//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Cloud City Betrayal // Story: Equestria Wars Episode II: The Lunar Republic Strikes Back // by sonicdash123 //------------------------------// The group was walking down the hallway to the spa when Fleur asked, "What brings you here?" "Celestia told us to come here but she never told us why," Twilight said. "I see that your ship looks damaged," Fancypants said. "I'll get my men to work on it while you enjoy your stay here." "Its a long story on how it ended up like this," Rainbow said. "But thank you." "No problem." They all then arrived at the spa which almost looks similar to the one back at Ponyville but bigger. --------------------- A few hours later after the spa, Fancypants was showing the group around the city. "And here we have the arcade room for fillies to play in and of course ponies your age," Fancypants said. "Right over there is a petting zoo where we keep all kinds of animals like birds, monkeys, and many you can think of." "Oooh," Fluttershy said. "Can I go see them?" "Why of course." Fluttershy then entered the petting zoo to go visit the animals. "Now if you follow me. Me and Fleur will show you to your room. It has a great view of the city." "You guys go ahead. I'll meet you there." Fluttershy has a robin on her right arm as she continued to sing along with the birds. --------------------- It was night time in the Everfree forest and Charming Thunder was getting ready to leave as Yoda watched. "Charming Thunder," he asked, "Leaving so soon are you?" "I'm sorry for not telling you, Yoda," Charming Thunder replied. "But I can't keep the vision out of my head. They're my friends and I got to help them." "Much to learn you still have." "But they will die if I don't get there on time." "You don't know that," the voice of Anakin said. He then appeared to him as he continued, "Even Yoda couldn't see their fate." "But I can help them. I can feel the force." "But you could not control it yet. Right now it is a dangerous time where you will be tested by the dark side." "Listen to Anakin you must. The cave. Remember what you saw in the cave?" "It was just a fear I confronted, Master Yoda." Anakin walked up to Charming Thunder and placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "It is you the dark king wants. That is why your friends are made to suffer." "Its why I have to go." "Charming Thunder, I don't want to loose you." "Like the way Obi-Wan lost you. Don't worry. You won't." "Stopped King Sombra must be. But heed a warning for that this is your final lesson. Beware anger, fear, and aggression, the dark side are they. Once you choose a quick and easy path as Anakin did along time ago, you will become an agent of evil." "Patience," Anakin added on. "And sacrifice my family and friends." "If you honor what they fight for, then yes." Obi-Wan appeared behind Yoda and said, "If you choose to face King Sombra and do it alone, we cannot interfere." "I understand," Charming Thunder replied. He then climbed up to the top of the cockpit and fired up the power converters. The engines started to run as he was getting ready to take off. "Charming Thunder," Obi-Wan shouted. "Don't give in to hate. That leads to the dark side." "Don't worry. Thank you all for your help." Charming Thunder then closed the hatched as the ship was about to lift off. "Reckless just as Luke he is," Yoda said. "Matters are worse." "He is the worlds last hope," Qui-Gon's voice said. "No. There is another." The TIE Advanced then left the Everfree forest as the spirits faded away. He plotted a course to Cloud City to go save his friends before the vision comes true. --------------------- The next day, Twilight and the others were getting ready to have breakfast with Fancypants and Fleur. Rarity wore an outfit that she bought at one of the shops in the city. A door to their room opened as Fancypants and Fleur entered. "Ah, Miss Rarity," Fancypants said. "You look absolutely beautiful in that outfit. Its like that you belong here in the clouds." "Thank you," Rarity said. "Perhaps you would like to join us for a refreshment. Everyones invited of course." "Lead the way then," Twilight said. They all then left the room and headed to the dinning room to have their breakfast. Long shafts of light poured across the corridor between tall white columns. "Since we we're a small operation," Fleur said. "We don't fall into the jurisdiction of the Republic." “So you're a part of the mining guild, then?” Canderous asked. "No not really," Fancypants said. "Our operation is small enough not to be noticed." "Has Celestia approved this?" Twilight asked. "Why yes. But things have developed that will ensure security. I've just made a deal that will keep the Republic out of here... forever." The doors to the dining room opened, revealing a shocking sight. At the end of the table sat the unicorn himself; King Sombra. Fluttershy got scared at his presence as Shining Armor drew out his pistol and popped off a few shots at the unicorn. The dark kings horn glowed and deflected the shots to the walls. Just as quickly, Shining's weapon flew across the room and into Sombra's waiting hoof. He levitated the weapon down on the table. "Surprised to see me again?" King Sombra asked. “We would be honored if you would join us.” A squad of battle droids then came from behind the group pointing their weapons at them as the group stared at Fancypants. "We had no choice," Fancypants said, his eyes falling. "They arrived before you did. I'm sorry." "I'm sorry too," Applejack said icily.