Crimson Skies couldn’t remember a time where she had seen town, country, village, or city in such turmoil than the one she was now in right now. The number of places that she had been to during her time in the Shadowbolts, and the missions she had taken gave her a good taste of what to expect in times of crisis. Crimson was also given a good dose of brutal scenes that she would’ve nearly puked at had she seen them for the first time. Now though, she no longer felt that urge upon seeing ponies covered in bloodied bandages, or have limbs that were bent in an unnatural angle, or still get help with a fatal injury. Still though, she couldn’t help but go green I the face when she saw a pony moaning with pain. Or feel her heart ache upon seeing a foal in a puddle of tears crying for their unconscious mother while being comforted by a nurse.

‘This is just horrible.’ The palomino mare thought to herself. ‘When I had gotten here with the Wonderbolts, I had figured that things were bad when I saw the town in smoke. Like it had just been bombed by some unknown source, but I didn’t think it’d be this bad. At least, not when it came to the civilians.’ She glanced over to her left to an Earth Pony mare and lying upon a bed, next to a Unicorn mare; the filly nuzzling into the older mare’s chest while the Unicorn mare was trying to console her. ‘While they may not hall have physical wounds, judging by the looks on their faces, they definitely saw something that’ll leave them with severe mental scars. Scars that’ll no doubt last for the rest of their lives, if what the Queen had told me Captain Violet Fire and the rest of the foals were true. I hope that she and the others are alright, especially Blue Skies, if I lost my older sister to the Dark Queen, then…’

Crimson squeezed her eyes shut as she kept that devastating thought from going any further than that. Now was not the time for her to be doubting the well-being of her Captain, her sister, or her team. She was a Shadowbolt, and while Shadowbolts were supposed to look out for each other, she was also supposed to believe in her teammates, most especially Blue Skies. Violet Fire and Blue had told her that they would make it back, they looked her right in the eyes and assured her they’d be back from their mission, promised her even. Crimson had full faith in her sister and captain, and believed whole heartedly they would succeed, yet that did not stop the worry gnawing at her stomach. The only thing she could do now while looking after the ponies in Ponyville, was just keep her optimism as high as possible until they returned. Until that time came, she’d have to hold her head up high and do her duty as a protector of Equestria.

“Alright, so let me see if I’ve got all of this straight Captain Armor.” Soarin said once he and his team had heard what happened in the Town Square. “Sometime after you had arrived here, you, Spearhead, and just about all of the Solar and Lunar Divisions were attacked by these space-like pony monsters. Then, when you were all on the verge of defeat, this Blossomforth mare had come and told you of their weakness. Finally, after that, you and all of the guards and the Shadowbolts here, and you were able to keep the town from being completely obliterated by them, without any casualties?”

“Yep, that just about sumps up all that you’ve been told been told Captain Soarin.” Shining Armor replied standing next to Spearhead. “I know that it may seem really hard to grasp or a load of shit, but that’s what I’m telling you happened. And yes, I didn’t lose one single soldier anywhere around this small and quaint town. Since it’s so small, I can feel each of my soldier’s magical signatures practically everywhere in the town. Oh, and in case you’re wondering how I can do that, I had instructed them all to send a magic flare to me to indicate they were all still alive.”

“Well, you are right about one thing. That does sound like a real complete load of shit.” Spitfire snorted, crossing her forelegs. “Then again, it’s not any less of one like the story that this little Shadowbolt here told us back at our headquarters.”

Crimson frowned at the brilliant golden mare. “I have a name you know.” She murmured softly, but Fleetfoot put a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head.

“Don’t bother, honey.” The arctic blue mare said softly. “We’ll deal with her.”

“Jeez, and just when I thought that things could not get any crazier than they already were right now.” Soarin sighed, running hoof through his blue mane. “I am really going to need a vacation after this, a nice long one to put it.”
“I think we all will.” Spearhead nodded, chuckling a little. “I can’t remember any time where I had fought so hard in my life. Those creatures really took a lot out of me and Shining, a vacation is something that’s sounding nice the longer we stay here.”

“Are you sure that you’re not planning on going on that vacation with a certain mare?” Spitfire asked, eyeing her second in command with a piercing look. “That mare being the leader of this filly’s little band of flyers?”

“Who said anything about that?” Soarin asked a frown of his own etched onto his face. “All I was saying was that I’d need a long break from this mission. I may not have fought anypony here yet, but I get the feeling that I’ll be doing just that, and even more.”

“Emphasis on the long.” Spitfire retorted, a fiery snort leaving her nostrils. “It’s not that I don’t think you’ll be walking out on us or anything. I just can’t help but be curious as to what you’ll be doing while you’re away, or rather, who you’ll be with.”

“I didn’t say that I was going to be going with anypony on my break.” Soarin stated firmly. “All I’m saying that I’ll really need some rest and relaxation when this mission is over. And I’m sure you and Fleetfoot will need it too, judging by how tarnished and messed up we found some of the guards when we came here. I didn’t say that I’d be going somewhere with anypony, even if I it was somepony that I knew.”

Spitfire’s suspicious eyes didn’t relent. “Maybe so, but you didn’t say that you wouldn’t be going with somepony either.”

“Captain, we know what you’re thinking.” Fleetfoot said, rolling her eyes. “You think that Soarin is gonna somehow group up with Captain Violet Fire and they’re gonna go to some swank hotel in the clouds so Captain Violet can ride Soarin like he’s never been ridden before. Sorry to burst you’re bubble, but you’re just making that assumption yourself.”

“I was not thinking that!” Spitfire snapped, her eyes flashing “Under no circumstances was I even thinking that in my mind right now! What the buck would even give you that idea?!”

“The fact that you’re so suspicious about what Soarin will be doing in his free time, and if he’s going to be the only one doing it or not.” Came Fleetfoot's knowing reply. “While you may not have said it, the look on your face was more than enough to show it. After all, you don’t need to be loud to be heard.”

Spearhead nodded in full agreement. “Got the spearhead in the target on that one.”

“Oh sure, you could tell what I was thinking just by looking at me, just like how you always tell me, Soarin, and everypony else at Headquarters.” Spitfire growled at the arctic blue mare. “You think that just because of your so-called ‘skill’ at reading ponies you know what they’re thinking before they even say it? Give me a break, it’s not like you’re some kind of mind reader!”

“I never said that I was. I’m merely stating that you shouldn’t be so quick to assume things that are not any of your business, especially if it involves Soarin and Captain Violet Fire.” Fleetfoot emphasized calmly, rubbing the blue stallion’s back with a wing. “Besides, it’s not like the two of you are really dating anyway…”

“What was that?!” Spitfire snarled as she hovered in front of an unflinching Fleetfoot. “I dare you to say that again!”

“Um, you guys?” Shining asked, coughing into his hoof. “Not to interrupt, but, is there something going on between the three of you?”

“Nothing that you need to worry about honey.” Fleetfloot replied sweetly, her motherly smile making the larger stallion’s cheeks turn red. “All I’ll say is that our Captain has some bad blood between another Ariel Flight Captain, and she really doesn’t like anypony outside of our team hanging around her.”

Crimson snorted. “That’s putting it lightly.”

“Ditto.” Soarin nodded.

“I heard that!” Spitfire shouted, glaring back at both Pegasi.

“Ah I see, a fierce rivalry between two ponies to prove which is the best.” Spearhead nodded, his tone calm and understanding. “There is no competition fiercer, especially if that rivalry is between us masters of the weather and skies; no pun intended there, Crimson.”

“None taken.” Crimson said, a giggle escaping her.

“Oh, it’s more than a mere rivalry.” Spitfire murmured, her eyes glowing fiercely as she stared at the buffer Pegasus stallion. “It’s a fight, one that will surely end with me coming out on top, and that black slut at the bottom. I can assure you that much.”

“Right…” Shining said slowly, eyeing the mare weirdly before turning to Crimson Skies and the other two Shadowbolts. “Is she always like that?”

“You have no idea.” Soarin groaned, the violent shudder going down his back being cooled by Fleetfoot’s comforting wing. “I cannot even begin to count the number of times where we had to deal with our Captain’s over the top anger and accusations. You have no idea how lucky you are to not have a Captain like her.”

“From what I’m seeing, I can see why.” Shining murmured. “Anyway, you had mention before that you had noticed some of the guards looking worse for wear when you got here. How are they doing right now? And better yet, why did it take you all so long to get here?”

“I can explain that.” Crimson Skies said, walking up to the Solar Captain. “You see, it had taken longer than necessary for Queen Celestia to assemble the Shadowbolts, and the Solar and Lunar Guards in her Royal Throne Room to tell us what was going on here. I really don’t know why, but it was, and by the time she did, a good amount of time had already passed. After she had explained Nightmare Moon’s escape and her attack here, she had my Captain send me to go to Wonderbolt Headquarters to tell Captain Spitfire and her team what she told us. Add all of that to Violet Fire going back to our headquarters to spread the message, and the amount of time it took me to get to Wonderbolt HQ…you have yourself a good amount of time spent.”

“I know that it may not seem like that long.” Fleetfoot said. “But going at the pace that wewere going, especially during a day that’s supposed to be a celebration, you find yourself going at a pretty slow pace during times of crisis. So, you aren’t really able to prepare quick enough for a time like this.”

“We’re sorry we made you and the other guards wait longer than it was necessary.” Soarin said solemnly. “We understand if you’re upset with us for letting you fight the enemy on your own.”

“No, it’s okay, we were just wondering why we haven’t seen you sooner than we should’ve.” Shining replied with a shake of his head. “Still though, it took a long ass time for me and the other troops to keep those things at bay until one of the mares here got to us about what we could do to finally defeat them. I can only imagine what else is going to be in store for us, it’s probably something a lot worse than ethereal space ponies.”

“Please don’t put that mental image in my head!” Crimson whined adorably, a stream of anime tears falling from her eyes. “I may not have been able to see those monsters with my own eyes, but I can tell just by your expressions and tones that it was bad! I really don’t wanna think of a whole army of monstrous and more intellectual ponies coming to bury us six feet under! Just the thought alone is gonna make me faint!”

“Then why did you even come here in the first place?” Spitfire asked, unimpressed. “If you’re gonna buckle before the enemy even arrives, then there’s no reason for you to even be here. As a matter of a fact, just the fact that you’re so petrified about facing the enemy before they even came is only showing how unprepared you are for this.”

“Well, in my defense I’m still somewhat of a rookie in the Shadowbolts!” Crimson snapped, shooting the Wonderbolt Captain a small glare. “I’ve been a part of the team for little more than a year, but I still more or less get cold hooves every now and again.”

“All the more reason why you’re not really cut out for the job you have.” Spitfire stated bluntly with a shrug. “Somepony who gets cold hooves so easily before the enemy has arrived is not a pony that I’d wanna have on my team.”

“All the more reason why it’s better that she’s on Captain Violet Fire’s team.” Soarin whispered to Fleetfoot, earning a firm nod from the arctic blue mare. “She would not survive a day where our headquarters are.”

“Mm-mm.” Fleetfoot, glancing at Crimson sympathetically as the palomino mare glared at Spitfire.

“Well at least I’m not running away right now. Not that I was going to anyway.” Crimson shot back at the Wonderbolt Captain. “And not everypony is as tough and brave as others are, so you can’t really fault them for being so frightened and terrified.”

Spitfire stared at the palomino filly for a few moments, and looked like she was going to speak, but stopped short. She merely snorted and looked away, her ears pinned back, not noticing the smiles of approval aimed at Crimson by Soarin and Fleetfoot.

“Hey, Crimson was it?” Shining asked, gaining the young mare’s attention. “Where’s you’re Captain? Isn’t she supposed to be here right now?”

“Oh, Captain Violet Fire said that she and a few of my other teammates were going to head into the Everfree Forest.” Crimson explained. “Queen had suggested that she did, thinking that the ponies she sent in there would need some extra assistance.”

“I see.” Shining murmured, looking up at the sky. ‘So, Queen Celestia did sent extra assistance to Twilight even before she went there herself. It looks like even she was concerned whether she, Goku, and their friends will be entirely successful on their own. I can only hope they made it to them in time, if they didn’t…’

“Hey, speaking of which, who’re the ponies that Queen Celestia had sent into the Everfree Forest?” Soarin asked, snapping Shining out of his thoughts. “Crimson Skies did tell us that the Queen had sent seven ponies into that forest to fight Nightmare Moon, and that they were part of the Equestria Clans, but we never really got their names.”

“We do.” Spearhead said, holding a hoof up. “Shining Armor had a little meetup with the Queen before we got here, and he asked her who she had sent into the Everfree. From what I was told, two of them happen to be ponies Shining Armor knows personally. The first one is his younger sister Twilight Twinkleshine Sparkle, the other is Son Goku Kakarot Nightstalker Shenron, and their other friends are Applejack Sweet Apple Titan, Pinkie Pie Soshi Konton, Rarity Belle Cifer, Rainbow Dash Wisp, and Fluttershy Kindheart Rosario Tenshi.”

Soarin blinked in surprise. “Wait, TenshiKindheart Rosario? You mean one of the mares is from more than oneclan?”

“From what the Queen’s told us, she is.” Shining nodded. “Twilight’s told me of the friends she made her is from two clans, but I never really had the opportunity to see for myself. I guess I’ll just have to see if I can meet this mare before all of this ends.”

“Speaking of which, me, Fleetfoot, and Soarin happen to know one of them too.” Fleetfoot added, looking over at Shining Armor. “The sixth mare that you mentioned, Rainbow Dash Wisp, is a pony that me and my team met from time to time in Cloudsdale.”

“Oh, you do?” Spearhead asked. “So, is she a friend of yours?”

“Not exactly, but does like to hang out with us from time to time.” Fleetfoot replied dryly. “The baby’s a real fan of our team she is, just like all other Pegasi like her. Wanting to become just like us when she was a foal like us; she still does even now. I admit, she has plenty of guts and a good number of moves, but…she doesn’t look like the type of pony we’d want in our group.”

Shining raised a brow. “Why’s that? Is there something about her that we should be weary of?”

“Oh no, nothing like that.” Fleetfoot replied quickly. “It’s not that Rainbow Dash is a bad pony or anything. It’s just that she doesn’t have the emotional capabilities needed for her to become a part of our team. From what we’ve seen, she can be pretty short tempered and hot blooded, one that can get into her emotions easily, even if she was trained to control them.” She shot a glance at her captain. ‘Like a certain somepony we know.’

“I’m not exactly following here.” Shining murmured. “Shouldn’t that be something that many other cadets in training are trained to control?”

“Well yes, but I get the feeling that with Rainbow, it’s kind of different.” Fleetfoot replied. “I have no doubt that she’s mare who is loyal and devoted to protecting her comrades, and I’ve seen more than a couple of examples to prove that. Still, we can’t help but feel that letting her on our team would be more of a hindrance than a help of she can’t properly gain control her emotions when it’s needed. Even if she works with us to do just that.”

“Oh, now I see.” Shining said, realization clicking into his head. “Not that I’m judging, but from what you’re telling me, Rainbow Dash is one of those mares who have a hard time accepting that their egos are torn down a notch?”

“Uh-huh, that’s exactly what Fleetfoot’s telling you.” Spitfire nodded. “And just like how I said with ponies that’re weak willed, a pony who can’t control their own anger and swallow their pride is not somepony I’d want to have flying with us.”

‘Says the pony who nearly melted me alive in her office!’ Crimson Skies mentally screamed, a tick mare forming on her head as she glared at Spitfire. ‘Seriously, I am really wondering how she of all ponies got promoted to Captain Rank! Did she melt her way through all the other Pegasi she went against like she nearly did me?!’

“Says the mare who almost burned Crimson Skies alive.” Soarin commented as if reading Crimson Skies mind. “Seriously I’m amazed the office itself didn’t burn down with you.”

“Thank you.” Crimson and Fleetfoot said in unison, ignoring the heated glare Spitfire sent to all three of them.

“Aw don’t be so self-shorting you guys.” Spearhead cut in. “It may seem like this Rainbow Dash mare isn’t the most even tempered of ponies, but then again not all of us are. Queen Celestia didn’t let that fact get in the way of choosing her, Twilight, Goku and the rest of their friends to go after Nightmare Moon, so there’s no reason for you to doubt her. Especially since a few of us hadn’t even met her yet. Not to mention how you said she was a mare that was loyal and would stand by her comrades’ side no matter what. If Rainbow and the rest of Twilight and Goku’s have qualities like that, then I think their flaws like relentless anger can be forgiven.”

“…Spearhead’s right.” Shining nodded, smiling at his fellow guard. “Like I said, we should be so quick to judge those we haven’t even met. Queen Celestia trusts these friends of Goku and my little sister, and if she does, then so should be. Heh, who knows, maybe this whole experience will help them with whatever anger problem they may have.”

“Yeah…” Spitfire muttered, rolling her eyes. “Maybe…”

A bloodcurdling scream suddenly tore through the Town Square, silencing all most all activity within it and making the conversing ponies turn to the source. Their eyes widened upon seeing a terrified Derpy flying towards them like she had seen a monster out from Tartarus, with her bandages flying about. Out of instinct, Crimson Skies jump in front of her and caught her just as she was falling to the ground.

“Whoa whoa whoa, what’s the matter?!” Crimson asked, wincing as the silvery gray mare clung to her tightly. “Miss, please look at me, what’s going on? What’s happening?”

Letting out a terrified whimper, Derpy locked her teary yellow eyes with Crimson’s own blue ones. “You…y-y-you guys need to come over here q-quickly!”

“Why?” Soarin asked, on high alert. “Is there somepony coming here?”

“Y-yes, there is, they’re coming towards the Town Square right now! I saw them outside up in the sky!” Derpy cried, not noticing the three forms diving towards them. “Y-you’ve got to stop them before they-!”

The sound of the floor being violently hit cut the mailmare off, and everypony screamed as three light blue blurs slammed into it. the Wonderbolts, Crimson, Shining, and Spearhead froze upon seeing black auras emitting from the crater, letting them know there were ponies there. A moment later, three figures slowly emerged from the now deeper crater, and Crimson Skies nearly fainted on the spot upon see who they were.

Standing just behind the three craters, the black auras surrounding them, were three of the most frightening looking stallions they’d ever seen. All of them looked less like the soldiers and guards of Equestria and more like ones from the deepest pits of Tartarus. All three of them had deep azure blue fur, reminding the guards and flyers of the sky above, with manes and tails that reminded them of the darkest droplets of blood. Their yellow eyes scorched right into theirs, making them feel as if they were melting their eyes, and they had sets of needle-sharp vampiric teeth that could’ve been mistaken for sabers.

Despite the similarities, Shining Armor, Spearhead, and the four flyers could see that each of the tree stallions were from on Pony Tribe each. The first stallion had a massive muscular pair of bat wings, the membranes a bright pink with dagger-like wing blades jutting out. The second stallion had a horn that could’ve been mistaken for a sword a purple aura surrounding a large sword and shield he was holding. The third and final stallion was an Earth Pony, with a buff frame that was on par even Spearhead’s, with all three of them having dark razor edged and pointed sets of armor that looked to be able to do some serious damage.

“Well, look at what we have here boys!” The first stallion said, his face stretched into an excited grin. “It looks like we struck gold here, a whole building of sitting targets that’re ours for the taking!”

“Sure does bro.” The second stallion nodded, swinging his levitated sword around. “I have to say; I was kind of expecting it to be a little less than we expected. With how destroyed that this building is, I didn’t expect it to be this full.”

“I honestly didn’t if you want my opinion.” The third and final stallion shrugged. “Then again, none of us could just how many victims here, so it could’ve gone either way.”

“Who the buck are you assholes?!” Spitfire demanded, stomping her hoof as Derpy fled back over to the terrified crowed. “And what’re you doing here in the Town Square?! We didn’t give you guys permission to be over here!”

“Easy Captain.” Soarin said, holding a wing out in front of her. “You don’t wanna lose your head right now.”

“Wow, this girl looks like a real fighter here.” The first stallion grinned. “It looks like things are gonna get a lot more interesting for us guys.”

“You got that right big bro.” The second stallion nodded, chuckling. “That is, if we can get past those couple of guards and that other stallion with them.”

“Don’t worry, we can get past all of them no sweat.” The third stallion said confidently. “Not to say that there’s going to be more coming, but you guys can see what I mean.”

“Hey, did you guys here what you were asked?” Shining asked, lashing his tail out. “Captain Spitfire just asked you who you were. Now you had better answer her and us before I blast all three of your faces off!”

“Heheh, well, since you all look so ready for our upcoming challenge, we may as well tell you who your challengers will be.” The first stallion replied, hovering up into the air above the other two stallions. “I’m Deathwing, the eldest of these two awesome stallions here and the master of the skies. This one to the left of me is Deathhorn, the most magically enhanced and sharpest out of all of us, and this buff as buck guy to the right of me is Deathhoof, and out of all of us, he can pack the nastiest of punches!”

“Deathwing, Deathhorn, and Deathhoof…” Fleetfoot repeated, mulling over the names. “I can’t help but see that the three of you have eerily similar names. I take it you three are brothers or something like that?”

“Sharp one there, aren’t you?” Deathhorn asked, raising a brow at the arctic blue Pegasus. “I admit, it may seem weird that three stallions would have similar names, but then again, who doesn’t? Although it should probably tell you just what we’re here to do.”

“That something being to bring the death and destruction to practically everypony here in the Town Square, and in Ponyville?” Spearhead asked calmly, spinning his namesake around in one of his wings. When he got no reply from any of the stallions, he then went on. “Well, sorry to burst your bubbles, but there’s no way that we’re going to let that happen. If you want to lay harm to any of these ponies, you’re going to have to go through us.”

“That’s right!” Shining nodded, his horn igniting in preperation. “I don’t know what your deal is coming here like you own the place, and I really don’t care! We’re not going to let you harm a single pony here, especially the foals! The only way you bastards are going to do that is if you turn us into mangled corpses!”

“Or give us a death sentence as your names so bluntly states.” Spitfire added; her muzzle formed into a heated snarl. “If you can that is.”

“I think that can be arrange, since you all seem so eager to die.” Deathhoof replied gleefully as he and his two brother’s draconic eyes began to glow. The black auras that were surrounding them suddenly exploded into whirlwind of blackness as they slowly advanced on the guards and the flyers. “I hope you’re ready, ‘cause me and my bros ain’t gonna go easy on any of you! We are so gonna send you all back to kingdom come!” A snake-like tongue emerged from the Earth Pony stallion’s mouth, running across his lips as he eyed the mare’s lustfully. “And after that, we’re have some fun with the hot little ladies…oh yes, some nice good fun indeed!”

Crimson Skies paled, her tail tucking between her legs. “Oh crap…”

Author's Notes:

Whelp, here it its everypony; the self proclaimed unwelcome arrival of the Dark Army to a good majority of the ponies in Ponyville, mainly in the Town Square. I'm just going to say right now, that the hardest part of this chapter was who some of the members of the Dark Army that I was going to have meet Shining Armor, Spearhead, Crimson Skies, and the Wonderbolts were going to be. I had a hard enough time in the last chapter figuring out what name I was going to give the stallion who was trying to get Silver Speed and her foals, and I seriously did not want to be suck near the end of this chapter, figuring out names for the three stallion that the Guards and the Ariel Flyers were all going to fight near the end of this first book. In case you were all wondering how I was finally able to that, it was from a picture I found of three monstrous looking stallions an how similarly terrifying they looked, and that's where I found the inspiration for these three stallions in this chapter. There was literally no other names that I could think of for these three stallions, and no other way, I could think them up either, it was just, just...wow!

Judging from how things look and are looking from the last few chapters here, we may not come back to Ponyville for a while. Especially since the girls, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts are getting ever closer to the end of their journey, so we may be focusing more on them before we go back to the Ponyville fight. Probably near the start or the beginning of the final fight between Nightmare Moon and Dark Army, the Main Seven, Zephyr, the Shadowbolts, Venture Vine, and Celestia herself. Either way, the next upcoming chapters may end up focusing more on the adventure through the Everfree with one or two uplifting chapters added in between it. However it's going to go, we'll definitely be coming back here for the upcoming fights!!!

Anyway, that's all for now!!! Tune in next time for the girls having an encounter with a mob that could pass of as being the very definition of psychotic and bloodthirsty !!!