//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Cadence Betrays Shining Armor // Story: Equestria Wars Episode I: Fall of the New Lunar Republic // by sonicdash123 //------------------------------// The flagship that the rebels have been constructing is finally complete. When Charming Thunder returned, he was amazed with the completed flagship. He went to the holo terminal inside Celestia's tent and contacted his sister. "I have the plans as you requested, sister," Charming Thunder said. "Good," Cadence replied. "Now bring the plans and your forces here as quick as possible." "Why? Is something wrong?" "I've just received word that Shining Armor is coming to the Crystal Empire." Charming Thunder was shocked with the situation his sister is in. "Please hurry." "I'm on my way." He ended the transmission and rushed outside. "ALL TROOPS TO YOUR TRANSPORTS!! WE ARE MOVING OUT NOW!!" "Where?" Octavia asked. "The Crystal Empire." As the alarm sounded, the soldiers grabbed their blasters and started to board their transport. The doors on the sides closed and lifted off the ground and has set their course to the Crystal Empire. --------------------- Cadence was walking back and forth in the throne room waiting for her brother to arrive until she heard a sound of transports flying by. She looked out of the window and saw transports landing and deploying troops and walkers. She then left the throne room to go see her brother and tell him the news about Shining Armor. When she got there, Charming Thunder was wearing the same costume as before but with his helmet on. "I see that you are wearing a helmet," Cadence said as she examined his costume. "It goes with it," he said. He then took out the disk he had in his bag and gave it to her then said, "Here are the plans to the TIE Phantoms. I must say that it was a good idea for me to steal them." "Why's that?" Cadence asked. "When I examined it, I heard in the report that they can turn invisible during combat." "I know. That is why I want your rebellion to use them. Once we have Shining Armor on our side, I will join you. For now I am waiting for a transmission from him. Come." Charming Thunder followed Cadence back to her castle so that they can wait for the transmission from her husband and plan to set a trap for him." --------------------- The hologram terminal was beeping and Cadence gestured Charming Thunder to stand back. She pressed the button and the hologram revealed Shining Armor in his royal guard armor. "Hi, Cadence," he said. "I'm just letting you know that I am about to leave Canterlot and come to the Crystal Empire." "Have a safe flight, sweetie," Cadence said. "I'll be expecting you." The transmission ended as she turned to Charming Thunder. He was looking at the curtains that are displayed on each window and he got an idea. "What is it?" "Help me close every curtain," Charming Thunder said. "I have a plan." Cadence then used her magic to close every curtain that are in the throne room as Charming Thunder explained the plan. --------------------- Shining Armor was flying in his personal interceptor. Its cockpit window is similar to a TIE Fighter. Its color design on the wings were similar to Shining Armor's mane. And each wing has a symbol that is similar to his cutie mark. He landed at the nearest landing pad that is at the castle so that he can easily get to the throne room. The cockpit opened and exited his vehicle. He then entered the castle and he continued his walk through the hallway to the throne room. When he opened the door to the throne room, the room was all dark and he couldn't see anything. "Cadence," he called. "I'm here. Cadence." The curtains then opened until the light revealed the dark figure who was sitting on Cadence's throne. "We will be honored if you would join us," Charming Thunder said. Shining Armor then charged at him and tried to punch him. Charming Thunder then grabbed his hoof. Shining tried to break free from his grasp but the dark figure cracked his hoof. He lets go of his hoof then grabbed his neck and lifted him up. "Enough," Cadence shouted. Cadence walked up to his brother as he said, "As you wish." He then threw Shining Armor to the ground and two guards entered the room and raised him up so that he can face the dark figure. The trap has finally sprung. "What is the meaning of this? My own wife? Betray ME? Why?" "It was because she was never on your side this whole time." Cadence then stood beside her brother and said, "Please don't hurt him." "Hurt him? No. I have much bigger plans for him." "And what might that be?" "He will be used as bait to lure Twilight Sparkle here." Charming Thunder then walked up to Shining Armor and grabbed him by the neck. "Before I can use my memory spell." --------------------- Twilight was in her room examining her lightsaber. She turned it on and a green beam of light shone. A knock was then heard on the door as she deactivated it and placed in on her belt. "Your highness," the earth pony guard said. "You need to come quick." She then followed the guard to the comms room where a transmission is still being played. It was Charming Thunder torturing Shining Armor. She then sheds a tear as she watched her big brother being electrocuted by him. The dark figure then turned to Twilight and said, "There will be more of your soldiers blood on your hooves, Twilight. Unless you come here and face me. If you don't, your brother..." His horn then glowed and impacted on Shining's forehead as he continued. "...will DIE." The transmission ended as Twilight wiped away her tears. "What are you going to do?" one of the guards asked. "We are going to the Crystal Empire," Twilight replied. "Captain, assemble your troops and ready my shuttle." "Yes, your highness." The captain then left the room as Twilight headed for her shuttle to confront her old friend at the Crystal Empire.