//------------------------------// // Chapter 29 - Battle Of Wills. // Story: Ark: Friendship is Survival // by Pomp-Neigh //------------------------------// -INSTALLATION: EQUUS- -Ponyville: Princess Twilight’s Castle- As wounded individuals are transported into the castle, the battle rages on in the front portions of the crystalline structure. All while the ever-present repulsive effects of the court kept infected entities away. And, of course, the CMC's mocking presence high above, fused with the Ark's dome, which bathes the installation in lavender.  Flying beings struggled against each other in the sky while terrestrial-based combatants dug their limbs into the ground to perform striking blows or defensive maneuvers. But on this battlefield, and just like any other, both oppositions sought to claim victory for their own devices. One defended the castle, which contained their injured allies and last remnants of the nearly destroyed town, and the other sought their destruction. All in the name of their 'God,' and to spread its' influence—in the form of a severe infection. In the sky: Pegasi enacted aerial combat via their forehooves, 'punching' Noglin controlled members of their kind, in addition to other flying species, and zipped away with their agility to dodge the animalistic strike of their opponent, following up this action with a kick from their hind legs. On the flip-side, the Noglins puppeteered their captives to match this transgression. Changelings performed their transformation prowess to aid them in combat, even taking the form of dragons and other large flyers of Equus. The form they chose determined their combat capability. In one instance, a changeling transformed into a Roc, a giant eagle-like entity, enabling them to fight with the large bird of prey's strength and capability.   Hippogriffs and griffons fought back with their claws while dragons also performed this offensive action, although they also unleashed the inner fury known for their species: breathly projectiles.   On ground level: Yaks, earth ponies, saddle arabians, abyssinians, deer, and buffalo displayed their physical prowess—scratching, bucking, and ramming their foes. Albeit buffalo and yaks shook the ground with their girth, in addition to any land-based dragons. Many are donned in armor while also wielding varying melee weaponry: swords, spears, axes, and the like. Just behind the castle's grounded defenders are magically gifted individuals, casting spells to aid in the conflict just before them. Said spells raining down projectiles and forming protective shells or barriers. However, despite the current chaos, there is one thing that not one individual has yet to accomplish: deliver a finishing blow to a Noglin. ……….  Within the masses of the conflict, Gallus is currently in combat against a Noglin controlled deer buck. Said buck sporting a dark brown coat mixed with caramel colorations, its' antlers almost resemble a typical brown tree branch.  "What a great time to lose your spear, Gallus," He mutters, catching his breath as the deer standing before him fires up their antlers in a green aura. "Here we go again!" The Noglin, currently latched onto the back of the deer's head, rotates its' antennae which causes the deer to act. The ground beneath Gallus starts to rupture before green thorned vines erupt from the land. These vines attempt to grasp onto the griffon's left hind leg, but a sudden gust of wind occurs as Gallus flies into the air in evasion. "Nice try, buddy! But I'm not falling for that!" The deer stomps their forehooves and raises their antlers higher, causing the vine to both suddenly and rapidly elongate in response—reaching further into the sky. This scene is reminiscent of the black vines of the Everfree Forest. And, seemingly, it intends to impale the griffon.  "Oh, crap nest!" Gallus exclaims, attempting to dodge the encroaching vine, but the vine turns with him during its rapid approach. He raises his right claw in an attempt to defend himself, turning his gaze away with tightly closed eyes. -Sorry, guys… I held out for as long as I could- He says internally. -Here's hoping Ocellus and Smolder made it to Canterlot. As for the others, Yona, Sandbar, Silverstream… I guess I'll be seeing you.-  . . . [SKSHSH] The sound of sizzling energy suddenly makes itself known, following a brief moment, prompting Gallus to open his eyes in confusion slowly. He can see a light-green, transparent magical scenery, and upon taking in his surroundings, the griffon saw the penetrating vine struggling against a protective shell—a barrier.  "Wh-who, I mean, huh?" "Not on my watch!" A familiar voice roars out from nearby, towards the direction of Twilight's castle. "Noone hurts one of MY students! Not if I can help it!" "Ah, sweet feathers!" Gallus shouts, looking over his right shoulder. "Headmare Starlight!"    As was mentioned, Starlight can be seen gritting her teeth as her horn is alighted within the same colored aura as her barrier spell. All while the other magic users near her continue their assault and support, being doubly sure to act as the final defense for the crystalline structure. "Incomiiiiiiing!" The ground shakes, and these words draw ever closer as the large form of Iron Will runs towards the base of the vine, holding his battle-ax horizontally as to perform a devastating strike. The armored minotaur swings his weapon with full force, cleaving through the greenery and causing the rest of the vine to fall to the earth below. Then, the minotaur swiftly turns his gaze towards the deer, not to mention the Noglin, who currently bends their will. As the barrier dissipates all around Gallus, Iron Will gestures towards the griffon while keeping his sights locked onto his opponent. "Leave this foe to Iron Will! Help everycreature else and stay safe; Iron Will won't be able to save you twice!" "Oh, great, so we're keeping track now?" Gallus questions with sarcasm dripping from his tone. A chuckle follows, "I owe you one, big guy." The griffon turns around, sending a 'thumbs up' towards Starlight with his right claw, causing her to nod in response before turning her attention to others on the battlefield. He then takes notice of a very familiar pegasus mare with unique eyes who's currently struggling against a Noglin-controlled Bulk Biceps. "Hang on, Derpy! I'm coming!" ………. Iron Will turns in place and walks clockwise with the deer--the Noglin's antennae swiveling side to side. Patches of grass crushed under his steps, at least those that aren't damaged from the ever-present conflict. Tightening his grasp onto his battle-ax with both hands, the minotaur states internally: -Iron Will must be careful not to harm this deer. Iron Will's goal is that tiny monster, but how does Iron Will-- The deer charges, summoning two more green vines to accompany their approach with alighted antlers. The action interjects Iron Will's inner thoughts, and in response, the minotaur charges with a resounding warcry. The deer sends forth the vines it has conjured to meet the minotaur halfway. Seeing this, Iron Will spins his weapon around and dices the first vine that reaches him.  The second vine elevates itself before thrusting downwards for impalement, but Iron Will jumps in place as the vine pierces the earth where he once stood. All while he continues to run towards his opponent.  Mere moments before drawing closer to each other, Iron Will sidesteps at the very last second--the deer brushing past him as a result. The minotaur spots the Noglin attached to the back portion of the deer's head at that moment. -There! Iron Will must act now!- He hurriedly tries to grab the entity as the two combatants pass each other, but his eyes widen as the Noglin detaches itself rapidly. In evasion of the minotaur's actions, and like a scurrying cockroach, it crawls towards another section of the deer's body.  However, during this time of detachment, and after the two turn around to face each other again from a distance, following their passing, the deer seemingly regains his own will.  "No, wait! Please don't- GRAUUUGH!" The buck screams out in pain as the Noglin bites down onto the back of the deer's head again, reattaching itself once more and regaining control. "So, that's how you want to play it, huh?!" Iron Will roars out. "Fine! Iron Will will make things interesting for you!" The minotaur glances at his weapon, and Iron Will tosses it away with a grunt.  The weapon crashes down nearby as Iron Will beats on his chest, "Come on, monster!" He slams the ground with both of his arms, rising back up to his full stature, "Come and face Iron Will!" He spreads his arms apart, "Come to Iron Will! He is even unarmed; surely you could best Iron Will now?!" The Noglin narrows its eyes in response and moves its antennae, causing the deer to charge once more as to adhere to Iron Will's provocation. As the buck rapidly approaches with its antlers lowered, the minotaur stays in place while wearing a smirk on his face. -Iron Will shall save you with his glorious plan. Yes! Iron Will is simply a genius!- The controlled deer is just a few feet away, its antlers ready to impale the minotaur. Then, Iron Will plants his hooved legs into the earth, adjusting his stance while, seemingly, preparing to grab onto his opponent. "Allow Iron Will to show you how he has earned his name! Not just for Iron Will's assertiveness lessons-"  In an astonishing display of strength, the minotaur grabs onto the deer's antlers and manages to halt the now struggling deer's approach, albeit after he skids backward just shy of a foot in length. His exposed muscles flex before the minotaur lifts the deer into the air, over his head, and turns in place before slamming them into the earth behind him.  "But for Iron Will's iron physique!" Iron Will swiftly mounts the downed deer and grabs their head with his left hand. He turns the deer's head sideways and spots the Noglin, who, in turn, is dazed from being smashed from the deer's weight—although it remained latched on. "Come here!" He exclaims, grabbing the Noglin's back section with his right hand. "Iron Will tricked you into approaching him. Now, Iron Will will tear you off!" The minotaur grunts, his arm flexing as he forcefully tries to pry the Noglin off of the deer's rear head section. The small entity's stretched maw, similar in appearance to a feeding Python's, pulls off some of the deer's fur as it tries to resist and stay latched on with its' rows of teeth. Similar in appearance to a Lamprey's. Iron Will raises his body to full stature with another grunt, followed by a triumphant roar. His right arm is rose above his head as the struggling form of the Noglin tried to pry off the minotaur's tight grasp.  "Iron Wiiiiiill!" After performing his warcry, Iron Will slams the Noglin onto the ground, and before the small entity could even recover, a hoof descends upon it with frightening force. The minotaur lifts his right foot from the small indent, and one could only imagine the crushed remains of the former Noglin that remains within. The minotaur looks down upon his handiwork before raising his head and striking a masculine pose with a thumbs up.    After dealing with the Noglin, Iron Will hurriedly turns his attention to the still-downed deer. He runs over to their still form, lowering himself onto a knee, and places a hand onto them. "Awaken, friend! The battlefield is no place to sleep," He said but got no response. All while the battle continues to progress all around him. "Come on, deer; Iron Will has freed you." No response. A series of echoing laughter can be heard from above, belonging to the Corrupted Master Controller, who is currently looking down upon Ponyville's conflict. One of its' many faces prompts others nearby to fuse into a singularity. Many among the battle are momentarily stunned by the AI's words, while others continue fighting. As the AI's laughter continues, Iron Will looks up with gritted teeth, "What are you laughing at, Tyrant?! Iron Will demands that-" "Worthless filth like you can never make demands of a god, you muscular simpleton. Then again, muscle-bound idiots like you often don't use the one thing that prevails over all: your brain." Iron Will growls towards them before trying to aid the deer once more. "What a pathetic sight, and I can't physically throw up in my mouth. Here's a fun fact: your ally, the deer, is dead. You, yourself, killed them." "W-what…?!" Iron Will exclaims with a manifesting panic. "No, it can't be! Iron Will removed the creature; Iron Will saved him!" "Don't listen to him, Iron Will!" Starlight Glimmer exclaims from nearby. "The same goes for the rest of you; he's just trying to psyche us out!" “Oh?” The CMC questions before chuckling, turning its' glowing lavender eyes towards Starlight, "That's ironic coming from you, little Miss 'Equality.' She who mentally manipulated her cohorts." These words cause Starlight to flinch. "Yes, I know all about that thanks to the information I've gained from Discord. Regardless, my words are valid. As for you, Iron Will. It's such a shame; that poor deer even tried to warn you."  Iron Will hesitantly places a hand onto the deer's neck, hoping, praying for any signs of life. His eyes stare blankly towards the buck's form as even some of the deer's coloration starts to gray out. "I knew that the allies of survivors would try to pull my precious creations off of them. Therefore, there is a simple solution, call it karma if you will. When one forcefully removes a Noglin from its' host, the host immediately... dies." Several gasps are let loose, and wide-eyed expressions form in response to the revelation. "By the green," Another nearby buck comments, approaching Iron Will. Taking on a light-blue coat with black dots and pure white antlers. "H-he's dead." His ears fold against his head, "His voice now dances amongst the trees." Iron Will's hands begin to tremble, "N-no… Iron Will didn't…" He brings his hands to his head in shame. "I, I killed an innocent!" “Ha! Look, everyone,” The CMC starts. “Iron Will’s will has been broken.”  As the minotaur drowns in his regret and sorrow, the light-blue deer approaching him with remorseful features, several bystanders begin to panic in their realizations. "If we can't remove these things, how are we going to win?!" "T-there has to be another way!" "This is way too much; I'm out of here!" "Coward! Don't run away!" "How are you even going to escape?! That infection is all around us!" "We're doomed; there's no hope for us!" "Where are the Princesses?!" Starlight Glimmer looks all around her as the force's morale drops drastically, although those who kept their composure continue the fight. Some are attempting to flee while others retreat into Twilight Sparkle's Castle, to whom the unicorn shouts: "No, wait, please! We have to stay strong; we must protect the castle!" "You're insane!" A passing stallion shouts, running into the castle. In addition, many who fleed met opposition from Noglin controlled individuals and infected entities. Distancing themselves from the castle's repulsive effects made them easy targets for the infected. And, for those who did manage to escape while avoiding their enemies, something that makes Starlight's eyes begin to tear up transpires: A pair of lavender lasers began to shoot and vaporize several escapees from above, accompanied by laughter. “Run, survivors! Run for your lives!" The CMC exclaims gleefully, firing more purple-colored lasers from its' eyes. “Ooh, pity, you almost escaped that one. Hahahahaha!" Tears begin to flow down Starlight's cheeks, screams, cries, and painful wailing sound off all around her, in addition to the lasers being fired. Even those who tried to continue the fight alongside her started to retreat into the castle or chance escaping altogether.  "T-this can't be…" She says with dread before falling to the ground. The unicorn places her forehooves over her head, crying to the floor as her tears moisten the soil with droplets. "P-please, someone… a-anyone… make this nightmare end…." An orange talon sets itself onto the weeping mare, causing her to look upward and into the gaze of a blue griffon. "G-Gallus…" She said before lowering her gaze once more, "I'm so sorry, I-I failed-" "Hey. Come on, Headmare," He interjected as several other individuals gathered around him from various species. "You didn't fail any of us." He lifts her head with his right talon, "It was you who got us all together in the first place when this nasty stuff appeared. We made it this far BECAUSE of you." He removes his appendage, "If this truly is our end, then at least it'll be with the greatest teacher a griffon like me could ask for."       "Yes!" A nearby changeling exclaims from among those who gathered. "Thank you, Starlight!" Shouts a griffon. "Yak grateful for purple pony. Purple pony save yak!"   As others comment their gratitude for the unicorn's efforts, practically from every species, including her fellow ponies, Starlight became overwhelmed by the warmest feelings, causing her dreaded expression to change into, despite their predicament, happiness.  During this time, both Iron Will and the light-blue deer joined those left outside, just before the entrance to the castle. In addition to Derpy Hooves, following Gallus's efforts to save her. "T-thank you, everyone," Starlight says while wiping her tears away with a forehoof. Suddenly, a vibrant lavender light practically blinds them from above, followed by the words: "Touching, but I hope you don't mind that I took the time to prepare for my next attack. Noglins, fall back for a minute." As was requested, every Noglin in attendance puppeteers their captives to move away from the castle. And as for the remaining forces of Ponyville, they could only look upwards and towards the coming blast. "That castle is an eyesore. I'm going to blast it away, along with all who think they can hide from me." Starlight's eyes widen, "Y-you could've destroyed it all along?!" "Of course I could. I love to bring false hope to Megan's wretched creations, is all." The lights seemingly get sucked up into the CMC's eye sockets. "Your little resistance, Ponyville… ENDS NOW!" [FHWOOM-SKSH] A powerful duo of lasers is let loose from the entity's eyes, said lasers combining into a special attack. As it travels, electricity flickers off the beam as it hones in on the castle before finally making contact.  However, it wasn't with the castle or its' inhabitants, not to mention its' defenders, that the attack made contact. Instead, the attack collides with a red and blue barrier erected by two alicorns. One white with a fiery mane, the other black as night with a misty-starry veil. Both have slitted eyes, bared fangs, and are seething with anger.   Starlight and her fellow defenders slowly open their eyes, and what they see dumbfounds them. The protective shell dissipates as the two changed Princesses stand before them. "N-Nightmare Moon... Daybreaker...?" The unicorn questions in disbelief. "What's going on here...?" "Hmmm. So, the Ark's Guardians plan to defy me once more?" The AI questions, observing the new arrivals. A chuckle follows, "Have you two already forgotten what happened last time we fought?" Both Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker stare on with their angered expressions, not bothering to respond to the CMC's mockery. "You're an idiot if you think their new appearance is just for show, Edmund," Comments the echoing tone of a certain Homo-Deus. A series of transparent energy manifests itself between the two 'Nightmares,' starting from an orb that morphs into a feminine humanoid figure. A disgusted grunt is let loose from above, "Megan Williams..." The castle's defenders looked upon the form of Megan Williams, shock and awe present along with a hint of curiosity. Megan looks back over her right shoulder and gives them a thumbs up with her transparent right hand. "You all did fantastically well, and I'm so proud of every one of you, survivors," She beams a smile before turning forward, "Get everyone within the castle to Canterlot; reinforcements are arriving in just mere moments. We'll take it from here," She smirks, "But Celly and Lulu wanted some personal time with our big-headed friend up there." The Guardians growl before their armor manifests itself, donning their protective garments, which gives them an all too familiar appearance. Daybreaker's flames pulsate and become hotter while Nightmare Moon emits a drop in the local temperature. Their actions garnered a narrowed expression from the lavender presence above. "Well, Guardians?" Megan questions, looking side to side. She points her right arm upwards while turning sideways with her left hand resting on her waist, "Go get that bastard!" The two mares roar out defiantly before kicking off into the sky, and in response, their opponent prepares another blast: One day later... -INSTALLATION: THE ISLAND- The Ark's sun rises as various creatures can be heard in the distant wilds as if they are greeting the new morning. Its' rays creep through the window of a built structure, thus irritating the slumbering form of a blue pegasus, laying on the top portion of a bunk bed. "Mmmmph..." Rainbow Dash moaned, shielding her eyes with a forehoof as she slowly opened them, "Wh-wait. Am I in... a bed?"