Flash

Vivi and I darted to opposite stairwells, Brand and I holding the westside stairs while Vivi and Saber took east. From one moment to the next, the entire first floor was filled with raging predators hungry for blood. Luckily, the stairs were only big enough for two ponies, maybe three to climb simultaneously. Our blades sliced away at the tide, bodies tumbling down the stairs one after another.

As the body count rose, the chokepoint tighten as monsters had to claw through their fallen friends to reach us. A new problem presented itself when the window just behind me shattered.

“Windows!” I shouted, turning towards the tiger climbing through the window. I buried the spear into its ribs before it had a chance to strike back. Vivi had equal trouble on her side as some more of the creatures started utilizing the window strategy. After taking down a third window prowler, the vassals made their move.

Sentry Sense helped me dodge the surprise attack from below as a hunter vassal lunged at me from the floor, a ghostly claymore clutched in claw. I swung my staff, only for it to get parried with a swipe. Seizing the moment, the hunter spun into a downward slash. Sentry Sense kicked in, giving me just enough time to dodge the blade stroke by jumping to the side.

As a ghostly blade slashed through my armor and across my barrel from the second hunter who emerged through the wall, I realized too late I dodged the wrong attack.

A trail of blood fell as I rolled away and onto my hooves. The two hunters released an unnerving hiss and dove for the kill. With hurried lightning bolts, they were caught off guard and stunned by the blast. Another lightning bolt disintegrated the first hunter. I thrust my hoof out to shoot lightning at the second hunter.

Nothing.

Shaking off its stunned state, the hunter stalked forward, blade wield in front. Barely able to stand, I hobbled away, digging deep to pull out whatever I had left to zap that thing to oblivion. Outside a tingling sensation in my chest, I had nothing to show for it.

Chilling dread echoed through me. Magic wasn’t working, and the blade wound threatened to steal my consciousness away. I was all but helpless.

The hunter raised its blade and dashed forward.

Another sword moved to block it.

“I got you, sir!” Brand pressed forward with a display of lightning quick slashes, followed by a heavy strike that caused the hunter to stumble back. He quickly turned around and pulled out an icy blue crystal shard.

“Shard out!”

When he banged it against his chest plate, the crystal started glowing brighter and brighter. After a brief pause, he hurled it into the clump of corpses and writhing monsters at the stairs. Familiar with what had been experimental weaponry when I last saw them, I scrambled away from the stairway.

Ice exploded from the shard and rapidly expanded enough to envelop the entry point. Combined with the corpses and bodies caught in its wake, the wall of ice would by us a little time. The staggered hunter dove through the floor just when Brand turned around to face it.

Through the glass floor, I spotted the hunter diving into a manticore. The possessed creature roared and made for the frozen stairway, likely aiming to break through the blockade.

Meanwhile, Brand whipped out a medical pouch and hurried through it. “That looks really bad. I’ll patch you up.”

“I’ll—agh—I’ll be fine. Check on the others.”

“But sir, that wound is—”

“Your concerned is noted, but Vivi and Saber need your help first, now go!”

“I—y-yes, sir!” He dropped the medical supplies next to me and scrambled for the others, his timing impeccable as creatures started spilling in from windows on their side. Following his example, Saber hurled a red crystal into the second stairwell. A blaze of flame erupted from the opening, scorching the poor bastards who were anywhere near or on the stairs.

In the meantime, I had a gaping wound bleeding all over the floor and the stamina drain was doing little to help me stay conscious. Grabbing the supplies, I went to work on bandaging the wound as fast as my shaky hooves could manage, working through the sizable crack in the changeling armor.

Why? Frustration mounted, fueling my movements. Why didn’t my magic work?

*How disappointing,* Inner Malice drawled. *I expected better of the champion who bested me. Where did all of that bravado go?*

I don’t need your crap now!

With deep gulps of air and sheer force of will, I finished the rough bandage work and got back on my hooves.

The ice barrier shook from the sudden impact of a manticore tail strike. Time and answers were running short on supply.

Inner Malice’s words echoed at the back of my mind. If hungry, eat. Recharge... with pathos.

I gathered a few more breaths before pushing forward, carrying my lead-heavy legs towards the rest of the team. No, I can’t risk him controlling me again. I’ve seen enough of what pathos does to a pony to fall for it. Why am I even listening to him in the first place?

Another strike on the ice. Cracks expanded across the surface, ticking away until it crumpled under the hunter’s assault.

“Captain!” Vivi hurried over to me. Horn sparked, her magic coated my limbs and barrel to assist movement. “Stay with us. I’ll get you someplace safe to rest.”

I glanced over at the two squadmates fighting side by side. Brand took on the tigers vaulting through the windows while Saber used her poleaxe to chop down the creatures climbing the stairs. Everypony was doing their part… except me.

No, I can still fight. I won’t become a burden to them.

I shook my head. “Thanks, but I can still fight, Sergeant. Just had to catch my second wind.”

Doubt flickered on her face for just a moment, then she released her magic on me. “Understood, sir. Just be careful.”

The ice shattered, that possessed manticore from earlier emerging from the stairwell. Upon closer look, this manticore was much bigger than the other ones, barely able to squeeze through the opening into the second floor.

Vivi’s horn brighten, poised to strike at the beast, when she suddenly gasped and was yanked back.

Three ghostly ponies grasped her tail and backlegs, dragging her away from me and towards the other squad.

“Vivi!” I turned to go after her, only for my Sentry Sense to trigger.

With a side roll, I narrowly dodged the manticore’s tail strike.

“No,” the manticore drawled in double voice, “I am your opponent, Flash Sentry.”

“Captain! Sarge!” Saber tried to run towards us, only for several reaper vassals to emerge from the floor and bar the path. Brand had to deal with vassals tackling into him while trying to restrain his limbs. Vivi released a telekinetic blast that knocked back the smaller vassals, only for the third hunter to descend from the ceiling, two ghostly long swords in its grasp.

As much as I wanted to help, I had to tango with this hunter before it dared to get close to my comrades. Blade staff drawn, I shifted into a combat stance.

“I shall devour you. I shall ascend!” A deafening roar exploded from its lungs. The hunter charged.

I dashed into a slide under it, avoiding it’s pounce. My blade bit into its back leg. It glanced back, tail twitching just before it struck out at me. I rolled to the side to dodge the strike and kept defensive. With every miss, I sliced at the tail. My attacks, though biting into its flesh and bone, only seem to have a temporary effect before healing itself up.

*This hunter is well fed,* Inner Malice mused. *Best land a lethal blow before he outlasts you.*

Thanks for spelling out the obvious, genius! Despite knowing it was best to go for a fatality strike, it’s quick tail was able able to keep me at back. Deal with tail, then deal with manticore.

I moved like I was going for a stab on the barrel. The scorpion tail darted for my chest. My Sentry Sense triggered.

I twisted my body into a spinning jump over the tail thrust. Momentum powered my blade strike to slice and dice the tail like a blender, severing it in three pieces. The manticore howled in pain and stumbled. This was my chance!

The moment my hooves touched the ground, I dashed at it, staff poised to stab.

“SABER!”

I made the mistake of looking as Brand screamed in a rage. Vivi gaped, rendered speechless like I was.

Blood ran the length of the other hunter’s blades. At his feet was Saber, crumpled to the floor in a pool of her own blood.

Pain exploded on my skull as the manticore’s paw throttled me with a hook, throwing me onto the ground. My staff flew out of my hooves and across the room. I tried to get up, stopped by the heavy paw of the manticore squashing my chest down.

I extended my hoof towards the hunter, drawing whatever power I could amass to fire a bolt at it. Nothing.

Damn it! Come on!

A voracious howl caught the manticore’s attention, as did mine, as it came from Brand.

Blind with fury, Brand swung his sword wildly at the hunter. The hunter in turn deflected each blow with ease, surprisingly staying defensive. For a moment, it seemed uncharacteristic. Then I remembered my initial encounter with Malice.

After getting pushed back by a parry, the hunter pointed at him. A vassal appeared from behind Brand through the wall and dove forward. It screeched upon making contact with the armor, hissing with effort as part of it was caught inside. Brand tried to turn around to deal with it, only to get tackled onto the floor by the hunter.

Vivi tried to shoot magic bolts at them, but the swarm of reaper vassals surrounding her absorbed the shots. Some tried to hold her down or grab her limbs while others were similarly stuck in her armor.

They’re trying to possess them!

I wiggled and squirmed to get out of the manticore’s hold, but to no avail. He leaned in, bloodied jaws grinning.

“Watch. Let your hatred shimmer and boil,” the hunter grinded it’s paw into my chest, “then I shall feast when you are ripe.”

I tried to think of something, anything to change the situation around. With my staff on the other side of the floor and magic unavailable, there were no other tools I could think of to—

Wait a minute…

I wiggled my forehoof enough to feel around my barrel. A sphere found its way into my hoof.

Is that what I think it is…? It is!

Probably the only time I would be thankful for keeping on the changeling gear.

“Hey ugly!”

The manticore leaned close enough for its hot breath to wash over me. “Wha—”

“Fetch!”

Just as the mouth opened, I hurled the sphere down its throat. He lurched upward, clutching his throat and giving me enough room to roll out of the way.

After a few coughs, the hunter seemed to recover, glaring at me. “Your parlor tricks will be your downfall!” He crouched low, ready to lunge. Then froze, eyes wide with pain.

He tried to talk, only to choke and cough up the acidic substance I’d shoved down its lungs. It collapsed onto the floor, writhing in unspeakable agony. Within seconds, holes appeared throughout its barrel, melting away. Before the melter bomb could fully run its course, the hunter jumped out of the soon to be corpse, disorientated.

I tried to go for a lunge, only for a magic blast to send me flying into the wall, knocking the wind out of me.

“U-ugh, what in the world…?” I looked up from my dazed state.

Vivi and Brand shambled towards me, burning with pathos energy. I didn’t see any of the reapers, leading to one horrible conclusion: Possession.

While one of the hunters was still recovering, the dual-wielding hunter walked alongside my possessed comrades towards me. I tried to pick myself off the floor, only for my strength to give out.

Get up, damn you! Get. Up!

The stamina drain was too much, grounding any attempt to stand and fight.

I… I can’t let it happen again! I can’t let anyone else die because of me!

My legs were shaking. Not out of strain, I realized, but fear.

Has nothing really changed? After getting this far, overcoming everything up to this point, is this really where it ends?

Am I… still powerless?

*Enough!* Inner Malice’s voice boomed, compounding the headache I already had. *I will not stand for this weakness! Have you learned nothing since our encounter?*

I gasped, stunned by the sheer rage in his voice.

“This pitiful display is not from a lack of power, but fear. When you faced me, a being infinitely more powerful than you, you bested me not through Discord, Chrysalis, or some unknown power. I was defeated by your ability to fully embrace your true nature. To recognize who you were and unleash your potential. Now here you are, repeating history and paying for it. Not only with your life, but others!

*Look around you! Face the cost of your cowardice!*

I did so, not that I could do much else. My possessed comrades trembled with each movement, struggle evident on their faces. A wave of guilt washed over me.

*If you continue to run away from yourself,* Inner Malice’s tone calmed slightly, *if you do not go all the way, failure will be your only reward. Just like in Canterlot. Is that what you want?*

Of course not!

*Weakness. Cowardice. Failure. This is no longer allowed. Fly or die, you will not run from this. I will see you and your world burned to ashes before I allow such things corrupt you further.*

The hunters drew closer.

I… Desperation took hold of me, unyielding. I can’t let you control me again. I can’t lose myself!

*...You rather lose everything? Lose the lives of these proud warriors fighting by your side? Lose your allies and family?* A pause. *...Lose Twilight Sparkle?*

My breath caught in my throat.

*What are their lives worth to you? What are you willing to do to protect them?*

A growl slipped out of my lips.

*...Say it.*

It didn’t take much imagination to know what Inner Malice was alluding to. I shook my head.

*Say it. Or watch them die. I don’t care which.*

Hot fury coursed through me, enough to bring function to my limbs. I rose to my hooves, causing the hunters to freeze midstep, guarded.

I closed my eyes, took a shaky breath, and opened them.

“...Fine,” I took on a fighting stance, “I will stop at nothing to save them. Even… even if it costs me my life or identity, I will get past this.”

Inner Malice made a satisfied hum. *That wasn’t so hard, was it?*

Screw you.

The hunters darted forward, blades poised to strike. My Sentry Sense triggered.

*Don’t fear the anger in you. Hate them with all your might. Let the fury fuel you, and thrive in their destruction.*

As the ghostly blades drew closer, I stole another glance at Saber’s bloodied corpse.

A ripple of energy rushed out of my chest and flooded my body.

The hunter’s blades struck air as I teleported.

“Where did—ACK!”

I dropped down from the air and onto the first hunter with a punch to the skull, crushing it against the floor. The other hunter swung his blade for my throat. Part of my helmet chipped as I ducked and darted in for Saber’s killer.

I screamed into my relentless flurry of blows. Halfway across the floor, I grasped it’s throat and, with a leap, smashed him into the floor, stunning him.

*Now, while he’s vulnerable, feast upon his essence.* Before I could ask, Inner Malice continued. *Tune your instincts aggressively. Devour your prey.*

Tune my instincts… devour…

Squeezing the throat, I envisioned Noble when she had drained the pathos out of Thorax. My glare sharpened on the hunter, mouth open.

Wisp of white energy tore from the hunter and pulled into my mouth. He writhed and screamed, thrashing in my grasp. A burst of power flowed through me like a triple shot of espresso. The hunter began to fade, losing color and solidity. Then, after one final scream, he burst into several tiny balls of energy that dove into my chest.

Pain from the sword wound started to ebb away, already healing. My exhaustion vanished. In place was a swell of energy in my chest, completely recharging me and then some. I hadn’t felt this refreshed, this hyped, in years.

I was about to turn my sights upon the other hunter when Vivi fired a hail of bolts at me. I threw myself to the side to dodge. While she conjured another magical blast, Brand rushed me with his sword.

*Deal with the reapers quickly if you want to save them. Force them out.*

The other vassal recovered and charged at me, only to get thrown back into the ground with a well placed lightning bolt. My attention went back to my possessed comrades.

How do I force them out?

*How else? With force.*

The emphasis, strange as it was, gave me an idea.

I darted around some more magic bolts and dashed straight for Brand.

Channel the spark and get them the hay out!

Praying this would work, my hoof shot into his chest.

Four reapers were ejected out of Brand upon impact. Their forms were distorted, like phantom dough struggling to remember what it looked like. This was my chance.

Dodging a cutlass thrust from Vivi, I teleported straight for the reapers. The moment I struck, the reaper dispersed into small bits of energy, which I then absorbed to refuel. By the time I devoured the second one, the remaining two reassembled themselves and ran towards the hunter.

Another teleport, this time in front of Vivi. I had pulled back my hoof when she swung her blade at my head. Her blade missed as I teleported to her side and punched her barrel. This time there were three vassals knocked out of her as she fell over.

*Intriguing. No more than two vassals should ever be needed for a possession. Those gems are stronger than I expected,* Inner Malice mused.

A little busy here! I’d absorbed two reapers, missing the last one who fled to the hunter. To my surprise, the hunter grabbed them by the throat and, as I did, absorbed them. His muscle definition and size grew, pathos aura brightening like a fanned flame.

Did… did that hunter just cannibalize their own vassals to get stronger?

The hunter looked at me, grinned, then dashed for me. The boost in speed surprised me as it dodged my lightning strikes.

After ducking a hook punch from me, it dove inside me. Panic swelled as frost seemed to freeze my veins.

*Resistance is futile,* The hunter’s voice hissed from inside my mind. *You’re mi—*

A shrill cry echoed in my mind, then as quickly as it came, silence. A tense beat followed, then a warm, invigorating sensation flooded my body. I waited, expecting some sort of possession attempt or hallucination, but nothing came.

Malice? Are you—

*No one lays claim to you except me. You will do well to remember that.*

Never in my entire life would I have been grateful to have a hateful war spirit inside me.

I glanced at both stairways, grateful the monsters were still held back by the obstacles that were their dead kin. Though it bought us some invaluable time to deal with the hunters and reapers, it wouldn’t be long before we were back to square one.

“Captain!” Vivi and Brand ran up to me, expressions filled with dread.

“Are you two alright?”

“Yeah, we’re good. Just… I’m sorry about attacking you, Captain,” Vivi apologized.

“Me too, sir,” Brand joined. “I know it was mentioned during the briefing, but to actually go through that…”

“No point in dwelling on it. I went through that myself, and there’s no training in the world that could prepare you for that. For now, I’ll need you two to stay focus and guard the stairs.

“What about you sir?” Vivi asked.

My eyes moved towards the lower floor.

“I got some energy to burn.”

I teleported.

A clutch of beasts reared in surprise as I appeared in the middle of their pack on the first floor. I unhooked one of the bombs Elytra called ‘Phosphor Bombs’ and dropped it at my hooves. I paused, waited for them to lunge at me, then teleported towards the other side of the first floor just before the bomb detonated.

Hot white flames ignited, setting anything it touched on fire. Flames licked and hopped from one creature to another in rapid succession. As I repeated the tactic, more and more flames engulfed the creatures on the first floor. At bigger groups I hurled the Melter bombs, turning them into piles of mush that brought back some horrible memories. My teammates on the second floor followed my example and hurled the explosive shards down the stairs and the window openings.

My ears started ringing from the series of detonations echoing all around me. By the time I teleported back to the second floor, the entire first floor was a collection of broken beasts and corpses among the fire and acid. Though there were more monsters, their numbers were finally cut down to the point of being manageable.

The creaking and lurching building, on the other hoof, presented us with a whole new set of problems.

Support beams creaked and cracked, succumbing to the combined weight of the building and weakening foundation thanks to the generous use of explosives. Smoke plumed, threatening to fill the building in no time.

“Looks like it’s time to pack up and try to get out through that barrier,” I declared.

*I believe you mean utilize this collapsing building to cull their numbers.*

I blinked owlishly. “... One second team, brainstorming.” I pretended to look around for ideas. What the hay do you mean, Malice?

*Look down and see for yourself.*

The creatures below were whipped into a downright frenzy. Rather than leave the building, they mounted a full force assault through the flames and acid to try and reach us. More specifically, if their gazes were any indication, reach me.

Why are they… It took a moment for it to click. Of course. Whatever vassals are left wouldn’t dare let a falling building steal their meal ticket. They want a piece of me before the building takes away their dinner.

*Ah, so that head is used for more than aerodynamics. But yes, if they are going all out to get you, this building will make a fitting grave for them.*

A pain in the flank until the end. I glanced out the window, seeing the barrier still in place. I can’t just wait for the fire to get them. However, if I could reach Spike…

An insidious plot formed in my mind. It was just a matter of keeping the beasts’ attention long enough for the plan to come through.

“Vivi, Brand, I got a plan, but I need your help to get that barrier gone. I’ll keep these bastards inside and make sure they stay in.”

“Captain,” Vivi started, “we’ll do what we can, but how are you going to keep them in? Please don’t tell me you’re going to be the bait again.”

I nodded.

Vivi wilted a bit. “Captain, there has got to be a better way. We can’t lose you too!”

Oof. That one got me in the feels. “Your concern is noted, Sergeant, but it’s the only way this will work. I need you two to protect each other and deal with the shield. The faster you work, the easier my job will be. Once it’s down, get away from the building and get the good word to me via Dragon Whisper. Do I make myself clear?”

Vivi and Brand threw a nervous look at the approaching monsters and creaking building. After a lengthy pause, they nodded.

“Good. Now, go!”

“Yes, sir!” With a salute, hopefully not our last, they made for the window. After a quick look over the edge, they hopped to the other side and sprinted. Time to make my own move.

*The vassals will anticipate this. They won’t allow them to drop the shield. How will you deal with this?*

I smiled. You know damn well how.

*...Heh, alright then. Now, show these fools your new teeth! Blood for blood!*

Running over to Saber’s body, I grabbed whatever shards she had on her and made my way up to the third floor just in time for the monsters to start pouring in. I hurled some of the red crystals behind me as I ran, devastating any poor sod chasing me. Needed to soften them up as much as I could get away with.

Once I got to the third floor, I took to the center of the area next to the bar counter and prepared for the fight of my life.

The first to rush in were tigers and other quick moving predators. Using the tables and bar counter as cover, I vaulted over them to dodge attacks and counter with my own, cleaving through them with my blade. When bears and Timberwolves started coming in, the situation got a little hairer, and I was forced to teleport and use lightning bolts more liberally.

Turns out, however, that since they were driven by pathos, their loss was my gain once I cut them down. My loss of stamina was surprisingly minimal. Leaping, flying, and vaulting over obstacles and monsters alike, the pathos I drained from each kill gifted me with a decent return on investment. Deep down, it frightened me how good it felt to have such power flowing through me.

Like the previous floor, the glass pane on the floor provided invaluable intel for whatever came at me. While swarms of monsters were clear, catching a hunter accompanied by several reaper escorts made me more than a little nervous.

Dodging monsters was one thing. Dodging reapers was another. Dodging hunters was a pain in the flank. All three at the same time? Not even I was that good.

Reapers attempted to immobilize me by grabbing my limbs or tackling into me. After devouring a few of them, they played it a lot more cautiously. This did earn me a couple of bites from the creatures rushing me from all corners. The worst attacks came from the hunter. Whenever he attacked, it was all biting and clawing strikes. Every blow, each torn flesh caught in its fangs, stole breath and energy out of me. It wasn’t until Inner Malice spoke up that I learned why.

*They’ve begun to adopt your tactics. The hunter is trying to leech your magic. Devouring him should allow you to reclaim whatever wasn’t utilized.*

Would love to get some of that energy back—I grunted as I blocked a biting lunge from a grizzly bear—But I’m a little busy here.

*Make time. If they run you dry, you will die.*

Slave driver! With a cry, I punched the bear, causing it to release my staff. I darted to the side in time to avoid a biting lung from the hunter. What the hay is taking those two so long? If they don’t hurry, I may not—

“Flash? Flash, can you hear me?”

My heart nearly soared through the roof. With a teleport, I appeared on the least congested side of the room which, quite frankly, wasn’t saying much since they were everywhere. I activated the Dragon Whisper. “Spike! I need a strike on Stardew Horizon!”

“Copy that. Vivi told me everything. Relaying orders now, standby.”

“No rush,” I muttered under my breath as I darted away from a tiger’s leap, “Take all the time you need, buddy.” With a roll, I flipped over a bear and threw a lightning bolt at another tiger jumping at me.

After a long moment, Spike’s voice reached me. “Ten guns engaged. Call firing pattern.”

Ten Typhoons to fire with. Should be more than enough. As for firing pattern, I can’t let any of them escape, so only one real option exist.

“HE shells. Time-on-Target. Need this building gone before they know what hit them.”

“Copy that.” Another pause. “Target confirmed and engaging. One salvo incoming, ETA twenty seconds. Brace for danger close.”

“Got it. Getting out of dodge.” I’d moved to teleport when a swarm of reapers rushed me all at once.

Right then, the hunter appeared through the wall behind me and latched onto me. Pain shot through my shoulder as frozen dagger like teeth pierced through the armor. I bucked and shrugged wildly to get him off, but the ironclad hold got me good. Adding to my list of problems were the tigers reaching me, biting down my limbs while I was vulnerable.

Along with the pain was a sudden wave of lethargy hitting me as he tried to drain me dry. When shaking or bucking didn’t work, I resorted to the only measure at hoof that had consistently been effective; lightning.

This time, rather than force lightning out of my hooves, I willed it to throughout my entire body. Not only did it force the hunter to let go, but stunned the other creatures biting me as well. My efforts, focused on the hunter and creatures near me, bought the reapers enough time to dive into me, forcing themselves through the electrical field that was my body.

*Run! They’re trying to—* Inner Malice’s words cut off.

The electricity suddenly stopped, as if it’s own accord.

Malice? What are they trying to do? Hey, can you hear me?

My only answer was the cool sensation in my chest. I jumped in time to avoid a claw strike from the hunter, aiming my teleport to the first floor.

Nothing.

Worst yet, I couldn’t feel the spark in my chest, as if I’d lost touch with my magic. When I caught the hunter’s grin, it clicked.

While I doubt Inner Malice would get taken down by a bunch a reapers—a line of thought I never thought I would have or be concerned over—my ability to quickly get out of dodge was revoked… with about fifteen seconds left before the bombs hit.

...This is going to be my entire day, isn’t it?

I dashed for the stairs, vaulting over and springboarding off anything and everyone to reach the stairs. Monsters climbed over each other, only earning a few nicks off me.

Ten seconds left.

The stairway was in reach when the hunter flew through the air and tackled me into the wall.

Oh come on!

Our claws and hooves met in a clash before he could pin me, bodies trembling with effort to overcome the other. Little by little, the hunter started overcoming me, forcing me to bend at an awkward angle just to compensate for the disadvantage. The hunter hissed, glowing eyes burning with bloodlust.

“You shall pay for your disrespect!” The hunter growled. “I’ll devour you and the failure within!”

Failure within… wait, is it talking about—no, unpack that later. Deal with this first!

I gritted my teeth and pushed with all my might, falling just a hair short as I found myself slowly crumbling under the hunter’s strength.

Five seconds left.

Think, Flash, think! How do I get out of this?

An epiphany struck me.

...Maybe I don’t get out of this. Just dig in.

While not the smartest idea in the world, this hunter was not giving me a lot to work with. Well, maybe one thing.

“...Remember, you asked for it!” I shouted at the hunter before dropping to the ground, pulling the hunter on top of me while all the beast began dog piling me. I braced.

The look on the hunter’s face as he heard the shrill whistling rip through the air? Priceless.

The building rocked violently as crystalline shells ripped through the ceiling and walls. I’d nearly gone deaf after the first explosion, only hearing faint thuds and ringing from the subsequent detonations. Each explosion followed one after the other with little to no pause in between, engulfing everything remotely near it with fire and shrapnel. Monsters were thrown around and eviscerated from the sheer force. The hunter being torn off me as we both got bounced around like a ragdoll. I was only saved thanks to the monster swarm soaking up the majority of the blasts like a sponge.

One thing I hadn’t accounted for was getting rocked so hard that I landed where the third floor glass had been, followed by a gap where the second floor used to exist.

I tried to flap my wings to gain altitude, realizing too late that all of my magic was locked thanks to the reapers. Like it or not, I was taking the express trip to the first floor with no brakes, followed closely by burning debris and shredded corpses.

“Fuuuuuu—”

Everything went black as my face kissed the corpse-ridden first floor.

“...firm hit… ash?”

I awoke with a gasp, lungs feeling like someone dumped burning sawdust down my throat. The weight of a hundred furry mattresses smothered me, only able to see or breathe thanks to a sliver gap through what I could only assume was a mountain of corpses atop of me. I tried to move my limbs, stopped not only by the weight on them, but pain shooting all over my body.

“Flash, are you there? Please tell me you’re alright!”

“Ugh…” Was the only answer I could give. Even then, with no access to my limbs, I had no way of activating the Dragon Whisper.

“Flash, please resp—”

*For the love of the emperor, silence!* Inner malice shouted, further compounded my headache.

A lengthy pause followed before Spike spoke again, a world of hesitation in his voice. “F-Flash? Please tell me that’s not who I think it is…!”

*Interesting, so you can hear me through this ‘Dragon Whisper’ as long as Flash is conscious. I could always use more playmates.* Inner Malice mused. Shock ripped through me as it sunk in; Spike was able to interact with Inner Malice through me.

“Malice, you good-for-nothing bastard, what have you done to him?!” Spike screamed. “I swear, if you do anything to—”

*You will do nothing but listen, little drake!* Inner Malice snapped.

Can we not have a screaming match inside my head, please?

Inner Malice continued. Though I had no proof, I could swear he rolled his eyes at me as he lowered his voice. *Flash is buried among the corpses and has no ability to speak with you. Though it’s weakened, I still sense a hunter nearby. Ensure the team is aware of this before they get more of themselves killed.*

Another, much longer paused. "Why should we believe anything you say?! Bet you’re just trying to trick us!”

*You don’t have a reason to trust me, nor am I inclined to give you one. However, if you wish to let your captain and fireteam die, simply ignore what I say and let the hunter ambush them.* A brief pause followed. *Don't worry, I'll wait.*

A small burst of energy went through me. Some strength returned to me, just enough to shift my hoof onto my chest. “Spike—” I coughed, wheezing between every few words. “Hit confirmed. Tell Vivi to be careful. Malice might be right.”

“Uh, say again? Did you just agree with Malice?” I couldn’t blame the shock in Spike’s voice.

“This Malice is…” I stopped, searching for the right words, “different from the one we’re fighting against. Long story. I’ll talk more when” —another wheeze for air— “when I can actually breathe.”

“I...c-copy that. Warning Vivi’s team.”

With that confusing moment out of the way, I tried to squirm out of my burial site through the tiny opening, squeezing my face through it.

Through the flicker of fire and smoke was complete ruin. The building creaked, threatening to collapse at any moment. Melted tables, charred animal corpses and burning debris littered the decimated area. Taking Malice’s warning to heart, I kept my eyes peeled for any signs of the hunter. Another wave of energy went through me, this time soothing the sharp ringing that had deafened my ears. That’s when I heard it.

The shimmer of prismatic colors revealed itself to me thanks to the flames reflecting off the armor. After everything that happened, Saber’s body was still in relative good, although burnt, condition alongside her armor. Beneath her corpse was a writhing, hissing hunter struggling to get out from under her. Even in death, Saber did her part against the vassal menace.

The hunter’s gaze locked with mine. The same idea crossed our minds; whoever gets out first will kill the other.

Malice, hurry your ass up and deal with those reapers! I wiggled with all of my might, digging deep for anything to get me out of this mound of bodies.

*Don’t blame me for your frailty! I’m still culling their numbers. Survive until they are dealt with.*

Inch by inch I squirmed outward, helped only by the uncomfortable amount of blood lubricating my fur enough to squeeze through. I pushed through the bodies with everything in me.

“Damn it, come on! Move! Move damn you!”

The hunter scrambled, clawing its way from underneath Saber. Unfortunately for him, Saber’s body seemed to drag along with him, awkwardly keeping him pinned down. Little by little, her body shifted and started to roll off it.

Another burst of energy returned to me. With a heavy grunt, I managed to slide halfway out.

The hunter managed to roll the body off itself and escape first. With a screech, it scrambled towards me.

I raised my hoof to throw a panicked lightning bolt.

Nothing.

Can’t one thing go right today?! Just one damn thing?

A gem-encrusted sword sailed through the air and pierced the hunter through the back, nailing it to the ground just before it could reach me.

Stunned, I glanced to the side, barely catching Brand’s hoof extended, a heated glare aimed for the hunter. “That’s for Saber!”

Vivi stood next to him, upholding a barrier that kept the ceiling above them from collapsing. “Kept you waiting, huh?”

Brand hurried to my side and, grasping my hooves, yanked me out of the bloody mess. “Glad you’re still with us captain.”

“Damn good throw, Brand,” I coughed.

“Ready to get out of here, sir? This building’s not gonna last.”

I set my sights on the hunter with the enchanted blade through its back, unable to pull it out.

“Almost. I have some unfinished business.”

I walked over to the hunter and grabbed the back of its neck. It clawed at my hoof as I squeezed the life out of it.

“Here’s a message for your master on the way out,” I growled. “No matter what he does, who he sends after me, he can’t stop us. Can’t stop me. I’ve dealt with you, his reapers, and his Celestia-damned monsters. Now, I’m coming for him,” a grin found its way into my lips, “and he better be ready to kiss his ass goodbye.”

As I started devouring the hunter’s magic, the hunter laughed.

“H-heh, he also has a message for you…” He gasped for his final breath, body fading. “Challenge... accepted.”

The vassal disappeared, its essence drawn into me.

*Exactly what I needed,* Inner Malice beamed. *Enjoy your victory meal.*

What are you—

A sudden rush of energy ran through me, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. Every ounce of energy I’d spent or lost until now returned twice over. There was so much power flowing through me I thought I was going to burst. Inner Malice finally took down those reapers!

Again, never imagined I would be fighting alongside Malice to fight his own…

A weird epiphany struck me as I hurried towards my squadmates.

Hey, who is this version of Malice really after? Me, or you?

*Yes,* Inner Malice answered gruffly. *More importantly, you’ve just angered him and revealed one of your most powerful assets. This will inspire escalation, so prepare accordingly.*

Escalation for who? Me, or the guard present here?

*Again, yes.* I could hear the smile in his answer.

I was halfway across the floor when my Sentry Sense triggered.

I tried to find the danger or who was being threatened, but outside some smoke and flames, I didn’t—oh no.

I teleported next to Vivi and Brand, grabbed them both by the barrel, and threw another teleport outside the building just before the collapsing building cracked through Vivi’s barrier.

When the world snapped back into focus, it was to the sound of a building falling like a house of cards. Dust and heat of the flames washed over us, mitigated thanks to Vivi’s shield. A pile of burning rubble lay where the building had once been.

So much for taking Twilight to Stardew Horizon...

“Structure’s been flattened. Hostiles eliminated,” I reported to Spike.

“Copy that. How are you holding up?”

I looked to my teammates, exhausted, angry, determined. I knew the loss of Saber still weighed on them as it did for me, yet still they knew there was a job to finish. A fight to see through to the end.

“Could be better,” I answered honestly.

The ground shook me into a stunned pause. Just when I thought it was my imagination there was another tremble through the earth. A terrifying roar tore through the air, rattling all of us down to our bones. We all shared a look at each other, color drained from our faces.

...Yep. Could be a lot better.

Noble

*Shadow, leviathan-class serpent reported in your area!* Thorax’s panicked voice echoed in my mind.

*Tell me something I don’t know!* I barked through the hive link. The giant green serpent, almost as tall as Twilight’s castle, crashed its way in our direction like a runaway train. And because a feral serpent was apparently not hard enough on us, a thick curtain of pathos covered the creature like armor, a terrifyingly obvious clue what was driving it.

*Warlord identified in the serpent,* I warned Elly and Thorax through the hive network.

*Of course a bloody warlord would be possessing that thing,* Elly mentally groaned. *Any idea of it’s target?*

At first I thought it was coming for me or the squad. However, it’s focused glare was set not for any of us, but for whatever was in the distance. I only knew if one building this warlord could be going after in that direction. *The castle. I’d put my bits on him wanting to shutdown HQ and guns.*

“Scatter! Cadenas, with me!” I took into the air and towards the roof of a house alongside Sergeant Cadenas while the rest of the squad skirted the edges of the main street. “It’s heading for the castle. I’ll attack it head-on to catch its attention! Maneuver your squad to attack where you can. Keep a safe distance until then.”

“Aye aye, Love. Don’t get your pretty self killed.” I rolled my eyes at Cadenas as he smirked and hopped off the roof, shouting out orders to the squad. Just before the Serpent could pass my position, I flew at it’s head, Niekinis daggers drawn. It must have sensed me, because it’s diamond-shaped eyes swiveled to me before I could get close.

The serpent snapped its jaw at me, only catching air. From under its chin where I moved to dodge, I dove in to slash its throat. My blade barely bit into it’s tough as steel hide before a large shadow fell over me. I kicked off to dodge the tail swipe, the mere force of wind enough to buffet me.

“Shard out!” One of the Prism Guards called out, hurling a bright red crystal shard at the beast. An explosion of flame erupted upon contact, scorching its body. Several more shards were thrown at it: fire, lightning sparks, some in even burst into icy mist that instantly froze whatever it touched. Beyond scorched marks and a moment of sluggish movement wherever the ice shards struck, it only seemed to irritate the warlord.

“Meddlesome insects!” It’s warped voice screamed, following up with a tail slam towards the forces.

If that hits…!

Unable to use magic without breaking my identity, I hurled a dagger at the beast’s eye. It’s head narrowly tilted far enough to avoid losing an eye, my blade burrowed into eyebrow. Not a perfect hit, but my plan of shifting the trajectory worked. A long stretch of crushed earth formed next to one of the fireteams. They were smart enough to scramble before the warlord tried to sweep them away.

The warlord glared at me. I had his attention.

“Those blades… Noble Heart, the constant thorn in our side,” the warlord’s voice dripped with venom. “I will have your head!”

It lunged and snapped its wide jaws at me. Zip to the left. Dip to the right. Pause, then dive to feint another bite. I darted forward to cut its throat again. Onto my tricks this time, his body lurched and tail whipped at me. After barely dodging it, I dashed to the side and came at his eyes. I barely managed to pull out the dagger I hurled at it earlier before that damn tail moved to intercept me again. All I could manage was light cuts before he either snapped his teeth at me or slapped me away with his tail.

The Prism Guard could do little to stop it outside throw more explosive shards, crossbolts and unicorn firepower to distract it. I was its most annoying target by far, lunging for me with every opportunity. Most I could do was play keep-away before it could sink it’s enormous fangs on me.

“Love, civvies on your six! Groundside!” Cadenas shouted from behind the corner of a crumbled house.

Avoiding another lunging bite, I maneuvered around the warlord and dove behind the rubble of a smashed house to see what the sergeant warned me about. Dozens of civilians scampered down the war-torn road. Foals cried out in horror at the massive serpent smashing through their home. The wounded and elderly were carried on the backs of the able, some of them limping from their own wounds or threatening to collapse from exhaustion.

I locked eyes with one pony for a moment. Thankfully I was in Sassy disguise so I couldn’t scare off the very ponies I was trying to save, yet the look he gave me said it probably didn’t matter who or what I was. All that mattered to him was if someone, anyone, could help him save his family.

That’s when Cadenas’ warning hit me: Continuing the fight risked drawing it towards the civilians. If I broke off the engagement, the warlord would likely continue towards its objective. Once it reached the castle, there would be little I could do to stop it… not that I could do much in the first place.

The warlord turned its huge body left and right, searching for me. Thankfully, my squad pulled back its attack. My mind raced as I ran around the building, using it as cover from the warlord to reach Cadenas. Do I continue the attack and take a chance, or let it continue?

I was reminded of the promise I made to Flash, promising to safeguard the ponies I was asked to protect. To continue fighting here risked breaking that promise, lacking the answers to deal with a warlord-empowered serpent.

Enough lives have been lost already. I can’t risk fighting it here.

“We’re breaking off the attack! Get them out of here and avoid engaging if possible.”

“You got it, Love.” Cadenas faced his squad, motioning the other half across the street to gather on our position. “The lady needs us to evac those civilians! Let’s keep them from the big bastard, ya?”

While Cadenas organized his squad, I directed my attention to the hive network. *Thorax, Elly, I couldn’t deal with the warlord. It’s heading through Quad-2 to reach the castle. I’m in pursuit.*

*Understood, Shadow. Updating Shining Armor and Spike.*

*Oh no you don’t, Mum,* Elytra chided me over the hive link. *I’ll deal with this warlord. Stay focused on clearing Quad-3.*

*Elly, I’m not letting you handle a warlord alone. Last time we—*

*Last time we both got our flanks handed to us,* Elly shot back. *We both have a job to do. Ponies to save. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let a warlord get one over me again. Let me do this, Mum. I need this, and you do too.*

*This is not the time to get on your revenge soap box, Elly.*

*Give me a little credit, Mum. You’re closer to the front than I am. If you leave that area, you can’t be there to stop whatever else is thrown this way. Besides, you, Flash and Spike have already done so much and gave me a chance to do something about this. Let me show you, show the world, why I am the Overlord of the heart brood.*

I cursed under my breath. Every instinct in me screamed to just run over and fight alongside her. After everything that’s happened, all the lives lost, I couldn’t bring myself to agree with Elly.

And yet, I couldn’t stop myself from respecting the hay out of her.

Deep down, I knew part of her motivation was revenge. To take the fight back to the ones who ruined us. Enslaved us. Perhaps, I realized, I needed to take a page out of my own book and see things from my daughter’s view. Warlord aside, my quadrant was still in disarray and needed every bit of help it could get.

Decision made, I sighed.

*May the shadows protect you, Elly.*

*Love you too, Mum. Now let’s show these fools what happens when you turn your back on a changeling!*

I smiled. *Get ‘em, girl.*

I hurried back to Cadenas’s squad to organize our efforts. The sooner I got this quad under control, the quicker I could assist others.

Terrifying as it was, all I could do for Elly was believed in her.

Elytra

The warlord-possessed serpent could be heard coming a mile away. Unfortunately for us, he was far from our only problem.

Droves of civilians ran through the open plain between the hospital and the town, combined with runaways coming from Quad-2. Everything had proceeded with minimal difficulty until the bloody beasts cleverly skirted the edge of town from both sides to flank us.

I took half the squad to secure the west flank while Sergeant Forte handled the east. Their target was clear, either trying to force themselves through or skirt around our forces to reach the civilians. Our respective sides held against the monsters crashing into our wall, but they outnumbered us two to one with even more on their way to worsen our odds. This forced me to call for Sergeant Thorn through Thorax to reinforce our defense. Before dealing with the Warlord, securing this area was paramount.

Lucky for us, changelings specialized in handling overwhelming odds.

Seeing that my troops were struggling to hold back the wave, I knew something had to be done to reduce the monster’s fighting strength and we needed an answer now.

Unloading more than half my spool of garrote wire, I worked my magic overtime to strangle and root several manticores bearing down on us. I pulled and twisted wires to trap limbs, tails and necks of monsters entering my web.

“Fireteam one, on me! Fireteam two handle the stragglers!” I ordered through clenched teeth, firing crossbolts into the wire-bound creatures.

Those I could restrain were assaulted by the first of two fireteams under my command, the second chasing down the more slippery threats. Though invaluable with the bigger creatures, I was too occupied to help with the smaller swarm of creatures.

I kept a close eye on the Prism Guards protecting areas my wires couldn’t reach. Though they were holding their own against the Timberwolves and bears, more monsters were attempting to overrun my position. At this rate, our defensive line would collapse and the civilians would get slaughtered, and that was before the warlord would arrive.

*Thorax, where are those reinforcements I asked for?*

*Thorn’s squad is heading to you right now.*

I was about to ask for an ETA when the unholiest of warcries reached across the battlefield.

The approaching group of predators were sent flying into the air by the black-furred engine of destruction crashing into them. What didn’t get its neck broken were quickly dispatched by a separate group of Prism Guard ponies who lagged behind. My jaw nearly unhinged at the terrifying pony who suddenly changed his trajectory towards my position.

“Sergeant Thorn?” I gaped. For such a stern looking pony, the amount of aggression burning from him was staggering. Thank the Queen for his disruptor gems: Malice would have quite the buffet feeding on him.

“Get out the way!” Thorn screeched, charging at the monsters I caught in my garrote’s stranglehold. The guards who were helping me reign them in paled and nearly threw themselves out of the way before Ebony leapt into the monstrous pile, carrying a bloodied broadsword as thick as my foreleg.

Ebony hacked and slashed through the ranks, limbs and tails flying with each stroke. Any attempt the manticores had to fight back was denied by the garrote wires not severed by his blade. A third of the manticores had already been slaughtered by the time the rest of his team arrived.

While witnessing the work of art that was Ebony’s bloodbath, Zecora rushed to my side.

“Quad-1 and 2 are evacuated,” Zecora gasped for air once she stopped moving, catching her breath. “Any threats left to be eliminated?”

“We just cleared it. Where is Sergeant… I see he arrived.” Sergeant Forte trailed off, the only one among her soldiers who didn’t retch or gape at the carnage wrought by Ebony.

Ebony Thorn sighed as he walked up to us, covered in blood splatter. His eyebrow quirked, now realizing the looks Forte’s squad was throwing him, myself included. “What?”

“...Nothing.” Anything clever I had in mind to say faded from my tongue. Decided to let the thought go in favor of something more pressing. “Anyway, we’re going to need your help to deal with that before it reaches the castle” I pointed in the distance, specifically the head of the green serpent sticking out above the buildings.

Zecora frowned. “Underestimating the River Serpent will leave you with much regret. It’s speed and resilient hide makes it quite the potent threat.”

Ebony snorted angrily. “Give the word, and I’ll have its head.”

“Don’t be too hasty. He has friends.” I pointed to the swarm of manticores and chimeras flocked around the serpent. “Let’s intercept the escort first. Avoid direct combat with the reptile.”

“I’ll provide a slowing distraction. You ensure the escort’s destruction,” Zecora suggested.

“Not by yourself. I’ll help deal some damage” Ebony nodded to Zecora.

“As will I,” Forte approached us, two longswords clutched in her magic. “I’m confident Thorn’s squad combined with my own can help you clear the smaller threats while the three of us focus on the serpent. Any objections to this arrangement?”

I mulled over the suggestion. There was no denying the capabilities of everypony here, having seen them first hoof. My speed would allow us to deal with the manticores before they became a problem, and combined with them taking on the serpent, it was a potent enough formation.

“No objections here,” I nodded to Forte and Thorn. “You two organize the squad to focus solely on the escort creatures. While you three distract the warlord, I’ll deal with the monsters carrying stronger vassals and support where I can. We still have a long fight ahead of us, so play it safe, alright?”

“Yes ma’am!” They saluted in unison. After the sergeants relayed the orders, we all moved on an intercept course for the warlord.

How long have I wanted for a chance to fight back? To finally take the fight back to Malice?

My wings fluttered.

Never again will I allow myself to be someone’s slave! I will break our shackles and take down this tyrant!

I hovered into the air, holstering my collapsible crossbow and drawing a Niekinis daggers in each forehoof.

I will show you the true fury of the swarm, Malice…!

“Show no mercy!” A shriek I didn’t realize I was capable of ripped out of me as I darted ahead of our forces and plunged my blade into the first manticore’s forehead. I kicked off the dead beast, the vassal’s aura fading as darted in between the ranks, cutting and carving through the surprised monsters. I could only hope my lacerating strokes helped, as my only aim were the other creatures fully possessed by a strong vassal.

A few claws and chimera stingers scrapped against my carapace during my sweeping dash and slash. I leapt out of the angry monster pack to find the Prism Guard impeding the advance. Unicorn bolts rained into the ranks, earth pony and pegasi acting as forward guard against the wave. With most attention still drawn to the guard, I seized the chance to plunge my blade into the skulls of distracted possessed targets.

Though the warlord was slowed down, there was no stopping the thrashing serpent, slapping away our forces with its tail like we were flies. Majority of its attention was drawn to the sergeants and Zecora.

Zecora threw flasks filled with red acid at it, weakening the hardy scales enough for Ebony and Forte to wound the vulnerable areas exposed by it. Zecora slipped around the battlefield, jumping and bouncing around and away from the warlord’s attacks and occasional monstrous pounce. Ebony, on the other hoof, merely slashed at whatever came remotely near her, only blocking or dodging when necessary. Forte’s magic support and lightning fast sword slashes provided adequate backup in concert with pulling Ebony or Zecora away from a deadly thrash and piling up the gradually increasing injures on the beast.

I’d taken down my third possessed target when several monsters suddenly shifted their attention to me. I narrowly escaped the mosh pit of fangs with my life thanks to quick thinking and fast wings. I flew over the horde of monsters and towards our backline to catch my breath and find my next target.

I locked gazes with the serpent, who apparently found his target.

I threw myself to the side just before the warlord could catch me in his maw. With a frustrated roar it wailed at me with its tail, smacking around friend and foe alike. Some monsters were crushed under its tail, soldiers left as broken heaps vulnerable to the hungry beasts. Though we’d taken out a roughly half the monsters, the frantic attacks of the warlord were decimating our squads.

We can’t take it on like this. If we don’t end this quickly, we won’t have any fighting strength to deal with the other monsters. What can we use to end this quickly?

Though the warlord had its sights on me, it was still aware of the menacing trio throwing everything they had at it. It only slowed its advance whenever Ebony landed a hit on the areas struck with Zecora’s acid.

They’re hurting him, but will need a lot more than that to end this conflict before we lose ground.

I stole a glance at the castle on the other side of the town’s outskirts. Specifically, the series of artillery batteries at the palace’s steps..

Well, I did promise Mum I had a plan.

*Thorax, coordinate with Spike and Shining and prep an artillery strike. Give me AP shells.*

*By your will, Overlord. Coordinating with Spike and Shining. Stand by.*

I pushed through the air as fast as my wings could carry me towards the power trio. They had backed away from the warlord several paces to dodge a tail slam. “Zecora, Forte, fall back! Ebony, on me!”

Their odd glances lasted barely a second before nodding. Zecora and Forte broke off towards the Prism Guard. Ebony hurried towards me. “What’s the plan?”

I worked my magic to wrap my garrote wires around Ebony’s barrel. “We’re about to send this warlord to a world of hurt, but we need to keep him still long enough for artillery to get ready When I give you the word, brace yourself.”

It took all of a second for Ebony to catch on. “Understood. Just make sure we’re not buried in ordnance.”

“I won’t let you die!” My gaze hardened. “I won’t let them take anypony else from me.”

The serpent leered hungrily towards our troops, slithering towards them.

“Let’s go!” I called and dashed for the warlord alongside Ebony.

Moments before the serpent could lunge for our squads, we plunged our respective weapons into the melted portion of the hide. A pained howled escaped its mouth as the serpent glared down on me. For better or worse, we had it’s undivided attention.

“It was a mistake to let you live…!” The warlord snarled at me.

“The first of two mistakes,” I switched to my crossbow. “This fight will be your last!”

With a howl, the warlord charged for us. Ebony and I threw ourselves out of the fang’s path. I fired three bolts into its hide. Keeping its momentum, the warlord swiveled its head and slithered at me. I hopped into the air and pulled up to avoid another bite. A scream belted out of the beast as Ebony’s sword cut into the melted skin again. He ripped his blade out to swung again when the tail shifted back, then rushed towards him.

“Brace!” Magic ignited, I pulled at the strings on him.

Ebony gasped as I yanked him just hard enough to dodge the tail swing. With a frustrated growl, it lunged forward. I darted down, then to the side, dodging a fang strike. I’d moved next to the sergeant when I heard two magical words.

*Artillery ready!* Thorax signaled.

*Fire!* I sprinted from the serpent as I could, readying the magic on my garrote wires. “Ebony, brace!”

“Hurk!” Ebony yelped, once again pulled off his hooves and flying towards my direction as the AP shell whistled towards its intended target.

For just a moment, I swore I saw the ghost of a smirk on the serpent’s face.

Just before the shell landed, the manticores and serpent disengaged from our forces and spread out. Dirt exploded into the air as a silver shell landed next to the serpent, the warlord speeding towards the castle at breakneck speed. The manticores followed the warlord at a distance, rounding towards the castle on a wide arc that was no doubt meant to avoid any contact with us..

Was… this planned?

*Near miss! Warlord’s making a break for the castle!* I reported. *Focus down the bloody bastard before it gets close!*

*By your will. Relaying orders.*

“Head for the castle, intercept course!”

“Take the pegasi with you! We’ll catch up!” Ebony fired off quickly.

I nodded and grouped up with Forte and Ebony’s pegasi squadmates, going as fast as our wings could beat to reach the castle. We watched as shell after shell rained on the serpent, many of the rounds shredding through it's tough hide like wet paper.

It’s not even making an effort to dodge. Warlords are far from foolish vassals, second only to the warmasters. Why is it just plunging headfirst into artillery fire…

No, my mind raced a mile a minute, what does it gain from being a much easier target…?

“Ma’am! Skimmers 11’o clock! Castle bound!” One of the fliers pointed ahead.

En route to the castle were dozens of tigers and timberwolves. The fastest creatures from the forest.

In the distance, opposite side of the skimmer forces, dozens of large brown and white birds emerged from the trees: Rocs. They too were heading for the castle.

It’s a three-pronged assault! Shit!

*Thorax, skimmer forces and Roc fleet coming in hot as wel! It’s a pincer attack!*

*Rocs also appeared near the frontline. They’re even going after the scouts hiding in the clouds! They’re rendering us blind!*

I dared to glance back at the town, gaping as Rocs swooped through the clouds, digging out unsuspecting pegasi like earthworms. Ice dropped in my stomach: Malice adapted and stepped up his game big time.

*Thorax, we need that warlord dead now! It’s trying to draw fire from the assault!*

*Relaying now. Organizing defenses!*

A massive volley of shells rained down the serpent. A barrier of ice suddenly formed around the warlord before the shells could connect. When the dirt, pieces of serpent carcass and evaporated ice settled, what emerged was what I could only assume was the warlord. More accurately, it’s ancient form.

Ethereal magic filled the floating full plate armor fit for what was described to be Malice’s dragon form. In its grip was a great sword paired with a tower shield burning with pathos magic. White fur lined the shoulders and connected to the cloak flowing with the wind. Mist leaked through the slits and gaps of the armor, two blue dots representing eyes peered through the draconic plate helmet and bloody mist left from the annihilated serpent.

The warlord suddenly sprinted at ludicrous speed, at least thrice faster than its serpent form. Though we just barely beat out the speed of the Rocs and fast moving creatures, the warlord was about to beat all of us to the castle.

As more cannon fire rained down on him, he zipped left and right, dodging shells and heading straight for his objective. I’d expected the warlord to utterly wreck our ground forces. Instead, he cleaved and slashed his way through their lines with single minded purpose. Halfway through the first row, he performed a mighty leap, soaring stories high towards…!

*Thorax, that warlord is coming straight for you! Prepare for contact!*

*I-I…* An icy sensation crawled through Thorax’s connection. Considering what was coming for him, no doubt he was terrified. *Understood! We’ll prepare for his arrival!*

My heart leapt into my throat as the warlord crashed through the castle’s balcony.

He’ll be on them in seconds… They’re good as dead.

The thought shook me as much as it’s reality.

Thorax, a foolish prince, and an upstart novice against a warlord. Spike got lucky last time, but this warlord is serious. They’re going to die… I allowed them to die by failing to stop him. Because of me–

*Elly, what’s wrong?* Mum’s voice echoed through my mind. I tried to gather my thoughts to answer, but my concentration was enfeebled by the blast of magic erupting from the castle. As the artillery fired at the approaching forces, I could see the first tiger leap into their formation. Far too late, blades were flashed from the gun crew. I watched in muted horror as the first soldier fell.

My mind was filled with apprehension, my focus ensnared by the bloodbath. They’re as good as dead, they’re all–

*...Overlord Elytra. Status!*

Mum’s authoritative tone broke through my stupor. Decades of training and discipline embedded in instinct broke through. One doesn’t hesitate or show weakness before a Shadow of the swarm, especially one of my rank and caste.

*Warlord breached the castle and his forces are converging on our guns. Comms and artillery will be offline until they are dealt with.* I stripped the emotion and guesswork out of my sitrep, stating only necessary facts. The emotions that might have infiltrated my thoughts were another story entirely. I tried to banish them from my mind, at least long enough for the next message. *What’s your status?*

*Irrelevant.* I couldn’t sense any emotion from Mum’s connection, invoking the control and strength fitting for a Shadow. *All you need to know is that I cannot reach you at this time. What you have now is all you get.*

My flying speed dipped as the weight of her words hit me. The pegasi glanced at me, concern all over their faces.

*You are an Overlord of the heart brood. My brood. Correct?*

I gulped. *Yes.*

*Why?*

I forced down the shudder of doubt creeping on me. *Because… because I was trained by the best. Trained by you. I proved myself to be what the swarm needed to succeed.*

*To be an Overlord is to be a necessity. A role that requires an immaculate mind and unbreakable will to do what is needed anytime, anywhere. A position of power that does not accept failure, weakness or excuses. There is only victory, and that victory lies in you. Unless you believe your Shadow has made an error of judgement?*

*Never!* Was my snap answer.

*This pincer attack needs to be dealt with. Thorax and Spike will do what they can to protect the prince. You must organize your resources to deal with each attacking force efficiently. You have the knowledge and skills for this, Elly. I’ve trained and invested in your growth as an Overlord, and your ability to find solutions in the impossible has always been one of your greatest strengths. I have all the confidence in the world that you will be able to resolve this and save our HQ.

*Do the math, Elly. Find the path to victory, and show the world why I’ve chosen you to be the overlord of the swarm!*

*I… I needed that, Mum. Thank you.* Renewed fury and confidence flooded my veins, giving me the second wind to think straight and focus on solving this crisis.

I was reminded of one other changeling who could also use a confidence boost. After all, Thorax had never faced an opponent like the warlord. Like it or not, his role in this harrowing battle had just become critical.

*Thorax, focus on the task ahead and listen to me. I’m going to secure the perimeter and our guns. Until then, I’m counting on you to survive—no, kill—the warlord. Look to your teammates for strength. Give them your all to take him down. You’re part of my team because I know what you’re capable of. I trust you to get through this alive and show that warlord where he can stick his sword!*

The fear I’d sensed in Thorax ebbed away, replaced with white hot courage on a level I’d never felt in him before.

*...Thank you, my overlord. We won’t let you down!*

With a smile, I brought my attention back to the prism guard squadmates who glanced my way.

“We need to secure those guns and deal with the assault forces”

“What about that thing that breached the castle? What about the prince?” One of them asked.

“Don’t worry, the prince has some of the best bodyguards in the business,” a slight exaggeration, but I needed these ponies focused. “Right now we need to deal with everything else. Now let’s save those guns!”

“Yes, ma’am!” The rest of the pegasi seemed to steel themselves as they pushed their wings harder. I kept ahead of the group, blades ready to do work against the pincer attack.

Failure was not an option. I will succeed and save everyone.

Flash

Screams filled the air, civilians scrambling for their lives. Vivi, Brand and myself caught up to the rest of our squad just as Corporal Moonshine took position as rearguard against the approaching hostiles. The chimeras, manticores and timberwolves bearing down our position along the main road truly tested our grit and resilience.

I’d lost track of how many monsters I’d cut down with my spear or blasted with lightning. The streets were littered with bodies and blood as I fought my way to regroup with the squad. By the time we were able to clear out the waves long enough to get the civilians out of harm’s way and regroup with the rest, we’d lost five good soldiers.

“There ain’t no end to them,” Moonshine gasped for breath. “Feels like we’re churning through a big ol’ field of weeds.”

“Unfortunately, we got an even bigger problem.” Vivi pointed down the street where Stardew Horizon had been not too long ago.

As my eyes turned, the ground shook, echoing the footfalls of a giant. The shadow eclipsed my squad and I just as I set my sights on the behemoth stomping through the streets. Houses crumbled under its steps, one of the five dragonoid heads crashing through a building like it was made of popsicle sticks.

...You have got to be kidding me…!

The white hydra’s roar shattered windows and morale alike, drawing our eyes to the terrifying monstrosity that towered us like the mountain of muscles and fangs it was.

Pathos flared off its body like a bonfire as it took in a deep breath. With an ear splitting scream, a geyser of pathos magic spewed from its mouth as white flames. Buildings, wood and stone alike, were melted and glassed. It trampled its way into the vicinity, bringing a fleet of Rocs with it, because apparently we needed even more horrible ways to die.

Please don’t tell me that’s a warlord.

*A warlord wouldn’t bother with such a low priority area. It very well could be more than one hunter occupying the hydra, consolidating their power. Fight cautiously.*

I had to agree with Inner Malice. The way it just ripped through buildings like nothing, I didn’t dare risk my team fighting it directly. Thankfully, I had a go-to solution in mind to deal with it.

I activated the Dragon Whisper. “Spike, can you hear me?” No response. “Spike, come in!”

“Sorry, dealing with a hot mess right now. Talk to me.”

“They just entered Quad-four with a hydra and a bunch of Rocs! We’re gonna need help to take it down!”

“A hydra?! For the love of…!” Spike gasped. “How are evacuations?”

“Negative! Civilians are within danger close! Standby for artillery strike!”

“Copy that.”

The hydra stepped towards us, all five heads leering at us, when it suddenly snapped its heads towards the north. After a moment it stomped towards the direction. I quickly realized that led to the castle. If that warlord trampled over there now, it would cripple our artillery. On top of still needing to evacuate the rest of the area, we were about to have our hooves full.

Forming a quick plan, I had an idea on what we needed to do. “Strike-Four, form up!” I made a circle motion with my hoof in the air. The team gathered around me.

“We need to double time the evacuations in that bastard’s path! Vivi, I need you to get ahead of that thing and save whoever you can. All pegasi come with me to deal with the Rocs and stall the hydra long enough for our guns to hit that thing.”

“Understood.” Vivi directed her attention to a dark blue furred pegasus. “Corporal Bolt, your team is with the captain. Everypony else with me to clear the way!”

“Yes ma’am!” The guards saluted.

While the rest of the squad hoofed it down the streets, Bolt and her team gathered around me. “Ready when you are, Captain.”

I nodded. “We can’t let that hydra reach the castle, but I have no plans on making this a suicide run. Don’t get reckless. Strike when you can and watch out for the Rocs.” The team nodded. It was a tall order, but beggars can't be choosers. With expectations set, we took into the air towards the eye of the storm that was the hydra.

Almost immediately Rocs descended upon us like starving vultures. It was bad enough we had to face birds whose claws were bigger than our own bodies. I realized too late each Roc was possessed by a strong aura of pathos reminiscent of reaper vassals. A direct fight against these things was a terrible idea, and I was grateful my team was smart enough to avoid a direct battle against them.

The first few dive attacks we were able to dodge with relatively few close shaves from their claws trying to clip our wings or grab us. The inevitable problem came from the sheer numbers and the flanking attacks of the ones we dodged. My team could only skirt to the side or slip through tight gaps so much before the Rocs threatened to swarm them. When I slipped through the final wall of Rocs via teleport, I was alone. The squawks and flurry of feathers at least meant my team was still fighting, opening the only window I would have to hunt down the hydra.

Please stay alive, you guys.

One of the hydra heads turned to me as I approached at full speed, a bright light shining in its mouth. I dipped to the side in time to avoid a ray of destructive magic. With a swipe, my blade bit into its neck’s rough hide like a butter knife striking concrete. Another head lunged to bite me, only catching my dust. I scored another hit on its cheek, still doing laughable damage with no sign of slowing the behemoth down. I need more damage. More power.

With a cry, I hurled a bolt of lightning at one of the heads. It flinched, then retaliated with a magical beam. I teleported above its head and threw another bolt. Other than scorch marks, all I seemed to do was irritate the beast. I was starting to run out of options.

The hydra trampled through buildings like it owned the place. Those squadmates unlucky enough to be caught in its way were vaporized by its magic blasts or crushed into the environment via tail swipe or stomping. Every death sent a stab of despair in my chest.

No, no, no!

Panic seeped into my bones.

*Don’t lose focus,* Inner Malice said. *The moment you cave, you die. Powerful as you are, you are not yet ready to tackle such a well fed pack of hunters. Use your resources effectively.*

I took a careful look around the hydra’s area for any civilians. With the hydra stomping around the middle of the street, surrounded by crumbling houses and thankfully no civilians nearby, this would be my only chance to call in a strike.

“Spike, I need an AP strike on the hydra! Time-to-Target! Warn Strike-Four of danger close!”

“Copy that. Relaying...uh…” Spike’s gulp echoed through the Dragon Whisper and into my bones. “N-Negative. No can do.”

For an instant, all sense of protocol and decency left me. “Why the fuck not?!”

“Warlord’s attacking HQ with a three-pronged assault and—”

Dead silence.

Dread crawled up my skin. “S-Spike? Spike, respond!”

My blood froze. Nothing.

*..Well he’s dead.* Inner Malice quipped.

It took everything I had to not scream. I refused to accept Spike was dead. However, that didn’t help the fact that we now had no access to our guns, and comms would more than likely be cut until Spike was confirmed not dead and merely busy with the attack coming his way.

Stripped of all tactical resources, only one move remained: Run.

A well-aimed teleport landed me dead-center of the Roc swarm. Corporal Bolt busied her spear into one of the Rocs while evading the claws and pecks of the others. I didn’t see the others, nor had the time to search for them. All I could hope was this worked the way I think it did.

I wrapped my hooves around the surprised Bolt and teleported to ground level. Far from the confused Rocs, I searched the sky for any sign of the others, slowly releasing the shaken corporal. I didn’t like what I saw.

Bolt collapsed on her haunches, a distant stare drawn to where her squad had been fighting for their lives. The glassy look in her eyes and horror stricken expression was a giant red flag; something inside of her had broken.

“Corporal Bolt, where are the others?”

Her head slowly shook, eyes staring right past me and at the Roc fleet.

“Bolt, snap out of it!”

Her jaw worked, forming weak, silent words. The lights were on, but no one was home.

Grasping her head, I forced her to look at me. I’d seen that look in Wind—no, Spike—earlier when he witnessed my… moment with those changelings. Corporal Bolt was shellshocked.

I would’ve preferred to get her professional help to get her back into the game, but we lacked the time and horsepower to do things ‘proper’. “I asked you a question, soldier! Where is your team?!”

Tears stained her cheeks. “G-gone. They… birds… a-all gone…!”

The trembling in her weak voice strengthened the pain that struck my chest..

Three more lives lost. Without anything won or achieved.

Is this what sergeant Starburst went through when she lost someone under her command…?

I shook the creeping fear out of my head and glanced towards the hydra. He scanned the AO for me, smashing some more buildings in the process. My only hope was there being too much pathos around it to properly find my energy, hiding in plain sight. After several tense moments, it began making its way southeast, escorted by the Rocs.

Isn’t that where the frontline is? Is it trying to flank them? If that happens… what do I do? What am I going to do about this mess?

Speaking of mess, I had to get the corporal out of harm’s way. Harsh as it was, she would only get herself, and possibly others, killed in her state.

“Corporal Bolt,” I mustered the toughest voice I knew, keeping her attention out of her head and on me, “rejoin with Strike-four. Tell Vivi on my orders to continue evac operation and avoid engaging the hydra or Rocs until otherwise ordered. Understood? Lives are still depending on you, soldier. Dig in and fight through it. You got this.”

Slowly, hints of life filled her face. She was still trembling, but with a little help she was able to at least stay on her hooves through her own power. “Y… yes, sir!” With one last look at where her comrades had fallen, biting her lip, she made off to rejoin the others.

Meanwhile, I still had a ninety-nine problems to deal with and an answer for none of it.

We can barely do any harm to the hydra, and now it’s about to attack them from the back. Everything’s falling apart.

My breath quickened.

What do I do…?

The hoof on my shoulder pulled my attention from the spiraling thoughts. I looked to find Noble giving me a hard look.

“Noble…!” There was little resolve in my voice. No point in hiding it from her.

“Flash, get to Everfree and take down the warmaster.” Noble ordered. “Malice won’t let this end unless we stop him here.”

I took one look at the devastated town and shook my head. “I can’t. This town needs me. Everyone needs me.”

Noble shook her head. “This town and everyone in it needs you to do the one job that only you can do. I’ll make sure there’s a home for you and the princess to come back to.”

“How? Comms are down, a warlord is coming down on the castle, and I can’t do anything against the Hydra! It’s suicide for you to tackle that!”

“Unless they plan on boring me to death, they will need more than that to take me down!”

“For the love of… you’re insane!”

Noble threw me an affectionate smirk. “Last I checked, that was part of the job requirement for the Prism Guard.”

I gave her a long, hard look. “You wouldn’t tell me what you had planned if I asked, would you?”

“Nope, and I’m gonna ask that you don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Just go and give that warmaster an asskicking for me.”

I fully turned to face her. “If I leave, everyone will be relying on you. Hundreds of lives will be riding on your shoulders.”

“Look, you and I both know I’m not about that ‘yes I can’ mantra. But you can trust me. As a comrade on the field and a friend. I got this.”

A long pause settled between us. Then, I activated the Dragon Whisper.

“Spike, I hope you’re alright. If you get this, please note that I’m going into Everfree to stop this mess. Noble’s taking command in my absence. Kick that warlord’s ass for me!”

A pause. Then...

“You better come back to us, T-Bolt.”

Relief and courage rushed through me at the sound of his confident voice. “Copy that, Dragonfly. Over and out.” I released the connection and glanced over at Noble. “Good hunting, Noble.”

“May the shadows guard you, Flash.”

We exchanged a hoofbump and a nod. With a hop, I took off into the air and channeled my teleport towards Everfree forest.

Author's Notes:

Happy Holidays, my fellow paladins!

I swear these chapters keep getting bigger and bigger on me.

I've written plenty of characters that were fun to write for, but little compares to writing for Inner Malice. He's such a glorious jerkface who thrives on annoying Flash to no end. There'll more gloriousness featuring our favorite hate spirit in the next chapter.

Wanted to get this chapter up for Christmas as a special present for those sticking with me. I'm so grateful to all of you lovely readers, whether you only stopped by to say hi or are invested in my shenanigans, thank you so much for sticking with me this year. Though I didn't get to finish this story this year as I planned, I'm crossing my fingers to make that finish push in 2020.

Happy holidays to everyone, and see you all next year, my fellow paladins.