//------------------------------//
// Harmony Restored 
// Story: Rebirth of Harmony 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

       An airship flying banners of the New Lunar Republic glides to a watery landing. The ship continues to a dock lined with griffins wearing heavy, ceremonial armor. Emperor Mordred and Morgan sit away from the landing craft in a covered reception area. The guards surrounding them have glassy expressions and seemingly do not notice a green strand of magic leaving their emperor and flowing into the unicorn’s horn.
        A gangplank lowers from the airship. Royal guards precede the Elements and Trixie as they exit the ship. Morgan releases her spell on Mordred, allowing the griffin to move forward to greet the arrivals.
        ‘Welcome to the Griffin Empire,’ Mordred calls. He motions to his soldiers.
        The griffin soldiers quickly draw concealed weapons, dispatching the pony guards before they can react. Alba and Trixie barely have time to raise shields to block the attack. A large griffin airship flies around the dock, positions itself behind the docked airship, aims a large cannon at the stationary vessel and fires a single energy blast that destroys the pony’s ship. The griffin soldiers surround the Elements and force them forward.
        ‘I hope you will enjoy your stay,’ Mordred adds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        ‘Good luck,’ Corona says as the Elements make their way off the airship with their guards. She turns around. ‘Ready?’
        Technis and Octavia adjust their armor and pull their hoods over their faces.
        ‘We’re all that are left on the ship,’ Octavia reports. ‘Whenever you are ready.’
        Corona nods. She charges and spell and teleports them out of the ship. They reappear on a rooftop dozens of meters away from the docks. The griffin airship fires on and destroys the docked pony airship.
        ‘Let’s hope the queen had insurance on that ship,’ Technis quips.
        Octavia rolls her eyes at her son’s joke. ‘Come on. We have to hurry if we are going to cut them off.’
        The others nod. The ponies climb down from the roof and rush towards the griffin castle.

        Mordred leads a procession through the griffin capital. Behind him, the Elements follow slowly due to the chains around their hooves. The unicorns and alicorns have magic canceling rings on their horns and everypony with wings has them tied down. Armed guards keep a watchful eye on their prisoners, their spears and new laser cannons at the ready.
        All along the streets, griffins come out of their homes and businesses to watch the parade. Parents shield their children, worried about what might happen. Above the procession, griffins armed with cameras film and broadcast the event for the whole world to see.
        ‘The Elements of Harmony, defenders of justice and light of The Republic, brought down by their own hubris, ’ Mordred taunts. ‘So willing were they to bring peace that they walked right into our talons. Peace will be made on our terms now. Terms that will see griffins as equals, if not betters, to their former pony oppressors.’
        ‘We were already equals, Mordred, ’ Helios snorts. ‘My mother never imposed her will on your or your predecessors' rule. Griffins and ponies have always stood shoulder to shoulder. ’
        ‘We were never equals!’ the emperor snaps back. ‘Queen Luna ruled the world from her throne in Canterlot while we were forced to endure hardships on the frontier. If she needed mercenaries to do her dirty work, our kings were expected to lay down their lives at her hooves.’
        ‘Such Loyalty never goes unrewarded,’ Apple Pie huffs. ‘Republic farmers have always been willing to send aid in times of famine.’ He glances at his sister. ‘And our weather ponies always sent rain during droughts.’
        ‘Just creating a system of depen-’
        ‘Bull!’ the stallion shouts. ‘You farmers are some of them best I've seen! I'd trust my farm to the any day! The only thing I've seen holding them back in an oppressive system of bureaucracy keeping them from doing what they love!’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        ‘You tell that asshole!’ Risa yells at her television.
        Pat sighs and tries to calm his wife down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        Mordred marches silently, having given up arguing with his captives. Shaun and Alba hold their heads high, looking as regal as they can. Apple and Helios watch the crowds, giving friendly waves and acknowledgements to griffins vying for attention. Razzly trots alongside Trixie, trying her best not to look too scared. Rainbow yawns and frowns, already bored of having been put on show.
        Suddenly, a ball drops from the sky and rolls towards the bored pegasus. She stops and looks up. A group of young griffins are huddled on a cloud, trying not to be noticed by the guards. Unfortunately, a pair of guards start flying up towards the cloud.
        Rainbow snorts angrily, kicks the ball up, headers it, leaps and delivers a roundhouse kick. The ball shoots upward. It slams into the guards' helmets, distracting them and giving the young griffins time to escape. Rainbow sticks her tongue at her captors as they force her away.
        The procession reaches the edge of the city. As it turns into the lands surrounding the castle, the road becomes uneven as it switches from paved streets to a cobblestone. Razzly trips when her hoof gets caught in a crack.
        ‘Get up,’ her guard growls, poking her in the side with the shaft of his spear. He moves to poke her again, but the spear is caught in an aura of magenta magic. ‘What the?’
        Razzly looks up, glaring at the soldier. ‘Just who the hell do you think I am?’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        ‘My little girl,’ Strawberry breathes, watching the broadcast from the Empire.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        ‘I am the Clever and Spectacular Razzly!’ the filly shouts, standing as tall as she can. ‘If you touch me again, you'll be in for a world of pain! Am I making myself clear?’
        The guard rolls his eyes. ‘Just move along. You're holding everyone up.’
        Razzly snorts and trots away with her nose up. Trixie cannot contain snicks at the filly's behavior.
        Mordred stops when they reach the castle. Soldiers line the battlements, many armed with their new laser cannons. The number of troops on the ground doubles as Mordred steps up to the main door. The additional troops herd the ponies in as they trot forward.
        ‘Welcome back to my castle, ’ Mordred states. ‘You'll be staying here until your usefulness has run out.’
        Alba takes a step forward. ‘This is your last chance, Mordred. Free us or face the consequences.’
        The emperor shakes his head. ‘You truly are a fool for not realizing how much trouble you're in.’
‘My mother will make it rain brimstone from the heavens,’ the filly counters. ‘Your days are numbered.’
Mordred scoffs. ‘You believe the myths about your mother a little too much. I am secure in my position.’
        An officer hurries out of the castle.
        ‘And I can say the same to you.’
        Before Mordred can retort, the officer leans in and whispers something. Mordred roars in rage. He turns and marches into the castle. ‘Excuse me. It seems your mother wishes to speak with me.’ He turns to the guards. ‘Take them to the dungeon. Let them get "comfortable" in their new home.’
        The guards force the Elements inside. Morgan watches for a moment, grinning evilly, a fang peeking from under her lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        Mordred takes a seat in his war room. He nods to an officer who presses a button. ‘Queen Luna. What do I owe the honor?’ he states calmly.
        `You had your fun, Mordred,` Luna replies over the radio. `Let the Elements go and step down or I'm going to wipe your country off the map.`
        ‘Such harsh words. Are you sure we can't negot-’
        An alarm sounds.
        ‘Your highness, we're detecting a Republic airfleet off of Aerieland.’
        ‘Naturally. They would want to try backing up their thre-’
        Another alarm sounds.
        ‘We're detecting another fleet.’
        ‘Launch our air force,’ Mordred hisses.
        The alarms sound again.
        ‘How many fleets did they send at us!’
        The officers check their reports. None of them want to answer.
        ‘Okay,’ the emperor groans. ‘They have a lot of ships. We can match them in number and firepower with our new weapons. Deploy everything we have. Show them we're not to be trifled with!’
        The officers start issuing orders. The roar of launching airships can be heard from inside the castle.
        A guard approaches Mordred. ‘We should move you to a secure location.’ The emperor glares and growls at the soldier. ‘Just in case. Y-you can still run operations from a safe location.’
        Mordred sighs and lets himself be lead away.

        Across the Griffin Empire, airships of all types launch. Simple balloon-lifted airships activate their engines, steam, magic or otherwise, to power their propellers. Massive airships lifted by giant fans rise from the ocean. Every ship is armed with the latest weapons, ranging from projectile launchers to a few scaled-up laser cannons. On their decks, armored griffins stretch and prepare their firearms, many with the laser cannons, for the upcoming battle. The griffin fleets head toward their western border, with a few staying back to guard the mainland.
        A massive armada waits for the griffin air force. What the pony fleets lack in number of ships, they make up for in size. Three enormous carriers, each with a small fleet of smaller airships on deck, float in the center of their individual task forces with battleships and point defense ships at the ready. Pegasi and bat ponies give their arms a final check.
        On board one of the carriers, Luna watches the griffin fleet approach. ‘Why do they always choose to fight?’ the queen sighs. ‘This is Queen Luna on the Airship Celestia. All groups report in.’
…
        ‘King James on the Sparkle,’ James replies, spinning in his command chair. ‘We're ready when you are.’
…
        A pinto earth pony stallion wearing an eye patch stands on the bridge of an airship. ‘General Pip, reporting in. The Shining Armor and our group are ready, my queen.’
…
        Luna nods in acknowledgement.
        `I thought I was the only one allowed to kiss my wife's plot,` James comments.
        `I-I was just following standard protocol,` Pip protests.
        `Is that what kids are calling it these days.`
        Luna facehoofs. ‘Our children are captives of a psychotic madman, and James embarrasses me in front of the whole fleet.’
        `Not the whole fleet,` her husband replies. `We're still missing... Ah! There she is.`
…
        Another carrier group joins the other three. An unusual figurehead stands at the end of the carrier.
        ‘R-Regent Sombra and the Cadance carrier group, reporting in,’ the unicorn stammers.
        ‘Sorry we're late. I had a hard time finding your special guest.’
        `You actually found him?`Luna asks.
…
        Discord adjusts a headset as he sits on the end of the carrier Cadance. ‘I'm here, my queen. My better judgment tells me to stay away, but I'll be damned if I'll let those weapons of war harm another pony.’
…
        `Thanks for your assistance,` James states.
        Luna nods. ‘We are in your debt, Discord.’
        `Spare me,` Discord snorts. `Just give me the signal to unleash the chaos of war.`
        `The what?` Pip asks.
        `Chaos [chows] is a perfectly cromulent word,` James argues.
        Sombra snickers over the line.
        Luna groans, ‘Children. I'm surrounded by children. ’ She shakes her head. ‘Begin the attack and send a message to the rebel leaders. Disable as many ships a you can,’ she orders. ‘We want to weaken them,not slaughter them.’
…
        The pony fleet begins advancing. Discord flies from his perch to attack the griffin vessels.

        Armed guards lead the Elements through the narrow halls towards the dungeon. Alba lets out a loud sigh.
        ‘If you let's us go now, you can keep on living,’ the princess sighs.
        ‘Shut u-’ a guard starts before a figure drops from the ceiling and lands on him.
        Another white-hooded figure drops down behind the group. Octavia and Technis quickly dispatch the griffins using their hidden blades. In a matter of seconds, the guards are a bloody mess on the floor.
        ‘I gave them a chance,’ Alba snorts.
        Helios groans, rolling his eyes, ‘Yes, real Element of Friendship.’
        Technis removes the Elements' restraints while Octavia clears the halls. Alba and Trixie test their magics once their horns are free. Rainbow stretches her wing.
        Octavia returns to the group. ‘The coast is clear. You have a straight shot back to the entrance.’
        ‘Corona should be there with support,’ Technis adds. ‘She went to gather the rebels after dropping us off.’
        Alba stretches her wings a bit. ‘Good. If Mordred has to deal with mom's assault and a rebel raid at the same time, he should be easy to get to.’
        Shaun nods and pats Helios on the side. ‘That's our job. Let's get going since it will take some time to sneak around, even with the secret passages.’
        ‘Good idea. The sooner this is over, the better,’ Alba states, heading towards the dungeon.
        ‘Alba, where are you going?’ Trixie asks.
        The princess looks back. ‘Dad told me there was something for me to see in the dungeon and Morgan's lab. I'm going to check it out and free any prisoners I find.’ She looks at her friends and family. ‘I'll be quick and teleport out. I promise.’
        Razzly gives her friend a brief hug. ‘I trust you. Just be safe.’
        ‘I will.’ Alba gallops off to see what she can find.
        Trixie pulls Razzly to her. ‘Come on. Let's get to safety.’
        Apple Pie pats the filly's back. ‘Don't worry. I'll protect you.’
        Razzly nods in thanks. Trixie and Apple lead Rainbow and Razzly back to the entrance. Octavia and Shaun take the lead as they head to find Mordred. Helios lingers for a moment before following after them.

        The Republic air force slowly pushes the Empire's forces back. Every carrier group has disabled many griffin ships. Except for one group. The Cadance-backed fleet is struggling to maintain its gains.
        Sombra gives some hasty, nervous orders to her officers. The ship's communication system crackles on.
        `Sombra! What is going on over there?` Luna demands.
        ‘S-sorry, Queen Luna,’ the unicorn stammers. ‘I-I'm having a little trouble here.’
        `I'll say. Get your act together!`
        ‘Y-yes m-’
        `Sombra,` James interrupts. `Calm down. Think for a moment. This is just like StarCraft, except we're the ones with the Zerg on our side. Got it?`
        ‘St-StarCraft?’ Sombra takes a breath and slowly looks around the bridge. She starts seeing it in a new light. She calmly repositions herself in her command chair. ‘I can handle this.’
        The Cadance carrier group redeploys itself. The fleet quickly regains its ground and advances. In the middle of their counterattack, one of their ships is shot out of the sky with a single shot. The pony forces try to swarm the griffin vessel that made the shot before its laser cannon can recharge. More pony ships are shot down in the exchange.
        James leans back in his command chair. ‘Order the fleet back. Move the Sparkle forward. Draw their fire.’
        An officer turns back. ‘But with that firepower, we won't last long against those lasers.’
        James waves a hoof calmly. ‘You will trust my judgment.’
        The officer takes a nervous breath and starts issuing orders.
        The point defense ships guarding the Sparkle pull back. The larger ship creeps forward. Anticipating weakness, griffin cruisers move in. They aim their lasers and fire. A number of shots are absorbed by an energy shield. The few that get through are deflected by the armor.
        James smirks. ‘Time Lord tech can easily defeat those Dalek knockoffs. Contact Luna. Tell her I set them up for her.’
…
        Luna's communication officer relays a message to her.
        ‘Well, he did do just that,’ the queen comments. ‘Contact Majora Unit,’ she commands. ‘Tell them it is time for Operation Moonfall. And get our ships out of the area.’
        The Republic fleets pull back. The Empire regroups and advances. Suddenly, there is a glint from the upper atmosphere. A meteor streaks out of the sky and shoots through a griffin airship. More glints appear as the Empire's fleet is caught in a meteor shower. They break formation and fall back. The meteors stop as the Empire retreats. The Republic presses forward.
        ‘Send a message to Majora Unit,’ Luna says. ‘Tell them Operation Moonfall was a success and to give their railguns a rest. We might need them later.’

        A trio of griffins fly in close formation over the castle. A black-feathered griffin with a green and gold checkered pattern painted on him leads them. They weave through the battlements, dodging incoming fire from soldiers in front of them and from an airship hovering above. The griffins aim their lances as they rush the guards. They hook the castle's defenders and flip them from the wall. The trio banks away swiftly to dodge a volley from above. They swoop into a nearby grove and land near a group of griffins. Corona trots among them, tending their wounds.
        ‘We can't do much with that airship overhead,’ the black griffin reports. ‘There is no way we can take the castle without taking that down first. We're lucky the 'Emperor' likes hunting game, so we're safe here. For now.’
        A griffin in armor shakes his head. ‘With their new weapons, we'd get cut to pieces in the crossfire from the castle. We have to hold them off until our laser units arrive.’
        ‘Can't the pony just teleport them here like she did with us?’ another griffin asks.
        Corona looks up from her work. ‘Unless they are coming from close by or you have some magic-rich foods, I can't help there.’ She looks at the castle. ‘Don't worry. My cousins are in there. They'll help us out.’
        ‘Aren't we supposed to be the ones saving them?’
        The unicorn smirks. ‘You're here to retake your nation. We're just going to provide you the keys to the door.’
        ‘A door? Out here?’ the armored griffin scoffs.
        A loud crash comes from the castle wall. Guards squawk and scramble from the ramparts above. The rebels head to the edge of the forest.
        ‘Look at the size of that thing,’ the black griffin comments, gaping at the massive, crumbling hole in the castle wall.
        The smoke and dust slowly clear from the newly made exit.
        ‘Told you there was a door,’ Apple Pie snorts.
        Trixie rolls her eyes. ‘Yes. Very good. Let's get out of here before the whole garrison arrives.’
        ‘Hey, Sunny!’ Rainbow calls, flying towards the hole.
        ‘Stop!’ Corona yells. She points up. ‘Watch out for death from above.’
        Rainbow frowns. She pokes her brother and points at the airship.
        ‘What do you want me to do about it?’ he complains. ‘I'm an earth pony. ’
        ‘You can throw a rock at it.’ She looks at Corona's escorts. ‘Actually, I think they are griffins.’
        Apple groans at the joke. He turns to the griffins. ‘Let me guess, they have those lasers.’ They nod. ‘Okay. I figured out a way to handle those.’
        Apple stands on his hind legs and plants his hooves. He focuses his energy then swiftly raises his forelegs above him. Two walls of earth rise from the castle to the forest and meet to form a tunnel. The airship tries breaking through, but the earth and stone absorb the attacks. Apple guides the group forward to meet Corona and the griffins coming to meet them.
        ‘That's... amazing!’ gapes one of the griffins.
        ‘Are you all right? Where is everypony?’ Corona asks.
        ‘Helios and the prince are going after Mordred,’ Apple replies. ‘Alba is doing something stupid, and those two...’
        Apple looks back. Trixie helps Razzly carry wounded griffins into the tunnel.
        ‘A little help!’ the filly snaps.
        The black griffin and his wingmates step forward, but the armored griffin stops them. ‘Sir, they're our brothers. No matter how this conflict ends, I want to see as few griffins killed as possible.’
        The armored griffin nods. ‘Agreed, but at least wait a moment for the medical unit to arrive.’
        The warriors escort the arriving medical unit forward. They take up a position inside the castle while the medics tend to the wounded.
        ‘Rest here,’ the armored griffin offers. ‘We'll take it from here and send any wounded your way.’
        ‘Thank you for your help,’ Trixie replies. She nudges Razzly.
        ‘Just don't kill anypony or you'll have to answer to me,’ the filly threatens.
        The commander nods and starts organizing his troops to seize the castle.

        Alba peeks around the walls surrounding the bottom of a stairwell. The stone structure of the castle has given way to more metallic materials as she entered the laboratory. There are very few guards around, which puts the princess' mind at ease. She steps into the corridor to get her bearings, failing to notice the security camera above her. Thankfully, the laboratory has a large sign and directory right at the entrance. Alba notes where the dungeon facilities are and gallops off in that direction.

        A wall panel opens slightly in an empty sitting room. After a brief pause, it fully opens and Octavia steps out. She motions for the others to follow her. Shaun takes a moment to determine their location.
        ‘We're a couple floors down,’ the griffin reports, ‘but the only passages that go higher are direct exit routes.’
        Technis pats Shaun on the back. ‘Don't worry. We're with you. We'll get you to Mordred safely.’
        Octavia peers out the door. ‘That's a matter of opinion.’
        ‘How bad is it?’ Helios asks.
        ‘Since we started near the garrison, we ended up deeper in the command structure, the most heavily guarded part of the base,’ the assassin replies. ‘Thanks to our distractions in the air and outside, everypony here is on high alert.’
        Helios and Shaun look dejected.
        Technis nods. ‘I'll take the twenty on the left. You take the twenty on the right.’
        ‘My thoughts exactly,’ his mother agrees. She turns to the princes. ‘Wait here. Come out once the screaming ends.’
        The princes remain as the assassins slip out of the room. There are screams and clashes of blades outside.
        ‘So...’ Shaun says. ‘He's your older brother, right.’
        ‘That's what they tell me.’
        ‘I guess pranking him was really tough growing up.’
        Helios sighs. ‘I met him the same day you did.’
        There is a loud thump on the door followed by a bloodstained blade piercing the wood.
        Shaun takes a breath. ‘I stand by my bad attempt at humor.’
        The blade retracts, and the door opens. Technis holds the door open for the princes. ‘Watch your step,’ the unicorn says. ‘Floor's a little sticky.’
        They step out into a hallway filled with griffin corpses. They are careful to step around the bodies as Technis leads them to a safe area.
        Technis points. ‘Main castle is that way. Stick to the side passages to avoid being caught when the guards come this direction.’
        ‘Why would they be coming this direction?’ Shaun asks.
        An alarm sounds.
        ‘Because mom and I are drawing them here. Go!’
        Shaun runs away as fast as he can. Technis turns and gallops to meet up with his mom. Helios waits a second before heading after Shaun.

         Mordred sits in a secure office, surrounded by officers. He watches a projection of the air battle unfold. Red dots fill the sky as blue dots slowly creep backwards. The land and sea around Aerieland is covered in blue dots and a few red. More blue dots fly up from Eagleland to join the battle.
        The emperor growls and leans back. ‘Can anything else go wrong?’
        An officer checks a tablet for the latest reports. ‘The Elements broke free and one literally punched a hole in a wall and rebels have entered the castle.’
        Mordred snarls.
        ‘O-on the plus side, they and the rebels are tending our wounded too. That saves our resources.’ He scrolls to the next report while Mordred rolls his eyes. ‘An alarm sounded in the garrison, near the operations room. Troops have been rerouted to defend the area while the generals evacuate.’
        ‘Reinforce the decoy safe rooms,’ Mordred orders. ‘That should divide their attention and thin their numbers while they try to find us.’
        ‘Yes, sir.’ The officer pulls up the next report. ‘The pony princess split from the others. Security spotted her heading to the labs and dungeon, but Miss Morgan ordered our soldiers from the area.’
        Mordred winces and holds his temple. ‘No. Let her be. Morgan can handle her.’ He looks at the map again. ‘Call up our reserve fleets from our western airspace. Contact King Orion for his fleets. Send everything we have at the Republic forces.’
        The officer nods. ‘Right away.’
…
        A heavyset griffin with red-brown feathers and light brown fur paces the command deck of his airship. The skies around the vessel are clear. The rest of the fleet can be seen, also in a state of rest. A NCO runs up with a message.
        ‘About time,’ the commanding officer grumbles. ‘We'll finally see some action, instead of sitting on our tails, pretending the Thestrals may attack.’ He stands to address his crew. ‘Fire up the engines! Set course for Aerieland! This is for the homeland!’
        Before and of the griffins can carry out the order, there is a loud thump and the ship rocks.
        ‘What was that?’
        ‘All systems show normal,’ a conn officer reports. ‘Probably a gust of wind.’
        ‘Very well. Continue with your orders.’
        There is a red flash behind the commander. ‘I wouldn't do that if I were you.’
        The griffin commander turns to face a tall, thin black horse with large leathery wings and pale eyes outlined with thick makeup. King Osiris wears ornate, jet black armor with a shining red jewel on the breast.
        ‘Who do you think you are?’ the griffin commander scoffs.
        Osiris glares down at the griffin. ‘I am King Osiris of the Thestral Empire. I am claiming this ship and the rest of the fleet until the end of your conflict with the Republic.’
        The griffin commander puffs out his chest. ‘Oh yeah? You and what army?’
        Osiris glares and taps the side of his helmet. ‘Decloak.’
        Across the command deck and around the the ship, red flashes appear. Thestrals emerge from the flashes, one hoof on the jewels on their armor, the other aiming weapons at the griffins. Red flashes fill every ship in the fleet.
        The griffin commander assesses his predicament. ‘Good army,’ he says, surrendering his command.
…
        ‘Um, Emperor,’ an officer says, flinching. ‘There is a small problem with our reserve fleet...’
        ‘What is it?’ Mordred hisses.
        ‘It seems it has been seized by King Osiris.’
        ‘Bloody bastard!’ the emperor roars. ‘He always takes the pony's side. At least we're getting support from Orion and Deerope.’ The officer does not respond. ‘Right?’
        ‘Well, uh, there is a slight problem with that...’
…
        A blue-grey siren with similar-colored hair containing dark blue stripes sits at the center of a harbor singing. On the ships, deer sailors and marines fight amongst themselves. None of them notice sea ponies lashing their ships with heavy lines.
…
        Mordred covers his face with a talon. ‘So Princess Dusk sided with the sea ponies over her own kind.’
        The officer nods. ‘And her song fed the heated emotions of the deer, turning them on each other.’
        ‘What about their southern fleet!’
…
        On the shore of a beach, Fleur-de-Lis is doing a strange dance and singing an odd chant. Beside her, dozens of Zebra dance and sing as well. More Zebra and several Saddle Arabians join in with drums and other musical instruments.
        Contrasting the musical atmosphere on the beach, the ocean is churning and frothing up a literal storm. The magic from the spell cast by the Zebra shamans has brewed up a massive squall which is heading further away from the coast and out to sea.
…
        Mordred holds his head in both talons. ‘Bloody Zebra shamans and their bloody magic covering an entire bloody continent with a bloody hurricane.’
        ‘I do have some good news,’ the officer speaks up.
        The emperor glares at his subordinate.
        ‘I just saved a bunch of money by...’
        ‘Finish that joke and I'll behead you myself, ’ the emperor snarls, rising. ‘I'll be in the throne room.’
        ‘But sire...’
        ‘I'll be in the throne room. Do not concern yourself with my affairs. Just find a way to save the Empire. Fight to the last griffin if we have to, or it won't be the only thing to fall today.’ Mordred marches out of the room, flanked by his guards.
        The officer takes a deep breath and looks back at the war map. ‘I really did save money, though...’

        James watches the battle in front of him from the bridge of the Carrier Sparkle. He sighs as another griffin ship armed with the modified Dalek laser fires a volley. The ship rocks a bit as pegasi, bat ponies and boarding vessels swarm the attacker.
        An officer approaches the king. ‘Sir, despite the resistance we've been showing so far, the shields and armor won't hold up to too many more shots. We need time to recharge and repair.’
James nods. ‘Very well. Pull back, but order our point defense ships to be extra alert. We have them on the ropes, but they can still inflict heavy damage.’
        ‘Yes, sir.’
        The Sparkle starts pulling back. Smaller ships quickly move to fill the gap, but several griffin ships slip past and rush the carrier. They each train Dalek-based cannons on the larger vessel. Before they fire, a Republic battleship swoops in and intercepts the attack. The battleship gets many pieces, including the main engine, shot out by the time the assault is finished. The battleship falls from the sky while Republic vessels rush to its aid and to drive back the attackers.
        ‘What ship was that?’ James asks.
        ‘It was the Fluttershy,’ the captain reports back.
        ‘Even in death, she still protects me...’
        The Fluttershy plummets towards the ocean below. Suddenly, a bubble appears around the damaged ship. Its fall slows, and it gently bounces on the surface of the water. A figure shoots from above the wreckage.
        ‘That was Fluttershy. Nopony hurts Fluttershy!’ Discord bellows.
        The god of chaos flies straight to one of the griffin ships that damaged the Fluttershy. He lands on deck, indenting the surface. Griffins surround Discord. Some level personal laser cannons at the draconequus.
        ‘The last time I was shot with one of those,’ Discord snarls, ‘I became the creature you see before you. What do you think I'll become next?’
        The griffins look at each other. They set down their weapons and back away.
        Discord crushes one of the laser cannons under his foot. ‘Smart move. Now, land this ship and stay out of the fight or you're each going to deal with me personally.’
        The griffins nod and rush off to complete their surrender. Discord flies off to the next ship.
        Luna watches Discord's actions from the Carrier Celestia. She takes a deep breath and stands. ‘Prepare a transmission for open broadcast to the Griffin Empire, on all their channels.’
The communications officer taps a few buttons then nods to the queen.
        ‘Citizens and warriors of the Griffin Empire. I am Queen Luna of the New Lunar Republic,’ Luna states. ‘The time has come to end this conflict between our nations and within your own. We are calling on all changelings within the Empire to stand up for your nation.’
        Chrysalis steps beside Luna. ‘This is Queen Chrysalis. Prince Shaun is willing to offer amnesty and full citizenship to all changelings in the Empire. If you join my hive as well, I am offering a way for you to coexist peacefully without the need to feed on the emotions of others.’
‘Please,’ Luna pleads. ‘Changelings, rise up and support the rebels. Don't do it for us. Do it for yourself and your homeland. Rise up for the Empire!’
        Luna sits back in her command chair with Chrysalis standing beside her. They watch the battle continue and wait for a reaction.
…
        Aboard a griffin ship, the crew is uncertain how to react to Luna's message. Some of the griffins look at each other nervously to see if one of their crewmates are a changeling. A few griffins exchange looks. They release a burst of energy as they drop their disguises. The changelings rush the bridge while the remaining griffins are confused.
…
        On the bridge of the Celestia, Luna smiles as opposing ships turn on their allies or break from the battle.

        Apple Pie uses his earth manipulation powers to raise another wall to shield the rebels entering the castle as the airship chips away the current wall. Once the wall is in place, the airship's guns stop. A moment later, there are screams as griffins are thrown from the ship. Rainbow dashes through the sky and catches them before they can get hurt. From the ship, changelings look over the side and wave down at their new allies.
        ‘That was a waste of effort,’ Apple grumbles.
        His sister flies down and hugs him. ‘I think it was worth it.’
        Apple smiles and returns the hug.
…
        There is chaos in the Empire's war room. The top commanders have to wrestle a general from the communication systems before he can issue a surrender. The griffins overpower the general. He releases a burst of magic and sprints from the war room in his changeling form.

        Deep in the castle, Alba calmly explores the laboratory. All of the staff have evacuated, leaving their experiments and notes to be picked over. The princess makes her way towards a magical source she detected. She finds Morgan in a room filled with spectrometers, particle detectors and other high tech equipment. The unicorn holds something in front of her that Alba cannot see.
        ‘About time you arrive, princess,’ Morgan calmly states.
        Alba looks around cautiously. ‘Yeah... What's going on here? Why are we the only ones here?’
        ‘Because I wanted to see you alone,’ Morgan replies, sealing the door with her magic.
        ‘Well, I'm here.’
        ‘Yes, you are, but not for long.’ The unicorn looks back and grins, revealing many sharp fangs.
        Alba watches her carefully. ‘So, you're not really an unicorn. I thought your magical aura seemed different. What are you? What do you have there? I am prepared to counter your new weapons in an instant.’
        ‘Oh, it is nothing.’ Morgan tosses a midnight blue horn to the princess' hooves. ‘Just some leftovers from the last pony I met like this. I'm hoping you'll be more satisfying.’
Alba rolls her eyes. ‘Intimidating. Can I go now or do I have to fight you? Either way, you're ending up in a Republic prison.'
        ‘I think you'll stay.’ Magic swirls around the unicorn. She becomes taller, skinnier. Her fur becomes a dark skin. A light orange chitin appears on her back. Her horn becomes longer and twisted through her scraggly yellow hair. ‘Behold your new queen.’
        ‘Yay. A changeling,’ Alba sighs. ‘We're friends now, you know?’
        ‘We will never be friends!’ the queen bellows. ‘Your mother stole my kingdom. And Chrysalis...’ She screams. ‘I will never forgive that traitor Chrysalis! First, she abandons me in the Crystal Empire, leaving my forces to be slaughtered by your mother. Now she allies herself with my sworn enemy. I will deal with her after I take care of you.’
        Alba studies the changeling carefully. ‘Crystal Empire... You can't be Naiad.’
        ‘In the flesh,’ Naiad proudly proclaims, posing.
        ‘You can't be. You're dead.’
        ‘Reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated. Though I did barely get out of Ponyville.’
        Alba glares at Naiad, snarling slightly. ‘What?’
        Naiad paces around the room. ‘After the Crystal Empire, I was a queen without a hive. I wandered aimlessly, draining any pony I could find, plotting my revenge. I tried raising armies and inciting rebellions, but your mother's influence was too damn strong. When that wedding rolled around, I had the perfect opportunity. An operative of mine had given me a communication device that allowed me to summon those aliens.’
        Alba stares at the ground, shaking. She is doing everything in her power not to let her anger take over, but her coat and wings are starting to turn dark. ‘You called the Daleks? You had them attack my father's wedding?’
        Naiad smirks. ‘Worked out better than I thought. It would have been better if at least one of your parents died, but there was enough leftover scrap for me to start over here. Just needed to push that moron Mordred to kill his brother and his family, institute massive militarization and invest in alien technology confiscated from the rubble of that disgusting little town, and here we are today.’ She scowls. ‘Looks like your mother is, once again, ruining my plans, but at least I can slaughter her baby daughter, so it all works out in the end.’
        Alba's rage starts boiling over. ‘You killed them... You killed Twilight Sparkle... You killed my dad... You created Discord... You made my dad miserable every day since then...’
        ‘When you put it like that, you make me sound like some sort of monster.’
        ‘You are a monster!’ Alba's anger explodes. Dark magic surrounds her. She becomes taller. Her coat and wings becomes dark purple while her mane and tail become longer and gain ethereal properties. Dark auras surround her eyes. ‘And I am going to be the one to slay you.’
        ‘Big words coming from a small pri-’
        A massive blast of magic sends Naiad crashing through several walls and ending up under a pile of rubble and destroyed equipment. Alba teleports over, her eyes and horn glowing with dark energy.

        Shaun runs through the halls of the castle. Guards chase after the prince, weapons drawn. The prince rounds a corner and leaps over another set of guards.
        ‘Duck!’
        Shaun gives an odd-sounding squawk as he ducks under Technis. The unicorn leaps from a side room. He tackles a guard into a wall and turns back, sword drawn. The assassin stays to fight while Shaun runs forward. He slips into a stairwell and quickly ascends to the next floor. He charges for the throne room, but a squad of guards block his path. Shaun stops again as their captain approaches.
        ‘Surrender, boy,’ the captain offers. ‘You had your fun, now give up.’
        Shaun looks around and pulls a sword off the wall. ‘Have you forgotten that before I left, I was trained in sword fighting? ’
        ‘I remember,’ the captain replies. ‘I trained you. You were horrible.’
        ‘I know, but I was good at running.’
        Shaun tosses the sword at the captain and runs down a side hall. The captain catches the thrown weapon and sets it aside. He leads his troops after the prince. A few seconds later, Shaun sneaks out of the hidden passage he entered. With the coast clear, he heads back to the throne room. He lines himself up and rushes at the doors. The sudden opening knocks back the guards at the entrance as Shaun busts to the throne room. More guards charge the intruder with weapons drawn. Shaun dodges one, catches another and throws him into a squad mate. Guards further down the throne room ready firearms. Technis crashes through a side window, taking out one guard. He throws a dagger at another before standing on his hind legs, pointing his hidden blades and casting a spell, using the blades to arc lightning at the remaining guards. He tosses a sword to Shaun as the prince marches to the throne. Mordred remains seated, calmly watching the fighting in front of him.
        ‘It is over, Mordred,’ Shaun declares. ‘We're here to bring your reign to an end.’
        Mordred stands, removes his crown, sets it on his throne. ‘Very well. You win.’
        ‘Huh?’ Shaun is shocked and a little confused. ‘That's it? No final battle?’
        ‘I know when I am beat.’
        ‘Can I at least bash your beak in a little?’
        ‘You'll have to catch me first.’
        Mordred knocks his throne over, sending it crashing at Shaun. Before Shaun or Technis can catch him, Mordred opens a secret passage.
        ‘Did you really think I didn't know about these?’ Mordred taunts, closing the door behind him.
        Shaun and Technis try finding the switch to open the passage. Technis even tries casting a spell on the wall. There is a commotion behind them. More guards have arrived. Some help their injured allies. Most advance with swords and firearms ready. Technis draws his blades and charges them with magic lightning. Shaun calmly picks up the crown from where Mordred dropped it.
        ‘Mordred has abdicated,’ Shaun states. ‘I am next in line, so...’
        The guards look at each other then bow.
        ‘Long live King Shaun!’ one calls.
        ‘I'm never going to get used to that,’ Shaun mutters. He shakes off his unease. ‘Signal the troops to stand down. Contact Queen Luna. Tell her we surrender unconditionally.’
        An officer rushes off with the orders.
        ‘Surrender isn't the best first command for a new king,’ the king sighs.
        ‘If you could have picked something else, what would it be?’ Technis asks.
        Shaun shrugs. ‘I could really go for some pie right now.’ He turns to his friend. He puts a talon on Technis' shoulder. ‘Hey. I'm really sorry. She was...’
        Technis nods and wipes his face. ‘Thanks, but you have more important things to worry about.’
        Shaun takes a deep breath and turns to address the griffins gathering in the throne room.
…
        Mordred makes his way through a narrow passageway. He activities a trap, collapsing a section of tunnel behind him.
        ‘Bloody traitors. Bloody Empire. Good thing I stashed all that money and maintained alliances with those pirates. They haven't seen the last of me!’
        There is a dark blue flash in front of the griffin. ‘Or maybe they have,’ Helios says, stepping out of the shadows.
        ‘Just the pony prince.’ Mordred draws a dagger. ‘Get out of my way before I am forced to use this.’
        Helios sends magic blasts down all the visible tunnels, causing blasts and collapsing them. ‘I think you forgot I can do that.’ He takes a step forward. ‘You're mine now.’
        Mordred holds the dagger forward. ‘You'll never take me alive!’
        The prince uses his magic to disarm the former emperor. ‘That was never part of the plan.’ He shrugs. ‘Well, at it wasn't in my plan.’
        ‘Your plan?’ Mordred laughs. ‘I've read the intelligence on all of you. Your Kindness. You are too nice to hurt me. What is your plan? Leave me here until I starve? I know these tunnels better than you think. I'll find a way out long before then.’
        ‘Actually, I was thinking quite the opposite of starving,’ Helios corrects. ‘I was thinking of a meal. A big, fat, emperor-sized meal.’ Before Mordred can argue, he interrupts, ‘But not for me. For my friend here.’
        Helios steps aside to reveal a gaunt changeling. The changeling stares at Mordred and licks his lips.
        ‘None of Chrysalis' changelings will harm me. They are as weak as you.’
        ‘He's not one of Chrysalis'... yet. See, you had him trapped in your zoo, like an animal. I offered him a deal. I get him out and he joins Chrysalis after he does one thing for me.’
        ‘No. You wouldn't.’
        Helios looks down at the changeling then glances at Mordred. ‘Eat up,’ he offers.
        The changeling advances on the griffin, baring his fangs and readying his magic. Helios calmly watches as the changeling has his first filling meal in ages.

        Helios teleports outside of the griffin castle. The griffins are celebrating the end of the war. Rebels and loyalists share drinks, sing songs and reunite. Trixie shares stories with commanders from both sides. Rainbow dashes back and forth between the castle and city, getting supplies and drinks for the party. The prince trots up to where Apple and Razzly are sitting and joins them.
        ‘So, what'd I miss?’
        Apple looks at his little brother. ‘You were in there with the new king. You know what happened. Speaking of, when are he and Technis joining us? Rainbow is getting antsy to see if her "sexy brother" is safe.’
        Corona staggers over, levitating a bottle. ‘She ain't the only one! I want celebrate by doing all sorts of things to his body.’ She collapses at her cousin's hooves. ‘Sorry. This stuff is great. I LOVE griffins!’
        Helios takes the bottle from her. ‘And that is why we wait until we're old enough... Anyway! They'll be along soon. Shaun has a few new duties.’
        ‘Where's Alba?’ Razzly asks. ‘Wasn't she with you?’
        A giant blast of magic shoots out from the cliff below the castle. When it passes, Alba stands at the rim of the newly created crater. She takes some deep breaths as the rest of the dark energies surrounding her dissipate. Once they are gone, she spreads her wings and flies over to her friends.
        ‘So, did we win?’ the princess asks, smiling happily.

        Back in Canterlot, Luna and Shaun give a press conference after signing new peace accords. They address as many issues between the Republic, the Empire and other nations as they can. Present, but away from the conference, the rest of the Elements watch the show. Rainbow sleeps on her big brother's shoulder. Razzly slumps over, bored. Only Helios and Alba still sit at attention, being used to formal occasions.
        Helios applauds a statement. ‘So, how long do you think this peace will last?’
        ‘Shaun's a good guy. He'll be our ally until the end of the universe.’ She turns her nose up. ‘At least, until I save it of course.’
        Her brother rolls his eyes. ‘Of course.’ There is a brief pause. ‘I was reading some of the reports from the relief efforts. They were investigating the damage you caused.’
        ‘Find anything interesting?’
        ‘Not in the immediate area, but they did find the corpse of a changeling queen out at sea. It was missing a leg, its horn was broken and there was massive magical damage covering the body.’
        ‘That is interesting,’ Alba agrees.
        ‘Strange too since griffins don't use magic and there are no known queens in that area.’
Alba nods. ‘Yes. Very strange indeed.’ She claps for an announcement. ‘I wonder what happened to Mordred.’
        ‘Probably just got eaten up by the world he created.’
        ‘Again, interesting.’
        The siblings applaud. Rainbow slips off Apple's shoulder, but he catches her.

        At another press conference, Technis paces backstage. He is stopped when Corona hugs him.
        ‘I'm here for you. Don't ever forget that.’
        Technis regains his trademark grin. ‘I love you so much.’
        ‘I love you too.’ She gives him a kiss. ‘I think they are calling for you.’
        Technis smiles and heads on stage. The gathered crowd cheers for the idol. A 'Synth Tech' chant gets started by some of his fans. Technis gets to the microphone and motions for calm.
        ‘I wish this were a new album or tour announcement, but it is, sadly, the exact opposite.’ Technis takes a deep breath. ‘As of now, I am temporarily retiring. I do not know when I'll be able to produce again.’
        A number of ponies in the gathered crowd cry out. Many shout for answers. Technis motions for calm again.
        ‘Can you tell us why you are taking this break?’ a reporter shouts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        In the griffin castle, a clean up team forces a door open. They immediately turn away. One vomits. The room is filled with dead griffins. Every surface is covered in blood.
        ‘What the bloody hell happened here?’ one asks entering the room.
        ‘Looks like a slaughter...’
        ‘What could have done this?’
        One of the crew moves part of a corpse. ‘What the? There's a pony under here.’ He pulls the body out a bit. ‘Holy sh... She's covered in laser burns. What the hell happened?’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        Technis and Octavia lead several squads of griffin soldiers through the halls. They dodge gun and laser fire as they draw their hunters away from Shaun's mission. Technis uses his magic to blast a hole in the ceiling, causing the griffins to be blocked by debris as the ponies catch their breath next to a set of large doors.
        Technis wipes his blades clean. ‘This is starting to get fun. I could probably set on of my mixes to this chase.’ He looks over. Octavia has her sunglasses off and is rubbing her eyes. ‘You okay, mom?’
        She nods. ‘I'm fine. Come here.’ Technis comes over. Octavia takes his sunglasses and throws them away. She puts hers on him. ‘There. Perfect.’
        ‘Mom, what are you doing? These are yours. You said you would never remove them until...’
        Octavia opens the doors behind them. ‘I know. They are yours now.’
        Technis starts tearing up. ‘Mom. What are you saying?’
        Octavia gives her son a hug. ‘There are too many of them. They can be bottlenecked and contained here. You go. Save Shaun.’
        ‘But you'll die if I leave you!’
        ‘And so will you if you stay.’
        Technis tries thinking of a reply.
        ‘Look at the glasses.’
        Technis does not move.
        ‘Look at the glasses, Technis!’
        He removes them with a shaking hoof and looks at them. Around the inner rim, the words 'To Vinyl, love Octavia' are inscribed.
        ‘Those are the last piece of her I have to remember her by. I thought I couldn't care for anypony more than her. Then I had you.’ She holds Technis' crying face. ‘And you have Corona! You have to go back to her! That is my final order as your handler... and your mother.’
        Technis returns the sunglasses. He leaves the room. ‘I love you, mom.’
        ‘I love you too, Technis.’
        Technis seals the door behind him and gallops away. Octavia wipes her tears and turns to face the arriving army.
        ‘So, who wants to die first? Because I am going to be the one to die last!’
        Octavia extends her hidden blades and leaps at the griffins.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
        Technis wipes his tears and looks up. ‘I lost somepony very important to me during the battle with the griffins. I need some time to deal with the loss.’ He takes a breath and his smirk returns. ‘On the plus side, I have a wonderful new fillyfriend helping me through this tough time. Come out here, Corona.’
        The embarrassed unicorn comes out on stage. All the mares in the audience stare daggers at her. She panics more when Technis kisses her, but catches a bottle thrown at her using her magic.
        ‘Isn't she wonderful?’ the embarrassing unicorn asks. ‘She's Princess Celestia's granddaughter too. How cool is that? Now, if you'll excuse us, I need Corona to take care of me real bad.’
        Technis waves to the audience and makes his exit, dragging Corona with him. Once they are backstage, Corona pins Technis to the wall.
        ‘What the hell was that? I was so embarrassed.’
        Technis grins. ‘Sorry. I thought it would be funny to break some hearts.’
        Corona snorts. ‘Then next time, kiss me properly.’
        She presses her face to his, giving him the biggest kiss of his life.

        The Elements rest in Alba's lounge, much to the princess' annoyance. Alba and Helios search her books. Rainbow sleeps on a pile of books. Razzly serves some treats she made. Apple looks through one of the books before setting it down again. Shaun walks in and takes off a robe and crown.
        ‘Being a king is hard work,’ the king complains. ‘Did you know there is a movement back home to get me renamed to "Shaun the Lionhearted"? The Lionheart Dynasty.’ He shrugs. ‘Actually, that sounds pretty cool.’
        ‘Uh huh. And it will be the last one unless I can find a way to save the universe,’ Alba replies, not looking up.
        Helios groans at her sister's behavior. ‘And I have to get back to work for mom. Not to mention repair my relationship with Krile.’
        Apple stands and stretches. ‘So is this it? Are we done until the next crisis?’
        An uncomfortable silence falls over the room, broken only by Rainbow's snoring.
        ‘And I thought I was Honesty...’ Shaun mutters.
        Apple looks away sheepishly. ‘Sorry. I just, uh...’
        ‘Ya know,’ Alba interrupts. ‘The royal yacht is kept constantly ready for travel.’
        Helios nods. ‘That's right. Our private airship. And despite the recent conflict, there is a major convention starting soon in Neighpon.’
        ‘Hmm. I have been wanting some new trees for the orchard,’ Apple says. ‘Maybe I can plant some Satsuma.’
        ‘I'd love to get fresh melon bread,’ Razzly sighs.
        Rainbow looks up. ‘Melon bread? We have melon bread?’
        Shaun puts a talon to his temple and does his face thing. ‘I sense another adventure in our near future.’
        The Elements smile and gallop off to 'borrow' the royal airship.