Canterlot…

The wages of war had quickly descended upon the pristine capital city. Blackhole’s forces as well as Canterlot’s army clashed over the fate of the kingdom. Though they were vastly outnumbered, the Canterlotion army held it's own, taking to the assault in dangerous retaliation. Leading the charge against the enemy was Emperor Shining Armor, his thirst for revenge over the fall of his empire was rampant more than ever. Through revenge fuel magic, he alone was able to wipe out the first wave of soldiers, opening a window of opportunity for Canterlot’s forces to hold off the enemy and allowing them to advance, pushing the enemy further back to the base of the mountain.

Alas, their victory wouldn't last forever as the moment Shining Armor and his army dared to pushed Blueblood back to the base of Mount Canterlot, the dark Prince summoned more changelings to his defense which intern retaliated with brute force taking out most of Shining’s army and leaving him with only a few strong stallions by his side. His will to defeat Blueblood still never wavered and with only three other unicorns by his side, including Crescent Moon, he dealt deadly blows to his foes.

“Tired?” Blueblood mocked with a cheshire grin plastered all over his face as he watch from a safe distance, retiring from the battle altogether. “You're severely outnumbered.”

“I'll fight with everything I've got you traitor!” The emperor snarled as he sent barrage of magic at any Changeling that dared to cross him, knocking them from his path to get to the Prince. “I will not allow Canterlot to fall-”

“Like your little empire did?” Blueblood chuckled menacingly as he eyed the stallion.

"SHUT UP!" Shining nearly screamed, blasting more and more of the Changelings from his path to get to the prince.

“Try as you might, you failed." Blueblood mocked cockily. "By the way, I did not know your daughter was so beautiful. She'll make a fine bride for the dark lord once he uses her pure magic to break him free.”

“Wh-what?!” Shining Armor’s mouth fell agape with newfound fear of his child being subjected to such horrors, immediately abandoning his assaults from the shock of the news. “Your lying! Sh-she's safe from your hooves!”

“Tsk tsk tsk.” Blueblood chuckled, as he held up his hoof for his Changeling army to stop firing. “I can assure you that is not the case Emperor,” He grinned waltzing through his parted army. “She's been captured while holding up the forcefield for her aunt.”

“That's impossible!” Crescent shouted from shock, flaring his horn in anger, earning the same from the Changelings that surrounded him. “The Princess escaped to the south!”

“If I were you I would stand down.” Blueblood snarled at the stallion, just inches away. “Another motion and you all die.”

“If you harm a lock of hair upon her head then I swear to Laufaustia that-” Shining swore in anger, his rage building up, ignoring Blueblood’s threats.

“Kill them.” Blueblood narrowed his eyes at the group of stallions. “Kill them all and fetch the filly!-”

“-Wait!” Shining Armor shouted quickly before the changelings began firing.

“At ease.” Blueblood commanded holding up a hoof, knowing that the stallion was cornered and feared the safety of his precious daughter.

“I care not about myself.” Shining found his voice as he glared at the alicorn. “But I do care about my little filly and my subjects.” He sighed in defeat. “Stand down stallions as I will not allow any of you to put yourselves in harm's way-”

“But sir!” The stallions interjected with fierce resistance.

“Enough.” Shining Armor snapped, earning silence from them. “We’ll submit.” He whispered through gritted teeth trying to hide his anger.

“What was that Emperor?” Blueblood grinned in satisfaction, cocking his head in delight.

“You heard me.” The Emperor bit back his anger by holding held his breath. “I will stand down if I have your word that you will not harm my daughter or my subjects.”

“Harming you will gain me nothing and neither will harming your subjects.” Blueblood gave him a cold stare. “Do not forget that I was once your friend.”

“Then why are you doing this Blueblood?” Shining Armor tried to reach out to him. “Why have you betrayed your home.”

“This does not concern you Shining Armor.” Blueblood narrowed his eyes. “My beef is with the sisters!”

“If It didn't then my family and kingdom wouldn't have been pulled into the middle of it!” Shining Armor shouted in frustration, glaring back at the stallion.

“Because the Dark Lord commands it and I will demolish the whole world to see the sisters pay for what they did to me!” Blueblood shot back equally angry, their armies watched as the leaders exchanged heated arguments.

“Don't you see he's using you Blue?!” Shining stomped his hoof in frustration. “Why do you not see that in the process of getting back at the sisters that you are hurting everyone that loves you?!”

“You won't understand-” Blueblood’s voice cracked, Shining’s words struck a nerve.

“-Understand what!” Shining pressed further, taking a step further to the stallion. “Blue…”

“Don't call me that!” He quickly recoiled. “You all turned your backs on me when I needed you!” The alicorn snapped. “You and Cadance went off a became Empress and Emperor, Fancy Pants became a Grand Duke and all I was left with was nothing!”

“Blueblood-” Shining Armor tried to interject, but was cut off.

“We were all friends.” Blueblood scoffed coldly. “You all had to power to prevent the Princesses from taking away my birth rights, yet you all turned blind eyes to my grief.”

“You weren't doing your job in your Dukal territories.” Shining countered sternly. “You were abusing your power and furthermore you attacked the Princess,” Shining narrowed his eyes before continuing. “She was your aunt and all she did was speak to you about the matter.”

“She tried to take my rights from me!” He shot back again. “Luna broke my snout when she hit me and for that she will pay. She will regret the day she humiliated me.”

“This doesn't have to end like this.” Shining begged. “Valdes Cortes is blinding you-”

“-No he's not.” Blueblood replied coldly, turning his back. “He's allowed me to be my full potential, potential that the sisters denied me! He is helping me seek revenge on those that stood in my way and with his help the world will bend at my hooves.”

“I'm truly sorry things had to be this way old friend.” Shining sighed in defeat, his brief conversation had given him enough time to gain enough energy to do a teleportation spell. “Hopefully one day you will see that we all love you.” He added sympathetically while a glimmer of magic began dowsing his horn.

“Save it.” Blueblood whimpered, tears welling up in his eyes. “If I was loved then I would not have been neglected!”

“Blueblood…” Shining tried reaching out to him once more.

“Don't!” Blueblood bit back the tears that threatened to fall. “Take them to the dungeons!” He commanded quickly without even looking back at the stallions.

“I'm sorry.” Shining's horn flared a strong white light that temporarily blinded the pouncing army, before he narrowly created another teleportation spell that whisked he and his comrades away before Blueblood and his army could counter attack.

The aftermath however left the Changeling army fuming with rage over how the ponies bested them so easily, but while they openly voiced their agitation over the whole situation, Blueblood merely sat silently on the ground unsure of how to feel.

“Prince Blueblood.” A Changeling rushed to his side. “What are your orders as the enemy is on the run.”

“Then we march into the royal palace and secure it.” The alicorn snarled, his anger returning. “I will not be bested by those traitors again.”
“Very well.” The Changeling bowed, before flying off to inform his comrades.

“I hate them. I hate them all.” The alicorn fumed through gritted teeth. “They will pay with death.” He added the last part slowly rising to his hooves as he allowed a tear to slip down his cheek. “This is the last time you will ever see me cry.”
______________________________________________________
Meanwhile-The Throne Room of the Royal Sisters.

The battered, breathless group of stallions loudly materialized in the throne room the sisters occupied a few hours ago. There they found Fancy Pants and his wife, Rarity trying to calm a large group of panicking ponies. Quickly, without a moment to spare the Emperor galloped full speed to interrupt them with his breaking news.

“Everyone!” Shining bellowed to get the group’s attention. “We have to evacuate the city now!”

“So soon?” Rarity whirled around quickly upon hearing the voice, forcing the others to do the same. “I thought my plan would have bought us more time to get everypony out of the city!”

“Blueblood’s army is more powerful than I thought.” Shining caught his breath. “He wiped out most of my forces leaving only five of us. It took tapping into his emotions to buy us enough time to escape.”

“Then by all means we must get moving then.” Fancy Pants spoke in a hoarse tone as worry began washing over him. “The other citizens should already be out of the city by now.”

“Indeed.” Rarity agreed. “I've sent Thaiora with Crown Jewel and a few others of my aids to Twilight’s empire ahead of us for safekeeping.” Rarity sighed. “I can only hope they have made it safe .”

“As do I my love.” Fancy Pants wrapped his hoof around her to offer comfort. “These mares are loyal to you, they will do their duties.”

“But what if they are captured?” She turned to stare up into her husband's eyes, worry striking hers. “What if?-”

“We can only hope.” Fancy Pants cut her off with a warm embrace before he parted to look down at her. “Now I know it pains to say this but our Jewel is not here but the innocent citizens of Canterlot are and we must think about them now.”

“I believe you are right.” Rarity replied with a sigh before drawing on a more determined face as she trotted to address the crowd. “Everypony!” She echoed in her royal Canterlot voice, earning a wave of silence from the room. “The enemy is coming and panicking will not save us. Now, if we do not leave here before they get here then we will all face an uncertain fate.”

“Indeed.” Fancy Pants joined his wife in the speech. “If we are all to survive this ordeal then we have to work together. There is a hidden passage here in the throne room that leads down into the Canterlotion Mountains and runs for miles out into the Southern wastes.”

“But what are we going to do in the southern wastes?” A unicorn mare cried out in frustration. “How will we survive!”

“Calm down Lady Lilac Bloom.” Rarity called as she recognized the mare. “We have allies in the South who will aid us once we are there.” She assured everyone. “We just need to escape the city alive and in once piece.”

“But there is no safe haven in the South.” The mare pressed as she trotted to the front earning whispers from all the other persons. “How will we survive?!”

“You will just have to come along and see.” Rarity decided to drop the discussion to the dismay of the mare. “Now,” She began lighting her horn before rearing up an firing a strong beam of magic at the center of the floor. “We must move quickly.”

“Everypony.” Shining Armor took charge, trotting to the entrance of the cavern. “You must descend in pairs.” He motion to one of his Crystal Soldiers. “Lead the way Crescent Moon as you know these tunnels better than everypony else. Get them to safety.”

“And what of you Emperor?” Crescent stopped in his tracks as he cocked his head in confusion. “Are you not coming?”

“I have to ensure that everyone is safe before I join you all.” Shining Armor lied hoarsely. “I have already failed in protecting the Kingdom so I will do what it takes to protect its citizens-”

“-Even if it means risking your life?!” Crescent gaped in horror as he realized what Shining was up to. “Sir-”

“-I've made up my mind Crescent.” Shining placed his hoof on the stallions shoulder letting out a soft sigh. “Besides,” He paused looking at the frantic ponies. “They have my little girl and I am not leaving without her and these ponies need to get to safety.”

“Then let me help you Shining Armor!” Crescent stomped his hoof in frustration at Shining's stubbornness, earning questioning glances from Rarity and Fancy Pants. “You can't do this on your own as you're just one stallion.”

“I will just have to try.” Shining replied softly before turning his back to hide the sorrow on his face. “Now go.”

“Sir please…” Crescent begged as he fell to his haunches. “Don't-”

“That's an order Crescent Moon! I am your Emperor and you will do as I command!” Shining stomped his own hoof in frustration, earning glances from everyone this time. Rarity couldn't help but trot over to investigate the issue this time.

“Is everything alright?” Rarity asked with concerned eyes, wary of the tension in the room.

“Yes.” Shining muttered still looking away.

“I believe so your Majesty,” Crescent answered the mare with his eyes still focused on the Emperor’s turned head. “I will do as you command Emperor as I am only your mere servant.” Crescent bowed to his Emperor with sorrowful eyes before lighting his horn with a bright blue light for guidance. “Follow me everypony.” His voice cracked before he galloped down the stairs.

“Crescent Moon wait! I didn't mean-” Shining Armor's guilt forced him to blurt out but his friend had already gone and the ponies had began following. “I'm sorry.” He muttered with his head hung low.

“Shining.” Rarity whispered as she watched his saddened form. “What's wrong.”

“I'm not coming with you guys.” Shining Armor sighed. “They have my daughter and I can't leave her… I just can't.”

“What?” Rarity gasped, bringing a hoof to her mouth. “But how? Are you sure?”

“Blueblood told me they had her,” Shining bit his bottom lip, pausing before he continued. “Valdes plans to use her in his sick plans.”

“But the last I heard Flurry Heart escaped to Twilight… unless.” Rarity’s eyes widened.

“What?” Shining asked impatiently. “Unless what?”

“Unless they have defeated Twilight.” Rarity whispered as if she feared the words leaving her own tongue. “That could be the only way they took her body.”

“I don't know.” Shining’s voice cracked as reality dawned on him that he could be losing his whole family . “For all I know I'm not leaving her.”

“Oh Shining Armor,” Rarity sighed in sympathy for the stallion. “You are a great father for wanting to risk your life to save her, but you cannot do this on your own.”

“I'll just have to try.” He closed his eyes in determination, before reopening them to see that most of the ponies were now underground. “It's time for you to leave Rarity.”

“Yes it is.” Fancy Pants trotted over to the pair. “It is our turn to go as everypony is almost out-”

“Wait!” A strong Prench accent male voice called bursting through the throne room doors followed by a group of hoofsteps.

“Who goes there!” Shining Armor spun around to the door with his horn ready to fire. His swift action prompt his remaining two guards to do the same.

“Don't fire!” The voice called back in panic, halting himself to reveal a cloaked figure, three of them to be exact.

“Who are you?” Rarity commanded sternly as she step towards the figures. “Show yourselves!”

“Do not fear Duchess.” The male voice spoke in a humbled tone before removing his cloak to shock everyone.

“King Cypress!” Rarity growled with narrowed eyes, prompting the others to do the same. “You traitor!”

“You!” Shining growled deeper than his friend. “You made a big mistake following us!”

“Please.” The second figure from the cloak begged as she revealed herself to further shock everyone. “We need your help.”

“Queen Camomille Blossom.” Rarity’s harsh demeanor softened as she beheld the mare. “Look at what you have done.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why should we help you? Your husband is to be blamed partly for this. ”

“Because my brother was forced by my husband.” The third and final voice revealed herself to be Princess Fleur de lis.

“Fleur… ” Fancy Pants gaped at his once best friend who he had grown apart from.

“What do you want?” Rarity eyed them suspiciously. “Why do you need our help?”

“For my wife, sister and baby to leave with you.” The king responded humbly. “They are innocent in my transgressions.”

“As is my daughter.” Shining glowered as he slowly walked towards the king. “Yet you have her prisoner!”

“Exactly.” Rarity agreed with Shining Armor as she came to stand by his side. “And need I remind you that Fleur is the wife of the villain.” She scolded as she eyed the mare.

“If I was in league with my husband I would not have come here seeking help.” Fleur spoke, her voice on the edge of cracking. “I did not agree with his alliance but I am his wife-”

“-So why are you here now?” Fancy Pants chimed, narrowing his eyes in suspicion at the mare. “You could have been queen. Why betray your husband?”

“I'd like to know the same thing.” Shining snarled through gritted teeth.

“Because,” The petite mare began, her eyes filling with water. “Blueblood threatened to wipe out my brother and his family if they did not ally with him.”

“But they are your family.” Fancy Pants cocked his head in confusion. “Would your husband so willing kill your family for power?”

“I have every right to believe so.” Fleur sniffled as she wiped her tears.

“Then he does not love you.” Fancy Pants hung his head in dismay. “I'm sorry.”

“I figured that out.” The crying mare hung her head in sorrow. “This is why I chose the ones that loved me.”

“This is utterly tragic.” Rarity’s demeanor softened as she peered over at the mare. “I am sorry for your hurt.”

“Don't be. I knew what I was getting into when I married him but somehow I felt that our love would change him.” Fleur wiped her eyes before lighting her horn to grasp the bundle of joy her sister-in-law carried stealthily in her saddle bag. “My brother and his wife have finally brought their first surviving child to this world after many miscarriages. They have finally started a family and I am finally an aunt.” She kissed the baby tenderly. “I fear I will never have this with him because of this…”

“I see.” Fancy Pants sighed sympathetically for his old friend, slowly walking to console her. “You poor thing.” He parted as he too glanced down at the young foal. “I understand that Cypress was left with no choice but join with Blueblood, he was protecting you.”

“There wasn't much of a choice.” Cypress spoke as he looked up at Shining Armor who only stared at him with cold eyes. “I didn't want anyone to get hurt. All I wanted was for my family and subjects to be safe… Blueblood told me that he needed my army to defend himself as Equestria’s forces were after him. It wasn't until after the Crystal Empire was taken that I knew of their plans.”

“So why have you now decided to break from them?” Shining scorned, unfazed by the sympathy in the room. “How are you here?”

“Because I cannot have the blood of innocent ponies on my hooves.” The king responded softly. “It is already bad that I joined them but I now hope that by joining you guys I can help fight against them.”

“Touching statement.” Shining spat at the king. “But do you realize that you are here trying to save your only child while mine is imprisoned by your master?”

“Shining calm down.” Rarity placed a hoof on his shoulder. “He could not have done anything else.”

“You don't understand Rarity.” Shining Armor turned to look at the Duchess. “When Equestria refused to give Prance it’s aid to fight their war, The Crystal Empire did.” He blew heavily as anger began filling his thoughts. “My wife and I helped your Kingdom and you repay us by helping the enemy destroy our home and capture our child.”

“I-I wish it never came to that.” The king stuttered as the fury of the emperor threatened to erupt. “I had no choice-”

“-Save it!” Shining seethed in anger. “You could have written to me or Cadance of the impending dangers! We could have evacuated our subjects and daughter!”

“They tracked my every move Shining Armor.” Cypress tried to reason with him. “Even now I can't leave as they've spelled me. If I try to escape then I will leave a trail for them.”

“Then why have you come here.” Shining narrowed his eyes. “How do you plan to help us.”

“I've come here to restore my honor by saving my family and sacrifice myself.” Cypress bowed to the emperor, earning a concerned look from him one that ultimately turned to a genuine smile.

“Arise King Cypress for you are not alone.” Shining Armor offered a hoof to pull him to his hooves. “I too will stay behind. I must rescue my daughter.”

“I know where they may be keeping her.” Cypress said as he glanced up to the stallion.

“Good,” Shining sighed a breath of relief. “But let's get your family out of here first."