Halo: Contact Equis

The Ad Meliora’s Bridge

Twilight stood on the bridge of the Ad Meliora alone. She was staring out the window of the helm, looking into the Ghastly Gorge and at the Castle of the Two Sisters. She sighs and then looks down at her outfit. It was a UNSC uniform specifically modified to fit her equine form. Today was the end of their training, and the Captain wanted to give the recruits the same ceremony they give their regular recruits.

Despite working hard for this moment and receiving the proper training to fight the Covenant, the Princess of Friendship felt a lot of anxiety. It’s been more than a week since the fall of Manehattan, and Twilight was confronted with her morals once again. These past few weeks, ever since the arrival of the humans and the Covenant, Twilight has done things she never thought she would do in a million years. While the lavender alicorn reminisces, she can’t help but remember why she had been pushed to do these things.

She remembers the attack on Ponyville, the fight in the Everfree Forest, Jykan’s attempt to kill her, and finally, all the carnage she witnessed at Manehattan. No matter how often Twilight justified her actions, she can’t help but ask the same question repeatedly.

‘What would I be doing now if this war never came to Equis?’ Twilight asked herself. ‘I would be grading papers, obviously. I would be teaching the wonders of friendship to my students. I would be living a… a normal life.’

Twilight lets out a sigh. It sounded so mundane to her now. The School of Friendship was her new passion in life, and now, she was unable to decide if she wanted to go back to it like nothing ever happened, or this. It was at that moment when she heard the distinct sound of footsteps coming towards her. Twilight looked back and saw that Tex had entered and approached her.

“Heya, Princess,” Tex said in the friendliest voice he had given her in the past week. “Was lookin’ for ya. Yer friends said you were up here. You doing okay?”

“Oh, so now you want to act friendly again.” Twilight gave the human sergeant a cheeky smile, which caused Tex to chuckle a little.

“Don’t take it personally, Twi. Had to be rough on ya for a reason.” Tex replies. When he walks up next to her, he looks out the same window she was. For a foreign planet, it was a beautiful view. “Mind answerin’ my question?”

“I’m just…unsure about everything, Tex,” Twilight admitted, never taking her eyes off the view. “I know the training you and the others gave us is necessary, but I can’t shake the thought that this… all of this…” Twilight gestured with her hoof to point to her surroundings. “…was supposed to happen.”

“What do you mean?” Tex raises his eyebrow to her.

“…I don’t think you were supposed to come here,” Twilight said bluntly, causing Tex to just stare at her. “All of Equestria… heck, all of Equis, was in a state of harmony like never before. Our home was so peaceful that we never even bothered to upgrade our militaries and technology. Before you came, we still had spears, swords, and crossbows. And here you are, with these instruments of war that can kill effectively at any range. Hell, from what I’ve learned, the Covenant can destroy entire planets with weapons of mass destruction on their ships. I’m just… I’m just not sure this was the path our lives were destined to go down.”

Silence befalls the two as Twilight’s words settle in. Tex, in a way, could relate to her. He ponders what he should say before speaking from his heart.

“I know where you are coming from, Twi. I really do. From what I learned, your species have lived peaceful lives and condones violence. It’s just what you are. What your kind is going through is unfathomably cruel. It’s like what we were going through when the Covies first attacked us. Granted, we’ve been fighting each other since the rise of our first civilizations, but nothing has been compared to this war. I too wonder what I would’ve done if I didn’t enlist.” Tex spoke calmly, seeming to catch Twilight’s attention as she pulled her eyes from the view to look at Tex.

“However… If the Covies didn’t show up today, they could have tomorrow. Asking yourself the ‘what ifs’ never accomplishes anything, as it will always be overshadowed by the inevitable. If we never came here, even if it was by accident, it’s likely the Covenant would’ve found your world eventually. It’s better to know about them now since we are here to help you rather than be unprepared until they show up. Where I’m from, we have a quote about that very situation. ‘The upside to painful knowledge is so much greater than the downside of blissful ignorance.’”

Tex looks back out the window as Twilight stares at Tex in awe. Whether she hated to admit it or not, he was right. This was the best-case scenario when it came to encountering the Covenant. It’s quite possible that if the humans had not crashlanded here and prepared them to fight, the Covenant could have shown up, while Equis would have been unable to defend itself. She lets out a sigh as Tex’s words echo in her head.

“That’s a good point, Tex. Makes me feel kinda silly now for feeling this way.” She looks towards the floor, now unable to look at Tex.

“Don’t be. It’s completely normal to think about that.” Tex looks down at her, which causes Twilight to look back up at him. “Don’t get all mopey on me, Twi. We all think about how life could’ve been. Just don’t let it distract ya.”

Tex then smiles at Twilight, which prompts the lavender alicorn to give a sheepish smile back.

“Welp, come on, Twi. You don’t want to miss that ceremony the Captain organized for you and the others. It’s about time you be recognized as a bonafide soldier.” Tex quipped before looking back the way he came. Twilight lets out a sigh, sending out all her nerves with it.

“Okay. I think I’m ready.” Twilight spoke with a lot more confidence now.

Elsewhere…

Chrysalis was being led down a long purple hallway by N’Thoka and Xala. She has seen many strange creatures pass by and stare at her. They only spoke in a completely unrecognizable language. All she could do was scowl at the little ones and frighten them, but the larger ones were not so easily intimidated. They approach a large door that opens on its own. Despite everything happening to her, this impresses the former queen quite a bit. They pass through as she examines the door and enters a large room filled with more aliens. In front of her was the helm, and out the windows was the Planet Equis.

Chrysalis’ jaw drops to the floor. ‘I… I’m in space?’ She thinks. ‘B-but how? No pony has ever been in space before.’ Her own amazement was interrupted by a grave voice.

“A changeling?” This voice caused Chrysalis to look in the direction it was coming from, and yet again, she was met with a stunning sight.

“Lord Tirek?” Chrysalis said aloud as she looked at the Centaur, who was also accompanied by two tall aliens.

“I see you have also been escorted here, Queen of the Changelings. Said to be summoned by the King of Darkness himself.” said Tirek as he crossed his arms.

“Yes, I was.” Chrysalis admitted. “However, I wasn’t expecting all of this. Whatever this faction Sombra has allied himself with, I am more than intrigued.” The four Sangheili also began to converse, ignoring the other two’s conversations.

“So, you two welts actually completed your mission this time… Can’t say I’m impressed,” Xala said bluntly to the two lower-class Sangheili. They both only grumble, still honor-bound to not disrespect an officer. However, Xala was shoved in the side hard by the Zealot.

“Watch your tongue, Xala. Because of you, we nearly failed ours.” N’thoka looked more angry than he ever had before. Xala snarls at the golden-clad N’thoka and glared at him.

“How dare you!” Xala shot back, “I did as I said I would. I scouted ahead and found the Queen myself, without you!” N’thoka didn’t back down.

“And nearly got yourself killed when you foolishly antagonized the shapeshifter. I tried being collected with you, Xala, but you have tried my patience for the last time! I will no longer stand your abrasiveness and foolishness! Next time you act with impudence, it will be the death of you!” N’thoka raised his voice to a level very few have heard before.

“Enough! Both of you!” The loud and thunderous voice of Khota yelled as he sat in his chair. Chrysalis and Tirek look at the Shipmaster as he stood up. He was easily the tallest and the biggest one they have seen so far, and his size was a bit intimidating. “You two bicker like Kig-Yar fighting for table scraps!”

As Khota scolded his two subordinates, he then looks down at Chrysalis and Tirek. His gaze falls on them as he analyzes them. “But at least I can rely on you to get the job done.” Khota smirked.

“Who are you?” Tirek asked, narrowing his eyes at the massive Sangheili. He gives a dark chuckle in response.

“I am Khota ‘Mutamee, Shipmaster of the very vessel you are on, the Fire Of The Mighty!” Khota spoke loud as if he was boasting. “My crew and I came to your… planet after chasing our sworn enemy, the humans!”

“Humans??? But they are only a myth.” Chrysalis called out, challenging the Shipmaster’s statement.

“Have you not noticed by now that we are not from your world?” Khota asked, remaining calm & collected.

“Yes, I want to know why your soldiers freed me from Tartarus.” Tirek crossed his arms as he gained Khota’s attention.

“I was informed that you and the bug could be useful allies in our holy campaign.” Khota responded.

“Informed? By who?” Tirek asked, but he quickly remembers back in Tartarus what Rhyko and Zuza told him. Tirek narrows his eyes as he answers his own question. “…Sombra.”

A dark chuckle is heard coming from behind them. They all turned to look in the direction of the demonic-sounding laughter and were met with two glowing green eyes. Out of the darkness approached Sombra, partially transparent as the shadows conglomerated to create his physical form. Tirek only narrows his eyes as Chrysalis widens hers.

“King Sombra! It’s true. You have returned.” Chrysalis spoke, both with confusion and amazement. “Last I heard, you were destroyed by the Crystal Heart.

“No. My physical form, yes.” Sombra frowned as he recollected that day. “It takes more than a bunch of fools with the Crystal Heart to destroy me.”

“Then how are you back now? You look partially restored.” Tirek pointed out to which Sombra chuckled.

“I have our extraterrestrial friends to thank for that,” Sombra smirked as he looked at Khota.

“I don’t understand. Who are these bipedal creatures, how did they restore you, and why have you allied yourselves with them to retrieve us?” Chrysalis pretty much demanded.

“Listen closely, Queen Chrysalis. It’s been a long two weeks.” Sombra smirked, revealing his long fangs.

The Ad Melora…

Twilight trots alongside Tex as they enter the hangar of the Ad Meliora. The Equis recruits were standing loosely in their positions. They no longer segregated themselves by species and nation. They all stood as one, facing forward as a single force. At this, Twilight couldn’t help but smile. Tex ushered her to take position, to which she steps forward, and stands near the front with the other recruits. Soon, escorted by Spartan Maverick, Captain McCormick approached the recruits and stood in front of all of them. Behind them were large crates.

“Ten-Hut!” Maverick yelled, and all recruits stood at attention. They looked forward, faces showing no emotions, and now disciplined. Seeing how the recruits stood now, compared to the first day of boot camp, Maverick smirked under his helmet.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, everyone from every nation, I stand before you all today to say that I am proud.” Captain McCormick began to speak in front of all of the recruits. “When we sent out a call, you all answered with bravery and pride. You come from different kingdoms and nations, with some of you having hostile histories towards one another to protect your homes. You accepted our training and have worked your collected asses off to get here. Now today, we are here to formally recognize you as soldiers. Not soldiers of just Equestria, the Crystal Empire, or Yakyakistan. You are all soldiers of Equis.”

Twilight listened to the Captain give his speech. It was inspiring, making her feel proud, as did the other recruits. That’s when she noticed that Spartans Clara and Kieran began to approach the captain, both holding a flat, shiny metal box. They stopped next to the captain and faced forward. The Captain approached Kieran and removed the lid. Inside were medals, and the captain picked one of them up and examined it. He gave it a nod and then turned back towards the recruits.

“As we watched all of you train. Some of you went above and beyond and dedicated yourselves to your training. Those who showed expert leadership, dedication, and efficiency will be rewarded as such. When I call you, please come up.” The Captain said loudly. “First up, recruit Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash seemed to have a surprised look on her face. She wasn’t expecting to be called up. She broke formation and walked right up to the captain. She stood at attention and then saluted.

“Recruit, you have been witnessed putting all your effort into your training. You performed your orders to the letter without question. Soldiers dedicated as you are rare and you have been personally recommended for a reward. You are to be given an immediate promotion. Keep up the good work, Gunnery Sergeant Dash.” The captain gave Rainbow a smile and a nod.

Dash stood slack-jawed with wide eyes as the Captain bent down and pinned the medal on her uniform. Rainbow Dash looks down at the medal pinned to her chest. She was now a Sergeant, and she could barely believe it. She looked back up at the captain as he continues to smile at her, and then he saluted her. Rainbow salutes back and was then dismissed. Rainbow returns to her formation, still in awe at her own promotion.

“Now then, let’s move on to the next reward.” McCormick said as he grabbed a second medal.

The Fire of the Mighty…

“The Covenant?” Tirek questioned as he looked away from Sombra and back at Khota. “That is what you call yourselves?”

“Yes,” Khota answered while crossing his arms. “We are an alliance of many species united under our religion. We enforce the will of our gods, bringing salvation to those who earn it and damnation to those who deserve it.”

“And these humans are your sworn enemy?” Chrysalis asked, making sure she had the whole story right. “And now these humans have allied with Equestria?”

“Now you are beginning to see, Queen Chrysalis.” Sombra chuckled. “The enemy of our enemy is our friend. And with the help of the Covenant’s military power, we can finally bring not just Equestria but all of Equis to its knees, and we’ll finally rule over all!” the dark unicorn boasted. While Chrysalis looked a little unsure, Tirek began to grow a devilish smile across his face.

“I see now. You sought Chrysalis and me out to strengthen the odds. With our magic, combined with Covenant, we could be unstoppable!” Tirek proclaimed.

“I still have several questions, Sombra.” Chrysalis inquired. “Just how exactly did the arrival of the Covenant allow you to return?”

Sombra smirked, showing his fanged teeth. “You know how Dark Magic works, right?” He asks. “It’s powered by emotions, powerful emotions. When the Covenant attacked Manehattan, it was enough to drive Princess Twilight Sparkle to her breaking point, and she unleashed a powerful wave of dark magic. I am able to gain power and strength from dark magic by feeding off its power, and she used just enough to allow myself to be restored partially from a shadow, to a phantom.”

Chrysalis and Tirek were surprised of this. They thought Princess Twilight was smart enough not to use dark magic.

“I need more however, the more I use my own dark magic drains my own reserves. Only when I am fully restored will I be able to use my magic without the risk of being turned back to a shadow.” He answered. “And to do that, we must push Twilight Sparkle to use more dark magic, so that I may feed off its power.”

“So, you wanted us to join you so that only you could gain your power back?” Tirek began to narrow his eyes, but Sombra only chuckles in a dark manner.

“Of course not, Lord Tirek. You help us take over Equis, and you both will get what you desire the most.” Sombra promised; however, the look on Tirek’s face proved that he would need more convincing. “Allow me to prove that I am a king of my word.”

Sombra looks at Khota and nods. Khota smirks and then turns to some of his fellow Sangheili. He barks an order at them in their language before the two Sangheili nod and exits the bridge. Tirek looks at Sombra with confusion until the aliens return, dragging with them a captured guardspony. His armor was dented, and his body was covered in bruises as they forcefully threw him on the ground in front of the centaur. Tirek looks down at him as the gaurdspony slowly looks up at Tirek. The guard was a unicorn, and dried blood was caked on his face.

“Go ahead, Tirek, take his magic.” Sombra ushered with a devilish smile on his face.

Tirek himself slowly began to form a crooked smile on his face. He reaches down and grabs the guard by his horn, and lifts him up. Tirek brings the guard up till they are face to face, the guard’s eyes filled with terror as the centaur opens his maw, and a mist-like aura began to pour out of the guard’s horn. He began to squirm and panic as his magic was being forcefully ripped from him and consumed by the centaur. His cutie mark fades away, and his eye begins to gray. When all his magic is drained, he is dropped, and he lands hard on the ground. Tirek then began to grow in size, his muscle, horns, and body grew and his skin turned from a reddish brown to a deep crimson. Many of the Covenant watched in awe at Tirek’s transformation.

“You want more magic, Tirek? Then you will aid in the ground force invasions. Any poor soul you come across, their magic is yours.” Sombra smiled as Tirek examines himself.

“Now that’s very convincing,” Tirek smirks back as he flexes his arms. “You have a deal, King Sombra.”

Chrysalis takes her eyes off Tirek to look down at the poor guardspony, who has been drained of his magic. He is desperately trying to crawl away, but Khota notices him as well. He gives another order, this time to Xala. Whatever he said to the Spec-Ops, it caused Xala to smirk a demonic smile. He grabs his energy sword hilt and activates his sword.

“Wh-what are you doing?” She questioned. As Xala approached the guard.

“He’s outlived his purpose.” Sombra said, void of any emotions. Before Chrysalis could say another word, Xala plunges the sword into the back of the guard. She was the only one to flinch her head backwards, as the guard chokes out a pained whimper. The guard lays his head down on the floor of the alien ship and his breathing slowed. His cries sounded horse as he drew his final breath.

“Brutal.” Was all Tirek said as Xala pulls his sword out of the back of the guard pony.

“Think of it this way, His magic is now permanently yours, Lord Tirek.” Sombra gave a dark chuckle.

The Ad Meliora… Again.

The ceremony continues, and many ponies, dragons, and yaks were called up to receive their medals and promotions. More of her friends had been given promotions as well, with Rarity being given First Class status, Starlight being promoted to Corporal, and Applejack, also being promoted to Staff Sergeant. She even saw other creatures being awarded high rankings. Prince Pharynx was given the position of Warrant Officer, while Dragon Lord Ember was a few ranks higher than him as she was given First Lieutenant. The last name she expected to be called out was…

“Princess Twilight Sparkle!” McCormick called out. Twilight acted as if she was pulled right out of a daydream. She pulls herself together and approaches McCormick.

“Princess, as you are royalty, you could’ve opted for an easier position in the military. But you chose to be apart in training to become a soldier. Your bravery and selflessness is inspiring. As a Princess, you hold the highest rank of all ground forces for Equestria. But your orders will also be obeyed by all UNSC forces as we also recognize you as Company Commander. This is the highest rank I can award you, congratulations.” McCormick smiled and pinned the medal on Twilight’s chest.

Twilight looks at the Captain dumbfounded before he salutes her, and she slowly salutes back, not sure of what to say. She slowly goes back into formation with the other recruits.

“As for everyone else, consider yourselves dismissed. But please stay in the hanger a bit longer, for we have more in store for you all.” The Captain smiled and then saluted the recruits who all saluted back before breaking formation.

Twilight remained still as the recruits split off into their own groups. Twilight looks back down at her own medal, still shocked that she had received one. She was pulled out of her own thoughts when she felt Rainbow Dash wrap her hoof around Twilight’s neck and pulled her into a side hug.

“Hey, Twi! Did you see that!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as her eyes lit up with excitement. “I was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant! Isn’t this the coolest thing ever!?”

“Ye’re not the only one promoted to Sergeant, Dash.” Applejack smirked as she and the others approached Twilight and Rainbow.

“Yeah, AJ? Well you only got Staff Sergeant. I still outrank you by one level.” Rainbow stuck her tongue out at Applejack. Twilight rolled her eyes, but then smirked, quickly joining in on the fun.

“Is that so, Rainbow Dash? May I remind you that my rank as Princess is now equivalent to Company Comander?” Twilight smirked as she saw the color drain from Rainbow’s face. She quickly removed her hoof from Twilight’s neck and saluted her. “That’s more like it. Now, how about you drop and give me twenty, Sergeant.”

“Oh come on, Twi!” Rainbow groaned as the other began to chuckle.

“You wanna make that forty? Get going, Sergeant.” Twilight said sternly. Rainbow Dash groaned again and began her pushups while the others kept chuckling.

The Fire of the Mighty… Yet again.

“Y-You can’t be serious, Sombra. You want us to participate in a war and… and kill?” Chrysalis looks at the Dark King as he stood side by side with the Shipmaster. Even during her invasion of Canterlot and the kidnapping of Equestria’s monarchs, she never once to kill anypony, nor did she order her ‘lings to do the same. She just kept her enemies alive so that her hive could finally stop starving.

“I hear doubt in your voice, Chrysalis.” Sombra frowned. “Is revenge not what you want most?”

“Of course it is!” She hissed, flaring her wings at Sombra, who didn’t so much as flinch. “However, I’ll admit, I never thought of having to kill to exact my revenge.”

Khota gave an unimpressed look. From what he heard from Sombra, this very queen had nearly toppled Equestria’s monarchy, twice. Yet here she was, admitting to never taking a life. At a young age, nearly all Sangheili males have been trained to kill, both with passion and honor, without mercy. He could only scoff at the bug to which Sombra took note of.

Sombra glances at Khota before looking back at Chrysalis. He narrows his eyes, for their plan to take over all Equis to succeed, they needed Chrysalis’ magic and support. Yet, from seeing the brutality of the Covenant, and how they treat ‘weaker beings’, they would sooner kill Chrysalis for being unwilling to kill rather than give her a chance to prove herself. He needed to act now to get Chrysalis in a state of mind to set aside her morals. Thankfully, as a master of dark magic, he knew how to do exactly that. As a magic that is powered by emotions, he only needed to awaken hers.

“Chrysalis.” Sombra chuckled as dark magic began to leak from his eyes again. “Do I need to remind you all of what has happened to you? Your kingdom, your subjects, and your home were taken from you.”

Chrysalis gasps as she feels her emotions begin to rise. Anger rising, pain and sorrow filling her mind as her eyes begin to glow the same color as Sombra’s eyes. The shadow unicorn smirks as he uses his dark magic to tamper with the Changeling’s emotions, digging deep in her mind to resurface the memories of the day she lost her kingdom. Before Chrysalis’ eyes, she sees the memories of her treacherous son, Thorax, betraying her. The rest of her subjects turned against her to embrace the thing she hated most; friendship. The memory is solidified in her mind as the dark magic fades from her eyes. Her legs shake as she is left angry, sad, and lonely. The trauma of reliving her worst memory almost brought her to tears.

“Don’t you want to take back what is rightfully yours and destroy all of what your enemies hold dear?” Sombra grinned his evil smile, his fang poking out from his lips. “Don’t you want them to feel how they made you feel? Leave them with nothing, and leave them to burn. This way, nothing will ever topple your power ever again. Now tell me, Chrysalis, what is it you want most in the world?”

Chrysalis narrows her eyes in anger, gritting her teeth as she begins to breathe more heavily. Her own anger getting the better of her. Sombra only smirks in malevolent delight at the raw emotion he helped amplify.

“I want… my hive… back!” Chrysalis said through her gritted teeth. “And… and I…”

“And you what?” Sombra prodded, wanting her to admit it loudly for everyone around her to hear.

“…and I want those responsible to pay!” Chrysalis hissed, looking back at the king. Her angry glare and vicious hiss sounded like nails on a chalkboard. “Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, and all of their stupid, insignificant little friends!”

“You want to see them dead? Executed for the pain and suffering they have caused you and manipulating your kin!? Then join us, Queen, and you will see your enemies slaughtered and all you could ever want in your very hooves!” Sombra said loudly, his eyes glowing for emphasis. With anger overwhelming her, how could she refuse?

“Yes! I stand with you and the Covenant!” Chrysalis said, her head high and now determined.

“Very well.” Khota said, now interested in the Queen’s anger. “Your shape-shifting will do well within my special operations.”

“Then with that we are ready.” Sombra said, turning back to face Khota. “When you give the order, we may begin our conquest.”

“So it would seem.” Khota nodded. “The only thing left to decide is which direction my forces should progress towards.”

“Shipmaster, wait!” The voice of Rhyko spoke up, catching the attention of Khota. The large Sangheili narrowed his eyes at the Major, angered by the low-level Sangheili interrupting him.

“You better have a good reason to be interfering, welt. What is it?” Khota demanded, all eyes now on Rhyko.

“While retrieving Lord Tirek, Zuza and I came across… a magnificent discovery,” Rhyko said loudly, not intimidated by the Shipmaster’s scowl.

The Ad Meliora… Yet Again.

Rainbow Dash huffs as she stood up sweating. Twilight had a cheeky smirk on her face to which Rainbow scowls at.

“Remember to keep modesty, Rainbow. We may have different ranks, but we’re all still friends.” Twilight traded in her smirk for a gentle smile.

“Yeah yeah. I hear ya.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Just don’t abuse your rank to teach me lessons again, please.” Twilight chuckled and gave her friend a nod.

“There you all are.” came Tex’s voice. They all turn to see Tex and the rest of his squad approaching the cadets, some of them caring crates. Twilight raises an eyebrow when the crates were set down.

“What are those?” Twilight asked quizzically as Adam and Marcus opened them up. Tex then reached his hand inside and pulled out a UNSC helmet. But this one was different, it had more holes made into them, and they were slightly larger.

“Final gift from the Captain, ladies. Your official UNSC armor, made specially for your pony bodies!” Tex said with a smirk.

That answer was met with Twilight and her friends instant crowding the crates, pulling out the armor and combat suits with a lot of eagerness. They pulled out helmets, chest plates, and custom made combat uniforms to go under their armor.

“Wow! This is awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she tried on a helmet. “How did you guys get this stuff made so quickly!? It’s only been a week.”

“Magic, dawg.” Carlito said enthusiastically. While you guys have been working your asses off, another Princesa –Candace, was it?– had her court unicorns use their magic to make these and duplicate them.”

“Wow! No wonder you guys got these made fast. The Crystal Empire is the magic capital of Equestria.” Spike blurted out as he also tried on one of the helmets.

“Try magic capital of Equis.” Starlight informed, looking at the uniforms. “Nothing even comes close to the magic they wield.”

“No kidding? Shouldn’t we be concerned about that?” Tex asked, he looked a bit nervous. “What if the Covenant attacks the Crystal Empire?”

“I highly doubt it.” Twilight said, nonchalantly. She even waved her hoof for emphasis. “The Covenant knows nothing of magic. They can’t wield or weaken it. I highly doubt they could even breach the magical defenses. Only those who can wield magic can infiltrate it.”

The ponies seemed very satisfied with that conclusion, but Tex, not so much. He was on Reach; it was the largest military colony of the UNSC. It was armed to the teeth and extremely well defended, and even the Covenant overpowered them in just over a month before glassing it. He shakes his head, trying to get rid of the thought. Twilight was right about one thing, the Covenant lacked magic. Surely that would be enough to give them some sort of edge.

The Fire of the Mighty… One Final Time.

“WHAT!?” The voice of Khota rocked the whole bridge of the ship as he sees a clear image being projected from Rhyko’s datapad. It was the Eld, the main Forerunner glyph, emblazoned upon the doors of Tartarus. All crewmembers on board were now all focussed on the hologram, slack-jawed and wide-eyed. “Where did you discover this!?”

“As we were leaving Tartarus, shipmaster. We sought to inform you right away.” Rhyko responded, bowing his head in respects. Even Xala and N’thoka looked on in amazement at the Major and Minor’s discovery.

“Then I was correct! This changes everything!” Khota exclaimed.

“This symbol means something to you?” Asked Sombra quizzically. “I’ve seen that symbol a hundred times.”

All eyes shift from the hologram to where they all fell on the Dark King. While most were in amazement, Khota glared angrily at Sombra.

“Where have you seen this symbol Sombra!?” He demanded, his voice growled as his icy glare seemed to pierce Sombra.

“At my Castle, in the Crystal Empire. Over a thousand years ago, excavating the catacombs, I came across this very symbol. It seemed to be guarding a chamber, but even my magic wouldn’t let me open it.” Sombra said, still confused on why Khota was so furious.

“And you are NOW telling me this!?” Khota clenched his fists so tight, his knuckles pop. “Were you intentionally keeping this information from me Sombra!? I will gut you like a filthy Colo if you did!”

“Calm down, Shipmaster Khota.” Sombra calmly addressed the Shipmaster. “I had no idea this symbol was even important to you. And even if I did, why would I withhold anything about it?”

Khota huffed loudly and glared out the helm of the ship. He stared at the Planet Equis, whatever the reason their gods were on this planet filled with magical equines, he had to know the reason. He looks back at Sombra and points at him.

“You will take me to the Crystal Empire and you will take me to this door with this symbol on it!” Khota sternly commanded.

“That was not our battle plan!” Sombra protested, eyes flashing green as he narrowed at the Shipmaster. “Equestria and the Elements of Harmony are our biggest threat! We need to destroy Canterlot and weaken Equestria before it’s forces get too large!”

“That was before I knew of this! This is priority one of our great Covenant! If you will not take me to the Crystal Empire, then I’ll kill you and go myself!” Khota wasn’t backing down. Sombra growled at the Shipmaster’s threat, but he had to come up with a compromise. To him, the Elements posed the biggest threat. But Khota was unwilling to budge.

“Fine. We’ll have to compromise on this.” Sombra said, regaining his composer. “We shall split the army. If we don’t take care of the Elements, you can kiss your chances of getting to the Crystal Empire goodbye. You and I will take our half of the army and move Northwest, towards the Crystal Empire. While Chrysalis, Tirek, and the other half will progress westwards, towards Equestria’s capital.”

“Very well.” Khota crosses his arms, agreeing to this idea. Sombra sighs in annoyance, progress will be much slower now because of this compromise. Khota then turns to look at his fellow Sangheili.

“Officer Xala, Zealot N’thoka, you two will accompany me and Sombra to this Crystal Empire.” Khota stated to which both knelt before him.

“Yes, Shipmaster.” N’thoka said noblely. Khota then turned to look at Rhyko and Zuza.

“Ultra Rhyko, Ranger Zuza, you will go westward towards Canterlot.” Khota again stated. Both Rhyko and Zuza then looked puzzled.

“Ultra? And Ranger?” Rhyko repeated to make sure they heard right.

“You both did well in completing your mission, and discovering the Eld, you two deserve a promotion.” Khota smirked before looking back at the Helm. He stared at the Planet once more, as all crew began their preparations for the invasion.

“The downfall of this planet begins now.” Khota chuckled darkly.

END OF ACT 1/3