Trixie Lunamoon Nocturnis faced a good number of fights and confrontations during her time in that unpredictable land of Equestria. Having been born in the town of Hollow Shades, in the northern part of the Everfree, she was given a good taste in the art of combat very early in life. To the normal observer, it would be highly unusual for a young foal to be learning to fight at young age, but not for the Thestrals. They’re the type of ponies that don’t take any chances when it comes to them potentially running into danger, regardless of how friendly they are. It came to serve her well as she grew up, even more so whenever she faced the wild beasts of the Everfree Forest. As she got older, and began to travel out on her own, she faced more foes that helped her to be able to spot trouble. Eventually, Trixie found herself focusing more on her career as a magician rather than a fighter, but that didn’t mean she slacked off in her training.

As she continued to face off against the fused Deathgod, she felt more and more relieved that she didn’t let herself get rusty.

Deathgod panted hard as he struggled to stand, his shattered armor laying in pieces all around him with only a few pieces of them holding on. His sword was more intact, than his armor was, but even it was looking like it was on its last legs. The stallions azure furred body was covered in a manner of slashes, gashes, and puncture wounds, black blood flowing from them like multiple leaks in a pole. His giant bat-like wings were torn and tattered, barely looking like they could even support him in the air anymore. Eve Deathgod’s horn looked to be cracked in some places, not looking like it could cast anymore spells, let alone ignite. None of that though, could take away the burning rage and insanity that was in his draconic yellow orbs, all of which was aimed at the sexy bat mare in front of him.

“What’s the matter honey? Are you not able to stand anymore?” Trixie asked, looking somewhat less hammered then Deathgod was. “Oh, what am I saying? I don’t even need to ask, with injuries like that, I’m amazed your even standing at all.”

“Don’t you dare go mocking me now you bitch! I’ve had more than enough of your smart mouth to last me a lifetime!” Deathgod roared, “As a matter of a fact, I’ve had just about enough of you period! I just want to hurry up and get you out of the way so I can get to those other pests and be rid of this town!”

“You’ve done a good job in putting effort into that.” Trixie praised, looking over her staff as if it was a brand-new weapon. “It didn’t do much for you in the end. Other than roughing up those guards and elite flyers, you didn’t get far in trying to kill them. Even more so after I had come to this little town…and soon enough, you’ll eventually be nothing more than end essence of mist made by my blade.”

“I haven’t been defeated yet Trixie Lunamoon Nightstalker!” Deathgod shouted, pointing his sword at the azure blue Unicorn. “I still have plenty of fight left in me to ensure that you don’t live to see the rising of the Sun! I will make sure that the Moon will be the last thing you see before you die!”

Trixie chuckled in a low, and mirthful tone twirling her bladed staff in her magic as her violet eyes pierced right into Deathgod’s own slitted orbs. “Well then…come and show me all that you have left.”

With a roar, Deathgod spread his battered wings and took off with as much strength as they would allow. He raised his cracked sword and let it slam right into Trixie’s staff, only for the mare to push him back into the air. With her spear still pointed forward, she shot a blast of violet magic at the stallion, which was blocked by a shield he conjured. He was taken by surprise when the shield shattered, and his eyes found themselves focusing on the slices of wind that were aimed at him. This time, he wasn’t able to create a shield to block them, and instead focused on evading them, before retaliating with a blast of magic. Trixie ignited her own horn and shot it off, letting it meet Deathgod’s in an explosion of power. The two fighters stopped where they were, giving each other a few moments to see their glares, before whinnying and charging again.

While Trixie and Deathgod fought to keep themselves on their last legs, Crimson Skies was discussing the plan on how to help Trixie with the Royal Guards and Wonderbolts. The palomino mare’s ‘patients’ were just about ready to jump right back into battle, having finally been free from her healing cocoon. Despite the fact she managed to close their wounds, she was having a bit more trouble trying to formulate a plan with them.

“This doesn’t look good everypony…” Crimson Skies murmured, her face scrunched dup in worry at the duel in front of her. “It looks like Ms. Trixie isn’t going to last much longer. That Deathgod stallion looks like he’s on his last legs to, but it looks like he’s trying to let Trixie fall first before he does.”

“Well, she is covered in a coat of her own blood, despite the armor she’s wearing.” Shining added, looking just as concerned, despite his poker face. “She’s put up a valiant fight so far, but I know she’s reaching her limit. So, we have to formulate a plan that will take out that stallion once and for all before we actually start suffering casualties.”

“I think I may know what to do.” Soarin murmured, ruffling his wings as he continued to watch the scuffle. “I’ve been watching how this stallion fights up until this point, and I’ve been coming up with a strategy to get Trixie out of there.”

“Really?” Fleetfoot asked, looking over at her teammate. “You’ve been observing and plannin the fight the entire time?”

“I do have a knack for reading situations and planning what to do. Why do you think all the other Wonderbolts say I have a big brain?” Soarin asked, chuckling a bit. “Anyway, I was thinkin of this…first, I’ll go at him with my wind attacks, cutting Deathgod more than he already is. Then, when there’s an opening, Spearhead will impale him with his lightning spears, paralyzing him as much as they can. Next, Spitfire and Crimson Skies will use a combination attack to really wear Deathgod down, and finally…” He glanced over at Shining Armor. “…Trixie and Shining Armor will deal the final blow.”

“Wait, seriously?” Spearhead asked, looking a bit surprised. “Both Captain Armor and Trixie are gonna end him at the same time?”

“Yes; their combined powers, and in the state Deathgod was put in my Trixie, neither of you should have much trouble in winning.” Soarin replied, looking over at the others. “Oh, and for Fleetfoot, she’ll create a floor of ice to hold Deathgod at bay while Captain Shining and Trixie move in; if that’s alright with the rest of you.”

“Yeah, that’s alright with me sweetie.” Fleetfoot said sweetly, patting Soarin in the back. “Is that okay with everypony else?”

“Yes ma’am.” Crimson replied politely, with a firm bow. “That was a good formulation Soarin…I’m amazed you were able to come up with that so quickly!”

“Well, like I said, I am known for having a big brain.” Soarin side with a bit of a wink. “Anyway, is everypony ready to get this show on the road?”

Spitfire sighed. “Yeah, sure…whatever you say Soarin.” She replied as she got to her hooves. “Just so you know, this will be the only time I will ever team up with a Thestral got it? Don’t expect me to even think about trying it again in the future.”

Soarin rolled his eyes. “Yeah sure…whatever you say.” His eyes glowed as he focused them pointedly on Deathgod. “Now…wait for my signal.”

“Thestral Unicorn Earth Make: Nocturnal Vine Snare!” Trixie shouted as she summoned a group of vines form the ground. With a push of her magic, she shot the vines at Deathgod, watching as some of them impaled the stallion. He gritted his teeth and dug his hooves into the ground, feeling the sharp edges of the vines dig into his flesh. With a roar, he swung his bloodied wings forward and sliced through the vines, before charging at Trixie.

“Those had to be the weakest vines I’ve ever seen!” He shouted as he inhaled, before letting out a massive breath of fire. “Fire Nightmare Alicorn: Black Scorching Neigh!”

Trixie grinned toothily and flew into the air, letting the fire flew below her as she tucked her wings and dove towards Deathgod. She swung her bladed staff forward, and let it clash with the azure blue Alicorn’s sword, both meeting in powerful clashes. Their magic served to help their weapons break apart, allowing them to try to hack each other’s heads off as their magic did their work. A few minutes or so into the fight between blades, Trixie managed to push Deathgod back, and swirls of wind surrounding her.

“Nice try, but there’s no way I’ll let myself get burnt!” Trixie shouted, as she too took a deep inhale of breath. “Sky Thestral Unicorn: Blazing Misty Whirlwind!”

To Deathgod’s shock, Trixie had shot a giant blast of wind at him, and that very same disbelief was what had him caught in the blast. He was sent spiraling across the street before landing in a crumpled heap on the ground. The stallion looked up and saw Trixie in the air, before she went down to body slam him into the ground. He rolled across the ground as Trixie continued to try to slam him into the ground, presumably at his chest. Fed up, he lashed out with his sword as Trixie reared up again, letting the tip of the blade stab right into where her chest was. The Unicorn Thestral gasped as she felt the tip puncture into her skin, making her stagger and hunch over in surprise in pain.

“I’ve got you now.” Deathgod growled. “Thought that you could bury me six feet into the ground, did you? Sorry, but this is going to be your grave, not mine, cocky little fledgling!” He drove the sword in deeper, making Trixie cry out in pain. “Say goodnight…Trixie Lunamoon Nightstalker!”

All of a sudden, he heard somepony shout, “Ice Pegasus Knight: Freezing Whinny!”

Trixie suddenly found herself being pulled back and into the air, the sword getting wrenched out of her as she did so. Biting back a cry of pain, she watched as the stallion below her was stuck to a floor of ice, rendering him unable to escape. As he tried to figure out what was going on, he was hit with another surprise attack.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Lightning Spear Flock!” Spearhead shouted, summoning a flock of lighting coated spears and throwing them directly at Deathgod. He watched as they impaled him, sending volts of electricity through his body. Just as the lightning vanished, he suddenly felt the sensation of heat on his skin, growing stronger by the second.

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Phoenix Flower Flock!” Spitfire shouted, shooting out a massive group of giant fireballs at Deathgod. The Wonderbolt Captain watched with silent satisfaction as the bolts shot directly into the stallion, making him explode in a haze of flames.

‘Oh no, they’re back up on their hooves again!’ he thought through his agonized screams. ‘That cannot be possible! They’re even fully healed, like they were never injured in the first place!’

Just when Deathgod thought that things could not get any worse for him, he heard somepony shout out, “Sky Pegasus Knight: Crimson Slicing Whirlwind!”

A wave of scarlet wind crashed into Deathgod, the force being enough to send him flying out of his icy prison was he was sliced to ribbons. Black blood flew through the air as he once again collided with the cold hard ground, a trail of black liquid following. Hissing he propped himself on one of his elbows, and glared daggers at the group, presumably Trixie.

“So…this was your little plan was it?!” Deathgod shouted angrily. “To buy your friends some time so you can all come and finish me off together?!”

Trixie blinked a couple of times, before shaking her head. “Um…that, wasn’t me. In fact, I didn’t even realize they had come back.”

Deathgod paused. “What?”

“She’s right.” Shining Armor said as he stepped next to Trixie. “She didn’t plan this…we did.”

“Y…you?” Deathgod asked, his eyes slowly widening. “You were the ones who operated this?”

Soarin nodded. “I don’t know if you had noticed, but I had been watching you for a good majority of this fight. Taking in each of your movements and watching how you fight, and while I did that, I had discussed with the others on how we can finally defeat you.” He gestured to his fellow Wonderbolts. “First, I had Fleetfoot freeze the ground with ice, holding you in place and preventing you from escaping. Then, I had by second in command, spearhead, impale you and electrocute you with his, well…spears and electrocute you, paralyzing your nerves. With you unable to move, Spitfire came and set you on fire, making you even more disorientated.” He let his horn in bright violet magic. “After that, I was going to have Trixie combine her magic with me to finish you off once and for all.”

“…So, you weren’t just being healed by that little Pegasus of a mare.” Deathgod murmured, baring his fangs. “You were actually observing me and conjuring up a plan to take me down while this mare tired me out!”

“See now that, that last part was actually my plan.” Trixie piped up, holding up a hoof. “I honestly wasn’t really let into what they were going to do…all I was doing was trying to tire you out so I could finish you.” Her cat-like eyes trailed down to Deathgod’s gemstone, then back up to the stallion himself. “Though…I can work with this too.”

Deathgod said nothing in response to that, just growling as he gave the group the best glare he could. “Why you…!”

Shining Armor sighed, planting his hooves wide as he flicked his tail. “Ms. Trixie, are you ready to end this?”

The azure blue Unicorn Thestral nodded. “From the moment I entered this town.”

The Solar Division Captain raised a brow at that, but gave no comment as he joined horns with Trixie, both preparing to let off one final spell. With their eyes glowing they lowered their heads and let out a combined beam of magic at Deathgod, the speed giving him not time to protect himself. All he could do was scream as he was enveloped in the violet and purple blast, the power behind it shattering the gemstone in his chest as he dissolved into blackness. He let out one final scream of rage before he completely vanished along with the magical attack.

“Finally, it’s…over now.” Shining Armor panted, his legs wobbling as he let his head droop. “That took more out of me than I thought it would.”

“Well, you were fighting the rest of these things for about as long as the other guards have sweetie.” Trixie commented, rubbing the stallion’s back soothingly. “It’s alright, you’re not alone in this Captain Armor.”

“Finally, I thought I was never going to hear that stupid ass voice of his.” Spitfire snorted, flicking her tail. “If I had to hear it for one more moment, then I was going to go insane.”

“Well, we’re glad you didn’t.” Fleetfoot said dryly. “Because you would’ve burned this entire street down if that stallion set you off even more than you were.”

“Damn straight.” Spitfire hissed, glaring at Crimson Skies. “And we know who’s to blame for that!”

The palomino mare whimpered, anime tears falling from her face. “What did I do?!”

“Alright, that’s enough of that.” Trixie said, sighing as she went out of her Ascension Mode and letting her staff rest on her back. “The last thing we need is for any of you guys to start fighting again, especially that Wonderbolt Captain over there.” She giggled as Spitfire shot her heated glare over to her. “Why don’t we go around town and see how many of these ponies are still left before we get back to the Town Square and rest.”

“Exaclty what I was going to say.” Shining Armor said as he trudged forward. “Come on…the sooner we get this over with the sooner I can pass out.”

Spearhead chuckled, walking over to his Captain and putting one of his hooves around his neck to support him. “You and me both.”

“Fire Pegasus Knight: Spiraling Flaming Missile!” Violet Fire shouted, zooming down through the air in a swirling drill of flames. Her flames tasted the ground as she barreled past the Dark Army, who couldn’t see or block her attack in time. Whinnies and neighs of agony could be heard in the Shadowbolt Captain’s ears as she flew back into the air, her fire still protecting her in its cloak. As she continued to look at the carnage she left, she heard her second in command take the lead.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Wings of Thunder!” Fast Tracks shouted with glowing violet eyes, zipping and zigzagging through the Nightmare Ponies. His lightning coated wings and tails skirt sliced and stabbed into them, sending electric volts into their bodies. Those that were strong enough were able to crack the gemstones inside of their bodies, and the light brown stallion watched as they dissolved into blackness.

“There’s plenty more where that came from!” Fast shouted as he flew back into the crowed. “I am so not done with any of you bastards yet!”

“That makes two of us!” Storm Shadow shouted as she and her sister hovered above the Nightmare Dark Army. “Let’s go Lightning Shadow!”

“Right!” The lighter grey mare shouted as they both shot their forehooves down, their red and blue Ascension Armor gleaming brightly. “Dark Pegasus Knight: Black Fusion Explosion!”

Two giant blasts of dark essence exploded from the two grey mare’s hooves, combining into one giant stream of blackness. It dove into the Nightmare Dark Army and exploded all around it, enveloping them in Lightning and Storm’s power before they could react. The darkness they were covered in sent them into a massive panic; so much so that it let their last member of their group come in and finish the job.

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Slicing Whirlwind Drill!” The voice of Blue Skies yelled, shooting out a giant drill of blue wind at the Dark Army. While some were sliced in various parts of their bodies, others were cut deem into their gemstones that gleamed within their chest. This caused more of them to vanish in a screech of dark magic, leaving that much less of the Dark left for them, Celestia, Zephyr, and Venture Vine to deal with.

As if on cue, two out of the trio came into finish off what was left of the Shadowbolts group of the Nightmare Ponies.

“Fire Dragon Knight: Scorching Roar!”

“Solar Beam of the Sun!”

Blue spun around, and screamed when she saw a combination draconic and magical flames soaring towards her in a giant mass. She screamed as she flapped her wings frantically, saving herself just as the flames were about to hit her. The young palomino and the other Shadowbolts watched as more Nightmare Ponies were incinerated, their bodies vanishing in a haze of blackness as their Magical Life Force Gemstones melted upon contact. When the fire vanished, all that was left was a clearing of ashes and smoke that floated into the air.

“Oh wow, look at how many I was able to get!” Venture Vine exclaimed as she and Celestia flew down to meet the Shadowbolts. “Those flames burned them so much; none of them could even see it coming!”

“Indeed, they did not.” Celestia nodded, smiling down at the grass green mare. “That was quite the powerful move you inflicted Venture Vine. It certainly did the job in the helping us reduce the number of Nightmare Ponies that’re here.”

“It may have helped, but it almost killed me too!” Blue shouted, a tick mark forming on her head as she stomped her forehooves. “Seriously, you’ve gotta watch where you’re aiming those things Ms. Venture vine! Who knows if you hit one of your allies, like you did just me!”

Venture chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head as a pink tint appeared on her dark green cheeks. “Sorry about that baby…looks like I got a little carried away back there. I guess I just wanted to get rid of these guys as quickly as possible so I can help my son with his share fo the Dark Army before we finally defeat Garnet Blaze.”

At that moment, Violet gasped, Venture’s words causing something to click in her mind. “Oh, that’s right, Garnet Blaze! I almost forgot about her! Does anypony know where she was last seen?!”

“The last I’ve seen for her, I had driven her into the ground with one of my Solar Beams.” Celestia replied, glancing at the spot where Garnet Blaze lay. “I can still feel her magic, even all the way from here, so I know she’s going to be getting up soon. We will need to be ready for when she does, for I sense the next clash we have, will be our final one.”

“Don’t need to tell us twice.” Fast Tracks replied, bashing his fists together. “I’ll be ready for that mare, and when she comes, I’ll be sure to give her everything I have!”

“We know you will Fast, as you always do.” Lightning nodded, smiling humorously. “By the way your Highness, there’s something we else need to tell you. do you remember that Hippogriff Sky Ranger that was with us earlier?”

“Why yes, I do.” Celestia replied with a bit of a head tilt. “Speaking of which, I hadn’t really seen him for the majority of the fight. Just where did he go?”

“Yeah, about that…” Strom replied nervously. “…he was here helping us with the Dark Army, but then he suddenly stopped. He told us that he was going to storm the castle and look for Goku and the other girls, because he sensed that there was something wrong from inside.”

Venture’s jaw dropped in surprise. “Wait, he went and did what?”

Violet opened her muzzle to clarify what Storm had said, but stopped when she saw something coming from the sky. A soft gasp escaped her, before she began flying towards Venture and Celestia with a frantic look in her eyes. “LOOK OUT!”

The warning came too late, and Celestia and Venture found themselves slammed into the ground by something much smaller than the latter. Thinking that it was one of the Dark Army, Celestia all but threw it off of her, and shot to her hooves. The glow that appeared around her horn diminished when she saw just who it was that she had thrown off of her, and she let out a gasp of horror.

“Zephyr!” Celestia cried, racing over to the bloodied and bleeding stallion as Venture cradled him in her claws. “Are you alright?! Can you hear us?!”

“A…aside from the ringing in my ears…I-I can hear you just fine.” He replied, opening his squinted orange eyes. “L-listen, we need to get out of here and into that castle while we still can!”

Venture vine was immediately on high alert. “What? Why, what’s the matter honey?”

“Heehee, I’m the matter Ms. Venture!”

All eight heads snapped over to Nyx, who could be seen hovering in the air in her black wing armor, a wide mirthful smile on her face. Her armor and sword were covered in both black and red blood, but it did nothing wipe the excitement from her eyes. “I have to say, your son really I something! I can’t remember a time where I felt such a rush up until now! He really is worth of being a member of the E.U.P. Guard, hmhmhm!”

“You little bat winged bitch…” Venture growled, motherly anger flaring inside of her. “…you are going to pay for hurting my baby.”

“Awww, don’t be mad Venture Vine, I didn’t kill him…not yet at least.” Nyx cooed, pouting a bit before she regained her smile. Her draconic eyes flickered over to the side of her, and the smile on her face widened a bit. “Although, I think that I shouldn’t be the only one who you should be worrying about anymore.”

Celestia went rigid, her stomach twisting as she began to sweat in her armor. “W…what’re you saying?”

The swan white Alicorn never got to have that question answered, because before she could, an earth splitting roar suddenly exploded in her ears. She, Venture Vine, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts all covered their ears as a wave of dark red power washed over the clearing. To their complete disbelief, it actually managed to take out the rest of the Dark Army, leaving not a single trace of them remaining. None of the members of the Solar or Lunar Divisions had any time to contemplate it, for they were too focused on where the power source had come from. When they did see it though, most of the guards just about lost control of their bladders upon what greeted them all.

Walking towards the group of petrified ponies, dark red magic enveloping her in thick swirls, was Garnet Blaze, who looked like she was going through some transformation. The entirety of her body was nothing but a deep shadow in the roaring magic surrounding her. The only thing that could be visibly seen was her azure blue eyes, which seemed to blaze with a fury that could only be seen in a feral or rabid animal. Though it wasn’t quite seen, it was clear to Celestia, Venture, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts that she was going through some sort of wicked transformation.

“Uh oh~…Garnet Blaze’s is maaaaad~.” Nyx cooed, an armored hoof coming to her muzzle. “You guys are in so much trouble~.”

Garnet Blaze snarled loudly, her magical tails slamming the ground around her as she shot her ashen face at Celestia and her two armies. “Alright, now you’ve really pissed me off now Queen Celly! Just when I thought that I couldn’t get any madder than I was, you just had to go and trick me with that last attack, so way to bucking go!”

“Oh jeez, looks like Garnet Blaze is back up again!” Venture Vine said, holding her son closer to her. “And she looks pissed as all Tartarus!”

“Yeah, we can all see that thank you!” Fast Tracks exclaimed indignantly, his forehead gaining a pulsing vein. “Now it looks like she’s going to burn each and every single one of us alive!”

“I think I’ve gotten my fill of you playing all these little games with me!” The Nightmare Earth Pony’s magical gemstone gleamed as she plopped down on all fours, letting her scythe fall to the ground. “Now it’s time for me to unleash the kitsune inside of me!”

After that angry declaration, she threw her head back, letting out another roar as the magic protecting her vanished. Hunching forward, Garnet Blaze slowly began to transform into the very cloak that she was protected in. Her palomino fur darkened to a redder orange, her hooves becoming claws that were just like that of a fox’s. Her orange mane fused with the darker orange fur, with a brighter orange streak doing down her neck. Garnet’s facial features become fox-like was well, her muzzle lengthening and her already sharp teeth sharpening even more. Finally, her tail split apart multiplied, turning from a ponies’ tail to that of over nine in total, all having bright orange tips. To finish of Garnet’s beastly appearance, the underside of her chin, neck, and stomach were the same palomino color as before, contrasting with the rest of her body.

“Oh yes…that feel so much better. It’s been so long since I’ve been in this form.” Garnet Blaze purred, her chipper voice gaining a booming edge to it. “Now I can really have some fun with you guys! I can’t wait to show you why I was named the Orange Fox of the Lunar Division!”

“Oh…shit…!” Zephyr breathed, his orange eyes shrinking in disbelief. “Now that is one big fox.”

“Not just any fox!” Lightning added, giving an audible gulp. “She’s become a nine-tailed fox!”

“How in the hay are we supposed to fight something like that?!” Blue cried, looking to be on the verge of tears. “Q-Queen Celestia said that she was form the Bijuu clan, and they’re power is unreal! How’re we going to survive an onslaught of that level?!”

“I don’t know baby, but there’s no way we can back down now.” Storm replied firmly. “Goku and her friends already have their hooves full Nightmare Moon Nocturnis. If we let this mare get passed her, in that form, then they’ll be in a much tighter pickle than they are now. So we have to do all we can to keep Garnet Blaze at bay, at least until Nightmare Moon is beaten.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth Storm Shadow.” Violet said softly, landing in front of her teammates. “Don’t worry Queen Celestia! We’ll do all we can to help you in defeating Garnet Blaze! Even if she was an ally a thousand years ago, she’s still technically our enemy, and we cannot let her get inside of this castle!”

“Thank you Captain Violet, I commend your courage.” Celestia said as she flared her wings and pointed her spear forward. “Do not worry, I will make sure that we finish this…together!”

“You had better, or I’m gonna be the one to burn those mares alive!” Venture growled, shifting her gaze up to Nyx. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you Nyx! I still need to pay you back for hurting my baby boy! When I’m done with you, you’re gonna be begging me to turn you into ashes!”

“Oh, so you’re going to burn me alive, huh?” Nyx cooed, grinning down at the grass green mare. “Sounds fun; I do wanna see how a Kirin is when they really go all out! Especially against somepony as powerful as Garnet Blaze here!” With another giggle, she flew over and perched herself on top of the house-sized fox’s head. “Well, why don’t we get to the final round? I can’t wait to end this whole thing off with a bang, and with the flames of the Orange Fox!”

Zephyr shivered, looking up at Nyx and Garnet Blaze with fear-filled eyes. “We…are…screwed.”

Sky Ranger’s eyes flashed in the darkness as he flew through the halls of Nightmare Moon’s nocturnal castle. No sound could be heard except for the flapping of his four wings as he tore through the halls of the giant building. Outside, he could hear the sound of roaring and destruction, giving him an inkling of just what was happening. A part of him wanted to go back out and help his new allies with whatever had been conjured up, but he shook it off. He had something that he needed to do, and that was to help the girls find each other, before Nightmare Moon decided to finish them off.

‘Besides, I had already discussed this little operation of mine with Captain Violet Fire and the rest of her team.’ He thought to himself, making a sharp turn down one hallway. ‘I just hope that their Queen, Zephyr, and that other draconic mare that was with them doesn’t take it the wrong way. I know I probably should’ve let them know about what I was going as well…no well, no time to dwell on that now…just get find the girls and help them get to Nightmare Moon!’

As Ranger continued to soar through the castle, he took a few moments to marvel at out well constructed that the castle was. From the various rooms, staircases and balconies, to the ancient paintings and just the entire interior altogether. Even though this castle belonged to the enemy, Ranger was unable to keep his amazement contained. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Nightmare Moon did have a good eye for beauty and fashion, even if it was dark. Even though she had made it right in the middle of the Everfree Forest, he highly doubted that anypony could miss it, even in the crowd of trees around it.

‘I wonder if the thestrals back in Hollow Shades used to take frequents to this castle before Nightmare Moon came and magically reconstructed it.’ The azure blue hippogriff thought to himself, flapping his wings as he went higher. ‘If so, then they’re going to be in for quite a shock when they see how it is now. No doubt they’ll be wondering what had happened to the abandoned castle…I can only imagine how they’ll react to this. That is, if this castle still manages to keep itself from falling apart after Luna is returned, and she decides to keep it.’

Just as he shifted his gaze back to the hall ahead of him, his pony-like ears suddenly picked up the sound of voices. Voices that were indeed feminine, and sounded very familiar, despite having only heard them a few times. Ranger continued to fly, listening out for the voices as they grow louder and more frantic with each passing second. By the time they were within reach, he found himself flying down a hallway that lead to a giant room. A room that had about six other hallways leading to what he presumed were more room.

“Oh dear…it looks like I’ve only found myself with another set of rooms to look through.” Ranger said to himself as he let out a disappointed sigh. “I’m never going to find the girls at this rate…but I won’t get anywhere if I complain about it.” He narrowed his as he spread his wings, looking over at the door closest to him. “Alright then, let’s take a look into these places; the sooner I can get through the them, the sooner I can-”

The azure blue Hippogriff unfortunately didn’t get to finish his sentence, for he saw something coming out of the nearest right hall that made him pause. With his keen vision, he was able to make out the shape of a pony flying towards him. At first, he thought that it was one of the Nightmare Ponies, but when he saw a mane of prismatic color, that thought was replaced by a new one.

‘Is that…Rainbow Dash?!’ Hippogriff wondered mentally, hovering back from the hallway. As if to answer his question, the cyan mare suddenly exploded from out of the hall, flying around a bit before coming to a stop. As she came into focus, Sky Ranger could see that she was carrying a rather large sphere in her hooves.

“Oh wow, that was some fight back there!” The athlete said to herself, having not yet noticed Ranger yet. “That is definitely going on my list of most awesome battles! I can’t wait to tell Fire Flash when I get back! Ha, she’s gonna be so bucking jealous!”

“R-rainbow Dash!” Ranger shouted, surprise and joy coating his voice. “You’re okay!”

Upon hearing her name being called, and the voice of the owner, Rainbow whipped her head around to see Ranger hovering in front of her. “Sky Ranger, you’re back in the castle!” She shouted, looking just as shocked and happy as he was. “What the hay happened to out there, dude?! We had thought that Nightmare Moon had done something to you and the Shadowbolts!”

“That’s…actually a funny story.” Ranger replied somewhat sheepishly. “Me, Violet Fire and her team were…sort of teleported out of the castle, and outside. When we did make it, we saw that Queen Celestia was there, along with what I could only assume was her army, along with-.”

“Wait, Queen Celestia’s here?!” Rainbow Dash cried, interrupting Ranger mid-sentence. “Sweet, about time she got here! So where is she now?! Is she here I this castle along with you?!”

Ranger opened his mouth to speak, but snapped his beak shut when he heard more voices coming from the other halls. Both he and Rainbow Dash turned their direction to them, and saw figures slowly emerging out of each. When they came into view, it took everything Rainbow Dash had not to rush over and hug every one of them.

“Wow, that was one really really really dark hall!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she balanced herself o her Element. “I’ve never seen anything look so dark in all of my life! Then again, I have seen the dark plenty of time, but not anywhere near like this!”

“Wooee…now that really took a lot outta me.” Applejack sighed, pulling on the rope that had her Element tied to it. “Really wish Ah ended that fight sooner…that way Ah wouldn’t be havin’ as much trouble tryin’ to move this thing!”

“Oh, finally! I thought that I was never going to get out of that dreaded hallway!” Rarity cried, collapsing onto her Element when she reached the wide-open space. “All of those feet of dragging this poor Element across this petrifying darkness! I don’t know anything that can be this draining, oh woes me!”

“Oh, my goodness…girls!” Fluttershy cried elatedly, being the third one to notice the rest of the group. “All of you…you’re all here!”

“Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, girls! You all made it!” Twilight shouted, dropping her Element and rushing over to the others. They all joined in a massive group hug while Ranger watched from just a few feet away, who was smiling fondly at the scene in front of him. “Oh, I thought that it was going to take forever to find you all! I can’t believe that I was going to be able to find you all in one place!”

“Neither did I.” Ranger said as he flew over to the six ponies. “It took me quite some time to make my way through this castle, for it is quite the big building. It was only thanks to a good amount of luck and me managing to hear your voices that I was able to find you.”

“Wait, you managed to follow us just by hearing our voices?” Rarity asked. “How in the world did you manage to do that?”

“I…just have very sensitive hearing, let’s leave it at that.” Ranger said dismissively, his voice gaining a firm edge to it. “Anyway, let’s go see if we can find Goku and Nightmare Moon…odds are that she’s still fighting her somewhere in the castle. We need to get over there quickly, before something bad happens to her.”

“Ya don’t need t’ tell us twice partner.” Applejack said resolutely, looking over at Twilight. “Hey Twi, ya think you can git a grab on Goku’s magic with that horn o’ yers?”

Twilight nodded, closing her eyes and ignited her horn, the others stepping away from her as they let her search magically for Goku. Nearly a minute of silence passed, which was almost broken by a frantic and impatient Rainbow Dash. Thankfully, before she could even utter a word, Twilight’s eyes snapped open and suddenly darted down the largest hallway. “This way everypony, come on!”

“Whoa, you found her already?!” Rainbow Dash asked as she and the others followed the lavender Unicorn. “Are you sure that she’s this way!”

“One hundred percent positive Rainbow; I can feel her magic roaring even from all the way over here!” Twilight replied as she led the way through the castle. “She is definitely down her somewhere!”

“Well what’re we waiting for?!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Let’s get to G and end that Meanie Moon’s party once and for all!”
Fluttershy sweat dropped, her eyes becoming anime cute as she looked at the Earth Pony. “Um, I think we just got to doing that Pinkie Pie…”

The fox formed Garnet Blaze roared loudly as she glared down at the ponies she towered over, her massive tails slamming into the ground. Clouds of dust and enormous cracks were left as a result as her aura of magic surrounded her entire being. As she continued to let her power roar over the clearing, Celestia, Venture, Zephyr, and the Shadowbolts looked back up at her in terrified awe.

“Oh boy…she is really pissed now.” Zephyr said groggily, clutching to his mother as fought not to lose consciousness. “She looks like she’s going to snap each of our necks.”

“Yes…I can see the bloodlust in her eyes.” Celestia murmured softly, looking calmer but no less scared. “She is no longer pulling any punches…Garnet Blaze really intends to make sure that we don’t leave out of this forest alive.”

“Well, too bad for her, we don’t have any intention of dying here, or anytime soon.” Violet stated firmly, flaring her wings. “Your Highness, what’re your orders?”

“Well, I want you and your team to do all that you can to keep Garnet Blaze distracted, both from me, and from Venture and Zephyr.” Celestia replied firmly, spreading her wings and taking to the air. “While you do that, I will be staying here, gathering as much magic as I can to put in one final attack into the one area of Garnet that I know will render her defenseless.” The swan white Alicorn glanced over to Zephyr and Venture. “Venture Vine, I want you, your son, and the other guards to get somewhere safe; something tells me that the next move that I plan to make is going to be quite the destructive one.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice!” Venture said hoisting her son onto her back before addressing the Solar and Lunar Guards. “Oi, you heard the lady! Get your furry and fluffy asses moving!”

None of the guards needed to be told twice, especially when they saw the bright pure white aura surrounding their Queen. The white magic swirled around her as it condensed itself around her, putting her through a transformation that could only be that of an Ascension Mode. this did not go unnoticed by Garnet Blaze however, and she immediately went onto the offensive.

“Oh, no you don’t!” She roared loudly, raising a claw to crush the Solar Queen. “No way I’m gonna let you burn my face off!”

“Sky Pegasus Knight: Blue Slicing Whirlwind!”

A giant drill of blue wing exploded out of nowhere, slamming into Garnet’s fox face and sending her staggering back. She roared in pain and clutched at her face, wiping the blood off of it before looking around for the perpetrator. Garnet soon found her, and it was in the form of Blue Skies, who was still in her Ascension Mode Armor.

“Your face getting burnt isn’t what you should be worrying about, it should be your face getting sliced to ribbons!” She shouted as she inhaled deeply. “Sky Pegasus Knight: “Blue Whirling Roar!”

Another swirling blast of wind escaped from Blue’s mouth, but this time, Garnet was ready, letting out her own breath of fire. What she didn’t count on was the wind completely blowing her fire away in the blink of an eye. Blue smiled as she watched her wind win over Garnet’s fire, much to the latter’s terrified realization. Before she could berate herself for forgetting such an important fact, she heard somepony else shout out.

“Lightning Pegasus Knight: Electric Thunderous Wing Attack!” Fast yelled, hovering above Garnet before giving a hard flap of his wings. The lightning coating them shot out of the, chirping as they headed towards Garnet. Nyx, who was still perked atop the giant fox’s head, raised her sword to block the strikes, but some of them managed to get through. Even though the lightning bolts were far smaller than the fox and Nightmare Alicorn combined, they still managed to leave quite the sting on the duo.

“D-d-dammit…I can’t believe that he managed to get a hit on us, even in Garnet’s form.” Nyx said to herself, panting hard as blood pooled down her armored body. “It looks like I’m going to have to up my ain’t here.”

“Not on our watch you’re not sweetie!” Lightning Shadow shouted, coming from out of nowhere. “Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Abyss Explosion!”

Nyx gasped, and used her wings and sword to block the wave of darkness that enveloped her in its blackness. Unfortunately, not even this was able to keep the scream of agony that ripped from her throat as Lightning tore her apart. The sound of a gem cracking could be heard in her ears, and she looked down to see her Magical Life Force Gemstone breaking. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to worry about it breaking at the moment, for Garnet chose that time to intervene.

“You leave her alone!” She shouted lashing out with one of her massive tails and sending the light grey Pegasus crashing to the ground. Large chunks of rubble and cracks were shot up form the ground as Lightning tumbled across it, but she managed to shake it off. With a grunt, she flapped her wings and pulled herself back into the air, her red eyes gleaming up at Garnet Blaze.

“You know, that almost hurt back there…if it weren’t for the multiple beatings that I got from the creatures of this forest.” She said softly, blowing her mane out of her face. “Are you sure that you put all you had in that attack?”

“Well of course I did you meanie!” Garnet shouted, slamming a paw into the ground. “I can give you another demonstration if you want!”

“That won’t be necessary!” Storm Shadow exclaimed out of nowhere, appearing right below Garnet Blaze. “In fact, I think you’ve showed just enough of your power to us for one night! Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Neigh!”

Opening her mouth wide, she let out a large blast of darkness, letting it hit Garnet Blaze right in the stomach and her tumbling across the ground. This didn’t keep her down for long though, and she got back to her paws, before charging at Storm as her sister flew to her aid.

“Like hay I’m going to let you eat her!” Lightning shouted, stopping in front of her sister as she flared her wings. “Shadow Pegasus Knight: Dark Wing Attack!”

Faster than Garnet Blaze or Nyx could think, Lightning had shot large waves of darkness at them, letting them slice into the former’s front. Blood flew from the wounds as she roared and screamed, stumbling back and crashing right onto her back. Had it not been for her wings flaring at the last second, Nyx would’ve surely been crushed under her allies’ weight.

“Garnet Blaze!” The sin black Alicorn cried, flying towards her friend frantically. “Hold on, I’m coming-gah!”

A giant stream of black and purple fire suddenly appeared in front of Nyx, slamming into her with the force of an incoming comet. She screamed as Violet Fire collided directly into her stomach and chest, the force making her Magical Life Force Gemstone crack even more. Nyx’ wings flapped in a vain attempt to try to get away from Violet, but the Shadowbolt Captain was having none of it.

“Don’t tell me you forgot that I was here honey?!” Violet smirked as she flapped her own wings. “You really need to pay more attention to your surroundings!”

Nyx snarled, one of her hooves raising to punch Violet Fire away from her just as she was going to hit the ground. The ebony mare was sent slamming into the ground just as Nyx tumbled across it, getting to her hooves a second later. Not wasting any time, she shot a blast of magic at the spot where Violet lay, keeping git going for several seconds before stopping.

“Yeah, so, what were you saying about me needing to be more aware of my surroundings?” Nyx asked as smoke rose from Violet’s crater. “You really did sound like a hypocrite back there.”

A soft giggle could be heard from within the vanishing smoke, and Nyx felt her jaw drop when she saw Violet Fire rise to her hooves. “Oh yeah?” She asked, smiling sweetly at the shocked sin black Alicorn. “Then why don’t you look over there?”

Ears perking, Nyx slowly looked into the direction where Violet Fire was pointing, and felt her eyes bulge when she saw Garnet Blaze flying through the air. Nyx only had time to scream before the giant vixen crashed right on top of her, slamming her right into the ground. She didn’t stay there for long though, for Nyx soon found herself getting ripped out of the ground, stuck to Garnet’s back as the giant fox tried to get back on her paws.

“Ooooow…now that really hurt.” Garnet Blaze whimpered, looking up at Nyx as she felt her crawl back to the top of her head. “Are you alright Nyxie?”

“Y-yes…I’m okay Garnet Blaze…though you nearly crushed me back there.” Nyx replied as she looked into the fox’s pain-filled blue eyes. She gasped when she saw the large droplets of black blood flowing form her chest. “Oh goodness, what happened to you?!”

“We’re what happened to her!” Fast Tracks shouted, making Nyx look over to see him and the other Shadowbolts standing on either side of him. “Took your little friend by surprise at the last second and made sure to give her everything we had! We nearly finished her off too, had it not been for her blocking that one little weak point at the last second!”

“Yeah well, that’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of Bijuus you damn dolt!” Garnet Blaze shouted, growling as she forced herself onto her paws. “Speaking of which, it’s time for me to end this! I’m getting tired of you guys now, and if I have to look at any of you for a minute longer, I am going to explode!”

“In that case Garnet, why don’t I give you your wish before that minute is up?” The voice of Celestia asked, making both sides pause. “I’ll have this whole fight finished in just half that time.”

Garnet Blaze and Nyx turned to see Celestia hovering just yards away, adorned in gleaming golden armor, her mane and tail now streams of orange and yellow flames. Her eyes were a burning deep orange, which seemed to scorch right into the wide eyes of her two adversaries, who were growing even more scared by the second. Add insult to injury, a large sphere of flames could be seen conjuring right at the top of the Solar Queen’s horn.

“I must admit it has been quite a long time since I had faced someone as powerful as you too.” Celestia commented coolly, her vast wings flapping gently. “Aside from Discord and Nightmare Moon, nopony has managed to push me this far in battle.”

“Uh…w-w-what is that?!” Nyx cried, taking a step back on Garnet’s head. “D-don’t tell me that you’re planning to use that on us!”

“Oh, but I am.” Celestia replied, her head tilting just the slightest bit downward. “And it will be the very thing that will put you both out of your misery once and for all.” Her expression softened as she looked down at Garnet Blaze. “Especially for you…Lunar Captain Garnet Blaze Bijuu.”

The giant vixen flinched, staying silent for a few moments before letting out a growl that erupted from the back of her throat. “I dare you to try Celestia!” She shouted, far too angry to bother using formalities. “You think your puny fire will be able to stand up against mine?! Well, why don’t you come and prove it to me?!”

Celestia’s lips pursed. “I will, just like I did when you and I clashed over a thousand years ago on the night my sister and I clashed for the final time.” She replied, aiming the giant orb of fire at the enraged vixen. “And this time, I will make sure that you are put at peace for good.”

“We’ll see about that!” Garnet Blaze shouted, slamming her tails onto the ground. “Come on Nyx, let’s finish this swan of an Alicorn!”

Nyx nodded; her horn already ignited with as much magic as she could muster. “Right!”

With those final declarations, Garnet raised her head, the tip of her tails coming to them as she formed a large dark reddish orb. It hovered just outside of her mouth as it grew in size and power, looking to be just as powerful as Celestia’s sphere of fire. A few seconds later, it suddenly shrank down to a more bitable size, and Garnet wasted no time in consuming it. She hung her head, letting the power build up inside of her as she aimed it at Celestia.

“Say goodnight Queen Celestia Daybringer!” She shouted, before opening her mouth and letting her condensed power be unleashed. “Fire Fox Style Secret Technique: Bijuu Firebomb!”

“Solar Beam of the Sun Goddess!” Celestia shouted, shooting off her orb of fire at around the same time Garnet and Nyx shot their own magic. It clashed into a gigantic power struggle that blew all of the Shadowbolts, and some of the guards away. Clouds of dust washed over the clearing, chunks of earth were torn form the ground, and any golden grass closes to them were burned away. The ponies that were the safest watched in awe as their Queen and the Lunar Division’s Orange Fox went off against one another, but intent on taking the other one down. It seemed to go on for hours, but in reality, it lasted only a minute, before Celestia began to gain the edge.

“No…no…no no no no no no no no! I am not losing; I can’t be losing!” Garnet cried, trying, and failing, to push back against Celestia. “Nyx for the love of Solaris, please, help me!”

“I…I-I’m trying!” Nyx cried, her teeth gritting as she tried to pour as much magic she could into her blast.“It…it’s not working, she’s going to consume us both!”

“This is the end, Nyx Nocturnis, Garnet Blaze Bijuu!” Celestia shouted her voice so loud it seemed to echo across the clearing. “Now, say farewell!”

With a neigh that could be heard all about the clearing, Celestia poured all of her remaining magic into her stream of flames. Nyx and Garnet were utterly helpless to defend themselves against the fiery beam, and were soon swept up in the Solar Queen’s divine power. Their Magical Life Force Gemstones stood no change against such intense heat, and they melted into nothing but gleaming mush. With their one and only weakness finally abolished, the two members of the Dark Army vanished in streams of blackness, the fire helping to make sure they were gone. Once Celestia was sure that both beings were gone, she stopped in her magical assault, allowing her flames to flicker out into smoke.

“I wish I did not have to come to this…but even I could not have anticipated this happening, even for a second time.” Celestia murmured to herself, closing her eyes for a silent prayer. “May you forever rest in peace…Lunar Captain Garnet Blaze Bijuu.”

“Holy shit, that was so bucking awesome!” Fast cried as he and the other Shadowbolts flew up to the Queen. “You turned them all into a pile of ashes just like that! None of them stood a single chance against you!”

“Well, they were only manifestations of ponies, even though one of them did use to exist.” Storm said softly, glancing over at Celestia. “Are you…alright your Majesty?”

“Yes, I am…I’m feeling just a little bit…lamenting at the moment.” Celestia sighed as she receded out of her Ascension Mode. “Don’t worry, I’ll be alright, I’m just trying to handle doing such a horrid thing to somepony that I once called my ally.”

“Don’t worry Queen Celestia, I know you didn’t mean it.” Blue Skies cooed, running a hoof down one of Celestia’s legs. “Captain Garnet Blaze just wasn’t herself as all…she wasn’t even in control of herself, and that was all Nightmare Moon’s doing. I’m sure she wouldn’t be mad at you for breaking her from something she had no control over.”

Celestia nodded, smiling warmly down at the palomino mare. “Yes, your right…thank you for that Blue Skies.”

“Well, now that all of that is settled…” Lightning murmured. “…I think we should all head on into the castle now. I’m pretty sure that Goku and her friends are wondering where we are right now, and that they really need our help.”

“Lightning’s right.” Violet nodded, flicking her tail. “We’ve kept them waiting long enough, along with the rest of these ponies. So, what do you all say we storm that castle and search every room until we find the mare we’re looking for?”

“Exactly what I was going to say Captain Violet.” Celestia nodded, spreading her giant wings and taking flight once more. “Although, I have a feeling that we won’t even need to lift a hoof by the time we get there.”

Author's Notes:

I...don't really have much to say here, other than the fact that I am so glad that I finally managed to get this chapter out, with only a few chapters left.. I have to admit, when I first rewrote this story, I was so sure that I was going on the right track, but now that I'm reaching the end...it looks like I'll have to start from the ground up once again; something that...doesn't seem so bad to me now that I think about it. I'm sure that a lot of you saw the note that I left in my summary sometime ago, so you shouldn't be surprised by the fact that I'm restarting this from the ground up, one chapter at a time, but if that annoys some of you, then that's fine. You don't need to stick around and read this story to the end, and I'm not forcing you to either...all I'm saying is that my heart is telling me that I need to do this again. As I said before, I still have just a few more chapters left before I finally get to the squeals, and after those are out of the way...I'll be getting right back to this, and making a true story. If not for others, than at least for me.

Well, that's all for now...next time we're seeing the fall of Equestria's legendary Dark Queen, and afterwards we'll be getting an emotional reunion with the Royal Sisters.