//------------------------------// // Dual of the fates // Story: Lightning Wolf // by litestardt //------------------------------// 10 minutes before the explosion Wolf, Twilight, and Flash just enter the north quarter. They headed to where the guards were station since Wolf had a terrible feeling. When they got to the station they saw a terrible sight. "What happen here?" Asked Flash "Who could have done this?" Asked Twilight "Theirs only one creature I know who can kill all of these men and I will kill him for doing this." Said Wolf The sight they were looking at was all the guards and USN troops station in the north were dead. "But can one person really have killed all these troops?" Asked Twilight with fear on her eyes "Yes but I only know two people that know this type of magic." Said Wolf "Who are the two?" Asked Flash "Me and my master." Said Wolf "And who is your master?" Asked Twilight "My master was Fenrir and used dark rift here." Said Wolf "Dark Rift what is that?" Asked Twilight "It's a powerful dark spell that makes your body blend into darkness and be in the shadows. It's used by assassins to kill a target but you can't hurt the user since he is only a shadow so the only to hurt him is to know someone that know the same magic spell." Said Wolf "I don't think he did this alone. Come check this out!" Said Flash from a distance Twilight and Wolf rushed over to Flash to see scythe marks on dead troops. Wolf went over to inspect and notice that more of them had scythe marks than katana slashes. "Who could have done this?" Asked Wolf "Theirs only one pony that heard of from Celestia that uses a scythe. Which means he's free." Said Twilight "Who's is it Twi?" Asked Wolf Twilight started shaking in fear just thinking about him. Wolf decided to try and comfort her since he did like seeing her shaking in fear. "Twi listen to me. It's going to be ok. Just tell me who did this." Said Wolf Twilight looked into Wolf's eyes with fear and said "King Sombra has return." Wolf eyes became bigger and before he could say anything there was a giant explosion. The three of them looked towards the explosion and all their eyes widen when they saw it was coming from the castle. "Lets go!" Order Wolf as he rushed towards the castle. Back at the castle Cadance was opening her eyes when she notice she was still alive. She looked up to see Shining with his force field up around the two of them. "I couldn't save anyone else." Said Shining with a sad tone while his force field going down. Cadance was confused at what he meant but when she got to she saw the other six creatures that were there to protect them died. She put her hooves by her mouth as she saw the terrifying sight. "They all died from the blast and I could only save both of us. I wish I could have save everyone but then we would have died too." Said Shining "It's alright honey you did the right thing." Said Cadance giving a nuzzle to Shining cheek Shining went ahead and kiss Cadance. This took Cadance by surprise but she didn't mind. Shining knew he shouldn't kiss her right now but he needed the comfort of his wife's love. Shining then pushed Cadance away and pushing himself back. When he look back at where they were just standing there was a scythe. The scythe pick up and a black unicorn with a red horn appear. "I see you've been taking care of my empire but now that I'm back I shall rule it once again." Said the black unicorn "Sombra it's good to see that your as evil as ever." Said Shining now glaring at the evil king "Ah the new prince of Equestria. Maybe since you are a prince I'll keep you alive." Said Sombra "but to be honest I rather have your head hanging from my throne!" "Well Sombra this isn't your throne room anymore its our!" Said Cadance "Ah princess mi Amore Cadenza, if the pony that brought me back didn't have plans with you. I would have you as my slave." Said Sombra "What do you mean plans?" Asked Shining "Well once I kill you she will be taken just like Luna." Said Sombra "You know where Auntie Luna is?" Said Cadance "Oh I know alot more than you think you two." Said Sombra "Just like your husband here is ...." Shining charged after him with his crystal sword but Sombra stop him with his scythe. Shining kept swinging at him while Sombra kept blocking. "I see you can actually fight good. That just means I don't have to hold back!" Sombra then kicked Shining and flung him with his magic into the air. Sombra jumped up ready to slice Shining in half but an arrow shot his scythe out of his magic grip. Shining saw an opening and slam his sword into Sombra's armor which sent him flying into the now destroyed throne room floor. Shining landed on all four hooves and saw smoke from where Sombra hit. Cadance flew next to Shining with her bow in her magic. "Did we get him?" Asked Cadance "No that would have been too easy." Said Shining still holding his sword A magic beam shot from the smoke just missing both ponies by an inch. Both ponies looked to see where the beam hit and turned back to see Sombra right in front of them. Sombra swung is scythe towards Shining who blocked but still was sent flying from the force. Sombra turned to Cadance and swung to hit her with the blunt side of the scythe. Cadance was sent flying into the throne chairs which now collapse on her. Shining charged after Sombra from where he was kick to. Shining and Sombra interlock weapons and giving each other death glares. "You are strong than you look Captain." Said Sombra "I thought you said you knew everything about me." Said Shining with a grin "I know that your hiding something from your wife and I will find out what it is before I kill you." Said Sombra as he push back Shining Sombra charged up a magic spell and blast it towards Shining. Another magic spell counter it from across the throne room. When they looked to see who shot it, they saw Cadance with anger in her eyes. She pulled back her bow ready to shoot at Sombra. "This is for destroying our castle and causing chaos in our kingdom!" Yelled Cadance as she shot the arrow The arrow started to glow with a magic spell put on it that will make sure Sombra never comes back. Sombra recognize the spell that was casted on the arrow and his eyes widen with fear. Sombra barely dodge the arrow but the spell still created a explosion by him which engulfed him. Shining went over to his wife as he saw collapse from fatigue. He picked up his wife who gave him a weak smile. "Did I get him?" Asked Cadance "Yes yes you did." Said Shining Cadance slowly got on her hooves and kissed Shining on the lips. "Good and now what was he saying about you keeping something from me. Since I now you would tell me everything. Right?" Said Cadance Shining open his mouth to say something but he was hoofed from the side which sent him flying by the throne room door. Cadance looked at her husband with scared eyes as she turned to look her just hit him. "You could have killed me with that spell but now your my princess." Said Sombra as he turned to face Cadance At the bottom of the castle Wolf, Twilight and Flash just enter the castle after fighting their way in. "That was alot more guys than I expected." Said Wolf "I still can't believe you killed them all." Said Flash When they looked inside they saw no one was there to greet them in some way. Wolf looked around to see if there was an ambush set up. Twilight saw Wolf's eyes start to glow a little green. "What's you doing Wolf?" Asked Twilight "Looking to see if there is an ambush set up for us but all I see are two faint heart beats coming from the next room." Said Wolf "Lets go check it out then." Said Flash as he got his spear ready They ran into the room expecting to see the enemy waiting for them but what they saw shocked them. In the room laid ten enemy died and two mares standing in the middle of the room. "Rarity, Fluttershy what happened here?" Asked Twilight "We....don't...know." Said Fluttershy holding Rarity in a tight grip "What do you mean you don't know?" Asked Flash as Wolf examined a dead body "We mean we were surround by theses ponies and creatures. Then all of sudden something stab them with their shadows." Said Rarity "Wait their shadows killed them?" Ask Twilight which both girls nodded their heads "But that doesn't explain anything." "Twilight don't worry about. Lets just say the creature that used the shadows is our allie." Said Wolf as he came over "You girls head towards Rush and tell him what happened here. While us three better get up there fast." The girls did as they were told and headed outside to find Rush. Wolf, Flash, and Twilight all ran towards the throne room all worried for different reasons. Twilight was afraid that her brother and sister-in-law were killed. Flash was worried that he failed to protect the prince and the princess and would never forgive himself if he did. While Wolf was worried that Shining might lose control facing against Sombra and Fenrir at the same time. They made it to the entrance of the throne room. Wolf opened the doors to see Shining laying on the ground. Twilight rushed to her brother who was struggling to get up from a wound he received. Twilight saw Shining looking towards saw and decided to look but was shocked what she saw. "Wolf look." Said Twilight pointing in a direction Wolf and Flash both looked into the direction that Twilight was pointing and their faces became shocked with horror. They saw Cadance being held up in the air by shadows while they grip around her neck cutting off air flow. Sombra had a big evil smile on his face as he continue to have the shadows do his will. Cadance looked over to the group that just walked in. "H..H..Help M..M..Me" was all she said before she past out and was thrown onto the ground with force. Wolf became angry and charged after Sombra but before he even got closer a wolf dropped from the ceiling and attack Wolf. Wolf barely dodge the attack making go back where Shining and Twilight were. "That's a cheap attack Fenrir." Said Wolf towards the silver wolf that just attacked him "Coming from an assassin like you, doesn't mean anything to me." Said Fenrir as he went to Sombra side "You know I could take them all on one." Said Sombra to Fenrir "No not the wolf he's alot stronger than you know and plus I need to send the princess to my master." Said Fenrir as he open a portal Wolf recognized the portal as the same portal he used to capture Luna and knew he had to stop Fenrir from putting Cadance in there. Fenrir pick up the princess and started to walk towards the portal and Wolf took the opportunity to strike at Fenrir. Fenrir saw Wolf coming after and he used his magic to throw Cadance into the portal and shut it fast. Fenrir turned around and right when he did that Wolf tackled him out the window of the throne room. Twilight saw her lover fall out a window with his enemy at each other throats. Twilight decided to fly out the same window hoping that Wolf was ok. Shining saw his sister fly out the window and was worried about her but he had to take care of Sombra first so he can find Cadance. "Flash your now with me. We have to take this guy together." Said Shining "Alright sir but you do realize he can use magic sir." Said Flash "I know and I'll counter it while you attack him." Said Shining finally standing up Sombra looked at the two that were left for him and smiled knowing he was easily going to kill the prince and put his lifeless body on display for the whole kingdom to see. Sombra charged up his magic and shot a been at shining who counter it with his force field and that when Flash went and attack Sombra. Sombra saw the royal guard charge after him and used his shadow magic to kill the royal guard but that was blocked by shining too. Sombra became shocked as he grabbed his scythe with his magic to block the guard attack. Twilight was now heading towards the street of the crystal empire. When she finally saw Wolf she saw him using his wings to stay afloat in air. When she looked down she saw Fenrir still alive and well. Twilight flew next to Wolf who was now descending down to the street. "Wolf are you ok?" Asked Twilight as she landed next to him "Twilight what are you doing here?" Asked Wolf as he was in shock of her being there "I came to make sure you were ok and help you out." Said Twilight "No you need to get out of here." Said Wolf "No I'm not leaving your side so you can just die without me because if you died I don't know what to do with my life." Said Twilight holding onto Wolf now "Twilight I didn't know I... I'm sorry for making you worried about me but for now I'm going to need your help to defeat Fenrir." Said Wolf "Alright I'll help you defeat him but we capture him no killing." Said Twilight Wolf nodded his head to let Twilight know he understood and she gave him a kiss on the cheek to show that she was glad he agreed. Fenrir saw Twilight's action and had an evil grin on his muzzle now. He now knew how to get his revenge on Wolf for what he did. "I see you found another slut for yourself assassin. I'll be glad to let you know that this time I'll be the one to kill her." Said Fenrir as he used his magic to attack both of them Wolf eyes changed to a red color as he heard what Fenrir said and the voice inside his head said yes let me free, let me show what we really can do, my little wolf. When Wolf heard that in his head he shook his head and his eyes changed back to normal. Wolf then notice that Fenrir was now right in front of him. Fenrir hit Wolf which sent him flying into a wall. Twilight shot Fenrir with her magic but he dodge and ready to attack her. He slashed his claws in Twilights direction but he didn't hit anything. He looked up in the sky to see Twilight flying and she used her magic to knock him back. Fenrir hit the ground and Wolf jumped into the air ready to pounce on him but Fenrir dodge and took out his katana. Fenrir swung his sword at Wolf who blocked it with his sword. Wolf and Fenrir matched each other movements step by step. Twilight notice as if they were mirroring each others movements like they were one. Fenrir and Wolf interlock swords and growled at each other. "You will pay for everything you have done to me, Wolf!" Growled Fenrir "You will fall again Fenrir, if you continue down this path again!" Growled Wolf Once Wolf said that he jumped back to let Twilight have a clear shot at him. Twilight had a knockout spell charged up for him ready to fire. She shot her blast at Fenrir who reflected backed to her with his sword. Twilight got hit by her knockout spell and fell onto the street. Wolf saw that Fenrir shot back the spell and his eyes changed to red again. Wolf charged after Fenrir with more force in his strikes. Fenrir was on the defensive part for along time just blocking Wolf's vicious attacks against him. Wolf was about to use this rail gun attack but Fenrir saw an opportunity to knock him back. Fenrir hit Wolf hard enough to send him into a building and having it collapse on him. Fenrir than turned and walked towards Twilight who was just waking up. Fenrir but a gravity spell on her so she couldn't get up. Twilight saw that Fenrir lifted his sword and she tried to fly away but she couldn't get up. Twilight saw the sword come down and she shut her eyes closed, scared of her death approaching. She head the sword go into something but not her since she felt no pain. When she opened her eyes she saw the most shocking sight ever. She saw Wolf standing over her with one wing tucked under her, his body over her protecting her, and the other wing blocked the sword by having it stab into him instead. Wolf than let out a howl of pain to indicate he was injured. Right when his howl has over he fell on top of Twilight bleeding from his wing. Fenrir pulled the sword out the wing and had a grin on his face now. "Looks like you protected her but now you will die with her, you damn monster!" Said Fenrir as he bought up his sword Before Fenrir could bring his sword down something hit him that sent him flying. When the two look to see what punched him they saw Star Rush right in front of them. Then they saw Rainbow and Azrael come up next to him. "Sir you shouldn't be pushing yourself that hard. Especially after that injury you received while protecting Dash." Said Azrael "Don't worry about me Azrael look after Wolf, he's the injured one here and Rainbow help your friend." Said Rush The two nodded their heads and went to help the two up. Rainbow help Twilight get up and was happy to see that she was ok. Azrael helped Wolf but notice that he was losing blood and fast. "Rush we're going to need Litestar here now." Said Azrael "I agree but right now we have this guy to deal with." Said Rush as he notice Fenrir getting back up "Well commander Rush I see you came to the rescue of your pet." Said Fenrir "Yeah I did and now your going to face me for what you did to him." Said Rush "Oh so your going to make me pay for what?" Asked Fenrir with innocent face "For stabbing him in the wing and I'll repay you by ripping your head off." Said Rush as he charged after Fenrir Back up in the throne room Shining and Flash were running out breath fighting and using up magic against Sombra. Shining knew if they didn't get back up soon he would have to use his actual powers then erase Flash memories. Sombra was still standing with out a sweat even broken just looking at the two stallions in front him. Flash got up and grabbed his spear again getting ready to attack Sombra but he knew he needed Shining or else he would be died. "We going to attack again." Said Shining as he got up from the ground "Sir I think we should lead him outside instead so we can get back up." Said Flash "No on my order, we attack him again Flash." Said Shining Sombra saw the two stallions plan out their attack but Sombra decided that he would be on the offense this time. Flash charged after Sombra as usually but this time Sombra turned into a shadow and dodge Flash attack. Sombra reappeared in front of Shining and hoofed him to send him flying into the ground. Flash turned to attack Sombra from behind but before he got closer he felt something stab him though the chest. Shining got up after being hit and saw that a shadow stabbed right though Flash's chest. Sombra just a had a small grin on his face as he used the shadow to toss Flash's dead body aside. When Shining saw Sombra just toss Flash's body like it was nothing he felt complete anger in him. Shining thoughts now changed from protecting the kingdom to only killing Sombra and devouring him. Sombra felt the air change to cold evil one and looked towards Shining. Sombra saw alot of energy going towards him replenishing his magic. Once that was done Shining tackled Sombra out the window. Fenrir and Rush were match even since Fenrir couldn't get in close because of Rush's sniper rifle to protect the group. They were standing a few yards away from each other when something came crashing down next to them. Everyone looked towards the area that the crash happen and only saw smoke. Sombra then came out of the smoke on all four hooves but he was looking towards the smoke. Twilight saw Sombra come out the smoke and was scared that her brother was defeated. When she looked at the smoke again she saw a unicorn now standing on all four hooves. She was happy to see that her brother was still alive. "Shining, I'm so happy your ....." Than the smoke cleared up to show shining which frighten Twilight at the sight. Shining was standing on all four hooves but his eyes were now red and had a dark green aura coming from them like Sombra. His horn was just like Sombra's, his coated was now dark grey and his mane was a dark blue with blue streak in it. What truly scared Twilight though was Shining's evil smile that showed razor sharp teeth. He reminded her of Nightmare Moon but mix with Sombra. Shining had a big grin on his face as he said "Sombra I'm going to kill you then you will become my meal." Shining than used dark magic to attack Sombra. Sombra was surprise to see a captain (no less) of the royal guard using dark magic. Sombra knew that using dark magic was forbidden in Equestria. Shining then summoned his crystal sword which was black know than its normal light blue color. Shining was going toe to toe now against Sombra. "I see your secret now. You've know dark magic for years for you to be able to wield it this well." Said Sombra as he and Shining battle "Yeah so what I don't care anymore. All I care about is killing you and feeding on you for taking my wife." Said Shining as he knock Sombra back Shining used a dark magic spell but it was blocked by Fenrir. Fenrir than used a dark wind spell that covered him and Sombra and when the spell disappear same thing with Sombra and Fenrir. Shining now was mad and yelled at the top of his lungs. "Shining is that you?" Asked Twilight from behind Shining scared of him Shining looked at Twilight and smiled "Who is this Shining you speak of all that's here is a dark lord." Said Shining "You will be my meal." Twilight didn't know who this unicorn or monster was but she knew this wasn't her brother. Twilight saw Shining's mouth start to produce fire like Wolf's. Shining than used a fire breath towards Twilight and she saw her life flash before for her. Wolf used his fire breath to block Shining's from hitting Twilight. "Shining snap out of it." Said Wolf Shining looked at Wolf "What are you doing Wolf your suppose to be on my side." Said Shining "But this isn't you Shining I know you." Said Wolf as he moved closer to Shining "Cadance wouldn't want you to do this or be like this." Shining eyes widen hearing his wife name. Shining started to look towards the ground. As he was looking at the ground his coat, mane and horn return to normal. Shining than closed his eyes and when he reopen them they were blue again. "Your right she wouldn't want me to use this but I was so weak that I couldn't protect her." Said Shining with tears in his eyes Wolf went over to Shining and gave him a hug and said "I know how you feel my ...." Wolf couldn't finish since he passed out due to blood lost. Shining caught him in his arms and held him. Twilight and Rush went over to Shining after seeing Wolf faint. Twilight grabbed Wolf and started to hug him close crying into his coat scared that he might have died. She then heard his heart beat and used a spell to stop his bleeding. Once she was done with looked up at Shining with fear in her eyes. Shining saw the fear in her eyes and knew he would have to explain everything to her one day but now all he cared about was getting Wolf to a hospital and checking on his men. When they got to the crystal empire hospital they saw how many people were injured and died. Rush was looking at the USN loses and saw they lost over 100 men and over 200 injured. Shining saw that he lost over 150 men while 300 were injured. "This war is taking its toll on us." Said Shining "Yeah this is what war looks like but you eventually get use to it my friend." Said Rush putting a hoof on Shining's shoulder Shining gave a weak smile to Rush for trying to comfort him but they both knew what was going to happen next. Royal guards enter the hospital which caught everyone's attention now. They marched straight towards Shining Armor and pulled their weapons on him. Everyone saw this and who wasn't there was confused in what was happening. Then Celestia came in which everypony bowed expect for Rush and Shining who just stood there looking at Celestia. "Captain Shining Armor you are placed under arrest." Said Celestia looking at her formal captain "What?!" Said Twilight Shining and Celestia looked at Twilight. "You can't put him under arrest princess he's your captain and we are in a middle of a war." Said Twilight "Twilight I understand where you are coming from but your brother has lied to you and me and everyone in this country about who he really is." Said Celestia "So what if he can use dark magic. You can use it and I can learn it." Said Twilight "Yes you are correct but that's not the main reason why I'm putting him under arrest." Said Celestia "Then why?" Asked Shining looking at Celestia with a glare "Since you are dark lord Shining armor which means you know magic that have been forbidden here for as long as I could remember and you also help erasing two convective criminals in their escape and erased them from history." Said Celestia When Twilight heard the last part she couldn't believe that her brother was the one that helped Rush and Wolf out. The other thing she couldn't believe is that Wolf never told her any of this. Twilight looked towards Shining trying to see if Celestia was wrong but all Shining did was put up his front hooves. "Your not going to defend yourself?" Asked Celestia "No why would I. I broke the law of Equestria and as captain of the royal guard I'm suppose to uphold that law." Said Shining With that said Celestia order one of the guards to hoof cuff Shining and lead him out. Twilight saw the sight before her but when Shining passed her, he had a big grin like he planned this. Twilight turned around to see Shining leave and be taken away. Rush then spoke to a nurse and order that Wolf be transferred to Ponyville. Do to the battle now Twilight lost her brother and her coltfriend friend was currently in coma from the battle. She knew the next few days were going to be crazy but they were going to be worst than she thought.