Cloudsdale has fallen. The words hung in the air between the three ponies. Finally, Twilight broke the silence. “Rainbow, how many pegasi do we still have?”

“About 30 that are still fit for combat. We don’t have a hope of retaking the city,” replied the cyan mare.

“Take them to Canterlot. They’ll be of more use there.”

“Canterlot? How will they be useful there? The fight is here!”

“By the looks of yourself, I’d say it’s rather evident you need a good rest. The other pegasi are probably in about the same condition. Go to Canterlot, get a good rest, and help set up any defenses.”

“But Twi! We ca-“

“Go. That’s an order.”

“Fine.” The cyan pegasus left without another word.

Twilight began to pace around the room, thinking aloud to herself and seemingly unaware that Shadowfire was still in the room. This suspicion was confirmed when she almost bumped into him with a rather surprised expression.

“Oh, you’re still here. I have a favour to ask of you,” she said.

“A favour?” replied Shadowfire, taken aback slightly.

“Yes. I would like you to check on the defenses and report to me their condition.”

“Alright… But I’m your prisoner.”

“And prisoners require guards which take up ponies that could be helping keep the Loshadians out of Ponyville.” She hastily scrawled something on a piece of parchment. “Your guards are outside. Show them this scroll and they’ll escort you throughout the town.”

Puzzled, Shadowfire took the scroll and left the library. Sure enough, his guards were standing right outside. He showed them the scroll, which the guards eyed with suspicion but didn’t question. They then walked throughout the town.

The defenses of Ponyville seemed to be in good repair, with the exception of the apple orchard. It seemed as if Loshadia had not attacked since failing to capture the orchard. That had been 2 days ago. Surely now that Cloudsdale was in their control another attack was imminent, and although the town’s defenses were in good condition, they would not hold for long against the Loshadian army. Having completed his task, Shadowfire made his way back to the library.

Shadowfire was met with silence after he gave his report. It seemed as if the inadequacy of the defenses disturbed Twilight, for she kept pacing back and forth, muttering to herself. Finally, she stopped and addressed Shadowfire.

“What kind of magic do you posses?” she asked. “If I had to guess by your cutiemark, I’d say you’re some sort of pyromancer.”

“Well you got that right. I can conjure fire at will and control it. And if it weren’t for that ability, I might not even be in this mess,” replied Shadowfire.

“How powerful is your ability?”

“I could melt the door you have on my cell if I wanted to.”

“… Oh. Well as you are aware, the situation is not looking good for Ponyville, and I am in need of all the troops I can get my hooves on. A unicorn with your abilities will definitely be helpful on the battlefield. Now, I don’t actually have the authority to grant you status as one of our soldiers. Or even citizens. But if you help with the defense of Ponyville, I’ll put in a good word for you with the princesses if you wish to remain here.”

“You’re taking one hell of a risk here, you know.”

“Yes, I know. My books all say that this is a stupid idea, and I have no clue as to how the other ponies will react, but I’m at a loss here.”

“Alright. I’ll fight here today. After that, I never want to have to kill another pony again.”

“That’s understandable. Now I need you to go to into the town and help in any way you can to prepare. If anyone questions you, just show them this scroll.” She hands him a scroll. “Oh, and your equipment is in the back.”

After retrieving his weapons and armour, which Twilight cast a spell on to make them look more like the Equestrian standard issue, Shadowfire wandered around the town, finally arriving at the apple orchard. Upon arriving, he was greeted by an orange earth-pony, who introduced herself as Applejack.

“Name’s Applejack. How can ah help ya?”

“I’m Shadowfire. Twilight told me to help how I could with any defenses, and this is probably the area that needs the most work.”

“Darn right it is. Those Loshadians tore right through our barricades. It’s a miracle we managed to push them back.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of horns coming from the Loshadian camp. A split second later, Applejack was giving the alarm and hundreds of ponies started to gather. However, the Loshadians no longer wanted to gain the orchard. The invading army rushed past the orchard and straight at the town. Another army seemed to be pouring out of the clouds above the town.

“Quick! Back to the town, y’all!” shouted Applejack.

Instantly, the ponies responded and ran for the town. Beating the Loshadian force by barely a minute, the ponies from the orchard hastily bolstered the force defending the main town. Shadowfire conjured a wall of fire in an attempt to hold off the enemy ground forces. At first, it seemed as if the idea had failed as the Loshadian army charged right through it. However, they quickly halted as screams of agony came from those who were past the wall, as they were now on fire.

Though stopping the ground forces in their tracks, the wall gave no protection against the pegasi raining down from above. Trying to ignore the battle raging around him, Shadowfire concentrated on maintaining the wall that now split the enemy forces. However, his concentration soon failed as a hoof glanced off his armour. Quickly turning, Shadowfire found himself staring at an enemy pegasus, with barely enough time to block the next strike. Shadowfire struck back with his other hoof, but to no avail. The opposing pony was quick as lightning, blocking Shadowfire’s attack and unleashing two of his own, catching Shadowfire on the flank. Realizing he could not defeat this pony with his hooves, Shadowfire set him on fire, and grimaced as his opponent screamed in agony.

Turning around, Shadowfire saw that the Loshadian army had reached the town. Throwing a fireball, Shadowfire turned and ran further into the town, and saw many Equestrians alongside him doing likewise. He soon found himself in the town centre, with what was left of the defending ponies.

Bursting out of the library, Twilight ran in front of the Equestrian forces, her horn glowing. She turned her head and shouted to the gathered ponies, “Go! I’ll hold them off! Get everyone to Canterlot! We can’t hold them here!” She then proceeded to do the most extraordinary magic Shadowfire had ever seen. The entire Loshadian army was flung backwards several feet. However, he didn’t have time to see more, as he was pulled away by another pony.

“Y’all heard her! To Canterlot! We’re retreating!” shouted Applejack to everyone still around. The remaining ponies ran off in the direction of a distant city on a mountain.

[Author's Note: I apologize for taking a while to get this chapter up. It was a combination of the holidays and writer's block.]