Judgment Day

The sky had grown overcast. The wind blew lightly across the plains, and Twilight welcomed the peaceful sight of nature. Near endless plains stretched out before her. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but… I wasn’t ready for this. I don’t think anyone was. But then again, how can anyone be ready for death? Twilight turned and walked back to where Rainbow lied. Twilight gave Rainbow a look of concern. Rainbow Dash had passed out from her injuries, and she now lied next to the body of Lightning Dust. Twilight had healed Rainbow’s injuries, and she was in no danger. She’s so lucky… If that creature had dug any deeper… she would’ve… Twilight shook off the thought. Lightning’s death was already a great blow for them all, and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Rainbow, too.

The other ponies had already begun digging a small grave for Lightning. There was a somber air about them as they silently worked to move the earth where the brave Lightning would rest. Several of them cried; others wore sober expressions. Nopony said a word. When they finished, Applejack and Vinyl lifted Lightning’s limp body and carried it to the grave. They carefully placed it inside.

Rainbow began to stir. She felt a cool breeze against her face and opened her eyes. Looking around, she saw the others gathered around a hole. She understood at once. She got to her hooves and trotted to where they stood. She didn’t want to look at the body of her friend in the grave, but she forced herself. This is why we’re fighting, Dash. Can’t lose your resolve, now. Lightning already made the ultimate sacrifice, so you can’t dare quit and let that be for nothing.

Twilight looked solemnly at Rainbow. “Would you… like to say a few words, Rainbow?”

Rainbow held her gaze on Lightning. “Yeah. I would.

“Lightning Dust. You were a strong willed pony, with the desire to be your best. You fought for what you believed in, and you died for something bigger than yourself.” Tears fell freely from Rainbow’s eyes, but her voice did not waver. “We won’t let this be for nothing, Lightning. I promise. I’m gonna miss you, buddy.”

The ponies all bowed their heads in a moment of silence out of respect. When they lifted them again, they began to fill in the grave just as silently as it was dug.

Once they had finished, Rainbow found a patch of flowers and picked several blue and yellow ones. She brought these to the grave site, where she laid them down. Soarin and Spitfire joined her by the grave.

“She was really brave today,” Spitfire said quietly.

“Yeah,” Rainbow agreed solemnly. “If she hadn’t done what she did… I’d be the one in that grave instead.”

Soarin took out a small lightning bolt badge and placed it on the grave. “She’ll be remembered as an honorary Wonderbolt. She had more guts than most of Celestia’s royal guards.”

Rainbow Dash smiled at them. “I think she’d be happy to know that.” Together, the three ponies rejoined the rest of the group.

“Everypony,” she began, her voice filled with strength, “I know this has been really hard. And I understand if anypony wants to turn back now. We only just started and we’ve already lost someone. So… if anyone wants to go home, I won’t say anything. Just go.”

Vinyl stepped forward. “What are you, like, joking or something? Why the buck would we go home?”

Pinkie Pie trotted next to Vinyl. “Dashie, we’re in this ‘til the end. We’re your friends, and we’re not going to abandon you because things are getting tough. In fact, that’s when you need us the most.”

Soarin looked at Spitfire. “Heh. There’s no way I’m bowin’ out. I’m going to get even with these guys for killing an honorary Wonderbolt.”

“Yeah, and I’ve got this little number to pay them back for,” Spitfire said, pointing to her scarred face.

Rainbow looked at her friends. Each of them wore a resolved look, even the timid Fluttershy. “So you’re all committed to this?”

Fluttershy stepped forward. “Of course we are, Rainbow. Lightning Dust already gave up everything for this. We can’t just let her die for nothing.”

Applejack looked at Rainbow. “We should get goin’, doncha think? This wing spell ain’t gonna last forever, and who knows what’s going on back in Ponyville? We gotta get rid of this thing as soon as possible.”

Rainbow nodded at her friend. “Alright, everypony. The clock is ticking. Let’s go!” She pushed into the sky and her friends followed behind her.

--
King Metamorphosis bowed down low. “Your highnesses.” He addressed three dark figures sitting in sickly looking black thrones. Behind them were three large glass tanks, all filled with green liquid.

“Rise, Metamorphosis,” the middle figure commanded. He pointed with his long claws.

Metamorphosis rose to his hooves. The ground beneath him was jet black with traces of dark green slowly swirling around. “I hope the reaplings have found everything to their liking.”

The reapling in the middle stood up. “We have. You have done well, and this pleases us.” His lips curled into a twisted smile that was more teeth than anything. “There is one thing which we must discuss. Several of our scouts have gone missing. Perhaps you can tell us why?”

Metamorphosis looked confused. “Missing? They have not reported back?”

The reapling on Metamorphosis’ left stood up. “Do you not understand our meaning? Gone. Missing. They have not returned. We have not heard from the two scouts we sent to the floating city last night, nor from the three we sent to check on the unicorn whose power you used.”

“But… what could have happened? Surely they couldn’t have been defeated by those ponies…” Metamorphosis grew nervous.

The shadow on the right stood. “It seems you have underestimated these ponies. An inconsequential mistake, but a mistake nonetheless.”

“You highnesses, they were mere ponies! Surely they cannot hope to defeat a single reapling, let alone two or three!” His cold heart beat faster.

“We do not look kindly upon failures, Metamorphosis. The reaplings have no time for those who fail.” The center reapling pointed his claws at Metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis’ eyes grew wide. “No! You can’t do this! I have always been loyal to you! No!!!!” He turned around and tried to run, but a shadowy gate slammed shut over the entrance.

“Accept your fate,” the three reapling rulers told him in unison. They disappeared in a cloud of shadow, and a reapling soldier entered the room through the dark black walls. The soldier walked slowly to Metamorphosis, roaring loudly before readying its claws.

I was promised power over all… was the vile king’s final thought before his life was extinguished.

--
Princess Luna trotted through the Canterlot Royal Hall. “Sister! We must speak at once!” She looked around but found no sign of her sister. “Sister?!” Luna trotted down the hall toward Celestia’s private quarters. When she approached them, she heard the sounds of magic being cast. Oh, no… I’m coming, sister! Luna burst into her sister’s quarters to find her casting spells in an attempt to hold back a reapling.

Celestia looked at Luna with her teeth gritted. She was sweating and shaking. “Luna! Help me!”

At once, Luna cast her magic at the reapling. The combined force of the sisters’ spells knocked the creature to the ground. Before it could stand up, the princesses cast their spells again, this time disintegrating the reapling.

Celestia sighed and collapsed. “My sister… we are in trouble.” She was panting heavily.

Luna offered her hoof to her sister. “I know. I have something important which we must discuss.”

Celestia took Luna’s hoof and slowly stood. “What is it? Do you know anything about these foul creatures?”

Luna looked gravely at her sister. “I believe I do. In all my time on the moon, I have seen this object above us only once. The dreams which emanated from it were horrid, twisted visions of death and destruction. In them all, I heard whispers of the name ‘reapling.’”

“Reapling?” Celestia repeated. “I have heard the name before, but even I thought that it was mere legend. It was long before our time.”

Luna gave her sister a questioning glance. “What do you know?”

“According to the legend, the creatures known as reaplings wandered the world millennia ago. They were creatures of great evil which walked the land in a constant search for blood. It seems that the legends were true, but the legend spoke little of their origins. I suppose we’ve just discovered them.” Celestia gave her sister a troubled look. “Luna… Twilight and her friends have gone to find a way to stop them, but I fear for their safety.”

Luna glanced at the pile of ash where the reapling had been. “That creature was able to hold back even your magic… This does not bode well.”

Celestia sat down on her hindquarters. “My sister… We must protect the land until Twilight returns. If she fails, then nothing will stop the reaplings. Still, we should be able to at least buy some time.”

Luna’s eyes grew wide. “Oh! I had almost forgotten! I’ve been sensing… strange visions in one of Twilight’s friends.”
“Visions?” Celestia gave her sister a questioning glance.

“Yes. The one called Rainbow Dash has been plagued by nightmares for some time, but I certainly have not caused any such thing. At first, I thought she might be sensitive to the evil coming from the dark star above us, but… I sense another source for these nightmares.” Luna looked gravely at her sister. “I believe something may be trying to call to her, perhaps to warn her of the impending danger.”

Celestia was frozen on the spot. “Do you know from where these visions come?”

Luna’s gaze fell downward. “I wish I did. But whatever is causing these visions, it may guide them and show them how to accomplish their goal.”

Celestia stood up at once and trotted to her parchment. “Yes, but only if they know to listen.” She hastily began writing a letter.

“But sister,” Luna spoke with a concerned look, “how will we ensure that your letter reaches them in time?”

Celestia smiled without turning from her letter. “It seems fate was on our side. Twilight’s assistant will be able to help us.”
“The dragon?”

“Yes. He was away when Twilight’s library was attacked. He sent me a letter explaining the situation, and I dispatched a royal guard to bring him here.”

Luna stared in disbelief. “What do you mean ‘when her library was attacked?’ What happened?!”

“Spike’s letter told me that he found a large hole in the ceiling, and that most of the furniture was broken.” Celestia tried to hide her worry from her sister, but her face betrayed her. “I must get this letter to Spike at once. He can send it to Twilight.” The Princesses trotted from the room at once.

Luna stole a glance at her sister. “This will not be the end, my sister. We will fight until the very end. We can and will protect our subjects.”

Celestia gave Luna a tired smile. “I pray you are right, dear sister.”

--
Rainbow Dash flew in front of her friends. She remained silent, looking down at the endless plains below her. They had been flying for several hours now, and they’d already passed over Manehattan and Fillydelphia. Why… Why couldn’t I have been stronger? I know I could’ve done something…

Vinyl Scratch caught up with Rainbow. “Hey, Rainbow?”

“Yeah, Vinyl?” Rainbow answered apathetically.

Vinyl pushed her sunglasses up. “What’s the deal with all this?”

Rainbow tried to feign ignorance. “With wh—“

“Oh, come on,” Vinyl scolded. “I’m not stupid, girl. You’re blaming yourself for Lightning’s death.”

Rainbow turned her gaze downward. “I can’t help it, Vinyl. I know it’s my fault. If I’d been faster, I could’ve avoided those things. If I hadn’t gotten hurt, Lightning wouldn’t have—“

“Okay, shut the buck up,” Vinyl said bluntly. “This is crap. You saved Fluttershy, you know that? You got slowed down because you had to help her. I tried to help you with the little magic I know. But I’m not really all that great at casting spells, and all I know is a spell to get ponies pumped. But the problem is that I can’t cast it that much because I get exhausted. I should’ve tried to cast in on both of you, but I was too weak. I know I could’ve stopped this, but I didn’t have the strength for it. But still, you don’t see me blaming myself.” Vinyl took a deep breath. “I miss her a lot, too. I didn’t know her like you did, Dash, but I saw enough to know that she was one brave son of a mare. You can’t keep going at yourself like this. You’re supposed to be one of the bravest ponies in Equestria, if the stories are true. I’ve heard that you stood up against Nightmare Moon, Discord, and an army of changelings. So what the buck are you here crying like a filly for?!”

Rainbow Dash gave Vinyl a sharp look, but it quickly softened when she saw tears in Vinyl’s eyes. “Vinyl, I…”

“Toughen up! Your friends look up to you! What kind of example are you setting right now?! I miss Lightning a whole hayuva lot, too, but I’m trying my best to be strong for everypony’s sake!”

Rainbow Dash looked ahead. “…you’re right. I can’t keep beating myself up over this. I’ve got to stay strong. After all, I am the best flier in all of Equestria!” She smiled at Vinyl.

Vinyl smirked. “Ha, now that’s the Dash I’ve heard all about! Keep your chin up, girl!” Vinyl gave Rainbow a wink and flew to the Doctor.

I can do this. For all of them. Rainbow smiled and glided next to Twilight. “How ya liking the wings, Twi?”

Twilight smiled at Rainbow. “I love this feeling! It’s amazing to be up here! I finally understand why you love to fly!”

Rainbow smirked. “Heh, yeah! It’s pretty cool. When I need to clear my head, I fly. Up here... all I think about is how the wind feels and how exhilarating it is. It becomes all about speed.”

Twilight could feel what Rainbow meant. The wind rushing past her, the feeling of speeding through the skies, and the pure and unbridled freedom were wonderful. “I wish I could have wings. Instead, I have to use this spell.”

--
The ponies flew throughout the day until Luna’s moon rose in the sky. They had left the plains and entered the cold tundra two hours ago. Twilight suggested that they should set down and rest for the night, and the ponies agreed. Each of them descended silently through the clouds and touched down gently. The ground was white as far they could see, and a light snow was falling. The cloud cover was thick.

Applejack looked around. “Hoo, boy… It sure is cold. Ah don’t know how we’re gonna be able to rest in this snow.”

Pinkie Pie didn’t miss a beat. “We can just clear the snow! Just like when we wrap up winter!” She smiled wide.

“Uh, darling,” Rarity chimed in, “we don’t have any of the machines which we use to clear the snow. How are we going to do that?”

Still smiling, Pinkie trotted next to Rarity. “Why, like this, silly!” She began to dig the snow away with her hooves.

A look of horror touched Rarity’s face. “Oh, no! But my hooves will get terribly dirty! I just had a hooficure last week, and I simply cannot—“

“Rarity,” the Doctor cut in, “I don’t believe that now is the time for this. If we all pitch in, we should have a decently sized area cleared for us to sleep.”

Rarity opened her mouth to protest, but no words came. Defeated, she began to clear the snow along with everypony else.

It only took about five minutes for them to clear an area suitable enough for them all to sleep. As Twilight lied down, felt her back beginning to change, and watched as the conjured wings began to disappear from the earth ponies and unicorns. Looking at herself, she saw that her own wings were gone, as well. She began to shiver from the cold.

Spitfire stepped toward Twilight. “Well… we’ve cleared the snow, but it’s just gonna fall on us in the night… and I can’t imagine sleeping in this freezing weather. Is there any kind of spell you can cast to help us?”

Twilight thought for a moment. “Well… Shining Armor did teach me a little bit about his barrier spells… But I can’t do it without help.” She looked at Rarity and Vinyl. “If you two could help me, I might be able to cast it.”

Vinyl gave Twilight an uncertain look. “I dunno, man… I’m not really all that good with magic.” She took off her glasses and smiled apologetically.

Rarity did not waver. “I’ll help any way I can, Twilight. You should do the same, Vinyl.” She smiled and trotted next to Twilight.

Vinyl still wore an apprehensive expression, but she walked to Twilight and prepared herself. I guess I should do whatever I can. I may not be as good at magic as Twilight is, but if I can help, then I will.

Twilight nodded and concentrated her magic. As her horn began to glow, Vinyl and Rarity did the same, both focusing their energy on Twilight. Twilight forced her magic to expand outward, and as she did so conjured a pink force field which surrounded the ponies. Almost immediately, the bitter cold was gone. Twilight sighed and collapsed.

Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie hurried to her side. They exchanged nervous glances.

Applejack placed her hoof on Twilight’s back. “Are you okay, sugarcube?!”

Twilight was panting heavily. “Y-yes, I’m fine. That magic just takes a lot out of me. I wouldn’t have been able to produce a barrier this size if they hadn’t helped me.” She smiled wanly at Vinyl and Rarity.

Vinyl placed her glasses back on her face. “Glad I could help. But maybe we should get some rest, huh?”

“That,” Swordpoint called out, “would be a good idea. We’re all exhausted from what we’ve seen and done today.” He walked to where Twilight lied. “Thank you, Miss Sparkle, and thank you, too, Miss Rarity and Miss Scratch.” He bowed to them.

Vinyl burst out laughing. “Okay, is he for real? Bro, it’s ‘Vinyl,’ not this ‘Miss Scratch.’ I’m not some fancy pony.”

Swordpoint gave her a questioning glance. “My apologies. It is merely custom to—“

“Okay, well here in Equestria, the ‘custom’ is to call ponies by name. You can drop the formalities, man.”

Rarity giggled. “Well I think it’s quite flattering. Thank you, dear.”

The Doctor raised his hoof to interject. “Perhaps we should sleep now? There will be plenty of time for lollygagging tomorrow. Come on, then, off to bed.”

The ponies each agreed and began to lie down. As they began to drift to sleep quietly, Rainbow Dash lie awake. She watched Swordpoint quietly. Hm. Even though he was a total jerk… I don’t think he really meant it. He seems to be a pretty good guy at heart, even if he can be kinda harsh. She was surprised when Swordpoint looked around and stood quietly. His face was full of sadness. He slowly walked to the edge of the barrier and looked up. Rainbow didn’t dare stir. He turned around to look at the sleeping ponies again and she quickly closed her eyes, keeping one open slightly. After a moment or so, he turned again and exited the barrier, stepping out into the harsh cold.

What is he doing? He definitely didn’t look good… I better follow him. Rainbow quickly got to her hooves, carefully walking past her sleeping friends. She plunged through the barrier and began to follow Swordpoint.

Swordpoint walked on through the frozen wastes. The light flurry had become a blizzard, and each snowflake stung his body. Perhaps there is more than a sense of duty. Perhaps there are other forces which can drive a pony to do great things. If only my circumstances had been different, perhaps, I, too may have known them. Swordpoint stopped and lied down in the snow. He simply stared at the sky.

--
Rainbow followed Swordpoint for ten minutes before he finally stopped and lied down. What is he doing? He looks so… lonely. Her eyes stung from the cold, but she still walked to where he lied. “Um, Swordpoint?”

Swordpoint stood at once. “Miss Dash! Why have you come this way? You’ll catch your death in cold!” He tried to harden his expression again.

Rainbow walked to him. “You looked like you could use some company. Are you alright?” She observed the twitching of his mouth. Whoa… maybe he’s got a lot more emotion than I thought…

Swordpoint knew that he could not hide himself. He sighed. “Miss Dash… there are a great many questions I would like to ask of you.” He turned his gaze downward.

Rainbow smiled and held out her hoof to him. “Anything! Go ahead and ask away!”

Swordpoint felt strange. He took her hoof in his and the two sat down. “I… I heard of something Miss Dust called ‘friendship.’ What is this force which could drive someone to lay down their life for another? I am bound by my sense of duty, which calls me to do the same for those I serve, but… She gave her life for you, a mere pegasus.” Swordpoint noticed Rainbow raising her eyebrow. “Please forgive me; I meant no offense.”

Rainbow was stunned. What… what kinda place is this Ponynesia, anyway? How can he possibly not know what friendship is? “Swordpoint… friendship is when you meet another pony you really like to spend time with. It’s when you care for somepony besides yourself and want to see them happy. When you want to spend time with them. Friendship is one of the most powerful bonds two ponies can share.” Her rose eyes met his dark blue ones. “Have you really never had a friend?”

Swordpoint kept his eyes on hers. “I don’t believe so. There has only ever been my duty to my Princess and to my land. From birth, I was raised as a knight. ” Swordpoint closed his eyes. “ I trained every day, and I was not allowed to venture beyond the walls of my academy. Students were forbidden from interacting with one another. I distinguished myself in service as a young stallion and rose to the rank of a royal guardian of Princess Omnia.”

Rainbow Dash felt tears come to her eyes. His whole life without friends… He really is alone… “Swordpoint… how about you and I be friends?” She smiled and took his hoof again.

Swordpoint glanced at her apprehensively. “I would likely not make a suitable friend, Miss Dash.”

Rainbow clasped his hoof tightly. “I can teach you! For starters, you don’t have to call me ‘Miss Dash.’ You can use Rainbow Dash, Rainbow, or even just Dash. Heck, Pinkie Pie calls me Dashie! And being friends means that we can share stuff about ourselves! We can talk, and hang out, and laugh together!” Rainbows eyes filled with hope. “I hate to see you so alone. Let me be you friend, and I promise that you can always count on me. I am the element of loyalty, after all.”

Swordpoint turned away. "Perhaps we should concern ourselves more with the matter at hand."

Rainbow sighed. She couldn't help but pity him. "Okay... Well, if you need anything, I'm here." She began to walk toward the camp when she heard a buzzing sound. Looking up, she saw three of the creatures from before. "Oh, no!" Rainbow screamed. "Swordpoint! We have to get the others!”

Swordpoint nodded and the two took flight into the blizzard. The creatures followed close behind them.
Rainbow was prepared this time. She pushed herself as hard as she could, steadily gaining speed. When she turned around, she saw with horror that Swordpoint was falling behind. The creatures didn’t seem to be gaining on him, but she didn’t want to leave him behind, so she slowed herself. When he caught up with her, she wrapped her hoof around him. He shouted aloud.

“What are you doing?! You are going to get us killed!”

Rainbow gave him a smirk. “Watch and learn!” She again pushed herself to her limit. Come on Rainbow… You can still do this with him! You’re the best flier in Equestria! When she had carried Fluttershy, she had been terrified. Now, she felt only resolve and courage. She kept forcing harder, pushing more, and straining herself until she felt like she couldn’t take it anymore. Suddenly she felt the wind break, and the strain was gone. There was an ear-shattering explosion accompanied by a rainbow of color. Rainbow looked behind herself to see a rainbow streak. The creatures were quickly disappearing into the distance. Swordpoint’s eyes grew wide.

“What… what is this? I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years!”

Rainbow smirked again. “It’s called a sonic rainboom, and you’re looking at the only pegasus in all of Equestria who can do it!”

Swordpoint stared in wonder at Rainbow as she left her multicolored trail through the sky. “This is incredible! There is no pegasus in Ponynesia capable of such a feat!”

“Well that’s because I live in Equestria and not Ponynesia!”

Within a couple minutes they had arrived at the camp where the other ponies had fallen asleep. Rainbow quickly slowed herself and landed. She ran through the barrier with Swordpoint. “Get up! They’re coming!”

The others began to awaken slowly, each questioning what was happening.

Swordpoint’s face was grim. “There is no time! The creatures which killed Lightning Dust are upon us! We must stand and fight!”

There were several gasps. Spitfire and Soarin chuckled.

Spitfire was smiling, although it looked more like a snarl. “Time to get some payback. How ‘bout you, Soarin?”

Soarin stood next to her and smirked. “You know it. Let’s kick some tail!”

Twilight trotted to Rainbow. “What happened?!”

Rainbow gave an exasperated sigh. “No time to explain! Just get ready to fight!”

Twilight nodded. She looked up and saw the creatures approaching. “There! Two of them!”

Fluttershy began to squeal nervously. Applejack trotted to her side and wrapped a hoof around her. “We’re gonna be all right, sugarcube. Just stay next to me, okay?” Fluttershy nodded her head.

Pinkie Pie produced her party cannon from seemingly nowhere. As she loaded cannon balls into it, she snarled. “If these guys think they’re getting another one of us, they’ve got another thing coming!”

Vinyl Scratch put on her glasses. “Let’s get this party started.” She stood on her hind legs, holding her forehooves in front of her. She was grinning.

The Doctor stood. “We’ll see if my sonic screwdriver can affect these ruffians.”

The creatures were upon them at last. They reached the barrier and began to smash it with their claws.

Twilight stood ready. “Wait for them to break through! As soon as they do, we’ll hit them with everything we have!”

The ponies nodded in unison. There were several grunts of agreement. The creatures continued to smash the barrier. Each blow produced more cracks in the magic. At last, the creatures gave one final crash, and the barrier gave way. As it shattered to pieces around the ponies, Twilight screamed “ATTACK!”

Twilight jumped away from the creatures and cast a spell at the creatures. It struck one of them in the chest. The creature was dazed for a moment, but it quickly recovered. Its companion lunged for Rainbow Dash, but she jumped and flew above its head. It looked up and reached its arm for her with a loud growl. There was a loud thunk as Spitfire slammed into its chest. It recoiled and fell backwards. Rarity used her magic to produce a large sewing needle which she rammed into the creature. It howled in pain as blackish green blood ran from its wounds.

The other creature charged Rarity and knocked her to the ground. She screamed as it bore down upon her, but a blast of purple magic sent it staggering. As it tried to recover again, Vinyl ran headlong at the creature and drop kicked it, knocking it to the ground. Soarin, Spitfire, and Rainbow Dash took flight and circled around. Together, the three ponies smashed into the bleeding demon, creating a very loud crunching sound. The beast was silenced.

The remaining creature was standing again, and it let out a shrill cry. Pinkie Pie fired cannon balls at it, striking it in the chest. “Ha! Take that, you meanie!” Pinkie cried. As she prepared to fire again, she suddenly noticed that a shadow had fallen over her. She turned around to see another creature staring at her with red, piercing eyes. It lunged at her and sunk its claws into her chest. Pinkie gasped. She tried to struggle, but she couldn’t break free.

The Doctor ran to Pinkie and brandished his sonic screwdriver. It shot a jet of electricity at the creature, causing it to withdraw its claws and convulse. Pinkie fell to the ground, gasping.

Applejack and Fluttershy ran toward Pinkie. “Fluttershy!” Applejack yelled. “Grab Pinkie!” She ran to the downed creature and bucked it in its face. She heard a crack as its skull broke.

Fluttershy was trembling. Pinkie Pie was bleeding really badly. Fluttershy took a deep breath and lifted Pinkie onto her back.

The remaining creature had once again recovered itself. It looked for the nearest target and found Rainbow Dash. It lunged at her, screaming and howling.

Rainbow turned and saw the creature barreling headfirst at her. She had no time to move. She braced herself for impact. The impact did not come, however. She opened her eyes to find Swordpoint lying on the ground nearby, with the creature lying next to him. Swordpoint sported large gashes on his back. “Swordpoint!” Rainbow cried.

“Uh, guys,” Vinyl yelled, “we got a problem!” She pointed to the sky. Hundreds of the foul creatures swarmed in the skies above. Their shrieks filled the air.

Rainbow Dash flew to the creature which had been barreling down upon her just moments before and smashed into it with her full force. She heard its bones break and snarled in triumph. She then turned to Swordpoint. He was breathing heavily. She hoisted him onto her back.

“What are we gonna do?!” Applejack cried.

Twilight tried to focus. “Okay, everypony! Gather around me! I don’t know if this will work, but we have to try!”

The ponies all formed a close circle around Twilight. Fluttershy looked terrified, and Applejack wrapped her hoof around her once again. Pinkie Pie was still panting on Fluttershy’s back, drifting in and out of consciousness.

“Okay,” Twilight choked out, “Vinyl and Rarity… I need your help again. Please, try to help me focus energy. I’m going to try to teleport us at least five miles north.” Rarity and Vinyl nodded. “Everypony else, hold onto me! This is going to be difficult!” Twilight focused her magic, conjuring her usual purple aura. Rarity and Vinyl again concentrated on focusing their magic power onto Twilight. The aura grew larger, and Twilight felt astonished. It’s going to work! I’ve never seen magic powerful enough to teleport this many ponies! The aura at last engulfed them all, and she released the spell. There was a bright spark, but when she opened her eyes, they still stood in the middle of the icy tundra with hundreds of the dark creatures descending from the skies.

Twilight began to panic. “Oh, no! It didn’t work! What are we going to do?!”

“I… I believe I can help… Miss Sparkle…” There was a small cough.

Rainbow looked behind herself to find Swordpoint dismounting her back. “Swordpoint! You’re hurt! You can’t!”

Swordpoint grimaced, but it did not erase his tough expression. "It is of no consequence. There is too much at stake for us to fail. Now, allow me to lend you a hand. I have some knowledge of magic."

Twilight’s eyes grew wide. “Knowledge of magic? But you’re a—“

“Pegasus, yes. But in my land, the royal guardians have all learned to practice magic. The pegasi can… channel magic through their wings.” Swordpoint coughed again and nearly fell over. Rainbow held out a hoof and steadied him. “Try again, Miss Sparkle.” He extended his wings and they began to glow.

Twilight smiled at Swordpoint. She focused again, and Rarity and Vinyl did the same. Her aura shot out and encased them all immediately. She looked up and saw the creatures mere feet away. She pushed the spell to its limit and released it. They disappeared in a blinding flash as the demonic creatures hit the ground with a crunch.