Equestria Divided: The Legend of House Brightflame: Alliances

by Grimdark Enigma

Chapters

• Stormwing's Advance
• How Far the Mighty Fall
• A Diplomatic Approach
• Dark Days Ahead
• A Fool's Answer and A Warrior's Honor
• Kindness Repaid
• Of Tomes and Gowns
• Las Pegasus
• Broken
• Reflections
• A Hope For Peace
• Battle for Apploosa Pt 1
• Battle for Apploosa Pt 2
• Hidden Intentions
• Eye to Eye

Stormwing's Advance

                                                                                                                   Unknown

Flash Sentry angled his body to the right just as a hoplite tried to skewer him with her spear. Slashing out with his short sword the orange pegasus severed her wing at the joint. She spiraled down to her death, a scream ripping from her throat.  A battalion of Stormwing hoplites had began attacking New Ponyville just as Flash and his army arrived at the city. The fight had been just begun and the General could tell. Flash nodded to the Shades that flanked him and they broke formation, rushing forward they met a pair of hoplites with a clash of steel. Down bellow the city was alive with citizens being herded into safe zones, large bunkers made of hardened iron and steel, one such bunker was under attack. Flying down like an arrow Flash collided with one of the hoplites sliding his blade into his neck. The stallion stiffened and fell to the ground as Flash puled his blade out. The other hoplites turned on him with spears ready. One of the unicorns that had been protecting the bunker saw his opportunity and launched a series of magic blasts grounding three of the assailants. The remaining hoplite growled as his comrades went down and rushed Flash but was stopped by a passing wyvern. The leathery beast had grabbed the unlucky Pegasus around the barrel. He lucked up in shock ad screamed in terror as the beasts maw filled his line of sight. His scream was cut short by the sound of bones cracking and flesh tearing. The wyvern landed with his prize on top of the bunker with a roar of triumph at his kill. Flash grimaced at that,' Hell of a way to go.'

"Go ahead sir," the unicorn below called," I think we're good."

The orange stallion nodded and took off. Suddenly a screech ripped through the air. From the clouds a Roc descended upon the city. The massive bird's presence had alerted the wyvern pack and the winged reptiles took to the sky to protect their territory from the massive predator. The Roc grabbed one of the by its massive talons the razor sharp talons easily cutting through the leathery skin.

Flash grunted a curse and with a pump of his wings shot off toward the bird. Pulling his crossbow from his back he quickly aimed and fried. The arrow buried itself in the Roc's eye. The massive bird let out a shriek of pain and rage to the air above. The wyverns took the opportunity offered them and two of the leathered beasts sought the Roc's neck their claws and teeth rending flesh and bone. The Roc fell out of the sky with a strangled screech. Griffins began descending down upon the city but upon seeing a Roc defeated had shaken the feathered warriors. One the commander more than likely let a screech of rage.

"Avenge our fallen God," She roared," We will taste pony flesh this day."

Flash put his crossbow back in its holster on his back with a smirk and readied his blade,' Some God.' Suddenly his comcrystal sparked to life," General Sentry we need some assistance near the main counsel building. The barrier generators are under attack and we need time to get them online."

"I thought they weren't ready yet," Flash said into his comcrystal as he dodged a griffon's spear. He recognized that voice Bronze Cog one of Whooves' best mechanics and a Brood to boot. With a flip his armored back hoof crack the griffon across the beak, breaking it. As the griffin reared back in pain, the orange Pegasus buried his blade hilt deep into the griffon's throat.

"They haven't been field tested yet but I think now's a good a time as any."

"Agreed," Flash grunted as he ripped his blade out form the dead griffon's body," I'll be there in two clicks."

"Yes sir."

With a flap of his wings Flash took off toward the generators. Upon coming to the generators, he saw they were under attack by a large group of griffins. Pulling his crossbow off his back he readied another arrow this one with runes etched into it. With a quick aim he fired the shaft. It buried itself into an unsuspecting griffon's back. The shaft didn't go far as it met resistance in the armor the griffon wore and the thickness of his flesh. He turned spotting Flash with his crossbow still out. The griffon smirked," Dumb po..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence as the arrow erupted into a ball of white flame engulfing three of his comrades in the blast. Three roasted bodies fell to the ground while the griffon that had been in the blast's epicenter had been incinerated. The smell of burnt feathers and flesh filled the air. Flash quickly holstered his crossbow as the five remaining griffons rushed after him with spears raised. As Flash engaged the griffon's Bronze Cog began issuing orders.

"Lets get this thing going start pumping it with mana," the grizzled amber stallion pointed to a pair of Shades," You two help me with the rune matrix."

With that the unicorns got to work. Above them Flash was holding his own. He had used his flight aura to thicken the air so the griffon's would be slower with their strikes. A spear grazed the stallion's cheek, causing him to hiss in pain. The spear's wielder was dispatched with a blade slicing his throat open.

'Four more come on Flash give them some time,' the orange pegasus thought to himself as he glanced at the generator. One of the griffon's rushed forward and Flash quickly raised his sword up locking the griffon's spear with it.

"You are a formidable warrior pony," the griffon rumbled," it is a shame you fight for the wrong side."

"Oh believe me I'm on the right side," Flash grunted as he pushed the griffon back and rushed forward under the feathered warriors guard and slashed his neck wide open. The griffon's claws flew up to the wound as it spewed blood. With a gurgle he fell to the ground. Flash's chest was heaving but he still felt strong as adrenaline pumped through his veins. Suddenly a pair of Shades came up from under the griffon's eviscerating two of them with ease with red hot daggers. The did a loop and rushed the final griffon, who now wore a surprised expression, and sliced his head off as they met. The headless corpse fell to the ground in a heap of feather and flesh.

Flash gave them a nod," Thanks is the generator ready."

"Yes sir awaiting the order now," one said with a salute.

Looking down below Flash yelled," Turn it on."

"here goes nothin'" Bronze yelled as he activated the rune matrix. The generator hummed to life as a rune circle appeared above it. Several other rune circles identical to this one appeared around the city, then a massive green barrier appeared around the city borders. Several griffins and hoplites collided with the barrier as it was raised the impact crushing them. Flash whistled at the sight.

"Yep she's a beaut," Bronze sniffed with a hint of pride in his voice," Whooves really outdid himself when he designed it."

"I'll say," Flash said in admiration. Activating his comcrystal," Attention this is General Sentry find and dispatch any enemy soldiers left in the city if they surrender good if they don't you know what to do. Lets clean house ponies."

How Far the Mighty Fall

                "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

                                                                                               Sombra Redspire the Third

Blurgh

Applejack's nostrils and mouth were filled with water before she was brought back up again. Two massive Brood unicorns slammed her back into her chair. Moondancer was seated across from her inspecting her hoof looking quite bored. They had been at this for a while now, Applejack had lost track of time in this room. They had asked for the location of all the military bases that occupied Earthborn territory. Of course the orange mare knew where they were she had picked each and every location but they would have to break her first and Applejack Apple wouldn't break easy.

"So feel like talking yet," Moondancer said with a yawn.

Applejack glared at the unicorn and spat a glob of water at her catching the unicorn right on the muzzle. One of the guards proceeded  to slam the earth pony's head into the table.

Wiping the water from her muzzle Moondancer smirked," Now boys we can't go damaging her skull, bad form that as a good friend of mine would say."

They raised Applejack back up who continued to glare at the fuchsia mare, hate alight in her eyes. Moondancer couldn't help but enjoy this. At first she was shocked Lord Pyrequill had given her the go ahead to torture this mare for information. The fuchsia mare despised this earth pony for her crusade against unicorns. What had truly set her off was seeing colts and fillies that had been dehorned when they arrived in Fillydelphia. Foals going through the most traumatizing act that can be done to any unicorn sickened Moondancer to her core.

"Talk you inbred hick," Moondancer said as she frowned, slowly losing her patience.

Applejack spat on the floor," Alrigh' ah will. After ya bring the one holdin' yer leash so ah cin tell him exactly what ah think of him. That he's a yellow bellied coward for not tryin ta get the information he wants himself!"

The orange mare's voice a had rose to yell  by the time she was done but then added," That's if ya cin manage it princess"  

Moondancer was silent and still, her expression unreadable until suddenly she lunged forward with a snarl, her silver eyes reverting to that of a dragon's and glowing with power as well as rage. She slammed a hoof into Applejack's muzzle and used her magic to keep the mare upright as she pummeled her. When she was done she was breathing heavily, Appljack had several bruises begin to form and was bleeding from her muzzle. Spitting out a tooth and some blood the orange earth pony smirked," Ah see ah struck a nerve."

Delivering another blow to Applejacks muzzle, Moondancer then smoothed out her mane," Guards get this trash back to her cell."

The Brood unicorns saluted and picked the earth pony off the ground. reshackling her they escorted her back to her cell. They had mover her cell above ground  in a secured bunker. Moondancer followed the guards when they exited the building the sun caused Applejack to wince. Then there was a flash of metal as a dagger buried itself hilt deep  into a the guard's skull to her left. A lasso secured itself around the second guard's neck and he was pulled to the ground. Three Apploosan Rangers jumped from the buildings roof, one quickly making her way to the other guard.

"Whoa there tiger not sa fast," she said as she stopped him from getting up. The mare nodded to the others and one bellowed," All clear sir we got the target."

Moondancer had hung back and waited for the opportunity to strike  when three more earth ponies jumped down from the roof. One a yellow  stallion with an orange mane trotted over to Applejack.

"Braeburn whoo-wee boy am ah glad ta see ya," the mare exclaimed, relief thick in her voice.

"Howdy cuz," Braeburn said with a tip of his Stetson," thought you could use some help."

"That's all well and good but who's going to help you," a voice rumbled from above. All the rangers looked up as well as Applejack but the sun's glare stopped them from seeing the figures features. With a roar the figure jumped off the roof and landed atop one of the rangers, a mare, in a burst of green flame. Applejack had to raise her hoof and close her eyes at the sudden, intense heat. Two other rangers met their end to the flames. Braeburn and his remaining rangers rushed the figure who was still obscured by the heat and flames. Applejack heard screams of pain and the sound of metal breaking. Opening her eyes all she saw was a wall of green flame.

'Green flames,' Applejack thought as she tried to see through the flames,' Ah know Ah've seen em before but where.'

Then the flames parted revealing a large purple scaled dragon walking toward her. He wore a black armor and wicked serrated gauntlets cover his claws. Upon his back were a pair of powerful scaled wings with green scales lining the underside. Down his back were razor sharp toxic green spines. What caught Applejacks attention was his piecing green eyes that glowed with power. The dragon's powerful tale was coiled around Braeburn's neck, dragging the struggling stallion with him.

"It can't be," Applejack breathed.

Suddenly the earth mare found her muzzle slammed into the dirt, from her vantage point she could see Moondancer trot up to the dragon and bow," Lord Pyrequill forgive my negligence. I had no idea these ponies were in the city."

Spike nodded to the unicorn," That is quite alright Moondancer. I had been flying by to see your progress when I saw them on the rooftop. They had skill that is for sure."

'HIs voice is older but that's Spike alrigh.'  

The dragon looked at Applejack his expression growing grim," But I see you were unsuccessful  in retreaving the information."

"Spike," Applejack said as she struggled to her hooves," is that really you?"

Moondancer made a move to slam the earth pony back into the dirt but Spike lifted up a claw to stop her then turned to Applejack," Yes it's been a long time AJ."

"How in th' hay is this possible," Applejack growled," Yer workin fer twiloight ain't ya even after she betrayed ya yer still ridin her caot tails huh."

Spike rushed forward, earning a strangled grunt from Braeburn and lifted Applejack by her neck with a set of claws. A reptilian hiss escaped his maw as his green eyes bored into his with an angry leer.

"I have cut myself off from that whorse Applejack," Spike said, his voice cold like steel.

"Then why ya attackin Earthborn lands?" Applejack gasped out as she felt the claws dig into her flesh.

Spike dropped her in the dirt, a sneer creasing his face," Because your no better than Twilight."

Applejack stared up at the dragon with a furious glare as she caught her breath. She rose to her hooves and spat at Spike," Ah'm no better than Twilight?! She betrayed us, betrayed you. She killed Pinkie and she's been enslavin earth ponies."

"And you've been dehorning unicorns, innocent unicorns," Spike spat back," You've been punishing an entire race for the crimes of a single mare."

"Unicorns are a menace and ah don't jes mean Twilight," Applejack yelled," Sombra, Flim, Flam. And that jes off th' top of mah head."

"Holding true to that mantra, 'One bad apple spoils the bunch,' hmm" Spike snarled," Foals Applejack. You've dehorned foals! When I heard about that I didn't want to believe it. How could Applejack the most dependable of ponies fall that far?" The dragons expression softened, almost becoming mournful," When I saw it for myself I was still unable to believe it."

Spike's expression turned to that of stone as a dark thought crossed his mind,' Time to see how far she has truly fallen."

Spike pulled Braeburn up and set the earth stallion beside him. Until now the earth stallion had remained silent. The razor sharp spade at the end of the dragon's tail pressed up against Braeburn's neck. Spike stared into her eyes with a neutral expression," Moondancer you were trying to get the location of the Earthborn military bases correct?"

"Yes my lord," the fuschia mare said with bow.

"Well then Applejack I want the locations now or I slice open Braeburn's throat. You have five minutes."

Applejack knew he wasn't lying. 'What he said was the honest truth, he would kill Braeburn.' The orange mare remained silent as she and Spike Stared each other down. Braeburn gulped and gave a pained smile," Cuz its al-"

"Kill him."

Braeburn's face fell," Ah won't talk so kill him an' stop wastin mah yime."

Braeburn couldn't believe what he had just heard. She didn't even seem bothered by what she had just said.

"C-cuz Ple-please y-ya can't mean ," Braeburn stammered out as his eyes began to glisten not from the idea of death but from Applejacks complete disregard for his life. Spike remained silent then his expression became one of sorrow," So you truly have fallen."

With that Spike sliced the stallion's neck open and threw him on the ground at Applejack's hooves. She looked down at him, not a hint of sorrow or remorse in her green eyes. A single tear fell down Breaburn's cheek as his lifeblood drained from his throat onto the dirt. Finally he fell still, dead. Applejack looked up at Spike with a stone cold glare. Spike stared back pity in his toxic green eyes and sighed," Moondancer secure the prisoner. As well send a messenger to Dodge City. Tell them their surrender for Applejack Apple." Spike turned to Applejack," You have forgotten yourself AJ and for that I am sorry."

A squad of pegasi arrived then and secured the glaring earth mare at Moondancers order. They then dragged her off to her cell.

A Diplomatic Approach

                           "The day diplomacy fails we will all drown in a sea of our own blood."

                                                                                                                       Unknown

Spike slowly walked through the military base under Fillydelphia, the dragon had been shaken by the way Applejack had acted. She had once valued her family more than her own life and to allow her cousin to die like that and not even bat an eyelash had showed him she was beyond saving and possibly beyond redemption. The dragon sighed morosely before entering his office, the guards saluted but Spike didn't bother acknowledging it. Another matter that bothered him was the tome that lay on his desk. He picked it up and growled vehemently, his anger reached a boiling point as he stared at the Ursa leather bound book as if the tome mocked him in some way. Instead of letting his temper boil over he simply sighed in defeat and slumber in the chair behind his desk.

'My only clue is the Dragon Graveyard,' Spike thought to himself as he picked up the navy feather and began twirling it around in his claws,' But I can't just leave I have a war to fight here.'

His office door opened revealing Moondancer, the fuchsia unicorn mare seemed in high spirits as she trotted into the room.

"My lord the message has been sent."

"Good. What of Applejack?"

"No change."

Spike nodded,' I figured as much.'

"Moondancer I believe it is time for you to make your way to Manehatten." Spike got up from his chair, pulled a set of leather bound documents from off his desk, and handed them to Moondanncer." These will get you into the city upon your arrival contact Octavia Melody."

"Ah yes she's one of our 'anonymous' benefactors isn't she."

"Yes once there I will need you to try to set up a meeting with the Whitegold Inner Counsel. Octavia, I believe has some standing with a few members she will help you. Take with you three Shades you would trust with your life."

"Planned on it my lord," She chuckled," That city is full of backstabbers but my question is my lord why Whitegold? After-all they are called the house of liars for a reason and lets not forget that Lady Rarity is the best of the bunch."

Spike's expression changed for the briefest of moments to that of regret. The second it had showed itself it vanished but did not go unnoticed by Moondancer.

"I know that mare could sell sand to a camel but House Whitegold has what we need. As well they will back us I'm sure of it. Lady Rarity wants the other Houses brought low as much as we do."

Moondancer bowed," Yes my lord forgive my inquiry."

"That is quite alright," the unicorn turned to leave at that but Spike called to her as she opened the door," and Moondancer thank you."

The mare turned to look behind her a smile gracing her lips," Your welcome."

Moondancer left the room to begin preparations for her trip.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                      ~A few days later~

"Why should we give into their demands," a cobalt blue earth stallion shouted as he slammed the letter he had just read onto the table. House Brightflame's letter asking for Earthborn's surrender had arrived a few hours by pegasi in Apploosa. The Earth counsel had rushed to convene under Granny Smith's order. With Applejack absente the light green mare was the ranking member at the table. She had remained silent upon reading the letter and appeared calm. On the inside she was equal parts furious and sorrowful. The thought of losing one of her grandfoals scared Granny Smith to death.

"Ah say we march on Fillydelphia full force," Applebloom shouted form her spot at the table. Her outburst garnered several grunts of agreement around the table. A voice of caution came form an unlikely source, Little Strongheart.  The massive buffalo slammed a hoof on the table garnering everyone's attention. She was silent for a moment, her eyes scanning the room as if daring anyone to speak up. 'She knows how ta get a pony's attention that's fer sure,' Granny Smith commented mentally as her gaze fell on Little Strongheart.

":Have they not conquered two of Earthborn's settlements and managed to emerge victorious in battle against even Applejack's army. This House Brightflame is a worthy foe and rushing to face this new enemy is foolishness. This group appeared as if out of the blue and easily toppled our border. What makes you think they will not simply take our lands by force should we refuse this offer?"

A pink pegasus mare spoke up," Then why bother asking for our surrender? Answer me that buffalo."

"Cause whoever this here Pyrequill is wants a peaceful solution," Granny Smith said suddenly standing up from her spot," So we'll cast a vote here an now. All those fer at least meetin' with this House Brightflame raise yer hooves."

Six hooves rose in the air including Little Strongheart's and Granny Smith's.

"And all those against," the pink mare from before asked. Six more sets of hooves rose in the air. All present stared at the only earth Counsel Member present that hadn't voted Master Blacksmith Applebloom. The young earth mare looked at her grandmother with equal parts guilt and fury in her eyes.

"Ah'm sorry Granny," Applebllom rased her hoof she yelled," Against!"

'You foolish, foolish child,' Granny Smith closed her eyes, disappointed in her granddaughter. The cobalt stallion slammed down a gavel.

"It is done then we will refuse Brightflame's proposal."

When the counsel members all started to leave Granny Smith remained in her seat. Applebloom walked over to her.

"Granny Ah know you don't agree with the decision to refuse the offer but we can't let surrender to 'em  We..."

The green mare held up a hoof to silence the younger mare," Ya got nothing ta be sorry fer child its mah fault. Ah didn't notice that mah own grandfoals had started putting a war before family. Ah failed you an Applejack."

"Wha-" Applebloom began but Granny Smith shook her head.

"We Apples always put kin before anything else its been that way fer over five hundred years and here is mah own granddaughter putting th agenda of some counsel fore her own sister. Ah look back and ah don't know when but you, Macintosh and Applejack have forgotten yer values and ah was too blind ta see it. Ah hope yer decision is worth it cause a lot of ponies are gonna die in th comin weeks."

Without another word the old mare rose to her hooves and walked out of the room, her head hung low. Applebloom watched her go and began to wonder herself if she had made the right decision.  

Dark Days Ahead

"Fate favors the clever."

                                        Nightmare Moon                                                      

Spike walked through the halls of Fillydelphia's underground base. He had the Ursa leather tome coiled in his tail, intent on finding out it's secrets he had decided to get Whooves to look at it. The good Doctor had arrived that morning just before Moondancer's departure to Manehatten. The earth stallion had set up his lab in the Arcanum inside the bases lower floors. Inside the Arcanum ponies ran here and there fixing the lab up as their master directed. In the center of the chaos was Dr. Whooves himself. The Time Lord seemed ecstatic at his new base of operations. Whooves noticed the dragon and trotted up to him with a grin on his face.

"Old chap good to see you," Whooves said with a laugh," What brings you to my humble abode?"

"I'm doing well," Spike glanced around," Getting settled I see."

Whooves beamed with pride," Indeed, this will certainly do." Whooves' expression became serious," Are you sure your alright? Moondancer told me what happened a few days ago."

Spike sighed," I will be fine. I shouldn't be surprised at her reaction my friend but your concern is noted."

Whooves nodded knowingly before looking to the left," Hey be careful with that you git! That's older than you are!"

"Sorry sir."

Whooves sighed before turning back to Spike," Sorry old chap."

"Its quite alright sometimes you to crack the proverbial  whip sometimes. Anyway I need you to look at something."

The dragon presented the tome to Whooves. The Doctor took it and began to examine it. Whooves looked to Spike," Where did you find this?"

"In the commanders office and this was in there as well," Spike said as he showed Whooves the navy blue feather. The Doctor peered at it and clicked his teeth.

"I will get to work on this right away."

"Thank you my friend."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Goddess I hate dresses," Moondancer grumbled as she and her fellow Shades made their way to Manehatten. The fuchsia unicorn wore a peach sundress and was seated in a carrage drawn by White Shadow and Bastion. Puzzlebox chuckled from his seat across from her. The black stallion was clad in a smart dark grey suit. They were posing as a married couple from Stalliongrad and according to their information papers they were high nobles.

"I think you look ravishing dear," Puzzlebox said with a twinkle in his eye. Puzzlebox was a born actor and a damn good one. He already had the accent of a pony from Stalliongrad down pat. Moondancer galared at him and bared her razor sharp teeth. The stallion held her expression with a smirk. Finally she huffed and looked out the window.

"Oh shut up," the unicorn grumbled. Puxzlebox chuckled again," Oh you'll be fine Spymaster. Besides didn't you have to wear dresses such as this all the time. After all you were a noble."

"Why do you think I became a thief." she said with an eyebrow cocked. In front of the carriage White Shadow began to whistle.

'Here we go,' Moondancer thought before smoothing out her dress and pulling out a makeup compact from her purse. After checking to make sure her makeup was just right she put on a smile. The carriage pulled up to the main gates of Manehatten. A guard walked up to the carriage and peered inside.

"What's yer business?"

Puzzlebox put on an award winning smile," My good stallion my wife and I are from Stalliongrad and are here to visit an old friend of ours in the Inner City. My name is Quick Study and this stunning mare is my wife, Rose Aria."

"Good evening gentlecolt," Moondancer said in a demure tone. The fuchsia mare acted shy and cuddled closer to Puzzlebox," and honey please you flatter me."

"Well my dear you are a mare worth flattering."

Puzzlebox grins then turns back the guard, who was currently trying not to stare at Moondancer. Levitating a leather bound set of papers at the guard, Puzzlebox broke the stallion from his trance," I believe these will suffice to prove who we are."

The guard took the papers and peered at them, included was a credit letter for the toll into the Inner City. The guard took the letter of credit and passed the rest of the papers back to the black unicorn.

"Guards form up they're to go to the Inner City."

With that a troop of guards  led the carriage to the Inner City. Once there they made their way to the Le Grande Apartments in the Artisan District. Outside waited a beautiful grey earth pony mare, her long flowing black mane tied in a lose ponytail. She wore a black pants suit. The carriage stopped in front of the grand skyscraper and Moondancer stepped out, The grey mare trotted up the unicorn with small smile and the two embraced each other.

"Rose its so good to see you."

"Octavia it had been too long," Moondancer said breaking the hug and holding the earth pony at arms length," My dear you haven't aged a day. How is your cello these days?"

"Oh you know how it is," Octavia chuckled. Puzzlebox stepped out of the carriage then and embraced Octavia.

"It's good to see you my friend," he said with a jovial chuckle," I see you've been laying off those blueberry scones."

"And you haven't I see," she responded with a jab at his stomach. That garnered a laugh from the couple. With a clop of her hooves the earth mare turned and began going into the building with Moondancer and Puzzlebox.

"Come my friends you must be tired from your trip. Have your drivers bring your luggage up to the penthouse."

Puzzlebox nodded to his fellow Shades," Will do madam."

It took them only a few minutes to get to the penthouse form the elevator and once inside they all dropped their acts.

"Finally now I can get out of this infernal dress," Moondancer exclaimed as she began undoing the back zipper.

"Shouldn't you wait-" Octavia was cut off as she noticed that the fuchsia mare had on a skintight jumpsuit underneath.

Moondancer sighed with relief and plopped down on the nearest couch with a contented sigh.

"Our lord sends his regards," Puzzlebox said his posture now rigid and his voice devoid of all emotion. Octavia nodded," I see things are going well to the east."

"Very well we have already claimed New Ponyville and Fillydelphia under our banner. We even managed to capture Applejack." Moondancer said as she reclined on the soft, silk cushions.

Octavia's eyes widened at that," You could use her as a gift to Lady Rarity she would have to-"

Moondancer cut her off," Nah Lord Pyrequill wants to use her as a bargaining chip to bring the rest of Earthborn to heel. I think we should just execute her and be done with it. Goddess knows the bitch deserves it."

Octavia's expression turned to that of a pensive one," So how do you plan to get Lady Rarity to agree to an alliance with us?"

Moondancer looked her square in the eye and chuckled darkly," Because our lord owns the one thing more valuable than gold, her heart."

Before Octavia could question the unicorn further the bell rang, prompting the luggage was her.

"Now then I believe we have a ball to prepare for."    

A Fool's Answer and A Warrior's Honor

"A fool is to be avoided, lest you find yourself suffering because of them."

                                                                                           Luna Evictus

"For the final time Harbinger Snails you are to stay here and recover," Spike said ,his tone commanding yet calm. Snails glared at the dragon from his place on the bed's edge. Spike had received Earthborn's answer to his letter and had decided to lead an army toward Dodge Junction. Snails had insisted on going as well despite his still recovering from his battle with Applejack but Spike could not in good conscience allow him to go out onto the battlefield until he had fully recovered.

"But my lo-"

Spike cut him off," You are to stay here and that is an order," Spike's tone softened as he continued," Please my friend I am not a hatchling. I can defend myself easily enough. As well I need someone to lead the troops here just in case."

Snails sighed, defeated," Very well my lord but I wish for it to go on record that I object to this."

"Your objection is noted," Spike chuckled. With that he turned to leave the room and saw the nurse standing outside the door.

"Do not let him out of your sight," the dragon whispered to the pegasus mare.

"Yes my lord," she said with a bow and trotted into the room. Spike left the infirmary and made his way out of the military base. Outside the main doors in Ghastly Gorge was Brightflame's main army. A full thousand ponies strong with a mix of Brood, Harmony Core and the newly added Risen. They all stood at attention for their lord. Colonel Dustwind landed in front of the purple scaled dragon and saluted smartly.

"We're ready for departure my lord. You need only give the word."

"Very good Colonel," Spike said with a nod," Lets move out."

Dust turned to the army," Company about-face and march."

The army moved as one and began marching out of Ghastly Gorge, making their way south. Spike took to the air with a pump of his massive wings and observed his impressive army, sighing morosely as he did so,' If only they had taken my offer. We could have avoided this needless bloodshed.'

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Flash Sentry stared forward as he flew through the night sky. Around him was an army of pegasi and unicorn Shades. They were in formation with the Wyverns, sixty in all, above them. The leathery beasts made excellent lookouts because of their night vision. The orange pegasus had decided to lead an attack against Cloudsdale. They would perform a hit and run technique on the flying city, catch the pegasi of Stormwing off guard. They had met resistance along the way in the form of another battalion of griffins heading toward New Ponyville, more than likely to try to take the city again, but they been overwhelmed by Flash's small army of five hundred, not expecting such a big force in the night. Flash may dislike Wyverns but he thanked his lucky stars the reptiles were on their side for their ability to take down enemy troops was staggering.

'Fast, intelligent and bloodthirsty,' Flash thought grimly,' Thank the gods House Moon and Stars weren't able to get ahold of these beasts.'

Suddenly a soft coo sounded from above, followed by a series of chirps and squeaks from the wyverns. Flash looked to the Shade beside him by the name of Dewdrop and cocked an eyebrow in question to the sound. The red furred unicorn cleared her throat," They smell blood in the air." She looked up and the wyverns dispersed and descended into the clouds below. Dewdrop issued a series of clicks and chirps. the Shades in the army descended at her call, following the beasts into the cloud cover.

"The hunt begins General," she said as she began her descent as well," Give the word when you are ready."

Flash nodded and brought a hoof to his comcrystal," Alright I want this tight and rigid Squad one start-"

The words died in his throat as they cleared the cloud cover. Cloudsdale was already under siege. Bellow the massive cloud city was being bombarded by a barrage of spells.

"Moon and Stars but how they would never attack so boldly," Flash thought, shocked by what he saw. Then he saw what looked to be a group of soldiers leading what could only be evacuating citizens. What made Flash sentry sick was that the Moon and Stars forces began to direct fire on the evacuating citizens. To do this was an honorless act in the orange pegasi's eyes. Making his decision he activated his comcrystal.

"New plan Dewdrop you and your Shades start raining down dragonfire on the unicorn mages below, draw their fire off the evacuating ponies, the rest of you with me. We're going to act as their shield. Go, go, go!"

Flash Sentry rushed forward followed by his army. The Stormwing soldiers steeled themselves for a fight but stopped themselves when the wyverns and Shades began assaulting the unicorn forces below. The commanding officer of the small Stormwing force held up a hoof, his emerald eyes focused solely on Flash and his ponies as they stopped before him.

"We'll cover you get these civilians out of here," Flash said to the light blue pegasus stallion before him. The  pegasus regarded Flash cautiously, eyeing his armor and its sigil but sighed and offered a tired smile.

"Thank you," he said, sounding relieved, and turned to the ponies under his charge," Lets move out!"

Flash nodded and flicked a hoof forward, signaling his fliers to form a barrier between the civilians and the war raging below. The Shades were decimating the Moon and Stars forces and the wyverns made quick work of the ursas that were below as well. As well the seraphs found out quickly that Shades were in a different league of skill altogether. Dewdrop dropped down on a Solar Knight and slapped a firebomb into his open helm, the small orb falling down into the cuirass. A second later the bomb went of in a flash killing six ponies around him from the heat and shrapnel from his armor. Her expression remained emotionless as she looked up to see that Flash had successfully got the civilians away. With a shrill screech the red unicorn followed after the retreating army of pagasi. Her Shades followed suit followed by the wyverns.

Kindness Repaid

                                             "All that was needed was a little bit of kindness."

                                                                                         Fluttershy

Soarin' Highskies was speechless for the first time in his life. When Flash Sentry and his army had broke through the cloud cover he was sure that he and his small force would have to fight them off and possibly die doing so. Then they helped him and his group defend the fleeing civilians. What's more, a group of what Soarin' could only guess were seraphs began attacking their fellow unicorns, flipping everything the Commander knew. When they were good distance away from the fallen city of Cloudsdale the large group had landed. The Shades arrived shortly afterwards with a massive group of flying reptiles. Sorain' and his soldiers steeled themselves for a fight but it never came. Instead the unicorns spread out and began seeing to the civilians, healing any wounds they had and even offering what rations they had. The light blue stallion gazed at the scene, not noticing a presence beside him.

"If any of your soldiers need medical attention let my Shades look at them," A voice sounded from behind Soarin'," Each is trained as a field medic."

The light blue pegasus found himself face to face with the leader of the army that had helped him and his troops, Flash Sentry.

"Thank you but I have to ask. Why help us?" Soarin' asked," It is obvious we are not on the same side."

Flash gazed out over the makeshift camp, his gaze hard as steel," When we saw you defending these civilians all semblance of whose side we are on ended there and then. To attack fleeing ponies who are without the skill to fight back is an act without honor and one I will see corrected with my last breath if need be."

Soarin' looked at the pony before him then to the unicorns in his company. Even from his place atop the hill over looking the camp he could tell the unicorns did not act out of orders being directed but out o their own initiative. Flash looked on for a moment before turning to Soarin' and extended his hoof.

"General Flash Sentry of House Brightflame, Harmony Core."

'Brightflame?' Soarin' thought for a moment then the name clicked,' They must have been the ones who conquered New Ponyville.'

The light blue stallion took Flash's hoof and gave it a firm shake," Soarin' Highskies, Wing Commander of House Stormwing."

"I've heard of you," Flash said with a nod of respect," You attack with the full intension of taking prisoners."

"If I can save at least one pony from a gruesome end then I find it a small victory."

"Where are you bound to now?" the orange stallion asked.

"Las Pegasus."

"You'll not touch me horn head!"

Both pegasi looked toward where the outburst had originated. A Shade was holding a small bottle in her magic, frowning at a hoplite that had raised his spear at her. Soarin' moved swiftly toward the scene.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

"Sir this horn head was trying to poison me I'm sure of it." th hoplite shouted," Can't trust these-"

Soarin' rushed forward and knocked the spear from the hoplite's grip before he could even finish his sentence and slammed him into the ground. He glared at the pegasus under him.

"She is in no way trying to poison you," the light blue stallion said, his voice stern," She is trying to heal you. Now then I won't have any of those racial slurs under my command or so help me I'll see you clipped. "

The hoplite visibly gulped at the threat and nodded m meekly," Yes sir."

Soarin' pushed off of him and glared arou8nd him," And that goes for the rest of you as well." Soarin' pointed to the Shade beside him," These ponies are not our enemies. In fact I think they're the first decent ponies I've met in a long time. So if I hear even one snide remark there will be consequences understand?!"

A flurry of yes sirs sounded throughout the camp before Soarin' turned to the unicorn mare beside him," I apologize for my subordinates lack of respect ma'am."

The Shade held a shocked expression but quickly recovered and smiled softly," And here I thought chivalry was dead."

"Just rare ma'am."

She giggled before turning ot the still quivering hoplite," Now let me see that gash before it becomes infected."

Flash whistled and trotted up to Soarin'," Impressive."

The light blue pegasus chuckled," Yeah well I learned from the best. I can't thank you and your ponies enough for this."

Flash smiled softly," It's quite alright."

Soarin' looked out at the camp, going silent as he did so. Unicorns and pegasi in the same area and no blood being shed, no open hostility, just pony helping pony. The Commander hadn't seen this in years. This coexistence brought hope to the tired stallion. He was sick of this war and its mindless bloodshed. It needed to end.

'Maybe I chose the wrong ponies to follow,' Soarin' thought as he looked to Flash who was deep in discussion with a red unicorn mare,' But I can't betray dash or Spitfire.' It was true over the years the two had changed but Soarin' always hoped that they would go back to the way they were, when they were all just Wonderbolts not soldiers.

'Maybe they won't change,' Soarin' thought as he began to question his own House,' Maybe we are the enemy.'

"What do we do from here sir," Dewdrop questioned," It is clear that Cloudsdale has fallen."

Flash thought for a moment on what to do before coming to a conclusion," Myself and the other pegasi will see to these ponies safe passage to Las Pegasus while you take your Shades and the wyverns back to New Ponyville and warn them of the situation. We will rest here for the night then head out in the morning."

Dewdrop saluted ," Yes General."

  Flash caught Soarin' looking at him out of the corner of his eye as Dewdrop went about her business. Flash turned to the stallion," We will continue on with you, the unicorns will be going back to New Ponyville to inform my superiors of the Moon and Stars attack. I believe it would be wise to rest here for the night."

Soarin' nodded and yawned," That sounds like a plan."

With that they settled down for the night.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The sun barely began to peek over the horizon, signaling the dawn of a new day. From the edge of the southern border of the Everfree the sounds of metal clashing and ponies dying reined instead of the sounds of birds chirping and blood coated the grass instead of dew. The Everfree Legion had attacked with its full force on Big Macintosh and his expansive army. The battle started just before midnight. Big Mac and his forces at firs were working to hold their ground now they fought for their lives. Big Mac slammed his hooves down on another wildling, killing it with his sheer strength. The massive earth pony's red fur was matted with sweat and blood, most of which was not his own. His juggernaut armor was dented in many places and cracked in some but he pushed on. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a timberwolf rush him. Pivoting onto his fore hooves, the massive stallion delivered a buck into the wooden construct's snout that had been cultivated from years of apple-bucking. The timberwolf shattered into thousands of wooden shards.

A pegasus landed beside him," Sir what do we do? They cut off our retreat."

The stallion knew this mare personally, as he did all those under his command. She had come into his company a scrawny thing without a lick of sense on the battlefield. Now she was as fierce a fighter as any other Earthborn. He gazed at her and saw the fear in her eyes but beside that though he saw a fiery passion and an unyielding stubbornness the Earthborn  were famous for.

"Form up ranks!" The normally quiet stallion boomed. The entirety of the remaining Earthborn forces formed ranks, while the Everfree legion sat back, waiting for the chance to strike as a snake would a field mouse. In front of the Everfree army stood a massive minotaur,  one hand was in the air meaning he had been the one to give the order for the army to stop.

Big Mac meet the gaze of all his remaining warriors, sixty-seven in all," Ah'm not one fer words but Ah want ta thank all of ya fer doin' me th' honor of fightin' by ya all these years. Th' situation is right hopeless but if'n ya'll won't mind Ah hope that ya'll will do me th' honor wadin' inta that oblivion with me."

At first silence rained as the assorted earth ponies, buffalo, and pegasi looked at each other. Before long a buffalo stepped forward," We will gallop to the Dream Plain with you Thunderhoof," the buffalo looked the others around him who showed the same fierce  determination he did," For Earthborn."

As one the warriors began to chant the word.

"Earthborn. Earthborn. Earthborn! Earthborn!!! Earthborn!!!"

With that final war cry they rushed forward and the Everfree army followed suit with a cry of their own, the minotaur at their head. Big Mac's gaze met that same minotaur as the two rushed toward each other. In a clash of flesh against metal Big Mac slammed into the minotaur with his full weight. But the massive minotaur dug his hoofs into the dirt and slammed the red earth pony into the dirt. Big Mac tried to get up but was stopped as the minotaur slammed both fists into his back. Big Mac went down with a grunt.

"Stay down and I shall spare you," said the minotaur as he placed a hoof on the downed earth pony and pressed down with his full strength.

"Eenope," the stallion drawled as he slowly rose to his hooves despite the weight on his back. The minotaur's smug smirk faded as he was thrown off the stallion. Rising to his own hooves the minotaur regarded Big Mac with a newfound respect. Few were ever able to match his strength.despite his show of strength he was on the brink of exhaustion and was only upright because of his unbreakable will. He was on his last legs, he was sure of it.  

"You have power pony. I respect that and I'll even give you the honor of knowing the name of the one who will defeat you. I am Iron Will!"

Big Mac's expression stayed neutral at the minotaur's outburst as he got into a battle stance. despite the stallion's show of strength he was on the brink of exhaustion and was only upright because of his unbreakable will. He wouldn't walk away from this fight he was sure of it.  Iron Will crouched low and aimed his sharpened horns at the stallion. Without a word the two rushed each other, fully ready to end the other.  

Of Tomes and Gowns

"Some wars are not fought on the battlefield."

                                          Lady Rarity

"Alright the runes are set Doctor."

Dr. Whooves tuned his gaze from the full moon and nodded to his assistant. He and his team of ponies had been working on a way to open the strange tome Spike had given them. After many failed attempts, one of which almost destroying his lab, they had decided to try to concentrate moonlight to open it. They had set up a ring of pedestals, each with a crystal on it to gather the moonlight, outside in Fillydelphia's main square. The tome was set in the middle and a rune circle had been set on the ground under the pedestals. Six Brood unicorns stood at the ready to activate the runes.  

'Well tally ho,' Whooves thought with a nervous gulp.

His assistant, an eccentric Pegasus mare named Winterbreeze, grinned then trotted up to the Brood that surrounded the rune circle.

"Alright boys lets make some magic," she sang. They nodded and began charging their horns with arcane energy. The circle began to glow as the crystals hummed to life and began floating up into the air. The moon itself seemed to glow as the square was lit up by moonlight.

One of the unicorns surrounding the circle looked to Winterbreeze and nodded," We have a sufficient amount."

The mare cackle and rubbed her hooves together," Excellent."

"Aright Winter," Whooves said with a deadpan look," We're not raising the dead. You can calm down."

Winterbreeze chuckled nervously," Sorry got a little excited."

"Quite alright," Whooves said then turned to the unicorns," Do it."

The crystals glowed brightly then each shot a beam of concentrated moonlight at the tome in the center. Then with a flash, Dr. Whooves and his team were knocked back in a burst of energy. When the dust settled Whooves sat up with a groan and rubbed the side of his head.

"Alright that happened," Winterbreeze grumbled as she rolled an unconscious unicorn off her.

The Doctor rose to his hooves and walked over to the smoking tome and picked it up. With a click it opened.

"Success!"

Whooves carefully open the tome to the first page.

'The night will conquer all.'

The dark brown stallion stared at the word's written in the page's center. The words glowed faintly and were written in a beautiful script. Whooves turned the page to the first entry.

'Day 1 of Freedom.

I am finally free of my imprisonment but there has been a setback. I was routed by a group of mares that were able to wield the Elements of Harmony. In my arrogance I chose to try to discourage them but I see now I should have killed them. I now know this is my sister's doing. She had prepared for my release from the moon. Thankfully I am of quick mind and even quicker reflexes. When they were just about to banish me again to my prison I used my life-force to stop the blast. I was drained of most of my power and I was forced into a lesser form but at least now I will have time to plan. I had chosen to play the victim and it has paid off. My foolish sister believes that I was corrupted by a darkness, turning me into 'Nightmare Moon.' Now she believes me 'reformed'. Amazing how a few stray tears and an apology will sway a soul.

For now I will wait and gain strength, knowledge. A thousand years have passed and I have much to learn of this time. As well I will learn as much as I can about Celestia's six little pawns. They might prove useful, particularly that Twilight Sparkle.'

Whooves looked up from the tome. A thousand questions flew through his mind. Had Luna faked her reformation? Had the whole Nightmare Moon persona been a  horrible, if not brilliant hoax? Whooves was shake from his internal debate when Winterbreeze tapped his shoulder.

"Hmm What?"

"So it worked?"

"It would appear so," the Doctor said as he gazed over the tome. The lock had been shattered by the overload of lunar energy. With a snap he closed the tome and turned to Winterbreeze.

"Have word sent to Pyrequill. He will want to see this."

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Moondancer felt out of her element as she trotted into a massive ballroom. She and Octavia had decided to attend so that the unicorn could get the feel for gatherings such as this. Where the other houses had bloody plains to serve as their battlegrounds this is where Whitegold did battle. When Moondancer and Octavia entered the ballroom several eyes found them. The stares were discrete but Moondancer caught them. The fuchsia unicorn had chosen to wear a simple slim fitting black and white dress. The silk dress clung to her curves in an appeasing way. Moondancer thanked the dragonblood that flowed through her veins, for it gave her an exotic look that drew ponies to her. Add that with her gift of charm and acting this would end a preverbal slaughter. Octavia had chosen to wear a rose red dress with a slit up to her right thigh, barely showing her cutie mark.

The grey mare goggled," You seem to have already garnered some attention."

Moondancer's face remained neutral, almost bored but the ghost of a smirk appeared on her lips. She was no stranger to these kind of parties. She had attended many before she had become a thief.

"I hope they know I'm a married mare."

"They more than likely already know," Octavia giggle then took Moondancer's hoof," Come lets see what they have in the way of hors-doevres."

The earth pony led Moondancer to the entrée table, which was full of small, exotic foods. A dapper old pegasus stallion was talking with a pink earth mare in a stunning white dress. A tiara studded with diamonds sat atop her mane, which was a mix of white and dark pink. The stallion looked at Moondancer in amusement as she picked something to eat.

"Try one of the scones," he said as he gestured to a tray of scones to the unicorn's left. Moondancer took one and bit into it.

"Mmm that is quite good."

"Indeed," the stallion chuckled," I must say your accent sounds familiar. Are from Stalliongrad?"

Octavia smirked behind her scone and remained silent as Moondancer took the floor.

"Why yes I am. My husband and I came to visit a dear friend of ours.'

"And is he here this evening?"

Moondancer took another bite from her scone and politely swallowed," No. We just arrived this afternoon and he was tired from the trip."

"He must be very trusting to let a beautiful mare such as yourself from his sight."

'Already a complement,' Moondancer thought as she giggled.

"Why thank you sir. My name is Rose Aria," Moondancer gretted with a small curtsy," it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr..."

"Golden Scales and this lovely mare beside me is-"    

"Diamond Tiara," the pink mare cut in as she stepped forward, a champagne glass in hoof.

Moondancer gazed at the mare with an amused glint in her eye. Diamond seemed to carry herself with an air of arrogance but she held a cleverness to her. Her eyes wandered Moondancer's frame in a way a wyvern gauges its prey. Octavia held a glare out of the corner of her eye at Diamond fro the briefest of moments that only Moondancer caught.

'It seems this mare is our reason for being here,' Moondancer thought to herself as she smiled at the pink earth mare.

"Quite the party wouldn't you say?"

Diamond chuckled," It's a rather small gathering but I find it pleasant. The hors-doevres are certainly top-notch."

"Yes they are quite good."

"So you are of House Moon and Stars hmmm?" Diamond asked as she took a sip from her champagne glass.

"Yes even though I do not always agree with their crude ways."

"Indeed but they have stumbled across an interesting industry in the way of slaves."

Moondancer held back a gasp at that. Her face remained neutral though as she took a glass of wine from one of the passing servants.

"Yes it is an interesting industry though I find myself shocked you aren't appalled by the idea of slavery."

Diamond chuckled," I find it as a way to weed out the riffraff. You see there are those who need to be at the bottom so the deserving few can stand high. Do I agree with the idea of a unicorn supremacy? No but there is something to be said for a workforce that you don't have to pay."

The pair continued to talk of the current affairs of the war until a stunning white unicorn mare in a deep blue dress studded with sapphires came walking up. Her mane was a mix of pink and purple and tied in a loose ponytail," Oh Diamond dear there is someone you simply must meet."  Her bright green eyes looked over to Moondancer and Octavia," Oh I'm so sorry. I'm not interrupting am I?"

"Of course not. myself and Miss Aria here were simply talking politics."

"I thought you found politics a bore," the unicorn said with a giggle.

Diamond's expression flashed with annoyance for the briefest of moments before she returned the uniconr's smile," Yes but it has its moments. This is Sweetie Belle a good friend of mine. Sweetie Belle this is Rose Aria. She's a friend of Miss Melody."

Sweetie Belle curtsied," It's nice to meet you."

"Thank you Miss Belle and I must say your dress is stunning."

"Oh please call me Sweetie," she giggled," and thank you it is one of my sister's earlier designs." She went up to Octavia and embraced her in a gentle hug," And it's so good to see you Octavia. How have you been?"

Octavia smiled politely and returned the hug," And you as well Sweetie. I've been quite well thank you."

"You said you had someone you needed me to meet?" Diamond asked.

"Oh yes this way," the unicorn turned to leave," It was so good to meet you I hope we will meet again."

"Yes we should meet again. Will you be attending the Gala a week from now?" Diamond asked.

Octavia stepped forward," We had planned on it. I believe it will be quite the affair."

"Indeed," the pink mare said before following after Sweetie Belle," until next time. Come Golden."

The pegasus followed after her, a frown on his muzzle from being ignored. Moondancer watched them leave, her expression pensive.

Octavia smirked at the unicorn," Very good. You fit in quite well with these ponies."

Moondancer held back a grimace as she took a sip from her wine glass," I have dealt with these kind of things before."

"Yes well you already have Diamond's interest."

"That easily?"

"Well you do look rather exotic," Octavia said with a shrug," I believe she shows interest mainly due to you 'being' from Stalliongrad, Very few Moon and Stars nobles come here."  

"Wait until they see the what the illusion hides then we'll see if they find me 'exotic'." She turned to leave," Come on lets go I need some time to prepare."

Las Pegasus

                                                            "To take that leap of faith is only the beginning."

                                                                                     Princess Mi Amore Cadenza

Flash Sentry marveled at the cliff-side city that was Las Pegasus. The city hung off the side of the cliff, whole buildings carved into the rock face of the cliff. Cloud buildings ran off the side making up the pegasus side of the city. Each cloud building was a marvel in and of itself. Soarin' chuckled at the orange Pegasus's wide eyed stare.

"Never been here before huh?" he said as he flew next to Flash.

"Yeah," Flash said," I never would have guessed it was this impressive."

"Yeah I remember my first time here. Man what a night."

They angled themselves down to a large landing strip on the cliff, the army of pegasi following close to the Commander and General. Once they landed a forest green pegasus mare trotted up to Soarin'.

"Sir we were not expecting you so soon," she said.

"Meadow, Cloudsdale has fallen," Soarin' said," Has there been any reports of an army moving this way?"

The mare gasped before composing herself, "No sir."

"Good. See to it these ponies are given a warm bed and a hot meal," he looked to Flash," All of them."

"Right away sir," Meadow said before turning to the main group," Alright ponies follow me if ya wanna eat!"

The army of exhausted pegasi followed her with an urgency leaving Soarin' and Flash behind.

"C'mon my office has some brandy in it we can talk there," Soarin' said as he started toward the airbase's main building.

Flash nodded and followed him. Inside ponies saluted Soarin' to which he offered a polite nod. Each showed the light blue stallion the utmost respect. The pair made their way through the halls in silence. When they arrived at Soarin's office he opened the door and allowed Flash to step inside. Soarin' followed after and grabbed a dusty bottle for above his shelf of old Wonderbolt trophies. Flash looked at them while Saorin' poured two glasses of the brandy.

"That's an impressive amount of trophies," Flash said, taking the glass that Soarin' offered him.

Soarin' took a sip of his drink and sat down on his chair," Yep. Those were the days I tell ya. Heh that one on the far end was an accident if you can believe it."

"Really?" Flash asked as he took a closer look at the trophy in question. It was small but had a plaque that read, ' Highest Altitude on Record.'

"Yeah that was an interesting day," Soarin' said with a blush," I was caught in a wicked updraft that carried me a lot farther than I wanted to be."

"Huh nice."

"Not really almost pissed myself."

Flash gave him an 'are you serious ' look.

"Hey it was high as hell alright. I'm lucky to be alive."

Flash laughed at Soarin's expression, to which Soarin' rolled his eyes.

"So what did you do before... you know?"

Flash took a drink," I was part of the Royal Guard, just starting out too."

"Really," Saorin's whistled," That's tough work."

"Yeah it was pretty rough but worth it. They said I had promise."

Flash went silent and Soarin' understood why," It was tough huh? To cut yourself off when Moon and Stars took over."

"Yeah,' Flash shuddered when he relived the experience. When Moon and Stars took over the Royal Guard had been ordered to round up all earth ponies and pegasi for branding. He still had nightmares about that day. The screams, the blood, and the deaths.

"Sorry fro bringing up old scars."

"It's ok," I think everyone looks back at those days with a shudder," Flash downed his drink and placed the glass on the desk," Where were you when it all went down?"

Saorin' refilled Flash's glass," I was here actually with the rest of the team. When we heard about what happened in Canterlot and Stalliongrad Spitfire had decided then to join Stormwing."

"And you followed her."

Soarin' nodded and downed his own drink," All of us did. So how did you end up in this House Brightflame?"

"They came to me a couple of months ago," Flash said as a small smile formed on his muzzle," Pyrequill needed a general and he had heard of me from a friend of mine. Let me tell you I was surprised when I met the guy."

"I bet," Soarin' looked at his glass then back at Flash," So what do you plan to do now?"

"I was hoping thatyou and your ponies would join Brightflame's cause," Flash said as he brought his glass to his lips. He had been mulling this idea over since the night before. He knew he ws taking a chance here but in his months of dealing with Moondancer he did learn one thing form the mare, to take a chance.

Soarin' stared at his glass before looking up," Do you really believe this Pyrequill can end the war?"

"No," Flash said," I believe all of us can end this war."

Soarin' couldn't help but chuckle at the corny statement," Well if you honestly believe that then I guess..."

The light blue stallion fell silent. He was tron at what to do. He believed Flash when he said they could end this war but he didn't want to betray Spitfire or Rainbow Dash. They had changed he knew but... Soarin' steeled his resolve and looked Flash dead in the eye.

"I'll join you."  

Broken

Granny Smith stared at the pony before her in disbelief. Not only had the Everfree Legion broken through the north barricade and were making their way to Apploossa but her grandson was died. She looked out the window at the right as the council room erupted into a flurry. the voices fell deaf on Smith's ears as a tear fell down her cheek, then another. Soon her tears flowed down her age-scarred face. She looked back across the table at Applebloom.

The master blacksmith's face was blank, unreadable until she looked up at Granny Smith's. The wizen old mare knew what the younger mare was feeling. Applebloom had always been best at hiding her feelings but Granny Smith could read her like a book. Applebloom was heartbroken. Enough was enough. Smith stood up and slammed a hoof on the table. The ancient wood table buckled and fell flat under the massive amount of force Granny Smith unleashed on it.

The room fell silent as the Apple Matron gazed around the room with a wounded fury in her eyes. No one dared speak as she gazed around the room.

"Ya'll is gonna liten an' listen good. Ah want a Pegasus sent to Dodge Junction right no-"

A pink furred pegasus mare was foolish enough to interrupt," But Dodge Junction has fallen isn't th-"

"Hesh up young un'!" Granny Smith boomed," Ah know that Ah tain't senile. We're gonna take this here Pryequill up on his offer."

One of the larger stallions rose to his hooves ," Your talking surrender!"

The light green mare glared at him and walked slowly toward him. Her expression was a controlled fury that made him wish he hadn't spoken up.

"Ah've lost two of mah grandfoals and countless other kin ta this war young un," her tone was dangerously low as her eyes bored into his," An' yer askin me ta not do somethin' bout it. We Apples stick tagether. It's been our way fer generations and now yer askin' me ta abandon mah kin. Well Young un!?" The large stallion withered under her gaze, unable to answer her. She turned to the other ponies in the room," Any other objections?" The room stayed silent," Good now see to it mah orders are carried out. Move it!"

All the ponies present save for Applebloom scrambled to obey the furious Matron and to get eh hell out of there lest they get her wrath turned on them. Silently Granny Smith wrapped Applebloom up in a hug like she had done when she was but a filly. Together the two grieved for their lost family.    

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Moondancer watched bored as ponies danced across the marble floors of the Ivory Towers main ballroom. She had yet to see Lady rarity or even Diamond Tiara yet and she was beginning to become impatient. Beside her Puzzlebox was picking at some sort of dish he had grabbed form the horsdeavers table. Octavia though was dancing with a noble stallion and looked to be having the time of her life.

Moondancer still didn't know what her lord saw in an alliance with Whitegold. They were fluffed up liars the lot of them. She grumbled as she rested a hoof under her chin.

"Are you alright my dear?" Puzzlebox asked, staying in character.

"Just bored," Moondancer groaned, not even looking at him. She would have killed for some action right then. Hell she wouldn't mind being attacked right now.

'Now I remember why I became a thief," Moondancer thought as her face darkened. Another thing bothered her as well. Out of all the houses her was the most hesitant to crush Whitegold. SHe knew there was a connection between him and it's leader Rarity but she couldn't shake the feeling that...

Her inward tangent was cut off when Puzzlebox," You know you look like a filly ready to kill another filly ofr taking your crush away from you."

Moondancer slowly turned toward the black stallion," Please elaborate," she flashed a set of fangs at him," And do be careful with your words."

Puzzlebox swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat," w-well I'm just saying that you look perturbed."

"Good boy you get to live to see another day," Moondancer said before looking back at the dancing couples. Then the crowd parted revealing the inner most council of House Whitegold. Rarity, flanked by her sister, Diamond Tiara and Lord Fancy Pants. Rarity, despite the crystalitis that plagued her body still managed to look ravishing in her indigo gown. They made their way straight for Moondancer's table.

"You must be Mrs. Rose Aria," Rarity said, her voice smooth as silk," I have heard so much about you darling. I am Rarity it is a pleasure to meet you."

Moondancer held back a glare as she rose from her seat to great the alabaster unicorn," Lady Rarity it is an honor."

"Oh please darling you flatter me. Would you and your husband wish to join myself and my friends here out on the rotunda. It is simply a glorious night outside."

Moondancer smelled a plow but she had to play along," That would be wonderful, come my dear lets join them."

Puzzlebox chuckled," Of course dear."

They all made their way to the balcony and with a wave from Diamond the doors sealed shut. Moondancer held back the urge to start slitting throats and running. She looked at Puzzlebox as he tensed as well. He didn't like this situation at all either.

"Who are you?" Rarity asked all politeness gone from her voice.

'Whatever-" Moondancer started but was cut off by Rarity.

"Darling please do not waste my time."

Moondancer's posture relaxed while Puzzlebox's went ridged. A smirk formed on her muzzle," Not bad figuring out I was using an alias."

Rarity giggled," Yes well I've been at this a long time dar-"

"Call me 'darling' one more time and I'm gonna rip your tongue out," Moondancer said nonchalantly. All ponies present, save for Puzzlebox, looked shocked at what she said," We're here for a single reason. To spy on you."

"And you so foolishly admit it," Fancy Pants said, sneering," Who are you working for?"

  "We are under the employ of House Brightflame."

"I've heard of your group they are fairly new," Fancy said to Rarity," They have declared war on Earthborn."

"And why am I just hearing about this now?" Rarity asked her General, an chill in her voice.

"W-well it didn't seem note worthy."

Moondancer laughed," You do realize that we already have them at our hooves correct?"

Rarity looked at the fuchsia mare with a hint of disdain," You have horrible manners."

"That's not what they pay me for. What they did pay me for was to prepare our Lord Pyrequill's arrival to manehatten to begin talking about an alliance between our two houses."

"And why would I even consider such a notion," Rarity asked.

Moondancer grinned darkly," Because my lord want what you want. The other Houses and it's leaders reduced to ash."

Reflections

   "Sorrow will break you but it can also strengthen you."

                                              Celestia Evictus

Day sixty-three of Freedom,

I have happened across an interesting discovery. In an attempt to destroy my sisters little pawns with their own worst fears I have discovered the most perplexing thing. They are so in tune with their elements that they are able to call upon its power without the actual artifacts. This may prove a problem for I have underestimated them. The plan had been to corrupt one of their own with a shadow golem posing as my 'alter ego' and it was going quite well until they had found a way to bring the little white wretch back into the light. Most of it is due to that dragonling's fault. For now I had to play the part of the redeemed hero. It puts a bad taste in my mouth to have had to worked with my foolish sister but I can't risk reveling myself just yet. Luckily I have grown in strength from the encounter and my nightmare forces have absorbed the Harmonious essence those pawns gave off. Now to crush their will again to extract the power.

Spike looked up from the tome at Dr. Whooves, his face unreadable. After a moment of silence he finally spoke," So Luna was never cured then?"

"I believe that was a ruse old chap," Whooves said," I read the entire thing, trust me there was never anything to cure. That alicorn had made backup plans for her backup plans. Not only that but she was behind almost every calamity that befell Equestria back then, Discord's release and the Crystal Empire's return not included of course."

Spike looked back at the tome. His mind was clouded with confusion, back then Luna had seemed truly changed. No malice came off her and she seemed to regret her change all those centuries. The tome brought a dark rage to start burning in the pit of his belly. This tome showed Luna for her true colors. A malicious mare hell-bent on ruling a kingdom even if it meant tearing it down. His train of thought was derailed when the doors to his quarters were thrown open. A pair of Risen walked in with a another pegasus between them wearing earthborn armor.

"My lord forgive our interruption but we found this pony on the main road," one stepped forward and bowed to the dragon," He says he has a message from the Earth Council,"

Spike sat up and walked toward the now cowering pegasus," What is this message?"

"The Council asks to meet with you to end hostilities between our too Houses," he said with remarkable clarity.

"Interesting and why the sudden change in heart?"

"This order comes straight from the Matron sir," he gulped," She say that this bloodshed needs to end."

Spike clicked his teeth, his face neutral but inside he was breathing a sigh of relief. His latest siege had been successful but the loss of life had been sickening for both sides.

"Get food and rest," he finally said," Then return to your Matron. Tell them my army will be at their gates by the end of the week with peaceful intent."

The pegasus released a breathe he hadn't realized he had been holding," Thank you sir."

The Risen led him away and the doors to Spike's quarters fell shut. Dr. Whooves chuckled at Spike's expression. The purple dragon had the ghost of a smile playing on his fanged maw.

"I do believe things are coming together."

"That they are my friend,' Spike said," I'm just glad I can lead this army to a city without intent to conquer."  

"Already getting tired of it all eh?" Whooves asked.

"Yes," Spike sighed," I can only hope that things will stay looking up as they do."

The time lord stayed silent for he had a sinking feeling things would only get worse. And this feeling he got always turned out to be right.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soarin' breathed a sigh of relief as a messenger left his office. The mare had arrived that morning with news that Rainbow Dash and fifty of her finest warriors had been able to drive the Moon and Stars army back. Cloudsdale was still intact. Soarin' sank in his seat, his mind taxed from the last few days.

Flash's army were preparing to leave that day to go to Trottingham. They were going to try to convince the riverside city to join them. Soarin' looked out his window as the army began to take off. Several of Soarin's best fliers were among them. Flash also had a missive from Soarin' himself that would help them greatly.

He wished he could join them but he had business to attend to and a journey of his own to make. He would be making wing to Windsoar. He had to try to sway Spitfire to join him. Maybe just maybe he could convince her that this war neede to end and it wouldn't do so if they continued to do what they ahd done for the last thirteen years.

The light blue stallion walked the halls of his air base. He looked back tot he day that he had been made commander of Las Pegasus. It had been a day for sorrow for him. He had lost a dear friend and lover to a particularly gruesome battle against Moon and Stars. He shuddered to remember that day, it had been the first time Moon and Stars had used slave warriors. Soarin' felt his mind go back to that particularly dark day.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Hold them back," Soarin' roared over the clash of steel. The battlefield was muddy with the blood of fallen unicorn's and paegasi alike.

Soarin' swirved to the right as a flame spell whizzed past. It scourched the tip of his right wing's primaries but other wise left him unharmed. The light blue stallion raised his spear an sent it hurtling toward it's caster. The unicorn legionnaire raised a bubble shield and blocked it, the steel shaft bouncing harmlessly off. The legionnaire lowered his shield to fire another spell but was found his horn severed at Soarin's hoofblade. His scream of shock was cut short with the another swipe form the light blue stallion.

He picked up his spear and was suddenly blindsided by a pony. They went rolling and Soarin' managed to throw his assailent off him. Jumping to his hooves he then got a good look at who had attacked him. A filly barely older than thirteen at least had a crude spear held in her jaws. She was covered in filth and dried blood, more than likely her own. What caught his eye though was that her cuite mark had been ripped off and replaced by a picture of a pair of shackles.

The stallion stared at the filly in disbelief as she rushed forward. She clumsily raised her spear to strike him but Soarin' stopped her dead in her tracks and ripped the spear from her grasp.

"Please kill me," she whimpered cowering before him," Please."

Soarin' couldn't believe his senses. How could Moon and Stars do such a thing? And to faols no less. She looked as if she had just gotten her cutie mark the day before this.

"I-I," Soarn' stammered, stepping back.

The filly rushed forward a second time and pulled a dagger from her barding. Soarin' dodged and instinct kicked in as he slashed at her with his hoof blade. the filly went down with a gruesome gash to her side. Soarin' rushed to her side.

"I'm sorry I-" he was cut off as the filly raised herself up and impaled herself on his hoof blade. She shivered before falling back with a sigh. Soarin' stared at the filly's prone form.

"Soarin'!"

He turned just in time to see Fleethoof fly in front of a spear that had been meant for him. Time slowed down as he watched it take her through her barrel. She fell to ground with a grunt. The spear's owner rushed her to finish the job. That's when Soarin' reacted. With a feral cry he rushed forward and opened the slave's throat. She fell back with a strangled gurgle.

The light blue stallion rushed to Fleethoof's side and cradled her head," Hey Fleethoof stay with me."

She gave him a pained smile," You idiot. You zoned out again. Thinking about pie huh?" She tried to laugh but just coughed up blood.  

"Your gonna be okay just stay with me okay," Soarin' looked up," Medic! I need a medic over here!"

Fleethoof raised a hoof up and touched Soain's cheek with it, tears forming in her eyes," I think I'm gonna have to punch out early sir," she coughed up more blood," This wound's pretty bad."

"Don't you dare punch out that's an order." Tears started to roll done his cheeks as he took her hoof in his own." Where's the damn medic?!"

"Hey it's okay," she said, her breathing becoming shallower," I want you to know I love you ok. Heh I heard that you were going to pop the question soon."

Soarin' looked down at her his tears falling on her coat," Ye-yeah I was. The whole get up t-to. Candlelit dinner and everything."

"You always were a romantic," she chuckled," Yes. My answer is yes."

"Re-really," his voice cracked and he smiled," Alright we'll get you patched u-up and start l-looking into a gown. How a-about this fall?"

"Sounds li-" she shuddered and fell limp in his arms.

He shook her," Fleet. Fleethhoof. FLEETHOOF!"

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

Soarin' was pulled from that painful memory when he felt moisture on his cheek. He brought a hoof up and found that he was crying. He hadn't thought about that day in years. He never did get a chance to mourn because after that he had received his position as Commander and there was another battle to be fought. There was always another useless battle to be fought.

A Hope For Peace

                                "We fall so we can pick ourselves back up."  

                                                      Unknown

When Granny Smith met Pryequill she was shocked at who she met. She had met the dragon years before when Twilight Sparkle had came to Ponyville. They sat at a large round table. On Pyrequill's side was Snalis and Dr. Whooves. She remembered both of them, particularly Snails. She was glad to see Slow Trot's colt still alive and well. On Granny Smith's side was Chief Strongheart and General Dry Day. Strongheart had recognized Spike as well and had greeted him warmly.

"It is good to see you again," Strongheart said," but I wish it was under happier circumstances."

"I wish that were the case as well," Spike said," But unfortunately fate is not so kind."

"True Fate is never kind," she sighed.

"Where's mah granddaughter?" Granny Smith said. She glared at the dragon.

"She is here believe it or not," Spike said," When I had been told of your change of heart I had asked for her immediate transfer. A good thing to I was at a loss as to what to do with her."

Granny Smith snorted a stream of hot air from her muzzle," So what do you want dragon?"

"Your help," Spike said, his tone sincere," This country is torn apart from the war your granddaughter and the other Elements started and now its time to pick up the pieces."

"My Applejack was tryin' ta-" Granny Smith started but Spike cut her off.

"Your granddaughter is not innocent in all this," Spike said.

"Your with Moon an' Stars ain't ya," Dry Day accused.

Spike's eyes glowed as he glared at the stallion," I am against them the same you are."

"Then why make war against us," Strongheart said.

"You dehorn unicorns," Snails rumbled," If it weren't for the Doctor I would be without my magic. For a unicorn magic is apart of who  they are. it is the physical representation of their very soul. To cut off a unicorn's horn is horrible act that should never be done."

Granny Smith raised an eyebrow at Dr. Whooves," What does he mean without you he wouldn't be able to use magic."

"Well when you chaps saw fit to remove it I found a way to give it back," Whooves said proudly," It was all thanks to draconic rune magic."

"He has given back what you took," Spike said," To any that want it back."

"And what is th' price fer that pray tell," Dry asked.

"Its completely free," Whooves said simply.

"Now getting back on topic," Spike said," I believe there is an army heading this way with intent to maim and kill. Let my warriors aid you in this and help me stop all this mindless bloodshed. As well I will allow you to see Applejack."

"When?" Granny Smith asked.

"Right now if you so wish," Spike said.

"Show her to me."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

They made their way outside the Apploosan city limits where Spike's army waited. Granny Smith, Applebllom and Spike went inside the tent that Applejack had been placed in. She was secured in a cot with steel bonds. Her body still sported healing bruises but her leg had fully healed thanks to the healing runes that had been placed on her. Applebloom rushed the bed and wrapped her hooves around the orange mare, tears of joy falling down her cheeks.

"AJ," the young mare cried," Yer alive!"

"Bloom," Applejack said, retuning the hug," Its good ta see ya." She looked at Granny Smith," Granny what's goin' on. Why ya with him?"

"Cause young un," Granny Smith said, tears falling down her own cheeks," We made a treaty with him."

"Ya what?!" Applejack screeched.

"Ya heard me," Granny Smith scolded," I didn't raise no deaf mare."

"Now then I believe we have a battle to plan," Spike said.

"You scaled-" Applejack started.

"Hesh up young un and listen ta what Ah got ta tell ye," Granny Smith said, her  tone stern and angry," These last few days Ah'v seen the error in our ways. We've been right mule's asses for some time now and now we've got ta make amends. This here dragon could have said no to th' idea of peace but he didn't and now he's willin' ta help us take down the Everfree army headin' this way."

"Everfree but BIg-" Applejack said confused.

"Mac's dead sis," Applebllom said.

Applejacks world shattered," Wh-what are ay sayin'?

"We got the report three days ago," Granny Smith said," It's been confirmed."

Spike stepped forward," Put away your anger and allow my ponies and I to help you avenge your brother," He slashed the metal bonds cutting through them easily," And my army alone can't fight the force heading here alone and neither can yours. Together we can bring them down."

"Do ya 'onestly think Ah'd work with ya," Applejack said glaring at him. Her sorrow turning to anger in an instant.  

"Applejack if my ponies had their way you'd have been executed in the streets," Spike sighed," When I had seen how far you had fallen I almost let them but then I remembered the words my mother told me. Give kindness and it shall be given to thee." He extended a claw to the orange mare," Help me stop this war and let go of your hate."

Applejack looked at his claw with a sneer then looked at Granny Smith. The wizen old mare only watched her granddaughter  with sad eyes. Applebloom spoke up.

"Sis Ah want this ta stop," she said. Applejack looked at her, confused. Applebloom meet her eyes with a tearstained gaze," We've lost a lot of family and freinds ta this war. Ah don't want ta loose anymore. At first when ya told me that it was th' right choice even when ya said Ah couldn't see Sweetie Belle anymore but Ah don't think we're in th' right here. Ya've changed sis. Yer not who Ah remember. Ah want mah big sis back."

"But Ah am-"

"No yer not," Applebloom screamed," Yer a bitter, hateful pony that's sa focused on takin' Twilight and everypony else down ya forgotten who ya are. Th' Applejack Ah knew put family first. And ya didn't even make a reaction when we told ya Mac's dead. Ya just got angry."

Applejack was speechless as Applebloom descend into tears. She had never broken down like this and now the orange mare could tell that Applebloom had been holding this back for years. It was a reality check for her. She had let the anger for Twilight fester and the anger she felt for the Royal Sisters and their lies. She looked back at the past thirteen year with a new prospective. She had become no better than the others. Applejack looked up at Spike. Everything he had ever said had been truth. She tried to grasp the fact that she had been wrong all these years and at what she had become.

"What have ah done?" Applejack whispered as she stared at Applebloom's weeping form. Thirteen years of hate just seemed to drain from her. Her mouth was dry and she felt the sting of tears in her eye. Applejack looked at Spike and his still outstretched claw.

"We all deserve a second chance Applejack," Spike said," And I would like nothing better than to fight side by side with the most dependable of ponies."

Applejack felt her hoof moving forward but stopped just short of the dragon's claw.

'Truth.'

Her eye hardened as did her resolve as she took Spike's claw.

"Try ta keep up scales," she said, the ghost of a smile on her lips," cause A won't be waitin'fer ya."

Spike beamed and shook her hoof," Please I'll leave you in the dust."

Battle for Apploosa Pt 1

"Battle is glorious, bloody and, damned enjoyable."

                                                     Iron Will

Snails walked through the Earthborn Industrial district. He had to relay a message to Dr. Whooves and was trying to track him down. He had also opted to forsake his armor for a light robe and armored bracers. The unicorn ignored the looks he received. The Earthborn ponies resented the fact that unicorns had been allowed into the city, though only  a hoofful of Brightflame's higher-ups had been allowed. Snails entered the main Earthborn warehouse where he knew he would fin the Doctor. When he saw the earth pony in question he was in the company of a red maned mare that struck Snails as awfully familiar.

"Simply amazing," Whooves said. He and the mare were looking over one of the flying contraptions they had seen in Fillydelphia," I am amazed at the ingenuity you worked into with this."

"Thank ya," she said with no small amount of pride," It really helped turn our battles against Stromwing."

"I can imagine."

"Doctor," Snails rumbled as he walked up to the pair," Lord Pyrequill wishes to see you about the final preparations for the upcoming battle."

"Oh thank you old chap," Whooves said," My good lad you simply must meet this mare. He name is-"

"Applebloom," Snails finished finally recognizing her. He took a step forward in amazement at the mare she had become. He had always found she was cute when they were younger but now she had well blossomed.

"Snails?" Applebloom looked him up and down. She hadn't seen him since he had moved away from Ponyville when they were foals. He had certainly grown too.

"Ah was told you was part of Moon an Star," Applebloom said narrowing her eyes.

"I was but then I and my soldiers were forsaken by a coward of a commander," Snails said," Then I was found by Moondancer and we helped build Brightflame. It is good to see you again."

"Umm yeah you too Ah guess," Applebloom said slightly taken a back by that.

"Well I'll let you two catch up," Whooves said with a knowing tone in his voice.  

"I will have to accompany you," Snails said turning to leave with him.

"Nonsense," Whooves said stopping him," You stay here and get better acquainted."

"It is about our battle plan," Snails rumbled.

"Ah yes it is about that time," Whooves said with a sigh," Very well."

"Ms. Bloom," Snails nodded in Applebloom's direction and the pair turned to leave.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was noon the next day when the Everfree army was spotted on the horizon. Spike and Applejack stood with the combined forces of their army's at their back. The ponies had forsaken old prejudices in the light of the new threat and when they saw the sheer size of the Everfree army this only solidified that need to do so. Spike flexed his wings and hardened his gaze as Applejack tightened her tail around her trusty warhammer. A rumbling growl vibrated withing his chest. Applejack remained silent as she raised a hoof. Just as Spike took off she brought her hoof down in a swift motion.

"We are Equestria!" Applejack yelled.

"No mercy only fire!" Spike roared.

Their army surged forward with their commanders and they clashed with the Everfree army. Applejack slammed her warhammer down on a wildling's skull, crushing it. Spike grabbed another wildling in midair that tried to jump on her back. He shredded its throat and sent a gout of flame at a charging timberwolf as he landed. Applejack bucked a zebra in the ribs as he tried  to blindside the dragon. He went down with a yelp and met his end at Spike's claws. The pair worked in perfect tandem with each other as they carved a path of carnage through their enemies.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Snails and his Brood cut their own swath through the Everfree legion. They held a line against the wildlings and wraiths with the help of Earthborn firespitters and battlebuckers. Snails slammed his hammer into the side of a wraith's head, launching it into the air where it met firespitter flame. The unicorn looked up to see a minotaur charging him and jumped tot eh side just as it passed by him. Snails twirled and unleashed a wave of telekinetic energy at the minotaur. It grunted but held fast and charged the unicorn a second time. This time though Snails didn't move but slammed into him. The minotaur smirked, thinking he had the unicorn only to have it fade when he felt himself moving backward. He looked at the unicorn and was met with an open maw of fangs as Snails unleashed a torrent of amber flames into the minotaur's face. The massive bull fell backwards with a scream erupting from his throat as he felt his face melt. Snails cut him short though by slamming his hammer down on its throat. The wildlings and wraiths looked on in shock as they had witnessed an Iron Bull meet its end at the unicorn's hooves. Snails calmly walked forward toward the motionless Everfree ponies.

"Run," he said as he rushed them, followed shortly by his Brood.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Applejack and Spike continued to weave a path of broken bodies behind them. They made their way toward a pair of Everfree Ents that proved to be a hassle for their pegasi. Spike launch himself into the air and unleashed a gout of green flame on one while Applejack rushed the other and delivered a powerful buck into the side of its leg. Applejack's went down to one knee and found its head meeting her warhammer. It went down with a rumbling grunt. Spike's erupted into flame and tried to make blind hits at the dragon. Spike formed a cone of runic circles around himself and surged forward at blinding speeds. He ripped through the burning Ent's chest and it went down.

The second Ent tried to stand up but was stopped as Applejack jumped onto it's massive chest and brought her forehooves down on it's face three time before it stayed down. Applejack looked up and saw the biggest minotaur she had ever seen walking toward her. Spike landed beside her and regarded the minotaur as well. There was a helm in the monster's hand. He tossed the helm at Applejack and it landed at her hooves. She looked down puzzled then instantly recognized it. It had belonged to Big Mac. She picked up the helm carefully and stared at it.

"He died with honor," the minotaur said.

Applejacks hooves began to tremble as she looked up at the minotaur. Spike took a step forward but she stopped him," No he's mine." She tossed the helm aside and slammed her warhammer into the ground, its gem gleaming a blinding white as he single green eye spoke volumes of rage," When Ah'm done with ya you'll wish ya had never been on that battlefield an that's the stone cold truth."

"You'll meet your end by Iron Will just the same," the minotaur shouted as he struck a pose.

With that she rushed the minotaur and swung her warhammer at Iron Will. He caught it and using her momentum against her threw her aside. She hit the ground with a grunt, jarring pain ripping through her side. Applejack stood up and saw the minotaur rush her. she stepped to the side and sent a bone shattering buck into the side of his leg. There was the sound of several bones snapping as the minotaur went to one knee. Applejack whirled and slammed her hammer into his stomach and her slid backwards with a pained grunt. Applejack charged at him. Iron Will brought both fists up and slammed them down on her. She fell to the ground with a grunt. He raised his hands up a second time to finish the job but found himself soaring through the air. He hit the ground but quickly sat up to see the dragon had attacked him. He pulled a potion from the pouch on his side and downed it. The bones in his leg snapped back into place and he stood up.

"Ah said he's mine," Applejack grunted as she stood up.

"Your welcome," Spike deadpanned," Listen I'm not about to let you die out here. We can take him together." He flashed her a cocky grin," Oh by-the-by you owe me one."

Applejack blinked. For a second she saw the little dragon she had known all those years ago. She then let out a barking laugh," Sugercube Ah don't owe ya one. Ya know how many times we had ta save yer scaly hide? Trust me yer gonna be owin me till the day ya die."

"Well then in that case my code states-" Spike began.

"Oh no ya don't. Don't you start spoutin' that code stuff," Applejack held up a hoof," Th' last time ya did that Ah almost got eaten by a timberwolf."

"I was awkward back then alright!" Spike defended.

Their argument was cut short as Iron Will charged them. They split up and Spike unleashed a plume of flame at the minotaur but Iron Will jumped to the side, the flames licking his side but causing no real damage save for a small burn. Applejack tried to slam her hammer into his gut but was knocked back as Iron Will slammed fist into her chest. Spike started drawing a rune into the ground as Applejack continued to keep him busy. When he was done he looked up at Applejack," Send him over here!"

The earth pony grunted as she pushed Iron Will back. Her ears perked up at Spike's voice. She rushed Iron Will and slammed her warhammer into his leg. He went down to his knees and she pivoted on her forehooves " This is fer Big Mac." She slammed her back hooves into his chest and he went flying backwards. Iron Will sat up just in time to see Spike rake his claws along the rune circle's edge and Iron Will erupted into white flame.

"Lets end this battle," Spike said.

Applejack nodded and placed a hoof on the comcrystal she had been given," Bloom send in th' choppers and rain fire on em."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Will do sis," Applebloom placed a hoof on the comcrystal in her chopper," Alright lets give em hell."

She started her chopper up and so did several others. They took to the sky. Beside her Dr. Whooves readied the repeater cannon that had been attached to the copters side.

"Ya sure ya know how ta work that thing," she asked.

"Its not quite a Gatling gun but I'll manage," he responded. She looked at him like he was crazy as he aimed the cannon down at the battle bellow. His shots found their marks in the masses of wildlings. Applebloom rolled her eyes at the stallion and swerved the copter out of the way of a boulder that had been sent flying at them by an Ent. She circled back around and dropped two bombs on the walking tree. It shattered into shards of wood.

"SCREEEE!!!"

Applebloom spotted a trio of hydra's that had entered the battlefield. She clicked on the copter's comcrystal," Bring out th' Beastbusters."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Out of the Apploosan city gates rolled two massive metal constructs. Each had a cannon turret on its top and a bladed plow on its front. Ponies moved out of the way of the massive tanks. They stopped and one sent a barrage at the serpents but the shots proceeded to only piss off the beasts as they made their way to the Beastbuster. Fortunately the Everfree army weren't the only ones with nature on its side. Four brood stood around a large glowing rune circle and were chanting in the ancient primal tongue of the dragon's. A portal to the Astral Plane ripped open and a flaming construct of a dragon walked out. The portal closed and the Spirit of Rage narrowed its glowing yellow eyes at the hydras.

"GRAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!"

It let loose an ear shattering roar and with pump of its wings surged toward the hydra's. It latched onto the middle one with its flaming claws and seared through the scales. It closed its maw around one of the necks and ripped a head off. The remaining heads loosed a screech of rage and pain and tried to pull the spirit off them. The other two hydras moved to help their kin but the Beastbusters started firing at them. The copters circled the hydra's as well and started dropping payload after payload on the serpents. The dragon spirit ripped a second head off the hydra he was battling and unleashed a gout of white flame at it as it went down, killing it. It sets its sights on the remaining hydras and lunged forward with its claws. One of the hydras screeched in anger as the dragon's claws seared through its abdomen. It went down as its insides flooded the ground bellow and it went into its death throes killing any unlucky enough to have under it. The last hydra was snapping at the copters that circled it and was blindsided by the spirit. One of the hydra's head clipped a passing copter and sent it spiraling.

Battle for Apploosa Pt 2

"You call it ruthless ambition I call it taking your fate in your own hooves."

Twilight Sparkle

"We're going down!" Whooves shouted as he braced himself.

"Nah ya think!" Applebloom shouted as she frantically tried to correct their flight path and just managed to bring the copter up enough to soften their crash. The ride slammed into the ground and sent her and Whooves flying.

Applebloom sat up with a groan.

"Well that was fun," Whooves said as he stood up. A zebra rushed them and lunged at Applebloom. She closed her eyes, prepared for the inevitable but it never came. She looked up and saw Snails infront of her.

"Back off!" he said as he pushed the zebra off and slammed his hammer against the zebra's jaw, ripping his face clean off. Snails turned to Applebloom," Are you alright?"

"Umm yeah Thanks," she breathed. Snails nodded.

"Chap I've never been happier to see you in my life," Whooves said.

"Get behind me," Snails said as he readied his hammer.

Applebloom rolled her eyes and drew her mallet with her mouth. She galloped forward and landed a blow upside a wildling's skull.

"Pfft hxft yff dff fft," She said around her mallet as she faced Snails and Whooves.

""What?" Whooves asked.

She spit out her mallet," Ah said-"

Snails slammed his warhammer down on a timberwolf that made a lung at Applebloom form behind. He galloped forward and crushed it completely with a burst of gravitational force. He picked Applebloom's mallet with his magic," Rule one of combat never drop your weapon. Rule two." He bucked a lunging wildling, pivoted and crushed its skull under his forehooves. He turned back to Applebloom," Be mindful of your surroundings."

"Ya don't have ta be bossy," she shot back and took her mallet.

"Then don't pull stupid stunts," Sanils said glaring at her. She maet his glare with one of her own.

"I hate to interrupt," Whooves said from under a snapping timberwolf," but HELP ME!!!"

They shared a look then rushed to help the Doctor.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spike's claws ripped through a zebra warrior's armor with ease and found his heart. He looked up form the carnage just in time to avoid being crushed by a hydra's body. The Spirit of Rage roared in victory from its kill before dissipating. Applejack pulled her warhammer from an Iron Bull's skull and trotted up bedise the dragon. Her chest was heaving and her fur matted with blood  despite this she had a smirk on her face.

"Not bad," she said.

"Meh I give it a six," Spike said.

Suddenly the battlefield was blanketed in a bright green smog. Spike and Applejack coughed and they heard a cackling.

"Little ponies with no where to let me give a good show."

Spike recognized the voice instantly. Out of the green mist stepped a zebra. A wooden cane was across her back and several bottles were attached to her barding.

"Zecora," Applejack got into a battle stance.

Spike gazed at the zebra. She still had a wise look about her," Zecora lets end this bloodshed."

"Ah so the rumors are indeed true," she said as she walked toward them," The dragon who has caused so much chaos is you. I cannot end this battle here for I must make the Earthborn know fear."  

Zecora lunged at them with her walking stick. Spike and Applejack jumped to the side. Zecora landed and quickly jumped again. She landed on Spike's back and pulled a potion from her barding.

"A little Everoot for a dragon most fierce," Zecora rhymed," For when the potion is done it will be your flesh I pierce."

She poured the bottle's contents over Spike's back and the liquid ran under his armor. Zecora jumped off Spike's back as he began to scream in pain. The potion began to eat away at his scales as he frantically tried to pry his armor off.

"Spike!" Applejack rushed over to help but had to block a swipe from Zecora's cane.

"It is most rude to intervene in others matters," Zecora said," For that I must teach some manners."

She stood up on her hindlegs and brought her cane around and landed a stinging blow under Applejack's chin. Her mouth snapped shut and her teeth clacked painfully together. Zecora slammed her cane upside the earth ponies head and sent her sprawling. The zebra uncorked another bottle and was about to throw it when she was blindsided by Spike. The dragon's armor was gone and the scales on his back and wings were smoking. Spike pinned Zecora but the zebra quickly pressed her hind hooves against his chest and pushed him off.

"You fight with all fury and little mind," she said as she balanced herself on her cane,"  You are most blind."

Applejack stood up and brought her warhammer swinging at Zecora only to have the zebra jump up and cock her upside the head again with her cane. Spike took his chance and rushed the zebra as she landed. Zecora flipped onto his back and drove a short dagger into his exposed flesh at the wing-joint.

"AAAHH!" Spike screamed and Zecora drove a second blade into his back. Spike brought his tale up and grabbed the zebra around her barrel and threw her off before collapsing. Applejack rushed to his side and grabbed the dagger. With a jerk she yanked it out.

"GRAAAAAH!!!"

Spike let loose a roar of pain, flames licking the inside of his jaws.

"You alright?" Applejack asked.

"Oh I'm fine just had a blade shoved into my back," Spike aid between clenched teeth," Pull the other one out."

She obeyed and Spike grimaced from the pain before struggling to stand up. Zecora walked up to the pair a smirk playing on her lips," Yours is a pairing most odd but your efficiency I must applaud."

"That ryning is getting annoyoing," Spike said as he unleashed a gout of flame at her. Zecora jumped out of the way but found herself looking Applejack's back hooves. She went flying as her muzzle gave under the pressure. When she landed she rolled out of the way as Spike dived at her with white hot claws. Zecora splashed a potion in Spike's eyes causing him to roar in pain. She stood up, blood pouring from her broken muzzle and grabbed her cane. With a flick of the steel barb at the end she made to drive it into Spike's exposed side.

Spike grabbed the cane and wrenched it from her grasp. He broke it with little effort and glared at her. His irises were a barley visible as his eyes glowed with power. Runes ran along his scales as rocks and pebbles began to rise up in the air. Without warning sharp spires of rock rose from the ground and floated around them. Zecora watched in awe as Spike raised a claw and the tips pointed at her.

"I give you a good death," Spike rumbled as the spires raced toward the zebra, each intent on skewering her. She dodged the first two but a third clipped her side and sent her sprawling. A fourth pinned her to the ground through her chest. Blood seeped the ground around her as she stared in shock at the object in her chest. Blood bubbled up from her mouth and she went limp. Spike then collapsed.

"Spike!" Applejack rushed to his said as the void of unconsciousness fell upon him.

Hidden Intentions

"We can hope in one hoof and bleed in the other and see which fills faster."

                                 Nightmare Moon

Spike groaned as he slowly sat up. He hissed in pain as his back flared up. He was in a small bedroom, more than likely a hospital room. His back was covered in bandages. He tried to stretch his wing but instantly regretted the action. Spike carefully got out of bed and walked to the door. On the other side Dr. Whooves was just about open it.

"What are you doing out of bed?" He said, shocked to see the dragon.

"I'm well enough Doctor," Spike said. He tried to leave the room but Whooves stopped him.

"You suffered quite the injury," Whooves said," After all you did suffer from mana exhaustion and to top it all off most of the scales on your back are gone."

"They'll grow back," Spike said, his tone stern," How long have I been out?"

"A day," Whooves saghed," We won the battle but suffered a lot of casualties. Oh and a Shade arrived from Manehatten today."

"Good," Spike said," Then let us see what the message is."

They left and Whooves lead Spike to the Earthborn main house. Inside the shade in question was talking to Snails, Applejack and Granny Smith. Snails saw Spike and went up to him.

"My lord," he said with a bow," It is good to see you up and about."

"Thank you Harbinger."

"Spike what are ya doin' out of bed?" Applejack asked.

"Rest will come when Moon and Stars has fallen," Spike said as he walked up to them," Until then I must continue on. Now then my Shade what news do you bring?"

The unicorns bowed deeply," My lord, Spymaster Moondancer has asked for your presence in Manehatten to begin a treaty talks."

"A treaty with Whitegold?" Applejack hissed through clenched teeth," Are ya outa yer mind? Rarity can't be trusted!"

"Thank you my Shade," Spike said," Send word to Moondancer that I will be making the flight to Manehatten by evening's first star." The Shade bowed and quickly left the room through and open window. Spike looked back at Applejack who looked fit to strangle him," There is a reason I have decided to try this treaty with Whitegold."

"Why?" she spat," So ya cin have a chance ta git yer rocks off?"

Spike looked at Applejack, his expression unreadable," Do you trust me?"

Applejack was taken aback by the sudden question. Everything he ever told her had been truth and he had never lied to her. After a moment she spoke," Yes."

"Then gather your army." Spike turned to Snails," Harbinger bring together a small force and make way to New Ponyville. Gather our forces there then make way to Manehatten."

"Yes my lord," Snails left the room to begin preparrtions.

"What are ya scheming there young un?" Granny Smith asked, finally speaking up.

Spike looked at with a morose expression,"  A precaution in case I'm right and I hope by my Mother's blood I'm wrong."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spike took wing to Manehatten that night/. His back was still in pain but less so now that his scales had begun to reform. A small group of Risen flew with him acting as his guard. There idea had been Dr. Whooves'. Spike looked to the moon and sighed he decided to bring out Luna's journal. Given that they were so high up and had a good headwing going he could continue the reading.

Day one hundred twenty seven.

After the attempt to see the skill of the Royal Guard, who I might add are a poultry excuse of what they once were. I have again found myself intrigued by Twilight Sparkle, my foolish sister's favorite pawn. The mare was able to sniff out the Changelings within a matter of hours while the hivemother Chrysalis masqueraded as Cadenza, one of the newer addition to the royal family. I had 'persuaded' Chrysalis to test Twilight Sparkle three days before the Secretariat's Comet and the test was met with surprising results. The power that mare has. She singlehoofedly brought low the bug. With the right matter of coaxing Twilight Sparkle could become on par with myself. I will continue to observe her and the other Elements as well. Now I must figure out this infernal map for it has led me astray. Who am I jesting I am lost.

Day two hundred thirteen

It is almost time. I have secured the Elements failing relations and cultivated that little seed of darkness in Twilight Sparkle. I will now have to secure the Lens and destroy the infernal thing. Then I will deal with my foolish elder sister. I have found the place that has the only records of it and it has been hidden away in the Dragon's Cemetery. A fitting place for it now I...

The text cut off from there and it was the last page. Spike closed the book his expression unreadable. Suddenly with a feral growl he threw the tome in the air and lit it aflame. The tome resisted the flames at first but Spike's rage made his fire all the stronger and eventually the tome turned to ash. The risen around him were startled by the sudden action but stayed silent. They continued on toward Manehatten not daring utter a word.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Moondancer tapped a hoof against the white marble tiles of the Whitegold Council room. Rarity and her Inner Council sat on their perches staring down at her. They had received word that Pyequill was on his way and now they just waited. Moondancer didn't dare take her eyes from Rarity's. Puzzlebox stirred by her side.

"Spymaster he is here," he said.

"Good," Moondancer said not taking her eyes of the unicorn in front of her," It would seem my Lord has arrived."

"Wonderful,' Rarity giggled," I can't wait to meet this stallion."

The doors burst open to reveal Lord Pyequill flanked by three Risen. He was garbed in his black battle armor. His claws clicked against the tile as he walked toward the ponies with an even, but firm gait. His purple scales reflected the glow from the torches that lit the room. The entirety of the Inner Council was speechless at the dragon's arrival. They expected a barbaric stallion thinking he was a dragon.

Moondancer smirked," Presenting Pryequill Lord of House Brightflame."

She and Puzzlebox moved out of the dragon's way. Spike stopped just before the pedestals the Inner Council saw fit to set themselves on. His bright green eyes focused on Rarity. She was still as beautiful as he remembered despite the crystal growths on her body.

"You must forgive our rudeness," Fancy Pants said being the first to speak up," We were not expecting you to be an actual dragon."

"It is forgiven," Spike said," I have come here to ask for your aid and the hope of an alliance between our two houses."

"It can't be," Rarity breathed," Spikey is that really you?"

All eyes turned to the alabaster unicorn. Spike looked her dead in the eye," Yes. It is good to see you again."

"Leave us."

The Inner Council was shocked by this but a single look from Rarity cut off any objections. They quickly left the room and wiith a soft nod from Spike so did Moondancer and Puzzlebox. Rarity stepped off her seat and walked up to the dragon. She carefully placed a hoof against his scaly cheek.

"How?" she asked.

"Does it matter?" Spike said," All that matters is I'm back."

Rarity wrapped her hooves around the dragon and Spike returned the embrace.

'Maybe I am wrong,' Spike thought as a tear of joy slid down his cheek. The two pulled away.

"Darling your crying," Rarity said as she pulled a handkerchief up and dried his eyes.

"Its nothing," Spike said," I was afraid that you had-"

She placed a hoof on his lips and leaned forward," Shhh." Spike's mind melted as he felt her soft lips on his. She pulled away and stared into his eyes. Spike pulled her into his arms and held her, not noticing the dark grin on her muzzle.

Eye to Eye

"Traitor," Spitfire hissed through clenched teeth. Soarin' stood before her unflinching at her accusation. He arrived in Windsoar that morning.

"Spits this war has gone on long enough," Soarin' said, trying to convince her to join him.

"So now you want to throw in the towel is that it!" Spitfire took a step toward him," After everything we've accomplished your going to-"

"We haven't accomplished jack!" Soarin's yelled back," We've only sent more ponies to their deaths. This needs to end Spits. Please I don't want to have to fight you."

"I should have you clipped for those words."

"You would do that after all we've been through. What happened Spits. You used to abhor violence and now your one of the biggest warmongers in the north."

"I am fighting to end our suffering!" Spitfire screamed back, the air around her =began to warp as her body started to give off heat.

"And what about the suffering of the earth ponies and unicorns huh?" Soarin' shot back," They are slaughtered in droves or made slaves. Tell me is that the Equestria you envision being protected because if it is then your no better than Twilight Sparkle."

CRACK!

Soarin's head snapped to the side as Spitfire's hoof connected with his cheek. Her chest heaved as she glared at the light blue stallion. Soarin' met her gaze, his cheek stinging form the slap. Spitfire spat on the floor and turned her back to him," Leave now before I call the guards on you for your treasonous words."

Soarin' turned to leave. When he reached the door he looked over his shoulder at the golden mare," I had hoped my Captain was still in there somewhere but I guess she did die years ago." He walked out of the room, leaving Spitfire to her thoughts.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Flash Sentry did not expect to find Trottingham in this state. The streets of the once peaceful town were overrun with cultists. The orange pegasus ducked under a Euphorite's wingblades and snipped one of her wings off with a swipe of his short sword. She fell to her death still cackling madly. The second his army had landed in Trottingham they had been set upon by cultists. Ponies were rioting in the streets and the Stormwing pegasi that were present had been quickly routed and killed.

Flash had never seen the cult attack so brazenly before. They preferred guerrilla warfare, taking their enemies by utter surprise before vanishing. This was straight out war, the Cult wanted control of the city and they were going to get it. Flash didn't have the resources of the ponies to take them down in a fight. He turned to his soldiers," We need to fall back to the Stormwing garrison."

"But sir," one pegasus pointed out," Won't they attack us?"

"At this point," Flash said gesturing to the chaos below," They probably won't turn down help."

He took off toward the looming cloud structure above the center of the city, his troops following close behind. They flew between the many buildings, adding what ponies they could. It was obvious that the cult had been deep seeded into the city. When they neared the structure they saw the Stormwing hoplites having a hell of a time dealing with a gaggle of Euphorites. The psychotic mares were death with wings to be sure. Flash raised his blade and surged forward with a burst of speed. His blade tore through the barrel of one of the Euphorites. She tried to snap her crude hoofblade at him but a hoplite lopped her hoof off as Flash pulled his blade out. With a flick of his blade, Flash beheaded the mare.

"Thank you," he said nodding to the hoplite, who nodded back grimly before engaging another one of the psychotic mares.

Flash and his soldiers helped the hoplites fight off the Euphorites before they retreated into the cloud garrison. Flash's soldiers breathed a sigh of relief and tended the wounded. Flash walked up to the pony that was in charge, a stoic mare with bright green fur and a short brown mane.

She saluted him," I'm Colonel Branchout. Thank you for your assistance."

Flash returned the salute," Your welcome. When did this start?"

"Late last night," she admitted with clenched teeth," We've been trying to hold them back but well you've seen the city I'm sure."

"Yes I have," Flash looked to the wounded," Are there any other garrisons that need to be protected?"

"Only this one remains," she said," We tired to evauctate but the civilians were caught in the mix. It's a free for all down there."

"Then what say we try to help take the city back. Bristle!"

A dark red pegasus stallion walked up and saluted," Yes sir?"

"Fly to Las Pegasus and tell them what is happening."

"Yes sir," the stallion took off through a window at top speed.

Flash turned to Branchout," Shall we begin taking back the city?"

"Aye," she looked to her troops," Look alive we're headin' back out there. Its a good day to die ponies."

As one unit they left the garrison en forece the wounded were left with a few hoplites to guard them. Flash spotted a group of civilians that were trying to fight off some cultists. He angled down to engage them, the entire group following his lead. He slammed down onto a laughing dead's back, snapping it. He rushed forward and slid his blade across a reveler's throat before he could react. the other soldiers dispatched the other cultists with ease. He turned to the cicvilians when their work was done. It was a family of earth ponies with two small unicorn foals with them. A grey earth stallion used his body to shield his family.

"Get inside somewhere and bare any entrances," Flash told the stallion before taking tot the sky. He saw some hoplites fighting  asamll group of Euphorites. He raised his blade, a grim glint in his eye,' Goddesses I hate Euphorites.'  He effectively beheaded one of the mares causing the others to focus their attack on him. One of the hoplites saw their chance and ran one of the psychotic mares through with his spear.

Flash blocked a wingblade and parried another blow. He felt the sting of a blade as it grazed his side and slammed his blade into its owner. She giggled and pulled herself up his blade until the hilt pressed against her chest. She pushed off him with her backhooves and then rushed him, throwing her full weight into the stunned stallion sending them spiraling to the ground. Flash ripped himself from her death-grip and tried to right himself. He slowed his descent just enough to avoid becoming a smear on the street but crashed through window. when he connected with a hard wooden surface everything went black.