//------------------------------//
// Chapter 10: Spirit of Teamwork 
// Story: Journey through Demon Land 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

As Lance and his team continued marching towards Tchang Zu's Thunder Palace, they had been watched by their suspicious enemy.

At the Throne Chamber, a purple humanoid scaled reptilian warrior dressed in his metallic warrior's armor who was sitting down on his black throne chair. He was watching at the crystal ball that revealed the event. He growled for the moment before he roared wildly and angrily. He shot his Lightning Strike out to the ceiling. The ceiling's broke into pieces and rubbles before falling to the ground. He was none other than Tchang Zu the Demon Lord of Thunder.

Tchang Zu panted heavily for the moment. He then took a deep breathe. He then sat down on his chair. He then patted on his large armored and muscular crocodile-like with long fang had a twin-long tails. It growled wildly and calmly.

"Down, my pet... Down..." Tchang Zu said calmly as he turned to the golden birdcage. He took it down from the a hanging pole. He turned to the front, "Captain!"

Reptilian Captain came in and bowed before Tchang Zu, "Lord?"

"Prepare the troops..." Tchang Zu said darkly and cruelly, "I shall challenge them. I shall bring my niece back to me. And above all, those who stand in my way shall be paralyze or shock to the death... Wouldn't you say, Leviathan?"

Leviathan roared wildly as it was willing to go and fights it enemies.

"As you wish, my master. We shall do our best to avenge Commander Deathface! They shall pay for their treachery," Reptilian Captain said firmly.

Tchang Zu nodded his head as his eyes glowed in red. The ground formed some shadows as they emerged and formed together into a humanoid armored Samurais. They all bowed down before Demon Lord. Tchang Zu stood up from his seat as he marched out.

"They shall face the wrath of Tchang Zu," Tchang Zu said darkly and ruthlessly, "All shall feared my wrath..."

While holding the birdcage, Tchang Zu approached the entrance. He gave it a hard kick in opening them. He then moved out at once. Both Leviathan and Reptilian Captain followed their master at once.

Inside the covered birdcage, there was someone inside. The pony revealed to be a female pony. She looked worry and scared as she knew and felt that bad things were about to happen.

"Steel Blaze..." She said meekly yet scared.





Upon arriving at Tchang Zu's Thunder Palace, Lance and his team left Dragoking behind. They entered the palace. They looked around of their surroundings. The metallic hallways was filled with trophies of animals' heads and illustration of Demon Lords. They found it darker, terrifying and scary place to go than the last four places they had been.

"Here we are... Tchang Zu's terrifying palace," Comet Star remarked in fear before gulped, "I forgot how much I hate the haunted house like this one. It creeps me out a lot..."

Spike gulped, "Hopefully we can get what we need for and get out of here as soon as possible. I can't stand on this place."

"Because of the trophies Tchang Zu had?" Boomer asked in annoyance. He looked up and found an empty frame. He yelped, "Yeah... We'd better find Thunder Serpent's Scale now."

"Question is..." Rob said in concern, "Where? And above all, we should also rescue Steel's sister too."

Grunt nodded his head in agreement. He looked down and found Cutie Mark Crusaders looked terrified and scared by the interiors and surroundings. He helped and held them tight to him gently and passionately. They all looked at him as they all smiled happily and relief.

Red Arsenal shushed quietly at his 'allies', "Quiet! We can't let Tchang Zu know we're here."

Shiroi nodded her head, "Got it. Let's move quickly."

Lance's team walked on the stairs to the second leveled. They looked around of their surroundings as they all armed their weapons in ready to fight their enemies.

"Any sign of our enemies or Alyson, Metalgear?" Lance asked his Metal Pony who turned and shook his head calmly. He nodded his head while sighed in relief. He turned to Steel Blaze, "Hey, Steel - how you're holding up?"

Steel Blaze groaned in upset, "Not good, Lance. I'm still worried about her. Tchang Zu still got her. And there's no telling of what he might do to her. And I can't even do a thing for her! Got it Memorized?"

Lance patted on Steel's back, "Don't worry, we'll get her back no matter what Tchang Zu had for us. He won't scare us that easily."

Steel Blaze smiled back at Lance, "Thanks, buddy. I owe you twice now. And when we get my sister back from that monster, I'll get your Thunder Serpent's Scale for you. And trust me, Lance - I'll get it for you."

Lance smiled while nodded his head, "Thanks buddy."

"Great plan - but except one shock flaw." Red Arsenal remarked sarcastically before stood before Lance's team. He spoke firmly, "We're dealing with Demon Lord of Thunder."

Boomer scoffed, "So what? We handled four Demon Lords - the fat Nature mountain-sized lady, a Wind bag toad, a bull-headed Earth creep and creepy Sky Bat guy."

Rob cleared his throat, "Technical speaking - we weren't around during Po Kong and Xiao Fung battles."

Grunt nodded his head, "I am Grunt."

Red Arsenal sighed in annoyance, "You're missing the point. Tchang Zu is not an easy opponent to deal with. His element packs of 10 to 20 million volts. He can shoot and destroy anything or anyone with one hit." He took some of yellow prism-shaped gemstones to his comrades but Metalgear. He explained, "You're gonna need these to survive the attacks. They come in quite handy."

"What are they," Shiroi asked curiously.

"Electro Gems," Red Arsenal replied, "They are quite resourceful tool in collecting and storing the electrical energy surges. And above all, they also prevents the attacks from bad storms. Of course, you might realize that these can be used for home's electric city."

"That's quite some useful item," Nyx commented in amazement.

Scootaloo giggled in amusement along with her friends. She remarked, "Yeah... We kinda wondered how we store the electrics for our home."

Jade nodded her head, "You betcha. Glad to have that with us."

Spike took a look on the gem as he smiled, "I wonder what do they taste like?"

Red Arsenal cleared his throat, "I wouldn't recommend that. Trust me, baby dragons are not ready for this like giving a child caffeine. They'll go nuts and crazy when they got charged up."

Apple Bloom giggled in amusement, " Kinda makes us think of Pinkie Pie."

"When she eats too much of candies?" Sweetie Belle asked in amusement.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes while giggled, "Boy, did she had to bounce all around Ponyville?"

"Think it might last long when we're against Tchang Zu?" Lance asked in concern.

Red Arsenal shook his head, "Not likely. The moment those Electro Gems got vibrated, it means that they're overloading. And when that happens, they explode." He smirked proudly, "Unless you're resourceful as I am."

Steel Blaze huffed, "And you're saying that, so we can use Electro Gems like a bomb?" Red Arsenal smirked and nodded his head. Steel Blaze chuckled, "Nice..."

Lance nodded his head, "Can't wait to try."

As Lance and his team headed off, Red Arsenal held his hoof in stopping Metalgear from heading off. The Arsenal Archer had a chat with the Metal Pony.

Red Arsenal gave the shinning silver stone-like to Metalgear, "You're gonna need this one."

Metalgear took it as he examined on shinning silver stone, "What is this?"

"It called Volt Storage. They're quite rarest ones among the gems. They are in good use for Metal and Cybernetic-Type Species by evolving their assaults and capacities into their advanced levels. And I'd say it impress me well."

"What about you? Do you not install it in your artillery weapon?"

Red Arsenal smiled, "Don't worry. I'm fully prepared. When opportunity is open, we'll step in. For now, standby until the right time."

Metalgear nodded his head as he placed the Storage Volt into his opened chest before it closed back into one, "Understood..."

Red Arsenal and Metalgear headed off and met up with their allies at once. Lance's team continued searching for both Alyson Joy and Thunder Serpent's Scale.





As Lance and his team continued their search on Tchang Zu's Palace Ballroom, they found it darker and scary atmosphere while it was deserted and emptied. They also found it uncomfortable of coming to the place.

"Okay... That's creepy..." Boomer commented in fear.

"You'd tell me, dude," Scootaloo said in concern, "Something tells me that we've been expected."

BOOM! Everyone yelped in concern and worry as they all quickly armed their weapons in ready to fight. The lights turned on by the fire lighted up. They were surrounded by Reptilian Warriors, Thunder Dino Officers, Cragadiles and Shadow Samurais. Their enemies were armed with their swords, spears, pikes, maces, axes and scimitars.

"It looks like we've been expected," Lance said firmly.

Red Arsenal narrowed his anger yet annoyance eyes, "And now we've been invited to his party. Just what I need - a surprise party."

Metalgear had his eyes transformed into red siren-like, "Warning! Detecting massive electrical energy source at the are!"

"One guess of this game," Comet Star commented in concern, "Tchang Zu."

"Welcome, mortals..." The snarling yet darkly voice spoke calmly yet aggressively. Lance's team looked up and saw both Tchang Zu and Leviathan stood on the balcony. Tchang Zu snarled, "I've been expecting you all and especially the return of my niece, traitor and the experiment."

Red Arsenal narrowed his angry eyes, "Tchang Zu..."

Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in fear as they all shaken and quivered in fears of what they saw - a giant Reptilian Warrior. He scared and frightened them very much. And even for some dragons were afraid of him. Lance, Shiroi, Metalgear, Steel Blaze, Red Arsenal and Comet Star remained firm and serious as they armed their weapons in ready to fight.

Tchang Zu chuckled a bit, "It appears I have some to fear me. Good enough... I believe you are here for something important." He hummed calmly before smirked, "You were here for both Thunder Serpent's Scale and the little puppet..."

Lance's team gasped in shock and concern of what they heard, and especially of how he knew what they were doing. Leviathan roared wildly before he stomped his two feet on the ground hard. It snarled calmly and quietly. Tchang Zu gently patted on the demonic crocodile. 

Tchang Zu brought the covered cloth of cage on the balcony's handler. Someone quivered and whimpered in fear within the cage. Lance's team looked surprise and shock by the girl's voice, along with the surprising Steel Blaze. He removed its cloth. The cage revealed the yellowish Unicorn filly with black short mane and tail. She looked scared and worried as she looked at below.

The unicorn gasped, "Steel!"

"Ali!" Steel Blaze cried before activated and unleashed his burning Chakram, "Bastard! I'm gonna get for you that!"

Lance held Steel Blaze for the moment before he spoke, "Alright, Tchang Zu. What's your game?! How did you know why we were here?"

Tchang Zu chuckled evilly, "Ever since you defeated both Po Kong and Xiao Fung, their minions had informed us of what you had been stealing - Venus Seed, Poisonous Frog's Slime, Night Flower and finally Demon Wing. You were seeking the Dark Plague Cure. I wonder who did it to your precious ones?"

Spike groaned, "Mind your own business, buddy!"

"And not to mention, let that filly go! You'll be so sorry, freak!" Boomer exclaimed in anger.

"And above all," Red Arsenal said darkly as he aimed his bow and arrow at Tchang Zu, "I'll make you suffered for torturing and experimenting me!"

Tchang Zu chuckled evilly, "We shall see... But question remains which one is important - the filly or my pet's scale? You can't choose both, unless you're willing to give Princess of Demon to me. Perhaps, I can be persuaded."

Everyone snarled in anger and furious of what Demon Lord of Thunder had said. He was bargaining both Alyson's Freedom and Thunder Serpent's Scale to them for Nyx's return to him. They were extremely annoyed and furious by it and especially Steel Blaze.

"Please! Go for the Thunder Serpent's Scale! I'll be fine!" Alyson cried in upset. Everyone was in shock, and even Steel Blaze. She continued, "I'll not let anyone to risk someone for me! Get the scale!"

Steel Blaze groaned in anger and upset as he stomped his right hoof on the ground. He couldn't stand on it. He knew his sister was very kind and selfless but he didn't want her to risked her lives for other. Then again, he didn't want to risk others for his. He sighed in anger as he had no choice.

"The answer is no!" Lance said firmly and darkly. Steel Blaze turned and looked at him. He continued, "How dare you make us choose?! If you want me to choose, I choose all. I promised Steel Blaze to get his sister back. And I will. At the same time, I'll get that scale and keep Nyx out of you damn claws!"

"That's right! No ponies sacrificed! And trust me, I won't let anyone use hostages as the bargain!" Nyx exclaimed in anger.

"YEAH!" Lance's team exclaimed in agreement.

Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy were in shock yet surprise and happy to hear that someone like Lance and his team to be selfless and determined like them.

"Guys... Thanks a lot," Steel Blaze thanked in relief.

Comet Star whistled wildly, "Now that's what I call a true hero."

Red Arsenal sighed in annoyance as he remarked sarcastically, "Compassion... But yeah, no one sacrificed for one option."

"That's your final?" Tchang Zu asked curiously. Everyone turned and glared at him. He chuckled darkly, "I'm impressed yet completely foolish... Wipe them out!"

Reptilian Warriors, Thunder Dino Officers, Cragadiles and Shadow Samurais roared wildly as they all charged straight at Lance and his team. They fought and battled against the enemies in pure determination and quickly.

Lance swung his Oblivion Dragon Blade and Oathkeeper Blossom Blade in using Zen Slash, Dragon Cross Strike and Samurai's Zen Strike at Thunder Demon Army. Shiroi fired her Hikari Strike, Unicorn Bursts and Sacred Light Beam at them. Nyx fired her Lunar Shots, Night Beam and her Martial Arts Skills at them. Spike fired his Dragon Flame and Dragon Shots at them. Boomer punched and kicked at them. Rob swung his pole at them quickly and swiftly.  Grunt punched and kicked at them while protecting the Cutie Mark Crusaders who threw some rocks at them. Metalgear used his Buster Canon at his enemies while slashing his Metal Claw and Sword Slash at them. Red Arsenal fired his arrows at his enemies while using his Cybernetic Hoof in punching them off. Steel Blaze swung his Chakram at them with his Dragon Blaze Slash and fired his Blazing Glory Blasts at them. Comet Star dodged and avoided the attacks before he punched and kicked them off.

As the battle continued, the trio from balcony watched the event. Tchang Zu and his pet looked pleased and amusing of watching the event. Alyson looked worry and scared of the event.

Tchang Zu huffed in annoyance, "The time is up. Leviathan, unleash your Paralyze Shocks!"

Leviathan roared wildly as he jumped to the ground and approached his preys. Alyson cried and called her friends of watching out from the attacks. Lance and his friends turned to their backs and found Leviathan approaching them. Leviathan launched his twin tails straight at Lance's body, followed by Rob, Grunt, Spike, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. The remaining team dodged and avoided the attacks. 

Lance and his stung friends fell to the ground hard as they were unable to make a move. His team were in shock and freaked out as they checked on their friends. As Leviathan pulled back, Tchang Zu dropped and landed on the ground while holding Alyson Joy in her cage.

Nyx growled in anger, "What... What did you do to my friends?!"

Tchang Zu chuckled evilly, "You're looking for Thunder Serpent's Scale? You're looking at one. He can paralyze his enemies but un-paralyze them as well. In-return-!"

"Will you shut up about giving Nyx up?! The answer is still no!" Shiroi exclaimed in annoyance.

Steel Blaze nodded, "We'll get that scale back by hard way! And don't worry, Ali - your big brother's gonna save you."

"I know you will," Alyson said calmly, "Keep your friends safe!"

"What are loyal friends you truly are..." Tchang Zu remarked in amusement before snarled, "If it weren't so annoying! Finish them!"

Thunder Demon Army roared and cried wildly as they all approached to Lance's defeated team. Lance's team knew that they might not able to survive the attacks much longer.

BOOM! The smoke emerged from the ground as it all covered Lance and his team before Thunder Demon Army charged and jumped into the black smokes. Thunder Demon Army battled wildly and hard while screaming and crying wildly. As the smoke dispersed, it revealed the defeated Thunder Demon Army. 

Tchang Zu roared wildly and angrily. Leviathan snarled in anger with his master as well. Alyson sighed in relief as she was happy to see her brother and friends escaped the battlefield before they could get killed.





Lance and his friends were at the empty storeroom, along with the familiar ally of theirs...

"Thanks, Zelda... We owe you one," Nyx thanks happily to Zelda.

Zelda smiled beneath her cowl, "You're most welcome, my little friend." She turned and looked at Lance and his stung friends as she asked, "How are they?"

Shiroi checked on Lance, Rob, Grunt, Spike, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in seeing if they were okay. carefully before she sighed in concern, "It's not good. They're still okay and breathing, but they're paralyzed."

"So, how long these effects lasted?" Jade asked in concern.

Apple Bloom sighed in concern, "Hopefully, for a while. I can't stand on looking at them like this. It makes me... bad for not helping them."

Metalgear checked on his right hoof's scanner which shown crimson colors on ponies' bodies. He sighed, "Unfortunately, it is. Unless we get the scale, they'll be like forever..." Nyx and her friends sighed in defeat and upset. He continued, "We must retrieve the Thunder Serpent's Scale. And above all, we must rescue Steel Blaze's sister as well."

Steel Blaze nodded his head, "You've got that right, buddy. Tchang Zu's gonna pay for that!"

"Yeah," Boomer agreed, "No one messes with my brotherhood!"

"Then, let's start the plan," Red Arsenal said firmly and seriously, "We need to take out their leader. When he's down, so as his army. We should lured him all the way to the small empty and narrowed chamber. It's a perfect place for us to set an ambush. And once we've dealt with him, then-!"

"Hey, Jerksenal!" Boomer exclaimed in annoyance, causing Red Arsenal turned to him. He continued, "since when did we agree to make you as the leader?!"

Metalgear hummed calmly before nodded his head, "Red Arsenal is a logical choice to be leader. Then again, Boomer has the valid point. We never had a leader before since... Lance was the only one to be the leader. "

"You bet," Steel Blaze nodded his head calmly, "I follow Lance's rules, not your rules, buddy. And besides I owe him a favor, not you. Got it Memorized?"

"If there's no leader, then someone has to be," Red Arsenal said in annoyance, "Someone with intellect, courage and resourceful should be the leader. Like me. And of course, I just have to make sure you loose canons don't get loose, idiot!"

"And you weren't?!" Boomer argued angrily before scoffed, "At least, I'm not one dragon who hides behind the blocks to fire his arrows. Fighting with them head on is what I do best. That's the leader I should be!"

"True. But with loyalty and compassion should be the one," Steel Blaze disagreed before smirked and pointed at him, "And I'm the pony for that job!"

Metalgear sighed in annoyance, "They're not enough to become the leader. With highly intellect and powerful species should be the leader. A Metal Pony is perfect example to be a leader. And trust me, I'm a perfect candidate to be one."

"AS IF!" Red Arsenal, Boomer and Steel Blaze exclaimed in annoyance.

Four members among the Lance's Team argued at each other. The paralyzed Lance and his friends looked worry and concern, despite them being paralyzed including their allies. They were getting annoyed and concern by the argument.

"STOP IT!" Nyx exclaimed in annoyance. Everyone turned to her. She continued, "It doesn't matter who's in-charge of the team. The most important thing is that we should help my friends and Alyson. We need to get her and Thunder Serpent's Scale!"

Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Yeah. Besides we need to work together to settle this problem. So, who's with us?!"

Red Arsenal, Boomer, Metalgear and Steel Blaze remained quiet for the moment. They all huffed in annoyance and looked away from each other. Nyx and Apple Bloom sighed in annoyance of what they were looking at.

Red Arsenal huffed, "Well, if no one wants to follow me, then I'll be fine on solo."

"Fine for me! I can handle the fight without you ponies!" Boomer agreed.

Metalgear sighed, "Both of you are impossible to cooperate. However, a debt to Master Lance must fulfilled. I must defend Nyx and Apple Bloom. It is my priority."

"Me too," Steel Blaze nodded his head, "And besides, I owe it to Lance for helping me kick Deathface's butt off. And trust me, I'm not gonna abandon it without the fight." 

"Fine for me. See ya. I'll get them by myself," Red Arsenal and Boomer exclaimed before they headed off, "I'd never know why I have to team up with the likes of them."

"Well, we'd better get going," Steel Blaze suggested.

Metalgear nodded his head, "Indeed. We must retrieve Thunder Serpent's Scale and rescue Alyson Joy. And above all, we should be alert of Tchang Zu."

Nyx sighed, "This is not what I had hope for this team."

"Tell me about it," Apple Bloom said in concern as she turned to Zelda and Comet Star, "You wouldn't mind helping us into dealing with the problems?"

Zelda and Comet Star nodded their heads in agreement. Nyx turned to Shiroi, "Can you look after them? We'll get back here as soon as possible."

"Leave it to us, pal," Jade said calmly.

Shiroi nodded her head, "I will. You'd be careful out there."

Nyx nodded her head as she and five members headed off to find both Thunder Serpent's Scale and Alyson Joy. Both Boomer and Red Arsenal had their separate ways to accomplish their jobs. Shiroi remained behind to look after her paralyzed friends.





Red Arsenal continued traveling across the upper level of Thunder Palace in search for either Alyson Joy or Thunder Serpent's Scale. When encountering his enemies, he fired his arrows at them. Sometimes he punched them off with his Cybernetic Hoof. He had arrived at the Tchang Zu's Throne Chamber. He armed himself with his Cybernetic Hoof's Gem Revolver at any sign of his enemies.

Upon entering the throne chamber, he saw the birdcage in front of him. He opened it and revealed Alyson Joy. She gasped in shock yet relief and surprise upon looking at him.

"It's you! You're with my brother! You and others are coming here to save me!" Alyson Joy exclaimed in relief and joy.

Red Arsenal sighed, "If your brother wasn't stubborn and idiot. 'We' would have been here."

"What do you mean? Did my brother had problems with you or others?"

"Hmm... You could say something like this. But yeah."

"You do realize that fighting alone with your enemies can be dangerous?"

"I'm okay with it. Besides, I'd prefer the solo. Having a team means I have to foalsit them. I don't like it. And of course, I don't like one that ignore my plans and reason."

"Still... Having them makes you stronger." Alyson admitted, "Yeah, we might have some argument but at the end, we've always be friends and team. We'll overcome everything."

Red Arsenal had some thoughts of what Alyson had said. He sighed, "Fine... I guess you could be right about it. Hold on - I'm getting you out."

Red Arsenal cracked the lock out in freeing Alyson from her birdcage. They turned to the front and found more of Thunder Demon Army standing before them.

"Scrap," Red Arsenal said in concern, "Can you fight, kid?"

"Yeah..." Alyson Joy nodded her head, "They don't call me Steel's Fiery Sister for nothing!"

Red Arsenal and Alyson Joy charged straight at their enemies. Red Arsenal fired his Gem Revolver at his enemies while punching and kicking them off. Alyson Joy dodged and avoided the attacks before punched and kicked them off.





Boomer returned to the Ballroom as he hoped some of his enemies remained at it. As he entered the place, the little dragon looked around of his surroundings in search of his prey. So far, it was nothing. He armed himself in ready to fight with whoever it was he dealing with. 

Suddenly, he heard some soft yet calm growling. Boomer slowly turned to the front. A Leviathan roared wildly while spitting its slimes right in front of him. Leviathan growled calmly. Boomer shook the slimes off his back before he scoffed.

"Was wondering where you've been hiding..." Boomer smirked, "Got you now..."

Boomer roared wildly as he charged straight at Leviathan who fired his Lightning Blasts at him. He got shocked and zapped by the attacks. He fell to the ground hard. He moaned and groaned painfully as he slowly got up from the ground. He charged straight at it. It fired Thunderstruck at him. He jumped and hovered over before landed on Leviathan.

"Giddy Up, crocodile freak!" Boomer exclaimed wildly as he punched on Leviathan's head hard for few times.

Leviathan roared wildly as he hopped and galloped around while Boomer held it tightly like a wild cowboy doing a rodeo. It used its tail fired some Lightning Arrows at him. He got himself struck and shocked. He fell to the ground hard. Leviathan was about to stomp on Boomer who quickly rolled over in escaping the attacks.

Boomer threw Fireball Strikes at Leviathan's face. It roared wildly as it charged straight at him. He rolled over to its back. He took the metallic spear-like.

"Aieyah! Kung Fu Dragon's in the house," Boomer exclaimed wildly as he whirled his spear, "Get ready to get your flank kicked!"

Boomer roared wildly as he charged at Leviathan. He swung and struck his spear at its body for few times. It fired its tail of Lightning Arrows at him. He whirled his spear and deflected them at it for few times. It tried to gobble Boomer up but he jumped back. He then fired his Dragon Flame at its mouth. Leviathan roared painfully before firing another Lightning Blasts at Boomer to the walls hard. Leviathan used its tail in grabbing Boomer tight before slammed him down on the ground hard for few times. It then threw him back to the walls again.

Leviathan roared wildly as it charged straight at Boomer. Boomer hop over and thrust his spear on its head hard. Leviathan screeched wildly and painfully. It stroke its Paralyze Strike at him but missed as it stung on its head. Leviathan screeched wildly before landed on the ground hard.

Boomer huffed as he danced happily, "Oh yeah. I maybe small, but I'm the best fighter. That's what you get for messing with the wrong dragon! Boom!" He cleared his throat, "Well then, I'd better get the scale now. And of course, finish it off. And of course, I hope I say sorry to them. And hopefully, Jerksenal says he's sorry too!"

Boomer took his spear as he approached to paralyzed Leviathan as he was ready to finish it off.





At the large deadly and dark Game Chamber, Nyx's team encountered Tchang Zu before them. He launched his Lightning Strikes at them. They dodged and avoided the attacks from them. They hid behind the statues and metallic statues. Metalgear and Steel Blaze fired their Buster Canon and Blazing Glory Shots at him for few times. He was not affected by their attacks as he continued firing his Lightning Strikes at them for few times. They dodged and hid behind the rocks.

Steel Blaze charged in as he swung his blazing Chakrams at Tchang Zu's body hard for ten times. Tchang Zu grabbed his neck tight as he gave Steel Blaze a choke for the moment. Metalgear charged in and rammed him off. As Metalgear was about to unleash his Buster Canon, Tchang Zu grabbed and thrown him to the ground hard. He was about to stomp on Metalgear. Nyx fired her Night Beam and Apple Bloom thrown her rocks at Tchang Zu's head. Zelda charged in as she pierced her sword on his chest hard. Comet Star grabbed and brought Metalgear back to the group.

Tchang Zu slapped and thrown Zelda off to her group. He then launched his Lightning Curse on them. Nyx and her friends used their Electro Gems in absorbing the electrical energies for the moment. He than thrown his Thunderbolt Shots at them. They dodged down. Nyx, Metalgear and Steel Blaze shot their powers at him. Zelda, Comet Star and Apple Bloom kept their heads down.

Tchang Zu roared, "Surrender now... You have no hope in winning this fight. You'll never survive the Wrath of Thunder!"

"Okay... Maybe splitting up wasn't good idea," Steel Blaze commented in shock, "We could use some serious firepowers to beat him up."

Metalgear nodded, "Indeed. We do required some distraction as well."

"That's what we were trying to do!" Nyx exclaimed in annoyance.

Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Yeah! That's what teamwork does. Without that, we're so dead! And if we do make it out, four of you can forgive and forget! It's getting crazier!"

"FINE!" Steel Blaze and Metalgear agreed.

"We must defeat Tchang Zu first," Zelda suggested.

"We could use some helps right about now!" Comet Star exclaimed in concern.

BOOM! Tchang Zu roared painfully. He slowly turned his head back. He found an arrow shot straight to him. He grabbed it at once. The arrow shot the foams out on his face. As Demon Lord of Thunder struggled in getting the foam off his face, the familiar trio coming towards Nyx's team.

"You're alright! I thought we'd never see you guys again!" Nyx exclaimed in relief.

Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Yeah. Where were you?! And what you've been doing?!"

Red Arsenal scoffed, "I've got what the hothead pony need..."

Steel Blaze looked at Red Arsenal as the latter turned and pointed his head down. Steel Blaze looked down as he gasped in shock and surprise.

"Ali?! You're okay!" Steel Blaze asked in shock yet surprise. He came and hugged Alyson tightly and passionately, "Sweet Celestia... I thought I'd never seen you again."

Alyson sniffed, "Me too. I'm glad you found some help. I thought you'd never make it back..."

"Yeah..." Steel Blaze turned and looked at Red Arsenal, "Thanks. I really owe you one, this time. And sorry too for not asking your help."

Metalgear nodded his head and bowed, "You have our gratitude, Red Arsenal."

Red Arsenal scoffed, "Yeah, no biggie. And sorry for trying to be a leader. I just want to help."

Boomer nodded his head, "Yeah, me too. I also talk nonsense. But I did a good favor for you all." He took a bag and revealed some Thunder Serpent's Scales to his friends. They all gasped in shock and surprise. He continued, "I maybe small, but I'm the best fighter."

"You took down the Leviathan all by yourself," Red Arsenal asked in shock and surprise. Boomer smirked and nodded his head. Red Arsenal whistled, "Wow... Now that's the effort."

"I'm glad that everyone's forgiving." Nyx said happily, "Glad's that over."

"Yeah. Now let's get back to others now," Apple Bloom suggested.

"Not if we deal with him first!" Comet Star exclaimed in fear and worry.

"Get ready!" Zelda commanded.

Tchang Zu freed himself from the foams. He roared in anger and fury. He turned and looked at his enemies. He found Boomer's bag. Tchang Zu roared wildly and angrily, "You killed my pet?! You killed my Leviathan?! IMBECILES! You'll pay for killing both my lieutenant and pet!  Electro Destroyer!"

Tchang Zu unleashed his giant Electrical Ball as he fired straight at Nyx's team. They quickly hid behind the rocks at once. He continued firing his Lightning Strikes at them. Boomer took his Electro Gem in absorbing them. Both Red Arsenal and Metalgear fired their explosive arrow and Buster Canon at his chest. Steel Blaze threw his Chakram Boomerang at his face for four times. Nyx and Alyson fired their Unicorn Shots at his face. Zelda, Comet Star and Apple Bloom charged and rammed the Demon Lord of Thunder off.

Tchang Zu roared in anger as he grabbed both Zelda and Comet's necks. He thrown them right at Metalgear and Red Arsenal down. He was about to attack Apple Bloom. Boomer punched his face hard before punching on his chest quickly and hard for few times. He then slapped Boomer to the walls hard. Steel Blaze fired his Chakrams in Glory Blazing Shots at Demon Lord of Thunder for few times. Tchang Zu shot his Lightning Curse on Steel Blaze for the moment before kicked the latter off. He turned and fired his Lightning Curse on Apple Bloom who quick used her Electro Gem on it. For the moment had passed, Electro Gem vibrated. She quickly threw it at Tchang Zu's face hard giving him a explosion.

Tchang Zu roared angrily as he threw his Thunderbolt Shots at them. Apple Bloom, Boomer and Steel Blaze quickly got and ran away from him. Red Arsenal and Metalgear fired their Hyper Emerald Beam and Oblivion Destroyer Beam at him off. Nyx's team continued firing their magic spells and rocks at him for the moment. Tchang Zu roared angrily as he launched his Terror Thunderstorm at them. They were forced to hid behind the debris. 

The ceiling broke into pieces as they fell upon them. Nyx's team hid and held themselves tight on the debris. During the debris falling, a castanets dropped to the ground near to Apple Bloom. It surprised and shocked her.

'Let spiritual unity help you to unleash your mystic moves,' The voice spoke calmly.

Apple Bloom gasped, "It can't be..." She turned to her friends as she called, "Everypony! I've got the Mystic Banishment Item! It's the Castanets!"

"Then, what are we waiting?! Start banishing that freak!" Boomer exclaimed wildly.

"We can't now," Nyx exclaimed in concern, "His lightning could hit us quick before we could banish him off!"

"A distraction would be a perfect strategy," Zelda suggested calmly, "One could require Tchang Zu's focus on him than others."

A lightning struck on the debris, causing Comet Star yelped, "Well, someone had to start or something! Coz my feathers are gonna get burnt sooner or later!"

Red Arsenal smirked proudly before looked at worry Metalgear. He gave the latter a nod, "Time for Secret Weapon."

"What secret weapon?" Apple Bloom asked in concern yet surprise.

"You're about to find out. Boomer, Steel Blaze, Metalgear - with me. We're gonna distract him as long as we can."

"Hey! I didn't sign you up to be a leader!" Boomer exclaimed in fury.

Steel Blaze looked worry yet suspicious, "So, what exactly are we gonna to distract him? And you'd better hope it's not your loose canon plan. You almost got me killed when you tried to save me."

"You want to start again?!" Red Arsenal asked in annoyance.

Steel Blaze and Boomer glared at Red Arsenal while the latter glared back at the former. Nyx and Apple Bloom sighed in annoyance.

"For my mother's name, stop arguing! We have to work together!" Nyx exclaimed in annoyance. Four male heroes sighed in annoyance as they nodded their heads in agreement. She sighed, "Thank you. Whatever you have in my mind, Red Arsenal; do it now!"

"Do not worry," Metalgear said calmly, "Electro Gems can help us to hold him down for a while. But make it count to defeat him."

Red Arsenal nodded, "Above all, get clear and ready the Castanet to banish that monster out." Nyx's remaining team looked concern and worry of what he was thinking. He smirked, "Don't worry, I've got some surprises for him. Move out!"

Boomer muttered in annoyance, "You'd better you're right, buddy."

Red Arsenal, Boomer, Metalgear and Steel Blaze charged in as they all attacked Tchang Zu while Zelda, Comet Star, Nyx, Apple Bloom and Alyson Joy quickly went further away from him. They continued attacking and knocking him hard and quick. Boomer slammed his spear on Demon Lord of Thunder's head before Metalgear punched the latter's face before kicked him off. Red Arsenal and Steel Blaze launched their Explosive Arrow and Blazing Glory Shot at him for few times.

"Mock him now!" Red Arsenal ordered, "What's the matter, Tchang Zu? Can't take out the amputated pony like me? Oh boy, you're really useless."

Boomer chuckled wildly before he swung his spear on Tchang Zu's legs hard, "Yeah! You can't even catch me when your pet got killed!"

"Yeah," Steel Blaze nodded his head in agreement while firing his Blazing Glory Shots, "No wonders you got behind of Demon Lord of Water, Fire and Moon."

"Words had hurt you a lot, didn't they?" Metalgear joked.

Tchang Zu roared angrily, "You will suffer! Terror Thunderstorm Destroyer!"

Tchang Zu shot his powers right to the top in summoning the black clouds. They then launched and fired Terror Thunderstorm Destroyer at Red Arsenal's team. They quickly hid and dodged the attacks before they shot their attacks at him back. When one of the lightning hit their overloaded Electro Gems, they threw them at Tchang Zu before he got exploded for the moment.

Tchang Zu roared in anger, "You were all fools to challenge! Now suffer!"

"Think again, partner!" Apple Bloom shouted as she played the castanets while dancing wildly, "As Mexican Donkey's says 'Adios, Evil Demon'!"

Tchang Zu gasped, "Castanets?! HOW?!"

The castanets glowed brightly in navy colors as Apple Bloom continued playing them while dancing. She then aimed them at Tchang Zu. He glowed in navy color. The portal appeared from his back. He gasped in shock as he was pulled back. He held the door's both sides tight.

"NO! I will not allow! I will not go back without finishing you off!" Tchang Zu roared in anger.

"Nope... It's goodbye time... NOW!" Red Arsenal exclaimed wildly.

Both Red Arsenal and Metalgear glowed brightly. Red Arsenal's normal Cybernetic Hoof slowly transformed into advanced, armored and strong Blaster Canon while Metalgear slowly transformed into a horse's body-shape with spikier and strong armored body and wings. Everyone gasped and awed in amazement and surprise of what they saw.

"You- You tricked me!" Tchang Zu exclaimed in shock yet fury.

"Fire and hole! Heavy Artillery Blast!" Red Arsenal exclaimed wildly.

"Mega Buster Canon!" Metalgear fired his Armored Canon at Tchang Zu.

Tchang Zu got struck by both Heavy Artillery Blast and Mega Buster Canon. He screamed in anger as he was shot straight to the portal. It then closed down. Red Arsenal's armored hoof transformed into his normal Cybernetic Hoof while Metalgear transformed back into his normal form. Nyx's team surrounded them as they all praised and cheered for the latter.

"What was that?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

"That's some arsenal," Steel Blaze commented.

Boomer sighed before nodded his head, "I hate to admit it. But good job."

Red Arsenal smirked, "Thanks. And for what we did - it's called Volt Storage. It works for Metal-Type Species. It give us some powered boast to beat them."

Metalgear nodded, "Indeed. Red Arsenal's Plan works well. We owe it to him."

"I guess. Now we got fifth Demon Lord banished but we got fifth ingredient get," Nyx smiled in relief, "Three more to go. And above all, we can save Lance and others."

"Speaking of banish," Alyson said in concern, "Where're Zelda and Comet Star? They're gone!"

Everyone but Red Arsenal gasped in shock as they found her and Comet Star missing. They groaned in annoyance as they hated Zelda's disappearance acts. They wished she stopped doing it...

"Does it matter? We've got what we need. Let's go." Red Arsenal said firmly.

No argument with Red Arsenal's statement, everyone agreed as they all headed off and returned to the storeroom.





Nyx's team returned to the storeroom. They gave Lance, Spike, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Grunt and Rob some Thunder Serpent's Scale as the stung ones got electrocuted and shocked for the moment. They all gasped in shock and surprise. They but Red Arsenal jumped on their friends and commented of how relief they see their friends able to move and talk. The latter commented that they were relief and happy too.

Lance's team exited Tchang Zu's Thunder Palace. They climbed up on Dragoking's head as they all headed off to the next area.

"By the way, Nyx and Apple Bloom - Nice going," Lance commented, "I heard some argument from those four. I thought they're gonna get you all killed if they keep on like this."

Nyx smiled, "But I've manage it. And I'm glad those four work well."

Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Those stallions and dragon are hotheaded."

Lance shrugged, "Well, I hope they get each other killed. Somehow, I wondered how dad handles his team."

"Yeah, what about my mom? I wondered how she handle hers." Nyx asked curiously.

Lance chuckled a bit, "I know one thing for sure. We always had each other's backs till we get the job done."

Nyx nodded her head in understanding, "No argument there. We still got three more to go. I can't wait to finish this."

"You and me both, Nyx," Lance agreed.

As Lance and his team continued headed off, both familiar characters stood on the hill watched the event. They both smiled calmly and gently.

"You'd think they'll suspect you?" Comet Star asked curiously.

Zelda huffed calmly, "No... Not yet. But I'm sure when their journey's over, I'll reveal everything to them. The test is almost complete."

"The next fight won't be anymore easier."

"Agreed. But I'm sure they'll overcome it. They'll always do."

"So, going to meet up with her? I just hope she's okay. She's so rebellious like you."

"Oh sure... I'm such a bad mother. Don't worry. I'm sure they'll open her eyes. And hopefully, she won't fall for a wrong colt again."

Comet Star sighed, "Okay then, sweetie tiger. Take care. I'd always love you."

Zelda smiled beneath her cowl, "I too, honey. I'd always do..."

Lowered her cowl down for a moment, Zelda and Comet Star gave each other a long passionate and gentle kiss. Were they both related?

To be Continued...

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