The two of them had been running together for a good while. Not once had Shining Armor released Dash’s hand as they ran, nor had he removed that weird armor. She couldn’t tell if the Wisps were still following them, but she didn’t want to look. She was too afraid to look, and she didn’t want Shining to see her like that.

But admittedly, seeing Shining Armor like this almost made her want to…

Right as they made it to the town hall, a shuriken landed in front of them, making them stop. Shining kept Rainbow Dash behind him as another Crow landed on one knee before him.

“Let me guess,” Shining Armor said, “You’re a sibling of the one we fought earlier, right? Just how many of you bird brains are there?”

“Worry not, for there are only three of us,” the Crow said, rising up and holding the large shuriken on his back, “And I’d watch my tongue if I were you, Blue Ranger. I’m not as nice as my brothers.”

“Ash was being nice?” Shining said, pushing Rainbow Dash further behind him, making her blush even more at how protective he was being, “Man, you must be intolerable.”

“You have a big mouth for a Ranger by himself,” the Crow said, cracking his neck, “I’ll give you one chance. Turn the girl over to me now, or I’ll-”

“Let me stop you right there,” Shining Armor cut him off, “Cause this woman is under my protection now. You want her, you’re going to have to go through me!”

“That can easily be arranged,” he entered his fighting stance, “My name is Carmine, the youngest of the Corvus Brothers. Tremble in fear, as your death will not be without pain.”

“He’s, the worst one…” Rainbow Dash said, trembling, “Shining, we need to-”

“I promised, remember?” Shining said, making Rainbow Dash’s heart leap out of her chest, “That I’d keep you safe no matter what?”

Rainbow Dash nodded quickly, “Mhm!”

“I don’t fully get what’s going on here, but I have my suspicions. Either way, I won’t let this Crow get to you,” he looked back at her, somehow his intensity coming through despite his face being hidden behind that helmet, “Alright?”

Rainbow swallowed, but nodded again, feeling incredibly flushed, “A-alright.”

Shining Armor spun his double sided spear above his head and then charged at Carmine, who charged at him in kind. Immediately Shining Armor swung at Carmine, who ducked and dodged all of his attacks, while also throwing a few of his own. After Shining blocked a few of his strikes, he jumped away, tossing his giant shuriken at Shining. The attack hit him once, but then the shuriken doubled back and somehow hit him three more times.

Right as Shining Armor fell to one knee, Carmine rushed at him wielding two kunai. He wasted no time slashing Shining Armor relentlessly with the small bladed weapons, and then kicked Shining Armor back.

Shining stumbled a bit, catching two shuriken in the chest as Carmine continued his relentless assault. Before Shining could think to retaliate, he saw a group of Wisps appear before him. They began to overwhelm him with their attacks, hitting him from all sides. They weren’t even that hard to take down, but there were so many of them.

“Gah! Shoot!” Shining swore, blocking one attack only to get hit with another in the back, “Rainbow, get out of here!”

Rainbow bit her lip, feeling uncertain. Normally she’d be able to with ease, but the mere thought of leaving Shining Armor like this, she felt like it’d be a betrayal of her very being. Shoot, was she beginning to-

“There’s nowhere safe to run to!” Carmine shouted, jumping into the air with two shuriken in hand. He then tossed them at Rainbow Dash, who tried to run away, but they knocked her to the ground, slicing through her dress a bit but also pinning her to the ground with the fabric.

Rainbow Dash panicked a bit, and tried to pull the shuriken off her, but Carmine landed right over her, making her scream.

“That scent, it’s utterly repulsive,” Carmine seethed, “I don’t see what Ash or Tyrian see in it. Honestly, I can’t wait till this hunt is over, I no longer have to poison my nostrils with it.”

“No…! NO!” Rainbow Dash tried to back away from him, not caring if her dress tore at all. She just needed to escape. Sadly, Carmine grabbed her arm, yanking her up a bit.

“Rainbow Dash!” Shining slashed the Wisps away from him and tried to rush over to her, only for six more to appear in front of him and push him back, “Damn it, get out of my way!”

“Now, let’s see what you can-” he looked down at Rainbow’s leg, and froze, “Hang on a second… You… you’re the-”

“HIYA!!!” a familiar female voice shouted. The Pink Ranger then appeared in mid air, flipped over Rainbow Dash and kicking Carmine back and making him release Rainbow Dash. She summoned her claws and then slashed at him, before spin kicking him, making him fall back onto the ground.

“Your Majesty!” Shining cried.

“Sorry I’m late, Shining!” Cadence said, jumping in the air to kick Carmine rapidly, pushing him further away from Rainbow Dash, “You alright?”

“Yeah, and really happy to see you!” Shining said, slashing through the Wisps again, and charging at Carmine, slashing him in the back with his spear. He and Cadence moved completely in sync, tearing into Carmine and preventing him from doing anything. At the end of their combo, they stood back to back and kicked him into a nearby wall before running to stand before Rainbow Dash, both of them protecting her.

“Damn it! My brothers need to know about this!” Carmine swore, “This isn’t the end, Power Rangers! Both Maidens will be ours before this night is out!” he then shot a smoke bomb onto the ground, vanishing from sight.

Shining looked around, seeing the Wisps were gone too. He then relaxed, standing up straight and letting his Divine Weapon fade, “Thanks, for the save.”

“No problem,” Cadence said, letting her claws fade as well, “I’m just glad all that training has paid off,” Cadence turned to Rainbow Dash, who was still sitting on the ground, “Miss, are you-” she froze.

“Your Majesty? What’s wrong?” Shining asked.

“Shining, look…” Cadence pointed a shaking finger at Rainbow Dash’s hip. She looked herself, and then gasped. She did not want anyone to see that.

Shining looked, and sucked in a breath, “I knew it…” he said softly, eyes no doubt locked onto the red, blue, and yellow lightning bold shooting out of a cloud on her hip that was now completely exposed due to her dress being torn there.

The birthmark, of Loyalty.

Azure Sandora presents

Power Rangers: Celestial Guard

Disclaimer: My Little Pony and Power Rangers belong to Hasbro

Please support the official releases.

Theme Song: Dark Creatures - Child of Light

Verse 6: The Crow’s Game – Part 2

The sun was beginning to set by the time they got to safety. Shining and Cadence, still morphed but with their helmets removed, led Rainbow Dash to a small abandoned storehouse. After ensuring it was secured, Shining put up a barricade while Cadence tended to any injuries on Rainbow Dash.

“Okay, that should do it,” Shining said, dusting his hands off. He then walked over to Rainbow Dash and Cadence, “So, all this time, you were the Maiden of Loyalty.”

“Yeah, what of it?” Rainbow Dash folded her arms looking away defensively.

Shining sighed, resting a hand on his hip, “Why didn’t you tell us? Or come forward? The Princess-”

Investigations - Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

“Let all of the Nightmares know exactly where to attack if they want us,” Rainbow Dash finished for him, “No offense, “Your Majesty”, but I’m not exactly thrilled with you putting a target on the castle, and then telling all of us to gather at said target.”

Cadence looked down and sighed, “No, no you’re right. I was just, so excited that we had a means of protecting the Maidens of Harmony, that I acted without thinking. I was just-”

“Trying to help? Well, thanks but I don’t need help,” Rainbow Dash got up and dusted herself off.

“I, strongly disagree!” Cadence protested, also rising, “That Nightmare, it knows you’re a Maiden now, right? It’s going to be even more relentless!”

“Which is saying a lot since you were clearly already on the run, protecting Fluttershy I imagine,” Shining said, “She’s one too, isn’t she?”

“What if she is?” Rainbow Dash asked turning to Shining Armor.

“Wouldn’t it be better for her at least to have more than a fellow Maiden of Harmony watching over her? Someone who can carry a sword?”

“I’ve been doing just fine protecting her on my own,” Rainbow Dash said, “I don’t need some knight in fancy armor stepping in to protect me or her.”

“Do you have any idea how stubborn you’re being?” Shining argued, “If Octavia and I hadn’t found you in the market, you’d have been captured on the spot. What would you have done then?”

“I…” Rainbow Dash looked down in frustration.

“The reality is, you need protection, and we can provide that for you,” Shining Armor continued, “So why not just trust us?”

Rainbow Dash gripped her chest when Shining said “trust”, a motion that wasn’t lost on Cadence. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash shook her head and pushed Shining Armor aside.

“Hey! Where do you think you-”

“I’m heading back to where Fluttershy is,” Rainbow Dash said, “She’s actually helpless against the Nightmares, so with them on the loose, I need to make sure she’s alright.”

“Then let us escort you to your place,” Cadence offered, “Please. If you go alone, those Nightmares will attack you,” when Rainbow didn’t answer right away, Cadence put a hand on her shoulder, “It’s okay. You can trust us.”

Again, she looked pained when she heard that word. That or strained? Either way, she sighed and walked off, “I know a short cut from here. Follow me.”

As she left, Shining sighed, “Why’s she being so difficult about this?”

“I don’t know, but I think for some reason, she’s afraid to trust,” Cadence said, pulling out her Solar Phone, “I wonder if the other Maidens would know anything.”

“Reluctant to trust, you say?” Rarity asked, holding her phone out as Cadence’s voice came out of it loud enough for her and Applejack to both hear. The two of them sat in the castle courtyard together, Applejack holding onto Rarity’s arm and leaning into her a bit.

“It’s almost like she’s resisting the urge to,” Cadence said, in a hushed voice as to not alert Rainbow Dash apparently, “Can either of you think of why she’d want to do that?”

Rarity pressed a finger to her lip in thought, “Honestly, I can. If she’s trying to resist her virtue.”

Applejack nodded, “Yup. Ya said she’s the Maiden of Loyalty, right? Yeah, memory serves, she’s like that sadly.”

“Why?” Cadence asked.

“It’s because of how her virtue works, darling,” Rarity explained, “Know how I’m compelled to be selflessly giving, and Applejack is compelled to be honest? Rainbow Dash is similar, but in relation to loyalty. If she were to fully trust you, she wouldn’t be able to stop trusting you afterward,” Applejack nodded in agreement to this statement, “She’d be unfailingly loyal, to you, Shining Armor, and all of the Celestial Guard. Simply put darling, she has to be careful of who she trusts.”

“Otherwise she could put herself in a bad situation,” Cadence muttered, “I didn’t realize you all had it so difficult.”

“Being a Maiden of Harmony isn’t a fate one takes on easily,” Rarity said somberly, “It’s a heavy burden that we bear, and for each of us, that’s different.”

“An’ you said that she’s got another Maiden travelin’ with her, right? Kindness?” Applejack asked.

“According to Shining, her name in this lifetime is Fluttershy. From what Rainbow has told us, she kinda relies on Rainbow for protection.”

“Yeah… sound’s ‘bout right. If not Faith, Kindness was always the most delicate of the six of us,” Applejack explained, “She’s an absolute sweetheart, but takes pacifism to its most extreme.”

“What do you mean?” Cadence asked.

“Most of us can at least try to do something to protect ourselves, and have no issue becoming your Zords if needed,” Rarity said, “To Fluttershy, using her name in this current incarnation, any form of violence she always described as causing her pain.”

“Y’all need to make sure she’s safe pronto,” Applejack urged, “If the Nightmares got to her without anyone watchin’ her, she’d be the easiest of us to capture.”

“Got it, thanks you two,” Cadence said as they approached a small, humble cabin almost hidden in a secluded section of town, “If anything changes, I’ll let you know.”

end song

She hung up and walked over to Shining and Rainbow as the latter opened up her home, “Fluttershy, I’m home!” Rainbow Dash called out, stepping inside, only to be met with silence, “Fluttershy?”

She quickly became frantic and ran deeper into the small house, Shining and Cadence (still morphed minus their helmets) looking around.

“Doesn’t look like this place was attacked or anything,” Shining said.

“No, but if she were here, I imagine she’d have heard us come in,” Cadence looked on a coffee table, noticing a note. She walked over to pick it up, her eyes widening, “Um, Rainbow Dash? You need to see this.”

There's nothing we can't do, right? - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“What is it?” Rainbow Dash asked rushing over to Cadence, who showed her the note. She snatched it and read it over, her eyes widening and her breathing becoming labored, “Oh… no no no no no no NO!” Rainbow held a hand to her forehead, looking like she was about to have a panic attack.

“Dash! Dash, look at me!” Shining said, holding her arms to get her attention, “Take a few deep breaths, and try to calm down.”

Rainbow took a deep breath and swallowed back a sob, “We, need to find her, now.”

“The letter said she went to a nearby food stand, right?” Cadence asked, “Hopefully she’s still-”

“I can almost guarantee you she isn’t there,” Rainbow said, looking utterly terrified, “Fluttershy, she-” she shut her eyes tightly, breathing becoming labored, “Fuck…! Those Crows… out there…!”

“What is it about Fluttershy?” Shining asked, Cadence quickly pulling out her Solar Phone again to contact the others.

“She, has the worst sense of direction,” Rainbow Dash answered shakily, “And that’s in a place she’s familiar with. In a town like this, where she doesn’t know any landmarks…”

Shining nodded, turning to Cadence, “Let the other’s-”

“Already on it!” Cadence said, “Macintosh, please tell me you guys are all together!”

“Yeah! We are!” Macintosh said, he, Spike, and Octavia by the fountain in the park, and also still morphed, “What’s the situation?”

“The Maiden of Kindness is missing, and according to her friend, she gets lost easily!” Cadence answered.

“Damn it! And those Crows clearly know the lay of the land now!” Spike said.

“We’ll find her!” Octavia said, “I know what she looks like.”

“Okay, what are we looking for?” Spike asked.

“She has long pink hair, cyan eyes, and extremely large breasts,” Octavia said, “Probably wearing a yellow dress and a green cloak over top.”

Macintosh nodded, “One of you needs to stay with Rainbow Dash an’ keep her safe! Everyone else, scatter!”

Macintosh hung up, and the three of them ran off to search the town, but Octavia stopped Spike before he could turn a corner, “Yeah?”

“Please, let’s search together, Sir Dragneel,” Octavia requested, “With your luck, we stand a higher chance of finding her!”

“Stacking the deck, huh? I’m game!” he pulled out his lucky coin and flipped it. After choosing two directions, he looked at the coin, “Tails! Let’s go down this path!”

Octavia nodded, following after Spike. Unlike her Commander, she had no issue putting her faith in the noble thief. His luck had yet to run out, after all.

Behind Us - Tales of Symphonia

The three Corvus brothers gathered inside of a clock tower, looking out over the Kingdom proper. It was hear that Carmine divulged the info he learned.

“So, the rainbow haired woman is one too?” Ash asked, looking out the window.

“Yes. I almost had her, but then the Pink Ranger showed up. I wasn’t going to risk fighting two Power Rangers on my own,” Carmine said, sitting by another window.

“No, you made the right decision,” Ash confirmed, turning back to his brothers, “Still, this is quite the boon. We can use this to possibly get two Maidens to King Sombra.

“What would you suggest, then?” Tyrian asked, leaning against a wall with his arms folded.

“King Sombra sent Chrysalis to assist us, and she mentioned that she’d tracked down the Maiden of Kindness,” Ash said, “Let’s rendezvous with her first, and secure Kindness. We’ll use her to get Loyalty afterward.”

“Ah, good idea,” Carmine said with a nod, “Perfect. Let’s track Chrysalis down next, then.”

The three Crow Ninjas walked over to each other and crossed arms between them. They nodded and then each jumped out a window, taking to the skies to search for Chrysalis.

end song

She’d been searching for at least a few minutes now, and she hadn’t found the food stand she was looking for. By now, the sky had turned orange from the setting sun, so she was sure Dashie was home by now. She’d have just given up and gone home too, accepting her scolding from Dashie, save for one issue.

She didn’t remember how to get home from here.

Leaning on a building near a circus tent, Fluttershy bit her lip looking down. She had no way of getting in touch with Dashie, and their home was super out of the way, so no one would even know where it was. Dashie was probably really worried and upset, which was the opposite of what she wanted to do. She tried to make Dashie smile, tried to help her, and all she did was make more trouble for her.

Fluttershy slid down to the ground and hugged her knees to her chest, trying her best not to break down. But she couldn’t help it. She was lost, still hungry, missing her best friend, and had no idea what to do to find her.

“Help me… someone…” she sobbed, shedding a few tears, “I want to go home…”

“You alright?” she heard someone ask. A woman. Fluttershy looked up at her.

“I’m lost,” she admitted, “I don’t know how to get home, or find my friend.”

“Oh, that’s no good,” the green haired woman said, smiling softly and helping Fluttershy up, “Come on, dear. Let’s see if we, can find her together~”

Pinkie Pie stepped out of the tent to get some fresh air, but gasped when she looked ahead. The girl with the pink hair, mentally she didn’t recognize her, but her heart knew immediately. They were friends, best friends actually. The other woman with her, she recognized immediately.

She was with the Nightmares.

“She’s in trouble,” Pinkie Pie said with pursed lips. Shoot, they were walking off together, “I have to do something!”

Cadence went out to search for Fluttershy with the others, much to Shining’s frustration. He was hoping she’d stay behind with Rainbow Dash so he could search for Fluttershy and they’d both be safe. Sadly, both plans for that were shot, as now, instead of staying put in Rainbow Dash’s place, he was chasing after her in town.

“Dash, wait up!” Shining Armor shouted, running after Rainbow Dash, now wearing his helmet along with his Power Ranger armor, “It’s too dangerous to-”

“I don’t care!” Rainbow Dash shouted, walking ahead, “I have to find her!”

“What do you hope to do against the Nightmares?” Shining Armor asked, ultimately catching up to her and grabbing her arm stopping her, “Dash!”

“What?!”

“Why are you pushing us away like this?!” Shining Armor asked, “We just want to help!”

“Maybe I don’t want or need your help!” Rainbow Dash fussed, eyes shut tight, “Maybe Fluttershy and I are fine without anyone protecting us!”

“That’s clearly not the case!” Shining Armor protested, “Look, I get it, alright! You’re scared! But if you just let us in, then-”

“No! You don’t get it!” Rainbow Dash cried, pulling her hand away and turning to face him, “Because if you did, you wouldn’t be pushing me to just trust you because of this shiny armor you’re wearing!”

“This “shiny armor” comes from Celestia herself!” Shining Armor argued, “She’s commissioned me, the Princess, and three others to be her champions to protect the Maidens! You know this, so why don’t you trust us?!”

Leave Your Castle - Child of Light

“Because it’d be too easy!” Rainbow Dash screamed, breaking down before him, “Don’t you get it! I’m Loyalty! If I let myself trust you, I won’t be able to not trust you! I’ll believe in you, no matter what! Even if you make a mistake! Even if you hurt me! I’ll still trust you! Do you have any idea how scary that is?!”

Shining stepped back, eyes wide behind his helmet. He remembered that all of the Maidens were bound to their virtues, and compelled to follow them. It hadn’t occurred to him, what that’d mean for the maiden of Loyalty though…

“I remember, so many lifetimes when it happened!” Rainbow Dash cried, hugging herself tightly, “People taking that, making me trust them, only to then betray me in some way! Using me to hurt someone else! Using me to steal something from someone! In one lifetime, I ended up getting sold into slavery because of it! Because my virtue makes me too trusting! I want to trust you! It’d be too easy to trust you, especially with you wearing that armor! But you’re still human! What if you betray me, or mess up protecting me?! What if I put my faith in you, and you still let me down in the end?!”

Please, get up! You have to get up, Shining! You have to save me! Shining, get up! PLEASE!!!

Shining grimaced at that. The way Rainbow Dash looked right now, he wondered if Twilight was the same. Her virtue was Faith, and she had nothing but faith in Shining Armor growing up. Did she still have faith in him? Was she waiting for him? Or by now, had she given up?

“Fluttershy, she’s the only one I trust…! The only one I know I can trust! I can’t lose her!” Rainbow Dash continued, now sobbing intensely, “The only thing I can do now, is put everything I can into protecting her!”

Immediately, Shining Armor brought Rainbow Dash into a tight hug, trembling as he cried behind his helmet, “I’m sorry… I’m, so sorry…”

Rainbow Dash tensed for a split second, her eyes wide.

“I won’t, ask you to trust me,” Shining said, “But I’ll do everything I can to earn that trust, and the first step is finding Fluttershy. So let’s search for her, together, alright…?”

Rainbow nodded, “A-alright…”

Shining released Rainbow Dash, and this time ran with her to find her friend. Hopefully they weren’t too late, and she wasn’t in the possession of the Nightmares.

end song

“Are you sure this is the right way?” Fluttershy asked as her new friend escorted her through town.

“Oh, I’m positive,” Chrysalis said, a hand behind her back, “Just, a bit further, and you’ll be back home, safe and sound~”

Fluttershy had no idea, but Chrysalis charged her hand with green electricity. Standing a bit behind the naive Maiden, Chrysalis raised her hand a bit toward Fluttershy’s neck, ready to-

“There you are!”

Hydrangea Part 3 - Atelier Lydie & Suelle

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked, looking around. The woman who ran over to her looked like she belonged to the circus, wearing a red blazer over a short pink dress, fishnet stockings, white gloves, black high heels, and a black top hat. Her hot pink hair and blue eyes gave her an air of purity akin to Fluttershy almost.

“Oh, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” she hugged Fluttershy, “Come on! Follow me!”

“But, this lady is helping me find Dashie-”

“That’s what this is about! It’s about Dashie!” the woman said, pulling Fluttershy away from an increasingly agitated Chrysalis, “Let’s go! Now!”

“Wait, what?!” Chrysalis cried helplessly as the newcomer dragged Fluttershy away, “Hey! Come back here!” Just as she tried to give chase, two clowns jumped in Chrysalis’ way, one with long gray hair, and one with long purple hair that was completely straight. The two clowns seemed to be trying to get Chrysalis’ attention, that or trying to communicate with her in some way, honking their noses and making a right nuisance of themselves, “Where did the two of- UGH!!! Get out of my way!!!” she stomped her foot in frustration.

As they turned a corner, Pinkie Pie stopped briefly to look at the clowns. The one with purple hair turned back to Pinkie Pie and winked at her smiling. Pinkie Pie smiled, mouthing out “Thank you”, before running off with Fluttershy. They ran for a good few minutes until the sounds of honking from the clowns was too far to hear.

“Okay, the coast is clear!” Pinkie Pie sighed in relief, stopping to catch her breath and sending a silent prayer to Celestia that Maud and Marble were okay, “That was close!”

“What was close…?” Fluttershy asked slowly.

“That woman,” Pinkie Pie panted, “She wasn’t going to help you,” she looked into Fluttershy’s eyes, “She was with Sombra.”

“Sombra…?” Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she finally got it, “He’s the leader of the monsters that are after Dashie and I!”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “That’s why I had to step in,” she hugged Fluttershy tightly, “I had to protect my friend.”

“Your, friend? But we haven’t met befo-” Fluttershy sucked in a breath, and slowly returned the hug, “Wait… you’re, one of…” black feathers rained down over top them, causing the two women to scream in surprise and fear.

Behind Us - Tales of Symphonia

“Ah! Here you are, my precious!” Ash said, landing behind the girls with his sword resting on his shoulder, “Did you miss me?”

“Corvus…!” Fluttershy whimpered as Pinkie Pie pushed Fluttershy behind her protectively.

“How cute,” the ninja crow chuckled, “Trying to be a hero, are you? What do you hope to accomplish, girl?”

“Whatever it takes to keep her out of your grimy hands!” Pinkie Pie shot at Ash, “I’m not afraid of some overgrown chicken in a fancy costume!”

“Ooooh, that stings,” Ash said, “And here I thought we could be friends.”

“Don’t waste time playing with your food, Ash,” Carmine said, landing to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie’s left, hand on the large shuriken on his back, “Spend too much time, and the Rangers will arrive.”

“That’s why all three of us are here,” Tyrian said, landing on their right and resting his staff over both shoulders, “Quick, and easy capture.”

Fluttershy shut her eyes tightly, trembling as she held onto Pinkie Pie. She could tell, Fluttershy was terrified of these three.

“In that case, Corvus Brothers! Let the hunt, commence!” Ash commanded, all three of them leaping into the air. Carmine threw his Kunai at the girls, who reacted immediately. Pinkie Pie grabbed Fluttershy’s arm and booked it down a road leading toward a more open area, only to be stopped by Ash slamming his blade down before the girls and then slashing in front of him.

The two girls fell back, and were almost grabbed by Carmine and Tyrian, but Pinkie Pie kicked her legs out almost dancing, pushing them back, and then pushed Ash away from her with her feet before scampering to her feet. As they turned a corner, Wisps dressed as Ninja appeared once more, grabbing Fluttershy’s arm and pulling her away from Pinkie Pie.

“No!” Pinkie Pie cried, the Wisps kicking her to the ground as they dragged a struggling and screaming Fluttershy away, “SOMEONE PLEASE!!! THEY’RE GOING TO GET AWAY WITH HER!!!”

The Glint of Cold Steel - Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

“Not on MY watch!” a passionate voice shouted. With a mighty cry of determination, the Yellow Ranger appeared mid leap over the Wisps and fired her arrows at Fluttershy’s captors, killing them instantly.

She landed on one knee and turned to Fluttershy, “Are you okay M’lady-” Fluttershy ran over to Octavia and hugged her.

“Thank you! Thank you so much!” Fluttershy cried dramatically, looking into where she assumed the Ranger’s eyes were, “I was so frightened!” Octavia looked at Fluttershy for a split second before speaking.

“Well, there is no longer a need for that,” Octavia said, taking Fluttershy’s hand and elegantly kissing it (yes, through her helmet), “Your knight in shining armor has finally arrived.”

Fluttershy blushed and giggled, fanning herself a bit, “Oh! I think it’s getting hot in here~”

“Hey um, glad we found her,” Spike said, helping Pinkie Pie up and pushing her back, “But, could you tone down the flirting for just a bit! We’re still surrounded!”

The Corvus Brothers walked toward them, each one holding their weapons ready and flanked by multiple Ninja Wisps.

“Ugh! Finally lost them!” Chrysalis cried, stumbling out from an alleyway. She then took a second to compose herself, and calmly sauntered over to stand with the Corvus Brothers, “Now, where were we?”

“Chrysalis!” Octavia shouted, both of them brandishing their weapons and holding them ready.

“You lied to me!” Fluttershy fussed, “You said you would take me to Dashie, but you were with the Nightmares! How could you be so cruel?!”

Chrysalis laughed her usual haughty and grating laugh, “Oh you poor, sweet summer child, don’t you get it? I’m evil sweetie~”

“Lying to such a kind, delicate lady! You’re not just evil, you’re an amoral viper!” Octavia proclaimed, making Chrysalis scowl.

“A viper, you say?!” she then raised her head and smirked evilly, “Ignoring that insult, you have no idea just how right you are now~!” she then held up a hand, “Nightmare Moon, grant me your power!”

~Transformation Scene~

Chrysalis’ eyes flashed green briefly. She then waved her hands and danced sensually, as green fire engulfed her entire body. The flame then took form as green and purple form fitting armor appeared over her entire body, leaving only her long green hair exposed. She posed elegantly as the image of a female snake charmer appeared behind her.

~End scene~

She posed elegantly before them in her new snake charmer styled armor, “Now, attack!”

The Wisps and Corvus Brothers charged at the two Rangers, who did their best to keep the Maiden and her friend between them. The fight was violent, chaotic, and tragically one sided, as the two Rangers were vastly outnumbered.

“This is insane!” Spike swung his ax at three wisps, only to then have to block Chrysalis as she kicked Spike, pushing him back and then slashing him with her now empowered claws, “Since when could you Morph?!”

“Your Goddess only possesses half of the Morphing Grid! Why wouldn’t Nightmare Moon grant her children the same power?!” Chrysalis asked, punching Spike in the stomach a few times and then kicking him back. She then held her hand out firing green energy snakes at him, knocking him to the groung.

“Sir Dragneel!” Octavia cried, slashing Carmine away and then firing at a Wisp approaching her and Fluttershy. Before she could do anything else, Ash and Tyrian slammed down onto her bow with their weapons, pushing her to one knee.

“How about we go for round two, Yellow Ranger!” Ash seethed.

“M’lady, you must escape! I will cover you!” Octavia urged.

“Come on!” Pinkie Pie pulled Fluttershy’s arm, “They’ll fight better without us in the way!”

“Ooooh, please be careful, Sir Yellow Ranger!” Fluttershy cried, running away with Pinkie Pie.

“I shall M’la- wait, Sir?!” Octavia cried, eyes wide behind her helmet, “But, no! I’m not-” she was cut off as Tyrian kicked her to the ground. She rolled to her feet and fired at both him and Ash with her Laser Arrows before slashing and kicking Wisps that were trying to get past her. She looked and saw that Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie got cut off by three Wisps, “Ugh! Deal with it later, Octavia!” she told herself before calling Celestia, “Celestia, we’ve found her, but we’re in trouble!”

“I am already sending help your way!” Celestia said in the Crystal Chamber, “Macintosh, Shining Armor, Cadence, your fellow Rangers need you!”

“Got it!” Macintosh nodded, running down the path Celestia indicated.

“I see them!” Cadence shouted, running on the rooftops, “I’m on my way!”

“On it!” Shining hung up and turned to Rainbow Dash, “I take it you’re coming too?”

“Try to keep me away and see what happens!” Rainbow answered, “I don’t care what happens to me, I have to protect Fluttershy!”

Shining nodded to her, “Let’s go, then!” the two of them ran off to join their comrades.

Chrysalis and Carmine threw their hands out at the same time, firing green laser snakes and a barrage of black feathers at the two Rangers. Before they could fall to the ground, Tyrian and Ash dashed past both of them, slashing them rapidly and knocking them far away from where Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were, both of which still unable to escape.

Spike tried to kick to his feet, but Chrysalis grabbed him by the neck first and picked him up. He wrestled himself out of her grip and kicked her back a bit. Chrysalis caught herself quickly though and side kicked him. Spike managed to block that kick, but then Chrysalis punched him a few times in the stomach before kicking him back into Carmine, who grabbed him instantly.

“Brothers! This one first!” he said. Ash and Tyrian nodded and flew over to their brother, who released Spike and punctured his pressure points, making the thief scream in agony.

“Sir, Dragneel!” Octavia panted, scampering to her feet with her bow ready, only for Chrysalis to summon her whip and strike her with it. At the same time, Octavia was overwhelmed as Wisps began assaulting her from all sides. Between slashing at them, and needing to deal with Chrysalis, she was getting overpowered quickly.

Now that Spike was helpless, Tyrian and Ash kicked him straight into the air. Carmine tossed his large shuriken after him, the large star keeping him trapped in the air and hitting him continuously. Tyrian and Ash dashed past him while he was in the air, and then Ash slashed him down to the ground, only for Carmine to raise his fist, punching the thief and catching him while he was on the ground.

Seeing this, both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gasped in horror, “NO!” Pinkie Pie cried.

Tyrian tossed Spike aside, slamming him into a building. Terrifyingly enough, he did NOT move afterward.

“One down,” Carmine said, he and his brothers turning to Octavia.

“And currently, one to go,” Tyrian finished, Ash running his hand along his blade, seeming to be grinning at the Yellow Ranger.

“Damn it!” Octavia looked around, not seeing an opening to escape with the Maidens, nor for them to escape either, “What do I do now?!”

“I have an idea~” Chrysalis cracked her whip, “Die, Yellow Ranger!”

Just as the Corvus Brothers began their charge, Cadence came down with a flying jump kick, knocking the three Nightmares to the ground and landing on one knee. She then slashed in Chrysalis’ direction, knocking her away and getting in front of Octavia.

“Good save, Cadence!” Octavia said.

“I saw Macintosh and Shining on their way!” Cadence said, “How’s Fluttershy?!”

“Terrified, and a bit confused at the sex of her savior,” she muttered to herself, “But otherwise she and her friend are safe!”

“Friend?” Cadence turned to where they were, “Pinkie Pie?!” She saw Wisps reach over to grab them, but Cadence leaped to attention, slashing one Wisp to the ground, and kicking the other away before turning to Pinkie Pie, “What are are you doing here?!”

“Chrysalis was going to capture her,” Pinkie Pie answered, “I had to do something, even if it put me in danger,” she smiled taking Cadence’s hand, “Something you can relate to, right Cadence?”

“Wait, you know?” Cadence asked, “Right, you saw my announcement.”

Pinkie Pie nodded, “Later though. We need to get Fluttershy out of here!”

“But, what about the Yellow Ranger and his friend?!” Fluttershy cried, “We can’t just leave them!”

“His…?” Cadence tilted her head, “But Octavia is-” she quickly pulled Fluttershy back and kicked a Wisp away suddenly, “Right! Later! Don’t worry about them! Help is on the way!”

As if on cue, a red and blue energy streaks sliced through the Corvus Brothers, stopping them in their tracks, and the Red and Blue Ranger ran in front of them, their Hero’s Sword and Twin Sided Spear out and ready.

“Not this time, Corvus!” Macintosh shouted, he and Shining Armor proceeding to fight off the three brothers together. At the same time, Rainbow Dash ran over to Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Cadence.

“You okay?!” Rainbow asked. Fluttershy beamed and hugged Rainbow Dash tightly.

“Dashie! I’m sorry I didn’t make it home in time! I wanted to get something for us both to eat, because it was late, and then I got lost and-”

“Shh… Shh… it’s okay,” Rainbow Dash said softly, hugging her friend back, “You’re safe, and that’s what matters.”

“Wanna bet?!” Chrysalis asked, throwing her whip out at the Maidens. Cadence reacted immediately, jumping in the way and using her body as a shield.

“Your Majesty!” Shining cried after slashing Tyrian with his spear. He then saw Chrysalis making her way toward Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, the latter of the three keeping the other two behind her, visibly trembling, “No…! Not again!” Mentally he flashed back to the last time he saw his sister, reaching out for him as she was carried off. “I… I don’t know what to do!”

Macintosh slashed all three with his sword, “Go! I got this!”

“What?! By yourself?!” Shining asked, “These guys’ll kill you!”

“I’ll manage!” Macintosh said, “But Cadence is down, and Spike ain’t movin’! Someone’s gotta protect the Maidens! Octavia, go with him!”

Octavia nodded, “Understood, Mac!” Octavia slashed the Wisps around her away with the blades on her Bow, and ran over to the Maidens, firing at Chrysalis as she ran.

“Ugh!” Chrysalis held up an arm to defend herself, and then ducked out of the way of Octavia’s slash, lifting her leg to kick Octavia. The Yellow Ranger blocked with her Bow, pushing her off and then fired point blank at Chrysalis, who jumped away and fired her snake blast at Octavia. This time though, Shining Armor rushed over to her and slashed the blast away with his spear.

“You Power Rangers are getting annoying!” Chrysalis fussed. She tried to rush at them, but Cadence grabbed her leg, “What?!”

“Shining, Octavia, go!” Cadence screamed, “I’ll keep her here!”

Shining looked down in frustration, but looking at Cadence, somehow he got the feeling she was looking right at him. “The Maidens come first” was what she always said, and she truly lived up to that belief.

Courage of the Lynx indeed…

Shining ran over to the Maidens and Pinkie Pie, Octavia right beside him, “Let’s get you girls to safety!”

“Come, M’lady!” Octavia said, taking Fluttershy’s hand, “I’ll keep you safe, no matter what!”

“What is she-” Rainbow Dash muttered, only to be surprised when Fluttershy leaned into the Yellow Ranger with a lovesick look in her eyes, “You’ve gotta be kidding…”

“Thank you, oh brave knight! I’m completely in your care!” Fluttershy proclaimed dramatically.

Shining Armor shook his head, and took off with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie with him, Octavia and Fluttershy following closely. Pinkie Pie took one last look at Cadence before running after them.

end song

There's nothing we can't do, right? - Blue Reflection: Second Light

Back in the Crystal Heart Shrine, Sunburst, Rarity, and Applejack watched this fight in horror. Macintosh was clashing blades with Ash, but also trying his best to fight off Tyrian and Carmine at the same time. Meanwhile, Cadence was locked in a truly one sided fight against Chrysalis’ new form.

The Crystal Heart also showed Spike, thankfully breathing, but unable to move, either from the injuries, his pressure points being taken out, or both.

“Macintosh!” Applejack cried.

“Oh, Spike!” Rarity sobbed, “Spike, please get up!”

“This is terrible!” Sunburst looked frantic, “If those Crows take out Macintosh, they’re going to go after the Maidens!”

“I can assure you that is their intention,” Celestia said gravely, “And I can guarantee you, they will kill Spike, Macintosh, and Cadence unless something is done…” Celestia pressed a finger to her lip, “What to do…? What to do…?”

Rarity looked at her Solar Phone, “Celestia, is there anything Applejack and I can do to help them?!”

“What?! Like turn into the Zords?!” Sunburst asked, “I don’t think that’d be wise at this moment!”

“I must agree,” Celestia said, “If you summon the Hercules and Draco Zords now, you’d be escalating the fight too much, and that action could be considered far too Chaotic for your Oaths.”

“So, what then?!” Applejack cried, “We gotta do somethin’! Mac an’ the others can’t win this by themselves!”

“Surely there must be something we can do to help! Even if it’s just to-” Rarity stopped herself, “That’s it. We may not be able to fight ourselves, but perhaps we could morph into something smaller to get them to safety!”

“Something, smaller…” Celestia thought it over, and then nodded, “Very well. Send your intentions to your chosen Knights, the same way you did when you formed their Zords. I will work with the Morphing Grid, and create a means. But I urge you to be careful, as this will put you in harm’s way.”

“For my Knight, Celestia, there’s no danger I wouldn’t risk,” Rarity said.

“Same for me,” Applejack added, “My brother’s protected me my whole life. Now, it’s my turn.”

Both Maidens turned to each other and held hands, now glowing bright green and red, “We give our bodies, hearts, and souls once again to our brave knights, and ask that our love for them carries us to their side, and grant us the power to save them!” they prayed at the same time.

Celestia held her hand up, summoning an image of the Hercules and Draco constellations, “Sunburst, do you see it?”

“I, yes! I see it!” he pulled out a book and looked through it frantically, “Where is it…? Where is, HERE!” he held his hand out to the constellation, using his magic to anchor the Maidens to the Morphing Grid, empowering their connection to it and making a new spell.

Once it was finished, the two Maidens turned once again into balls of Red and Green light and shot out of the Shrine, this time straight out of the castle instead of into the air.

“Good luck, my Daughters in Harmony,” Celestia said gently.

end song

Macintosh and Ash clashed blades, and then violently slashed at each other. Right with it looked like Mac got through Ash’s defense, Tyrian blocked with his bo staff, and kicked Macintosh back. Carmine then tossed shuriken at the Red Ranger, which all somehow exploded upon contact.

Macintosh screamed in pain, falling to one knee as the Corvus Brothers approached him. Behind him, Spike was still trying to force himself to his feet, much to no avail.

“Big Mac! Damn it!” Spike fussed, stumbling back to the ground, “Why can’t, my body move?!”

“Say your prayers, Red Ranger!” Carmine exclaimed.

“May the Goddess take pity on you, for you’ll get none from us!” Tyrian added. The three of them fired their black feathers at Macintosh, who tried to block with his sword, only for his defense to fail completely. He took the full force of the attack, and then three more as each of the Crows raced past him, slashing him with their weapons one by one. Macintosh slowly dropped his sword, fell to his knees, and then dropped to the ground.

“NO!!!” Spike shouted.

“MAC!!!” Cadence screamed, reaching for him, only for Chrysalis to grab her arm and throw her back, kicking her away from them.

“Don’t ignore me, Princess!” Chrysalis sauntered over to her, “We’re having fun, aren’t we~?”

“Go,” Ash said to his brothers, “At the very least, secure the Maidens. I’ll finish these three off with Chrysalis’ help.”

Tyrian and Carmine nodded and leaped away, presumably to hunt Shining Armor and Octavia.

“Get, away from him…!” Spike seethed, trying desperately to get up as Ash loomed over Macintosh.

Cadence pushed Chrysalis away from her and tried to rush to his aid, only for Chrysalis to wrap her whip around the Pink Ranger’s neck, sending green electricity through it to further damage her, making her fall to one knee.

“Wait your turn, Green Ranger,” Ash said, now raising his sword, “I’ll get to you, after I send this one to Hell.”

“No…!” Cadence screamed.

“It, can’t end like this…!” Spike cried.

“MACINTOSH!!!” both Rangers screamed as Ash’s blade came down to-

E.SYNAPSE - Blue Reflection: Second Light

An angry whinny caught everyone’s attention. Ash looked just in time to see an orange horse wearing red and white armor charge at him, lifting its legs to kick him back.

“What?!” Chrysalis screamed, “W-where did that horse-” another whinny was heard, this one coming from a white horse wearing similar green and white armor. This horse rushed over to Chrysalis and bashed her away from Cadence, before rushing over to Spike’s side, kneeling before him and nudging him.

“W-whoa! Where did you-” he then looked at the horse, taking a good look at it. The horse had a long purple mane and tail, big blue eyes that looked at him adoringly, and a long horn on its forehead. The armor it wore consisted of an armored saddle and a helmet shaped roughly like a knight’s helmet, but what truly caught Spike’s attention…

On its flank, was a blue diamond…

“Rarity…? Is that, you…?” Spike asked, slowly and weakly lifting his hand to caress the white mare’s face, who nuzzled his hand before once again looking into his eyes lovingly. He could actually hear her voice echo in his head, almost like she was crying.

“Spike! I’m so happy you’re alive…!”

It was her. She came, to rescue him.

The other horse slammed its forelegs on the ground, erecting a golden shield around herself and Macintosh. It then walked around Macintosh in a circle, almost frantic it seemed, before kneeling beside him and nudging him intently, making sounds that sounded almost like sobs. At the same time, he heard a familiar, but panicked voice calling out to him.

“Macintosh! Wake up! Please! MACINTOSH!”

Eventually, Macintosh stirred and arose, looking up at the horse that came to rescue him. Immediately, he understood. Those green eyes, the thick blond mane and tail, and the red armor. He didn’t even need to see the apple on its flank to tell.

“Applejack…” he said softly, smiling as he embraced the horse, tearing up behind his helmet, “Thank you…”

Applejack, in horse form, closed her eyes and nuzzled him.

As the barrier lifted, Cadence ran over to them and got on Applejack’s back along with Macintosh. Meanwhile, Spike managed to lift himself onto Rarity’s back.

“Where do you think you’re going?!” Chrysalis cried.

“We’ll deal with y’all some other time!” Macintosh said, grabbing the reins on Applejack’s armor, “Let’s go!” the five of them took off at high speed.

“Blast it!” Ash swore, “Chrysalis, I’m going after my brothers! I don’t trust this new development!”

“Go! Get the Maiden! We can still salvage this!” Chrysalis nodded, holding one arm as Rarity got her really good with that, “Damn it! Another power up! Just how many powers do these Rangers have?!”

end song

Unfortunately, things weren’t looking too well for Shining or Octavia, as the Corvus Brothers had caught up with them and had them on the ropes. Shining Armor tried to fight off Carmine’s long ranged attacks, but he was too fast, hitting him with every weapon he had at his disposal, ending his assault by throwing his large shuriken at the Blue Ranger, knocking him far away from where Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were hiding.

A bit beside him, Tyrian was rushing around Octavia, hitting her at all sides with his bo staff, preventing her from getting at a decent range to deliver any meaningful damage. After a bit, he charged up his bo staff and slashed her, knocking her back onto the ground.

“Yellow Ranger!” Fluttershy cried, on instinct rushing over to Octavia.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow and Pinkie tried to grab her, but she was too fast, “No!”

“It’s too dangerous!” Pinkie Pie cried.

“Please, please get up!” Fluttershy cried, kneeling before Octavia and trying to shake her up, “You can’t die!” she hunched over Octavia, holding her and crying in fear and devastation, unaware that Tyrian loomed over her.

“Well well, you made this easier, Maiden of Kindness,” Tyrian said, making Fluttershy slowly look up. When she saw Tyrian, she screamed, “Yes, scream for me. Your screams of terror, your intoxicating scent, truly the perfect woman.”

“No! Stay away from me!” Fluttershy screamed. Right as it looked like Tyrian was about to grab her, Octavia pointed her broadsword at Tyrian’s neck.

“You, heard, the kind lady!” she panted, carefully pushing Fluttershy behind her as she rose, “You, will not lay feather, claw, or beak, anywhere near this beautiful Maiden, so long as I draw breath!”

“Then I just need to ensure you no longer draw breath then, is that it?” Tyrian grabbed Octavia by the neck, holding her up, “That can be arranged, Yellow Ranger,” he then spread his wings as he held Octavia up, firing feathers at her.

Hearing her screams of pain, Fluttershy looked up in horror, unable to move.

“You can end this, Maiden!” Tyrian asked, “All you have to do is turn yourself over to me, and I’ll let your beloved Yellow Ranger go!”

“Don’t, do it, Fluttersh- AHH!!!” Octavia screamed louder as the feathers continued to bombard her.

“Octavia!” Shining Armor shouted, running over to her side, only for Ash to dash past him at high speeds and slash his back, causing him to fall to the ground. Carmine hit Shining’s pressure points while he was laying down, “Guh! Damn, you…!”

“Stay still,” Ash said, “This will be over sooner that way.”

As Ash and Carmine walked over to Octavia, Shining tried desperately to reach for Octavia, “No…! OCTAVIA!”

Tyrian threw Octavia over to Carmine, who pierced her pressure points as well, this time making sure she couldn’t even lift her Bow. Ash then slashed Octavia with his katana, and then kicked her to Tyrian, who slashed her with the blades on his bo staff, kicking him into Carmine, who proceeded to punch, kick, and knee Octavia in the stomach, tossing her over to Ash.

“Stop it…!” Fluttershy begged, tearing up, “Please…! PLEASE STOP!”

“You know how to put an end to this, Maiden!” Carmine shouted.

“Surrender yourself!” Ash said, kicking Octavia into the air as Carmine tossed his shuriken into the air at her for added damage, “Do so, and I swear on my wings, we will let the Yellow Ranger go!”

“Fluttershy please! Don’t, do it!” Octavia begged, panting as she just barely kept from falling over, “Your, life, is more, important, than mine!”

Fluttershy held her head, whimpering in agony.

“Clearly she doesn’t care for this one,” Tyrian said sadly.

“T’is a shame. Well, let’s just put this one out of her misery,” Ash raised his blade, ready to strike. At the same time, Tyrian and Carmine also raised their weapons, ready to-

Colette is Sad - Tales of Symphonia

“I’LL GO WITH YOU!!!”

All three Crows stopped and turned to Fluttershy, who was sobbing uncontrollably, burying her face in her hands.

“Say that again?” Carmine asked.

“I’ll, go with you!” Fluttershy sobbed, “I’ll do whatever you say, just let the Yellow Ranger go!” she saw one of Carmine’s kunai close by, and grabbed it, holding it to her chest, “Otherwise I… I’ll kill myself right here and now!”

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash cried, trying to rush out, only for Pinkie Pie to grab her, “What are you-”

“They’ll get you too!” Pinkie Pie cried, “I hate it, but, I don’t see a way out of this!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened, and she looked out at Fluttershy in horror.

“You’re serious…” Ash asked slowly.

“I am!” Fluttershy cried, rising to her feet and pressing the kunai to her breast, where her heart is, “If I die here, my soul will just transfer to another, and I’ll be out of your reach, and if he dies, then I will lose my will to live in this lifetime! So, my life, for the Yellow Ranger’s!”

The crows looked at each other, and Ash nodded. Carmine kicked Octavia away, and Tyrian walked over to Fluttershy, pulling out rope, “Deal. The Yellow Ranger will not die in this battle.”

Still crying, Fluttershy closed her eyes and tossed the kunai aside, turning her back to Tyrian, “Do with me, as you will…”

“No! Fluttershy please stop!” Rainbow Dash begged as Tyrian began roughly tying Fluttershy up, “You can’t go with them!”

“Dashie…! Please stay with the Celestial Guard…!” Fluttershy requested, “They’ll, keep you safe…!”

“W-what…?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“This, is my way to protect you…!” Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a tearful smile, “I love you, so much Dashie…!”

Macintosh, Cadence, and Spike arrived on their new war horses, just in time to protect Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, but too late to get to Fluttershy. Macintosh jumped off Applejack and held his sword out at the Crows.

“Let her go, Corvus!” Macintosh ordered.

“Sorry, Red Ranger, but that’s not going to happen!” Tyrian said, holding Fluttershy close to him, “This Maiden made a deal with us, and we always honor our deals.”

“We’ll be back for you, Maiden of Loyalty,” Carmine said, “Count on it.”

“Fluttershy…! Fluttershy!” Rainbow cried, running out to her, only for Pinkie Pie and Cadence to hold her back, “FLUTTERSHY!”

“We can’t lose you too!” Cadence cried. Macintosh was about to rush over to attack, but noticed Ash still had his blade at Octavia’s neck. Damn it, if they rushed over to rescue Fluttershy, they would kill Octavia.

Looking at Fluttershy, she shook her head and pleaded with her gaze. She was seriously giving herself up to them.

“With that, we take our leave,” Carmine said, Ash finally removing his blade from Octavia’s neck, “Good bye, Celestial Guard Power Rangers.”

With that, the Corvus Brothers flew off, with Fluttershy in their possession. Realizing this, Rainbow Dash fell to her knees hugging herself.

“Fluttershy…!” Rainbow Dash cried, “I… I failed to, protect her…!” she then let out a loud, shrill scream of agony.

Applejack glowed, returning to her human form, and ran over to hug Rainbow Dash as she broke down completely, “None of this was yer fault…”

Octavia tightened her fists while still on the ground, unable to move. She didn’t care that she lived because of it. She’d have rather died than let Fluttershy get taken like this.

“I’m, sorry…!” Octavia sobbed, “I… failed… Vinyl…!”

Shining Armor, for his part, slammed his fists on the ground in anger, “Damn it…! DAMN IT! I failed again!” he then held his head and screamed in agony and anger. It was Twilight all over again.

The Maiden was captured, because he was too weak.

Behind Us - Tales of Symphonia

The Corvus Brothers took Fluttershy to the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. Most of the rope was tied around her waist and arms, along with some binding her wrists behind her back. They then used the left over rope to bind her to a large tree. For good measure, they also gagged her with a white cloth “There, this way she can’t escape,” Tyrian said as he finished binding her to the tree.

Fluttershy pulled at the ropes binding her, and then sobbed helplessly.

“It’s going to take a bit longer for the sun to set,” Ash said, looking at the sky, “We can’t open the gate to the Underworld till then.”

“No, but I can prepare the ritual~” Chrysalis said, now unmorphed as she walked over to Fluttershy, caressing her cheek adoringly, “Make sure when night falls, we can bring her right to King Sombra~”

“That’s great,” Carmine said, sitting on a branch on the tree Fluttershy was tied to, “But what do we do until then?”

“Simple,” Ash suggested, “We get the Maiden of Loyalty.”

“How?” Carmine asked, “She’s with the Celestial Guard now, and they’re bound to be healing. I don’t know about you two, but I’m not too keen on fighting all five of them at once.”

“Then we won’t fight them,” Ash said, “We let the Maiden come to us.”

Fluttershy sucked in a breath and turned to look at Ash trembling a bit.

“You have a plan, don’t you?” Tyrian asked.

“The same way we got Kindness,” Ash said, poking Fluttershy’s breast, making her whimper, “We use her virtue against her. After all, I doubt she’d want to leave her friend alone.”

“Mmmm, how sinister~” Chrysalis said/moaned, “I wish I could work with men as smart as you three more often~”

Tyrian stepped forward, “I’ll retrieve her. If I’m not back by the time night falls, or you do not see me approaching, leave without me. Best case scenario, I find my own way back to the Underworld. Worst case scenario, I die a warrior’s death.”

“You would ask us to abandon our brother?” Ash asked, walking over to Tyrian, “Even if there’s a chance you could return to us-”

“Our mission comes comes first,” Tyrian said, “We swore an oath on the day we left for the surface. That we’d return either with one Maiden in our possession, or not at all. So long as you return with Kindness, I will die happy.”

“You honor us with your sacrifice,” Carmine said, putting a hand on Tyrian’s shoulder, “I do not like this, but I will accept it.”

“Aye, as will I,” Ash nodded. The three of them held arms in their signature way to signify their bond, “For Nightmare Moon’s Eternal Night, may we be triumphant on this day, or may our lives be used for the greater good of all Nightmares!”

“For Nightmare Moon’s Eternal Night!” both Tyrian and Carmine proclaimed. Tyrian took off back toward the kingdom, his brothers watching him fly off.

Chrysalis nodded, surprisingly solemnly, before going to prepare the spell. Fluttershy looked around at all of this, and struggled against her bindings, trying in vain to get free. She knew exactly how this would play out, and she hated this so much.

Dashie, please don’t come for me! You have to stay with them!

This is the only way I can keep you safe!

Fluttershy slumped forward and broke down. She was afraid of going to the Underworld, but she was more afraid of Dashie ending up in the same position as herself. And the worst part was, she knew what she’d do.

Dashie was so, very loyal to her. As loyal to her as Fluttershy was kind to everyone.

end song

“How is this?” Sunburst asked, casting a healing spell on Octavia in the Crystal Heart Shrine in the Palace. Everyone had gathered there, all Rangers now unmorphed.

“I’m fine, at least physically,” she answered, a dark expression on her face, “But I failed Fluttershy.”

“Octavia, you shouldn’t blame yourself for-”

“She was counting on me,” Octavia said, “She put her faith in me, and for that, she’s now imprisoned. Worst of all, this happened due to her wanting to keep me safe,” Octavia shut her eyes solemnly, “Until I can rescue her, this dishonor will weigh heavily on my soul.”

Sunburst sighed, knowing that Octavia had made up her mind on that. He then looked to Shining Armor, who looked somehow, even more broken than Octavia did.

Shining Armor looked back at Rainbow Dash from a distance, grimacing. As she stood off by herself, she looked utterly devastated. He failed her. He promised that he’d rescue Fluttershy, and he failed. He placed a hand on his head, “Some knight I turned out to be…”

“You did not fail, Shining Armor,” Celestia said, walking over to him.

“Didn’t I, though? I promised Rainbow Dash that I’d protect her, and that I’d keep Fluttershy safe,” Shining Armor fussed.

“You did, and Rainbow Dash is safe in the castle walls now,” Celestia took Shining Armor’s hand, “You did everything you could.”

“I know…!” Shining closed his eyes tightly, tearing up, “But it wasn’t enough! Just like with my sister ten years ago, I wasn’t strong enough!”

“Oh Shining Armor…” Celestia said sadly.

“I don’t deserve to be a knight,” he said weakly, “And I damn sure don’t deserve to be a Power Ranger.” he then walked off, out of the shrine. Celestia closed her eyes sadly.

“My child… this was MY failure, more than anyone else’s…” Celestia said, sounding on the verge of tears.

“Hey,” Applejack said, walking over to Rainbow Dash, “Ya alright?”

“No, I’m not,” Rainbow Dash said softly, “I keep worrying about Fluttershy.”

“We’re worried too,” Rarity said, rubbing Rainbow Dash’s back, “She was our friend as well, after all.”

“Right. You two, are Maidens as well, right?” Rainbow Dash asked, turning to them.

“That’s right,” Rarity placed a hand to her chest, “I’m Rarity, the Maiden of Generosity. This is Applejack, the Maiden of Honesty.”

“Kinda weird, introducing ourselves like this, but I’m Rainbow Dash, Maiden of Loyalty,” Rainbow Dash tried to smile, “At the very least, it’s nice to be near friends.”

Rarity looked crestfallen, and then hugged Rainbow Dash tightly, Applejack joining in the hug. It didn’t take long for Rainbow Dash to start crying in their embrace.

As for Cadence, she sat off by herself in a corner of the shrine, hugging her knees close to her chest. Pinkie Pie sat down beside her, leaning into her.

“Talk to me, Cadence,” Pinkie Pie requested.

“All of this could have been avoided,” Cadence muttered, “If I hadn’t placed a huge mark on the castle with that announcement. I just, wanted to help. And all I did was make it harder for Rainbow Dash to trust we could keep her safe.” she closed her eyes tightly, “I shouldn’t have become a Power Ranger. This power, it should have gone to one of the Crystal Knights. Not me. Not some weak Princess who doesn’t know how to even rule her own kingdom…”

“Stop that,” Pinkie Pie urged, taking Cadence’s hand, “I, don’t know much about these Power Rangers, but I feel like you’re perfect for the role of Pink Ranger.”

“How can you say that?” Cadence asked Pinkie Pie, tearing up.

“Because you want to be a Ranger that badly,” Pinkie Pie said, “Even now, you want to rescue Fluttershy, don’t you?”

“I do!” Cadence cried turning to Pinkie Pie, “I want to save her, not just as the Pink Ranger, but as myself! I’d do anything to rescue her!”

“And that’s why the Goddess chose you, and not someone else to wield that power,” Pinkie Pie said, “I know it’s scary, and it seems hopeless right now, but we haven’t lost yet. There’s a reason you’re the Pink Ranger, Cadence. A reason that you’re here. No matter what, I believe in you, so please, believe in yourself.”

Cadence bit her lip, and then pulled Pinkie Pie into a tight hug, one that she returned.

Macintosh looked at his team, currently broken, and then looked down.

“You okay, big guy?” Spike asked, hitting Macintosh on the back.

“Everyone’s losin’ hope right now,” Macintosh said softly, “I know I’m the leader, but I don’t know what I should do…”

Spike took a deep breath, “Well, if you want my advice, first step should be to talk to Shining Armor. My guess, he’s taking this whole thing the roughest.”

“Damn, yer right. Still, what should I even say to him?”

“I dunno,” Spike shrugged, “Let’s go figure that out together.”

Macintosh chuckled, and nodded. He and Spike walked out of the Shine to search for Shining Armor.

As Shining Armor laid in the grass of the courtyard, his memories went to the past. Back to simpler times with him and his sister. He remembered the two of them playing Hide and Seek in this very courtyard, or just laying in the grass like he was right now, identifying the various constellations in the sky.

She was always so bright. She could recite each constellation by name. Remembering her made Shining Armor smile, but it also made his heart sink.

“Twilight…” Shining muttered, looking at the sky as the sun began to set, revealing a few of the stars in the sky, “I’m sorry I was weak then. I’m sorry I’m always weak,” he closed his eyes, “Your friend, she’s about to be taken to the Underworld too, and all because I couldn’t protect her…”

“I mean, that’s pretty presumptuous, don’t you think?” Spike asked, he and Macintosh walking into the courtyard. Both sat down beside him at either side.

“Came to laugh at me in my lowest point?” Shining asked.

“Nah,” Spike shook his head, “That’s no fun. I’m here to help get you out of this funk. You know, “don’t lose hope”, “you’ve got so much to live for”, yadda yadda yadda.”

“I think what he’s tryin’ to say is, we can’t give up here,” Macintosh said.

“Easy for you to say,” Shining Armor muttered softly, “You guys actually helped your Maidens.”

“You’re, talkin’ about Twilight, aren’t ya?” Macintosh asked.

Colette is Sad - Tales of Symphonia

“This whole experience, sent me right back there,” Shining admitted, “I still remember it, ten years ago. The Nightmares attacked the castle. I knew they were after my sister. Twilight was so scared, she cried in my arms. It was the first time, she ever cried like that,” Shining Armor closed his eyes and tears up himself, “I held her, and promised I’d keep her safe. I tried to get her to a safe place, but then Scorpius attacked.”

Both Spike and Macintosh looked at Shining intently as he told his story, not saying a word. He, needed to get this off his chest.

“I promised her… just like I promised Rainbow Dash I’d rescue Fluttershy…” he let out a pained sob, “And just like then… I failed…! I couldn’t protect Twilight then, and I couldn’t protect Fluttershy now!”

Macintosh sighed, laying beside Shining Armor, “Ya ain’t the only one who failed. I tried to keep them crows away from y’all. Yet, despite bein’ the leader, I wasn’t strong enough. If my sister hadn’t come to my aid, I’d be dead right now,” Macintosh closed his eyes, “I get it, ya know. I get, feelin’ like ya failed at the one thing a big brother’s supposed to be able to do. Too many times, Applejack almost got caught by the Nightmares ‘cause I didn’t act sooner. Now, I also got a whole team to look after, an’ I ain’t sure I’m good enough to be the leader. ‘Specially dealin’ with the Corvus brothers.”

As Shining Armor turned to look at Macintosh, Spike laid down on the grass too.

“I guess what I’m sayin’ is, don’t think yer alone in all this. We’re all in the same boat in some way or another. I don’t know what we’ll do for Twilight, but so long as Rainbow Dash is here, an’ they haven’t taken Fluttershy into the Underworld yet, we still got hope,” Macintosh continued.

Spike took a deep breath, “I’ll admit, I’m kinda jealous of everyone else here,” he admitted, “I’m the only one here who doesn’t have a super deep reason for being here fighting. You guys got siblings who are directly involved, Cadence is the fucking Princess, and Octavia’s got that whole chivalry thing going. Me, I’m just a thief who let a coin toss decide on his fate,” he closed his eyes, “But, I made a promise to Rarity. I promised I’d be her knight, and protect her no matter what. So I know what I’d do at a time like this.”

“What’s that?” Shining Armor asked skeptically.

“Anything except lay in the grass moping,” Spike turned to look at Shining Armor, “Lady Luck hasn’t failed me yet, and like it or not, we’re comrades now, so my luck is shared with you somewhat. What are you gonna do, Shining Armor? You gonna lay here and mope?” he held out his lucky coin, “Or are you gonna take a gamble on fate, and let the coin decide?”

Shining Armor took the coin and sat up. He then flipped it, caught it, and closed his eyes.

Heads, I give up here. Tails, I fight on.

He then opened his eyes, and looked at the result…

Tails…

Shining Armor chuckled, “Know what? Sure. Let’s take a chance on fate,” he handed the coin back to Spike and closed his eyes, “Guys? Thanks.”

Macintosh smiled, “What are friend’s for, right? Let’s head back.”

Shining Armor nodded, and the three got up, not knowing that Rainbow Dash was standing behind a wall listening. She looked down, and then rushed back to the Crystal Shrine before the got there.

end song

When the boys returned to the shrine, the whole room was tense. Everyone was still, looking at the Crystal Heart. Even Celestia seemed tense.

“What’d we miss?” Spike asked.

“Corvus,” Sunburst said sternly. Spike, Macintosh, and Shining Armor looked at the Crystal Heart, where they saw Tyrian standing on a building looking seemingly directly at them.

“If the Maiden of Loyalty values her friend, she will come to the clock tower in the Lower Class District, alone,” Tyrian said, “If she does not arrive within the next 30 minutes, or if any Power Ranger comes into the clock tower with her, I will depart back to my brothers, and we will leave with the Maiden of Kindness. If my brothers do not see me by the time the moon reaches it’s peak, they have been told to leave without me with the Maiden of Kindness. Either way, we are leaving with her, it is up to you, Maiden of Loyalty, if you will stay with your Celestial Guard where it’s safe, or come with us to support your friend. I can assure you, if you do not come with us, the Nightmares will be exceptionally rough with her, and I cannot promise she’ll remain as pure as she is now for very long.”

Rainbow Dash tensed, flexing her hands open and closed.

“I am waiting for you, Maiden of Loyalty. What matters to you more? Your safety, or your friend?” Tyrian asked chuckling, “I’m eager to see your answer.”

With that, the image faded, and Celestia turned to everyone, “He has made his way to the Clock Tower.”

There's nothing we can't do, right? - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“He’s, not bluffing, is he?” Cadence asked.

“No, he’s not,” Octavia said darkly, biting her thumb nail, “He and his brothers have all the cards now. I firmly believe that if Rainbow Dash doesn’t show, they will just leave with Fluttershy, and not before they assault her.”

“You mean… they’d rape her…?” Rainbow Dash asked carefully. Octavia closed her eyes tightly.

“I, hate to say it, but it’s almost a guarantee. Especially with what Tyrian said about her “purity”, to which I assume means her presumed virginity.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened, “W-what are we going to do?!”

“I, have an idea,” Spike said carefully, “It’s not a great one, but it’s an idea at least.”

“Better than what we have thus far,” Sunburst said.

“Yes, what’s your plan, Spike?” Cadence asked.

“They don’t know that Celestia can see the Maidens from the Crystal Heart, nor do they know that she can track Solar Phones, right?” Spike asked, “So, I propose we give one of those to Rainbow Dash, and let her lead us directly to where they’re keeping Fluttershy.”

“This, is a risky strategy…” Celestia admitted.

“Like I said, not a great plan, but on such short notice? I don’t see another option here,” Spike said, “And once we know where we’re headed, we can have Rarity and/or Applejack take us there in their new horse transformations.”

“If that doesn’t work though, we risk giving them possibly every Maiden of Harmony in our care,” Shining argued.

“Then we better hope this does work,” Spike said with a deep breath, “Cause like it or not, if we do nothing, they leave with Fluttershy.”

“Hey, do I get a vote in this?” Rainbow Dash asked, everyone turning to her.

“Of course,” Cadence said, “What do you want to do?”

“I vote for Spike’s plan,” Rainbow Dash said, “I’ll be the bait, and lead you guys to where Fluttershy is.”

“What?!” Shining Armor asked, rushing over to her, “If you go there, you’re practically giving yourself up to them!”

“So what are you saying?” Rainbow Dash asked, “That we not take this chance to save Fluttershy?”

“I mean…” Shining looked pained, “I want to rescue her too… but at the same time, I’d rather we not risk losing you as well...”

“My best friend, is not a necessary casualty,” Rainbow Dash said in a low voice, “I’ll do whatever it takes to rescue her. I’d throw myself into the fires of Hell if it meant saving her,” she closed her eyes tightly, “I overheard what you and those guys talked about. The Maiden of Faith, she’s your sister, right?”

Shining Armor’s eyes widened.

“You’d do anything to save her, wouldn’t you?” Rainbow Dash placed a hand over her chest, “I feel the same way about Fluttershy. If the only way to rescue her was to throw away my Oath of Pacifism, I’d toss it aside in a heartbeat, because she means that much to me. You asked me to trust you, but now, I’m asking you to please trust me.”

Shining Armor bit his lip nervously, averting his eyes, “I… I’m just afraid. I don’t want to lose you, Dash.”

“Then, I propose we take a vote,” Rainbow Dash said, turning to everyone, “What do the rest of you say?”

“I’m for this strategy,” Octavia said immediately, surprising Shining Armor.

“Octavia…?”

“I’ve only wanted to protect one person, as much as I want to protect Lady Fluttershy in this moment,” Octavia said, turning to Shining Armor with an intense glare, “I will either kill the Corvus Brothers here and now, or I will tear through the Underworld by myself to rescue her. Either way, I will not let Lady Fluttershy remain a prisoner.”

Shining Armor’s eyes widened. He, didn’t expect Octavia to feel that strongly about this.

“I’m, sorry Shining Armor, but I vote for Spike's plan,” Rarity said raising her hand slightly, “Not just because he’s my knight, but because Fluttershy is my friend, and I want to do anything I can to protect her.”

“Yeah, I feel the same way,” Applejack nodded, “I wanna save Fluttershy, an’ I believe in Rainbow Dash.”

Pinkie Pie turned to Cadence, who looked at her Solar Phone. Cadence nodded, and stepped forward, “Me too. I’m voting for rescue Fluttershy, by any means necessary!”

Pinkie Pie smiled in relief and pride, before raising her hand, “Sorry, Shining Armor, but I side with Cadence on this one.”

Shining Armor took a deep breath, and turned to Macintosh, “I take it, you’re siding with this too?”

Macintosh nodded, “You know it’s the right thing, Shining Armor.”

“I may not be a Ranger or a fighter in this, but I agree with everyone else,” Sunburst said, “Either way, we don’t have much time.”

Shining Armor nodded, “Okay. Rainbow Dash? I, trust you.”

Rainbow Dash hugged Shining Armor tightly, “Thank you.”

Shining Armor slowly returned the hug, “You’re, welcome, Dash.”

Celestia nodded, and held out her hand, manifesting the same platinum and silver Solar Phone that Rarity and Applejack had, “Take this, my Child of Loyalty. It will keep you in my sight, even if the Nightmares mask your presence.”

Rainbow Dash took the Solar Phone and hid it in her bra, “Okay. Thank you, Mother Celestia.”

Celestia shook her head smiling, “No, Rainbow Dash. Thank you, for showing such courage in light of this darkness.”

Rainbow Dash smiled in return.

“Allow one of us to get you there quicker,” Rarity said, turning to Spike, “It’s okay, right?”

Spike nodded, “I know where we can drop her off. From there, we can tail her and Corvus from a distance using Celestia’s guidance.”

“I will go as well,” Octavia said, “When we arrive, we can buy the others enough time to get to where we are, and possibly even get Fluttershy as far away from there as possible.

“Alright then,” Macintosh said, “This isn’t gonna be an easy operation, but I know we can do it. Everyone, into position!”

Everyone nodded and scattered to get ready for their most tense rescue mission to date. This was literally all of nothing.

Behind Us - Tales of Symphonia

After she finished the ritual to open the door to the Underworld, Chrysalis sat back and took a sigh of relief, “Well, my part is finished.”

Carmine walked over to Chrysalis and massaged her shoulders, “Then, the gate is opened?”

“Once the Moon hits it’s peak, it certainly will be,” Chrysalis moaned in pleasure and looked up, “Ah, I can’t wait to see the look on King Sombra’s face when we bring him this lovely damsel~” she looked over at Fluttershy, who’s hair had become a bit unkempt and wild from how much struggling she’d done, “That’s a truly good look for you, Maiden of Kindness~”

Fluttershy stopped and looked at Chrysalis with tear filled eyes, whimpering through the gag.

“I hope you enjoy these last few moments on the surface,” Chrysalis purred, leaning back as Carmine continued to massage her, “Because either way, you’re coming with us, and you’ll never see the clear sky again~”

Ash took in a deep breath, “The scent of her fear, is just as intoxicating as her natural floral scent,” he walked over to her and breathed in, making Fluttershy shy away and whimper again, “Chrysalis, can I have some fun with her while we wait?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in horror hearing that, her heart leaping out of her chest.

“Our King said he wanted to break her personally, and according to our records, this one is still a virgin,” Carmine stated, “If we break her before then, Sombra will have our beaks.”

“He said we couldn’t break her, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with her,” Carmine ripped the front of her dress, exposing her large breasts and the yellow bra underneath, making the poor girl cry out, “It’s still going to be a good while before Tyrian returns, and she’s right here. Why shouldn’t we have a bit of fun with her?”

Chrysalis pressed a finger to her lips thoughtfully, “Well, Sombra didn’t say we couldn’t prime her a bit for him~”

“Mmph?!” Fluttershy cried through her gag. Her heart was pounding, and she couldn't hold in her tears.

“In that case,” Ash leaned in close to Fluttershy, who was now trembling as he caressed her cheek, “Since we’re so far away from the Empire, feel free to scream for me, my precious.”

And scream she did, as Ash proceeded to “have fun” with her.

end song

“Okay, this is as far as we can go,” Spike said, he and Rainbow Dash riding on Rarity in her new horse form, “Any closer, and we risk tipping him off.”

“I hope this works,” Rainbow Dash said, jumping off.

“It will,” Octavia said, riding on the back of a normal horse, “I have faith in Sir Dragneel’s plan.”

Rarity made a soft sound to catch Rainbow Dash’s attention, and then nuzzled her affectionately, “Thanks. All of you. Wish me luck.”

“Ya won’t need it,” Spike smiled, “My luck is shared with all of my friends.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and looked at Rarity, “This one’s definitely a keeper, Rares.”

Rarity gave a soft whinny, one that Rainbow Dash almost interpreted as “Oh I know~”. Based on how Spike blushed, that’s exactly what she said.

“I better get going,” she took a deep breath, “Tell Shining Armor to track my movements on his Solar Phone is possible.”

“Will do,” Octavia said, “We’ll be following up to a point.”

Rainbow nodded, and began her walk to the clock tower. The whole time, she kept wondering if Fluttershy was okay. Who knew what those monsters were doing to her. She seriously hoped they weren’t too far away.

“Hang on, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash whispered, “We’re going to rescue you. I promise.” She took another deep breath at the door, and then pushed it open, “Hey! I’m here! I’m alone, just as you requested.”

At first, she got nervous when he didn’t answer right away, but a few seconds later, Tyrian jumped down right in front of her, “Ah, the Maiden of Loyalty. I take it you got my message, then.”

“Yeah, I did,” Rainbow Dash folded her arms, “Fluttershy’s safe, right?”

“For now, yes,” Tyrian confirmed, “But I can’t speak on what will happen once our King gets a hold of her.”

“What about my other friend?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Other friend?” Tyrian asked raising his head.

“The Maiden he already captured. Faith. How is she?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“What would knowing do for you now?” Tyrian asked folding his arms.

“I dunno. Prep me for the worst, I guess? Look, I’m gonna find out anyway, right? And you probably contacted your brothers that you have me, so humor me.”

Tyrian regarded her intently, and then nodded, “Good news for you, she’s alive at least, and in relatively good care. She's allowed to eat, no permanent injuries. However, she’s something of a, favorite toy among my kind.”

Rainbow Dash sucked in a breath, “Alright. Thank you for telling me,” she held her hands out in front of her, “I’m ready. Take me to Fluttershy.”

Tyrian nodded, and turned Rainbow Dash around. First he grabbed her wrists and bound them together behind her back. He then used the rest of the rope and tied it around her waist and arms. Much to her dismay, she did get a bit excited from this.

Damn it. What a time to get aroused…

“We’ll be flying directly there,” Tyrian said, making Rainbow Dash’s heart leap a bit, “You’ll see your friend very soon.”

Before she could say anything, she was picked up and lifted straight into the air as Tyrian flew out of a hole in the ceiling of the clock tower.

Rarity, now in human form, looked up and gasped, “Spike, Octavia, look!”

They both looked, and saw Tyrian take off into the air.

“Ah… that’s, not great,” Spike said.

“Already calling the others!” Octavia said, dialing Celestia’s number, “Celestia, can you still see them?”

“I can!” Celestia said, “I am transferring my sight to your Solar Phones! Rainbow Dash will appear as a blue orb of light!”

Shining looked at his phone, which showed a rendered map of the Kingdom*, and Rainbow Dash’s orb moving northwest, “I see her!”

“Damn it! We ain’t gonna make it in time!” Macintosh swore, “I didn’t count on this!”

“Lucky for you, I did!”

“Octavia?” Macintosh asked.

Fortress - Sonic Frontiers

Octavia jumped back on her horse, “I’m following on horseback! Sir Dragneel, Lady Rarity, try to keep up!” she flicked the reins, telling the horse to gallop, and gallop it did, racing after the black spot in the sky she knew was the Corvus Nightmare.

“Whoa!” Spike cried, turning to Rarity, “We gotta move too!”

Rarity nodded, pushing a few buttons on her Solar Phone, “War Horse Form!” she glowed green, transforming into the green armored Unicorn from before, “Hurry, Spike! Get on my back!”

Spike nodded and jumped onto her back, and the two raced after Octavia. Neither of them could remember ever seeing her show this much determination as a knight.

“Hang on, Fluttershy!” Octavia shouted, “I’m coming! I promise, I’ll save you!”

Where any of this was coming from from, Octavia had no idea. Honestly, she initially only became a Power Ranger to stay beside her Commander and best friend. But when she saw the way Fluttershy looked at her…

“Thank you! Thank you so much, oh brave, gallant knight!” Fluttershy cried dramatically, looking into where she assumed the Ranger’s eyes were, “I was so frightened!”

As they met eyes, Octavia’s thoughts went back to another who once looked at her with such earnest passion. A young aspiring witch/musician with short, neon blue hair and red eyes. A look that made Octavia feel like her life mattered. A look that gave her, a reason to live.

“Be with me, Vinyl,” Octavia prayed, closing her eyes, “I need you, if I’m to accomplish this. If I’m, going to be her hero!”

“Okay, this is good!” Cadence said as the Crystal Knights prepared a carriage for herself and Shining Armor. Naturally Macintosh was going to be riding Applejack at the latter’s insistence, “Thanks Flash Sentry! Make sure Pinkie Pie gets home safely!”

Flash saluted, “Understood, Cadence!”

“Cadence, please be careful out there,” Pinkie Pie urged, going over to hug Cadence.

“I will,” she replied, hugging Pinkie Pie back. She then turned to Shining Armor, “Can you reach-”

“No! She’s not picking up!” Shining answered, “Damn it, Tavi…! What’s gotten into you?!”

Spike jumped on Applejack’s back as she turned into her War Horse form, and called Spike, “Spike, ya see Tavi?”

“Just barely! She’s racing really far ahead! Listen, I’ll work with her to buy some time, but get here as fast as you can!”

“Will do!” Macintosh said, hanging up, “Shining Armor, you got Dash’s signal?!”

“Got it right here!” Shining said looking at it, “They’re slowing down in what looks like a forest!”

“I bet that’s where Fluttershy is!” Cadence said, getting in the carriage with Shining Armor.

“Same! Lead the way!” Macintosh commanded.

Shining Armor nodded, commanding the horses to move. They took off as fast as they could, Macintosh and Applejack following close behind.

“Sis, you alright comin’ with us like this?” Macintosh asked.

“Honestly, I prefer this!” her voice echoed in his head, “I get to stay close to ya AND help rescue Fluttershy!”

“Alright,” he smiled, “I’ll admit, I feel much better havin’ ya close to me too. Let’s save Fluttershy, together!”

“Right!”

Macintosh knew that it’d be safer to keep Applejack back at the castle, but with her phobia of being away from him, he knew she’d feel better like this. That alone was reason enough to prefer this, but honestly, he just liked having her close to him.

So long as yer with me, Applejack, I can do this! I can do ANYTHING so long as we’re together!

Behind Us - Tales of Symphonia

“Here we are,” Tyrian said, landing in the forest where Chrysalis and the others were. Rainbow Dash looked at where Fluttershy was, and immediately saw red. The front of her dress was torn, as was her bra. Her wrists were now tied to the tree above her head, and her makeup was running, suggesting that she’d been crying while they were away.

What did these bastards do to you, Fluttershy…?

“Ah, Tyrian! T’is good to see you alive and well, Brother!” Ash said, grabbing Fluttershy’s left breast and groping it, getting a helpless whimper/moan from her, “Hope you don’t mind that I went ahead and got started playing with her.”

Fluttershy opened one eye and looked at Rainbow Dash, gasping in horror.

“Not at all,” Tyrian said, taking Dash to another tree, “I planned on waiting till our King had his way with her anyway. Is the Gate ready?”

“The prep work is done,” Chrysalis said, “Now we just need the Moon to be in position, which shouldn’t be too long now~” she purred as Tyrian tied Rainbow to the tree.

“I swear, if you assholes hurt Fluttershy, I’ll-”

“Do nothing,” Chrysalis finished for Rainbow Dash, “You can’t harm us, due to that stupid Oath you took to embody the magic of Harmony, and even if you could, you’re helpless against us~” she sauntered over to Rainbow Dash, “All you can do is watch, as we drag the Maiden of Kindness into the depths of despair~”

“Go the fuck to hell!” Rainbow seethed, getting a haughty laugh from Chrysalis.

“Oh, I love your spirit! Such a shame Sombra will beat that out of you~!” Chrysalis taunted.

“Do your worst, but you won’t break my spirit!” Rainbow Dash said, “And that’s assuming you even get us to the Underworld!”

“Oh, we will,” Chrysalis stated, “The gate’s already opened, so all we need to do know is wait for the moon to raise,” she patted Rainbow Dash on the cheek, “Then you’ll get to meet your new master~”

Rainbow Dash scowled at Chrysalis, and then waited till she walked off. Once she was gone, Rainbow Dash turned to Fluttershy, “You okay?”

Fluttershy shook her head and tried to say something to her through her gag. Based on how she teared up, and knowing what sort of person she was, Rainbow Dash could piece together what she wanted to say, more or less.

God, even now you’re worried about me, aren’t you Fluttershy?

“It’s going to be okay,” Rainbow Dash looked around, and then mouthed out to Fluttershy, “The Celestial Guard is coming,” the way Fluttershy’s eyes lit up suggested she understood what she was trying to say. Now all she could do was trust in them.

Don’t let me down, Shining Armor…

end song

Spike looked down at his Solar Phone, “Looks like Dash stopped moving!” he said, both to Rarity and Octavia, and then looked up, “Shit! The moon’s almost in position for the portal to open!”

“Then we’ll just have to buy the others time!” Octavia said, pulling the reins to tell her horse to stop, and immediately jumping off to continue on foot. Spike followed suit, though Rarity continued to follow in her War Horse form.

Upon getting close enough, Octavia saw the group of Nightmares, Chrysalis, and the two Maidens. Rainbow Dash looked tense, but overall calm. But when Octavia noticed the state Fluttershy was in, she saw red.

Spike slid in next to her, his eyes widening, “Oh, that’s not okay!”

“Sir Dragneel, be ready,” Octavia said pulling out her Solar Phone, “I will need your assistance in this endeavor of mine.”

“You realize we can’t beat them, right?” Spike said pulling his Solar Phone out, “Even with my luck, we’ve barely managed to survive against these Nightmares.”

“Then we will focus on rescuing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy,” Octavia said, “They’re the ones they ultimately want.”

“I’ll try to disrupt the portal,” Rarity’s voice echoed to Spike, “Failing that, I can get Fluttershy and Rainbow to safety.”

Spike nodded, “Rarity said she’ll get Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash out of there.”

“Thank you, Lady Rarity,” Octavia gripped her Solar Phone tightly, “Let’s go!”

You're not a heroine it's me - Blue Reflection

Spike nodded, the two of them running out to face them, “And just what is going on here?!”

Chrysalis turned to them, eyes wide, “What?! You two?!”

“How did you find us?!” Tyrian asked, he and his brothers all getting their weapons ready.

“The Goddess has many tricks up her sleeve,” Octavia pointed at them, “Tell me, what did you do to Lady Fluttershy?!”

“Oh, I just had fun making her squeal is all,” Ash said, taking some time to once again grab her breast, “Wish I could do more to her, honestly.”

Fluttershy looked at Octavia tearfully. Octavia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“It will be okay, Fluttershy. Remember my promise to you, that so long as I’m alive, you’d be safe?” Octavia asked Fluttershy, who’s eyes widened in shock.

“Wait, so you’re the Knight in shining armor she was going on about?” Carmine asked, “She had us thinking you were a man.”

Octavia chuckled, “Man? Woman? It matters not to me. I, Octavia Melody, am the Yellow Ranger! I am justice! And justice, has no gender!” she opened her Solar Phone and typed in her code, “Sir Dragneel!”

PHOENIX!!!

Spike nodded, typing in his code, “Lady luck, don’t fail me now!”

DRACO!!!

“Celestial Guard!” Octavia and Spike waved their Solar Phones in a wide arc, before pointing them to the sky, “Stand Up!”

~Transformation Sequence~

Octavia and Spike both threw their arms out to their sides as the seal of Celestia appeared on their chests. They both then held up their arms toward a golden light shining down onto them, as around them, auras of a golden Phoenix spreading its wings and screeching angrily, and a green Dragon standing upright swinging its claws and roaring appeared, before both vanished into the forms of constellations, that shrunk down onto their respective Rangers, forming their armor. Both Octavia and Spike brought their hands down and looked forward as their helmets materialized shortly after, Spike smirking confidently as usual.

~End Transformation Sequence~

Fluttershy’s eyes were locked on Octavia, now realizing who the Yellow Ranger actually was. Octavia wondered how she felt, but now wasn’t the time. Regardless of what their relationship was, she had to rescue her.

Chrysalis scowled at this, “Fine. If that’s how you want to play, let’s play!”

~Chrysalis Morph Sequence~

Chrysalis’ eyes flashed green briefly. She then waved her hands and danced sensually, as green fire engulfed her entire body. The flame then took form as her green and purple armor and helmet, leaving only her long green hair exposed. She posed elegantly as the image of a female snake charmer appeared behind her.

~End Sequence~

Carmine and Ash charged to Octavia, while Tyrian and Chrysalis focused on Spike. Octavia clashed blades with Ash, her broadsword vs his katana. Right when it looked like Carmine was about to toss his shuriken at her, she rolled out of the way, summoning her bow and firing at the two Crows when the charged at her, actually knocking them down.

Spike ducked and dodged out of the way of Tyrian’s attacks, mostly focusing on Chrysalis as he knew he could take her at least. She blocked a sword slash from him, and then kicked him in the side, but he then spun around slashing her in the chest, before turning to Tyrian and clashing blades with him, pushing him against a tree and bringing his sword down onto his chest.

Rarity knew they wouldn’t last too long, so she got to work on a way to disrupt Chrysalis and the Corvus Brother’s plan. At first, she thought to disrupt the spell, but looking at it from a distance revealed it’d be much harder to disrupt that than she thought. However, she could help her friends at least.

She carefully trotted over to the trees they were tied to, shifting back into her human form at the last moment, “Hey,” she whispered to them, removing Fluttershy’s gag.

“Perfect timing, Rarity,” Rainbow Dash sighed in relief, “Fluttershy, she’s one of us.”

“You’re the Maiden, of Generosity, right?” Fluttershy asked softly as Rarity untied her.

“That’s right, darling. My name is Rarity,” she answered as she finished, now focusing on untying Rainbow Dash, “Help is on the way, but we need to buy them as much time as possible. That’s why we’re going to escape.”

“But what about the Yellow and Green Ranger?” Fluttershy asked, holding her arm over her chest to cover herself, “We can’t leave them!”

“They’ll follow us, I’m sure,” Rarity said. Once she finished untying Rainbow Dash, she shifted back into her War Horse form, and motioned for the two of them to get on her back.

Rainbow nodded and helped Fluttershy onto their friend turned armored Unicorn, and then got on herself. Rarity let out a mighty whinny to get everyone’s attention, and then took off back toward the Kingdom.

“What?! No!” Chrysalis fussed seeing them leave.

“That’s our cue, right?!” Spike asked Octavia, who nodded.

“Indeed! Let us escape now!” she fired her arrows at their enemies, and then took off with Spike after the Maidens. Chrysalis threw her arms down in frustration.

“Ooooooh! I hate hate hate those Power Rangers! Corvus, go after them! I’ll catch up when I’m able!”

“Understood!” Ash said, “Brothers! To the skies!” all three leaped into the air and flew after the Rangers and Maidens.

As Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy rode, they saw a horse drawn carriage in the distance, along with another horse in armor like Rarity’s with someone Fluttershy didn’t recognize riding on it.

“Dashie!” Fluttershy called out.

“I see them! It’s okay, Fluttershy! They’re,” she couldn’t believe she was saying this, “they’re trustworthy!”

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash, and then smiled warmly and nodded. She then screamed as exploding shuriken shot down from the sky at them.

“Shit! They’re too fast!” Rainbow Dash looked up, where she spotted Carmine preparing to toss more at them, “Rarity, please tell me you can go faster!”

Rarity took a breath and tried her damnest to gallop faster and dodge the explosives to the best of her ability. Unfortunately, an explosion in front of her knocked her off her feet, shifting her back into her human form and tossing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy into the air.

Both of them landed rolling on the grass. Rainbow Dash looked up and saw Ash land over her. She screamed as he went to grab her.

The Glint of Cold Steel - Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

“Dash!” Shining called out.

“Shining, go!” Cadence called out, “She needs you!”

Shining nodded to her, and then leaped high into the air, “CELESTIAL GUARD! STAND UP!” he shouted, morphing in a blue flash as he flipped overhead as his phone shouted "PEGASUS!!!, and drop kicking Ash away from Rainbow Dash, landing in front of her, “Sorry I took so long!”

Dash shook her head smiling, “Don’t be. You came right on time,” Fluttershy’s scream caught her attention, “NO!”

Fluttershy was yanked to her feet by Tyrian, who held her wrists tightly as the Maiden tried in vain to pull herself free, “LET GO OF ME!!!” she screamed.

“Look what I have,” Carmine said, holding Rarity’s wrists behind her back as he dragged her over to his brother, “This woman is the Maiden of Generosity. I saw her birthmark while she was laying on the grass.”

“Then once we get that one, we’ll have three Maidens to return to Sombra,” Tyrian said, a bit strained as Fluttershy continued to fight out of his grip.

“I don’t think so!” Macintosh shouted, riding on Applejack and holding up his Solar Phone, “Celestial Guard! Stand Up!” he shouted, Morphing in a red flash.

HERCULES!!!

He then leaped off of Applejack, drawing his broadsword from his side and summoning his Hero’s Blade, slashing both Crows at the same time, making them release Rarity and Fluttershy, who quickly ran over to Cadence as she stopped the carriage.

“Oh thank the Goddess you’re safe!” Cadence cried, hugging them both, but gasping when she saw Fluttershy’s dress, “What happened to you?!”

“I’d, rather not talk about it, Princess,” Fluttershy said weakly, turning away and covering herself, tearing up visibly, “It was, it was awful...”

Cadence hugged her tightly, “It’s okay. Fluttershy, right?” she nodded, “Call me Cadence. We’re going to make them go away forever now, okay honey?”

“Thank you, Cadence…!” Fluttershy sobbed, “Thank you so much!”

Cadence nodded and turned to Rarity, who nodded with a serious look on her face. Seemed they had the same idea about these Crows. They needed to die.

Cadence ran toward the fight, holding out her Solar Phone, “Celestial Guard! Stand Up!” LYNX!!! she Morphed in a pink light, drawing her blade and screaming in anger. Immediately she charged at Ash, slashing him wildly yet forcefully with her broadsword. Shining Armor quickly stepped in place beside her, the two moving in perfect sync with each other and knocking him back toward his brothers.

Yellow Arrows shot at them from behind as Octavia and Spike made it. Both of them leaped into the air and flipped over the Corvus Brothers, slashing them with their Divine Weapons at the same time, knocking them to the ground as they landed among their fellow Rangers, all five standing before Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow Dash, go with Applejack back to the carriage,” Macintosh requested, “Leave this part to us.”

Rainbow Dash looked at Shining Armor, who nodded, “Alright. Good luck, Power Rangers!”

“Macintosh, be careful!” Applejack urged.

“Don’t worry, I got a plan this time,” Macintosh said. Applejack kissed her brother on the cheek (well, his helmet at least), and ran back to Rarity and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash beside her, “Corvus, this ends now!”

“You three will pay dearly for doing harm to Lady Fluttershy!” Octavia proclaimed, tightening her fist and throwing her arm to the side.

“Oh? And what makes you think you five got what it takes?!” Ash asked, he and his brothers staggering to their feet, “We’ve managed to take you out multiple times already!”

“With the Strength of Hercules!” Macintosh shouted, slashing his Hero’s Sword down and then standing proudly, “Celestial Guard Red!”

“With the Speed of the Pegasus!” Shining shouted, spinning his twin sided spear around before holding it behind him and holding his other arm out, “Celestial Guard Blue!”

“With the Passion of the Phoenix!" Octavia proclaimed, swinging her bladed bow around before holding it ready to fire, “Celestial Guard Yellow!”

“With the Power of the Dragon!” Spike shouted, summoning his ax and swinging it in wide arcs before resting it on his shoulder, motioning for his opponents to come as always, “Celestial Guard Green!”

“With the Courage of the Lynx!” Cadence shouted, slashing with her claws before doing a back flip and landing hunched forward claws out in a cat stance, “Celestial Guard Pink!”

“We are the knights chosen by the Light of the Sun!” all five proclaimed at the same time, holding their weapons out in the middle of them, “Power Rangers! Celestial Guard!” they all shouted, posing with their weapons ready, a massive explosion of energy behind them.

“Celestial Guard, forward charge!” Macintosh ordered, he and his five Rangers running to engage the Corvus Brothers: Macintosh facing Ash alone, Cadence and Shining Armor fighting Carmine, and Spike and Octavia facing Tyrian.

At least, that’s how it started.

Shining Armor and Cadence had Carmine stuck between them, slashing him from either side. Eventually, Cadence kicked him into Shining Armor, who then pinned him with his spear, “Hey Macintosh! That plan you mentioned! That what I think it is?!”

“Damn right!” Macintosh nodded, “We’re givin’ these buzzards a taste of their own medicine!” he slashed Ash twice, once with each of his Swords, and then turned to Carmine. Cadence leaped into the air as Macintosh ran over to Carmine, slashing him viciously with his blades. Shining Armor release him and slashed upward, knocking the crow into the air, where Cadence rolled into a sharp pink ball and pierced through Carmine’s body before kicking him back down to the Red and Blue Ranger, who took turns slashing him while he was suspended between them, and then kicked him away.

“GAH!!!” Carmine cried, rolling to the ground. Before he could think to escape though, Cadence got on top of him and slashed his face and body, keeping him pinned.

“I’ve got this one for a while! Deal with the other two!” she called out. Macintosh and Shining nodded and turned to Ash, just as his blade came down to meet Macintosh’s Hero’s sword.

“So, you Knights plan to use our strategy against us?!” he asked, “We’ve seen everything you Rangers can do, and we’re fast learners!”

“Then that means we’ll just have to mix it up a bit!” Macintosh pushed against Ash’s sword, “That, and improvise! Get him now!”

Octavia slashed Tyrian in the back, and then turned to Ash’s. She then rapidly fired at him with her laser arrows, completely silent and focused as she shot him with extreme prejudice, “Sir Dragneel? Do you-”

“I’m good, Tavi!” Spike nodded, giving her a thumb’s up, “Go for it!”

Octavia rushed at Ash, timing her laser shots with Macintosh’s slashes. Shining Armor stabbed him in the stomach with his spear and held him in the air, where Octavia slid underneath him and fired upward at him. Macintosh then charged up his blades and slashed in an X formation, knocking Ash to the ground.

“Leave him to me!” Octavia urged, “You two, help Sir Dragneel with the last one!” before they could answer, Octavia ran over to Ash, continuing to slash and kick the Ninja Crow that assaulted Fluttershy before he could do anything.

Spike and Tyrian were locked in a ferocious battle, Ax vs Bo Staff. Tyrian tried to slash Spike horizontally, but the thief rolled out of the way, pulling out his lucky coin, “Macintosh, you’re up!” he shouted, tossing his coin to the Red Ranger, who caught it and then began slashing wildly with both blades, easily breaking the Crow’s defense. He then kicked him back and held up the coin, “Shining Armor! You’re turn!” he tossed the coin straight into the air, Shining Armor leaping up and catching the coin.

“Thanks!” Shining Armor shouted, screaming angrily as he came down on top of Tyrian, spinning his spear as he slashed him form all sides. Once he was finished, Shining held up the coin, “Spike! Finish him!” he shouted, tossing the coin back to its owner.

“Giving me the last hit? You’re to kind!”** Spike said, holding up his Ax. He ran to Tyrian, slashing him along with Shining Armor and Macintosh, both of whom rolled away as Spike spun around, slashing the Crow in a wide arc, knocking him into his siblings.

As they slowly got up, Macintosh and his team once again gathered in front of them, “Form the Starforce Cannon!” Macintosh ordered his team. Octavia’s bow was held out, followed by Spike’s ax placed on top of it. Shining’s spear was broken in half and connected to the ends of the bow, followed by Cadence’s claws. Finally, Macintosh placed his sword at the top to complete the weapon, which magically held together as he held it up proudly. At his immediate sides stood Cadence and Octavia, and behind them were Shining and Spike.

“Starforce Cannon!” Macintosh shouted, holding it out as Octavia and Cadence put their hands on his shoulders, with Spike and Shining putting their hands on the girls’, all of them sending their energy into Macintosh, “FIRE!!!”

He pulled the trigger, firing a large golden energy beam that pierced through all three at once somehow. The three of them writhed in pain as the Rangers turned their backs to them. The Corvus Brothers fell to the ground and died in a massively large explosion.

end song

“They did it!” Fluttershy cried happily, hugging Rainbow Dash, “They stopped them!”

Rainbow Dash laughed in relief, “They, did. So it’s finally over?”

“No, no it’s not,” Rarity said seriously, both she and Applejack holding their Solar Phones, “The Nightmares have a second life.”

“A second life…?” Rainbow Dash asked carefully.

"Yeah," Applejack answered sternly, gripping her Solar Phone tightly, "An' this one's a real doozy..."

“That’s right~!” Chrysalis called out, still in her green and purple Ranger-esque form, “And this time, you’ll have your work cut out for you, Celestial Guard Power Rangers!” she held her hand to the air as the Lunar Seal appeared beneath her, “Oh Goddess of Darkness! Grant your children second life!”

The Lunar Seal appeared on the remains of the Corvus Brothers. Their scattered remains glowed, reformed, and in a sickly green flash, grew to kaiju size. All three of them.

“That’s bad!” Cadence cried, all of the Rangers stepping back.

“Can we defeat them with just two Zords?!” Octavia asked.

“We gotta try at least!” Macintosh said, turning to where the Maidens stood, “Applejack, you’re up!”

“Rarity, I need you!” Spike called out to Rarity.

Both Maidens nodded, and stepped forward, typing their Ranger’s Codes into their Phones and holding them up, “We offer ourselves to the Power of the Stars! Celestial Zords, awaken!” they shouted at the same time.

binGe -C18H23NO3 - Blue Reflection

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy watched in awe as they turned to red and green orbs of light, and shot straight into the sky, flying into the Hercules and Draco constellations. The images of the Zords appeared in the sky, and then shot down onto the ground, the Hercules Zord landing on one knee awaiting its pilot, and the Drago Zord thrashing its arms and roaring violently, eager to begin its fight.

“What, in the world happened to them…?” Rainbow Dash asked slowly.

“Those metallic titans… I think… they’re Rarity and Applejack!” Fluttershy cried.

“What?! But, what about the seal?! If they fight, then-”

“They’re not the ones fighting!” Spike shouted.

“We are!” Macintosh finished. He and Spike shot into the air, both their Zords catching them in a golden light and pulling them into their cockpits.

“AJ, you ready?!” Macintosh asked his Maiden.

Ready, Big Mac!

Spike, let’s rip them apart!

“I’m with you 100 percent, Rarity!” both Macintosh and Spike held their hands over the control panels of their Zords.

“MOBILIZE!!!” all four of them shouted at once, the Hercules and Draco Zords’ eyes flashing red as they activated.

Ash, Tyrian, and Carmine drew their weapons and charged at the Zords. The Hercules Zord drew its blade and clashed with Ash’s blade, while the Draco Zord slashed at Tyrian, and then whacked Carmine with it’s tail.

Carmine took to the skies, and threw down his large shuriken, which spun against the Draco Zord for massive damage.

“GAH!!!” Spike and Rarity screamed, Spike tumbling forward a bit as the cockpit flashed.

“Rarity, are you okay?!” Spike asked.

We need to switch tactics!

“Agreed!” Spike straightened himself and focused on his Zord again. The Draco Zord fired it’s green fire blast in the air at Carmine, who flew out of the way without issue, laughing at the Zord beneath him.

“The skies belong to us, Rangers!” he taunted.

Meanwhile, the Hercules Zord wrestled with Ash a bit, eventually punching him in the stomach and then slashing him with its blade. The Red Titan ran up to him as fast as it could and continued to slash him a few times, but then he jumped into the sky flying away, just as Tyrian shifted targets and hit the Hercules Zord in the back with his bo staff.

“Argh!” Macintosh grunted, “AJ!”

I’m, I’m fine Big Bro! Huh? Look out!

“What?!” Macintosh looked up as Ash flew down with his blade, slicing the Zord before flying back up. When he left, Tyrian did the same, slashing it with his bo staff before also taking to the skies.

Carmine meanwhile threw down his exploding shurikens, all of which blew up around the Draco Zord, earning screams from both the Ranger piloting it and the Maiden giving it life.

All three Crows flew high into the air, and fired their feathers down at the two Zords. Sparks flew as both metallic Titans fell back onto the ground.

There's nothing we can't do, right? - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“Oh no…!” Fluttershy cried, burying her face into Octavia’s chest, the Yellow Ranger holding her close, both to cover her modesty and to comfort her, despite breathing heavily in fear herself.

“Oooooh! What are we going to do?!” Cadence fussed, watching the two Zords get torn into by the giant Crow Nightmares.

“So long as they’re in the sky, there’s nothing they can do!” Shining looked down and tightened his fist, “Damn it!”

Rainbow Dash looked at him intently, and then at the Solar Phone. Biting her lip nervously, she nodded. She then ran over to him, “Hey! Yours is Pegasus, right?!”

Shining Armor turned to Rainbow Dash suddenly, “It, is,” he nodded slowly.

“So if you had one of those, Zord things, you could take to the skies and knock them down, right?!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Dash, what are you-”

“Answer the question! You could keep them down, right?!” she pressed. As she spoke, Fluttershy slowly looked at the two of them.

“Y-yes! I could, but-” he gasped, holding Rainbow Dash’s shoulders, “Dash wait! Are you saying, you’ll become my Maiden?!”

“If that’s what it takes to put an end to this Nightmare, then yes!” Rainbow Dash said, closing her eyes tightly, “I’ve had to watch, as these guys hunted Fluttershy for months! Unable to do anything except run away, and look where that led us!” she buried her face in her hands, crying intensely, “I… I wanted to protect her…! I wanted to keep her safe myself…! Because I was too afraid to trust anyone…! What happened to her is my fault…!”

Shining looked at Rainbow Dash with wide eyes. Right now, she looked and sounded… just like him.

“I can’t do this alone! I get it! I need help!” she looked up at him earnestly, “I need you, Shining Armor! I need you to be my Knight, and fight in my name! Please!”

Shining placed a hand on his chest and nodded, “I understand,” he then hugged her close, “Thank you, Rainbow Dash, for trusting me.”

Fluttershy looked down for a bit, and then looked back up at the fight, the two Zords trapped in the middle as the Corvus Brothers flew past them at high speeds, tearing them apart with their weapons. She then looked at Rainbow Dash, the realization hitting her. If she went up there, she could get hurt too.

“Dashie, I…” Fluttershy pulled away from Octavia, holding one arm over her breasts, “I’m going with you!”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened, and she looked at Fluttershy, “What?! But Fluttershy, this is-”

“None of this would have happened if I’d just listened to you!” Fluttershy looked away pained, “I… I just wanted, to do something for you! I wanted to do something, to thank you for protecting me, and all I did was mess everything up! But, if I do this with you, then maybe, I can finally return the favor! I can, for once, protect you!”

“Fluttershy…!” Rainbow Dash said, looking at her best friend with tear filled eyes.

“Miss Yellow Ranger!” Fluttershy turned to Octavia, “If I asked you to be my Knight, would you accept me as your Maiden?”

Octavia nodded, gently taking Fluttershy’s hand, “I would be honored, Lady Fluttershy, if you would become my Wings,” Octavia said gently, “From this moment onward, I will protect you with my life, if I must.”

Fluttershy nodded, “Thank you,” she hugged Octavia tightly, “My beloved Phoenix Knight.”

Octavia returned the tight embrace.

“Your Majesty, will you be okay down here?” Shining Armor asked the Pink Ranger, who nodded.

“I’ll be fine. You and Octavia do what you have to do,” she urged, “I’ll wait for you, always.”

Shining Armor nodded to her, “I’ll be back, I promise.”

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stepped forward, holding hands. They then turned to one another, holding each other’s cheeks lovingly, and closing their eyes.

Genesis - Blue Reflection: Second Light

“I, Rainbow Dash Davenridge, choose the Knight who stands under the light of the Pegasus Constellation…”

“I, Fluttershy Marie Alimont, choose the Knight who stands under the light of the Phoenix Constellation…”

“We offer ourselves, mind, body, heart, and soul to these brave knights, in tribute for our prayers to be answered…” they both turned to look at the sky, and held their hands out, “GRANT THE CELESTIAL GUARD, THE GIFT OF WINGS!”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy’s entire bodies glowed, turning into a blue and yellow orb of light respectively. They then shot straight into the night sky, flying into the Pegasus and Phoenix Constellations, which then glowed and turned into glowing representations of the Zords. The Pegasus Zord seemed to almost gallop down toward the surface, while the Phoenix Zord spread its wings, diving to the surface. Both crashed to the fight with the force of meteors, and when the light died down, the new Zords were revealed.

The Pegasus Zord was blue and white, heavily armored, with a shimmering blue mane and matching tail. It stood proudly with its armored, blue tipped wings spread out, one leg raised elegantly as it waited for its pilot. It almost looked like it was either wearing a full suit of knights armor, or that it was made of said armor. It raised its head slightly, letting out an ethereal sounding whinny that echoed in the night.

Beside it, and equally large, stood the Phoenix Zord, wings spread out proudly. It was white and yellow, almost golden, just as heavily armored as the Zord beside it. It’s wings were tipped with razor sharp feathers, and its talons looked to be bladed. It’s head feathers were beautiful making it almost look like it had shimmering golden hair, and it had a magnificent train of golden tail feathers. It flapped its wings, and opened its sharp, pointed beak as it let out an almost angry sounding screech.

Shining Armor and Octavia approached their Zords, looking up in awe. They looked both terrifying, and majestic. And what’s more, they could feel Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy from them.

“Rainbow Dash…” Shining Armor said, placing a hand over his heart, “You would, go this far for me…?”

Yeah. I would. I… I trust you, Shining Armor. I trust you, with all that I am.

Shining closed his eyes, “You, have no idea how much that means to me.”

Octavia chuckled, and then spread her arms out, “Then what say you, me, and our comrades put a permanent end this Nightmare, once and for all?!” she proclaimed to her new partner.

Yes! I’m ready! Use me as you see fit, and put a stop to this!

Octavia hummed to herself, “Careful what you say, M’Lady, you’ll give me the wrong impression~” she turned to Shining Armor, and they nodded to each other. They then leaped into the air, caught by the golden light of their Zords and transported into the cockpits.

“Whoa…! So this is what it looks like inside…” Shining said looking around.

“I believe we must hold our hands over the control unit before us,” Octavia said, “And then send our intentions into it.”

Yes. That’s correct. Like this, Dashie and will be forced to follow your every command.

As Fluttershy spoke, the interior flashed bright yellow with each syllable. Octavia could feel her emotions. She was just barely keeping it together.

Let’s hurry! The others need us!

Shining noticed the blue flash signaling Dash’s words. He felt almost like she was right there beside him. It was, reassuring.

He nodded, “Alright! Octavia, let’s help our fellow Rangers!”

Octavia nodded, “Fluttershy!”

“Rainbow Dash!”

“Let’s do this!” Shining and Octavia shouted.

“TOGETHER!” all four of them proclaimed at the same time, the Zord’s eyes flashing red as they fully mobilized.

The Hercules Zords and Draco Zords were in terrible shape at the moment. Both struggling to stand, smoke rising from them as the three Corvus Nightmares flew around them in a circle.

“This is the end for you, Power Rangers!” Ash proclaimed.

“The Maidens of Harmony will be ours!” Tyrian shouted.

“After this, the only one left is Laughter, and she’ll be easy to find once we deal with you lot!” Carmine laughed.

Inside their Zords, both Macintosh and Spike were barely standing from all the damage they took in this.

“We… can’t give up!” Macintosh said, trying to will his Zord back to its feet.

Big… Brother…!

“Come on, Rarity…! Get up! Please!” Spike begged desperately.

Spike…! I’m, trying…!

“Die, Power Rangers!” the three roared together, diving down to finish the Zords off. Before they could reach them, though, blue laser bombarded them from the sky, knocking them to the ground away from the Zords.

“What?!” Tyrian cried.

“Who did that?!” Carmine asked.

UP HERE!

The three of them looked up, and saw the Pegasus and Phoenix Zords flying down toward them.

The Phoenix Zord let out another angry screech, and was engulfed in a golden flame. It then flew down at high speed, flying through the Corvus Brothers right as they rose to their feet.

“That, scent!” Carmine wheezed, “That bird is the Maiden of Kindness!”

“Indeed!” Octavia proclaimed, arms spread out as she spoke, “Tremble in terror, before the magnificent might of Lady Fluttershy, for she’s become my lovely, fiery Wings of Passion!” Octavia threw her head back as she laughed, “Truly poetic, is it not?! To fall at the wings of the one you hunted for sport?!”

Due to my virtue, I can’t find it in my heart to feel hatred, even for heinous creatures like you! But I wish I could! I wish I could hate you with every fiber of my being for what you did to me, and what your king is doing to my friend as we speak!

Her voice, was downright painful to listen to. Fluttershy was furious, and sounded on the verge of tears.

“You want us to fear you! Dream on!” Carmine shot at the Phoenix Zord, “This power you only have because you’re hiding behind your failure of a Knight!”

The three of them tried to take off to the sky, but the Pegasus Zord flew right in front of them, standing between them and the Phoenix Zord.

Don’t forget about ME!

The Pegasus Zord flew a bit higher in the air and flapped its wings hard, launching a storm of light blue lasers from its wings down at the Crows, knocking them right back down to the ground. The Pegasus Zord flew over to hover next to the Phoenix Zord.

And for the record, Fluttershy and I aren’t hiding! This is OUR power, and I’m gonna enjoy seeing the three of you get ripped to pieces by it!

“I hope your King is seeing this!” Shining Armor shouted, “Because it starts with you! Rainbow Dash and I, are going to tear through, each, and every ONE of you Nightmares!” he slammed his fist on his control panel, “No matter how many stand, between us, AND MY SISTER!”

Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash let out an angry roar together, and the Pegasus Zord landed right in front of them and began kicking Ash violently with its front legs, an angry whinny echoing in the air as it assaulted him. Right when Tyrian and Carmine tried to run in to assist their brother, the Phoenix Zord flew past them at high speed, letting out an enraged screech at the same time.

Ash tried to take to the skies once more, drawing his blade and preparing to dive. The Pegasus Zord however leaped away from him and took to the skies itself, galloping in the air as it flapped its wings before tackling Ash back to the ground.

The Phoenix Zord flew in a circle around the Nightmares, firing golden fire balls from its beak at Tyrian and Carmine as it flew into Ash, slicing him with its wings once before doubling back around to grab him with its talons. The Pegasus Zord lifted to its hind legs and kicked him with its forelegs once more before the Phoenix Zord tossed him forward. The Pegasus Zord buck kicked him back over to his brothers.

“Octavia, Fluttershy, hit them all at once!” Shining Armor roared.

Octavia nodded, “Right!” she held both hands toward her control panel, “Lady Fluttershy!”

On it!

The Phoenix Zord opened its beak, and launched three golden fire balls down at the Crow Nightmares. The three of them screamed in agony as they writhed in pain before falling to one knee.

As the Phoenix Zord hovered close to the ground, the Pegasus Zord helped the Hercules and Draco Zords to their feet.

Hey, you two alright?

Dash…? Is that, you? I didn’t think, you’d EVER trust someone like I trust my Big Brother…

Well, he made a good case for himself, I guess…

The Draco Zord slowly walked over to stand beside the Phoenix Zord, looking at it.

Fluttershy, are you okay?

No. Not yet. But I will be, once I know these three are gone for good.

“Then let’s get rid of these three once and for all!” Macintosh proclaimed, throwing a fist up, “Rangers, Maidens, let’s end this!”

The Hercules Zord charged up its blade and drew a wide arc with it, stopping with the blade right beside it. Beside it, the Draco Zord drew in a breath, energy gathering into its mouth.

The Pegasus Zord flew high into the air, spinning briefly as it reached as high as it could, and then spread its wings, blue energy gathering into them. Meanwhile the Phoenix Zord began flying in a wide circle around the Corvus Brothers. Realizing they were trapped, the three of them readied their weapons, preparing to go down swinging.

“Hero’s Blade, full charge!” Macintosh and Applejack exclaimed at the same time, the Hercules Zord delivering a powerful three slash combo with its blade.

“DRAGONS’ RAGE!” Rarity and Spike roared together, the Draco Zord firing a piercing blue beam from its mouth straight into the ground. It slowly raised its head, lifting the beam in the process to pierce the triplets.

“Star Storm!” Rainbow Dash and Shining Armor shouted in unison, the Pegasus Zord flapping its empowered wings as multiple meteors rained down onto the battlefield, focused on where the Corvus Nightmares stood.

“Phoenix Tornado!” Fluttershy and Octavia roared, the Phoenix Zord now flying even faster, engulfed in a golden flame and creating a tornado of fire that burned from all sides.

As all four finishers hit the brothers at once, they were powerless against the onslaught. The three of them writhed in pain, screaming in agony as they slowly fell back to the ground, dying in a massive explosion.

“THEY DID IT!” Cadence cheered, jumping up and down for joy, “THEY BEAT THEM! WHOO HOO!”

Chrysalis closed her eyes pained, “Sombra will not be pleased with this…!” she turned and vanished in a black portal, back to the Underworld to report to her Master how badly they failed.

As the Hercules Zord sheathed its sword, the Draco Zord let out a triumphant roar, along with the Pegasus Zord and Phoenix Zord, both of which giving their own cries of triumph.

The nightmare, was finally over.

Evening Moments - Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

After the fight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were brought back to the castle. Surprisingly, it was Rainbow Dash who suggested it. Realizing that this was a huge step for her Shining Armor took it upon himself to show her around. After all, they were partners now.

“So, think you’ll be alright here?” Shining Armor asked, walking Rainbow Dash through the castle after giving her the tour. She’d since changed out of her barmaid attire, switching to a short blue, red, and yellow dress and blue and yellow boots.

“Yeah. I’ll have the knights retrieve me and Fluttershy’s things tomorrow, and bring them here,” Rainbow turned away rubbing her arm, “And just so we’re clear, it is okay if I keep working at the Tavern, right?”

Shining Armor took a breath and nodded, “Yeah. I’ll admit I have, reservations with you and the other Maidens walking around, but you’re trusting me, so I need to trust you too. Just, consider maybe having one of my men on standby?”

Rainbow Dash smirked, “Sure, I’ll consider it.”

Shining sighed rolling his eyes, “I’ll take it, I guess,” he sounded exasperated, but he was smiling.

“Still though, thanks for coming through for me,” Rainbow turned to look up at him, “I’m sorry that, I was so defensive before.”

“No, I get it. You had to protect your emotions. Being a Maiden is hard, especially when you consider how your virtues seem to affect your behavior,” Shining Armor held out his hand, “Here’s to working together, partner.”

Rainbow Dash smiled, and instead of shaking his hand, she hugged him, “Yeah, to working together.”

Shining was surprised, but he hugged her back all the same. Rainbow released him shortly after and looked down, “I, um, I asked the Corvus Nightmare about your sister.”

Shining stiffened, “Go on.”

“It’s not pretty,” she looked him dead in the eyes, “Are you sure you wanna know?” he nodded resolutely, so Dash took a deep breath, “According to what the one I spoke to said, she's being taken care of more or less, but she’s a, favorite “toy” of the Nightmares. That’s how he said it, at least.”

Shining shut his eyes tightly and turned away, “Twilight…”

Rainbow Dash hugged him again, this time much tighter, “Listen to me, we’re going to safe her, one way or another. I don’t know what’ll happen afterward, but at the very least, we’ll get her out of there. You and me, together.”

“You and me…” he hugged her back just as tightly, letting a few tears free, “Together…”

Once they arrived back at the castle, Cadence had a few tailors fix Fluttershy’s dress, which thankfully didn’t take too long. She felt better having it fixed, but when she left to sit in the castle garden, she felt a lump in her throat build up.

Her thoughts kept going back to what happened right before this. Both what the Nightmares did to her, but also in how she reacted afterward.

Sitting on a bench, she looked down at her lap and bit her lip. Just as she felt the tears return, someone held a pink flower to her. She looked up, seeing her new Knight standing there, holding the flower to her.

“Someone as beautiful as you shouldn’t look so sad,” Octavia said gently, “I hope this small gesture can lift your spirits somewhat.”

“Oh, thank you Miss Melody,” Fluttershy said, taking the flower with a gentle smile, “It means a lot to me.”

“I’m happy to hear that, and please, call me Octavia,” she sat down beside Fluttershy, “How are you emotionally, at the moment.”

“A bit all over the place,” Fluttershy admitted, “I’m, relieved that Dashie and I are safe but… I still feel, guilty.”

“Guilty? What for?” Octavia turned to her slightly.

“Because, in the end there, I wasn’t fighting to protect Dashie, or to save anyone else,” she closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek, “I, was fighting, for myself. Because of what they did to me.”

“How far did they take things?” Octavia asked carefully, rubbing Fluttershy’s back.

“They, didn’t go any further than touching. But, some of the ways they did touch me were… um…” Fluttershy bit her lip, turning away in shame.

“Lady Fluttershy, listen to me,” Octavia gently moved Fluttershy to face her, and looked into her eyes intently, “You have nothing to feel shame over. What they did to you, it was horrible, and you had every right to despise them in that moment.”

“But, am I still kind…?” Fluttershy asked.

“The kindest soul in the world,” Octavia said without hesitation, “The mere fact you can feel guilt for killing such vile beasts, no matter where said guilt comes from, that’s a sign of kindness. So please, don’t despair, M’Lady.”

Hearing such loving words did something to Fluttershy. Hearing something like that from Dashie was one thing, but hearing them from Octavia, her words struck her very core. Feeling the tears well up again, Fluttershy collapsed into Octavia’s arms.

“Hold me, for just a while… please…” Fluttershy sobbed. It didn’t take long for her new Knight to wrap her arms around her, holding her close.

“For as long as you desire,” Octavia said softly. Odd, she sounded almost, pained when she said that, albeit it slightly. She’d ask her about it later, but right now, Fluttershy just, wanted to take in this feeling.

The feeling, of being safe.

Rainbow Dash watched them from behind a wall smiling. She was going to check on Fluttershy herself, but it seemed Octavia got to her first. She’d make sure to have a word with the Yellow Ranger to ensure she didn’t do anything stupid, but for now, she’d just trust her.

Trust, the Celestial Guard.

“Yeah, you were right, Fluttershy,” she said softly, leaning back and looking up, “These guys… we can trust them.”

Author's Note

*Essentially he's looking at a GPS.

**In the episodes we got the stock footage from, Draco Green was also a main focus next to Phoenix Yellow, hence why Spike got the finishing blow here, and why he and Octavia were constantly together in this.

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