To the North West a thunder crept over the hill side, running down the valley like an earthquake. Horns were sounded, clear and true, for the Crystal Empire had come. The full might of the north had been assembled, five hundred Crystal Guard armed and readied for battle. At their head stood Princess Mi Amore Cadenza in full armour, a glorious sight in the glistening sunlight. To her left and right trotted Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, one was looking far more confident than the other in this situation.

Azzal’s forces were in a small disarray, but the commander had them swiftly organised and assembled before the foot of the mountain, in the shadow of Canterlot. The city was in ruin and would give them no advantage to hold out in. His forces were far more accustomed to open warfare rather than close quarters, simply a trait gained from life in the desert. He was down a hundred from his foes, but the tyrant was confident of victory. He bore into battle his strange array of wargear, leading his force as an inspiring presence.

Cadence was reluctant to take her opponent head on for heavy losses would follow, but Azzal had positioned his forces in such a way that it was her only option. His fight would become one of sheer desperation before the end. Rainbow was eager to get to her friends while Fluttershy, who had little choice but to accompany them, decided it might be best to keep to the rear. Her armour was starting to weigh her down anyway. Azzal Khan took to the skies, flying above the front ranks as he gave his last words of encouragement.

“Soldiers, look how far I have brought you, look how far we have come! Never has our nation seen such hope as now! Victory lies before you, it is yours, take it!”

The short but to the point speech seemed to hold sway, the moral of his troops heightened as the enemy neared their position. The Crystal Guard were better armed and equipped, so they would rely on their sheer skill to bring them through. “Prepare ranks! Spears to the front, unicorns behind! Cast the shields and prepare for the charge!”

Within Canterlot Castle it was another story all together. As the two forces readied for battle, Captain Shining Armour and his troops were preparing for one last stand. Thanks to Twilight's act of skill and bravery the prisoners held within the cavern had escaped, but they were not yet free. Azzal still held the city and all exits were blocked off. They would have to fight their way through, give the civilians time to flee and then join the fray bellow. Shinning wasted no time in organizing is guard, retaking the palace and readying the remaining forces to move out and finish this.

After Twilight shared a tearful group hug with Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, the group set off for Celestia’s Quarters. If Azzal was as cliché as she had predicted he wouldn't have been able to resist sticking her in the highest room of the tallest tower. The stallion seemed to reek of something rather tacky and… odd.

Rarity was not very much enjoying the experience of climbing the stairway. “When I pictured this… I always imagined that… it would be me sitting at the top… awaiting my prince to come to my rescue. This is all… a bit much.”

Applejack, who remained at the front of the group, turned and rolled her eyes at the damsel. “Do Ah have ta carry ya up these stairs or would it be easier ta kick ya up?”

Rarity wasn't very appreciative of the farmpony’s tone, laughing in a sarcastic but exhausted manor. “Oh ha ha, you know full well… I didn't get a wink of sleep last night. We are in the middle… of a bloody war. At least try to be a bit more understanding.”

“Fine then, would ya like me ta kick ya up darling.” Rarity only returned a scowl to Applejack’s smug grin, but both ponies soon returned to their usual playful smirks. “Let me give ya a hoof then.”

“No no no, I’ll be fine darling. I think the least I should be able to do is carry my own weight. But thank you for the offer.”

Twilight and Pinkie exchanged a few confused gazes, the bookworm giving up on any chance of understanding while the other gave them a look that could have been easily captioned with ‘now kiss’.

Soon they found themselves before the broken entrance to Celestia’s Quarters, the door lying in pieces on the polished marble while many of the windows stood shattered. In the centre of the room itself lied Celestia herself, bruised, cut and beaten after her ill experience with Azzal and his troops. At her side crouched Luna, going ahead of the others to find her sister.  She did her best to comfort her, using her magic to slowly fix her open wounds.

The Princess of the Night looked up to the new arrivals with a hollow smile. “It is good to see you alive and well Twilight Sparkle. We have our sister well looked after here.”

Pinkie was holding back as small amount of tears as they looked at Celestia’s condition. Twilight trotted forward and knelt beside Luna as she continued to aid her sister. “Will she be alright?”

Luna gave a slow nod with a bit more confidence. “We are sure. Our sister is many things, but weak is not one of them. Neither are you Twilight. Now you must join the others, end what we have started. I can feel these days drawing to a close and you must be there to see it done.” She turned to face Rarity who was leaning against Applejack for support. “You still bear the Elements of Harmony?”

“Hmm? Oh yes, I do.” She took out from her saddlebags the decorated box containing the sacred tools. “I kept them in case the need should arise. They’re not much use without Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy however.”

“Then you must go and meet them. They fight beside Cadence before the city. Find her and you will find your friends. Good luck to you all, and may the next time we talk be in happier times.”

Twilight and the others bowed, all except Pinkie who seemed far too focussed with the nearby window. “Uh guys, I think we better get down there fast! Shining Armour’s already heading off to join the fight!”

“You’re right Pinkie.” Twilight motioned for them all to depart, all of them following in quick succession and leaving the sisters to their care. “I just hope we aren’t t-“

“Don’t say that!” Pinkie shoved her hoof in Twilight’s mouth. “Have you learned nothing?!”

“Awwght phhine, hiphh it yurr way.”

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