//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: A Metal Pony // Story: Journey through Demon Land // by Shadow Master //------------------------------// At the night time, Dragon Kick, Burnblast, Lightningblast and Tailtech spent whole day in search of Lance and his friends. They found nothing. They arrived at Warthorc Tribe Village after travelling through the long and wide barren wasteland. Despite the Warthorc Tribe's resistance and attacks on them, they had manage to defeat and subdue them all. They took a rest within the village. Warthorc Villagers brought some fruits for Dragon Kick and his rescue team to eat. While Dragon Kick and his units ate some foods and resting, Tailtech surveyed the area and questioned the villagers if they had seen Lance and his friends. An hour had passed, Tailtech returned to the shelter. He sat down with his team. They all turned and looked at him. Tailtech sighed, "They were here. They've got the Venus Seed. They beaten and banished Po Kong." "How? Only Master Tao and some Mystic Sorcerers can do that trick," Burnblast asked in shock. Tailtech shrugged, "You tell me. They say that someone else was with them too. Her name was Zelda..." "Zelda? Who the hell Zelda is?!" Burnblast demanded. "Whoever she was, she helped and protected them. And more importantly, the children are safe from harm." Lightningblade said calmly. He sighed, "The children did well." Dragon Kick nodded, "I just hope they're okay. Because the next fight they're facing at, it won't be easy or good. We have to find and help them." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement with Dragon Kick. They had to get some rests. They need all the strengths to find the children and help them to search and retrieve the cure ingredients. Hopefully to them, it was not too late... On the next day, the sun rose up from the east as it shined and glowed brightly. Within the cave, Dragoking was sleeping while curled himself around for his masters and friends to sleepin in the middle. As the light shone right through the cave's entrance, it touched on his eyes, Dragoking moaned annoyingly as he raised his head up and shook off a bit. He roared wildly. Everyone within the cave woke up at once. With their eyes of shock and fear, they yelped and screamed in fear. They got up and ran off in hiding. Cutie Mark Crusaders hid behind the rocks. Drake Trio hid underneath the dirt. Shiroi hugged Nyx tightly while hiding behind the pillar. Spike climbed up to the ceilings. Lance hid behind the rocks. Dragoking growled in annoyance while having his eyes rolled over. Lance and his friends came out from hiding as they found out that Dragoking was the one who woke them up. They all sighed in relief while commented in annoyance about them being scared by their own pet. They all had their own breakfast to eat for the moment. Everyone came out from the cave as they all readied to head off. They turned to Drake Trio as they wanted to say goodbye to the latter. "Thanks for the help," Lance thanked calmly, "We're all owe to Grunt and Dragoking." Boomer groaned in annoyance, "How come Grunt gets the credit?! And not to mention, that monstrous snake." Dragoking hissed loudly and angrily while glaring at the nervous and worried Boomer. Rob chuckled a bit while in amusement. Grunt smiled gently as he approached and hugged five Cutie Mark Crusaders passionately. They hugged him back. He smiled, "I am Grunt." Rob sighed in annoyance, "He has the point. Grunt is the one who help Lance in dealing with Moa Sie. And not to mention, Dragoking defeat that monster. He becomes the King of Demon Serpentine." He hummed calmly, "Then again - when he was in danger, we gone to his rescue. After all, he's our bro. And of course, we did tried to save and help them." Boomer smirked, "Point taken. That's all I need to hear." Everyone sighed in annoyance while rolling their eyes in annoyance. They turned to the front where the road led them to the next destination: another barren wasteland. "Well, then. We'd better get going." Lance said calmly, "We've got six more ingredients to get. And five days to go too." Everyone nodded their heads. As Lance and his friends were about to move out, Drake Trio came to the front in stopping them from going off. "Hey! Where're you going?" Boomer asked in shock and concern. Rob nodded his head, "Why are you guys so persistent in going beyond the Demon Land so badly?" "I am Grunt..." Grunt nodded his head in concern. Nyx sighed, "Our family got infected by Dark Plague. And the only way to save them is to get eight ingredients. The only ones we have are Venus Seed and Poisonous Frog's Slime. We have six more to go. And we have little time to get it done." "That's the reason why we have to go through all kinds of danger to get them no matter what," Spike said confidently. Apple Bloom nodded her head, "We owe everything to our friends and especially our sisters." "Yeah. They helped and saved us and Equestria so many times. We want to repay it back to them," Sweetie Belle agreed. "That's more than than that. They're our family too," Scootaloo spoke up. Drake Trio looked at each other as they had some thoughts for the moment. They nodded their heads in agreement. They turned to the front. "Well, if you're going, then count us in," Boomer said confidently. Everyone but Drake Trio looked skeptical and concerns of what they heard. He continued, "It's the least we can do for saving our dragon butts from Mao Sie." Rob nodded, "Besides you need some guide to get through the Demon Land. We've been here for longer than anyone else before." "I am Grunt," Grunt said with a smile. Everyone but Drake Trio looked skeptical and concern about letting the latter to join with the former. They weren't pleased and happy with what Drake Trio did before for leaving Lance to face Moa Sie by himself. Shiroi nodded her head. They all looked at her. Shiroi explained, "We could use some help. I know what Boomer and Rob did was selfish, but they were afraid of Moa Sie. So we can't blame them." Everyone but Drake Trio thought for the moment before they nodded their heads in understanding. She continued, "Besides we could use more help on this journey other than the books. No offense, Nyx." Nyx smiled while nodded her head, "None taken. But Shiroi's right. We not only need to find out more about Demon Land, but we could use some help to deal with more monsters." As everyone had some thoughts of what Shiroi and Nyx had said, the girls were right. They need some helps to get through some difficulties across the Demon Land. They all nodded their heads in agreement. Drake Trio cheered happily and wildly. Lance and his friends packed all of their stuffs. They were ready to head off. As they prepared to move out, Dragoking had his long neck in going underneath of all ponies in bringing them up. They all yelped in shock and surprise. With his head up, they all slide down on his long neck to the back. They all looked surprise and shock of what he did. Dragoking roared happily and wildly. "Oh... I get it. He wants us to ride on him," Apple Bloom said happily. "Wow... Really? I've always wanted to ride on Hydragoon." Sweetie Belle remarked happily. Scootaloo smiled, "Me too. Rainbow Dash and others said it was awesome to ride on it. I can't wait to try on it." "So, let's ride on him. I want to ride on Hydragoon," Jade exclaimed happily. Boomer gulped, "I was hoping not to get involve with Hydragoon again." Drake Duo nodded their head in agreement with Boomer. He sighed, "Just great. The one creature I hate the most is now I'm riding on it..." "You're not the only one..." Rob admitted before looked down. Nyx smiled as she nuzzled on Dragoking's neck gently and passionately, "Thank you, Dragoking. You're the best." "Yeah. If you hadn't come, I hate to see what happen next," Spike remarked. Dragoking growled happily as he gave ponies and dragons a passionately and happily lick. They all giggled and chuckled happily in feeling his licking ticklish. Even Boomer and his gang had to admit that it was ticklish for them to take. "Alright. We'd better get going," Shiroi reminded her friends. Lance nodded his head in understanding, "Alright, Dragoking - Let's ride!" Dragoking roared wildly as he raised his head up high while roared happily. He charged out at once, with ponies and dragons rode on his back. They were now heading to the next destination: Bull Badlands... Upon entering the Bull Badlands, Lance and his friends looked around on the familiar yet interesting area they knew of from their back home. It was another barren wasteland. Unlike their previous journey on some sector of wasteland; it was filled with more canyons' mountains and rocks along with more cactus, lakes and some grassland in specific area. They were amazed and surprised by the landscape. Scootaloo whistled in amaze, "This kinda reminds you on something; doesn't it, Apple Bloom?" "Yeah... This place reminds us of Appleloosa and Dodge Junction," Sweetie Belle complimented. Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Yes. Yes it, does." She sighed, "I miss home so much. I just hope my sister is okay too..." Jade patted on Apple Bloom's back gently, "Don't worry, A.B. We'll get back home soon. Pinkie Promise." Apple Bloom turned and smiled to her friends. She was in relief to have them with her. While Dragoking continued marching on the long wasteland of Bull Badlands; Lance, Nyx, Shiroi, Spike and Drake Trio had some discussion about the land. "So, what do we know about Bull Badlands?" Lance asked curiously. Rob cleared his throat, "As you have been all kinds of wasteland, this one is very different. This land was nutritious and healthy than any land before. But like every sector of Demon Land, it was ruled by the mighty yet terrified Demon Lord of Earth: Dai Gui." Boomer scoffed before snorted, "I hate to admit it. That bull demon is a tough opponent to face with. Trust me, I've seen it. The last resistance commander tried to face with him, he got himself killed. And most of them surrendered to that monster. But Dai Gui ain't smart on planning. He's almost like Po Kong - a brute moron with no brains." "So... Want to tell us how many more Demon Lords," Spike asked curiously, "I get the feeling it's gonna be more than just three." Shiroi nodded her head in agreement, "Spike's right. I may have been Demon Land once, but I don't know more about other Demons." "About Eight of them," Rob answered, making most of his friends looked shock and scared. He shrugged, "Well... It is true. Eight Demon Lords have their own land to rule. And of course, they're based on their specialty and nature." Nyx gasped before reading the book, "Like Po Kong - she's the Ruler of Demon Jungle because of her Nature Power and her army was wild. And Xiao Fung, he controls the Wind but Insect Swamp is his control because of amphibians and insects. And if I have to guess correctly, Dai Gui controls the Earth and his minions could be more Earth-Type Demons." Rob nodded his head, "You're catching on well. For a little one, you're quite a smart one." Nyx smiled, "I learn from the best." "So, any idea of who's Elite Commander are we dealing with?" Lance asked curiously. Shiroi nodded her head, "From what we heard about Dai Gui, he could have someone stronger and powerful..." Boomer sighed in defeat, "That part... Sorry. We actually never seen an Elite Commander. But I heard that he's not a Earth or Rock-Type Demon. He's a Metal-Type. And he's not just a Demon, he's a pony." "Metal? And a pony?" Nyx asked curiously. She gasped in shock as she looked back at her Demon Encyclopedia, "Could it be... Could he be the rare Metal Pony?" "What's a Metal Pony?" Spike asked curiously. "I am Grunt..." Grunt nodded his head in agreement. BOOM! Dragoking yelped in fear as he stopped on his tracking. As the more firecracker boomed, he roared in fear and wildly. Lance and his friends yelped in shock as well. Dragoking was forced in backing away from moving as he looked around of his surroundings in search on his enemies. Before he could do anything, the metallic chains emerged and trapped him tight. Dragoking roared in anger as he struggled in getting out of chains. Lance and his friends came down from Dragoking's back. They all tried to break the chains off as hard as they can. "Cease your resistance..." The computed yet high-pitched voice spoke. Lance and his friends turned to the front. They found a black metallic Pegasus with yellowish stripes, his mane and tail were short and spiky while his forehead had an emerald gem and emerald eyes standing before them. He continued, "Your only option for the situation is surrender. Surrender now... All shall be spared." Lance and his friends looked worry and scared of what they were dealing with. They had new enemy to deal with. Apple Bloom had her eyes narrowed in suspicious, "Who the hay are you?" "You're with Dai Gui?!" Scootaloo demanded angrily. Sweetie Belle groaned in anger, "And you want us to give Nyx up to your masters?! Forget it!" Jade nodded her head, "Yeah! We won't go down without the fight." Nyx gasped, "He's the Metal Pony. He must be Dai Gui's Elite Commander. That can't be good." "Your personality of determination and persistence only amuse me. Princess's knowledge is impressive. I advise you to surrender Princess of Demons to me," The mysterious Metal Pony spoke firmly and calmly as his right hoof transformed into a canon-like. He aimed his at his enemies. He spoke, "I will not repeat the option. Surrender at once or death can your next option..." Boomer groaned in annoyance, "The nerve of that Metal Pony?! Just who does he thinks he is?!" "Well... He is a Metal Pony. Metal Ponies are known to be an intelligent beings on Equestria. And of course they're quite advanced warriors too. And not to mention, they're very rare too. That was impressive," Rob explained in amusing and interested. Boomer huffed in annoyance, "I don't care! That guy thinks he can beats us! He's gonna freaking regret about it! Stupid Metal Pony!" Boomer and Grunt roared wildly as they charged at the Metal Pony at once. Grunt swung his punch at Metal Pony, the latter rolled to the front. Boomer unleashed his blazing fire on his claws as he jumped up and stroke them at Metal Pony for eight times. Metal Pony dodged and avoided the attacks as he grabbed Boomer's right claw before he slammed the latter on Grunt to the ground. Everyone from Dragoking yelped and squeaked in fear and concern of what they had saw. The Metal Pony was tougher than he looks. As the Metal Pony turned and glared at his enemies, he was readied to attack. "Wow... He just took both Boomer and Grunt down like it was nothing..." Spike remarked in concern. Jade nodded her head in concern, "Yeah... He's no joke now." "What are we gonna do? We can't just surrender. How do we know if Metal Pony like him can be trusted?" Shiroi asked in concern. Nyx sighed, "I think it's best that I-!" Lance interrupted, "No! Surrender is out of option! No family and friends of mine surrender to that Bull Demon! No one! I'll fight with him..." Everyone looked concern and fear of what he had said. He armed himself with his Twin Dragon Swords. He whispered to his friends, "Get Dragoking out from his chains. If he ever tried to trick or I lose the fight, then we rode out quickly..." Feared and concern for his safety, but his friends must agreed with his plan. They all nodded their heads. Both Boomer and Grunt quickly returned to their allies. Metal Pony had both his hooves changed into claws while his eyes became crimson. Lance armed himself ready to fight. "I didn't catch your name. Who are you, Metal Pony?" Lance asked curiously. Metal Pony had his eyes narrowed in anger and determination, "I am Metalgear. I am... Elite Commander for Demon Lord of Earth. I am the Supreme Warrior of Metal. I am... Defender of my Metal Ponies. I must defeat you and rescue them!" Lance looked concern and worry of what he had heard. He wondered if Metalgear was telling the truth of fighting against him. Metalgear charged in as he thrust his claws. Lance yelped in shock upon looking at the claws closed to his face. Lance deflected the attacks quickly before swiped his back leg on Metalgear's left hoof. Metalgear fell to the ground hard. Lance jumped up as he gave Metalgear a slam sword. Metalgear rolled to the right before swiping his leg at Lance's back legs. Metalgear then fired his Buster Canon at Lance. Lance quickly rolled over to his back. As Metalgear continued firing his Buster Canon, Lance blocked and deflected the blasts back at Metalgear's body for few times. Metalgear was weakened before falling down to the ground hard. Lance smirked as he approached Metalgear, "That was easy..." Metalgear looked up as he launched his Claw Capture on Lance's legs tight. Metalgear pulled his and swung Lance on the mountain walls for ten times. Metalgear then slammed Lance on the ground hard. Metalgear armed himself with his Claws in ready to attack. "Arrogance is the miscalculation of your victory," Metalgear said proudly. Lance groaned in annoyance, "We'll see about that!" Lance got up and charged right at Metalgear who armed himself in ready to attack. They both swung their weapons at each other while dodging and avoiding the attacks quickly. Metalgear launched his Claw Capture on Lance's swords tightly. They both pulled theirs very hard and away while glaring at each other for the moment. Lance smirked as he loosened his grip while allowing Metalgear pulled his claws back. Lance was pulled as well. And before Metalgear could do anything, Lance kicked on the former's face to the ground hard. As Lance was about to take the swords, Metalgear had his back legs in grabbing latter's neck and thrown him away to the front. Metalgear charged in as he struck and thrust his claws at Lance who dodged and avoided the attacks quickly while fought back at him. Metalgear thrust his claws at Lance's head who moved back while jumped and kicked Metalgear back hard. Metalgear withstood his fall before charged in. Lance hovered over and grabbed his swords. Both Lance and Metalgear battled with each other hard and quick. They then clashed at each other for the moment. Lance flew to the sky at once. Metalgear followed the former as he activated his wings in flying. On the sky, both Lance and Metalgear charged in as they both swung their weapons at each other hard and quick while dodging them for few times. Metalgear had his claws transformed into his swords as he swung himself around for few times while charging straight at Lance who blocked the attacks for the moment. Lance's defense was broken as Metalgear thrust his swords right at Lance's stomach. Metalgear slammed Lance straight to the ground. Nyx and her friends were breaking the chains off from chaining Dragoking. They did it. Dragoking roared wildly and angrily. Upon hearing the crashing, they turned and found Lance and Metalgear slammed on the ground. Metalgear held Lance to the ground for the moment. Metalgear armed himself with his right sword in ready to defeat his enemy. Lance groaned in annoyance as he struggled in getting out. Lance used his tail in swiping at Metalgear's head before nudged him hard. Lance got up and grabbed Metalgear as the former threw the latter away from him. Both of them armed with their swords as they readied to attack. "You fought well, Opponent Lance. Submit at once. Your valuable lives can be spared," Metalgear commented. Lance hissed, "Not gonna happen, jerk. Can't let you get Nyx... She's my family. I won't let you take everything I know of..." Metalgear sighed as he readied to attack, "I too don't want to do this..." Lance and Metalgear cried wildly as they all charged straight at each other. SLASH, Lance and Metalgear stood still after they attacked. As the moment had passed, Metalgear fell to the ground. Lance breathed and panted heavily. "I did it... I did it..." Lance remarked happily. Nyx and her friends galloped towards Lance as they all commented and remarked happily to him. Metalgear slowly had his eyes opened in wide as he slowly getting up. While struggled and weakened, Metalgear armed himself with his Buster Canon. Lance and his friends turned and ready to battle, though they noticed and found Metalgear weakened and wounded during the fight. Metalgear groaned painfully, "Must... Must fight... Must fight..." Lance's team was about to attack, but he held his hoof high in stopping them. He asked, "Why? Why keep fighting? Is there something else you're fighting for?" "Illogical yet strange - usual enemy like you would have taken the life of me and headed to the next area. Why do you show concern to me?" "Because there's more to you than meets the eye. I've got to know why..." Metalgear sighed as he deactivated his Buster Canon. Surprised by Lance's words reached the Metal Pony, his friends stayed their weapons down as they all listened to what Metal Pony's story... "Very well... You did defeat me. I shall inform you. Thousand years ago, we the intelligent yet mightiest Metal Ponies were searching a new land for our settlement. We found a nutritious land to supply our energy and strength. But it was ruled by Demon Lord of Earth: Dai Gui. Former leader of Metal Ponies challenged him but lost and killed during the fight. We've been enslaved to Dai Gui's service while I was forced and made to work under him. My guardian had become Dai Gui's Pet. And none of us could oppose him..." Everyone looked shock and concern of what they heard of. They all felt shame yet pitiful and concern for Metalgear and his ponies. Metalgear continued, "We've devised many plans in gaining our freedom, saving the Guardian and defeating Dai Gui. But we've been thwarted. We have no will to fight but to submit him. And the only way I can free my ponies is to do the Demon Lord's biding. For centuries, I suffered shame of hurting other life forms but unable to betray my ponies. I've betrayed Metal Ponies' belief of hurting Life Forms unless it was necessary..." Everyone remained silent as they all looked sorry and concern of what they had heard of. They felt sorry for Metalgear. Metalgear sat down looked at his enemies, "I await for my fate. I had failed. I'm ready to die..." Lance and his friends gathered around as they all had discussion of what they should do with Metalgear. "What do you think?" Lance asked in concern. "From his story, I feel sorry for Metalgear and his ponies. They suffered a lot under Dai Gui's tyranny rule. We have to help them," Nyx said. Grunt smiled, "I am Grunt..." Boomer yelped, "You can't be serious?! He could be lying to us! No way I'm gonna put mine to trust him!" "I'm with Boomer. And how do we know we can trust him," Scootaloo agreed, "Rainbow Dash said that we trust somepony when they shown the truth to us." "As much as I hate to agree, but I'm with Scootaloo too," Rob said in concern, "Metal Pony could be up to something. I just don't like it." "But I think he's telling the truth." Sweetie Belle said in concern. Shiroi nodded, "Yes... If he was a liar, then he should have set some ambushes or traps to trap us again." Spike sighed, "I think we should help him. When ponies are in danger, we should help and save them. That's what Twilight and her friends always do." Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Yeah. We have to help them. If Applejack were here, he would have help them than letting ponies died." "I am Grunt..." Grunt nodded his head. Scootaloo, Boomer and Rob groaned in annoyance as they reluctantly nodded their heads in agreement with their friends. They all turned to Metalgear as they readied to tell him of his fate. Metalgear remained firm and steady. "Lead us to your ponies..." Lance spoke. Metalgear looked shock and surprise of what he heard. He continued, "Guide us to them. We'll help them get out. I promised." "Do you mean it?" Metalgear asked in surprise and shock. Nyx nodded, "Yeah. We're gonna help them." Metalgear was in shock and surprise as he bowed down, "Thank you. Thank you so much! Now I'll have the chance to save my ponies!" "Then lead us..." Lance ordered calmly. As they had agreed, Metalgear guide and led Lance and his friends to the prison cells where his Metal Ponies were imprisoned and trapped within the base. Upon arriving on the next canyon, they climbed on the mountain to the top. Metalgear pointed down at the area. Lance and his friends looked down as they found the large mountains rounded together like a circle. They also found the metallic yet innocent Metal Ponies down there. They had found the Metal Prisons. Thousands of Metal Ponies were trapped and imprisoned down there. They all looked tired, scared and worried like there was nothing they can do. The armored humanoid buffalo warriors were keeping their sharp eyes on the Metal Ponies. Among them was muscular yet giant crimson humanoid yet metallic gorilla warrior dressed in general's armor with cape; he was riding on Armorhide the giant metallic yet demonically humanoid dragon-like with wings and some-kind of Gem-Blasters. The General Gorilla chuckled evilly, "That's it! Make sure these Metal Ponies do nothing to rebel us! Their plans have failed because I outsmarted them! Yeah! I am the true Elite Commander Crushkiller of Dai Gui!" "Yes sir!" Buffalo Demon Warriors saluted. The Buffalo Demon Warriors moved in as they all checked and made sure that none of Metal Ponies tried to rebel against Dai Gui. Lance and his friends turned back as they all chatted and questioned of how they able to save Metal Ponies. "Who was that?" Jade asked in concern. Metalgear answered, "That is the true Elite Commander: Crushkiller. He maybe an ape, but he's not foolish. He was the reason why my Metal Ponies were unable to escape. He anticipated our escape plans. He outsmarted us. We've been Dai Gui's slaves forever..." "Okay... That is low! They can't do that to those ponies! I'm gonna make them sorry!" Boomer exclaimed in anger. Everyone looked at him. He sighed, "Okay... I admit it. I was wrong not to believe in you. But can we focus on the mission?" "Question - how? He knows everything from inside and out." Rob said in concern. Lance smirked proudly, "Not all of it." Everyone turned and looked at him. He smiled, "I've got the plan to do it." At the Metal Prison, Crushkiller and his Buffalo Demon Warriors were keeping their guards up while checking on their prisoners. They heard the blowing horn. They all turned and found Metalgear chained on Lance, Shiroi, Nyx, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike. Buffalo Demon Warriors cheered wildly and happily for Metalgear in achieving his goal again. Metal Ponies remained silent and quiet as they all were in shame and guilty to hunt and attack on another group of life forms. As Demon Buffalo Warriors placed Lance and his friends near to the group of Metal Ponies, Crushkiller led Metalgear to his camp as they wanted to make some chats. Metal Pony #1 sighed, "I'm truly sorry. Please accept our forgiveness." Metal Pony #2 nodded, "Yes... General Metalgear didn't mean to harm you. It was us." Metal Pony Female sobbed, "Please, don't blame him. We have uphold the tradition of our honorable clan to the end. Until now, we're nothing but Dai Gui's slaves..." Lance shushed calmly, "Listen... We're not here because Metalgear captured us. We're here to help you." Metal Ponies looked shock and surprise as they all turned and looked at Lance and his friends. Could they meant it? "How?" Metal Pony #1 asked in concern, "You're prisoners now. We've tried everything - digging a hole way out, climbing up, flying to the sky or even drilling through the mountain. All is fail..." Nyx smiled, "There's one thing you haven't tried. And this time, we can escape..." Metal Ponies looked concern and surprise of what Lance and his friends had said. They weren't sure if they can make it or not... At the office which was located above the prison cells, Crushkiller was chatting and talking with Metalgear who remained silent and firm. Crushkiller spoke proudly and happily of his pride and success. "It was brilliant plan! For some centuries ago, I request Lord Dai Gui to let you become Elite Commander while me remained behind to keep an eye on Metal Ponies. The enemies will believed that you are the Elite Commander in letting them defeat you or get killed. When I see them, I crush them! This plan is foolproof!" Crushkiller exclaimed happily. He turned and looked at Metalgear, "But... I never thought you actually get them. Well done, Metalgear. Lord Dai Gui will pleased of it." Metalgear sighed, "I'm still not proud of it..." "Ah... Don't worry. As soon as I deliver the Princess to our Demon Lords, you and your ponies will be freed and do whatever you wanted to do." "Do whatever I want? You mean like making me to become a merciless pony to harm the innocents. And above all, you want to make my ponies to be example as I am..." "Yes... That way you will earn your own land. Everything will be yours. After all, you are an Elite Commander to destroy anyone from getting in your way." "Like now?" Metalgear asked firmly. Crushkiller turned and found him aimed his Buster Canon at the former. He continued, "Coz there's one thing I wanted the most - end your bloody life. So my ponies can no longer be feared of you. They'll be freed and follow the tradition of peace!" Crushkiller chuckled evilly, "Just as I expected. You're so predictable to think that you can defeat me. I'm more prepared for your rebellion. I expected more of this..." Demon Buffalo Warriors charged in with their weapons armed and ready to attack. Metalgear smirked, "You mean like having more friends from inside and out?" "Huh?!" Crushkiller asked in shock. BOOM! Crushkiller and his minions yelped and screamed in concern and feared as the office was shaken off and hard. They all looked concern and worry. Metalgear smirked happily. Something had happen... "Charge! To battle!" Boomer cried wildly and happily. Grunt and Rob cried wildly as well. Drake Trio were riding on Dragoking as they were charging straight to the Metal Prison. With the prison gate was destroyed, Dragoking launched his Dragon Flame at some Buffalo Demon Warriors. Most were killed by fire while others fled in fear and concern. Grunt jumped and slammed four enemies to the ground. Rob charged as he swung his pole at his enemies while dodging the attacks from them. Boomer charged in as he fired his Dragon Flames at them while punching and kicking at his enemies quickly. Dragoking continued charging and attacking his enemies by firing his Elemental Powers, Stomping on them, biting and swallowing them up, and even swinging their long tail at his enemies as well. With Dragoking roared wildly, Lance smirked as he took a chance in beating two Buffalo Demon Warriors out. He met up with Boomer who threw Twin Dragon Swords to the former. He charged and beaten them one-by-one. His friends charged and joined the battlefield. Shiroi, Nyx and Jade launched their Unicorn Bursts, Hikari Strike, Lunar Shots and Chi Spell Strike at the enemies. Spike launched his Dragon Flame at them. Cutie Mark Crusaders helped and guided some Metal Ponies out to escape. However, some of them feel guilty and upset by their pasts of doing nothing or being shameful to their clan's name and tradition. They all shown their determination and anger as they cried wildly. They all charged into the battle. They all used their Claws Strike, Buster Shots, Sword Slash and more in defeating and attacking their enemies. At the office, Crushkiller witnessed the battlefield. He was in shock and surprised. He was able to predict Metal Ponies' escape plans from inside mostly because they were his prisoners and hostages. He didn't expected some reinforcement to attack from both inside and out. He clenched his fists tightly. Metalgear aimed his Buster Canon at Crushkiller, "It's over. Submit now! Your live will be spared." Crushkiller turned and fired his Crystal Blaster at Metalgear's chest hard to the wall. He growled in anger, "I will not be beaten by some machines! Never will I be beaten by Metal Ponies! And I know who made this mess..." Crushkiller screeched wildly and angrily as he broke through the window. He floated on air for 8 meters away. He then slammed on the ground hard. Metal Ponies cried in anger and wildly as they turned and charged at him. Crushkiller punched and shot his Crystal Blaster at his enemies while charging straight to his armored Armorhide. He rode it as he fired them at his enemies. Buffalo Demon Warriors cried wildly as they all charged straight at Metalgear. He launched his Claw Captures on two warriors as he swung and slammed them right at some of Buffalo Demon Warriors one-by-one. He then threw them to the walls hard. Metalgear turned to the broken window as he broke and jumped out in chasing after Crushkiller. Crushkiller rode his Armorhide in firing its Crystal Blaster at his enemies. Metal Ponies screamed in fear and worry as they all quickly hid from the attacks while firing their Buster Canons at him. He laughed madly and insanely in killing his enemies. Lance and Nyx flew to the sky as they all charged straight at Crushkiller. The latter was about to fire his Armorhide in attacking. Shiroi launched her Hikari Strike at him, followed by Jade's Super Beam and Dragons' Dragon Flames. Metal Ponies joined the fight as well in firing and shooting their Buster Canons at him as well. But at the same time, they also had to deal with Buffalo Demon Warriors as well. Dragoking charged in and rammed Armorhide hard as both monsters fought and attacked at each other hard and quick while dodging and avoiding from firing Blazing Fire, slashing claws or biting on each other. Lance slammed Crushkiller to the ground as he thrust his swords at him. Crushkiller dodged them quickly for few times. The gorilla kicked Lance off before firing his Crystal Blaster at Lance who blocked and deflected the blasts away from him. Crushkiller dodged and avoided the blasts while firing his Crystal Blaster at Lance. As soon as Crushkiller ran out of his Crystal Blaster's energy, Nyx quickly fired her Lunar Shot at his weapon before shots at his body five times. She was about to shoot another one. He took out his mace as he swung it right at her. She dodged and avoided the attacks for three times. He then slammed his mace on her head. She quickly blocked with her back leg in holding the attack. She then fired her Lunar Strike Blasts at his face. The gorilla withdrew before she slammed him to the ground hard. She then gave the hard Focus Punch on his face hard. He then kicked her flank in making Nyx off of him. Crushkiller turned as he ready to slam his mace on her. Lance jumped and kicked him hard. The gorilla turned as he growled in anger. He prepared to attack the pony. Lance quickly flapped his wings hard in blowing the gorilla away from him for the moment. Lance charged in as he slammed his Dragon Strike Claws at the Crushkiller's mace hard for the moment. Crushkiller then slammed his punch on Lance to the ground hard. Nyx jumped on Crushkiller's back as she bitten his head's hair painfully. The gorilla screamed in pain. Lance got up and punched on the gorilla's face hard for few times. Crushkiller blocked and deflected the attacks from Lance while trying to get Nyx off his head. As Dragoking and Armorhide continued clashing their heads at each other hard, Armorhide fired his Gem Blaster at Dragoking's body hard. Armorhide then gave the Hydragoon a hard claw scratches for few times. Armorhide was about to gave another scratch but Dragoking grabbed it before rammed the former off. Hydragoon then fired his Dragon Flame on Armorhide's face for the moment. Armorhide then blocked the attacks for the moment. Armorhide was about to fire his Dragon Flame. Dragoking swiped his tail at Armorhide in knocking out to the ground. Armorhide was about to attack but Dragoking held the former tight to the ground. The Hydragoon snarled at the defeated metal Dragon. Crushkiller, Lance and Nyx screamed in fear as they all fell off from Armorhide. They dropped to the ground hard. They moaned painfully. Crushkiller took his mace out as he readied to kill his preys. "I will make you pay, insects! When I'm through with you, I'll take that princess to my master," Crushkiller snarled a bit. He held his mace up, "Even she's just a little pieces." BANG! Crushkiller yelped in shock and pain. He looked down as he found a hole on his chest. He slowly turned his back and found Metalgear aimed his Buster Canon at him. "No innocents can be harm again..." Metalgear snarled in anger. Crushkiller moaned painfully as he slowly fell on his back hard. He turned to the front as he shouted, "Elite Commander Crushkiller has been dealt with! Freedom is ours!" Metal Ponies cheered wildly and happily in not only defeating Crushkiller and his minions but they had gained their freedom. Metal Ponies thanked happily to Lance and his friends for helping them. The latter welcomed them as they were doing their jobs. Dragoking let Armorhide up from the ground. Metal Ponies were packing their stuffs up as they were all preparing to leave the Demon Land. Nyx, Spike and Shiroi gave them the map of getting out of Demon Land and headed to Equestria. Lance and his friends were about to move out. Metalgear approached to them. "Thank you for helping me to restore my ponies' freedom, my friends," Metalgear thanked happily. Lance and his friends smiled and nodded their heads in accepting his thanks. He continued, "There's something I want to return you a favor. I shall accompany you on your journey." "Really?!" Everyone asked in shock and surprise. "You're kidding me?" Boomer asked in shock and surprise. "Well, he did bested you, Boomer," Spike commented. Boomer growled in anger at him. He yelped, "Will you relax?! Yeesh... You're worse than Rainbow Dash. Besides, we could use some help." "Yeah... Sure why not? You could help us." Lance said happily. Metalgear bowed in relief, "Thank you." "But what about the rest of Metal Ponies? Who's gonna help them?" Nyx asked in concern. "Do not concern of them," Metalgear said calmly, "With Armorhide returns to us as our guardian, they should be fine in returning to home. Don't worry about them. They can handle it. You gave them what they truly require: courage..." Metal Ponies and Armorhide nodded their heads in confident and agreement. Lance and his friends reluctantly agreed and allow them to go off. As the Metal Ponies and Armorhide headed off, Lance and his friends watched them off. They turned and were about to head off. They found a familiar ally in front of them. "Zelda?!" Everyone but Metalgear asked in shock. "Identification?" Metalgear asked in surprise. "A friend of ours," Spike answered. Nyx jumped and hugged Zelda tightly. The latter hugged back. Nyx exclaimed happily, "You're alright! We were so worried about you! How's your wound?! Where were you?! Did something bad had happen to you?! What were you doing here?!" "Yeah, what you've been up to?" Scootaloo asked in shock. "I'm okay. After the battle, I decide to repay you some debts. I was seeking for anyone who has the knowledge behind the Bull Badlands. And I found her." Zelda smiled as she moved her cape out. She revealed a shy yet worried cyan Alicorn-Lion hybrid with greenish mane and tail with stripes of blue, purple and pink. Zelda cleared her throat, "Everyone... This is Aurora Borealis. She was the child who has hidden from her enemies and knows behind the Bull Badlands." Aurora waved gently as she spoke softly, "Hi..." "Sorry? Can't hear you?!" Boomer asked loudly. Aurora yelped in shock as she hid behind Zelda's back. Spike slapped on Boomer's head. Boomer groaned, "What the hell was that?!" "You were scaring her!" Spike explained. "Did not!" "Did too!" "Knock it off! She's just shy and scared. Reminds me of Fluttershy," Nyx explained as she and her friends came to Aurora. She continued, "Aurora, it's okay. You don't have to be afraid of us. We're not Demons. We're friends." Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded their heads in agreement. Aurora looked reluctant and scared. She took a deep breathe as she came out and approach them. She then smiled gently. Cutie Mark Crusaders approached and hugged her gently. Aurora smiled as she hugged them back. "But still... Why her? What can she do?" Shiroi asked. Metalgear nodded, "Indeed. What knowledge can she possessed of what we do not?" Zelda spoke, "She knows the location of your ingredient: Night Flower." Everyone but Aurora and Zelda gasped in shock and surprise. Aurora knew the location of Night Flower?! "Tell us... We'll get it done." Lance said firmly. Zelda nodded her head as Aurora explained of what she knew about Night Flower. Their third ingredient was their next target to find and retrieve. Will they succeed? At Insect's Swamp, the Mystic Rescue Team came by the area. They looked around the area as they found more dead giant Insects and humanoid Frog Warriors. They were all shocked and surprised by the event. "They were here..." Tailtech said in concern. He then looked at his Tracker, "And if I have to guess correctly. They've got Poisonous Frog's Slime. They were heading to Land of Serpentine and then to Bull Badlands." "I hate to admit one thing. Those kids got guts. I can give them that," Burnblast commented. "We'd better find and get them. There's no telling how dangerous Dai Gui can be," Lightningblade said in concern. Dragon Kick nodded his head in agreement, "Yes... I hope they're safe from danger. The Demon Lords are more powerful and dangerous as Dark Mystic Ponies. But not powerful as Dark Curse..." Mystic Rescue Team nodded their heads in agreement with Dragon Kick's thinking as they all headed off to the next area. Hopefully they can find and met up with the children before bad or worse things happen... To be Continued... Review and Suggest...