Espirit looked in the mirror and lightly splashed water on her face. Celestia had been found, albeit by her own volition. An entire village had been burnt to ash, including all those who had refused to bend their knees to her. A few pegasi had managed to escape and make it to Crystalopolis to warn them, but the alicorn was less than a day away.

The upper echelons of power were in full panic. It should have been impossible for a tribe so close to the capital to have gone about summoning Celestia without at least somepony noticing, yet it had happened. They had summoned it on their very door step and nopony had seen it coming. Even worse, it was the third spirit in the year, all of them focused on Crystalopolis. As if the city itself was under attack by the fates themselves. If the tribes didn't fight amongst each other as much as they did the three kingdoms, it would almost seem as if they were working together.

But they'd had decades of peace, as well. So long since there had been a true battle like this. So many spirits released at once and tearing through the country. The tribes must have been preparing for this, stockpiling every bit of aether they could, preparing daily to awaken their spirit and send it loose on the countries.

Espirit leaned forward and tried to ignore the feeling of taint, coming ever closer. It made her a little nauseous. Still, a smile spread across her lips. Ganry and Silverwing had returned. The four of them had defeated Celestia before, they'd do it again. They were even stronger than before, there was no reason they could possibly fail. They were heroes, the kind of heroes that everypony cheered and yelled for, before buying books and do-- action figures made in their likeness.

She preened a little and gave a small smile. They'd be talking about her for months after this happened. The heroes who defeated not one, not two, but THREE alicorns. Sure, the third one was the same as the first, but they did it. They were true heroes, they--

She cringed and shook her head, before laying it against the mirror. “No no no no. Remember what they said. You do this because somepony has to. The cheers and adoration are fine, but they cannot be the only reason you do this. Too many ponies DEPEND on you doing this. Being greedy and selfish, only caring about the reward, the praise, that is not you. That is not what heroes do. Heroes save ponies because that's what needs to be done. NOT because they think they'll receive praise and worship for it.” She took a slow, steady breath before nodding and pulling back. “You may be a hero and ponies may love you for it. But even if you weren't a hero, this is something you need to do. Something you have to do no matter what.”

She smiled and turned towards the door, trotting towards it. She couldn't help feeling a little thrill. That was exactly the kind of thing Twilight would have said before going off to battle. She wondered if one day a fan of hers would quote the same line before running off to fight some big monster. Maybe even these same spirits.

She stopped by the door as the futility of what they were doing flowed over her. They'd be stopped, they'd have to be. But they just kept coming back. No matter what they did, the spirits kept coming back. Fighting and killing ponies every time. Even if they were destroyed, they came back and took more lives with them. She crumbled to her knees and shuddered as the tainted aether of the world seemed to flow through her for a moment.

What if they never stopped? What if they couldn't be defeated, for real? What if true peace was never achieved no matter how hard they tried? What if again and again the alicorns rose, destroying all in their wake?

The world spun around her for a moment and she tried not to throw up. What was the point if there was always fighting? After a few minutes she took a deep breath and slowly stood up. “Because... because there will always be ponies like us to fight back the darkness,” she told herself. “Besides, they aren't so scary. We've already defeated two, one more won't be a problem.” She then pulled her door open and walked into the hallway, trotting to the main hall.

It was filled with activity, ponies, griffons, changelings, minotaur, just about everything she could imagine were sitting and talking together. They were all wearing their armor or enchanted garments, complete with weapons nearby. There was a light cheer when she entered and she gave a timid wave. She felt a small rise of shame when she realized she only knew a few of them. Even Larry the crafter was here, but she couldn't name half of her company mates. Before the night was over there was no telling how many of them would be dead.

She made her way through the dining hall, got some food and sat at a table by Steelhorn. “So uhhh, what's the plan?”

“We're it,” the changeling said with a chuckle. “We're going to be waiting back in the city for the main attack. Once it begins, it's our job to find and eliminate Celestia.”

“An easy task,” Ganry said with a chuckle. “This battle will be over before you know it.”

Espirit giggled for a moment, but a glare for Silverwing silenced her. “Don't make such light. This is still one of the alicorns, we can't assume it will be easy just because we've succeeded before.”

“You worry too much,” Steelhorn said with a chuckle. “Come on, Espirit. Pull up a chair and enjoy the meal. Probably won't get much chance to rest later.”

The zebra nodded before sliding into the seat besides her. “She feels... stronger this time. But I think it might just be because she's closer. I think Cadence felt stronger.”

“Cadence also had the crystal heart,” Ganry added. “And it was us versus her army. This time we have allies, it'll just be us versus her. She doesn't have any tricks, either.”

Silverwing sighed and shook her head. “That still doesn't mean we can take this calmly. It's our job to eliminate Celestia or the city will be forced to evacuate.” She tapped the table. “All of you have examined the locations of the escape crystals, right?”

“Yes,” Ganry grumbled. “We've won before, we'll win again. You worry too much.”

“I prefer to always be cautious.”

“Like when we were on our trip?” Espirit asked with a little giggle. “Were we ever in any real danger?”

“I told you, I like to be careful,” the negasi said with annoyance. “This time, however, we are in danger! We--”

“She always gets like this before a fight,” Swipes said from besides Espirit, making the zebra jump.

“Eek! When did you get here?”

“A few moments ago. You need to pay more attention, little conjurer,” the dragon said with a chuckle. “Just enjoy it. She always gets super serious right before a big fight.”

The negasi rolled her eyes. “This is no laughing matter. Countless will likely die tonight. Even if we manage to defeat Celestia quickly, there is still her soldiers to defeat. Or did you think it would be over quickly if that happened? This isn't like Cadence, where the majority of those in her army were mind controlled. Many of them will be willing to die for her. And take a life.”

Espirit gulped and gave a slow nod. “R-right. But once we defeat Celestia, we'll be fine. They won't be able to get through the city walls.”

“Let's hope not,” Silverwing said with a shrug. “This is still a dangerous foe. Most of Crystalopolis wouldn't be evacuating if it wasn't the case.”

Swipes chuckled and waved a claw dismissively. “Most of them have gone less than a days ride out to avoid getting caught in the fighting. It's hardly a mass exodus. Most of them probably wouldn't even leave if they weren't being forced to.”

The negasi sighed and glared at them. “This is a serious situation, ponies will die tonight.” Her voice rose higher. “There's no telling how many of them. When Celestia falls, she'll still have an army and--”

“Silverwing, calm down!” Steelhorn said before slamming a hoof down on the table. Espirit was suddenly aware of just how quiet the hall had become. “We know. Trust us, we all know. We've been here before. We know the risks. The dangers. Trying to make us more scared than we already are doesn't help anypony. So knock it off.”

The negasi glared at the changeling for a few moments before sighing and giving a nod. “Right. My apologies. I merely wished to impart the seriousness of the situation.”

“We know. It's serious. But being tense and nearly killing ourselves in a panic doesn't help anypony.”

Silence hung in the hall. However, after a few moments a few voices started talking again, then more filled the hall. It returned to its joyful din as the company members joked and plotted with each other. Espirit nibbled her food, though she couldn't finish it now. Once she was done she headed out the main door and towards the city wall.

The city had been transformed. At night, the city was usually filled with shimmering gems, the street lights making the many crystal built homes glimmer in the light, dazzling to the eye. Ponies would be out and about, either socializing or working. But now all the lights were out, making the crystal homes look tall, sharp and menacing. The only lit things in the streets were the great emergency crystals, the largest of which had the crystal heart hovering above. In the event the wall fell and defeat was imminent, the forces would use the crystals to retreat to the Cloudsdale border.

The only ponies out and about were the soldiers walking the streets to try to calm their nerves and the civilians who were late in leaving, pulling what wagon loads they could towards the exits of the city. Many of them gave her cheerful waves as she walked, some calling out for her to give Celestia a good licking.

The attack would be coming from the west, so the majority of the forces were focused there. Most of the lamps were out, though plenty of magical fires were lit behind the wall. Ponies gathered around the fires, talking and laughing, though tension hung in the air. She couldn't help but wonder how many of them would be dead before the night was through. This Celestia was stronger than the last, she knew that. Which meant her followers were likely more plentiful and had more resources. Fighting the army off wouldn't be an easy task, even when they did defeat the alicorn.

She received a few happy waves and a light cheer when she arrived, making her give a quick bow. She then made her way towards the main wall and climbed up, looking out over the plains surrounding the city. There was little more than darkness.

“There's aether bombs out there,” a voice said, making her jump. She looked over towards a unicorn in garments similar to hers.

“What?”

“The fields? Covered in aether bombs. The moment they're halfway to the wall, they'll detonate. It's going to be quite the sight. There's no telling how many of them we'll get though. Just make sure you're not near them when they go off.”

Espirit nodded and slowly reached out with her magic. True to the unicorn's words, the little balls of aether were there, waiting for them. The moment they were triggered, the entire field would erupt. A deadly trap that would slaughter the enemy side. She shivered and quickly pulled away. She supposed it made sense, they had to protect themselves. “How long have those been under there?”

“The casings and storage are there all the time. But they aren't active aside from during times of war. Or... invasion in this case.” The stallion looked to her. “You've done this before, haven't you? Fought Celestia? You're one of the ones who fought her?”

“Yes,” Espirit mumbled before looking to the stallion. In the light she could see just how old he was. In fact, he looked old enough he could have been her grandfather. Yet he looked scared. He'd probably seen more fights than she'd ever even read about in all her books, yet his hooves were shaking. “Were you there? Last time she came?”

“No. I was at the wall,” he mumbled before looking back towards the horizon. “I'm part of the mine setters. It is... my job to maintain them. It was going to be the last line of defense. Now it's the first.”

She nodded and gulped, before smiling. “It'll be fine, really. My friends and I have fought Celestia before. Compared to Cadence she was easy.”

The stallion nodded. She slowly slunk away from him and looked over their ranks. Some were young, some were old. Mages, fighters, archers, all here to kill Celestia, or die trying. Well, not quite. All here to give them the opportunity to kill Celestia. To hold back the dark forces long enough for Espirit and her friends to crush the alicorn. She took a deep breath to calm herself.

“You feeling okay?” Steelhorn asked before landing besides the zebra, making her jump.

“Huh? Yes! Fine, just... tense. I can't believe this. A year ago I never thought I'd see Celestia. Now I'm not only going to fight her, but fight her for a second time.”

“I know, it's scary,” the changeling said before reaching out and patting her head. “But we've gotten a lot stronger since last time. We'll be fine. We're the heroes after all, right? After this there will probably be at least a century until any of the tribes can rise up again. Three so fast can't have been easy, especially with all the tribes constantly at each other's throats. This had to be the work of decades for each of them.”

Espirit nodded and looked back towards the horizon. “How long until you think they'll arrive?”

“Hours? Maybe not even until sometime tomorrow,” the changeling said with a shrug. “We have scouts out there, watching for any sign of their approach. We'll know long before they get here. Do you want to get some rest?”

The zebra shrugged. “I guess. A little rest might be nice. Should I--”

The changeling motioned towards where an assortment of cots had been set up. “Most of us will be sleeping in bursts. Sadly, no sleeping in the company house tonight. Just get what rest you can and sweet dreams.”

Espirit nodded and trotted to it, dropping down on the cot. She frowned as she laid on her side. She could remember the last time she'd actually dreamed, now that she thought about it. She shrugged and closed her eyes. To her amazement, sleep began to assault her almost instantly, exhaustion overtaking her.

------

The zebra was shaken roughly, blinking blearily a few times. “W-what? Huh?”

“They'll be here soon, get ready,” Silverwing said.

For some reason, Espirit couldn't help feeling even more tired. As if she'd been drained rather than refreshed from the nap. However, at the words she quickly snapped to attention, gripping her staff and moving to the wall to join her friends. Ganry and Steelhorn were already there, staring out over the plains.

A dim glow could be seen, though it was still a while off. “That's them, isn't it?” Espirit asked.

“Yep. A whole army of them,” Ganry muttered. “Why do these ponies do this? The alicorns fall each time, why not just join with us and help? There's no need for this fighting.”

“They all have their reasons,” Steelhorn muttered. “Horrible, stupid reasons. But reasons.”

“Wanting to exterminate all non-ponies isn't even a reason,” Ganry grumbled. “I wonder what that tribe of Cadence was after.”

“Probably wanted all ponies to serve them, or something,” Espirit mumbled. The crowds were getting closer. Massive torches were in front of the procession, leading the way. Massive ones that cast their flames high into the sky and lit the world for all to see. They were so numerous and so bright that at first she didn't recognize Celestia in the center of the crowd. But as they came closer, the alicorn came more into view. The flames cascading off her body, her horn long and wicked. She was in front, her ponies following behind her.

Espirit groaned and sat down. She could feel the alicorn draining the world with each and every step. Taking the aether into her self, leaving little for others. It was hard to believe one pony could hold so much. The army behind her was just as impressive, though. The flames made them harder to see, but they seemed to go on forever, a never ending sea of loyal subjects to the alicorn.

Even when they defeated Celestia, this would be no easy task. Crystalopolis had a wall surrounding it, but it wasn't designed to endure a massive siege. No force had met the city in centuries, always having been stopped before. But this time the force appeared right on their door stop. There was no way for them to stop it before hoof. Now they would have to suffer for it.

The alicorn stopped and her forces stopped behind her. Her magnificent wings spread out and her flaming mane rose up to match the torches. She trotted forward, alone to meet them. “CITIZENS OF CRYSTALOPOLIS!” the alicorn called once she was within range of the city walls. “SURRENDER NOW AND YOU PONIES WILL BE SPARED!”

“Yup, pony purists,” Ganry said.

“FIGHT ME, AND YOUR CITY'S STREETS WILL RUN RED WITH YOUR BLOOD!”

“Show her what we think of her threats! Detonate!” a crystal pony near the front yelled. A moment later the world shook as light erupted ahead of them. The aether bombs exploded, filling the air with dirt and dust, rocking the wall slightly. The sheer force of the wind was enough to make Espirit and many others stumble back a few feet and made their ears ring with the echo of the explosion.

The zebra grinned. She could still feel Celestia out there, draining the world. But that blast had to weaken her, give them the chance they needed. It wasn't fire magic, it was pure aether. It--

The words fell from her mind as the dust cleared. Celestia stood in their midst, without a single mark on her. Not even a ruffled wing. The ground around and under her was nothing more than a crater, but the mare stood in it as if nothing had happened. The mare yelled something, but most of those on the wall couldn't hear it over the ringing in their ears.

Then the fire gathered in the alicorn's horn, blazing white. Espirit had to look away, blinking a few times. Then she turned back towards it and started screaming, though she couldn't hear her voice. A moment later the ball of white hot light shot forward.

The light hit a magical barrier a few feet from the wall, exploding against it and sending streaks of white light up and over the wall making the ponies cover their eyes. Espirit shook her head, trying to clear it. Her hearing was returning at least, she could barely make out what the alicorn was saying.

“Where are your great heroes I have heard so much about? Ones who think they can vanquish me? Let them come forth! Let them challenge my magic!” the mare yelled, before letting out a laugh. “Walk into the flames and perish!”

Espirit's eyes widened and she looked past the alicorn towards the army behind her. They hadn't made a move to attack yet. But then, neither had the ponies on the wall. Most of them were looking towards her and her friends. She gulped and looked around. “Should... should we?”

Silverwing gulped and then nodded. “We'll have to fight her anyway. We'll never get a better chance. If her army makes a move to attack us, we can fall back to the wall. But this will just be us versus her.”

“If we beat her here, before the fighting starts, her army might even retreat. It would save a lot of blood shed,” Steelhorn said before giving a nod. “I don't think we have much choice. We've beaten her before, under worse conditions.”

Ganry nodded. “She's signing her own death warrant. Let's send it.”

The four nodded to each other before turning towards the stairs and walking down them. Espirit forced herself to take slow, steady steps. They'd fought the mare before and won. They could do it this time, too. They wouldn't have to worry about other ponies interfering, either. Their wall was closer, so if anything happened they'd have backup.

So why couldn't she shake the fear as they marched towards the main gate and the alicorn?