//------------------------------// // Combat Equestria // Story: What Happens in Terraria // by BioChemicalWolfGear //------------------------------// I flew up to the darkened skies after my corrupt thane, in hopes to apprehend her. She was faster than I and she had already move way past the horizon. Wherever she was going, it was somewhere far away to enact some strange plan, that I have yet to begin to understand. I beat my wings hard and tried to fly fast. But I soon realized that even with all this magical power and large wing span, I couldn’t catch up to Rainbow Dash. She was designed to be the fastest, and I had no chance against her. But I can’t kill her, so my magic will need to be used to subdue her. I’d hate to lose my Thane and friend. Though, I can kill her and have no repercussions later because I wouldn’t be here in that time. No, Rainbow’s survival is important. How will I explain this to Celestia? Especially if I was the one who brought the corruption to Equestria in the first place. I guess this is my problem that I need to solve. Celestia can work on her propaganda problems without me for a while. “God dammit Rainbow, why now?! I was going to win Celestia’s favor by helping her get her country in order!” I stopped flying and turned around to look at my white tower. “I can’t do this alone.” I flew back with vigor and found my way back into the hole in the wall. In there was Darkness who stood there silently in front of the door way. Radiant Garden wasn’t in sight. Possibly out to go get purification powder from Isis. “My lord.” stated Darkness. “Scatter the army across all of Equestria. No the world. Especially the world eaters. Keep the worms at the castle just in case we are attacked. Celestia technically permitted this action so we won’t get in trouble if we do this. I want you to tell me where Rainbow Dash is so I can go intercept her.” “Yes, my lord. But this will take time.” “And time is not what we have. So let’s get moving.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Celestia walked up the red carpet to her throne while being flanked by five guards. One of them was the double agent. “I hope you all know what to do?” asked Celestia simply. “Yes ma’am!” replied the four guards and the agent. “I’ll try to locate Princess Luna within the castle, without raising suspicion. When I find her, I’ll tell you.” he bowed and swiftly moved out of the throne room. Celestia trotted up her golden steps and sat on her throne. She looked at the remaining four guards in front of her and sighed heavily. “I must be honest. I can’t see the fate of Equestria after this.” the guards shared a glance, never moving their faces. “I’m certain that at some point we will be fighting fellow ponies. But rest assured, we’ll come out on top in the end and restore Equestria to its former glory. I just hope that when the time comes, we’ll be able to rally quickly… return to your posts.” she stated calmly. Celestia began waiting patiently for the double agent to return with news. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twilight Sparkle stood out on her balcony looking at the tower. Without a telescope this time. She looked in the distance at the tower where her friend now stays, until she’s allowed to come back to Equestria. Twilight and her friends all got the news of Rainbow’s betrayal. Even though the news shocked them and even made them angry, they would never reject Rainbow Dash as a friend. But now in the distance, a new oddity was forming in the orange skies above Equestria. Puppet Master’s army was moving out across Equestria with vigor, and it didn’t seem to be stopping. The first thing she thought was invasion… And that’s what she’ll tell her mentor. “SPIKE!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In Cloudsdale, the pegasi corps commander Barricade moved with a small troop of trainees around in the sky for formation training. From their height, you could see almost all of Equestria. Though, for a pegasi being that high up they wouldn’t be able to have enough time to enjoy the scenery since the wind up there is untamed and as violent as a tornado. “BANK LEFT!” she shouted above the roar of the wind. And the trainees banked left to the best of their ability. They will do this for a full hour and by then they would be able to hold formation in the strong winds. Of course they were all weaponless so when a giant eyeball races past the group at incredible speeds they only had the ability to gawk at its size and watch it fly off into the distance away from the rising sun. “RETURN TO BASE AND BRING ME MY SPEAR!” ordered Barricade. “I’M GOING AFTER IT!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maluk sat on his throne, in the Clawsack mead hall for all the nobles. The hunters have brought in a bountiful collection of meats that many griffons are now devouring at the long wooden tables. The mead hall itself had a high ceiling and many lanterns that were attached to each of the twelve pillars that lined the hall and kept the building intact. A griffon scout flew over the feasting nobles and attracted a lot of attention from each of them. So much so, that they quieted down to listen to what he had to say when he landed in front of Maluk’s throne and bowed to him. “My lord. We have reason to believe Puppet Master has went to war with Equestria.” “On what grounds?” asked Maluk curiously. “His army has moved away from the castle, and is now spread out all over Equestria. We’ve also spotted swarms of monsters not only above but inside major cities in Equestria. We’ve also noticed that there is a lot of movement in Equestria’s armies as well.” Maluk was silent for a moment before his face brightened considerably. “You hear that boys? EQUESTRIA IS AT WAR!” The whole mead hall erupted in sound and cheering. “PREPARE THE ARMIES, AND TAKE CANTERLOT! IT’S TIME TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF CONQUERING THE MOST POWERFUL KINGDOM IN THE WORLD!” Maluk shouted above the cheers of the nobles who support him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Puppet Master paced in his throne room in front of his golden chair impatiently. Darkness was standing in front of him looking indifferent about the situation, like he is about everything. Their concentration was broken when the double doors of the throne room were burst open by Radiant Garden. He sprinted toward Puppet Master with vigor and stopped a meter short of him. In fact, Puppet Master actually flinched because he thought Radiant would run into him. “My lord, I’ve got the purification powder.” “Good. I’ve been thinking and I believe we should all go find Rainbow d-” “My lord, I found her… and something else.” stated Darkness suddenly. “What?” asked Puppet Master. “Well three things. First is that the Eye of Cthulhu is out there, above Cloudsdale. And Rainbow Dash is heading towards Cloudsdale and she’s currently above Manehatten.” “Manhatten? Hold on I know where that is. That’s really far. How do you know she’s there in the first place and how do you know she’s going towards Cloudsdale?” “The Eaters have already been scattered around Equestria quickly. Most of them are even in swarms at the borders. You asked me to search Equestria, and I did. But then comes the final and possibly most important thing to deal with…” “Yes, what is that?” inquired Puppet Master, trying to get the answer out of him. “A griffon army is moving towards the direction of Canterlot.” “WHAT?!” “I believe their scouts may have seen our troops and they believe we’re attacking Equestria.” Darkness responded indifferently. “Fuck.” cursed Puppet Master. “Assemble the Terrarians to my throne room… NOW!” “Yes my lord!” responed Radiant and Darkness in unison. “I’ll send the Eaters.” “I’ll get Isis from her room. Then I’ll prepare my gear for Canterlot.” said Radiant. “No, I’ll choose who goes where when everyone is here.” ordered Puppet Master sternly. “Yes, master.” “Darkness, I want you to intercept that army that’s going after Canterlot with a few of the Eaters. Slow them down a bit.” “Yes, my lord. And I need to say that this army is larger than the one I created when you first purified me. This will be another difficult battle for us all.” Puppet Master thought for a moment. “No… wait I have an idea. Don’t intercept that army with eaters. Let them come and take Canterlot. We’ll defend it, of course, but we will be launching our own strike against the griffon home lands. Create corruptors and send them to the cities. I want to corrupt all the citizens so when the army returns entire cities will become ghost towns.” stated Puppet Master with a sadistic grin. Darkness returned that grin with one of his own. “With pleasure, my lord.” “Though, I still want all the Terrarians here. Let’s get moving… Radiant get to work on my body. I want a dark brown coat with dark green hair.” “On it, my lord. Which race do you want to be?” “An earth pony. Specifically a large one to fit all the glands I will need. Invisibility and obsidian skin if you can make that possible. Also feather fall potion ability if you can. Then, I want you to give me an inventory so I can carry all the books with me. Here, take these.” Puppet Master emptied all the books that he carried in his inventory onto the ground in front of Radiant. “I want these in a chest next to the Biology room. If anyone takes a book I want their lives to be terminated. But if a Terrarian takes them tell them to return them to the chest. If they refuse then fight them.” “I will, my lord. Do you want me to retrieve Isis first?” asked Radiant picking up all the books. “Yes, do that.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Celestia just got finished reading Twilight’s frantic letter about Equestria being invaded by Puppet Master. She had already responded to her faithful student to not worry, as she allowed this move by Puppet Master to handle issues that happen to be more inward to Equestria. Celestia was also feeling the stress of having to regain control over her lovely kingdom as well. Her heart made a few stress beats. Celestia’s concentration went away from her heart and to her double doors that were swiftly burst open by a frantic guard. “Celestia, we are under attack!” Celestia’s pulse raced. “By who?” she asked. “Puppet Master! His armies are spreading out across Equestria! I believe his aims to occupy us!” Celestia calmed down saying, “It’s all right. I told him it would be okay if he moves his forces into our borders.” “Oh. I’m sorry I wasted your time Celestia.” “It’s ok. Thank you for presenting this to me. This would be worth my time if it were true.” “Yes, princess. Sorry princess.” he bowed and turned to leave. Then the doors burst open again and yet another guard came rushing in. “PRINCESS!” he bellowed. “We’ve been betrayed!” “Yes, I know Puppet Master’s forces are moving into our borders, don’t worry it’s not an act of aggression.” Celestia said calmly. “It’s not Puppet Master! Our own guards started taking off their helmets and attacking us! Some civilians have joined them! We are at civil war!” “W-what?” Celestia asked with bewilderment. She swiftly jumped out of her throne and yelled. “Guards, follow me! We need to secure my capital!” “FOR EQUESTRIA!” each guard yelled. Every guard stationed nearby ran out the double doors and into the battle that raged in the castle and the streets. The throne room was barren of life, and the doors have slammed shut. Just then a giant corrupt worm burst through the floor and arched back into the marble floor. It slammed into the floor and disappeared leaving behind no trace that it ever moved through there. No damage and no movement of any solid object. However. There was a small scroll laying stock still in the center of the red carpet. An unseen force lifted it and opened it. The unseen force then materialized into a bipedal figure wearing purpled armor. Shadow Master. “Equestria in danger? All Terrarians assemble at his lordship's throne room.” he read out loud. “Indeed I will.” Shadow Master took out the Magic Mirror and peered into it. He was gone in less than three seconds. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hunger and Celldric were at breakfast with Cloud Kicker. The former was unenthusiastic about it, but went for the benefit of his best friend and fellow adventurer. He was reluctant to go, but it doesn’t mean it was painful to be there. It was painful to watch them get all lovey-dovey in front of him. He wasn’t resentful for their happiness. In fact the opposite, he was happy for them. But... the conversations do get weird and at times… sexual. “So Celldric, why do you always wear your headgear? Hunger has his off, but you always keep yours on.” Celldric thought for a moment and then responded. “Well it’s like an identity to who I am. I wear this to protect myself, but I came so accustomed to it, that I feel it’s a part of who I am. Like that one nice mare Applejack, she never goes anywhere without her hat. Just like I never go anywhere without my headgear. Without it, I’d feel naked.” he admits. “Mmm. I think I’d like it if you felt naked in front of me.” Cloud Kicker said seductively. And that’s what ticks Hunger off. She flirts with Celldric in sexual ways right in front of him. “Oh, I like that idea.” added Celldric. And what’s worse, is that Celldric encourages it. Just then a giant worm bursts out of the ground next to the table, scaring Cloud Kicker and company alike. The worm arcs over the table and drops a scroll on it, before disappearing below the surface without an entrance and exit hole. “What was that?!” asked Cloud Kicker hysterically. “Don’t worry, my love. It’s just an associate of ours that delivered this message. Although I swear he did that just to ruin our date.” Celldric replied coldly while picking up the scroll and reading its text. “Although, this doesn’t seem like one of those moments.” stated Celldric grimly. “What? What is it?” inquired Hunger suspiciously. “Puppet Master believes Equestria is in danger, and wants us to join him in his throne room.” explained Celldric. “I’m sorry love, but we’ll need to meet up again later.” “It’s ok. If Equestria’s in danger, I’d love to see you do whatever you can to help us. And return home for a hero’s reward.” finished Cloud Kicker, batting her eyelashes. “And I look forward to being your knight in shining armor.” responded Celldric. “But for now, goodbye my love.” he took out his Magic Mirror and looked deep within it and within seconds was gone. Hunger followed behind shortly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The first to arrive was Isis and Radiant Garden. The latter sporting several pouches of Purification powder. Then Shadow Master faded into view next to them, which enticed a startled yelp from Isis. Then Hunger and Celldric burst through the door at full speed to stand in the semicircle of Terrarians. “Well…” started Puppet Master. “I’d always envisioned a reunion, but now is not the time for a happy one. Equestria is in danger. Griffons are attacking Equestria with an army, and is not on its way to Canterlot.” “Sir, the army split into several groups.” interrupted Darkness. “They are now attacking many different locations in Equestria and making a land grab.” “Dammit.” said Puppet Master. “Ok, this changes things. Darkness I now want your army to stop following Rainbow Dash and the eye and reroute all the worms and eaters to attack griffon soldiers and anyone else fighting for them. Have them use guerilla warfare, and attack in groups, but unorganized. For the rest of you, I’m going to give you different missions. We have three priority one objectives.” “What are they?” asked Hunger. “Rainbow Dash, our newest thane, has become corrupted in her new form. She’s faster and has control over the sky. I need someone to purify her. The Eye of Cthulhu was also summoned by someone, and I don’t know who that was, but now we have an uncontrolled monster running around, possibly killing innocents as it pleases.” “Celldric and I should go after Cthulhu since we can destroy it quickly.” stated Hunger. “No, we need you and Celldric to go after Rainbow Dash with Shadow Master. Get purification powder form Isis. Darkness, I want you to destroy Cthulhu. Radiant, I want you to get to work on that new body. I’ll head over to Canterlot and help Celestia get her army ready for the invasion. Everyone know where they’re going?” “Yes, my lord.” they all responded in unison. It was surprising to hear that from Celldric and Hunger, because they seemed indifferent about Puppet Master for a while now. But now that he’s proven himself to be selfless and helpful toward others they now respect him. “Move out.” “Wait!” shouted Hunger. “Where’s Rainbow Dash?” “Darkness, you help them find her. Then search for Cthulhu. When you are done, go assist each other with their task. If you see griffons, then they are probably hostile and don’t hesitate to kill them. Remember the griffons are either out there to kill ponies or kill soldiers. When both of those objectives are complete then rally Equestria’s military and help them against the griffons.” “Understood.” replied Hunger. They all bolted out the door, other than Isis who stood there watching them go. Then she turned to Puppet Master and asked, “Protecting the innocent?” “It’s the right thing to do.” he responded. “Just like you always did. No one gives you any rewards for it, too. You’ve been giving every Terrarian a home, and protecting us without the need to ask for any reward. What changed?” she asked. “What do you mean?” “Now it’s all plotting and scheming. And creating an empire. Terraria never had an empire before. So why proclaim yourself king of one?” “Because I know I will keep you all safe. And I never had this kind of power before.” he admitted. “It makes me feel good that people look up to me for advice. I feel I’ve done my part well.” “I do too. I remember when you were just another mortal playing a game.” she grinned. “Wait, what? How-” “I brought you here, wolfGear. I watched you quickly figure out what to do with a pickaxe, and then use it to get copper to create into a chest plate. I watched you through your entire adventure, and you never really were interested in purifying the land. Then, you figured out how annoying the soundtrack of the corruption was and you started to get rid of it, just to be rid of the music.” “Again… how?” “I brought you here, wolfGear. I don’t know your name, but I do know your alias. Truth is, the creators have ignored the needs of the characters of games and movies for too long. I along with a few others had the power to change all that. After I created a physical form for you to protect rather than being one with nature where I could be corrupted, I planned to bring you to us. You other than all the other humans can see both sides of the die. The good and evil, and be able to choose which one you want to become.” “You brought me here?” “Yes… and if I had to, I’d do it again.” she replied warmly. “I chose you out of all the other players, because you like stories, and you were able to keep your cool in strange situations. You were also a psychopath, so when it came to dealing out death, you wouldn’t be bothered by it. But deep down you’ve always wanted to play the hero. And you’re doing it now, more or less. Even though you did ask Darkness to wipe out the griffon cities, when you’re done.” “That’s… impressive. I’m not even mad. In fact.” Puppet Master removed his crown and pulled down his hood that gave him extra magic. “I want to thank you.” he stated with a grin. “Are you going to kiss me?” asked Isis playfully. “Yes.” Puppet Master walked up to Isis who had a smile on her face. He placed his lips on hers, and they went into a deep and passionate kiss before Isis pulled away. “Now’s not the time to get intimate. But I want you to know that when you escape and go to the past, I’m going with you. Oh and your logic about time is a little deluded. You can’t travel through time, but you can go to other dimensions if you wish it. I’ll help you when you do, ok?” “Sure.” “Now, go save Celestia. She needs you right now.” With that revelation Puppet Master placed his gear back on and flared his wings and beat hard toward the door, propelling himself forward and up out the skylight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Four Terrarians flew off into the distance toward the open sky that was now blue from the sun rising higher. Darkness was a good distance in front of his three companions and they had to shout for him to hear them. “Darkness! Where is Rainbow Dash?!” shouted Celldric. “She’s over there.” he pointed to the north-west. “But you can’t intercept her if you go that way!” Darkness then slowed down, so he’d be level with them. “You need to follow me for a while longer, until we’re at a point where we’ll intercept them both.” “Intercept them both?” inquired Celldric. “Why not split up and intercept them separate from each other? Surely it will be safer, and how will they meet up anyway?” “Because we’re too far from them, to meet them separately. And they're heading right for each other. The Eye seems to be confused and in a rage, while the other is just heading to familiar locations to wreak havoc.” “So, where are they?” asked Shadow Master. “Over the skies of Cloudsdale. The Eye of Cthulhu currently is being chased by Barricade, the Commander of the Royal Pegasi Corps.” “Who?” “We’ll find out soon enough. But for now, follow me!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Celestia looks out over her kingdom from her courtyard, and a heavy weight fills her heart as she looks over her capital city with glazed eyes. Buildings were burning and commoners were screaming in terror and with battle cries. Her soldiers were fighting one another, and at times they were fighting other loyalists because they looked so similar. She turned back to her castle and to the loyalists that have won back her beautiful palace. [^]“Ride out into the city!”[/^] she ordered with the royal Canterlot voice. [^]“Teach these heathens that I am the law! And that the law must not be disobeyed!”[/^] The loyalist guards saluted and ran off into the city. Those who could fly few off into the sky to meet any rouge pegasi guards. Celestia watched them all leave until most of them were almost out of sight. Celestia sighed loudly, and walked toward the entrance to her palace, when she heard wing beats come slowly down from the sky. “Loyalist or traitor.” Deadpanned Celestia as she turned to face the new arrival. “More of a third party.” responded a familiar voice. Her eyes landed on the subject, and was relieved when Puppet Master’s form graced her view. “Oh thank goodness, Puppet Master. I need your help.” she said with a relieved smile. “I know. I’m also here to deliver a warning.” “Oh, more bad news.” Celestia’s smile disappeared and she frowned. “Sorry. A griffon army is heading toward your borders. On their way, they are seizing land and splitting off into smaller armies that are also going after major cities.” Celestia’s pupils grew small. “B-but I can’t order my armies! I’m powerless! I need to quell this rebellion now.” “I’ve already moved my armies to intercept them and weaken their forces. I promise you that I will keep your cities safe when you’re unable. I have my own forces moving throughout Equestria to protect major cities. Let’s pray your soldiers don’t think they’re here to invade.” “Thank you, for all your help.” Celestia responded giving him a genuine smile. “You support your troops. I have an idea of where Luna is.” “Wait, I’ll come with you. Then, the three of us can support my troops faster. I doubt you know your way around the castle anyway.” stated Celestia. “Good point, let’s move.” “Where to?” “Your sister's room.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Darkness and his company of three Terrarians flew together toward the cloud city of Cloudsdale. Memories of this city flooded Celldric’s mind, and Hunger who remained passive through the whole thing started to become impatient. “When will we spit up?” Hunger asked Darkness, who flew on his right. “Now. You go in that direction and cut off Rainbow.” he pointed to his left. “I’m going up.” he pointed toward the sky. They all looked up and saw Cthulhu thrashing about sporadically in rage. They could all tell the sun was burning its retina, and causing him to panic. Unlike in Terraria he was not able to escape the sun by phasing through the ground. And he seemed to have flown higher to get to the cool wind to keep him from burning. Or maybe that was just a desperate plan. “Good luck.” finished Darkness indifferently, as he pumped his wings harder and ascended into the sky. “C'mon, let’s purify Rainbow Dash!” shouted Hunger. Celldric and Shadow Master flew as wingmen on either side of Hunger. Shadow Master was on Hunger’s left, while Celldric on his right. They all carried purification powder. It took them a short while until Rainbow came bursting though the cloud layer below them and slamming into Hunger from below. “WHOA!” Hunger announced while Celldric spun to the left to come face to face with Rainbow Dash while Shadow Master drank an invisibility potion, effectively removing him from battle. Hunger quickly recovered and looked down to find Rainbow Dash already dashed off in the direction of Celldric. Celldric barely saw the movement and he braced for impact. *Slam* Celldric goes flying in the other direction. “How do you like that? Am I fast, or am I fast!” shouted the corrupted Rainbow Dash. Hunger swooped down to try to get Rainbow by surprise, but before he was able to tackle her, she launched to the right, rolled, then launched up into the air and arced backward to slam into Hungers back with incredible speeds sending him to the ground. He corrected himself, and Celldric flew up next to him. “You think we can win?” he asked. “Yes, if Shadow Master is able to time it right.” “GIVING UP BOYS! HAHAHAH-wait. There were three of you.” Rainbow stated in realization and jumped high into the air narrowly avoiding a cloud of purification powder. Shadow Master appeared just below where Rainbow originally dodged his attack and Hunger flew to his side with Celldric. “This is going to be hard.” started Hunger. “Agreed, she’s crafty.” replied Celldric. “We will continue with this technique. Continue fighting her relentlessly, and I will decide when she’s forgotten about me. When I know she’s off guard, then I’ll move in. But you can’t rush this. Expect it to be a long battle, before I make my move.” “We can do that right, Celldric?” inquired Hunger. “Indeed.” he replied with a grin that was hidden behind his headgear. “Then, let’s do this.” finished Shadow Master. Hunger and Celldric rushed Rainbow Dash while Shadow allowed himself to fade into the background. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The speed at which Darkness flew up toward Cthulhu was slow, considering his maximum speed getting to Cloudsdale. He took sadistic pleasure in seeing the being that once haunted him, now writhing in pain from the sun it so desperately kept away from. He quickly noted the small dot in the sky near Cthulhu and realized that it was a pony. That meant little to him considering his goal. He came up level to Cthulhu with wind rushing past him and watched the creature with a sadistic smile that was hidden behind his necro-headgear. His muscles tensed after a few long seconds of staring at Cthulhu after its eye looked directly at him for a moment before a wave of pain shot through the creature and it started spinning uncontrollably. Darkness felt enjoyment, and wanted this moment to last forever. But he was given an order to kill the creature that haunted the early Terrarians in their sleep. He stole one last glance at the pony that was watching both entities now with interest. He realized the golden armor meant that she was a solar guard, that came to investigate this high up. She also had he wings spread out and still so the wind was the only thing that kept her up and she occasionally beat her wings to keep herself from blowing away from the intense winds from such a high altitude. He smiled and in a sudden explosion of wings and movement he was upon Cthulhu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Barricade knew what the creature was that hovered level with the eye that writhed in pain. A Terrarian. But this one was the one she knew was evil in his own way. She could feel his sadistic smile from under his headgear that radiated malice. She had half a mind to interrogate him, just to know what his relationship with Rainbow Dash was if any. But then there was the fact she wasn't armed and had no way to defend herself if she made him aggravated. Then was the creature writhing in agony, like a deer that survived a manticore attack. It twitched and flew painfully in the upper atmosphere for some reason she has yet to fully understand. But Barricade had followed it for a while and ideas formed. One of the more logical ideas was that since it was an eye it was in pain from the sun. her eye will feel the burning sensation of the sun as well if she looked at it or near it. Since it was basically unprotected from the harmful rays of the sun, then there was a good chance it would want relief. Barricade believed it would go to a water source, but then thought of the contaminants and types of fish that could be swimming around in the lakes and ponds. Then there was the wind that was cool, and it must be trying to keep itself cool so the heat of the sun doesn’t burn it. She also took into consideration the way it rolled around. She noted it rolled in ways to keep all of its sizes equally exposed to the sun, so she knew it had something to do with it. She pitied the creature. It was in pain, and if she had a weapon she’d take its life herself. But before she could think of any more she noticed an explosion of movement from Darkness and her attention came to the two entities that flew in the sky in defiance of the wind, as if it was a controlled variable. Darkness swooped around Cthulhu, swiftly exposed his phase blade and took swings at the writhing Eye. Barricade watched with interest as he swung this red energy baton around and it disintegrated the Eye more and more. She watched him as he played with the Eye as it desperately charged at him, and he dodged trying not to touch the giant Eye. Barricade suddenly thought of how this creature can come into existence. How is it born, and how does it reproduce? Surely something had to create it? Her question was answered when smaller eyes started to shoot out of its pupil and float around the larger eye, as if it was their mother. They then went to engage Darkness in the skies. Barricade watched the ballet of monsters in the sky with increasing interest since both their techniques seem organized and thought out. The eye itself moved apprehensively around Darkness, as if he repulsed it so as to avoid his strokes with that red blade. It would launch children at him and they would charge at Darkness, while he either used his blade to destroy them or dodge. Darkness on the other hand, was impatient but calculating, and he would make stupid moves because of his blood lust. He at times accidently charged when the eye would, and would be impacted and suffer damage from an unknown means. The eye had no noticeable offensive means but when it contacts Darkness he winces in pain and flies away, to wait for a new time to strike. Then after another slice from Darkness’s blade, the Eye spins uncontrollably and then… drops its pupil. *ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAARRR* A gaping maw replaced the location of its pupil, and it charged at Darkness with a new sense of speed and rage. Barricades pity for the creature quickly left her, at the moment it looked more like a monster than a confused and pained creature. She watched with some small amount of horror, as Darkness struggles to keep up and makes skillful moves in the sky to doge the relentless attack. *crack* The sound of thunder reaches their elevated ears, and everyone looks down including the monster. Dark clouds coat the sky below. “What? A thunder storm wasn’t scheduled today?” Barricade mused to herself out loud. Darkness picked up on it and then looked at Cthulhu that was now diving toward the storm clouds. ‘He’s escaping the sun by hiding under the storm!’ Darkness exclaims in his mind. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The battle for the lower atmosphere raged on between the Terrarians and the Corrupt Thane. Rainbow Dash was able to dodge every attack and tackle they threw at her. Shadow Master still had not made his move, since Rainbow Dash remained on high alert after his first try, and occasionally looked around. But all the speed in the world couldn’t get past Hallowed Armor. As much as Rainbow Dash didn’t want to admit it, she was incapable of fighting back without a weapon. She searched around her for something to beat the Terrarians down with but to no avail. Nothing but skies and a long fall. Then she remembered the powers gifted to her. Or felt them. She dodged Hunger’s swing of a small copper sword, as to do as little damage to her as possible. She knew their goal was to purify her, if they had the chance. Rainbow’s goal was to kill them, and to do that you’d need more than just speed and hooves. “You’ll NEVER purify me!” shouted the Corrupt 'Princess' Dash. She shot up into the sky a good forty yards away from Hunger and Celldric, and brought power to her wings. Suddenly water vapor formed around her for miles and winds began to pick up exponentially. The skies began to flood with white clouds until they suddenly got thicker and darker all across the horizon. The storm stretched for miles, and it had no sign of stopping. *CRACK* The sound of thunder rips through the skies and strikes Celldric. “AAAAAAAAAH!” he fell from the sky limp, but flailing as he fell, which told Hunger he was ok. Terrarians with wings don’t suffer fall damage, so he didn’t go after him. Rainbow grinned with malice and began to boast. “HA! NOW YOU WILL FEEL THE WRATH OF THE CORRUPT PRI-” she was interrupted by a cloud of purification powder. Rainbow faltered and began to fall, but an invisible force kept her transformed form up in the air. The force revealed itself to be Shadow Master’s fading in form. “Uuuuughhhhhhh...” moaned Rainbow Dash in pain. Dizziness erupted through her mind. Shadow Master looked at her and asked, “Can you fly?” It took a few seconds for Rainbow to process the new information and she started to revert back to her old self and float on her own. *ROOOOOAAAAAAR* A giant maw came bearing down on the Rainbow-maned Pegasus, and her shadowy friend. “RAINBOW DODGE!” shouted Shadow Master and he flew off to his left. But he turned around to see Rainbow’s confused face staring at the giant maw approaching her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rainbow Dash was just purified. But through her perspective it was one really complex dream. She was affected by a wave of dizziness and tried to get her bearings, before realizing something was wrong with how she felt and she ‘willed’ herself smaller. She seemed to make some sort of noise, but her mind was unable to process it. Combined with the transformation and corruption, her mind didn’t have enough time to adjust and now she’s in a new location. Her mind would take a while more to catch up with the situation at hand. “…ou fl…” Rainbow could hear a voice but she couldn’t process it, as if she stood up too fast and all the blood rushed out of her head. The sensation lasted for a while even after her form returned to normal and she looked like a pony again. ‘What happened to me?’ Rainbow mentally asked herself. “…BOW DOD…!” Rainbow Dash watched as a figure flew off into the distance as she regained feeling in her wings and realized she was beating them to maintain flight. She looked up, and saw the strangest object coming toward her. ‘It looks like a house.’ Rainbow watched it curiously and then with pure terror when her mind cleared up… around the same time the jaws of Cthulhu snapped down on her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I burst into Luna’s room and discovered that there on the bed was none other than the Princess of the Night, herself surrounded by six Night Guards. “GET THEM!” shouted the one closest to the door on the left. I whipped out my Excalibur and cut down the nearest guard and made quick work of the rest of them, as they tried to poke me to death with spears. When I was done, I approached the bed that had Luna tied too with a ring around her horn and a gag keeping her mouth shut. She wasn’t dressed in her day time appearance as a princess, so I assumed she was in bed when she was ambushed. Cowardly way to take on a goddess. “I hope you’re unharmed, Luna.” I stated, giving her a smile. “Hmmmhmmhmhm!” “Luna!” shouted Celestia eagerly. Celestia galloped around me and looked at her sister. Her horn light up and her eyes began to glow white hot and heat was radiating off of her. She blasted a wave of energy at Luna’s bed that burned away all the offending material that kept Luna still, and kept the bed intact. I was impressed by the display and I noticed Celestia’s horn was still alight and she seemed to be struggling. “What are you doing?” I asked. “Trying to remove the ring from Luna’s horn. It won’t respond to my magic.” she responded, looking perplexed. “They used it to keep me from using magic.” Luna added simply. “I’ll do it.” I said. I walked over to the left side of the bed, and Luna tilted her horn at me eagerly to be rid of the offending piece of jewelry. I grabbed it and slid it off her horn. The moment it was released, her horn lit up and she lifted various objects around the room. Celestia giggled. “I take it you missed using magic?” “OH YES!” shouted Luna without the Canterlot voice. I was silently grateful for that. “Castle under attack?” I questioned to Celestia in a way so it wasn’t a question and more of a reminder. “I didn’t forget.” she deadpanned. “Luna griffons are attacking and so are our traitors. I wish we had time, but we need everypony we can get to fight them off.” “Don’t worry Celestia. My brothers will find a way to save Equestria, somehow. We did prepare for war, and we can ally ourselves with you in this conflict.” I reassured her. Luna seemed unsurprised by this, and she had already began throwing her regalia on. “Thank you for your support, Puppet Master. But now we must go to our city streets and fight off the rebels. If they created this complex espionage, then they mustn’t have the ability to fight us in an all-out war.” reasoned Celestia. Luna and I nodded and we all began running down the hallways of the castle. A few lingering guards were also rushing about the halls as well. Though I was lagging behind Celestia and Luna since they were built for faster running than I was. Being bipedal didn’t help you get placesm but it was sure useful for climbing trees. Celestia and Luna kept running through the halls while I began to slow down. Slower and slower and slower until I stopped and they were out of sight. ‘What am I doing? Playing along with Isis’s little scheme, to get the real world to notice? No, the real world would probably act when I present a grand gesture that no one will ignore. Something like killing the princesses or enslaving the ponies… no I shouldn’t think like that. It’s wrong, but I don’t care. Why should I even play along anyway? Can’t I just leave them to their fate and then just mop up when their done? I’m sure even without me Celestia and Luna will be able to win anyway. The whole situation doesn’t actually seem that dire, now that I think about it. No! I need to stay true to them until I finally leave.’ I looked up from where I was, and looked down the empty hall. I could hear hoof steps coming like a wave on all my sides, like a whisper from all the moving ponies within the castle walls. I waited there alone in the hallway silently, for a while just looking down at my feet. I took off my crown, and my hood gave me relative protection against the world. I opened my inventory and took out my hallow headgear, and placed it upon my head so it would replace my simple hood and give me more defense. Looking down the hall again, I calmly started into a slow jog. Then into a run and then into a sprint. I took a left which was different from the direction of where Celestia and Luna went, which was on the right. I looked up at the ceiling and found it arced so I jumped into the air and took out my hamdrax and went to work on the ceiling. I quickly made my way outside from the makeshift hole I dug through the castle and sealed it back up with the blocks I grabbed from it. I looked at the city before me and noticed Luna and Celestia were already helping out their soldiers in the streets, and some rebels that saw them immediately surrendered. I knew I was no good here. I spread my wings and flew off to the north, where I assumed the griffon army would be coming from. But the first thing I remembered as I started flying over the city, was the ability to use magic to create the illusion of a fire dragon. More specifically the green cursed flame dragon I conjured during my battle against the corruption. With the new spells I acquired like Crystal Storm I should be able to create a green crystal dragon. Maybe I can pull it off as a real one and use that as my crystal shield during the battle. I immediately got to work to create such a thing, and almost instantly I surrounded myself with a crystal orb that was infused with the Cursed Flame to make it glow green. I created wings, then a tail, then the head and neck and legs. I quickly had the form of a dragon, and I was somehow able to see outside the body I’ve created. I flew off into the distance, and patiently waited to get sight of the griffon army that I will clash with. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It took an hour until I got to the army in question. Many things about magic remained a mystery to me, but I knew one thing. Magic in the old world was used to destroy and pillage. Maybe even strike fear in the hearts of my enemies when I meet them head on. Though, the closer I got to my enemy, the more they seemed to move away from me and try to avoid. I let them dive down to be out of my path and when I passed over them I blew cursed fire upon them. They scrambled in fear, and some charged me and started hitting my joints to keep me from flying. I sent out a wave of fire that originated from the crystals that made up my body quickly incinerating the offending griffons. I dove at a particularly large group, with a trail of fire and detonated inside that line formation in the sky. It removed my disguise of a dragon and let the crystal shards fly out randomly and impale my enemies. They saw me and their fear turned to rage, as they charged me at once. A battle began that I could not begin to describe. They rushed me and I returned the charge. My twin Excaliburs broke their swords and bones, while the edge cut their flesh from their bodies. They began to fall to the earth’s surface like rocks that forgot that gravity was a thing until now. I was amused with their desperate struggle against me. They tried to cut through my thick armor, and were surprised when mine was stronger than theirs. Hours passed and I was still fighting the last remains of the army. “STOP!” boomed a voice over the clashing of swords. The griffons fled and surrounded me like they did before, but they kept a distance waiting for something. That’s when I saw him. “Maluk. Your name is easy to remember.” I said out loud. A griffon dressed in military officer-like gear, with medals on his armor and a crown on his head. “Yes, Puppet Master I am the one invading Equestria. I believe you and I are after the same thing.” he stated simply. “And what is that?” I asked. “Equestria.” He said with a grin. “Maybe if we unite, we can take what we want. You and I, allies in arms? What do you say?” “No.” “No?” “No… I don’t want Equestria. I want the world! And I will have the world! You see my power today! I can destroy an army if I so chose and even change my form! There is no higher power than me, on the battlefield. And I’m unstoppable because I have an element of harmony on my side! She won’t turn me to stone like the others might! I will destroy all evil and all governments, leaving only mine, and mine alone!” Maluk looked afraid. “B-but we have no quarrel with you! We don’t want war! We want peace!” “Then surrender yourself to me! Help me take the world, starting with the griffon kingdoms!” I shouted to him. “Never! They are strong when united, and will quickly destroy us! You’re not as powerful as you think Puppet Master! and you know it!” “Then prove it to me, by destroying me! FIGHT ME!” “ATTACK!” he ordered with a shout. The griffons dove, and flew toward me with swords at the ready. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The battle of Canterlot was won. Midway through the battle, Luna and Celestia noticed Puppet Master’s absence, and were thoroughly angry with him for leaving them. “That traitor! He promised to help us! And then he left when the battle was most terrible!” yelled Luna as she stood in the throne room with her sister. “I agree. But he saved you and allowed us to take back our capital. Why would he help us and then suddenly desert us for no reason?" questioned Celestia. Turning she added, "Come, we must prepare for the imminent griffon threat.” “Agreed, my sister.” Luna replied to Celestia, with a hint of anger. “MY PRINCESSES!” the double agent ran through the door. “There’s something on the horizon!” “Is it the griffon army?” asked an alarmed Celestia. “No, more like a small troop of Terrarians. They’ve come to assist us. They are waiting outside in the courtyard.” “Hopefully that's the backup we need.” deadpanned Luna. Celestia and Luna rushed outside to greet the assistance they were given, and were shocked to not find Puppet Master. Instead they found Darkness, Hunger, Celldric, and who they could barely remember as Shadow Master. “What brings you here?” asked Celestia to the terrarians. “Puppet Master asked us to meet here.” stated Darkness. Celestia noticed the solemn expression of Hunger without his headgear on. Celldric's head was also lowered. “What happened?” asked Luna, before Celestia could. “Something terrible.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I flew over to Canterlot and hovered above the mountainside city for a moment to scout it out. The fires were now snuffed out, and the battle seemed to have ended. I swooped down toward the white palace that housed Luna and Celestia. I dove toward the courtyard when I saw several figures standing there with solemn expressions. I went to meet them, and when I landed they looked up and I saw Celestia wearing an uncharacteristic frown. Her eyes were also red as if she had been crying. Luna was the same. “What happened?” I asked. Celldric, Hunger, Darkness, and Shadow Master were there as well. They each looked at me about the same time, and waited until Darkness cleared his throat. All eyes were on him. “Rainbow Dash is dead.”