Judgment Day

Rainbow Dash sat next to Swordpoint. She watched as his chest rose and fell with each breath. She sighed and lightly put her hoof on his neck. Her chest still hurt slightly, although Twilight had healed the wound. Around them, Cadance’s guards were already cleaning up the mess and bringing out Speartail’s victims. Two guards in particular were arguing over how to dispose of Speartail’s mangled corpse,

Rarity and Applejack watched as Fluttershy’s body was carried away. Applejack held her hat in her hooves, and her face was turned toward the ground. Tears fell from her face to the hard crystal floor. Beside her stood Rarity, who mumbled under her breath about “being strong” and “not crying.” As the guards brought Fluttershy’s remains by her, she lost her composure and swung her hooves around Applejack, crying into her shoulder. Applejack returned the embrace, the two sobbing silently.

Spitfire sat at a table in the corner. She barely moved or spoke, and when Vinyl approached her, she turned her chair away.

Vinyl spun the chair back around. “Don’t go ignoring me, now.” Vinyl took off her glasses.

Spitfire gazed emptily at Vinyl before glancing at Soarin’s body. She let her head droop to the floor again.

Vinyl suddenly understood. “You two were together?”

Left with little choice, Spitfire met Vinyl’s eyes. “He… proposed to me last year. We kept it real hush-hush, because of the fame and all. Didn’t want all the press breathing down our necks. The wedding was next week.” She made a sound which was a cross between a sob and a chuckle, and when she spoke again, her voice broke. “Not anymore, it looks like. Please, I just… wanna be alone for awhile.”

Vinyl nodded and walked to the Doctor. “So… wanna explain what the buck this is all about?” She pointed her hoof at his new body.

The Doctor simply smiled casually. “What? You mean this new body? Yeah, it’s pretty great, right? I have wings now! I bet I could fly if I wanted!” He practiced extending and folding the wings.

Vinyl quickly grew irritated. “Look, you were dying, and then you… change the way you look and you’re fine? And how did you get out of that paralyzing spell?!”

The Doctor smiled wider. “Oh, come on, don’t you know anything about time lords?” He continued to test moving his wings as he spoke.

“Time… what?” Vinyl repeated. She scratched her head lightly.

The Doctor sighed. “Unbelievable. You’re a race of animated, talking ponies who can use magic to do just about anything, but you’ve still never heard of the time lords.” He shook his head disapprovingly. “Well, to put it simply, I’m a time lord. When we’re dying, we can enter a regeneration process which completely rebuilds our cells. Only downside is that we get a whole new body… and sometimes, a new personality. Although I must say, I’ve never had wings before. Maybe I should hurt myself to see if I can get one of those fancy magic horns like you!” He eyed her horn curiously.

“But that still doesn’t explain the—“ Vinyl began, only to be cut off by an irritated Doctor.

“The what? The paralysis spell? Simple stuff. I’m still in the early stages of my regeneration process. That spell he used just shuts down your nerves. When he disabled mine, they just repaired themselves. Easy as that.”

Vinyl opened her mouth but closed it again quickly. Still scratching her head, she walked away.

Twilight stood over Cadance’s body in silence, eyes watering. “If only I’d paid more attention… I could have saved you.” She placed her hoof on Cadance’s back, and she felt a piece of parchment. “Huh? What’s this?” She picked it up and brought it to eye level. It was addressed to her. Twilight read it to herself.

Dear Twilight,

If you’re reading this… I’m probably dead. I don’t know how the reaplings would have managed to break my barrier, but they’re strong. And what’s worse is that they’re attacking Ponyville and Canterlot. They’re fighting to break through Celestia’s barrier in Canterlot, and they’re sending another platoon to attack Ponyville. And what’s more, is that with my death, the barrier protecting the Empire will be useless. If they haven’t broken through the supercharged barrier, they will when my additional magic dissipates.

The Crystal Empire needs protection, as do Ponyville and Canterlot. With a little help from Celestia, the crystal ponies, and the natural magical energies of the Crystal Castle, I managed to create three teleporters in the throne room. One links to Canterlot, one to Ponyville, and one far to the north near the site of the supposed ruins you’re looking for.

I hate to ask you to split up from your friends, but ponies are dying, Twilight… I wish this wasn’t all placed on your shoulders, I really do. But there’s nothing I can do about it, now. So I have one last thing I want to tell you. Don’t cry for me. Just fight for me. Fight for your friends. Fight for all of Equestria. I love you, Twilight. Always have and always will, kiddo. I’ll be watching you from above, so make me proud!

Signed, Cadance.

Twilight swallowed hard. “Everyone? I found what Cadance wanted to tell us.” She was met with melancholy stares and teary eyes, and she nearly lost her nerve. “I… I know this isn’t easy, but we still have a job to do. All of us.”

Rainbow glanced down at Swordpoint. “I know we gotta stop them, but this… this wasn’t even caused by those reapling things. This was… one of those Ponynesians.”

Applejack put her hat back on her head. “Speakin’ of, sugarcube, we need to talk about him.” She nodded toward Swordpoint. “Ah reckon that he’s dangerous.”

Rainbow saw red. She burst into the air and dashed at Applejack. Her hoof collided with Applejack’s face, knocking her to the ground. The others gasped, and Rarity grabbed Rainbow as she raised her hoof again. Applejack’s eyes were wide and she held her hooves in front of her face.

“Stop it, Rainbow!” Rarity cried. “We’ve been through enough without fighting each other!”

Rainbow looked at Rarity and was filled with guilt. She held her hoof out to Applejack and helped her up. “Look, I’m sorry… Maybe that was too much. But I’m still alive because of him.”

Applejack lightly brushed her face. “Ah know, sugarcube, but… even he said he did some pretty awful things. If he’s a killer, then… Ah reckon he ain’t that safe of a companion.” Applejack instinctively raised her hooves again in anticipation.

Rainbow Dash bared her teeth, but a stern look from Rarity calmed her once again. “He’s changed!” she pleaded, “I know he has!”

Applejack gave her an unsure glance. “Well… Ah suppose we can let it be for now, but… Ah still don’t like it. He said he’s killed mares and foals. Definitely not the type ‘o pony I’d like to hang around.”

Twilight calmly trotted next to Rainbow. “Listen, I have something important we need to discuss.” Rainbow nodded to her. “I found this letter behind Cadance’s wing. We all need to have a talk.”

--
“Sir, what is your plan?” the soldier asked. He bowed low to his overlord. The swirling greenish-black on the floors gave the room an eerie glow.

His master wore a sinister smile. “Fear not. I have at last discovered their hiding place. As I suspected, they have transcended us. They escaped their destruction through the nexus.” The shadowy figure stood from its throne. “And we now have the means to erase them.”

The reapling soldier glanced up at his master. “When will we be ready to strike?” A twisted grin met his lips.

The master smirked. “Within two days. Now, then. How goes the assaults on the main cities?”

The soldier stood. “Their capital is protected, but the shield will not last forever. We will breach it by nightfall. Once the Princess falls, the land will soon follow. We also have a platoon en route to the rustic settlement near the capital. They will be there in minutes. With their night princess dead, they stand no chance.”

The reapling leader grinned. “Perfect. What of the crystal city?”

“We were unsuccessful in our attempts to breach it, but it seems that their princess has been killed, as well. The barrier should dissipate by nightfall.” The soldier began to drool.

His master smiled wide. “Good! See to it that nothing remains. I know those bothersome flies are taking refuge in the crystal city, so I would especially like to see them wiped out.” He spun around and walked to his throne again. As he reached it, he turned his head back. “There may be a swift promotion for you if you accomplish this task.”

The soldier reapling smiled viciously. “I will not disappoint you, milord.”

“I’ll hold you to that, grunt.”

--
Derpy Hooves held Dinky close as the filly cried. “Shhh… Mommy’s here, Dinky. It’s okay.”

The filly looked into her mother’s eyes fearfully. “Mommy… I’m so scared!”

Derpy hugged Dinky tightly. “Dinky… We’re going to be okay. I promise you. Things may get ugly, but we’ll be okay.” The young filly was streaming tears. Derpy glanced out her window to witness a terrifying sight. A wave of black creatures was descending upon Ponyville. Derpy felt sick, but she dared not show it. “Okay, Dinky,” she whispered, “we need to be very quiet. Come with me, okay?” Dinky nodded, still teary eyed. Derpy stood and and brought Dinky into her bedroom. She quickly dove beneath the bed and lied there in silence.

Dinky stared wide eyed at her mommy. “Mommy?” she whispered. “Am I… going to… die?”

Derpy felt a pang of fear and pain. “No, Dinky. I won’t let them hurt you.” This sentiment did not seem to ease the filly much, although she did fall silent except for the occasional whimper.

They lied underneath the bed for what felt like hours until there was a crash from downstairs. Oh, no… Derpy thought, they’re inside, now. She could hear the loud footsteps as they ascended the stairs slowly. The creature drew closer and closer until she could hear it breathing. When it had reached the door to her room, it swiped it with its massive claws, breaking the door in half. Derpy put her hoof over Dinky’s mouth to stifle her scream.

Derpy looked out from beneath the bed. She could see the creature’s legs, which were long, black, and shadowy. It looked as if the creature was made of black flames. It stomped slowly around the room, throwing furniture aside. It’s going to find us, Derpy resigned. She glanced at her scared filly for a moment before deciding that she had no other choice. She hugged Dinky tightly and whispered “Never forget that mommy loves you, Dinky. Ever!

“Mommy?” Dinky whispered back. “What’s going on?” Pure terror filled her face.

Derpy looked away. She couldn’t bear it anymore. Acting quickly, she jumped from beneath the bed and threw open the window. She tossed Dinky outside toward some nearby bushes. “I’m sorry, Dinky! Run!”

The reapling roared and bared its claws. Derpy stood on her hind legs and spread her forehooves. “Come on, ugly. I’m ready.”

The reapling swiped its claws deftly, and a large swath of blood splattered on the wall.

Outside, Dinky was screaming. “MOMMY!!!!!!!!” Her scream was met by an infernal roar, and she quickly turned and ran. She ran as far as her legs would take her, ignoring everything around her. By the time she opened her eyes, she was at least a mile away from Ponyville. She could see a cloud of the creatures descending upon the town.

Dinky collapsed. “Mommy…” she whispered as she began to sob.

--
Celestia watched as her barrier began to crack. The reaplings had not given up their assault yet, and they were close to breaking through. She turned to her guards. “All of you… I’ve been a fool. Because of my arrogance, we face our doom today. So I give you this last request. Protect the citizens of Canterlot. Leave me to my fate, but save as many of them as you can. This is an order from your princess.”

There was a great deal of murmuring among the guards, but Celestia stomped her hoof and it quieted. “I said go! Leave the castle and protect my subjects! It’s time I stood on my own.” She looked over her guards, seeing nothing but questioning glances. Her gaze fell to the floor. Invoking her royal Canterlot voice, she commanded her guards once more. “LEAVE THE CASTLE NOW! PROTECT MY CITIZENS! THIS IS AN ORDER FROM YOUR PRINCESS!”

Immediately, the guards scrambled from the castle. They galloped toward the city square, leaving Celestia alone. She trotted outside and stared up at the cracked and decaying barrier. “This is it. Twilight, I hope you’re still alive somewhere… And that you can save them. Save my subjects.”

As the reaplings gave a final push, the barrier shattered into millions of crystalline, pink shards. Celestia stared at them as they fell slowly to the ground and closed her eyes.

--
Twilight stood in the throne room of the crystal castle with her friends. About twenty minutes had passed since the guards finished cleaning up after Speartail’s bloodshed. She looked around the room at the tired faces of her companions, seeing all the hurt and pain the past few days had brought. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “My friends… we’ve seen a lot of hardship. Death, pain, destruction… All in the name of our cause.” She took a step forward. “As you know, Ponyville and Canterlot are either under attack now or will be soon. And the empire itself is also at risk. But not only that, we still have our duty ahead of us.” Twilight had to swallow again before she could continue. “We’re going to have to part ways. Some of us will go to Ponyville, some to Canterlot, and some to the far north. The rest of us will stay here.”

Rainbow Dash felt her stomach clench, and she wrapped a hoof around Swordpoint’s midsection. He pulled her close to him in response.

Applejack stepped forward. “If Ponyville is under attack… Sweet Apple Acres is next. Granny Smith… Big Mac… Apple Bloom… I can’t let these here reaplings hurt them. Sorry, Twi.”

Twilight nodded. Spitfire took a step toward Twilight. “I’m going to Canterlot. I’m going to protect my hometown… And Soarin’s.” A tear came to her eye, but she shook it off.

Rarity raised her hoof. “Twilight… Sweetie Belle is… I mean, I…” She cleared her throat and composed herself. “I must go to Ponyville. My sister… I can’t let Sweetie Belle face this alone.”

The Doctor flapped his wings idly. “I’ll stay here, Twilight. The crystal ponies could use as much technology as they can get. They aren’t fighters, and that barrier won’t hold forever.”

Vinyl removed her glasses and glanced at the Doctor. “Well… I guess I’ll stay here with the Doctor. I might be able to help him keep the barrier up.”

Twilight eyed Rainbow and Swordpoint. “And what about you two?” she asked.

Rainbow started to speak, but Swordpoint stopped her. “We shall travel north. It is… our duty.”

The others exchanged suspicious glances. Applejack asked “Your duty? What do you mean by that?”

Swordpoint sighed. “I’ve been having these dreams. I thought they were mere nightmares, but… it seems that they are far more. I’ve seen everything that has come to pass thus far. I cannot deny them any longer.”

Rarity huffed. “That’s ridiculous! I’m right, aren’t I? Tell him, Rainbow!”

Rainbow sighed. “You’re wrong, Rarity. I’ve had them, too, and he’s telling the truth. It’s always just the two of us, which must mean that the rest of you have to go and defend the rest of Equestria.”

Twilight calmly cantered to where Rainbow and Swordpoint stood. “Are you sure about this, Rainbow?”

Rainbow gave Twilight a confident stare. “I’m more sure than I’ve ever been in my life.”

Twilight nodded. “Then I’ll go to Canterlot. We don’t have any time to lose, so we should… say our goodbyes and go our separate ways.”

The ponies nodded in agreement. Each of them came together in a small circle.

Vinyl spoke first. “You know, guys… if today is the end, I can die knowing that I tried. I won’t lie and say I’m not scared. I’m wetting my dress right now with fear. But just knowing that I did something instead of sitting around… it’s comforting. I love you all, and I’ll see you on the other side.”

Applejack was the next to share her sentiments. “Ah’ve seen some nasty things on this little trip… But Ah’ve also seen some true wonders. The love we share ain’t never gonna die, even if we do. Goodbye, y’all.”

Rarity came next. “All of you… you’re so wonderful. I know I’m no fighter, and I’m certainly not a great mage like Twilight, but… I hope that my presence has made a difference. I don’t expect to return, so I want you all to know that I love you and am proud to have called you my friends.”

Spitfire stepped up. “You guys… you’ve amazed me. You lost so much and yet you kept fighting. I’ve had my world taken from me today, but I know I can’t just lay down and die. Soarin would kick my flank if I did. So I want you to know… you’ve really inspired me in a way I never thought possible. If we’re all going down, meet me at the bar in tartarus. Drinks are on me.”

The Doctor smiled gingerly. “As a creature not from this world… I’ve learned a great deal in my time here. Time lords live such long lives… but truly, in my few years here, I have learned more than in my 900 years of travelling the universe. You’re all wonderful, and I want to say thank you. Let’s go get these guys.”

Twilight hung her head, trying dearly to fight tears. “When I first came to Ponyville… I didn’t even care about friends. I just wanted to do my duty and return to my studies. But now… I’ve found that friendship is so much more. Having friends who love and care for you… it’s unparalleled. It’s so hard to say goodbye… so I won’t. We’ll meet again one way or another. I swear it.”

Rainbow leaned against Swordpoint. “I… This has all gone so far in a couple days. I know that there isn’t a great chance we’ll all see each other again, but I’m not giving up hope. You know that I’m loyal until the end, and I won’t give up until these reaplings are dead. All of them. They’re gonna pay for what they did to our friends.”

Swordpoint gazed at Rainbow for a moment before realizing that the eyes of the other ponies were on him. He cleared his throat. “I am an evil pony. I’ve committed terrible acts in my past, and I will never wash my hands of my crimes. The most that I can do is try to save all of you, who have shown me that there is another way. If I perish, do not shed your tears. Instead, rejoice that I have finally found peace.” Rainbow sobbed quietly next to him. “You… all of you… you are my friends. I’m proud to say this. I hope that I may save your lives… and the lives of all Equestrians. Farewell… all of you.”

The ponies hugged one another and said their own individual goodbyes before walking to their teleporters. Rainbow Dash gave one parting glance to the others before she took Swordpoint’s hoof and stepped into the circle of white light on the floor. The light intensified and she closed her eyes as the world went dark.