//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Final Fantasy XV: Tale of the Element // by K Prime //------------------------------// Twilight now had a question in her head that she should of thought of in the very beginning. What has this world gone to? What did her race have to do with the human's actions? Was this battle inevitable from the start? So far from what Twilight was seeing from her view on the left wing of the aircraft, she could see Equestrians hiding and Humans storming Canterlot. She growled in seeing this chaos so far. They were going to pay for this. She turned her head to see there were three cockpits and noticed that there was one soldier inside each, and none looked anything like the one who just escaped. Noel was it? She noticed his attitude when he saw her, so much fear and intimidation all sandwiched into a fake laugh. " Was he...forced?" She wondered. Her thoughts were interrupted when she took notice of the pilot who was looking right at her. There was awkward silence for three seconds until the aircraft tilted itself on it's side. However, Twilight was already hanging on with her sword stuck in the wing. She looked down seeing the distance between her and the pavement. Compare that to the speed she was going and consider herself 'half dead'. Suddenly, the unicorn vanished into a white light and barrages of quick strikes to the aircraft began to make it malfunction. Reappearing onto the wing again, Twilight noticed more human soldiers that were heading towards Celestia's castle. At least she thought so at first. " Twilight! Darling, wherever you are we need help right away!" Twilight gasped in shock as she recognized magical energy erupting just beneath her. She knew it all to well, it had to be Rarity. If only Spike were here, he could possibly redirect the aircraft to where she was getting attacked. Instead, she had to attempt a leap of faith and hope she can throw her sword to someplace sufficient to warp. In a flash, she landed in a deserted, or rather defined 'demolished' area in Canterlot, but not to far from Rarity. As soon as the purple unicorn turned around, she gasped when seeing more mechs coming her way. She already felt hurt enough for killing another species, but this attempt was just pushing her. No hesitation, not feelings. Suddenly, rockets were fired to where she stood without warning. Instinct was able to take it's course as the princess rolled out of the way, but the blast radius blew her a few inches farther than she thought. Twilight was rather impressed of what they were capable of, but if only it wasn't used for the sake of catastrophic purposes. Seeing the remains of Canterlot was enough to show this. Somewhere inside it regrew her anger, but now wasn't the time to sulk or else she would be a victim to this chaos as well. "NOT ON MAH WATCH!!!" A female country voice booms. A mech was suddenly hurled back by a powerful blow from a mysterious individual which began to make a cut through towards Twilight. Another Mech was thrown away with surges of electricity emitting from it and exploding in mid-air. Rushing out the cluster of machines was an orange Equestrian civilian which Twilight recognized all too well. Applejack, another representative of the Element. Twilight could describe her as an opposite of Rainbow Dash due to her being more calm and never boasting about skills that she know she's capable of. That was a scary thing about her since she's always full of surprises. Though she could see that she has encountered more enemies then any normal Earth Pony could withstand. Obviously told by how her usual ponytail hair style was now down to her back and messier than how she'll end up after her usual hard work at her home. She wore a tank top which seemed to be getting a little torn due to maybe her previous battles; along with that she wore jean shorts. Her body looked sweaty and exhausted which was no surprise. "Applejack, you're here." Twilight sighed in relief. Applejack was panting which was more than enough evidence that everything must of been taken out of her when she was in the middle of work and battle as this was still going on. Applejack was suddenly able to get enough breath in her lungs to be able to speak a bit towards her best friend. "Twi...what's going on...is everything...alright?" She gasped out. As much as Twilight hated it, she shook her head. "Luna's suspicions, her theory, all of it was right. Humans are....attacking us currently." Twilight looks down in dismay and guilt as she recalled that one of the Element shards have been stolen. "Also, Rarity seems to be in trouble. She contacted me and it's no doubt she's in trouble. I hope you have just enough energy to help me find her." She said. Applejack stood straight and rolls her shoulders before giving out another proper answer. "I'm gonna do fine. Nothin' is gonna stop me especially now." Applejack turns around to see two remaining mechs still standing along with two human soldiers with full body of armor around their bodies and armed with firearms. Pointing towards them Twilight could only use her shield for a few seconds due to her connection with the Element now sabotaged from earlier. This was more than enough though. As rapid shots were fired towards them her broadsword appears in her hand. Noel seemed right though, they must of somehow sneaked a piece of the Element which angered her. She throws her sword in between the two soldiers as her shield had dissipated leaving them open. She teleports to her designated point pulling her blade from the ground and swipes it against their armor. It left them only with a flinch, but they were still standing. Suddenly she noticed the Mech in front her which was about to swing one of it's large metallic arms towards her. She suddenly realized she messed up her chance as she was now surrounded by the forces. Twilight was suddenly pulled back by Applejack before the blow was about to be delivered. Twilight gasped when she thought that Applejack didn't get enough reaction time for herself. In amazement the orange Equestrian was still up and even blocked the Mech's arm with her own. Growling in desperation she gained barely enough strength to push the Mech back leaving it staggered. Twilight gave this her moment to try and finish the soldiers with her sword she was still grasping in her hand. She runs towards them both as they were close to each other and gives her swing more force and as expected she slices through the armor to get a good cut to injure one of him. He gasped and screams in pain as he fell to the ruined ground of Canterlot. The second soldier suddenly drops his weapon and holds his hands up which must of been the gesture of surrendering. She left him be and saw the enormous strength Applejack was able to exploit as she punches straight through the middle exposing electrical wires. The cowgirl quickly ran away from it before it exploded leaving behind some of it's parts on the ground. Without warning cold metal arms were wrapped around Twilight's neck coming from the soldier she spared. Her magic was drained now after her warp which left her vulnerable and could end her if Applejack didn't save her this time. Twilight was never known for being physically strong. In a flash before Applejack could react there was scream from the restraining soldier as he fell to the ground. The princess quickly turns around to see what happened. Her only clue was seeing a figure walking towards her which she quickly recognized as Spike's crush and the natural beauty of Equestria in everyone's eyes. Rarity, a young marshmallow colored unicorn wearing a formal dress which seemed torn which was no surprise in the situation. Her azure eyes gleamed at the sight of Twilight and smiled. "My my...what a surprise. I was able to find just who I needed," She spoke. "I spend my time to prepare only to meet an army of ruffians to mess up my dress. Not only that, but they're wrecking Canterlot and I find that unforgivable don't you think?" Rarity looks down for a second before looking back up to notice Applejack. She walks towards her friends as her hand is covered in a white aura. "You two look very out of shape." She points her finger towards them both as the aura still surrounded her hand and made a transfer towards them. Twilight's eyes widened as well as Applejack as they could feel a relief of magic and stamina inside them. This could be handy, but now it seems like they need to head back to the castle which would be bit difficult for them since Twilight may have the ability to warp from the designated point from her sword, but she didn't have the strength to throw that far. Even if she did, her friends would be left behind. So far the only option she could think of was going back on foot. For now there was a clearance for them to make a quick run. Before she could though she had to bring out the situation to her friends since they weren't at the incident of what has happened. "Rarity...when you cast spells do you feel a bit funny. I mean as if it's just an average spell?" She asks. Rarity slowly nodded and looks at her hand as if there was some sort of scratch on them. "Yes, for instance the spell I just happened to cast on you didn't go as I thought. You were suppose to replenish all your magic power, but it seems you've only managed to gain most of it. Not that I'm complaining, but-," Rarity was cut off when Twilight decided to bring the bad news. "Those were humans we fought. Luna's prediction was correct. Not only that, but they stole a shard of the Element behind out backs. Now we might not have a big advantage with magic than we can hope. I can even tell it affects stamina. I've never seen Applejack pant so heavily when we've hardly tried," She said with a stern look in her eyes. "We have to retrieve it, but our castle is currently in trouble. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie are the only ones left...I can't tell about Fluttershy." She turns around as she begins to walk towards the castle without a word leaving Rarity and Applejack speechless at how much her leadership seems to have changed. Without a thought they follow behind her through the silent destruction of Canterlot. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash began to pant as she ran through the halls of the castle with Pinkie Pie barely keeping up as she now had a pink katana in her grasp. She had to hurry. They had to hurry to the throne room before a tragedy strikes. The cyan Equestrian growled in anger from Twilight's departure from earlier. Without her she may decrease morale for them and everyone else which is the last thing needed from what happened so far. Humans were now reverting to minimal bloodshed towards her race, luckily only minor wounds but this was going to far for any being's standards. Finally Pinkie Pie began to speak with a quizzical expression although she could get a hint of the situation. "D-Dashie! Why are we in such a hurry!" She shouts as they were now going up a long row of stairs after crossing over debris and writhing bodies which must of came from the upper floor. Rainbow Dash looks back at Pinkie still maintaining her running pace. For a split second she saw Pinkie eyes flash red which would of made her flinch if she wasn't so caught so deep in the current anomaly. Without an answer she looks back in front of her as they were now on the third floor of the castle. Just need to get up to one more level to get to Celestia. No doubt there was an arsenal of men in there threatening the now revered Queen. Now the pair found themselves inside the same dining room that was demolished to no one's surprise. Chair legs were all over the floor covered in bullet holes along with the table that could fit 10 chairs. No bodies were found though. Either the battle was extended somewhere else or there was a retreat. Those were Rainbow Dash's guesses, but she wasn't an investigator so she left it at that. "Uh, Rainbow. Are you alright?" Pinkie asked looking concern. Without thinking Rainbow Dash already answered. "We're in a big situation and I don't want to waste time for questions." She begins to walk through the dining room with Pinkie Pie and immediately found more stairs after going through more halls of the castle which seemed to be cleaner than what they happened to see. Now they were on the fourth floor; namely the area where Royal Guards would take posts to defend Celestia and Luna. Rainbow Dash has been here before and remembered this was the exact area of the highest defended area that was now cut right through and bodies were the evidence to that conclusion. Rainbow Dash now felt embarrassed for underestimating Humanity, but she couldn't respect it. How can anyone if their terrorizing everything. She had to control herself; anger won't solve anything and it will only make things worse for her well being. Again Pinkie Pie spoke in tone that she was tired of being ignored. "It's him isn't it Dashie?" However yet again the Pegasus didn't answer. In a mere second Pinkie's hair turned from a light shade of bright pink into a darker shade and was now in a straight hair style. Her eyes look down at the floor and sighed. Her hand began to twitch along with her sword. "Thanks for worrying about me, but I'm not in the mood. We're almost to Celestia." Rainbow Dash finally spoke without looking at her. Pinkie was brightened from hearing her best friend's voice which made her body turn back into it's bright pink color. In her head if this kept up then her entire demeanor could of changed. Suddenly Pinkie's tail twitched making her gasp. "Dashie stand back!!!" She yelled in desperation from the sign she was given. Rainbow Dash looked towards her right and just in time blocks a fatal blow to her face with her arms. She back flips out of harm's way to evade any further attempt of an assault. Without question her gunblade appears from a flash of rainbows and holds it in a defensive stance as she scans the room for her target. "SHOW YOURSELF!" She demands loudly. Rainbow Dash's anger was somehow calm when she became focus of what danger had in store for her. Suddenly there was noise of metal being pulled from above her catching her guard. She looks up at the ceiling to see another armored human, but due to the dark emitting from the ceiling she couldn't get a good glimpse. She was able to catch the figure falling off from the ceiling which was an insane height, but it was pointing an odd shaped lance down towards...Pinkie Pie! Rainbow Dash gasped and reacted by spreading her wings and taking off after the armored figure and swings her sword surprisingly making contact with the armor and interrupting the attack. With a quick motion which Rainbow inherited she kicks the swordsman away into another direction which was out of a large open window which was where there was a tainted window of Twilight which must of shattered a while ago. "That takes care of whoever that was." Rainbow begins to float down to the ground and folds her wings. "That was so cool Rainbow Dash. You're always so awesome!" Pinkie says happily. This made her cyan friend blush and rubs the back of her head. "Thanks, but we're not done yet. Just gotta get to the throne room." Something almost slipped her mind when she was about to move and curiosity got the better of her making her ask a question for her pink friend. "A moment ago Pinkie...your eyes changed. Are you feeling okay?" Pinkie tilted her head and placed a finger on her lips looking confused. "My eyes? Their just fine. Are you sure that your not the one who's not feeling good? I mean you were looking very furious after every question I asked you." Rainbow Dash remembered and also needed to make sure to apologize for that. "Sorry, I've just been through a lot in the past," There was a silence between them for a few seconds before Rainbow Dash decided to let every source of her current feelings out. "You were actually right. It is who you think, but that's not the case right now. I trusted Redheart with him. Then again she's only one person and I doubt anyone else would understand what I feel." Pinkie Pie takes a step towards her long time Pegasus friend and gave a quick peck on cheek making Rainbow Dash's face flush red in embarrassment. Pinkie only giggled. After a moment they finally found double doors which only meant this was finally the throne room. Rainbow Dash had her sword in her hand ready for anything while Pinkie Pie still had her katana. Without hesitation or fear the young and brave Pegasus storms in the room with Pinkie Pie behind. Her presence was acknowledged by every single individual inside which was overwhelming for her. In the very back of the room was Queen Celestia standing firm with a peaceful look in her eye despite the situation Rainbow Dash happened to be seeing. In front of Celestia were her Royal Guards of all types with blades everywhere. Earth Royal Guards pointed their weapons at the swarm of Human soldiers before them, Unicorn Guards seemed to have endless supplies of swords of different types aimed at the humans. Transparent shards surrounded the swords in the room giving it an elegant gleam. Pegasus Guards were the only ones without swords and instead armed with Bows. Among the Unicorn Guards Rainbow Dash spotted Shining Armor standing in front as he seemed just about to unleash an instinct of unleashing his swords. Behind him was Spike who stood straight and was looking overwhelmed at the turn of events himself. Most of the Humans were wearing armor aiming assault rifles and pistols towards the Equestrians, surprisingly not firing first. The only ones Rainbow Dash could see was not armored was a man with short red hair. The young Pegasus' eyes widened when she saw the man. It was the exact same one who she and Twilight encountered not too long ago. If that was the case then Twilight was tricked into thinking he left. Not only that, but she may be all the way into Canterlot for all she knew and it'll take a while even for her to come here. Her Alicorn potential hasn't been obtained yet for her to fly. However from what was going on so far morale was farther than Rainbow Dash could hope. Pinkie Pie stepped beside Rainbow Dash and looks up towards her with a look of concern of what was happening. Another individual caught their eye who was unarmored. A blonde haired man with dark blue eyes and wore a black trench coat. He took notice of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie and stared at them during the silence. Rainbow Dash's countered his gaze with a deathly glare, but it didn't even seem to faze him. His gaze met Pinkie's who wasn't even looking back towards him, then turns to Celestia as the silence was broken. "Ooo, reinforcements." Noel said sarcastically. He sighed in aggravation. He looks at all the swords surrounding himself and his remaining forces. "You're not going anywhere. Nor are you stealing what belongs to us." Shining said sternly. Noel smirks at Shining who only glared at his arrogant demeanor. "Unfortunately, we came here only to see for myself the ruler of this filth of a race. I mean come on, you guys did happen to be a main cause of chaos with that plague of a crystal. Your last existing one was it? Sorry, but I don't think that thing belongs to this region. Think about it, all the chaos that emits every single time you borrow it's power. You are only lucky we only got a shard. That isn't satisfying though, humanity is thankful for your generous share of power from the last few years, but I think we'll relieve of it...now." Noel demands harshly. Celestia only stares down at him silently without even a blink. This was intimidating even for the guards who defended Celestia for a long time. Spike looks hopefully towards Rainbow Dash since she was considered one of the main representatives of the Element at this time. "What do I do? Even though it looks like we have things in our favor, I'm getting a bad feel from that blond human." Rainbow Dash thought. The Pegasus thought that maybe provoking or threatening could solve, but she wasn't in the time or place to risk it. She wasn't even skilled in magic despite the remaining power of the Element gave her. "It's too good of a night to leave. Besides we don't plan on leaving before we take that crystal by force." Noel added. "Your funeral then." Rainbow Dash said without thinking. Noel growls and looks at the blond man. "Shut them up Baron!" He ordered. Finally there was motion as the blond man named Baron lunged towards Rainbow Dash with speed she couldn't react to. Her and Pinkie Pie was suddenly tackled out of the room too everyone's surprise. As they were now out Baron grabs Rainbow Dash's shirt and throws her in the air and Pinkie Pie after her. As he expected Rainbow Dash stopped herself only for Pinkie's head to collide into abdomen making her cough along with giving the pink Equestrian a short concussion. The cyan Pegasus began to fall to the floor with Pinkie Pie after her. Baron hold his arm out aimed at Rainbow Dash although Pinkie was already helpless. Electricity began to emit around her hand and extended out into the shape of a blade and about to puncture the Pegasus' chest. With another swift movement Rainbow Dash flies out the way of the attack and catches Pinkie's hand. Pinkie Pie was completely dizzy from everything around her and couldn't even see what was going on around her. "So you can use magic as well, huh?" Rainbow Dash groans. Baron's answer was swinging his extended sword towards her. "Crap!" Rainbow Dash cursed out when she felt the tip of the electricity touch her exposed stomach which made her feel volts rush through her. Her body was stiff and she couldn't maintain holding Pinkie Pie anymore and was forced to drop her. From the height she was at no doubt she wouldn't be badly hurt, but could possibly black out from her concussion. "Seems one isn't enough then." Baron muttered, his voice sounding very calm. Without hesitation another blue electric blade extends from his other hand impales Rainbow Dash's abdomen. She screamed out in agony when more supply of volts were rushed inside her body slowly sapping away of her life. Suddenly the blade was released allowing her to fall a greater height than Pinkie Pie which will leave her down for a moment. Her body lands hard facedown with her gunblade laying in front of her. She coughed out a red substance from her mouth, her blood now on the floor. Rainbow Dash didn't even know what to think from what just happened to her. She lost to a human faster than she could of imagined. "Just stay down. I don't wanna be in your hair as much as we don't like you being in our's." The Pegasus' ear twitched at that and slowly looks up with her vision blurred. "W-what the hell are you...talking about?" She tried to yell, but her voice only turn into a rasp. Baron turned away and made his way back towards the double doors not before giving a final glance towards her. "Just stay there." He said, it almost sounded like an order or a plead. However she was too exhausted and weak to move. However there seemed to be a struggle which he sensed making him sigh. He turned around expecting to see the Pegasus try to get back on her feet. Instead it seemed she was paralyzed from his attack. He took notice of Pinkie Pie and noticed she was beginning to stand up, but something was completely off that even Baron could tell. Slow and steadily the pink Equestrian began to get to her feet as her hair was now covering her face and was straight just like before. She looked up facing towards the Human, then looks at Rainbow Dash who left droplets of blood on the floor. A flash of pink light emitted from her hand revealing her katana as she was ready to fight. "No one...no...one," She muttered to herself as she looked at the floor. Baron emits his electrical blades from his hands at a normal length as he was now on full guard. "Anyone...who touches and harms Dashie, I will kill them painfully." She finishes. "Don't think that just because I can take your friend out easily means that I enjoyed it. Besides, you'd have a lot more than you think on your shoulders. Just...who are you? What are you?" Baron asked. Pinkie Pie's eyes yet again changed, but it was no longer a flash. Her eyes converted from it's happy light blue iris into a harsh crimson staring with murderous intent towards Baron. "My name is Pinkamena. Anything beyond that is irrelevant since you're gonna disappear in a matter of seconds." Pinkie Pie grins widely with a whole new feeling surrounding it. "Fine, one minute. That's all I have to spare with you." Baron began to walk towards Pinkamena with his blades still active. Pinkamena giggled at his cockiness. Setting a time limit for someone to play with her was beyond something she'd agree too, especially if that person harms her Rainbow Dash. Her free hand emitted a pink aura which caught the blond man's attention. She smiles widely as she shoots an icy orb that had materialized from her aura towards Baron. To her dismay though he sidesteps out of the way to avoid what it might be capable of. He was ultimately grateful for following his instinct on that dodge or else. Behind him was a large crystal of ice that imploded from the ground from the contact of the orb. Luckily, Pinkamena made it manually shatter as it happened to block the entrance to the throne room. Somehow it still hasn't seem to break out into a full bloodshed as most of the Elite Guards along with Spike could of delivered their blows and ended the chivalry. Baron gasped as he realized his eyes were off his opponent and quickly turns back to block a swing of her katana with his blades. Electricity began to emit transferring to the blade, but if it wasn't for the material of Pinkamena's hilt then no doubt the electricity would of taken effect by now. With all of his strength he pushes her back allowing his blades to have room. He rushes in for another assault with swift motions and swing from his blades. Like a machine the pink Equestrian was parrying his blows like she could memorize them without even seeing the extent of it. "I've seen Rainbow Dash do faster hits than the what your doing Mr. Slowpoke." Pinkamena taunts. However she didn't notice an overhead slash readying from Baron until the last second when she slides out of his line of sight and behind him. She presses her sword against his back with an attempt to stab him for what he's done to her rainbow haired friend. Her eyes widened in surprise when she suddenly left a shocking force push her back to a certain distance away from Baron. "Get off of me. I'm not going to waste my time anymore. Besides, I can tell your controlling that body aren't you?" Baron asked calmly. Pinkamena tried to hold a gasp of what he'd dare say towards her. "This is my body idiot. What would you know about me? What would you happen to know what we're capable of? Why do you," Suddenly Pinkie Pie's hair and eyes were reverted back to it's normal state as she continued. "Why do you people want to hurt us? We've done nothing to deserve this." She finished in a sad tone. Baron glared at her sudden change, but it seemed like she wasn't going to be much of a threat any more. "I don't know about the others, but I had sense to read intel about this place and what it inhabits. I know everything or possibly just the basics about this place, but knowing you and your friend I know everything about. Your fighting style for instance. I can tell you are capable to be an ambusher which is what you could of done if I didn't already spot you. As for your winged friend...she's fast. However I know there are more than you aren't there? I was interested in the purple Equestrian, maybe she could pose assistance to my will of fighting." Baron scratches the back of his head as he looks at the shattered window from a previous battle revealing that the sun was about the come up in a matter of moments. "Time sure flies here. Speaking of time, your's is up. You held up a good fight, but I need you as well to stay down." He runs towards Pinkie Pie with his blades at the ready. However his mind was changed from electrocuting her, he felt a speck of respect for her and the race. He turns his body and unleashed a kick directly to her side sending her hard against a wall. She looks at Baron again with an innocent look until she remembered Rainbow Dash was still in danger possibly. "Don't you even think of hurting anyone else." Pinkie threatened. "Can't promise that unfortunately. All I can do is wait," Baron replied as his electric blades dissipates. "Your race interests me so I'll try to limit your weight of casualties." With that said he walks back through the double doors giving the glimpse that everything inside from before is still maintained. No one has attacked yet. The doors closed leaving her in the darkness of the outside of Celestia's throne room. Rainbow Dash's body twitched. A moment later the cyan Pegasus didn't feel any pain from inside her body anymore allowing her to at least lift her head. She was still weak from what the amount of constant volts inflicted on her. Another moment pasted and Pinkie Pie noticed that her friend was beginning to stand up with no problem. "Dashie! You're okay!" Pinkie said happily. Rainbow Dash stretched her body and moved every part of her body to relinquish any chance of cramps or spasms from her body. "Yeah, somehow all the pain in my body just vanished. That guy is going to pay though. Where is he?" She growled out. Her mind was suddenly fixed when she realized from earlier inside the throne room. "Wait we need to get to Celestia quickly!" Rainbow Dash was about to take off into a sprint back inside of the situation, but someone grabbed her arm preventing her from moving. She turns around and sees it was Pinkie Pie who looked at her with a lot of concern on her face. "You can't, we can't go in there head on Rainbow Dash." Pinkie told her. "Then what should we do! They're gonna steal the Element or even kill Celestia and the guards to get to it!" Rainbow Dash shouted impatiently. Pinkie smiled as she remembered when Baron mentioned the words "ambusher" from earlier giving her the idea. "Simple. If we go back in no doubt they'll attack on sight. Soooo we could just ambush towards the leader." Pinkie suggested. "Even so we're gonna have a lot of people on us. Then again, how are even going to set up a good enough spot to ambush them?" Pinkie pointed at the large shattered window revealing the sun still at a low position. "Grab me and fly out this window. I'm sure finding a proper place to set up will be easy since you did look over this place yourself. After we do that, I'll set up a distraction to take out that Noel guy. I'm positive you and the others can deal with the others right?" Pinkie asked. Rainbow Dash slammed her hand into her face and sighed at her idea. "Then we'll be opened to the guy we just fought. Just great, flawless." She said sarcastically. Pinkie Pie tilted her head in confusion from what she meant. "I did say I was setting up a distraction didn't I?" She asked. Rainbow Dash didn't bother arguing since that would get them no where and she didn't have anything in her mind to beat her idea. She nodded in agreement with the pink Equestrian and grabs her hand while spreading her wings. She flew off out of the window having Pinkie navigate to where she was talking about. Meanwhile Twilight was walking through the continuous ruins of Canterlot in the night sky, which made the sight look extremely sad to look at from the beauty it once held as her previous home. Applejack couldn't stand of it either since the place was practically deserted. All of the citizens must of ran to a safer area, hopefully. Rarity was also saddened the most due to her not going to have a chance to live in Canterlot if it's in ruins. Twilight was also highly worried for Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Spike inside the castle. Although she admired their own skills only Spike was the true combat specialist along with Shining Armor who was in the fight. Without her brother than Royal Guard morale will fall drastically for them. She had to get there quickly. No time could be spared for her to make it back to the castle since anything could happen in there. "Uh, is it just me or do I see somethin' ten times bigger than those machines we just dismantled?" Applejack asked as she points ahead. Twilight looks closely hopefully to get a good enough view to see what Applejack was mentioning. Her eyes widened when she saw that the cowgirl was apparently right and something massive in size was trotting along the ruins as if it was on guard. It was nothing that Twilight has ever studied which made her grow slightly vulnerable for this. "How did they prepare themselves for a defense in such a short amount of time?" Twilight thought as she glared at the beast who was unaware of their presence. Unfortunately, she didn't know what it was capable of nor did she have enough magic to fight something like that at this time. It was best to lay low since she already despised the amount of fighting she was forced to endure. The purple unicorn steps back despite that they had enough distance from the unknown creature already. "What are we going to do darling?" Rarity asked staring off towards the beast with a nervous expression. "The only thing we can do is keep out of it's sight till we get to the castle. I don't want to encounter something I never researched. This must be a subject from those forces." Twilight replied. The group move behind the remains of a building to be certain to get out of it's sight. The princess gave them warning to watch their steps and move around, hopefully giving an opening to enter the castle again. After a few minutes of doing the pattern of moving behind around and periodically standing behind the ruins to cover their presences the group was happily only halfway till they could fully get around the beast in question. "Princess." Rarity spoke with formality. Twilight's face flushed red at the title despite it was her new title of Equestria. "J-just call me Twilight as always. I'm nothing different than what I was before except a bigger responsibility. Just like you guys and the others." She replied with a smile to assure her. Twilight still didn't overcome the effect that other Equestrians would inflict to call her something so powerful. Twilight could only see herself as normal as everyone else, but then again she wasn't. Her and Spike were given special care alongside her older brother; it was more considered a blessing in person. "Twilight, just what exactly is going on to cause all of this madness. Surely you know something about this do you not?" She asked. Twilight turned her head to face her, but quickly turns to face in front of her. "I'm only basing this off of Luna's logic. As much as I want to wrap my head around this I just can't." She replied. She steps out from behind the building to move to another area that they'll be safe from. Suddenly a chill rushed down the unicorn's spine making her fall to her knees and gasp heavily. A cold-hearted feeling as if one of her friends we're just taken down. Applejack knelt beside her checking if she was alright. "What's wrong sugarcube? You ain't looking so hot." She wraps an arm around Twilight in hopes of calming her. This condition was something completely new to her and was extremely abnormal and uncomfortable. There was flash of light in her vision and at that moment she could sworn she nearly heard a faint noise...someone speaking. Unfortunately, she was unable to comprehend what was being said from the soft voice. Applejack and Rarity's eyes widened when they saw a white light emit from Twilight's body and engulfed all of them making them all vanish. Twilight's vision began to clear after it was recently blurred from the light and gasped when she realized she was inside the castle somehow. She blinked a few times wondering if she really was here. "That's odd," Rarity's voice echoed despite her being close to Twilight. "I may not be a complete master in magic, but I know for certain that definitely felt different from any normal Magic Surge." Twilight had to admit as well. Magic Surges was considered a unicorn based adrenaline rush to amplify magic in a uncontrollable rate. However, she felt no sense of threat or fear of death for something like that to happen. She took note of her surroundings and noticed she was back inside the castle. She remembered from earlier that the previous attack not long ago created destruction on the first floor which seemed to be where she was at right now. However it seems the whole area was empty even the injured guards civilians, they must of been evacuated. "Well, whatever it was it sure made getting here a lot more easier." Applejack added as she pulled out her cowboy hat which was tied behind her. "Thankfully yes, but we're only at the bottom floor." Twilight's head drooped in disappointment. Suddenly there was heavy footsteps coming from the stairs to the second floor. Following the footsteps was a weapon being dragged possibly going to leave behind a mark. The figure in front of them was revealed to be an armored human, but unlike the rest Twilight could see somethings unique about this opponent. For one this human was a swordsman instead of using firearms like all the rest. Another difference was that the gender of this individual female from the shape of the breast plate. Lastly was the special armor, it's main color was red with spikes coming from the shoulders and purple lines around the armor. The helm was significantly different as well as it resembled a dragon's head. The female human's weapon of choice was a red lance with the exact same texture and design as her armor along with it being almost as big as herself. "Do not come any closer. Take another step and I'll gladly take you three down as my first casualties." She threatened. She points her lance towards them giving a sign that she wasn't kidding either. Twilight snorted. Just when she hoped things would go right for once, it's slapped right in her face like bad luck. "How rude...a true lady would never threaten another. Do all of your kind come of that nature?" Rarity asked grimly. "Why you-" The armored female growled out. With murderous intent she attempts to attack Rarity with an unknown throwing projectile. However this attempt was blocked when transparent blades surrounded the Equestrians like a barrier which came from Twilight. "Speak your name and business." Twilight demanded. This was the second time so far that she exploited such confidence towards another individual. Rarity turned towards her with awe towards her behavior. "You seem rather confident. For that you earned a bit of respect from me already. I guess you could call me...Dragoon." She replied. "However that doesn't change the fact. If you attempt to step past me you will all die." She added in a calm voice. "Keep my friends out of this. I had no intention of fighting, but I...you leave me no choice!" Twilight shouts out. Her barrier vanished into shards as she said this. In a flash of white light her broadsword appeared in her hand. With no hesitation she threw her sword past Dragoon to keep her off guard. She warped to her designated point which the sword was stuck in the wall behind her enemy. The armored woman gasped as she turned around, but she was too late when a fireball was shot in point blank range pushing her off the stairs and down where Applejack and Rarity stood. "Alright, we need to hurry now." Twilight rushed off in a full sprint surprising both the mares of her impressive speed. "Hold up!" Applejack shouted as she took off as well. Rarity wasn't the type to run especially since she couldn't due to her dress, but she followed after them with a groan. Outside the Castle Rainbow Dash could see the entire exterior of the castle and she felt even more glad to be given the ability to fly as she noticed the true beauty of it from the height she was in. However now wasn't the time nor possibly the place to doze off since anyone could see in such a vulnerable spot. Plus, she could sense the anxiety of Pinkie wanting to hit the ground which made her bit her bottom lip. "Sorry." She flew off to search for the opening that Pinkie happened to claimed. In a matter of minutes it became self-explanatory when she suddenly got a flashback in the Throne Room. It was entirely similar to the giant hall they were in when they fought Baron. That memory of her defeat from him she couldn't shake away due to her pride ruined from that. She needed to be more vigilant. Hopefully this plan would go as expected. As she flew with Pinkie Pie dangling behind her she saw a white glint in the corner of her eye. She turned her head and noticed it came from a painted window showing a portray of Luna when she still a Princess. Apparently, her analysis on the Throne Room did have that which surprisingly wasn't shattered. Right next to it was another painted window showing Shining Armor. Rainbow Dash lifts Pinkie Pie up and holds her bridal style. Pinkie blinked when she noticed the windows and smiled. "Hey that's it!" She points at Shining Armor's painted window. "Ram into that window, then once everyone is in confusion I'll handle that red guy!" She spoke enthusiastically. At first Rainbow Dash was going to ask if this was even a remote calculation or a 'stab in the dark' which could prove a downfall. Unfortunately she couldn't debate this since Celestia's life was at stake as well as the Element's. "Okay, we'll both ram in then you'll have to immediately drop me when we're in." Pinkie Pie added. Rainbow Dash nodded. She got ready to prepare to get enough force in it. She kicked the air giving her a powerful dash towards the window. She held her head down bracing for impact. She heard glass shatter, but strangely she didn't collide with it. She looked at Pinkie to see she tossed something inside causing the glass to break. She saw a look of shock when she saw they were right behind the humans in the position. Not only that, but time suddenly slowed around as Rainbow Dash turned to see the projectile that was thrown. Two small pink orbs...Pinkie's Special Smokescreen. The Pegasus sighed. Time resumed and as planned they were inside. Rainbow Dash lets go of Pinkie right when pink smoke erupts in the room. Rainbow Dash flew over hopefully to see the exact radius of the smoke and to her amazement it covered the entire human forces while Celestia, Spike, Shining, and the other guards were awaiting what was going to happen. Their swords still hovered in the same spot moving from side to side slowly. "How did she come up with something like this so quickly?" Rainbow Dash thought. Suddenly there were gunshots flying around and out of the smoke which barely missed her cheek. "Get me out of here, NOW!" She heard Noel shout out along with the shouts of other soldiers. Rainbow's gunblade appeared in her hand in case she saw any survivors as the smoke began to dissipate. The smoke cleared and all that was left standing was Pinkie Pie as soldiers were lying on the floor whether they were dead or alive wasn't the cyan Equestrian's problem. However, she gasped when she also saw there was still a human standing, Baron. "Oops, I missed one." Pinkie sighed in dismay. Baron was wide eyed towards Pinkie as if he saw a ghost. His body was looking a little pale, whatever it was he seemed frightened despite the beating he gave not long ago. He was out numbered and there was a death possibility for him already so he was practically trapped. Rainbow Dash also noticed something else, Noel was gone. The smoke screen must of shielded his escape or he must of teleported like last time. Baron looked around the surrounding guards, Celestia, then saw Rainbow Dash. "We got you now. Looks like you've gotta make a big decision to-," Before Rainbow Dash finished Baron slowly held his hands up. "Yep. No way outta this. Not because of the insane amount of fighting potential you have, mainly that Queen you have." Baron stared at Celestia who was still silent throughout the entire scene of what was going on. "Whatever do you mean? I'll even admit, I'm not as strong as you may think." Celestia finally spoke grimly. "It's creatures that say stuff like that which scare the crap outta me. I really wouldn't give a damn about that crystal you're defending anyway." He replied. "Then why are you attacking in the first place?" Pinkie Pie asked as she tilted her head with a quizzical look. Baron looked back at her with sweat beading from his head almost like rain. "It's not like I gave you casualties. From what I've seen from my arrival you only had writhing bodies, but living. So...what are you going to do to me?" Baron asked calmly. Even through the sight of seeing most of the forces taken down by a single happy-go lucky Anthropomorphic pony; along with seeing resiliency from mainly Rainbow Dash as she probably took the hardest hit out of everyone he fought Baron still kept his calm and collected demeanor. "Sheesh, give the guy some mercy. At least he was smart enough to know defeat." Pinkie announced. Suddenly, the doors were pushed opened catching everyone's attention. Standing at the door was Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity all looking amazed at the results that was just given. Here they were worried that things would go end up towards bloodshed and they end up with a prisoner. Baron ignored them and continued what he had to say, something very crucial that even Twilight had to hear. "I may just be a normal soldier and you may not even like me, but I can tell you that Noel isn't the only one who wants your crystal. Practically every greedy human being wants their hands on that thing." Baron finished. Twilight gasped at hearing this news, the sheer amount of luck she felt from withstanding something like this and it turns out to be the beginning. She needed to know more. Something in her soul was telling her this must be urgent and spread across Equestria. She took a step forward and walked towards the blond man. He seemed to have surrendered, but from the last time she encountered a soldier who surrendered she almost lost her vocal cords in a matter of minutes. Her tracks were stopped when Celestia suddenly appeared in front of Baron blocking him from her view. "Although you claim to not have killed anyone you will still be taken in for questioning." She told him. Baron only shrugged. "We are now forced to go through repair for the damage your race has caused, therefore you will also be imprisoned until further notice." "I'd say forever." Rainbow Dash mumbled. Celestia gestures the Royal Guards to lead him to their jail. The Pegasus flew next to Twilight and folds her arms in dismay while Baron walked past them along with the guards. "Depending on the damage in Canterlot it shouldn't take too long for it to be fixed. Otherwise we might have some trouble." Celestia told Twilight. "This time I'll make sure defenses are tightened around at all times. You may rest now my...Princess." Her voice sounding angelic as always in Twilight's ears. She walks out the throne room leaving her behind along with all her friends. Spike stood beside her noticing her look of wonder written across her face. "Whatever your thinking now can be put back, I'm sure of it." He said with a grin. He leaned his body past her and noticed Rarity who was busy acknowledging the destruction that was caused in the room although it wasn't too great. His face turned red at seeing her and he cursed himself for leaving his tuxedo behind to look proper for her. Twilight turned towards him with a look asking for answers on how this turned out. "What exactly happened here?" She asked him. Spike scratched the back of his neck and began to speak his part. "When you left the castle it was nearly swarmed even to where I couldn't handle it alone. It was armed humans and mechs everywhere to where I had to...well retreat," Spike said, feeling ashamed for a moment. "Anyway, I was the first one to leave, because I knew at this point Celestia would be in danger, hence why I was here right now. You should of seen how intimidating it was being surrounded by all that magic at once." Rainbow Dash walked over to continue from where he left off. "I was protecting the front while you left. I never even noticed that Spike left, but later on they stopped coming. Me and Pinkie Pie left when I realized about Celestia, but for some reason now I'm just aggravated." She paused there which left Twilight in wonder for what she meant. For that matter she felt like she was going to get a headache now for the amount of thinking of this conflict. Hopefully she will get answers soon. The team except Spike and Twilight herself depart from the castle as the Princess and her assistant decide to get rest as suggested.