In a safe-house located at Neighagra, guards were watching over all the possible entrances. Inside that house were elite members of Equestria society, along of other kingdoms.
“I don’t like being held in this ghastly place” Jet Set said in a dismay tone.
“I agree with you, dear” Upper Crust agreed. “They should have taken us to a better place.”
“If you two wanted that, then you shouldn’t have requested to come to a safe-house with us” Fancy Pants, who was with Fleur Dis Lee, replied to them. “You could have stayed in Canterlot, like everypony else.”
“Why, we belong to the elite” Jet Set, while his wife nodded in agreement. “We shouldn’t be with the rest of the… commoners.”
“Yeah, yeah, but at least we are trying to remain calm” Fancy Pants replied. “After all, we are in a war. We should be more concern about our safety and not the place we are being hold.”
“I can assure you that the Alliance will do everything to defeat this villains and recover the peace we once had” Kyrippos said, accompanied by his wife.
“Yes, I also agree with you, Your Excellency” Fancy Pants said. “After, we have our deer alicorn princess, as well powerful warriors and allies.”
Jet Set and Upper Crust and, giving a fake chuckle, the latter said:
“Yes, you’re absolutely right.”
Meanwhile, Featherwing was approaching the safe house, observing it attentively hidden by the trees.
“This must be the place” she said.
At that moment, Queen Mystic Heart and Bronze Dagger were accompanying King Guto to a safe house, giving him the safety from any threat. Some of his guards were traveling along.
“Is this really necessary?” he asked to Mystic Heart. “I could have stayed in my kingdom.”
“King Gael expressed to us your niece’s desire to keep you safe” she replied.
“Ah, she worries too much” Guto said. “I may not be as young as I used to be, but I’m still capable of defending myself. She should worry more with herself.”
Queen Mystic Heart gave a little chuckle before that and said:
“Oh, King Guto, you’re really a card.”
“And you’re too nice, Queen Mystic Heart” Guto said. “You could be helping in the war, but here you are, having to endure an old griffon.”
“Well, it is very common for the enemy to get some hostage between the most important figures, so I don’t think this task is not important” Queen Mystic Heart said. “Besides, I am enjoying this time with you, Your Majesty.”
“And tell me, how long until we reach our destination?” Guto asked.
“You don’t have to worry, we’re almost at the safe house” Mystic Heart replied.
And the safe house started to appear at their sight.
Featherwing, deciding it was the right time, took flight and advanced to the safe house and, by doing that, she trigged the alarmed prepared by the unicorn guards. The guards who were there advanced to attack her, but Featherwing was able to dodge them all and be able to get inside the safe house. But when she got there, she found out that the elite society members that were there where nothing but a bunch of puppets.
“Got you” the pegasi guards said, appearing at the window.
From one of the puppets, a net was launched against the harpy. That was a trap. Using her sharp claws, she undid the net and then used her master power to teleport away in a wave of darkness, before the guards’ shock.
“Damn, he got away” one of the guards said. “We have to send the word to the other safe houses immediately.
The truth was that there was many safe-houses spread around Equestria.
While they were moving, Queen Mytic Heart said to Guto:
“All right, King Guto, we are approaching the fifth safe-house.”
“I can’t believe you have five of them” Guto said.
“Well, of course, because in that way, we can rotate you between them and, in that way, the enemy won’t be able to pin your location” Mystic Heart explained.
“In that way, my mind can be left relieved” Guto said.
“Excellent.”
Featherwing was at the top of trees and said:
“Those fools… They really think they can stop me? I am a harpy and a servant of the Lord of Chaos after all.”
And, having said that, she took flight and continued to said:
“I’m the ruler of the skies. Nothing can escape my sight from here.”
At Horseshoe Bay, the battle between the enemy and the First Unit was about to begin. Facing the clones and the great Kraken, Arcing, who was at the front of his unit, said:
“It’s dull, but I guess I have to show them why I was chosen to protect this cost line.
He then directed to his unit:
“I’ll make the first shot now, then you move in.”
“Yes, sir!” they exclaimed, preparing to move.
“Black Lightning Spell!” he exclaimed, while his body started to be involved by black lightning.
He released that lightning, hitting the water and electrocuting both the clones and Kraken. The guards of Evermist were very exciting for seeing their prince using that spell, one that many few capable of using light nature were able to perform.
“I’m sorry about all that” Arcing said, ironically.
The spell continued to act, but then some clones gave a big jump, along with the reincarnations. That made all the others to act. Flambeau, Ember and Nitelite, along with the other dragons, shot their spikes and fire, while unicorns used their magic beams. The bodies of the clones who were hit just fell on the see, with them floating at the surface, but the clones just continued to advance, what forced the First Unit to move as well.
Day Glow landed on the rocks where Freeze Burn was waiting for him.
“I never imagined I would end up meeting you, Day Glow” he said. “But it’s unfortunate that it has to be in this way.”
“Do I know you?” Day Glow asked.
“No, but I know you” Freeze Burn said. “Ingrid told me about you.”
“You know Ingrid?” Day Glow asked, surprised.
“She’s my wife.”
“I see… I’m happy that she was able to find happiness after what happened.”
“Yes, but it was not easy for her” Freeze Burn said. “Your death set her in a very dark path. Fortunately, she was able to come back to the light.”
“And Celestia?” Day Glow asked. “How is she?”
“Also good” Freeze Burn replied.
“I’m happy for her” Day Glow said with a smile. “For both of them.”
It was then that Day Glow sensed the curse telling him to attack.
“Prepare yourself, I’m going to attack!” he exclaimed.
And, having saying that, he charged his horn and attacked with magic that Freeze Burn defended with a defensive spell.
Sunburst and Eclipse were both together dealing with some soldiers that they were able to defeat in a reasonably easy way.
“I can’t believe that none of this brats aren’t able to defeat two old stallions like us” Eclipse said.
“To be fair, we cannot be destroyed” Sunburst said.
“I know, but they could put some fight at least” Eclipse replied.
“Then let me fight you!” a voice exclaimed.
The two of them looked up and saw Luna hoovering over them. Seeing the princess of the night, some guards started to cheer her. Listening that cheering, the two stallions couldn’t believe that was their granddaughter.
“It can’t be…” Sunburst said.
“Luna…” Eclipse said.
“Yes, it’s me, grandpas” Luna said. “And I’m here to put you to rest.”
Although they were both glad to see one of their granddaughters, they knew they couldn’t fight against the curse for much longer.
“You will see, child, that we will be not as easy to defeat as you may think” Sunburst.
“After all, we were both candidates to rule Equestria before the Lord of Order turned your parents into alicorns” Eclipse said.
At the desert, Hard Stone was flying to the place where Strongpaw and his unit were. A sound nearby made him turn around and he saw a flock of geese flying in their V formation.
“Even geese know the significance of formation” he said. “When the leader of any group becomes confused, then the entire flock that follow it will be at risk.
He then remember the way how Strongpaw was able to unite the Alliance and then he said:
“Although I admit that sometimes someone young and charismatic must stand at the front.”
Shadow Claw and his group were moving, with him at the front, followed by Ivory that was controlling his pony puppet that had a cable infused with light nature connected to the one with Rothbart to hold his body, making them move, and the rest of the group were coming next. All the moving of the latter puppet was upsetting Rothbart, who exclaimed:
“Hey, watch it! All this moving around is making me sick! All of you are completely heartless!”
“Just be quiet” Shadow Claw ordered him. “Keep it up and I’ll be glad to seal that mouth too. And, for the recorded, you’re the only one here heartless.”
“A situation that can be resolved easily!” Rothbart exclaimed, trying to get out again. “Just let me out so I can rip out your heart with my ultimate spell!”
Shadow Claw rolled his eyes, saying:
“So annoying…”
He turned to Ivory and asked him:
“Will this be able to contain him?”
“Don’t worry, captain, my puppets are resilient” Ivory replied.
“Good, the last thing we need it’s to have to deal with that maniac again” Shadow Claw said.
It was then that the alpha pony-wolf sensed someone approaching and then Smokewing appeared.
“You’re here” Shadow Claw said, while Smokewing joined the group. “What happened?”
“We were ambushed by reincarnated beings” he said. “Fortunately, Prince Shining Armor and his unit appeared just in time. The others stayed to help them, but I thought you could use some help.”
“All the help is very welcome, mainly when we are in the enemy’s territory” Shadow Claw replied. “I had to send the other dragon to help the Second Unit. They are in great need with those clones.”
“Captain…” Ivory said, seeing something with his pony-panther vision.
“Yes, I know…” Shadow Claw replied, getting the scent of their enemy ahead.
All the unit stopped abruptly, what made the puppet where Rothbart also stop in the same way, what caused Rothbart to notice that.
“It seems we have to deal with the reincarnations again” Shadow Claw said.
They had come across with Ash, King Grover, the pony-wolf and the unnamed deer.
“Wait, but that’s…” Ivory started. “That’s King Grover, the first king of Griffonstone. And that’s… an alpha pony-wolf… just like you, captain.”
The pony-wolf gave a chuckle and then she said:
“I never thought I would see the day where a pony-panther would call captain to a pony-wolf. How nice. Or should I say… pathetic.”
That really upset Ivory who tried to attack her, but Shadow Claw put his forearm in front of him to prevent him from move and then told to the pony-wolf.
“That’s enough… sister.”
That revelation shocked everyone in his unit.
“You didn’t change, Dusk Night.”
“Well, what could you expect?” she asked. “After all, I’m still the pony-wolf that you killed in order to become the Lord of Chaos’ personal alpha.”
“Only one of us could occupy that place” Shadow Claw replied. “It was a battle for survival. I have no regret for what I did. Although my heart is heavy for having to kill my own flesh and blood.”
“So, the great alpha is nothing more than a sentimental fool” Dusk Night said. “Then I think our mission will be easier than I thought.”
“Don’t be so certain of that” Shadow Claw replied.
Listening the voices outside, Rothbart said:
“Hey, if you are reinforcements, then let me out of here! It’s stuffy! I’m about to explode!”
“No, you’re wrong” Grover said. “You’re stuck in there precisely to not explode or change form."
“Ah, yeah, I guess you’re right about that” Rothbart admitted. “But you didn’t have to put it that way!”
“There is nothing that I wanted more than help the Order defeat the Chaos, but this curse doesn’t allow me to do that” Grover said.
Shadow Claw analyzed the situation carefully. He knew his own sister pretty well and how dangerous she was and he also knew how King Grover was also a great warrior. That would meant that the other two deer were also pretty strong. That made him realize that divide his team was not the best call. Because of that, he could only do one thing.
“Listen up, we retreat at my signal, you got it?” he said to his team.
“Understood” Smokewing said.
At the place where the Third Unit, Blue was advancing alone in a more deserted are, attentive to any movement. Then, darkness appeared behind him with an evil grin coming from it. That made Blue teleport away, appearing turned to the darkness who then adopted Sombra’s form.
“Well, well, well, so you are the new General of Balance” he said. “I never met the first one, but I can’t help but wondering if you are as powerful as him.”
“There is only one way to find out” Blue answered, shooting then a powerful magic beam.
But Sombra was able to defend that with a crystal barrier that soon shattered, but the evil unicorn was able to throw the shards against Blue. Using the magic as General he had, he tried to nullify the shards. It was a hard task that consumed most of his energy, but Blue was eventually able to do it.
“Very good, it was impressive how you were able to nullify my crystals with your General magic that is not as strong as it was before the disease created by the General of Chaos” Sombra said. “But now you won’t be able to dodge my Crystal Prison Spell.”
He was right, Blue was too tired to nullify that spell that was more powerful. Sombra prepared to execute the spell and then he said:
“Let’s see what happens when we kill a General of Order.”
And he laughed evilly, while charging his horn with magic. But it was then that a powerful magic beam directed to him, made Sombra turn into darkness. But the beam was so bright that, even hitting something intangible like darkness, was able to hurt him. Twilight appeared and landed beside Blue, saying:
“It seems I got here just in time. Are you okay, Blue?”
“Yes, I am, but what are you doing here, Twily?”
“I came to help. Sombra is capable of using a triple combined nature. He’s too much powerful for you to fight him by yourselves.”
The darkness started to accumulate around them and Sombra’s voice said:
“No… It can’t be…”
He assumed his solid form and said to Twilight:
“Aurora? But you were dead. Your star seed was broken.”
Twilight realized that Sombra didn’t know who she was, also because the only time they met personally was when he pursue her and her friends at the time where they were trying to save the Crystal Empire from him and, at that time, he may only have gotten a glimpse of her.
“I’m not Aurora” she said. “She indeed ceased to exist, but I inherited her light.”
“So, that means you’re the new host of the original light” Sombra said, making a wide smile. “That means, if I kill you, I can destroy the light of the Lord of Order in this reality.”
“You’re wrong” Twilight said. “I have a child that will inherit my light if anything happens to me.”
“It doesn’t matter” Sombra said. “I never got the chance to kill Aurora myself, but killing you will be as much satisfactory.”
“She will not be alone” Blue said, wanting to help his wife against that powerful foe.
“No, Blue, go help Shining” Twilight said. “I can handle him.”
“But…”
“Go help him” Twilight said. “He and the others need you more than me. Go!”
Knowing he couldn’t argue with Twilight when she was that decided, Blue nodded and then moved away.
“Alone… finally” Sombra said.
“I’ll put an end to you and all of your evil doings” Twilight said, charging her horn.
“We shall see about that” Sombra replied, charging his curved horn as well.
At the HQ, Diamond Glow sent the instructions of the plan conceived by White Light to all the involved units. At the Badlands, Obsidian Blade had just finished a clone and a changeling with his bare hooves, when a crystal pony approached and, after proving he was not a changeling, he said:
“Captain Obsidian Blade, there’s new tactical orders from HQ.”
“Tell me” he said, with his daughter by his side. “And be quick about it.”
At the desert, the Fourth Unit was at its position. Lightning Bolt received the new orders and then said:
“I understand. You can go.”
The messenger moved away and then he went to Hardscale, Toothy and Silverweed and said:
“I just got orders to get half of this unit and join with the First Unit.”
“What?” Silverweed asked. “Half of our forces? Is HQ out of their mind?”
“It was Captain White Light who suggested this, so he may have a very good reason” Lightning Bolt said. “Be more respectful, soldier.”
“Sorry, captain, I guess I’m a little nervous” Silverweed said.
“I understand, but try to control it” Lightning Bolt said. “This plan can work, if everything goes okay. I’ll be back as soon as I can. But there’s something that can represent a problem to this unit.”
“What is it, lieutenant?” Hardscale asked.
“Apparently, the enemy possesses a pony that can use a triple combined nature that surprises any other combined nature” Lightning Bolt replied.
“A triple combined nature?” Silverweed asked. “Does that have anything to with natural magic?”
“Yes, as you may know, all the beings normally possess one energy nature, besides the one you obtain with training” Lightning Bolt explain. “However, there are some individuals are different, as they possess two inborn natures. They are able to fuse those two natures and, by doing so, create a new one. That is known as combined natures. Examples of users are Queen Ingrid, who is able to fuse water and wind to create ice, Leaf Mane, who fuses water and earth to create wood, and of course Heartbeat, who fuses light and wind to create swift. In our ranks, we also have Prince Arcing, whose gale nature is a combination of light and water natures.”
“Wow, they all seem to be very powerful” Hardscale said.
“Yes, but even more stronger than a normal combined nature is the triple combined nature, where three natures are fused together” Lightning Bolt said.
“Three?!” Hardscale and Silverweed exclaimed.
“It’s almost beyond belief and it’s very rare” Lightning Bolt said. “It’s so rare that the most famous users are two of the Generals of Order. Golden Paladin is capable of using fire, earth and water natures to create his steel nature and Mirror Coat possesses what is called the glass nature that uses fire, light and earth. Without counting with them, I only know one pony with that kind of power. But, with the Reincarnation Curse, the enemy was able to bring back two triple combined nature users and one of them is heading towards this unit. He uses the particle nature. He is King Platinum, a former ruler of Stonult.”
“But, if the enemy is that powerful, then why divide our forces?” Silverweed asked.
“You don’t have to worry about that” Lightning Bolt said. “HQ already took that in consideration and we were granted with that rare ally who possesses the triple nature.”
And he and the others looked up and saw King Hard Stone appearing, descending to the place where Strongpaw was, stopping a few inches of the stone.
“You didn’t need to get up, you know?” Strongpaw said to him, without taking his eyes from the horizon. “I can handle this.”
“You’re the one who started the fire beneath me” Hard Stone replied, referring to the question he did to him during the summit, what caused the pony-panther to look to the old unicorn. “I’m going to retrieve to what I’d previously forsaken.”
At the coast, the battle was intense, with a lot of bodies of the clones floating at the sea or lying on the sand. Flambeau, Ember, Nitelite and the other dragons were dealing with Kraken, being able to prevent him from advancing with their fire, but the movement of his tentacles was still able to cause some damage to the Alliance. The only problem were the reincarnated ones, but Freeze Burn and Luna had that almost under control. There was only two faults to that and they were confronted by Arcing, who smiled to them. The ones he was facing were Gavin and Grant. The former had a thick length of rope around his right frong leg and the latter possessed a large brown gourd with a red cloth around it around his neck.
“Just look who got the spine to come and face us, Gavin” Grant said. “One little pony.”
Arcing didn’t let himself be intimidated by them and then said to them:
“I’m sorry to cause you shame, noble Gavin and Garth. It’s also hard for me to dishonor two great legends of Aeropolis.”
“Garth, can you smell that?” Gavin asked. “He smells like pine and condensation. This kid is from Evermist. Knowing their warriors, this kid has some skills.”
“I’m sorry for the disrespect, but I will have to shame you both a little right now” Arcing said. “I’m afraid I may end up stripping away the shine from your gold and silver with just a single strike of my gale nature. Even though it will be dull.”