Princess Luna was still in Apple Bloom's mind comforting her until either the filly or herself woke up. Princess Luna could feel that she was indeed in a safe location as she could have sworn she felt her sister's presence earlier. Dreams were always a strange plane of existence and going into one's dream was always strange for her. It was a gift that Luna had acquired after being connected to the Elements of Harmony so long ago, as being the Guardian of the Night meant more than just raising the moon and ruling in the night.
However strange it was, she did not regret helping her subjects enjoy peace in their dreams. Sleep was always important for anypony to enjoy the day and become productive members of society. It was something Luna had forgotten long ago, and in her immaturity mistook it for a lack of appreciation for her nightly works. As terrible as this night was, she was grateful to have realized her flaws, made a new friend, destroy dangerous monsters from hurting her subjects and to have also met a romantic interest.
Sure he was different in many ways, but he had everything she wanted. Never in her life had felt a connection nor met anypony that made her feel beautiful before. Then again, he was not a pony but a human from the ancient and apparently not so mythical past. Since he was an endangered species, and the fact that he had saved her's and Apple Bloom's life, meant that she owed him her Royal Protection. Even if he had chosen not to pursue a relationship with her, she would at least consider him a friend and would admire him always.
"I still hope he chose me though. Thought of him in that Ghost's hooves just makes me so...so...jealous or "jelly" as my strange voice called it."
This also brought up another question for Princess Luna concerning her odd romantic interest.
"If he has chosen me, what will become of it? Could it actually work should it grow into something more? Or do I have a silly filly crush? Am I actually in love or am I just enamored? I have to know or else I'll never know what this feeling could be. I wish he was with me right now. I would like to feel his wonderful fingers run through my mane, feathers....and my-"
"Princess Luna, whatcha thinkin? Ur smiling all funny."
Princess Luna snapped out of her not so innocent thoughts as she was caught off guard by the young filly's curiosity. Blushing and slightly jumping, Princess Luna look at her new found friend and said,
"Yes young Apple Bloom?"
"Watcha thinking? You were looking kinda the same way mah brother used to look not too long ago."
Princess Luna didn't know what to say to Apple Bloom and was still a bit embarrassed for having a such thoughts around an young pony. While Princess Luna did not like to lie, she sure did not want to tell Apple Bloom what was on her mind.
"There's nothing wrong with holding some information that's inappropriate for a filly. Besides she might not even have a clue of what my general mood is."
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean Apple Bloom. Would you care to elaborate?"
"Elaba-what?" asked Apple Bloom with a confused face.
"Explain."
"Oh well, you see mah friends and Ah gave mah brother this love potion, but was actually a love poison-"
"Love poison? This seems very familiar to me. Surely she isn't talking about my cousin before Tia and I were born. My parents told me of that terrible mess they had to clean up during their younger years."
Returning her attention back to Apple Bloom, Princess Luna began to pay attention to the young filly's story of how her and her friends had poisoned her brother with a faulty concoction. Princess Luna now understood two things: the first being that Apple Bloom tended to ramble on when telling a story and second that the look on her face was extremely similar to the expression described by Apple Bloom concerning her elder brother. It had become apparent to the Lunar Princess that she was indeed in love with Konrad.
"I don't believe it! The signs are all there! I can't stop thinking about him, his touch, and his....other physical features too. OH MY GOODNESS! I am a human lover as my voice said!"
Princess Luna's pupils began to shrink in shock, making the rest of her eyes like a pea on an expensive white plate. This was noticed by Apple bloom who began to wave a hoof in the Princess's face.
"Hello?! Anypony there? You okay Princess Luna?"
Snapping out of her revelation induced shock, Princess Luna smiled at Apple Bloom and reassured her the best way that she could.
"Yes, I am quite fine Apple Bloom."
Seeing that Princess Luna was okay, Apple Bloom smiled before continuing to ask her original question.
"Well Ah'm glad to hear that. So why'd ya have that look on your face?"
"Curses! She did not forget. What should I do?"
"Well-"
"Wait a minute! Now it all makes sense! Mah brother had that look when he was in love but you got that look too!"
"You see Apple Bloom, I-"
"And ya didn't take any love potions or anything like that-"
"I'd rather not-"
"and Ah know Ah didn't give you anything like that, it's just like....what Ruby had earlier."
"Oh dear, don't tell she has-"
To confirm the Princess's fears, Apple Bloom jumped up and down on the dream representation of Konrad's back seat. Apple Bloom was now bouncing with a large smile plastered over her muzzle and almost hit the ceiling several times. Whether Konrad's truck seats were that bouncy, Luna wouldn't know unless she actually tried to do so and sitting in that truck was challenge on it's own. Apple bloom then joyously shouted,
"Your in love! Your in love!"
"I...." said Luna with a nervous look and ears lowered.
"Oh what harm is there in telling her? It's true anyway."
Her nervous look slowly changed into one of happiness and smiled towards Apple Bloom while holding a hoof to her muzzle.
"Ummm...your right Apple Bloom. I am in love."
"Why not tell her! She'll probably be supportive of my choice!"
"With Konrad!" exclaimed Luna with a reddish blush on her face.
Apple Bloom ceased jumping with a smile on her face and said out loud,
"D'awwww!"
But then Apple Bloom stopped her admiration of Luna's love, with her eyes dilating in the same manner hers had. Her smiled changed into a frown, something that worried Princess Luna.
"What's wrong Apple Bloom? Are you not happy with my heart's interest?"
Apple Bloom continued to frown and stare at the back seat instead of making eye contact with Princess Luna. It seemed as if she had done something to warrant a parent's scolding for doing wrong. Apple Bloom spoke up after a few seconds and said,
"Ah'm so sorry Princess Luna. Ah did something bad, and worse it's something that Ah already know Ah'm not supposed to do!"
Princess Luna had no clue what it wrongful action she could had done. Due to the Filly's emotional display, it seemed that it was a very serious offense, and Princess Luna hoped that would not be the case seeing how young ponies make a big deal out of something that wasn't serious to begin with.
"She's acting like Tia and I once were when we played with mother's jewelry. When we were caught, we thought we had committed the greatest sin. Instead she played with us, and helped fit the jewelry on us both....I miss my parents dearly."
"What could that possibly be Apple Bloom?" asked Luna with a worried tone.
"Ah.....Ah'm sorry! Ah didn't know that you were in love with Konrad! If Ah'd known that, then Ah wouldn't meddled in your relationship!"
Princess Luna was nervous about how she could have interfered with her pursuit of Konrad. Nervous or not, she had to know what Apple Bloom did. Princess Luna put a hoof to Apple Bloom's muzzle and lifted it gently so she could make eye contact with Apple Bloom.
"Apple Bloom, please tell me. I assure you I will not bring retribution to you in any way shape or form."
Apple Bloom gave Princess Luna a confused look as she pulled her hoof away.
"Retri-what?"
"Punishment Apple Bloom. I promise not to punish you."
"Ya sure?"
Princess Luna gave Apple Bloom the most calm and reassuring look possible.
"As a Princess of Equestria and your friend, I promise not to punish you Apple Bloom."
Apple Bloom's worries of punishment from Princess Luna disappeared and slowly began to explain her involvement in encouraging Ruby to pursue Konrad. She also told Luna of how she had wished to earn her cutie mark in matchmaking, and how she had totally forgot the lesson she had learned earlier in the year about love meddling. As the young filly explained the whole thing, Apple Bloom lowered her head and covered it with her forelegs, fearing the punishment that she fully expected to come her way.
Princess Luna was saddened that, not only had there was a good possibility that Konrad had chosen Ruby, but more importantly that Apple Bloom feared Princess Luna greatly.
"No Apple Bloom, I will never hurt you ever nor will I punish you for such a harmless action. While I did not enjoy the surprise competition, I certainly never want to see you be afraid of me. I have to show her that it is alright."
Extending her wings to cover Apple Bloom in a wing hug, Princess Luna spoke softly to Apple Bloom and said,
"Tis alright young Apple Bloom, we all make mistakes. You did not know about my intentions towards Konrad nor could you have known. This action that you have committed is not even close enough to fear retr-I uh mean, punishment from me. This was nothing more than an innocent and harmless attempt to encourage love between to two individuals. Remember your previous lesson, that is all I ask of you."
Apple Bloom stopped shaking in fear and looked at Princess Luna. The little filly no longer felt fear but the look of remorse was still on her face.
"Thank you Princess Luna, but Ah still feel bad about all of that. Is that why you and Ruby don't like each other? I saw her hit you and you said some stuff I don't understand. What's sexual assault? And what does bitch mean?"
"Oh dear! I forgot she was there during our fight! I must help her remain her ignorance of those words."
"Apple Bloom, as Princess of Equestria, I ask you to forget about those words, and the whole conversation Ruby and I had about Konrad."
Apple Bloom looked very confused as to why the Princess was making such a request of her. She was merely curious about those words that she had never heard of and really wanted to know. Princess Luna saw right through this and immediately went to cut her off as the inevitable question would be asked. Holding a hoof to Apple Bloom's muzzle, Princess Luna
"I know you wish to know why, but listen to me very carefully. Those words were not meant to be heard by a young one such as yourself. They are extremely vile words that neither I nor Ruby should have said to each other. I have set a bad example for you and you would do well to forget about it. Do you understand?"
"But-" replied Apple Bloom with a muffled tone.
"Please, do not make me ask again. I really do not wish to order you Apple Bloom, but I will. I may also remind you that I'm sure your own family will disapprove as well."
Princess Luna then gave Apple Bloom a very stern look while removing her hoof. Her stern expression was similar to Apple Jack's or Big MacIntosh's look of authority. It was one thing to disobey her older siblings, but another to disobey a Princess. Seeing that she could not convince the Princess otherwise, lest face the consequences of doing so, Apple Bloom nodded before saying,
"Ah understand Princess Luna. Ah promise not to say anything or ask anything about that stuff."
Princess Luna smiled and gave a sigh of relief, and was satisfied that she had avoided explaining the various expletives that Apple Bloom heard. She also would have a word with Konrad about controlling his own usage of various swear words. If he was to integrate into Equestrian society, and especially with her should he choose to, he would need to act a little less Renegade. It was strange that she was interested in what appeared to be a commoner, but he was what she wanted.
"I wonder what his rank is? I never bothered to ask him and-"
"Princess Luna?"
Princess Luna again saw a hoof wave in her face, snapping her out of the thoughts of Konrad.
"I'm sorry Apple Bloom, I was thinking for moment."
"About Konrad?" asked Apple Bloom with a smile.
Princess Luna merely blushed before saying,
"Yes...about Konrad....Apple Bloom?"
"Yes?" replied Apple Bloom with an innocent filly smile.
"I should not ask Apple Bloom this, but I'm far too curious about her opinion."
With her curiosity too insatiable, asked Apple Bloom,
"When Konrad said if he would have known he would have told me already, do you think he meant that he was going to reciprocate his love for me?"
"Rec-"
"Return, I mean return his love for me? Do....do you really think he loves me too?"
"I should not have asked Apple Bloom that question. It puts her in an awkward position and I know that she had encouraged Ruby to pursue him. Oh dear, what have I done?"
Apple Bloom, to Luna's surprise, put a hoof to her muzzle and said,
"Hmmm.....ummm?.....Ah really just don't know."
Apple Bloom shrugged before adding,
"Ah'm sorry Princess Luna, but Ah really just don't know. Ruby is mah friend and so are you. Asking who he will pick will just tear me up inside and Ah don't want to pick sides on for anypony. Maybe he was going to say that to you but Ah really just don't know. What Ah do know is that Ah hope everypony will be okay from them Blood Hooves and Ah want Konrad to come back."
Apple Bloom looked at the seat and said,
"Sorry." with a sad face.
Princess Luna chided scolded herself for asking such a question to a young filly.
"I honestly didn't know what to expect really. I guess validation from an outside source. I need to prepare myself in the vent he doesn't pick me or worse.....never comes back at all."
"Apple Bloom, I'm sorry for asking such a question. I should not have done that. Being in love tends to make you..."
Apple Bloom lifted her head up and said,
"Act like a silly filly?"
Princess Luna giggled a bit and nodded at Apple Bloom.
"Yes, It most certainly does that."
"Ah've seen that too many times, Ah guess love is powerful to make ponies act that way."
"Princess Cadence would definitely agree with you Apple Bloom. As for Konrad, I really do wish he will come back, even if he has not chosen me."
Apple Bloom smiled at Princess Luna and said,
"Now that's mighty nice of ya to say that Princess Luna! I want him to back too."
Apple Bloom's face then turned to one of worry as she asked Princess Luna,
"Do ya think he'll come back? Ah don't want him to die."
Princess Luna continued to embrace Apple Bloom in the same wing hug and gently nuzzled Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom felt safe in the embrace pf Princess Luna like a daughter with her mother. Princess Luna then reassured Apple Bloom by saying,
"He never gave up on neither you nor I. My feelings tell me that he will return and that all will be right. I don't think we've seen or heard the last of our human companion Apple Bloom."
Apple Bloom then looked at Princess Luna and asked,
"You think so?"
Princess Luna smiled and said,
"I know so."
Apple Bloom then continued to hug Princess Luna as the Alicorn herself thought,
"I hope he did chose me, I really do. More importantly, I want him to live. I wonder how my dear sister would react to him? She seems to be more open minded among new things, while I still conform to many of the old ways. Either way, I'm sure she'll get along with him just fine, what's the worst that could happen?"
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"Destroy them all! Find the one known as Konrad!" shouted Princess Celestia in her rarely used Canterlot voice.
The shout, in addition to the major battle that was taking place, destroyed the silence of the Everfree Forest. Numerous members of the Elite Spartrota Unit were tearing though wave after wave of the Blood Hooves as they tried to stop the juggernaut of the Royal Might from reaching their protected home. It was very loud with screaming, the sounds of ponies getting bucked, and Blood Hooves getting impaled by the tough polearms carried by the Guards. Nopony, not even Celestia herself had witnessed such carnage before in her life.
Princess Celestia was glad that she had approved of the unit's formation ever since the disaster that had almost ruined Shining Armor and Princess Cadence's wedding, and almost enslaved the entire Kingdom. This was definitely a good decision and well worth the money spent from the Treasury to train the special unit. The idea had come from Shining Armor after he realized a special force would be needed to handle unique and "asymmetrical" warfare as he put it. Military terms aside and the fact that he had fought bravely against the being known as Konrad, he was certainly getting pay raise.
"I wish none of this happened at all; first my sister, then Apple Jack's sister, then Twilight and her brother? What evil power seeks to destroy the bonds of family and friendship? They must all be burned for this! But this Konrad, I am at a loss for him. I should at least hear what my sister has to say. Hopefully Twilight's hunch about him is correct. I do not want to repeat the same mistake like last time."
Princess Celestia began to shoot numerous beams of magic attacks at any Blood Hoof that was wide open.
ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!
A trio of magic missiles shot at three Blood Hooves that were attempting break through the line protecting Princess Celestia and the Elements of Harmony Bearers. The Blood Hooves didn't even get to scream as they were instantly blown in half. The girls were incredibly shocked at what they were witnessing but hey nonetheless held together making sure that no Blood Hoof got close to them.
"This is Spartrota!" shouted all the Guard acknowledging her command
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had taken the role of look out, floating above Princess Celestia and their friends. Seeing as they had the better view of the battle, they saw what appeared to be an endless amount Blood Hooves coming out of every brush nearby. The Spartrota Guards held together and formed a new line, attempting to encircle a few Blood Hooves into a small group before impaling them mercilessly.
Jab! Slash! Squish!
"Wyaaggh!" screamed several Blood Hooves as they fell from receiving too many pole hits.
"RAAAH!" screamed a few of the Guards.
Fluttershy did not like the sight at all, but continued to watch, making sure that none of the scary zombies got to her friends. Rainbow Dash, however, was furious at the Blood Hooves and wanted every single one of them dead. As she flew above her friends the began to punch through the air with her forelegs, pretending to box the zombies that lay outside of their protection line.
"Yeah! Take that you stupid zombies! Put em up!"
"Rainbow Dash, I think the guards can take care of them. EEK!" squealed Fluttershy as a Blood Hoof showed it's teeth at her.
The scary Blood Hoof was taken down by a jab to the face with a Guard's Polearm, squirting blood on the ground. Fluttershy was on the verge of crying and breaking down at the sight of the bloody horror. Rainbow Dash was not fazed by the sight as it caused her desire to destroy the zombies to rise even more.That desire was soon put to the test as a new group of Blood Hooves attacked the circle protecting Princess Celestia and the Element Bearers.
"Rrraaaggh!"
"Join us!"
"You'll have so much fun being protected!"
"We just want to be friends."
The six new attackers used a broken tree at an incline to jump over the line of Guards protecting The Princess and Element Bearers. One by one they split off from each other and targeted each of the Element Bearers. As they showed their bloody teeth to each other, Princess Celestia took noticed of their plight and attempted to cover them with her wings. As she charged her horn up with magical power, a complete new wave of Blood Hooves charged towards the circle of Guards protecting the Princess and the Element Bearers.
Their force was very large with at least 50 in numbers making a concentrated effort to break the protective line the Guards had formed against Sunny Town's outkirts. It was quite obvious that if the line was not held, then everypony would be in great danger and the undead enemy would cause mass casualties. So far only a few of Guards had taken a few bites and bucks, but by a great miracle, nopony had fallen to them yet. As much as she wanted to help the Element Bearers herself, the integrity of the defensive line was more important. Princess Celestia hated the thought of the girls getting hurt or killed, but her subjects were all equal.
If she truly wanted to protect everypony, she would have to do her part in holding the line by assisting the Guards from a supportive role, much akin to archers from behind. Speaking of Archers, a group of scouts that had sneaked on the sides of the advancing Blood Hooves by taking perch on a few fallen rotten trees. They began their aim for the advancing horde, awaiting their command to fire from Princess Celestia.
"Girls! Do what you can to defend yourselves! I must support the troops or else we will fail! Stay strong all of my subjects! Archers.....FIRE!"
As soon as the command was given, a flurry of arrows that were invisible due to the darkness, pieced the air with a howling shriek. Due to the chaotic nature of the enemies' advance, only a few of the arrows managed to hit their target even fewer fell and perished. A total of 7 fell and were no more, whereas the others the other Blood Hooves received minor grazing wounds. A few arrows were stuck in some of the Blood Hooves and impeded their movements slightly, but other wise continued to advance to the defensive line.
"WAAGGGH!" screamed Blood Hoof Mare as she died.
"My friend is gone!" cried another Blood Hoof Mare.
"We'll show you REAL friendship!" screamed a Blood Hoof Stallion
"You like the new body when were done with you! And that one looks single! OOHH! You're mine!" screamed a Blood Hoof Mare.
The Earth Pony Guard that the Blood Hoof Mare was staring at, with a seductive smile, cringed at the thought of being a zombie's special somepony and aimed his polearm towards her face. A magic attack from Princess Celestia's horn obliterated the Blood Hoof Mare from existence, causing the Guard to sigh in relief. This only lasted about one second as a screaming horde of Blood Hooves made contact with the defensive line of the Spartrota Guards. The clashing of armor, hooves, polearms, and Blood Hooves screaming filled the forest. It had been a long time since the Guard had ever face a real battle to the death with the last one being a minor border dispute between the Equestrian Kingdom and the Griffon Kingdom 600 years ago.
And that was nothing compared to what they currently were facing, an undead horde attempting to eat and convert their bodies against their will. Each other the Element Beaer squared off with their attackers that was an equal mix of mares and Stallions. The stench of their scents were really bad, but nothing compared to the bloody and unnaturally sharp. As scary as this was to them, they weren't going down without a fight.
All of them immediately focused on their attackers and prepared themselves for the fight of their life.
"Get close together girls! We've been through tough enemies before, but nothing can break our friendship apart!" shouted Twilight Sparkle as she readied her horn for magic attacks.
The rest of the girls followed Twilight's suggestion and got closer towards each other near Princess Celestia.
Rainbow Dash got into her Karate stance, a self defense form that she had learned from her Japaneighs instructor long ago. Rainbow Dash was very glad to hav kept up with he sport as being awesome meant more than just tricks, it also involved being able to kick plot. Rarity used her horn to pull out a gem from the ground. It conveniently matched the same color as her mane and had a very sharp end. If there was ever an elegant way to use an improvised weapon, it was this. Pinkie Pie gave a series of goofy faces at the the Blood Hoof Mare in front of her and giggled at the same time. Laughter would be her resolve to get his through the nightmare that they were currrently facing.
Fluttershy looked at her attacker with her best assertive expression and pictured him as an animal that was acting out. And if there was something she knew how to do, it was to stare down animals.
"I like your hat missy. It will look even better when you've gotten your new body...from me." said the Bloof Hoof stallion with a smile.
"Missy!? If you think you take this country gal, you got another thing comin' your way partner!" shouted Apple Jack.
Apple Jack immediately whipped out her lasso and began to twirl it around with her teeth, forming a perfect circle in the process. The Blood Hoof stallion charged his way towards Apple Jack as she threw the lasso at the Blood Hoof. The lasso wrapped around his neck with a very tight grip and the Blood Hoof tired to bite on the rope and yank her towards him. Apple Jack, however, was one step ahead as she quickly ran around him and jumped on his back. He tried very hard to get her off his back by jumping and bucking her off, but it didn't work. Apple Jack was in full control holding the rope in her forehoof and waving her hat in the other as the Blood Hoof still tried to ge rid of her, Apple Jack shouted,
"YEEHAW! Get along little doggie!"
"Raaaggh! Get off me!" cried the Blood Hoof Stallion with a look of anger on his face.
As the struggle beween the zombie and the cowpony continued, Rarity squared off the the hideous excuse of a mare in front of her. The Blood Hoof Mare that was standing in front of Rarity had mane that looked elegant once upon a time before death decided to do a make over with it. The stench, blood, and red eye disgusted Rarity as she could not but help let out a slight scream,
"Aaaah! So icky icky icky! What a disgusting sight before my eyes! Stay back! Stay back I say!"
Rarity continued to jump her legs up in down like an old mare seeing a dirty dead mouse in the kitchen while she continued to her magic to keep the gem weapon aimed at the Blood Hoof. The Blood Hoof mare in return laughed, before saying,
"Oh but this look is quite lovely I assure you. When I'm done removing that mark on your flanks, I'll give you a brand new make over! Oh what good friends I can tell that we are going to be!" said the Blood Hoof Mare
"If you honestly think I'm going to let you ruin my perfectly good mane, tail, and body with your disgusting and demented sense of a "makeover" then you are sadly mistaken you rotten ruffian!" shouted Rarity.
The Blood Hoof Mare scoffed and waved a hoof in disapproval before saying,
"Hmpf! Perfectly good? I do not think so! Why the color of the green grass would look much better on you! But do not worry, I will fix that for you."
The Blood Hoof Mare opened her muzzle and showed her sharp bloody teeth in smile. For Rarity, it wasn't so much the sharp teeth that made narrow her eyes at the Blood Hoof, but the suggestion that the color green was a much better color choice for her mane. There was no way in pony heck rarity would allow that to happen, and she made it quite clear by saying,
"It...is...ON!"
Before the Blood Hoof Mare could even make a move, Rarity used her magic to swipe the sharp gem at the Blood Hoof. The Blood Hoof Mare's muzzle was cut with a good deal of coagulated blood leaking out. The Blood Hoof Mare held a hoof to her cut muzzle before glaring at Rarity.
"How dare you!" said the Blood Hoof mare before running towards Rarity with murder in her eyes.
As the cat fight between Rarity and the Blood Hoof Mare kicked into full gear, a stallion Blood Hoof slowly advanced towards Twilight Sparkle. Twilight still could not get used to the smell emanating from the undead around her, but worse was the fact that the the stallion approaching her let out his slick bloody tongue. He liked it around his muzzle before retracting it like one would eat a Spaghetti noodle. Twilight always found this gross as her brother in their younger days did this a lot during diner.
And now, it was in her face, twice in the same night, and she knew exactly what was on this Blood Hoof Stallion's mind. He wanted her to be his mare friend.
"Well hello you lovely Mare! I've always had a thing for Unicorns. They always have that magic I'm looking for, would you be the one to show me a trick or two?"
Twilight Sparkle gave him a disgusted look before narrowing her eyes and readying her horn. There was no way she was going to be his marefriend, just like the two from earlier had tried to. This time she would definitely show them a trick or two.
Casting a fake smile towards him, she readied her horn and said,
"Oh sure you big strong stallion! This is my personal favorite!"
Using her magic, an image of a book appeared in front of her. This a was unique attack spell that she had learned after the Canterlot Changeling invasion. Twilight was not well verse in attack spells, but after surviving the invasion and at her brother's insistence, she took the time to learn a thing or two about self defense spells. The spell itself was meant to lure the attacker into a false sense of superiority with a harmless image as the spell gathered strength for the user's attack. It was not by any means an easy spell but it with Twilight's hard studying habits, this difficulty meant nothing to her.
The Blood Hoof Stallion looked at the image of the book hovering in front of him and chuckled before saying,
"That's a nice book but I find reading very boring. You on the other hoof I find....What the HA-"
The stallion was interrupted by a bright lavender beam shooting right at his face. The beam had made contact with his head and had lifted high into the air. He was blown right back over the line of Guards and had crashed into several other Blood Hoof's and knocked them over as if they were bowling pins. The Guards wasted no time finishing of the undead mess on the ground, ensuring that they were now indeed a "dead" mess. Twilight Sparkle giggled before saying,
"Too bad, I like a good book. They can take you far away!"
As Twilight Sparkle rid of her attacker, Fluttershy was dealing with a Blood Hoof Stallion of her own. The slowly advanced towards her as she backed up towards Princess Celestia, who was still busy blasting wave after wave of Blood Hooves charging the line. The Stallion showed her his teeth and said,
"A very shy and cute one. When I'm done giving you your new body, I'll do the same with your friends. Come over here and it will all be over soon."
Fluttershy absolutely hated scary monsters and greatly feared them with her life. If she did not have her friends with her, she might not have had the courage to face them. As Fluttershy backed closer to Princess Celestia, like a child retreating towards her mother for protection, she stopped in an instant and new feeling began emerge. It was like somepony had flipped a switch inside of her the moment he mentioned hurting her friends. With the look of fear now replaced with stern anger on her face, Fluttershy looked the Blood Hoof stallion in the eyes and said her very own assertive voice,
"How dare you!"
"Excuse me?" asked the now confused Blood Hoof Stallion.
"HOW DARE YOU! Just because you're a scary zombie pony does not give you the right to threaten my friends. We don't want to be a zombie pony like you mister!"
"B-but...we only..." stuttered the Blood Hoof Stallion.
"Want friends? Nopony goes around and eats others to be their friend! Becoming a friend is NOT hurting others and forcing them to be your friends. You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"I-I....y-you...need protection! That cute mark must go! It's a curse I tell you!"
"Oh no it isn't mister! Your zombie form is a curse. Now stay back mister!" rebuked Fluttershy.
And to get her point across, Fluttershy gave him the "Stare" as hard as she could. The look of a stern motherscolding mother was plastered on her face, doing it's best to convince the Blood Hoof that he was in the wrong. The undead Stallion just simply stared back and cowered in fear as Fluttershy continued her scolding stare. That was until a Blood Hoof Mare bumped into him as she battled Rarity, snapping him out of Fluttershy's stare down. The Blood Hoof stallion shook his head and blinked several times before looking back at Fluttershy with a smile as Rarity and the stylized Blood Hoof Mare continued their fight.
"I don't know what came over me, but with you on our side, that stare of yours will be very useful in getting new friends! Now, this won't hurt-"
Realizing that the stare would no longer work, Fluttershy new that she had to help her friends. She really did not know how to fight but if there was one think she knew, it's was to manipulate the back of an animal. Normally she would do this to help out a local bear for back problems, but she had never done this before on a pony. She didn't see why it would be different for a pony, but instead of helping, she was going to use it to hurt somepony. Had this not been a zombie pony, she merely would have run away in fear of hurting somepony. Fluttershy looked at his with a defiant look as she trotted towards her, confident that she would not offer any resistance.
"If you are rude, I'll be crude!" said Fluttershy before snorting in anger.
As the Stallion opened his mouth for the kill, Fluttershy flew into the air and grabbed his back as he missed her. Picking up the stallion and making a "NRRRGGGH!" noise, she snapped his back not with strength but with a technique that made manipulating the back with ease. It was even easier for her due to the brittle nature of the Blood Hoof anatomy and soft muscular structure.
SNAP! CRACK!
Not wanting to stop there, Fluttershy snapped the neck as the undead stallion fell to the ground unable to move.
SNAP!
"AAGH!" cried the Blood Hoof Stallion.
Backing away from the Blood Hoof, Fluttershy stared him down again, and said,
"Now what do you have to say for yourself mister!"
Instead of a look of confidence on his face, the Blood Hoof Stallion had a look of confusion, and was at a loss as to how such a lovely soft spoken mare could be such force to be reckoned with. He had nothing to say to her as evidenced by his jaw lowering in shock and confusion which severely diminished his look of terror that a Blood Hoof was known for. As Fluttershy immobilized the Blood Hoof Stallion, Rainbow Dash was currently squaring off with a Blood Hoof Mare. The Mare had a very loose mane style, similar in shape to Rainbow Dash's Mane.
Except for the lack of wings, the Mare looked almost like an Earth Pony version of Rainbow Dash herself, with a slightly higher height difference. The undead Mare chuckled at Rainbow Dash's Karate stance before speaking to the angry pegasus.
"So you think you can take me with that pathetic Karate stance? It's over rated and lame, you should give up Rainbow Mane."
"Oh yeah?! What makes you think you can take me bozo?!"
"Experience, something I can teach you if you'll just join us. Think about it, you'll live forever and have an easy life. We've never had a flyer before, something sunny Town could use. Join us and help us save you friends!"
Rainbow Dash kept her stance and narrowed her eyes at the zombie pony that had insulted her Karate stance. there was no way in pony heck she would let her beaten by the Blood Hoof and in no way betray her friends.
"No way loser! I'd never leave my friends hanging. Now put'em up!"
The Blood Hoof Mare did exactly that and got on her hind legs while boxing her front hooves really fast. It seemed that the Blood Hoof was an experienced Buck Boxer and would certainly prove to be a challenge for the Element of Loyalty. Waving a hoof towards the Blood Hoof, Rainbow Dash's heart was puming full of adrenaline, and was ready to begin her first fight with the undead. The Blood Hoof Mare charged Rainbow Dash head on expecting to get a quick buck, but Rainbow Dash was too fast. Dodging to the side using her quick reflexes, along with her wings as well, Rainbow Dash avoided the Buck attack to her intended hind legs and make a quick hoof strike to the Blood Hoof's face.
The Blood Hoof Mare's head twisted to the side and Rainbow Dash smiled thinking the fight was instantly over. She ws wring as the Blood Hoof Mare's head quickly corrected itself with a loud series of snaps and cracks.
SNAP! CRACK! CRACK! SNAP!
Having her jaw lowered in disgusted shock, Rainbow Dash had left her self open for a counter attack. For her trouble, Rainbow dash received a hoof strike to the face, sending a quick wave of pain to her head.
THUD!
"AAGH! No fair! that should have killed you!" screamed Rainbow Dash.
"Want to throw in the towel little filly?" said the Blood Hoof Mare with smug tone.
The Blood Hoof Mare smirked before attempting to follow up with another strike. It failed as Rainbow Dash dodged in a backwards flip using her wings before returning to her defensive stance. The Blood Hoof Mare snorted in anger before moving forward and attempted to unleash a fury of fore hoof strikes. Rainbow Dash was easily able to dodge the undead mare's strikes with easy, but was getting frustrated at the lack of openings or opportunities to strike back as she dodged or block every single attack. If that wasn't bad enough, Rainbow Dash was constantly finding herself losing space to maneuver around as Apple Jack was still riding her attacker on the back, Rarity having a gem fight with Blood Hoof Mare, and Fluttershy giving a berating towards a crippled Blood Hoof Stallion.
Not to mention the fact that there was still another Blood Hoof near Pinkie Pie, who was also making a mover towards the Party Pony. There was also the fact that the Guards needed to keep the line from breaking as a new horde of zombie ponies were pressing against the wall of Spartrota Guards. This was something that Princess Celestia was trying to keep intact by using indirect attacks of magic bolts and the occasional Telekinesis attack to prevent herself from the fatigue of compicated spells. The more complicated the magic, the more effort was required. Too much magic would result in fatigue, and that was something Rainbow Dash did not want.
The Blood Hoof Mare was currently attempting to press Rainbow Dash into the wall of guards, hoping to corner her and closing for a final kill move. Not wanting to die so young, Rainbow Dash flew into the Blood Hoof Mare with an unexpected flying charge, something the Earth Pony Zombie did not expect. It was quite obvious the Blood Hoof Mare was used to fighting Earth ponies, and a flying charge was definitely not the norm. The earth pony took the full force of a Karate kick as Rainbow Dash made full contact, knocking the wind out of the undead mare.
"UUAAGH!" screamed the Blood Hoof Mare.
"Want to throw in the towel little zombie!?" yelled Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash then took the opportunity to lay a huge Pegasus beat down on the Blood Hoof Mare, as another Blood Hoof Mare made her way towards Pinkie Pie with vicious smile. Pinkie Pie did not show any fear at all towards the Blood Hoof and merely was hopping up and down humming her favorite party tune. The Blood Hoof Mare found Pinkie Pie's cheerful attitude to be very amusing and mistakenly thought that convincing her to join Sunny Town would be easy.
"Well hello my cheerful friend! How would you like to come have a party with all of my friends? We got cake and punch....lots and lot's of punch!"
"No thank you! You can't a real party by being meanie pants and hurting other ponies! Didn't your mommy teach you better? Plus you need music, streamers, and cupcakes too! Plus, you can't hurt the greenie guy too!"
The Blood Hoof merely chuckled before Pinkie Pie's tail began to twitch along with flapping ears and a backflip. Pinkie Pie smiled as the Blood Hoof Mare was confused by Pinkie's involuntary body movements.
"What in the name of Sunny Town was that?" asked the confused Blood Hoof.
"It's the greenie guy known as Konrad! He's the one making those big booms!"
Before the Blood Hoof Mare could respond, a series of loud booms could be heard coming from the direction of Sunny Town.
BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!
The sound of the loud, yet unknown source of the Booms were now constant through the already chaotic
"What the Hay?!" shouted the Blood Hoof Mare in confusion.
Trying to focus on stopping the nonsensical Pink Mare, the Blood Hoof shook her head before refocusing on Pinkie Pie. As she opened her mouth bearing her sharp and bloody teeth, her opened mouth instantly turned into an expression of confusion once more as her eyes widened in a bright red glow.
"WHAT THE HAY IS THAT?!" asked the Blood Hoof Mare.
Pinkie Pie only smiled before Twilight Sparkle shouted to Apple Jack,
"Apple Jack! Bring him over here! I have a plan! You too Rarity!" shouted Twilight as she pointed with her hoof in the direction she wanted them to move to.
"Ah gotcha Twi! Ah'm gettin'er done right now! Woah nellie!" shouted Apple Jack, who was still in control of the wild Blood Hoof Stallion and directed him to the location despite his consistent attempts to remove Apple Jack.
"Just a minute Twilight dear! Take that and that you rotten ruffian!" replied Rarity as she took another swipe at the already well cut Blood Hoof Mare.
"RAAGH! I will change your mane to green if I can help it!" shouted the undead Mare back at Rarity.
"NO...YOU...WON'T!" shouted Rarity
During the course of her fight with the Blood Hoof Mare, Rarity had managed to cut the Blood Hoof's mane a great deal, almost to the point of making the Blood Hoof Mare bald. This did not make the once styled blood Hoof happy at all in addition to the numerous cuts on her face. Remembering Twilight's command, Rarity began to lead the enraged Blood Hoof towards the direction Twilight had pointed out.
As this was going on, Fluttershy continued to stare the Blood Hoof Stallion before turning away to see what Twilight had in mind. Being free from Fluttershy's stare, the Blood Hoof stallion shook his head and attempted to correct his bone fractures. Back fractures took the longest to correct and despite his best effort, the Blood Hoof Stallion was doomed. Fluttershy flew towards his neck and grabbed him from behind. Taking a good effort to block out the smell and disgusting flesh, Fluttershy used her wings fly with her captive Blood Hoof and dropped him on the spot Twilight had pointed to.
As the Blood Hoof Stallion suffered more fractures, the Blood Hooves that Apple Jack and Rarity were dealing with her were sucessfully added to the Blood Hoof Stallion on the ground. Rarity had used the gem with her magic and impaled it into the Blood Hoof Mare's right eye socket. The Blood Hoof Mare began to scream in agony as the wound as the Blood Hoof Stallion Apple Jack was corralling crashed into the the gem impaled Mare and crippled Stallion. All three moaned in pain as Rainbow Dash performed a roundhouse kick as the severely beaten opponent was stumbling around.
KICK!
The Blood Hoof Mare's head twisted around and stumbled backwards towards the mess of Blood Hooves on the ground. The Blood Hoof Mare, had several bruises on her muzzle as Rainbow Dash had made a comeback on her hoof strikes. The Pegasus Mare was ready to perform one last attack, confident that it would finally finish off the annoying zombie. Rainbow Dash didn't get the chance as a loud boom was heard.
BOOM!
"WAAAAAGGGH!" screamed a Blood Hoof Mare that was flying towards the rest of the pile of Blood Hooves with a large concentrated shot of party streamers that defied physics.
The flying Blood Hoof Mare hit the the beaten Blood Hoof Mare, taking her into the pile of their friends. All five Blood Hooves moaned in pain and tired their best to recover from the multiple fractures, but too disorientated to make a quick recovery. Rainbow Dash was annoyed that her final move was interrupted by Pinkie Pie and was confused at how Pinkie Pie could beat her opponent quicker than her. Rainbow Dash got her answer as she looked at her friend in disbelief.
In front of Pinkie Pie was her party canon with her forelegs in control of it, with smoke coming out of the muzzle end. As Pinkie Pie was giggling like a school filly, Rainbow Dash asked,
"WHERE THE HAY DID YOU GET THAT PINKIE?!"
"It's my Party Canon silly filly! I have it in case of canon emergencies."
Rainbow Dash face hoofed in frustration at Pinkie Pie's misunderstanding of the question.
"I know what is it.....ugh I mean, how did you bring it out here without us seeing it!?" asked Rainbow Dash as she waved her forelegs at the party canon out of frustration.
The gears in Rainbow Dash's head was cranking on confusion as to how her friend could pull a canon out of nowhere, not to mention the fact that Pinkie Pie ruined her final kill move.
Before Pinkie Pie could answer, Twilight commanded to Pinkie Pie,
"Pinkie Pie! Get ready to fire it again!"
"Okey dokey lokey!" replied Pinkie Pie with a salute and a giggle.
"We will get you!" shouted Apple Jack's former opponent.
"Yes you'll be our friends fore-WWAAAA!" screamed the Blood Hoof Mare that was set on changing Rarity's mane to green.
All of the Blood Hooves screamed and hollered as Twilight used her magic to lift the pile of Blood Hooves into the air. Lifting objects was something every unicorn was used to but there were always limits to what a pony could hold. Holding a pony or even two was hard enough. holding five was a challenge in itself. Twilight was beginning to strain at the effort of magic required to keep the Blood Hooves in the air. Not wanting to bring on magic fatigue, Twilight commanded to Pinkie Pie,
"Pinkie! Fire the party canon now! I can't hold it much longer!"
"Okey dokey Twilight! Now you bad meanies hurt my friends, and I don't want to be friends or be at your parties with meanies like you! SOOO..."
Pulling a match out and lighting the fuze on her party canon, Pinkie Pie aimed it at the Blood Hooves above her. The canon went of with an even louder noise than the previous shot.
BOOM!
Coming out of the canon was a very strange looking cake that nopony had ever seen before, minus Pinkie Pie. The cake looked very similar to the Moon Cake that the Cakes had made last year at the Nightmare Night Celebration before hitting with a hard and loud thud sound.
THUD!
The force of the impact was very great as it send all 5 Blood Hooves flying in the air beyond the canopy of trees. Their screams could no longer be heard over the sound of the fighting around them and the Blood Hooves were no more. Pinkie Pie aimed her right forehoof to the thick canopy and shouted,
"Send it to the MOOOON!"
All of her friend giggled with the exception of Rainbow Dash who was full of questions.
"Okay, not that I'm complaining that they are gone, but....seriously, how did you get that out here?! And why would a moon cake do something like that?! I mean it's just a cake! It should have like splattered or something!"
As Pinkie Pie was about to speak, Apple Jack interrupted as she adjusted her hat and lasso and said,
"Aw shoot Rainbow Dash, Ah think you should just let it go. Those Blood Hooves are gone and that's what matters."
"Oh! Did you see me guys? I was so assertive and showed that bad zombie a thing or two." said an excited Fluttershy.
"I have to say that was a very good job of defending yourself Fluttershy! Why I dare say that nopony can with stand your stare. You certainly are not the fearful Mare that we are used to."
As Fluttershy blushed a very loud series of booms, cracks, and whizzing noises began to pick up in frequency.
BOOM! CRACK! WHIZZ! BOOM! CRACK CRACK CRACK!
This caused Fluttershy too squeal a very short but loud "EEK!". The trees above them were acting as it they were being with an invisible force that couldn't be seen, as holes were now visible on the bark. The caught the attention of Princess Celestia herself as a loud whizzing noise near her left hear caused her to flinsh for a few seconds before returning to supporting the troops with fire in her eyes. As Fluttershy began to shake in fear, the girls knew all too well that the noise was coming from. It was coming from the strange being known as Konrad.
The sound of the loud noises brought an all too familiar feeling of fear and for Twilight, it was a painful reminder of what her brother had faced earlier. She still wished that he could have told her more about the strange guy known as Konrad, as his last words before passing out, along with Apple Bloom's new Mane ribbon, gave doubt that he was indeed a Pony Napper and more of an ally. He had spared Shining Armor and Twilight sparkle could only hope to find out more about the new being before a potential misunderstanding could turn deadly. For Rainbow Dash, it reminded her of the dream she had from earlier and Konrad fit the exact description of the villain from her nightmare.
"Is....is that what I think it is?" asked Rarity.
"OOOH! It's that Konrad guy! He must be fighting the zombies too! We should help him!"
"HELP!? Oh for Pete's sake! Can't you guys tell he's trying to hit us?! He's using that weird....thing with an orange claw to use that weird magic or whatever it is at us! I mean look at the trees-"
ZOOM!
A loud noise had interrupted Rainbow Dash as she hovered in the air catching the Pegasus Mare by surprise. Rainbow Dash flinched and a few pieces of bark few into the air from a nearby tree. A large hole was in the tree and surprisingly another hole was on the other side as if something had punched right through it. Angry at almost being hit by an invisible force, Rainbow Dash pointed at the tree and began shouting,
"SEE! I told you guys he's trying to hurt us! He's probably on the Blood Hooves side or something!"
"Rainbow Dash, we've already been over this! The evidence doesn't support that he's with the Blood Hooves at all! This has got to be a misunderstanding!"
"Ah don't know Twilight, maybe this is all misunderstanding but these strange noises and the holes in those trees....it's starting make me doubt that's the case."
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG!
The girls looked towards the the direction of the sounds and noted their rapidness. The noise was now picking up with more frequency and this prompted Rainbow Dash to go back on the ground with her plans of flying on hold. Apple Jack adjusted her hat and said,
"Woah nellie! That Konrad sure ain't joking around, Ah wonder what the hay he's doing over yonder."
"Trying to hit us." said Rainbow Dash as she crossed her forelegs while standing on her hindlegs.
"I already told you guys, he's trying to hit the meanie zombies duh! If he was trying to hit us he would have done did doed it!" said Pinkie Pie while rolling her eyes.
"I agree with you Pinkie Pie, we need to get to him and stop the all of the Blood Hooves." said Twilight Sparkle.
The moment Twilight finished her sentence, Vigilant Sight returned from the front line and shouted towards Princess Celestia.
"Your Highness! The Blood Hooves' numbers are weakening and they've begun to retreat towards a Town that has been spotted not far from here."
The girls turned towards Vigilant Sight and asked,
"A Town? Ah've been here mah whole life and Ah never knew there was a town in this this forrest!" said Apple Jack.
"Yes, my scouts and I have spotted a town in the distance and we've also noticed-"
ZOOM!
The noise was whizzed right over Vigilant Sight's head as his mane and tail stuck in the air with shock and fear. A nearby tree branch had been shot right off making a loud snap noise along with it. Adjusting his main and tail, as well as his composure, Vigilant sight continued his interrupted sentence.
"-well those strange noises coming from the town. We've also noticed a a bright flash with it every time that noise is made. We believe it's related to Captain Armor's attacker. since the Blood Hooves seem to be retreating towards the town, and the face that the noises are originating from there, I suggest we force our way towards the unknown town your majesty."
Before Princess Celestia gave Vigilant Sight an answer, the Solar Princess turned to the girls and asked,
"Are you girls alright? I'm sorry for not assisting you, but I had no choice. Should that line have fallen, we might have too. I am very proud that all of you stood strong together. We will defeat this enemy that is before us."
Rainbow Dash walked towards Princess Celestia and asked,
"And what about this jerk!? I mean....what are we going to do if we see this Konrad? It looks like he's trying to hurt us."
Princess Celestia had noticed during the fight the noises and the effects the noises had on the trees nearby. It was unnerving to not be able to see an attacker and only notice a noise after the fact that a hole had been cast into a tree. Had it been a pony, they would have died before knowing it. Princess Celestia was hoping that her student was right about Konrad and that it as all a misunderstanding. The strange noises and the holes in the trees were starting to convince her otherwise, or at the very least cause he to think Konrad was a threat to her subjects.
Two things were certain to Princess Celestia; stop the Blood Hooves and apprehend Konrad. Princess Celestia spoke to them and said,
"If Konrad is not an enemy, we will give him a chance to show it. If he is not, we will use the Elements of Harmony. Either way, I cannot permit an unknown being with a destructive form of magic to run around run checked. And before you say anything Twilight, yes I do hope this is a misunderstanding. I am taking your word and the evidence that you have pointed out, but if he hurts another pony, I will take all means to stop him. My decision is final, he will surrender peacefully or we will subdue him. Now stay close girls, I don't want a repeat of what just happened."
All of the girls nodded with Pinkie Pie bringing her cannon along with her. This caused Princess Celestia to smile before tuning to Vigilant Sight.
"Lt. Sight, take the troops and surround the town, make sure nopony escapes, especially Konrad. And be very careful should you come across him before we do. I want him alive."
Vigilant Sight bowed before shouting commands to the troops. All of the Element Bearers huddle closer as Princess Celestia looked at a tree that had an entry and exit hole caused by Konrad.
"What magic does he have that can cause death like that? I saw nothing that looked like magic at all. Only a sound and nothing more. It would seem that were ever he goes chaos follows. I hope Twilight is right about him, because I have a bad feeling about him. Something just doesn't seem right at all."
Pinkie Pie suddenly asked Twilight Sparkle,
"You okay Twilight? You looked tired."
Twilight was starting to pant and wobble on her legs with fatigue evident on her face.
"Y-Yeah Pinkie. Holding 5 Blood Hooves was very tiring."
The moment Twilight finished her sentence, a Red Bull in Pinkie Pie's Hooves was in Twilight Sparkle's face. Te can was already open and Pinkie Pie said,
"Here Twilight! It's very good and it's giving me lot's of energy!"
Before Twilight could say anything, Pinkie Pie put the can to Twilight's mouth and began to tilt it. Twilight's eyes lit up in surprise but was even more surprised at how good the drink tasted. She could literally feel the energy flowing though her and felt one with herself.
"Wow! That really is good....wait where did you get it?"
"It got it from Konrad's stuff when we found the bag. It was so good, so I took all of it."
"You took all of it?! Do you have any more?! I want some Red Bull."
"Sorry Rainbow Dash, that was the last one."
Rainbow Dash kicked the ground as she said,
"AWWWWW!!!! Why does this always happen to me? Was it really that good Twilight?"
"It definitely was wonderful! I fell like I have wings!"
As Rainbow Dash began to brood over missing out on a Red Bull, Princess Celestia turned and could only smile at her student's cheerful statement.
"One day you will my faithful student....one day."
ZOOM!
As the noise brought Princess Celestia to reality, and the closeness of that particular impact on a tree, the Alicorn shouted.
"MOVE FORWARD! STOP THE BLOOD HOOVES AND FIND KONRAD!"
With the troops reorganized, their will reinforced after winning a battle and with their enemy on the run, they were ready to deal with anything that lay ahead. Princess Celestia was sure that they would prevail and would do everything to protect the Element Bearers any anypony from harm.
"I hope you will not force me to stop you Konrad, because I will if I have to."
As the Troops moves forward, the noises from the town ahead were continuing to be loud and rapid. The Princess and the Element Bearers were in for a real surprise. The Battle of the Blanks was far from over.