//------------------------------//
// Strike 28- Power Pony Pool Party 
// Story: When lightning strikes... 
// by FrostTheWolf 
//------------------------------//


When Lightning Strikes- Power Pony Pool Party




Power Pony HQ

        The next morning after he spent a relaxing dinner with his family and a few friends of theirs, Lance was asked by Max if he could be able to watch the kids for the next couple of days while some preparations were being made for the wedding. Of course, he soon realized that them being here meant that he needed to spend some quality family time with the kids. To his surprise though, today was a hot day during the summer. But thanks to Pinkie, her suggestion on what to do to counter the weather lead to what they were going to do today at Power Pony HQ.

        They were going to have a family pool party. The facility had a huge swimming facility that would work for Lucky, Golden, Rainbow and Light along with allow Lance the opportunity for some quality family time. Masked Matterhorn even allowed for Pinkie to take today off so she could help with the kids and have fun with them. Now though, Lance was wearing an old part of shorts that would work for swim clothes, trying to find out where one of his daughters ran off to. He remembered that Lucky, Light and Golden were with Pinkie Pie. But where could Rainbow be?

        His question was soon answered when he heard a crash come from his room and saw the little filly covered in the collection of tokens that he had gathered over the course of adventures. “Rainbow, What are you doing in daddy’s room?”

        “L-looking for pool toys!!” The filly cheered, lifting her tiny arms in the air playfully. Lance chuckled as she held a tiny Golden Ax in her mouth and a talisman on top of her head like it was a hat. Helping her clean up a little, He cleaned the mess off of the floor before trying to take the tokens from Rainbow’s mouth. It was then though that they dropped to the floor… and started to glow.

        “Uh oh…?” The filly said, watching as two new individuals tumbled into the room and crashed into the furniture. Lance was lucky to not have the barreling human cannonballs hit her daughter. But then realized whose tokens they were once they started speaking.

        “CELESTIA! I’M BORED!”

        “For the love of faust Caster, go bother with the ponies in town!”

        During this moment though, Rainbow trotted up to the first figure and nudged her head against whoever it was. Seeing that it had tails, she acted like a kitten and tried to pounce on them like it was a game of catch the tail.

        “I think we just been summoned Gilgamesh?”

        “Really? I didn’t notice.” Gilgamesh said as she turned her attention at Lance. “Oh hey Lance.”

        “Hey girls, long time no-” His sentence was cut off when Rainbow proceeded to tackle Caster and knock her over onto the ground playfully. “-See.”

        “Help! I’m being attacked by a mini pony!” Caster yelled trying to escape Rainbow.

        “That… is my daughter.” Lance told them as Celestia and Gilgamesh turned around. “I’m getting myself married in a few months and for a couple of days, I was asked to watch over the kids.”

        “Who’s the lucky mare?” Celestia asked.

        “Not mare, Lady,” The Adept answered, “Have you met Max Caulfield by any chance? Her and Sephiroth?”

        “We met Max, but not this Sephiroth person.” Gilgamesh said appearing next to Celestia. “Why’d you ask?”

        “You just answered your question.” Lance smirked, getting a surprise reaction from all three of them.

        “So you’re the lucky S.O.B that knock Max up.” Celestia said nudging Lance’s side playfully. “Never thought I picture you as a married man.”

        “You do realize that when I first met her, it was two months after she had to bury both her Celestia and Luna? Her previous lovers?” Lance sighed. “Can we have this conversation later? My Pinkie and I are trying to help get a pool party together for the kids since it’s one of the hottest days of the summer. Wanna help?”

        “Might as well, seeing how we got nothing better to do today.” 

        “Great. Because Rainbow was messing with your tokens because she thought they were pool toys.” The Adept chuckled as he picked the little youngster off the floor and let her have a piggyback ride on her back. “Plus, it’ll introduce you to the other three kids we have.”

        “Lead the way kid who get’s owned a lot.” Caster said following Lance along with Celestia and Gilgamesh. Ignoring the comment, Lance grabbed a few of the inflatable rings and foam noodles along with a couple of beach balls and brought them to the pool area. “Alright, everyone. We got some new arrivals to be helping us out. This is Caster, Gilgamesh and their Celestia. Girls, this is our Pinkie Pie, Golden Spark, Light Sweet and lastly, my son Lucky.” At that moment, Pinkie was working on setting out the first set of party treats she had in the kitchen while Lucky was helping both Golden and Light get accustomed to the cool water in the pool. Soon, the Pink mare came hopping over, surprising Caster.

        “Hi!”

        “Dear god, more mini ponies!” Caster said hiding behind Celestia. 

        “Ugh, why did we have her make a token again?” Gilgamesh asked scratching her head in annoyance.

        “Actually, these are normal ponies,” Lance corrected, “Trust me on this one.”

        “Hey Lancie! Can one of your friends help me bring in the treats from the kitchen. I would think that the Foxy one will be just perfect to help me!” She said, nudging at Caster’s tails and rubbing her head against them. “Her tails are super soft by the way!”

        “Yay, this world has a Pinkie Pie!” Caster said as picked up the pink pony, and began to cuddle her. Pinkie Pie also cheered, telling her that she needed Caster to be her assistant as they walked down the hallway and took a left. Leaving Celestia and Gilgamesh with Lance and the kids.

        “Ugh, I can’t believe I’m stuck babysitting.” Gilgamesh said with an annoyed expression on her face.

        “Less of babysitting and more of just having fun.” The Adept told her. “Oh and Celestia, you might want to tie your mane back. The kids will mistake you for the Celestia that Max knows if you don’t.” Without any warning, Lance leaped and dived into the pool, splashing Gilgamesh and Celestia when he landed nearby Lucky and the kids. Rainbow soon jumped after him, landing herself on his head.

        “Ugh, fine.” Celestia pulled out a rubber band and tieing her mane back. Once she did that the sun princess snapped her fingers as she changed from her normal outfit to wearing a black bikini top, and swimming trunks. “Prepare to lose against the princess of pool parties.”

        “Count me out. Do you know how long it takes to get my hair to look like this?” Gilgamesh said pointing to her hair.

        “Come on, Gligamesh. Do you really want to be helping Caster now or be having fun?” Lance smiled, trying not to get splashed by Lucky and Celestia as Rainbow held onto his shoulders. “Trust me, we can have some time to talk and what not after the kids tire themselves out.”

        “No offense kid, but you’re not my type.”

        “Dang it! I don’t mean it like that!!” He was going to continue, until he got blindsided by Light and Golden as they focused on splashing him. “Agh! Hey!! NO SNEAK ATTACKS!” All they did was stick out their tongues in laughter and continued splashing. Soon. the room took up sides. Celestia, Golden and Light against Lance, Lucky, and Rainbow. With Gilgamesh being spectator… and possible referee. Then though, Lucky suggested that they play a new game.

        Since they had a beach ball and a net could be placed up in the center of the pool, why not play a bit of pool volleyball? It was already three on three and Gilgamesh was watching over them from the sidelines as they were splashing and diving for the ball to hit it over the net. Later, when Pinkie Pie and Caster had returned with all the baked goodies, both of them decided to cheer and take sides on who would win in this friendly competition. 

        “Go, Celestia! Kick that epic fail boys butt!”

        “Go LANCIE, show him what you can do!!”

        The Adept smirked as the ball came back over the net. Rainbow used her head to boop the ball into the air before he sprung upward, smacking it across them and in bounds before hitting Celestia’s face. The ball afterwards soon landed in Caster’s lap and all the kids were laughing based on the recent turn of events.

        “You awesome, Papa!” Rainbow said cheerfully, Hugging Lance again.

        “Thanks, Dashie.”

        “Champion of volleyball, huh Celestia?” Gilgamesh said sarcastically. Celestia said nothing as her right started glow for a few seconds. A red aura appeared around Gilgamesh as she stood up and fell through the open window that was nearby. “YOU ARE SO GONNA PAY THAT SUNBUTT!”

        “Was that necessary?” Lance asked, letting the kids continue playing in the pool as they stepped out and he got to drying himself off.

        “Yes it was necessary. Plus it’s not like she’s gonna die from something like that.”

        “You’re having her fall from five stories.” He deadpanned.

        “We’re legendary spirits that can take physical form. We can pretty come back as many times as we want.” Said Caster appearing above Lance.

        “ … Good point.” He sighed, taking a seat on the nearby chair. “So how have you guys been since we’ve last seen each other? Where’s Saber and Luna?”

        “If you’re wondering where Saber and Luna are, they’re in the holy grail war.” Grail said appearing from out of Caster’s mirror. “But I don’t you would even care seeing how she won’t be the same afterwards.”

        “The aftermath of war? I got a feeling of that when I last met my friend, Lee.”

        “Unlike most wars, this involves Magi and Servants against other Magi and their Servants to obtain the holy grail and receive it’s wish. Those who fail to defeat their opponent at the end of each week will be killed by the Mooncell within the school that the tournament is being held in. Then again if do win you opponent still dies.” 

        “How many players start the game?”

        “Usually there be at least 999 Magi to start, but seeing how they been killing each other for past few months. The number is now down to 163, it’s pretty interesting to watch how humans would do anything for a wish. It almost makes me laugh.”

        Lance looked at what the grail told him and then thought of something that resembled it. In a Manga named Zatch Bell, 100 humans were paired with children called Mamodo that had special powers that can be channeled through their spellbooks. Each of the children’s books would develop over time because of the emotions of their human partner, but if their book is burned, they’re sent back home. The only one that remains would then become king. But for them, this was different. 

        “Geez, and just when I thought the War of Shadows was bad enough…”

        “HA! Compare to that it’s nothing childs play. Though I have say that Luna and Saber are going an impressive job on surviving this long, especially after what happen in week 3.”

        “Do you even get it?” Lance asked. “I was with them when the initial event began… to me… I was the reason the War happened. Time Spinner told me that it was a fixed moment in time. One that can’t be corrected. But I don’t know if what I did to help was for better or for worse.”

        “Wow, you messed up real bad if you’re the reason why the war started.”

        “Well, it wasn’t all me… There was someone that tricked all of us into attacking one another. Folteren’s daughter was hurt and so was Lee’s host. Hell, I’m thinking Freddy’s there right now. I don’t want any of my friends like you guys to die from something that horrendous.”

        “This is how humans are. Whether it was someone that tricked them, started something, or want something. This is the eternal flow of how humans are, and this will continue till the end of time.” Grail said as a portal appeared in front of him. “Remember this human, no matter what you try to do to save other people or ponies. You can’t save them all from a brutal fate.” Lance nodded, acknowledging what the Grail had told him, but then, he thought of a question that he had to ask in that moment.

        “Do you have any advice for being a good father?”

        “Only one, don’t ever let your enemies know you have kids. Other wise they’ll either kill them, or turn them against you.” Have saying that, the grail left Power Pony HQ and return to the Holy Grail War.

        Lance took the thought and then replied to Celestia and Caster. “He… makes a good point actually.”

        “What do you expect? You’re the superhero of this world so you pretty much a even bigger target for villains to come and attack you.” Celestia said as she summon a beanbag chair for her to sit on. “Personally I would recommend taking your kids back to Max’s world until the heat here cools down, and you taken care of any major enemies in this city. And I don’t mean to send them to rot in jail, I mean killing them so they won’t come after you or your loved ones.”

        “We’ve already had come off a major case in Centrail City. Plus, Max and Seph are getting their Bridal dresses tailored by Max’s Rarity.” Lance told them. “They should be okay here though… Hey, quick question…”

        “What?”

        “I’ve been learning a few new tricks when it comes to my combat loadout… Would Caster or you be up for some Sparring? Pinkie can watch over the kids.”

        “Normally I would allow that, but seeing how Caster is a bit….destructive I’ll have to ask you not to fight her until you get to my world. Mostly because she a god , and I don’t want her to mess anything up in your world.”

        “Hey!”

        “But I do have someone that can give you a run for your bits.”

        “Actually, our training room was built to have us handle extreme conditions of any kind. Even Sunset when she started chucking wrenches at me.”

        “Given the circumstances I still have to say no, because you have built to withstand stuff from your world, but not a fox girl who is possible Pinkie Pie’s ancestor.”

        “Caster’s her ancestor? That’s a surprise.”

        “If they can defy the laws of physics then that pretty much fits the bill. I mean look watch she’s doing now.” Celestia said pointing to Caster who was juggling a mini version of a sun, moon and black hole. “What kind of person does that without the use of magic or powers?” Lance just shrugged, honestly not knowing. “My point exactly, and seeing how she broke the command seal I got from grail I don’t want to have this please wrecked. So for now you opponent will be one of my other servants.”

        Just as Celestia said that Gilgamesh entered back into the room covered in dirt, glass shards, and a metal pole sticking out her stomach. “I hate you so much right now Celestia.”

        “Well, maybe we should take this elsewhere. Just let me change clothes and I’ll be ready.”

        “Wait what’s going on?”

        “Lance is gonna fight against one of Celestia’s other servants.” Caster said still juggling.

        “This should be interesting to watch.” Gilgamesh said as she started pulling pole from out of her stomach.

        When Lance came back, he was wearing a white sleeveless jacket and Dark navy pants with his gloves on and feet as well. “Okay, let’s rock.”

        “Alright then,” Celestia said as she lifted herself off of the beanbag chair. “Lead the way epic owned kid.”

        Lance did, guiding them into the room as he set it up. The entire room was spread out to where it was 200 yards across in both directions and was a recreational facility for other activities. Primarily though, it was used for the power ponies and other members to train in. It was everything, including weapon racks and numerous pieces of training equipment. One thing that Celestia notice though was a torn out sandbag that was in the trash bin.

        “Why is there a sandbag in the trash bin?”

        Lance sighed, noticing that. “That must’ve been when we last had Iggy here.”

        “Who’s Iggy?” Caster asked.

        “A Displaced Boston Terrier that had the power to control a Stand. A spirit guardian based on willpower. His Stand, The Fool, allowed him to control Sand. Hence the reason for tearing the sandbags apart. He’s with Button in Centrail City right now, helping the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

        “Well that explains why it’s there, so are you ready or what?” asked Celestia as her left arm started to glow. Lance himself smirked, electricity flowing through him as he prepared for who she was bringing out. “Alright then.” Celestia raised her left arm as a red symbol appeared in front of her. “Come! Hero of the distant future, the hero with no man! ARCHER!” A blinding light filled the room for a few seconds, only to disappeared and reveal a dark skinned man with silver white hair wearing a red coat like robe. 

        “Care to explain why you summon me here?” Archer asked, only for Celestia to point in front of him. 

        “You’re gonna be sparring with Lance over there.” 

        As he looked at him, the Azure Striker began channeling electricity. But something was different that Celestia, Caster and Gilgamesh noticed this time around. They knew him for one being able to immediately pull out his gun. But this time, it looked like he held out the hilt of a sword that didn’t have a blade.

        “Interesting.” Archer said looking at Lance’s weapon.

        “I thought it be fair to try something different to switch things up.” He replied, letting his electricity flow around him. “Just because I’m called Gunvolt in the field doesn’t mean I have to always use firearms.”

        “Interesting piece of weapon, I’ll give you that. But won’t do you any good if you’re not skilled for it.” Archer said as he summoned two blades into his hands.

        “Oh trust me,” Lance replied, taking the hilt and gripping it tightly. The small piece whirred to life. Revealing a straight edge blade that was just as long as a normal katana. “I might have a few surprises for you.”

        “We shall see boy.”

        “Go Archer! Kick that boys ass!” Caster yelled. Lance smirked, eager to see what this Archer was capable of besides wielding two blades.

        In a mere second Archer vanished from Lance’s sight, only to appear behind with a blade pointed at his next. “Rule number one, never underestimate the speed of your enemy.” Archer removed the blade only to deliver a strong kick to Lance’s back sending him back a few steps away from Archer. Lance smirked though, catching Celestia’s attention.

        “You should also not underestimate your enemy if you get too close.” He returned the comment. Archer could now see that his leg was partially covered in electricity. “I have lightning flow around my body in defense and if anyone isn’t prepared for it… The limb they attack with will be partially paralyzed.”

        “Really now? Been awhile since I fought against someone that can do that.” Archer made his blades disappeared as he summon a bow and a sword in each hand. “Then I guess I’ll have to go with long range attacks then.” As Archer aim for the boy, he once again vanish and appeared in the air. “Hound of the red plains: Hrunting!” Archer said as he fired the arrow hitting Lance in the stomach dead on. However, the arrow itself was soon stopped as a massive outward surge of lightning flew the arrow to the ground and sent lightning up Archer’s leg.

        “Really my friend? I’ve been only scratching the surface of one of the things I’m capable of.” Lance smirked, sheathing his blade. He went into his jacket pockets, drawing out both of his guns and aiming back at Archer. “But if you really want to play the range game, then let’s go.”

        Celestia herself was surprised by this. How he fared on his own now was way different than before. How much time had actually passed since when they last met?

        “Guess I don’t need to hold back then seeing how I was only holding back on account you’re just a kid.” Archer said as he summoned another sword in his hand, only this time it was a spiral shape. “Don’t blame me if you get hurt.” Pulling back the arrow mana started to flow wildly from out of the sword. “The fake spiral sword: Caladbolg!”

        “Why do I get the feeling I’m gonna get blamed for this?” Celestia said as she took cover behind Caster and Gilgamesh. The arrow went off with a powerful blast, almost shaking the entire building and causing the windows to break. In the smoke though, Archer felt himself getting pinned in both shoulders and the chest. 

        “You’re a fool to think that something like that could easily trick me.” Lance told him, only getting roughly shaken up from the blast. “Now, it’s my turn… VOLTAIC CHAINS!!!” Instantly, Chains of Lightning formed all around the room, taking hold of his opponent before sending hundreds of volts of electricity through him. Despite this though, Archer still had a lot of fight left in him.

        “Cute trick, but if you think that’s gonna stop me, then you really never dealt with someone like me.”

        “Heh… Your drill sword didn’t even land a scratch on me.” Lance told him. Switching clips again, he began to fire off dullahan energy rounds at blazing fast speeds in Archer’s direction.

        “The I guess I’ll have see if your weapon can damage you then.” Archer said as he moved out of the way of Lance. “Trace on!” In a blink of an eye Lance’s weapon were made in an instant.

        “Heh… Nice trick… However… there’s one thing that you did not keep in mind.”

        “And that is?”

        “Try firing it.” Archer smirked and tried. However, nothing happened. “Now you see the problem. I can only use these weapons because they function off of my electricity. Since you don’t have a Septima and you’re not an Adept, you can’t use them. They’re basically just props to you right now.”

        “Who said I made them to be just like yours?” Archer fired again, only this a burst of mana fired out only nicked him slightly at his head.

        “Didn’t see that coming.” Gigamesh said.

        “Pfft… That tickled.” Lance smiled. Soon though, he disappeared to where he was right behind Archer and blasted him once he turned around. Archer used the blast to his advantage as he turned around in the air and summoned two blades that resembled yin and yang. “I am the bone of my sword.”

        While for Lance, his skill points had been slowly refilling as he put one of his guns away to draw out his sword. Now he had a blade in one hand, gun in the other and electricity crackling all around him. “Lightning that flickers…”

        “Steal is my body, and fire is my blood.” Archer launched his blades at Lance like jet being launched into the air.”

        “Like a star, that purges all that violates its realm.” Lance now had focused all his power in his blade as he pointed it straight in front of him. The Small thin blade grew in size and took the form of a much bigger blade and with one swing, deflected Archer’s blades. “LUXCALIBER!!!”

        “I have created over a thousand blades.” Archer switch to his bow and continued firing at Lance. “Unknown to death, nor known to life.” Lance though, was dodging and weaving the incoming attacks, trying to get close to 

        “I have withstood pain to create many weapons.” Archer once again moved out of the oncoming Adept as he fired a barrage of arrows at Lance only for them to bounce off him. “Yet those hands will never hold anything.” Just as he landed a ring of fire appeared around Archer as he dismissed his bow, and kneel down on one knee. “And so as I pray.”

        With him kneeled down, Lance was up in front of him. Pointing Luxcaliber at him. “Do you yield?”

        “UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS!!!” As he said that the flames that were surrounding him started to enter into the ground. Cracks started to for as flames started gush out from underground as the entire room was engulfed in a bright light. Seconds later the light disappeared as it reveal that the room had changed from what it was before, to a barren field covered with swords sticking up from the ground. Celestia was wondering where Archer was only to see him standing a few feet away from Lance. They thought the fight was over… 

        Until a bright flash went off, blinding them. When it died, a filly spirit stood dazed and confused in the center. Aurora groaned in what an adult would guess as grumpiness. “Frak…” She mumbled.

        “Aurora?” The filly turned around at Lance’s voice, seeing him standing nearby.

        “Lance?” She tilted her head, “What’s going on? Where are we?”

        “In a training room,” He said. “I’m trying to hold my own against a Displaced. If you can help me, that would be very kind of you.”

        Surprised, Aurora quickly leapt to his side, “How can I be of service?”

        “Well… Anything that can help me beat this guy in the next few minutes.” Lance retorted. “Any ideas?”

        “You are wearing daddy’s jacket. He’s been known to enchant things from time to time, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he messed with something worn by you,” Aurora suggested. 

        “I know Aurora. But this jacket didn’t come with an owners manual. I need you to help me use it. You know your father more than me, so I’m putting all my faith in you in order to help me.” He told her, standing up back on his own. “Let’s do this together… as a team.”

        Smirking, Aurora possesses the jacket, changing it’s color to a deep black, and a red aura sparked off of Lance. Two dark blades appear in each hand, also with red aura spilling from them.

        Archer raised his hand up as the blades surrounding the both started to fly up next to him. “Each blade with in this reality marble were forged by the world’s greatest blacksmith that I was given throughout my life. Mean that even if you had that barrier to protect you from weaker attack, I bet it can’t protect you from swords that can counter your electric barrier.” 

        All Lance can do is chuckle a little… “Who said that I’m using my powers right now? Let’s go, Aurora.”  With a flick of a wrist, Archer launch the barrage of swords that were surrounding him at Lance. All the Adept did was smirk, waiting for the moment Aurora told him to do something.

        “Raise your right hand!” When The Adept moved the hand and the motion was done, the swords seemed to slow down to the point of nearly stopping. “Time powers are hard to control, even if I’m helping, so you might want to move.” Lance took Aurora’s advice, slicing forward and dashing towards the opponent. When Archer looked at the blades, he saw them actually breaking. The marble rusting away and cracking under pressure.

        “Don’t think those were the only blades you had to deal with.” Archer said as four oversized blade appeared beside him, and were launched at Lance. Again, The Adept swung his newfound blades and striking them to where they turned into broken pieces of metal. Archer smirked as fired four more again only for them to meet the same fate. Lance then used instant transmission to blast himself forward, having the Adept’s blades clash with Archer’s two swords.

        “Interesting little trick boy, had you fought against Lancer you would of been defeated in two hits.” Archer said as he pushed Lance backwards with a strong kick to the stomach. However, this though came with a consequence as when the Adept flipped backwards, the edge of his blade hit the top of Archer’s left shoulder. It left a burning cut along the side. But as the servant looked at it… he saw something else happen.

        His flesh was beginning to corrode. Be eaten alive by whatever had hit him. And the pain was brutal. “Tsh, and here I thought this would be the last time I had to fight someone with a skill like this.” He said as he cut the affected part of his arm before it begun to spread. “Great, this could be a problem.”

        “Aurora, I’m beginning to get real tired. If we are to win, we need to pull out all the stops. Got one last Ace in the hole?” Lance asked.

        “There’s something in here called Cold Storm. It’s the strongest move I can access.”

        “Okay, what do I need to do?”

        “It’s simple, just hold out your hand, think of the target, and scream Cold Storm at the top of your lungs.” Lance himself followed Aurora’s instructions as the power from the vest began to radiate from his right hand as he used his left one to hold it in place. Archer could feel the temperature change in the room as The Adept thought of his opponent. Then, he followed the last step.

        “COLD STORM!!!!”  A large blue laser shot out of his hand, completely encompassing Archer. The sound of it made Lance feel sadness, as it was a thousand cries for help, all in agony. One thought echoed through his head: Failure.

        “RHO AIAS!!!” Archer raised his other hand a shield in a shape of a seven petal flower; with seven lense like barriers appeared blocking the oncoming attack, only for two of them to break. However, Lance, despite the amount of pain he was put through, did not falter. He thought about his children… Max… Seph… Time… Aurora. All the people that counter on him and needed him the most. Even though failure echoed through his mind, his determination to live propelled him forward. 

        Somewhere inside his hair, a young breezie was beginning to glow, she woke up to the sight of her wings beginning to change along with her body. Taking up a new form, letting her voice be Lance’s guide… and letting an Anthem take root. Lance didn’t even have time to notice what was happening. All he felt was a surge of energy and power, which in turn he channeled into the blast he was firing. The amount of strength was now causing rho aias to falter.

        “Heh, not bad for a human.” thought Archer as Lance’s attack reached the final barrier. The final barrier start to crack as the red coat hero pushed whatever mana he had left into rho aias. Celestia saw what was going to happen as she summoned a magical force field around herself and her servants. Seconds later the final barrier shattered as a huge explosion engulf the entire reality marble. As the reality marble disappeared, Celestia made the force field around them disappeared as she watch in shock at what Archer looked like after the battle.

        “Impressive, for a human that is.” Archer said as his body started to disappear. “But you’re still not at that level of being a hero just yet.”

        “Heh… T-thanks…” Lance coughed. “I-i’m an Adept by the way.”

        “You’re still human, because you were originally born human. Whether you change the way you are, you’re soul is still human.” Archer said as he started to walk off. “Know this human, once you have surpass your future, then you can be a hero.”

        Struggling to stand, Lance cocked a grin. “Hope I get to see you again soon, Archer. That was a lot of fun.”

        “We’ll see.” With a smile on his face archer faded away into dust leaving behind a red gem for Lance. “When you are ready to face your future, give me a call.” Just before Lance was able to pick up the gem though, onepony had the audacity to knock him upside the head.

        “You ****ing moron!” Celestia yelled. “You killed my piece of eye candy!”

        “Oww!!!” Lance moaned. His body had taken a huge drain in energy and because of Celestia, the top of his head was bleeding. His body was still trying to recover from all the energy he had expended as his jacket turned white again and Aurora returned back to his bracer. 

        “Celestia, careful. You almost cracked Lance’s skull open.” 

        “Oh NOW you care about me!?” Lance snapped. “Talk about passive-aggressive.” Sighing, he used what strength he had to line himself up on a wall. “Besides, I didn’t kill Archer. He just returned to your world and left that gem behind.” 

        “Who’s the fairy lady?” Caster asked pointing at Lumen. It took Lance a second to notice this, but when he did, the Adept was very surprised to see the new look of his friend.

        “L-lumen? You look… different.”

        “Y-yeah… I don’t know why though… All I did was just… sing?”

        “That was an anthem… I believe you now have a Septima as well.” He told her as she returned to the form of a Breezie and landed on his shoulder. “You’re an Adept like me.”

        “A-awesome!!” She gasped, trying her best in her own little way to hug him, only with having to settle with cuddling his hair. Looking up, she soon became confused. “Who are these people?”

        “I’m Santa, and these are my helpers.” Caster said pointing to Celestia and Gilgamesh; only to get a smack upside her head. “Ow!”

        “Really?” Lumen said with a snarky tone. “I didn’t think Santa would have tails or go through a sex change-.”

        “Lumen!!”

        “What? I was being honest-!”

        “More likely too honest.” Lance said to himself mentally.

        “You do realize I can **** your world up right?” Caster said as she was about to do something to Lumen, only to be stopped by Celestia.

        “Look Lady, I’m sorry. I was just joking around, but you took it too seriously.” Lumen sighed. “So please, calm yourself… and your-.”

        “Lumen… You are trailing on mighty thin ice here.” Lance groaned. 

        “Hehe… Sorry… Anyone a healer here? Lance just exhausted himself of a lot of his stamina.” The Breezie asked, looking at Celestia and Gilgamesh.

        “I don’t think Celestia would help Lance seeing how he killed Archer.”

        “I TOLD you, I did NOT kill him!” Lance was trying to protest, before coughing up more blood. “He just returned and left behind that gem. I believe that’s his token.” To show he was telling the truth, he pointed in the direction of the gem, which Celestia noticed off of the bat. “H-he also said that the only way I can be a h-hero is that if I surpass… my future.”

        “Oh that test…… all I have to say is be prepared for what you see.” Gilgamesh said looking away from Lance. At that moment though, someone new happened to trot in, seeing all three of the women standing up and Lance on the floor.

        “Hey Lance, I was told that-.” Solaria stopped speaking once she saw the three girls in armor and him coughing up blood. Acting on instinct, she used her powers to blast a fiery phoenix towards them. “GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!”

        “Solaria, stop-!”

        “Gilgamesh, you know what to do.” Celestia said as Gilgamesh summoned magical chains wrapping themselves around Solaria. But the Unicorn wasn’t letting that hold her down. “Caster if you please.” Caster appeared in front Solaria and booped her nose.

        “I always wanted to do that to somepony else.” Caster said. However, it wasn’t long before her finger caught fire because of it.

        “Gilgamesh, put her down. Solaria’s my teammate.” Lance groaned as he tried to self heal himself with Galvanic Patch. “Sunset, I need you to calm down. Caster, Gilgamesh and their Celestia are friends of mine. While Archer…… is something else.” Turning to Celestia, he sighed. “Her powers allow for her to conjure flames as hot as the sun. I didn’t want you three getting hurt, so please… Put her down.”

        “For the record, she can’t hurt me.” Celestia said as she ordered Gilgamesh to let her go. “It’ll take more than that to hurt somepony like me.”

        “Noted…” Lance replied, noticing that outside, the sun was beginning to set and the moon was going to rise soon. “Well, I’m almost done with you guys… But I might need Caster to help me with one more thing.”

        “And what would that be?” Caster asked.

        “Putting the kids to bed.” The Adept told her, just as the door flung open and Rainbow, Golden, Light and Lucky came walking in with their pajamas on.

        “Oh…...nope.” Caster said as she pulled her top hat from out of nowhere, and entered inside it. “Get the fire pony to do it.” It didn’t help though that Rainbow Dash soon trotted over and looked inside.

        “Can you pwease read me a bedtime story?” She asked with the cutest of expressions on her face.

        “... Darnit, fine I’ll do it.”

        “YAY!!” Rainbow Dash cheered, trotting back to her room. After she picked up and began wearing the top hat that Caster was in.

        “PUT ME DOWN!”

        “Not until we in my room!” Dashie told her, happily prancing with her newfound hat. Lance chuckled at that, watching as all the ponies began following Rainbow and Caster.

        “I think I found Caster’s one true weakness…” Lance snickered. “Filly Rainbow Dash.”

        “I HOPE SOMEPONY KICK YOU IN THE NADS!”

        Lance just ignored that, redirecting his attention to Celestia and Gilgamesh. “So, once she’s done, you guys are free to go. However, I can give you guys some food if you want to make Caster suffer a little.”

        “Normally I would take you up on that offer, but we better get going soon. Mostly because something weird might happen in Ponyville or we might get summoned by another displaced.” Gilgamesh said while leaning against a wall.

        “Alright, well I need to-.” A small buzz went off on his arm as he looked at it for a moment. Seeing three figures in white like clothes from Bleach engaging Cody on the roof “Excuse me, I have something to take care of real fast.”

        “Care to explain what’s going on?”

        “There’s some activity on the roof that I need to see. A couple of humans that resemble Quincy’s are engaging my friend Cody right now.”

        “...Word to wise, if you see a pony with blonde hair and red eyes. Don’t and I mean DON’T piss him off.” said Celestia rubbing her neck.

        “Let me guess, You met them?”

        “I have, and let’s just say you are no match for him.”

        Lance took the advice as he walked into the elevator, pushing the button for the roof. Upon getting up top, he heard the sound of flames as he looked to see Cody. Upon seeing who he was fighting though, he was only able to get a few shots off before they fled in retreat.

        “Lance, that was the weirdest kind of help I had received in a while.” His friend told him as he was taking off his hood and putting away his gun and shield.

        “Let me deal with them. You go get some rest,” The Adept replied. But before they were able to go anywhere though, someone new had arrived on the roof. Thinking it was some sort of backup, Lance and Cody prepared to draw their weapons. But what they saw when they turned around though… was another story.





        “We….can not….allow…...you to….follow.”




End Strike 28