Dovahshy May Cry
War of the Worlds
Author: Draconis187
The next morning, as Celestia begrudgingly got herself up to raise the sun, she noticed the moon was a little late as it hastily went down in the horizon. Even though half asleep, she knew that this was the result of whenever Luna plays games all night instead of tending to night court and attending to her other duties. She sighed with a smile on her face, the benefits of having a little sister.
Everypony got up and out of their respective rooms after tending to their various hygiene requirements. The bathrooms were larger than the one in Fluttershy’s cottage since they were designed with an Alicorn’s height in mind. He was disgusted with himself with how long he hadn’t bathed in any form for ages but the warm shower soon dispelled those thoughts.
After everypony washed up they went to the hall they had dinner in the previous night and sat down for breakfast. Joystick was visibly tired beyond all hope of salvation as he dragged his hooves on the floor as he walked. Luna on the other hoof, was prancing around happily and teasing Joystick that it was ‘only the entire night’. Gilda and Bloodwing entered the room shouting and cursing as if they were the bitterest of enemies. Twilight and Nyx were happily whistling a tune while Dash was talking to Fluttershy.
“Sorry, but if that’s what Nevan said, then that’s the only way you will unlock her full capabilities. It’s impossible to force it, just give it time and it will come to you.” Fluttershy said as Dash seemed to get visibly frustrated by her friend’s response.
Dash’s foul mood persisted throughout the entire breakfast service. Everypony just left her to her own devices as she sulked as they had a variety of meals, from cereals to more fattening foods like flapjacks. As the group boarded the train to go to Ponyville, a number of them had decided to remain behind.
The Elites knew that their presence would not be welcome in the small town and remained behind inside the castle where the guards would watch over them. Trixie needed to find and meet up with Thunderlane as well as the rest of her ‘artillery squad’. Clunker was a demon and was best not let loose around a small town that had never seen demons before. Joystick was attending the launch of the Haystation 5, only to brag that he played on it before it actually got released as well as gloat that when he did, he was playing with Princess Luna… after he had a quick power nap. Gilda flew off with Bloodwing and her retinue to the airship’s temporary airfield to assist with repairs.
Everypony went their separate ways once they reached the normally empty platform at Ponyville Station. There was an enormous crowd – the whole of Ponyville actually – that came to greet them. Vinyl and Octavia combined their musical tastes for the returning ponies, creating an upbeat and calming atmosphere as the group got off the train. The sight seemed to depress Pinkie as her mane deflated like a balloon letting out all of its air, never a good sign.
“What’s wrong Pinkie?” Twilight asked, concerned for her friend.
“Now I have two parties to prepare. A ‘thank-you-for-greeting-us-at-the-station-after-we-went-to-battle-with-things-from-another-world’ party as well as a ‘we-defeated-monsters-from-another-world-with-really-fancy-weapons’ party.” In an instant the thought of what she had just said hit the mare, causing her face to brighten to inconceivable levels as her mane re-inflated. “I get to do two parties!!”
At that she bolted towards Sugarcube Corner to plan the parties, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake while Twilight and the others just giggled. Rarity walked up next to Twilight.
“I have to go and try to catch up on my orders before we head out again darling. See you soon!” The fashionista said as she cantered off to the Carousel Boutique with her younger sister Sweetie Belle.
Fluttershy and Vergil went off to her cottage so she could check up on her animals. Twilight went off with Nyx and Spike to the library. Applejack went off to Sweet Apple Acres with her family to check up on the farm. Dash flew off to check up on Cloud Chaser and Flitter who took over for Dash so she could go and save Equestria, not like anypony asked them if they wanted to help in the first place.
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Inside the Devil May Cry, Dante had just finished eating a pizza while Discord was sleeping in a cloud hammock he conjured up and placed in a corner high in the air.
“It’s been forever since anything interesting happened.” Dante complained as he laid back in his chair.
“Well I could always go and cause some chaos if you are that bored.” Discord offered.
“No thanks, I don’t want to be fighting some custard monster like last time, I’ll pass.” Dante responded, shooting a look back at the God of Chaos.
Discord chuckled as the doors to the shop opened up with a creak, indicating their lack of use or the fact that Dante never oiled the hinges. Lady, wearing reflective sunglasses, a long sleeved white shirt and ridiculously short shorts came into the shop. She carried all of her weapons just in case she came across any demons. In the few years after the events in the Temen-ni-gru, she replaced Kalina Ann with a near replica of the launcher with some subtle differences.
For one the secondary mini missile battery was missing and it didn’t have ‘Kalina Ann’ etched into the side. The launcher was coloured red with a thin white strip running along the horizontal axis. It also sported a long barrel on the side like a rifle whose trigger was next to the main trigger. She had the same expression of indifference on her face that she has usually worn over the past few years.
“Dante, I think I know just what can cure your boredom.” The female demon hunter quipped as a smirk appeared on her face. “There have been reports of the appearance of some strange obsidian obelisk in Fortuna, similar to the True Hell Gate you destroyed. There are also reports that demon numbers have substantially increased during this time. Nero’s on his way there as well, says you should hurry your old ass up.”
“His hot head has always gotten him into trouble. We might as well go and bail him out, don’t want his girlfriend to kill us because of his recklessness.” Dante mumbled as he swung his legs around and onto the ground with a thud.
“Doesn’t he remind you of someone Dante?” Discord teased as he raised and lowered his eyebrows at a rapid pace.
“Shut up.” Dante quipped as he grabbed his coat and his weapons while Discord snapped his fingers, conjuring up his purple bladed scythe, laughing maniacally.
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“Hi Angel, I’m home!” Fluttershy called out as she and Vergil arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage.
The multitude of animals greeted her happily, glad that their caretaker had arrived safely despite she would have to be leaving again after the next day. Despite this, Fluttershy was planning on making the most of her time home. Angel came hopping to greet her but stopped once he saw Vergil was still with her. He tugged on her coat as she tried to hug him and pointed to Vergil while making some rather rude gestures.
“It seems your rat still doesn’t like me. The feeling’s mutual.” Vergil snidely commented as he went into Fluttershy’s cottage. “I’ll start some tea.”
“I’m coming now! Now Angel, listen to me: Vergil is a really nice guy if you give him a chance, so will you? Please?” The yellow Pegasus asked to Angel who vehemently shook his head in disagreement. “How about I make you your favourite salad with the cherry on top?”
Angel continued to shake his head as Fluttershy futilely continued to try to bribe the white rabbit. Fluttershy was forced to use her trump card: a Chocolate Fudge Sundae Supreme from Sugarcube Corner and made by Pinkie Pie. Angel still refused, shaking his head vehemently, she gave a huge sigh and turned around and went into her cottage without another word. Angel had his back to Fluttershy the entire time and as she left, a single tear fell down Angel’s face while Fluttershy complimented Vergil’s camomile tea.
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Baral had just left Windhelm after completing a task for Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. Ever since the civil war between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks ended by uniting them against Alduin, the World Eater, Skyrim had almost fallen into a state of peace.
Almost being the relative term. The Aldmeri Dominion didn’t take too kindly to the fact that the stationed Imperials refused to betray the Stormcloaks a second time since the first time caused the war in the first place. The Dominion then prepared an invasion of Skyrim to teach them a lesson and crush the Stormcloaks once and for all, only to be stopped by the combined forces of the Imperials, Stormcloaks, even some bandits who enjoyed the prospect of being able to kill some stuck-up elves, Baral and a few dragons that had been taught to curb their desire to rule over the ‘lesser species’ living in Tamriel by Paarthurnax.
The battle was very one-sided as Calcelmo, Markarth’s resident scholar on Dwemer artefacts and machinery made a massive breakthrough in crossbow and Dwemer technology. Some Dwemer crossbows were outfitted with special drums that acted as the crossbow bolts’ quiver. It also had a mechanism that pulled the string back for the next bolt, allowing firing speeds beyond that of a conventional bow used by a professional archer.
He also managed to figure out how to control the various guardians of the Dwemer tombs, using them as support for front line soldiers and causing major confusion and chaos. The Aldmeri Dominion planed on closing the Nchuand-Zel tomb, destroying Calcelmo’s hopes of uncovering the rest of the Dwemers’ secrets and that was reason enough for him to lend his assistance.
The dragons trained by Paarthurnax assaulted the invading forces’ back and middle attack lines, spewing fire, ice or lightning from great heights, out of reach from their rangers and spellcasters. In the end, the Aldmeri Dominion gave up on Skyrim but vowed revenge on the entire Empire… until Elisif the Fair of Solitude and Ulfric threatened the Dominion with a war they would end up losing should they try.
Three months after those events, Ulfric and Elisif made proper peace between their sides and broke up some of their duties as they listened to one another’s propositions. The Grey Quarter in Windhelm was no longer associated with being only for the ‘non-Nords’ as Ulfric saw the errors of his prejudices as the other inhabitants of Skyrim helped defend Skyrim with the fealty that rivalled any Nord. Free worship of Talos was returned to Skyrim, as a thank you and gesture of goodwill from the Empire in Cyrodiil.
As Baral continued his journey as Whiterun came into view, somewhat shining like a divine beacon in Skyrim’s bright sun, he looked back at his adventure with a smile. From the start with him killing his father and being on the run to getting captured by the Empire as he fled into Skyrim, meeting Fluttershy…
“That pony, I wonder if she made it home alright?” Baral muttered as he approached the large double doors that lead into Whiterun. The guard on duty turned to Baral and bowed low, showing his respect.
“Hail Dragonborn, Farengar is waiting for you in your private residence. He has a matter of great importance to discuss with you.” He said in the same serious tone all guards are trained to use.
“Thank you.” Baral said as the doors opened. “Isn't it always?” He muttered under his breath.
Life in Whiterun was always slow but with the cessation of the civil war and the reports that dragon attacks on caravans have decreased saw a huge boon in trade going through the trading hub of Skyrim. Warmaiden’s was still in business and was seeing even more business as some caravans still desired protection from giants and the like. Baral chuckled slightly as the owner, a Nord woman named Adrianne Avenicci hammered away. Ulfberth War-Bear was left with handling the rowdy customers with their demands for their armour and swords.
As Baral opened the door to Breezehome with a creak, Farengar was sat by the table, watching the door. On top of the table was a map of Skyrim, with a few markings on it. As Baral walked around the firepit and towards the table, Farengar smiled weekly.
“Greetings Dragonborn. I suppose you are wondering why I am here and not in the Dragonsreach?” He wheezed as Baral sat opposite him.
“I am somewhat. This must be very important so let’s skip the pleasantries.” The Redguard said as he placed his short sword on the table and removed his Ebony helmet.
Its blade was the length of one’s forearm while the hilt of the blade contained a bright, white star in its centre. The sword, Dawnbreaker was gifted to Baral by Meridia after he purged some rather undesirable occupants of Kilkreath Temple for her.
“There have been reports of various forms of mutated Dremora and other bizarre creatures that are not in any book I’ve read appearing in the countryside.” Farengar explained, pointing to the marked points on the map to indicate where the various sightings were. “There is also a large black obelisk here.” He pointed to a point in The Pale, to the west of Lake Yorgrim. “I believe this edifice of darkness is what is sprouting these monsters.”
“So I’m going on a trip to Oblivion itself? My work is never done.” Baral muttered as he considered on how to get there. “Since these Dremora seem to be ground based, I’ll take to the skies.”
“Odahviing was still sleeping in the Dragonsreach when I left there an hour ago.” Farengar noted as the Dragonborn got up from the table after picking up his gear once more.
“Good, I hate waiting for his red hide to show up every time I call.” Baral stopped by the front door. “Make sure you lock when you go.”
Odahviing had already left Alduin’s service before his defeat in Sovngarde but had decided to use the trap where he had been caught as his personal home. He didn’t bother the guards and Whiterun could brag that it had a dragon to protect it rather than a prisoner. Although Odahviing said on multiple occasions that his loyalty was to the Dragonborn and the Dragonborn alone.
“Drem Yol Lok Dovahkiin.” The red dragon said as Baral entered ‘his chamber’. “You seem troubled.”
“We are going on another trip. This time it’s to the planes of Oblivion.” Baral sighed as he walked up to the balcony as Odahviing looked out into the horizon.
Odahviing said nothing but lowered his head and brought it closer for Baral to get on him. With one mighty flap of his wings, the pair were in the boundless skies, heading for the obelisk to Oblivion.
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“Pinkie, what are you doing?!” Mrs Cake shouted as the pink mare bounced around the kitchen, the ovens were at full blast as she went from mixing bowl to mixing bowl, adding ingredients and whisking as she went along in the mess of a kitchen.
“Baking!” Pinkie replied as another batch of cupcakes exited the oven, only to be replaced with a cake, yet to be baked. “I have two parties that I need to plan and only two days! I love a challenge!”
Mrs Cake just sighed, knowing full well that Pinkie couldn’t be stopped or reasoned with when in ‘full baking mode’. As she returned to the counter, Dash came around with a smile on her face.
“Sup Mrs Cake, is Pinks around?” The cyan mare asked as she looked at the various treats on display.
“I’m afraid she’s in one of her ‘baking moods’ right now.” She replied with a nervous chuckle.
“Ok, I’ll come back later but I’ll take a Rainbow Swirl cupcake before I go.” Rainbow replied, indicating to the multi-coloured treat.
Paying for the treat, Rainbow left Sugarcube Corner and weighed up her options. She could go to the library and see if there was a new Daring Do book but she remembered the series was on hiatus after Canterlot was attacked. So that was out, Fluttershy’s was also out of the question as Vergil hated to be disturbed when he was with Fluttershy. Rarity was going to be busy so that was another friend she couldn’t see and so that left Applejack. Hopefully she had advice for unlocking Nevan’s full abilities.
As she flew off into the blue sky, Pinkie shot out of Sugarcube Corner, trying to call her friend. Her high bouncing and screaming didn’t get any results so she ran back inside the bakery when the scent of something burning reached her nose.
Applejack was busy doing what she did best: applebucking. Big Mac’s hammer was still on her back as she reared up and bucked an apple tree with force. As the apples fell, she tried to remove her hooves from the tree but soon found out they were stuck. She used too much force and had impaled the tree with her hind hooves. At first she looked at her predicament with shock but that soon turned into a fit of giggles as she pulled herself forward in an attempt to separate herself from the piece of forestry.
“Hey-” The athletic Pegasus arrived at the scene to see Applejack struggling to remove her hind hooves. She fell to the ground, laughing her mane off.
“Har har, would ya mind helping out?” Applejack complained before giving a small smile.
“Sure thing, how did you manage this?” Dash giggled as she grabbed Applejack’s forehooves.
“Ah musta bucked too hard and now my hooves are in the tree.” She said as Dash flew backwards, trying to pull her out.
After a minute of pulling, AJ’s hind hooves were pulled free of their wooden prison but the momentum caused Applejack to land on top of Dash who had fallen on the ground.
“So whatcha here fer?” Applejack asked as she got up and picked up her Stetson.
“I wondered how to get this DAT thing.” Dash said, pointing to the bat hairclip.
“Well, what did it tell ya?” Applejack asked, sitting on her haunches.
“That I need to show my feelings.” Dash muttered just loud enough for Applejack to hear. It was the orange mare’s turn to fall over laughing.
“Oh, now that’s rich! Ya’ll never get it, ah know ya too well to know that you’ll never show how ya feel.” Applejack laughed as she clutched at her sides, laughing hysterically.
“I guess you’re right but still. I don’t know what I’m going to do. It’s like the Wonderbolts problem back at the Gala, I’ve tried over and over to get their attention but all I got was a ruined night. I saved their flanks at that Best Young Fliers Competition for Celestia’s sake” Dash said, a small tear beginning to form in her eye as she threw her hooves into the air.
“There, there sugarcube. None of us had a good night that time, remember?” Applejack said, getting up and giving Dash a reassuring pat on her shoulder.
So you are finally letting others see how you truly feel. You are nearly there. A demonic voice of a woman rang through Rainbow’s mind.
“I know I try to seem all tough but during that entire fight alongside Gilda and you girls at Fillydelphia, I was scared the entire time. Scared I wouldn’t see another day, scared I wouldn’t fulfil my dream of joining the Wonderbolts and scared I would lose all of my friends. ” Rainbow whispered, the tear running down her face finally allowed gravity to take it to the ground with an inaudible plop.
My dear, take heart, for your emotions fuel your actions. They give you your strength: your pride is responsible for your conviction. Your fears give you your drive to fight harder. A pony with nothing to lose has no hope against one that has everything to lose. Nevan’s heavenly beautiful voice said as Dash realised what she was saying.
She got up and removed the hairclip, throwing it into the air as Nevan summoned itself into reality. As she caught it, its power began to surge to newer levels, the lightning arced from her and the guitar. The arcs hit the surrounding trees as swarms of bats began to appear, circling her before slowly closing the gap. Applejack stepped back in both fear and wonder as her friend mentally and physically grabbed hold of the energy as it wrapped around her before the bats dispersed in a flash of multiple lightning bolts.
Dash looked at her DAT from, her forehooves ended in hands with one inch long red nails at the end of her fingers. Her mane was so long it touched the floor while her tail was of the same length but the guitar itself was gone. Two of her upper teeth hung over her lip, sharp as razor blades. She was wearing a long black dress with purple pulsating lines running across her midsection and running down her sleeves. Her wings were that of a bat’s with the same lines of purple light running down the ‘fingers’ between the membrane while they were visibly larger than her feathered ones by a small degree. The whites of her eyes were replaced with red while her irises remained the same moderate cerise.
“How do ya feel sugarcube?” Applejack asked nervously looking at the fangs Dash now sported.
“Strange and yet… totally awesome!!” The combined voices of Dash and Nevan said as she gave a very unnerving smile. “Aw yeah!! See you around AJ, I want to try these babies out!”
She spread her new wings and shot off upwards with speed, leaving a trail of lighting in her wake while a flock of bats followed behind her, trying to keep up with the speed she was going at. The air pressure around her began to get unstable as she began to reach the speed of sound. As her flight path brought her just outside Ponyville, the barrier shattered and Dash performed a more demonic version of her Sonic Rainboom. The visible spectrum of colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet shot outwards in a single ring. Accompanying the ring was the flock of bats she had with her, seemingly carrying the demonic, purple lightning as it permanently arced between them, following just behind it.
Dash stopped to look at her handiwork as her DAT ended, making her feel drained but she still managed to maintain her altitude. She saw the crowd of ponies looking up at the disturbance and its source. As she landed by Sugarcube Corner, now really tired from the exertion, Pinkie popped out with a smile and grabbed her by her tail. As Dash was about to protest to the offending act against her posterior, Pinkie shot back inside the building… with a shouting Dash in tow.
As Dash’s mind caught up with her body, the familiar sight of her friends greeted her. “Hey Dashie, that was so cool!” Pinkie bounced up and down as she spoke.
“I must admit that was the most interesting Sonic Rainboom I've seen you do.” Twilight giggled.
“So, you have your Trigger as well?” Fluttershy asked. Dash nodded in response. “I guess that just leaves Nyx then.”
Nyx looked at the group, slightly stunned and unsure as she remembered Alastor’s actions. “Am I going to turn into one of those demons?”
Vergil shook his head. “That is not how these DATs operate. The Devil Arm Trigger is merely the result of the weapons’ true power manifesting itself, this can only occur when the two of you reach ‘an understanding’. The forms themselves depend on the Devil Arm’s own form and power or powers. Alastor will tell you how to bring out his full power in time.”
Pinkie popped back from the kitchen, bouncing a cake on her mane. Nopony realised she had left. “Now it’s time to party for our victory at Fillydelphia and then it’s off to the Wub and Cello to give everypony a thank you party for the greeting they gave us!”
The group laughed as the party lasted until the sunset as Pinkie got out an even bigger cake for the second party. The Wub and Cello was packed with the whole of Ponyville as Vinyl played some dance music. Octavia had a pair of earmuffs on as she worked behind the bar section with Noteworthy while Neon Lights was backstage, attending to the lighting and equipment.
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The demon hunting party consisting of Trish with the Sparda and Luce and Ombra, Lady with her multiple guns and rocket launcher, Dante with his pistols and Rebellion while Discord carried the scythe over his right shoulder as he floated around. In the distance the large obsidian obelisk towered over the original Hell Gate that Dante destroyed using Yamato.
Trish was a demon in human form. She had long blonde hair that reached her backside. Her eyes were light blue. She wore black leather attire that left part of her midsection as well as her shoulders and neck uncovered while she had long black pants and black shoes with a medium-sized heel on them.
“You’re late!” A voice called out, drawing the group’s attention.
The voice belonged to a young man with white hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a blue and red jacket with the visible marks of some stitching being removed from the shoulders. He also sported a red zip-up hoodie/vest underneath it, with a navy muscle shirt under that, and he was wearing a pair of dark blue pants. On his left ring finger was a silver ring with a rose insignia etched into it while he carried a red coloured blade in his left hand.
His right arm though was the most peculiar part of him, it was a reddish colour with lines off blue running over it, ending in a ‘claw’ with blue ‘fingers’.
“Whatever kid, we’re here now.” Dante said, throwing his arms behind his head as he chuckled. “That it?” He pointed to the obelisk.
“Yeah, appeared a few days ago. As soon as it got that high, it began spewing demons in vast numbers. Kyrie is gladly nowhere near here since we left a day after you did.”
“Well, I guess it’s Showtime!” Dante said, pulling Ebony and Ivory as a few demons made their presence known.