Prince of Equestria

Prince of Equestria
Chapter 5
The Warpath

Shadowblaze put on his silver armor, a Diamond Dog helping him tie the back pieces. He snapped the gold studs of his cape onto his breast plate, taking a deep breath. Now, all he needed was his sword and shield.

"Leave me," he growled. "Tend to your own suit now."

The dog bowed, leaving. Shadowblaze then went to the chest his violin was in, and pulled out hs final pieces. He unsheated his flamberge, grinning as it shined in the torchlight. "You did good uncle." He felt the blades, cutting his thumb. "You always did make the sharpness last. May you rest in peace, wherever I left you."

He sheathed his sword, strapping it to his side. He also gtabbed his shield, and put on his helmate, extending the leangth of his fiery, dark, mane and tail. Summoning his magic, he teleported to the courtyard of the ruined castle.

His entire legion stood ready at attention. His seven Commanders stood at the front of their battalions, saluting. "Hail! Shadowblaze!" The troops then repeated the salute.

The Dark Lord smiled cruely. "I take it you are eager to taste the blood of ponies."

"Yes Master!" The army roared.

"Wonderful! Before we begin, let us go over the consequences. I need not remind you what happens to those who fail me." He looked over to Gilda, who was scowling. "But let these disgraces of dogs be an example."

The Commanders each walked up next to Shadowblaze, a chained dog in tow. "This is what each Commander will do if you desert. If Fido is your Commander..."

Fido then picked up his victim, snapping his back.

"Spot..."

The small Diamond Dog drew a knife, stabbed the deserter, and buried him beneath the dirt.

"Rover..."

The final Diamond Dog clamped his jaws around the others throat, and shook him around, the neck snapping.

"Gilda..."

The griffon ripped out the poor dog's heart and ate it. The troops groaned at the bloody mess.

"Trixie..."

The unicorn cast a spell, and the dog exploded, bits of him landing on the feaful troops.

"Discord..."

The draconequues turned into a noose, and hanged the dog.

"Nightmare Moon..."

The Mistress of Night split the hound in half with her scythe.

"But, desert me, and you shall feel the worst pain of all." Shadowblaze then lifted each of the deceased up by magic, and burned the bodies until only ashes remained. "Am I understood?"

"Yes Master!" His troops replied.

"Good," he chuckled. "On to Canterlot!"

'-'

"Catapults are in good condition," Twilight said.

"Check," Spike replied, crossing the item off of the list.

The two were double checking the castle's supplies and defense capablities. If there was one flaw, Twilight reasoned, the whole city would be lost.

"That's everything for the castle," Spike informed. "It's a good thing we checked the city walls too. Since we ripped up the railroad, the only way in is through the gates."

"Great! What's next?"

"You just need to make a protection spell around the city."

"Oh. Joy."

"Relax Twi. It's not any different from the one you cast on the tree." His voice cracked at the last word, and the baby dragon's eyes filled. "Everything's gone. The tree, Carosel Boutique, everything..." The dragon then put his head in his knees, sniffling.

"Hey," Twilight said, putting a hoof around him. "We'll figure this out. We just have to live in Canterlot again for a while. The town will be fixed in no time. Everything's going to be fine."

"That's what you think. Everything might not be fine when Shadowblaze gets here."

"Well, yeah. There'll be losses, but everypony we know and love will be safe."

"Not everpony."

"What do you mean?"

Spike raised his head, sadness and anger on his face. "Dangit Twi! Don't you remember? You, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack! You're all fighting at the front lines! You could get killed!"

"Spike! You know very well we can handle ourselves!"

"By running!"

"We were all trained to fight!"

"But Rainbow is the only one who has killed! I know Applejack would kill, maybe Rarity, but the rest of you wouldn't last!"

Twilight knew in her heart that he was right. She didn't have the guts. But, if she could convince the Prince, she wouldn't have to.

"Spike, I will fight, and kill if I must. You're right though. I can't willingly kill. But, if it means I am protecting the ones I love, I will."

"But what if you're the one killed?"

"Then promise me you'll protect my parents. Trust me though, I don't plan on dying."

A horn blared, and the two were filled with dread. A guard galloped to them. "General Sparkle, the alarm has sounded. Please make your way to the northern gates."

Twilight did, Spike riding on her back. They stood next to Ironmallet, who was casually drinking whisky. "Miss Sparkle," the General said. "Are all of our defenses in order?"

"Almost. Why has the alarm sound?"

"There's your answer." He pointed his finger out over the gates. A hoard of dogs stood a ways from the gates, getting closer.

"Why didn't we see them earlier?" Twilight asked.

"Because somepony decided to sleep at their post." Ironmallet scowled at two guards, who flinched.

"It wasn't us, honest," one said.

"They were underground before then. Really," the other added.

"Neigh," Ironmallet growled. "I do not see a speck of dirt on 'em. See how their tounges hang? They have been marching. You lads are lucky that I'm drunk." He took a swig. "And, I'm absent of me tools of war. So no head bashing for now."

The dogs grew ever closer. "Lads, ye can make up for this by fetching some archers and snipers."

"Do you want General Dash also sir?"

"Neigh. She'll fight soon enough."

The two guards then galloped off, quick like the wind.

"They're almost at the gate," Spike said.

"I still have one eye lad. Twilight, how about that protection spell?"

"I can cover the gate," she replied. "But I'm not sure about the city."

"It'll have to do. Hurry, they approach."

Twilight cast her spell, grunting as it surrounded the gates. The archers and snipers took their positions, Ironmallet holding his fist in command. "Get ready lads." The noble soldiers brought up their weapons.

The dogs grew closer still. "Take aim." Ironmallet continued. The archers drew back their bowstrings. The snipers flicked off the safeties. Ever closer. Then suddenly, the dogs stopped. "Hold your fire!" Irohmallet exclaimed, putting an arm in front an archer.

"Why aren't you shooting?" Twilight asked.

"Take a look."

The dogs had parted, a lone figure striding between them. "Lads, don't shoot, but be ready." The figure stopped yards away from the gates. It took off its purple hat and bowed.

"Attention Canterlot," the figure's feminen voice shouted. "Trixie requests to speak with somepony with brains. She doubts you'll find many."

"I be Ironmallet," the scruffy stalion replied. "Supreme General of Equestria. Who might ye be?"

"I am Trixie, a Commander of Lord Shadowblaze's army, and his most humble messenger. Trixie speaks on his behalf."

"Then tell me Trixie, why is it ye have stopped? Shadowblaze would not have done so."

"My Lord has offered everypony in the Kingdom of Equestria a chance to surrender. No executions. There are a few...conditions however."

"Tell us then."

"Very well. There are three. One: all citizens and soldiers are to obey my Lord's wishes. Two: he is to be granted the throne. And three: Celestia is to be executed. Slowly and painfully, then fed to the crows and vultures on this very day."

The soldiers cried in outrage by her announcement. Even Ironmallet's face was stuck in a snarl. "Kill Celestia?" Spike whispered in Twilight's ear. "What's that about?"

"Everything," she whispered back. "I'll tell you soon."

"You have an hour to give Trixie your answer," Trixie continued. "No longer."

"I will give me, Princess Celestia, Equestria, and its subject's answers. We refuse! Down with the demon!"

"Down with the demon!" The soldiers chanted.

Trixie smirked evilly. "He assumed you would say that. You have refused a rare act of mercy. Now, because of you, every single citizen will be nothing but ashes."

"Off with ye!" Ironmallet shouted, throwing his whisky at her. "Tell ye master that we'll be waitin!"

Trixie scowled and walked towards her dogs. "Wait!" Twilight exclaimed.

Trixie turned around, her scowl more pronounced. "Twilight Sparkle. Trixie had hoped she would meet you again."

Ironmallet took Twilight aside. "What are ye doing lass," he hissed.

"Trust me," she then continued on with Trixie. "If you could deliver this message also, I would be very grateful."

"Trix-I mean Lord Shadowblaze will not hear the words of such a comman pony like yourself."

"I happen to be a General. Not delivering my message would cause you great harm, I assume."

The prideful Unicorn groaned. "As my Master commands...what is your message?"

"Tell him that on The Day of Mourning, nothing that happened was his fault. Tell him that Queen Galaxina would be at peace if he lets go of the guilt, and stops this war."

"Such pointless drabble. But Trixie will deliver your message."

"Thank you."

Trixie and her dogs then marched away, off to deliver the messages and determine the fate of Equestria. Spike hopped off, Ironmallet resting his hand on Twilight's back. The three then walked back to the castle.

"That was a bold move lass," he said, eye glassy. "Maybe too bold."

"I had to do something didn't I," she replied. "The war might've just ended."

"Or, it just begun."

Twilight stopped, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Lass...you have pointed out a bomb in this war. Ye have given Shadowblaze his clippers. The question is, which wire detonates the bomb?"

"But I thought I did the right thing..."

"I know what ye were thinking. But mentioning that day...will sadden him beyond belief, or renew his anger. Come, we need to get everyone ready. I suspect we don't have much time."

'-'

"They are waiting for you to come my Lord," said Trixie. "They will not surrender."

Shadowblaze, Nightmare Moon, and Trixie were all inside the Dark Lord's tent, camped just far enough from Canterlot to be hidden. Shadowblaze sat on the throne from the old castle, grinning. "I had hoped so," he replied. "Tell me, who was it that told you this?"

"A drunk stallion, who goes by the name of Ironmallet. He was n-"

Shadowblaze squeezed a large hand around the Unicorn, lifted her up, and choked her. "What did you say?" he growled.

"I-Iron-m-mallet..."

"What did he look like?"

"H-he was caramel...with an e-eyepatch....on his r-ight eye...my Lord."

Shadowblaze let her go, the magician gasping loudly. He turned to Nightmare, his red eyes burning with rage. "Why was I not informed of this?"

"You had never asked," the Alicorn calmly replied. "Your orders were to tell of everything important when I had arrived."

"I remember slave! And the fact that my uncle is alive, was the most important fact!" He punched her across the face, knocking her down. "That stallion will jepordize this day!" He picked her up, throwing her onto the throne, which splintered apart.

"Yet you deem him unimportant." Fire began forming at the tip of his horn.

"Please..." Nightmare moaned, coughing up blood. "Mercy..."

"I would have you tortured, but you have commited worse than desertion." Shadowblaze scoffed. "Mercy. You have commited treason. You will feel fear, and pain far worse than that in the nightmares you make."

His horn glowed purple, as did Nightmare's eyes. The mare screamed a piercing howl, cluching her head as her mind was being mentally crushed. Shadowblaze laughed evilly.

"It wasn't your fault," Trixie said, standing. Shadowblaze stopped, and faced her.

"What are you drabbling about?"

"There was another message. What happened on The Day of Mourning wasn't your fault. Queen Galaxina would be at peace, if you let go of your guilt, and stop this war."

Time seemed to stop. Shadowblaze closed his eyes and thought about that day. The Ursa had cut his mother, and she bled heavilly, his magic keeping her alive. "Please...don't die mom," he wept.

The Queen layed a hoof on one of his, shushing him. "Do you remember that song I taught you how to play?"

"...Yes"

"It was a lullabye I used to sing when you were a colt. Do you remember the words?"

"No..." the Prince cried new tears.

Galaxina smiled weakly and sang. "Hush now, my Jackie . Hold still now don't cry. Sleep as you put out your flames. Sleep and remember, my last lullaby. So I'll be there with you in your dreams..."

Indeed it was her last lullaby. The Queen sighed and closed her eyes.

Shadowblaze clenched his hands, opening his eyes. They were fiery with hate. "This means nothing. The war goes on." The stallion scowled at the injured mare. "We are not finished." He stomped out of the tent, drawing his sword.

He cast a jet of flame into the sky, getting his army's attention. "Change of plans," Shadowblaze announced. "We move now!" His troops rallied at his call, marching again once more.

The pony who said this is right on one thing, Shadowblaze thought. What had happened was not my fault, but Celestia's. My mother will not be at rest until she is dead and I am King. I will have my revenge, and Queen Galaxina will be avenged! So swears Shadowblaze!

'-'

Twilight struggle with the protection spell was over. She was finally able to get the bubble over all of Canterlot. When she finished though, the migraines came.

The Unicorn now sat inside of the Royal Doctor's office, where a nurse was using every method imaginable to prevent them from coming again. "The pain's stopped," Twilight said. "I'm fine now, thanks." The nurse nodded, and sent her away.

The mare then trotted down to her room, and opened the wardrobe her battle gear stayed in. "Do you want some help Twi?" Spike asked.

"No, but I would like some privacy. I have to get my hands after all." She took her dress, and went into the bathroom to change. She felt the rush as she was suddenly taller, standing on two hooves.

Her body changed next. Every part of her moved, grew, and shrunk respectively. Next, came her hands. Her front hooves molded into the apparatuses that had showed her why Griffons, and Minotaurs were able to do things faster than Ponies.

When she was done, she slipped on the necessary undergarments and slipped on her dress. She walked back into her room, Spike helping her put on her armored leggings and gauntlets.

She put on her ornamental crown, her friend handing her the Element. "Well," Twilight said. "That's everything."

"Not quite" Spike replied, grabbing an object off of her bed. "Ironmallet wanted you to have this." He handed it to her. It was a shield, just like her brother's. Except, this one was significantly lighter in weight.

She read the sticky note on the back. "This should make up for the lack of a breastplate. You have a battalion ready for your orders in the courtyard. Please join them. Spike, I guess I need to go."

"Alright," he sighed.

"Listen, if anything happens, take my parents to the Buffalo. You'll all be safe." She kissed him on the cheek, and marched off to her troops.

'-'

"What's that?" Fluttershy asked a bird. It chirped back, the shy mare gasping. "I need to get ready for battle? Oh my goodness..."
She reluctantly opened her wardrobe and suited up. There was a knock on the door. Fluttershy opened it, and Zecora smiled.

"Hello my friend, I see you are ready to begin. But first, have a gift or even three, before you fret about your safety." The zebra handed Fluttershy bronze leggings, a vile, and a scroll.

"Thank you Zecora."

"It was good seeing you again good friend, now we'll make the war at its end." Zecora smiled once more, leaving. Fluttershy put on the leggings, and tied the vial to her waist. Shaking, she opened the scroll, reading the note.

"Fluttershy, I know that you are afraid, and you have reason to be. I know you would never hurt a fly, but Equestria needs you now. I have trained you to the best of my ability, but with the weapon Kindness became, there is some difficulty with combat and protection. That's why the leggings and that vial are here. The vial is full of firefly dew. It is one of the best potions Zecora ever made. It will heal any wound. Now, there are soldiers I have placed under your command, and they will protect and assist you in battle. Please head towards the northeast gate. Have courage my dear. Ironmallet."

Fluttershy couldn't say she wasn't nervous, but with her friend's words, she felt she could do what she needed to. She walked down, hoping she wouldn't have to use her dirk.

'-'

Similar things happened to the other mares. Each received notes, and, shields for Pinkie and Applejack. Each stood with their troops at the respected gate they were assigned to. The ponies of Canterlot had boarded up their windows and doors unwilling to flee. Princess Celestia stood from her balcony, addressing her soldiers.

"My loyal soldiers, it is an honor to fight with you. As you know, we have the advantage today. We fight in our streets, our homes. We have a spell protecting the entire city, and your fellow brothers in arms manning the walls. You are the last line of defense should they fail. Be brave. Be brave. Should any of Shadowblaze's Commanders join in, I want them captured, not killed. Any questions?"

There was silence for a moment, when a stallion spoke up. "What of the Night Ponies? If Shadowblaze has truly gathered such an army, just the Buffalo helping won't be enough."

"They...will not be joining us."

A horn sounded, and a voice rang out: "They're ere! The Buffalo have arrived!"

A gate, and part of the shield opened, the Tribes rushing in. Chief Thunderhooves proudly bellowed. "My warriors have arrived. We are ready to fight alongside you."

Twilight felt a tap on her shoulder. She squealed as Shining Armor hugged her tightly. "I didn't think you would come!" Twilight exclaimed.

"I had to, Equestria needs me. Excuse me for a second." He stood next to Chief Thunderhooves, addressing Celestia. "Your Highness, the Captain of The Guard has returned, ready to serve."

"You have all come in time," Celestia said. "Thank you."

The alarm horn sounded, and sounds of conflict echoed on the walls. "This is the time!" Celestia announced. "My friends, protect this city!"

Shining Armor put his helmet on, going back to Twilight. "Here, I'll take over the spell, you need to get to those walls."

"Good idea." Twilight handed over control to her brother. She made a big mistake. The shield disintegrated, her brother's eyes flashing green. Then, he and the buffalo changed form.

The Changeling Queen cackled, slicing open the guts of a soldier before anypony realized what had happened. "Changelings!" Twilight shouted. Now, the battle begun.

Twilight clashed with the Queen, casting spells as well. "Where is he?" Twilight raged. "What did you do to my brother?"

"I wouldn't know my dear," the Queen replied, ducking one of Twilight's magic beams. "I'd be more concerned about where I will strike." She changed her arms into long blades, fighting back. Twilight glanced around occasionally, not pleased.

The soldiers hadn't recovered from the ambush, and the Changelings were gaining the upper hoof. With renewed effort, Twilight fought the Queen, thrusting with her spear. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind, and forced to the ground.

"Have fun finding your way back up from the catacombs," The Queen said. Twilight was then surrounded by green fire and she fell unconscious.

'-'

Applejack cried in pain as a changeling stabbed her in her hip. She grunted, chopping off its head. She had to help out the soldiers. With a shout, she hacked through any changelings in her way, freeing some soldiers from combat.

They, in turn helped out their General, heading for the streets. As Applejack ran through, she discovered that some dogs had made it through the gates. Heh, she thought. The more the merrier. She found Rarity surrounded by three, and went to help.

"Come on mule," the largest said. "Show us what you can do."

"I not a mule!" Rarity yelled. She then punched the dog in the gut, flipping him over her shoulder. Applejack joined in, blocking a dog's knife with her shield. Together, the mares made quick work of them.

"So, how's it going?" Rarity panted.

"Not bad. How come we didn't kill these three?"

"They happen to be three Commanders. We should throw them in prison. Oh boys," Rarity turned to her soldiers, gasping as she saw that they weren't there. The ground shook, and the duo were dragged underground, screaming.

'-'

Pinkie Pie giggled as another Changeling got its head squashed by her mace. Her battalion was freed from battle, and they joined her. Together, they marched out of the city. "You guys go ahead," Pinkie said. "I'm going to help break those ladders."

Her troops charged at the enemy, the mare sprinting to the walls. She swung her weapon down at the dogs, only receiving minor cuts. She then ran along the length of the Southern walls, breaking the enemies' ladders.

Pinkie hummed as she finished. "Boy," she said. "I sure am thirsty. I wonder if anypony has some chocolate milk?" Suddenly, the liquid rained on her, and she greedily swallowed.

"Enjoying that are you?" Discord asked grinning.

"Mm-hmm," the pink pony smiled, waving. "Hey Discord. What are you doing here?"

The Draconeqques pulled out a chained whip, grinning. "Kidnapping you." He swung the whip at her, coiling it around her arms and legs. Discord snapped his fingers, he and Pinkie vanishing.

'-'

Rainbow fired another arrow at the enemy. She was on the walls, attempting to thin out the numbers of dogs and Changelings. She held out her hand, Scootaloo putting another arrow in it. This arrow then went into a Changelimg that had made it onto the wall.

"Thanks for the help Scoot!" Dash yelled over the battle. "You're doing great!"

"Thanks Rainbow!" Scootaloo replied. "It's a whole lot better than being stuck in the castle with everypony. Dash, here come some on the wall!"

Rainbow shot an arrow at a group of Changelings and dogs, the arrow going through two dog's heads. The group met her, the mare slicing them to pieces. "Thanks squirt," Dash said, putting her bow in her quiver. She turned around and gasped.

Gilda held the filly in her talons, covering her mouth. The Griffon laughed, taking off. "Hang on Scootaloo!" Rainbow yelled, changing into her quadruple form. She galloped in pursuit, following her former friend to the castle. Gilda landed on top of a tower, and the mare ran up the steps, pushing ponies away.

She changed back, pulled out her bow, notched an arrow, and opened the door. Gilda roosted on a wooden bar, Scootaloo still in her talons. "Let the kid go Gilda," Rainbow said.

"Or what?" Gilda snarled. "You'll shoot? You and I know you would never hurt a friend."

"You're not my friend."

"Well then, when you put it that way...Let's see how well this kid can fly." Gilda dropped the filly, cackling.

Rainbow screamed, and tackled the Griffon. They both fell off the tower, and Dash stuck an arrow in Gilda's shoulder, let her go, and dived after Scootaloo. She caught the filly in her arms, trying to gain altitude.

As the ground rushed towards her, she realized she was going to die. Scootaloo looked up at her, eyes hard. "Dash, listen to me. You have to fly."

"I can't," Rainbow began crying. "I'm sorry kid..."

"No. You can do this. Try."

Rainbow weakly flapped her wings. Nothing happened. "Harder!" Scootaloo yelled. The mare flapped again, harder and faster, and they began to gain altitude. "Your doing it! Your doing it!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Yeah," Rainbow said. "I guess I am." She grinned and became very determined. She gained speed, the G-Force pushing at her face. Just as they were only feet from the ground, Dash broke the sound barrier, and pulled up. She had performed a sonic rainboom.

She yelled in excitement as she went up, flapping her wings proudly. She slowed down, dropping Scootaloo off at the castle. "Get inside kid," Rainbow said. "Gilda dropping you was my fault."

"What about you?"

"I need to settle a score." Dash looked up in the sky, Gilda circling. The mare took off, climbing higher and higher, until she and Gilda circled each other.

"So," Gilda sneered. "It looks like I didn't cut close enough. I guess magic is extremely strong in Canterlot. That'll change."

"Not on my watch," Rainbow said, flying at her. The two clashed, Dash swinging her bow at Gilda's battle claws. The Griffon blocked, slashing Rainbow on her breast plate. The mare retaliated, coming in close and pulling on the arrow in Gilda's shoulder.

Gilda screeched in pain, thrusting her battle claws into Rainbow's stomach. The mare's eyes widened in shock, and she grunted as Gilda pulled out the claws. Dash fainted, dropping like a rock. Gilda caught her, flying the mare back to camp.

'-'

Ironmallet waited in the castle courtyard. The soldiers were still fighting in the city, but everypony in the castle was safe, for the moment. He wished he could join his stallions in battle, but he knew that Shadowblaze was on his way. He heard a boom, much louder than the cannons. The stallion looked up, and smiled at the forming rainbow. Dash was flying.

His joy was short lived. Purple fire snaked in front of him, materializing into Shadowblaze. "So," the Alicorn said calmly. "You're alive."

"Aye," Ironmallet said sourly. "Ye didn't do a good job of making sure I was dead."

"Is that anyway to talk to your nephew?"

"You are no nephew of mine! He died when the Ursa fled!"

"I am truly sorry you feel this way. I will not fight you, because you are not my prize. Nightmare..."

The dark mare materialized beside Shadowblaze. "You called?" Nightmare asked.

"Take care of him. But leave him alive. I want him to watch as Celestia is gutted." He summoned magic and disappeared, Nightmare brandishing her scythe.

Ironmallet summoned his hammer, which flew into his hand. The two charged, yelling. The mare sliced at his arm, but her weapon was pushed back by Ironmallet's magnetism. He brought the hammer down on her stomach. She flew back onto the ground, Steel Meteor resting on her.

"I'm sorry, Luna," he said. "But Shadowblaze must be stopped."

The mare snarled, and zapped him with lightning. Ironmallet yelled as he was shocked, the electricity spreading down his body. He collapsed, unconscious. Nightmare stood over him, laughing.

"Luna's gone," she said. "And soon, so will Celestia."

'-'

Twilight groaned, rubbing her head. Back in the caves, she though. Great. She stood up, the tunnels looking completely different in her magical light.

You must convince them.

The mare looked around fearfully. "Who's there?" Twilight asked.

Equestria needs them to defeat the demon.

"Who are you?"

Please, get the Ponies of Night to help you. There is not much time.

"I don't know where they are! Help me!"

I will guide you. Be warned, an enemy waits for you in these caves.

Suddenly, a white orb of light appeared before her. She gasped in fasination. Then, with the spound of bells, the orb sped off. Twilight ran, following it. The orb led her through many twists and turns, the Unicorn giving up on memorizing the route.

Finally, the orb stopped in front of a cave entrance. They sleep within. The voice said. Your foe is almost here. The orb began to dim, and Twilight panicked.

"Wait! Who is this foe? And more importantly, who are you?"

All things are revealed in time. When your foe is weakened, severe the demon's hold on her with this spell.

Twilight widened her eyes as the spell was put in her mind. "Is that even possible?" Twilight asked.

I created it for this very reason. Good luck Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic.

The orb faded out, and Twilight saw a blue light on the other end of a tunnel. "Well well," Trixie said. "Trixie finally meets you, Twilight Sparkle."

"Trixie, we don't have to do this."

"Of course we do, peasant," The blue Unicorn brandished her staff, a circle of magic surrounding her. "Now, Trixie will show you real magic." Lightning shot out of her staff, and Twilight blocked it with a wall of energy.

"Trixie, please," Twilight begged. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Hurt Trixie?" She chuckled. "Trixie doesn't belive you could." Her horn glowed, and a miniature tornado swilred at Twilight. The mare dissapated it with her magic.

"If that's the way you want it, fine." Twilight then summoned beams of energy, which pinned Trixie against the cave wall. She walked to her, the blue mare struggling.

"Don't you dare touch Trixie! She will have you gutted!"

Twilight sighed, ger horn glowing as she cast the spell. Purple fire shot out of Trixie's body, and it vanished from sight. "I-I feel," Trixie groaned. "I mean, er, miss Sparkle! Thank you so much!"

"No problem Trixie. Feeling better?"

"Trixie has never been-I mean, I feel fantastic!"

Twilight released the other mare, who thanked continueslly. "Shadowblaze has made us do such terrible things," she said. "If I had known I would be his slave, I would have never joined."

"But why did you join?"

Trixie was silent for a moment. "I had lost everything after Ponyville. My fame, fortune, social life. Everything. I had thought, getting even with you would make me feel...complete. I know better now."

Twilight nodded. "There are going to be worse things if you don't help me. Inside of that cave, are Luna's guard. Hopefully thousands. We can't beat Shadowblaze without their help. Will you join Equestria in this war?"

"You can count me in!"

Together, with their magic giving light, they entered the cave. They walked through the emormace cavern, seeing nothing. "Wait," Twilight whispered. "When I saw these guys, they looked lile bats. Maybe..."

The mares looked up, gasping. Thousands of the Night Ponies hung from the ceiling. Their wings covered them, absoulutly still. "Hello?" Trixie asked. There was a stir among the Ponies, one gliding down to meet them.

"You are not the Princess of The Night," she snarled. "Who are you, why have you woken me, and tresspassed into my home?"

"I am Twilight Sparkle," Twilight said. "Weilder of the Element of Magic."

"And I am Trixie Lulamoon," Trixie said. "Traveling magician."

"We're here because Equestria is in danger. There is a war going on above."

"I am aware of this," the Night Pony growled. "Celestia's soldiers can protect the citizens."

"They're losing," Trixie said. "This is full scale war, not the small attack the Changelings did on Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's wedding."

"Then they lose. Princess Luna will summon us when she deems nessicarry."

"She can't" Twilight replied. "She is once more Nightmare Moon, under the command of Dark Lord Shadowblaze."

The bat-like pony hissed. "Once more, the Fire of Shadows rears his ugly head. Celestia is more than capable of-"

"Celestia cannot defeat Shadowblaze," Trixie interrupted. "Not without the Elements of Harmony. Each one has been wounded and captured, save Twilight."

"What?" The other two asked in surprise.

"Are they alright?" Twilight asked.

"Until Shadowblaze recieves them from the other Commanders."

"How is it you know so much?" The Night Pony asked.

"I was once under the demon's control. If your kind do not help, Princess Luna will die from pain far worse than torture."

The mysterious pony was silent, thinking. "I am Nightwing, Captain of the Night Guard. You will have our support. For the Ponies! For the Princesses! For Equestria!" Night wing gave off a shrill screech, the mares covering their ears.

The cavern was flooded with the noise of thousands of Night Ponies waking up. The three mares smiled, shouting. "Down with the demon!"