Chapters The Shadow, the Sword, and the Scorpion
The Dark Ages, year 1480 AD.
Darkness has fallen across the land upon the world. Dark clouds turned day into night. The valleys and hillsides were now covered with scorched trees and burnt meadows, the lakes and rivers dried, and crops and livestock die out. Earthquakes shook the land with tremendous force, cracking open the earth, creating fissures deep enough for fires to rise up and spread across the valley. Creatures of unspeakable terror, ravaged the inhabitants of the villages within the landscape, devouring and destroying everything anything in their path. And dimensional tears of another world began to form, allowing dark creatures of that world to come into this one.
And all of this was due to the conflict of two powerful beings that should never have met. Right in the center of the valley within the carnage, two beings were locked in a deadly, fierce battle for the ages. One of them was a shadow-like being with white soulless eyes, wearing black armor and a black cloak. The other look like he is half man-half-goat. With blue skin, white beard and hair. What made him stand out was his large, blue goat-like horns sharp enough to tear a person, and his goat legs. But what made him more intriguing, his that he wore dark navy blue battle armor, and a strange-looking bell he wore on his chest plate.
The two had battled for hours upon hours, attacking each other with their strongest magical attacks, but none would overpower the other.
"You've caused enough distress upon the land, you foul demon! Now cease this senseless slaughter and return from the dark realm from whence you came or suffer a terrible fate far worse than death!" the black-armored being exclaimed with anger and determination.
"What makes you think I'd ever listen to an inferior being who's far beneath me?! This land and all its inhabitants are mine to command! And I will not have you interfering with my destiny! This world will kneel to me, even if I have to reduce it into a wasteland of nothingness!" the ram demon argued back.
The black-armored warrior growled with anger and soon summons a sword in his hand with his shadow magic, and leaps towards the evil faunus and swings his blade at him. But the faunus dodged the attack and soon grabs a large devilish battle axe from his back and runs to strike at his powerful foe. The two clash their weapons against each other, locking them both in a standoff as they stare into each others eyes with hate.
"I'm going to enjoy myself when I rip you and this entire world into bits!" snarled the demon ram, flashing a jagged, toothy grin.
“Not if I tear you apart FIRST!” the black knight rebutted with a smirk of his own, then the two lept back with their weapons and then clashed again. Soon the faunus demon found an opening and then lands a fatal blow at the black knight, leaving a large slash on his face and chest.
The knight reels back from the attack and turns towards his enemy. As he did, his supposed-to-be fatal wound began to heal instantly, putting a shocked look on the faunus’s face.
“What the hell are you!?” The demon faunus growled in rage.
The black knight replied with a smirk on his face as his wound fully healed, like the cut wasn’t there in the first place. “Better.” he said as he charged at the demon and clashed weapons with him again. This time, the black knight moved at higher speeds, not giving the demon ram a chance to counterstrike. In a matter of moments, he landed a fatal slash onto his chest area, knocking his blade against the bell.
"I will make you pay for that!" the ram growled demonically, his red eyes glowing brighter. He charged at the black knight with indiscriminate fury, swinging his battle axe recklessly. The knight does the same, with his sword steady in his hand, ready to strike at the demon. As the two drew closer to delivering their strongest attack, a beam of light shot down from the skies and hits directly between the charge path of the two beings, pushing them back 10 feet away from each other. Later the light disappeared and in the place where it impacted, was a very beautiful woman.
Her sapphire eyes sparkled with life and hope. She wore a golden crown upon her noble brow which had 5 different-colored jewels embedded in it. Atop her crown was a pink, six-pointed star and had gorgeous, purple hair. Her skin was a velvety-white color, slightly purple. Her dress was violet and had the same jewels embedded on each part of the skirt area and a golden, see-through sash resting on her arms. Upon the chest area of her dress was a white, six-pointed star in the middle.
This woman radiated a beautiful, sparkling aura all around her body, but her calm, composed look only masked her immeasurable fury towards the demon who laid waste to the world.
"Agony, pain, suffering, despair and death. I can no longer stand idly by while you torment my precious land and this innocent world with your evil ways… Grogar," the woman said in a low tone, summoning a small fraction of her magic into the palm of her hand.
"No… it can't be! Harmony, the goddess herself?!" said the demon ram, slightly trembling. "I thought you were just a mere legend!"
"Think what you may, but it's time I put a stop to your evil deeds. Magnus… you've done me proud with your valiant effort in trying to defend this world. I shall take it from here," Harmony said, overflowing with powerful magic.
The black knight lowers onto his knees, with his sword planted firmly on the ground, bowing his head to the goddess. “As you wish, m’lady.” he replied as he slowly sinks into the shadow casted by the dark clouds in the sky, and later vanished from where he stood.
"Now then… to do what I should've done… SO LONG AGO!" Harmony aimed her magic at Grogar and unleashed a powerful flashing beam his way. Grogar used his own magic to try and ward off her attack. However, Grogar's magic had grown weak and limited from his endless struggle with Magnus. Harmony had him right where she wanted. "With all my power, I hereby strip you of all your magic and banish you back into the depths of hell from whence you came!"
The goddess unleashed an ever stronger wave of magic and eventually overpowered the evil demon ram. "No! This can't be! I CANNOT BE BEATEN!!! NO! NOO!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" Grogar shouted as her magic engulfed him, draining him of his power and sending him straight back to hell, along with all of his demonic minions. Harmony then used her powers to seal up the portal to hell for good.
"It is done," she said to herself. Then she looks over at the carnage that the land of the world she’s now in and the several portals that expose her home world to this one. “And now to repair the damage.” She calls upon her magic once more and sends out waves of her magic aura across the land, reversing the damage that had it had endured. Trees and meadows replenished, lakes and rivers were now flowing with clear waters, and the cracks with the earth were shrinking until they were none to be seen. Harmony watches over her handy work and smiles to see this valley granted it’s beauty once again.
The surviving people who witnessed the rebirth of their homelands all gathered together and thanked the goddess for restoring peace.
"We don't know how we can repay you for what you've done. We are indebted to you," one of the villagers said, groveling to Harmony. The rest of the villagers all groveled as well, thanking her who knows how many times.
"Your gratitude is all that is needed. But I am not the only one who helped. You all have the Lord of Shadows to thank for valiantly fighting against the dark lord. He deserves your praise as much as I do, if not much more."
“But where his he, miss?” A young village child asked her. Before Harmony could answer, she looks over to a nearby forest, she sees the Lord of Shadow standing near the opening of one of the trees, before he stepped back into the darkness of the forest, disappearing into the shadows, and was gone. The goddess felt sorrow for him, knowing how much pain and betrayal these humans caused upon him. Maybe one day, he might find happiness once more… and maybe even love in the distant future. Harmony turns towards the child that asked her a while ago, and finally gave her answer.
“I don’t know, young one? Somewhere out there, continuing his duty to the land.”
Canterlot City, Present day.
Inside this humble 2-story house, there lived a young, married couple who was sleeping soundly in their bedroom. On the right side of the bed was a man with fiery red hair, bright orange skin and blue eyes, though no one could see them since he was still sleeping. He was known as Inferno Blaze. Next to him was a beautiful young woman with bacon-colored hair and bright yellow skin and sparkling turquoise eyes. Her name is Sunset Shimmer, Inferno's kind and loving wife.
This married couple continued to sleep soundly until suddenly, their phone alarms went off, waking them both up, groaning. Inferno reaches his hand towards his phone and firmly press the snooze button, silencing the alarm. He then sits upwards from his sleeping position revealing his bare chest from the bed covers. But not only that, it also revealed another thing that he gained. A year after the party at AJ’s barn, Inferno had grown a faint goatee beard on his face. After he yawns for a second, he turns to his sleeping wife and smiles. He soon lowers onto her, cuddling her body. “Wake up my little Sunset, the sun has just risen, so should you.” he whispered into her ear.
She groaned and snuggled deeper into her blankets. "Can't time stand still for another hour or two, I'm still a bit tired."
“Oh really,” Inferno said in curiosity and soon comes up with an idea. He reaches his hand underneath Sunset's blanket and brings it to one of her huge breasts, and begins to grope it. Causing her to moan by his touch. “Cause it kinda sounds like you’re not that tired.”
"Okay, you win, I'm up," she chuckled before sitting up, yawning. Also revealing her breast out of the covers, showing that she had been sleeping naked last night, and every night since. She turns to her husband and gives him a loving smile. “Good morning to you, ‘Furno.”
“And good morning to you, Sunny.” He replied as the couple gives each other a morning kiss. And later they were then interrupted when their bedroom door is opened, causing Sunset to cover herself with her blanket. When the door fully opened, the person that opened it revealed to be none other than their 6 year old daughter Lily Rose. Who looked fully dressed up and is wearing a backpack for some reason.
“Morning daddy! Morning mommy!” She cheerfully said.
"Hi, sweetheart. Why are you dressed like that?" Inferno asked.
"Did you forget already, daddy? It's time for me to go to school. I was waiting for you to wake up and get ready so you could drive me, but you were still asleep and… mommy, why are you covering yourself up in the blankies and not daddy?" Lily asked.
“Nothing sweetie! Just a little cold that’s all.” Sunset replied with a blush, hoping that her daughter would fall for her statement.
"Are you sure you're cold? Because you look like you have a fever from how much you're blushing right now," Lily pointed out.
“Yes, a fever… that’s about it.” Sunset replied again.
“Alright young lady, go brush your teeth and eat your breakfast. I’ll give you a ride to school. Now please close the door.” Lily nodded before closing the door and skipping downstairs into the kitchen. Inferno then gets off the bed to put on his clothes and shoes. Sunset sighs in relief as she flops onto the bed with her breasts out from the covers again. “That was a close one.” she said.
“Too close.” Inferno replied as he puts on his leather jacket and walks over to his side of the bed to grab his phone. “I mean it’s not your fault that you like sleeping naked because you’re from another world. Believe me, I’m not judging… at all. If I did, I'd punch myself.” he stated as he walks over to Sunset’s side of the bed. Sunset giggles at his statement just as he was now next to her bedside.
"You're sweet, honey. Now hurry up and get dressed so you can take our princess to school." Sunset said.
“Okay,” he replied with a chuckle, but not before giving his lovely wife a kiss on the lips before he left the bedroom. “Love ya.”
"I love you too, honey," Sunset said. Now that her husband has given her some privacy, she took this time to get out of bed and stretched out her sexy, naked body. She walked over to the mirror, admiring her physique. Motherhood did wonders on her body, filling out her breasts by a single cup and making her buns a size bigger, too.
Before she could fall in love with herself, she went over to her closet and picked out some of her clothes, putting on a long-sleeve button-up purple shirt. She then took out her red panties from her drawers and put them on before putting on a matching skirt.
"Alrighty, now I'm ready to--" but before she could go out and do her job, she took another look in the mirror, realizing her hair is still messy and unkempt. "...ready to fix this pillow head," she said, feeling her messy hair.
***
After leaving the bedroom, Inferno walks right down stairs into the kitchen of his family’s house, and yes they got a new house. Inferno and Sunset received a surprising paycheck during their daily works that it was enough for them to move out of their old apartment and and get a house. And it was amazing and cozy, perfect for the couple to raise their daughter. As Inferno arrived into the kitchen, he sees Lily at the kitchen table, along with her favorite aunt and Sunset’s lovely sister, Snowdrop. Lily was having pancakes and orange juice, while Snowdrop was having tea and oatmeal.
Inferno walks up to the kitchen counter, grabbed a mug from the upper pantry, and pours himself a cup of coffee. After the hot coffee had filled his cup to the tip, Inferno places back the coffee container on the counter and takes a sip from his mug, just as Sunset walks into the kitchen. Her hair was all fixed up, all fresh and clean and walked up to Inferno.
"I'll be seeing you later on tonight, honey. Make sure you don't get hurt," Sunset said, giving him a big hug.
“I won’t. Good luck at work.” Inferno replied.
"You too. I love you," Sunset replied before kissing Inferno once more. They are greeted by the sound of Lily gagging from the table by their kiss.
“Mommy, Daddy, could you not do that on my first day back at school.” Lily said.
“Its their job, Lily. To embarrass you at the right moment.” Snowdrop giggled.
"And just to make sure no one is left out," Sunset goes over to Lily and hugs and kisses her on her cheek. "Mommy loves you sweetie."
"I love you too, mommy," Lily said.
"Have a good day at work, sis. Keep writing those comics," Snowdrop said.
“Thanks Snowdrop. See you all later.” Sunset responded for the last time before she walked out the front door. As she left the house, Inferno places his empty cup into the dishwasher and then walks towards the table, grabbing Lily’s backpack and lunch box from the counter. “C’mon princess, let’s get ya to school.” he said.
“Okay daddy, bye Aunt Snowdrop!” Lily said as she got up from the table and followed Inferno to the front door. Snowdrop locked the door for them since she doesn't start class until noon. Inferno loaded up his precious little lady into the back seat, then got in the driver's seat. He started up the engine and drove off.
"Are you excited for your first day, princess?" Inferno asked.
“Yes, I am. Think we might see Uncle Heat and my friends there?” Lily asked her father.
“Definitely, I’m sure they’re psyched to see you there too.” Inferno replied.
"Daddy… what if the kids at school are mean to me?" Lily asked, suddenly feeling a bit scared.
“Don’t worry honey, you won’t be alone at school. You’ve got your friends going with you. Especially Aria's boys. Aunt Aria and uncle Eternal taught those boys a lesson they'll definitely take to heart: If someone starts trouble with them or you or any of their siblings and friends, they should finish it," Inferno said. “And if that doesn’t force the bullies away, well you’re lovable daddy will devour their souls.”
"No need to go that far, just… scare them a bit," Lily said.
"Of course. But no promises.” Inferno replied.
The ride continued for another few minutes until they reached the front of the school. "Well, here we are, honey. Make sure you got all your stuff packed," he said.
"They are, daddy," Lily said. Soon, they both got out of the car and walked up the pathway where they saw their friends and children. Inferno recognized his old high school friends, Twilight Sparkle and Heat Blitz. These two have been married for 4 years now and couldn't be more happier, especially now that they got their own family to take care of. Twilight and Heat both had a daughter of their own and a little boy, but he won't be in 1st grade until next year.
Heat's and Twilight's little girl was Harmony Sparkle, a young prodigy who's the little ray of sunshine in their life. Their son, Burning Sparkle, is a little mischievous than most boys. He's one of those nerdy boys who tries to invent things to pay back his bullies tenfold. So far, only 2 have tried to mess with him.
And next to this married couple was Heat's older brother, Eternal Flames. His wives are the Dazzlings, but they couldn't bring their kids to school because of their early shifts at work. Standing on his left are his twin daughters, Serenade Dazzle and Searing Melody, both from Adagio Dazzle. To his right are his twin sons, Tenor Flames and Soprano Blaze, Aria's boys. And standing in front of him is his son, Baritone Scorcher and his daughter, Moonlight Sonata, whom are Sonata's kids.
"Hi everybody!" Lily waved, running towards her friends.
"Hi, Lily!" Harmony said, running over to hug her best friend. "Are you ready for an exciting first day of school?"
“Yeah, I am!” Lily replied.
"How have things been going with you and Sunset, Inferno?" Heat asked as he and Inferno share a bro hug after seeing each other again after the party at Applejack’s farm a year ago.
“Pretty good. I mean six quiet years here in Canterlot City, best years of our lives.” Inferno replied. "How have you and Twilight been getting along?"
"Very nicely. Though, we've had to have a chat with our son recently," Heat replied. "We've had to… well… give him a talk or two about his recent actions."
"Uh-oh, what's he done this time?" Inferno asked.
"In Kindergarten, these two random boys buried his favorite toy in the sand box and kicked sand in his face. He lashed out at them by nearly drowning them using a couple of fire extinguishers. And he kicked them around and threw sand in their mouths," Twilight said.
Inferno’s eyes widen with surprise and was jaw-dropped after hearing what Twilight had said.
“Are we sure he’s not really your brother’s son?” Inferno asked Heat. And then a thought came to his mind. “Oh wait. Speaking of your brother… Hey Eternal! ” He shouted out to Heat’s older brother, who was walking in their direction.
"Nice to see you're doing pretty well for yourself. Still busting criminals out there?" Eternal asked, walking up to him and bro-hugging him.
“Not really. Seems that nobody wants to commit a crime as long as I walk on the streets’” Inferno replied. “How ‘bout you? What’s the record today?” He asked.
"22 matches, 22 wins by knockout. I've made 2 of my opponents retire. You should've seen their satisfied smiles after the fights ended," Eternal said.
"As if there was any doubt that dad could ever lose to those guys," Tenor Flames bragged.
“Damn Eternal. You keep knocking out guys, then I'll have to arrest ya .” Inferno stated jokely. The two then laughed for a bit after the joke and later focused on their daily agenda: waving their kids goodbye so they could start off their school day.
"Alright, now you behave yourself and have a great day at school, okay sweetheart?" Heat asked, giving his daughter a big hug.
"I will, daddy. Thank you," Harmony said.
"And as for you kids," Eternal said to his 6 children. "Be sure to stick together and help each other out. If anyone tries to cause you trouble, keep their punishment at a minimum. And don't hypnotize any of the other kids, understood?" he asked. His children all nodded and gave him a big group hug. "Take care of each other."
After the parents all bid their kids goodbye, they allowed them to walk inside the school while the parents left to start their daily work routines.
Lily and Harmony lead the group to their proper classrooms. Thanks to their parents, they all received the same school schedule, meaning they wouldn't be separated. "These hallways are pretty long," Lily said.
"Not to worry, Lily. Mommy read me a book on how to handle our first day at grade school. She prepared herself for these sort of things when she was a little girl like me," Harmony said.
"Hah! Auntie Twilight… once an egghead, always an egghead," Soprano commented.
"Hey, no talking about my mommy that way!" Harmony exclaimed, snapping at one of Aria's boys, making him shrug.
"Don't be so hard on him, Harmony. I'm sure it's his way of complimenting Twi-Twi," Lily said. “Besides, my daddy is a genius himself.” She said proudly.
"And he and our daddy make the best tacos," Moonlight Sonata added.
“Whoa! Whoa! Lily, c’mon. Your dad is too much of a tough guy, besides our dad, to be an egghead!” Tenor responded in disbelief.
"Just because he's more muscle, doesn't mean he doesn't have a lot of brains. He found a way to balance his mind and body so he could work better to support auntie Sunset and Lily. Burning Sparkle would agree with me on that," Harmony said.
"Speaking of Burning, why did he hurt those bullies?" Lily asked.
"He's always mean to others who are mean to him first. He's even wanting to be a scientist like that freaky kid in that show he always watches," Harmony said.
"What show?" Lily asked.
"Dr. Stone," Harmony said.
"What?! Dude, that's awesome!" Tenor said.
"No, it's weird. The boy in the show needs a major haircut. It's bad enough to hear him say "Get excited," but now Burning is saying it, too," Serenade Dazzle said.
"It's only a matter of time before he winds up alone and friendless," Searing Melody said, rather coldly, making Harmony mad.
"Hey, no talking bad about my brother!" Harmony said. "Besides, I haven't told mom and dad about how he started acting like this." she said. "Now come on, let's get to classes before we're late on our first day."
Right away, the kids ran off to their classrooms and sat down just in time for the bell to ring.
Meanwhile, in another school, a lone, 5 year old boy sat in a circle with the other kids… who are tilting away from him, scared of him.
"Alright, class. For today's circle time, we will be talking about what we like about each other. And when we finished talking about said person, we roll this ball to that person so they can have a chance to talk about the good things about one of you. Then roll the ball to that person and so on, are we clear?" Gloriosa asked cheerfully.
Gloriosa had volunteered to be a teacher at Canterlot Kindergarten since her brother is getting close to being off parole. The tragedy that struck 6 years ago still shook Gloriosa to her core, but now that he's getting better, she's getting better, too. And so is Camp Everfree.
Right now, Gloriosa looked at all the kids sitting in a circle, all wanting her to pass the ball to them… except for little Burning Sparkle, Twilight Sparkle's and Heat Blitz' son. He merely stared calmly at Gloriosa with those big, lavender eyes.
"Burning Sparkle… what I like about you… is your creativity when it comes to the stuff you make from building blocks and play-dough. Seeing you build things like that skyscraper.." Gloriosa pointed at the picture on the wall of Burning was standing next to the Empire State Building he made out of building blocks. "...it warms my heart to see how far you'll go." she finished.
"Thank you, Ms. Daisy," Burning smiled, liking her praise. Gloriosa rolled the ball towards the little genius and he looked around to see who he should roll it to. All the kids wanted to scooch away from him, still afraid of what he might do. "You there…" he pointed at one of the little girls.
She had long, teal blue hair with green eyes and black skin. She had a cute green and blue dress on showed off her cuteness.
"M-M-Me?" she asked, trembling a little.
"Yeah. Danaus, was it?" Burning asked.
"Y-Yes, umm… w-w-what is it?" Danaus stuttered, hiding behind her hair.
"I like the way you sing to yourself. You could wow the crowd with your pretty singing voice," Burning said happily.
"What?! Y-You… you heard me singing?" Danaus blushed heavily.
"Yeah, you should sing more often. I don't see why you're so embarrassed about it," Burning said before rolling the ball towards her. The little girl caught it with a giggle and looked around the circle. Her eyes land on this pretty little girl with long, blonde and blue hair with matching blue eyes and bright yellow skin.
"Glistening Light," Danaus called out. "I like pretty you look every day in all those new dresses you wear when you come here. You look just like a princess."
"Thank you," Glistening said, smiling brightly. Danaus then rolled the ball to the lovely young lady, who quickly caught the ball. It didn't take long for all the boys, minus Burning, to wave their hands up for her to pick them. "Hmm, decisions, decisions…" she said to herself.
While the kids were enjoying their time at school, Inferno was hanging out with his squadmates, having a nice hot cup 'o Joe. With crime rates in the city dropped dramatically at 97%, there was not much to do at the CPD. But that didn’t stop Inferno from always preparing himself for when an evil should arise.
"Lets face it, Inferno. Canterlot City's been quiet for quite some time now. The people know they're in good hands because of you," Shining said before sipping his latte.
“Nawww, it's not just me. I like to think that my squad did most of the credit than I did.” Inferno said modestly. Even with 6 years in the SWAT team and his former years in the US military, Inferno still always give his teams most of the credit than him. True, with his powers, he could track down and bust criminals, but that's not his style.
No, in all of his time, he would always scope out criminals, learn where they are and search all possible escape routes. He'll even snipe them just to disarm them while he lets his SWAT team do the busting. Of course there was one time he was convinced to take credit when he sniped a serial killer who murdered a young child two months ago, while he was driving a stolen car. Inferno believed it was a Hennessey Venom GT, though he didn’t know where the killer stole it from. But he still remembered when he stared into that bastard’s eyes, who looked right back at him with fear, just before he devoured his soul before he could die from the gunshot. He didn’t deserve the afterlife to begin with, nor did he deserve to be born.
After that event, Inferno told his squad that the killer died from the gunshot wound along with the aftermath of the car crash. He never did told them what really happened, and it was for the best. Besides how would you feel if the person you're working with can have the ability to shadow jump and devour souls? That would complicate things
But other than that one time, Inferno made sure his squadmates were credited just as much as he was. Canterlot has been so peaceful that people even feel comfortable about walking the streets at night. And since then, not so many criminals were willing to risk their freedom and started resorting to getting jobs in general labor. It was a tough job, but they had no choice.
However, there was one particular hidden syndicate that was planning their attack. One that remained at #1 of Inferno’s list of termination: The Sons of Sombra. It has been over 6 years and mysteriously there hasn't been any signs of activity of the terrorists. Many of the town believed that they had finally left town months ago. But not to Inferno, no. He still believed they were out there, continuing to plan their next move.
And who would've guessed that day came sooner than expected.
Stationed at a closed carpark just on the edge of the city, which had been empteid for quite some time. The terrorists syndicate, known as the Sons of Sombra, were loading up the last of their crates weapons and explosives into civilian vans that they had required over the years, being careful not to detonate any of them too soon.
"Are the preparations ready?" their leader asked, also known as Silver Scorpion to his troops. None of them had seen what he looked like cause of the silver helmet that covered his face. Many of them never dared asked him to remove it or do it themselves, not wanting to face his wrath.
"Ready and waiting, sir. We're all set to put our plan into action," said one of the troops, while barely showing any signs of fear towards Silver.
"Good. Now, remember to make sure that these vehicles blend in with the rest of traffic. We don't want to attract any attention. We'll exit the hideout one van at a time. When you've reached your destinations, plant the explosives, then head outside the buildings while I do carry on the rest of our mission." Silver explained, then later dismissed his troops to begin the task at hand.
The troops all saluted Scorpion before rolling out in their vans. As ordered, each troop waited one at a time until each previous troop parked their van in a specific location in the city. This took about 25 to 30 minutes to complete. Longer due to them avoiding attention from public eye.
Once they were in position, they remained idle as a precaution. "Good. Once the sun is nearly out of view, we put our plan into action. Do not fail me," he commanded to the troops through the head sets.
Silver looks out from the rooftop of a building, admiring the view of the city below him. Soon his gaze turns toward the mountains miles away from the city as the sun was lowering behind them, and the skies turn darker as the night was approaching. Soon his years of planning will finally be worth it, and he will soon claim his targets that he has kept eyes on for 6 years.
“Now Inferno Blaze, your time of peace… has come to an end.”
The Shadow, the Sword, and the Scorpion
Because of his hard work and dedication, Heat Blitz was able to get his degree and pursue his career as a therapist. And today, he's scheduled to have an appointment with a regular he's known for a long time. A man who would've been rotting in prison had it not been for his and his friends' testimony. By order of the judge, he's required to attend a therapy session once a week for a couple of years.
Right now, Heat is now working at his office, waiting patiently for his client. He had just finished 2 other sessions and had 2 more after his regular. He went over some of the notes he took from his previous clients, analyzing them and finding the next possible solutions on how to improve their lives and fix what's troubling them.
Soon, he heard a knock on the door and placed his notes down. "Who is it?" Heat asked.
"It's me," said a male voice.
"Ah, right on time. Please come in," Heat said. Right away, the door opened up, revealing Heat's former bully: Timber Spruce. "You ready for your regular session, Timber?" he asked.
"Not like I got a choice," he chuckled before sitting down on the big chair, staring up at the ceiling.
"So, Timber, tell me, what's been going on lately. Did you take those lessons into account the last time you were here?" Heat asked.
"It helped… a little bit. But I feel like meditation isn't really my style. I get embarrassed every time my sister catches me doing it all the time after dinner. It's even more embarrassing when my girlfriend sees me and laughs so hard, she gets cramps on her side." Timber explained.
"Well, aside from that, have any other problems arise with your loved ones? Anymore violent outbursts since then?" Heat asked.
"No, I've kept it to a minimum. If I ever needed to blow off steam, I'd do it by chopping wood for the campfire or the furnace. Heat… before we continue on, let me ask you something," Timber said, feeling a little uneasy.
"Okay sure, what is it?" Heat asked.
“How’s Twilight and your kids? They’re doing okay?” Timber asked quietly.
"Yeah, of course. Harmony's starting her first day of grade school. Burning Sparkle's even getting more creative with some of the stuff he's been making at Kindergarten. Twilight's been very busy ever since she graduated C.U and became the new principal of CHS after my mom and aunt Luna retired." Heat said.
"That's nice. But, uh… Heat? Why are you so willing to help me? You know how much of a dick I was back then and ruined the lives of Inferno, you and all of the citizens of Canterlot, yet here you are giving me therapy. Why?" Timber asked.
"Because I know you're good deep down. You might not have thought so, but you deserve to prove that even the worst of people can change. Anyone can be a better person if they just try. Timber, you've almost paid your debt to society and you're proving that you've changed with all these different exercises. Have a little faith in yourself just like I had faith in you when I freed you from your own anger," Heat said.
"Even after I almost…" Timber paused when the visions of his past came flooding into his mind. He pictured the day when he chased Heat Blitz in the snowy weather and held a knife against his throat. His scared expression was still glued to his memory and he felt horrible for the way that he acted. "...Even after I almost killed you?"
"It frightened me, but it never stopped me from doing the right thing. I saved you once… and I'd do it again if the chance ever came to me. It's just part of who I am, nothing more, nothing less," Heat said. "One of these days, you might end up being the hero."
Timber chuckled a bit after that statement. “Yeah, like that’ll ever be possible.” He said in disbelief. “I mean, if it ever does… That’ll be the day I wear a tutu in the center of town.” He stated, humorously.
Heat and Timber chuckled when he cracked such a silly joke. "Hey, maybe the next time you need to lift up your spirits, you can try telling jokes. You seem to be very fluent with telling clever jokes, what do you say to that?"
Timber sat silently for awhile, thinking over about Heat’s advise. Back before he became the dick he was, he always has been the guy who makes jokes whenever the situation calls for it. Plus Timber's always been the funny sibling between him and Glorissa. “That sounds like something to start with.” He said.
"Great. Then it looks like we're having another major breakthrough. And it looks like our time here is up. So, I'll be seeing you same time next week," Heat replied, getting up from his chair. He walks over to Timber who's just getting up from the big chair and shook Heat's hand. "You be safe on your way back home, okay?"
"Yeah. And thanks, Heat." Timber said before leaving his office.
Meanwhile, back at CHS, new students and a few new faculty members are now gracing the halls of this amazing school. But for one former awkwardly adorkable bookworm, achieving the job as principal of CHS was a job she loved having. Twilight Sparkle was proud of her new job as principal.
Even if being principal is a hard job to balance, luckily she has two of her friends in the same building with her. Rainbow Dash is now the head coach of the Canterlot High Wonderbolts. Won 4 State Championships in the last 4 seasons, now aiming to win its 5th one. Fluttershy is now the official counselor of the school, with her sweet nature and good with helping others release their emotions. So she was fitting for the job.
While she was going over some paperwork, Twilight's interrupted with a knock on the door. "Come in," she said.
The door opens up to one of her old childhood friends, Moondancer, holding the wrist of a young lady with that "I don't care what you feel" look.
"Principal Twilight, I've caught this little lady dumping orange soda on one of her classmates, thought you should talk some sense into her," Moondancer said, glaring down at the girl.
"Not my fault she doesn't belong here," the girl sassed.
"I see. Well, thanks for telling me about this. I'll take it from here," Twilight said to Moondancer. The vice-principal nodded and left the office so that Twilight could deal with the young lady. Right away, Twilight's patient smile is replaced with a stern, cold stare. "Lanna Heartbreak, this is the 3rd time this month you've been sent to the office. I've warned you time and time again not to pick on your peers. This school has a "No bullying" regulation for a reason."
Lanna rolled her eyes without care. Normally she doesn’t give a damn. If this situation is something that Twilight didn’t expect. Well it isn’t. With the school being the now perfect place of education in the city, she kinda expected there to be a bad seed among the students.
"Detention doesn't seem to be teaching you a lesson. I'm having no choice but to suspend you for a week and if these keeps up, I will have no choice but to put this on your permanent record and expel you from Canterlot High. And to make things clear, I'm informing your parents about your behavior. We will discuss this with them after school." Twilight said sternly.
"What?! You can't be serious!" Lanna said. "Just because I--"
"No excuses, young lady. I let you off with too many warnings already. Hours of detention haven't really improved your actions," Twilight argued.
"Principal Twilight, you can’t do this! I’ve already been punished enough by my parents!” Lanna panicked. “I had my technology privileges taken away and I’m not allowed to leave the house without having my parents always spying on me whenever I go. Who knows what they’ll do if they find out I’m suspended!?”
"Well I don't know what else to do, Lanna. You've been picking on several students just because they're different from you. That's not how the school operates," Twilight said before a thought crossed her mind. "Lanna… have you ever heard about the previous events that went on here at CHS?" she asked.
“Uhhh… no?” Lanna replied with confusion and, not like she’ll admit, interest. Twilight got up from her chair and walked right over the side of her desk where Lanna sat beside. She then sat on top of her desk and then give
"Years ago, before I became a student, there was this other girl who had the entire school under her control. She manipulated and tormented so many students here at CHS and would've even succeeded had it not been for this other girl who mysteriously came to the rescue. The girl who manipulated all of CHS was then put through a series of events that helped her change her ways and become so much more nicer and loveable," Twilight explained. “And eventually became my first friend when I first came to this school.”
"You were an outcast? I thought you studied here for 4 whole years," Lanna said.
"No, I went to Crystal Prep before transferring here when I was 17. I went through plenty of adventures in solitary, always searching and understanding things that were never meant to be understood in the first place.” Twilight explained. “But during the Friendship Games, the girl that I met made me realize that there was something greater for me to discover than what I wanted. And it’s what made me into the person I am now.”
"I… had no idea." Lanna said.
"And then a few months after I turned 18, I met someone who came into my life when I went through a terrible break-up with this other boy I thought was the one for me. He was constantly bullied by my ex, beaten and abused, but he still found it within his heart to forgive him. He not only saved me from my loneliness, he saved his own bully from the hate within him. I was so moved that I fell in love again… and soon I married him and had two beautiful children." Twilight said, her smile slowly returning.
"You married someone who doesn't even raise his fists? Why?" Lanna asked.
Twilight groaned in annoyance after that, in her mind. A dumb question. "Lanna, girls have different tastes in guys. I prefer guys who are kind, sweet, humble and smart. A guy who's all about being built-up isn't always gonna lead to a happy love life. Sometimes, they'll use their strength to do more harm than good. But luckily for one of my friends, she had married a guy who’s kinda like that, but instead he is a really smart and a big softie. And as for my husband, he has an older brother who's also pretty strong… but…"
"But what?" Lanna asked.
"I can only say he has a way of using his mind to control his muscles. And he wouldn't be here today if his little brother didn't save him from… an unfortunate accident." Twilight said.
“Oh.” Lanna said.
Twilight looked up at the clock and sighed. "Lanna… I’ll give you one last chance. But that's all you'll ever get from me. No more bullying or I will inform your parents next time and you will be suspended. This is your last warning. Do I make myself clear?"
Lanna sighed in defeat, knowing of what Principal Twilight told her, it would be a little better for her to turn her life around. So it couldn’t hurt to try. “Alright, I’ll try my best.” she answered.
"Good. Now head on out before you miss your class," Twilight said. Lanna nodded before getting up and running off to class. She leaned back against her desk, sighing before looking at the picture frame. The picture in the frame displayed her husband and her holding each other in their warm embrace on their wedding day. "You've changed so many people's lives, Heat Blitz."
Soon Twilight heard another knock on her door. "Come in," she called out. The door opens up and two friendly faces show up.
“Sup egghead, missed us.” Rainbow said with a cocky smile while Fluttershy stood next to her, waving her hand and giving a smile in reply.
"Rainbow, Fluttershy, it's so nice to see you both," Twilight said, giving both girls a group hug. "Are the students behaving alright?"
"Of course they are, but we mostly came here to have a little friendly chat. Is everything going okay at home? How are the husband and kids doing?" Fluttershy asked.
“We’re okay. Heat’s becoming very successful at his current career, helping many people with problems in their lives. The kids are at school today for their first day in 1st grade and Kindergarten. Though, I'm hoping Burning’s not causing trouble like he did back in Preschool," Twlight explained.
“Pfft I’m sure the little guy will be fine.” Rainbow Dash responded. “I mean he can handle himself pretty well.”
"Are you sure? Burning's been getting more creative with his payback against the bullies. I'd hate for him or the kids who picked on him to get hurt again," Fluttershy said.
"Hey, he's setting an example to other kids: never let anyone push him around. Like the old saying: ‘bullying comes at a price’. The one thing all bullies in every school should know by now.” Rainbow rebutted. Fluttershy wasn’t very agreeable about the soccer coach’s statement.
“But that doesn’t make it okay Dash! I mean do you remember the same thing that you, me and the girls did during winter break in our sophomore year.” Fluttershy replied.
Her response had caused Rainbow to not say another word and lowered her head with a small feeling of everlasting guilt. “Oh. I… I guess I forgot about that. I suppose you’re right Fluttershy.”
"Anyways… what about you girls, have you been getting along alright?"
"Yeah, we're doing alright. Soarin's been keeping the boys here in shape and our little boy has been making lots of friends in school," Rainbow said.
"And I've doing really well, too. I even have some big news to share," Fluttershy said.
"Oh? What's that?" Twilight asked.
"Well… my husband and I are making space in our house for a new resident," Fluttershy said, slightly blushing a bit.
"Really? Who's moving in?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy blushed even more, giggling while rubbing her belly. Twilight didn't notice it at first, but upon closer inspection, she could see that underneath Fluttershy's clothes, her stomach was bulging out slightly. Twilight took the hint and put two and two together. "Oh my god, I'm so happy for you, Fluttershy!" she said, hugging Fluttershy again.
"And the package will be here in another 7 months," Rainbow Dash added. "Now my son's gonna have himself a new playmate."
"Plus, I recently found out… it's a boy," Fluttershy said.
"And I've been teasing her left and right about how her little boy's gonna grow up and become a real heart throb to the ladies," Rainbow said. "Speaking of which, have you heard from your brother-in-law, Eternal? I heard he got called in to fix Diamond Tiara's new car."
"I think I recall something about her getting hit by some drunk driver," Twilight said.
"Yeah that's right. Eternal's putting in some overtime to fix it right now. Diamond Tiara was lucky to survive and Appleboom and her friends were having panic attacks when they heard about the incident. As for her mom, she just sued the drunk driver and acts more bitchy than she is.” Rainbow explained.
"I don't doubt that, but I'm glad to know that she's so concerned for her daughter's sake," Twilight said.
"Oh hell no. Diamond had to spend a night at AJ’s to escape her mother’s utter disappointment and her yelling of “costing their money for the crash payments.” Believe me Twi, I really wanted to punch that women’s bitchy, ugly face.” Rainbow replied with irritation.
"But, Eternal made negotiations and lowered the price of the repairs by half since it was a new car and Diamond wasn't in the wrong," Fluttershy said.
"Oh that's nice. I'm glad to know he's doing okay. Although, I'm not sure I can say the same for Inferno, since he hasn't had much work done in Canterlot City now that the crime rate has depleted to almost 100%." Twilight said.
"It may be another boring day at work for him, but at least with the crime rate so low, he can at least spend more time with Sunset and Lily. 2 days ago, I once asked him what he would do if the world was at peace. His answer was to spend more time with his wife and daughter, it was the one thing he cared about.” Fluttershy said. “Ohhh, he is such a great father for Lily.”
"I know and it warms my heart that she and my daughter are best friends. Not to--" Twilight's conversation is then interrupted when the first bell starts ringing.
"Oop, we'd better get back to our classes. Those students aren't gonna whip themselves into tip top shape," Rainbow said.
"And I have a couple of students who need to talk with me in my counseling office. I'll see you some time after work," Fluttershy said.
"Alright. I'll see you girls later. Good luck," Twilight said. The three girls hugged each other and then let Rainbow and Fluttershy leave her office while she attended to her paperwork.
Meanwhile, in the streets of Canterlot City, a certain apple farmer was loading up some empty crates into the back of the truck and was about to head back to Sweet Apple Acres. Just then, she's greeted by the sound of an elegant lady.
"Applejack, deary, fancy seeing you here," said a posh, ladylike voice. Applejack, turned to the left and caught sight of her wife, Rarity: proud owner of Carousel Boutique.
"Howdy there, sugar dumplin', how's the business comin' along?" AJ asked.
"It's been exhausting work, but very satisfying nonetheless. I've been getting more and more clients and it's been keeping me much more busy than it did back in Canterlot High. But it's all well worth it, deary," Rarity replied.
"Ah'm happy to hear that, sugarcube," Applejack replied.
"By the way, how is our darling Apple Jewel coming along?" Rarity asked.
“She’s doin’ fine Rares. She’s at school with her friends.” Applejack answered with a smile. But the tone of her voice makes her sound like she’s a little worried.
"Really? Then why do you sound so concerned?" Rarity asked.
"It's just mah maternal instinct as her mom. Ah'm worried some o' the kids'll bully her. You know how kids are these days, always judgin' others who're different from them just to look cool," Applejack said.
"I understand how worried you are, Applejack. But you mustn't worry about it too deeply. Apple Jewel has her friends by her side to keep her company. You've seen how helpful they are towards each other. I'm worried for our little girl as much as you are, but I also have the utmost confidence in our friends' children." Rarity explained.
“Ah do hope yer right, Rarity.” Applejack said. “But ya do know Ah would still be stubborn to not worry all the time.”
"It's in your nature to worry. I was right to marry you, darling," Rarity replied, pulling AJ in for a passionate kiss. "And just remember, should you ever need me, I'll be there in a jiffy."
"Thanks, hun," Applejack replied. "Ah better get home before mah family sends in Big Mac to come and get me." Afterwards, Applejack climbed into the truck while Rarity blew a kiss to her before getting back to business.
Meanwhile at the Sugar Cafe, two wonderful lovebirds, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich were going about their usual routine, cooking up tasty meals for their hungry customers. Ever since they took over the restaurant, customers have been flooding in even more often than before.
And whenever their friends come visit at the cafe, they would give them meals and say it’s on the house. Though, they had to make sure it didn't happen too frequent or they'd have some financial troubles. But their friends understood it completely and pay anyways when they were offered free meals.
As of right now, their happy customers were having their delicious meals and Pinkie and Cheese were striking up a conversation with each other.
"You know, Cheese, it seems like only yesterday when the girls and I were always paying a visit to this cute little restaurant for the good foods and finding a nice, quiet place to hang out. Now we've turned this place into a popular eatery with our yummy cooking skills," Pinkie said.
“We sure did sweetie pie.” Cheese replied as he playfully hugs his wife.
Pinkie giggled and said, "Easy there, lover boy, we've got customers present. Changing the subject, how have your old friends been doing? Did they find any good jobs or enroll into any good colleges?"
“Well Inferno’s probably sitting at his desk, being bored out of his mind,” Cheese answered. “Soarin is at old CHS training the Wondercolts boys soccer team. Big Mac is at Sweet Apple Acres, working on the farm with his wife Sugar Belle and his family. As for Flash, me and the boys haven’t heard from him in awhile ever since he left for college 3 years ago and married this rich girl named Serene Grace.”
"Isn't that one of Eternal Flames' ex-girlfriends?" Pinkie asked.
"Bingo. I'm still surprised Flash managed to change her from a money-grubbing… brat to a generous, care-giving young lady. I guess it takes a lot of tolerance and patience to change someone of their rotten ways," Cheese said.
“Well at least Flash has a happy ending. I mean everyone else deserves one,” Pinkie said before turning towards the audience who are reading this story. “Am I right.”
"Uh, dear, who are you talking to?" Cheese asked.
“Oh nothing sweetie.” Pinkie replied. “Just saying that no good party is without a happy ending.”
"Just like how we celebrated Eternal's victory in becoming the new champion. Man the party was a big hit for everyone.” Cheese stated.
"If you thought that was good, then you obviously forgot about our little private… after party. Why don't I remind you… in private," she whispered as she brings her body closer to Cheese’s. Pressing her breasts against his chest.
Soon he swiftly places his right hand on Pinkie’s huge bubble rear and gave it a squeeze, catching her off guard. “I think that’ll be fun.” He whispered. "Oh Pound, Pumpkin, could you two take over for a moment? Pinkie and I have some business to take care off,"
Later two teens appeared from the kitchen of the cafe, one boy and one girl. These are the Cake Twins, the children of the Cakes. After their parents had turned over their ownership of the cafe, as the twins reached their teens, they decided to work at their parent’s former restaurant and worked alongside their Uncle Cheese and Aunt Pinkie for 2 years. Of course, there had been a few struggles during the time, they actually proved to be good help at the cafe.
“Sure Uncle Cheese.” Pound answered with a thumbs up.
“We’ll promise not to start any trouble.” Pumpkin added.
"Let's hope not, or we'll have to call your parents," Pinkie said. "We won't be long." Afterwards, she and her husband moved their horny behinds into the back of the restaurant. They move onwards and hid themselves in the food storage.
“What do you think they’re doing, Pound?” Pumpkin asked her brother.
Pound simply shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know.” he said.
Meanwhile, as Pinkie and Cheese were in the confinements of the food storage, Pinke made herself a bit comfortable by taking off her panties. Thank god, she was wearing a skirt. Pinkie then bends over against the shelves of the storage, shaking her big, jiggly booty towards her horny husband.
“Ready to have a creampie special, loverboy.” She said in a seductive tone.
"Of course. Here comes the big fat cheese stick, my precious little cotton candy princess," Cheese replied, unzipping his jeans. He digs through his boxer-briefs and pulls out his hardened dick and walks up to his wife. As he was an inch from her, Cheese then grabs at her pink flesh, squeezing them as he removes one of his hands from them and inserts his cock into her tight, warm pussy. As his meat stick enters halfway, Cheese then starts to thrust roughly into her.
Pinkie yelped, but kept her hand over her mouth so the people outside won't hear them. Cheese roughly gave his wife a good fucking. Pinkie's mind was going crazy over the pleasant feeling of her husband's cock filling her love canal. The tip of his monster stick kissed her womb entrance repeatedly with force.
Cheese even groped his cute wife's bouncy, breasts through her uniform. Memories of their first time came flooding into his mind. Her soft, sexy hourglass figure came flooding all throughout his head. His memories caused him to pick up even more speed when he envisioned his wife when she was pregnant.
Pinkie looked over her shoulder at her studly husband, grinning down at her while he gives her the sweet relief she's been wanting every day. He made things more fun by spanking her ass over and over.
"Pinkie, you're such a cute little slut. You love your husband's big, cheesy cock, don't you?" Cheese whispered in her ear. Pinkie whimpered in arousal as she nodded yes when he gave another harsh thrust. But it wasn’t the answer he’s looking for. “Oh c’mon sweetie pie, it’s alright to admit it. After all it’s just us grown ups here. Right?” He assures her as he continues to spank her booty and speed up his thrusts.
The pleasure quickly overwhelmed Pinkie’s mind and finds her will to shatter piece by piece each thrust. Finding it hard to contain herself as she released quiet moans from her mouth.
“C’mon Pinkie. Just say the words. That’s all you have to do,” Cheese replied again.
"Mmm Y-Y-Yes! My pussy… wants your cock… and only yours! Give me more! Please!" Pinkie begged, barely able to get a hold of herself.
“There we go. That wasn’t so hard,” Cheese responded to her pleas. “Now I can give you your long-awaited prize.” He said as he felt his climax about to reach its limit. Pinkie's pussy tighten around her husband's long, hard member. She could feel him growing bigger inside her. Then, Cheese hilted deep inside her and pumped his potent seed inside her womb. Pinkie bit her lip, trying to keep her moans quiet.
She muffled out a scream as her belly bloated with her husband's life-giving seed. After a few minutes of pumping cum into her womb, Cheese finally removes his cock from Pinkie’s pussy. But still had an amount of cum to go, and he thought of a place to dump it in. In a quick flash, he turns Pinkie around to face him and playfully forces her onto her knees. Before she could say a word, he shoves his member straight into her mouth and then deepthroats her. Pinkie’s eyes widen with shock until her mind slowly break as her lover releases more of his sticky cum down her throat.
After a few seconds, he finally ran on empty and pulled out of his wife's mouth after she swallowed the last of his jizz. Pinkie Pie took out a napkin from her uniform and used it to clean off her pussy before putting her panties back on and Cheese put his cock back in his pants before zipping it up again.
"I needed that like a bakery needs sweets," Pinkie said.
"You got what you asked for. Now let's hope the twins didn't mess up while we were having some fun. Let's go," Cheese said, heading towards the door.
"Uh… Cheese… I can't go out there with my tummy all bloated up. You're gonna have to man the station until I unload the cargo," Pinkie said, rubbing her belly.
"That won't be a problem. You can count on me," Cheese replied. Pinkie smiled with a squee before the married couple kissed each other, then exited the food storage. Cheese went back to the front of the restaurant where everyone was dining and Pinkie left into the break room and sat down in one of the chairs, rubbing her belly.
"Good thing I took that pill earlier," she said to herself
Lastly, over at a comic book distributing company, everyone's favorite bacon head, Sunset Shimmer was hard at work, drawing characters on each page while adding dialogue to them. In order to keep her stress under control, she keeps a cappuccino with her since their warm feeling gives her a sense of peace.
As she was working, her mind drifted off when her eyes gazed at the picture of herself, Inferno and their little Lily Rose riding her daddy's shoulder.
She really missed her little girl and her loving husband whenever she goes to work. She really wants to spend the rest of eternity with them, going places where they can be a family all the time. Since crime is at a low rate in Canterlot, Inferno would eventually stay home temporarily, which is a good thing for him and Sunset to be together more often. But now, Lily is now going to grade school and would be there till the afternoon, which is going to be hard for Sunset and Inferno for awhile. But luckily there’s weekend breaks, so at least they can spend time with each other for a few days.
Although she is excited for the big day in the next 3 days. Her and Inferno’s 6th wedding anniversary was drawing closer. Suddenly, her boss walked up to her and told her, "Alright Sunset, break time."
"Alrighty then, guess now I can take the time to work on that present for me and him," Sunset said quietly. She then reaches her hand over onto the left side of her sketch table and grabs her guitar that she placed at when she came in for work. She gives her guitar a good tune-up before practicing her song.
Just like any good artist, she was practicing with the melody before moving onto the lyrics. After several minutes of practicing, she was satisfied with her results. She looks at the clock on her work desk and sees that break was gonna end in 1 minute. She soon places her guitar back where she grabbed it from and gets back to her work.
Meanwhile, in each part of the whole city, the last remaining members of the Sons of Sombra have spread out and parked their vans inside each different individual parking garages. As their plan was put into motion Climbing out of the vans, fully disguised as normal people, they scouted the interiors of mostly office buildings, but the plan of attack was about to come down hard at the Canterlot Mall. As it was Silver’s intentions, if you want your enemies come to you and people tremble in fear; attacked the most populated area. While the explosives may not cause much structural damage, but it will surely strike fear into the populace.
Back at the abandoned building that Silver was in, he observes the operation one last time before he finally begins. “Now Inferno Blaze… Come to me.” Silver said, as he pulls out a detonator from his pocket, then in one click of a swick, triggers the explosives.
Sparks flew, debris scattered everywhere and screams rang out throughout the mall. The alarms in the mall rang loudly. The smoke began to spread across each section of the mall where the explosions were located. Soon the people inside began to try to exit out of the building; but some were unable to see through the smoke.
Outside of the mall, Eternal Flames was jogging along the sidewalks, training for another possible boxing match in a few weeks. But soon his steady pace began to slow down when he passes the Canterlot Mall and sees the smoke coming out of the window. As he spots the amounts of people exiting out of the Malls’s entrance and exit; Eternal instantly ran towards the area to help them.
"What the hell is happening in there?" he asked one of the people.
"Get out of here, man! Some bombs went off in there!" A man said.
"What?! Are there any people still trapped in there?" Eternal asked.
"Who cares, just get out of here!" the man exclaimed before running off. But Eternal wasn't gonna leave the people still trapped inside. He ran up towards the entrance and saw multiple spots in the mall blown to bits, fire ablazing.
"Crap! Who the hell did this?" Eternal asked himself. He could see multiple people trapped under the debris or inside some of the shops. He didn't hesitate to run over to the people who were at risk of getting crushed. "Hang on tight, I'll get you outta here!" he said, lifting some of the debris out of the way.
But there were still more people who needed help and the cops won't make it in time to save everyone, so Eternal was on his own for now. Though he had some help along the way a few times here and there.
But luckily for Eternal; help was coming soon. At the CPD, Inferno and Heat’s oldest brother Blue Flare, where both playing checkers in the lounge, enjoying some coffee as well.
“Ready to get your ass kicked, Blue.” Inferno said to his opponent in a cocky tone.
"I should be asking you the same thing," Blue replied. He was playing his black pieces while Inferno played with red pieces. Before he could begin his next move; the CPD commissioner, Shining Armor, walks into the lounge and calls out to the two.
“Officer Flare, gather up any officers on duty; Staff Sergeant Blaze, gather your team, we've got a 10-80 at the Canterlot City Mall!" He shouts.
“Wait, WHAT!?” Inferno said in disbelief. “10-80? Here?!”
"Did I stutter? Now hurry, people are still trapped inside!" Shining said.
"Got it! Let's go!" Inferno replied. Blue nodded and followed his comrade over to the SWAT van, loading up with their armor and loaded guns. The drivers hop in and sound the sirens before driving off. During the drive, Inferno loads up his Benelli M4; and in short amount of time, he reaches into one of his pockets and grabbed his phone, dialing Sunset’s number.
“Inferno, how are you doing?” He hears Sunset’s voice reply to him.
“Did you see the news today?” Inferno asks.
“Yeah, I did. Are you gonna be okay?” Sunset replies back in worry
“I’ll be fine. You just make sure you and Lily are safe and out of harm's way," Inferno said. "And make sure to tell the others about this, too."
“Alright. I gotta go now; I love you.” Sunset said.
“Love you, too. Bye.” Inferno responded, Sunset replied the same words and then he hangs up.
“Hey, you’ll see your kid after this, sir.” One of his team, sitting next to him, stated.
“Thanks, Nimble.” Inferno replies. "Now let's hope no one is seriously injured… or worse."
"And if they are, we'll rush them outta there before you can say "Shadow Knight," Blue Flare said with a determined smile.
Moments later, the team arrived at the mall. Getting fully loaded and geared up, they burst out of the SWAT vans. Some of the teammates stayed behind to ensure all the people were evacuated safely while the others, including Inferno, went inside to investigate.
Once inside, Inferno and Blue then sees Commissioner Shining Armor and another officer speaking to; who they did not expect, Eternal Flames.
“Hey Eternal!” Inferno calls out to his old time pal.
“Hey bro!” Blue calls out to his brother as well.
"About time you guys showed up! Quick, help me get the debris off this guy!" Eternal called out, while trying to live a larger, heavier chunk of debris. Inferno and Blue rushed over and gave him a hand, barely lifting the chunk off the trapped civilian. He crawled out just in time before the guys let go of the debris, allowing it to fall back down.
Next thing they knew, shots were being fired and one of them nearly hit Eternal in the brain, but missed by a few inches and hit the debris. Eternal, Blue and Inferno turned around and saw a three men standing over the piles of debris; two of them wearing tactical wear and both carrying SIG MPXs; the third one is wearing a silver skull mask with the red scorpion symbol in the center of the mask, holding a tactical AR-15.
Inferno can’t help but have an uncanny feeling as he and the masked culprit stare at each other. But soon the three men and the rest of the officers and people in the building take cover as four more men with SIG MPXs appear out of nowhere and started firing upon them. In retaliation, Inferno, Blue, and the rest of their team; including the officers in the building returned fire, leading to a massive gunfight in the mall.
Inferno aims his Beneli at a charging hostile and shot him down before getting a second one who was about to mow down a group of people evacuating the battle zone.
Eternal gets reckless as he grabbed a large chunk of the debris and threw it at the man wearing the skull mask with the scorpion. However; what came next surprised him when the man suddenly caught the chunk with his left hand before it was able to hit him. Eternal, Blue, and even Inferno’s eyes widen with surprise and were left frozen still; until the man threw the chunk back at them with unnatural strength.
“HIT THE DECK!” Blue shouted as everyone took cover. The debris crashed against the wall, leaving a large crack.
"Where the hell did this guy get his strength from?" Eternal asked in surprise. "Wherever he got it, I'm gonna break him big time!" he said before recklessly rushing at the man.
"Eternal stop! Don't be stupid!" Blue shouted. But Eternal didn't listen, he just rushed in and was about to go off on him. Inferno, fearing for his friend, rushed after him to ensure he has back up. Eternal clenched his fists, then threw his signature corkscrew punch at the man. Unfortunately, his punch was easily caught in the palm of the man's hand.
"What the--" Eternal asked before he was drop kicked to the gut and took a fist to the face, pushing him back. And then soon came a nasty side bow straight to his rib cage, soon following a sickening crack in his ribs. Eternal fell and rolled onto the ground in agonizing pain; Blue suddenly went into panic mode and rushed over to help his brother, even when the shootout between the cops and terrorists was still raging on. Inferno growled in rage and then sped up his pace until he reached his target.
“YOU BASTARD!!” He shouted in rage as he tackled the masked man, catching him off guard and the two tumbling down the pile of debris, away from the battle zone.
"Eternal, are you alright?" Blue asked, trying to help him up.
"What the hell is that guy made of-- AH!!!" Eternal exclaimed, grabbing his right rib cage. "Damn it all, I can't move!"
"Just hang in there, I'll get you out of this right away," Blue said, picking up his little brother. With Eternal safe in his arms, he navigated his way out of the mall, avoiding any burning flames that might block their way. The remaining SWAT gave them covering fire as they drew closer to the exit of the building. Once they made it outside, a dozen of ambulance vehicles were outside tending to the injured and 40 police cars forming a barricade around the entrance of the mall. Blue managed to carry his brother to one of the ambulance vehicles who were less occupied at the moment.
"Eternal… whatever you do… don't you dare die on me," Blue Flare said.
"Me, die? Not a chance," Eternal replied, in a humorous tone before grunting in pain again. Blue then sat Eternal into the back of the medical van, then later a medic women appeared next to the two and check over Eternal’s injury.
“Well, he seems to have a few cracked ribs in the left section of his abdomen; but, so far there isn’t any internal damage to any vital organs.” The women stated.
"Thank god for that," Blue said.
"Hey Blue, you think Inferno’s gonna be fine?” Eternal asked his brother.
“After what happen to you, I say he’s settling the score at this moment,” Blue replied.
= Inside the Canterlot Mall =
And Blue is right about that. Inside the mall, Inferno and Silver were still tackling and wrangling with each other across the mall floor. Inferno then rams his foe onto the ground and then proceeds to brutally beat into Silver’s mask, trying to drill into his face. However, the terrorist leader blocked a few of his punches and then uses his legs to fling Inferno over him.
Later, the two combatants got up to their feet and faced each other in their combat stances. The two stood for a few seconds until they charged at each other; Inferno throws a side kick into Silver’s chest, staggering him back a bit; then Silver retaliates with a spinning back kick to Inferno’s abdomen, staggering him back a bit.
Then the two drew closer to each other a threw punches at each other, both countering blow per blow. Silver throws a hook, but Inferno stops it with an upper hand block; Inferno throws a swift jab, but Silver catches it and throws him back; the two equally match in combat.
Then the two combatants drew back and circle each other; like two cobras, ready to strike at their enemy.
“You’re gonna regret what you did to my friend back there.” Inferno growled at his foe.
“Well, he was a little nuisance; however, I should thank him. He got you and I to meet, at last.” Silver replied.
“Well, glad I made you look forward to it… So then I can kick your sorry ass after what you've done to these other people.” Inferno responded.
“Eh, collateral damage. Besides I have much bigger plans than small explosions.” Silver countered with his response.
“What plans!?” Inferno asked.
Silver raises his arm up and gestured his hand to ‘come at him’. “Why don’t you beat me and find out.” He bluffed. Inferno yells in rage and soon the two were at it again.
Inferno throws quick jabs at Silver, but the masked soldier blocked the attack before he could land a blow. Silver then did a slow sweep to knock him off-balance. But instantly, Inferno saw the incoming attack and did a backflip to avoid it; then Inferno did a tornado roundhouse kick which finally landed a blow to the side of Silver’s mask and was then knocked to the ground. However, Silver got back up; recovered from the move and then charges at Inferno, tackling him into and then smashing through a concrete wall.
The two fell to the floor of another room and rolled across the floor, trying to gain the upper hand and even traded a few short blows. Silver grew angry and desperate and tried to suffocate him. Inferno, knee kicked him in the gut punched him off of him before getting back on top of Silver, throwing some hard punches. One of his punches left a serious crack in the mask.
Sliver’s anger grew to its max as he pulls out a combat knife from his pocket and with one swift swing, he slashes at Inferno’s eye - the one without his scar, only this time it went deep. Inferno drew back from the attack, covering his slashed eye in pain until he shrugged it off. He then turns towards his foe; revealing the bleeding, deep slash in his left eye and then shows off a serious facial expression that screams rage. He then pulls out his combat knife from his pocket and then gets into a combat stance again, so did Silver.
"I'm gonna enjoy splattering your blood and guts all over the walls, you cowardly bastard!" Inferno said in a deep, calm, angry tone.
“The feeling is mutual.” Silver replied in the same tone as well.
The two stood for a while until they charge at one another; slashing and bashing at each other without mercy. Both dodging each other’s strikes with their knives and landing hard blows at each other’s bodies.
Silver raises his knife to get an opportunity to stab at Inferno, but he caught it in mid air. Inferno tries the same, only for Silver to catch it as well. The two stare into each other’s eyes, struggling to break free from each other’s grasps. After moments of struggle, Inferno then lands a headbutt into Silver’s mask; breaking off a small piece of it. But Silver then retaliates by delivering a knee kick into Inferno, sending both of them to fall in opposite directions from each other.
Both men laid on the hard floor, grunting from their bruises and scars. Inferno manages to get up a little, only to see Silver getting up as well; turning his face towards him, revealing one of Silver's eyes. Soon the two heard voices of police officers close by, which convinces Silver to leave the area. He gets up quicker at a fast rate and then walks away as Inferno finally gets up from the floor and staring at his enemy walking away before turning towards him.
“Until we meet again, Inferno Blaze. And when that day comes, I will destroy everything and everyone you loved,” Silver stated in a maniacal tone. “Including your precious daughter, Lily.” He says for the final time before disappearing into the smoke.
"Inferno, are you alright?" One of his comrades asked, rushing over to him. "Oh shit, we gotta get that eye checked out."
Soon his comrades lifted him up and carried Inferno all the way to the entrance of the mall; however, Inferno’s mind was in turmoil and unrest. He now fears not only for the lives of his friends and family; but now he fears for Lily’s life. But wait… how does he know Inferno has a daughter, or what her name is for that matter? Whoever he was, he's bad news… And now he earned his place on top of Inferno’s kill list.
The Shadow, the Sword, and the Scorpion
Author's Note
Hello, sorry it took me a long time from writing, here is another chapter update.
Please I’ve a shout out to Israel Yabuki for aiding me to finish this chapter.
Enjoy!
Chapter Three
What started out as a normal, peaceful day in Canterlot City has now become a nightmare being brought to life. Canterlot Mall was nearly destroyed and the leader behind the attack has vanished after escaping Inferno Blaze's grasp. Due to this heinous crime, the city is in full panic mode as most of the citizens were evacuating, fearing for their lives.
The SWAT Team had been given full authority to hunt down the leader and his associates; and kill them on sight. As for Inferno, due to his bruises and injuries from his encounter with Silver; he was sent to the Canterlot Hospital to have his right eye checked out, along with Eternal for his injured ribs. Soon their families and friends heard word about their conditions, dropped everything they were all doing, and rushed over to the hospital.
"Honey, is everything al--" Sunset said before gasping and cutting herself off. Cause when Inferno turned towards her, Lily and Snowdrop; they all saw his right eye stitched up."Oh god, what happened, honey?! Who did this to you?"
“It’s nothing, Sunset; it’s not something to worry about.” Inferno tries to reassure his wife.
"Nothing?! Honey, you almost lost an eye and you call that nothing?! Whoever did this to you, I'm gonna make them sorry they ever messed with you!" she replied, fuming with anger. Inferno reaches his hand out to Sunset’s, trying to give her comfort. After seeing what Inferno was trying to do, Sunset’s anger was immediately thrown out the door and soon tears formed in her eyes as she threw her arms around him; crying out of worry and sadness that she nearly lost the love of her life today.
"And as for you, Eternal, what happened to you?" Adagio asked.
"I fought against some terrorist, but he took out two of my ribs," Eternal said, folding his arms, refraining himself from cursing in front of the kids.
"Wow… that's gotta be humiliating," Aria said bluntly.
"Aria, this is serious! This whole city could be in jeopardy and my brother was lucky enough to escape with his life and a couple of broken ribs. How would you feel if he didn't come back from this at all?" Heat scolded her.
"Ooh, if I find the bum who hurt my dad, I'll tear his gizzard out!" Tenor said.
"Tenor, watch your mouth!" Eternal said. "You don't know what the guy was like. He ain't no spring chicken when it comes to combat."
"He's right," Inferno added. “He seems to possess strength that rivals mine; like he can take on 40 men without breaking a sweat.”
“Daddy, did the mean man do that to you?” Lily asked, while having tears of her own; seeing her father’s eye taken from him.
“Yes, sweetie… But not without breaking his favorite mask in the process.” Inferno answered.
"But why would this guy want to wage war on Canterlot in the first place? We didn't do anything to him, did we?" Heat asked.
Inferno’s expression turned darker after Heat said that. “He’s after our families… our friends… and everyone we love. But more importantly; they want what the girls have.” Inferno said with a sadden tone.
"What?! But that can only mean one thing: He's with the Sons of Sombra!" Heat exclaimed.
"Sons of what-now? And why are they after the girls? What could they possibly have that these terrorists want?" Eternal asked.
"It's their magical powers. They want to harness their powers and take over the world and turn it into one where the strong rule over the weak," Heat explained. "We can't let that happen!"
"There has to be a way to stop them," Snowdrop said.
“NO!” Inferno shouted, which startled everyone in the room. “No… We can’t. We need to leave town, get us and our families as far away from here as possible.” Inferno paused in silence for a bit, not wanting to tell them what he heard Silver said in their encounter; but they needed to know the truth.
“Right before Silver Scorpion left after our encounter… He said he wanted to destroy everyone and everything I love… and then, he said Lily’s full name.” Inferno said, which caused everyone in the room to gasp with shocked expressions.
"Sounds like he's got eyes and ears everywhere in the city. If he knows your daughter's name, then I'll have to agree with you about leaving town. We're underprepared, outnumbered and we're all caught in the line of fire. The only question is… how can we escape if his members are surrounding the city?" Eternal asked.
Everyone stood in silence for a long while until Fluer had an idea popped into her head. “I might have one idea that could get all of us out of the country.”
"We're listening," Sonata said.
“Well, I have kept this little secret of mine from the public for a very long time, but today calls for desperate measures,” Fleur stated. “I have my own private yacht docked somewhere in the Canterlot Harbor. No one suspects it’s mine because I’ve always snucked on board without anybody noticing. Which means this Silver Scorpion and his ruffians would not suspect it.”
"Fleur, was it? If it's a secret you might not want to say it out loud. Like I said, those Sons of Sombra goons might have eyes and ears everywhere," Eternal said.
"We'll have to leave right now if we're gonna have any remote chance of escaping this place with our lives.” Rainbow suggested.
“But what about Eternal? We can’t take him with us out of this building, the nurse staff would stop us from leaving.” Fluttershy stated.
“I guess we all know the right thing to do.” Cheese said.
~ Outside of the Hospital ~
The main doors of the Canterlot Hospital slammed wide open, revealing the group, along with Heat pushing Eternal on a wheelchair; running for their lives as they were being chased by the security staff of the hospital.
The group ran towards the parking lot of the hospital, hoping to find a vehicle that could fit them all with ease.
“This is your plan, Cheese!?” Twilight screamed.
"If you have a better idea, let's hear it!" Pinkie said.
“Jus’ shut yer yapper an’ run!” Applejack stated loudly.
The group ran as fast as they could until Inferno spotted a hospital bus, about to park next to the street, just ahead of them. Which instantly gives him an idea. He immediately runs towards the bus, boards the vehicle and pulls the driver off the bus.
“Sorry for the trouble buddy, but we need to borrow this.” Inferno apologized as he tossed the driver off the bus. He gets into the driver's seat and then beats at the horn, signaling the others. “Guys hurry up! We gotta go!”
The others don't hesitate and hop into the bus with Inferno. Eternal was a little tricky due to his condition, but they nevertheless got him inside. Once everyone was present and accounted for, Inferno shut the door, ready to leave.
“HEY! WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING!?!” The Driver screamed at them. Eternal pops his head out of the window and screams back at him.
“Stealing your bus!” He said, as Heat also pops his head out the window.
“But don’t worry, we’ll give it back in one piece.” Heat said. And once he pulls his head back in, he realizes something. "Oh crap, we've got to get Gloriosa and Timber! Those terrorists might end up going after them! Flash as well!"
"Then hold tight, everyone. We're gonna be in for a long trip!" Inferno said, kicking it into high speeds, leaving the hospital quickly.
The bus got on the road and drove as fast as it possibly can to pick up their friends. As Inferno focused on the road, the others sat in their seats wrapping their minds of how their lives had now taken a dark turn. Rainbow tries to keep Fluttershy calm due to her pregnancy and Snowdrop wrapping her arms tightly around Nyx, who is staying strong in this moment of crisis by comforting Snowdrop, holding her in her arms.
“Heat, where do you think Glorissa and Timber would be at right now?!” Inferno asked as he kept his eyes on the road.
"If I know them better than anyone, they're back at the camp. Timber's still on parole and Gloriosa has to stay close to him at the camp," Heat deduced.
“Yeah, well his parole just got shortened.” Inferno as he makes a rough turn on the freeway. As the group was heading towards the camp, their transport was then being followed by 4 black tactical jeeps, making their way closer to the bus. As Nyx turns her head to the window, she then she's the jeeps moving closer to them and can’t help but feel like something is wrong.
"Inferno, I think we're being followed… and they're trying to BOX US IN!!!" Nyx shouted.
"They must be the Sons of Sombra! I'll try to hold them off!" Heat said, getting out a single pen from his pocket.
“I'm coming with you. Pinkie, take the wheel!” Inferno said as he got out of the driver seat; however, Pinkie swiftly got into the seat before the bus drove uncontrollably. Inferno climbed out of the driver seat window and climbed onto the roof. With his magic, he summoned a M24 sniper rifle and assumed firing at the jeeps.
"Okie-dokie-lokie!" Pinkie said happily. Heat climbed out from one of the windows and carefully made his way to the roof. With his pen in hand, he whispered to it.
"Excalibur, I need you." he said. Then in a bright yellow glow, his pen magically changed into the cursed sword, Excalibur. "We've got to ward off these guys, they're terrorists called Sons of Sombra and they're after the girls. Think you're up to the challenge?"
‘About time! I was getting bored these past 6 years. Let's do this.’ The Excalibur replied with Twilight’s voice in his mind.
'Does it really have to mimic my wife's voice? ' he thought to himself in annoyance. But there was no time to dwell on it. The terrorists soon poked their guns out of the window and fired some shots at Heat Blitz. "Whoa! Gotta stay focused!!!"
Gripping his sword firmly, he rose it upwards and slashed it down, firing an energy slash at the jeep's tires, making it spin out of control. It crashed with the stone divider, then flipped upside down, leaving one less tactical jeep. But then one of the other jeeps closed in and one of the Sons of Sombra got out a SMG, firing multiple rounds at Heat. The sword acted on its own, moving faster than Heat could react as it blocked most of the rounds.
As the terrorist was focusing his attacks on Heat, he was then shot from behind by Inferno’s sniper rifle and his body fell off the bus. “Well you seem to have everything under control.” Inferno said with a grin.
"Barely! I knew they had eyes and ears everywhere, but how'd they find us so quickly?!" Heat asked, blocking more incoming bullets. When he fired another energy slash, the driver in the jeep turned and dodged it. He fired more energy slashes from every direction, which made it harder for the terrorists to keep up and eventually, one slash got to one of the front tires, making it roll and crash on its side.
“I have no idea!” Inferno replied as he sniped the driver of one of the surviving jeeps, causing the jeep to move uncontrollably and crash. “They just keep on getting bolder by the minute.” Inferno stated. Then his facial expression swiftly changes to one of annoyance. “You gotta be kidding me?”
Heat turns towards the direction that Inferno was facing, now seeing 4 more jeeps following them and closing the gap. And also, a helicopter flying towards them and once it was above their bus; 8 terrorists jumped from the chopper and landed on the roof, aiming their weapons at the two.
"Uh-oh, they got us surrounded! You got a plan?" Heat asked.
Inferno places aside his sniper and then shapeshifts into his infamous shadow form, spreading out his metal wings. “You handle the marauders, I got the chopper.” Then Inferno takes off into the air and chases after the helicopter.
"I fail to see this plan working, but alright. Excalibur, I know my principles, but in these situations… I think we're gonna have to lay down some dead bodies," Heat said. "Let's give these guys 110% of what we got!" Lighting up his sword, the terrorists took aim at Heat Blitz. With a swift step forward, Heat ran up to the ones in front of him. They fired their rounds at him, but the Excalibur sword helped back most of the bullets. Heat dodged the rest by maneuvering left and right. Once he was close enough, he slashed at his foes.
The magic from the sword seeps through the gashes Heat made on them, causing agonizing pain to coarse through 4 of the 8 marauders' bodies before blood gushed out from their wounds, eye sockets, nose and their mouths before losing their balance and falling off the bus.
With his back turned, Heat is then startled by the sound of guns being cocked. Heat turned around, seeing four guns all aimed at him from point blank range.
"I don't know what you did just know, but you ain't trying that shit on us. You're not to mess with the Sons of Sombra. Say goodnight, punk," one of them said.
The terrorists open fire on the young boy, who closes his eyes to prepare for the shots; however, he doesn’t feel any bullets piercing his body or any pain at all. Heat opens his eyes to see what has happened, only to find himself cocooned in a diamond like barrier which might have been what saved his life. His eyes wander around his shield until his eyes landed on two people he didn’t notice were on the roof. Applejack and Rarity stood behind the barrier, glaring at the terrorist in front of Heat.
“It is very unfair and rude to give poor Heat an unfair advantage.” Rarity said to the 4 gunners.
“So we’ve decided ta even the odds.” Applejack said as she cracked her knuckles. Applejack then grabbed two of the terrorists by the collars of their shirts and bashed their heads together before tossing one of them off the bus and onto the street where one of the tactical jeeps ran his ass over, turning him into roadkill. Then she pinned the other one down and bashed his face until he was spitting blood. He then put him out of his misery by tossing in front of one of the jeeps, killing him instantly under the pressure of the jeep tires. "Serves ya right."
Meanwhile, Rarity conjured two magical diamonds and used them to push the remaining terrorists off the bus. "That should just about do it," Rarity said, dusting off her hands.
Heat was practically surprised by what Applejack did and is slack jawed by this. “Dang you're pretty strong!” He said with a shocked expression.
“Well that’s my Jackie~.” Rarity replied as she gave a kiss on Applejack’s cheek, causing the farmgirl to blush madly. Suddenly the three were startled by the sound of an explosion and soon they saw a burning helicopter fall out of the sky and crash on the remaining tactical jeeps.
Out of nowhere, Inferno lands on the roof of the bus and reverts back to his normal form. “Sorry I was gone for so long, those guys are really annoying with their missiles.” He said as he dust off smoke from his jacket.
"Well, at least we stopped them… for now," Heat said. His sword then transforms back into a pen and he carefully climbs back into the bus along with AJ, Rarity and Inferno. "Is everyone alright, no bullet wounds or anything?"
“Well, ack!” Rainbow replied as Fluttershy is crushing her in a hug as the animal lover was trying to calm down from the event. “At least Fluttershy wasn’t… ack! Too freaked out.”
"That's good to hear. Fluttershy, we're safe now. You can let go of Rainbow," Heat said.
After hearing the word ‘safe’, Fluttershy immediately lets go of Rainbow Dash, allowing the athlete to take a breather. “Oh thank goodness, I'm glad that the worst is over.” She said. "But Inferno, when we head back, I want for you to make a stop at my house. I'm worried about my husband and the animals."
"Hey, she's right. Those terrorists might torture him since he's married to Fluttershy," Cheese said, realizing the danger he's in. "And let's not forget Soarin! He's in just as much danger as all of us."
“Alright, got it. Pinkie! After we pick up Timber ad Gloriosa, we’re heading over to Fluttershy's house and picking up the others as well.” Inferno informs the party girl that was driving the bus. Pinkie soon put the pedal to the metal and drove full speed ahead.
Meanwhile down at the camp, Gloriosa and Timber were already aware of the danger that's taken place when they saw the news on TV. As a precaution, they barricaded the camp to keep any intruders from wandering into their territory and causing any havoc. However, due to the fact that Timber has a criminal history, he can't carry a weapon on hand, so he had to rely on his sister to get messy with anyone who messes with her family and her camp.
The two siblings waited inside the office building, with Gloriosa having an axe ready in case anybody tried to break the door down. Timber had his head pressed against the wall, trying to hear if there's anybody outside. So far, he could only hear the wind and birds; no footsteps or sounds of break-ins at the other cabins. Everything was quiet.
Until later, the siblings heard a vehicle entering the camp and parked outside of the office building and what sounds like a bus door opening. Gloriosa ready’s the axe in her hands as Timber looks out the window to see if the person that had arrived posed a threat or not. However, he instead finds a hospital bus parked in front of the building then later the siblings here knock at the door and a familiar voice on the other side.
"Timber! Gloriosa! Are you guys okay? If you can hear me, let me know!" Heat called out.
“And hurry it up! We don’t have much time!” Another familiar voice was heard; it was definitely Inferno’s voice.
Timber quickly unlocked the door and stepped out. "You sure came here quick! Hurry, get inside, there's no telling when those psychos might show up!" Timber urged.
"No, Timber, you don't understand, we came here to get you two out of here!" Heat said.
"What? I can't leave my camp here with no one to manage it! What if those terrorists come and burn my camp to the ground? I can't afford to lose my family's legacy!" Gloriosa said.
"Gloriosa, Inferno and Fleur have plenty of money to spare to help fund a full repair if they do show up, but it won't mean much if you die along with the camp! Trust me, they'll fund your camp, but you gotta come with us!" Heat said.
“And we should hurry, we can’t stand still for long. The Sons of Sombra kept tracking us wherever we went. So, we need to move.” Inferno stated
Gloriosa looked at her camp, reminiscing about the good and bad times she had when hosting this camp. To leave it behind is heartbreaking, but it's even more heartbreaking if she's not alive to take care of it. "Are you sure you'll fund the camp if those brutes tear it to the ground?" Gloriosa asked with tears flowing from her eyes.
"When I make a promise, I keep it," Inferno said.
"Gloriosa, there's no other choice. We have to go," Timber said. Gloriosa finally sighed.
"Okay, I'm coming with you," she nodded. She and Timber followed the boys back into the bus, then Pinkie shut the door, started up the bus and slowly drove away from Camp Everfree.
Timber and Gloriosa sadly watch from the window as they leave their family’s camp. Gloriosa barely held back her tears as the bus was finally back on the road. Heat Blitz walked over to them and patted them both on the shoulders to give them some comfort.
It felt like the drive was growing longer with each passing minute. The atmosphere was filled with intensity, sadness, fear, panic, rage… as well as defeat. The Sons of Sombra had the jump on them when they were living their lives like everything was finally peaceful, but now they are forced on the run. Leaving everything they had behind and to wait for this atrocious event to come to pass.
And so within another 30 minutes they made it back into the city and as promised, they made a stop at Fluttershy's house. But the intensity of the atmosphere only thickened when she saw her house trashed. Windows were broken, a barricade at the front door was forced open, but most of all… blood. Blood was splattered on parts of the door frame and window frames. Fluttershy gasped, fearing the worst.
"Oh no! No, no, no, not him! Please, not him!" Fluttershy pleaded, tears running down her face as she ran out the bus. Inferno immediately followed after her, this time carrying his Benelli M4 in case there was an ambush set.
“Fluttershy! Wait!” He called out to her, but his words fell to her ears and entered the house. Inferno followed her inside and after searching inside the house, he finds her over by the living room entrance. He walks over to her, about to tell her not to run off like she did, but he was lost at words when he saw the bodies laying on the floor; all bloodied and cut up.
“What the hell hap-” Inferno was about to say until he saw someone pop out from behind the kitchen counter.
"LOOK OUT! I'M CRAZY, I BE TRIPPIN' GO…" a man shouted before making cheesy kung-fu sounds, swinging punches and kicks. All the knives he had were either stabbed into the terrorists or stuck to the walls. And in his wild fury, the man lands a kick on Inferno's face by accident without looking. The man had long, silver hair, cream yellow skin with hazel green eyes, average-built. Blood was splattered on parts of his blue, long-sleeved shirt and light tan pants, too.
"Ow! What the--" Inferno said, covering up his face. Just then, the man shouted in terror and then hid behind the kitchen counter again.
"Israel! You're alive! Thank goodness," Fluttershy called out. Once again, the man popped his head out from behind the counter, but was much more calm.
"Fluttershy?" he asked. She nodded and Israel gasped with a smile. "FLUTTERS!!! Oh thank the lord, you're alive! I thought those assholes got to you!"
"I'm happy to see you're okay. Did you kill these guys by yourself?"
"Barely. I took some nasty hits and they almost turned me into swiss cheese. They tried to force me to tell them where you were, but I wasn't gonna tell them. When they cocked their guns, I just… snapped. All I remember is seeing the color red. Lots… and lots… of red," he explained, then shook violently. "Lord, have mercy on me."
“Oh yeah, you’re a psycho.” Inferno replied sarcastically, as he rubbed against the spot on his face where Israel kicked him.
"Sorry. It's a nasty habit I picked up since I was bullied in school. I thought I had grown out of it, but no, that madness is still there. But anyways, what are you guys doing here?" he asked.
“We came to get you, honey. We’re leaving Canterlot City.” Fluttershy said.
"WHAT?! How are we gonna do that? Those maniacs are patrolling the streets, we'll never make it past the roadblocks!" he pointed out.
“My mother has a private yacht down by the Canterlot City Harbor, no one knows about it so it’s our best shot in getting out of this place.” Inferno stated.
"Oh… I… never thought of that. But… next time whisper. The walls have eyes," he whispered.
“That’s because they’re the eyes of the guys you pluck out of before you cut them up.” Inferno bluntly said. Which then caused Israel to faint and fall to the ground. Fluttershy tends to her husband and then gives a glare to Inferno for his statement. “What? What did I say?” He asked.
After scaring her husband, Inferno helped carry his fainted body into the bus. Fluttershy sat him down right next to her and stroked his hair and cheek as the bus started back up and drove off. Their next stop was at Rainbow's house where Soarin was at. But on that particular street, Soarin was pinned by some of the soldiers. They were all firing at Rainbow's house and nearly the entire neighborhood was destroyed.
"Holy shit.” Sunset quietly said as her eyes observed the war-torn neighborhood.
“What did mommy say, Auntie Snowdrop?” Lily asked her blind, teenage aunt in confusion.
Not wanting to have Lily’s innocence tainted, Snowdrop lies to her niece about what Sunset said. “Uhhhh, nothing! Nothing you should worry about, Lily.” Snowdrop anxiously said.
"How are we gonna get to Soarin with all these soldiers trapping him inside? We can't even sneak into the neighborhood with those snipers on the roofs," Heat said.
“But I can.” Inferno said with confidence, as he demonstrates his Shadow Jump ability in the bus, due to it having less light inside the vehicle. “I can Shadow Jump me and another person inside the house, grab Soarin and get out before the bastards would notice he’s there. But I can only bring one.”
“I’m going with you! That’s my husband in there.” Rainbow stated with confidence and worry in her voice.
"That's fine. Heat, I know you're fast, but we can't risk taking out these guys all at once, it'll draw too much attention towards us," Inferno said.
"Whatever works best, I'm with you all the way," Heat says.
Inferno gives a nod to Heat, appreciating his loyalty, and then asks Rainbow to take his hand. Rainbow takes his hand and then Inferno readies to teleport them into the house where Soarin is in. But before he did, he gave Rainbow a little heads up on something. “Oh, one last thing to mention, Dash.” Inferno said. “You’re gonna feel weird after this.” He stated.
“Wait, wha-” Before Rainbow could finish her sentence, the two then Shadow-Jumped straight into Rainbow and Soarin’s home. Once the two had teleported inside, Rainbow then starts to feel a queasy feeling in her stomach, like she was gonna throw up.
“Yeah, Shadow Jumping can have a negative effect on others.” Inferno stated.
"Dash?!" Soarin's voice called out. The man peeked from behind one of the doorways with a loaded revolver in his hand. "How'd you guys get in without being seen?" he asked before realizing it altogether. "Oh right, the Shadow Jump technique."
"SOARIN!!!" Rainbow shouted, lunging at her husband with her arms out wide, capturing him in a big, warm, tight hug. "You freaking had me worried! I thought they got you for sure!"
"No, I'm fine. But now that you're here, we should get Star Striker then Inferno will help us get out of here," Soarin said.
"Is he okay? Where's our son?" Rainbow asked.
"He's upstairs, hiding under the bed in his room. I told him to stay up there and not come out until it was safe. You go get him," Soarin said.
Like he said, Rainbow super speeds up the stairwell and into her son’s room. She busts through the door, and then checks under the bed; finding her son hiding underneath, scared for his life. Once he sees the face of his mother, Star Striker immediately climbs from under the bed and leaps into Rainbow’s arms.
“Mommy!” He cheered as he and Rainbow held each other in embrace. “You came back for me and daddy.” he said.
"I would never leave my two favorite boys hanging. Mommy's gonna take you and daddy to a safe spot now, kiddo.” Rainbow said.
“Ok, mommy.” Star Striker said in agreement. “Can I please have a super-speed piggyback ride downstairs, mommy?”
Rainbow smirked and kneeled down. "Hold on tight, bud. Mommy's gonna go fast!" Star smiled happily and climbed on his mom's back. Rainbow kept him steady as she ran downstairs, meeting up with her husband and Inferno. "Okay guys, I'm here."
"Good. Then for starters, we should let Star Striker go first. His safety is our priority," Soarin said, looking at Inferno.
"Fine by me. Then I'll take Rainbow Dash and then come back for you, Soarin. Try not to let any of those jokers break in and get you," Inferno said. But before he could Shadow Jump with Star Striker, he pulls out a Glock 19 from his pocket and then hands it over to Soarin. “Here, just in case they do barge in here before I return.” He stated.
"Thanks. I'll try to make sure they don't get in," Soarin said. Rainbow hands her son over to Inferno before kissing Star Striker on the cheek.
"Stay strong, buddy. Mama's gonna be right behind you," Rainbow says confidently. Star Striker nods. He clings to Inferno as he Shadow Jumps their son back inside the bus with the others, then lets him go.
"Stay here with your aunts and uncles, I'll go get your parents," Inferno said, before Shadow Jumping again.
"Ugh… I don't feel so good," Star said, grabbing his stomach.
"Yeah… that'll happen when you travel through "Inferno's dark door." Heat explained.
“Be right back.” Inferno said as he Shadow Jumps back into the house to pick up Rainbow. "Ready to go?"
"More than you know. Let's hurry before they advance," Rainbow said. Inferno nodded and grabbed Rainbow's hand before Shadow Jumping her back into the bus with her son. Inferno Shadow Jumps one last time back in the house and grabs Soarin.
"It's time. Are you ready to go?" Inferno asked.
"Just one question: why did they come after me?" Soarin asked.
"I'll explain once we're out of sight. Now come on," Inferno said, extending his hand to him. Soarin didn't argue after that and just took him by the hand. Inferno Shadow Jumped one last time back in the bus.
Once on the bus, Soarin’s face turns green and begins to feel queasy until he finally gets a grip and recovers. “Argh! I forgot that your shadow teleportation ability sucks!” Soarin complained.
“You’re welcome.” Inferno said, bluntly. "So are there any others we should get?"
"Other than my brother an--" Just then, Heat gasped. "Oh no! Flash is still out there! Eternal, he's with one of your exes, isn't that right?"
"Serene Grace, yes. But her mansion is in the far north of the city, we'll never get past her security and plus she and I have some very bad history," Eternal said.
“Well that's too bad, cause we’re in a much bigger situation than your history with one another.” Soarin stated.
"There's gotta be something we can do! After everything Flash did for us, we can't just leave him here for those barbarians torture him to death!" Heat said.
“Well then, we barge in and get him!” Rainbow suggested.
"Oh sure, make us an even bigger target," Eternal said sarcastically.
"I don't see you coming up with any ideas, smart alec!" Rainbow retorted.
"Your ideas are just gonna land us in even more trouble when she calls security on us. Plus, Inferno's Shadow Jump ability won't do him much good since he's never been inside that huge mansion of hers," Eternal argued.
"SHUT UP!!!" Heat shouted, breaking up the feud. "Fighting isn't gonna solve our problems. One way or another, we gotta get Flash out of here. As well as his wife and daughter. And before you guys say anything, I've kept up with Flash on SnapGab. If we can't talk our way in, then we'll just have to wing it and force our way in.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” Inferno said.
"And to make sure there's no confusion, I'll text him to let him know we're on the way and to have his family ready. I won't let him leave here alone," Heat says.
“And we won’t.” Twilight said in agreement and turned to Pinkie Pie as she was still driving down the road. “Pinkie, we’re going to pick up Flash, set a course for Serene’s Mansion.”
"Okie-dokie-lokie. HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTIES, LADIES!!!" Pinkie shouted, flooring it on the gas pedal and racing off in the distance.
The Shadow, the Sword, and the Scorpion
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