//------------------------------// // Chapter 18: Planned Confrontation // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 2: Earth Pony // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// Twilight held her breath as she looked out into the empty field ahead of her. Rarity, Ashmane, Rainbow and Applejack stood besides her, all standing around and waiting nervously. “I don't see anything,” the alicorn whispered as she peered out from the forest. “Well, we'd best be certain,” the fallen princess whispered back. “Everypony back there is waiting for us, if we fall into an ambush now, that's it. You lose.” “I know that!” Twilight hissed as she slowly stepped forward, out from the trees. The earth bender followed after her a moment later, as did the pegasus. “I don't think anything is here. We just need to find Sapphire and- agh!” she let out a shriek as she was tackled. Rainbow's wings flapped immediately, sending a powerful burst of wind outwards to send the attacker flying. The alicorn's horn lit up as she sent flames into the air, revealing the three shadowbolts. “Keep your distance, don't let them touch you,” Rainbow said quickly. “If they get close, they'll take out our bending.” “Gotcha,” Applejack said as the three joined flank to flank, readying themselves for the attack. “How many yah think there are?” Twilight's horn glowed with a bright, white light as she looked around. “Two now. More are probably on their way. Get ready...” “Gotcha!” Rainbow said as she suddenly broke from her comrades. “Rainbow! Don't!” the alicorn shrieked as the hot-headed pegasus charged towards the two. She quickly dove around the left and sent a sudden burst at the two fliers, knocking them back towards the trees. “Air bender!” the nearer shadowbolt called. “Don't think just because- AYYYYYE!” she screamed as flames enveloped their backs. Another sudden burst of wind and the two were sent into the grass, where they were quickly dragged into the ground. “That was very reckless!” Twilight snapped as the pegasus landed. “Hey, that's two less to deal with. Besides, I never let them get close,” she smirked as she spat off to the side. “So, what next?” “Found 'em!” Applejack said as she tapped the ground. “Ain't no way they'll miss this lil bit of earth bendin'.” She struck the ground once, making it shake for a moment. “Really? That's all?” Rainbow asked with a cocked eyebrow. “It's mostly underground,” the cowpony hmphed. “They atta be here soon.” “Then we better get moving,” Rarity said quickly as she broke from the trees. “More of the shadowbolts will be here soon, and we don't want them to see this. We need to draw them out and give them our little show.” “If we leave, how will they find us?” Twilight asked. “Trust me, they'll find us,” the princess said as she started to trot away. “Now, come on! You do want the ponies to get out of here safely, don't you?” “Fine,” the alicorn mumbled as the four started trotting away, quickly. Her horn glowed with a fierce light, lighting the way as they scanned the sky for any sign of the flying threats. “What if they didn't go this way?” “We're close to the forest,” Rarity said as she motioned towards the treeline. “They're bound to be searching along the borders to find us. Once they do, they won't hesitate to- gah!” she let out a cry as she was slammed into from the side. A pegasus stood over her, hoof raised, but was suddenly shot into the air by a pillar of dirt. The other three ponies circled her as Twilight sent bursts of fire into the sky, lighting it up. Over a dozen shadowbolts flew about, their trained wings flapping silently as their uniforms blended into the night. “Well, looks like we're gonna have a good ol' fashioned brawl,” Applejack said as she spit off to the side. “Yah gonna be okay there, princess? Hate tah see yah chip your hoof.” “Hmph. I'll be just fine you... ruffian!” Rarity said as she got to her hooves, eyes quickly looking about. “Just keep your distance from them,” she said as her horn glowed and water burst forth from a canteen at her side. “So, princess Rarity, you are a traitor,” a voice billowed out from the shadowbolts. “Not at all. You just can't yet see what it is I have planned,” she hmphed. “I'm doing this for the Water Nation... even if it doesn't seem that way to you.” “If you were truly a member of the Water Nation, you'd be helping us now.” “Now,” Twilight whispered under her breath. Rarity nodded as she whipped around, the water coiling into a whip to wrap around Twilight's neck. The alicorn let out a shriek as she stumbled backwards, pulled by the watery tendril. The shadowbolts broke into a dive the moment the flames died out, but Rainbow flapped her wings rapidly, sending a twister of air straight up, forcing the pegasi to spread out or risk being sucked in. Applejack stomped her hoof as a spike of rock jutted up, severing the whip. Two more pillars shot out on either side of the unicorn, crashing together. Twilight coughed, rubbing at her neck as she glared back at the princess. “D-did you have to be so rough?” she hissed as her horn came alight again, blazing so brilliantly the shadowbolts could be seen just on the edge. “I knew we couldn't trust her! The moment her friends come along, bam, she turns on us!” Rainbow snapped, her wings stopping their powerful breeze for a moment. She looked around and gulped. “There's more of them...” “Ah say we crush her an' 'em and get outa here 'fore more reinforcements arrive,” Applejack snapped as she stomped her hoof. The dirt latched onto the unicorn and began squeezing, eliciting a scream from the mare. “LET ME GO!” Rarity screamed. “What are you fools doing? Help me! There's only these three, they- eep!” A rock covered her mouth, muting her words. “Yah all try anything,” Applejack snapped. “And your lil princess here's gonna be a mite thinner.” “Like we care,” a pegasus called out as they dived. The earth pony stomped a hoof as a large rock shot out and moved to crush Rarity's head. “Wait! Pull back!” a voice yelled out, the rock stopping centimeters from the princess's skull. The unicorn stared at the rock, her eyes nearly bulging out of her head. The shadowbolts quickly veered off, flying just outside of range. “What are your conditions?” one of them asked as the mare flew down, landed a few feet from them. Shadowblade. “You're willing to negotiate then?” Twilight asked as she looked around, the glow from her horn dimming as she breathed a sigh of relief. “For now,” the pegasus growled. “My terms are simple,” the alicorn said with a smile. “I want you to pull your forces back and stop attacking the forest. Leave my kinsmen alone. Also, in exchange for her,” she motioned to the unicorn. “I want all the captured fire benders back.” “Impossible! How do we know you won't crush her head the moment we give them, we-” “Those are my terms,” Twilight interrupted. “If your commander would like to negotiate, I will meet her to the north of her encampment. But, she must stop her attacks on the forest immediately! If any more fire benders are captured, the deal is off. I'll meet her within two days.” The pegasus growled before she turned. “Wait!” Rainbow called out. “What do you want, avatar's servant?” the shadowbolt asked with condescension. “I don't trust any of you, but remember we still have your little princess. If we find any of your pegasi trying to spy on us, we're taking them out.” “Of course,” Shadowblade said as she took to the air. Many of the others joined her as they made their way back to the younger princess. A grin slowly formed on her lips as she prepared to give her report. ------ “-and in two days she said she'll head north to meet you,” Shadowblade said as she looked up at the princess. “Of course,” Sweetie said as she nodded, a grin on her lips. “Now, tell me, what is your opinion of these terms?” “Obviously they hope to delay us to allow time for them to escape the woods. It'll take two days for all to escape, during which she hopes we'll stop cutting through the forest. She's becoming desperate.” “Do you think she'll kill my sister?” The mare frowned as her gaze lowered and she rubbed her chin. “I... do not believe she would. Unfortunately, this avatar has many friends. While she would not, I am certain there would be many in her faction who would, if it came to that. However, I believe they are desperate for those we captured, and will meet with us no matter how many more we capture.” Sweetie slowly nodded as she glanced to the cages. With a soft sigh she turned back to the shadowbolt. “Very well. We will make the trade as requested. Caballeron!” “Your majesty?” the earth pony stepped forward. “Gather the greatest water benders and earth ponies here. I don't care if they're from the Water Nation or the colonies. Have your pegasi try to monitor what the avatar is up to. Then, have all tanks prepared. Shadowblade, call back and gather all your shadowbolts.” “What are you planning?” Scootaloo asked nervously. “We're going to give the avatar what she wants,” the unicorn said with a little smile. “The destruction of the forest will continue. Can't let the avatar think things are going too smoothly for her, now can we?” She turned and walked away, her friends on either side of her. “Can you believe this?” one of the unicorn soldiers whispered to his comrade. “Look at that, treating that earth pony and pegasus as if they're our equals.” “It's probably just a farce,” the other unicorn whispered. “Once we capture the avatar, she'll dispose of him. No reason she'd ever let a lowly creature like that stay in power for too long.” “Something you two wanna say?” Caballeron snapped as he walked towards them. “No sir, we just wished to volunteer as part of the unicorn unit her highness has requested!” the first said quickly. “We'll see. Who is the head commander of you unicorn units?” “Err, well...” the two looked between each other for a moment. “She's uhhh, still... healing her horn. Ever since what the princess did to her, she uhhhh...” “Of course...” Caballeron said with a sigh. He then looked the two over. “Blue coats, white, curly manes. Are you two brothers? What are your names?” “Err, no sir. I'm Perry Pierce,” the first said as he bowed. “I'm Pinprick,” the second said as he bowed, as well. “We're not related.” “Ah. Very well. You two will come with me and help me find the best unicorns in the service,” the earth pony said as he walked by. The two shared nervous glances, but slowly nodded as they followed. “If you do this well, I might have some more jobs for you as well.” The two shared looks as they walked behind the earth pony. Perry rolled his eyes and shook his head. ------ “Ow ow ow owwwww!” Rarity whimpered as she held her sides. “Whhhhy did you have to be so painful? This was all part of your plan! You... you barbarian!” she scowled at Applejack. “Ah'm sorry, your highness,” the earth pony said with a roll of her eyes. “But we had tah make it believable. Yah wanna draw 'em all away, or not?” “Ugh. I don't know how you can talk with that dreadful slang,” the unicorn grumbled as she laid her back on the small white cot she had been given. “I also don't know why I ever agreed to this plan.” “It was your plan!” Rainbow snapped as she stomped her hoof on the wooden floor. “Ugh, I'm going to go help the wonderbolts keep an eye out for trouble.” “Ah'm with you,” Applejack grumbled as the two left the room, slamming the door behind them. “Soooo,” Twilight said nervously as she looked to the princess. A few feet from them Spike was busy staring with love struck eyes at the resting princess. “I don't suppose this means-” “Nope. I'm still going to capture you and bring you home so I can return. This is an alliance of desperation, not some best friends forever group.” “But-” “Mark my words,” Rarity growled as she sat up. “Me and you will never. Ever. Ever be friends. No way. No how. Not enough jewels in all the countries to change my mind. Even if you were the last mare in all the kingdoms, we wouldn't be friends.” “W-what about me?” Spike asked, his eyes starting to water. “Err, we can be friends,” the princess said as she laid back down. “I don't need to capture you to return home, after all...” “I don't see why you won't help us,” the alicorn said with a sigh. “You're being hurt by Discord as well. We have the same enemy, we should go-” “I said no! I'll free my sister my way, I do not need your help. Now go away before I decide to try to capture you now and give up on this plan!” “Fine, fine,” Twilight grumbled as she walked out from the room and sighed. She slowly navigated the halls of the ship, guided by the torch lights until she finally made it out to the deck. Her friends were already long gone as she spread her wings and flew off the ship. Now, all she had to do was wait, two days and everything would come to an end. For good, or for bad. She just wished she could shake the knot in her stomach. ------ “The avatar's ship is waiting,” Shadowblade said as she bowed her head to the princess, a few cycles of the moon later. Two other shadowbolts stood behind her as they kneeled in front of a long line of tanks. Cages filled with ponies rested on the backs of many of the metal constructs. Large stacks of wood were now piled around the camp, that was practically devoid of life aside from the ponies cutting trees and pegasi patrolling the sky. “We saw her ship, as well as your sister. The earth benders were there, on hoof, but their numbers are a pittance compared to our forces. As we expected.” “Mmm hmmm,” Sweetie mumbled as she lightly tapped the roof of her tank. “Caballeron, as you were saying before?” “Huh? Oh!” the earth pony said with a nod. “Yes, your highness. I've had pegasi scanning all the areas as expected, as well as the forest. It's as you expected, they've been slowly evacuating the forest, unfortunately my pegasi couldn't get close enough to see how many escaped, but the ponies have been moving there. The second ship was likely used to escape with those they could recover. I've already sent a force to ambush them while we deal with these negotiations. They should be arriving soon.” “Mmm hmmm,” Sweetie mumbled as she nodded her head. “Perfect. After today, there will be no more fire benders or avatar to get in our way. Have the forest continuously cut anyway. If any remain there, they will become mine.” “As you wish,” the stallion said as he galloped away, Pierce and Pinprick following behind. “We depart when he returns. Step forth,” Sweetie said as the pegasus nodded. Once they came close enough the young unicorn tapped them with her glowing horn. Their dark coats and clothing began to shift as their colorations shifted to hues of red and blue. Their tight suits changed to loose garments of red, flowing around their bodies. Even their eye colors changed to match the disguise as the ponies glanced down at themselves. “Very good. Now, into the cages with you. The avatar wants you desperately,” the unicorn said with a chuckle. The three nodded before flying to one of the cages. “Every pony, prepare! For today marks not just the end of the Fire Tribes and the avatar, but the glorious return of my sister!” The ponies cheered loudly. ------ “What if something goes wrong?” Twilight eeked as she paced rapidly back and forth on the deck. “What if she figures out what we're up to? What if Applejack and the others aren't fast enough? What if she leaves too many soldiers home? What if they figured out what we did? What if they bring too many and we can't escape? What if- mmf!” she was cut off as a hoof suddenly covered her mouth. “Calm, chosen one,” Celestia said as she shook her head. “You must not allow fear and anxiety to slow you down. You have a duty here, and you must keep your mind clear in order to do it.” “R-right. Calm. Collected. What if it all goes wrong though?” she asked with a whimper. “Then we have failed and there is nothing more we can do. The world is doomed,” the elder mare said with a shrug. “That is why you must not focus on it. Everypony is preparing, and they look to you for comfort. If you run around screaming like a child, you will destroy all moral they have left.” “R-right. You're right. I... I'm sorry. I'm calm now,” the alicorn said with a slow, deep breath. “Do you think this will work?” “I hope, but I do not know. Much is at stake so... it must.” “It'll be fine,” Rarity grumbled as she came out from the inner workings of the ship, flanked on either side by the pirates. “My sister won't attack as long as you have me as a prisoner. All we need to do is delay.” “Yes, delay...” the avatar mumbled. “Celestia? You should wait below deck with Fluttershy and Pinkie. The less they know about us, the better. You can keep an eye out through the portholes.” Rainbow flew in and landed on the deck, a smile on her face. “Just like we figured. The shadowbolts were spying on us. We couldn't follow them all the way to the base, but they know our forces. At least, they think they do. Everypony ready?” Twilight nodded and took a deep breath. “As ready as we ever can be. Now it's time to see how all this works... if it works.” “Relax, Twilight,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “What's the worst that- mmff!” the pegasus stumbled back as her mouth was frozen shut with a splash of water. “Don't ever, ever say that,” Rarity grumbled. ------ The airship hovered in the sky, surrounded by the wonderbolts, as the avatar stood on the deck with the prisoner and pirates. They overlooked the massive army coming closer as she let out a low whistle. “That's a lot of ponies... look at all those metal things. What are they called?” “Tanks,” Rarity grumbled. “They were invented by us to help counteract the physical force of earth bending. Not the hardest to stop, but very difficult to break.” “Wonderful,” the alicorn mumbled as she watched. Her eyes went wide as a realization struck her. “They... they have the cages on the backs of those tanks! They have the tribe! They brought them!” “That... might make things more difficult,” the unicorn mumbled. “Ah, yah all worry too much,” Steel Beard grumbled as he rubbed his beak. “Maybe we can do an actual trade after all.” “But what about Applejack and the others? They-” “They'll be fine,” Rainbow said as she landed on the ground. “They think all our forces are gathered here. Judging by how many of those metal things they got, and the pegasi flying around, that's the majority of their forces alone. Worry about us, and how we're going to get out of here once we finish.” “Okay... they're almost here,” Twilight said with a nervous gulp as she stepped forward. “Wish me luck...” she said as she jumped from the ship and began to glide down, the pegasus following after her. “Like I'm really going to let you do this on your own,” the rainbow-maned mare said with a snicker. The two landed on the ground as the tanks approached. Grass and dirt filled the air as the long line crossed over the field. The sheer size and quantity of the metal creations made the ground quiver as they slowly came to a screeching halt. A wall of dust flew at the two, but was quickly dispersed by a powerful flap of Rainbow's wings, sending it back at the tanks. “Rainbow!” Twilight hissed. “What? I'm just showing they can't shove us around. They...” The coughing from the caged ponies filled the air. “Oh... right. Oops. Sorry!” she called out. “I swear sometimes,” the alicorn grumbled as she shook her head. A moment later one of the cockpits of the tank opened as Sweetie slowly climbed out. She gazed down at the two with a smirk on her face. “So, avatar, I see you haven't run in fear. I trust you brought my sister?” “Of course. I see you've brought my clansmen...” Twilight mumbled gently as she looked over the tanks. “Why have you covered their horns?” “Because otherwise they'd have attacked us while we imprisoned them. Would you have preferred we de-horned them immediately?” the little princess slowly grinned. “If we had, would you have come so eagerly to this negotiation?” “Point taken,” the alicorn mumbled. “So how do you wish to do this?” “Simple. You have one ship and your... small little band of earth benders there,” she mumbled as she motioned to the earth ponies standing on the ground in the distance. “If I really wished, I could crush you like a small, tiny, insignificant grape. With you dead, this entire war would be all but over. As such, I assume you don't trust me in the slightest, no?” “You make very valid points,” Twilight mumbled as she took a small step back. “What's your angle?” “Simple. I'll be quite generous, since you have to have such faith in me. I'll allow you to bring your fire benders on board so you can make your little escape. In return, you swear on your honor that you will let my sister go, and do not board the ship until she has left it. I believe that is fair, no?” “Ummm, hold on one second. I need to discuss this...” she said as she pulled Rainbow away as they flew over towards the earth benders. “She's being really... well... rational. I expected us to be negotiating longer, but I don't know if I can stall like this.” “We need to give them some time,” Rainbow hissed as she looked around. “Maybe it's a trick?” Sapphire offered as she glanced over the tanks. “But, she is right. They could run over us in seconds with a force that large. There's really nothing we could do to even hope to stop them. At least, not for long. Our counter will have to be perfection.” “Hmmm... good point. Okay, I'll be right back,” Twilight said as she slowly walked back, her eyes focused on the unicorn as Rainbow fluttered along behind her. “Okay, that sounds reasonable. However, you're right. What's to stop you from over running us the moment you have what you want? Even in the moonlight I can see your pegasi flying in the sky.” “You're correct,” Sweetie said as she raised a hoof in the air, and then brought it down. The ponies instantly descended, landing on the tanks and leaning forward like vultures. Rainbow snickered as one of the shadowbolts missed their landing and flew off the tank, crashing into the ground. “Wow, these guys are supposed to be a counter to the wonderbolts?” the pegasus said with a snicker. “Yeah, but look how many there are,” Twilight whispered back as she looked their numbers over. “Even if you only counted their shadowbolts, they still have our air forces heavily outnumbered.” “It'll be fine,” Rainbow said with a nod. “Don't worry, we can outrun them.” “Are you two finished whispering amongst yourself, or do you need some alone time?” Sweetie snapped as her eyes narrowed. “Oh, right, I uhhh, s-sorry,” Twilight squeaked as she plodded at the ground. “We were just... nothing. You outnumber us quite heavily, how do we know you won't betray us?” “You don't. You'll have have to trust us. Just as I will, that you won't run off with my sister the moment you have everypony on your ship. Now, shall we?” “I... I guess,” the alicorn squeaked. “We'll bring them up though.” “Of course. Soldiers! Bring their cages forward and release the avatar's tribe.” Slowly the soldiers began to move from the tanks and heft the cages onto the floor. One by one the small prisons were opened and the ponies were allowed to gallop away from their captors. “Okay, pegasi go up! I'll get the wonderbolts to come down as well,” Twilight said as she flew up, the pegasi of the fire tribe following after her. “Everything is going smoothly, for now,” the alicorn said as she stepped onto the deck. “We just need to-” she went silent as a blast of water flew by her and knocked the closest pegasus off the ship. “Avatar, get away from them! Those are shadowbolts!” Celestia yelled as she galloped from the inner deck. The alicorn turned and jumped away, narrowly avoiding as two pegasi flew at her. A flap of her wings sent them flying back. “Rainbow, get out of there, it's a trap!” the avatar screamed. The scream made the pegasus take a step back as one of the earth ponies charged forward, hoof out. Rainbow took into the air instantly, scattering the disguised pegasi with a mighty flap of her wings. “How can you tell?” the pegasus asked as she flew up to the ship. “They look like those ponies to me. Aside from the charging me thing.” “Those are shadowbolts,” Celestia hissed. “I'd know them in any form. I've seen the way they fly a hundred times, we need to get out of here!” “Why would-” Twilight was interrupted as below they heard the ground grinding as the tanks began to move forward. “Right! Everypony, we need to act!” The air ship began to move, going in the complete opposite direction of the tanks as Sweetie yelled. “Tanks, forward! All pegasi, take that ship down!” The tanks started forward as the fliers took to the air. The earth benders frowned as they turned to ran. “Run them down! Don't let any escape!” Rainbow grinned as she looked over the ledge of the ship. The wonderbolts moved to guard the vessel. “Think it's about time?” “I can't think of any better! Hold on!” Twilight said as she lowered her head. A ball of flame formed on the tip of her horn, gathering and compressing. After a few seconds she grit her teeth and flung the explosive ball into the air, away from the ship. It exploded, casting a blinding light across the sky and illuminating the pegasi as they flew up. The ground under the tanks erupted, dirt flying into the air as the world caved in around them. Screams filled the air as the large vehicles dove front first into the dirt. “Out!” Sweetie screamed as she crawled out from her tank and looked around. The vehicles treads continued to spin, struggling to move and rolling over each other in a desperate attempt to move. “Don't let them escape!” she screamed. A pegasus, one of hers, slammed into the tank from above. She looked up and her mouth fell open. From the clouds, dozens of pegasi spilled forth to crash against her own air forces. The winds spun and shifted wildly as dozens of air benders engaged the Water Nation in a battle for sky dominance. The princess growled as she ran up the back of the tank and lept back onto ground level. Earth ponies began popping out from the ground surrounding the hole. “Where did all these forces come from?” she hissed. “They must have acquired reinforcements since our last fight,” Scootaloo said as she landed besides the mare. “What are your orders?” “Attack, of course! We still have them heavily outnumbered,” Sweetie growled as she looked up to the sky. The airship was retreating, but her pegasi were pushing forward despite the wonderbolts best efforts. “Come on, everypony, don't let them escape!” she screamed as she charged around the hole and ran towards the air ship. Her soldiers charged forward as well, as the earth benders quickly attempted to regroup. The two forces crashed together, stone, water and hooves flying as the princess and her two comrades moved with her. Pegasi, from both the Air Nomads and the Water Nation, fell through the air like rain. Water gathered around the princess's horn as she batted earth ponies aside. Pillars of dirt shot at her and her friends, attempting to crush and knock them away, but the three weaved around them as they went. Scootaloo was a blur, dodging around earth benders as her hooves flashed out, tapping key points as the earth ponies crumbled to the ground. Flowerbloom's hooves shot out, hurtling small obsidian daggers through the air. They buried into hooves and clothing, locking the ponies up long enough for her to get in close and finish with a well placed kick. The three dove and wove through the battle, the two forces fighting for their lives. A high pitched shriek filled the air as the airship's balloon was slashed, causing the massive vehicle to begin a rapid descent towards the ground. “Rainbow, we're going down!” Twilight yelled as she held onto the ropes as best she could, the wind whistling by her as the ship plunged towards the ground. “There's too many of them! We need to get everypony out of here!” Rainbow growled as she held on as well, her wings flapping in a hopeless effort to keep the ship afloat. “I'm sounding the retreat!” Twilight yelled as her horn lit up. Once again a large ball of flame formed at the tip of her horn, compressing itself. However, before she could send it up into the sky and release, the ship slammed into the ground. She was torn from the rigging, the ball shooting out from her and exploding across the ground, failing to illuminate the sky and instead alighted the sails. The alicorn laid on the ground, the world blurry as she struggled to see clearly. Yet, all she could see were flames. “Avatar, are you well? Avatar!” Celestia yelled as she shook the dazed mare. She quickly looked back to Fluttershy. “She needs your help. She's the only one who can properly signal the retreat.” Fluttershy gulped as she stepped forward, pressing her hooves to the head of the disoriented mare. Celestia turned and galloped away, glancing through the burning wreckage. “Niece! Where are you?” “H-here,” the fallen princess groaned, her voice from above. The elder unicorn looked up and let out a soft snicker. Wrapped in the ship's ropes was Rarity, dangling upside down. “You're lucky these have not caught fire yet, come,” the elder unicorn said as a small blade of water shot up and sliced through the ropes. “AHHHH!” the younger mare shrieked as she fell to the ground, hooves flailing. “Owww... why... did you do that?” “I... errr... sorry,” Celestia mumbled as she helped her niece to her hooves. “Come, we must move. A retreat is being called.” An explosion tore through the air as the great fireball above lit the battlefield. “Has been called.” “Y-yes, of course,” Rarity groaned as she leaned against her aunt. The two quickly made their way from the burning wreckage with the other survivors, regrouping with the avatar and Rainbow. “Okay, what now?” the pegasus asked as she glanced to the sky. “I should be up there with them.” “Everypony who can escape, likely is. Fluttershy and Pinkie are helping the wounded. We need to draw them away as best we can,” Twilight said as she began galloping away, her horn alight. She came to a screeching halt as shards of ice were suddenly lodged into the ground in front of her. “Going somewhere, avatar?” Sweetie asked as she stood on top of the burning wreckage. Scootaloo and Flowerbloom stood on either side of her as they jumped from the shattered wood. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped. “Wait, this is your sister?” Twilight asked as she took a step back. “The cause of this whole mess?” “Well, errr, yes. She's a goo- why am I defending her to you?” the fallen princess asked as she face hooved. “Sweetie, you need to give up on this, it-” “I will not give up on this!” the younger princess yelled. “You are coming home with me, and we are going to capture the avatar! Whether you like it or not!” Water swirled around her horn, bubbling and popping as it turned a dark, angry purple. “You're going to be my BSBFF!” “.... Bsh bfphhh?” Rainbow asked with a cocked eye. “BSBFF! Big sister best friend forever, duh,” Sweetie said as she rolled her eyes. “Now, avatar. It's time for us to end this! Sister, join me at my side so we can eliminate her, and then the fire benders!” Rarity stopped and stared at her sister, before looking to the avatar. She slowly shook her head. “No. Sister, this isn't you. This isn't the kind of mare you- EEK!” She was shoved to the side by her aunt as a shard of purple ice impaled near her leg. “This is me! If you won't stand besides me willingly, I'll make you lay beside me!” she screamed as the purple liquid shot at them. Rainbow formed a quick wall of wind, scattering the poison. “What is that stuff?” the pegasus asked. “Poison bending! Don't let it touch you,” Celestia growled. “Be very careful, she is far more dangerous than she appears.” “Wonderful,” Twilight growled as fire formed on her horn. She let out a yelp as a blade of obsidian struck the tip of her horn, dislodging the flames. “Nuh uh,” Flowerbloom said with a shake of her head. “Bad mare.” Scootaloo charged forward, jumping into the air and bringing a hoof down at Rainbow. The older pegasus jumped back, doing three quick loops through the air away from the pony. “Hey, I don't know what you've got planned, squirt, but no way I'm letting you take my bending away,” she said with a smirk as she dove down and flew inches by Scootaloo, gripping her tail and yanking her into the air. Sweetie charged forward as the liquid surged around her in a tight circle. With a flick of her head, a purple blade of ice slashed at Twilight, but she countered with a small burst of flame, evaporating the liquid and creating a thin purple mist. Flowerbloom hurled three small daggers, two lodging into Celestia's cloak and trapping it in the ground, while the final narrowly missed Rarity's tail. “Eee! Careful!” the elder princess cried. “Do you have any idea how many times a day I have to brush my tail to keep it this perfect?” Scootaloo shrieked as she was spun around by her tail, before being hurtled high into the air. She screamed and flailed her wings and hooves as she sailed through the air towards the burning wreckage, struggling to gain more height. “Ahhhhhhhhh!” The jagged burning pieces of wood came closer and closer as she finally covered her eyes and tucked herself in. The painful burning never came. Instead, a hoof latched around her side as she was suddenly raised into the air. “Are you trying to get yourself killed? You shadowbolts are supposed to fly better than that.” “I-I'm not an official shadowbolt yet and I can't fly!” Scootaloo shrieked as Rainbow raised her higher and higher into the air “Oh. That's... well, makes this a lot easier,” the pegasus said as she suddenly tossed the younger mare into the air, the ground now far below. Scootaloo screamed and flailed her hooves again, as her fall quickly stopped. “Huh?” she slowly opened one eye and looked down. She had landed on a small cloud. “Hey!” “Sorry, twerp. Just stay up here until we're done fighting!” Rainbow said as she leaned back and dove towards the ground. “Twilight, take cover!” she yelled as she began picking up speed. “What on- oh buck!” the alicorn shrieked as she flapped her wings and sent out a powerful gust of wind, knocking Sweetie and Flowerbloom backwards. “Hit the ground!” she shrieked and dove on top of Rarity and Celestia, as a spike of poisonous water narrowly missed them. A moment later the world erupted in color around them as Rainbow shattered through the color spectrum, sending a circle of rainbow light outwards and across the field. The five ponies were sent hurtling back, head over hooves, from the powerful shockwave. High in the air Scootaloo gripped the cloud as tightly as she could and stared down. “Oh... my... that was the most awesome thing I've ever seen!” she shrieked as her cloud jumped and wobbled from the force. Rainbow landed with a smirk, chuckling. “Yeah, that's what I do! Okay, let's get out of here and... guys?” “But ah dun wanna play hoof ball, I wanna read mah book,” Twilight groaned as she laid on her back, her eyes little swirls. “My... my mane,” Rarity shrieked as she slowly got to her hooves, her mane standing completely on end. “You insane lunatic! Look what you did to my MANE!” the unicorn screamed as she ran up to grab Rainbow by the collar and shook her. “Do you have any idea how hard that is to fix?” “H-hey, we won, didn't we?” the pegasus said as her head wobbled back and forth. “I should tear out your... your... your something, you little-” “Niece!” Celestia said as she glared down. “It is time for us to go. Come, before your sister regains herself,” the elder unicorn said as she motioned towards the two dazed and unmoving mares. “... Right. Escape now, kill the pegasus later. Coming!” the unicorn shoved Rainbow, before turning and galloping off. The pegasus moved to Twilight's side and quickly helped her hobble away as the ponies made their escape. ------ “They... they escaped?” Sweetie asked as she struggled to focus on the ponies that seemed to be multiplying and shaking before her eyes. “H-how? What about... what about the ambush?” “We... checked on the ambush squad. All of them...” Caballeron said as he lowered his head. “They were dead. It was as if they had all been struck by lightning. No survivors.” “That... they... how many...” the unicorn held her head as she closed her eyes. “How many did we lose, how many did we kill?” “Dozens on each side, your highness,” the earth pony said as he nodded his head. “Unfortunately, they-” “The ships. Where were they from?” “I... errr. The ships?” “The ships you fool! The ones she escaped on!” Even holding her head, she could feel her body swaying from side to side regardless of her desires. “I can answer that, your highness,” Shadowblade said as she slowly limped forward, her hoof wrapped in bandages. “That was a pirate ship. They were likely hired from Los Pegasus. They-” “We head there. Immediately,” Sweetie hissed as her eyes opened into narrow slits. “But, your highness, we'll need more supplies for such a trip. And-” Caballeron objected. “We will take whatever we need,” the princess growled as she looked around her camp. The tents had all been torn asunder and large rocks stood high into the air. “I will not accept defeat.” The sun slowly began to rise, casting its glow on the unicorn as her hooves began to quiver. “The avatar will suffer for this. As will all who aided her. Now MOVE!” ------ “So, you're sure everything will be okay?” Twilight asked nervously as she looked timidly at Applejack. “Ah told yah, they all got outta there jus' fine,” the earth pony said with a snicker. “If yah all hadn't spent so much time waitin' on everypony and let them wonderbolts handle it, we coulda all gone with them.” Twilight shrugged. “I guess. But... you know, maybe this is for the best? Everything went well,” she said with a smile as she glanced towards the rising sun. “I... well... as well as it could. The fire tribe is on its way to Fillydelphia, where they'll be safe. We managed to escape.” “Not everything worked out well...” Spike grumbled as he walked besides them. “Yes, of course. The mare who wants me in chains is still out and running about,” the alicorn grumbled with a roll of her eyes. “Wish she hadn't disappeared like that. Could have at least had her come with us and kept her from trying to attack again.” “That's probably why she ran off in the night,” Rainbow teased as they trotted along. “Anyway. Things went well for once. We... lost some ponies. But... we won. For the first time, in a long time, I feel we've actually won a battle instead of just survived it. Here's hoping it stays that way.” She sighed and lowered her gaze and shook her head. “I would be so lucky...”