The Ponies and three changelings made their way through the mountains to the dirt path through the badlands, but no matter how far they were they could see Queen Ryugu's massive Citadel tower, standing in defiance against them like a bully would against a smaller foal.

"I-It's huge...." Nyx said as she looked up at it. "Do you think my helmet is there?"

"It would be, yes." Broadsword answered. "Ryugu would keep it in the vault. with the rest of her treasure."

"TREASURE!?" Rarity piped. "Nopony said there be treasure involved! Oh tell me, what would this treasure be?"

Broadsword thought back. "hmm there was gold ofcourse. but Princess Aurora also kept the rarest of Jewels. there were even some ancient Magical Trinkets. one of which was the Scepter of Bahue-neigh."

"OOOH I bet they must be beautiful!" Rarity began to giggle at the thought.

Applejack chuckled. "Focus Rarity. we got a job to do."

"But of course!" Rarity replied as though offended at the thought she wasn't focusing.

"Besides, those Magic Relics belong in a museum." Twilight stated matter of factly.

"then they'll be sent to the Royal Vault in Canterlot." Celestia also Stated. "if they are powerful then they could be Dangerous too."

"We only know of the Magic Relics that we currently Have. I wasn't aware there were more." Luna said as she thought back. "We'll have to ensure the treasury is secured after this."

"But, it would be such a waist for them to go from one vault to another. surely you can allow 'Somepony' to at least have a few?" Rarity asked, doing her best sad puppy expression.

The princess fillies however weren't having it. "Once we'vedetermined their worth and if whether or not they pose a danger then we'll see." Celestia said but smiled. "But I'll see if maybe we can send a few to you and your friends as payment."

"But how do we know we're even going to win?" Fluttershy said softly.

"WHAT!?" Rainbow looked down at Fluttershy as she shrank back. "Are you telling us we might loose!? I NEVER LIKED THE IDEA OF LOSING AND I'M NOT GOING TO START NOW!"

"Rainbow Dash, Please calm yourself!" Rarity said. "But we should take heed in what Fluttershy says."

"And she is correct in voicing those worries." Broadsword stated. "A warrior must consider both chances of winning and loosing."

"So what, we just Expect ourselves to loose?" Rainbow asked growing annoyed.

"A warrior lives in the moment. don't focus on the outcome. focus on your actions." Broadsword explained. "you must be like a tree while a storm wind blows against you. a tree doesn't expect itself to withstand the force of the wind. instead it focuses on keeping its roots grounded. and that is what we must do."

"I think I understand." Rainbow said as she continued trotting.

".....I'm sorry but I didn't get any of that." one of the Changeling Drones said.

"so wheres this big danger we need yer help with, Chrysalis?" Applejack asked as she looked around.

It's that moment the ground began to shake as a large Stag Beetle rose from the ground. Fluttershy screamed as it roared and opened it's maw, out if its mouth came a yellow fluid that caught the desert floor on fire.

"WHAT IS THAT!?" Twilight yelled as she grabbed Nyx and pulled her away.

"Why this is my pet ofcourse." Chrysalis said as she approached it. "the Leviathan is the Changeling Hive's protector. I raised him since he was just a pupae."

"and you couldn't have told us about it earlier!?" Cadance said as she watched Chrysalis pet the giant beetle.

"Well if I had I'd worry you kill it. and I wasn't going to let you squash my pet. Besides. Leviathan here can be our ticket to Ryugu's Citadel." Chrysalis said as she spoke in an insectoid voice.

The Leviathan trilled as he lowered himself extending one of his legs as stairs.

"I have fullfilled my end of the bargain, I have no intention on fighting this Queen Ryugu with such few forces to spare. So your on your own." Chysalis said as she began to fly. "Leviathan here will escort you to the tower there he will drop you off. I on the other hoof will be going to the griffin empire to start a new Hive."

"Just like a bug to go scuttlin away when the real fighting starts!" Applejack snapped.

the two changeling drones took flight but one stayed for a moment and waved.

"Bye! nice meeting you ponies!" the changeling said as he continued to follow his queen.

"I like Him!" Pinkie said as she waved back at the friendly CHangeling. "I think I'll name him Jim!"

Everypony just stared at the pink pony as she finished waiting and bounced on the giant beetle's back. the others followed on Leviathan's back as he turned and opened the shell on his back as a set of wings extended and he began to take to the air.

"So why ya reckon the Changeling Queen got the hay out of dodge?" Applejack asked.

"Changelings have a Hive Mind. if you remember when they invaded Canterlot they prefer to swarm their opponents." Cadance said as she rubbed her chin.

"Kinda like Ants!" Nyx chirped. "Maybe Chrysalis doesn't want to risk what remains of her hive being destroyed?"

Twilight nodded. "Makes since. Changelings would prefer the odds in their favor."

Leviathan flew over the Badlands and closer to the tower, it's spire seems endless as they approached, due to it's size many ponies wondered if they're getting closer or if the tower was getting closer.

"UGH! Are we there now or not!?" Nyx cried in annoyance. she was at her wits end and beginning to grow impatient. "HOW BIG DOES SHE NEED TO MAKE THAT STUPID TOWER!?"

"Calm down, Nyx." Twilight said as she rubbed her daughter's back to calm her. "to he honest, I'm not too excited in getting in this fight."

"And the reason why it's so big is because Ryugu needs more space for when she grows large after consuming so much of Equestria's Life Force." Broadsword said as he ran a wet stone along the blade of his sword. "so for now, clear your mind and prepare your mind for the battle to come."

Nightquill was keeping an eye on the skies. "Something's wrong. you'd think we'd be spotted by now, where's the welcoming committee?"

Pinkie looked over the Pegasus shoulder with her hoof over her eyes as she looked around. "Hmmmm...." the pink pony dug into her mane and pulled out several odds and ends of things from her mane, including but not limited to.

A Tennis Racket, a crowbar, several pastries, which Luna and Celestia tried to catch. a Cylinder with the letters TCRI written on it, an Energon Cube, fuzzy Dice, a Platinum poker chip, all of which she threw over her shoulder. and finally a pair of Binoculars which she held up to her eyes.

"how does she keep so much stuff in that mane?" Broadsword asked, Twilight just giggled.

"Pinkie, your so random!" Rainbow giggled dodging the Canister of glowing green goo.

"Well I don't see anypony. OH! unless you count a really big dragon in black armor that looks REALLY angry!?" Pinkie said pointing at the dragon that was now in visual distance.

"Forget the Binoculars, Pinkie!" Twilight said as she dodged the dragon's fireball. "WE'RE LIVING IT LIVE!"

Leviathan dodged the Fireballs as he did a barrel Roll, promptly letting the ponies fall to the ground as he turned and flew away from the dragon, not wanting to become a new equestrian sensation, Roasted Beetle.

Cadance, Rainbow Dash, and Nightquill acted fast, swooping in to catch the non fliers of the group as Cadance used her magic to slow the fall of any she couldn't catch, Celestia and Luna however were still capable fliers and floated down gracefully, although Luna tripped on her landing and fell face first in a pile of dirt with a bleat.

"is everypony okay?" Nyx asked, she wasn't the best flier but she could glide just fine.

"We're alright." Twilight said as she lowered herself down to the ground, using her own magic to levitate her and Rarity.

Broadsword however slammed hard on the ground, landing on his hooves leaving a crater, instead of slowing his decent he used his magic to power slam the ground.

"Wow, that's a cool trick!" Rainbow said as she lowered Rarity and Pinkie Pie to the ground.

Cadance lowered Applejack and Fluttershy, the yellow Pegasus had completely forgot she had her own set of wings and grinned sheepishly.

"Aww, and here I was wanting to catch you." Nightquill said as he landed beside Broadsword.

"I've fallen from great heights before. I just use my magic to strengthen my legs, makes for a good way to knock opponents off their hooves." Broadsword said as he looked around.

Nyx glided down beside Twilight and hugged her. Twilight hugged back and looked up as the dragon flew overhead.

"there's something familiar about that dragon." Twilight said as she watched it land before them.

"Ah I see my good looks still carry over." the dragon said as he looked down on them.

Twilight however recognized the voice. "ITS YOU!" She held Nyx behind her as she stomped her hoof, levitating out her sword. "YOUR NOT TAKING MY NYX!"

The dragon laughed. "I see you do recognize me now. My queen gave me a promotion to Praetorian now!"

"Warblade..." Broadsword said more to himself. "Snap out of it, Warblade! Don't you see what Queen Ryugu is doing to Equestria!? We swore an oath to serve and Protect this land. YOU TRAINED ME TO UPHOLD THAT OATH!"

"I only see my queen spreading her beauty throughout the Kingdom. perhaps if you opened your eyes you'd see it too!" Warblade argued.

Nyx however began to think back to the Children of the Night. it wasn't too far different a situation. Queen ryugu had infected her servants with a spell that made them view her as a beautiful goddess that was spreading her beauty throughout all of Equestria.

"I have an idea." Nyx said as she looked up to Twilight. "Use the Elements of Harmony. it may help him see the truth!"

"AH the little Crusader, I see you've shrunk since we met last." Warblade said as he grabbed Nyx with the Pincer on his tail, holding her up and grinning with large sharp teeth. "I'm sure my queen will reward me more if I brought you to her? Perhaps I'll even be granted her hoof?"

"BLECH!? Even as a dragon you could do better!" Rarity said. "Now put that filly down this instant!"

"Twilight, The Elements trust me!" Nyx said as she squirmed in the pincers grip screaming as he began to squeeze. "AAAH! DO IT!"

"Your my prize now, Little Crusader!" Warblade cackled as he extended his wings.

Twilight saw the dragon begin to lift up into the air, her face turned to determination as she trotted to the front. "Formation Girls!"

Twilight's friends grinned and nodded to each other, they formed a circle and began to concentrate, their Elements of harmony beginning to glow as Twilight's crown followed.

Warblade looked back, the light was bright as he tried to shield his eyes.

"What are you doing!? STOP NOW!"

The Black Armored dragon began to dive bomb towards Twilight and her friends, his mouth opening and glowing as he charged a new fireball.

"RAAAGH!!!"

But just as he was about to fire Twilight smiled as she opened her glowing eyes, from the small group came a stream of rainbow light that caught Warblade in mid flight, the dragon roared in pain as he was ingulfed, at the same time he Released Nyx from his grip, causing the filly to fall.

"I GOTCH!" Nightquill said as he flew up and caught the black filly.

Warblade roared as a blinding flash of light glowed from him. the ball of light lowered to the ground as Twilight and her friends finally lowered to the ground as well, they opened their eyes and looked to each other.

"Wow, that felt good!" Pinkie said as she felt her armor glow from her Element of Harmony.

"Golly, look at the ground!" Applejack said.

As Everypony looked below their hooves, a circle of living green grass grew as color was returned to the ground. but it was the sound of flapping wings did everypony turned to look before them.

Landing on his clawed feet was Warblade. he was still a dragon but was now wearing gold armor with purple gems. his scales were now light grey with a Blue mane.

"I figured the Elements of Harmony would restore him to a Pony, Nyx said as she looked up at him.

"I've been transfigured by Queen Ryugu, this form is now perminant.... but...." Warblade held his head with his clawed hand. "I see now.... I see what is happening to Equestria...." He looked down at Broadsword. "Broadsword... Can you ever forgive me? Please. not just helping Ryugu.... what I said... you were always a good student. Superior even!"

"There is nothing to forgive, Warblade. we just ask you help us now." Broadsword said with a smile. "did you give Queen Ryugu the Helmet?"

Warblade looked down as he nodded solemnly. "I did. I'm sorry. But I will help you now. I have much to atone for."

Nyx approached the dragon and smiled. "that's how we live. we are shaped by the mistakes we make. but it's how we work to fix them that truely matters."

Warblade smiled and nodded. "I see the armor chose well."

"So... what's it like being a dragon?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked up at him.

"Couldn't you just ask spike?" Twilight said giving Rainbow Dash a raised brow.

"Yeah but he's been a dragon all his life. not much to compare." Rainbow answered.

"Hmm, that sounds logical." Twilight said.

"It's kinda odd actually." Warblade said as he gave his wings a flap. "Still I think I look good."

"Well your a very handsome dragon." Rarity said complimenting Warblade.

Twilight stepped forward looking at the Tower.

"whatcha got brewin in that noggin of yours, Twilight?" Applejack asked.

Twilight turned with a smile, she gathered everypony and dragon in a circle and began to share her plan.

------

As they approached the tower, the soldiers wasted no time in attacking. Warblade took to the sky as he blasted his own soldiers with a fireball.

"HOW DARE YOU ATTACK YOUR COMMANDER!" The dragon bellowed as he hovered above them.

"We're sorry, sir. but you look different from when you left. and there was a great light..." One of the soldiers said as he layed his weapons down.

"Of Course I look different!" Warblade replied harshly. "I Have just absorbed the life force from the Crusader of Harmony!" he said holding Nyx's limp body in his talons.

The soldiers then looked to the group of ponies. "what about them?" a mare asked.

"they are our prisoners!" Queen Ryugu's voice bellowed from the tower, the illusion of two green eyes peered down upon them. "I see you fail to impress me, Warblade. But You've overstep your grounds by draining the Crusader of her life force!"

Warblade landed and bowed. "Please forgive me, your Majesty, but even without the Helmet the Crusader was quite powerful."

Ryugu went silent to consider this. "Hmmm, I can see that now."

"If it pleases you, I have left the filly alive so you may punish her further." Warblade said as he held up Nyx squeezing her to make her moan.

"Excelent! if only my other troops were as considerate as you." Ryugu said.

it's then the doors swung open on their own. the moat bridge lowering down as fire pots lit up the steps.

"Welcome Home Home, my Faithful commander. and come claim your reward." Ryugu said as the illusion disappeared.

Warblade turned to his pony prisoners, his horn glowed as he placed them in chains and began to force them to follow him.

"These chains hurt my legs." Celestia said trying to trot faster then her little hooves could allow.

"Shh!" Cadance shushed the filly princess. "We're prisoners remember."

"I don't understand this plan of yours Twilight." Rarity said as she looked at the interior of the tower. "This place can use a mares touch.... and a serious redecoration.... some silk drapes could really brighten this place up...."

"Nyx, are you okay?" Twilight whispered as she looked up to her in Warblade's pincer tail.

Nyx opened one eye and smiled, she was a better actoress then the others.

Warblade opened the throne room doors as he pulled the ponies along on the magical chain. sitting on her throne surrounded by green fire sat Queen Ryugu, she grinned as she toon in the sight.

"BOW TO YOUR QUEEN!" A guard ordered as he struck each pony in the back of the knees causing them to fall over.

"AAH!" Luna cried and sobbed as she fell.

"LEAVE HER ALO---AAH!" Celestia followed suit as she too was struck behind the knees.

"Ah so lovely you accepted your true queen." Ryugu said as she leaned to view. the fires died down as she stepped forward.

Everypony braced the floor as each of Ryugu's steps shook the Throne room. Twilight looked up only to be grabbed by the horn and her head forced back down.

"Do Not Look upon the queen unless addressed!" the guard said.

"Enough! Leave us." Ryugu ordered.

"Yes my queen!" and with that Ryugu's guards bowed and left the throne room.

Ryugu grinned at her prisoners and approached Warblade. "I am very pleased. You brought the knights of Harmony as well as the Usurpers to me Alive. I would have been just as pleased if you killed them. but bringing them in alive is even better, would you like to know why?"

"Of course, my mistress." Warblade bowed.

"it means I can deal with these bothersome insects myself. And I can finally put an end to the Knights of harmony! the very order that stood against me long ago. and now I shall have my revenge!" Ryugu said as she glared down at Broadsword. "Not looking so defiant now, are you, Sword Master broadsword!"

Broadsword looked up and glared at Ryugu. "You do not frighten me, Aurora."

Ryugu growled. "THat name has no meaning to me." she turned her gaze to Twilight, Cadance, and Celestia and Luna. "Ah the Usurpers, and the little Unicorn. I will decide your fate and the fate of your little Knights of Friendship once I deal with...." her gaze turned to Little Nyx, still unconscious. "The little Crusader. Shame she won't be awake as I drain every last drop of life force from her tiny body!"

Ryugu turned and moved towards Warblade. "And now for your reward." Ryugu said as she took his claw. "You have always had my eye, even before I realized my true purpose. I now would like to join me as Prince of Equestria, together we'll rule this land together!"

Warblade smiled then opened his Pincer. "I'm afraid I must refuse, My Former Queen!"

"WHAT!?" Ryugu balked and turned as she saw the chains disappear from everypony's legs. "YOU BETRAYED ME!"

"NO YOU BETRAYED EQUESTRIA!" Warblade bellowed as he blasted Ryugu with his fire.

The dark queen gave out a whinny roar and blasted Warblade with her own green mist. The dragon felt his body grow weak as she continued to blast him, however she stopped when she saw his tail pincer was open and a small black filly was missing.

"What!? Where did the filly go!?"

"I'm afraid you have other things to worry about, Ryugu!" Twilight growled as her horn charged.

Ryugu grinned and kicked Warblade's now withered form across the floor, everypony shielded their eyes from the view, the green mist did more then burn, it completely drained Warblade of his life force. if he wasn't still breathing one would think he was dead. granted he looked like a carcass.

"Oh I'll be happy to deal with you, this will only make this more enjoyable!" Ryugu said as she charged her green mist and fired at the Knights of Friendship, Broadsword and Nightquill began their attack, Broadsword drawing his sword, mixing magical charged bolts with a slash of his sword as Nightquill proceeded to use the same hit and run tactics used by the Hollow Shade Pegasus Hunters.

Twilight and her friends, the Knights of Friendship followed up the attack, charging and firing magic bolts, PInkie and Applejack used the crystal shard rope to wrap around the giant alicorn's legs, Applejack gave a wink and pulled hard, causing the colossal Equine to fall to her side.

"AAH YOU'LL SUFFER FOR THAT!" Ryugu bellowed, her horn glowed as she fired a beam of magical energy at the ponies, but their small size made them faster.

Celestia and Luna galloped on their tiny hooves up ontop of Ryugu, Celestia took her blade and struck hard on Ryugu's horn, Luna doing this as well causing another crack to form. but not one as big or crippling as before.

"Keep it up, we've got her!"

Ryugu suddenly whipped out her tail and snapped the crystal rope, rolling to her hooves as she rose up, growling as her horn regenerated.

"You were saying?" Rainbow said as she looked up.

"RAAAAAAH!" Ryugu roared and began to charge, stomping and blasting at the smaller ponies, her large size causing the throne room start to fall apart.

As he flew overhead, a chunk of the throne room cealing fell and landed on Nightquill, causing him to crash.

"NIGHTQUILL!" Broadsword charged his horn and fired at Ryugu before galloping to his fallen Pegasus.

NIghtquill lay buried under debres of stone, trying to pull himself free.

"Broadsword, Help. I'm stuck, the rocks got my rear hooves!" Nightquill cried as he tried to free himself.

Ryugu saw this and grinned. "Awww look, the poor little dove has gotten trapped. It be only merciful of me to..." She trotted over Nightquill and raised her hoof. "END IT'S SUFFERING!"

"NOOO!" Broadsword cried as Ryugu began to lower her hoof down on Nightquill.

it was like slow motion, Ryugu's hoof began to press down on Nightquill, slowly starting to crush the pegasus, her grin grew bigger as Broadsword was stuck in slow motion. no matter how fast he galloped, Nightquill screamed as he began to feel bones crunch and joints pop out of place.

It truely is the end.