Sunset’s heartbeat rang unnaturally loud in her ears, the scene before her playing in slow motion. The tendril winding up, and then whipping forward and impaling Celestia. The look of shock and pain on her face, the blood that spilled from her mouth, her shaking limps, all of it was happening at such an excruciating slow pace that Sunset thought time itself was torturing her.

The tendril finally dislodged itself from Celestia’s stomach, allowing her to collapse onto the floor before Sombra and Maria. Her mind tried to play it off as a trick, it had to be, this couldn’t be real right? But the longer she looked at Celestia’s lifeless body, the more it was becoming reality, she was dead.

“A brave woman, I respect that. But in all honesty, I don’t think you’re worth it, your Honor.”

Maria reached with a shaky hand towards Celestia, tears falling from her eyes as she took that same hand and clamped it over her mouth as if to stop the sobbing cries that threatened to escape it.

Sunset clenched her fists, her sharp teeth grinding as her eyes flared with anger. And then came the cry, a furious and sorrowful cry that grabbed Sombra’s attention, and the Darkness’ attention as well.

Crimson flames erupted around Sunset, burning the tendrils that kept her pinned to the wall. Her body and armor underwent transformation, the armor changing to a crimson color, the jewels becoming violet amethysts, hair turning to silver, and eyes becoming gold while yellow flicks of energy danced in the corners of her eyes. When the flames broke, Sunset stood now, a little taller, and a little more filled out, but far stronger than she was earlier.

“Okay, that’s different,” said Sombra.

<^> Be on guard, that wretch is stronger than she was earlier! <^>

“I’ll kill you…I’ll kill you…I’LL KILL YOU!!!!” Sunset roared as she disappeared from sight.

Sombra reacted just in time as Sunset appeared right behind him. The slayer of evil thrust forward with a forearm blade, but Sombra managed to dodge it. Sunset spun around and lashed out with a second blade from her left arm. The second attack grazed Sombra’s neck armor, making sparks fly from the contact.

Sombra created a mass of shadows and released it in a burst, slamming Sunset with shadowy dark energy. The beam carried her halfway across the room before she planted her heels and stopped. Crimson flames sprang to life around her clawed hands, and with a fury filled yell, unleashed a blast of crimson fire to counter his beam. The two attacks fought for supremacy as neither caster was willing to give an inch to their opponent.

}}} Sunset, you have less than a minute! {{{

SHUT UP! HE DIES TONIGHT!

Sunset jumped up and allowed the beam to crash against the wall behind her, resulting in an explosion that shook the mansion. Into her right hand, Sunset formed a dual edged sword, she swept her left hand over both ends and coated the blades with crimson flames. She spun once in the air and came down with a diagonal slash across Sombra’s chest.

Sombra grunted loudly in pain as the flames seared his flesh, even the Darkness hissed from the pain. The armor and wound mended themselves, but Sunset came in with a second attack, cutting him horizontally and leaving an angry red glowing gash on the armor. She then twirled the weapon around thrusted forward, impaling Sombra as she twisted the weapon in his chest. Blood spilled from his face plate as he was forced to cough up his blood.

“How does that feel you son of a bitch?!”

Sombra’s answer was grabbing the back of Sunset’s head, cocking his head back, and bringing his forehead and her head together, hitting Sunset right in the face. Sunset lost her grip on the sword, making it disappear, her nose had been crushed from the blow and blood poured from the nostrils. But that only lasted for a few seconds before the Witchblade healed her.

Sombra, now healed, attacked Sunset with a right punch. Sunset used her forearm to smack his arm up, she spun down to one knee as she brought her right elbow up, that same elbow formed a ten-inch, serrated blade that was laced with flames, and elbow struck Sombra in his right side, aiming higher so that it would hit his lung, and she did.

Sombra felt searing pain erupt within his body, his breathing becoming erratic as one of his lungs refused to inflate as he inhaled. Sunset pulled out from his chest, spinning around again as she brought her right fist in for an uppercut. From the gaps in her knuckles, three, six-inch long, claw-like blades came out. Her uppercut landed right into his diaphragm.

Using her supernatural strength, she lifted him up with that same arm and threw him into a wall, smashing through it. Sombra growled from the hole in the wall, busted out, and charged for Sunset. Both met in the center as they grappled with each other, the power they exuded clashing in the air around. Just then, Sunset felt her body straining, blood began to trickle from her mouth and her legs began to shake.

}}} Sunset, we cannot stay in this form any longer! {{{

Just a little bit longer! I can kill him! I can do it! I can – GAH!

Pain ripped through Sunset’s body, she could feel the strength winding down. She dropped to one knee just as the Second State disengaged, returning her to her First State. Sombra released his grip on Sunset and looked down on her, her gaze was still filled with vengeance and defiance.

“That was scary, but fun on a level,” Sombra panted. “But for once I agree with the Darkness, you are too dangerous to leave alive, kid.”

Sombra reformed his gun-cannon in his right hand, he aimed it right at Sunset’s head and slowly squeezed the trigger.

Celestia felt cold, she was floating in a sea of nothingness. She reflected on her life, all the decisions she had made in her life, all the missed opportunities.

She died, there was no way around that, she sacrificed herself to protect Maria. Did it make a difference? Against someone like Sombra, she doubted it amounted to less than a wasted effort. Witchblade was there, so, maybe she bought the hero enough time to recover and end Sombra?

Celestia still had some regrets. She regretted not adopting Sunset. Yes, she was a legal adult, and yes she’d soon graduate and leave the city to pursue whatever she wanted, and yes, she knew that Sunset had a life back in another dimension. But Sunset was the closest thing Celestia had to a daughter, and she treasured her like one, or at least tried to.

As a principal, she couldn’t show favoritism, and being a child taken from the streets and assigned to Celestia as a ward of the state, she thought that Sunset would never come to see her as someone who she’d regard as a parent. But after finding out more about her, she began to understand why Sunset kept her distance, it was due to the fact that someone bearing her name and likeness was someone that Sunset highly respected and loved like a mother.

Another thing she regretted, not spending more time with Luna. Yes, they lived together, but with all their work at school, and her dates with Maria, the two sisters never really spent that much time with each other. And what time they did spend was something that they treasured.

Finally, Maria. She never got to talk with her, and never would again. She loved Maria, and she knew – or hoped – that Maria felt the same way she did. The way their relationship had been going made her wonder where they stood. But now all that was a moot point. She was dead, and there was nothing Celestia could do about it…

\\\/// I never pegged you for a quitter. \\\///

A light shined in the darkness, making Celestia squint to see what it was. The light grew larger and then began to take form. In a matter of seconds it had feminine form, with large, light feathered wings coming out of its back. The being of light appeared before her, bathing Celestia in its warm glow and chasing away the icy cold of the nothingness around her.

“Are you…an angel?” Celestia asked hesitantly.

\\\/// Oh, I am far higher than an angel, I am the light itself. You did a valiant thing back there, although I still don’t think that Maria was worth it. \\\///

Celestia listened to its voice for a moment and then her eyes went wide. “Y-You’re the voice in my head! The one that had been speaking to me for the last three weeks!”

The angel put her hand over her chest, and Celestia could somehow feel the angel smirking. \\\/// The one and only. But I’ll cut to the chase as we don’t have much time. You’ve seen it haven’t you? The Darkness? The evil entity that that man possesses? \\\///

How could she forget, just remembering that thing made her shudder. “I do.”

\\\/// The Darkness will consume the world if nothing is done to stop it, but that’s where you come in, Celestia. I am it’s mortal enemy, and I need a host with a strong spirit, and a just heart to become my host so that I might smite this evil from the world! \\\///

Celestia looked upon the angel with astonishment. “And…y-you really want me to be a ‘host’? I don’t…I’m not special or anything, I’m sure you can find those qualities in anyone…” Her mind immediately brought up Sunset. “Sunset exemplifies that better than me.”

The angel nodded her head. \\\/// I won’t disagree with you there. However, I know you don’t wish to put her in that kind of danger. \\\///

“But I’m not a skilled fighter or anything of the sort! I’m not out of shape, but I’m not as athletic as I once was!” Celestia argued.

\\\/// You’re plenty athletic enough, besides, once we are united, my power will magnify your physical abilities far beyond what a normal human is capable of. If the Darkness isn’t stopped, everyone you hold dear will die, so I ask you, Celestia, will you be one with me? \\\///

The angel held out her hand, Celestia looked to it, feeling so unworthy of being chosen by an angelic being. However, the angel spoke the truth, if she did not do something, Maria, Luna, Sunset, the students of the school, everyone in the city, they would all suffer at the hands of the Darkness. Celestia was tired of sitting on the sidelines, tired of letting children fight battles that the adults should be fighting, it was time for an adult to step up.

With determination burning in her eyes, Celestia took the angel’s hand into her right. “I will become your host!”

A faint line formed on the being of light, something that could be construed as a smile. \\\/// I knew I chose right when it came to you. Hear me, Celestia, for my name is–! \\\///

Bright light engulfed Celestia’s body, causing Maria to wince. The light made Sombra pause as it burned his armor, making the Darkness hiss in pain. Sunset looked over her shoulder and gasped at what she was witnessing.

Within the light, Celestia’s clothes evaporated, and her tri-colored hair became pure flames. Golden armor around her forearms, shoulders, waist, chest, and finally boots that stopped just below her knee. The gaps were then filled with a white, chainmail-like metal, and the golden parts of the armor were etched with ancient enochian markings.

From her back, Celestia sprouted angelic, feathered wings, with a seven foot wingspan. A crown formed around her head, some of it slanting down to protect the sides of her face, while the rest protruded upwards, forming five, evenly length spikes, with a violet gemstone at the center of the crown. Did I forget to mention that the outfit hugged Celestia’s body enough that her generous curves were visible? When the light faded, Sunset and Maria beheld a transformed Celestia, both rendered speechless.

“C-Celestia…?” Maria asked timidly.

Celestia opened her eyes, which were now pools of white light. She placed a hand on her hip and spared Maria an over the shoulder glance. “Celestia is alive, but right now I’m in control. My name is Angelus.”

Sunset’s eyes widened, the Angelus, the polar opposite of the Darkness, the mother of the Witchblade.

Angelus walked up next to Sunset and said, “Nice to see you again, Son.”

Sunset could feel the Witchblade prickle, as noted by the glow from the ruby jewel. }}} I’d say the feeling’s mutual, but I’d be lying. {{{

Angelus put her hand to her chest, and rested her right wrist against her forehead in a “woe was me” fashion. “Oh, my dear Son, you wound me. After all these years we finally have a reunion you’re not even happy to see me? You don’t call, you don’t write, it’s very rude.” Angelus chuckled as she saw the armor around Sunset ripple with agitation. “But that’s in the past, it seems your father has found himself a strong host, and you’re in a bit of a bind.”

}}} Ha! Like you’re in any position to brag! It’s night time, or have you forgotten your power dwindles in darkness? {{{

“I swear, I feel like a fourth wheel in this little family drama,” said Sunset.

“Don’t worry about it. And no, I have not forgotten, which is why the two of us will fight against the Darkness together. Even he can’t beat us together.”

<^> VILE WENCH!!! <^> Sombra was still standing, but it was already noticeable that the light of the Angelus was hurting him. <^> I WILL BE RID OF YOU! <^>

“I take it that they know each other?” Sombra asked.

“My once-upon-a-time ‘lover’,” said Angelus.

Sombra slapped his forehead and groaned. “Jesus, it feels like I’m in the middle of some family feud shit.”

“Join the club.”

“That’s enough banter.” Angelus raised both of her hands up, and immediately created two golden swords. “Host of my Son, will you fight with me?!”

Sunset rose back up, her body still hurt, but her drive to take down Sombra was greater. The former unicorn summoned a claymore sword, twirling it around as she got into a ready stance, and with her left arm, she created a shield. “You saved Celestia, I owe you one. So, yes, I will!”

“Good girl!”

Sombra recreated his dual guns, and opened fire. Sunset got out front and used her shield to block the first barrage. Angelus flew up and charged straight for Sombra. The host of the Darkness aimed his gun-cannon at Angelus and fired one round after the other. Each blast hit the ceiling as the Angelus flew with great agility and speed, avoiding each round.

A battle cry caught Sombra’s attention as Sunset ran towards him with her shield pushed forward. The shield was cracking the closer it got to the barrel, but when it shattered, Sunset turned ducked under it and slashed upwards with her sword, knocking the weapon out of his left hand.

Angelus saw this and descended rapidly, bringing down her right sword and slashing through Sombra’s right arm. Blood spouted from the wound for a few seconds before the shadows wrapped around it. While Sombra stumbled, Sunset gripped the hilt of her sword and thrust forward, piercing Sombra’s chest.

Sunset released her grip on the sword and allowed it to disappear into ash. Both her and the Angelus stood side by side, Sunset raising her left hand and willing orange and yellow flames to ignite. At the same time, the Angelus’s right hand was wrapped in orange and white flames. Both women unleashed their flames at the same time, creating a spiral torrent of fire that slammed into Sombra and exploded.

Sombra was thrown back, but he managed to dig his heels into the floor and dropped to one knee. His right arm grew back, his flesh being rewrapped in the armor. We’re leaving.

<^> NO! KILL THEM BOTH! <^>

We will, but right now, however, we still need to make our point!

Sombra made his cape expand, creating several tendrils and eels. Sunset and the Angelus readied to fight, but then Sombra dashed towards the exit, busting through the front door, tearing most of the front down on his way out. When Sombra was outside, he hovered in the air, allowing the TV cameras to get a good look at him.

“To everyone watchin’ this tonight! I make this statement! Canterlot City, from this point forward, belongs to the Blood Kings! And I am their leader, you can call me, ‘King’! So know, that things that go bump in the night will be coming for you! Because I AM the thing that goes bump in the night!”

Having said his peace, Sombra flew away, vanishing into the darkness of the night. Inside the room where the fighting took place, Sunset dropped to one knee again, exhausted beyond belief from the battle.

“You did well, despite everything, Host of my Son.” The Angelus walked over to her and patted Sunset on the back, the armor visibly rippled with agitation at her touch. “I look forward to our next meeting.”

The Angelus was engulfed in light, and in the next moment, Celestia was back, not armored, no flaming hair, the wound was gone, but her clothes were visibly ripped from where Sombra had inflicted his wound. The older woman began to collapse, but Sunset hurriedly caught her before she could hit the floor. Maria snapped out of her stupor and rushed to where the two were, she knelt next to Celestia as Sunset laid her down.

“Is she…?” Maria asked.

“She’s alright, if it’s anything like what happened to me, she was saved from death.” Sunset looked up at her. “I have to go, but please take care of her, your Honor.”

“I will, and thank you!”

Sunset stumbled to her feet, flared her wings and flew out the front and into the sky.

The following day was met with chaos, the news ran and reran the footage of last night’s battle between Witchblade and a new monster, along with the new monster, hereto called “King”, announcing his reign over Canterlot City, along with the local gang called the Blood Kings.

Statements were taken from Sunset, Luna, and Maria Mare regarding the hostage situation, thanks to them they were able to get a description of the man behind the mask, it didn’t take long for the airwaves to be plastered with the name and face of King, who was now ousted as “Sombra King”.

Meanwhile, Celestia was in a hospital, with Sunset, Luna, and Maria. Celestia was admitted for the wound she received, but after careful examination, it was found that there was no damage, either internal or external, and that the only thing they could treat her for was for exhaustion, which given what had happened the previous night wasn’t unusual.

Sunset, however, was still worried about the whole thing. Even now, as she sat there in the room, watching Celestia sleep, Sunset couldn’t shake off what she saw. The Angelus, and the Darkness, according to the Wtichblade they were two of most powerful forces in the known universe, primordial entities that represent good and evil, light and darkness, the ones who birthed the Witchblade she now wields, and one of those primordial entities was inhabiting someone she cared about.

Sunset sat in her chair, fingers laced, and elbows resting on her thighs as she thought. How worried do I need to be about the Angelus right now?

}}} My Father is one side of a destructive spectrum. While my Mother is another, she’s a force of good, who seeks harmony and order, and smites disorder and sin. {{{

That doesn’t sound necessarily bad…

}}} On the surface, no. But… {{{

Just then, Celestia began to stir, Sunset bolted from her seat and went to her bedside. The school principal groaned as her eyelids fluttered open, she took a quick glance around, panic starting to fill her as she didn’t recognize where she was, that is until her eyes locked onto Sunset.

“Sunset…?”

“Yes?!”

Celestia reached out with her right hand and stroked her cheek. Sunset leaned down and hugged Celestia as best she could. “I was so scared, I knew Witchblade said you were alright, but after everything that happened, I…”

“I’m alright, seriously, I am,” Sunset assured. Sunset broke the hug and asked, “How do you feel? What’s the last thing you remember?”

Celestia took a moment to ponder that, her mind instantly flashed back to standing before Sombra, and then the pain that erupted from her abdomen. She quickly threw off the blankets and pulled up the hospital gown, deathly afraid she was going to find a gaping wound, but thankfully there was none, just smooth cream colored flesh.

“I was…I was killed…Sombra killed me, but then I saw an angel. She said she wanted me to help her stop him, to let me become her host. Strangely, I feel…stronger, healthier than I’ve ever been as a matter of fact! I mean, I was healthy, but now I feel as if could run a marathon and go right into a triathlon!”

\\\/// That would be my influence. \\\///

Sunset and Celestia paused.

“Did…Did you hear a voice, too, Sunset?” Celestia asked with worry.

“I did…”

\\\/// I figured as much, I could sense it the entire time you were in this room. Since I hadn’t fully taken on Celestia as a host I wasn’t sure at first, but now I’m positive. You are the host of my Son, Witchblade. Come now, my Son, at least say hello to your mother. \\\///

A low grunt was heard from the Witchblade bracelet, which also shimmered a bit in response.

Celestia looked to the bracelet and then to Sunset. “Sunset…she said ‘Witchblade’, are you…?”

This wasn’t how she wanted Celestia to find out, in all honesty she didn’t want her to. “Yes…I am. It’s the reason why I was able to survive that encounter when Pinkie and I were attacked, it was also due to this that I was able to fight off Lightning Dust and Gilda, and how I survived getting shot.”

A greater realization hit her, all the battles that had taken place in the city, the monster that tried to kill Pinkie, the bird creature that almost killed her, the fashion show, the incident at the Flim & Flam Inc. warehouse, the sex club, the storm that overcame the city and their school. During all of it, Sunset was the one fighting, even with the Anon-A-Miss stuff going on, she fought all those demons…and doing so in such revealing armor.

A small scowl formed on Celestia’s face that made Sunset tense up. “I wouldn’t put it past you to do something like fighting evil demons, but…do you really need to do so in such revealing clothing?”

Sunset’s face heated up. “T-That’s not my choice! It’s just how the armor comes out, I swear! I don’t like it, and plus, it tears through my clothes every single time!”

\\\/// That crude nature is something you get from your father. \\\///

}}} Oh, the last being in existence who should be commenting on crudeness is you, Mother! {{{

Sunset and Celestia glanced at each other.

“Do you–?” Celestia began.

“Feel like you're in the middle of an awkward family feud, oh yeah,” said Sunset.

The Angelus made a scoffing sound before continuing. \\\/// Anyway, you know as well as I do that the Darkness presents a threat to not just this city, but the world as a whole. You need my help to stop him. \\\///

Witchblade scoffed next. }}} There’s no denying that Father is a threat to the balance of this world, but I do not require your help to subdue him! {{{

\\\/// The battle last night begged to differ. \\\///

}}} Sunset used up some of her power during the battle, had we gone into second state immediately, the battle would’ve been over! {{{

\\\/// The point is that you didn’t, and as a result, required my help. Plus, you know I have better resources in which to defeat him. \\\///

Witchblade grumbled something that neither of them could understand.

“Look,” Sunset spoke, “Angelus, I understand you’re for order and harmony, so am I. The Darkness threatens everyone I care about, and I don’t want it to remain here. Can you promise me that all you seek is to end its reign?”

\\\/// Well, that’s also up to Celestia here. She is my host, after all, and while I could take over, I’d rather we fought together instead of against each other. What do you say? \\\///

Celestia gripped the blankets and knitted her brow. “I’m tired of children taking on the burden that we adults should be! It should be us protecting you, not the other way around! I’m through standing on the sidelines, Sunset, and letting you and your friends put yourselves in danger for our sakes. So, yes, I will fight alongside, Angelus, and you as well, Sunset.”

Sunset couldn’t help but let a smile creep across her face, it was almost like a dream come true. Back in Equestria, she imagined herself and Princess Celestia as alicorns, standing shoulder to shoulder against a great and powerful enemy, valiantly fighting to defend their home against impossible odds and at the end emerging as the victors, heroes to all.

\\\/// Now that’s what I’d like to hear. And since the Darkness got to make a little announcement, I’d like to make one of my own. However, I will need Maria’s help with that. And speak of the devil, here she comes now. \\\///

At that moment the door to the room opened, and in came Maria Mare, holding a bouquet of flowers. When she entered, her eyes widened with joy upon seeing Celestia awake. Quickly, she placed the flowers down on another chair and wrapped her arms around Celestia, then planted a kiss on her lips.

“Celly, I’m so glad you’re alright!” Maria exclaimed.

“Thank you, Maria, but, there’s something you should know.”

Maria broke the hug and looked upon her worriedly. “What is it? Did the doctors say something?! Sunset?”

Celestia took Maria’s hand into her own. “It’s nothing bad, it has to do with what happened last night. When I was killed, this being called the Angelus, pulled me back from the brink and asked me to house her inside my body. She saved my life, and she says she’s here to help us stop Sombra and the Darkness.”

“I…I don’t understand,” said Maria.

Celestia opened her mouth, but paused as if she had heard someone. “Actually, she’d like to speak to you herself.” She shut her eyes for a moment and went still, and when next she opened them, Celestia’s eyes were once again pools of white light. Her demeanor changed as well, she had a confident grin on her face as she put her hands behind her back, leaned back. “Hello, Maria Mare.”

Maria, and even Sunset, were taken aback by the voice. For Sunset, it was because that same voice she heard echoing in her mind was now coming out of her guardian’s mouth. For Maria, it was just plain strange, hearing someone else’s voice coming out of the mouth of someone she loved.

“H-Hello…y-you’re ‘Angelus’, I presume?” Maria asked.

“You presume correctly. You needn’t fear, Celestia is aware of our conversation right now, we’ve just switched places and now I’m in the driver’s seat. But I digress, I’m here to help you, all of you,” said Angelus.

Maria gave the entity a dubious look. “How?”

“Sombra King possesses an entity known as the Darkness, he’s a host similar to how Celestia is. However, unlike me, the Darkness will destroy all that is good and decent in the world, turning it into a world filled with blood, sin, and chaos. Unless we stop him. The Darkness can rule the night, but I rule the day. I can help in the defense of this city, but I need the peoples’ trust, and that’s where you come in.”

Maria crossed her arms. “You mean a public statement?”

Angelus nodded. “Sombra had the right idea, only instead of instilling fear, I will instill hope in the people of this city. I can’t imagine that your citizens are scared right now. After the Mystery Murders, and now someone who looks like the devil has declared himself king of the city, it’s a lot to bear.”

Sunset couldn’t deny that logic, despite the cases being closed, the people were still on edge, and Sombra’s attacks on the mobs were only helping in driving up that fear and anxiety. The former unicorn wondered if she should’ve put more effort into tracking down Sombra, to be the hope that the people needed, but her presence was a bit on the polarizing side, mostly because of her, ahem, choice of wardrobe.

Maria looked to Sunset and a raised eyebrow. “I see you’re not that surprised by this.”

“Considering what’s gone on at my school, this is like a Monday morning for me,” said Sunset nonchalantly.

Can’t argue with that. “I don’t disagree that the people of the city are growing scared. Perhaps you’re right…but I want you to promise me that you won’t endanger Celestia!”

The Angelus nodded. “So long as I am with her, she is practically immune to death.”

Maria still felt uneasy, but nodded in agreement. “Okay, then we can hold a press conference. How soon do you feel up to speaking?”

The Angelus shrugged. “Why delay? The longer we put it off, the longer Sombra and the Darkness have to instill fear, the better their chances are of getting the upper hand, and I don’t like it. So, perhaps later this afternoon. Noon, perhaps?”

“I can do that, I’ll make some calls now and get things set up,” said Maria.

“Wonderful. That’s all I had to say, back to you Celestia.”

The light in Celestia’s eyes faded, and her normal eye color returned. “Oh my…t-that was strange.”

Sunset bent down and placed her left hand on Celestia’s shoulder. “You alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine, it was just, it felt like I was floating right beside my body when she was talking, watching my mouth move and hearing someone else’s voice come out is a bit jarring,” said Celestia.

“I won’t disagree,” said Maria. She moved closer and placed a chaste kiss on Celestia’s forehead. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

Celestia nodded with determination. “I am, it’s time that we adults did something to protect everyone.”

Maria smiled. “Very well, I’ll go set it up.”

Sunset and Celestia watched as Maria walked out of the room and began to make some calls. When she did leave the room, Celestia released a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

“Sunset…I hate to ask this of you, but…can you be there? I don’t mean as Witchblade, just as you?” Celestia asked.

“Of course I will.”

Two hours later, Celestia was discharged from the hospital, with no visible injuries, mental or physical, they allowed her to go home. One hour later, Maria had several news stations ready at city hall, all eagerly awaiting an announcement in regards to Sombra’s declaration of war against the city itself.

Celestia and Sunset were brought to a private meeting room, orders were given for them to not be disturbed unless having been asked by either of the two occupants. A TV was on, showing Maria making a speech to the people. They had agreed on a cue for the Angelus to make her appearance and now they just waited for it.

“You sure you’re ready for this?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, I haven’t changed my mind, I will fight with you to stop him,” said Celestia.

She could tell that while Sunset seemed happy about the idea, there was also worry. It wasn’t like Celestia could blame her, she felt the same things too, now knowing that Sunset was Witchblade.

“She’s about to call on you, you’d better get ready,” said Sunset.

Celestia stood back, and in an instant her body was enveloped in light. The gold and white armor reformed over her body, her hair became fire, shimmering feathered wings rose from her back, and her eyes once again were pure white. She was now, the Angelus.

“Guess I better go and make my debut,” said Angelus.

On the screen, Maria Mare said, {Although the evils of the Mystery Murders were put to rest, we have now come to face a new evil. A man by the name of Sombra King seeks to rule our city with his dark powers. However, help has come to us. Last night, I was saved by not only Witchblade, but by another being. One who is the sworn enemy of this darkness Sombra brings to our city. And so, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like you all to meet…the Angelus!}

The Angelus winked at Sunset and then teleported away. The entity of light reappeared, but this time outside, in the skies above the people. She slowly descended and floated towards the podium, everyone who looked upon her gasped in awe, some even dropped to their knees and began praying and making signs of the cross.

The Angelus moved closer to the steps of city hall, several of the police officers and private security were on guard, hands at their weapons, ready to fire, but at the same time, some of them were hesitant in acting. For one thing, it was an angel, there was no denying what was before them was in fact an angel, and many were sure that the fastest way to get sent to hell, was to shoot an angel. The second thing, they could feel the power radiating off this being, it wasn’t oppressive, it was comforting, and warm, but powerful.

Maria offered her hand to the Angelus and she took it, several shutters went off, capturing that moment for all time as the Mayor of Canterlot City making contact with an angelic being. Maria guided the Angelus down until her feet touched the ground. Both women released the other’s hand as Maria stood back and allowed the Angelus to stand before the podium.

“Greetings to all of you watching this today. As the honorable, Mayor Mare, has stated, I am the Angelus. I am the light that God thrust into the universe, the light that helped to forge life. My task, as it has always been, is to help bring peace, order, and justice to the world. However, the one known as Sombra King, wields a power that I have long since been in conflict with. For this, I have awakened and returned to eradicate this evil!”

The people began to cheer, filling the air with a cacophonous roar. The Angelus waited a moment, but then raised her hands and bade the people to be silent. Their cheers quelled quickly as they waited for the Angelus to speak.

“Sombra King has declared himself the ruler of this city, well, I shall declare war on him! This city has seen its share of darkness and pain, now it is time for the light to shine upon Canterlot and bring hope to you all! For that, I will be establishing a fighting force to assist your fine law enforcers!”

The Angelus slammed her palms together and flared her wings. The light rose up and split into the seven, the seven orbs of light began to take on shape and form, four of them were male while the remaining three were female. They were completely made of light, until the light that covered them broke apart and revealed their forms.

Each of them had light-blue skin, and white hair. Each of them was garbed in golden armor, and had beautiful white feathered wings. Their eyes shined white, same as the blades of the swords in their right hands, and upon their left forearms was a round, golden shield.

“These are the first of, hopefully, many more to aid in the defeat of Sombra King.” The Angelus looked to Maria. “With the Mayor’s permission, of course.”

“I’m sure our police officers will welcome the help,” said Maria.

“And know this, Sombra is not my only concern. All crime is my concern, all misdeeds won’t end with just his defeat. So I ask you, help me make this city a beacon of hope, along with Mayor Mare, we shall champion justice!”

The people cheered louder, the Seven Sentinels of the Angelus descended to the ground, they stood in a perfect “V” formation in front of the steps, swords pointed down and wings folded. Despite their intense image, the Sentinels had kind and caring smiles on their faces. Some of the people backed away from the angelic beings.

“Do not fear them, they are not here to harm you. They are protectors just like me.”

From the crowd, a small girl broke from the crowd, much to the protests of her mother and some of the people in the crowd. She had light-purple hair, tied off to the side in a ponytail, and her skin was a pale yellow color. She wore a green sweater atop a white shirt, and pink pants. This girl stood before one of the Sentinels, the angelic being dismissed her sword and shield and bent down to look at her.

The Sentinel removed her helmet, showing off her slightly pointed ears, and shoulder length white hair. She looked youngish, well, as young as an angel could look. The Sentinel then asked, “What is your name?”

“Lilypad…m-my friends call me Lily,” said Lily shyly.

“That’s a nice name, my name is Ariel. How about we return you to your mother, shall we? Up you go!”

The Sentinel smiled and scooped up the young girl into her arms. Surprisingly, she didn’t feel fear or even anxiety, Lily felt safe, as if she were in her mother’s arms. Ariel walked down the steps and towards the crowd, Lily’s mother quickly moved to the front and held out her arms towards the Sentinel.

“You have a very brave daughter, ma’am,” said Ariel as she gently passed Lily to her. “Do not be harsh, for a child’s curiosity is a wonderful thing.”

“T-Thank you,” said Lily’s mother.

“Sadly, I cannot be with you all the time, my Sentinels will be my eyes and ears and will call upon me should the need be great. Be at peace, Canterlot City, for you are all under my protective wing.”

With those words spoken, the Angelus rose up into the air, and in a flash of light, disappeared from sight. A second later, she reappeared in the same room that she left. Sunset looked upon the Angelus with a small smile on her lips.

“That was a nice speech you gave,” said Sunset.

The Angelus ran her right hand through her fiery hair. “Practice dear, millennia and millennia of practice.”

Witchblade was still prickly at her presence, like a child who was angry at their parent and refused to look at them.

“I see my Son is still being stubborn.” Sunset looked at Angelus with a bit of shame. “Don’t worry, we haven’t always had the best of relationships, unlike you and Celestia. You two are more mother and child than he and I are.”

“So, what happens now?” Sunset asked.

“It’s Sombra’s and Darkness’ turn now. The Darkness is slippery and the shadows hide him from my sight, but don’t worry. He’ll turn up soon enough. That one could never resist a challenge, and neither, I suspect, can his host.

<^> IMPUDENT WENCH!!! <^> the Darkness hissed. <^> She thinks herself our better! I will snuff out her precious light and have her BEGGING me for the sweet release of oblivion!!! <^>

“Would you keep it down, your nails-on-a-chalkboard voice is even more irritating when you’re pissed,” said Sombra.

In a apartment off on the south side of Canterlot, Sombra watched the news conference with the mayor and the Angelus. His plan to make this city his own kingdom was going to be met with some resistance, but he hadn’t anticipated this.

“Question: did you know she would appear?” Sombra asked.

<^> A possibility, but she had long been dormant. I figured she’d be stirred, but to find a host this quickly is annoying…<^>

Sombra got up from the couch and walked over to the fridge, pulling out a beer and snapping the cap off with a small sliver of the Darkness’ tendrils. “Doesn’t matter, we’ll win in the end. What I’m worried about is that Witchblade.”

Sombra could feel the Darkness’ agitation upon mentioning it’s son. <^> It could be a problem down the line, even with Angelus moving about, it would be a matter of time to defeat her, but Witchblade can upset the scales. <^>

“And she’s obviously on her side,” said Sombra.

<^> Depending on how Angelus acts, their alliance might not last. <^>

Sombra’s brow arched. “Hmm, I like the sound of that, tell me more.”