「Crystal War Requiem」

Appleloosa Station

Reaching Appleloosa, the Train's chugging grinds itself to a halt, the moans of the gears squeaks under tension, and the Chimney of the Train whistles out one last chuff of smoke before stopping all movement. The screen doors slide open, allowing the troops to leave at moderate speeds. There exiting the Train was the 2nd in command, Lieutenant Pie. Being the 2nd in command, she had to step up into the leadership role whenever Steelhooves wasn't around or hadn't given direct instructions on what to do. Deciding to help organize the cadets, she quickly stepped clear of the exit way, removed herself from the group, and projected her voice.

"Squadron, fall in!" executing the order swiftly, the Ground Pounders fell in in a neat and organized fashion. Their few seconds of peace was cut short when the noise of all earpiece magically activated,

"EVERYONE, BRACE YOURSELVES!!" Following Giorno's said announcement, a macroburst of winds blew itself from the Train's other side. The gust was so great that it sent some cadets flying off their hooves. However, those that still had footing destroyed the wooden floor and manipulated the earth directly under, pushing it upwards and creating a makeshift shield for the gust. The sound of tearing metal and bending could be heard coming from the Train itself before it gets lifted off the tracks, spinning in the process and landing directly onto the Train Station shelter.

"CAPTAIN! SIR GIORNO!" Pinkie shouted.

-Train Car P.O.V

Giorno hadn't removed his eyes from the window ever since the announcement made by Steelhooves to get ready. He hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary, not until he realized the small dust clouds on the far horizon—a cloud of spiraling dust approaching Giorno, and closing fast, growing more extensive as it did. Running out of patience, Steelhooves tried to get his attention.

"Hey Giorno, you gonna get down or what?"

"Something's wrong," Giorno murmured, concerned.

"What do you mean?" Widening his eyes, Giorno hastily pressed on the magical earpiece sitting in his left ear. A small circle of light surrounds his index finger, connecting his communication to all troops. Shouting into the mic to make sure everyone had heard his warning.

"EVERYONE, BRACE YOURSELVES!!"

"What the hell are you going on about-" Steelhooves was abruptly cut off from Giorno tackling himself onto him. Summoning「G.E.R 」and realizing he had no time to create a shield, he used both of its arms to cushion the impact for both of them. Not a second later, strong gusts of wind slammed itself into the sides of the Train, denting the Train's exterior inward from where Giorno had been sitting, sending glass shards flying everywhere. The metal wall's integrity stood no chance, and a gigantic whole has been busted clean through. Sending the entire Train flying a few feet upwards, flinging both Giorno and Steelhooves around the car's interior like ragdolls before roughly landing onto the Train Station, capsizing and crushing everything underneath it.

-In the Distance across the Station

"Haha! Aww, yea! Bullseye!" A male grey Unicorn pony of muscular build said, pumping his fist in the air. He was dressed in a black Gi with alloy gauntlets and shin-guards, a red fabric tied around his waist. And the most noticeable, giant marking of the number '2' written onto the back of his Gi in white.

"I wonder what kind of fighters they are?" He hummed,

"General, what is your next command?" A trooper kneeled,

"Capture them to add to our army count, and if they resist. Kill them." The General went back to looking at the destruction he had caused, grinning. He looked back to his forces.

"Now, Go! Leave the strong ones to me." The hypnotized army started to stampede their way straight to Appleloosa, with The General watching, slightly amused. Gathering energy directed out his legs, he exploded into the direction of the small apple town.

"Let's get the party started!"

"Urghh.. what?" The Captain looked around. The Train car which he and Giorno had situated in has been entirely flipped over. Feeling something heavy on him, he glanced down, only to see Giorno's unmoving body lying atop of him.

"Shit, oi Giorno! Wake up!" shaking him, Giorno didn't respond. Checking for his pulse, he was still alive, just unconscious. Steelhooves wasn't in good shape either. Cuts run along his arms and body, causing blood to flow down freely. Hefting him up, Steelhooves slung Giorno onto his shoulders, carrying him out of the wrecked car through the giant opening made by the wind while maneuvering away from fires and debris in the process. Hoping out, Steelhooves scanned the area for signs of life.

"Captain!" Lieutenant Pie called out, catching his attention. He landed next to her.

"What's the situation, Lieutenant?"

"Hordes of Sombra's forces are making their way over from the Mountain ranges. There are innocent families still in the houses. What are our next orders?"

"Station our troops to fence the station from where the enemy is approaching, tell them to do whatever it takes to push them back. Do NOT let them pass, and if they do. Ensure they Don't lay their hands on Giorno. He is our only hope of getting ourselves out of this with his healing abilities."

"Yes, Captain. Understood." Saluting, she dismissed herself to relay the message to the others. Running down the houses, Steelhooves tried getting away as far away from the battlefield as possible. Speedily running down the rows of buildings in between the alleyways. As he ran, he reached into his back pouch and took out a small pink crystal.

"Princess Celestia, this is Captain Earth Steelhooves reporting in; Giorno's deduction was right. Appleloosa is under attack, Requesting immediate backup. He got knocked out cold from an enemy attack. My troops and I will do our best to fend them off, but there's no guarantee on how long we'll last. Steelhooves Signing off." Ending the message, he placed it back into his back pouch. Running past more vacant houses and even The local Sheriff's Office, he stopped at one of the houses at the town's corner. A child's whimpers could be heard from the other side of the door when Steelhooves walked up the porch. Knocking, he tried to get the attention of whoever is inside.

"Hello, is anypony here?"

Silence.

"I am Captain Steelhooves from the capital of Canterlot. Please, I have an unconscious accomplice with me."

"GO AWAY!" flinching slightly from the outburst, Steelhooves stepped back. But he can't leave Giorno unattended in an empty house in the event that the town did get overrun.

"I know it's difficult, madam. Trusting somepony that out of the blue asks for shelter during a war. Nopony in their right minds would. But Appleloosa is under attack, and only my associate here could provide healing support to my troops. Shelter him, and I can promise your family won't be caught in the crossfire."

The door creaked open, and a colt, no older than seven. Peeked out from behind it.

"I-Iz it true? Y-you will protect us *Sniff*, Mister?"

"EARTHEN, NO!!" The child got pulled back. At the same time, the door swung itself back closed. Jabbing his hoof to intercept, Steelhooves managed to stop the closing door right at the frame.

"Please, madam. Our hands are full with the enemy rushing Appleloosa-" Steelhooves pleaded. In response, the door was applied with an even greater amount of strength. The occupant was clearly desperate to drive Steelhooves away.

"Ma, he looks very hurt. Shouldn't we help'em?"

The pressure applied onto the door ceased when the timid colt spoke up from behind it. Gradually opening the door, stood a middle-aged mare with her son hiding behind her ragged dress. She was holding a knife. None looked to be in good shape either.

"Please, madam, shelter him. Nothing more." Sighing, the mare lowered her weapon and stepped to the side.

"He can rest on the couch, but I warn ya, if they start bargin' down the door, I won't be savin' his flank."

"Thank you." Steelhooves made his way into the house and laid Giorno onto the red pillowy couch. Taking his leave, he exited the house's interior and onto the dirt road. Looking back to the pair, he nods before sprinting back into the fray.

"Ma. Why is the sleeping pony furless?"

"Must be one o'those magic potion those unicorn folks use, sweetie."

-Battlefield, Wrecked Train site

The battlefield was messy. Troops on both sides were brawling it out directly outside of the station. Pinkie charged a group of assailants, winding up her forearm. She brutally tackles three of them into the air. Moving forward, she flipped over an enemy projectile, landing. She scoped out a piece of the earth and hurled it at the archer who shot at her with a direct headshot. To her right were two oncoming soldiers charging at her. Ducking the first punch, she rolled in-between them and grabbed them both by the neck and smashing their head together. To turns her attention to the soldier on her right, who is still recovering from the head smash, and punched him square in the liver with her left fist. She moved on to the enemy on the left and gave a mean right hook to the face, causing him to spiral to the ground. She switched back to the soldier she had punched in the liver earlier, performing a sidekick to his jaw.

Turning back, three more foes approached. Cracking her knuckles, she posted her arms up in a boxing form and lowered her head slightly, she analyzed.

'Two has swords, one unarmed. Fast takedown it is.'

One of the swordsmen and unarmed charged her. Pinkie breaks into a sprint as well. The swordsman engages first, swinging his sword in a downwards motion onto her. Catching him by the forearm with her left, she halts the movement. Pivoting her left hoof, she spins clockwise and, in quick succession, elbows the unarmed in the stomach with her right. Changing her target, she grabbed the swordsman's forearm with both hands and flipped him over her shoulder. Overthrowing him straight into the ground.

Lifting her leg straight up, Pinkie sends her hoof down. Crushing the ground beneath her, sending rocks and earth of varying sizes flying up and proceeds to use one like a soccer ball, sending it to strike the remaining swordsman. With her side taken care of, she observed the battlefield. The majority of the troops are still having trouble, despite that. If she could target their backline archers, then the tides would turn in their favor.

"Lieutenant!" Pinkie turns to see Steelhooves running towards her. Stopping right beside her, he scans the battlefront.

"It's chaotic. Any idea where we could minimize their assault?" He inquired.

"We should target their backline. They are providing too much support from far." Pinkie points to the horizon, close to the base of the mountain.

"Understood." Hopping to the side, Steelhooves shovels both his hands into the ground,

"「Earth Manipulation,Battle-Style:

lifting a boulder slightly larger than that of a beach ball. Twisting his body, he builds up momentum running forward and flings it with one arm directly to the skies. The air pressure exerted onto the boulder from flying at such high speeds causes it to shatter into smaller pieces before reaching the apex of the throw and falling back down onto the enemy's backline as a shower of rocks. Knocking out roughly a third of their support.

Meteor Shower.」"

"Nice shot." Pinkie commented.

"Yea, great aim!" A blur landed next to the two, dust clouds were sent flying everywhere from the landing. Pinkie and Steelhooves had to use their arms to shield the incoming clouds of dust and winds blowing into them. Finally settling after the initial impact, stood the General smile and all. An ominous aura flowed around him, the unquenchable and unfiltered bloodlust that can only be satiated through the acts of violence and battle poured out of him like a constant faucet connected to the never-ending sea.

ゴゴゴゴ

"Hey, hey, hey. Are you guys up for a fight?" The mysterious pony said while flexing his fingers. Immediately sensing something was amidst, Steelhooves stepped forward and took charge of the situation.

"I am Captain Steelhooves from the Capital of Canterlot. State your business here."

"Oh? I don't think I've met you before. My memory's sorta fuzzy, well, whatever—The name's Vilos. One of the Five Major Generals. I represent The Second Gate of Grief. Now with the introduction outta the way. Show me your blood, Captain!!"

Exploding from where he stood, Vilos lunged at Steelhooves. Pulling his fist back, he delivers a punch devasting enough that it caused an ignition in the oxygen from the surrounding air. Trying to cushion the blow, Steelhooves used both of his forearms to minimize the impact. But before he knew it, he was sent rocketing into the sky.

"CAPTAIN!!" Screamed a soldier.

"DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR OBJECTIVES, SOLDIER!! FORGET ABOUT ME. I'LL HANDLE IT!" The Captain yelled back.

"Great, Great!! That's the spirit!" Vilos jumped in pursuit of the flying earth pony.

-Appleloosa Square

Steelhooves grunted as he roughly landed into one of the vacant houses, smashing the wooden walls supporting it. Absorbing his fall from the skies, he soon stops in the middle of what seems to be an abandoned living room. A gaping hole left from where he had descended onto the house illuminated the area.

"Gah!" grunting, he tried to pull himself out of the wooden rubble. He could feel a searing pain coming from his back. Coughing, he got up achingly.

'Get up, Fight!' He chanted in his mind.

'I Have to Fight! I have to protect them! I won't let it happen again! I won't fail them like how I did HER!'

Earlier in his years, before he was known as the stone heart Steelhooves, he used to be a quiet and timid pony. Growing up, he admired the Royal Guards of Canterlot, but not because they'd put their lives on the line to protect their nation. Instead, how they trained themselves, getting stronger and bettering themselves physically, as a timid and shy pony, Steelhooves admire them about that. Not allowing anypony to push them around and always taking action. But one day, when he been brought out to shop for groceries with his mother, he had lost her through the sea of crowds and ponies. Unable to locate her, he began to sulk to himself by the corner of an alleyway,

"Hey little kiddo, where are your parents?" asked an earth pony dawning gold plated armor. He was a member of the Royal Guard. He was on patrol when he stumbles across a young and distressed Steelhooves.

"I *hick* lost my mum in the crowds, *sniff* I-I don't know where she is."

"Well, let's go find your mommy then! We're going to see if we can find her." On their journey to finding the missing Steelhooves parents. The Guard had stopped to lend a helping hand to an elderly mare needing help pushing up a cart of apples on an angled sloop. Though it had taken longer than expected, he got the job done. Curious as to why the Guard would go to such lengths to help the old mare, Steelhooves questioned the Guard.

"Mister Guard?"

"Yea? What's up, little fella?"

"Why did you help Ms. Granny push the cart up the sloop just now? You wouldn't get anything in return, so why did you do it?" Chuckling, the Guard patted little Steelhooves head gently and gave a warm smile,

"Listen here and listen well, little buddy. It is the job of the strong is to use their gifts and talents for the good of others, even ponies like the Granny earlier."

"Does that mean that the Granny you helped is weak?"

"No, it only shows how imperfect we are as ponies. But it is due to these little imperfections within us that's what makes us special and unique in our own little ways. Remember, once a somepony is gone. It doesn't come back. Don't you think it is one of the best ways to give back to those that have sheltered and help shape you into the strong colt you are today? To treasure and help them. Is one of the many virtues of life."

Little did Steelhooves knew. Through this chance meeting with that Guard, his soul and moral compass were set onto the path of selflessness and righteousness. Understanding the values of life and how precious they truly are. Taking this lesson to heart, Steelhooves found his reason for joining the Royal Guard.

The war began shortly after Steelhooves enlisted himself into the Royal Guards. It was also where he met the love of his life, Orchid Ore, an earth mare part of the rescue team. During their breaks, they would always try to find time for each other. Meeting under one of the trees in the Royal Garden.

"Orchid. Once this war is over, I'll propose to you properly. I promise." Orchid simply snickered at this.

"W-why are you laughing?!" Steelhooves asked flustered,

"I'm not, I'm not. Once this war is over, I want to go on a long and relaxing honeymoon together!" she sang,

"Anything for you." humming, Orchid nuzzled him affectionately. They enjoyed the gentle breeze cooling them—the tree providing an ample amount of shade for them to relax under the heated afternoon sun.

"Thank you, sweetie."

Yet, not two months after the promise he had made to his love, tragedy struck. Orchid's platoon was sent to help escort resources delivering from Manehatten safely over to Canterlot. But none had return the following days after. Concerned, Celestia had dispatched a rescue team, which included Steelhooves, down to investigate. Coming across the small town of Hollow Shades was a horrendous sight. Many of the stallion Guard's corpse was sliced into pieces or gutted and strung up everywhere, including the houses, across the floor, and on the trees, strangely none of the mare Guards were to be seen. Which only set Steelhooves on edge even further. Checking for survivors, Steelhooves could only pray for his fiance to be safe. Searching the town, he couldn't find her, that was until he reached the town center—Steelhooves' pupils shrunk to pinpricks.

There strung up and suspended in mid-air by strings that are tied together to form a web-like pattern. Was Steelhooves's fiance, Orchid. Stripped naked, badly beaten, bruised, bloodied, and raped as white liquids ran down her mouth and neither regions.

"ORCHID!!!" He screamed. He pulled her down from her suspension and hugged her.

"Orchid?! Orchid Please!!" Crying out, he let the tears streamed down his face. It was the only thing he could do. Opening her eyes slightly, Orchid turns to Steelhooves. Voice raspy,

"I'm sorry. I- I thought they were *cough*... I thought they were you.."

"Orchid, tell me what happened. Who did this to you!?" Steelhooves voice cracked, but he couldn't care less. His brain ran through millions of scenarios. He froze when Orchid placed her hand onto his cheek.

"Will..will you smile for me, one last time? I missed it when you smile for me."

"Don't talk like that! I'll smile whenever you want! Just stay with me! Somepony's coming to save you! Don't you remember the promise I made to you?-"Orchid's hand fell to her side. Her body finally succumbing to her injuries, she had used up all the energy in her body to hold out, waiting to see him for one last time because she believed that Steelhooves would eventually come and rescue her. Steelhooves cried out, clinging to her cold body tightly into the dead of the night.

After her funeral, unable to cope with the loss of his love, he mourned for her, and his heart plunged into despair. When they found traces of the Changeling hives near the incident site, the pieces fell together, and Steelhooves built a newfound rage towards the Changelings. He blamed her death on himself, not being able to arrive in time to save the one pony that genuinely mattered to him. Which, in turn, resulted in Steelhooves falling into a depressive state. One where he would begin to cry and cry until his tears had dried up, and along with his tears, so did his capacity to trust in the abilities of others. Opting to manage everything himself. Though fate had stolen his lover away, he was set on not to let anypony else experience the same pain of losing loved ones as he once had to endure.

Turning his regrets and anguish into motivation and drive to become stronger, he would train tirelessly to hone his Earth Manipulation techniques, to be faster to reach those who needed saving, to be stronger to protect those who couldn't fend for themselves. Soon enough, he was climbing up the ranks at a rapid pace. Eventually earning himself the title and status of Captain, fighting for the peace of Equestria. Many idolize him as an icon of strength how he had, time and time again. Lived up to and even surpassing the expectations of the Princesses and his peer. Many sung praises about his accomplishments and achievements in missions and battles. Though deep down, he had never stopped regretting his past failures to save his one and only beloved. Unable to fulfill the promise he had made to her oh so long ago.

Making his way out of the wrecked house, Steelhooves could see an oncoming target coming straight towards him. Straightening his right hand's fingers together into an open palm formation while the palm is still facing his body, he stretched it out forward in front of him. Clenching his right hand into a fist, he brought it close to his body, lowering his center of mass and positioning his hooves paralleled to the ground. Taking a battle stance, he angles his backhand towards the sky as he readies himself for the upcoming attack.

"「Earth Manipulation, Defence-Style:"

As the General's fist struck Steelhooves backhand, he turns his hand to face the earth and lowered his stance slightly. The majority of the General's strength had been redirected through Steelhooves's body and straight to the ground. The land beneath them crippled from the force exerted, creating a deep crater.

"Seismic Redirection.」"

"Amazing technique, Captain!! Show me what else ya got!!" Vilos commented. He attempted to kick his face but was unsuccessful due to an arm blocking it from reaching its destination. Both jumped back, creating a comfortable amount of distance separating the two.

"You're something else! Other ponies that get hit by my punches usually die from one hit, but look at you! still kicking."

'Shit, his attacks are far too strong for a unicorn. Some sort of muscle enhancement magic? Even redirecting his hit to the earth, I can still feel my entire body shaking.' Steelhooves thought, trying to decipher what is fueling the General.

"Now, let us begin proper, Captain!!" he took a huge breath of air. Clocking back his right fist with the bottom facing upwards, a magical wheel circles his right wrist. He reached his left arm out in an open palm facing Steelhooves,

"Index 3, Fourth Form: Aileron Canon!" As Vilos threw his punch, he spins his fist as he extends it. The enormous strength exerted from the attack caused the encompassing air in the vicinity to spiral along with the punch. The Spiraling winds tore through the grounds as it made its way over to where Steelhooves was standing. Jumping out of the way, the horizontal tornado completely shredded the abandoned house behind him. Looking back, Shivers went down his spine. Steelhooves knows that if he doesn't play his cards correctly, he could very well die. Taking his battle stance once again, he was prepared to engage. Vilos also took a stance of his own, slowly pacing his breath as he did.

"Index 2, First Form: Spirit Enhancement." The air crackled with power. A calm blue aura surrounds the General, floating around him like water. Neither of them moved for seconds. Time slowed down, and both adversaries disappeared from where they were standing. Godspeed-like clashes blasted around the square, destroying the environment where they fought.

"「Earth Manipulation, Battle-Style: Splitting Terrain」"Displacing the ground with his hooves, Steelhooves changes the battlefield to his advantage, limiting the range of motion for the General. In a blink of an eye, he closed the distance between himself and Vilos. He jumped up into the air before smashing down onto him.

Dodging, Vilos threw a barrage of punches in his way. Steelhooves tried blocking the onslaught of attacks, but it wasn't very useful. Sending him flying back a good distance. Collecting himself, Steelhooves started to converse.

"Why, *huff* why are you doing this? Why are you fighting for Sombra?"

"Why am I fighting for? What kind of question is that? To get stronger, of course! Can't you see it's how the world operates? The strong crush the weak. It's as simple as that."

"Then what about the innocents that you trample over? Can't you see your needless bloodshed has cost the lives of many? Manipulating and using them, why can't you see that these ponies just want to live out their peaceful, quiet lives? Why must you destroy it for them?!"

"Didn't I get my point across? The weak gets used by the strong precisely because they're WEAK! The weak have no will for themselves. It's not that hard to understand that concept, you know? But if you feel so bad about them dying, just think of it as collateral damage." The General shrugged off,

"Collateral damage? Collateral damage? Does the value of life mean nothing to you?" Steelhooves asked, emotionless.

"It's just another stepping stone for me to get stronger. I don't see the need to fuss over it, but hey. After I'm done with you, I can send your forces to join you in the afterlife so you won't get lonely." Vilos cracked a smile while flexing his fingers.

"No."

"What was that?" Questioned Vilos.

"I will not allow anypony here to die! Not when I'm here!" Steelhooves declared as he took his battle stance.

"Why do you protect them so, Steelhooves? Why risk your life to protect these weaklings? You're strong, stronger than all of them. You're not like them. Why bother to support them when they can't support themselves? True strength is undeniable. They would just be blown away by the winds." Vilos spat,

"You're wrong. True strength is vulnerability, the ability to open up your heart and emotions. It takes a certain level of tenacity to allow ourselves to feel battered and bruised, but those with True Strength never back down. Rather, they use their strength in the service of others. The duty of the strong is to protect the weak. If the winds howls, then I'll shelter them. If they can't fend for themselves, I'll gladly fight to protect them. That is what it means to be strong."

"Suit yourself," Vilos took a battle stance of his own as he continues,

"They'll be sweeping up the pieces of your teeth after you bite the dust."

Steelhooves made the first move, charging, he kneed Vilos in the gut. Doubling over, Vilos regained his posture, trying to land a punch, and failed. Hopping backward, Vilos gave chase. Each punch he gave was only missing and hitting the ground, seeing an opening. Steelhooves landed a direct hit onto the General's face, forcing his head to shift sideways. He soon returned the favor, striking Steelhooves in the cheek. He could feel it, the painful shockwaves coursing through his cheeks to the back of his skull. The pain was unbearable. Yet, with his determination unwavering, he grits his teeth, clenches his fists, and stood his ground. Neither of them letting up. They started their onslaught of relentlessly pummeling one another with a barrage of punches—each strike they had to endure caused shockwaves and ripples in the air. The earth they were standing on caved from the power they were giving off. More cuts and slices ran along Steelhooves' body, allowing more blood to slowly stream down his body. Steelhooves wasn't dishing nearly the same amount of pain as Vilos had dealt. Ducking, Steelhooves sweep kicked Vilos off the ground and punched him in the liver sending him flying into a nearby bar, breaking the wooden gate.

Steelhooves tried entering the establishment but was blown away by the whirling winds driving him back. Suddenly appearing in front of the Captain, Vilos feint a right hook causing Steelhooves to put both arms up to block it instinctively. Capitalizing on his mistake, Vilos spun around, giving a right roundhouse kick to his torso.

"HURGHH!!" Steelhooves grunted. He could feel his left ribs breaking and organs rupturing. Immediately wrapping his left arm onto Vigor's right leg, he delivered a destructive right hook to his adversary. Vilos promptly blocked with both of his arms, yet the energy in Steelhooves punch did send him flying backward.

" *huff*...*wheeze* ... *huff*" Steelhooves was exhausted. In all his time serving the Equestrian army, he hadn't encountered a Major General before. He heard stories from those who survived their encounter with them, saying how they hold incredible power. Never had he thought they'd be this strong.

"Look at you. You should be close to your limit by now. Such a fragile thing, broken ribs, ruptured organs, and a broken shoulder. Can't you see? I was right. The strong will always succeed, no matter the circumstances. The strong are always the victor! But, you really are a fun sparring partner to have around. So tell ya what, I have a great proposal for you, Captain. Call off your forces and join me. We can train and spar to get even stronger. Together! Doesn't that sound nice?" Vilos suggested,

"I'll say it only once, I will Never join you. Or your conquest in overtaking Equestria." Just as Steelhooves said this, Pinkie jumped out to Vilos's left behind one of the larger rubble.

"LIEUTENANT, NO!!" The Captain tried warning the pink earth mare, but she didn't listen, instead. Giving a left roundhouse to his chest. Unamused, Vilos used his right hand to catch her. Leaning in, Pinkie tried to throw a right hook. Again, he grabbed her fist with his left before it reached its destination.

"Tsk, who's this weakling interrupting the fight?" Vilos said, sending Pinkie airborne in front of him. Inhaling, he winded up his fist like how he decimated the house did earlier.

"Index 4, Fourth Form: Aileron Canon!"

Bolting to his Lieutenant, managing to grab her by the hoof. Steelhooves flung her out of the crossfire. However, he did successfully clear her out of harm's way. Now he finds himself at point-blank range of Vilos's Spiraling attack, recognizing he has no time to get himself out of the way. The Captain took his position,

"「Earth Manipulation, Defence-Style: Seismic Redirection.」"

"It won't work," Vilos smirked. The Captain didn't understand what The General had meant, that was until he realizes the ground was uneven. It was destroyed beyond recognition from the intense battle they just had. Unable to distribute the energy to the ground, Steelhooves took the full brunt of the Aileron Canon. The strength given off by the wind currents of the attack was unbelievable, the moment Steelhooves' right arm made contact with the condensed winds. It forced his forearm to rotate counter-clockwise, snapping his bones and tearing his muscles until it was ripped clean off and pushing him back simultaneously. What was left was only a stump that is his bicep. Combine that with the horizontal tornado picking up the rock fragments from the ground. It acted as bullets slashing away at his thighs, chests, and face. One of which smashed right into his left eye, cutting off half of his vision.

"CAPTAIN!!!" Screamed Pinkie, watching helplessly from the sidelines as the attack shredded Steelhooves. Soon enough, the winds subsided. And Steelhooves could only lower his left arm.

"SAY IT STEELHOOVES!! SAY YOU'LL JOIN ME! KING SOMBRA COULD GIVE YOU A BRAND-NEW ARM WITH HIS MAGIC! HE COULD EVEN MAKE YOU STRONGER!! SAY YOU'LL JOIN ME NOW OR ELSE YOU'LL DIE HERE!!!" Vilos yelled at Steelhooves, who only glared at him.

"I... won't." Steelhooves knew. He knew that no matter how badly beaten and mutilated he gets. He could let Giorno heal him back to perfect shape. If not, at the very least he would die knowing he tried his best.

"I won't abandon them! I'll protect each and every pony here til' my last breath!" Shouted Steelhooves. With his resolve burning bright, he assumed his stance for the last time that day, he prepares for his final attack.

"HAHA! SO HONORABLE! FINE STEELHOOVES, DON'T DIE ON ME NOW!!" The General dawn a new posture that he hasn't shown before,

'I'll have to end it in this next, final attack. An attack so strong he has no choice but to take it head-on. An attack so powerful it shakes Equestria to its very core!' He thought while jabbing his hand into the ground. He continues,

'Don't back down now, Steelhooves! Charge forward and fear nothing!' Building up strength in his legs, he encouraged himself.

"I AM THE PROUD CAPTAIN OF THE GROUND POUNDERS, EARTH STEELHOOVES. AND I WILL CARRY OUT MY PROMISES!"

"COME AT ME THEN!!" Vilos challenged,

"「IMPROVISED: EARTH MANIPULATION, FINAL TECHNIQUE:

Steelhooves chanted, bursting with newfound speeds. Steelhooves charges straight for Vilos. Dragging his hand along the ground, he parted the earth as he ran. Vilos responded to his call to action. He filled his lungs with air, howling winds fiercely circle around him, even more so on his right arm as three wheels of magic encase it. Stepping his left hoof forward, he spins his entire body, styling his build-up.

"INDEX ◀5▶,ESOTERICA. SIXTH FORM:

Bulldozing in, Steelhooves stopped directly in front of Vilos. Transferring all the kinetic energy from his sprint to his left arm, he pumped it to the skies, intending on hitting The General's face. As though the Earth had listened to him, the land they were standing on erupted upwards towards the clouds, following his uppercut. He bellows out the name of his ultimate attack.

PLATE TECTONIC ANNIHILATION」"

Following suit, Vilos thrust his arm towards Steelhooves. Smiling all the while. The winds around them rotated and spun along with his moving fist. The pressure generated pushes Pinkie back even further.

PIERCING TYPHOON."

The Twisting gales mixed with hunks of stone, rocks, and earth to form a monstrous whirling cyclone that stretched to the heavens. The fluffy white clouds in the skies darken as they began to circle the Eye of the Storm. The open square where the two had fought had been completely obliterated, blown away by the winds. Only the marks of the tornado were left on the ground. The buildings that were close to the square had been laid to waste. With the storm finally dying out, Pinkie tried squinting her eyes to see past the lingering dust clouds hindering her from finding The Captain.

As the dust clouds slowly dissipated, she could only look at what beheld her in horror. Though having the top part of his Gi fully torn off and bloody lacerations could be seen all across his chest, arms, back, and massive gash going up to his right chest, the General also had his right arm driven straight through Steelhooves' abdomen, the metallic gauntlet dripping with gore. Steelhooves vomits out blood. Vilos stared at the fatal wound he had inflicted onto him before tilting up to meet his gaze.

"I won't forget these wonderful scars that you had left on me, Steelhooves," Vilos said,

"Steelhooves?" Orchid called, but he didn't respond.

"Hellllooo, Earth to Earth Steelhooves," she called again. Ever since returning from the rescue mission of Vanhoover, he couldn't help but keep on playing the scene he saw.

"Orchid... Do you ever think we could have saved them? The kids, I mean." What Steelhooves was referring to was the brainwashed colts and fillies that had been strapped with explosives and be sent to their deaths to act as live homing bombs.

"... Dear, you know we tried to give them quick and painless deaths."

"Yea, But they don't deserve it. No child does!" He shouted as he resumes,

"They still had so much to live for, Orchid. They still haven't got to fully experience their lives yet." Seeing Steelhooves like this pained Orchid, so she gave a swift karate chop to his head.

"Ow, what was that for?!" He yelled as he massaged the bump on his head to soothe to pain,

"Stop thinking like that." She said, confused by what she meant, he asks.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Stop dwelling on the past. Yes, those kids that we weren't able to save are gone. But it's thanks to your actions and quick thinking that allowed us to save many more children from suffering the same fate. Don't you agree?"

"Well, yea but-"

"Listen, Steelhooves. Time doesn't wait for you. Every second you dwell on the past, you steal from the future. We can be stuck in the past and replay that scenario for all of eternity, unable to change anything. Or we can march forward and make the most of what's going to happen instead of worrying about what we can't change."

"I'll... I'll try then," Steelhooves replied reluctantly,

"Thank you, Steelhooves."

"Now... Time to finish off that pink GAGKK-" Vilos was abruptly cut by Steelhooves using his only arm to strangle him, crushing his throat.

'I'm sorry, Orchid. All this time, I had been looking back to the incident. You were always supporting me, haven't you? Telling me not to regret what I couldn't change. I'm sorry I couldn't do better. I promise I won't look back on that day ever again, so please. Lend me your strength. One .Last .Time.' Steelhooves thought as he drove more power into his left hand.

"Gah -where- is this- strength- coming from?" Vilos wheezed out while trying to pry Stelhooves' hand off him, but he held his throat with an iron grip.

"I... noticed... that every time you used your immense power to spin the winds, you... always took a second to breathe before launching an attack." Vilos gave a surprised expression, which was all Steelhooves needed as confirmation to exert even more strength behind his grip.

'Looks like I hit the Jackpot—all I have to do now. IS TO CHOKE HIM OUT!'

The General tried forcing his arm out of Steelhooves' torso, but he was stuck in place. Unable to remove it.

"GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Vilos yelled out, throwing punch after punch at Steelhooves' face. Trying to make him release his hold onto his neck.

'Hold it! Force it out! My everything!' Steelhoove matched Vilos's yelling with a battle cry of his own, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!"

Pinkie stood on the sidelines, watching the events unfold before her. She didn't try to aid her Captain. She knew if she goes in, her presence would only hinder his focus. Helpless to do anything, she observed with a drop of tear streaming down her face.

'Please Captain, beat him.' she prayed,

"I- won't- lose," choked Vilos,

"I still- have to get- STRONGER." Dark magic erupted from deep inside of Vilos. In his eyes, the whites turn green and purple flames combusted from the corner of it, and black lighting crackled around his horn. He rips out his right arm using this newfound strength and decks Steelhooves with his left, sending him rocketing back. Steelhooves knew he was going to die, closing his eyes. He welcomed the cold embrace of death. However, his journey was intercepted by a pair of golden hands catching him. A particular pink, outfitted blonde stood behind him. Looking up, he couldn't help but crack a smile.

"S-somepony really took their time napping, h-huh?" Steelhooves coarse out,

"Sorry it took so long for me to get here. I got lost navigating the town until I saw that massive cyclone." 「Gold Experience Requiem」 picked up a stone from the ground that roughly matched the size of Steelhooves blown off stomach. He hovered it close to the gaping wound and gave life to it, restoring his abdomen.

"Leave the rest to me," Giorno said, gently placing Steelhooves down onto the ground.

"Who are you? *cough* Some freak? Whatever, I'll take of it later." Changing his sights to Pinkie, he darts towards her. Ready to send her head flying. His punch was caught by a single golden hand with an orange beetle on it. Unfazed and pushing it to the side revealed「Gold Experience Requiem」. Including Giorno standing behind the golden spirit.

"Your fight is with me, not her."「G.E.R」echoed. Tightening its grip onto Vilos's fist,「G.E.R」delivered a flurry of punches to his torso. Even with his enhanced speed and reaction time, if he is forced into an immovable position, it wouldn't matter how fast he was. He wouldn't be able to dodge the barrage.

"MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA"

With each strike「G.E.R」landed onto Vilos, Giorno imbues it with life force. The first punch would send The General's mind into overdrive. The next ten would carry the same effect as the first, but this time the pain would be enhanced. The life energy given to him causes his already heightened suffering to skyrocket higher. Essentially, stacking the pain he receives with each new hit「G.E.R」lands onto him. not to mention, his mind would constantly fall in and out of his body as「G.E.R」continues to pummel into him.

"MUDA!!"

Finishing off drowning Vilos in a sea of fists,「G.E.R」delivers one last heavy punch. Sending him cruising back and landing onto the floor, spasming out. Giorno walked over, intending to finish him off. But an explosion of black mist and smoke covered Vilos and stopped him. A pair of green eyes gleamed from inside of the smoke starring at Giorno.

"I have seen enough, Giorno Giovanna." The voice of Sombra whispered,

"Who are you?"

"You'll know soon enough," More clouds of smoke screens Vilos, soon scattering into the cracks on the ground. Failing to end The General and with the long battle coming to an end, Giorno turns to Pinkie.

"Are you injured, Lieutenant?" He inquired,

"Forget about me, tend to The Captain."

"Right." Jogging to the resting Steelhooves, he hadn't moved from where Giorno had laid him. Utilizing「G.E.R」once again, he gathered the surrounding rubble and compacted it together, giving life and forming a brand new right arm for Steelhooves.

"Lieutenant!" A soldier called to Pinkie, waving his hand in the air as he ran over.

"Lieutenant, the enemy troops have started to retreat! What are our next orders?"

"Continue to station yourselves around the perimeter of Appleloosa. We can't risk an ambush attack."

"Yes, Lieutenant!" The soldier saluted before running off, turning around. Giorno was supporting Steelhooves with his arm sling around Giorno, stopping beside Pinkie.

"Where the hell have you been all this time?" She asks,

"I got knocked out by the Train tipping over, from what I found out. The Captain carried me all the way to the other side of town to hide me with the local ponies. After regaining consciousness, they filled me in on what happened. I tried to find your whereabouts. But that giant tornado did it for me. The Captain's wounds are fully healed, but he's currently knocked out due to the blood loss. But before he did, he told me he has already called in for reinforcements, " Giorno explained. Not another second later, a Sonic Rainboom could be seen bursting in the sky towards them. Leaving a gorgeous rainbow trail as it did. Looking up, he continues,

"Speak of the devil."