EQUUS, THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE CASTLE: CRYSTAL HEART CHAMBER-

After witnessing the death of Slag and meeting the newly revealed hero, Rajah Rabbit, some of the individuals within the chamber still had questions on their minds and still noticeably confused about recent events.

"That poor guy..." Sunset Shimmer comments as she looks towards Slag's drying molten remains.

“Trrrixie is still confused on what that was all about…”

“Fear not, show mare, for we shall explain everything at a later time,” Luna says before spreading her wings, “But now is the time to act! As Rajah Rabbit hath said, our plan is to split up into multiple teams.”

Sunset Shimmer’s eyes widen, “Wait, when you said that I was going to help-”

“Thou shall assist Cadence in the battle with our sister’s defiled form,” Luna turns to the others present, “As for the rest of thee, we would ask for Tzana, Tempest, and Grubber to head down to this Underground Corruption Biome and install a particular, shall we say, artifact…” Luna then conjures forth a crystal diamond and tosses it towards Tzana, who catches it with her left forehoof.

“What’s this?” Tzana questions.

“When Rajah Rabbit spoke to us last night, he gave us that particular crystal. It's small in appearance, but it shall enlargen itself when placed." Luna answers.

"What is it?" Tempest inquires.

"Rajah called it: The Hallow Pylon.” The Lunar Princess said.

Tzana and Tempest look at each other and nod before bumping their forehooves.

"You better not go running off again, Fizzlepop." Tzana said.

"I already made that mistake once before, I won't do it again. I swear it." Tempest responds.

"Good," Tzana winks, "I'd have to kill ya if you did."

"Naturally, I'm coming with you." Grubber comments.

Tempest glares at him, "No, Grubber. I know Princess Luna asked you to come along, but I'm not-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer, Tempest," The hedgehog retorts as he runs towards her and hops onto the broken unicorn's back, "We're partners to the very end. No discussion."

Tzana looks at the hedgehog and chuckles, "I like this little guy. Loyalty is something that's hard to find nowadays," She then turns to Tempest, "Let him come, but I'm not babysitting him."

"I'm right here, you know!" Grubber exclaims in annoyance as the trio takes their leave of the chamber.

Luna then turns to Capper and Trixie, “We shall go and assist Prince Shining Armor with that wretched traitor, Blueblood.”

"Trrrixie is ready for anything!"

"Except when it comes to killing innocent bystanders. Or anyone else for that matter." Capper comments nervously as Trixie flinches, "Putting on an act is one thing, even having to enter some infection filled with monsters. I can deal with that when I need to. But to kill someone else? A bad guy is one thing, but innocents? I don't think my nine lives could handle that regret."

"I've gotta say, Luna, that Tzana is one tough mare," Sunset Shimmer said, "She's got a strong will... I don't think I could do even half of what she had to do to ensure Ocram's trust. As unbelievable as that monster having any form of trust sounds."

Luna nods, "Indeed. Tis the reason we chose her to be the absolute ace in the hole."

"I don't think you understand, Princess," Capper injects, "She literally had to-"

"Take lives in order to ensure not only her allegiance to The Corruption, but for the rest of you as well?" Luna interjects.

This notably shocks the duo as Sunset Shimmer says:

"How did you know that?"

"We've been meeting with Tzana in secret," Luna answers, "She hath told us all about Ocram ordering some of you to take an innocent life. Tzana killed them in your stead, as to keep your minds from holding any form of regret."

"Trixie couldn't do that," The show mare says while looking down to the floor, then back to everyone else, "The great and powerful Trixie agrees with Sunset Shimmer. Trixie can only hope to be as strong as that mare."

"Thou can soon traverse that path," Luna stands authoritatively, "Come, friends. Let us head to The Crystal Stadium."

A sudden 'Pop' echoes throughout the chamber as the serpentine form of The Lord Of Chaos himself comes into being.

"Oh! I'm so glad I caught up with you all!" Discord shouts gleefully before looking towards Capper, "Now, quickly, I need Grogar's Bell."

"W-wait, wha-"

"Yoink!" Discord shouts casually as he swipes the bell from the cat's grasp, "Thank you very much, tata!" The draconequus disappears in a cloud of chocolate milk mix.

Capper, Trixie, and Sunset Shimmer stare on in shock as they all turn in unison towards Luna, who in turn was currently facehooving.

"That wretched prankster will drive us mad soon enough," Luna lowers her hoof, "But at least our forces on the outskirts of The Empire will have the bell at their side."

"That giant centaur is going to be surprised by this," Capper comments, "We were given the bell by him to specifically use it on you guys, your highness. Here's hoping that Discord fellow doesn't mess this up."

"Discord is indeed a fool at times," Luna says while shrugging, "But we hath no doubt he'll be sure to see this one through to the end."

"Trrrixie kind of doubts that," The show mare rolls her eyes, "You should've seen how much he whined when we saved everyone from the changeling hive some time ago."

Luna chuckles, "This time it's personal. For you see, Tirek betrayed Discord in the past," Luna starts to walk towards the exit, beckoning everyone else to follow, "Thy draconequus is also vengeful. Discord will no doubt want some payback."

---

-EQUUS, THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE-

High above the skies of The Crystal Empire, both Ocram and Aquaius continue to clash by means of physical force and powerful projectiles. Positioned far below them were the ever-growing conflicts throughout The Empire. Incidentally, one could even see the combating forms of Cadence and the mockery of Celestia flying about.

“Bastard… Have you no honor?!” growls Aquaius as a distant crash is heard from the Crystal Palace, the sound of Slag hitting the wall after a rather underhanded attack by Ocram.

“Honor? What a simple-minded concept. A mere tool for the deluded.” Ocram retorts with a hint of chuckling.

“You truly are naught but a monstrosity,” she snarls, sending several rapid waterbolts at her foe.

“We thank you for the compliment, but flattery won’t save you!” Ocram responds as he attempts to ram into the blue Primordial.

..........

Down below, a very particular large rabbit spots the conflict high above as the heroic figure sets down a small clutch of young individuals he saved from the encroaching jaws of a World Feeder.

“Children! Rajah Rabbit must save yet another innocent, but you must escape The Empire!”

Smolder recovers from her shocked state as she and her friends turn their gaze towards the large rabbit.

“We know about the secret routes out of The Empire. We just got finished escorting some of the other kids and adults to safety.”

Rajah poses heroically, “Ahahahaha! Well done, citizens! I actually ran into those citizens you saved and gave them the same thing I shall bestow upon you! Now then, I simply must take my leave!” As the rabbit spins his ears around in a fashion similar to a helicopter's propellers and takes flight, he tosses the group of youngsters a very special carrot. Silverstream in particular catches it as she comments:

"Wow... this carrot is shiny, like a gem."

Gallus walks closer, "Don't be silly, and why would he leave us a-" Suddenly, Gallus's words were cut off as an orange aura consumes all six of the young individuals present. Wisping them all away to a certain underground biome in The Everfree Forest.

……….

As Ocram and Aquaius continue their bout, the blue Primordial senses a disturbance in the elements. Throwing up another waterfall to block Ocram’s ram, she quickly typhoons to the area.

“Slag? Slag, where are you?!” she calls, her expression one of concern and fear.

Silence fills the area as Aquaius gets more and more worried, making her way to the collapsed wall she had seen Slag land in. A makeshift entrance to the Crystal Heart's former chamber.

“Slag… I understand your fondness for practical jokes, but now is not the time…” She says, pushing several rocks out of her way using several water tendrils. To her utter horror, all that is revealed is freshly-drying magma.

“S-Slag…” she says, shocked for the first time in her life as she lowers herself down, staring at the remnants. “Brother… How… But you were the strongest-willed of us all…”

Surprisingly, Aquaius collapses into a puddle and appears to begin crying.

“Awww… don’t worry, you’ll be joining him shortly,” Ocram says devilishly as a lavender tendril impales the blue Primordial. The Primordial gasps in shock, staring at the tendril as she begins to evaporate.

“Y-You… dishonorable… b-bastard…”

A filly is thrown out of the Primordials’ remnants, her stripes glowing a pained purple as she tumbles onto her back, panting weakly, primordial elements leaking from her. She struggles onto her backside, eyes widening as she stares up at the behemoth before her.

“N-No! Stay back!” She yelps, shuffling backward in pure terror.

Ocram chuckles in a fashion similar to a predator stalking up to its prey as a purple tendril wraps around the filly.

“Did we ever mention how great with children we are?” Ocram questions rhetorically.

Ambient gulps in fright.

“O-Oh shi-”

The abomination lifts the filly with his tentacle and brutally thrashes her around the entire chamber, creating indents into the walls, floor, and ceiling, all while Ambient coughs up spurts of blood amidst breaking bones. One couldn’t help but commend her determination as she curses Ocram with very colorful language that a filly should not have known about, even in her current state.

Ocram then slowly brings the badly wounded filly before them as the entity adjusts its tentacle, wrapping it around Ambient’s neck region. Ambient sputters as her eyes bulge, weakly trying to pry the tentacle off her neck as her stripes rapidly switch between black, purple, and red.

“Oh? What’s wrong? Ocram got your tongue?”

The filly stares at the behemoth before rebelliously spitting a glob of molten blood directly into his eye.

The abomination lets out a screech as he angrily starts to slam her around the room once more, a loud crack emanating from the filly as she goes limp, neck curved in an unnatural angle.

“We suppose you and The Primordials put up a decent fight, but we are inevitable. The Empire will soon be in ruin… and you have our permission to die.”

“Hallowed Lands of Smaaaaaash!” A familiar voice exclaims as the freight train force of Rajah Rabbit’s fist impales Ocram’s already-damaged eye. The abomination is forced into a crater as the top portion of the castle is destroyed completely by a twister formed from the rabbit’s might.

“URAUGH!” Ocram cries out in pain as an endless assault of clenched fists forces him into the earth as Rajah screams out:

“Ora! Ora! Ora! Ora! Ora! ORAAAAAAAA!”

Another brutal punch launches Ocram through the palace as the rest of the castle collapses in a massive mushroom cloud. As the dust clears, Rajah is seen tenderly cradling the body of the dead filly.

“I’ve spent all of my life protecting the innocent…” Tears begin to form in his eyes, “I have always managed to preserve their lives… but now,” The tears now start to flow down his cheeks, “I’m so sorry… I’ve failed you…”

---

-OUTSKIRTS OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE-

The large hulking form of Tirek unleashes a powerful red beam of energy as he blasts away various ground forces of The Coalition. Above him and in the corrupted skies were various flyers of both sides, Corruption and The Coalition alike. The Wonderbolts, along with other famous squadrons of flyers including a member of The pillars, Flash Magnus, could be seen contending with the flying parasites.

..........

Stygian was currently locked in combat with Star Swirl The Bearded as the old wizard comments:

“How could you do this, Stygian?! We thought you’ve changed your ways?!”

“No, Star Swirl, you and the others were just too gullible enough to believe me!”

The two unicorns teleport a short distance away as they charge up a powerful surge of magical energy in their horns. They then thrust their heads forward and unleash two energy beams that soon collide with each other, a beam struggle ensues.

All the while, the other members of The Pillars could be observed fighting against various monsters of The Corruption.

..........

“Raaaaaawr!” Tirek roars out as he opens his maw and sucks up even more Terraria magic from The Coalition’s armor and weaponry. Not to mention the magical energy of various individuals. The centaur’s size grows even further as he says:

“Yes! Give me all of it! My power is rising, overflowing, my strength is maximum!” Suddenly, an eagle’s talon taps the large behemoth’s shoulders as a certain Lord Of Chaos says:

“Hey, so, remember when you--and pardon my language--fucked me over some time ago?!”

The draconequus then conjures forth a very particular item, Grogar's Bell, and points it towards the large behemoth.

“Wait, how did you get that?!” Tirek shouts in shock.

“Oh, let’s just say that a certain anthropomorphic cat lent it to me before they went to help Twilight’s brother.” Discord responds with a smirk.

[BELL RINGING]

The draconequus activates the ancient artifact as Tirek screams out in a fit of rage and discomfort. All the while, various individuals on the battlefield stares in shock at this turn of events.

“I also brought back up with me,” The draconequus points his lion’s paw towards the opposite direction of The Empire as a large force was now marching proudly towards the battlefield. In addition, various airships could be seen puncturing the corrupted clouds of the infected skies. These were revealed to be the former Storm King's aircrafts as Captain Celaeno shouts at the helm of the lead airship:

“All hands! Prepare for battle! Ready the cannons!” She then turns to one of the storm beasts, “I trust we filled them with Purification Powder?”

The yeti salutes and lets out a series of grunting in response.

..........

Down below these airships were the rest of the forces from Ponyville as kirin, buffalo, ponies, dragons, and various other members of The Coalition marched hurriedly towards the battlefield. Familiar faces such as Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Octavia, and Vinyl Scratch were among the ground forces while familiar aerial members such as Derpy Hooves and Bulk Biceps flew alongside the airships. In addition, Spike and Dragonlord Ember were positioned on one of the airships while the leaders of both the kirin and buffalo, Chief Thunderhooves and Rain Shine, were at the forefront of the ground forces.

“Admiral Firestorm, Autumn Blaze, bring on the fire.” The Kirin leader says through a radio.

Soon after the former Storm King’s airships make their appearance, a large shadow soon looms over the entire battlefield as a massive airship, unlike any other present, lowers itself through the corrupt clouds and makes its way towards The Empire.

“Roger that, sending in reinforcements now.” Crackles a feminine voice through the radio, as three smaller ships begin to move towards the battle. “E.T.A. 1 minute. We’ll be assisting with airstrikes. Keep in mind, resources are very limited, so be sparse about how many you request. We don’t have infinite ammunition, over.”

All the while, various ground forces of The Coalition observe with shocked expressions as even the monsters of The Corruption look skywards at the large aircraft.

“We’ll save our ammunition for one very large target in particular, over.” Rain Shine responds via radio.

“Lord Tirek?” Autumn Blaze inquires on the radio.

"He seemed to have been dealt with thanks to Discord. No, we're waiting for the other big guy."

On cue, the local area starts to shake violently as the ground forces of The Coalition grit their teeth in anticipation.

“Watch out, Overlord. You got a real nasty worm coming your way, over.” crackles the radio.

..........

“So the big guy’s finally showing up,” Discord comments, “This should be very entertaining,” He then turns towards a frail and depowered Tirek, “As for you, poor fool,” His eyes flashes red, “Harmony wants to speak with you, personally.”

"Tartarus damn you! Disco-"

[SNAP]

With a simple gesture of his eagle’s talon, Discord sends Tirek away in a cloud of chocolate milk mix.

---

-EQUUS, THE CRYSTAL STADIUM-

The conflict momentarily ceases as Blueblood and his Eater of Souls ally take notice of the giant airship floating above The Empire. In addition, his foes were also stunned, but quickly recovered as King Domihaus, Prince Rutherford, and Shining Armor seized the opportunity to strike at the abomination of Blueblood’s head.

“Rawww!” The trio shouts in unison as their blades cut through Blueblood and dice him into multiple pieces. However, the disfigured voice of Blueblood laughs as he reattaches himself, soon becoming whole once more.

“I must commend you all for your,” Blueblood snickers, “Stratagem, but it’s useless against me! I can not die so eas-”

“Wouldst thou just shut the buck up!?” The sudden exclamation of Luna interjects as she unleashes a powerful beam of magic energy, consuming Blueblood’s abominable head whole. Unfortunately, Blueblood’s regenerative prowess once again prevails as the tiny specs of his form start to attach together in a chaotic fashion.

As this goes on, both Trixie and Capper run onto the field as the show mare shouts:

"Prince Shining Armor!" This catches the aforementioned unicorn's attention, "Take some Purification Powder! Complements of The Great and Powerful, Trrrixie!" She throws a pouch of the aforementioned powder towards the white unicorn Prince, who catches it within his right forehoof.

..........

Having regenerated from Luna's attack, Blueblood laughs maniacally:

“Bwahaha! Nice try! But I am the immortal God-” His words are cut off as the sudden appearance of Shining Armor shoves his left forehoof down Blueblood’s throat, along with a very particular pouch, as the unicorn Prince says:

“I’ve had enough of you, monster!”

Blueblood cries out in pain as purple steam starts to emit from his form. He shrivels and foams as the Purification Powder does its wonders. Tentacles start to thrash about as Shining Armor stands firm. However, two tentacles of Blueblood puncture the unicorn Prince’s flesh. Most disturbingly was the fact of where Blueblood had impaled Shining Armor: His heart.

“Graugh!” Shining Armor roars out, spitting out a splurge of blood.

“Shining Armor!” King Domihaus exclaims.

“Pony Prince!” Prince Rutherford shouts.

Both General Seaspray and Gilda look on in horror as the sizzling form of Blueblood continues to slowly burn away while purple steam escapes Blueblood’s muzzle.

“I-If I’m going down… I’m taking you with me, motherbucker…” Shining Armor says with a smirk as he gleefully watches the burning form of Blueblood who soon sizzles out of existence, "Good riddance to you." The proud Prince stands triumphantly and chuckles a bit before falling over, blood still strolling down his chest region.

..........

All the while, the Eater of Souls that was born from Blueblood’s body simply falls limp as Chrysalis, Thorax, and Pharynx stare at it in confusion.

“Did… did we just win?” Thorax questions.

“Only the battle, not the war, Thorax.” Chrysalis responds.

“Shining Armor! Thou must hang on!” Luna exclaims as she hurriedly makes her way towards the downed unicorn, all while King Domihaus, Prince Rutherford, General Seaspray, Capper, Trixie, and Gilda stand over him.

Thorax turns towards the others, but sadly didn't truly comprehend Luna's words, “Everyone! We made it-” His eyes widen as he finally comes to realize what had transpired. The changeling hops into the air and flaps his wings in rapid succession, making his way towards the downed Prince.

“Hang in there, Shining Armor,” Luna said, raising the stallion’s head with her forehooves, “Thou shall be alright.”

“L… Lu-na,” Shining Armor coughs, “I’m… not going to-”

“Nay!” Luna interjects, “Thou art going to be fine.”

“Luna…” Chrysalis comments, “That wound… no amount of magic that we’re capable of could heal that-”

“Thou shall not speak another word, Chrysalis! Shining Armor will be-”

“N-no, she’s right, L-Luna,” Shining Armor says and grabs Luna’s forehoof, “Promise me something, would ya?”

“Anything, thou need but simply ask,” Luna responds.

“Watch over Flurry Heart for me… and tell Cadence,” His eyes start to close slowly, “I’m sorry.”
The other leaders present close their eyes in respect as a flow of tears streams down Luna’s features. A blackened hoof sets itself onto Luna's right shoulder as Chrysalis herself says:

"I am sorry, Luna. Despite everything that happened between him and me," The former ruler of the changelings looks down upon the deceased form of Shining Armor, closing her eyes in respect, "I respect him for what he's done here today. A true leader is one who dies for these they love... as my mother did for me."

Luna was filled with absolute sadness as she takes in Chrysalis's words. After a few moments of mourning from everyone present, Luna gently leys Shining Armor's head onto the ground as she says:

"Our niece... how can I tell her about this? Sh-She'll be broken..."

"We tell her the truth, Princess," Thorax comments, "That our victory against Blueblood was thanks to Shining Armor's sacrifice."

The other leaders present nod in agreement as a small smile forms onto her muzzle. The Lunar Princess then looks skyward and says:

"We hope thou art faring well, dear niece... and we art sorry for the pain that shall soon come to thee."

---

-THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE AND CANTERLOT'S BORDER-

At the border of Equestria's capital which mingles with that of the Crystal Empire's, the empowered alicorn of love was currently fleeing and dodging a series of solar powered attacks, with a corrupted touch, as Corrupt-Celestia chased after her. The two performed various maneuvers and attacks, high in the skies.

As Cadence continues to fly away, she states internally:

-This should be far enough. We're no longer near The Empire and--

“Stay still! I need to blast you, niece!” The mockery of Celestia shouts as she fires a powerful beam of lavender and gold energy. Seeing the encroaching blast, Cadence is pulled out of her inner thoughts and erects a pink barrier all around her. The blast makes contact as the two grit their teeth in the effort.

“That shield won’t save you from me forever!” Corrupt-Celestia exclaims.

“You underestimate my power! Haaa!” Cadence exclaims as the pink barrier suddenly expands and pulses which unleashes a force that pushes back Celestia’s mockery.

Barely recovering from the sudden retaliation, Corrupt-Celestia comments:

“Ngh, not bad… but you can’t-'' Her words are cut off, and she lets loose a painful shout as Cadence follows up with a forehoof, striking the imitation across their face.

“All eyes on me! Aunty!” Cadence exclaims and unleashes a flurry of strikes with her forehooves. Celestia’s mockery manages to block one of the pink alicorn’s attacks before retaliating with her own. The two engage in a high-speed flurry of attacks as they throw their forehooves at one another in rapid succession. One would barely be able to see their ‘punches’ with the rate the two combatants were contending with. Then, they both kick with a hind leg that collides with each other, letting loose a shockwave that blows away some of the clouds in the general vicinity. With a flap of their wings, the two combatants distance themselves as Celestia’s mockery says:

“We appear to be at an impasse, niece,” She then smirks devilishly, “Unless I do, this!” Firing up her horn, Corrupt-Celestia teleports into being a very particular individual. A foal.

With widened eyes and absolute concern adorning her features, Cadence cries out:

“F-Flurry Heart?! You monster! Leave her out of this!”

Flurry Heart begins to cry after momentarily being confused, extending her forelimbs towards her mother while screaming:

“Momma!”

“Awww, look at the cute widdle-” However, Corrupt-Celestia’s words are cut off as Flurry-Heart stops her crying, turns around with a pout, and morphs her features into anger as a powerful force is let loose by the young foal, who also cries out in the process.

“What in the name of-” Celestia’s mockery is once again cut off as Flurry Heart unleashes a powerful beam of magic energy, of which the mockery barely dodges by tilting her head sideways. However, the foal then lifts her right forehoof and ‘punches’ Corrupt-Celestia while saying:

“Bad! You hurt momma! Bad!”

“You little shit- Ow!”

“Bad!”

Cadence’s mouth was now dropped by this strange scenario, but The Crystal Heart in her possession was also pulsating in response to the small foal. Looking at the artifact, Cadence says:

"Wait... is Flurry Heart being empowered by it?"

“Bad! Bad! Bad!” Flurry Heart repeats as she continues to wail on the fallen alicorn. Striking their face with a forehoof as Corrupt-Celestia shouts:

“You insufferable little!-”

“Bad!” Flurry interjects as, this time, her forehoof was forced into Celestia’s mouth, “You make momma sad!” The young alicorn lifts her forehoof up and down, hitting the inner walls of Corrupt-Celestia’s mouth. This finally causes the corrupt alicorn to drop the small foal as Cadence acts quickly to catch her daughter with an alighted horn. Floating the foal towards her in her magical grip.

While the corrupted Celestia tries to recover, Cadence caresses Flurry’s mane and says:

“That’s my girl.” Flurry giggles in response. Cadence suddenly realizes something as she recalls Luna’s words in regards to The Crystal Heart.

-It is the key, dear niece-

“Could that actually work?” The pink alicorn ponders.

“Urgh! You little brat! I’ll bucking kill you!” Celestia’s mockery roars out angrily as she then starts to fly higher.

“Bad pony run away?” Flurry Heart inquires.

Cadence was about to respond, but her eyes shot wide open as she realized what the mockery of her aunt was doing, and why she was flying much higher. Specifically, towards the sun that sines down above them.

“Oh no!” Cadence shouts worriedly.

Corrupt-Celestia spreads her forehooves apart, “Oh, yeah! Thanks to your little speech back in the Crystal Heart's chambers, I too should draw on my own source of power!” She raises both her head and forelegs into the air, “Sun! Hear my call and empower me!”

“No! No no no no,” Cadence repeats in disbelief as she attempts to use The Crystal Heart to erect a barrier around them. However, they’re both shocked as… nothing happens?

Celestia’s mockery blinks twice before turning around and shouting:

“What’s going on here?! I command you to empower me!”

“Uh… No thanks, I’ll pass,” says a distant voice as what appears to be a solar flare slaps Corrupt Celestia hard across the face.

Cadence could only watch in absolute shock, along with Flurry Heart, as their mouths dropped in unison by this strange scenario.

“D-did the sun just... slap her?” Cadence questions. Flurry Heart starts to giggle.

In a state of absolute shock, Corrupt-Celestia says:

“Who… what, who are you?!”

“I’m the sun. Why do you think I said no?”

“But, the sun can’t be an entity!” Celestia's mockery shouts in disbelief.

“Well, I’m here, aren’t I? Are ponies really so uneducated these days? I’m Solaris.”

Cadence’s eyes were widened even further, “S-Solaris?!”

“Yeah. Oh, hello Great-Niece. Nice look.” Solaris responds.

Corrupt-Celestia’s features were absolutely dumbfounded by this scenario. She couldn’t believe that the sun itself had just struck her features.

“Anyways, you mind, I dunno… Putting my daughter’s body to rest? Do so, and you won't suffer my wrath.”

“You dare to defy me?!” Corrupt-Celestia roars out as she fires a magic beam towards the celestial object.

“Oh. I really should’ve taught you how to shoot… You missed by, perhaps, ninety million miles.”

“Why is this happening?! You’re nothing but a ball of energy! Nothing more!”

“Actually, I’m technically a worm in a pony’s body in a molten core surrounded by a ball of energy, but close enough I guess. Anyways… mind letting my daughter not be possessed?”

Cadence seizes the opportunity to fire off a powerful beam of magic, all her might empowering it. As if supporting her mother’s assault, Flurry Heart also fires off her own attack as the two blasts make contact with Celestia’s mockery.

The corrupt imitation roars out in pain as she takes the full force of the joined attacks. A large explosion follows soon after as Celestia's body plummets to the earth below, covered in smoke. Cadence gives chase with Flurry Heart in her magical grasp as she manages to catch the plummeting corpse in her aura, with gritted teeth.

……….

Cadence was now on the ground level as she lowered the deceased body of Celestia down gently. Flurry Heart was currently sitting comfortably on the pink alicorn’s back.

“That was without a doubt the strangest thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life,” Cadence looks towards the skies, “Solaris…”

“Look, niece… Don’t say anything. Not yet. No one needs to know.” Says the sun.

“B-but, what about aunty Luna?!”

“Not even her… Soon, though. I wouldn’t be conscious if the time for us to awaken hadn’t drawn near.”

Cadence momentarily ponders on those words before heeding to the sun’s request and responding:

“I’ll honor your wishes, um, great uncle?”

“Good. Stay safe out there. Oh, and you’ll need the Crystal Heart soon… Keep it safe, too.”

“Oh, right! Aunty Lulu told me something similar,” She then floats the heart-shaped artifact over Celestia’s form, “But, how do I use this? Solaris?”

The pink alicorn gets no response as silence takes over. Flurry Heart looks up to the sky with a pout and says:

“Where sun go?”

Cadence chuckles, “Sun has helped us enough, Flurry, and we’re very grateful for it,” She looks back to the Crystal Heart, “What do I do? Do I use the heart? Um, touch her with it?”

Suddenly, Flurry Heart sneezes as a powerful beam of energy is unleashed from her horn and destroys the artifact.

“I kind of hoped you’d keep it until you meet Harmony, but that works too, I guess,” Says the Sun.

With an annoyed grunt, Cadence roars back: “Are you kidding me?! Now you respond?!”

“What The Crystal Heart truly is, is a Life Crystal. Might wanna look at my daughter before you start becoming the Princess of Hate,” Solaris says.

The shattered remains of The Crystal Heart start to dissolve into Celestia's body as various forms of energy pulsate throughout her form. Gone were the influences of The Corruption as Celestia, The Princess of The Sun, and co-ruler of Equestria was slowly returning to her normal self. Her body became much more lively in every sense as her mane and tail start to flow as if she were submerged in water. Then, The Sun Princes takes in a large breath of air as she shoots onto her forehooves and gasps, flank still sat on the ground.

“C-Cadence? Flurry H-Heart?” The motherly words of Celestia inquire, “Is this… Equestria? I... I'm back?”

Cadence was now in absolute shock as Flurry Heart teleported into the revived Sun Princess, hugging her.

Celestia smiles, “I’m glad to see you too, dear Flurry. But, what’s going on here… how am I-”

“Aunty Celestia!” Cadence shouts with tears as she too hugs the Sun Princess, “I’m so glad to see you again!” The pink alicorn sobs.

Celestia had many questions on her mind, along with absolute shock, even questioning reality. To be returned from death itself was something that absolutely baffled the revived Sun Princess. However, at this moment, she decided to simply push that aside and said:

“It’s good to be back, my beloved ponies.”

Cadence breaks away from the hug as a sense of duty overtakes her, “Aunty! We must return to The Empire and help Shiny! A Lot has happened since you were gone and we don’t have the time to explain it to you in full detail. However,” cadence fires up her horn and taps Celestia’s own. In that very moment, a very particular set of armor forged from the demonite ore covers Celestia’s form, who comments:

“Oh goodness, wh-what is this? I sense strange magic emanating from it.”

“Trust me, aunty. I’ll explain it all later, but that armor sure does the trick,” The pink alicorn rises onto her hooves, “Come on, let’s get going.”

Suddenly, an orange light flashes, followed by the form of an orange stallion wearing glasses who comes into being soon after, coughing as a result.

“If my calculations are correct, Flurry Heart should be-”

“S-Sunburst?” Cadence questions the shocked unicorn as he stares unbelievably towards the revived Sun Princess.

“P-Princess... Celestia? Y-you’re alive?! How in the wide world of Equestria-”

“There’s no time!” Cadence interjects as she floats Flurry Heart over to the stallion, “Sunburst, please take Flurry back to Ponyville. Defend her at all cost and I will personally come to retrieve you both.”

Sunburst nuzzles Flurry heart before responding:

“Of course, your highness, but what about you two?”

Cadence looks to Celestia and nods, saying: “My aunt and I have business in The Empire.”

"P-Princess Celestia?" A new voice injects itself as all ears perks up in response. They all then turn their gaze towards its source as Celestia in particular comments:

"Sunset... Shimmer?"

---

-THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE CASTLE RUINS-

Within the shattered remains of The Crystal Castle, absolute sorrow and guilt overtake Rajah Rabbit’s form as he caresses the deceased form of Ambient.

“I’m so sorry, little one… I failed you… I failed to protect an innocent,” The large rabbit falls onto his knees, “I’m so so so sorry…”

“You haven’t failed her, Rajah, you never fail... Great defender of the innocent.” The echoing voice of a very familiar entity says as a multicolored beam of light forms before him. A pair of fairy wings illuminates the local landscape, even purifying the tainted earth around the ruined castle. A clopping of hooves echoes out as the yellow form of Harmony looks sorrowfully, but hopefully, towards the weeping rabbit.

“Look for yourself, Harmony… I’m a disgrace of a guardian. I couldn’t even save a filly, despite all my power, my might, I couldn’t save her.” A tear escapes Rajah’s eye as it leaks down his right cheek. The tear drops off of his features, but is intercepted by Harmony’s left forehoof and sits gently on her appendage.

“You just did, Rajah.”

“Wait… w-what?”

Harmony smiles lovingly as the tear she wielded on her hoof starts to glow in a multicolored fashion, “Rajah Rabbit, your powers of nature shall revitalize her. You are both beings who embody the very forces that empower you. Should it not make sense that one agent of nature itself can save another?” Harmony spreads her wings, glittering lights flickering about, “All we need here is a little help from me.”

The Empress then lowers her hoof onto the filly’s body as the multicolored tear magically enlarges and covers Ambient’s form. A series of multicolored pulses and energy send ripples throughout the filly’s form before suddenly stopping. Nothing happens for a few seconds before a powerful stream of lights erupts from the filly, further purifying the local area of any traces of corruption.

“...Ow. I think my spine is broken,” Says the filly, opening her eyes and blinking blearily.

“H-Harmony… y-you saved her?” Rajah questions in disbelief.

“Not just me, my friend. I simply added more power to it,” She places her forehoof onto the rabbit’s shoulder, “Your tear did most of the work.”

A loud crack emanates in the area as Ambient yelps.

“OW! Ow! Yep, there it is… There’s my spine.”

“I see your regenerative capabilities are kicking in?” Harmony questions.

“Unfortunately… Yeah. Uh… Who are you two?” She asks in confusion.

“Ahahaha! You’re saved, little one!” The rabbit shouts happily as he brings her into a hug.

“Ow! Ow! Careful, the legs are still broken!” She yelps.

“Oops! Sorry there, dear citizen,” Rajah Says as he puts her down gently.

“Citizen? Pretty sure I’m a bit more than that, but thanks for not calling me a terrorist, I guess,” She says, multiple snapping sounds being heard as her legs begin to bend the right way again.

“What you were in your past isn’t who you are now, dear Pri- I mean, filly.” Harmony smiles sheepishly.

“...I know already. No need to hide anything.”

“Ah, good!” Harmony shouts gleefully, “I was never a fan of keeping secrets except for when it’s necessary.”

“Like hiding the fact that you’re Pinkie and Mena’s mother? Even from them?” Rajah says with a smirk.

Harmony narrows her features, “That’s not funny, Rajah…”

Rajah gets nervous, “Ahaha, um, anyway-”

“Nice segway…” Harmony says with a deadpan expression.

“Hate to break this adoring conversation between you two, but I’m pretty sure that HE isn’t supposed to be getting up again,” says the filly, spreading her wings to make herself seem more imposing as she growls deep in her throat.

Both Harmony and Rajah Rabbit turns towards a barely recovering Ocram who shouts angrily:

“We will not be defeated by an overgrown rabbit!”

“Defender of the Innocent to you, foul villain!” Rajah retorts with a heroic pose.

Ocram was about to respond, but the entities regenerated eyes instantly locked onto the filly as the monstrosity roars out:

“Impossible! We killed you!”

“Killed, past tense,” She shoots back, her neck snapping back into place.

Ocram growls, “Allow us to rectify that!”

“I think not! Foul villain! I will not fail this poor innocent, or any other, ever again!” The large rabbit leaps forth and intercepts the abomination, “Hallowed Lands of Smash!”

Harmony facehoofs with reddened features, “Always love your enthusiasm, Rajah,” She then chuckles, “And never change!”

“We shall not-” Ocrams words are instantly cut off as the fist of Rajah Rabbit not only impales the entity’s eye, again, but also causes gore to escape from Ocram’s form.

“You shall not harm the innocent any longer! Gatling Bunny Thump!” Rajah unleashes a relentless series of rapid strikes with his right foot, further enlarging the crater and splitting Ocram into pieces. All while the large rabbit's arms are crossed.

Ambient stares on in shock as Ocram is repeatedly crushed, her wings falling limp.

“Remind me to never get on his bad side, yeah?”

Harmony giggles, “Rajah’s physical might is well respected among the Ancients.”

“Enough!” Ocram roars out as a beam of lavender energy pushes Rajah away, though only a short distance, “We will not be defeated by you! Or anyone else!” Various pieces of the entity rockets into the skies of The Empire.

“I don’t like what he’s doing…” says Ambient nervously. “I don’t have the Primordials with me this time, and I bet I can guess what he’s planning...”

Harmony watches on and comments: “Prepare yourselves, things are about to get much more difficult.”

“Fear not, Lady Harmony, I shall face this villain head-on and prevent him from performing any more evil deeds!” Rajah spins his ears in rapid succession, granting him flight as he gives chase to the pieces of Ocram’s form.

Harmony chuckles, “That hero, always hopping into battle,” She turns to Ambient, “But every good hero needs a powerful sidekick, eh?”

“Sidekick, huh? I didn’t see you helping me fight Ocram the first time. Maybe you should take that role,” Ambient says in annoyance.

Harmony laughs in response, “My Oblivion would like you, Ambient. Your choice of words brings me nostalgia,” She flaps her wings, multicolored energies sizzling in and out of reality, “But I can not intervene young one. My power would also be a threat to all present, just for calling on it.”

“Well, doesn’t that sound familiar… Hey, is it just me or is this purple stuff disappearing?”

“No, you are correct. Ocram is drawing on his own force’s sins,” The divine being starts to slowly fade away, “You’d better get going, sidekick.” Quiet laughter could be heard.

Ambient stares as Harmony fades away, looking up at the fight, then back to where she had been standing.

“You… You’re joking, right? You want me, a filly with no power, to fight against the same guy who killed me. That’s what I’m hearing,” she says in amazement.

“Yuup!” Harmony’s final response as she dissipates completely.

The filly’s mouth drops open for a few moments before she yells after Harmony.

“HOW THE BUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?!?!”

---

Some time before Ocram rises from the crater:

-CRYSTAL EMPIRE OUTSKIRTS-

The Coalition’s forces were currently looking upwards as the condescending form of the large worm, The Eater of Worlds, clicks its mandibles in anticipation.

..........

“Overlord, there’s no way our ships can make an approach with that thing around. They’re unshielded, over.”

..........

The large worm lets out an earth-shaking roar before lunging towards the ground forces of The Coalition. Many lives were lost in the process as the creature burrows its head back into the earth, but a sudden screech is let loose as the Purification Powder-filled cannonballs from Captain Celaeno’s airship makes contact with the worm’s body.

“Direct hit!” The captain exclaims happily, but her face instantly morphs into horror as the worm’s tail comes crashing against the airship. This rattles everyone on board as Celaeno shouts: “Give me a damage report!”

“Captain! I advise we abandon ship! Heavy damage to the lower hull!”

“Can’t anyone just repair the damage to the lower hull?!”

“That’s just it, there is no lower hull anymore!”

The airship starts to lower itself as it's on course to crash to the earth below.

“Abandon ship! Quickly!” Celaeno orders.

..........

As this goes on, flying individuals and groups such as The Wonderbolts, Derpy Hooves, Bulk Biceps, Lightning Dust, and the member of The Pillars, Flash Magnus, fly acrobatically around the large worm’s form. They each attack the large entity with their various weapons forged from the demonite ore.

“For my daughter! And muffins!” Derpy Hooves exclaims as she cuts into the worm’s flesh with dual-wielded blades.

“Yeah! Take this, monster!” Bulk Biceps shouts as he slams his Warhammer into the monstrosity.

“Wonderbolts! Get into formation and perform those stunts! That includes you, Lightning Dust!” Captain Spitfire orders, then smirks, “With some added flare!” She glances towards the Purification Powder pouch in her left forehoof.

..........

Discord snaps his lion’s paw and conjures forth a military outfit along with a whistle. Then, many more clones of the draconequus appear soon afterward as Discord blows the whistle and says:

“Attention handsome gentlemen who work for an even more handsome draconequus!”

“Sir, yes sir!” The Discords say in unison with salutes.

“I want to see a large worm buffet set up before me by the next five to ten minutes! Do I make myself clear?!” Discord questions.

“Sir, yes sir!”

“I can’t hear you!”

“Sir, yes sir!”

“For goodness sake, get your arse up there and mess that thing up!” Ironhoof exclaims from nearby as The Pillar member strikes a worm monstrosity with his fateful shovel.

Discord separates his lower half and says: “You heard him! Get going, Assy. Get your ass up there and show everyone how fine we look!”

Ironhoof's mouth drops in response before waving a forehoof dismissively and saying:

“You know what? Ain't no one got time for that.”

..........

As the lower portion of Discord goes to contend with the large worm, the other Discords conjure forth cheerleading outfits and says in unison:

“Give me an A!”

“A!”

“Give me an S!”

“S!”

Upon saying ‘S’, Discord’s lower portion was now wearing a kung fu outfit as it kicks the large worm’s body and, shockingly, sends the body falling down to the earth.

“Give me another S!”

“S!”

……….

Various members of The Coalition were now dumbfounded as some among them comments:

“Why didn’t that idiot do this in the first place?!”

“Wait, is that his butt?”

“Ok… no more drinking before heading into battle…”

“You drank before this?!”

……….

The Discords all shake their pom-poms in unison.

“Give me a Y!”

“Y!”

“What’s that spell?!”

“Assy!”

..........

Assy continued to kick the entity’s elongated body region before the head of the large worm erupts from the earth and attempts to eat Discord’s ass.

“Oh dear me, Pomp Neigh. The wording on that last sentence is quite scandalous.”

“Soldier! No fourth wall breaking while on duty!” The original Discord shouts.

“Sir, yes sir!” Discord’s clone responds with their pom-pom covering their features as they give a saluting gesture.

---

The battle continues to rage on as the entire combined force combats against the large worm, and the other creatures of The Corruption. Kirins engulfed themselves in flames and ran into their foes while buffalo used their physical might to toss aside various Corrupt Slimes and smaller members of the flying parasites.

..........

The leader of the kirin, Rain Shine, pulls out her radio after burning a slime to ashes and says:

“Admiral, use it now! Unleash your greatest weaponry on that thing!”

“That would vaporize the entire Empire if we do. Also, we didn’t charge it up. Have some normal lasers instead.”

The airship begins firing lasers from multiple of the turrets on its surface, shooting out fairly large bolts of magical energy. Several meet their mark, exploding into small fiery explosions.

“Confirmed multiple hits, over.”

The large worm lets out a quaking roar as the weaponry collides with its form. Shockingly, it split in half from the artillery while Discord’s lower portion accidentally got caught up in the attack.

“Oh no, Assy!” The Discord’s shout in unison. The original Discord snaps his lion’s paw and creates a makeshift grave for his lower appendage. Various Discords were wiping their tears with a handkerchief as the original draconequus says:

“His sacrifice shall always be remembered. Assy was a fine ass,” Discord winks, “But let us also take into account where he came from. May you rest in pieces, Assy.” Suddenly, a bolt of lightning strikes the grave as the dirt mound starts to shift before a goat leg kicks out of it.

“He’s alive!”

“Oh praise Terra!”

The original Discord simply shrugs his shoulders, “Welp, that’s enough of this nonsense. Back to work, soldiers!”

The other Discords don their cheerleader outfits once more and cheer on Assy who runs back into the conflict.

……….

Suddenly, the severed body of the Eater of Worlds starts to rise up as green ichor leaks from the wound. A splurge of ichor spills out as a new head emerges soon after. As a result, a second Eater of Worlds joins the fray.

“Negative effect. This thing’s got some kinda regeneration,” Crackles the radio. “We won’t be able to get in there with the landing zone being so hot, Shine.”

“Also, we appear to have some kind of UFA flying around,” Says the voice, sounding confused.

“That would be mine! Ohoho, it’s quite a fine booty, isn’t it?” Discord questions.

“...Not gonna lie, it isn’t bad. Don’t let it get to your head.”

This momentarily stuns the draconequus who responds:

“I appreciate that, but I’m already taken.”

“Don’t worry, so am I.”

Discord’s eyes widened in response, “Oh, dear me… you sound like a seraph eyeing a kenku.”

“Don’t know what those are. Might wanna save your ass from getting bitten in half, though. Didn’t think you’d like it that rough,” The voice says, not missing a beat.

“Ohoho, everyone wants a piece of this ‘flank’, even a giant monster from my home- I mean, the Everfree Forest, yes.” Discord corrects himself as he nearly revealed Terraria's existence to everyone on radio.

“Focus, buddy. We’re still in combat. Tell Shine to let us know if she wants another barrage, over.”

“We might just need- wait, what’s that thing over The Empire?” Rain Shine questions through the radio.

The airship in the distance seems to rock a bit as some kind of magical shield covers it. When the radio crackles again, alarms and shouting can be heard in the background.

“Some kind of one-eyed thing just blindsided us! Minor damage sustained, but shields are holding for now. It looks like it really wants to get in, Shine,” says the voice, with a tone of worry.

---

Present:

Suddenly, and before either of the two large worms could strike at their foes, the very biome all around them starts to be drawn towards The Empire. However, what shocks everyone in attendance was the fact that all of The Corruption’s monstrosities were now falling limp to the earth, dying instantly.

“We’ve got a problem, Shine! This thing’s spitting a corrosive on the shields!” The voice yells into the radio, through a good amount of static. “We need backup, now!”

This phenomenon shocks every member of The Coalition as some among them were even starting to celebrate what seemed to be a victory for them. This was soon replaced as a powerful haunting voice echoes throughout the entirety of The Empire:

“We have decided that your Empire isn't needed for Nyarlathotep’s coming world! However, we will not be stopped by the likes of any of you! Come to us, our brethren, give us your sins!”

The entire landscape of the frozen north was now starting to shake violently as the nearby glaciers began to break off and the cold distant seas started to form giant waves in response. Lavender lightning crashes across the skies of the north which even managed to reach The Everfree Forest.

“Mayday, mayday, hull’s been breached! All systems are shutting down and some kind of fucking disease is spreading through the ship!” The voice says, cutting in and out, amidst screams and unholy roars. “Shine, you need to-” A loud burst of static is heard before the radio completely shuts down, as the ship begins to nosedive into the ground.

“All shall become one with us! We are all… Ocram!”

Next Chapter: Chapter 14 - Battle In The Underground Corruption. Estimated time remaining: 18 Hours, 58 Minutes