I know I been away for awhile and I'm sorry about that. Trying t o dedicate to weekly releases before I go back to daily chapters. I hope everyone has enjoy themselves and I appreciate everyone who has deciat

Equestrian Heroes
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Naruto x Rarity x Twilight x Fluttershy x Applejack x Pinkie Pie x Rainbow Dash x Ditzy x Luna x ? x ?
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For Normal Speech
Inner thoughts, Text read, Italics used to represent characters speaking in different language.
Demonic rage, Demonic characters, Kurama Speak

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Story Start
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Xezirchs was the first to move.
Gritting his teeth he charged the knight, preparing a right cross for the blond's face. Naruto ignited his chakra, deflecting the attack with his left arm and responding with a hard right kick. His blow missed as Xezirchs re-appeared behind him with a knee to the back.

The knight was knocked forward a few steps, but turned around and launched himself forward firing a quick jab forcing the Lionman to block using his arm. Having taken to sky above with a leap Jashy descended with an axe kick forcing the beastman to use his other arm to block opening up his midsection.

Naruto used the opportunity to hammer Xezirchs's ribs with his left knee causing the beast man to jerk back and hiss in pain.

"With two on one it appears I'm at a disadvantage. And here I heard Knights were supposed to have some semblance of honor." Xezirchs mocked, trying to play upon some sense of Naruto's pride.

"Your mind games won't work. I'd never been the type that was too prideful to ask for help in such a situation."
Xezirchs rose his hand and almost immediately it was coated with energy. Naruto could feel the heat radiating from where he stood as the energy around the beastman's claw dimmed in color. 'Now!' The beastman thought as he charged forward, believing the bit of dialogue was enough to distract his opponent. With a wave of his hand five crescent like slashes erupted as he lashed out with his hand as it surged towards Naruto to which he laughed in triumph.

It was not at all what he expected. Rather than showing fear or panic, the knight was glowing with anticipation. Quickly he formed five hand seals as a look of triumph formed on his face as the attack reached him. All over himself markings appeared and Xerzichs's attack warped and away only for the space in front of him to twist and change and for his own attack to hit him. The beastman's roar overtook the crackling sound of space itself being twisted as his own attack was launched back at him.

This, was Naruto's Time Space Redirection technique. Something he had developed while trying to adapt more uses out of the Flying Thunder God technique. Its usefulness directly linked to the user's ability to the attack they were trying to redirect and their stamina.

"Don't give him time to recover! Let's finish him quickly!" While there was no indication this Beastman could transform or pull out more power Naruto rather not take the chance.

Ignore the pain of his own injuries Xerzichs attacked, his fist swung blindly through the air, the clumsy punch missing the far faster knight who blocked it with his hand. Jashy dodged past him and with a mighty bucking kick slammed her foot into the beast man's head, nearly snapping his neck. He crashed violently across the meadow as the force of the blow sent him flying, grasping at anything to try and slow his path through the trees. He had never before experienced agony anywhere close to this. Having always been an overseer gifted with tools of managing disputes and such meant he was not used to dealing with the nit and grit of a fight to the two between two warriors.

With a wave of his hand Naruto had summoned a single Truth-Seeking Ball. Without hesitation or ceremony he swiftly directed the attack straight through the head of the Beastman. Before Xerzichs had even realize it he was dead.

No last words.

No promises of vengeance.

No last ditch effort attack.

Nothing.

As far as Naruto was concerned he was just a random psycopath who tried to kill him. A mad animal that needed to be put down who was just barely a step up above the Caribou.

"That woman..." Jashy spoke up and pointed out to the vixen who collapsed to the way side on the far side of the field.
A vixen? Naruto had heard a voice, so that must have been her.

"I think she said your life Nar. Whoever she is, she has a connection to the Beastman. Either way we can learn information from her." Jashy urged the blond who nodded and dropped his cloak. With the battle finally over the fusion split into the familiar forms of Applejack and Fluttershy.

Sprawling blue skies seemed to float ambrosially above the breathtakingly-tall skyscraper, as hover-cars seemed to dance around the top and the center of the stark, black building. The magnificence of this building seemed to overflow itself onto the smaller, inapplicable business establishments around the brooding, but beautiful business district. The huge windows, which almost appeared to individuate themselves, were plastered in a circular fashion on the building, like mirrors reflecting in the sun. The glint from the windows made them appear to emanate their own luminescence.

After coming to a park a woman stepped out of her bronze colored hover-car which parked at the top floor of the structure connected to the tower. The distinguishable features of the woman was her blonde-haired woman and copper-toned skin. She was escorted by two security agents dressed in all black whose face were hidden behind masked helmets. This parking lot was just one of many structures in the area, with the significance entrances were
marked with the ubiquitous "G" insignia, in which no one mistaken. the woman moved gawkily towards the sun-bathed north entrance of the skyscraper with the two agents, with their pistols holstered on their thighs, being keenly perceptive of their surroundings, as they were escorting the high-profile individual to parts unknown.

The fluorescent lights whirred in a muffled tone, as its rays cast a relaxing, soothing chroma on the walls,
floors, and even the ceilings itself. The floors were green-marble-colored, with a rug emblazoned with the aforementioned
"G", which covered about forty percent of the flooring. Directly in front of the woman was a lone receptionist. She appeared to bein her early twenties, brunette, brown eyes, very petite. She seemed to perceive the other woman's stare, and looked up. She smiled brightly, eyeing the two agents side-by-side of her, and she pointed at a
lambent, cylindrical-shaped door. "Through that door, lord Gallahand is waiting." The woman continued her
plastic smile, and returned to what she was previously tasked with.

They went up a few flight of stairs, until they reached an upperfloor, which was gilded in adulation. Rugs with the "G"
were everywhere, the walls were emblazoned with the "G". When the agents opened a large, blue-marble door, and saw Gilfried Gallahand sitting at his desk.

He was an older being or at least what she was told by the color of his eye balls being gray. He was a horned draconic with his orange reaching back and hanging chest length under his jaw with silver-gray scales. He was dressed in a loose black business jacket and black shirt with a gold amulet around his long neck.

" Miss Anastine, please have a seat." He beckon as he signaled the two agents to leave. Then motioned for her to sit on the chair arranged in front of the desk.

"Good afternoon lord Gallahand."

" I want to see what you've gathered on our latest target."

Producing a suitcase she placed it on her lap and opened it. Sitting on the table was that of a laptop to which she turned on. It wasn't long until it powered on and soon enough she loaded up a program. With that images and videos along with charts and data popped up. "It still boggles my mind that beings like this exist, but I hope you understand why I am skeptical about bringing one of them, let alone any of them into our world."
"These legends, these heroes are an interesting and varied bunch miss Anastine. Well, when you've been around as long as I have and seen the workings of many worlds you come to see and understand many things.

For they come in many forms. Simple minded idiots who only care about their dreams and the ones around them. Some simpleminded with terrifying power who fail to use their charisma to accomplish so much more than the basic. And then there are the scar-earned warriors get nipped by a single head of a hydra and die from the poison or torn apart by a wild beast. There are those who use their mind and wisdom to direct and lead their peers and allies to victory and there are those touched by darkness and can only bring simple resolution to the greater evil to their worlds. And there are those held back by their own morals and convictions that stop them from doing what is needed.

When something as simple as circumstance can cause a redirection of a new path and leading a hero to the path of villain you wonder why I have such a fascination with them?
Its because of that potential they separates them from those of us trapped in the roles that fate trapped us in. And among all of them we just need a small hand full. To help save this world damned to destruction and endlessly. His eyes then slowly shifted over to the screen of the latest subject they could hope save them.

Sombra immediately went on his guard erected a barrier that blast two more energy rays just as powerful as the solar one. "That signature I know all too well."

The dark clouds from above parted to reveal the forms of Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all looking quite furious.
"After all these years you haven't changed! A mad pony for a lust of power and conquest. Its time to finish what we began all those years ago!" Celestia's horn began to radiate with solar magic.

"I will not suffer defeat yet again! I have grown from my younger and inexperienced self!"

One minute Cadance was in the fight of her life the next she was being blasted into the ground. It felt as if someone had flipped a switch and her magical power had plummeted. "My magic...why do I feel so weak?"

"Like it!? Its a spell array my lover came up with. Since you alicorns have the pesky power to draw power from outside sources the array drains your power at a rate comparable to how much you draw out." Morpha taunted her. "As we've learned with your aunt, when brute force fail go the route of trickery."

"It matters little! Once the Umbra are free, every single empire ranging from Equestria to the far reaches of the continent will bow before my might."

The two were forced back by a blast of magic by the Royal sisters.
"Cadance retreat for now. While we take care of them, you need to find the Crystal Heart." Celestia ordered.

With a nod Cadance retreated from the battle to retrieve the sacred item to her city.

"Get them out of here and stay safe." Twilight ordered as she reluctantly released Nyx from her arms, an action mirrored by Rarity and Rainbow as the Crusaders made way to climb onto Spike's tail. So far the danger was spreading throughout the city. During the battle Sombra and Morpha had slipped away under the cover of Morpha's subjects ravaging the town.

Luna was leading a the royal guard mounting a counter attack while Celestia was maintaining cover while making sure civilians got to safety.

"Just becareful and you guys better be alive when I come back." As much as he wanted to stay and fight he knew of Twilight's argument that his presence would calm the fleeing citizens.

With a nod of understanding exchanged the two groups both went forward, everyone determined to finish their meeting.

Retreating to her castle Cadance tried to scrounge for the location of the Crystal Heart but so far she was unsuccessful. Then that was when she took notice of a lone unicorn mare walking through one of the walkways. Without giving her a chance to respond she blasting the mare with a low powered spell dropping her to the ground. Standing over her she raised her glowing hand to the unicorn. "You...you're Radiant Hope. I read about you in my aunt's journal? Why did you turn on us? Why are you helping Sombra do this?"

"It wasn't suppose to turn out this way. I just wanted to save Sombra and the Umbra."
"The Umbra? Those monsters?"

"They're not monsters. The crystal ponies are the real villains."

"You've never met them, you can't possibly know what they're capable of."

"But I have! That's where I was all of these years. Living with them." She urged.

In disbelief Cadance let the hostility drop as she slackened her grip. "How did you get away?" She questioned.

"They let me go. They wanted me to know that they were good. That Sombra could be good. They wanted me to help Sombra complete his mission."

"But if they're locked away, how did you find them?"

"There's a red crystal in the arctic wastes. Its like a door. We can do in, but they can't get out."

"And you were able to go into their prison and speak with them?"

"For centuries. Something about that place kept me from aging."

"Can you take me there? Can I meet them?"

"I thought you'd never ask." It didn't take them long t arrive. "I can't wait for you to meet them! You'll see they're not at all what you think."

"Hope, I want to make sure we understand eachother."

"Just give them a chance! You'll see that they're not evil."

"If you're right, I'll help you set them free. Bu t if you're wrong, you have to be willing to help me stop Sombra."

"Of course! But you'll see, I'm not wrong."

"What is it with these things and stairs?"

"Watch your steps, its very dark."

"Wait, I have something for that."

Upon seeing the area it was nothing but dark and twisted wasteland with brownish-yellow sand and wilted trees. The background was nearly nothing but void and stark shadows.

"Well, I wish I hadn't seen any of this."

"You can't judge everything by its appearance, princess."

Upon reaching the bottom Radiant began calling out. "Rabia! Rabia, it's me, hope!"

"I don't see a door." Cadance remarked as she looked along the void. "Where do we go from here?"

"I brought a guest, Rabia. She wants to meet the Umbrum and help me to free you."

Cadance felt un atease from the atmosphere, "Hope, maybe we should..."

"Here she comes!" The unicorn interrupted.

Out of nowhere appeared a turquoise pony shaped figure made of smoky wisps. "Friend Hope! You have returned! Is it time? Are we free?"

"Almost, Rabia, I brought an ally. This is Princess Mi Amore Candeza. She wanted to meet you."

"Oh! A princess? Here?"

Clearing her throat Cadance put on her best diplomatic airs. "Greetings, Rabia. Radiant Hope has told me much about you and how you were unjustly imprisoned."

"Yes, it is a painful memory for us." The umbrum remarked as she sized up the princess.

"I hoped I might be able to meet and converse with your people. As the crowned ruler it is my duty and responsibility to ensure the safety of my subjects."

"Hhm, a princess in the the prison of Shadows? That's unheard of."

"Please, Rabia..." Radiant urged her but the whisp continued.

"You know it was a princess who locked us in here, right? What if she tries to hurt my ponies? I need you to promise not to use your magic inside."

Cadance hesitated before answering with, "Of course."

"Not for anything. No matter how small."

"I bow on my title I will not use my magic to bring harm."

"Very well," The stony patch moved and parted to reveal prison structures.

As they entered they were greeted by other colorful pony shaped beings.

"Hello Hope!So glad you're back!" Greed a forst green one.

"Oh, hello, princess! You sure are beautiful!" Greeted a dirt brown one.

"This way, please, Princess Cadance I want you to meet my daughter." A sky blue one greeted.

"Hello!"
"Good day!"

"What did I tell you? They're wonderful, right?" Radiant beamed at the princess.

Cadance nontheless remained skeptical, "They certainly do seem nice. But why would anypony lock these adorable creatures away?"

"It must have been a misunderstanding."

"Here we are! It's not much, but it's my home! My daughter, Ira, will be so excited to meet a princess!"

"Thank you, Rabia. I am honored to be your visitor. I'm excited to meet her!"

"Hhmm, Ira must be hiding in he shadows again. She loves to that, come out, Darling.

Radiant then began to explain, "They can hide in the the smallest shadow. It could take hours to find the little one."
"I'm sorry princess. She should have better manners."

"She just wants to play hide and seek. I think is cute! Well, I have a little secret weapon for that." Gathering magic Cadance's horn began radiating light.

"NO!" Rabia cried out but it was too late.

In the receses of the darkness a skeletal horse like creature was revealed.

"Is this..supposed to be her?"

"T-This can't be. Ira is a small version of her mother."

"You'd be surprised." There was now a higher pitch rasp to the voice they were used to. "I can be pretty big when I feel threatened." They both turned to see the now exposed form of the Umbra.
"Rabia...what is going on?"

The Umbra let out a rasp. " You miserable idiotic fleshbag! You had one job! Resurrect Sombra and set us frree! But instead you bring a princess to our doorstep? One with Amore's disgusting love magic to boot! Sparing your life was a mistake!"

Cadance's horn began to radiate even more driving the nearby whips back. "I knew there had to be a reason your kind was locked up. "

"This can't be! Sombra wouldn't have...he couldn't have known."

"Idiot child! Your beloved Sombra is just as much as an umbrum as any of us. Did it never occur to you that the only reason his powers is similar to ours was because his darkness was locked away so he could pass off as one of your kind? But it matters no longer, we'll just wait for Sombra to unleash us! For now, prepare to die!"

"What do we do?" Radiant turned to Cadance, panic spread across her features as they were rushed by the Umbra.
"Just stay close to me!" Cadance ordered as her magic exploded outwards as its properties caused the Umbra to be bnlasted back by its properties.

Finally backtracking through the path they went through to get down there the duo escaped from the crystal once they were teleported out. Right back into the castle were Sombra was waiting.
"What is the meaning of this?"

Radiant was the first to recover, pleading with Sombra to stop what was coming next. "Sombra you can't let them out. The Umbra is not what you think they are."

"Hope!" He simply began, "Long ago I uncovered the door, but I could not bring myself to open it."

Crystal's eyes softened at what she perceived to be the reason. "Oh, Sombra! You couldn't unleash monsters on your own home?"

"And if everything I know is wrong? If I turn out to be the only monster?"

The answer he got was a blast of brilliant raspberry magic that pushed him back but otherwise left him unphased. "You will be, an unforgivable one if you continue this attack."

"I have had enough of you mettlesome interlopers." His eyes blazed with dark magic as he prepared to fight. " I have been far too merciful in sparing your lives so I shall correct this folly."

The equestrian forces brandished their weapons as they readied to fight.

"Everypony! Please stop! We don't have to do this!" Radiant Hope pleaded as she got in between them. "There is good in you! Remember why you wanted to be King in the first place! Please! I'm begging you! Don't do this!"

Radiant's pleading face was causing a war between the head and heart of the evil king.

All the equestrian fighters cautiously watched and realized what was going on. All of them familiar with sight and bond of love. Cadance more than the others could feel the pure heartedness of Radian'ts care and devotion to Sombra. Said mare was also the one bright spot in the evil king's cold heart.

That one hope spot in a single moment would be permanently erased as the next thing anypony a beam of magic had been shot out. To their confusion no one sensed it. No one had even seen the fire. It was as if it appeared out of nowhere.

"RADIANT!" Anguish! Something they never thought they would hear escaped Sombra's lips. The grimsly demise of the only bit of light in his life was buried into his mind. Of a beam piercing through her head as her body dropped forward into his arms.

"Target has been taken down captain!" Bellowed a crystal guard as several more gathered their weapons poised. "Awaiting further orders!" Sinister and sadistic glee flickering in the guard's eyes.

The others were horrified at what they just witnessed. They ran into no guards on the way here with the unfortunate exception of corpses of those who had fallen in battle. Orders? What in Equestria was going.

'I gave no such orders! She was a civilian! I'll have your head for this!' Though he wanted to voice the thoughts Shining Armor was distracted by the sickly rising from Sombra. "WE HAVE TO STOP HIM!"

The words had barely began forming when the bearers rushed to press the attack hoping to stop the dark unicorn before a wave of dark magic erupted and launched them all back. "You thought I was a monster before!? I am going to take great pleasure in becoming this world's greatest monster! This country will become your graves!" And with that he freed the Umbra unleashing the horde of dark creatures into the world once more.