At a clearing, Gael and Godot were confronted by Spitfire who said to the former:
“Captain Gael, we received intel from HQ. The enemy seems to be marching right pass us, deep underground.”
“If they were able to pass through the sensor unit, then they are not ponies, griffons or any other creature we know” Godot said to Gael.
“Probably there are like that plant guy that appeared during the summit” Gael said. “Okay, I think it is for the best if we sent some of our troops of the Fifth Unit to help Obsidian Blade and the Second Unit as reinforcements.”
Meanwhile, River Blood, King Sombra, Montu and Thunder Blitz were mobilizing, while Dark Knight, Smokewing and the other Pegasus were flying nearby. Noticing them, Smokewing dove along with explosives that Dark Knight and the other Pegasus had and then threw his flames, launching then the explosives, expanding the power and range of his flames, what created a great explosive.
“Now, Dark Knight!” Smokewing exclaimed.
Dark Knight took a flare from his saddlebag, shooting then to the air. Nearby, was Shining Armor, Blue Knight and the Third Unit who saw the flare.
“Red flare…” Shining said. “It’s the commando unit. Let’s go.”
Blue nodded.
The explosion had caused damaged to River Blood, Thunder Blitz and Montu, who started to regenerate. Only Sombra was intact as he used a dark crystal barrier that soon broke up.
“It seems you wasted your energy, Sombra” River Blood said. “With this bodies, we cannot die.”
“I know, but that takes time and I like to be ready to anything” King Sombra said. “Mainly when they all calling for reinforcements.”
And he pointed to the flare.
“So, as I was the first to see that, let me give the first blow” Sombra said with a wicked smile, while he started to turn into smoke.
“Damn curse!” Montu exclaimed. “If it wasn’t for it, I could stop you from attacking them.”
Sombra ascended on the air and then he involved the three members of the commando unit.
“But what is this?” Smokewing asked.
And they heard a laugh while Sombra’s eyes appeared and then he said:
“Now I have you where I want” Sombra said.
“Oh no…” Dark Knight said. “It’s Sombra!”
And shards of crystal were threw against them, hitting them and making them start to fall. However, thanks to their abilities regarding the flying, they were able to land safely. Sombra returned back to the side of the others and, after that, a female griffon appeared at their side. She was a reincarnated being with dark purple head and wings with scarlet tinges, orange beak and talons and periwinkle body.
“You couldn’t wait, could you?” she asked to her fellow reincarnated beings. “Just because I was just a little behind to give you cover and the only female, doesn’t mean you can be rude.”
“I can’t believe that the enemy reincarnated Sombra” Dark Knight said. “As if we didn’t have enough troubles.”
“Yes, but the others are not good news as well” Smokewing said. “I can smell the taste blood and power in almost all of them. The male griffon is the only one that seems to have a complete good heart.”
“That headdress…” the other pegasus said. “He seems to be from Coltypt.”
“He doesn’t matter if they are good or not” Dark Knight said. “They are all reincarnations, so they are our enemy.”
“We don’t have anything personal against you, but we are not in control of our actions” the female griffon said.
“Say that for yourself” King Sombra said to her. “I’m liking what it’s happening.”
“Hurry, you have to run, now!” Montu exclaimed, as he felt the curse forcing him to attack.
And the five reincarnated beings advanced to attack, but it was then that Shining, Blue, Thunder Night with an Evermist and a Stonult soldiers appeared. Shining had stopped Sombra’s attack, while Blue stopped River Blood’s and Thunder Night stopped Montu’s.
“Captain Shining Armor, you’re a life safer!” Smokewing exclaimed.
“You shouldn’t celebrate yet” Shining said, without taking his eyes from Sombra. “All these will be difficult to beat.”
“You…” Sombra said. “I know you. You’re that hateful prince that took my empire from me.”
“The Crystal Empire was not yours to begin with!” Shining replied. “You took it after what you did to the Light Kingdom.”
Sombra made a chuckle and then said:
“I can see that you know my reputation. I am impressed.”
The other members of the Third Unit arrived.
“You don’t belong to this world, Sombra” Shining said. “Stop this madness and let us seal you so we can send you back to where you came from.”
“I don’t care if I belong or not to this world” Sombra said. “As long as the Lord of Chaos’ will still exists, I won’t stop to serve him.”
“Wait, but you are…” the Evermist soldier said, looking to River Blood. “Captain Shining, the one that Prince Blue Sword is facing is a notorious criminal of Evermist and one of the Seven Swordspony of the Mist, a group that used to be our mercenaries.”
“And my name is Montu, I used to be great warrior for Coltypt” Montu said. “Beware of my fast moves with the talons and with my dives from the air.”
At her corner in the villains’ hideout, Gentle Light was sitting in front of some kind of board with squares where little round stones spread around it, representing the reincarnated beings.
“I can sense a big resistance coming from Montu, but he is not the only one” she said. “River Blood is also resisting. Although nothing wouldn’t give me more happiness than let them be, I can’t disobey my orders to make sure everypony do their part.”
Sombra then used his shadows to try to attack the ones who were facing them, but then they retreated to a safe place.
“That doesn’t seem right” Blue commented.
River Blood and Montu started to liberate gas, as they started to feel their minds becoming clouded.
“My mind…” Montu said. “I’m losing control…”
“Damn…” River Blood said, feeling the same.
Thunder Blitz and Sparking Jade also started to feel the same thing. Only Sombra still was still completely conscious.
“That’s what happens when you fight against a force you cannot win” Sombra said to his companions.
Montu turned Shining and Blue and said:
“Please, you have to stop us. I didn’t serve the Lord of Order and protected Coltypt so I ended up participating in the destruction of his perfect work.”
“I also want to be stopped” River Blood said. “I don’t tolerate to be used, not even in death.”
And so their eyes turned white, as they were completely put under the control of the curse.
“And here they come” Shining Armor said.
“Captain, that pony is Thunder Blitz” the Stonult guard said. “He is an explosive nature user from my kingdom. He belonged to a special unit of ours specialized in explosions.”
“And that griffon is Gina” a female griffon of Aeropolis that was carrying a roll of cloth. “She is from my kingdom and possess the scorch nature, being able to combine fire and wind. Be careful.”
“And Sombra possess the crystal nature” Shining said. “They both are combined natures users. This is not going to be easy.”
And then River Blood raised his hoof and summoned a mist that quickly covered everything around.
“This is bad” the Evermist soldier said. “He is using an old tactic of Evermist involving silent attacks.”
“Quick, assemble battle groups with a sensor soldier at the center” Shining said. “The other members cover twelve, three, six and nine o’clock positions.”
They did so, with Shining back to back to Blue, Thunder Night and Black Knight.
“This mist is getting thicker” Thunder Night commented. “It is even thicker than the one my brother used to conjure.”
It was then that screams started be heard, as River Blood and Montu started to fatally assaulting the Third Unit.
“It has begun” Shining said.
But it wasn’t only them causing havoc. Sombra used his crystals to stab and imprison his enemies, while using his smoke form to dodge any attack done to him.
The young griffon that had talked about Gina ended being separated from her group and, after sensing an explosion happening nearby, she noticed the body of a unicorn that had been…
“He’s mummified” the griffon said. “This spell…
“Here she comes!” a soldier exclaimed.
And Gina appeared with three orbs of heat energy surrounding her. She went against some soldiers, fighting them and, after a blow to the guards, hitting him, creating a little explosion and then releasing steam.
“Steam Kill Spell” she said.
“My insides… they’re burning!” one of them said, before falling dead on the ground with his body completely dehydrated.
Elsewhere, Thunder Blitz was battling a big guard and then he said:
“Landmine Fist Spell!”
And he gave him a punch on the stomach, what caused a great explosion that blew the soldier. Another, decided to avenge his fallen comrade, started to advance full of rage against Thunder Blitz. However, all of the sudden, Montu appeared before him, lifting his talon ready to attack. Fortunately, Thunder Night appeared and tackled Montu who, after recovering, hid himself inside the mist. Blue also appeared, who launched a beam of magic against Thunder Blitz, what forced him to moved away.
“Comrades are lost during war” Blue said to the soldier. “The only thing you have to do it’s to focus so you don’t lose more.”
“Yes…” the soldier said.
A deer guard was walking around, ready to any ambush, but not the one that was about to happen to him. Sombra appeared behind him and said:
“Very cautious…”
The deer turned around and prepare to attack Sombra, but he was faster and, with his magic, he imprisoned the deer in dark crystal.
“But not enough to escape my Crystal Prison Spell” Sombra said with a smile.
With a gesture, he made the crystal to break and turn to dust, along with the deer.
Shining was having a fight with River Blood and said:
“I know all about you, Swordspony of the Mist. You and the others used to be protectors of Evermist until the last generation during the rule of the former king. After that, you became criminals, forcing your own to kill you. Without your sword, you can be certain I will not lose to you.”
Gentle Light, however, was about to contradict Shining’s statement.
“I’m not so naïve to use all of my trumps at once” she said, while having six other stones on her hooves.
Sombra appeared nearby and, conducted by Gentle Light, he accessed his magic and then six coffins appeared from the ground. River Blood retreated from his fight with Shining Armor to the coffins. Seeing them, Shining realized it couldn’t be good.
The coffins opened, with their covers falling and revealing the ones they contained.
“No, it can’t be…” the Evermist guard, with a shocked and afraid look.
The first was a tall earth stallion with a pale green coat with a sewing needle as Cutie Mark, a straw-color mane and brown eyes; the second was a unicorn mare with a light blue coat with a lightning as Cutie Mark, moderate red mane and dark purple eyes; the third was a pegasus male with a moderate brown coat with a sword and an explosion as Cutie Mark, very light brown mane and dark blue eyes, or rather one as he had an eye patch; the fourth was a pegasus mare with a cerulean coat with three crossing swords as Cutie Mark, blueish white mane and dark red eyes; the fifth was a big earth stallion with a reddish brown coat with a hammer as Cutie Mark, very dark red hooves, dark and bright red mane and black eyes, and the sixth was an earth stallion even bigger with bluish purple coat with a spiky sword as Cutie Mark, light purple hooves, orange long spiky mane and dark yellow eyes.
“They all are former members of the Seven Sworsponies of the Mist!” the soldier of Evermist exclaimed. “And it’s not only that, they are the last generation, the ones who lived during our blood period before Queen Mystic Heart’s ascension to the throne, considerated a being the best.”
Blue appeared besides Shining and told him:
“I was not expecting that. I wonder how many like those Gentle Light reincarnated for the General of Chaos.”
“Probably much more” Shining Armor said. “Blue, I will need your power.”
“Since the General of Chaos enacted that disease, I lost most of my power as General, but I will give everything I have to help you, brother” Blue said.
Shining nodded and then he turned to the young griffon and told her:
“Gretel, have that sealing spell ready.”
“Me and my team are much more than ready, sir” she replied.
“All right, we will have to buy time for Blue” Shining said to his unit. “Meanwhile, you’re going to attack together as one.”
And he and his unit started to attack the Seven Swordsponies. The combined attack hit hard on them, but, due to their immortal bodies, they escaped, while their bodies regenerated.
“It’s no use” the Evermist soldier said. “Our attacks won’t affect them. What can we do against and enemy like that? They are the Seven Swordsponies and they are immortal.”
“Don’t worry about that very much” Thunder Night told him. “We can still seal their souls and, by that, trap and mobilize them. Beyond that, none of them have swords.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that” Sombra’s voice said.
He appeared in front of the swordsponies and then said:
“Do you really think that we would use these ones without using their strongest abilities?”
And he disappeared, but not before making appear in front of the swordsponies five swords that were taken by them, except the biggest one and the pegasus mare. River Blood’s sword had a big blade with two cut outs, a circle close to the top and a semi-circular one nearer to the handle; the tall one with straw-colored mane had a sword that resembled a large needle with a long length of thin wire-mirroring thread, tied through the eye located at the base of its hilt; the unicorn mare possessed a pair of swords, each with slim and straight double-edged blades that also had an upward-curved bladed prong near the tip of one side of the blade and another one near the base of the blade's other side; the stallion with the eye patch had a sword that featured two distinct sides, a narrow cutting edge located down the entirety of one length and a wide platform section on the other covered by symbols, and the reddish brown stallion had a sword that consisted of a giant axe and hammer, linked end-to-end by a flat thin leather-like rope.
“There’s only five of them” Thunder Night observed.
“Well, the only survivor of the Seven Swordsponies is a young stallion called Bronze Dagger” the Evermist soldier said. “His Twinsword is the only sword that wasn’t lost. He is currently with our queen. And then the other sword is Shark Skin that is now in possession of Lord Hawthorn who took it from a kelpie that defeated and killed Sea Wave, the biggest one there.”
“If you know so much about them, then I’ll need you to explain me more about those swords” Shining said to him.
“Yes, sir” the Evermist soldier said. “Those two swords hold by that unicorn mare who is called Light Blast are the ones with the sharpest cutting edge and capable of generating lightning, being called for that reason the Lightning Blades. That one that is an axe and a hammer is called Helmet Splitter and is capable of smashing through any defense and the one that wields it is Hammer Blow. The one that looks like a needle is the Sewing Needle, capable of stabbing and piercing through anything and sewing them together and is wielded by Sharp Needle. The one with the symbol is the Explosive Blade with a great explosive power and used by Clashing Storm. River Blood’s sword is called Executioner’s Sword that, beyond the fact of being able to decapitate, it can use the iron of blood of it victim to regenerate. But even if Sea Wave and Lake Splash don’t have their swords, they can still be dangerous.”
“Very well, all of you, make sure everypony gets to know everything about those swords” Shining said to those who were close by.
“Shining, I’m ready” Blue said. “I know a spell that will allow me to bind them, but you need to get close. For that, I can use what I know about the telephatic spell.”
“Good, then let’s do it” Shining said, creating a light sword, while Blue used his magic on him. “Well, listen, guys, this is plan. Blue will guide me with his mind through the mist until I get to River Blood. Once I get close, Blue will bind him and, at that moment, Gretel, you will immobilize him with your cloth and seal him.”
“Yes, sir” she replied.
“Let’s do it” Shining said.
“Right!”
And Shining advance, while Blue used his magic to link his mind to him.
“Let’s go!” a soldier said. “The rest of us will guard Captain Shining Armor!”
“Yeah!”
And they all advanced to face the enemy. However, doing it was harder than they thought. With the Lightning Blade, Light Blast was able to cut her adversaries with a great ease, as the lightning they generated only increased their cutting power, beyond the fact they could electrify as well. With the Helmet Splitter, Hammer Blow was able to pass through any defense, using the axe to hit and the hammer to break. Sharp Needle used the Sewing Blade to pierce as many enemies he could, sewing them after. Using the magic on the symbols of his blade, Clashing Storm, with each blow, made sure he caused as many damages as possible, making his enemies to blow up. And, true to the Evermist soldier’s words, Sea Wave and Lake Splash were as deadly as the ones with swords.
River Blood was slicing all the ones who dared to face him, with their blood repairing any damage that the sword suffered. Shining then approached, guided by Blue.
“I found him” he said to Shining. “He’s all yours.”
And Blue released the mind spell and then he run towards River Blood, who seemed that he hadn’t noticed him yet. However, when he was about to stab him, someone put himself in the way. It was Montu who protected River Blood, taking the stab instead and then grabbing Shining Armor’s shoulders to hold him.
Gentle Light knew they would target River Blood, as he was the one to conjure the mist. It was need someone to protect him and, with his fast moves, Montu was the best choice. Although such follower of the Lord of Order didn’t deserve to be used like that, she didn’t had any other alternative.
Taking advantage of the situation, River Blood prepare to cut through Shining and Montu with the Executioner’s Blade.
“Captain Shining Armor, no!” Gretel, who was nearby, exclaimed.
Blue, who was waiting for his move, could feel the presence of two enemies with Shining. He was wondering what was going on in that mist.
Shining was able to teleport to safety with Montu, who was immobile while the wound at the chest started to regenerate. At Shining’s body armor there was a crack, with a not deep scratch at the chest. His blood covered the Executioner’s Blade, fortifying it. Looking to the griffon that was once a noble warrior, Shining couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.
“You can be sure that they will not control you again, Montu” Shining said to him.
He got up and then summoned his light sword again.
“Be ready, Gretel” he said. “Prepare the sealing spell and stay right behind me.”
“Yes, sir” she replied.
River Blood started to go against Shining with his sword ready. He did the same and the two prepared to make blow on each other. Shining was faster, piercing him, while cutting the hoof that secured the sword.
“Now, Blue!” he exclaimed.
Hearing that, Blue activated the spell he had put on Shining and binds got out from him to bind River Blood.
“Now, Gretel, do it!” Shining said.
“Right!” she exclaimed.
And she made the cloth she had to involve both River Blood and Montu, making symbols appear on them. That was enough to seal them what caused the two stones on Gentle Light’s board to crack and then were destroyed. Gentle Light smiled. It seemed that the Order’s army was having a good start. She just hoped they could continue this way.
With River Blood sealed, the mist dissipated, much the everypony’s happiness. They now were able to see the enemy.
At the place where Shining was, he looked how Gretel sealed them and, when she ended, she said:
“As long this symbols remain intact, they cannot be summoned and I will watch this two personally.”
“Very well” Shining said, with Blue by his side, while taking the Executioner’s Blade. “This curse… It really is unforgivable.”
“I know, I reacted the same way when I learned about it” Blue said. “We really need to find and release Gentle Light, before things get worse.”
“Then we need more sealing spells and ones that are more efficient” Shining Armor said.
“And I know someone that has that” Blue replied, looking around. “Armored Oath.”
A light unicorn stallion appeared. He had a yellow coat with a scroll and brush as Cutie Mark, orange and light yellow mane and blue eyes.
“Yes, my prince?” he asked.
“We’ll need now the special seal that Heartbeat has being teaching you” Blue said.
Listening that, Armored Oath said in a nervous way:
“But I still didn’t mastered that spell.”
“Heartbeat was sure you could do it” Blue said. “It is time for you to release your emotions and use their power.”
Even though he wasn’t sure he would be able to do what Blue was asking, Armored Oath said:
“Yes, my prince.”
The Second Unit engaged in a battle with the clones.
“Attack!” Obsidian Blade exclaimed.
And his soldiers, along with the reinforcements of the Fifth Unit, started fighting with Petal Sprout’s clones. Applejack and Big Mac were using their strength to buck the clones, while Rainbow Dash and Soarin attacked in the air. It didn’t last for more reinforcements arriving, this time with Cloud Chase appearing.
“Hi, AJ” he said, while he knocked out a few clones that were about to attack Applejack from behind. “I hope I am not too late, love.”
“Of course not, Ah’m happy ya’re here” she replied, giving him a kiss.
A clone opened his stomach and caught Big Mac. He could feel his energy being drained. Using all the strength he had, Big Mac was able to release himself and then take it down. Rainbow Dash punched a great number of clones and then she said to Applejack and Cloud Chaser, while hoovering:
“This is being so easy. I think it won’t last for us to get rid of this guys.”
“I would be so sure, Rainbow Dash” Soarin said, pointing.
And more clones appeared.
“What in tarnation…” Applejack said. “There’s no end to this!”
Obsidian was observing the situation of the battle, when a crystal pony approached and said:
“Captain Obsidian Blade, there is a message from HQ. Several thousands of the enemy’s soldiers apparently passed through us.”
“Dad, we have to…” Quartz Blitz, who was nearby and heard that, said.
“Be quiet, I know!” he replied.
It was then that a buzzing noise was heard.
“Oh no, Ah would recognize this sound anywhere” Applejack said.
“Me too” Rainbow Dash said. “It’s…”
And a swarm of changelings led by Crush appeared.
“Let’s go!” he exclaimed to his fellow changelings. “For the Queen and the Lord of Chaos!”
“Changelings!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the same time.
Seeing them approaching, Obsidian Blade told to his unit:
“Everyone, be careful! With those changelings joining this battle, confusion will certain arise. Make sure you don’t attack any comrade.”
He couldn’t believe how complicated the situation was becoming.
At the San Palomino Desert, somepony invisible was walking, leaving only hoofsteps. They then stopped and the pony who was making those marks appeared. It was King Platinum. At some distance away, positioned at the top of a great rock, was Chief Strongpaw. He knew that the enemy was nearby.
“Here they come now” he said.
And down there behind him was his entire unit.