FLASH

"Wanna tell me the plan?!" Shinning yells as he runs after me.

"Easy. Go to Amethyst, get in the Stella Predator, either kill Ruptor or distract him long enough for Alistair to meet us there, and rescue Cadence. Not necessarily in that order, what ever works." I yell back as we run through the market street of Detrot.

"And where is the entrance to Amethyst?"

"On the north front of Detrot." I say as I leap over a vegetable cart.

"THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU HAVE LUNA TELEPORT US THERE!"

"Do you really think I plan this shit out?" I yell back. I slide to a stop and was about to take a corner when some random guard stepped in front of me.

CRASH

"OW! Watch where your going!" The guard yells as we both get back up. I try to run off but the guard grabs onto me and tries to hold me back. "Where do you..."

"FUCK THE POLICE!" I yell before I punch him across the face. Once he lets go I begin to run again, having a very confused Shinning Armor follow behind me.

"Why did you punch that guard?"

"OK, if you're going to question everything I do I'd suggest going back to Canterlot." I yell back as I make we near the egde of the city.

We make it to the out skirts and find the spot with uneven ground. I flare my hands and begin sending us through the earth, digging faster then usual. With the added energy and less people we make it in record time. I show Shinning the hole and have him teleport us inside...

"Greetings Miles Eremita, may I have your auto graph?" Easy asks from the cockpit of the AA-20.

"Easy, is the Stella Predator flight ready?" I ask as I look it over.

"Yes. All repairs have been made. Armament is fully loaded with eight side winders, eight hull breachers, four cluster bombs and four super archaic missiles..."

"FOUR WHAT!" I yell, making Shinning jump a bit.

"Four super archaic missiles, omega class."

"Omega.... well, at least they aren't alpha's...."

"What's a super archaic missile and why are omegas better then alpha's?" Shinning asks as he follows me around the jet. I pause and look back to him before going back to inspecting the wing flaps.

"They are missiles as tall as me and have enough power to destroy entire continents. We've used them twice in history."

"When was that." I stop and take a deep breath before look him square in the eyes.

"The first time was what ended the purgian civil war. The second time was used to destroy the Unfamiliar home world."

"Their... home world? How badly was it damaged?"

"If you went to its coordinates today, you wouldn't be able to find it. It was the greatest 'victory' we made. After that, everything started going down hill. We lost our outer rim colonies, then the armada... once Diamond Halls fell... well, you get the picture."

"Why would your people destroy their home world?"

"The war had raged for nearly a hundred years by that point. The thought was, if we could do something so dramatic to their home, maybe we could beat them into submission. Clearly that didn't work.... Easy. Is the tunnel ready for use?"

"Yes. All that is left is the powering of the Stella Predator and flight will be achievable. May I have your auto..."

"Last order of business before we leave. Has the city been completely scavenged?"

"Yes. All equipment has been stored and set aside for transport..."

"Good. Give me one second then." I say as I walk over to the port as I begin to flare my arms. I pull the release lever, opening all of the gates, and lay my palms on the ground. I begin to pump my energy into the port, making it taller and wider. Once I get the entrance to the size I want, I start sending the energy down the tunnel. "This may take a while. Easy, gather all bots and gear up to move out. We're evacuating Amethyst."

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

I feel a coldness stiffening my left wing, so I roll onto my back and begin to open my eyes. Where ever I am, it's completely made of ice and snow. I tuck my legs in and try to keep my belly as warm as possible as I take in my surroundings some more. It looks like I've been locked away in some kind of ice tomb. Outside the ice I can see a powerful blizzard blowing away, snow falling heavily around me.

"Hello?" I call out, only to hear my own voice echo. "HELLO!" I call out, raising my voice.

"Greetings." I jump to my hooves as the ice around me turn to dark crystals, a dark billowing smoke screen forming around them.

"Sombra." I hiss as his face appears through the haze. "How is this possible? I thought the crystal heart defeated you."

"Defeated.... not destroyed..." He echos back.

"What do you want from me?" I demand as I begin to charge my horn.

"Protection."

"I'm sorry... did you say protection?" I ask as I drop my magic. He doesn't say anything. Instead he retreats from the haze and reveals a part of the crystal. An image of a large black dragon flying through a country side appears. From the scale of all the buildings and plants around it, I can tell it's a massive dragon. What's odd though is that it does't seem to have scales, rather its made of... gems? Maybe crystals. "I don't get it. Why would you need protection from this dragon? You're a shadow, what could he do to you?" I ask, making his face re-appear.

"Consumes all evil.... grows in power.... I must remain separate.... or all life will fall to darkness..."

"I'll help you, but I need somethings in return first. I'm with foal, I need to get back to the palace..."

"Done."

"And I also need your word that you will remain as far from the Crystal Empire while this dragon hunts you. I do not want a single ponies life put at risk because of your selfish desires. Do we understand each other?"

"... deal.... if you cross me... crystals shatter.... bones wither..... blood dries...."

"And if you cross me." I say as I step towards him. "Lets just say a soul isn't as safe as we thought. Now send me home and I will call for aid..."

"Swords.... spears.... all break....

"Yes. But there is one pony I know who can stand against an evil like this. Now send me home."

"We shall see..." The smoke from the crystals suddenly begin to envelope me, practically suffocating me as I feel the energy wrap around. I blink a few times before I look around, finding myself in the court room of the crystal palace.

"Queen Cadence! We feared the worst when your train disappeared!" Yells one of the servants as they all rush to my side. Somepony get her a blanket! Your highness, where were you? Why are you so cold?"

"Bring me a quill and parchment." I say as I huddle up for warm. In a few moments I get a blanket draped over me as a quill and scroll are set in front of me.

"What's going on? Is... has the king returned?" The maid asks as I start to write my message. "Oh my.... somepony get a doctor here!" I reach up and feel my forehead, finding my hoof covered in blood. I ignore it for now as I grab the scroll, roll it up and send it to Shinning. He'll go to Luna.... I know he will...

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

With a grunt I fall back and pant as I release my magic. It took almost two hours, but now we can move out at least. I look back to see a Shinning pacing back and forth, worry filling his eyes.

"Easy... are the rest of the bots ready to move out?" I ask as I continue to lay on the ground.

"Affirmative."

"Good.... good.... have four Aquilas follow after me... the rest of our forces are to move on to.... my work shop... do not fight anyone unless under extreme attack. Try to avoid damaging any... property..."

"Can we go yet? We can't afford to waste anymore time here." Shinning says as he continues to pace around.

"Yeah... just about. Go ahead and climb in the back.... I'll be right there." I say as I push myself up and wipe the sweat from my brow. Shinning climbs up and looks around the cockpit, eyeing the rear seat with concern.

"What exactly does the backseat pony do?" He asks.

"Well, three things. Navigation, assisting power supply, and missile guidance from time to time. Lucky for you I have enough power to fuel it, and as for missile guidance.... I don't plan on using a super archaic missile, so you're good." I say as I climb up after him.

"OK. If you say so.... have you ever flown one of these before?" He asks as he positions himself into the rear bench seat.

"I've done the simulator a thousand times." I reply as I take the pilots seat and start to strap myself in.

"Is that a yes or a no?"

"Its a, I've practiced it a lot. So... kind of."

".... I don't want..."

CLICK

"Sit down and strap yourself in." I say as I lock the cockpit shut. I hear him mutter something, but ignore it as I grab the flight stick and throttle, feeding my energy into it. I watch the lights slowly make their way up, becoming green in a few minutes. "OK, now this may sting."

"What? OW!" He yells as the black pressure straps wrap around us. One goes around each arm and leg as a thick one goes around my chest. From these straps I feel slight pricks of needles piercing me all over as energy is fed into me. I charge up the engines and begin to to a physical check on the wings.

"Now there's one last thing Shinning, don't puke in my baby. There is an ejection button."

"Uh..."

"This is Captain Miles Eremita, do you read me Aquila?" I call out.

"Aquila one sounding off." Says as a robotic feminine voice.

"Aquila two sounding off..."

"Aquila three..." They all call before finally reaching the last one.

"Aquilas one through four are to tail after me, prepare for super sonic flight. The others are to assist with the mobilization of the ground forces. Be weary of flying persons. Keep sensors on high and avoid hitting anything at all cost. This is Spartan one, preparing for green light."

I tighten my grip on the stick and throttle as I look to the lights on the right of the tunnel.

RED

"Shinning, take off is going to be... well... you ever been kicked in the balls before?"

YELLOW

"Uh...no...."

GREEN

"HERE WE GO!" I yell before pushing the throttle up. With a loud bang I sink back into my seat as we launch through the tunnel at amazing speed. As we go I continue to push the throttle up, gaining more and more speed as we begin to climb up.

"GAAH! WHY DIDN'T YOU..."

"Blast through coming in ten!" I yell as I prepare to break through the surface.

"Wait.... WHAT!?"

"FIVE!"

"Five what? That wasn't..."

"Blast through!" I yell as we reach the end of the tunnel. The end of the tunnel erupts in a bright blue light that we flight right through. After a few seconds of blinding light we find ourselves flying up into the air. I glance back to see the massive whole we just left through, debris falling all around it. "Shinning.... you OK?" I ask as I level out, waiting for the Aquilas to follow me out.

"That... sucked." He mumbles back. I bank to the left and watch as Aquilas pour out from the opening, circling around it as more and more follow after.

"OK, where are we going?"

"Uh... north east. Just go toward the shore line and head north until you find the peninsula with the crystal castle. You can't really miss it."

"Aquila escort in place, waiting for next directive." I look back to see the four Aquilas forming up behind me, so I turn northeast and push the throttle up. Once it hits the top I press the red button on the side and pull it back, all before pushing it up again, breaking the sound barrier. I push the throttle again and continue on, watching the world blur by.

"How fast are we going and why don't I feel anything?" Shinning asks as I bring up the next level of speed.

"Well... mach three point five at the moment, but we're about to slow down. We don't feel anything because of the bandages wrapped around you. They're enchanted to stabilize our bodies while under great amounts of pressure. There's more to it then that... but I kind of skipped the tutorial..."

"Mach what?"

"Look, don't worry about it. Is that the place we're looking for?" I ask as I slow down and begin to descend. Ahead of us is a large white structure that stands in the middle of a city. The area outside of the city looks to be covered in some kind of white substance....

"There it is! Land... somewhere. We need to get down there and..."

"OK, OK! We'll land. Aquilas, this is Spartan one going in for a landing. Drop all legion bots along with me for support then circle above until further demand."

"Copy that." I look over the landscape before deciding on an even plane on the north side. I throttle down and begin to descend, heading for.....

BRUUBRUUBRUUBRUU

On the hud of the cockpits some emerges dozens of red dots. I duck below them and try to level out only to get a few more to show up.

"Why is the glass covered in red dots! What's going on!?" Shinning yells from behind as I try to maneuver through the red lights.

"Its the sensor readout telling me that there's something solid in front of us. Now shut up while I...."

"WATCH OUT!" He yells as a group of pegasi try to block our way. I roll to the right and drop a bit, losing momentum as I continue to try to land.

"HOLD ON!" I yell as I extend the landing gear and push it down. We hit the ground hard, lurching forward as dust and debris flair all around us. I extend all flaps and slam the emergency breaks as warning signs fill the cockpit. Shit... were going too fast.... I flip the switch on the trigger and fire. Through the warning lights a bright blue light emerges as we suddenly jolt forward. I hold it for a few seconds longer until I feel us begin to move backwards.

I pant a bit before looking back to Shinning, "I'm never riding with you again." He says as he relaxes a bit, sinking into his seat.

"What? It was just like in the simulator." I say as I hit the release button, getting the straps to unattached themselves. I feel a small wave of healing magic wash over me before they completely pull back, allowing me to open the cockpit...

"FREEZE ASSHOLE!" Yells some guy as he points his spear at me. I ignore it and begin unbuckling myself as Shinning does the same.

"I am King Shinning Armor. Where is my wife." He says as he pulls himself out of the back.

"*gasp* SIR!" He yells before bowing.

"King?" I question while looking back to him. "I thought you were..."

"Nevermind Miles." He says as he climbs out of the jet. I jump out and look up to see the Aquilas hovering above. A few seconds later the bottoms drop and sixteen legion bots drop all around us, scaring the crap out of the guards. "Don't worry about them," Shinning assures them, "They're... on our side. Where is my wife?"

"She in the palace court room, waiting for you." One guard answers, getting Shinning to flash away.

"Thanks for waiting, ass." I mutter, getting a spear in my face.

"Watch your..."

"Yeah yeah yeah, I'll be going to talk to Cadence now..."

"THAT'S QUEEN CADENCE TO YOU WHELP!" He yells.

"Whatever. Bots, on me!" I yell, getting them to form around me. As I march towards the castle I glance back to the white area.... something is out there... and its watching me.

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

"PRINCESS!" Yells a guard as he runs straight into the court hall, interrupting my meeting with some ponies from Trottingham. He stops and removes his helmet, revealing his blue mane before stepping before the other ponies. "There is a problem in Detrot that needs your attention... now."

"Very well. If you'll excuse me." I tell the other ponies before teleporting to Detrot. I appear in the middle of main street, finding a group of bowing guards all around me. "What has happened?"

"Its... well... I think you should see for yourself." One guard says. I nod to him and follow them through the street, heading towards the northern part of the city. "We have no clue what they are, but from what we can tell, they are made of metal. That's about all we can tell you."

"Made... of metal. Isn't there anything else you could tell me about them?" I ask as I look around the buildings, noting how empty they appear to be. "Where is everypony?"

"We ordered them to stay indoors until this matter is resolved." Answers another guard. "And... they run on two legs, have arms... well most of them do at least. Yellow eyes one featureless faces and... well..."

"They have metal plating covering what looks like metal coils of muscle. We tried to stop one of them, but it just arrested the guard and restrained her. Any attempts to free her have been met with similar results."

"Metal... yellow eyes... oh my." I pause for a second before galloping ahead of the others, having them chase after me. Miles, I swear...

I slide to a halt when I leave the city limits. Emerging from a massive hole in the ground are thousands upon thousands of bots. High grade, utility, even the flying ones all bursting through the hole and running in perfect rank towards the north east. I look over and find four guards being held prisoner by a six bots, each one pointing their weapons at the them. Further down I can see several civilians in similar situations. I run over to them until four bots jump out of rank and circle around me, pointing weapons and shouting orders.

"Back away! This is Terradisian business. All trespassers will be detained until further notice. You have thirty seconds to comply!"

"I am here to retrieve the guards you hold prisoner. Release them at once." I order.

"Negative. Twenty seconds."

"Whose orders are you under?"

"Grand Captain Miles Eremita. Ten seconds."

"Miles... very well." I say before backing away from them.

"Princess? What are you doing?" One of the guards asks as I watch the army of bots march out.

"There is nothing I ca do here. These things are not a part of Equestria, they will not listen."

"But... what about our..."

"As long as they don't try anything, they should be safe. Send notices to all surrounding cities not to go near them until. I have to go to Ponyville to speak with their leader. Please make haste and I'll send word to you later on what's going on." I say before teleporting to Miles's home. "Miles!" I yell before slamming the door open.

"AH!" A little filly yells before diving under the couch. I look over to see Butterscotch and E'Claire sitting there, faces covered in paint, looking just as scared as the filly.

"Princess Celestia! What are..."

"Where is Miles?" I demand, getting them to gulp.

"He went to Canterlot to talk with Luna. Apparently something..."

"Luna?" I ask in bewilderment. Of course she has something to do with this. She always finds a way when it comes to Miles. Without saying another word I teleport back to Canterlot, appearing beside Luna as she sleeps. "Little sister.... sister..... LUNA!"

"HUH!" She yells before falling out of bed. "Sleeeeeeeeeep." She wines as she lays face down on the ground.

"Sorry about that sister, but did you authorize for Miles to transport an army of bots through Equestria?" I ask as she starts getting up.

"Of course not...." She mumbles as she climbs back in bed.

"Why did you summon him here then?"

"I... called him cause of...Shinning... Ruptor...."

"Luna? LUNA!" I yell, waking her back up.

"Huh? Cadence went missing... an... a bad dragon... Sombra....*snore*" I roll my eyes and turn to leave as she falls back to sleep. I swear, hit two o' clock and she practically becomes a zompony. I go down to the hall where I begin to walk around, aimlessly going anywhere just to think.

What am I going to do about this? What can I do about this? We've already acknowledged Terradisia as its own political state, does this mean we have to create new treaties with them? Pfft, treaties with a government with only a hoof full of ponies in it, I'm sure Huaila Zhao would just love to hear that...

"Your highness, does something trouble you?" Diamond Heart asks as he walks up beside me. I sigh and continue on my way, getting him to follow closely. "That bad huh?"

"Its the Terradisians. They've mobilized their forces and now are marching through Equestria. I can't tell them to stop, they only listen to Miles and Miles.... Miles..."

"The human you blame for the death of your parents?" He asks.

"...yes. That one." I say, getting low hum from him.

"So, he's moving an army. Where to?" He asks as we step out to the gardens.

"I don't know. They look like they're heading towards Ponyville. Probably going to Topaz Falls...."

"Are you certain of this."

"When it comes to Miles, I'm never certain. I tell him one thing and he goes and does the other."

"Hmm... have you tried speaking with him?"

"I just told you I do..."

"Hehe, no. Don't tell him things, talk to him." He says as he comes to a stop.

"I don't follow..."

"Don't talk to him as a Princess. Speak with him as if you were speaking to your sister, then he'll open up to ya. I've met a few stallions like him in my time. They jump first and think later. When you tell them to sit, they run. So, just run."

"... and to think I'm the ancient leader." I say with a chuckle.

"My apologies, but life is the greatest teacher." I nod a bit as we continue to walk in silence. Diamond has always been one of my greatest advisers. He always seems to know just what to say to put me in a better mood. If only his grandson was a wise as he was... "Forgive me princess, but these tired bones need a rest."

"Of course." I say as he takes a seat on the ground. I look over and realize that we've ended up besides Discords statue.

"Odd, isn't it?"

"Excuse me?" I ask as I look back to him.

"Three little fillies fight over a statues meaning and unleash him, a human comes, fights wars, digs up armies, turns hydras to ash and he stays dormant. Its almost like he's waiting for something specific this time." He says with a slight chuckle.

"I fear that Miles will eventually unleash him, but at the same time I don't. Miles fights for what he views to be the right cause. Do you think chivalry is a good enough trade for chaos?" I ask as I look back up to the statue.

"I can't answer that." He says, getting me to look back down to him. "Chivalry, chaos, right, wrong, all are just words we use to make sense of the world. What do you feel in your heart?"

"My heart." I mutter as I look back up. "My heart wants me to trust Miles, but I know that he doesn't look to the future. He acts in the now..."

"Well then, maybe if somepony were to speak to him about the future, he could bring them back to the now." I look back down to Diamond and watch him as he gets back to his hooves. "I must be off now, it's past my bed time..."

"May I ask you one last question?" I ask, getting him to pause. "Remember the story you once told me about when you were in the Ape kingdoms? Why did you do what you did?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"I would as long as you're willing to share."

"With you princess, always." He says as he turns back to me. He takes a deep breath before looking up to Discord. "I did what I did because I felt that my heart was taking me that way. What I really learned though was that your heart leads you to your destiny, but your destiny isn't what you always want. Take care, Princess Celestia. I must be off to bed now. I will see you again, later."

"Sleep well." I say as I lay down and think about what he said. Destiny....

Next Chapter: Chapter 145 Consuming Kings Estimated time remaining: 51 Hours, 44 Minutes