//------------------------------// // Let Them Fight Part 1: Convergence // Story: Equestria Girls: King of Monsters // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// As the sun dips over the great forest, the Shobijin stood on the stump of a great tree. The eleventh hour for Man as come; they only have one shot at this. They look at each other “Mosura!” Their chorus echoes the forest before they shout out again, “Mosura!” The Rainbooms step out of the cabin and watch the two tiny people kneel and sing. While she didn’t go in a trance, Sunset could hear the tribal drums and the chants of the Tagatu. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Since retreating from both Gojira and the partially powered Ghidorah, the twin larvae have sought refuge on the tiny island at the lake. Having eaten their fill for today, the two have cuddled up and rest for the evening when they too hear the drums and chanting. The Island The Tagatu once again dance ceremoniously around their dying goddess. Mothra gently flapped her wings, clicked her beak a little before raising her heavy head and letting out a great cry. She folds her wings before climbing on the nearest mountain. With another battle cry, she spreads her great wings and takes to the sky for the last battle she will fight. Camp Everfree, The Next Morning. Throughout the night, Sunset sat on the dock they built for the sixth time already. Her dreams tell of a world without her…. Provided they kill Ghidorah. Warmth touched her skin before she opened her eyes. The final night that Man can sleep has passed. Something grips her shoulder, prompting Sunset to stand up. Beside her was Twilight, holding Spike in one arm. Before her, the best friends she ever had. Rarity had her hands on her hips, tilting her head with a coy look. Rainbow Dash cracked her knuckles while pounding her fists together, a sneer drew on her face. Applejack popped her neck before fixing her stetson on her hat. Fluttershy’s look is softer, but one could still tell she’s determined; on her shoulders are the Shobijin, holding their hands in prayer. With a lollipop in her mouth, Pinkie Pie reached into her hair, pulled out a party cannon the size of a hunting rifle and cocked it. The Rainbooms placed each of their hands one on top of the other. They give a look before turning to the Ringmaster. “Let’s do it,” Sunset muttered before raising their hands. Timber Spruce stepped out of his cabin just when the girls made their leave. He crossed his arms; they saved his camp once before, saving the world is just the next level. His confident look quakes as the ground shake and a massive shadow loom over him. The Pacific Northwest Townspeople were freaking out at the sight of the two giant brown caterpillars slithering by. On occasion, they use a river channel to make good time. As they passed Mount Rushmore, a larger being was watching them. Now almost completely healed from his quarrel in Hawaii, Rodan spat out another pellet from a recent feast of cattle. He watched the caterpillars make their journey to another river, puzzled as to what the trouble is. Looking at the smoke in the far horizon, the creature on leather wings pondered; is this his fight too? The Rainbooms had to drive off-road; citizens from neighboring cities and states clogged up the highways as they sought refuge to the east. In the passenger seats, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight could only feel remorse; against a creature this powerful, what haven is safe? Some of the grumbling citizens tapped their fingers when they felt a strong vibration. Some look to their left, and reel back in terror. Thanks to being experimented on with Regenerator G-1, Kong survived the black, though with a terrible burn on his chest. While passing a large city, the gorilla snapped off a large building and dragged it on the ground. Cattle scatter about the ape’s feet and weapon left massive pits and a trench. The Twins just about reached northern Utah. The ground is more solid from where they started, and certainly dusty. Rocks scratch their abdomens, but they continue on. The sister stops and faces something strange. Thunderball was still recovering from his fight with Gojira; blood flowed from his mouth as it fixed itself. The ankylosaur turns his armored head to her and lets out a tired growl. The larva lets out a chirp before rejoining her brother. Thunderball looks the other way, scraping the ground before looking at the caterpillars again. Further south, Gojira’s ears pick up the sound of booming wing beats. He opens his eyes and turns his tired head. It was a visage he thought he never sees again. Mothra flew over him, greeting her longtime enemy with a loud cry. She roosts on a mountaintop and takes a breather, imagining the low growls coming between the reptile’s teeth. Home, Ground Zero. The Rainbooms park their vehicles at a forest clearing before walking up a hill. The place where so many many memories made, and the starting point of their grand adventures. Much of it is in smoke. The dome that kept their families and friends hostage, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of the three-headed dragon. Tearing a tree clean off the ground, Applejack allowed passage to cross into the war zone. "No, Spike," Twilight asked of her dog before crossing the bridge. Hard as it was, he obliges and runs to where they parked. No happy sounds, no music, or bustling crowds, this was a graveyard in the making. In the first time in a long while, Fluttershy felt truly afraid; a broken bottle crashing or the clicking sound of one of Ghidorah’s parasites put her on edge. Wanting to save their energy for the big fight, they kept to the alleyways and buildings. Peaking one opal eye from the corner of an alley, Sunset spots the dome before turning to the others. “There’s no more cover, but it’s a straight shot to the dome.” “Then what are we waiting for?” Rainbow questioned, looking at every direction before walking into the open. The Rainbooms walk down the destroyed street littered with cars and rubble. Twilight moves her head slowly; could she have done this if Midnight Sparkle was victorious. Her ears picked up a gasp from Pinkie Pie, getting the scientist to stop and look in shock. Sugarcube Corner, the best hangout spot in town no holds barred, lies in ruin. The party planner’s hair partially deflated as she walked inside the building. One memory unraveled before her; A slightly younger Pinkie Pie was chasing Pound and Pumpkin during business hours. From the dusty counter, she picks up a cupcake, adorned with shiny sprinkles atop blue icing. She takes a bite, tears flowing from her eyes before starting to choke. Fluttershy and Rarity lead their friend out, gently patting her back. Sunset approaches her, pushing her chin up to see the reddened face of the party planner before hugging her. “We’ll get them out of here,” Sunset rubs Pinkie’s back, “I promise.” “Mmhmm.” Pinkie whimpers, breaking away from the hug and wiping the tears from her face. They take a few steps when they felt something dripping on them. They don’t mind it and continue on their way when a large glob of water splashes next to Rarity. On her skin, it felt sticky and a smell reached up her nose. More of this viscous fluid dropped to three different spots. Two on each of their sides, and one right in front of them. Ghidorah was right above them, six glowing eyes focused on his quarry, three mouths slightly agape. The middle head made a cackle; they have come to meet their doom. He arches said head and lunges at the heroines, just missing them. “Scatter!”  Sunset orders as she tries running ahead to the dome. She notices the right head reaching for Fluttershy and fires an arrow at the eye. Though the arrow hits the corner of the eye, his attention turns to her. Rarity rushes to an alley, but it proved effortless as the left head simply dug through, snapping his toothed jaws. The middle head had his sights on Rainbow Dash and snapped his teeth at her. He licks the roof of his mouth before looking back with a hiss. Ponied up, the athlete was running circles around him, laughing and taunting him before being thwacked by one of his tails. The twin larvae are the first help to come to town. From the short cover of the trees, they notice Ghidorah having a workday with the tiny hairless mammals, with the middle head being the only one unoccupied in a sense. The twins look at each other, let out little chirps before taking two different directions to town. When she recovers, Rainbow Dash runs to one of the alleys before bumping into one of the dragon’s massive hands. She tries the other way, the same result. The middle head opened his mouth, a glow building up in his throat. Twilight prepared to levitate a car at him when a loud chirp joined the violent chorus. Silk starts falling like a blizzard.  A moment of confusion before the dragon starts shaking his middle head, bringing the other heads back. The right head picks off the silk; now it has a sticky cotton mouth. In dense cover, the female larva is responsible for this barrage. She stops at one point, takes a breather, before continuing firing her silk. Some of the parasites banter over a few scraps of food when the male larva digs through the town and comes in contact with the dragon. While his heads struggle with the increased webbing, his tails flying around. He ponders; both of them are spikier than Gojira’s tail, and Ghidorah’s not gonna like it when he finds out. He opens his beak, lurches back and lunges at his target. He misses, so he moves back and tries again. Ghidorah’s wings spread open and all three heads cry out. He spins wildly, thrashing his tails and trying to get whatever’s got his tail. On the larva’s part, the thrill of a roller coaster would only be as thrilling if he wasn’t bashed into buildings and scraped on the rubble. The female stops a moment makes a concerned chirp at her brother’s plan before spraying again.   “Rainbow Dash!” Sunset calls out, pointing at her right, “Head for the sewer!” Rainbow looks to her left; the Rainbooms were crawling down a manhole not too far from her. Her super speed is hampered by the silk but is able to power walk her way and crawl down. Ghidorah’s foot stomps on the hole, shaking the soon-to-be graduate off the railing. With the lights flickering on and off with each tremor, Sci-Twi used her magic and made herself a living lightbulb. “So what now?” Rarity asks, pinching her nose. “If we keep moving,” Sunset points ahead of her, “there should be a manhole that brings us next to Canterlot High.” “Then we rescue the others and get them out of there!” Rainbow Dash adds, rubbing her backside. Fluttershy curls back at another tremor, “Would they be okay fighting him?” “If we hurry, we can help them.” Sunset starts moving, “Let’s go!” Ghidorah is about covered head to toe in silk, a living mummy if you will. His three heads are stuck together. Only his tails remain free, and the male larva still holds on one of them. The time for games is over. Mustering all his strength, Ghidorah unbinds himself and furiously shoots his gravity beams. The female stops firing her silk and takes cover. The male continues holding on for dear life, but it’s bull-riding… monster style. “Are we there, yet?” Rarity whined; the stench is being unbearable. Walking ahead of the group, Twilight looked at the walls and come across some aged writing next to another ladder. “Mccracken and Faust” it reads. “Sorry, not the one.” She replies before continuing on her way. “Then how close are we?” Rarity whined again before she is shoved. “A few steps closer than the last time you asked.” Rainbow Dash grumbled. Rarity grumbled and took a step before she heard a squeaking noise. Numerous squeaking noises follow as a whole army of rats runs across them. Applejack scratched her head. “What’s their deal?” She wonders. “Runaway?” Fluttershy whispered worryingly, “That’s what they keep saying.” “Runaway?” Rainbow Dash asked just at the same time Pinkie Pie twitched in several places at once, “From what?” Pinkie Pie reached into her hair and pulls out a pair of night vision goggles. She groans at the bright signature Twilight has at the moment before turning around. Just ahead of her is the reason the rats are running; Ghidorah’s parasites are all over the place. “Heh, heh, heh.” Pinkie Pie steps back into the light. The girls watch her in concern as she takes a deep breath, “Run.” They make a mad dash from the danger; they hear the raucous screeching and clicking of claws. Pinkie is the first to fall down, but not on her accord. An individual with drills on his hands screeched at her before getting a blast from her party cannon. She looks to her right; Rarity is pinned down, holding her shields up as another of the drill hand variety and one with the hooks and belly saws try to break through. Rainbow Dash barrels through the first while Applejack grabs the second and tussles with it. Bad move; if she falls on her back, she is doomed. To her fortune, a purple aura surrounds the creature and smashes it against the wall. The Rainbooms continue their retreat before running into a T section in the sewers. They turn around; the parasites just about outnumber them five to one, clicking their mandibles and scraping their tool shaped limbs. “Which way now, genius?” Rainbow Dash asked of Sunset, brandishing her fists. The creature ahead of its pack makes a few clicking sounds before jumping at them. Luck favors them again when a floor of spikes pushes through the sewers, impaling and crushing the parasites. Completely dumbfounded, the girls look at their left, where the owner of the spikes is going. “Looks like more employees are clocking in.” Applejack adds, fanning herself with her hat. Sci-Twi notices some writing and sets herself aglow once again. “Thiessen and Mccarthy” the words read this time. She looks at her friends and pet before climbing the ladder. She leads the way once again and pushes the manhole away. The dome is just a few blocks down. “This is it!” Twilight looks down the chute, “Just a few steps and-” The heat from a gravity beat touches her skin as it incinerates a few buildings. There is a method to the dragons madness. The female twin is running out of places to hide. She can’t even unleash her webbing. The dragon stops a moment, thrashes his tail more wildly and shakes his assailant away. His sister lurches back and pounces, but Ghidorah catches on and thwacks her away. He approaches the fallen twin, mouths dripping for something to eat. But he encounters another problem; the pavement he stands gives under his own weight and traps his foot. A few blocks to his right, something erupts from the ground. Thunderball had come, bellowing at the murky sky before advancing at the dragon. Before the dragon could correct himself, the dinosaur manages to sink his tusked shout on his leg. The right head instinctively looks at the assailant staining his golden skin with blood and bites him on the neck. The male twins notices this newcomer, and how he’s distracting the beast. He hops on his belly and starts his hustle.  But the left head spots the larva and blasts him away with his gravity beams. His sister collects herself and retreats. The Rainbooms stopped a while and let the female caterpillar pass. But as she made her leave, someone appeared behind her, just one more obstacle in their journey. Sonata Dusk now longer looked appealing; her skin is adorned with scales, her ears are elongated, fingers partially webbed with sharp nails, and walked on her toes. The fins on her back made her appear larger. “So it’s come to this.” Sonata Dusk purred, shuffling her fingers, “Just like in the Battle of the Bands… But wait… Adagio and Aria aren’t here, are they?” “Sonata,” Sunset steps forward, pointing at the bigger enemy, “this isn’t necessary. None of this is. Help us, and we’ll-” “Do you think I’m stupid?!” Sonata lashed out, “You killed my sisters, you ruined us! You ruined…  me...” Sci-Twi licked her lips before approaching the creature. Spike tries to stop her, but Sunset places her foot in his path. “It wasn’t all of them who killed them. It was me.” Sci-Twi notices Sonata twitching a corner of her lip, but she still continues, “I didn’t understand just how magic worked at this time. I understand that no apology will be enough. I wish…” She embraces the sorrowful creature, “I could do more…” Rainbow Dash at least was expecting Sonata to retaliate but she doesn’t. Her angered face softens and gently brings the human within arms reach. The Siren takes a deep breath and gives a warm smile. “I won’t forget you...” Sonata whispers, seeing Sci-Twi draw a hopeful smile as well, “And I certainly,” Sci-Twi notices Sonata’s pupils narrowing, “Won’t forgive you!” Sonata raises her clawed hand when another blue blur gets the drop on her. “Not likely, fish face!” Rainbow Dash quarrels as she wrestles Sonata. But if not physically fight, why not vocally? The Siren takes a deep breath before letting out a terrible screech. She then bats the athlete aside and stands up. Rainbow Dash regroups with her posse and assumes a battle stance, as do the others. With a flap of her wings, Sonata takes to the air, lets out a horrid cry and swoops at them with claws forward and teeth bared.   Ghidorah’s middle head reaches down and assists in freeing himself from Thunderball. A little more pressure on his neck forces the dinosaur to open his jaws. With the help of his left head, the dragon pulls Thunderball forward and tosses him aside. The dinosaur tries to get up, but Ghidorah’s massive hands grip his belly and flip him to his back. Pinned down, Thunderball watched helplessly as the deadly yellow grow reflected off his eye. But with all eyes focused on the dinosaur, it left him open to an ambush. A big and hairy assailant finally arrives, breaks into a sprint and jumps. The left head was able to make a glance before getting hit by a building. With Ghidorah staggering forward, Thunderball is free from his grip and starts rocking back and forth. Ghidorah’s left head shakes itself before letting out a roar… and given a chunk of the building. Kong grips the middle head and starts beating him with the rest of the building. Dazed from the repeated blows, the middle head had its jaws forced open; the eyes could only see a blurry image of the gorilla aiming the building to the throat. Before it could, the right head snaps on the hairy hand and twists it sharply. Kong howled to the heavens before the left head bites on his shoulder. The middle head recovers and looks down with a nasty sneer; he’s surprised that Kong survived a blast from his gravity beams, but now he wants to see it through up close. Holding the ape with his arms, both heads on the side wrap around Kong’s throat. Rarity’s hand is forced, providing cover over her friends. In her new attire, Sonata’s providing quite an offensive, and now just mindlessly barrages the fashionista’s spell. “Guess we can’t sing our way out of this one, huh?” Pinkie mutters, flinching at the next blast of energy. “At least she’s not using her head,” Sunset adds when her mouth gets covered “Don’t give her any ideas!” Rainbow Dash scolds “It’s called a figure of speech!” Rarity stressed as she held the attacks at bay. Soon, the red blasts cease and give her a moment of relief. But it’s only a bit when Sonata collided headfirst on the barrier, flies around and hits another spot on the barrier. “You were saying?” Applejack remarks. Fluttershy’s eyes noticed one of the last things she would see in a demolished city; a few pigeons were watching the whole thing. “Um, excuse me.” She whispered and got one to swivel it’s head at her, “I was wondering if I can ask you a favor…” Regardless of the brain trauma, Sonata increased the speed of her head bashing. Even Rarity’s starting to give. With a toothy grin, Sonata gains some altitude, aims her cranium, and makes a dive, hitting the barrier with a loud thud. As she shakes herself from the collision, the Siren is assaulted by a flock of pigeons, pecking and clawing at her skin. “Now!” Sunset orders. Rarity calls out her spell and collapses. Pinkie Pie gathers up some confetti and tosses it at Sonata. The explosion scares the pigeons away and blinds the Siren. She lands on her feet and rubs her eyes vigorously. As her vision improves, she notices Applejack throwing a massive rock at her. Flying at a slow arc, Sonata quickly destroys the boulder. When she looks down, however, she is blindsided by a flying car. Sonata tears the car apart and comes at them screaming. Rainbow Dash rushes at her, pinning her right side against a common household across from the school. Sonata prepares to punch her when Sunset pins her down too. “Is this what your sisters really want?! A destroyed world!? Even when this world became Equestria, think of the memories you made!” Sunset grabs Sonata’s hand with one and puts the other on Sonata’s forehead. The Siren’s eyes glow white as well. She recalls some of her memories; one of her crawling about mewing for her mother. Another of her and her sisters splashing in a puddle. Another of how she discovered the pendants… And the gradual malevolence the three bring upon making landfall. Sonata shakes herself free of this trance and screams so loud that it did more than making Sunset and Rainbow Dash’ ears ring. Kong is frothing at the mouth as the suffocation makes his face pale. Knowing that he can’t risk another frontal attack without being blasted, Thunderball burrows underground. Ghidorah feels a rumble in his tummy; all this fighting has worked up an appetite. And he has just the meal right at hand. He lowers his middle head and looks eye to eye with his quarry. Just a matter of time now. But then a sharp pain reaches his shoulder blades. He swivels his middle head and hisses. Mothra herself has come to call, shooting the dragon again as she passes him. With his grip loosed a little, Kong musters what little he has left and double kicks himself free. From afar, the twins notice their aged mother and make their advance into the city. Ghidorah fires his gravity beams at the giant insect; but even at Death’s doorstep, Mothra is having little trouble with dodging the beams. Catching his breath, Kong grabs the largest building in town and whacks all three several times. When the building is just but a stub, he stabs it at the dragon’s belly before punching the dragon at his chest. Ghidorah tries to bite him, but Mothra’s attack runs force him to keep two heads distracted at a time. Each of the twins positions themselves at the opposite ends of the city. Supporting themselves on their tails, they release their silk once again. With two of them, the dragon is covered a lot faster, and Kong made extra sure that the necks, tails, and wings are bound close to his body. Thunderball emerges from the ground, spins around and lets out a howl. Kong takes a few steps back and shoulder barges Ghidorah. The dragon blindly staggers and falls when the entire city block collapses under his weight. Mothra slowly descends on the “tiger trap” and begins glowing. The Rainbooms are back to square one. Sonata’s been firing quills from her arms so fast that hiding in Rarity’s shield was the only logical choice. At least the fashionista can hold up against a barrage of things that felt like foam ammunition. Waiting for Sonata to tire out is taking longer than expected. “Does she ever get tired?” Applejack groaned. “Maybe she unlocked God mode?” Pinkie’s remark gets a glare from her friends, “Just saying.” Fluttershy notices the yellow glow as glowing sparkles drop on the barrier like snow. “Uh, girls.” Even Rarity takes a peak and at this strange occurrence. Sci Twi stands up, fidgets her damaged spectacles, and takes a closer look. “They look like butterfly scales.” Twilight’s eyes widen before she and five of the others look to the metro. Mothra’s scales fall off as snow does from a cloud. Her wing beats are getting slower and her chirps imply a tired animal. The Rainbooms find it odd; when Mothra did it the first time, it would reflect energy weapons. But Ghidorah is trapped for the moment; so what use would the scales be? Whatever the case, the dusting is making Sonata drowsy; try as she may, the Siren soon gives and stops her attack. And leaves her open to another attack. But this momentum swings in the wrong direction once again; a both of energy shoots out of the hole and singes Mothra’s wing. With a pained cry, the insect falls on a few small buildings. Two massive arms pull their owner out of the pit. With a little shake, the dragon rids himself of the last bit of silk on his body before looking angrily at the old moth. Kong and Thunderball launch a two-pronged attack. The right and left head see Kong and blast him away. Thunderball continues charging, but just when he’s at scratching distance, the two tails wrap around his neck and toss him a great distance. Ghidorah looks at Mothra once again. A moment of him being coy, then the middle head bites down on Mothra’s collar, shakes her around wildly, then throws her away like a worn chew toy. Seeing this plight, they make the journey to their mother. Ghidorah takes a little breather, but a spark rises up in his mind. This was too coordinated. And he knows just where to start. Turning his heads around to his investment; there are faint sounds, and flashes of light, but anything’s worth an investigation. With a snarl, he starts walking. From afar, the Shobijin watch the battle and could sense Mothra’s life fading. The larvae reach their mother. Seeing blood ooze out of the tooth marks, they try to call out to her. Mothra’s eyes glow a little, seeing the innocent faces of her offspring and answering them with a soft moan. Her antennae glow before a few tendrils of energy reach out and touch the caterpillar's foreheads. Though recovering from the poison, Sonata’s still woozy and it’s now her turn to be defensive. She blocks Rainbow’s strike on her head before being kicked at the side by Sunset. The Unicorn advances at her but had to dodge a weak blast of her energy. Sonata in turn, rolls away from having her face stamped by Applejack. As their mother’s energy move over to her children, they undergo a color change. No longer are they primarily a brown. The female’s skin becomes blue with cream stripes. The male becomes a forest green with red blotches. The mother loses her what’s left of her colors; now she is almost snow white, with very little traces of blue and red. But this christening doesn’t remove the danger. Ghidorah is now a few steps away from the dome, and from that distance, he sees his pawn and the seven other bipedal mammals putting up quite a fight. Entertaining, but enough child’s play. With a snort, all three heads rear back and open their mouths. “Uh, girls!” Spike barks. The Rainbooms managed to pin down Sonata just when they notice Ghidorah charge his energy. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, they’re cornered like rats. “Well,” Rainbow Dash stood tall and proud, “at least we went down fighting.” Rarity took a deep breath, “Here, here.” But life has many surprises. The aged Mothra took to the air once again and is making her move to the dragon. Ghidorah is reaching the peak of his attack, all three mouths glowing brightly as the sun. When they see the necks fully erect and glowing, the Rainbooms close their eyes and wait for destruction.    Ghidorah fires his gravity beams… At Mothra. The dragon actually suspected another ambush and directed his attack to her. With no defense whatsoever, the moth burst into flames, letting out a painful cry before exploding with the brightness of the sun. The Shobijin, the very voice of her, hold their hands and lower their heavy heads. The Rainbooms are completely motionless; their faces sculpted in horror after what they just saw and heard. Finally rid of one pest, Ghidorah spreads his wings and lets out a victorious roar. As each of the heads roars repeatedly, the larvae let out several cries; their beady eyes turning from sapphire to ruby while their minds are filled with grief and anger.   To the human's view, a burst of laughter joined this sorry show. As the light faded away, the Rainbooms turn their heads over to Sonata laughing her head off. Her grief now muddled with rage, Applejack punched her in the face with all her strength and sent the Siren flying into a house. The force of the impact made the shelter into rubble. The farmgirl looked at her friends. “Let’s go...” She asks of them coldly before they make the last jog to the school grounds. Emotions getting the better of her, the female twin arches back and let out an angered cry. The dragon stops his victory chant and turns to his feeble opponents. She jumps at him, mouth ready to take a chunk of flesh. But she isn’t even at his chest when Ghidorah clutches her with his left hand. The male snaps into focus and stands on his tail, but is blasted away before he could even hop. They gather over one spot of the dome and start pounding on it. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity called out, “Are you in their?” “Scoots!” Rainbow yells as well, “You okay, kid?” “Apple Bloom,” Applejack pounds at the dome, “Apple Bloom!?” Even with all her strength, the dome felt tough as a car tire, and several repeatedly punches scraped the skin off her knuckles. Inside the dome, the walls made it seem like a morning or evening in winter, and with the temperature to match. The school’s lights were turned on, but the AC is taking too long to warm up the school grounds. Among the citizens walking outside the building, the Crusaders heard muffling and the pounding and decided to inspect it. They place one ear on the dome; it takes them a while before they realize just who’s muffling. “That’s Rarity!” Sweetie Belle started pounding frantically on the wall, “Rarity!” “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity cried in joy, “Thank God, you’re safe! Are you okay?” “It’s dark and cold in here,” Sweetie Belle starts tearing up, “I just wanna go home…” “Don’t worry, deary…” Rarity rubs her cheek on the surface, “We’ll get you out. We’ll get you all out of here!” “Can you make it quick?” Scootaloo waves her hand in front her nose, “It’s starting to stink around here.” Apple Bloom turns her attention away from the dome and lifts up a lock of hair covering her ear. The students outside stop moving and listen to the sound of gurgling. Lyra looks down; a burning liquid is seeping through the ground. From the other side of the dome, the Rainbooms hear the desperate cries. “Apple Bloom? Girls!?” Applejack calls out to them, “What’s going on in there?” As the last of the inhabitants retreat to the inside of the building, a little vibration rattles the trophy case. From where the Rainbooms stand, they recognize the sound like that of galleon cannons firing one after the next. Both hearing the sound, and feeling the vibration under his toes, Ghidorah turns one evil eye… A new challenger has arrived.