//------------------------------// // Chapter 6b: Death // Story: The Destruction of Equestria // by Deathstroke3170 //------------------------------// The dark looming shadow of Unicron was covering the bright sun in the sky, the giant embodiment of death had swept the entire planet into a perpetual state of darkness. The feeling of being watched was scaring citizens from around the globe, the animals on the other hand did not understand a thing that was happening as the cycle of night and day had ceased to exist for them. Time was short, and it was altering the world as time went on, the sun never reaching the surface where it was cooling the temperature of the planet. Something that wasn’t foreseen by anyone as the temperature started dropping, what was worse was everyone was preoccupied. The ponies had to split up so that the barrier was evenly distributed to hold the strength of Equestria. Cadance, Shining Armour, King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle were at the Crystal Empire holding off the left mandible of Unicron, while Celestia, Luna, Chrysalis and Starswirl were at Canterlot holding off the right mandible of Unicron. The blue barrier of pure magic was holding off Unicron successfully and was to such an extent that Unicron was worried that he would not be able to pass through. But his plan for domination was in place, so it wouldn’t matter either way, he was chaos and would destroy anyone in his path, one way or another. Agony was the one word that every magical creature felt as the shield groaned, some ponies felt it more than others and would pass out in pain, while others would pass out from exhaustion. Whatever the case was, the numbers were slowly diminishing. Applejack was in a state of shock, even then that wasn’t enough to make her realize the reality of things when the world was ending. She had grown up to be a strong mare with bucking apple trees at the farm all day, with that she could fight off anyone. She never usually felt anything unless it was for her friends but even then, she never showed it like the time with Rainbow Dash’s turtle Tank it just wasn’t like her but in the end, with Unicron coming to end the world she was crying. Holding her friends in an everlasting group hug, she was holding the group so tight that she didn’t want to split but had to. Twilight, Rainbow and Pinkie had to strategically go to the Crystal Empire, while Rarity, Fluttershy and her had to stay at Canterlot to help with Celestia and Luna prepare against Unicron. It was devastating for them to split up, but it was the only way as Shining predicted that if Unicron did indeed have a spy amongst them that they couldn’t target all the elements at once as it was still an option to use the elements of harmony. Walking down the long hall of Canterlot castle Applejack had just got a surprise visit from her family. It was one hell of a ride for Applejack as she turned soft on them crying her eyes out as she cared for her family so much, she hadn’t felt like this in forever, the ability to care about someone and show it. It was sad to hug Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith as it could have been the last time that they hugged. Small words were exchanged to each other as they stayed in one of guest room of Canterlot for now as the train had just ran out of power. Applebloom had been staring outside the window, a young filly at mind but she felt old, as responsibilities now weighed her down. She couldn’t believe that she had to grow up already, like she wouldn’t be able to live a normal childhood as a filly, she was scared for her life. She sighed looking towards the empty sky, wondering to herself why did it have to be. Similarly sitting right next to her was Scootaloo who had gone depress not seeing Rainbow Dash one last time, but she still had hope seeing her again. She also pondered about seeing her aunts again or even her parents after their long disappearance, she never understood where her parents went, it just seemed to her that they were only there to give birth to her and then leave without a trace. She wanted answers, she asked her aunts and all they replied was “they will come back,”. She needed better answers, it was a lifelong dream that she wanted to know about and now with the end of the world happening it would have been a good time to see them, but she knew realised that she wouldn’t see them anytime soon. It was heartbreaking to her that her parents never wrote, never showed up to her birthdays and Hearth’s warming day for many years of her life. She didn’t want to hate them but as everyday past when she sleeps she had always prayed a little to Luna or Celestia to find her parents, it was sad as it was getting the point of hating or even loathing. But Scootaloo luckily had all her friends around to let her forget majority of the times with the Cutie Mark Crusaders adventures she experience the joys and wonders of life. Sweetie Belle had gone to see her big sister Rarity who was next door and she had hugged her tightly, a warm embrace that helped the filly comprehend on what was going on, especially with their parents knocking on the door. Reunions was the times of joy for the everyone as time became non-existent anymore with the sun gone, the only speck of hope that ponies had in them before the end of Equestria. Fluttershy had no one though, alone in her room, the stars light had shone on to her window as if a sign but her family did not come to visit her. She was looking at the fires being lit throughout Canterlot, the old primitive ways something that sparked her worries about all the animals at home. Especially Angel the rabbit, her long-life time friend that she would cuddle to sleep sometimes, oh how she worried for them dearly, it was something that she wished she could go there now but she was here to help with Luna and Celestia. That was until her younger brother burst through the glass window with her parents behind. Zephyr could not see very well in the dark especially being lazy in flying that he had almost forgot how to do it in the first place. Fluttershy was overwhelmed with her family appearing and was crying with joy, she couldn’t keep her act for long, she was scared. Something that she was amazed that she managed to rally everypony to the heavens, but those moments of bravery didn’t last long however her parents where beyond proud. An alarm rang, which echoed throughout the hallways of Canterlot as Celestia had sounded the bell to announce that the plan of action was now in motion. All unicorns in Canterlot Castle had to proceed to the main court area in the sculpture garden area where the maze was burnt to the ground and instead a camp was set up. The E.U.P guards worked overtime as the world was coming to an end, armouring up the guards for sieges and giving the Unicorns magic boosting potions and preparing stretchers. It was a massive operation but without Celestia’s and Luna’s instructions and planning that it would not have worked out perfectly. They stood at the centre of the once extravagant maze, now gone with Star Swirl and Chrysalis by their sides waiting for the rest of the unicorn guards to come by. Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy opened their door simultaneously as they headed towards to the camp area now. None of them spoke to each other, it was strange to see the scene like that but with the end of the world happening everyone was so deep in their own personal thoughts. Applejack and Big Mac was walking side by side while Granny Smith looked after the Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom however Scootaloo kept on complaining that she wanted to come along and help. It was no help, no one could contain her except for Rainbow’s figure but it was with Applejack quick thinking about the disappointment in Rainbow to see Scootaloo not safe which made Scootaloo stop and think about leaving which left enough time to lock the door and leave. “Um…Rarity, are you going to help with the holding of the shield?” Fluttershy asked, who was wondering how her friends would help during this time, she hadn’t even decided herself what she would do and wanted an idea, so she wasn’t alone. “No darling, I believe I will just help with the bandaging and taking care of the veterans, I can’t bare to take the brunt it’s not very lady like of me to do such a thing.” Rarity replied, thinking about whether she should actually try and use her magic but decided against it, “I could expertly bandage somepony easily, it should be just like fitting clothes,” “Well, I’m so pent up with frustration, I’m gonna help the guards out with Big Mac and hope I can release soma steam,” Applejack said, walking down the stairs but at the end of the stairs was a blue shining azure coat and a white and purple striped mane was arguing with a Canterlot butler something about the whereabouts of Twilight. “Oh no…it’s Velvet and Light, they didn’t get to see Twilight before she left, they must be worried sick,” Fluttershy pointed out shyly. “Indeed,” Rarity said, “We should intervene, before it gets out of hooves,” and trotted to Night Light and Twilight Velvet, “Hello there, Miss Velvet and Mr Light I am Rarity owner of the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville, I am one of Twilight’s best friend,” “Ah yes, your one of Twilight’s friend element of generosity, we have heard all about you, do you know where she is now, we are worried sick and wanted to see our angel before something…” Velvet said but Night Light shook his head not wanting to jinx the situation. “This stallion right here said that she’s at the Crystal Empire, is that true?” “Oh, sorry madam but truthfully, yes she ain’t here, she’s at the Crystal Empire, she had to go according to Shining’s order because it was to even out the barrier thing,” Applejack intervened before Rarity could saying anything, “Howdy, by the way ma names Applejack, one of Twilight’s best friend,” “Ah so it is true, thank you Applejack, well we better get going to where the princess told us to be, it’s the end of the world,” Velvet said sadly already trotting away to the direction of the maze. “I’m sorry about that, my wife is a bit upset to not say any good bye, you must all be great friends of Twilight, that’s all I hear about from her in the letters, including you Fluttershy and I want to thank you for being they’re for her, for being with my angel I thank you dearly,” Night Light said genuinely before trotting already away and nuzzled Twilight Velvet. Fluttershy was surprised that they knew her name even when she didn’t announce herself causing her to feel shy again. “Wow, Twilight must be a good dear and write eloquent words about us, I wonder what she wrote about me,” Rarity said as they headed outside. The night sky was dark, but the path was illuminated by torches, something that had not been used in centuries. However there came into view a white unicorn wearing his extravagant suit that you could see a mile away flashing that he was rich. It was none other than Prince Blueblood, “PRINCE, that’s the worst title to give that stallion, he can shove that title up his royal ass, for I care.” Rarity thought, her blood boiling at the sight of him, something that could be seen by Fluttershy and Applejack from behind at Rarity pasty fur turning red by the second. “Shouldn’t we do something Applejack, she looks ready to…blow,” Fluttershy said normally which was her whispering voice. “I think yah right, she’s ready to pop like a corn sitting on the farm in the sun too long,” Applejack replied already steering Rarity with her earth pony strength away, which was kind of hard with Rarity’s legs trying to go in the opposite direction as if going up to Blueblood and slapping him across the face kind of way. “It’s not the time or the place, Rarity we need all the help we can get, he’s not even worth it I reckon, save it for when we’re attacked or something, there is no point wasting your time on him.” “Your right darling, I should stop this behaviour, I should be on my best behaviour when in front of a stallion even though he was a jerk,” Rarity said sarcastically, and walked briskly past Applejack and Blueblood without even looking at him in the face, but Rarity evil intentions were still in plan as she did a quick spell so that he slapped his own face something that she always wanted to do, a dream come true even. Applejack face hooved her face and galloped faster than Blueblood could canter and caught up with Rarity as she could hear Rarity giggling. *Start Immortality-C21FX* Celestia and Luna was sitting waiting for the unicorns to come through while the guards prepared a perimeter, then they saw Applejack and Big Mac splitting of to the now barracks area and Rarity and Fluttershy to the medical area. It disheartened Celestia that the friends had to be split up but that in times of war sacrifices must be made to ensure that the citizens could live in peace it was the curse of immortality. Standing from her sitting position she cleared her throat and gained everyone’s attention by activating the spell so that everypony could hear her, it was vital to have the team work and to stand united or else the world would be destroyed, and she could not bear to witness the world she was on destroyed. She looked up to the dark sky, the foreboding clouds did not show good omens but everywhere she looked she felt the resonance of evil in the air, chaos to say the least something that didn’t stink like Discord’s magic. No, it was something more sinister, Discord was full of pranking and in truth wasn’t in any bit evil, he didn’t even murder any pony, the feeling was something more as if something that should have stayed dead had arisen from an eternal slumber. It was fear taking hold of her again something that she had to control. This all happened in a split of a second before she regained her sanity and posture and breathed, preparing the spell so that everyone on Equestria could hear. “I, Celestia princess of Equestria and co-ruler with my sister Luna ask that all of you who can help point your horns to the heavens and chant the shield spell Walleum no shieldeo” Celestia said, pointing her long white unicorn horn to the sky arming to the brim with magic, magic so potent it was as hot as the sun’s surface, and released it into the sky. A yellow beacon of hope emblazed the sky, shining a new path to a future that everyone hoped to see as other beams of light lit up the sky. Different colours of the rainbow launched into the sky some colliding with each other as the numbers increased brightening up the sky into a multitude of colour and turning the night sky into something of beauty never before seen. It was a sight to behold as all the non magical creatures where astounded with everlasting hope and life to see a barrier started forming at the atmosphere of the planet. Luna was especially bewildered by the sight before her, the starry night sky that she worked for countless of centuries was now more exquisite and stunning than before. The atmosphere thickened with magic where the 4 Alicorn Princesses slowly form the basis of the barrier, the blue barrier encrusted with strength was then strengthened by the 4 unicorns Sombra, Shining, Chrysalis and Star Swirl. The impediment further thickened with the rest of the unicorn’s magic creating a layer that was 10 km thick full of all the hopes and dreams. A strong bond of hope flashed as the shield resonated in the atmosphere alerting something in the distant stars. Celestia opened her eyes to see the now changed sky, leaving her with a weary smile as she felt the intense magic flowing from her body. Something she both hadn’t done in a while, as she thought about her parents as the stars aligned into something that she thought she wouldn’t see again in a long time. “Hello father, mother…I miss you so much, I am doing the best I can to save Equestria but I don’t know if we are doing enough, or even if we are able to stop Unicron, I wish I could speak to you in person, I feel like I have been awake for days on end, I wish you were here to give me advice and help me with my decisions.” *End Song* Celestia looked wistful when she felt the sun call to her, a warm feeling in which she then felt emblazed with renew energy sparkling within her. The eternal body clock in her telling her that it was nearing dawn, something that she thought would never come. She felt the strain of using two different type of magics at once which was already causing a burning sensation in her internals and on her horn especially, but she pressed on hoping to see the new light that would bring hope to Equestria’s citizens. Looking towards the now dark sky it was starting to illuminate into a new age. The sunrise sparkled in everyone’s eyes and tickled Celestia, absorbing into her fur reviving her with energy as rejoice was echoing through Equestria as they felt warming feeling of the sun. Celestia felt renewed vigour and felt overwhelmed by the praises of everypony around her, the sun was something of beauty, as it never felt harsh no matter where you were it was always the right temperature. It was daunting to her that Unicron was almost the size of the sun something that she did not think about until recently. But what could she do when the world was coming to an end, thinking deeper into it was a mess as she had no plan. The whole point of putting up the barrier was to have more time to think of ways to stop him, but it was too late as the celebrations died down, a dark shape appeared over Equestria, the menacing shape devoured the sun’s rays putting Equestria into the dark again like a snuffed-out fire. Nothing could penetrate through Unicron, the sky became dark and inky like a black hole, all that was lighting up Equestria was the light of fires. Unicron was something that no pony and everyone else had ever seen before, the atrocity that Unicron possessed. The maw of a never-ending hole that would continuously devour to fill the insatiable needs of Unicron. The features were daunting to everyone as fear took a grip of their hearts as the ponies and creatures alike cowered away at the giant thing in the sky, something so close so terrifying even causing panic throughout the ranks of the guards. The royal E.U.P guards had knees of jelly, valour and honour went right out of the window as they looked at the swords, the gleaming edge so easy to use, so easy to cut themselves but were too stunned at the thing blotting out the sky. Luna had seen many things in her life, monsters from Tartarus itself didn’t even give her nightmares, it was something pitiful really, she never felt scared anymore except her own self maybe but now looking at Unicron was a whole different story as she felt insignificant. This creature had destroyed her moon but even with the motivation of anger it was something different to fulfil the desire of Unicron gone when the creature suddenly collided into Equestria. The dark blue and orange bits weighed down onto barrier scaring everyone on the planet, the barrier rippled with stress and strained under the heavy weight of Unicron. Unicron was done playing waiting he was hungry for the death of this civilisation, he had left it too long to live for, promises where so easy to break and hearts where even easier. “You have only delayed the inevitable, Celestia and Luna, now witness the dismemberment of Equestria as you are powerless to stop me,” Unicron boomed as the mandibles crunched into the barrier, trying to break through but the barrier stood its ground. Celestia and Luna looked towards each other in hope to see that Unicron didn’t have enough force to break through the barrier. Unicorns started fainting from the pressure of the barrier, forcing Rarity and Fluttershy and other medical ponies to catch them and transport them to the infirmary. It was a hard job especially for Fluttershy as she did not have a lot of strength in her wings to hold the fainted ponies. What was worse was that some of the unicorns were buff, she could feel rippling muscles on some of them with her wings causing her to blush severely, but she had to move them and not waste time. Unicron in the sky absolutely terrified her, somewhere to the point of making her lose control of her bladder. It wasn’t a creature she could tame, and which made it worse to her as she couldn’t talk to Unicron and understand his motives on destroying the wonderful planet she lived on. She didn’t really know how to respond except that she knew that she needed to help at all cost. Applejack was feeling wobbly at the knees, even with Big Mac Sheer size, he was arched as if trying not to be noticed, Unicron was that big and scary to make even the stallion with few words say nothing. Not even a sound came out of Big Mac’s mouth, no breathing it was just utter stillness as if her was trying to play dead. Rarity tried not to notice the giant thing in the sky blocking the sun, she was sweating heavily but it was getting cold at the same time which was not a good combination, but she continued bringing Unicorns to the infirmary tent which was huge, it took up half a stadium. Unicron was horrifying for many ponies up close the maws of death were starting to shift with red as if painted in blood. Unicron’s massive planetary body gravity would be greater than the planet causing it to be sucked up into the tube but because of the barrier that was put up, everyone was safe from the side effect, for now. Unicron’s mouth emitted a deep yellow colour illuminating Equestria like the sun bringing light to the world but the light felt artificial and something so alien. Unicorns were falling like flies, every 10 minutes another one dropped from either exhaustion or the pain in their horns. What was worse was Celestia and Luna were already feeling the effects of over usage of magic, it was taxing their energy levels heavily and it became harder to stand up and not fall asleep. There eyes shifted with concentration and even with the effects of potions running through their veins it was hard to concentrate. They had to stand up to Unicron, they didn’t want the world to end neither did everyone else as unicorns and magical creatures felt the raw energy of hope. But something or someone was coming, tremors were starting to be felt as if an earthquake was about to strike. Tirek was coming, the sound of the cantering hooves was the loud thundering that could be heard but he wasn’t alone. While he was waiting for Unicron’s orders he had built soldiers using bits of his own body, a neurotransmitter. Being all machine with no thought it was only the instructions that had been implanted in his head that allowed him to control the demons. He had released them into Tartarus, the place of his imprisonment, and the metal would infuse with the closest demons and would turn them into mindless servants no matter how strong willed. One he was surprised with was when a huge three headed dog came bounding towards him, the three heads had glistened with metal turning their eyes red and the brown fur now a deep purple. The purple three headed dog was Cerberus, a myth of nightmares but now coated in metal ooze he was beyond nightmares. Tirek had two options when he saw the barrier go up, according to Unicron’s mental link he could attack either, Canterlot or the Crystal Empire his main target was one of the Alicorn Princesses where if one of them fell then Unicron could break through the barrier. *Start The Protectors – Epic Score* Canterlot shook, its foundations on the mountain trembled in agony as cracks appeared underneath Equestria’s capital city. Tirek had arrived, his army crashing through the gates of Canterlot, as if an earthquake had erupted from the mountain causing destruction throughout Canterlot as the E.U.P guards quickly performed a defensive ring around the burnt maze recovering from the shocks. Pegasi and Earth Ponies stood valiantly at the now approaching demonic army with their spears, swords and other various weapons, sharp to the point of cutting through an inch of metal. Equestria’s capital was in ruins when the army was done searching for the Alicorn princesses, to which many civilians were lost as they tried to run away but it was in these times of war there were no survivors. Canterlot was blazed in fire as Tirek had torn through the houses of Canterlot, blasting and destroying countless number of lives while Cerberus bounded towards the now formed perimeter of Earth and Pegasi backed up by Unicorns as artillery support, but it wasn’t enough. It drove through the ranks of the ponies as if they were nothing but paper, mauled and eviscerated. The demons poured through the main gates demolishing it to the ground, turning the once beautiful and magnificent castle, the capitol of Equestria into nothing with the thunderous charge. Chunks of rubble rained down, as Granny Smith burst through the window of the balcony trying to find a safer place for the fillies as they felt the castle supports weaken with every second wasted. The sounds of torment and despair filled the air as the E.U.P fought valiantly holding the position, the earth ponies crunching their through bucking at every chance possible the way they were trained in. Pegasus flew as air support dive bombing and slicing the heads of the demons clean off, leaving only stumps and unicorns raining death from above. The cutie mark crusaders were beyond shocked, they saw real blood spewing, ponies of all kind dying fighting for the Princesses. They were truly aghast as the saw demons filling the empty spaces. It was an even match in the war as the demons only had numbers, they were only useful in close combat with the claws tainted in pony blood and were covered in metal while the ponies had ranged attacks and were better organized. However, Tirek was causing great terror as he blasted with his two fusion cannons, lighting the battlefield with purple streaks as it vaporized and disintegrated rows and rows of ponies as if they were nothing. Starswirl, Chrysalis, Celestia and Luna were concentrating hard at the task but when they felt the tremors and saw the castle that they use to live in get destroyed, the observatory towers, Luna’s and Celestia’s room deteriorated and started to fall, squashing guards and demons who where unfortunate to move away. The group saw a flicker of orange and red rushing towards the wreckage, climbing the stairs to the main castle as if looking for somepony, it then dawned to Celestia and Luna that it was Applejack and Big Mac looking for their family. Another sound boomed in front of them they knew it was time to retreat but were conflicted. “We can’t just leave, all these valiant stallion and mares will all die, we need to help them, and I will not let it happen after my reign as Nightmare Moon, I have murdered too many, I must have redemption,” Luna exclaimed while groaning at the same time as the group felt Unicron pushing extra hard, trying to break in. “I agree Sister, we must fight for the future of Equestria,” Celestia agreed, “I will not cower under my own rule, if we fight we shall die trying,” Starswirl and Chrysalis on the other hoof did not agree, “But if you die, there will be nothing to live for anymore as Unicron will destroy the barrier,” Starswirl pointed out. “Try and stop me old stallion,” Luna smiled wickedly concentrating hard for a second before a scythe landed from the sky next to Starswirl, its dark purple and black outline with a gleaming crescent shaped blade landed so close to Starswirl’s face that it shaved a bit of the old stallion’s beard. “Oh, how I missed you, Night Fall, you haven’t tasted blood since Sombra’s time of reign,” and already flew into the air, the scythe already thrown with magic into the unsuspecting demons that were holding broken guards. A feat that should have burned out Luna’s magic reserves, but she was done with pain, she was done with hiding, she was done not showing her face in public, she will set things right. The blade spun cleanly slicing the head of the demons, spewing blood onto Luna’s face as she helped the guards onto their feet, not caring that her royal attires were stained and ruined. “How dare she leave without my permission, I am thousands of years older than her, I’ll…I’ll” Starswirl stammered, stamping his hoof in frustration. “Do nothing, she is my sister and my responsibilities if you wish to cower Uncle then I suggest you do so of now, I am going into battle whether you like it or not,” Celestia said before concentrating hard, she felt a searing pain in her as she suddenly shone in a beam of light as bright as the sun, her battle armour clasped onto her warm body. The gold and purple plating gleamed in the battlefield as Celestia's weapon landed next to Chrysalis, who gulped in surprise. A halberd, the sun emblazed onto the polearm axe end, with gold covering the blade on a long white handle. It was kept under lock and key in her parents’ room which has been left untouched in the old castle, something that had been used by her father in the great 1000-year war. Its giant blade was weighted evenly for Celestia and she could feel her father’s essence on the halberd, the magic flowing within the weapon helped her focus as she swung it aggressively at the unsuspecting demons charging into battle following the shadow of the night. Luna flew into the battlefield as she helped anyone that was in need, she could see many things, heads flying, bones being crunched and vaporized into only dust, but they were losing. The scythe was given to her as a hundred-year-old gift, where it was Luna’s mum original weapon in the great 1000-year war. The metal was light but tough as nails as she swung with skill and precision even without using it for a millennium and out of practice, skills that she learnt over years of experience flowed threw her mind as she never waned from the over usage of magic that was poured into holding the blade and keeping the barrier up. She then realised that she should go help Applejack and Big Mac, and sailed towards them, starting to feel the intense pain in her horn, and her wings burning with desire to rest and stop. She would not stop though and found Applejack kneeling holding a forearm of green, it dawned to her it was the body of Granny Smith between the rubble. *End Song* Her body had turned icy as she set her scythe standing as she leaned on for support, she was too late. Big Mac was mumbling, his tears cascaded down his face as he hugged Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, comforting them as they were beyond scared. It was something that they wished could be removed from their minds, but it was too late, scared and engrained deeply into their filly minds. Luna didn’t know what to say, she had never met Granny Smith in person, just that she was Applejack’s Grandma and she realised that it must have been heavy for Applejack, but she stood still and on guard thinking about what to do, when Celestia, her face plastered with demon blood along with changeling goo, trotted towards them shock in her eyes and full of regret. Celestia couldn’t form words at the loss but there wasn’t enough time to mourn, not yet, as they were needed in the battle. “I’m sorry for your lost Applejack,” Luna said solemnly and gave the orange mare a tight hug, the metal armour clanking together from Applejack’s new guard armour and the scythe dropped onto the floor with a thud. “She will live on as a great heroine for saving the cutie mark crusaders, but it is no time to mourn now, we are at war,” flying off with the scythe already in action. Celestia on the other hoof was a bit conflicted, thinking quickly on her hooves she looks towards both Applejack and Big Mac. “You have done enough Applejack and Big Mac, you are relieved of your duties, go and hide somewhere safe with these fillies, it is the only way for you to keep safe now,” Celestia said sternly, she did not want to lose more lives than needed and walked from the rubble ready to clear a path of destruction. Rarity was frightened to move out of the infirmary as she was swayed to and fro from the earthquake and was having second thoughts of leaving the safety of her room. That was till she saw the whole side of the castle collapse and realised it wasn’t an earthquake. An orange blur ran past the tent towards the site of the broken castle and it occurred to her it was Applejack. She then started to notice the demons fighting the royal guards through the hole in the tent and started stepping away slowly feeling jittery. Fluttershy and her were surrounded by demons and she was quite shocked that demons existed, there red scaly skin with horns and claws tainted with the blood of ponies. Some where constantly on fire while others were deformed and took pony shapes. The demons of Tartarus had already gripped Fluttershy's heart with fear, the swirling talons of darkness had latched on to her heart, the beats constricted by shadows of terror eating her soul away. She however stood her ground holding her wing to he erratic heart as she took big deep breaths to soothe it. She was tending to a Pegasus wings and was following the same steps she did when helping with Rainbow's wings when hurt, it was a much happier time then. The infirmity was surrounded by multiple guards where they were holding off the enemy. It was a losing battle with the demons getting closer to the tent and no way to move the sick and exhausted unicorns from the bed. It was something that scared Rarity as she saw a large shadow approach faster than the train to Ponyville. With a leap she tackled Fluttershy out of the way from the bed. A giant silver and purple three headed dog barreled through the infirmary tent killing many unicorns and it stopped as the medics ran away in terror. Cerberus had arrived with the many teeth of silver death dribbled. The machination of nature and machine caused the once cute tame dog to a nightmare beyond words and Rarity was speechless. The sound of war was loud in the background of Rarity and Fluttershy but there was a silence as they both stared at the huge beast. Something snapped inside Fluttershy as she suddenly shook uncontrollably, her hoof trembling with intense anger and suddenly took off and flew in rage towards the beast before Rarity could do anything. The beast didn’t notice it before being punched in the right face but to it, it only felt like a light tap that it didn’t even register until it looked her into the eyes. Rarity stood in horror at her enraged friend who was too shocked to move as Rarity saw Fluttershy cradle her hoof close to her chest. The maw of metal opened wide already closing around Fluttershy's head happening in slow motion to Rarity as she felt helpless trying to will her body to move and help but it was hopeless, she was going to a lose a friend. The creeping silence of death ringed in her ears as she looked away not wanting to see the death of someone she could of known better. Then a loud eruption blew in her ear as she felt the searing heat of a magical flame erupt in the face of the monster while the magical blue aura caught the startled Fluttershy from the blast. Out came a bearded wizard in his blue star hat and wooden staff of power from the broken tent hole and strutted towards the now staggered beast. The beast trained it’s eyes on to the fearless wizard as he stared back with intent of protecting. Rarity hugged Fluttershy so tight that Fluttershy had to start struggling for breath, but the battle wasn’t over as Star swirl the bearded landed next to them realising that the explosion did no real physical damage to the beast. Star Swirl was already yelling at them to move as the giant paw came crashing down onto them. They all scrambled from there position already cantering out of the broken tent that was threatening to collapse on them already which gave Star Swirl an idea and already lit the supports of the tent. Already galloping to the hole, Rarity, Fluttershy and Starswirl dived for the exit as the whole tent collapsed onto the monstrosity. Rarity looked at Star swirl in shock as she realised that there other ponies that was still inside the tent. “Why would you do that, you just killed many so many unicorns without even thinking” Rarity huffed already poking a hoof at Starswirl “Um, can we stop arguing…” Fluttershy whispered her right hoof bruised and already purple but no one was listening. “I did it so we could survive and save more lives, that beast was capable of killing all of us without a sweat it was toying with our forces as we nothing but chew toys, you should be thanking me” Starswirl argued “Ok then” Fluttershy looked towards the destroyed tent with the mound starting to shift and move. It was still alive. “It’s moving!” “Well you shouldn’t get to choose who lives and who dies that is not up to us and up to fate” Rarity argued back “Yes I am grateful so I thank you humbly darling but don’t use other ponies as a means to an end” while brushing the dust and dirt of her fur but it was too late. The mound exploded as it showered in wood and fabric and dead bodies, Cerberus emerged his eyes a glowing a deep red and it wasn’t happy. *Start Courage in the Sky – Epic Score* A slight buzzing occurred in everyponies ears simultaneously, noisy as cicada’s making everyone stop fighting. The feeling was mutual to all as they could not comprehend the sound that was being made, then a guard pointed to the heavens to see a dark foreboding black cloud, like a storm. Tirek wasn’t happy as he looked up to the sky, a swarm, blanketing the sky as if giant colonies of bees had arrived, flying from the south, the hundreds of thousands of creatures came pouring like a tornado striking the ground. Tirek enhanced his vision to find that they were black and had insect shaped wings. The changelings had arrived, the giant swarm of black stunned everypony and demons looking at the sky, the artificial light of Unicron’s light continuously caused the swarm to appear more terrifying. However, these changelings were devotedly loyal to and worship Chrysalis, not to the new upstart King Thorax. The changeling swarm swirled around the battlefield in a whirlwind of black and blue, before smashing their bodies against the demon. It was a sign of hope and courage for the E.U.P who were desperately outnumbered. The guards were scared at first at the giant black cloud in the sky but as they saw they weren’t a threat they joined the alliance with the Changelings. The black changeling cloud was swarming in a hurricane and in the eye of the storm was Chrysalis calling them. Giant changelings crashed onto the battlefield like a giant meteor in the sky, they were genetically modified to have super strength and where originally going to be used against Celestia and Luna. They had bulging muscles as if on constant supply on potions like a drug and were trying to hold down Cerberus with their strength, but it was no use. They were still much smaller than Cerberus and were being ripped apart by the terrifying dog of the underworld, its maw like a vice and its teeth like saws which shredded and cleaved through the changelings. Luna and Celestia looked towards the Changeling queen in surprise as in all their times as rulers of the land, an enemy of the country of Equestria they thought they would never see any good in Chrysalis always thinking she had a heart of darkness. Chrysalis was smiling at the reinforcements that came, she was in dire need of help as she was suddenly surrounded by demons of Tartarus and was done with cowering. If she was going to make a change, she was going to change for the better, a hero to be more exact. Originally Chrysalis felt that with Luna and Celestia helping even though they were at full capacity with using their magic that she should help in some way, not like Star Swirl the Bearded who she last saw was cowering. Luna and Celestia could see that the Changeling Queen was surrounded and was about to charge and help when Chrysalis had a surprise up her non-existent sleeve, transforming into the exact same demon that was about to attack. The demon of red was utterly confused with the situation and hesitated a bit not knowing what to do when it’s head exploded with Chrysalis smashing her two hoofs together. The blood splattered across her face, but she licked it with relish, feeling the blood slide down her throat, she had heard stories of demon blood and what extraordinary powers it had but to her dismay she felt nothing. No matter she charged valiantly into battle with no fear as the changeling swarm continued fighting for the Queen. The strength in numbers where able to match the demons as the sounds of swords clashed against the claws but the numbers where slowly diminishing by the fearsome Tirek. He was too strong and no guard had dared face him head on as they could see the power he held within by the giant fusion cannons on his arms. Luna could see that he was the greatest threat looked towards her sister Celestia and already leapt ahead to kill Tirek once and for all. She hated the new rules of killing where it was considered now murder even to you enemies, and found the idea ridiculous but with war she felt the freedom. *Start Destroyer of God’s – Epic Score* Celestia eyes trained on to the demons as she waded through the blood bath, the resort to violence was something that she didn’t want. Her early life had been like this when her parents left. When their parents died wars broke out causing mayhem and destruction to the land. It was after peace was restored that she hated the wars and the killing that was heavily involved. Bringing nations down wasn’t fun and was something she thought she wouldn’t experience again in a long time. Death was all she felt, blood splattered on the pristine white fur and on the royal yellow and purple armour as she flew through air killing and creating a path to Tirek. She knew he was the greatest threat and was feeling the exhaustion reach her trying to get to him but knew it wasn’t over. Except she was tackled by the demon dog Cerberus and was almost crushed by him. She could see glimpses of Luna already in combat with Tirek and it was a dangerous game of tag. She kept trying to approach and help her sister but Cerberus was blocking her path and trying to bite her face off. It was a tough battle as she swiped the polearm at the dog pushing it back. However the dog took a giant bite at the halberd and became lodged inside the beast mouth. Celestia while struggling with the weapon noticed that Star Swirl and Chrysalis joined the battle with Luna but it was a losing battle. She could see that Tirek was too strong even when the three were attacking at the same time. She couldn’t look long because of the other sides of the dog ravaging her face too. She felt the stinking stale of the dry blood and the rotting meat inside of the mouths of the dog. All of a sudden the dog started shaking it’s head around, causing Celestia to lose control of the halberd and was thrown towards the ground not within magic range. Celestia was almost defenseless when the giant mutt landed on top of her, pinning her down. The slobber of blood and meat rained down near her face causing her face to scrunch and look away for a split second. She could see Tirek blasting at Chrysalis but Star Swirl had placed up a shield to defend her but he was in agony trying. Luna had driven the scythe in one eye of Tirek causing him great anger as he tried to catch her. Celestia couldn’t see anymore as she let loose a glimpse of the sun toppling the dog over. She got up and started running towards Tirek who had ripped out the scythe from his eye socket, what was left of the glowing red eye was purple liquid of energon from Unicron. His broken right eye had swiveled to Luna who was dancing to and fro between the feet of the centaur and trying to find another weak spot to sink the sharp blade in but it was too strong. Celestia didn’t notice till the last second but Cerberus came rushing at her in an instant and head crashing into her causing her great pain. She could feel a wave nausea roll over her as the barrier above weakened as Unicron’s giant teeth moved closer to its goal as she landed onto the hard ground. She wheezed a bit before flapping her wings to dodge the next ram. The dog was relentless and had to be stopped but she could not leave her little sister to fight against Tirek without her. “Come on sister, I know you can do this,” Celestia huffed under breath, ‘I have to believe in her that she can kill Tirek without my help, if we are able to do this then the war should stop' Celestia's eyes never left Cerberus and charged into battle with her halberd flying back into her magical grasp and striking forwards into the maw of the monster, the most unprotected part. Except Cerberus was smarter than what he seems and already hit it with his paw and instead caught the handle in his mouth while simultaneously swinging it. She moved backed and glanced towards the raging battle between Tirek, Luna, Chrysalis and Star Swirl. She gasped as she felt the sinking teeth of Cerberus into her left foreleg, the jaws shutting tightly against her amoured left leg but it wasn’t just that causing her the agony. Tirek had stopped blasting and backhanded Chrysalis but Star Swirl hastily summoned a shield to stop the force but it wasn’t strong enough and sent Chrysalis sprawling across the stained floor onto some dead guards. She tried to get back up but both her front legs were broken making her wince in pain. Before Tirek could blast Chrysalis into a burnt crisp Star Swirl launched an explosive volley into Tirek's backside to turn his attention. Tirek on the other hand had other ideas and launched a surprise buck to the face, where the blow knocked Star Swirl instantly. Luna in rage flew up and tried to protect them but it all came to an end as the scythe was ripped from the magical grasp from the giant metal hand before the other one grabbed the horn of Luna. Luna screamed out in pain, that was all she felt, the searing inside her horn had grown exponentially and she felt her horn glow tremendously hot. “You are worthless!” Tirek said autonomously with the metal hand crushing more in strength. Luna thrashed in agony and could already feel her side of the barrier loose shape and form. She couldn’t do anything and was weeping from the excruciating pain. She tried to punch with her hoofs but it was no use as she was lifted towards the broken face of Tirek. Celestia’s eyes already filled with tears of regret as she could see that Tirek was something now entirely different from before. Now a weapon she was scared but she caught eye of Tirek whose left red eye had trained onto her, whilst the right one was causing her to shrivel in disgusts. However what he did next was unspeakable, and the cracking of bones and a wail before Celestia’s exploded in a shower of white light.