, we should just kill him now." Ruby said as her blade got closer to the Commander's neck. "Where's the heart Commander?" The Commander looked at the village on the screen, afraid of what would happen, but Firefox had enough, and activated his comm, "Lieutenant?" "WAIT!" The Commander sighed, "You must release me first." Firefox nodded and Ruby cut the chains, but left her scythe around his neck. He knelt down and lit up his horn, focusing his energy to a specific spot. He took a deep breath and as the light dimmed, a shinning crystal stood before them. The light blue, heart shapped crystal was just lying there. Firefox got closer to it and lifted it with his magic, "The power of the deadly ice and winter in my grasp, finally." He looked up at Ruby, "Take this and arm the weapon." Ruby nodded and took the heart, "With pleasure sir." and teleported away. The Commander looked up and sighed, and Firefox smiled and drew his sword, "Now, to finish this." "What are you doing?" Firefox pulled up his comm, "Lieutenant? Fire at will." "Understood sir." The Lieutenant replied, "Fire cannons!" With that one order, all of the artillery cannons began firing at the village. "No, no YOU TRAITOR!!!" "Yes, i'm a traitor," Firefox said as he dragged his weapon on the ground igniting sparks, "Everypony has understood that since this war started, and now that I have the heart, its time to put an end to this war." The Commander screamed his final words, "No, no please? NOOO!" Firefox raised his weapon and killed the Commander, while in the background the village was set to flames, and the camera shut down.
Chapter 9The base was in a frenzy and Commander Firefly didn't really make it help, "REPORT!!!" Firefly screamed. "One of the winter villages was destroyed with an artillery barrage." one of the soldiers replied. "Who was the Commander?" "The Commander was kidnapped." Rainbow Bliss replied, "He was the one they wanted." Firefly grinned, "Why?" "Each Commander of the village is given a special power that will allow them to summon the crystal heart at any time. And that's probably why they raided the village." Firefly sighed, "That would have been helpful a while ago." Rainbow chuckled, "You never asked." "Oh Celestia please help me." Suddenly another soldier got a report that made the situation worse, "Sir?" "What is it?" "We have an army marching right toward another village." ` "Well obviously." "But they are carrying some sort of weapon, signature shows it holds the heart." Firefly looked surprised, "Wait, what?" "And by the looks of it, it's aimed right for the Crystal Empire." "Then we need to do something about it." Nighthawk said as he walked in with bandages still wrapped around his body. Firefly looked surprised, "But, Command-" "None of that now. Sunny, give us some more info on this weapon." Sunny activated the control table reveling a map of the village, the weapon, and the Crystal Empire. "This weapon is a mere doomsday device, which is capable of causing a deadly winter, and compared to the winter in the Crystal Empire." "We're talking the deadly Arctic winters." Nighthawk replied. "But that can't happen without the heart?" Firefly asked. "As mentioned before," Sunny Continued, "It can't be possible unless the dark side of the heart is harnessed." Firefly grinned, "And how is that possible?" Rainbow Bliss butted in, "The heart is like a free spirit, and when free it's channeling more of its energy towards the light side. But if you just cage it and imprison that energy..." "Then it can be like a power hungry beast." Nighthawk finished. "Precisely." "What's its radius?" Firefly asked. Sunny zoomed in on the cannon, "The entire firing radius spans throughout the Empire itself, but the after effects can cover Canterlot with nothing leftover." Nighthawk shook his head, "Then we don't have enough time. Sunny?" He nodded his head like he knew what he was going to say, "On it." and ran off. "Firefly?" He nodded, "Stay here and command?" "I need an artillery force to try holding them off? And you're my top pick." Firefly smiled, "I'll send them out ASAP." and he took off. Nighthawk looked at bliss who was adjusting her wing, "Think you can get there fast enough with my crew?" Rainbow Bliss laughed, "Pfft, can I get there fast enough? You're looking at the former Canterlot Flyers champion who pulled off the Castle course in twelve seconds flat." "In armor?" Bliss smiled, "I can make it ten." and she flew off towards the armory. Nighthawk chuckled and took off his bandages, "Helm? Patch me through to the Crystal Empire." After a simple "Aye Aye." Nighthawk threw on his hunters cowboy hat and was patched in with Cadence, "Princess Cadence?" He began, "You have an enemy force heading right for you with a doomsday cannon powered by the crystal heart." "Yes Commander, I have received word from Commander Sunny and a couple other Commanders about the heart, and we're making battle preparations as we speak." "Just make note that this weapon will destroy the Empire easily, and with that, this war would be over." Nighthawk replied. Cadence slowly nodded and and grabbed her helmet with her magic, "I know, that's why i'm declaring war against these monsters." Nighthawk grinned, "I'll be there ASAP Princess." Cadence smiled, "I know you will Commander." and cut the line. Nighthawk lowered his hat, "Captain you have control!" and headed towards the armory where Sunshine Breeze was there still finishing up modifications, "Are the mods ready Sunshine?" Sunshine nodded, "I modified the armor to withstand stronger attacks and the metal wings are set for faster flight." "Very well, get yourself prepared for attack." Sunshine smiled, "Yes sir." Nighthawk grinned, "Computer? Activate armor." All of a sudden, the phoenix on his chest plate lit up and the armor began equipping itself on Nighthawk.
Chapter 10Smoke was rising at the winter village, and the Dark Empire slowly made their way towards it with their weapon of destruction, and their small army. Several ponies from the village lit up their horns, and guns and with the command, they opened fire on the troops as a couple artillery cannons began firing at the weapon. At the end of the cannon Rose was on talking with General Firefox, "Your orders are clear, raid the village, charge the cannon and then fire at will. That's it." Firefox ordered. "Don't you worry my lord, the Crystal Empire will be nothing but ice after we are done." "Very well, Ruby, don't fail me." Ruby smiled as she ended the call and looked at the Lieutenant, "Can we charge the cannon while its moving?" "Yes ma'am, it might slow us down with the addition of the artillery fire from the village." "Do it." "Yes ma'am. Power up the cannon, targeting laser by ten percent." The heart began spinning and it fired a simple targeting beam several miles outside of the empire. Cadence and several guards saw the beam and she sighed, "Evacuate the town." Cadence said as she spread out her wings. "Ma'am, what about you?" She looked over at the guards, don't worry about me. Just get the citizens to safety." Cadence flew up and she closed her eyes igniting her horn, beginning a transformation of her crystal form. She opened her eyes and she fired a blast of his magic up in the air and formed a magical dome around the Empire. "Let's hope that this works." "Cannon charging ma'am." The Lieutenant said with a smile. Before Ruby can reply one soldier screamed, "Look out!" and she was blasted off of the cannon, as well as several soldiers who were killed in the blast. Ruby looked up and saw a bright light fly around them, and a golden colored stream of light came down killing more soldiers. Out in the distance, Commander Firefly could see the light and realized that it was Sunny Glider. "Well?" Firefly began, "It looks like you became a decoy?" Sunny chuckled as he went around, "Just something to give Nighthawk and Rainbow some extra time to get here." Firefly shook his head, "Just don't get cocky." Ruby was able to slowly get back up and lit up her horn levitating her scythe. One of the lieutenants ran over to see if she was ok. She lowered her hood and turned over to the lieutenant, "Get that cannon to its location, and i'm putting you in command." The lieutenant grinned, "Where are you going?" "I have an alicorn to kill." she said with a chuckle and flew off after Sunny. Sunny turned over and saw the pony flying right at him, "Okay Commanders, you're clear to go." Firefly nodded, "Well finally!" He turned to the soldiers who were manning the cannons, "Fire at will boys!" Almost immediately, the cannons began firing at the enemy troops weakening their numbers. The lieutenant looked over and saw his troops falling like flies. He looked back at his corporal and screamed, "We're going to die like this!" The corporal nodded, "Maybe a full cavalry strike could buy us some time!" The Lieutenant nodded, "Very well!" He turned to the soldiers, "ALL OF YOU SISSIES DRAW YOUR WEAPONS AND KILL THEM ALL!" All of the troops drew their weapons, or activated their guns and began galloping towards the village, screaming their noble battle cry, "For the Empire!" The Commander of the village looked stunned as the enemy ponies, and unicorns charged at them, "I NEED ALL CANNONS, AND GUNNERS TO FIRE! NOW!!!" The two cannons in the village began aiming at the ponies and firing along with the earth pony and pegasus shooters heating up their guns as they tried defeating the charge. The enemy got closer, one of the earth pony soldiers jumped over the border wall with its long sword ready to stab the nearest soldier when suddenly, a blast of light blue magic pushed back the soldier, the rest moved forward, but they stopped when they saw a pony who's wings was lit up and was jumping at them, the pegasus swung her wings killing several of the troops, and with one swipe, sent another blade of magic killing several of the soldiers. Rainbow Bliss turned over to the others behind the barrier and raised her visor and guard, "The Crystal Empire won't last long without loyal soldiers. So you all fight like all of Equestria is on the line. WHO'S WITH ME!?" All of the soldiers looked at each other and drew their weapons, "Well boys, Lets take the fight to them." one of the soldiers screamed. The Commander of the village drew his battle axe and turned to his troops, "You heard her boys! For Equestria!" All of the troops drew their weapons and jumped over the border and the two armies began their Battle for Winter Village.
Chapter 11Sunny landed in what felt like the middle of nowhere and began scanning the area for Ruby. He stopped and grinned, slowly began turning his head, but before he could draw his weapon, Ruby flew right at him and slammed him into a tree with the sharp blade of her scythe slowly. "You thought you can outrun me huh?" Ruby said as she chuckled, "Now it's time to see what will happen when Equestria losses a Commander." The blade nearly touched Sunny's neck when he began to laugh, "You think you can kill me?" Sunny teleported away from the tree, and appeared in mid air, wings up and his horn lit up, "Let me explain something to you. For one, i'm an alicorn, so its nearly impossible to kill me. And for two, even if i'm not able to kill you, I know who can..." Suddenly, Ruby was hit and pushed into the woods with a beam of blue colored magic. Sunny looked over and saw Nighthawk holding his saber ready to fight. "Okay not what I have in mind." Nighthawk looked over and chuckled, "You kidding?" Ruby jumped out into the open with her scythe facing straight up, but before she could attack a light blue flame slashed her from different angles, spun around her, and flew into the air, and with on flap of her wings, Penelope screeched and sen a flame to Ruby, burning her cheek just a little bit. Penelope flew over to Nighthawk and screeched with her wings up and was lit lit on fire. Ruby was breathing heavily, and she brought her hoof to her cheek feeling the burn, "So I see you've come for a rematch?" Nighthawk laughed, "After the injury that you gave me. Who wouldn't?" Ruby raised her hood, and swung her scythe to an attack position, "Very well, but this time, I'll make sure your head is on the general's desk." With one small smile, Penelope flew up and spun around Nighthawk and flew right into Nighthawk's chest piece and lighting up his armor to a shade of blue and white, his visor and mouth guard went down and blue and white stripes went down his visor. His horn lit up to a light blue colored aura and his saber lit up to a light blue flame, "Try me then." Ruby's eyes lit up and she began transforming to her super form and jumped at Nighthawk, the two weapons clashed, and it sent over a shock wave of snow. Meanwhile, back at the war zone, the Dark Empire began losing troops faster than the cannon would charge. The general got on the comm with the Lieutenant, "What's the status on the cannon?" "The cannon is at twenty percent, sir. We don't have enough time, and we can't hold of the enemy for long!" "You do whatever it takes to fire that cannon. Raise the power of the charge." "But sir, if the power is raised then it will strain the crystal. It will result in disaster..." The general lit up his horn, "YOU DO WHATEVER IT TAKES! AND DON'T LET ANYPONY STAND IN YOUR WAY!" The Lieutenant sighed, and looked at the operators, "Raise the power by twenty-five percent." They nodded and raised the power, it activated the heart and made it turn black about halfway and made it spin faster. The targeting laser got larger and fired a repulse charge that sent a shock wave towards the shield. It shook up the Empire and Cadence could feel the charge weigh on her powers, she pushed forward and sent in a beam of her magic to strengthen the shield, but before she knew it, another repulse came in and sent another shock wave at the shield. Back at the battle, Sunny could see the cannon sending out the repulse beam, and he knew that Cadence had a set shield, but he didn't know how long she could hold it. He looked at Rainbow and screamed, "Rainbow, hold the fort and destroy that cannon at all cost!" He lifted his wings and flew towards the Crystal Empire, before Rainbow Bliss could ask why. She watched him disappear into the clouds.
Chapter 12Sunny was flying towards the Crystal Empire, but was a bit too late to beat the next repulse beam that slammed into the ground and sent the wave of snow coming right at him. "Oh great!" Sunny said as he lit up his horn and transformed into his super form. He then sped up towards the Empire the snow on his tail. Sunny could see Cadence holding the shield up and he began spinning to break a hole in the shield, Please open up? Please open up? He began thinking to himself. Cadence looked shocked herself and opened a small hole for Sunny to squeeze through and he slowed down a few feet of hitting the castle. He flew straight up to the Princess and ignited his horn. "I thought I told you to stay with the forces?" Cadence said as she felt the power of another shock wave. "You need my help princess." Sunny replied as he fired a beam of his magic forming a secondary shield around the kingdom, "You wont last long with these waves. You need me." Cadence grinned, "Very well then. Let's do this." The two fired another beam to support the shield. Ruby had enough with the fight and fired a blast of magic at Nighthawk. He blocked it with his sword and jumped right at her. the two clashed weapons, and after several swings to the neck and chest, Nighthawk had enough and teleported right above her and fired a blast of his magic above Ruby, knocking her to the ground. She teleported away from from the blast and with her magic flew right at Nighthawk and tried slamming her scythe into his chest, but instead, he teleported several feet in front of her and fired another blast, much larger than the other one, and pushed her back into several trees. Nighthawk landed with his saber set at a defensive position. Ruby jumped out of nowhere, her scythe ready to strike the back, and with one scream, snow began to rise in the air. Ruby and Nighthawk began to breathe heavily, he raised his guard and visor and looked at her directly in the eye. She looked down slowly and saw a drop of blood fall onto the snow. Slowly, her head came back up and noticed the back of her weapon was dug into his armor with just a little bit of blood seeping out. She looked down at her chest and saw Nighthawk's saber dug right into her armor and right through her chest. Nighthawk chuckled and went right to her ear, "You burn somepony with fire, prepare to burn yourself." He ripped the saber out of her side and the reaction made her fall to the ground. "And next time..." Nighthawk began as he ripped the scythe out of his back, "I'll give the general my regards with your head on his desk." With those final words he gave the final blow to Ruby with her scythe. He took a couple steps back and fell over from the injury. It also deactivated the transformation and Penelope fell over with a small screech and a small flame going on her wing. Meanwhile, the cannon was inches closer to the Empire, the beam now touching the shield. The Lieutenant looked at the radius of the cannon shot and it was close to the center, but not close enough. He shook his head and looked at the fight scene, Rainbow was closer to the cannon, he had no choice but to take the risk he didn't want to take. He looked at the operators, "Raise the charge to one hundred percent and prepare to fire." The operators looked at him with surprise, "Uh sir?" "Do it, now!" They sighed, "Yes sir." Before one of them touched the lever, Rainbow came out of no where her wings ready to strike, "Don't touch that lever. You know what will happen." The operators took action but before they could Rainbow killed the two with a strike of her magic from her wing. She then looked at the Lieutenant, who's hoof is on the lever. "Don't Lieutenant." "I'm sorry..." The Lieutenant said as he lifted it up, fully charging the cannon. The heart became black and started to spin faster, it charged the beam and sent it coming over to the shield. Sunny could see the repulse beam coming at them, and he sighed, "Oh sweet Celestia." The beam slammed into the shield and it knocked Cadence and Sunny back. They Lit up their horns and fired a beam once again, but the second beam hit the shield and it knocked Cadence out, weakening her part of the shield and making her pass out. Sunny shook his head and lowered his mouth guard and visor,"Very well then." He put all of his power into the last bit of the shield and held up the third wave. The Commander of the village looked up and saw the next repulse beam. He took his axe and threw it at the beam and exploded. Rainbow got closer to the Lieutenant who couldn't hit the button. "Please don't, you know what will happen." "I know what will happen." The Lieutenant said, "But my loyalty is to my general." He shot a blast of magic, but was deflected, and Rainbow stabbed the Lieutenant, He was mere inches away, and the edge of his hoof skimmed the button, the cannon began to charge and he looked at Rainbow, "Tulah morah." Rainbow grinned, "What?" All of a sudden the cannon sent a huge shock wave over in the battlefield, blew up the controls and the shot was larger than the test beam, and it couldn't be stopped. Sunny could see the shot being as bright as the the sun. He shook his head, and lowered the shield. Sunny had no choice but to try blocking it by force, he flew over and lit up his horn, and with one powerful blast, he tried stopping the shot, but all that it did was slow it down, but not fast enough. Rainbow Bliss woke up and could see the light of the corner of her eye, she turned over and began hesitating. There's no magical way to stop it...unless... She looked at her two wings and lowered her visor and guard, and as fast as she could, Rainbow tried speeding past the shot, she closed her eyes, and began shining like a diamond. "Move!" She screamed to Sunny. She activated her super form and began flying towards the blast. She covered her face with her wings and formed a shield. She began to spin as fast as she could towards the blast, and out in the distance a blast of light could be seen followed by a shock wave...
PrologueRain began falling into the Crystal Empire as an Equestrian Battle Zeppelin came in transporting battle supplies and Commander Nighthawk. He began reading a letter from Princess Celestia, My dear Nighthawk, by the time you receive this message, you will already be on your way to the Crystal Empire to get equipped with a special Commanders armor that we have specially designed for you. My sister and I have evacuated to the outskirts of the Everfree Forest in a castle where we were born. We will be safe there until we can provide the power that you need to destroy this rebellion. Your orders are to fight and defend the kingdom that you are sworn to defend. And please, stay safe, if needed, stay hidden and win this war. Nighthawk walked into the armory with several machines and screens set up, "Commander Nighthawk. Please step onto the pad." A scientist called out on the speaker. Nighthawk looked down and saw four shoes set up on the pad, Nighthawk looked up with his hat on and winced his eyes in anger. He slowly stuck his hooves into the shoes and the screens came online, Screen monitor files? Online... the computer began showing pictures and military files and began showing, Vitals: Active Security Codes: Active Weaponry: Active Status:... The status bar began blinking several times until it gave a final check, Active The machines began powering up and mechanical arms moved in on Nighthawks legs and began equipping the armor. Other arms moved in on his back and began equipping armor, the leg pieces expanded all over his chest and went to his waist and began equipping the belt and a brand new Calvary Rapier that he began drawing with his magic, the blade shined like no other, symbolizing power, and duty. The rest of the armor began coming down his shoulders and across his chest with the Equestrian Symbol embedded on it. It then activated the helmet closed on him. "Commander Nighthawk, your rank has been changed from Defender, to Hunter and have been given authority over the Equestrian Army and provided any resources to defeat the rebellion. But be warned, there will be sacrifices that will be made, many choices that will be hard to decide on. Don't let that stop you from your objective. Win this war. Are you ready?" Nighthawk put his saber away and grinned, "Bring it on." He lowered his visor and and mouth guard and walked out of the armory.
Chapter 1Deep in the mountain ranges of Eastern Equestria, a lone village known as Winter Village was fighting the blizzard winds once again. Now this village is actually a military outpost to the Crystal Empire. Anything transmitted, or transported to and from the Empire was wired to them first for analyzing, which made them a perfect target for enemy forces. However, no one knew of their whereabouts, until today. "Yes Princess, I understand the value that this weapon has to this war." Commander Cinnabar stated. "Just get it there as soon as possible." Princess Cadence stated, "I just dont want to begin on what the outcome will be if it gets in the wrong hooves." Cinni grinned, "Me neither." She began to feel shaking, and a loud rumbling noise. "Commander is there something wrong?" Cinnabar slowly shook her head, "I don't think so." Suddenly, the power went out and the Commander fell over from the blast. "Commander? What's wrong?" Cinnabar grinned, "Let me call you back." She got back up and ran outside to see several soldiers attacking the villagers and a battle zeppelin fly towards them. "Sir, we have a breech!" The commander took a couple steps, but turned around when she saw some cloaked figure come out of the sky and with one slash of its weapon, kill the commander, and several others around her. Back at the Equestrian Forward Operating Base, commander Firefly looked up at the screen and saw several red lights blink near the village, "Sweet Celestia help us!" Sunshine Breeze took a squad to investigate and the results were not pretty, "Aerial search confirms, no survivors." "You're lucky." Comet Burst shouted, "At least you get to fly and miss all these bodies lying around." "Just focus on finding that weapon and the commander." Nighthawk said as he looked at the video. "Well, I can tell you that there will be no pony outside of the village, at least no one important." Comet said as he moved closer to the base. "Keep searching dear, there should be something around." "And if there isnt?" Commander Firefly groaned, "Just find the weapon and any survivors you two, no matter what we need to find it." He slowly turned to Nighthawk, "Honestly, I don't know how they ever got married?" "It's Equestria, everything here is a faint mystery." Nighthawk said with a faint chuckle, "But it all works out in the end." Sunshine got back on the comm, "Commander, there's a base north of the village that picked up a faint scout's signature, they want us to check it out?" Nighthawk shook his head, "Negative, keep searching the village. I'll check out the signature." He lowered his hat and walked off.
Chapter 3"Her name is Ruby," Sunny began. " She was considered the best of the best back when I was even a cadet under the queen's rule." Nighthawk grinned, Then how did we not hear about her before?" "The queen had all records, stories, papers, everything about her erased." "Why?" Firefly asked. "Ruby was still young, but she heard about the prophecy, and with her training excelling, she believed that she was the one. Ruby tried proving it to the queen, but the council rejected her, saying that she was corrupted with darkness. So she attacked Canterlot, angered that she couldn't fulfill the prophecy. Apparently they banished he to the Crystal Empire never to be heard from again." "So she got power hungry and wants revenge on Equestria?" Firefly asked with a confused look. Nighthawk shook his head, "If that was true, why is she targeting the Crystal Empire?" Sunny lit up his horn, and pulled put a data pad, "She's not. That weapon that she took from the village is just a piece of metal without it's main source, the crystal heart." The heart looked beautiful, designed by an ancient crystal that holds very powerful magic that can be used for good, or evil. Sunny continued scrolling through the pad, "With this crystal, she will have the power of cold winter in her hooves. Never mind the rebellion." "Then what are these codes for?" Firefly asked. "Sunny grinned, "It's for an initiation process that will put all of Equestria into a deadly winter, worse than the Empire itself. The codes keep the cannon from initiating the inner core of the crystal heart. Without them the heart will not exceed its true power." "What power?" Sunny shrugged his shoulders, "That's just it, we don't know." Nighthawk was in deep thought when Comet Burst ran in, " Sorry for the interruption sirs." Nighthawk grinned, "What's up Comet?" "We got a problem."
EpilogueRainbow was knocked out cold, she could see a faces mouthing, "Wake up." She slowly came around and saw Sunny shaking her around. "Come on, wake up." Rainbow moaned, "Wh-what?" "I don't know what in Celestia's mind gave you the idea to sacrifice yourself the way you did, but you stopped the shot." Rainbow shook her head, and sounded a bit panicked, "I, I can't feel my wings." Sunny sighed, "They were destroyed in the blast. Since they were the ones who stopped it all." "What about the heart?" "Firefly is taking care of it all. The kingdom, and all of Equestria is is in your debt." Rainbow chuckled, "Well, y'know loyalty doesn't come without some sacrifice ..." Sunny laughed, "You're right." The two had their laugh and then they got something from their comms, "Hey, thanks for your concern for me, but umm, I'm stuck here with a dead body and a slight injury to the back along with some cracked armor and a passed out pet...can I get some transportation over here?" They laughed, and figured out that it was Nighthawk. Sunny got on the comm and laughed, "Standby Hawk we'll send Comet over with a medical transport." At the end of the fight Equestria had a lucky victory, and the Crystal Empire was shining like a star once again with the crystal heart back in its place, but the war was still at large. Back at the fortress where general Firefox was placed, he held a pony with it's magic and with one strike of the scythe that Nighthawk returned with Ruby's head, he killed the pony and ignited his horn. "He will die. And I will slaughter the princess. Have your victory you murdering monster, cause tomorrow..." He fired a blast and it hit a dummy of what looked like Nighthawk and it fell over with a mark in it's chest. "You will perish..." Author's Note And with that, another story ends, but another rises, who will the next guardian be? And more importantly, who will win the battle, stick around to find out ya'll...
