When lightning strikes...

by FrostTheWolf


Strike 26- The Countess of the Night

When Lightning Strikes- The Countess of the Night


The Clubhouse, Centrail City

        At the crack of dawn, the Crusaders were up, alive and kicking. But a lot of them were wondering the whereabouts of two of their new friends. The first being Lance, who was “Gunvolt” in Maretropolis, and the second one being Aurora, who happened to be Scootaloo’s sister. Their questions were answered when they found the two of them, along with Filli-second, crashing into the kitchen after being spat out of a small wormhole. But all this lead though was to more questions being asked by a ragtag bunch of confused and excited fillies.

        At first, Lance thought about just saying a white lie to them. But then, he remembered about Scootaloo and Aurora. Their father was a Displaced and wouldn’t believe him otherwise if he lied directly in their face. So, the Azure Striker tried to explain it to them in the best way he could, while mentioning Max and the foals that Pinkie was helping babysit. It took almost half an hour, but soon, the team understood what he was talking about.

        “So, to get back on track, what do we need to do today?” Scootaloo asked, looking at the Azure Striker. Lance sighed, pulling out a map of the city before pulling out some pieces that looked like it came from a MONOPOLY game.

        “Simple. The Puppets have been causing problems in the city and before we stop whoever is in charge, we need to find out as much information as we can on them. Now, when Aurora and I encountered them, we got a good look at what they're capable of.” He explained before taking a deep breath. “One has Psychic powers, another can turn into Smoke, and a third one is basically a moving stone statue. Plus, Aurora got a look at who their master is.”

        The filly nodded, “Yeah, and you guys aren’t gonna like it. His name is Equilis, one of five ex-secret operatives from the government.”

        “Hey! I remember him! He helped foalnap Entropy for The Cupcake!” Scootaloo said, “Weren’t they detained along with the Purple Mare?”

        “No, only Cupcake and Purple were taken to the Zero Zone. Equilis didn’t do much but give them Entropy.” Aurora clarified. “I met him only once when he watched my… Execution along with several other bad guys.”

        “So, with that in mind, we need to do some surveillance and try to find a way to infiltrate Equilis’ hideout from anything we can find. Aurora, can you bring up a list of the ponies we encountered yesterday?” Aurora nodded, going through the data she stole from the old warehouse they were hiding in and bringing up the list.

        “Here you go.

        “Thank you kindly,” Lance replied with a smile before bringing up a projection of the list “Now, from what we have, there are four juveniles that if we encounter them, we are to capture them. They don’t know any better and I believe that if they’re following someone such as Equilis, an former secret operative, they deserve a second chance. The first one is Psycho, and she has psychic abilities along with her magic. Second is Ash, who can turn into Ash and smoke along with using it as an explosive. Third is Weeping Angel, a stone pegasi that can hit you with the force of a brick wall. As of now, we don’t know who the fourth one is, but from the code name of Bomb Voyage, he sounds like an explosives expert.”

        “And Prench if you ask me.”

        Lance them turned around to notice Lumen flying into the room. “Oh, hey there Lumen. When did you get here?”

        “I was with Pinkie Pie raising the foals until we came here.”

        “I see… Well, that makes sense.”

        “Didn’t Psycho mention something about Steelwing or something? And what was up with her mental freak out when you mentioned Mrs. Hooves?” Aurora asked.

        “I don’t know. Maybe she knew her before from somewhere. As for Steelwing, that could be someone’s real name instead of a code name. It’s all speculation.” For a moment, while he was talking, Lance heard something brief in his head. What he heard was a call for help.

        “Whoever you are… Please, help me.”

        Realizing that it must have been a Displaced that was in danger, Lance soon got up and left from the table. “Change of plans. Someone’s calling for my help and needs it fast. Pinkie, can you help Scoot and the others with their mission here today?”

        “Yes sir, Lancie!” She replied, saluting the Adept.

        “Thanks.” The Azure Striker said briefly before looking at the Breezie and the ghost pony by the table. “Lumen, come with me. Aurora, I would like you to be helping Scootaloo with her mission today. I assume that you two won't be causing any shenanigans while I’m gone right?”

        “I promise nothing.” Said Aurora plainly, “But we won’t break anything.”

        “Okay, if anything happens while I’m gone. Just send me a message. I believe that since you have been in my communications device, you can send messages to me no matter where I am in the void. So, if you need my help, just give me a buzz. If you’re done, you can visit me as well.” The teen soon adjusted his clothes, wearing the white sleeveless hoodie that Time Spinner gave him with a black undershirt to go with his pants. “Alright Lumen, time to go and we better hurry.”

        The Breezie wasn’t able to say anything before Lance put her in his coat pocket and tore a hole in the void, running through it. As the crusaders looked at one another, one of the rookies decided to break the ongoing silence…

        “So… are we going to need disguises?”


        Just as Lance arrived at his destination, he felt his foot going into the face of somepony that was in front of him. Looking up from his landing spot, he found himself inside somepony’s room and noticed that the stallion he just kicked was holding a human like girl against her will, restraining her to a wall. Not to mention that it looked like the stallion’s pants was on the floor.

        “Now this is just too sick.”

        “W-who are you?” The girl asked. Lance could tell that she was afraid. Almost like when Max was afraid a few days ago. The Adept started by getting to work on freeing her from the magical restraints that held her to the wall, but before he could introduce himself, the Unicorn Stallion he kicked tried to release a spell at him in a fury of mystic rage. For Lance though, he knew that his efforts were futile. Especially when he had the gem Loki gave him.

        Holding the gem out, the magic that was rushing towards him soon became golden dust as it faded away into nothingness. The stallion was beyond speechless. “W-what!?”

        “Wrong answer.” was the Adept’s only reply as he took out his gun and fired off three rounds from his Vasuki clip before releasing enough electricity to send the assailant through the window behind him. Midflight, Lance used his abilities in Ki to restrain his arms and hooves to prevent whoever he was from struggling. Turning around, he soon offered a hand to the young girl that he had just rescued. “Sorry about that. I guess you’re the one who summoned me?”

        “Y-yes I- wait, what!?”

        “My token,” The adept pointed it out to the girl, which was used to tie the back of her hair. “You used it to call out to me. Anyways, I’m Lance. But before we deal with anything else, we should make sure that your… attacker has been dealt with by the authorities.”

        “Way ahead of you.” Shalltear smirked as she summoned up a lance had of holy light that was aimed that Bluebloods head. Until Lance put a hand on her shoulder.

        “Not like that. Put it away, someone’s coming.” He told her as he heard the sound of hooves in the distance

        “Tch…… fine, but don’t blame me if the f**ker gets back up and attacks me again.”

        “I would already have other ways of dealing with that. Plus, I highly doubt he’ll get of those restraints.”

        “SHALLTEAR!!” Both of them soon turned to find Princess Luna and the mane six running in her direction, shocked to find the stallion restrained in his current state. Lance assumed that since the girl reacted to the word, it could possibly be her name. “What in the name of the night happened!?”

        “Long story short. Prince Blueblood tried to have his way with me, that is until Lance came out of nowhere and saved me before anything happened to me.”

        “To be more explicit, Blueblood was going to rape her.” Lance interjected, causing some ponies to gasp in shock and horror. “If I had not intervened and restrained him when I did, I don’t know what would’ve happened.” He looked to see the Stallion squirming on the floor and a tent being pitched in his midsection. “Oh for god’s sake, somepony get him out of here!!”

        “Guards!” yelled Luna as two bat ponies suited in armor appeared. “Take Blueblood to the dungeon until we can have a word with him in the morning.”

        Lance watched for a little bit more, backing up to give Shalltear and the other ponies some space as he patiently waited for her to finish her conversation with the Mane Six and this world’s version of Princess Luna. As a way to show courtesy. It would be rude to eavesdrop on a conversation that wasn’t his. However, the conversation between them soon included him when this world's Rainbow Dash was talking to Shalltear.

        “Not to change the subject or anything, but who’s the colt the long ponytail?” Rainbow asked, thinking that Lance was someone suspicious. “Is he in league with Blueblood?”

        “No, he’s the one that saved me from Blueblood.” Shalltear said as Luna turned her attention at Lance.

        “You there, boy.” She called out, getting his attention. “Are you the one that saved Shalltear from my nephew?”

        “Why yes, that would be me.” He nodded, answering Luna’s question. “My name is Lance. Lance Walker. Nice to meet you… Hang on a second. Lumen? Are you okay in there?” Luna was about to ask who was this ‘Lumen’ that he was referring to, until a small butterfly like figure emerged from his jacket and nestled in his hair.

        “Next time Lance, warn me before you do that again.”

        “What the-!?” Luna responded, backing up a little.

        “Yeah, that’s my friend Lumen.”

        “What is she if you don’t mind me asking? She kinda reminds me of that annoying fairy from the legend of zelda.” Shalltear muttered.

        “She’s a breezie.” Lance told them. The response got Twilight to be curious and start looking inside her book on Equestrian Species to find it.

        “What’s a breezie?” Rainbow asked before she was cut off by Twilight.

        “Breezies are a race both rare and intelligent magical creatures native to Equestria.” said Twilight answering Shalltear’s question.

        “Well, that’s one thing that reminds me of our Masked Matterhorn.” Lumen whispered. However, Twilight’s hearing was better than Lumen realized.

        “I’m sorry but who’s this Masked Matterhorn?”

        “...... Maybe we should explain about where we’re from first before we dive into specifics.”

        “Yes, please. Because right now I’m getting a little bit annoyed about all that has happen to me over the years, and moments ago.” said Shalltear as she pulled herself off of Pinkie Pie.

        “Well, first off, you need to understand the Multiverse to understand us-.”

        “Here we go…”

        “Lumen, please be patient.” Lance sighed.

        “Can you make it short, sweet, and to the point?” The countess asked. “If you haven’t notice I would like to know how you got here, and to be left alone after this.”

        “I didn’t just get here. You summoned me.” Lance replied. “You see, Lumen and I aren’t from this Equestria. There are multiple others in the universe, each one with other people like you and I who got Displaced as who we are. It is also the reason for my powers.”

        “......You could’ve just said multiverse theory.”

        “Right. Still though, you used my token to summon me when you needed it, so I’m going to do my best to try and help you.” He replied, sighing a little. “I know two other displaced that have been in the same situation as you and I think it would be very beneficial for you to meet them.”

        “I don’t need help alright? All I need is to be alone for a few days, and I’ll be fine.”

        “Yeah… Your words say one thing, but your tone means another.” The Adept sighed. Yep, this girl definitely reminded her of Max. “How about we go on a walk… friend?”

        “......Fine, but if you do anything or trying anything.” Shalltear summon a pack of wolves from her shadow. “Then my friends will have something to eat tonight.”

        “Are you sure if they want to eat lightning?” Lance asked. “Plus, I just wanted the chance to get to know you a little better. I did save your life a few moments ago.”

        “I’m just saying, because after the sh*t I went through today you can’t actually expect me to trust you that easily.”

        “I believe you there.” Lance replied. As they walked, he noticed a lake far from town and decided to walk towards it. It’s reflection was beautiful with the light of the moon shining across it. “But I believe that if you are kind to others, they can be kind to you.”

        “.....*Sigh* Fair enough I guess. Come, let us have a walk by the lake then seeing how you want to get to know me.”

        “I don’t mean it in a weird way. I just thought that you needed someone to talk to.” Lance replied. He noticed a huge boulder and blasted it with his Ki. After a few more blasts, the stone turned into a set of two throne like chairs for them to sit in. “Would you like a seat, Shalltear?”

        “Sure I guess.” Shalltear took a seat while her pets simply laid down next to her. “So what do you want to talk about?”

        “Well, I would say about my abilities, occupation and that. My family back home is not something I want to talk about though.” Lance then noticed the clothes she had and the Umbrella she carried. “You look quite elegant in those clothes. The Umbrella fits well with your outfit as well.”

        “Thanks I guess, so mind telling about yourself before I tell you about myself?”

        “Well, I’m an Adept. They’re humans with psychic abilites. Mine is my lightning. Besides that, I’ve been taught to control Ki by a friend of mine and I have another partner with me too, but that I can show later. Where I’m from, I’m basically a hero.”

        “Is that all? I was expected something a little…..well interesting to say the least.”

        “And when I mean hero, I mean Justice League. My world is filled with superheroes and Twilight and her friends are like their own Avengers.” Lance told her. “But I didn’t want to tell you everything because I didn’t want to be a showoff. The gun I used is only one of two that are linked with my powers as well as an energy blade… If Aurora was here though, she’ll surprise you. But enough about me for right now. What about you?”

        “My name is Shalltear Bloodfallen. I’m a vampire that have lived for over 1,000 years, though I maybe old I still have a….somewhat stable mind of a 15 year old. Skills…..well I prefer not to show you.”

        “If you think I can copy them or something, then you got me mistaken.” The Adept explained. “I only have my powers, combining them.”

        “Still I don’t trust you so I won’t be showing you much.”

        “Well, I saw you summon those wolves and a holy spear. I think that’s a plenty if you didn’t want to show me much.” He mentioned. “Plus-.” He then heard a beeping notice from his communicator and looked at it. “Excuse me.” With it, he pulled up the screen and a filly was seen on screen.

        “Aurora? Why did you need to call me? Did something happen?” He asked the filly, who looked upset.

        “Apple Bloom called me a wannabe hero!” Aurora whined.

        “Ah didn’ mean it like that!” Apple Bloom’s voice was heard in the background.

        “That was uncalled for!” Scootaloo was heard, “She just came back from the dead and you insult her?”

        “Ah said Ah didn’ mean it like that! All ah said was ‘what kinda hero were ya’, and Aurora over reacted!”

        “Okay, all three of you calm down.” Lance told them. “Aurora, you can come here if you need to take your mind off of things. Applebloom, please think what you’re going to say before doing so.” With that, he ended the call. “Sorry about that, Ms. Bloodfallen. Sometimes it’s hard to manage work, family and life.”

        Aurora suddenly appeared, her wounds of the past looked extra fresh though. “Especially when they’re combined.”

        “You have children?”

        “Actually yes. First, there’s this little filly.” Lance pointed at Aurora. “Even if she is a partner for me in the field, I see her as a daughter. But also, I have children yes. Two foals, a Filly Rainbow Dash and then a colt named Lucky.” Lance then took the photograph he kept with him so Shalltear could see for herself.

        “........I hate kids……” Shalltear said as she handed the photo back to Lance.

        “I think I can speak on behalf of all kids, we dislike people who say that.” Aurora stated.

        “Easy you two,” Lance tried to calm the tensions down. “Kids can be annoying and bothersome at times, but they learn and grow over time. Both Max and Seph realize that, Aurora. Can you try your best to show some respect to them?”

        “Tch, I could care less if they hated me because I said it. I only show respect to who I see who doesn’t annoy me. And I still stand by what I said about kids.”

        Aurora’s throat gushed with black liquid as her body flickered between red and blue, “Whatever…” She whispered.

        “Does it look like I care about you opinion kid?”

        “You okay, Aurora?” Lance asked. “You don’t look so good right now.”

        “I’m fine…” She growled, “Never better…”

        “Your old wounds are opening again.” Lance told her. “I think your emotions are affecting the healing process.”

        “There isn’t a healing process for ghosts. I have to stay this way until I get a new body.” Aurora said.

        “Yes, but your wounds look like they have been… reopened. How about you take some time to rest while I talk to Shalltear. Get your mind off of things. Watch a Movie.” Lance suggested to the filly.

        “As you wish-” Aurora stopped herself and shook her head, “Okay.” She started fading into Lance’s communicator.

        “Sorry about that. Aurora is a bit… determined to be right on certain subjects.” The Adept replied. “Where were we?”

        “I lost track after that annoying kid interrupted us.” Shalltear said while rubbing her head in annoyance.

        “Aurora has good intentions. Just ill timing. I think you were asking me about the kids Max, Seph and I are raising. I think you might have some things in common with both of them though.” He mentioned.

        “Tread carefully about what you’re about to say next boy, because right now I don’t need anyone’s help and the sooner you leave the sooner I’ll take care of Atlas’s bloodline.”

        “Murder won’t do you good. With Blueblood exposed though, they’ll start uncovering more of whatever he’s hiding if you let their investigation continue. You should find something to get those things off of your mind instead of on your mind. Trust me, they will pay for his crimes and more than just against you.”

        “Stupid and naive, just like how I was when I was young. You think that’ll stop? Don’t make me laugh. In case you haven’t notice, ponies like Blueblood have connection with either other ponies or other being from different nations around the world. Even if that does happen that won’t stop his side of the family to continue in hunting me down for their own personal gain. The only way to make sure that this never happens again is to burn, kill, and slaughter the family bloodline until nothing is left.” A crimson aura slightly formed around the countess. “Then, only then will I know peace.”

        “Well, I hope you succeed…” Aurora’s voice said without sarcasm, or humor, “Daddy taught me when to kill. Only when there’s no other choice.”

        “Well, There are two things to keep in mind.” Lance replied. “If you looked at Blueblood’s face. He’s not angry anymore, but afraid. This time was the first time you fought back. They might bring others from around the world, but you can bring Displaced from other worlds to fight for you. The second thing is a proposal… Blueblood will be getting a huge sentence for sure. Rape is no small crime. But maybe, you can convince the Sisters to have you either kill him if he gets the death penalty… or make him your servant. Either will teach him the error of his ways in the long run and will also provide you with blood.”

        “Mortal... Unlike you who still have his morals and values,” Shalltear appear in front of Lance. “I threw mine away when I imploded Atlas along with the rest of his friends or family that join in his little play time with me.”

        “Then force Blueblood to see it from your perspective.” Lance retorted. “I’m trying my best to help you here Shalltear, because I see you as a friend. Only if we let go of the past can we move on with our lives.” Lance told her. “Besides, other ponies might be afraid of you, but I am not. I see you the same way I see my other friends, Max and Sephiroth. I see you as a friend in need.”

        “ENOUGH!” The countess yelled as she summoned Spuit Lance into her hand. “You expect me to forget the hell I went through for the past 1,000 years? To forget how Altas star treated me and experimented on me?”

        “I’m not asking you to forget what Atlas did. I’m telling you to put Blueblood through the same hell that you felt. Drive him insane, force him to confess not just his deeds, but the deeds of the entire family.” Lance then took a glove off of one of his arms and showed the bare skin. “You seem thirsty. Feel free to have a drink.”

        “I don’t need you blood. What I want is for my revenge to be unleashed upon Blueblood and his family.”

        “And the first step to do that is in your own room. You remember that his pants are still there. Which would mean that the keys to his home would be there too.” The Adept told her, “ Given that the rich bastard lives in a mansion, he must have a library or study room where they keep records of everything. You find enough evidence on more than just your situation, then not just one member, but all of his family will be exposed, caught and arrested.”

        “Lance, stop. I don’t think she’s going to listen to you.” Aurora tried.

        “Well, she needs to listen to someone. Shalltear had just got back on even ground with Celestia and Luna. If she kills Blueblood, she’ll be encased in stone again or worse.” Lance pointed out. “Plus, Blueblood is corrupt and did a very bad thing. He must be brought to justice.”

        “I’m only on even terms with Princess Luna, that idiot of a sun princess will pretty much give that pig of a unicorn community service just like she did with Atlas all those years ago.”

        This though, got Lance thinking. He remembered the orbs that Max could make to place her memories in and let others see them. Maybe this could work. “What if you had Celestia see your memories? I know they may be personal, but a witness account can serve as crucial evidence.”

        “I had enough of this, if this is your attempt in trying to change my mind then it’s not going to work. I’m going to kill him and the rest for their ancestor’s sins against me, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

        “Good luck.” Aurora mumbled, still no humor or sarcasm.

        “... I can help. If Blueblood is in a dungeon… Why not cause a riot?” Lance suggested. “The commotion would cause him to try to find safety and that is when your opportunity will present itself. Rich folk like him would try to find a place to hide. Make that his downfall.”

        “I don’t need help, I’m going to kill him and the rest with my own hands.” Shalltear began to walk off, only for Lance to reappear right in front of her.

        “Just trust me. You may be over 1000 years old, but your mind is only fifteen. If you don’t think this through, you can end up killing yourself in the process. I even know a few people that hate Blueblood just as much as you do.”

        “Lance, she isn’t going to listen at all.” Aurora groaned.

        Lance sighed. “Well, isn’t this a tricky one… Guess, I’m going to have to get on an even playing field for me to help.”

        “And what pray tell does that mean?”

        “I can feel your power and I feel that… you’re not at your strongest. If so, you would use [Silence] to prevent him from not hearing you, [Mist Form] to disguise yourself, and [Implosion] to make him collapse inward on himself before making it look like an accident with [Wall of Stone].”

        “How the hell do you know about that?”

        “When you first introduced your name, I had my communicator run a search on it and see what it will bring up. The first thing I found was an ability like with the powers you would be capable of.” Lance explained, showing the screen with the list before dismissing it. “There’s a difference between using your skills and then using them in ways that aren’t limited to where your character is from. Don’t be afraid to shake things up a little. That’s what I was told. But something seems… different for you. Were your powers affected somehow?”

        “I don’t know what you are talking about? My powers are not affected by anything.” Shalltear said as she look away from the Adept. “Dammit, how did he know about that to?”

        “Prove it.” He said, standing with his arms stretched out and letting his jacket fall to the ground. “Your emotions might say one thing, but if you do have the power and the will to kill me, then all I say is try.”

        “You seriously want me to try and kill you? Did you land on your head when you were just a kid or something?”

        “I’ve been wondering that same thing…” Aurora added.

        “Fine, but don’t blame me for your stupid mistake kid.” Shalltear raised her arm as a spear of light appeared. “But if you do die I get to have your body, and make it into my personal servant.”

        “That’s if it happens.”

        “Then let’s find out! [Purifying Lance!]” Shalltear tossed her lance at the Adept as a runic circle appeared on his left shoulder. “Don’t think you can block or dodge this attack.” A large cloud of smoke went off in the area as the Lance made contact. But as it faded, something caught her attention. Lance just stood there. Unharmed. Like nothing happened to him. But like before, she saw the jewel in his hands and soon began to feel drained.

        “Not the smartest of moves. This gem that Loki gave me allows me to negate the use of magic on a specific target or specific area. You may recall Bluebroke trying to attack me before and his spell fading along with your restraints? This is the same measure.” He then put the token back in his pocket, looking back at the Vampire. “However, it can only be used three times and after each time, it takes two hours to recharge. I’ve already used it twice.”

        “Then try this then [Maximize Magic, Vermillion Nova!]” In a blink of an eye the adept’s body was covered in flames. “Hope your body isn’t too damaged once I kill you-.” Shortly after saying that, the flames disappeared.

        “You forgot what I said. Cancels all magic in a specific area. The area is as big as the lake and invisible to the naked eye.” Lance sighed, picking up his jacket off of the ground. “Now, as I was going to say, I want to help you gain your powers… and in the process, meet someone that I think can help you.”

        “I don’t need anyone’s help especially someone that is getting in my way of my vengeance. [Summon Household!]” Shalltear’s shadow expanded as a pack of wolves appeared from out of it forming around the countess waiting for the order to attack.

        “I’m being serious now, Shalltear.” Lance told her, grabbing the hilt of his energy blade as it hummed to life, the black feather dangling by his fingers. “Please listen to me, I do not want to hurt you. But if I have to do this, then it’s because it’s your own fault.”

        “Shut up! I don’t need help from anyone, NOW DIE!” With a snap of her fingers, Shalltear ordered her wolves to attack the Adept. As Lance prepared his stance for battle, only one thought lingered in his mind as his had was now holding onto the black feather.

        “Max, Seph, if either one of you can hear me, I need your help. I found a Displaced who was hurt and torn apart by the events of the past and was a victim like Seph. If you can hear me, please. Help Shalltear.”

        “You think calling for help is gonna change anything? Call whoever you want, it won’t change a thing!”

        “And we were just about to start actually doing something...” Max said, sounding a bit disappointed.

        “Am I interrupting anything important?” Lance mentally asked out of curiosity.

        “Nah, not really. We were just sitting down to plan out a huge annual party. We’ll be there in a minute.

        “Wanna take a break and help a Vampire that reminds me of you and Seph calm herself down? She’s tempted to go on a massacre after almost becoming a rape victim after being asleep for over 1000 years.” He asked. Honestly, he didn’t think that Max would hear him. But soon, something told him otherwise.

        A butterfly portal opened then and spat out the woman who held two passengers. “Da fluff d’you say?!” Max said as she set down Lucky and Rainbow.

        “Who the fu-”

        “Did you seriously have to bring the kids!?” Lance Retorted.

        Max turned to give Shalltear a reprimanding look and said, “Keep your language clean around my foals, please.” She turned back to Lance. “Yes, I did. Sol and Mun are keeping watch over Golden and Light.”

        “Well, guess I need to improvise. Lumen, get Lucky and Rainbow to cover. Keep them safe.” Lance told her, the Breezie saluting as she had the two of them follow her, trying to help them walk on two hooves. “Now, Shalltear, please calm down. I’m only trying to help you.”

        “The only time when I will calm down is when I kill Blueblood, and the rest of his family. I will not be denied my vengeance, and no one is going to stop me! Wolves, rip him apart!”

        The wolves bounded forward, only to freeze mid-leap when Max raised her hand.

        “W-What the?”

        Max turned to give Shalltear another reprimanding look. “Hush. You’re being a petulant, spoiled brat. We are not your enemy, nor do we want to be.”

        “Then get out of my way and let me have my vengeance dammit! [Maximize Magic, Brilliant Radiance!]” Shalltear said as a column of holy light from under Max engulfing her. “Now stay out of my-.”

        Max giggled as the magic seemingly tickled her, passing through without doing harm. “Ah, I watched part of the anime you’re from and read the wiki on your powers.” She smiled and walked past the still frozen wolves. “That power purifies the unholy; destroys those that harbour ill-will for others. Me? I just want to protect my family from those who mean them harm.”

        “Then take your family and get out of my way! [Maximize Magic, Vermillion Nova!]”

        Max’s hand flashed white briefly before a thick shield of the same color sprang to life in front of her, leading her as she continued to walk straight towards the panicking girl. Lance used the moment to try and help Lucky and Rainbow get out of the way. He knew that with Max here, she got this in the bag.

        “N-No, h-how can you be this powerful?” The countess asked while backing away in fear. “S-Stay back, I’m w-warning you.”

        Max shook her head, teleporting to behind the girl and wrapped her in a hug. “Please, we’re here to help you.”

        “LIES! YOU’RE LYING JUST LIKE CELESTIA DID, JUST LIKE ALL THOSE PONIES THAT TRIED TO HELP BUT DIDN’T! I WON’T BE TRICKED BY ANYONE EVER AGAIN! [Greater Teleportation!]”

        Just as she was saying her latest spell Max placed a bracelet around her right wrist, preventing the girl from disappearing. “Please, calm down. We aren’t going to hurt you. Celestia hurt me as well by imprisoning me in stone in my universe. I was awake for the thousand and twenty-four years I was immobile.”

        “Let me go or else I’ll implode you just like I did with Atlas star!” Shalltear yelled while trying to struggle her way out of Max’s hug.

        “Shh... It’s okay, no one can hurt you while I’m here. I won’t let anyone try,” Max whispered, still holding the struggling girl close as she brushed her fingers through Shalltear’s hair.

        Rainbow, getting away from Lance and Lumen, flew quickly over and wrapped her arms around the girl and started nuzzling her cheek, cooing and nickering in an attempt of her own to calm the girl.

        “.......Why…..why does everyone want to stop me?”

        “Because, if you rush in now, you’ll only kill yourself. If you let your emotions free it will help to make you see more clearly.”

        “Showing off your emotions is for idiots, those who see your emotions will take advantage of it.”

        “Not if they’re truly your friends and family.” Max paused as the girl’s struggling receded. “Lance and I are the truest family you’ll ever find.”

        Shalltear gritted her teeth in annoyance as blood started to drool from the side of her mouth. “Let me go.”

        “Please, You’re only hurting yourself by bottling all this up.”

        “Like you would know! You’ve never been raped, drugged, humiliated, or used as a test subject for someone’s sick pleasure!” Tears of blood started to run down Shalltear’s  face. “You didn’t have to go through that for the past few years of your life have you?!”

        “No, but Rainbow was brutally beaten and raped by her parents. I was the one who found her tied to a stalagmite in a cave with both of her hind legs broken and her wings plucked of every single feather. Do you know how hard it is to see a six month old filly like that?”

        “..........”

        “It was hard to keep from breaking down and force myself to carry her to the medical wi-ng.” Max’s eyes slowly filled with tears as she continued, “I can’t imagine what you went though, m-my heart breaks when I try t-to....”

        Shalltear slightly turn her head to see Max’s face tearing up. Upon looking at the human, the crimson aura that was surrounding herself vanished along with her anger. “Please…..let me go.”

        Max shook her head and buried her face into the girl’s shoulder. “You’ve been through so much and haven’t been able to fully absorb everything that’s happened. I-I...” Max shook her head again before continuing in a whisper too faint for Lance to hear.

        “N-no, please, just…..I just don’t want any kids like her near me….please.”

        Max nudged Rainbow to get her attention and motioned for her to go back to Lance. The filly nodded and said, “Okay, mama.” Before turning and floating towards the Adept.

        “Thank you.”

        The woman nodded again and whispered something else Lance couldn’t quite catch, a shield going up around the two as Max took the bracelet off the girl and placed it into her bag.

        Once the bracelet was off, Shalltear turned around and placed her face onto Max’s chest while hugging her tightly. For the moment, Lance let the two of them talk to one another, giving them some space in order for things to be resolved.

        He was tapped on the shoulder a moment later and turning around revealed Sephiroth standing behind him, looking at the two. “Seems like Max has everything under control.” Her gaze then traveled to him. “Sorry for being late, but I had to get Golden and Light to Sol and Mun first.”

        “Glad you can still make it,” He replied, pointing at Shalltear, “She’s been hurt by horrific events that have happened in the past and I thought that we could be able to help her. Not to mention she’s quite powerful.”

        A sad expression took hold of her face. “I can relate…”

        Lance noticed the expression, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. “Hey, you okay?”

        “Well we told you what happened. But what was unnecessary to mention, at that point, is that I carried Discord’s child a thousand years ago. It was killed in my womb… and they made me believe that it was him who did it.” Tears had entered her eyes, but she wiped them away. “Celestia and Chetyre tortured me with the memory of Max raping me hundreds of times…”

        “It’s alright there, Seph. We’re here now… Shalltear had gone through things that are just as bad. Over a 1000 years ago, she too was raped. But Celestia let them off with a slap on the wrist. She killed them, was asleep for over 1000 years, woke up again to find out that the bloodline of her attacker lived on and tried to rape her tonight. She summoned me because her arms were bound to the back of her head, where my token was at the time.” Lance said as he tried to calm her, “I just really feel bad for what happened to her.”

        Shaking herself free from her thoughts, she looked around. “Where are Rainbow and Lucky? Max had them with her.”

        “My breezie companion Lumen had to have them move out of the way so they wouldn’t get hurt and Aurora is in he-.” The Adept replied, pointing at the nearby tree. Around then was when he saw his communicator and realized something. “Oh and I almost forgot to introduce you to Aurora...”

        Sephiroth shouted over in the direction he had pointed out. “Rainbow? Lucky? Are you alright?” Then she blinked in confusion. “Who’s Aurora?”

        “We’re okay, just still trying to get used- whoa!” Lucky fell from the tree, somehow landing on his two hooves. “Uh...”

        “Nice landing,” Lance congratulated Lucky before looking back at Seph. “Aurora is a ghost filly that is the daughter of another Displaced Max and I had met before called Time Spinner. She currently just stays in my communicator because she’s been ruptured from her physical body.” He showed Seph the young filly for a brief second, who was distracting herself by watching the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and singing to the music.

        After staring for a while she asked, “So she’s kind of a ghost?”

        “She’s a filly that had the ability to remove her soul from her body, but now that her body is gone, her soul remains… So yeah, basically a ghost.” Lance then closed the screen and turned around. “Incoming…”

        “Other mama!” Rainbow exclaimed, careening into the woman’s chest.

        Managing to keep her balance she enclosed the filly with her arms and smiled. “Hey there. You’re pretty fast, I’m impressed.”

        “Hey there, Rainbow.” Lance chuckled, messing with her mane a little. “How are you, my little rascal?”

        Rainbow giggled and said, “I good, daddy. I bestest walkerer!”

        “Silly Dashie, It’s walker. Ironically, it’s my last name.” The Adept chuckled again, hugging his daughter before looking at Lumen. “Oh yeah that’s right. Lumen, I would like you to meet Sephiroth.” The Breezie looked up, a bit intimidated by the look of her and how tall she was compared to her frail size.

        Sephiroth had a caring and motherly smile on her when she looked from Rainbow to Lumen. "Nice to meet you. Max and Lance added me to their own little herd."

        “Nice to me-. Wait a second… Herd?”

        “Right… I knew there was something I was forgetting…” Lance sighed. “Seph is going to be my other partner in our marriage.” The Breezie’s eyes widened, looking at Seph with pure shock that she almost passed out right there and then. “Don’t worry, this is normal. Wait til you have seen how she reacted when Max told her about our child.”

        Chuckling, the woman returned her attention to Rainbow and stroked her mane. “Did you have fun playing with Lumen?”

        The rainbow maned filly nodded, but pointed to the shield. “Mama try make sis not sad. I help!”

        “Great job, Rainbow.” Lance told her. “I’m so proud of you.”

        Rainbow’s smile grew even bigger, a blush claiming part of her face as she nuzzled into Seph, accidentally making the two straps across the woman’s chest pop open. Lance then took the chance to keep an eye on her while Seph tried to deal with the straps on her clothes.

        She got her straps closed again fast enough but that brought a thoughtful expression on her face. “Say… Lance. Why exactly were you so… quick to accept me in your relationship with Max?”

        “Well, she told me about how she was really sorry for what happened to you and from what she told me, you were a nice person.” Lance replied, hugging her a bit. “So, I thought it would be good for you to be part of the family. Just like Aurora.”

        “I just wondered, because-” Halting in mid-sentence she blinked thunderstruck. “Care to run the last part by me again? I think I misheard.”

        “Max and I adopted Aurora.” Lance clarified. “Sorry if I didn’t mention that earlier.”

        “So you showed me a ghost filly that lives in your arm-bracer-thing and didn’t think to tell me that until now, why?” One of her eyes twitched slightly.

        “Sorry. I thought Max already told you. Guess I was wrong.”

        “Let’s go find her then,” Max said as her shield lowered.

        Sephiroth facepalmed hard enough to cause a shockwave, that sounded with a loud slapping noise. “Great. First Max tells me that I’m part Succubus and now I learn that you both forgot to mention one of your children?”

        “It did feel like we were forgetting something last day,” The woman in question said as she led Shalltear over, thirteen materias floating around her.

        “Wait, you’re part wha-?” Lance’s comment though was interrupted when a powerful punch from Shalltear smashed into his face and sent him into the wall.

        “Well I feel a little bit better after doing that.”

        The silver haired woman, holding Rainbow in her arms, still, nodded towards Shalltear in appreciation. “Thanks, I think I needed that, too.”

        “You’re welcome. No offense Lance, but you were kinda annoying me to some degree earlier.”

        “Yeah… my apologies.” The Adept groaned, stumbling out of the wall. “So, what do we do now?”

        Max’s expression darkened and she said, “We show Celestia exactly how she hurt our newest daughter.”

        “Still finding weird that I’m being called your daughter, even though we're not blood related.”

        Lance sighed, clicking a button on his communicator. “What about adopted daughter?”

        “That’s what I meant,” Max snapped. “I’m still going to call you my daughter regardless.”

        “Fine, but don’t expect me to call you two mom or dad.”

        “I wasn’t expecting that at all, Lady Bloodfallen.” Lance complied.

        Sephiroth just shrugged. “Well, I won’t do it if you don’t want to. I just got four children yesterday and learned of a fifth right before you punched him.” She gestured in Lance’s direction. “So I’m a little overwhelmed right now.”

        “Hey I don’t need to be looked after you know? I can take care of myself, hell I even got my own house over there.”

        “And Max is royalty.”

        “Already told her that,” Max said before pointing to Lance’s communicator, which was vibrating. “Looks like Aurora wants to say something.” Lance smiled, letting Aurora come out to say hello to everyone.

        “Who won?” She asked, “If Lance is dead I don’t wanna stay here.”

        “No one is dead, Aurora.” Lance deadpanned.

        “Not yet, anyways,” Max added, spotting a white figure in one of the castle’s windows. She teleported over to just outside the window and drew a circle on the glass.

        Seph sighed deeply. “She’s not actually going to kill her, right?”

        “If she does, then I have no problem with that. I could always just make her into my servant if Max does kill her.”

        The window shattered except for inside the circle Max had drawn, which fell and broke anyways as Max pulled Princess Celestia out and threw her towards the group.

        “Did the plan have chucking her out of a window be part of it?”

        A completely black wing erupted from Sephiroth's back and with one flap she brought herself into the path of the flying alicorn, totally halting her movement with a single hand to her throat, while still holding onto Rainbow and not budging one inch.

        “What in the name of Faust is going on here!?” Celestia asked as she fell to the ground.

        “We just need to talk to the princess, however, business hours are closed.” Lance sighed. “Princess, we need to talk to you about something important-.”

        “This isn’t about that measly worm, Blueblood,” Max said, pulling one of the materias from its orbit around her. “This is about Atlas.”

        “The guy from Astro? Why? He wasn’t that fun of a villain…” Aurora commented randomly.

        “Wrong Atlas…”

        “Bioshock’s Atlas?”

        “No. It’s a Pony named Atlas Star.” Lance deadpanned. “Anyways…”

        “It’s payback time jerkface!” Shalltear said looking at Celestia with a smug look on her face.

        “You!” That was all Celestia could get out before Max pushed the crystal into her head, forcing her to take in the memories. “W-What was that? What did you just do to me?” She asked with a mix of shock and surprise on her face.

        “I believe Shalltear can answer that.” Lance sighed, crossing his arms. Aurora hovered behind him and copied his crossed arms look mockingly and nodded once.

        “One down, twelve to go,” Max said in an almost emotionless voice, pulling the rest all at once and pressed them into the mare’s horn.

        “Like I told you before, Celestia, this is the stuff that jerk you gave me away to did to me for the past 13 months. I even had physical proof of what he did all over my body, but you still gave him a less if not harsher punishment than what I got.”

        “If it weren’t for me or anyone else here, your nephew might have forced her to relive those same pains,” Lance added on. “They don’t see her for a living being. Unlike us, they only see Shalltear as property.”

        Max fixed Celestia with a glare, “I didn’t see more than a fourth of that first slab of memories I gave you. I couldn’t stand more than that. If you can watch all of that and still not give that entire line a death sentence, then you aren’t fit to wear that crown at all.”

        Celestia shook her head as she tried to regain her composure. Seconds later she pulled herself up from the ground while whipping some of the dirt off herself. “Be that as it may, what Shalltear did was against the law. Not on-.”

        “She acted because you did nothing!” Max shouted, slapping her into the lake. Celestia skipped several times before finally sinking into the water near the opposite shore.

        “Wow… I heard of the phrase knocking some sense into her, but that is beyond me.” Lance sighed. “Remind me never to tick you off.”

        “Duly noted,” Aurora said. “She seems a bit of a… Moronic, is the best way I can describe it.”

        “Which one?”

        “The one currently drowning,” Max said, stretching her back. “Dammit...”

        “Easy there Max,” Lance said, standing by her side. “You should take a rest. Don’t overdo yourself.”

Sighing, the one winged woman snapped her fingers, making a room-full of water appear with Celestia in it. “Oh… woops.” She snapped again and the water vanished, leaving the Alicorn behind.

        “I can’t help it. I just-...” Max sighed and shook her head. “It was just my hormones taking over there.”

        “Just try not to wreck the place please? I still have a home here, and I prefer not to have it get destroyed.” Shalltear said while petting one of her shadow wolves for comfort. “Plus I don’t think Princess Luna would like that you killed her sister like that.”

        “Speaking of Luna, where is she?” Lance asked, curious to find out the answer.

        “Over here.” Luna said while watching from the sidelines. “Not to interrupt or anything, but why are you beating the living daylights out of my sister?”

        “Take a look at Shalltear’s memories I gave her,” Max growled, giving Celestia another glare.

        “Oh... right…”

        “Wait you knew about what happened to me?” Shalltear asked focusing her attention at the moon princess. “When did you do that?”

        “During your stay at Canterlot when Nightshade told me that you were having a nightmare.”

        “So, you can walk into others dreams…” Lance summarized. “That sounds very handy… at times.”

        “So you knew of this and you did nothing?” Max snapped. “Why didn’t you share that with your dear sister?”

        “It’s kinda hard to talk with your sister when she’s too stubborn and hard-headed to listen.”

        “I could knock some more sense into her if you want.” Max raised a fist and half-turned back to Celestia.

        Sephiroth chose this moment to firmly place a hand on Max’s shoulder, holding her in place. “Max. I can understand that you are furious, but do you really want to get any more violent in front of your children?”

        Max growled once more but lowered her fist, visibly forcing herself to calm some. “Go look at some of the memories. It’s far worse than what was done to you.”

        “I’m not doubting that, not for a single second. But this won’t help for real in the long run. None of them.” She exerted a little pressure on Max’s shoulder. “Celestia is to blame for a lot of what happened, but she wasn’t the one hurting Shalltear. If she has to answer for that, then it should be to the victim, not to you.”

        Max closed her eyes and took a deep breath and let it out slowly, calming a bit more. “Here I thought you would be the one at her throat for letting a fifteen year old girl get raped who knows how many times.”

        “You know me, Max. I’m struggling not to draw my sword. But I won’t ever deny a victim his or her compensation for pain and suffering. Also I think that we should not outright kill a princess in another universe, at least not before checking for other options.”

        “I wasn’t going to kill her. I actually thought she’d at least faint from seeing what Shalltear went through.”

        Lance watched as the two of them continue to talk. Then, when the two of them were taking a breath, he then spoke. “I know that what happened was over 1000 years ago, but Celestia should be held responsible for not dealing with the situation properly. Rape is a serious crime and it isn’t something that you just give someone community service for. However, we are only outsiders and therefore, should not bother with this world’s affairs. I believe Luna would be the best candidate to deal with the situation.”

        “That is true, but I think Shalltear should be the one that decides on a suitable punishment for my sister. Wouldn’t you agree?” Luna said.

        “Like I said before, I think it’s up to Shalltear. So yeah, I agree.” Turning her head to face the girl in question, Sephiroth nodded.

        “My only concern with that is that Shalltear would want to punish them by killing them because of how angry she is on the matter,” The Adept brought up to the three of them. “What if the two of you came to a compromise?”

        “I’d rather have Blueblood’s head on a platter,” Max said, giving Celestia a dirty look.

        The one winged woman looked into Shalltear’s eyes for a moment, before closing hers. “If she wants to kill them, then it should be this way. I trust in her judgement, because she is more than capable of handling her own situations and considering the consequences of her decisions. She won’t condemn a pony to death on a whim, or if they don’t truly deserve it.”

        Shalltear appeared right in front of Celestia with her spear pointed at her throat. “Every fiber in my being wants me to kill you for what you did to me.” She said as she lowered her lance. “But seeing how I’m friends with Luna, I’ll let you live for the time being. Blueblood on the other hand dies along with his bloodline, unless there are decent ponies in his family tree that aren’t jerks then they will serve me until the end of time.”

        “Hmm… Luna, do you have a scroll on the bloodline of Blueblood? So Shalltear can look through it when she has the time?”

        “They’re in the Canterlot archives, I’ll get them tomorrow seeing that it’s nighttime and I have to deal with my former nephew.”

        “I guess that settles that then.” Lance sighed, looking back at Shalltear, who was with his two fiance’s. “Max, Seph. Make sure to help Shalltear with getting her token ready and give her yours too. Aurora, Lumen and I are going to have to depart. We have some work to do back where we are from.”

        “Who’s ‘Seth’?” Asked Aurora.

        “She’s mine and Lance’s fiance,” Max said, gesturing to the woman beside her. “And her nickname is Seph, not Seth.”

        “Right. Aurora, you ready to go back to Scootaloo?”

        Aurora floated there for a moment, then, “You two have a weirder love life than Aunt Rarity’s fantasy’s.”

        “Just be lucky that she didn’t hear you say that.” He sighed, waving goodbye. “Max, Seph, I’ll see you back in your world later, okay?”

        “Okay,” Max said.

        Lance, before he left, hugged his children and kissed both Max and Seph before he looked at Shalltear. “I hope to see you again soon. Just make sure to behave yourself.”

        “I make no promises, but I’ll try not to cause that much trouble.”

        Lance smiled, messing with her hair a little. “I mean with your new brothers and sisters.”

        “Oh... great.”

        Sephiroth fixed Lance with a stare. “I need to talk to you before you leave. Preferably alone.”

        “Oh? You want to talk someplace private?” He offered to Seph.

        “Yes.” Her tone was dead serious and she handed Rainbow over to Max before walking towards Lance. The two of them began to walk, but then, Lance realized something. “Hey, Aurora. Lumen. Seph wanted this as a private talk. No exceptions.”

        “Aww… Okay.” The Breezie said, before floating over to Dash’s nose.

        “Request received.” Aurora droned, then shook her head, “I- I mean, sure thing!”

        With that, Seph and Lance were both by themselves as Lance used his Instant Transmission to send them to Max’s domain. No one was there at the current time, so the two of them could freely talk to one another.

        The woman took a deep breath, fixing him with an unreadable stare, still.

        “Seph? Is something wrong?” He asked, confused by what she is trying to tell him.

        “Max told me that I have the magic of a Succubus in me, making me part demon, magically speaking. And I don’t know if this hasn’t influenced your decision to let me join you two.” Doubt and fear were clear in her voice now but she still kept her stare.

        Lance shook his head, holding Seph in for a kiss before backing up. “My decision to let you in was not influenced by any outside force. Not even magic. And even if you do have the magic of a demon, I’ll still love you and care for you anyways.”

        She hesitated too long to return the kiss. “But how? How can you still say that? It could be possible that I make you feel this way without you noticing!”

        “Seph…” Lance lifted his arms up showing the hairs on it. “If there were a magic like that, the hairs on my arms would be standing on end like if I were in a cold room. Otherwise, I feel normal. And you… my dear angel, should not worry.”

        “The magic of succubi from my universe is more than just subtle. It finds the cracks to seep through unnoticed. Heck even I hadn’t noticed until Max told me.”

        “True,” Lance replied, hugging her a little. “But, we aren’t in your universe. We are home… Do you need someone to stay with you? You seem scared.” He offered, holding her a little closer now, hugging her.

        Sephiroth reciprocated the hug and sighed. “I think I need that, but you have other things to worry about, at the moment. Max will be here soon and I’ll be alright.”

        “It’s okay. Aurora can call me if there’s an emergency and Max is with Shalltear,” He replied, smiling a little. “Now, how about I escort you to your chambers?”

        “I don’t really have chambers here, you know? And if I’m being honest, I don’t want any, as I’ll always prefer Max’s. Just like I wouldn’t want my own room in your universe. Nevertheless… I’d like you being there for me.” The last part made her blush and avert her eyes. “Max couldn’t refrain from teasing me earlier…”

        “Oh? Now that may be something I can help you with… right?” Lance smirked as the two of them continued to walk through the hallway leading to their room.


End Strike 26