Back up above, the ruins of the castle were filled with the sounds of yells and grunts. The various beings gathered were all being drilled by Shining Armour, giving what instruction he could in the proper use of their weapons.
While there was no denying they could all fight, they had never been part of a proper fighting force. Rainbow Dash was the closest, as a reserve member of the Wonderbolts. But they needed at least some form of organisation and the former Captain was the one to give it.
"Alright everyone, we can do better than this!" Shining barked at his assembled 'troops'. "Gilda, you're putting too much into those spear thrusts! Rainbow, I've already told you to stop swinging those wing blades like that! You're trying to hit your enemy, not dazzle them! As for you, Pinkie-!"
Zecora spoke up. "Shining Armour, a moment, please. Can you not see how they pant and wheeze? Allow us all some time to rest, so we may perform at our best."
Many of those gathered looked gratefully at the zebra. They'd been at this almost non-stop for the past hour since they'd arrived. Strain was beginning to show and irritation was also rising.
"We don't have time for rest!" he retorted. "Fallen and his group could be here at any moment! They're not going to let up and neither will we!"
"Shiny, please, she's right," said Cadence. "Just give them a few minutes. They won't do anypony any good if they're all worn out by the time they arrive."
Shining was about to argue, but Cadence fixed him with a look. Even he knew better than to try pushing back if she gave him that look.
"Fine," he said. "Take five, everyone. But be ready to get back to it."
He turned from Cadence, stalking towards one of the back rooms. The moment he was out of sight, he let out a breath and sat down, taking pressure off his replacement limb. He glared at the prosthetic, as if it was to blame. But he wasn't alone for long.
"You can't push them too hard, Shiny." Cadence sat next to him, draping a wing around him. "They already know what's at stake. They don't need you driving them into the ground like this."
"Well somepony has to," he muttered. "And I don't appreciate you undermining me either."
Indignation flashed on Cadence's face. "Excuse me? I'm your wife, not one of your recruits."
"You were there, Cadence. You've seen what he can do and what those under him are capable of. You should be supporting this."
"I do support you, Shining. I want them to be as ready as they can be too, but they have their limits. You should know better. You can't really think this is fair to them."
"None of what's happening is fair," he retorted. "But that doesn't matter. This is what we're dealing with and I'm not going to lose the rest of Equestria to that maniac either. I can't fail everypony. Not again…"
He bowed his head, running a hoof over his prosthetic. Every twinge against what was left of his leg was like a reminder of his shortcomings. His inability to prevent what was happening.
"My Shining Armour…" Cadence's hoof laid gently on his. "What happened at the Empire wasn't your fault. We did all that we could."
"But it wasn't enough." He wiped furiously at the tears that threatened to fall. "It… it wasn't enough…"
Cadence embraced him with her other wing. He pressed his head into the crook of her neck, letting her rock him from side to side gently while her hoof stroked his mane. He could tell she was crying too.
When they pulled apart, they brushed away each other's tears. In her eyes, Shining saw the guilt of allowing their kingdom to fall reflected back. He suddenly felt selfish for not considering how Cadence must feel about this. He hugged her again, more firmly to offer quiet reassurance and she gladly returned it.
The sound of somepony knocking on the frame of the long-rotted door got their attention. Zecora stood in it, looking a little apprehensive.
"My apologies, your majesties," she said, taking a bottle from her saddle bag. "I thought you might appreciate a rejuvenating brew, for the two of you."
"Thank you, Zecora. Please, come in," offered Cadence. "You're doing a wonderful job, taking care of everypony like this."
"I only wish that I could do more, to soothe the pains of what has come before," she said. She let them take a sip from the bottle before speaking again. "I don't wish to make this about me, but I sympathise with your sense of responsibility. Forgive me if I pry, but your words drifted into my ear as I neared. I do not mean to spy."
Shining frowned. "What are you talking about? You can't be blamed for what's happening."
"That depends on your point of view, on the truth I will reveal to you." She paused before speaking again. "In the forest where I dwell, my home was where the Alicorn Amulet was held. Fallen's minions managed to get in close, struck me down and stole it from under my nose. This matter I tried to rectify, though my efforts they did defy and with their prize they managed to fly. Now all the devastation and chaos that you see, I cannot help but feel that some blame… lies with me." She lowered her head before them. "I'm sorry for the Empire's fall, for if it weren't for my failing, it may not have happened at all."
Cadence and Shining looked at one another in stunned silence. Though Shining had felt some annoyance to her initially for arguing against him, there was nothing but sympathy for her now. He placed his wooden leg on her shoulder, offering a few pats.
"What happened isn't your fault, Zecora," he said. "We don't blame you at all for what happened to the Empire."
"We know that Fallen's minions took you all completely by surprise," added Cadence. "We had no idea what he was planning, up until the moment it was happening. But now we do and we have a real chance to stop it. We're lucky to have all of you with us, including you, Zecora."
"You mean this, honest and true?" Zecora let a relieved smile come to her face when they both nodded. "Then my sincere thanks I offer you. I count myself lucky too, to be with my friends. Here and now, until the end."
"See? What'd I tell you?" Pinkie suddenly popped up next to her, beaming away. "Didn't I say they wouldn't blame you for what happened? I told you so, I told you so!"
Zecora chuckled and took the cupcake offered to her. "So you did, my dear Pinkie. Truly, you are too good to me."
"Silly Zecora. There's no such thing as being too good to your friends," giggled Pinkie. She gave two more to Shining and Cadence. "I always keep an emergency stash with me, just in case."
"Much appreciated, Pinkie," said Shining. "Everything okay out there?"
She nodded. "Yeah, everyone's just trying to take their minds off things. Don't you worry, Captain-Prince sir! Private Pinkie is here to spread some cheer!"
"Good to hear, Private," he said with an appreciative laugh. "Sorry if I've been a bit pushy."
"It's alright. You're worried and I get why. But don't go feeling all silly and blaming yourselves, any of you," she added. "We all know who's really responsible for all that's happening and when he gets here, we're gonna show him what being a big bully will get you."
"That's exactly what we're going to do," agreed Cadence. "Hmm, I think that's been about five minutes. Shall we get back to it?"
Shining considered for a moment. "Eh, give them a few more minutes. I think they've earned it."
Back in the area they were using for practice, the same one the Elements of Harmony had chosen their new wielders in, the rest of the defenders were enjoying what downtime they could get. A party of three were conversing near the entrance. Gilda and Strongheart were recounting their fights with some of Soul's minions for Spike, so he would have a better idea of what to expect.
"Yeah, I remember Osteo," said Spike when Strongheart spoke of him. "I didn't really get a chance to see him in action, but he really gave Gilda and Rainbow a hard time."
"I can imagine. Applejack and I certainly struggled, not to mention how ruthlessly he murdered some of our bulls," said Strongheart. "Be wary if you cross him, Spike."
"Hey, at least he's all meat and such. Again, that guy, Edge: literal cyborg!" exclaimed Gilda. "Like, real, actual cyborg! Glowing red eye, jet boosters, the works! I almost didn't believe it, even when he was blasting at me."
"Didn't Rainbow mention that he seemed reluctant when you fought?" asked Strongheart. "As if he didn't want to actually fight?"
Gilda scoffed. "What does that matter? Maybe he didn't, maybe he did. He still blasted at us anyway and if he does it again, he's getting what's coming to him."
"But it does matter. Osteo chooses to fight, but what if Edge doesn't? Something about what's been done to him could be compelling him to fight," argued Strongheart.
"What, like when a bull sees red?" Gilda frowned. "Wait, is that offensive?"
Strongheart raised both eyebrows. "Somewhat, yes. But for the sake of clarity, I'll allow the comparison. The point is that if whatever is compelling him to fight could be taken away, maybe that would stop him."
"And how do we do that? Just pull out whatever's metal until he stops? That could just kill him anyways."
"It's worth it to try, isn't it?"
"What about the thestral, Selena?" Spike asked suddenly. "Do you think it could be the same for her?"
"I don't know about that, man," said Gilda. "According to Rarity, the bat seemed pretty set on gutting her. Plus, don't forget Ember. That mare's killed dragons. You'll wanna watch yourself with her."
"I recall you mentioned you had some history with her, Spike," noted Strongheart.
"Well… yeah. I knew her. Sort of," he admitted. "We met when we were both looking for the same thing and we helped each other. She sounded like she's really been through a lot of bad things in her life. She helped me out a lot though."
"O…kay," said Gilda uncertainly. "I'm guessing that didn't really work out though."
He laughed sheepishly. "Uh, not really. She um, she did try and kill me. B-But there's still a chance, right? If we can get through to her, maybe she'll try to turn things around."
Gilda and Strongheart exchanged looks with each other. They looked at Spike with expressions that were far from encouraging.
"Look, Spike," began Strongheart as delicately as she could, "I believe Princess Luna's stance on the matter was fair. It's a nice thought, but with everything she's done, it may not be an option."
"Why not? You were just talking about helping Edge. Where do we draw the line with who we do and don't help?" he asked. "More than one pony fighting with us today was our enemy at some point. What makes Selena different?"
"Because it has to be her choice, dude," said Gilda simply. "You can't help someone who doesn't want it in the first place. Don't get yourself hurt trying, or worse."
Spike shook his head. "There's a chance. There's always a chance. Otherwise what's the point in fighting, if not to try and make things better?"
Gilda shifted a little, rolling her eyes. Strongheart, on the other hand, seemed to consider his words. She recalled those early days of the Appleloosan settlers. With tensions rising every day, conflict just seemed inevitable. Even when they tried talking, a skirmish had broken out and yet against all odds, they had found a way to live in peace.
When she thought of Osteo, her blood boiled and her anger festered. Doom had been right about that at least. She wanted to see her enemy hurt, as he had hurt her friends and herself. But was it as simple as that? Should it be? Or was that simply what she wanted on some primal level, to pay him back for the hurt he had caused?
She looked down at her hoof, then up at Spike. She held it out to him.
"In the end, Spike, do what you believe is right," she said. "That's all any of us can do."
Spike didn't look completely reassured by her words but he nodded. They bumped hoof and claw, Gilda staring at the gesture as it happened. She didn't say anything else.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Applejack set down her hammer. It had taken some getting used to, but it was designed to be used in one hoof. She could manage it no problem when the time came.
She felt eyes on her again and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, there was Rainbow, looking away and pretending like she hadn't been watching. Applejack had caught her doing that quite a few times now and she'd be lying if she said she didn't like it.
"She's not exactly subtle, is she?" Rarity sidled up to her.
Applejack laughed. "This is Rainbow Dash we're talkin' about. Subtle ain't really in her nature."
"That's true enough, though it is rather adorable. Don't you think?" she asked.
"Yeah, won't deny that," said Applejack with a blush.
Rarity looked thoughtfully at her. "Forgive me for asking, Applejack but if you're aware of how she feels, why haven't you spoken to her? If you don't feel the same way, best to say something about it now and not let her get the wrong idea."
"Nothin' ta do with that," said Applejack. Though she could feel her face get warmer, she wasn't abashed to talk about this. "Rainbow's a mighty fine mare. Sure, her ego's a lil' gratin' but there's nopony I'd rather have ma back. She's always there when it counts and she never gives up on what matters. I always liked that about her."
"Then why not say something to her?"
"Well…" Applejack hesitated. "It sounds pretty silly when I think about it."
"Try me, dear. I'll be the judge of that," offered Rarity.
"Alright then." She took a moment before going on. "Jus' feels like there's bigger stuff ta worry about, is all. With this Fallen feller an' all he's done, we gotta put a stop ta him first 'fore we get all caught up in silly lil' things like… well, datin'."
"Sombra and Luna don't seem to share that perspective," pointed out Rarity. "It's at times like this that the silly little things matter most of all."
Applejack sighed. "I guess, but it's not just that. I don't… I don't wanna hurt her. Poor girl's had enough disappointin' romances without addin' one more ta the list."
"Do you really believe she'd be disappointed by you?" asked Rarity.
"Well, she's always had big dreams. I respect her fer it, but I'm happy ta jus' lend a helpin' hoof ta my family and the farm. She'll probably set her sights on some high-falutin' Wonderbolt or somethin' when she gets the chance."
"But she doesn't have her sights on a Wonderbolt, Applejack. She has them set on you, in every sense," said Rarity. "And you give yourself far too little credit. You're a wonderful mare. You have a beauty that matches both your integrity and personal strength."
She blushed a little harder. "Shucks, Rarity. Ya don't mean that…"
"I most certainly do! I consider myself very fortunate that we're friends and I know Rainbow Dash thinks very highly of you indeed."
"She does, huh?" Applejack stared at the Pegasus for a while, watching her practice with her wing blades. "Ya know what? What the heck? Look after Bertha here fer me."
Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Bertha?"
"Ma hammer," answered Applejack. "Don't judge."
"Rest assured, Bertha will be in good hooves," she tittered. "Now go on!"
"I'm goin', I'm goin'." Even despite those assurances, Applejack could feel her heart pounding against her chest with every step she took. She tried to sound as casual as possible. "H-Howdy there, Rainbow. Them vegetable peelers treatin' ya well?"
"Obviously," she replied, posing with them. "Pretty tough for me not to make something look good."
"Hey now, didn't Shinin' just say somethin' about that?"
"Yeah I got it. Trust me, I'm not gonna let Soul or any of his goons get the drop on me," she promised. "When they get here, we'll be ready for them."
"Sure we will. I've got yer back out there, alright?"
"Right back at you." Her eyes lingered on Applejack before her cheeks tinted pink. "A-Anyways, better get back to it huh?"
"Actually, Rainbow, I was wonderin'…" Applejack hesitated again. "When this is over, you wanna grab somethin' ta eat?"
Rainbow frowned. "I mean, sure? Pinkie's probably gonna throw a big party anyway so we can just-"
"No, ya air-headed…" Applejack couldn't help but chortle a little. "I mean, you an' me. Gettin' somethin' ta eat. Like dinner."
"Dinner? You mean like… like a date?" Rainbow's face suddenly flushed. "A-As in, a date date."
"Uh huh." Applejack suddenly felt rather foolish. "Look, ya don't have to. I jus' figured that, well, it might be nice if we… ya know, just ferget I said anythin'."
"No, wait!" Rainbow yelped. She was starting to grin. "I mean… yeah. Yeah, dinner sounds great, AJ!"
"Ya mean that?" Applejack frowned. "Don't be foolin', now."
"I'm not! I'm totally down for dinner with you! Nothing fancy," she added quickly. "I know you don't really go for that sort of stuff. But maybe like a hayburger or something like that? Catch a movie too. I-If you want to, that is."
"Burgers and a movie. Now, that sounds like a mighty fine date ta me," she nodded, her own grin growing now. "So don't do nothin' foolish now, ya hear? Ain't polite ta leave somepony hangin' fer a date."
"Trust me, I'm not missing out on this." Rainbow laughed nervously but she was still smiling. "You be careful too, AJ."
"Ya don't need ta… hey, ya hear that?" An odd, high pitched squeaking sound met Applejack's ears. She turned to see Rarity, quite nearby and beaming away. The sound was coming from her throat. "Uhhh… Rarity? Are ya…?"
"You two are just the cutest things!" She squealed and trotted on the spot. "Tell me everything that happens, everything! Oh and you simply have to let me pick out what you should wear and your makeup, not to mention your-"
"Calm down, Rarity," said Applejack. "We got this mess ta sort out first before any-a that."
"Yeah and you can't really help both of us out for the date," added Rainbow.
At this, Rarity cackled. "Oh my darlings, just try and stop me!"
While the two mares looked at each other with concern, across the room Fluttershy looked down at her bracelets. Even though she wasn't expected to fight, she still felt nervous. If she'd learned anything from fights, it's that they were messy and chaotic. Not the fun kind of chaos either. Not like…
Her heart ached again at the thought of Discord. He may not have been perfect, but he was still her friend and that… that monster had killed him. She thought of Ray, still in his clutches, being used to hurt others. She could never forgive Fallen for that. No matter what, she would do her best in her part to stop him.
She remembered what Ray had once said. That he saw her as his strength. He was her strength too. She drew from that now and decided that now, more than ever, was a time for kindness.
In the end, her eyes settled on one in particular. The only one who wasn't surrounded by friends, stood alone near the old thrones. From the moment she'd arrived, she had been alone. Even when Thorax had been there. Maybe Fluttershy could help change that.
"Hello, Princess Samore," she said when she reached her. "How are you feeling?"
Samore looked at Fluttershy like she'd just asked her why the sky was blue.
"What does that matter?" the changeling princess asked.
Fluttershy was caught off-guard by the question. "W-Well… it always matters. Even more so, at a time like this. If you'd like to talk-"
"What difference would it make?" Samore interrupted. "This so-called plan is folly. Our enemy possesses power far beyond what most dare to wield. His allies are ruthless. We are little more than a rag-tag assortment of fools. You will all be swept aside, the monster trapped inside me will be unleashed and everything will come undone. Was that the kind of talk you wanted, pony?"
Fluttershy recoiled from the harshness, the bleakness of her words. The last time she'd heard someone talk like that was…
She could remember that night so clearly. Running all over Ponyville to find him. Coming across him at last, beneath the shadow of a tree. Never before had she seen one so devoid of hope, so full of pain and despair as him, in that moment.
But though he had fled, she still found him. Though he believed nopony cared, she'd shown him otherwise. She hadn't given up on Ray Strike. She didn't want to give up on Samore.
"Maybe… maybe that will happen," she murmured. "It scares me. I-It really does. But you must believe there's something, don't you? Some hope that it won't happen. If you don't, then… why are you here?"
Samore was about to reply, when she stopped. She frowned. She looked out at those gathered, then at Fluttershy.
"You were the one who spoke out during the meeting," she said. "You said that I was rude."
"W-Well… you were and…" Fluttershy took in a breath, ignoring her nerves. "And I'm not apologising for saying so. Because you were rude just now as well. I understand if you don't want to talk. But your worries don't excuse throwing them in someone else's face."
Samore tilted her head. "You are bold, for one so apparently timid."
"I'm getting better at it," said Fluttershy. "It helps when your special somepony has an angry monster in his head."
"You are romantically involved with a Beast Host?"
"Yes, actually. Ray, the Host of Wrath," she said proudly. "I can't say I understand what yours must be like, princess. But I do know a little bit."
Samore was quiet for a moment. "My Beast would never permit something like that. Lust, her… her very power is drawn from such feelings. It meant I had to be locked away for most of my life. Denied all but the most essential of contact."
Fluttershy gasped. "That sounds horrible."
"It was all I knew," Samore shrugged. "I never thought much of life beyond my confinement. It made things easier, that all I would know was my chambers within the Swarm colony."
"What about now?"
Samore hesitated before answering. "I've already said my piece on it. That won't change."
"Is that really what you believe or are you just trying to make it easier?" asked Fluttershy. "If you weren't trapped anymore, what would you want to do?"
Again, Samore stared at Fluttershy like she didn't completely believe that she was real. A few times, she opened her mouth but stopped herself. Fluttershy didn't push her. Just waited.
"I want… to try…" Samore said the next part in a voice so quiet, Fluttershy almost didn't hear her. "I-Ice cream."
Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle. "Really?"
Her face flushed green. "Don't laugh at me!"
"I-I'm sorry, I'm not. It just sounds so… cute," she said. "I didn't know they had ice cream in the changeling lands."
"We don't. But when Gilda and I were in Baltimare, we stopped briefly outside one such shop. I only got a brief glimpse, but the colours, the appearance, the scents…" She sighed, then frowned. "But we didn't have time to stop. We had to flee."
"Well, when this is all over, I'll make sure you get some ice cream," promised Fluttershy. "Whatever flavour you want, you'll get it."
Samore frowned. "Why would you do that?"
"Why shouldn't I?"
The changeling had no answer to this. The tiniest hint of a smile flashed across her face. But it vanished at a familiar sound that made Fluttershy turn. The sound of a teleport spell.
In a burst of starlight, the Princess of the Moon appeared. Luna waited until all of their attention was on her, before she spoke the words they knew she would.
"He is here."
The tension that had been steadily gathering, that they tried so hard to ignore, seemed to inflate in that moment. All the good humour vanished, all conversations ceased. Everyone present exchanged frightened, grim looks with one another.
Gradually, they made moves to prepare themselves. Armour was tightened. Weapons were gathered. The beings started to split up between those who would battle Fallen and those who would remain at the Castle. But there was still time for one final goodbye.
Twilight embraced her friends tightly, holding them as close as possible. Cadence was sharing a series of last kisses with Shining Armour. The Royal Sisters stood apart, but nearby. All of them were dressed and ready for battle. Even if, right now, none of them felt ready.
"Be careful, Twilight," Pinkie whispered, hugging her tight. "Show that meanie who's boss."
"You all be careful too," she said, fighting back her tears. "I love you all."
"We love you too, Twilight." Rarity squeezed her and kissed her forehead. "Don't you dare die on us. Don't you dare."
"I don't plan to," she replied.
"Look after Cady, sis." Shining held them close too. "Look after each other."
"I'll make sure we both come back," promised Cadence. She kisses her husband again. "Don't do anything reckless, Shiny."
"Same to you. I love you."
"And I love you. My Shining Armour…"
In the midst of the farewells, someone approached Twilight that she didn't expect. Though initially apart from the others, Samore had her sights on Twilight. She met the changeling part way while Cadence said goodbye to her friends.
For a moment, neither princess said anything. Samore broke the silence.
"You care for them a great deal."
Twilight nodded. "More than anything."
"It may be your undoing," she stated.
Twilight had a feeling something like this was coming. She'd had time to think since their last discussion and had come to a conclusion regarding Samore's 'advice.'
"Maybe it will," she admitted. "But that doesn't mean I'll stop. I'll fight for them, whatever the cost."
"And if they should die in your place?"
"That won't happen," she said at once. "And even if it does, it's not because my life is more important than theirs. I would do the same for any of them because they're my friends. They're worth dying for, but more than that: they're worth living for."
Samore was quiet for a moment. "Even her?"
Her eyes were fixed on Celestia. Twilight took a little longer before answering.
"Even her. Friendship isn't always perfect. Sometimes, it can be damaged or even broken. Even if there's only a few little pieces left… some friendships are worth trying to put back together."
She expected Samore to scoff or make some jaded remark. Instead, the tiniest of smiles came to her face and she laughed a little.
"You're a strange pony, Twilight Sparkle. Though I think perhaps…" Her eyes wandered to Fluttershy. "I'm starting to see the value in what you say."
Twilight nodded. "I didn't see the value in friendship at first either. Maybe, when this is all over, that could change for you too."
"Perhaps," she murmured. "But until then, fight well, Princess of Friendship."
She said this without malice or derision, even inclining her head to Twilight. She returned the gesture and moved to stand with her fellow princesses.
"You can stay here if you want, Twilight," offered Celestia. "The three of us together should be enough to hold him."
"But four stands a better chance," she replied. "I'm a princess too. My place is with all of you."
"You're certain?" asked Luna. She smiled when Twilight nodded. "Then together we ride, my friend."
"He doesn't stand a chance against all of us," agreed Cadence.
"Very well then. You all know what you must do," said Celestia. "We will keep Fallen's attention on us. Good luck to all of you."
Twilight got one last look at their friends and allies, standing together and ready to fight. Then Celestia engulfed them in a teleport spell and they were gone.