Captain Silver Mane's POV
The Parasprite
Dusk.

Ever since we saw the Pony of Shadows fly by us a short time ago, I've been watching it through my telescope. We're one of the smallest of his majesty's ships and thereby one of the quickest. We're also not that well-armed either. Which meant that we were mainly used for scouting and reconnaissance-type missions. This was why we were hiding within a massive cloud between Maretropolis and the Yucatan Ponynsula. Which was also why the Pony of Shadows didn't see us when he zipped by under our keel a short time ago. Lucky for us because what I saw through my telescope chilled me.

I spotted the Pony of Shadows race toward the Storm King's ships. Then surround the soldiers one after another. They weren't the same after that. As if they were being controlled. Even through my telescope, I couldn't get that good of a look, but thanks to our majesty keeping us updated, I had a good guess at what was happening.

"Captain?" my first officer walked up beside me, asking the rhetorical question to get my attention and to ask what was happening basically.

So, I pulled back from my telescope and gazed at him with a grim expression. "You know we received the communique about Stygian not being part of the Pony of Shadows." My first officer gave me a nod of confirmation. "I watched the Pony of Shadows attack the Storm King's soldiers on one of his ships."

The first officer looked both happy and confused at the same time. "That's a good thing, isn't it, Captain?" he asked while fluffing his wings as if to take flight. He always seemed to do that when he was excited. But I shook my head at him.

"Not this time, First," I told him. "In that same communique we were told, he's capable of controlling others with his shadows via contact. That's what he's doing right now to the Storm King's soldiers and that's what he just did to the Storm King himself. I just watched the tide just change against us. That is if we don't stop him from reaching the shore." Turning to him, I squared myself to my first officer, giving him commands. "Spread the word, First, The Pony of Shadows has taken over the Storm King's forces and is on the move toward Maretropolis. Let all of Equestria know to prepare for an all-out attack starting with the coastal cities. All citizens stay in their homes. And request assistance from all ally ships. We're going to need help with this one."

He gave me a quick salute and a soft nervous, "Aye aye, sir," then turned around disappearing back into the cloud to follow his orders.

Now the real war begins.

Emmit's POV
Evening
Twilight's Library

It was evening and Novo, Tia, our daughter and I were on our way back to my herd community in Ponyville. Novo, Tia, and I had a nice long talk and came to some agreements. I acknowledged her want and need for another mate and companionship while she agreed to take everything slow and steady and get to know the herd. And because of how late it was getting we decided to have a late dinner at Canterlot. Because myself as well as my kids are all omnivores and have a taste for meat, I was surprised to find and run across a griffon chef in the kitchen. He was an older gruff-looking griffon who met the call for a chef who cooks meat that Tia put out a while ago. It was a surprise for me which I, and my stomach, wholeheartedly thanked her for. I mentally messaged the rest of the girls that are either pregnant or with my foals that we now have a griffon chef. Each one was thankful that the griffon could cook the meat for us now instead of Pinkie or Rarity or any one of them else. At the time, Luna said that she and Ember would join us while Pinkie said that she and the rest would have dinner in Ponyville. It was a good thing that Luna had joined us for dinner because our dinner was interrupted by news that would quite literally cast a shadow over all of Equestria.

Lunar Captain Swift Wind came bursting through the private dining room door panting heavily as if she ran here the entire way. "Sire?! Your highnesses?! I've got terrible neeeeewwwww..." She started saying that she had terrible news while running up to us at the table. But stopped in her tracks putting her hoof to her nose in an attempt to stem the flow of the smell of meat into her nostrils while perfectly transitioning from "news" to "ew" at the same time. A couple of seconds later she quickly said, "Sorry, can't stay here with the meat, so I'll meet you out in the hallway," while sounding nasal as she said it. Then quickly retreated out of the dining room.

With one quick look between Tia and Luna already quietly said what we all suspected was the terrible news. So, while Tia was feeding our daughter, I quietly slipped out of the dining room to speak to Swift Wind. She didn't hesitate, but quickly saluted and told me, "The Pony of Shadows has just taken over both the Storm King and his forces and is heading toward three Equestrian coastal cities."

"Damn it to hell," I cursed softly. Then asked, "Which cities?"

"Maretropolis is under attack right now with one of his ships," she went on to say with military precision and also worry in her voice. Her eyes were that of a captain ready to fight with a steel resolve. "Luckily it's only one ship and it was The Parasprite that was keeping watch over the Storm King's forces and was the first to watch the initial takeover. There are three of the Storm King's ships left and while The Parasprite is dealing with one, the other two are headed north."

"Which leaves Horseshoe Bay, Baltimare, Fillydelphia, and Manehattan as possibles," I finished for her and she gave me a curt nod of her head before continuing her report.

"Correct, sire. Because The Parasprite was on watch she was able to get the jump on one of the ships as the other two headed north. Captain Celaeno is leading our two heavy ships to intercept the other two Storm King ships headed north. But it's not just ship movement, sire. The Pony of Shadows is using his deadly shadow magic that if any creature comes in contact with another shadow infected gets infected also." Her face fell grim as she said the last part. "However, thanks to the Parasprite, the coastal cities were told to prepare for the inevitable attack. So, hopefully, most if not all of the civilians will be shuttered inside."

After one firm nod of acknowledgment, I told her, "Thank you, Captain. Have the rest of Equestria and abroad go on full alert."

"Yes, sire," she said with a sharp salute which I returned then she darted off again.

With a sigh, I turned around and walked back into the dining room. Tia, Luna, and Ember were already gazing at me with grim expectant faces that told me they heard at least part of it already. Their fears were confirmed when I told them what the Captain said. "Our worst fears just came true," I said softly with a sigh while stepping up between them and looking between them. "The Pony of Shadows has just taken over the Storm King and his forces and has just launched an all-out attack on Equestria." For a few seconds, neither of them said anything. Both simply either stared at me or each other with grim looks. Sensing that the news probably pertained to the war, little Solar was asleep on the table.

"You'll need as many shadow users as you can," Tia said softly and simply. It was a true statement that all of us knew was correct. I didn't want her to go and Luna certainly wasn't going even though the look on Luna's face told me that she wanted to. Luna was definitely needed, but not when she was pregnant. That left Tia and whatever allies I could find. Stygian and the Pillars were some. While thinking about who I could recruit, Tia stood from her seat, nuzzled our sleeping daughter for a few seconds, and then headed for the door, softly saying, "I'll get my armor."

"Hope it still fits," Luna took a teasing jab at Tia with a smirk on her face as Tia started walking out the door. Tia took it in good stride and simply stuck her tongue out at her while she walked out the door. The teasing smirk fell from her face as she used her magic to gently pull my head down to hers, resting my forehead against hers being careful of her horn. "Come back to me, both of you," she said with her voice soft and filled with many emotions. Nightmare Moon's voice joined in with Luna's as she added, "Or so help us we'll ascend to the astral plane and give you both nightmares for the rest of eternity."

"Duly noted," I said softly while my head rested on hers. And we just sat and stood that way for a couple of minutes. Just enjoying the last moments to be close to one another before Tia and I marched off to war. And it wasn't long before we heard a soft but firm thunk against the floor. And when we looked up, we saw Tia in her armor.

I hummed in thought while taking a moment to take her all in. Her usually flowing mane and tail were braided and therefore shortened for battle. Her armor reminded me of what the Roman soldiers would wear if in pony form. Her weapon of choice was a double-bladed battle axe with a long spearpoint at the end with golden highlights. And all it took was one look from Tia for Luna to reassure her, "Worry not, sister. We will be safe here. Be careful and come back to us."

After a slow nod from Tia, she and I walked out the door to war.

Captain Silver Mane's POV
The Parasprite
Moments before Emmit gets the news

"You're going to do...what, sir?" It wasn't surprising that my second-in-command was a little bit shocked at what I was planning on doing. Even I had to admit that it was a little crazy.

But he stepped up beside me as I pointed to the single ship headed our way and hoofed over the spyglass to him. "I know it sounds crazy, but really look at them, First. Yes, they are way out of our weight class and yes they have more guns. But even though we are outweighed and outgunned, look at the crew." I stayed silent while my second-in-command looked at the crew. And then the dawning realization behind his widening eyes as he pulled back to look over at me.

"They're like zombies," he said to me with a happily surprised look on his face.

"Exactly!" I exclaimed with what I'm sure was a look akin to a predator out for prey as I put a hoof on his shoulder. "When they are taken over by the Pony of Shadows, they're like zombies. They aren't a crew anymore. They can't do what's necessary to run that ship. Not anymore and that's our advantage. We literally drop out of the sky and hit them on the way down. They won't be able to react fast enough. Further, right now their ship is completely unprotected. Only the crew is protected by the shadows. Which should dissipate when those creatures die in the depths of the sea."

"Oh, I get it," the growing smile on his face matched his voice and spoke of his growing confidence in this plan.

"Good, so tell the crew to hang on to something and prepare fur a sudden drop, tell the gun crew to fire as she bears, and tell the pegasi to get ready for an attack on the ship's air bladder."

"Aye, aye, sir," First saluted me and then dashed back into the cloud behind me as I heard his hoofsteps fade away as he raced across the deck.

Because we only had four guns on each side, the gun crew had to reload rather quickly. But they were trained for that and I knew how fast they could reload. Against a ship over twice our size, I was confident that we could get off two rounds before slipping in behind them. And that was if they stayed at the same speed. However, we could keep our distance from them, sure. Just not too far. Our smaller guns had a shorter range. And that max range was about two lengths of the enemy ship. That would give us more time to fire while keeping the max amount of distance. Another concern was keeping the crew away from any contact with the enemy troops. Any contact with infected troops would turn us infected as well. Kind of like zombies and having two ship lengths of sea between us gave us a good buffer zone.

I heard First's hoofsteps as he ran back across the deck just before stopping next to me with a salute and a quick, "Ready, sir."

"Good," I told him quietly while igniting my horn to manipulate the air in the air bladder above us, "because here we go." a couple of seconds later, the Parasprite began to descend out of the cloud above and in front of the single enemy ship down below us. Not quickly yet because I couldn't just literally drop us. But easing us into a very quick descent. The descent wasn't quick enough that we were weightless but quick enough to feel like an out-of-control amusement park ride. As the wind whistled by us, and as we approached the enemy ship, I ignited my horn to slow our rapid descent and turned back toward the helm. "Helm! Start circling around the enemy ship at half speed." Because I put the breaks on our rapid descent everypony on board was straining with effort just to stand up as the helmspony grunted out a loud, "Aye, aye, sir." My poor second-in-command was almost pinned to the deck as the Parasprite slowed and started flying at the same level as the enemy ship. Of course, the Parasprite herself wasn't happy with my little maneuver either. Her rigging and hardware that kept the air bladder attached to the ship creaked and groaned under the g-forces imposed on them.

"ALL GUN BATTERIES FIRE," I shouted out as we leveled off about one and a half lengths away from them. The first wave of cannon fire exploded from the side of our small ship almost simultaneously. "FLIERS! TAKE THE AIR OUT OF HER. STAY CLEAR OF HER DECK." A second later, eight armored pegasi flew out the side of the ship as the guns were reloading and immediately headed up for the air bladder of the enemy ship. Having a few seconds until the guns fired again, I turned to my second-in-command and suggested, "Want to get your sniper for some target practice?"

"Aye, sir," he said as he stood on slightly shaking legs and a slightly shaking salute. Then shuffled off across the deck and called out back at me comically, "As soon as I learn how to walk again."

"Got to learn how to stand up first, First," I chuckled just as the first round of cannon fire hit the enemy ship. Four explosions hit the ship to my satisfaction. Two on the deck and two on the gun level just as the shadow-controlled crew (and I'm using that term loosely) just started to react to the first attack. And even then, their movements were as slow as a pony would expect from zombies. One would think that the Pony of Shadows would have been smart enough to start taking over the crew after they reached Equestria's shores. But hey, I wasn't about to look a gift pony in the mouth.

Meanwhile, I stood ready to put up a shield in case they returned fire. If they returned fire at this rate. They did, though with only three guns just as we sent over another volley. Because of the distance between us, I had time to react, so there was no need to keep up a full shield the entire time. I spotted the cannonballs easily and sent them down to the sea below us with one quick shield. At the same time, I saw the pegasi making their attack runs against their air bladder. So far so good.

Until their ship began falling from the sky. The surprise came when the pegasi were on their way back to the ship after taking out the air bladder. The shadow-controlled soldiers started flying away from the ship. It was when the ship was going down in flames and an almost completely deflated air bladder that I watched the non-flying soldiers...fly. And they were flying directly toward the pegasi first. Igniting my horn, I used a voice amplification spell to warn them, "FLIERS, DOUBLE TIME IT BACK TO THE SHIP. THE SHADOW SOLDIERS ARE FLYING DIRECTLY TOWARD YOU!"

"Holy shit," my second-in-command cursed and started aiming for the flying monstrosities.

The pegasi were startled by the sight of earth-bound soldiers flying toward them. But after that sight, they did fly as fast as they could toward the ship. As the pegasi got near the Parasprite, there was actual fear in their eyes and the strain they were putting on themselves to outfly them was clear to see. First was doing his best to take out the shadow soldiers one by one to help protect the pegasi. Luckily for the pegasi though, they could fly faster than the shadow soldiers. That gave me just enough time to put up a shield around the deck as the pegasi landed. One by one the pegasi started to land with loud thuds with some even rolling on the deck because of the speed they were flying. After every pegasus was safely back on board and panting trying to catch their breath was when I ignited my horn putting up a shield around the deck. I wasn't as strong as our king or the princesses, but I was strong enough to protect us for a while at least while First took out the remaining shadow soldiers with his sniper.

My horn ignited with a bright glow and the few shadow soldiers that were left slammed into my shield trying to get in. The shadow soldiers floated around the shield while punching or kicking at it trying to get in. "Get down below," I bellowed out to the pegasi and watched them scurry down below deck through the door under the wheel deck. I didn't blame them for being fearful. I was worried for everypony on board if my shield failed before First was able to kill the remaining shadow soldiers. These new soldiers were indeed scary when they were flying at you.

Meanwhile, First's sniper barked off every couple of seconds as one after another the remaining shadows soldiers started falling from the sky. My heart was pounding in my chest not only because of the fear at the sight of those things, but also because of the strain that I was under while maintaining the shield around the deck. And finally, First's sniper barked off and took out the last remaining shadow soldier, and sent him down to the sea below.

I only dropped the shield after confirming the last shadow soldier was now headed toward the sea below. Then dropped the shield, sat my butt down on the deck, and panted out trying to catch my breath. A few seconds later, the lead pegasus poked her head out of the door and took a look around. "Is it safe, Captain?"

I looked over at her with an almost giddy expression on my face which nearly matched the same expression on my second-in-command's face. "Yeah, it's safe for everypony to come out. The enemy is all destroyed." As one by one more of the crew came out and started celebrating our victory, I could quite fully rest just yet. I started making my way over and then into the captain's cabin and up to the communication orb sitting securely on the desk. Thank the sun and moon we had these because now, I could do this. After my hoof tapped the orb while my horn was ignited and used my magic to make it connect to Captain Celaeno's ship. "This is the Parasprite calling Captain Celaeno, come in, please. This is urgent."

A couple of seconds later, the orb lit up and Captain Celaeno's face appeared, "Captain Celaeno here."

"Captain, this is Captain Silver Mane of the Parasprite," I began while still getting over the strain of putting up the shield. "I've got news about those shadow soldiers, Captain. They can fly. I repeat they can fly."

There was a look of shocked disbelief on her face before she scoffed at the idea. "Surely not."

"I'm not kidding, Captain Celaeno," he urged her as he leaned into the orb. "After their ship started falling, they flew after my pegasi that took out the air bladder. So, let me say again, captain... They. Can. Fly. A regular shield will hold them at bay until guns can kill them."

"We'll keep that in mind, Captain Silver Mane," she said still with a look of disbelief but at least he thought that she would at least keep that in mind. "Captain Celaeno, out," she said then the communications orb went dark and silent.

He sighed and sat down on the floor while still gazing at the dark silent orb. "Good luck, Captain." Activating my horn again, I tapped the orb to let Canterlot know of what happened here.

Emmit's POV
A Few Minutes Later
Ponyville

Because of Twilight's efforts not only do we have instant travel between Ponyville and Canterlot, but we also have instant travel between Canterlot and major cities around Equestria. Baltimare was the closest one to where Captain Celaeno was leading the assault against the Pony of Shadow's advancing ships. Right this second, though, we have to talk to some ponies first. Tia was talking with Stygian and the Pillars. Meanwhile, I was talking with the newly changed Chrysalis in her room. I stayed in my fox form while walking into her room. Even though she was sitting at the desk and staring out the window, she did appear more animated than she has in the past. Her eyes had a brighter and happier look to them along with a small smile on her face. Better than she was before.

"Chrysalis? I need your help," I immediately started telling her right after walking in. "Do you know anything about shadow magic?"

She blinked a couple of times as if in thought before giving me a slow nod of her head while looking at me with a curious and inquisitive expression. "I do."

I stepped up to her with urgency in my eyes. "Then will you help me save Equestria from the Pony of Shadows? He took over the Storm King's body and has control over all his soldiers and forces through the shadows. Only those that know shadow magic can fight him physically," I explained to her.

"I want to help," she said slowly as if thinking about the words before she says them. "I used shadow magic from time to time when I was still queen of the hive. Because the Tree of Harmony changed me, I truly regret my actions and want to repay Equestria for all the evil that I've done in the past."

After a firm quick nod, I motioned toward the door. "Good, let's go meet up with my wife in the library. She's speaking with Starswirl and the rest of the pillars there," I said to her and started walking out of her room with her walking beside me. While walking through the halls with the new Chrysalis, it all seemed surreal. This was something that I wanted. To change Chrysalis to the good side, as it were. Now that it's happened, I guess it's just hard to believe because I just always thought that she would never change. And maybe she wouldn't have if it wasn't for the Tree of Harmony's interference. I also knew something else. I knew that I had better tell my wife who was coming or she might cock block me for the rest of all eternity.

Tia? Honey? Guess who's going to help us fight the Pony of Shadows?

She didn't answer right away and I could just feel the glare from her disapproving eyes through the walls of Twilight's Castle. She knew who I was bringing and I also knew that she wouldn't like it. Not that I could blame her as Chrysalis was the one who brainwashed my father. However, Harmony has changed her. That was plain to see. And right now, we needed all the help we could get. Including former enemies.

I. Don't. Trust. Her. She finally replied back just as Chrysalis and I were approaching the door to the library. And even through the mental message, I could feel her stern disappointment. Though, stern disappointment might be a tad understated.

I don't blame you, I messaged back just as I opened the door and walked into the library with her. However, Harmony did change her and she has agreed to help because she regrets her actions. I don't fully trust her either, but I can see Harmony's work in Chrysalis and that change needs to be reinforced. My dear always loving wife was the first one to turn and look at us as I walked across the library toward her and the Pillars. And only one thought came to mind after seeing the look on her face. So, please don't kill her. But if looks alone could kill... Well...

The one pony that reacted the most to Chrysalis' change was Starswirl sense he wasn't here at the time of her change. As Chrysalis and I walked up to Tia, he was standing nearby. His eyes went wide with his face showing clear shock and disbelief at what he was seeing. "Is that Chrysalis?" he asked softly while taking small steps to stand by Tia.

Chrysalis answered before I could. "Yes, I am Chrysalis, Starswirl. When I gave all my love to Emmit, my body changed just as he said it would. The Tree of Harmony used that moment to bring me into harmony with the rest of Equestria." She paused as if to gather her thoughts and take a calming breath while looking a little nervous actually. And really did look like a mare in genuine regret. "I no longer have the hate I once did. I no longer want to conquer Equestria. I do want to help save it. To do some good after all the evil that I've done in the past. I know it won't make up for it, nothing will. But maybe, this could be a good start."

All while Chrysalis was talking, Starswirl was gaping at her with slacked-jawed and widened eyes. The look on Tia's face was also interesting. Oh, I could tell that she still didn't trust her and I don't think that she ever would, nor I for that matter. However, I think she did lose that glaring kill her right now look.

There was a pause where nopony said anything for a few seconds as if everypony was simply absorbing what she had just said. Then we all heard Starlight speak up with a partly serious and partly humorous idea. "I got an idea, why don't we start a former villain club?" What she said with the hopeful happy and slightly silly look on her face had me chuckling lightly as it was obvious that she was using that to break the ice.

It did work in getting us talking again on the matter at hoof or paw in my case. And that matter was the Pony of Shadows. "At any rate, we'll need all the help we can get, especially as many shadow users that we can, in order to fight the Pony of Shadows." I slowly looked between each one of the Pillars. "That includes all of you," I told them then looked between Sygian and Starswirl specifically. "Stygian? Starswirl? I would suggest that the both of you remain here and work with Starlight and Twilight in defeating the Pony of Shadows no matter how it's done. Whether that be banning him or killing him, I don't care. Just find a way." I paused and watched Starswirl look up at Tia which she gave him a confirming nod which he returned. Once Starswirl appeared to be on board with us, finally, I looked at the Pillars again. "The rest of you follow us. You're going to war."

Captain Celaeno's POV
Approx. ten minutes after the call from the Parasprite
The Pirate's Claw

I was at the bow of the ship and looking at the two approaching shadow airships when my first mate Mullet walked up with the sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. "What're thoughts, Captain?" he asked as he stood beside me as we looked toward the two quickly approaching ships.

"I'm thinking we'll need more small guns up here if Captain Silver Mane is right about those shadow soldiers being able to fly," I commented softly as worry started creeping into my voice. "That and the Pony of Shadows is on the starboard ship." Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him lift up his rifle and look through the scope.

"Yep, he's there alright," he said with some trepidation in his voice. And for the first time since knowing him, his hands shook ever so slightly. "He's too far away to get a good look at him, but he just looks...so..."

"Menacing?"

He slowly lowered the rifle with a sigh and looked over at me with a somber and fearful look, "Yeah."

"That's because pure evil stands aboard that airship, no more and no less," I told him while staring at the ship the Pony of Shadows is standing on with my hands on the front railing and leaning forward slightly. "The Storm King wanted to conquer and control. The Pony of Shadows doesn't. He just wants one thing..." I left the sentence trailing off knowing that he'd finish it for me and I wasn't surprised when he did.

"To destroy," he said softly.

"Aye, Mister Mullet, aye," I said softly. And for the first time since knowing him and my crew, I was feeling emotional. So, I straightened up, turned to him, and put a hand on his shoulder. "I don't know if we'll get out of this next fight alive. Once he's got you in his shadows, you're as good as dead. If that happens to me, Mister Mullet..." I trailed off and gently squeezed his shoulder while staring into his eyes with mine filled with determination and pride. "Don't hesitate. And have no regrets. I don't want to turn into one of those things. And if my fate is to die here, then I'm happy and proud to have known you, Boyle, Lix Spittle, and Squabble."

I saw his beak tremble slightly and a single tear drip from his eye as he stared back into mine. "Aye aye...Captain," he said it so softly it might as well have been a whisper. But there were so many mixed emotions in his eyes. Pride and even joy are two of them. And the deep sorrow that we'd all feel if we lost another one of the crew or me. "I've been happy being with you and this crew. And if I had to choose, then I'd do it all over again."

I gave him a slow nod of appreciation and even though my smile at him was a small one, it was filled with many emotions that I was having a hard time holding in. So, I straightened up, put my hand on the hilt of my sword, and told him, "Let's get everything ready, Mister Mullet. Get our flyers, snipers, and unicorns on deck and the gun crew ready. I'm done waiting."

He straightened up, gave me a quick nod, and after a sharp salute and a quick, "Aye, aye, Captain," he ran off to get everything ready. For the next few minutes that he was gathering everyone on deck, I turned back toward the two approaching airships. Pure evil and death was on those ships and the Pony of Shadows was standing at the bow of the starboard ship also looking at us. At least, I assumed he was because all I could see was a big dark spot on the bow. And slow moving shadow soldiers moving about the deck. One of my hopes was that the Pony of Shadows wasn't good at aerial combat.

"Captain?" I was lost in thought that I didn't notice everyone's presence on the deck until Mister Mullet's voice cut through my thoughts. And when I turned around, most of the crew was on deck. My personal parrot crew, a lot of ponies mostly unicorns and pegasi, a couple of dragons and a couple of changelings.

"Thank you, Mister Mullet," I thanked him with a quick nod then straightened up and faced the rest of them. "We're about to face the Pony of Shadows himself and there's a very real possibility that any one of us won't make it out alive. As his name suggests, he uses shadows and one touch from a shadow infected individual will corrupt you as well. That means once you are corrupted, you're as good as dead and the rest of your life will be like a zombie for the next few hours until you die of exposure." My eyes slowly scanned the crew as I spoke and saw many with concern and even worry on their faces. Not one of them said anything. Even the wind seemed to slow to a stop while I talked. Like a calm before a storm.

"So, here's the plan. It's going to be a cut, slash, and run. We'll throw this ship into full throttle and head right between them." I paused to look directly at the gun crew captain. "Tell the gun crew to fire as she bears and double time on the reload because we'll be moving fast." The gun crew captain was a pegasus pony which gave me a quick nod of his head and a quick salute of his wing. The two dragons were next. Both looked rather lanky to me but hopefully their fire would be of some use and they were supposedly strong. Or at least their talons were. "Dragons? Use your fire against any of the shadow soldiers that start flying. You'll be providing cover for the other fliers as they, and you, attack and puncture the air bladder." I was glad that their training had put some respect into them as they saluted me. Word was that some of them were like unruly teenagers. "Just remember fliers that you can fly faster than they can, but don't take that for granted. Go in, do as much damage as you can, and then fly out. Don't linger and don't hesitate."

I paused again and looked over at, and motioned to, the colorful blue changeling. "However, thanks to Lux, everyone on board will get some light protection against the shadows." After a look from me, Lux started going around and giving the crew at least some protection against the shadows. "Don't take that for granted. We still have time to stop him before he reaches Equestria's shores. Remember it's cut, slash, and run." Another short pause and I was now gazing at the unicorns. Unicorns? Your job is shields until the danger is over. As long as those shields are up, those things can't get through." Then I turned and looked at the four sniper ponies on the deck. "Snipers? Aim for the Pony of Shadows first. Cut the head off of a snake and the snake dies. Hopefully, this will be the case here. However, those priorities change if those soldiers start taking off. Then your targets are the flying soldiers to protect our own." All four of them gave a nod of their heads.

With everyone addressed, I gave them my final words. "If the Pony of Shadows reaches shore then his shadows will start to spread. So, it's up to us to protect the homes of not only Equestria but the homes of the changelings, the dragons, the griffons, the hippogriffs, and every other creature. It's our job to put ourselves in mortal danger, so others can remain free."

I paused again as Lux announced from the far end of the deck, "Captain? I've done all I can for the ones on deck. I'll head below to the gun crew."

"Thank you, Mister Lux. Once done, come back up here because you and Lut will help the unicorns with the shield." After another quick salute, Lux headed downstairs to the gun deck followed by the gun deck captain. Once Lux was down below, I addressed the crew one final time. "Everyone of you has earned your place here on this ship. And Equestria needs every one of you at your best." And that was it, that's all I had to say. So, I took a minute to look around at everyone. There were various degrees of fear and nervousness. But underneath all that was a determination to do their best to protect Equestria and stop the Pony of Shadows. So, with a firm nod, I gazed over them to Squabble who was at the helm. "Squabble?" I shouted out the question getting his attention. Then barked out loud, clear, and strong, "Ahead flank and head right between them!"

The tension in the air rose dramatically after Squabble gave me his usual silly salute and the ship's engines roared being pushed to their maximum. Nobody said anything as the ship lurched forward and I turned myself around and stood proud and ready at the bow. The ship complained with creaks and groans as the ship's speed increased and the wind picked up speed as well. We weren't the fastest ship in the small fleet. That was the Parasprite. But we were still faster than our enemy with a good crew. And as I stood and watched my ship racing toward our enemy, Mullet walked up to me with his rifle aimed and at the ready. He wasn't the only one either. The other three snipers, all hippogriffs, walked up to the bow on either side of us, sat down, and rest the barrel of their rifles on the railing. So now, there were Mullet with a rifle and two others on my right and one on my left. Mullet and the other two on my right would be aiming for the Pony of Shadows as we passed his ship.

And all was quiet with anticipation for the next few minutes except for the roar of the engines and the creaks and groans of the ship underneath us. The tension was high as everyone waited for us to get close enough to strike. And when we struck, it would be hard and fast. Then Mullet gave the word.

"We're in range, Captain," he muttered softly while keeping his stance ready.

"Aye," I said just as softly with a slow nod of my head. Then ordered the snipers, "Snipers? Fire at will." And just as the first shots rang out, I turned back to the waiting crew behind me and barked off, "Fliers launch! Remember it's cut, slash, and run, so don't linger. In and out!" The fliers, all six of four ponies and two dragons took off from the deck as fast as their wings could carry them. Just as the pegasi and the two dragons took off, we heard the Pony of Shadows cry out in pain.

"He's hit," Mullet said as he peered through his scope. We were close enough that I could see him recoil after being hit. "Don't know where though."

I noticed something though as the snipers kept taking shots at him. "His shadow soldiers stop what they're doing when he's hit. I think he's controlling them," I told him and saw him shift his sights to look just as the Pony of Shadows took another hit. We were quickly approaching him and the fliers even quicker as they were almost on top of him.

"You're right, Captain. He is definitely controlling them, but he loses some of that control after each hit," he confirmed for me then he shifted back to the Pony of Shadows again and shot off another round. However, that was all for naught when he put up a shield around him. "Damn it," Mullet muttered and shifted his rifle. "That shield will keep him safe from our rifles."

"Yeah, but his soldiers are still vulnerable." After saying that, I raised my voice so the other snipers can hear me. "You can't get him through the shield, so concentrate on taking out his soldiers and protect the fliers."

Shots rang out on either side of me as the snipers concentrated on the soldiers. It was satisfying to see a couple of them fall dead on the deck as we quickly approached his two ships. Because his shield was up, he simply stood on the bow of his ship and glared at us with our ships now about six hoofball fields away. The only sounds were the roar of the engines, the wind in my ears, and the crack of rifle fire. I watched the fliers stay above the level of travel of the sniper fire so as to not get hit as they split off toward the two ship.

We were close enough now that I could see the Pony of Shadows watch the fliers start attacking the air bladder on his two ships. And he didn't sound too happy about it either as I heard him roar in anger even at five hoofball fields away now. As the seconds ticked by and his roar filled the immediate area, I also saw something else unexpected. Or rather, it came sooner than expected. His shadow soldiers started flying. And so did he.

"Damn," I cursed softly at the sight. We were still four hoofball fields away and other than the snipers, there wasn't a thing we could do to help them. But as the snipers kept firing at his soldiers and now at him, he directed his shadow soldiers to head directly toward us while he attacked the fliers. Our fliers scattered at the sight of the large Pony of Shadows flying after them. Even though they were flying as fast as they could and taking evasive actions, the Pony of Shadows could still fly faster than they could. Luckily, the dragons used their fire to slow him down, so they could make their escape and stay ahead of the horde of flying shadow soldiers. And there were a lot of shadow soldiers. About fifteen soldiers from each ship plus the Pony of Shadows himself could outfly them all.

And we were flying straight at them. At two hoofball fields away we were carrying too much speed to stop now. "Snipers! Focus on protecting the fliers," I shouted to them while watching the fliers and the horde of shadows heading toward us at great speed. Then turned toward the unicorns and the two changelings. "Focus on the shields to give the snipers time to take out the soldiers!" After a second of thought, I ran to the edge of the deck, leaned over, and shouted down to the gun deck. "GUN CREW, HOLD YOUR FIRE. THE SHIPS ARE EMPTY. ANYONE WITH RIFLE EXPERIENCE GET YOUR SORRY ASSES UP HERE!" I was hoping beyond hope that at least some of them had rifle experience because this conflict was just shields and rifles now. Making me regret my initial tactic. Both of his ships were slowly descending to the sea below though, so that was something at least.

And right now with just over a hoofball field away, all I could do was watch while gripping the hilt of my sword, ready to draw it if and or when needed. It might be needed because the fliers that were frantically heading for the safety of the ship started flying through the shield and almost crash-landing on the deck. As the two changelings approached the bow of the ship and rifle fire cracked in the air, one by one the four pegasi flew through the ship's shield and either crash-landed on the deck or slowed down enough to land properly. Even over the sounds of the rifle, the roar of the engines, and the rush of the wind, I could hear their frantic grunts of effort to fly faster than the Pony of Shadows that was chasing them. One of the pegasi fliers was able to slow down, turn around in the air, and fly up to the shield. "COME ON SCALEY, GET YOUR ASS IN HERE," the pegasi shouted as the snipers cracked off rounds to the Pony of Shadows to help protect the dragons.

One after another sniper fire cracked through the air at the Pony of Shadows. But they still couldn't get through his shield. I watched the two dragons turn tail and fly for their lives toward the ship with all their might. But now that they weren't using their fire to distract him, he quickly caught up to one of them. It was the female that was lagging behind that got hit with one of his shadow attacks. It was a fast-moving ball of shadow magic that hit her pink body and made her body go stiff. She cried out as if in pain as shadows quickly started engulfing her body with her eyes wide open in mortal terror and horror. "Cinders!" the red dragon called out as he stopped just outside of the shield. Garble I think his name is.

The dragon started to fly out of the shield in an obvious attempt to rescue his fellow dragon. Or at least would have if it wasn't for one of the shield backup unicorns using his magic to hold him back. "Garble, no! She's gone and taken by the shadows! She can't be saved," the unicorn shouted from behind me just as the Pony of Shadows let out a long loud belly laugh. I watched poor Cinders be overcome by the shadows and become a flying shadow zombie. For a couple of seconds, everyone was silent and just staring at him. Most are in shock and fear that what they've heard is actually true. Some in anger and hate. And for a minute or two it was like two fighters squaring off to one another.

Then the Pony of Shadows roared out a battle cry and flew at us, along with his shadow soldiers, including Cinders, with his singular intent to take us over and or kill us. "Reinforce the shield with shadows!" I shouted out the command to the two changelings as the Pony of Shadows and his shadow soldiers quickly approached our ship. Sniper rifles cracked out round after round in the furious attempt to kill them all. And at the speed they're flying at the impact of the shadow soldiers, and not to mention the large Pony of Shadows against the shield, was jarring, to say the least. Right when the Pony of Shadows hit the shield with a loud thud, the ship creaked and groaned because of the jarring stress of sudden deceleration. Everyone on the deck instantly lost balance and was sent rolling forward toward the bow of the ship with startled shouts and cries of alarm. The impact had sent me, Mullet, and the snipers into the ship's railing at the bow of the ship. Thankfully, it was more like a short wall than just a railing for just the purpose of keeping anyone on deck from falling off. As the ship creaked, groaned, and complained from the stresses caused by the Pony of Shadows and the engines, ponies were rolling on the deck as Mullet and I were holding onto the railing just trying to keep standing. But we were safe for the moment.

But as the ship settled and everyone was able to get to their feet again, we all noticed that our shield had many large cracks in it from where the Pony of Shadows had hit it. And that was just after one physical hit without any magical attack. And his shadow soldiers were right behind him. I didn't have to tell the changelings or the unicorns to reinforce the shield because everyone on deck saw how weak the shield was getting.

"Lut, unicorns, help me reinforce the shield," Lux's voice cut through the cacophony of shouts, cries of alarm, the cracks from the rifles, and the creaks and groans of the ship under stress. "Quickly, before it fails." The two changelings were using their wings to get in the air to keep them from rolling across the deck. Just as shots rang out from our two other ships, both of the changelings used their combined magic to reinforce the shield.

And luckily backup was close enough to start helping us out. And just in time, too. Because as the shield hummed as magic began reinforcing it, shots from our other two ships and the snipers from ours began taking out his soldiers. At the same time, the Pony of Shadows attacked our shield with another shadow ball and his shadow soldiers kamikazied themselves against the forward part of the shield.

My head was on a swivel to pay attention to the status of the shield while it received hit after hit from both the Pony of Shadows and his shadow soldiers. Squabble must have had to pull back on the engines because they weren't roaring like they were before. Sounds of rifle fire, shadow soldiers impacting the shield, the Pony of Shadows' angry shouts and roars of rage, and the rifle fire from our two other ships echoed within the shield as the shield itself started groaning under the stress. Impact after impact hit the shield. The unicorns and the changelings were reinforcing the shield as quickly as they could. Just as one crack would start forming a unicorn or one of the changelings would rush over and use their magic to reinforce that part of the shield.

I held onto the hilt of my sword while paying attention to everything around me just in case one of them got through. The deck of the ship was a flurry of activity with the snipers having their rifles on a swivel trying to take out as many of the slow-flying shadow soldiers as they could. Along with the unicorns running around the deck, and the changelings flying around, to seal off another crack that formed. Our two other ships had just started appearing beside us, so they also had joined in trying to eliminate the enemy shadow soldiers.

"Our friends have arrived," one of the unicorns that were rushing from one side of the deck to the other shouted when he spotted the two Equestrian ships pull up alongside us. That got a cheer rising up on deck and that cheer got louder when we started making headway on the shadow soldiers as they were falling from the sky. That meant that the shields, and not to mention the unicorns that were reinforcing it, were under a lot less stress.

And apparently, that was too much for the Pony of Shadows because he let out an angry roar and started attacking all three of our ships at once with his powerful shadow balls. Each impact on our ship hit hard and quickly as cracks in the shield spread out like spiderwebs.

"Squabble! Ahead flank and hard to port! Get us out of here!" I commanded as the engines roared at full power again. Squabble turned the wheel as the ship lurched forward again. The sudden movement startled the ponies on deck some but remained standing and worked through it and kept firing. The ship complained and groaned at the sudden stresses, but it also got the starboard side of the shield, which was largely untouched, now facing the Pony of Shadows. The other two ships got the same idea and started quickly maneuvering around as well. However, the Pony of Shadows was relentless as shadow balls hit us again and again creating cracks after cracks in our shield.

"He's getting through, Captain," Mullet said as he kept firing round after round at the flying shadow soldiers. He had to shout over the almost deafening sounds of the shadow attacks hitting the shield and the creaks and groans of the ship being stressed.

"We can't keep up," one of the unicorns shouted as his horn glowed brightly trying to reinforce the shield. Garble let out a roar of a battle cry and launched himself at the Pony of Shadows, breathing fire the whole way, in vengeance for Cinders.

In response, the Pony of Shadows reared back on his hind legs, let out a cry of anger, and was about to shatter our shield completely with a single strike from his front hooves. But he never got the chance.

From out of seemingly nowhere came an attack that was just one large stream of a blinding bright beam of light as bright as the sun. It shined all around us and hummed with immense power as it seemed to burn away his shadow soldiers like fire burns away wood. The screams of the shadow soldiers, and unfortunately Cinder, seemed to linger in the air as their bodies were burned away to ash before being blown away by the wind. The unicorns and others in the deck cheered at Celestia's attack that quite literally burned away the enemy and left us untouched. As the cheers went up and the shadow soldiers burned away, the Pony of Shadows screamed in pain.

But as the attack ended, all of us noticed a couple of things. One was that the Pony of Shadows was still alive. Groaning in pain with his body smoking like a burning building, but still alive. His body was shaking slightly and he had backed away from the ships as if preparing to attack or prepared to repel one. The second thing we noticed was how Princess Celestia, and another brightly colored female changeling that looked oddly queen-like, appeared on the deck in a bright flash of light. And everyone paused to gaze at the sight of Princess Celestia in battle armor and a battle axe that hovered beside her. I even noticed that the Pony of Shadows had stopped to look at the sight. And by the look on the Pony of Shadow's face, it was a look that he's seen before.

Celestia spread out her wings wide and ignited her horn putting up a shield around all three ships that looked nigh impenetrable. All while her eyes gazed at him with righteous indignation as she slowly walked across the deck toward the bow. "This day will be ours, Pony of Shadows," Celestia called out to her while the other colorful changeling walked beside her. There was something about her that seemed familiar but I couldn't place it until one of the changelings whispered out her name.

"Chrysalis?" Lux asks with his eyes going wide while his head followed her movements as she walked beside Celestia.

When I heard that, my own eyes widened at the sight. Chrysalis was completely different than what I was told about her. And the look in her eyes wasn't what I expected from someone evil and bent on Equestrian domination.

"We shall see, Celestia," the Pony of Shadows growled out to her and prepared an attack. That, again, never came because Emmit's shadow body impacted him with a loud thud and an equally loud grunt from the Pony of Shadows. And they both got sent down toward the sea below.

And the cheers rose up high from all three of our ships.

Let me know what you think about the battle scene because I don't think I'm quite happy with it. It feels a little flat to me. What do you think? Leave a like and a thumbs up or down.