At the San Palomino Desert, Strongpaw continued to look at the direction where he had detected the enemy.
At the villains’ hideout, Gentle Light continue to control the reincarnated beings.
“Platinum stopped moving” she said. “I can see that he was detected. He used to be called the Null Pony, as he can become with no form or energy. With this new group of reincarnated beings, I can have better results by letting their personalities intact. I think I’ll let him do his own thing after the summoning spell.”
At the place where Platinum was, he got orders from Gentle Light and so he used the summoning spell, making appear three coffins of the Reincarnation Curse. They disappear, revealing King Alder, King Gusty Blizzard and Chief Sandstorm. Gentle Light activated them and the three leaders just opened their eyes.
“Where am I?” Alder asked. “What’s going on?”
Gusty Blizzard looked around and said:
“My, my, my, but what a reunion with old adversaries. Except…”
He turned to Sandstorm and said:
“I don’t know you.”
“This is an infamous curse of the General of Death” Platinum explained. “She is being controlled and those who controlled her also control us. This curse summons the souls of the afterlife to do the caster’s bidding. I was forced to summon you all here.”
“The souls of the afterlife?” Gusty Blizzard asked. “And what do you mean by that?”
“Haven’t you forgotten?” Platinum asked him, while approaching. “I killed you myself. You have been dead for a long time, King Gusty Blizzard.”
He took a few seconds to remember and then he said:
“Oh, yes, of course. Hey, wait! I remember everything now! You died in that day too! In fact, I’m the one who killed you!”
“Is that so?” King Paladin asked. “Well, never mind now. I can sense somepony at some distance that way. Somepony with the same kind of energy as you.”
He was referring to Chief Sandstorm.
“With him, there is an army” Paladin continued.
“Wait, I know who you are” Alder said to Chief Sandstorm. “You’re the leader of the pony-panthers, right.”
“Yes, I am” he replied. “And I have heard about all of you, fallen regents, as well about your descendants who are now regents of your kingdoms.”
“So the new generations are in charge now” Gusty Blizzard said, looking to himself. “It feels incredibly strange being here in the future like this.”
“Listen, this isn’t really the future” Platinum said to him. “We’re just ghosts brought back from the past. Don’t interrupt me anymore or I’ll kill you.”
“I was already killed, you foul!” Gusty Blizzard exclaimed. “And I was the one who killed you, remember.”
The two started to shovel each other, while Platinum said:
“I was just trying to tell you about the General of Death, the one who resurrected us.”
That made Gusty Blizzard to stop and then Chief Sandstorm said:
“If it is really the General of Death who brought us back, then the ones who are controlling her must be really powerful. Probably, it’s the Lord of Chaos himself or one of his top villains.”
Unknown to them, Strongpaw’s third was floating nearby, watching them. Strongpaw, with one of his eyes closed in order to connect with the third eye, was able to see them.
“They are four and among them… is my father.”
At the front of the unit, a light pony approached Lightning Bolt and whispered to him something before moving away. Lightning Bolt then turned to the rest of the unit and told them:
“It’s a message from HQ. Our commando unit fought the enemy’s commando unit. It seems we were right about the enemy. They are controlling the General of Death and forced her to use the Reincarnation Curse to raise the dead and sending them to the battle field. Because of this, we don’t know what kind of adversaries we’re going to find, so you all must be sure you’re prepared for everything.”
It was then that their attention went to their captain who had raised his hoof.
“He’s giving the signal. The enemy is close.”
“But, lieutenant, the HQ hasn’t told us that there is any enemy near” Hardscale said, who was with Toothy.
“That may be because there is some enemies that not even the HQ can detect” Lightning Bolt replied. “I bet the enemy will only revive the really strong ones.”
“Ah, just the thought of having to face dead beins…” Hardscale said. “It’s making me nervous. You too, right, Toothy?”
Toothy nodded with his head and then Lightning Bolt said:
“It’s too late to worry about that now.”
Back to the Alliance’s headquarters, one of Diamond Glow’s underlings said:
“We have a message from Captain Strongpaw’s Fourth Unit. They spotted four enemies. They are King Gusty Blizzard, King Platinum, Chief Sandstorm and… King Alder.”
Listening that, both Aspen and Hard Stone became very tense.
“What?!” Aspen exclaimed, getting up. “My father too?! Those villains…”
“But the numbers don’t match up with our sensing readings” Twilight said, turning then to the underling. “Are you sure this intel is correct?”
“Princess Twilight, King Platinum is my father and he was the one who taught me everything I know about magic” Hard Stone said. “But he was much more powerful than me when he was alive. Because of that, it is no surprise at all that we were able to sense three of them and not the fourth. The fact you cannot detect his presence, it’s because it is his doing.”
Boreal Blizzard became a little nervous knowing about a pony that they couldn’t detect.
“Captain Boreal, there are far too many of those plant ponies out there” one of his underlings told him. “I can’t detect any of those with special characteristics. Arcing’s First Unit is about to face thousands of them. I will need help to distinguish the reincarnated ones from the plant ponies.”
“All right, you take charge of the broad-range scan” Boreal Blizzard said.
He then closed his eyes and focused. The great sensor bubble started bubbling and then he said:
“This is bad. There are too many reincarnated beings attacking Arcing’s First Unit. And it appears that each one is more powerful than the one before.
At Horseshoe Bay, where the evacuated Baltimare was located, Petal Sprout’s clones started to appear from the Celestial Sea. Arcing and his unit were all waiting from them. Close to him was Ember and Flambeau.
“They’re coming” Arcing said to them. “Get the signal to prepare for battle.”
“Yes” they said.
And the two fired their fire to the air to warn everypony to be ready.
“They are so many” Nitelite said, near Freeze Burn.
“And their numbers are not the only concern” Freeze Burn told him. “Between them, there are the ones who have special skills. I can see that through my magic.”
He was right. There was reincarnated beings coming along with the clones. But the ones that caught his attention was Eclipse, Sunburst and Day Glow, the ones he was able to recognize.
“No, it can’t be…”
“What is it, Your Highness?” Nitelite asked.
“Something bad, very bad” he said. “Ingrid and her sisters won’t like this at all.”
A griffon from Aeropolis that was also seeing their enemies approaching became shocked and said:
“No, it can’t be…” he said.
“What is it?” a crystal pony who was nearby asked.
“Those two are…” he said, looking to two griffons between the reincarnated beings. “They are Gavin and Grant, the Gold and Silver Brothers of Aeropolis.”
The one that seemed to be the Gold Brother had yellowish fur with orange feathers with tinges of a light shade, while the Silver Brother had dark bluish fur with silver color feathers.
It was then that there was a very loud sound and a tremor and, before everyone’s eyes, Kraken emerged from the waters, with his tentacles waving in the air.
His presence was immediately sensed by the HQ, where a great bustle was starting.
“It seems the Kraken appeared at the place where the First Unit is” Boreal Blizzard said.
“Finally, the villains start to appear” Twilight said. “I was wonder when they would make their move.”
But that wasn’t all as Boreal was able to distinguish the reincarnated ones from Petal Sprout’s clones.
“Who are those griffons?” he said in an astonish way. “They possess the Nine-Tails’ energy. And they have a lot of it.”
Aspen and Hard Stone were able to realize who they were talking about.
“No way…” Aspen said. “There is no mistake. It’s the Gold and Silver Brothers of Aeropolis.”
“So Gentle Light was that far to make her army of reincarnated beings” Hard Stone said. “I have to say I didn’t expected that.”
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Queen Ingrid, we received information from King Freeze Burn at the First Unit” a guard said.
“What is it?” Celestia asked.
A little nervous, the guard said:
“It appears that between the reincarnated beings are your grandfathers, Sunburst and Eclipse.”
That information really shocked the three alicorn sisters with Luna getting up and exclaiming:
“What?! How can it be!”
“The General of Chaos must have ordered Gentle Light to reincarnate them to get to us” Ingrid said.
“But there is more…” the guard said.
“More?” Luna asked.
“King Freeze Burn says that a stallion named Day Glow is between the reincarnated ones as well.”
If Celestia and Ingrid were shocked for knowing about their grandfathers, then knowing about their common former crush was like a low blow.
“What…” Ingrid said.
“Day Glow…” Celestia said.
Both Luna and Twilight looked concerned to those two.
“Okay, now they went too far!” Spike exclaimed. “For the Lord of Order’s sake, there are limits!"
“Not for the ones who serve Evil, young one” Hard Stone said.
“With the Fourth Unit facing my father and the First Unit facing Gavin and Grant, I cannot wait anymore” Aspen said. “I must join the battle.”
“Please, reconsider, Your Highness” White Light, who were besides Celestia, said. “You’re the Supreme Commander of the Alliance. The Supreme Commander must remain safe and continuing giving orders until the final stages of the war. That is your responsibility to your charges.”
Aspen hated to admit it, but White Light was right.
“But still, Arcing’s unit can’t withstand this many enemies” Boreal Blizzard said, while analyzing the battlefield with his sensing skills.
“The tide of battle is fluid like a living thing” White Light said. “It can change at any second. It was to discern those changes that I was brought here. Look at the map.”
They all look to the map of Equestria that was at the table and then White Light said:
“To get started, let’s verify the status of every company. At the front line, behind the enemy’s lines, we have Shadow Claw’s commando unit. They skirmish with a commando unit of reincarnated beings and vanquish the enemy and presently they’re moving towards the villains’ hideout. Now let’s switch our focus and take a look at the battle units. Shining Armor’s Third Unit is leading the charge. They have engaged in battle, but the word says they got the advantage.”
King Aspen nodded, being following White Light’s reasoning.
“Now, another big battle that is about to begin it’s here, at the Badlands, with Prince Obsidian Blade’s unit” White Light continued. And King Gael and King Godot’s Fifth Unit are standing by and assist any battle where reinforcements will be needed. Now let’s focus at the bay, where the enemy is approaching by the sea. Prince Arcing Storm’s First Unit will engage them. We will call this battlefield A. And the other main battlefield facing the previous regents that suddenly appeared to Chief Strongpaw’s Fourth Unit will be called battlefield B.”
The Supreme Commander looked to the map in the way White Light described and then said:
“When we look at this, it appears that we match in strength with our enemy.”
“It’s unadvisable to assume that” White Light said. “The ironclad rule of warfare is to take advantage by mobilizing troops. If the enemy advances from two directions, instead of engaging both sides, you counter by attacking one side with your full force. We’re dealing with two battlefields here: A and B. In our case, we’ll start with battlefield A. We’ll concentrate our forces around Prince Arcing Storm’s First Unit. King Gael’s Fifth Unit needs to join the First Unit to reinforce their ranks, while still maintaining their belt formation. Prince Obsidian Blade can go around by the Haysead Swamps and surround the enemy and box them in from the sea. The Second Unit may be stretched thin, but the Fifth Unit’s belt formation will serve as a barrier. Meanwhile, Chief Strongpaw’s Fourth Unit needs to make a slow retreat to the furthest side of the battlefield in order to lure the enemy. From there, some of the Fourth Unit will be able to join the First Unit as reinforcements. And after they wipe out the enemy at the battlefield A, the First and Fourth Unit will come to the battlefield B so we can corner the enemy there.”
After finishing the explanation, Aspen took a moment to think and then he asked:
“Why starting with battlefield A? If you split up Strongpaw’s unit in half, the enemy they are facing may take that opportunity to launch an assault, right? You must not underestimate those four. Don’t forget that they are powerful regents, all of them.”
“Well, with battlefield A, the Second Unit has easier access and can mobilize there quicker than to the battlefield B” White Light explained. “Also, Prince Obsidian Blade’s unit is already familiar with the enemy. It can attack those clones with a high rate of success. And then, as for battlefield B, it is not very likely they will launch any sudden attack. If we low our numbers, then the enemy will think we’re up to something and will be careful with reckless moves.”
“The former regents won’t be foul to engage in battle like that” Hard Stone said. “Yes, I see it now.”
“And even if the enemy attacks, Strongpaw’s unit is still specialized in long-rage battle, so it will take time for the enemy to engage them in a close-rage battle. In other words, it is a company that can buy us time.”
There was a pause and then White Light asked to Aspen:
“What do you think, Supreme Commander?”
Aspen took a little time to think, but then he said:
“No wonder Equestria has been a very steady kingdom. You have very good warriors, Princess Celestia.”
“I appreciate the compliment, King Aspen, but I don’t think we should brag about our military power” Celestia said. “All the merit should go to Captain White Light.”
“Everything I know it was taught to me by my mentor who was also my predecessor in the Canterlot Royal Guard, Captain Star Shield, who is also Princess Twilight’s paternal grandfather” White Light said. “He was the real battle strategist.”
That reverence to her grandfather made Twilight smile and then said:
“Thank you for those kind words, Captain White Light. They mean a lot to me.”
And White Light made a little bow to her. Although it was nice to heard White Light talking about her grandfather like that, she couldn’t stop thinking that eventually they would have to face him in that war as Grogar.
“Very well, Captain White Light, let’s try this strategy of yours” Aspen said.
“Good” White Light said, turning then to Diamond Glow. “Diamong Glow, are you listening?”
“Yes, I’m already on it” she replied. “Also, I have already send word to King Gael about the commando unit and they are on their way. And the medical division is allocating its units evenly to provide medical attention.”
At the shore, Ember and Flambeau was seeing the enemy coming and the former:
“Well, this is it. The enemy is approaching and the battle is about to begin.”
“Don’t tell me that the great Dragon Lord is nervous” Flambeau said in a teasing way.
“Of course not!” Ember replied. “Are you kidding? I’m the daughter of Lord Torch and…”
But she didn’t finish, as Flambeau went to hold her claw and then said to her:
“You don’t have to pretend with me. But you don’t have to worry neither. I’m here with you and don’t forget that Spike and the others will come up with a plan so we can win. Everything will be fine.”
Those words made Ember smile with more confidence and then nod.
At the Badlands, the Second Unit continued to fight the clones, as well as Crush and his changelings. Applejack and Big Mac were using their powerful backs to hit the clones, while Rainbow Dash, Soarin and Cloud Chaser flew over to defeat as many clones as possible and also to prevent any disguised changeling from making a blunt attack to their allies.
Back to the HQ, Diamond Glow said:
“All units have been notified.”
White Light smiled and then said:
“Perfect, it is time for us to get the advantage.”
“Captain White Light, if I may interject here” Hard Stone said.
“Of course, Your Highness” White Light replied.
“For your strategy to be foolproof, you’ll need to change your plan just slightly” Hard Stone said.
“I will?” White Light asked. “How so?”
“King Platinum is different from the majority of ponies” Celestia explained. “The only one who can stop him is his own son.”
“King Platinum has come up often in our discussions” White Light said. “What kind of pony is he?”
“Yeah, I’m also curious about that after learning he could dodge our sensing warriors” Spike said. “Just with that characteristic, it is obvious he would be a problem.”
“He possesses a triple combined nature, something that is far more powerful than any normal combined nature.
“A triple combined nature?!” White Light exclaimed in shock.
“Wait, is it possible for something like that to exist?” Spike asked.
“It is a very rare kind of natural magic, but it is something very real” Twilight answered. “Apart from Golden Paladin and Mirror Coat, I knew that you, King Hard Stone, were the only pony alive to have such skill. But I didn’t know your father…”
“The activation of three energy natures, wind, earth and fire, is what allows me to use the particle nature” Hard Stone said, using his gravity spell to get out of his place. “But it was my father who taught me how to use it. I can’t believe I have to battle my father, who was also my master, at my age. It doesn’t pay to live a long life.”
“So, will you go then?” Aspen asked him.
“What choice to I have?” Hard Stone asked back, turning then to White Light. “Captain White Light?”
“Yes, sir?” he asked.
“I’m not going solely because my father, a particle nature user, is there” Hard Stone said. “I admit that your tactical plan is brilliant. And you’re correct, the reincarnated regents who stand before the Fourth Unit know war well and will not make any unnecessary or rushed maneuvers. Probably you’re right in your assessment of how the battle will unfold. But it could be that the opposite is possible.”
Listening that, White Light realized he was right and then realized.
“Strongpaw was the one to unite the Alliance. His determination and passion were the primary catalyst. And you’re saying that this can have the opposite effect on the battlefield?”
After this, he said in a respectful way:
“Thank you, sir, I appreciate your insight.”
Hard Stone nodded him and then said:
“Well, I think it is time for me to leave to the war and show these young brats what fighting is really about. Especially that sand brat.”
“And I’ll go too” Twilight said, getting up.
“Twilight…” Spike said.
“King Platinum is not the only user of a triple combined nature that we should worry about” Twilight said. “There is another one fighting against the Third Unit.”
“King Sombra” Luna said.
“Yes, he is a crystal nature user” Twilight said. “By using light, earth and water natures, he can turn practically any substance into crystal and use it as a weapon. Furthermore, he is a master in using dark magic. I know shouldn’t go to the front lines just like that, but I can’t sit here while my brother and husband are facing this kind of enemy when I can counter his attacks. Beyond that, I already dealt with his magic and I have a score to settle with him in Princess Aurora’s behalf.”
Twilight really hopped that everyone would stop her, but they didn’t.
“Well, you have already make up your mind, so there’s nothing we can say to stop you” Celestia said.
“I’ll go with you, Twilight” Spike said. “I can help you…”
“No, Spike, I need you to stay here” Twilight said. “I can handle Sombra. You need to get ready just in case the former Dragon King and his dragons appear.”
Spike knew she was right, but it was hard for him to see his best friend go face a dangerous foe all by herself. However, he just nodded his head, accepting her advice.
And, before either Celestia or Ingrid said something, Luna got up and said:
“And I’ll go to Horseshoe Bay.”
“Luna…” Celestia and Ingrid said to their little sister.
“I knew you two would want to go there because of our grandfathers and Day Glow, but you would let your emotions get in your way” Luna said. “If any of us three should go, then that’s me.”
“Princess Luna is right” King Aspen said. “She’s perfect for the job. You three go, but be careful.”
And so Hard Stone, Twilight and Luna got out to go their respective destinations.
At the desert, King Platinum said:
“This curse is really strange. There are times when your body won’t do what you want and certain actions will appear restricted.”
“You’re right, it does appear to be that way” Gusty Blizzard said. “I thought in killing you earlier, but my body wouldn’t allow me to do it.”
“It’s a shame” Alder said. “I would enjoy battle you. How disappointing.”
Chief Sandstorm looked around and then saw his son’s Third Eye, spying on them. He recognized it immediately as belonging to Strongpaw. The latter also noticed that his father saw him, but that didn’t change his expression that was filled with the desire of facing him.