Chapter 31

I opened my eyes and was met with the ceiling of my room. I didn’t bother smiling, because I knew what today was and so did the rest of my crew. I’ve been in this world for months, I’ve fought and carved my way though the onslaught of this war, and it all led up to this day. Twilight clung to my side as she slept, she had her head on my chest and I stroked her head. I started to think about the lives we lost during this war. Shining, Fancy, Igneous, and whoever else met their end in battle. Meanwhile Lust was lounging in the Crystal Empire thinking he’s hot shit but that’s all gonna end. His soul will be mine, and I’ll tear it out of his body.

CRASH!

I jumped out of bed, making Twilight yelp and fall off the bed as I threw my clothes on.

“What the hay?! What is that?!” Twilight shrieked.

“I don’t know! Stay here!” I said as I burst out the door. Draco then calmly walked out of his room and looked at me with tired eyes. “Quite the wake up call, wouldn’t you say?! They can’t be attacking us so soon! We haven’t even made our move yet!”

“Something tells me it’s not the Caribou,” He yawned looking half asleep still. “Last I checked we’re still within your barrier, right?” He let out a long yawn while leaning against the crystal wall.

CRASH! BANG!

“Yeah, well, then what the hell is all that noise?” I deadpanned. “Come on, get your lazy ass dressed and let’s go see.”

I felt a swift kick to my ass making me jump a bit. “Don’t forget that I’m not one of your subordinates you can boss around.” He smacked his lips as he tried to no doubt get the morning taste of his mouth. He peeked in and saw Twilight and waved, still looking half asleep. “Morning princess.”

“Draco! What is all that noise?!” Twilight snapped.

As I started to calm down, Draco’s face turned beet red which made me turn to Twilight. She had on only a loose shirt I gave her and her panties. She looked down and yelped as she retreated back in the room and slammed the door.

“Oh right, she’s been sleeping like that since we got together,” I chuckled.

Draco, who was still blushing up a storm, began to walk outside no doubt trying to forget what he just saw. “Meet you downstairs.” Despite wearing only his boxers and a white tank top, he still proceeded to investigate the commotion.

I chuckled as another door beside me opened to reveal Moon. Now it was my turn to blush as she walked out rubbing her eyes wearing only her bra and panties.

“Dimitri…what’s all that dreadful commotion?” Moon whined. “I was having a pleasant dream.”

“Uh…Draco and I are about to go find out. Meanwhile, you should get dressed into something more appropriate.”

“But I always wear my undergarments when I sleep,” Moon said. “Why? Does my attire not suit me?”

“No no, it does, it fits you quite nicely actually,” I said with a smile. She smiled back as the door behind me opened to reveal Twilight now wearing normal clothes.

“Good morning Twilight,” Moon said.

“Oh, good morning Nightmare,” Twilight responded. “Lock, you go on ahead and join Draco. I still need to get ready and speak with Nightmare about something.”

“Alright, I’ll see you later,” I said as I kissed her on the lips and ran after Draco. I eventually made it out of the castle, wearing a pair of pants, shirt, and my boots and found Draco standing completely still and slack jawed.

“Hey man, so where’s the fire?” I asked.

He held out his finger to point, still looking surprised. “More like where’s the rock.”

I looked to where he was pointing and went wide eyed. Floating in the air was a large bolder and spinning around it were smaller rocks. The rocks then launched from the bolder and smashed into the ground on the outskirts of town. We both looked at each other and went to investigate. Once we reached the outskirts, we saw Maud with her back facing us. She also looked different than before. She had cut her mane shorter to the point where it was above her shoulders and she was wearing a grey tank top, black cargo pants, and black boots. She had both her exposed tribal marked arms held high as she swung one of them down and another smaller rock flew from the air and down to the ground.

“Well…I think we now know what her powers are,” I said.

Draco slowly nodded before patting my shoulder, before turning back and heading to the castle. “Well I’m awake now. I’m gonna get prepared for today.” He gave me a serious look. “Today is a big day, and we should probably get Alpha Squad together to make a battle plan.”

Before he could walk away, a large wall of earth shot up in front of him. We both turned to see Maud facing us with a stern expression as she had her hand held out and lowered the bolder to the ground.

“Hey Maud, I see you’ve discovered your powers,” I said.

“It was quite simple to figure out,” Maud said as she approached us. “Bolder helped a little and I just followed his instructions.”

“Well I’m glad you found out your power and all, but do you mind not blocking my path?” He said while tapping on the stone wall in front of him. Draco sounded like he was still bitter about the whole, Maud eating a devil fruit, thing.

“Not until I talk to you two about something,” Maud said, crossing her arms.

“Okay, what is it?” I asked.

“When we get to the Crystal Empire, you let me kill Lust,” Maud said.

“EXCUSE ME?!” I snapped. “FUCK THAT!”

Surprisingly, Draco maintained a calm demeanor as he walked over to Maud. “You do realize that you’re being reckless right now, right?” He also folded his arms and stared into her eyes. “You just discovered your powers and you already think you’re gonna be able to go toe-to-toe with a deadly Sin?”

“It’s no business of yours,” Maud said with a hint of aggression in her voice. “My father is dead and buried in a mine and it’s all Lust’s fault. I will be willing to demolish the whole Crystal Empire, that’s literally made of rock, just to get justice for my father.”

“Maud, do you hear yourself? You’d be putting the crystal ponies and any other prisoner still trapped there at risk,” I said.

“Isn’t there always casualties in war? Their deaths will be for the greater good.”

“Huh,” Draco sounded slightly impressed. “Okay, let’s do it.”

“What?! Draco?!” I barked.

“I’m glad one of you sees reason,” Maud said.

“Yeah fuck everypony else. Forget all those poor crystal ponies were are abused as sex slaves. Or the soldiers who are risking their lives to fight this battle. I’m sure their families are willing to sacrifice themselves so you can have your vendetta.” Draco moved his arm around Maud and proceeded to move her to the castle. “We will use our soldiers as cannon fodder, so you, me and Lock can take on Lust.”

Maud glanced at Draco before pushing him away. “I didn’t say use anypony as cannon fodder.”

“Really? Because that’s the only way I see it. I mean to out your own desire over the lives of others seems about it. I’m sure that’s exactly what your father wanted from you. To risk both your life, and the lives of others to avenge him.”

Maud then glared at Draco and stomped her hoof. Large chunks of earth rose in the air and hovered over Draco. “Don’t you dare speak for my father…”

“Aww what’s the matter, did I hit a soft spot?” Draco looked at the mare with a wicked smile. “Go ahead and kill me, I’m sure that will bring him back. While you’re at it, sacrifice everypony’s life just so you can feel better about yourself.”

Maud clenched her fists as the earth around Draco started crawling up his body.

“Maud, that’s enough! Release Draco!” I ordered.

“I’m warning you…” Maud growled as the earth covered his waist. “My father died because of those bastards!”

“Maud! That’s an order!”

Draco held out his hand, stopping me for a moment. He folded his arms and looked back at Maud as if his life wasn’t in danger. “And? Do you think you’re the only one who’s lost someone?” He held out his hand and stuck out fingers. “Fleur, Princess Cadence and Flurry Heart, Shadow. Do you know these names and what they have in common?”

“I know who they are, what about them?” Maud said as the earth covered his upper torso.

“They each lost somepony they cared about. A lover, a friend, a father,” Draco maintained his cool despite his predicament. “Each one feeling the same pain as you.”

“But…!” Maud tried to say as the earth stopped covering his body. “But…he died right in front of me.”

“So did Shining Armor,” Draco quickly shot back. “He died right in front of his wife and daughter, who had finally spoken her first words.”

Maud hung her head as she deactivated her powers and the earth crumbled away from his body and the chunks fell out of the air to the side. Tears formed in the mare’s eyes and soon buried her face in her hands.

“Daddy…I’m so sorry,” she whimpered.

Draco dusted himself off and walked over to the mare and knelt down. He wrapped his arms around the crying mare. “I’m sorry for you lost, but you shouldn’t let your hate and rage control you.”

“I hate them…” Maud mumbled. “I hate them so much I wanna scream.”

Draco moved one hand to gently stroke her back while holding her closer to him. I moved to Maud’s side and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“The pain of losing someone precious to you never goes away,” I said with a sigh. “I’ve lost people close to me as well, back in our world. But we must never forget that if we allow ourselves to be consumed by emotion, we’ll become something worse and others will suffer because of it. Your father was an honorable stallion who gave his life to save your sister. If it had been you or any of your other sisters or your mother, I’m sure he’d make the same choice. You must also remember that just because you have power, doesn’t mean you can whatever you want.”

“Then how am I supposed to use them?” Maud wondered.

“The right way,” I answered as she looked up at me. “Because with great power, comes great responsibility.”

Draco snorted as a smile crept onto his face. “Okay Spider-Man, she has earth bending powers, she ain't crawling on walls and shooting webs.”

“Who’s Spider-Man?” Maud wondered as they stood up.

“It’s not important, let’s get back to the castle,” I said. Maud nodded and walked ahead of us and Draco elbowed my side. “What? It worked, didn’t it?”

“Dude, you’re lucky she didn’t get the reference. Otherwise she’d think you were making a joke.”

“Eh, beggars can’t be choosers,” I chuckled as we made our way back to the castle.

I stood in the map room, dressed in my armor, with everyone else. Draco, my apprentices, Alpha Squad, a few members of the Wonderbolts, Moon, and most of the main six stood with me. Pinkie Pie wasn’t here because she stayed in her room and wouldn’t come out. We all pitied the poor mourning mare, so we left her to herself. We waited a few more minutes until the doors opened again to reveal Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I smiled a little at their arrival and cleared my throat.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s get to work,” I said. Twilight used her magic. To move the map to show the Crystal Empire. “We’ve come a long way, since the beginning of this war. There have been many hardships and more struggles than anyone would care to admit. I for one will not allow any more innocent lives to suffer or be lost by the hands of these tyrants. Lust is one of Dainn’s Overlords and one of the Seven Deadly Sins, which means this will be our toughest battle yet. However, once we are successful in this battle, the real war will begin since I doubt the other Sins will just sit back and wait for us to come to them. Celestia, Luna, I called you both here today because I have something important to ask you.”

“What is it, Sir Lock?” Celestia asked.

“I would like for you to send some of your troops with us to fight alongside us. I have many ships under my command, along with many more ponies who are able to operate them, but we need all the numbers we can get,” I explained. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but-”

“Say no more, Sir Lock,” Luna said, raising her hand. “We shall provide you with as many troops we can. I am sure they would also be willing to join the fight.”

“Thank you, I really appreciate it,” I nodded. “Now then, we still need a plan how to properly attack Lust’s forces so I can get to Lust and deal with him.”

“Why not try what we did in Las Pegasus?” Swift asked.

“No, they’ll be expecting that now,” I shook my head. “Plus I wouldn’t doubt if they had some kind of anti air artillery waiting for us.”

“What if I dig into the ground so we can catch them by surprise?” Maud suggested.

“That would take too long, we need a plan to hit them from both sides,” I said. Everyone soon tried to voice their ideas until Draco cleared his throat.

“I may have an idea. I have been planning something since Lock mentioned that we will be going to liberate the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh? What did you have in mind?” I asked.

With all eyes on him, Draco moved towards the map and placed his hands on the table. “Lock won't be leading the attack on the Crystal Empire. I will.”

“You?” Big B said.

“But Lock is our Captain!” Rainbow said.

“No offense, Draco, but why you?” Flash wondered.

“I’m also curious, it’s quite unexpected for you to step up to the home plate in my place,” I said.

“Keep in mind, this isn’t permanent. It’s just a way for Lock to get to Lust without wasting any of his strength,” Draco explained. Draco tapped on the part of the map that showed the front of the kingdom. “It’s like Lock said, they are going to expect us to come, so why disappoint them?”

“A frontal assault?” Cloud guessed.

“You want us to butt heads at the get go?” Zephyr said.

Draco nodded. “Yes, because anyway you shake a stick at it, no matter where we attack the results are the same. We could divide our forces, but that wouldn’t work for the plan I have in mind.”

“So what exactly do you have planned?” Luna asked.

Taking a deep breath Draco collected his thoughts before continuing. “Okay here is the deal. What Lock said was right, we need to hit them on two fronts. However, the only difference is how big those fronts are.” Draco looked over to Twilight. “Do you have some kind of item that would let me draw a temporary plan on the map?”

Twilight nodded and reached under the table and gave Draco a quill pen.

“It’s magic so you can mark whatever you want on the map,” Twilight said.

“Thanks.” He took the writing tool and moved the tip to draw some triangles in front of the Crystal empire. “The reason we should do a frontal assault is simple. If we are to attack in one place first where do you think our enemies will go?”

“Straight towards the fighting?” Flash guessed.

“That’s correct, and they will especially come when they find out that Lock and myself are leading the charge.”

“Hold on, you said that Lock wouldn’t be leading the charge?” Shadow asked.

“And he isn’t. While we’re attacking the front, he’ll sneak through the back of the empire as soon as we dwindle their numbers down till all but Lust are on the battlefield.”

“I’m still kinda confused, dude,” Zephyr said, scratching his head. “If the boss is there, how will he be with us as well?”

“Watch.” Draco turned to me and held out his hand. “Can I borrow that mask you showed me the other day?”

“Uh, sure.” I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out my mask and handed it to him.

He took the mask and placed it on his face. He then titled his head up and grabbed his throat. “Test…test…testing.” We all listened as we could hear Draco's voice suddenly start to change. From a high pitch, to a deep low tone. “Testing, testing one, two, three. Ah there we go, I think this is a perfect imitation.” To everyone’s surprise, including my own, his voice now sounded exactly like mine.

“What the hay?!” Rainbow said.

“How are you able to replicate Lock’s voice like that?” Moon asked.

“It’s rather simple really. There are some prehistoric creatures that have the ability to mimic and perfectly copy the calls and cries of other animals. This is often used to either trick other animals either into traps, or into fleeing,” Draco said with my voice, a rather odd scene really.

“Astonishing,” Celestia said.

“Dude, you’re kinda tripping me out with that voice changer trick,” Zephyr said.

Draco took off my mask before rubbing his throat. “Sorry about that, but if you found it believable then our enemies will too.” He passed me back my mask before continuing with his plan. “I’ll wear the mask as we approach the Crystal Empire pretending to be Lock, while also switching into my dinosaur forms to make it seem like both the Devil’s Hand, and the Beast of Chaos are attacking. Because none of the clothes I wear rip or tear when I transform, I can fight on the battlefield looking like Lock.”

“Lust is a conniving bastard, Draco,” I said, crossing my arms. “Though I’ve only done it a couple times before, the only thing I’ve transformed into is a dragon. Not to mention that I can do more than just transform. How would you be able to throw them off knowing that?”

“No, that’s not what I mean. Look, on a battlefield, things will get hectic. Meaning no one is going to be paying attention to where you or I are. When I transform it will be out of the enemy’s sight. Giving the illusion that we are both there.”

“Hmm, I guess you have a point,” I nodded.

“Is that all there is to worry about then?” Luna asked.

“This plan seems full proof,” Flash commented. “It also sounds like the only heavy hitter is Lust himself while we all deal with his troops.”

“That’s the point. Knowing Lust, he won’t enter the fray from the get go. He’ll probably wait till Lock and I are worn out before taking to the scene.” Draco explained.

“Not that I wouldn’t need it, but why am I soloing my fight with Lust?” I asked.

“For a few reasons actually. One, despite my own power as well as the other devil fruit users, we can’t really do much damage to a Sin. Two, if neither of us are there to get in your way, then you're free to go all out without having to worry about us getting involved.”

“I can actually agree to that,” I said with a grin. “Lust won’t know what hit him.”

“Um…will you all also get Discord out safe?” Fluttershy whispered.

“You can count on us, Fluttershy,” I nodded.

“Trust us when we say he’s on our top priorities list. Now then, are there any other questions?” Draco asked.

“Oh shit, that reminds me,” I said. “We almost forgot about the War Chief.”

“War Chief?” Celestia said. “What War Chief?”

I sighed as I leaned on the table with my hands. “Dainn didn’t just appoint one of the Sins as his Overlord, he wanted some insurance to go with it. And he forced Discord to help.”

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked. “What did Dainn force Discord to do?”

“We believe that Discord brought back King Sombra.”

“WHAT?!” Everyone shouted. “KING SOMBRA?!”

“But that’s impossible!” Twilight yelped. “Discord would know better than to free somepony like that from the void!”

“I hate to break it to you, sweetie, but the evidence is all there,” I sighed. “Draco and I heard it from a ship captain a while back, even called him the former king.”

“Draco, please tell me this isn’t true!” Fluttershy cried, clasping her hands.

Letting out a sigh Draco looked to Fluttershy with a solemn look. “I’m afraid it is Fluttershy, he’s the one being who can do it.”

“Damn that Dainn!” Luna growled. “Does he not realize the evil he unleashed?!”

“But I don’t get it, isn’t Sombra a lone villain type of pony?” Rainbow wondered.

“Bastard sure doesn’t seem like the type to strike a deal with anypony, even Dainn,” Applejack thought.

“He must’ve offered him something that’s worth his services,” Shadow guessed.

“If you think about it, the Crystal Empire seems to be a good bargaining tool,” Flash said.

“But Lust runs the Empire, how could Sombra agree to just being a War Chief?” Swift commented.

“It doesn’t really matter.” Draco added. "No matter the circumstances he’s going down. We should be prepared for anything anyways.”

“Hold on, if I’m gonna be flanking the empire, that means you’re going against Sombra,” I said. “You up for taking on the former king?”

“Well if I’m not, then I’m gonna be in trouble. But I think I’ll be able to handle myself out there. The only thing we need to really worry about is getting the army of ponies to listen to me.”

“Draco…” Shadow said as she walked up to him. “Are you sure you can fight Sombra? I’ve heard that he even gave Celestia and Luna together a run for their bits. What if…what if he kills you?”

Smiling at Shadow, Draco moved his arm around her waist and pulled her into him before, to our surprise, planting a kiss on her lips. Shadow gasped for a moment but slowly closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck. They stayed like that for a moment until Draco separated and cupped Shadow’s cheek.

“And leave you behind? Heh, not in a thousand moons. Just make sure that you stay alive out there, and I promise to come back to you.”

“Does…does that mean we…?”

Draco gave her a toothy smile before kissing her once more. “Only if you’re up to it, Shadow?”

Shadow squealed and jumped on Draco, making him catch her in his arms, as she peppered his cheek with kisses.

“Holy crap! Draco asked Shadow out!” Big B said.

“And she said yes!” Cloud added.

“Wow, so when did this happen?” I asked.

Draco who was still holding up Shadow had a flustered smile. “Eh well yesterday. And now it's kinda official.”

“Reminds me of how we got together, Lock,” Twilight teased, leaning into me.

“To be fair, you started it,” I shot back, nuzzling her cheek with mine. “Anyway, I’m happy for you two. So you be sure to treat her right, okay?”

Holding his new marefriend close to him Draco, gave a confident nod. “That was the plan. And speaking of which, the plan won’t work until after I convince the ponies to follow my lead.”

“I think I have an idea,” I said. “We’ll discuss it once Celestia sends the reinforcements.”

“And we shall do just that,” Celestia nodded. “Come Luna.”

Two Hours Later

I was standing on the edge of the ship with my apprentices, Alpha Squad, and the Wonderbolts behind me. Down below were my crew, ranging to a little over a thousand armed ponies, and the reinforcements Celestia sent, which ranged to about three to four thousand. They all looked up to me as they waited for me to speak.

“Today is a day we all knew was coming!” I said to them all. “Today, we sail for the Crystal Empire that waits for us, along with Overlord Lust and his followers! This battle will define the war and any future battles we may fight in the future! As such, we have recently devised a plan to face the Crystal Empire, and that includes my new associate, Draco Saurian, to step in and take command!”

The ponies all murmured to themselves as if they found it hard to believe that I wouldn’t be the one leading them.

“Draco,” I said, turning to him. “Go speak to them, they need to see you’re more than capable to lead as I am.”

Draco nodded and stepped up to where I stood and cleared his throat.

“Hello, my name is Draco Saurian, and I understand your reservations about somepony like me taking command. I haven’t been with you long enough to show my worth to all of you like Lock has.” I could hear the troops speaking amongst themselves as they didn’t seem that interested in what Draco was saying. “But know this!” He shouted loud enough to snap everyone’s attention back to him. “I understand the pain and suffering that these damn Caribou have brought upon you, and the rage that you feel towards them.” The crowd slowly started to settle down as he went on. “Many of you, if not all of you, have suffered by the very actions of these bastards. Some of you may have known somepony who was a victim of these sick creatures or somepony who is still being tortured by them as we speak.” He looked out at the army of ponies. “You stand here today because you’ve either lost somepony closest to you or were betrayed by somepony you once called a friend, only for them to side with the enemy who would bring such misery and pain.” I could see the serious looks that the troops were giving him, he now had their full attention. “Or you’re here to save and free your fellow ponies and stick it to these antlered bastards!” Some of the soldiers started to cheer as he started get them hyped up. “You are to take back the peace and prosperity that these greedy fucks have stolen from your world and go around parading it around like its some kind of sex object!”

“Buck Yeah!”

“We’ve suffered enough from those bastards!”

“I stand here before you brave mares and stallions, because I too wish to make these Caribou pay for their sick actions!” I could see the soldiers getting hyped even more the more Draco spoke, even I was starting to feel it. “No longer will these antlered fucks continue to desecrate these once peaceful lands with their presence!! I am willing to lay down my life so that future generations can look back on this day as nothing more than an awful memory in history!

“WE’RE IN IT UNTIL THE END!”

“THIS IS OUR HOME!”

“WE’LL FOLLOW YOU AS WELL, SIR DRACO!”

As the crowd cheers began to get louder, they started to stomp their hooves making the ground shake. Draco threw his arms in the air turning them into his black claws, he aimed them upwards before continuing.

“I will carve a path to a brighter future with my own claws, I will charge into a barrage of their bullets to slice their heads from their shoulders! Will you?!” Without even a second a second thought the soldiers shouted at the top of their lungs.

“YEAH!!”

Seeing that he had their attention Draco pumped his fist into the air before folding his arm across his chest.

“THEN I WILL LEAD YOU TO VICTORY!!!”

The ponies started to chant and stomp their hooves as they got excited.

“IF RIGHT AND WRONG IS SAID TO EXIST, THEN THIS IS RIGHT!!!”

“FOR EQUESTRIA!!”

“FOR OUR HOME!!”

“We will march into their stronghold and slaughter them all! And if they strike you dead, you look at your friends and family who died at their hands in the eyes and tell them you died fighting for their honor!” The ground beneath my feet rumbled like there was an earthquake.

“REDEEM YOUR FRIENDS!!! REDEEM YOUR FAMILY!!! FREE THEM FROM THEIR SHACKLES!!! RECLAIM YOUR HOME!!! RECLAIM YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!! RECLAIM YOUR SOULS!!!”

“WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

Draco stepped back and turned to face us with a proud smile and we smiled back. Shadow, on the other hand, was biting her lip and fidgeting in place as she bit her lip.

“I’m so horny for you right now~,” she cooed with lidded eyes.

Draco’s cheeks flushed a bright red that steam began billowing out of his ears. “Er…I er…ugh.”

“Alright you two, save if until after we win the fight,” I chuckled.

Twilight, Moon, the Princesses, and most of the main six walked up the gang plank to say their last goodbyes. Twilight hugged me close and kissed me on the lips.

“Promise me to come back safe?” Twilight said as she held me close.

“I swear I will,” I spoke softly as I stroked her mane.

Moon even joined in on the hug and wrapped her arms around my other side.

“You have been so kind to me, Lock, I would not have been able to stand out on my own if not for you. I…wish to share something with you upon your return.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” I said. Moon smiled up at me and surprised me by pecking me on the lips.

“For luck,” Moon winked as she stepped back.

Meanwhile, Draco was approached by Cadence as Shadow was leaning into Draco and purposely pressing her breasts on his side.

“I wish you luck on your battle, Draco, I should warn you that Sombra is a very dangerous adversary.”

With his cheeks still burning red, Draco let out a cough before continuing. “W-we will do our best to reclaim your kingdom, your highness.” Draco glanced over to me before slowly slipping out of Shadow’s grasp and turned to me. “There is just one last thing we need to do before we go.”

Draco and I had flown a little outside of Ponyville. I had recently made a phone call to a certain friend of mine as we waited for his arrival.

“You sure you wanna do this? It’s not too late to reconsider,” I said.

“I’m sure. If this work we can waste less time in battles, and won’t get our ears talked off as much.”

I nodded as we continued to wait. Soon the man in question, Phill McHaggard, flew towards us from the clouds above and landed in front of us. He was dressed in the same outfit as he did when he met me in Las Pegasus and had his sword strapped to his side.

“So, today’s the day, eh?” Phill asked.

Draco stepped up and gave a polite bow to Phill. “Good to see you Phill, I had Lock call you to make you a procession.”

“Yeah? Well it better be good, cause ya interrupted me rocking Merida to sleep for her nap.”

“Oh it is, and if this works out we may use this method more often. Tell me something Phill, what is it you hate about us most? Besides that fact that we don't fight for God.”

“Well for starters you both kill without remorse, have no regard for the lives you take, think that slaughtering all in your wake is the only way to bring peace, and don’t believe that there are those who can in fact be redeemed,” Phill listed with his fingers.

“Says the pompous ass who wastes his time playing house and babysitting a bunch of traitors,” I scoffed.

“You best watch what you say, Lock, I still hold a grudge against ya for what ya did to Mac.”

“Oh bite me, Phill, he had it coming.”

“Like fockn’ hell he did!”

“You wanna go, asshole?!”

“ENOUGH!!” Draco’s voice boomed causing both Phill and myself to cover our ears. “I didn't have you come here to start fighting.” He turned to me and glared. “Keep quiet and let me do the talking.”

“We’re wasting time, he won’t help,” I said bitterly.

“He might but only if you bite your tongue for a moment,” Draco snarled.

“What the bloody hell do you even want?” Phill spat.

Taking a calming breath Draco turned to face Phill. “Let’s not beat around the bush here, Phill, you and I don’t like each other, that much is obvious.”

“I wouldn’t say hate, but ya do get along with me daughter so you’re alright to a degree. However, ya do get on me bloody nerves.”

“Yeah the feeling’s mutual. Which is why I plan to make you a deal here and now, and if it works it may be used more often in the future.” Moving to lean against one of the nearby buildings Draco stared up at the skies. “Tell me something, Phill, and I want the honest answer, that means no second guessing or you listening to what you want to believe. Do you truly believe with all your heart and faith, that every single Caribou and traitor stallion are redeemable and willing to seek it?”

Phill paused as he took in Draco’s question. “Honestly…I ain’t so sure no more,” Phill sighed. “I haven’t been in this world long, none of us have. I never in me life ever would’ve expected to fight in a war like Lock did back when he fought for the military, let alone be the bloody Angel’s Saint. I wanted to at least try to redeem any I could, but there seem to be those who are hell bent on destroying everything we’ve tried to preserve. Now it’s the middle of winter, you two are gonna head off into battle, and are probably gonna kill many. Some lives are more deserving than others, and I just might have to accept that.”

“Well I’m glad that you’re willing to admit that, this makes my offer more beneficial to both sides.”

“What kind of offer?” Phill wondered.

Stepping away from the wall. Draco moved over to stand in front of Phill. “I will give you the chance to go and save however many Caribou and traitor stallions that are willing. Any that stay behind and refuse to repent for their sins are ours to do with as we see fit.”

“Ya’re willing to let me take in some of the enemy back to Sanctuary?” Phill asked.

“Why so lenient all of a sudden?” I also questioned.

“Let’s face it, some of the Caribou may actually be good, and want no part in this war. Plus if we let Phill take them, not only do we have less to kill and worry about, but he gets to save some souls. It’s a win win,” Draco explained.

Phill pondered Draco’s offer and this whole plan seemed to be a bit too good to work. However, Phill looked like he agreed and nodded to Draco.

“Very well, if ya allow me to offer them a better chance to live, I shall accept those terms,” Phill nodded.

With a satisfied smile Draco extended his hand out to Phill. “Then we have a deal?”

“Yes,” Phill said as he reached out and shook his hand. “Also, ya still owe me that play date with Merida.”

Rolling his eyes Draco let out a soft chuckle. “Tell you what, once we’ve taken back the Crystal Empire, you and Merida can swing by and we’ll have that play date. But for now I need you to fly off to the Crystal Empire and do your part. Oh and don't make it seem like you know we are coming. If you do they will try and prepare. Act like you are there on your own accord.”

“I can do that,” Phill said as he unfurled his wings. “Give me a few hours before you come and raise hell.”

Phill flapped his wings and took to the skies and flew off. We both watched as he flew away and we then made our way back to the ships.

“You think the enemy will listen to him?” I asked.

He simply shrugged his shoulders. “If it doesn’t, we get to kill them all guilt free, meaning Phill won't try and fight us and potentially ruin future plans.”

“I guess,” I said as I unfurled my wings and Draco grew his pterodactyl wings. We both flew up into the air and above the clouds. Waiting for us was my ship and the whole fleet of ships we commandeered and we landed on the deck. Though as soon as we did, Shadow teleported in front of us and pounced on Draco, mashing her lips on his.

“Mmmmfff!” He blushed as he was taken by surprise by the mare in his arms.

Shadow kept the kiss going until Draco had to pull her away to catch his breath.

“Hey babe~,” Shadow giggled.

“H-Hey Shadow. Why the sudden make out session, not that I am complaining,” He said with a deep blush.

“Cause you’re my coltfriend, that’s why,” Shadow winked as she leaned in. “Unless…you wanna do something more before the big fight~?”

I could easily see a shiver run up Draco’s spine as me as well as the rest of the crew began to snicker. “B-babe, save your energy for the fight…but after this is over, maybe…”

“You promise~?” Shadow whispered, licking his cheek.

He shivered before biting his lips. “Oh trust me, I promise Shadow.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Shadow winked as she walked away with a sway in her step.

“You got a keeper there, dude,” I chuckled.

He gently tugged on the collar of his shirt as he gave a nervous gulp. “Boy do I know it. But we should focus on preparing for the battle ahead. We aren’t sure if Phill will be able to sway some of the enemy away. So we should go in like we are facing two armies.”

“I agree,” I nodded as I headed to the Captain’s quarters with Draco. “I’ll have the fleet set out once the given time has passed. Also…there’s something I gotta do first, and I’d like you to be with me.”

“What would that be?”

I didn’t answer as we entered the ship and walked through the corridors. Draco admired the décor and the interior of the ship as we made it my personal chambers. Once inside, I went over to the liquor cabinet and poured myself a drink.

“Want one?” I offered.

He shook his head and politely passed on the offer. “Sorry man, but I’m not a fan of alcohol.”

“Fair enough,” I shrugged as I took a sip.

I walked over to my desk and pulled out my smartphone. I scrolled through the photos until I found the one I was looking for. I sighed as I leaned my phone standing up against the lamp and stepped back next to Draco. The photo was of my younger self when I was promoted to Lieutenant and I was shaking hands with another man. He was an older man with dark brown skin and was bald. He had a proud smile on his face as he was handing me my medal and I just had a small smirk. We were both dressed in our formal U.K. military attire and I just stared at the photo as I held my drink.

“Draco…this is Joshua Clay,” I said solemnly. “My Commanding Officer.”

“So this is the guy I’ve heard much about?” Draco asked while looking at the photo.

“Yeah,” I replied, taking another sip. “He’s dead.”

He nodded solemnly. “I’m well aware, I’m sorry for your loss man.”

“What you don’t know is that I was the one that got him killed.”

Draco looked at me with a look of surprise, before that if understanding and moving his hand to pat my back.

“I was a young, thick headed kid when I enlisted,” I began. “My biological father was a dishonorable discharge from the army and wasted away as a bitter alcoholic. He took it out on my mother and I by giving me shit like telling me I’d never amount to anything. He’d always waste all his funds in booze and hookers, always piss drunk almost every day. My mother was a doormat who always defended his actions, and never stood up for herself. She always had some damn excuse for why he acted the way he did, and I honestly hated her for her cowardice. I was later taken from my parents when I was six and was adopted by another family, but I had single goal in mind throughout the rest of my life.”

I reached into my shirt and pulled out a chain with three sets of tags hooked on them. One pair was my own tags, the other was of Joshua’s, and the third pair was my father’s.

“I was the ripe old age of 21, fresh out of college. I was hell bent on doing what my father couldn’t and make a name for myself by joining the military. I moved to the U.K. to do it since the U.S. didn’t seem right for me, after what happened to my father. First few weeks, I was already a mess and on my way to getting kicked out. But that’s when I met him.” I smiled for a moment but soon frowned. “He was the second closest thing to a father I’ve ever known, after my adopted father. I remember meeting him while in the sergeant’s office, waiting to get kicked out of the military, but Josh had other plans for me. Joshua had always pissed me the hell off when I first met him. He always had a smile and told me encouraging shit, even though he knew I never liked it when he did. He apparently saw potential in me, and requested the higher ups that I join his platoon. Next thing I know, I’m in a room with six other kids: Dom, George, Patty, Zoey, Bobby, and Travis. We all had the same goals in mind, to make a name for ourselves. As time went by, we began to grow fond of each other, despite the many, many arguments we’d always have. Most others would give up on us and send us to the dogs to let us suffer, but Josh didn’t. He trained us, conditioned us, taught us, and we always stuck together in and out of the front lines. One day, there was a code red at a nearby base that an explosion had gone off and the enemy were flanking our allies. We weren’t able to make it in time though, and everyone at the base died. Including Josh’s cousin who was stationed there. Turns out someone on the inside was bought out by the enemy and planted a bomb behind our lines.”

“This doesn’t explain how his death is on your hands?”

“Believe me, it does,” I said as I continued. “I wanted to hunt the bastard down and make him suffer. Me and my platoon all wanted to spill blood for blood, but Joshua had told us that we were ordered to go elsewhere while someone else handled the incident. The whole thing was bullshit, that we were to just hang back and let someone else do the hunting while we were more than qualified to do the job. The rest of my platoon had no choice but to obey the order, but I had other plans. For the next three years, I spent digging into who betrayed us and where he was in secret. I had leads, but all were cold in the end. Then, as if some kind of act of fate, I got a tip from an anonymous informant that the traitor was near the area where we were to be stationed next. I took the opportunity to go and deal with what we should have, against Joshua’s orders. I fought my way through countless enemies, who all died by my hand, until I had the traitor in my sights. I was about to finish him off, until Josh showed up out of the blue since he had followed me. To say he was mortified at what I did that day would be considered an understatement. I was too pissed and covered in blood and wounds to care about what he had to say, but was also too blinded by rage to see what the traitor did next. He…pulled out a weapon and killed Josh, right in front of me.” I frowned as I lowered my glass to my side. “I was at a loss for words…literally. I only remember seeing red as I butchered the traitor and any reinforcements from the enemy that came to check on all the noise I made. I woke up a couple days later in bandages and seeing through only one eye.”

Draco took a moment to take in what I confessed to him. He had a pensive look on his face before finally voicing his opinion. “I don’t honestly believe that you are to blame. Despite what you told me, I doubt that your friend would ever blame you for what had happened to him.”

“I know,” I sighed as I downed the rest of my drink. “I’ve moved on, mostly, but the past sometimes haunts me. Talking about it helps, and I sometimes wonder what Josh would say to me if he were still around.”

“I’m sure he would tell you to keep fighting for what you believe is right.”

“Maybe,” I said and gazed at Josh in the photo. “Hey Josh, I know it’s been a while since we last spoke, I would’ve come to visit your resting place but I’m out of town at the moment. You always told me I should live for the future and not in the past. How ironic when I had fought in one war and am now fighting in another? It’s funny, but it seems you were also right about another thing. I managed to follow my heart and am sharing it with a mare that’s now the love of my life.” I smiled sadly as I felt my eyes moisten a little. “I’m…so sorry about what happened that day, Josh, you were the best of us and I kinda ruined it for you. I hope one day we can meet again and share a drink. I’ll have a lot to tell you when we do.”

I rubbed my eyes a little and set my glass aside. I looked at Draco who was smiling at me and I smiled back.

“You wanna talk to him? He’s a great listener, just speak what’s on your mind and what troubles you and he’ll always listen.”

“I’m sure he will, but for now we have some work to do.”

“Right,” I said as I took my phone and tucked it in my pocket. I pulled out my mask and handed it to Draco. “You also wanna wear my armor?”

He nodded as placed the mask on. “It would help to look the part,” he said in my own voice.

I nodded back and went off to the side, out of sight, and took off my armor and switched into my black hooded leather jacket, jeans, and black boots. The only thing I had on me were my weapons as I walked back out and handed Draco the pile of my armor pieces.

“Make sure not to tear it up too much, the whole thing was a gift from Lucifer,” I said.

“Mmm, perhaps he should wear something a bit more fitting for him,” Lucifer said as he appeared in a puff of flames.

“This fits just fine. I can reduce my mass to fit it. Thanks for the concern, Lucifer.”

We both paused and slowly looked at Draco who was looking at Lucifer with a smirk.

“Uh…Draco? Did…you just speak to Satanael?” I asked hesitantly.

“No, I was speaking to Big Bird,” he added sarcastically.

“You can see him?!” I asked in shock.

“You can see me?” Lucifer repeated, equally shocked. “How can that be? You did not partake of my fruit, or at least not yet.”

He let out a brief chuckle. “I believe it has to do with my animal instincts, or perhaps Discord made it so I can.”

“How intriguing,” Lucifer hummed as he scanned Draco. “It seems that Spirit of Chaos is more cunning than I give him credit for. I must say, young Draco, your bloodlust is almost on par with my own Hand. I wonder what would have happened had I chosen you instead of Dimitri?”

“Not sure, but I honestly wouldn’t have taken the same deal as him,” he said in a spiteful tone. “I would have come to Equestria without accepting your power, nor would I let others share the fate that Lock is doomed for.”

“Doomed, you say? When it was their choice to begin with?”

“A choice that they could have easily been talked out of,” he shot back. “Maud will never see her father again in the afterlife because she will be sent to Hell when she dies. None of them will see their families again, for I know they are too good to wind up in Hell.”

“Dimitri and the others are bound to receive praise and a heroic welcome as my personal champions. Though they are bound to Hell, they will not suffer as other tormented souls have. And if it will make you feel better, I would even allow the souls of their loved ones to visit from time to time should they one day perish.”

“Oh yeah, because who wouldn’t want to live or visit hell?" He said with an even more sarcastic tone. “Yeah, I mean the first I would love to see are the burning pits of fire, and sip on coconut water while listening to the screams of the damned. Hey, does anyone know where I can find a travel agent to book a trip there?!”

“You best mind your tone, brat,” Lucifer hissed as his eyes glowed red from under his hood. “I can easily smite you where you stand and not lose any sleep over it.”

“Oh my all means, smite me, oh hot headed one. I’ll be sure to scream in your ears for all of eternity wherever I end up,” Draco snarled, getting in the Devil’s face his eyes turning into reptile slits.

Suddenly, Lucifer backhanded Draco, sending him flying and his body crashing into the wall and leaving an indent. He slumped on the ground and groaned as blood leaked from his head.

“WHAT THE FUCK, LUCIFER?!” I shouted as I ran over to Draco and tried to heal him.

“I will kill him if he mouths off to me once more,” Lucifer snarled. “You should tell him to learn his place when in my presence.”

Lucifer disappeared in a puff of flames as I healed Draco with my Hellfire. Once he was fully healed, he shook his head and cracked his neck.

“Are you alright? You scared me shitless that I thought you were dead.”

Draco chuckled as he wiped the blood from his face. “He held back because he knew I would hold up on my threat. I’m fine, guess the Devil does act like a bitch sometimes.”

“Fucking hell, don’t ever do that again!” I scolded as I helped him up. “Look, I get you’re pissed about the whole fruit thing, but risking your life by telling my boss off isn’t gonna change anything.”

“Do you honestly think I fear him?” Draco grabbed a hold of my arm and squeezed it tightly forcing me to let go. “I don't fear him or the other guy.”

“Draco, if not for me…then for Shadow,” I said, using his marefriend against him.

“…Ugh fine, you win this time.”

“Thank you, now go get dressed, I’ll meet you upstairs,” I said and left him.

I made it to the top of the deck where the rest of my crew were waiting for me. I walked up to the bow and saw the rest of the ships still hovering in the air, waiting for my signal. My apprentices, Alpha Squad, and Wonderbolts, and Rainbow, all stood behind me with confident looks. Draco soon appeared on the deck and was dressed in my armor as he held my mask in his hand.

“Wow, you almost do that armor justice, babe~” Shadow said, leaning on him as he walked up next to her.

“Thanks, but it’s not really my style. Though with any luck, the enemy will think I really am the Devil’s Hand." He slipped on the mask and pulled over the hood and moved his hand to rub his throat. “You guys ready?” He asked in my voice.

We all nodded as I turned to the fleet and breathed in deep.

“UNFURL ALL!!! CATCH THE WIND!!! WE SET SAIL FOR THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!!!”

I spread my wings out wide as my crew unfurled the sails and began moving. The rest of my ships followed us and I kept my eyes straight ahead as the cold winter winds blew against me.

“Get ready, Lust, your day of reckoning has arrived,” I proclaimed as a embers flickered off my body.

Author's Note

Next Part, The Devil’s Hand faces off against the Sin of Lust.

Hope you enjoyed.

~WurkyWilk has left the building…