//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8: Soar to the Tower 
// Story: Journey through Demon Land 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

At Hsi Wu's Tower of Sky, Hsi Wu and some of his Hunter Bats were heading straight to the golden demonic large bird cage-like. He took a spear from his Bat Hunter. He whacked it on the cage's bar hard.

SCREECH! The creature revealed to be a giant skeletal bat-like with four wings, his head was like a ptrenadon and his long tail-like. Bat Hunters yelped in fear and worry of what they were seeing and looking at.

"Lord Hsi Wu," Captain of Hunter Bat spoke, "Are you certain if it's wise to release your pet?"

Hsi Wu smirked, "Yes, Captain. And rest assure... My pet and I are gonna enjoy this hunt. If those brats did the hell of reaching here, I would be glad to fight with them. It would be fun..." He petted on his pet, "Wouldn't we, Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat?"

Cursed screeched wildly and loudly as it was ready to attack. Hsi Wu opened the cage in allowing Curse to leave his cage. The demonic yet giant bat screeched wildly as he was ready to hunt his enemies.

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "Good boy." He turned to the front, "Let's ride, my warriors! It's time to see if they have what it takes to soar to my tower!"

He and his Hunter Bats screeched wildly and loudly as they opened their wings. Hsi Wu climbed up on his Curse the Demon Giant Bat. They flapped theirs as they all flew out to the sky. They were on the air in finding and hunting Lance and his friends.





Lance and his friends had arrived at the Skyland. As they looked around of the area, they found it different and strange place they ever been to. The land was covered by thousands and more of floating island platforms-like, along with more of cloudy or moody clouds. They came across three clouds above them, along with a floated island above them.

Spike whistled, "What kind of Skyland is this?"

"Yeah... It's like Cloudsdale except with some floating islands," Scootaloo remarked in amaze.

"Do you think Non-Pegasi can touch the clouds," Sweetie Belle asked in concern, "Because if we can't-!"

Apple Bloom nodded, "We won't able to take a flight on the sky."

Jade smiled, "Well, Mystic Ponies and Alicorns got nothing wrong with flying or touching the clouds."

Zelda approached to the first cloud. She jumped up on the first one. Everyone yelped in fear and concern. As she landed on the clouds, it was very solid and safe as well. They were in shock, surprise yet amazed to see it. She then jumped and bounced on the cloud for few times.

Zelda turned to her friends, "I believe it's safe to use the clouds."

"Wow... That is weird yet incredible," Rob commented in shock.

Boomer huffed, "I knew that." He then approached to the dark cloudy cloud, "Well, this one looks safe."

Boomer hopped over to the dark cloud as he landed on it. The dark cloud dispersed into nothingness. He screamed in fear as he fell off. Everyone gasped in shock as they galloped towards the edge at once. As soon as they reach it, both Rob and Grunt dived down at once. They brought Boomer back to the top. Everyone sighed in relief.

Zelda hummed calmly, "Just as I expected... The cleared cloud is secured for us to use it while the dark yet cloudy cloud is a trap."

Boomer screamed in anger, "You could have told me about it earlier, buddy!"

"So, what's our next ingredient to find?" Shiroi asked calmly.

"Demon Wing," Nyx cleared her throat as she held a book up, "Demon Wing proved to be a very effective and powerful medicine in healing and restoring ponies' abilities, strengths, movement and magic from whatever it caused them to lose it. But here's the catch, everypony - Demon Wing had to be from a Flying-Type Demon."

Everyone but Zelda and Ace Swift awed in annoyance and disappointment.

"That sounds highly difficulty..." Metalgear said in concern.

Apple Bloom huffed in annoyance, "How on earth are we gonna find it?"

"Well, we could give you some," Rob said calmly before he sighed as he looked at his wings, "But ours are dragon-type, not demon. Sorry."

"What's next?! Look around and ask some demons to give their wings to us?!" Boomer asked in annoyance, "That would be great idea?!"

Spike yelped in fear, "You mean them?!"

Lance and his friends looked up. They all yelped in fear and worry as they all were facing at the countless the bluish Shadow Bats with large wings and claws, Hunter Bats, some Terror Condors the skeletal yet demonic condors with a head of Ptrenadon and Hsi Wu riding his Cursed the Giant Demon Bat.

"It's them! The Wing Army!" Ace Swift exclaimed in fear.

Zelda narrowed her eyes in suspicious, "And Demon Lord of Sky, His Wu is here as well."

"Scans indicated the numbers of Wing Army," Metalgear spoke in concern, "We're outnumbered against the large numbers of them."

"Thanks for the big mouth, genius," Rob sarcastically complimented.

Grunt huffed, "I am Grunt..."

Boomer groaned in annoyance, "Shut up..."

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "Well, well, well... I'm impressed to see you all have escaped my Keeper of Labyrinth of Nightmares. I thought my Keeper would have kept you more 'entertained' at his labyrinth. I guess I expected too much of it." He smirked, "But matters not. I have you now, Yue..."

"YUE?!" Everyone but Zelda and Ace Swift asked in shock and surprise.

"Does anypony had any idea of what the hay that stupid bat's talking about?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Sweetie answered, "I'm confused as you are, Apple Bloom."

"Seriously? Yue? Who the hay is that?!" Scootaloo asked angrily.

Jade sighed in annoyance, "Demons are so hard to understand... They never make sense."

Knew her true identity yet in denial, Nyx ignored and hidden it behind as she shrugged, "I have no idea. I never heard of that name before."

Dragoking growled in disappointment as he glared at her. Nyx shushed at the Hydragoon. Hydragoon sighed in annoyance as he nodded his head in understanding. Lance and his friends looked up and glared at Hsi Wu and his minions.

"What do you want, Sky Demon Lord?!" Lance asked angrily.

Hsi Wu smirked, "Do I have to bother to answer when you had my niece and that little traitor with you? I demanded them return to me!"

Nyx growled in anger, "For the last time, I'm not gonna back to you! And I'm not your niece too!"

"And I'm not the traitor too!" Spike protested angrily.

Shiroi demanded angrily, "Why can't you leave them alone?!"

Shiroi, Ace Swift and Cutie Mark Crusaders came and hugged Nyx and Spike tightly to them. Lance, Drake Trio, Metalgear and Zelda armed themselves in ready to fight and battle with their enemies. Hsi Wu chuckled evilly and darkly.

"Simple... I give you my pet's Demon Wings along with Purest Seashell, Courage Flame Orb, Thunder Serpent's Scale and Dark Soul's Aura; in-return I want them back to me."

Everyone gasped in shock and surprise. Hsi Wu was willing to give Demon Wings to them? But they have to pay the price?!

Nyx and Spike thought for the moment. Time was running out, and they need the ingredients as once. They didn't want to give in but they left no choice. They all sighed in defeat. They were about to spoke. Their friends remained firm and serious as they readied to fight.

Boomer spoke, "Wanna hear our offer? Shut the hell up, freaking bat!"

"Sacrificing ally is insignificant. Possibility of your deal," Metalgear spoke logically yet scientifically, "FALSE!"

"Nyx and Spike are not going with you! And that's final!" Lance exclaimed in anger, "If you ever ask this one more time, I sure to my grandmother's wings that I'm gonna clip your wings out!"

"YEAH!" Everyone but Nyx and Spike exclaimed in agreement.

"When you ever learn, fools?" Hsi Wu spoke darkly, "We will not stop until my niece and the traitor belong to the Demon Lords. You can try to stop if you can!"

"Make us, freaking bat!" Lance exclaimed in anger.

Hsi Wu chuckled sinisterly, "Fine then... You ask for this... Wing Teleportation!"

Hsi Wu opened his large wings, along with his Cursed opened its. They flapped their wings hard and quick for few times. Lance and his friends struggled in holding and standing on their grounds. As for the moment had passed, they couldn't hold it much longer. They had been blown away from the ground. Hsi Wu chuckled evilly as he watched and seen his enemies blown away from him.

Lance and his friends moaned and groaned painfully. As soon as they got up, they found themselves been separated on different floating island. Lance, Shiroi and Zelda were on the southern lowered floated island, Metalgear, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Grunt were on eastern higher floated island. Boomer, Rob, Scootaloo and Jade Adventure were on western middle floated island. Nyx, Spike, Dragoking and Ace Swift were on northern floated island.

Once again, they had been separated from the group and relocated to a different location of Skyland. Skyland had four sectors of floated islands for big and small while on middle revealed to be the Tower of Sky.

"ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!" Scootaloo asked in anger.

"Ah, come on?! Again?!" Boomer asked angrily.

Jade groaned in anger, "Enough with 'teleporting us to a different area'! That is so classic!"

"What gives?!" Nyx asked angrily yet annoyingly. 

Everyone but Zelda complained and argued angrily yet loudly at Hsi Wu. Hsi Wu and his minions; on the sky, flying on the midair while looking at his enemies.

"What can I say? I love making challenges..." His Wu smirked darkly.

"What are your games, Hsi Wu?!" Lance asked angrily.

Hsi Wu smirked, "Simple game, boy. Find and reunite your friends at Tower of Sky." He chuckled evilly, "But here's the game - don't let us catch you before you could reach my tower. The game begins... Good luck..."

Hsi Wu and his minions flapped their wings as they all moved behind the clouds. They all disappeared from everyone's sights.

Lance and his friends looked at each other for the moment. They nodded their heads as they knew what they had to do now. They had to reunite and regrouped with each other at the Tower of Sky at once before Hsi Wu and his minions could catch them. They moved out at once...





Hsi Wu ordered all of his Hunter Bats and Shadow Bats in attacking his enemies. With the word had been given, his minions left and headed to their specific targets on all four islands: north, south, west and east.

Captain of Hunter Bats lowered his head down, "Master... Forgive my questioning... Why do you not retrieve your niece and traitor? And not to mention, why not finish the rest at once? Wouldn't it save the troubles?"

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "Why wouldn't it, Captain? After all, I told you that I have come to play with my niece. I want to play with her, just like before. Above all, my older brother did ask me to do some observation on her process. I too want it. This would be fun."

"I do not understand... She is your niece - Princess Yue"

"I know... But we have to learn more about her. And what is her relationship to others? And above all, what is Twilight Sparkle to her?"

"A weakness to make her surrender to us? That makes sense, my lord," Captain of Hunter Bats spoke interestingly.

His Wu smirked, "Yes, Captain. I'm glad you like it. Go forth and play with them."

"Yes, my lord," Captain of Hunter Bats nodded.

Captain of Hunter Bats flew off to the battlefield. Cursed screeched wildly yet unhappily. Hsi Wu petted his pet gently.

"Don't worry, my pet. You will have the chance," Hsi Wu said calmly, "You will have the chance..."





On the Southern Floated Island, Lance and his team walked through the tropical-like forest as they all pushed the grasses, leaves and bushes aside. They looked around of their surroundings in search of getting out of the floated island. As they continued travelling, they had some chats.

"I'm curious of one thing, guys," Shiroi said in concern. Both Lance and Zelda turned to her. SHe asked, "Who is Princess Yue? I never heard of that name before."

Lance sighed, "Me too. And I think I know who Nyx really is."

"Really? How, boy?" Zelda asked curiously.

Lance spoke, "For example, Po Kong called Nyx  as niece, just like what three Demon Lords had called her. They all got interested in her. They're sending their best in getting her back, even if it means hurting us so badly." He hummed in concern, "There's the connection between Nyx and Demon Lords."

"You're not actually going to believe that Nyx belongs to them?!" Shiroi asked in shock yet disbelief.

Lance shook his head, "I didn't want to believe in it, but it's the truth. If I guess correctly, seven Demon Lords are her relatives. And if Nyx really is a demon, then someone is related to her blood and powers - Tso Lan."

Shiroi was in shock and pained, "No... It can't be true... Nyx isn't."

Lance sighed, "Let's face it. Nyx is a Demon and her father - her real dad is Tso Lan. I didn't want to believe it. But we can't ignored it..."

"Lance..." Shiroi said in concern.

Lance sat down as he glanced and looked at the puddle. He saw his own reflection playing a tag with Nyx happily while laughing. With a sigh, he looked away from the puddle. Shiroi approached and gave him a gentle and comfort pat.

Zelda sighed beneath her cowl, "Despite of the facts, then are you willingly to give up on her? If so, then why are you so protective and caring of a little demon." Lance and Shiroi turned and glanced at her. How could she?! She continued, "It's like Hsi Wu had said - surrender to her, then he will give what we required and go home. That's the matters."

Lance snarled in anger, "Now wait a second! I didn't said that!" Zelda glanced at him. He continued, "She maybe a Demon, but she's my family! She's important to me as anyone else I know of! I will never abandoned her! I will never give up on her! She's my sister!"

Shiroi nodded, "You said it, Lance! She's too important to me!" She sighed, "I admit it. I was afraid of her because of her eyes. But I get to know more about her. She's really a sweet and kind filly. And above all, she's my friend! I won't abandoned her!"

Zelda scoffed a bit before smirked beneath her cowl, "That's what I want to hear from a big brotehr and his girlfriend." Lance and Zelda looked shock yet surprise of what they heard. She continued, "Just because you learned the truth doesn't mean you have to give it up. Nyx had proven herself more pony than demon. Remember what true fact is..."

Lance chuckled a bit, "I guess you're right. Thanks for helping me realize, Zelda."

Shiroi nodded, "Yeah. But we should keep this a secret. The last thing I want is to hurt her and make her sad..."

"Agreed..." Lance nodded.

Zelda sighed, "I make no promises. If Nyx became aware of her identity, then we must. And above all, we must keep her reminded that she's still a pony."

Shiroi and Lance looked at each other for the moment before nodded their heads.

SWOOP! The arrows struck right at the tree trunks.  The trio yelped as they dodged down the bushes. They looked up and found more of Shadow Bats and Hunter Bats armed with their bows and arrows. The latter were searching and hunting their three preys.

Lance, Shiroi and Zelda looked at each other. They nodded their heads. Lance armed his Twin Dragon Swords while Zelda armed her own sword and Shiroi readied herself with her horn glowing. They were ready to fight with their enemies…





On Metalgear’s group from eastern higher floated island, he was leading Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Grunt in leaving the floating canyon island. Looking at the canyon had made Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle worried that they may get lost and tired from walking as well. They hated it much.

Upon reaching to the edge, they found some cloudy cloud, dark clouds and good-looking clouds. But in front of them was another island. With Apple Bloom on Metalgear’s back while Grunt carried Sweetie Belle, the winged pony and dragon opened their wings in ready to fly.

Metalgear's team flew and glided straight to the next one. But they landed on another canyon island.

Sweetie Belle sighed in annoyance, "Just what we need - another floating canyon island?"

"Can it at least be something else?" Apple Bloom asked in annoyance, "The last thing I can't stand the most is getting lost..."

Grunt carried both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle as he gave them a gentle hug, "I am Grunt..."

Sweetie Belle sighed, "Thanks for comforting us, Grunt."

"Yeah... For a big and tough dragon, you're really a kind and gentle too like a mother taking care of some babies," Apple Bloom complimented. She glared at the happy Grunt, "And I'm not a baby too, Grunt. It's compliment."

Grunt smiled and nodded his head as he hugged them passionately and gently.

Metalgear turned to his team, "We must not faltered. We must regroup with the rest. We cannot afford to be captured by our enemies."

Apple Bloom sighed, "Fine. But still we'll get through it. After all, we beaten three Demon Lords so far."

"Yeah. After he's banished, the Demon Wing is ours to take," Sweetie Belle said confidently.

Grunt nodded his head. Metalgear sighed in annoyance, "Beating Hsi Wu is not my concern. It's Nyx." Everyone looked confuse and concern as they looked at him. He continued, "Whatever the reason Demon Lords want with her, she's part of it..."

"I am Grunt?" Grunt asked in concern and worry.

"I'm saying... there might be connection between Nyx and Demon Lords..."

Apple Bloom shook her head in denial yet concern, "No... It's not true. I don't believe it! Those Demon Lords were telling the truth?!"

"No... It can't be true..." Sweetie Belle sobbed in despair and pained.

Metalgear sighed as he approached and patted the fillies' manes gently, "Yes, it's true. But we're not giving up on her." The trio looked at him. He answered firmly, "As fleshling's famous quote, no one gets left behind because everyone is a team."

Relieved and happy to hear what Metal Pony had said, the trio smiled and nodded their heads in agreement. They were not going to let Nyx be captured and returned to the Demon Lords.

SCREECH! Metalgear's team looked up and found more of Hunter Bats landed on the ground as they all armed their weapons and ready to fight. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle got off from Grunt and ran behind of him. Grunt armed himself in ready to fight while Metalgear armed with his Buster Canon. They were ready to fight with their enemies and reunite with their comrades...





On western floating desert island, Boomer's team were panting and gasping for air and water as all of them were exhausted and tired from their long journey on the hot yet barren wasteland. Found some shades of some trees in front of them, they quickly headed to it. They hid below the trees. They all sighed in relief yet happy.

“Man… I’m so beat up,” Scootaloo commented, “I hate dessert. It’s always to hot.”

Jade groaned in annoyance, “Tell me something I don’t even want to know… Man, I’m so thirsty.”

As Scootaloo and Jade drank their water bottles, Boomer and Rob were having some chats with each other about their next plans.

“So, what’s next, egghead?” Boomer asked in annoyance, "The last thing we want is to get caught by that stupid flying bats!"

Rob sighed in annoyance as he explained, "The usual plan, of course, Boomer. We regroup with the rest of our friends and be ready to fight with Hsi Wu and his Cursed. We need the Demon Wings. But we'll be at disadvantage." Boomer gave a suspicious raised eyebrow at Rob as the latter explained, "We have both flying and magical advantages in dealing with them. But Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike and you don't have."

"What gives you the idea, pal?"

"You can't fly, so does Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Spike."

"Thanks for the tip, buddy... But that doesn't mean I'm going down without a fight. I maybe not a flyer, but I'm not a goner..."

"Yeah, I'm with Boomer. I maybe not at best on flying, but I've got some skills to knock that bat down." Scootaloo exclaimed proudly.

Jade nodded her head while crossed her hooves, "Yeah, so am I. We'll figure the way to bring him down."

Rob sighed, "Eavesdropping... Well, never mind of it. But okay - you ground units will figure something out on how to bring that crazy bat down while flyers and magicians will store him. And above all, we have to keep Nyx from falling to Demon Lords' claws."

"What makes you said that?" Scootaloo asked in concern.

Jade gasped, "Wait! You're not actually gonna believe of what those freaks had said?! No way! Not me! Not me!"

Rob sighed, "Let's face the fact, everyone. Whoever Yue was or why Demon Lords call Nyx their niece or something, it's fact that she was really from them. There's no doubt about it..."

Jade and Scootaloo looked down as they all had sad and concerned looks. They didn't want to believe of what they had heard.

Boomer huffed, "Whatever... Nyx maybe whatever Demon Lords think of her, she's still a pony I've befriended with. And no way am I gonna let some jerks like Demon Lords get her without the fight!"

Inspired by Boomer's speech, Rob, Jade and Scootaloo smiled and cheered wildly and happily as they unwillingly to let Nyx to return to Demon Lords or become a Demon.

SCREECH! Boomer's team turned and found more of Shadow Bats and Hunter Bats flying at them. They yelped in shock and fear as they quickly got up and headed off at once. Upon reaching to the edge, they quickly jumped off on the cloudy cloud. They got bounced to the next, then another and after the next.

Boomer's team continued bouncing away from the pursuing Shadow Bats and Hunter Bats...





On the northern beach-like floated island, Nyx's team were on Dragoking's head. He was walking through the sea in hopes of getting off the island. Her team looked around of their surroundings as they all found the island interesting and beautiful...

Spike whistled happily, "You've gotta admit one thing, everyone. This island ain't so bad... All of us could have great time together." He sighed in concern, "Sure wish Twilight and others didn't catch Dark Plague Sickness..."

Ace patted on Spike's back gently, "We'll make it. I promise."

Spike smiled a bit before he nodded his head. He knew there's still time to save his family. He turned and looked at Nyx. She was spacing out while looking at the sea. He became concern and worry about her ever since Hsi Wu called 'Yue' for some reason.

Spike approached and patted Nyx, "You okay?"

Nyx startled a bit. She turned and looked at him. She smiled weakly, "I'm okay. Sorry..."

"Is there something bother you? You know I can help you."

"I'm fine, Spike. Really."

Dragoking growled in annoyance. Nyx yelped in shock as she quickly shushed him at once. The last thing she want was making her family worry about her.

Spike crossed his arms, "Keep on lying - I'll keep on asking until you give in."

Nyx sighed in annoyance, "Fine... I know who Yue is..." Spike looked at her. She answered, "I'm Black Yue - daughter of Tso Lan."

"No way..."

"Well? Aren't you gonna scream or freak out of something? Like those Demon Lords had said before, I belong to them..."

Spike quickly hugged Nyx as he spoke calmly, "Don't say that, Nyx..."

"Why?" Nyx asked in shock and surprise.

"I don't care what those Demon Lords think of you. Nyx, you're my sister. You're not Yue or Tso Lan's daughter. If you were her, you would have done what Tso Lan wanted you to do. And now, you're sticking and fighting with us together till the end."

After some thoughts, Nyx smiled happily as she nodded her head in agreement, "You're right, Spike. I'm not Yue. But..." She sighed, "I was wondering how I related to them."

"Well... I just hope we don't get too goose bumps about the truth," Spike joked a bit, "I don't want to make my sister paranoid and worried."

Nyx huffed a bit, "Oh you... But thanks... And Spike, Pinkie Promise me that no one knows about it. Can you do it?"

Ace smiled, "Pinkie Promise... Whatever it was."

Spike hummed in concern while having his claws crossed before sighed, "Alright. But I've got some feeling that you'll have to tell them about it."

"I guess so..."

SCREECH! Nyx's team yelped in shock as they all looked up. They found more of Terror Condors, Shadow Bats and Hunter Bats coming towards them. They all launched and fired their arrows at their preys.

Dragoking roared wildly as he quickly headed off while Nyx and Spike fired their Unicorn Burst and Dragon Flame at their enemies, and Ace threw some peddles and rocks at them. They had to escape and reunite with their allies before they get caught...





As four teams from four directional areas battled and fought against some of Wing Army, they were trying to get off from the islands while reunited and regrouped with each other at the Tower of Sky before they get caught. They swung their weapons at their enemies while firing their magic and rocks on them. Upon reaching to the edge, they jumped and bounced on the cloudy clouds in jumping to another island while avoiding on dark clouds.

On Southern Tropical Island, Lance's team fought and battled against their enemies while escaping the battlefield. Lance flew up to the sky as he swung his Twin Dragon Swords at Hunter Bats while dodging and deflecting the attacks. Shiroi fired her Unicorn Bursts and Hikari Strikes at Shadow Bats. Zelda swung her Virtue Long Sword at both of them while blocked and deflected the attacks.

On Eastern Canyon Island, Metalgear's team continued in running away from the battlefield. Metalgear fired his Buster Canon and Hyper Emerald Beam at Terror Condors from the rear while Grunt fought in punching at Hunter Bats. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stayed close to them both as they threw some rocks at their enemies.

On Western Desert Island, Boomer's team were running away from their enemies. As they got chased and closed by their enemies, Boomer and Rob turned and fought against them. Boomer swung and struck his punches on them while Rob whacked his pole on them. Scootaloo and Jade threw some rocks at them.

On Northern Beach Island, Nyx's team were trying to escape from their flying enemies. Nyx and Spike fired their Unicorn Bursts, Lunar Shots, Night Beam and Dragon Flame at the charging Hunter Bats and Shadow Bats. Ace threw some rocks at them. Dragoking fired his Mystic Dragon Flame and Water Torpedo Blasts at Terror Condors.

Hsi Wu watched and looked at the events. He smirked darkly upon looking on the event. He was expecting some challenges.

"Armor up, Cursed," Hsi Wu said darkly, "It's gonna be our turn to capture them. And this time, they're at my territory. Captain, return to Tower of Sky."

"Are you certain, sir? We can still capture them," Captain of Hunter Bats asked in concern.

"I'm sure... These fools won't go down so easily," Hsi Wu answered calmly, "After all, that's what I'm waiting for..."

Cursed screeched wildly. Hsi Wu and his minions turned and headed straight back to Tower of Sky at once...





Four teams were battling with their enemies while heading straight to the Tower of Sky. As the night closed by, four teams came from four directions as they all had arrived at the main entrance at the same time. They all gasped happily as they all were in relieved and happy to see each other. They all commented happily to each other.

SCREECH! Lance and his team turned to the entrance. They found more of Wing Army, along with Hsi Wu and his Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat. They armed themselves ready to fight.

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "I hate to admit it. You did pretty well in getting together and reaching to this tower. Well done. But I'm not through with you yet..."

"Well, guess what, Hsi Wu? We're so through with you! Now give us the Demon Wing. Don't make us hurt you..." Lance demanded angrily.

"YEAH!" Everyone exclaimed in agreement as they all had enough with him and his game.

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly and darkly, "Come and get me, children."

With a snap from his finger, the door behind him opened and allowed Hsi Wu and his minions to enter. Lance and his team charged and chased after the Demon Lord of Sky.

As they all entered the Tower, the team gasped in shock and worried. They all were seeing the long way up to the top while having few platforms and some cloudy and dark clouds.

"Are you kidding me?!" Boomer and Scootaloo asked in shock.

Before the team could do anything, they got knocked out quickly by the wind. They moaned and groaned painfully as they looked up and found Hsi Wu and his minions on midair. They were ready to fight with their enemies.

"Ready for the Flight Battle? It's an interesting one of course," Hsi Wu said darkly and evilly.

"We'll see," Lance said firmly, "Get ready to get your wings clipped."

Rob spoke up quickly, "Fly Team and Magic Team - into the battlefield! Ground units and kids, figure the plan to bring that bat down!"

Boomer, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Spike and Dragoking awed in annoyance. Ace Swift sighed in relief. Lance, Metalgear, Nyx, Rob and Grunt readied their wings to fly while Zelda, Shiroi and Jade approached to the cloudy clouds as they ready to bounced on them.

Lance looked at Nyx, "Think you can handle this? If you don't like it, then you should stay put, kiddo."

Nyx shook her head in denial while showing her firm and determined eyes, "I'll be fine, bro. Besides, that stupid bat owe me for lying and separating from my friends."

Worried about Nyx learning the truth but he denied it as Lance turned and glared at Hsi Wu and his minions. He knew that he and his team had to get the Demon Wings for their family.

"Alright, stick with me, Nyx. I don't want you get caught by Demon Lord of Sky," Lance said firmly.

Nyx nodded, "Okay, bro. Let's get that Demon Lord!"

Lance, Nyx, Metalgear, Rob and Grunt flew straight at Hsi Wu and his minions. Shiroi and Jade jumped and bounced on the cloudy clouds to the first-leveled platform before proceeding to the next. Lance's team was now facing and battling with Hsi Wu and his Wing Army.

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "Let the Sky Battle begins!"

Hsi Wu screeched wildly as he jumped off and dived down. He rammed Lance down quickly. Both of them punched and kicked at each other's faces while flying up and down. Sometimes they knocked each other to the walls, fell to the platforms or got bounced off the cloudy clouds. They swung and clashed their swords and claws at each other.

Shadow Bats and Hunter Bats charged in as they battled with Lance's flying team. Metalgear fired his Buster Canon at them one-by-one while dodging and avoiding the attacks before used his Claw Strikes and Sword Slash at them. Rob swung his pole at them. Grunt punched at them. Nyx dodged and avoided the attacks before using her martial arts and magic against them. Shiroi and Jade fired their Unicorn Bursts, Hikari Strike and Super Beam at them. Zelda jumped and bounced on the cloudy clouds while swinging and striking her Virtue Sword.

Dragoking fired his Mystic Dragon Flame and Water Torpedo Beam at Shadow Bats, Hunter Bats and Terror Condors but sometimes clawed them down, bitten them and whacked his tail on them down hard. Boomer and three Cutie Mark Crusaders threw some rocks at them. The latter group. avoided from being hit while knocking the former ones' heads hard and quick.

Boomer growled in annoyance, "Why oughtta-! Can't we do something about those bats?!"

"Nothing. Nothing we can do about them!" Apple Bloom said in concern, "Those Wing Demons are too fast and quick for us to catch up.

"And not to mention, they dodge and avoid us so quickly..." Sweetie Belle said in concern.

"There's gotta be something to knock them down! Catapult?! Arbalest?! Canon?! Anything?!" Spike exclaimed in concern.

Scootaloo groaned in anger, "I wish my wings weren't clipped!"

Sweetie Belle gasped, "Spike! Scootaloo! You're both genius!"

"I am?!" Spike and Scootaloo asked in shock yet surprise.

"How?" Boomer asked in shock, "I can't wait to hear some good ideas, genius!"

As soon as Nyx and her friends had defeated Wing Demon Army, they turned and encountered Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat. It launched Wing Slash and Air Cutter at them. They quickly dodged and avoided the attacks quickly - Pegasi flew away and Unicorns jumped and bounced the clouds to another platform.  They moved to the fifth leveled platform.

Metalgear fired his Buster Canon at it. Zelda, Shiroi and Jade fired their Unicorn Bursts at it from its back. Rob and Grunt punched and knocked the bat bat before flying pass it. Nyx fired her Unicorn Burst at it as well. Cursed screeched wildly as it screamed wildly and darkly at them. Their ears were damaged and knocked out by its Sonic Screech Wave as they struggled in overcoming its powers. While they struggled, Nyx had her horn glowed in bluish and purplish mixed as she launched her Night Beam at its face.

Cursed stopped from using its Sonic Screech Wave. Nyx and her friends recovered from the attacks. They continued battling and fighting with Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat while dodging its attacks. Zelda jumped and gave Cursed a hard slash on his stomach. Shiroi and Jade fired their Unicorn Bursts at its stomach. Metalgear charged and rammed the monster to the walls hard before punching and kicking at it for five times. Cursed quickly fired Giga Storm Blast at him away. Grunt slammed a punch on Cursed down before Rob swung his pole at its head very hard to the top. Nyx launched her a powerful Night Beam to the top.

Cursed screeched in anger as it flew down and charged at its enemies. Nyx and her friends charged and battled with it.

On tenth leveled platform, Lance was fighting and battling with Hsi Wu.

Hsi Wu unleashed his Giga Storm Blast at Lance to the walls. The Demon Lord of Sky launched his Sky Claws at the young hero who dodged and avoided the attacks quickly. Lance quickly punched on Hsi Wu's face before kicked him off. Lance grabbed and rammed Hsi Wu to the eighth leveled platform. The young hero punched on Demon Lord of Sky's face and chest for ten times. Hsi Wu launched his Demon Screech on his face before grabbing Lance's face and slammed his to the floor hard for five times. Lance struggled before nudged at Hsi Wu's face hard.

Hsi Wu got up as he unleashed Hell Eye Blast at Lance who quickly deflected and blocked the beam blasts at once. Both of them quickly flew to the sky as they both swung their claws and blades at each other quick and hard while dodging and avoiding the attacks. They both then clashed at each other for the moment.

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "You're good, young Mystic Pony. But I'm afraid it's not good enough as any Mystic Ponies I have encountered. You're gonna have to do better. And trust me on this, my friend. I'll have Yue back to me."

Lance huffed, "Not if I stop you first, bat winged!"

Lance pushed his swords against Hsi Wu's claws away from him. Lance launched his Dragon Cross Strike at him. Lance then used his Zen Slash on him for five times. Lance then kicked Hsi Wu off. Hsi Wu then launched his Hell Eye Blast at his face. Hsi Wu landed on the walls as he pushed it in boosting his flight. Demon Lord of Sky gave Lance a hard punch before kicked and punched on him for few times. Lance landed on the platform. Before he could do anything, Hsi Wu grabbed and held him up. Demon Lord of Sky threw Lance off the platform and landed on the third leveled platform.

Nyx's team continued attacking Cursed with their magic and brutal force in defeating him. Cursed screeched angrily as it launched its powerful attacks: Storm Blow. They were blown away to third platform. They knocked Lance to the ground hard. They all moaned painfully as they struggled to get up.

Hsi Wu came to the fifth leveled platform in regrouping with his pet. They both watched and witnessed Lance's team struggled in getting up from the ground.

Hsi Wu chuckled evilly, "Finish them, my pet! Finish them! Feast all of them but leave Yue alive..."

Cursed screeched wildly. It dived down and charged straight at Lance's team as it was ready to feast on them.

CLAWED! Cursed screeched wildly and shock. Its tail was grasped by the demon claw-like. Lance and his team were surprise and shock. They looked down as they gasped in surprise and shock. They found Boomer, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Dragoking were using a strong ballista-like.

"We've got it!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed proudly and happily.

Spike whistled, "Good thinking, Sweetie Belle. Building a ballista with a rope and a claw help us caught that Bloodthirsty Bat. I didn't know that would work." 

Ace Swift nodded, "And we've got him now!"

"Alright then -  pull that bat down! PULL!" Boomer ordered wildly.

Boomer, Spike and Ace Swift on left side of ballista while Cutie Mark Crusaders were on its right side were ready. They turned the wheel back as hard and quick as they can. They were pulling Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat down to the ground. Cursed screeched wildly as it struggled in getting off from the claw.

Angered to look at his pet trapped, Hsi Wu dived down. Lance's team jumped on him to the fourth leveled platform. They were punching and battling with Hsi Wu while screaming in pain, anger, rage and determinedly to win the fight.

As Cursed struggled in getting off the claw, Boomer's team struggled in bringing the monster down like they were playing a tug of war. As they struggled against each other, Dragoking came to the light. He pulled the chains down hard, causing Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat down to the ground.

As Cursed screeched in anger, Dragoking stomped his claws on it while biting its wings and whacked his tail on it for few times. Boomer's team were in shock and concern as they watched Dragoking tearing the bat apart. 

Dragoking fired his Mystic Dragon Flame on Cursed. Cursed screamed in pain as it struggled in getting out of fire. As the fire slowly died down, it revealed the dead and crisped form of Cursed. Dragoking roared wildly as he won the fight. Boomer's team cheered wildly and happily.

"Nooooooo!" Hsi Wu screamed in anger upon looking at the battlefield. He screeched in anger as he launched his powerful Air Strike Blasts in knocking Lance and his friends down to the ground. He growled in anger, "I will not lose! I will destroy you all! Cursed will be avenged!"

Hsi Wu dived down as he launched his powerful Demon Screech, Hell Eye Blasts, Giga Storm Blast and Air Slash at his enemies from the ground. Lance and his team were forced to hid below the platforms from the attacks. Demon Lord of Sky had gone mad and insane.

Zelda, Shiroi, Nyx and Jade fired their magic blasts at Hsi Wu but the latter dodged it and fired his Hell Eye Blast at them. They dodged and avoided the attacks. Lance and his flying team flew to the sky as they readied to fight with him. Metalgear fired his Buster Canon but got blasted by Demon Lord of Sky's Giga Storm Blast. Grunt and Rob land their punches on him Hsi Wu launched his Air Slash on knocking them out. Lance swung his Twin Dragon Swords at him but missed as Hsi Wu fired his Demon Screech at the former hard.

Hsi Wu unleashed his Storm Blow at Lance and his team to the ground while firing his Demon Screech, Giga Storm Blast, Air Slash and Air Cutter at the area.

Sweetie Belle gulped in concern, "I think we make him mad..."

"Yeah... We did kill his pet," Scootaloo said in concern.

Lance growled, "We have to stop that Demon Lord before he could destroy us!"

"Yeah! How are we gonna do that?!" Boomer asked in concern, "Say 'we're sorry for killing his pet'? That sounds brilliant!"

Spike screamed in fear, "We're so dead!"

Sweetie Belle hummed in concern but heard the familiar voice, 'A harmonic music shall smite a Demon to his place...'

Sweetie Belle wondered what the voice meant before a glowing black glared at her. She turned and found a familiar music instrument from Zelda's bag. She gasped in surprise.

"That's it!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in realization. She turned to Zelda, "Zelda! I need that flute now! It's our only way to stop Hsi Wu!"

Zelda nodded her head. She took her flute out from bag. Hsi Wu's Hell Eye Blast hit her large rocks hard, causing her to lose her flute to other side. Nyx and her friends tried to catch it but ended up on the outside where Hsi Wu continued his rampage across the area.

Metalgear and Boomer tried to go out but got frightened by the blast in retreating back to their hideout. Shiroi, Jade, Sweetie Belle and Nyx tried to use their levitation spell but got shocked and startled by Hsi Wu's Demon Screech. Everyone looked concern and worried that they won't able to get it when Hsi Wu's rampage continued.

Ace Swift looked scared and worried that his friends won't able to get the flute. But he didn't want to lose his friends to the monster. He took a deep breathe. He shown his brave yet determined eyes. He charged out while dodging the blasts and attacks from Demon Lord of Sky. He threw it to Sweetie Belle.

As the flute glowed in black colors, Sweetie Belle turned and glared at Demon Lord of Sky. She played her flute harmonically and gently. As the music played, Hsi Wu screeched painfully and wildly. He had his ears covered from hearing the music.

Hsi Wu screeched, "Who's playing the flute?! I despise the flute!"

As Sweetie Belle continued playing the flute, it fired the black light at Hsi Wu. The portal behind him appeared. Hsi Wu screeched in fear. The portal pulled Hsi Wu towards it. Lance and his team held to the ground tight from being sucked to the portal.

"No! I won't go back," Hsi Wu protested in denial as he flapped his wings in getting out from the portal. He snarled, "If I can get outside, then you haven't won yet!"

Lance and his friends looked concern and worry of what they heard of. They also wondered of how they will deal with him.

"I rethink that plan if I were you..."

Hsi Wu gasped in shock as he looked up. He saw someone on tenth leveled platform. He armed with his bow and arrow in ready to attack.

"You?!" Hsi Wu cried in shock.

"End of the line for you, demon," The stallion spoke firmly.

SWOOP! Two arrows struck on Hsi Wu's wings hard. Hsi Wu screeched painfully and wildly as he was thrown right to the portal. With him entered, the portal was sealed.

"Piece of cake..." Stallion spoke proudly and confidently. He turned and looked at Lance as the latter and his team came out from their hideout. He smirked, "I hope we meet again, Lance Justicestrike."

Stallion quickly jumped and bounced on the clouds to one to another platform. Upon reaching to the top, he disappeared from sights.

Lance and his friends reunited as they all commented and remarked happily to each other about winning the fight and defeating Demon Lord of Sky. Boomer and Grunt approached to the dead Cursed. They tore some of Demon Wings out from the dead bat.

"That's four down, four more to go," Boomer remarked proudly.

Grunt smiled and nodded his head, "I am Grunt."

Spike nodded his head, "Yeah... Not only that, we've gotta beaten and banished Hsi Wu. And it's all thanks to Zelda and Ace Swift."

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded her head, "Yes. We're lucky to have them with us."

"Speaking of 'lucky'," Apple Bloom said in concern as she looked around of her surroundings, "Where are they?"

"They disappeared... again..." Scootaloo groaned in annoyance.

Jade shrugged, "Well, that's for her and Ace Swift. She help us but disappeared from sights after the fight."

"So, what's next?" Shiroi asked.

Rob nodded his head, "Yeah... It's getting dark now. I don't think we can proceed any further now. And we're also tired."

"I suggest we should rejuvenate and re-energize our strengths," Metalgear suggested, "By refill our systems, along with recharged ours as well. And above all, we should prepare some more supplies for our next journey."

Lance chuckled a bit, "I was thinking a same thing, Metalgear." He then looked up as he smiled, "Now that Hsi Wu's gone, his Tower of Sky is ours for eating, taking a bath and sleeping. Come on, let's go up now."

"Right!" Everyone agreed while nodded their heads.

As Lance's team jumped and bounced on the clouds of getting to the top, Dragoking clawed and climbed up to the top. They all ate their own dinner, packed more of supplies, taking a bath and having fun with each other. Two hours had passed, Lance and his team took a nap on Hsi Wu's bed and sofas for rest. Dragoking was sleeping outside and it was neared to Cursed the Bloodthirsty Bat's cage.

It was very long time they haven't had that time. Hopefully, by next day - they able to gather more ingredients...





On the southern distance from Tower of Sky, Zelda and Ace Swift were looking at the tower.

"Mother, did I great as Blaze Leo and Aurora?" Ace Swift asked happily and proudly.

Zelda smiled as she gently patted on Ace's mane, "You sure did, my child. Well done. You finally overcome your nightmare. You regain your lost courage and confidence. You're just like your great grandfather."

Ace blushed, "Thanks. I was trying my best as Blaze Leo."

"So, what's your next game, Zelda," The firm voice spoke. Zelda and Ace turned to shadowy yet mysterious stallion. He continued, "So, tell me - who is this Lance Justicestrike? What's so special about him? He's nothing like his father."

Zelda smiled beneath her cowl, "I'm sure you'll find out soon. And please be sure that you don't make things too difficult."

Stallion huffed, "Please... I'm not a team player. I can handle with the problem without a team." Zelda glared at him for a moment. He nodded, "Don't worry, I won't give them problem. But I won't promise of how things went."

Zelda nodded, "Good enough... I'm counting on you."

Stallion nodded, "I'd better go now. Don't want to be late for my intro..."

The mysterious stallion turned and galloped at once. Ace Swift hummed in concern as he didn't like the stallion. He turned to Zelda.

"Are yous sure it's good idea," Ace asked in concern, "I don't like it..."

Zelda spoke, "It'll be fine. I know it..."

Who was this mysterious stallion that helped Lance and his team in banishing Hsi Wu?

To be Continued...

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