REMASTERED - Chapter 13 - Retreats and Counterattacks
As Twilight and her forces march out of Ponyville, Arc and Ember ride the wagon along the northern road. Ember looks over to Arc.
“So, who are we going to meet again?”
“Another friend of mine.”
“You seem to make friends really easily.”
He smiles at Ember. “What can I say? I'm a likable guy. That and this little trip gives us some time to talk.”
Ember raises an eyebrow. “We could talk anywhere.”
“I just… had some questions about dragons. But, if you don't want to...”
Ember cuts in quickly. “No, no! I'm sorry! Please! Ask me anything!”
“For starters, after I saved your life you seemed much… different to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, before that point, you just treated me like a friend would. I'm not complaining about that. Far from it! It's just... after you awoke from your illness you seemed... how do I put this... physically attracted to me. Why is that?”
“Dragons don't choose a mate based solely on their outward appearance. There are quite a few reasons one might be chosen. Strength, hoard size, compatible personality, rank in society, just off the top of my head. To tell the truth, a potential mate's looks really take a back seat to most everything else.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask but, for which of those reasons were you attracted to me?”
“That would probably be your inner strength, for starters. Since I met you, I could feel an unknown power that lay dormant inside of you. But it was your personality that really sealed the deal for me. Always putting others first, even risking your life for me. When you did that for me... well... let's just say... that's what ponies might call, a turn-on.”
“Do all female dragons think as you do?”
“Hardly! They mostly look at horde size and rank in society.”
“So, it's unlikely I’ll have any other dragon suitors?”
“Certainly not! Most of your personality traits would be repugnant to other dragons!”
“That's a relief. I don't really want to fight any more dragons to prove my worthiness.”
Ember latches onto his arm. “Don't worry! That is a one-time deal!”
A short time later Arc brings the wagon to a stop and gets out.
“Here we are!”
Ember looks around, confused.
“Your friend lives here?”
“He’s not very sociable.”
“I bet!”
The pair walk on together for a time until Arc stops and looks around.
“Well, I guess this is as good a place as any!”
He jabs his spear into the ground and holds on tight.
“Just do as I did, Ember.”
Ember looks confused, but quietly obeys. Arc looks around and suddenly raises his voice.
“Hello?! It's Arc again! Sorry to bother you again so soon, but I wanted you to meet someone!”
Ember looks at Arc as if he’s lost his mind. “What in the world are you doing?!”
The ground begins to shake.
“Hold on tight!”
A few moments later the Marquis breaks through the surface nearby. Arc looks to Ember calmly.
“There he is.”
Ember gasps. “This is the friend you were talking about?! You really do make friends easily!”
The Marquis turns to Arc and speaks.
“AH, GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, ARC! BACK FOR MORE HUMOR ALREADY?!”
Arc motions for Ember to stand next to him. “Not today, Marquis. The last time I was here I had to leave very suddenly and didn't have time to thank you properly. I've come back to right that wrong. I also thought you would like to meet the dragon you helped me save. Marquis, this is Ember.”
The Marquis looks to Ember. “LITTLE DRAGON... IS IT TRUE? ARE YOU REALLY THE ONE KNOWN AS EMBER, DAUGHTER OF DRAGON LORD TORCH?!”
“Um... yes. Dragon Lord Torch is my father. But how did you know that?”
The Marquis laughs. “WHEN LAST HE WAS HERE, ARC TOLD ME OF YOU! HOW HE NEEDED HYDRA HUMOR TO SAVE A LIFE OF A FRIEND! I SEE NOW THAT HIS EFFORTS WERE NOT IN VAIN! TELL ME EMBER, HOW IS DRAGON LORD TORCH THESE DAYS?!”
“Last I knew he was doing well. But how do you know my father?”
“YOUR FATHER DID HIS BEST MANY YEARS AGO TO SAVE THE HYDRA PEOPLE FROM EXTINCTION. HE EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO ESTABLISH A SECRET HYDRA VILLAGE IN THE DRAGON LANDS WHERE WE WOULD BE SAFE! I WAS NEVER ABLE TO SEE IT HOWEVER! I WONDER IF THEY ARE STILL THERE...!”
Ember puts a claw to her chin. “My father never spoke a word to me of its existence.”
“A SHAME!”
He looks upon Arc’s new armor.
“I SEE YOU PUT THOSE SCALES I GAVE YOU TO GOOD USE!”
“Yes, although it was Ember who provided the hot flames to make it so.”
“BRAVO LADY EMBER! AND BRAVO TO THE SMITH WHO MADE IT SO! HOWEVER, YOUR ATTIRE IS INDEED MISSING SOMETHING!”
The Marquis reaches a tendril around to his back and pulls off a piece of his skin.
“PUT THIS IN YOUR FORGE OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING IT WILL BE A VERY STRONG PURPLE CLOTH! PERFECT FOR MAKING A CAPE TO MATCH YOUR HEROIC DEEDS, YOUNG ARC!”
Arc accepts the skin. “Thank you Marquis. I wish my other friends could see it.”
Ember chuckles at this. “Arc still believes his friends outside Tartarus will rescue him!”
“I'm sure they will! Have faith in them, as I do!”
“IF HE HAS FAITH IN THEM, THEN SO WILL I! ARC! WOULD YOU DO AN OLD HYDRA A RATHER LARGE FAVOR?!”
“I’ll certainly try, Marquis. What do you need?”
“IF YOU ARE RIGHT AND YOUR FRIENDS DO FIND A WAY TO LIBERATE YOU FROM THIS PLACE, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE WOULD YOU... CONSIDER... COMING BACK FOR ME?! I WOULD LOVE TO GO TO THE SECRET VILLAGE OF MY PEOPLE IN THE DRAGON LANDS, EVEN IF I AM ALONE THERE!”
“Certainly Marquis. We would have to return at a later date, however. After we come up with a plan to get something as... large as you out of Tartarus.”
“THANK YOU ARC! I KNOW IF IT IS WITHIN YOUR POWER YOU SHANT LET ME DOWN! NOW, I DON'T MEAN TO CUT THIS MEETING SHORT, BUT I AM A BIT TIRED AFTER ALL THE EXERTION THE OTHER DAY! FAREWELL, GOOD ARC AND GOOD LADY EMBER! I AM CERTAIN OUR PATHS WILL CROSS AGAIN ONE DAY!”
The Marquis returns to his subterranean home, and Arc and Ember return to the wagon.
“You know Arc, you really shouldn't make promises to creatures you can't keep!”
“On the contrary. I fully intend to make good on my promise. Just you watch.”
The pair hop into the wagon and head back to the Vile Tribe’s hideout as Ember chuckles.
“Oh I shall! I shall...”
Twilight and her ‘army’ reach the gates of Tartarus. She turns to address them at the mouth of the cave.
“Alright everypony, here's the plan! Fluttershy will go in first and convince Cerberus not to attack us. Once that's done, the rest of us will advance to the gate. Rarity will be in charge of the Mysterious Crystal and will use her magic to activate it. Once she does so there is no turning back! The mission MUST proceed to its end, as this crystal is one time use only! At that time I will use the Magic Cloak to stealthily enter Tartarus and find Arc as quickly as possible!
Twilight points a hoof at the two Heroes of Light before her.
“You two will have to protect Rarity, as she will need all of her focus to keep the crystal's power aligned. During that time she will be completely defenseless.”
They salute.
“You can count on us!”
Twilight turns to her friends. “Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Derpy will be the second line of defense! Anything that gets past our heavily armored friends will need to be engaged by you as quickly as possible!”
“Aye, aye!”
Twilight turns to the rest of the citizens of Ponyville.
“The rest of you will have the most important role of all! You will be Equestria's LAST LINE OF DEFENSE!!! Any demons that get past the first two lines will be yours to deal with. Don't let ANYTHING through! If even ONE demon successfully escapes, it could spell the end of all Equestria! One last thing! The battle will be commanded by Amethyst Star! Rainbow Dash, before you take you position, make sure she gets to higher ground so she can properly call out commands!”
Rainbow Dash lands and salutes. “You got it!”
Amethyst Star look over to Twilight nervously. “But Twilight! I've never led troops into battle before! What do I do?!”
Twilight walks over to her. “You're Ponyville's best organizer. All you have to do is keep everypony organized.”
“I... guess I can do that...”
Twilight looks over the expectant army one last time. “Good. We’re all counting on it.”
She turns back toward the mouth of the cave.
“All right! Best case scenario, I find Arc and get him out before the demons notice the barrier is down! If not... well... we will defend Equestria here and now! Alright! Let the assault begin! Fluttershy, GO!”
Fluttershy runs into the cave. “Alright!
She makes her way over to Cerberus. After talking to him for a minute or two she motions to the others to advance. Twilight shouts to the Heroes of Light.
“FIRST LINE! GET IN POSITION!”
The pair rush forward with Rarity behind them and take up a position about fifteen feet from the barrier.
“FIRST LINE, IN POSITION AND READY!”
“WE'RE READY FOR ANYTHING!”
Rarity digs her hooves in as she levitates the Mysterious Crystal in front of her. “I’m ready too!”
Twilight nods and calls out for the next phase. “SECOND LINE!"
Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Derpy all rush forward and stand about twenty-five feet behind the first line. Rainbow Dash carries Amethyst Star to the tallest rock formation before taking her position in the defense.
Applejack narrows her eyes. “In position, sugarcube!”
Rainbow Dash lands next to her and plants her hooves firmly in the dirt. “Nothing is getting past us!”
Pinkie reaches behind her and pulls out a cannon. “Party Cannon locked and loaded!”
Fluttershy shudders. “Hold on just a bit longer, Arc! Help is coming!”
Amethyst Star looks down at Twilight. “Ready up here!”
Twilight turns to the rest of the group. “EVERYPONY ELSE FOLLOW ME!"
The other the ponies start walking forward. Twilight waits until they are about thirty feet from the second line.
“LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, HALT AND HOLD YOUR POSITION!”
The last line of defense stops and snaps to salute Twilight. She raises her hood and activates her cloak, vanishing from sight.
“AMETHYST STAR! KEEP A CLOSE WATCH FOR DEMONS!”
Amethyst Star gulps and looks down. “YES MA'AM! RARITY… BEGIN OPERATION!”
“All right!”
Rarity plants her hooves firmly and begins channeling the crystal. A few moments later the barrier drops. Amethyst Star looks over to where Twilight had been standing a few moments ago.
“TWILIGHT, GO!!!”
Some kicked up dust and the sound of hoofsteps is all that can be seen or heard from Twilight’s advance.
“ON MY WAY! HOLD THE LINE!”
Twilight runs into Tartarus. “I’m coming Arc! I’ll make this right!
She sees a tall pile of rocks and Blinks to the top. Looking in all directions, she pulls a pair of binoculars out of her saddlebags and scans the horizon.
“Come on, Arc! Where are you?!”
Twilight spots what appears to be a walled town some distance away. She runs toward it as fast as her hooves can carry her.
“It’s a start! Arc… please be there!”
Meanwhile in the Tartarus capital city of Vengeance, a sentry gazes through a telescope. Gasping he calls out
“What the...? Commander! I think you better have a look at this!”
The Demon Commander quickly approaches. “This had better be important, maggot!”
“Sir! There appears to be movement outside the Gates of Tartarus! A large contingent of ponies has drawn up battle lines!”
The commander turns to a nearby messenger.
“Inform King Malevolence at once!”
“Yes boss!”
He scurries away as the commander turns back to the sentry.
“Watch them closely! I want to know every move they make!”
The sentry returns to looking through the telescope. “Yes sir!”
A few minutes later King Malevolence himself arrives at the sentry tower. To say he is large would be an understatement. The king is similar in stature to a dragon as he walks on his hind legs and has claw-like fingers and wings. However, his eyes glow with a green hue and his chest scales appear almost like living armor! The commander rushes over to him.
“Your majesty!”
The king growls at him. “What is the situation, commander?!”
“No movement as of yet, your majesty!”
Suddenly word from the sentry rings out.
“SIR! The barrier! It’s… it’s down!”
The king rushes forward and knocks the sentry out of the way! “WHAT?! IMPOSSIBLE!”
He looks through the telescope for a few moments before turning back to the officer.
“Commander! Spread the word! The barrier is indeed down! Have all my forces assemble in front of the city and prepare to march out on my command!”
“Yes, sire!”
The king smiles a wicked grin as the commander hurries away. “Celestia… I’m coming for you!”
Meanwhile at the Vile Tribe hideout, a sentry shouts down from the wall.
"Sir! There's a disturbance at the Gates of Tartarus!"
Mythic Honor looks up at the sentry. “That's a bit too specific! Can you be a bit more vague?!”
The sentry looks through his binoculars. “Sorry sir. There appears to be a rather large group of ponies forming battle lines outside the gates.”
Mythic Honor rubs his chin with a hoof. “What could they be up to?! Maybe they’re here to steal our treasures!”
“I don’t think so, sir. We don’t really have much of… wait! WHAT?! The barrier is down!”
“Good heavens! Are you sure?!”
As the sentry continues to look through his binoculars. “Yes sir! There is no doubt!”
“Sound the alarm! I want every sentry and warrior ready for battle immediately! Three sentries will watch the gates of Tartarus! Three more will watch the capital for movement! All other sentries will keep watch in all other directions! No surprises!”
The sentry runs off to carry out his orders. “It will be done!”
Mythic Honor calls out after him. “And send for Arc and Ember! I want their take on this new development!”
Meanwhile at Arc’s house, Arc is awakened by the alarm. However, he also senses a warm feeling on his back.
“Uh… Ember?”
“Yes?”
“You know, it isn't that cold in here, so you really don't have to keep me warm.”
Ember snuggles up to Arc’s back and smiles. “Mmmmm... but I enjoy doing it! Don't you like it?”
“Not really.”
There is a frantic knocking at the door. Arc jumps out of bed.
“Perfect timing!”
He bounds over to the door to find one of the gate sentries waiting on the stoop.
“Sorry to bother you sir, but Mythic Honor needs you and Ember on the wall ASAP! There's trouble at the gates of Tartarus!”
“Tell him we will be right there!”
Arc closes the door and turn to Ember who is still lying on the bed as he reaches for Eidolon’s Ward. “Better get your armor on, Ember! There's trouble at the gates!”
Ember sits up. “At the gates? What!? Are some demons trying to escape again?”
“Worse! I'm guessing Tartarus is about to be invaded!”
Ember looks over at him as if he has lost his mind. “Invaded?! Who would be crazy enough to try and break IN?!”
Arc grins ear to ear as he puts his armor on. “I can think of a few.”
The pair quickly leave Arc’s house and reach Mythic Honor on the wall. The stallion looks to them as they approach.
“Glad you two are here! The barrier just fell a short time after a large group of ponies took up position outside the barrier! Since then there has been no movement on their part! I've ordered all those who can fight to make ready for an attack!”
A sentry approaches and gives Arc and Ember spyglasses. Ember trains hers on the armored ponies in front.
“Hmmm... other than the two ponies in front, none of them really strike me as an elite fighting force.”
Mythic Honor looks to him. “What say you, Arc?”
“Hmmm… I don’t recognize the front-line pair, but… wait. Behind them?! Is that Rarity?!
Ember gasps. “WHAT?!”
She looks again before frowning.
“It is! But what is she doing?!”
Mythic Honor takes a spyglass and looks for himself. “I can only assume she is channeling some kind of power through that crystal. It must be what is keeping the barrier down!”
A sentry quickly approaches. “Mythic Honor! A strange creature is at our own gates requesting permission to enter! What should we do?”
Ember looks over to Arc. “The timing is too perfect! It must be a trap from the invading forces!”
Arc thinks for a moment. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”
Mythic Honor looks to him for advice. “What do you propose we do?”
Arc tosses his spear to Ember. “I’ll approach them... alone.”
Ember stays with Mythic Honor. “Do be careful!”
He turns and looks over his shoulder. “I think I might know who it is. Keep your guard up though”
Meanwhile, outside the Vile Tribe’s gates Twilight shifts nervously from hoof to hoof.
“I sure hope I haven't made a grave mistake in coming here and revealing myself.”
There is a strange sound overhead. Twilight looks up.
“What is THAT?!”
A creature in a large white suit of armor jumps off the wall and lands in front of her. The helmet’s eyes aglow, the being looks her over.
“Why have you come here?!”
Twilight, sensing his immense power, steps back. “I... I'm looking for someone!”
“Are you with the invading forces outside the gates?”
“I guess I am.”
The creature stares at Twilight as if staring into her very soul. She pleads with him.
“Please! I'm only looking for a lost friend of mine! Can you help me?!”
The armored creature turns his head and shouts up to the sentries.
“Open the gate!”
It turns to face Twilight as the gates slowly open behind him.
“We will speak more inside.”
Twilight steps inside the walled city as the gates close behind her. Heavily armed sentries surround her as the armored creature motions for the. to keep their distance. It turns to face her.
“Are you a demon?”
Twilight hesitates before answering. “No, I’m not.”
“Uncover your face now, and prove it.”
Twilight removes the hood and allows her face to be seen. The creature looks her over and turns to the sentries.
“Back to the wall! I’ll handle this myself!”
They move to obey as the creature turns his attention back to Twilight. “Are you… Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville?”
Twilight steps back, surprised. “Why yes, yes I am! How did you know that?!”
The creature laughs as it removes its helmet. “Because… it’s me, Twilight.”
Twilight’s eyes grow wide as the helmet falls to the ground to reveal the face of her lost friend.
“Arc… Arc!”
She runs at him as he kneels down to give her a large hug. Twilight grins as she steps back.
“There are so many things I need to say to you, but... it will have to wait until we are out of here! Come! The others are holding the gate, but who knows when they will be attacked!”
Arc turns away. “One moment... Mythic Honor! I must speak with you!”
Mythic Honor descends from the wall. “Is everything alright?!”
“More so than you know. Have everypony gather what they can carry and prepare to move out. We are abandoning the base.”
Mythic Honor appears confused. “Very well! Where shall we relocate?”
“Equestria.”
Mythic Honor and Twilight look at Arc, stunned. “WHAT?!”
“You heard me. We are leaving Tartarus. Make haste!”
The old unicorn hurries away. “Very well! We all trust you, Arc!”
Twilight looks up to Arc. “We can't let all these ponies leave Tartarus! They're criminals!”
“Listen to me Twilight. I don't have time to explain it to you, but believe me when I tell you these ponies are NOT criminals and do NOT deserve to be in Tartarus. Please... trust me now.”
Twilight nods her head soberly, remember what happened the last time she didn’t give him a chance. “Okay. But I need a good explanation when we get out of here!”
A sentry cries out.
“Mythic Honor! The demons have begun assembling in front of Vengeance!”
“They must be preparing to assault the gates!”
Arc hurries over to Mythic Honor. “We need to get the Vile Tribe to the gate before the battle begins! I don't want our people caught in the crossfire!”
He looks up and addresses the entire tribe in an authoritative voice. “Move it, everyone! Line up! I want to see a Convoy Formation, now! Twilight, you take point on the lead wagon! Anything gets in your way, shoot it! Wagons two by two! I want one Town Guard in the back of every wagon! Sentries, hold your positions on the wall until the town is empty! I’ll be the last one out!”
The Vile Tribe moves like a well-oiled machine. In two minutes the convoy is ready. Arc looks up at the ponies on the wall.
“Sentries! Open the gates!”
The gates slowly begin to open as Arc barks out last-minute instructions “Drivers remember, no matter what happens, DON'T STOP! It will back up the entire convoy!”
Arc picks Twilight up and puts her in the lead wagon.
“Arc, I…!”
Arc sighs as he puts his helmet back on. “Twilight, go! I’ll see you on the other side!”
Twilight looks as if she is going to protest, but instead salutes. Arc steps back.
“CONVOY! MOVE OUT!”
Arc looks to Ember on his right as the convoy rolls quickly out the gates. “Remember, I didn’t ask you to come with me.”
Ember smiles at Arc. The Spear of Courage over her shoulder.
“We've come this far together. Might as well go the distance.”
“Thank you, my friend.”
A sentry runs over to the pair. “Sir! The demons have begun their advance on the gates! It appears King Malevolence is leading the charge personally!”
Ember frowns. “Great! This is going to get messy!”
Arc turns to the remaining sentries. “ALL SENTRIES INTO THE LAST WAGON! ABANDON THE BASE!”
He points to a nearby sentry.
“You… drive!”
The wagon is filled Ember jumps into the back with Arc as he calls out.
“DRIVER, GO!”
The last wagon leaves with the final members of the Vile Tribe. Meanwhile back at the gates... one of the Heroes of Light turns to Amethyst Star.
“We have contacts! A large contingent of what appear to be ponies is coming right for us! Your orders?!”
Amethyst Star looks through her binoculars. “HOLD YOUR FIRE, INCOMING FRIENDLIES! TWILIGHT IS WITH THEM!”
Derpy looks up to her. “And Arc?!”
“I don’t see him!”
Derpy again faces forward. “Please be alright, Arc…”
The Heroes of Light again turns to Amethyst Star as a horde of imp-like creatures come into view not far behind the convoy.
“Demonic contacts incoming! These look much less friendly!”
Amethyst Star looks back to the defenders. “FIRST LINE! PRIORITIZE TARGETS AND FIRE AT WILL!”
“Yes ma’am!”
The Heroes of Light begin their counterattack against the horde of approaching demons, masterfully hitting their demon targets with their Hoof Cannons while leaving the convoy untouched. The first of the wagons pass through the gate unharmed.
“LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, RENDER AID TO THE INCOMING FRIENDLIES! LINE THOSE WAGONS UP TO BLOCK THE CAVE ENTRANCE! I WANT TO SEE A BARRACADE!”
The last line rushes to comply. King Malevolence watches their tactics as he and his forces advance. A wicked smile creeps across his face.
“HIT THE WAGONS! THEY WON’T DROP THE BARRIER AS LONG AS SOME OF THEIR FORCES REMAIN ON THIS SIDE!”
The demons comply and hit the convoy hard Most of the wagons are immediately overturned. Arc and Ember pick themselves up as their own wagon takes a beating. Arc calls out instructions to the convoy.
“EVERYONE ON YOUR FEET! RUN FOR THE GATE! SENTRIES! DEFEND THE CONVOY! LET'S SAVE SOME LIVES! DO NOT ENGAGE THE ENEMY NEEDLESSLY! FLIGHT OVER FIGHT! TOWN GUARD, ASSIST THE INJURED!”
He turns to Ember and gives her the Spear of Hope “Take this to Twilight and tell her to return it to Derpy! Then I want you to join the defense of the gate! I'll hold them back as long as I can!”
“But…!”
“Go… NOW!”
Ember nods. “Alright!”
She turns to fly away and tosses her own spear to him. ”Arc, catch! Don’t die! I need you!”
Arc catches the spear and leaves her with a parting smile before donning his helmet and turning to cover their flanks
“COME ON DEMONS! WHO WANTS SOME?!”
The demons seem to be afraid of Arc, but much more afraid of King Malevolence! A seemingly endless wave of demons rush toward Arc as the pony stragglers limp past him! He raises his spear to a battle-ready position!
“YOU DEMONS MAY BE STRONG, BUT I WILL NOT BACK DOWN!”
Arc engages the demonic horde, moving around as much as possible to try and keep the demon's focus on him. The king looks on and laughs at his efforts.
“Give it up, human! You can't beat all of us!”
Arc turns to the king. “FEAR THE ONE WHO STANDS RESOLUTE AGAINST MANY!”
As he turns back to facing the onslaught, Arc sighs.
“If I survive the next five minutes... I'll be freakin' amazed.”
Some of the larger demons near the gate. The Heroes of Light shout over to their leader.
“There's too many! We can't take them all! Rarity’s going to be overrun!”
Amethyst Star looks down at them. “SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE, JOIN THE FIRST LINE AND PROTECT RARITY! TWILIGHT, REINFORCE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!”
Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Derpy advance to defend Rarity as King Malevolence looks to his troops.
“All high mobility units, CHARGE! Overwhelm them with superior numbers!”
A sea of smaller, faster demons approaches the gate and its defenders. Ember arrives at the gate and gives the Spear of Hope to Twilight.
“What is this?!”
“Arc wants you to give it to someone named Derpy!”
Twilight takes the spear. “Alright!”
She turns toward Derpy who is bravely attacking a group of demons nearby and throws the spear toward her. “Derpy, catch!”
Derpy jumps and catches the spear in midair. A flash of light emanates from her body A few seconds later she emerges from it clad in the same golden colored armor as she had in the dream world. Templar Derpy, who is now able to fly without the aid of her wings, turns to the other defenders.
“Come on, everypony! We can win this!”
King Malevolence looks over angrily. “Soldiers! Push the attack!”
Templar Derpy reengages the enemy. “Don't let them take one step into Equestria! We mustn't let them any nearer to our homes!”
As the soldier demons approach the gate, the lesser demons seem to be emboldened by their presence. The front line is once again pushed back toward Rarity. Almost all the ponies of the Vile Tribe have made it to safety, with only a few dozen left. Mythic Honor makes it to safety and runs behind the last line of defense where the Vile Tribe has rallied. Standing before them he calls out.
“Vile Tribe! Today marks a new age for all of us! We were shunned from society for so long, it's hard to know whom we should trust! But I'll tell you who I trust! I put my trust in Arc! Look! Even now he fights for all of us! Vile Tribe and Equestrian alike!”
He turns back toward the battle and shouts.
“THIS LAND IS OUR HOME NOW! VILE TRIBE... DEFEND EQUESTRIA!”
Every Vile Tribe member who has any fight left in them charges forward and joins the first line of defense. But they are still sorely outmatched. Amethyst Star looks down at the wavering line and calls out.
“LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, PREPARE TO... WHAT?!”
Several magical rifts have started opening between the last line of defense and the vanguard. Amethyst Star groans as she grits her teeth.
“DEMON REINFORCEMENTS! LAST LINE OF DEFENSE PERPARE TO ENGAGE! WE CAN'T ALLOW OUR FRONT LINE TO BE FLANKED BY THE ENEMY!”
The rifts are now fully open. Shadowy figures can be seen approaching from within as Amethyst Star watches them keenly
“WAIT!!! ARE THOSE...? IS THAT...?”
Warriors of shining light charge through the rifts and quickly form ranks as a heavily armored Princess Cadance appears from another rift. She turns to her troops.
“CRYSTAL DEFENDERS! YOU WILL TAKE THIS BATTLE BACK! PUSH THE DEMONS BACK INTO TARTARUS! FOR EQUESTRIA AND THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!”
Twilight runs over to Cadance as her forces rush forward to join the front line.
“Cadance?!”
“Twilight! Are you alright?!”
“I am now! What are you doing here?!”
As the princess turns to blast a demon who makes it through. “Saving a friend!”
King Malevolence sees Cadance and her forces and laughs maniacally. “A princess of Equestria?! What a day! I get to invade Equestria AND kill a princess! ALL FORCES... CHARGE!!!”
The Crystal Defender reinforcements help to stem the tide of battle, but the pony vanguard is still outnumbered exponentially Amethyst Star looks out over the field of battle and sighs before calling out.
“IT ISN'T ENOUGH! LAST LINE OF DEFENSE... THIS IS IT!”
Amethyst Star jumps off her rock and lands in front of the last line of defense.
“EVERYPONY… CHARGE!!!”
Amethyst Star and the entire last line of defense rush forward to join the vanguard as the last member of the Vile Tribe limps to safety. Ember flies up and over them.
“ARC! THAT'S THE LAST OF THEM! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE LEFT OUT THERE! RUN!”
The ponies cannot hold the line against the demonic forces. They are still being pushed back. Rarity is completely cut off from the rest of the ponies, save for Heroes of Light whom now fight back to back in a last-ditch effort to defend her. Arc is surrounded and cut off from the others. Templar Derpy flies up and looks to Arc.
“Arc! Get out of there! We can't keep this up much longer!”
The fighting around Arc intensifies as the king himself heads for him. “SURRENDER YOURSELF AND THE CRYSTAL OR DIE, HUMAN! YOU CAN'T WIN!”
Arc looks over at Ember near the vanguard. “EMBER! DESTROY THE CRYSTAL! SAVE EQUESTRIA!”
“I... I CAN’T! I CAN'T LEAVE YOU BEHIND!”
“DO IT! SOMEONE, DESTROY THE CRYSTAL!”
All of a sudden Arc is knocked over along with most of the demons as the ground itself begins to shake as it to tear itself apart. King Malevolence turns to his generals.
“What the devil is going on?!”
“I don't know, your Majesty! This isn't our doing!”
With a final shockwave the ground splits apart and a giant creature emerges from below. It roars as it begins attacking the demonic army. Arc looks over at the beast and gasps.
“MARQUIS?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”
“I HAVE COME TO SHOW MY FRIENDSHIP, ARC! YOU ONCE SPARED MY LIFE! TODAY I SHALL REPAY THAT DEBT! RUN NOW! I WILL HOLD THEM OFF!”
“Thank you, my friend!”
Arc runs as fast as he can toward safety. A few demons make chase as someone above cries out.
“Arc! Jump!”
Obeying, Arc jumps as high as he can. A moment later he is flying over the last of the demons. He looks up to see Ember holding one arm and Templar Derpy holding the other. Ember looks down at him.
“We got you!”
“Arc! Are you alright?!”
“Yes, but if we don't end this now none of us will be! Get me as near to Rarity as you dare! Drop in 3...2...1... DROP!”
Arc falls toward Rarity, who is visibly struggling to keep the spell active as he turns to the defenders.
“FALL BACK!”
Arc grabs the crystal pendant from Rarity, throws it to the ground, and shatters it with his spear. The barrier again forms around Tartarus All the ponies erupt in cheers but a moment later there is a cry of alarm. One of the Heroes of Light points a hoof at the barrier.
“Oh no! Twilight! She didn't make it out in time!”
Twilight has her back to the wall of the barrier, unable to pass through. The demons walk towards her baring their teet.! King Malevolence turns to his troops.
“TEAR THAT PURPLE PONY APART... SLOWLY! I WANT TO SEE... SUFFERING!”
Arc pushes his way toward the barrier as the Mane 6 try to get through. Applejack bucks the barrier.
“It’s no use!”
Pinkie Pie fires her Party Cannon at the barrier again and again to no avail. “I’m not making any headway over here either!”
Rainbow Dash flies at the barrier with all her might. “Twilight!”
Cadance rushed forward and blasts the barrier with her alicorn magic! “TWILIGHT!!!”
None of their attacks have any effect. Arc nears the barrier himself and cries out.
“EVERYONE MOVE!!!”
The Mane 6 jump out of the way, making room for Arc. He runs right through the barrier, grabs Twilight, wraps his cape around her and jumps back out as the demons pounce Arc lands awkwardly on his stomach. Everypony gathers around him as he slowly rises to look at them. Smiling under his helmet, he slowly pulls away his cape to reveal one terrified Twilight Sparkle Fluttershy cheers as she rides Cerberus like a horse.
“WHAT A SAVE! HE DID IT! HE DID IT! YEAH!!!”
All the ponies cry out in amazement The demons bang, slash, claw and throw rocks at the barrier in anger. Arc stands up with Twilight as the group stomps their hooves happily at their victory. Suddenly there is a strange sound from beyond the barrier. Arc turns to see the demon army attacking the Marquis.
“MARQUIS! IT'S OVER! WE'RE ALL SAFE NOW! GET OUT OF THERE!!!”
The Marquis turns to look at Arc as the demons continue pelting him mercilessly. “I... CANNOT... THERE ARE TOO MANY... I CAN DIE HAPPY THOUGH, KNOWING YOU ARE SAFE, MY FRIEND!”
“No! I won’t let it end like this!”
Before anyone can stop him, Arc charges through the barrier back into Tartarus. Jumping on the heads of the demons to get to his friend’s side. He knocks away the demons from the Marquis.
“I'll draw their attention! You escape!”
“I CANNOT LEAVE YOU LIKE THIS!”
“Don't worry! I have a plan! This will not be my end!”
The Marquis retreats back underground. “THANK YOU, MY FRIEND! WE WILL MEET AGAIN ONE DAY!”
The Mane 6, Derpy, Cadance and as many ponies as can stand side to side all stare through the barrier as Twilight screams.
“Arc!”
Derpy joins him. “COME BACK TO US!”
Ember pounds on the barrier with her fists. “THIS VICTORY WILL MEAN NOTHING WITHOUT YOU! RUN!”
King Malevolence walks over to Arc, his army all around them. “Foolish human! With your capture, your puny friend’s mission ends in failure! I shall enjoy watching your courage fail you!”
The king throws his head back and laughs maniacally. Arc begins to chuckle to himself. In a few moments he is laughing hysterically as well. Cadance watches the spectacle unfold before them.
“Is he insane?! There's no way he could hope to defeat an army of that size!”
Twilight stands there, crying. “Was it… all for nothing?!”
Templar Derpy puts her hoof around Twilight. “Have faith in Arc! I know I do!”
King Malevolence looks at Arc confused as the human continues to laugh. “What reason could you possibly have to laugh right now?”
Arc, still chuckling, looks to the king. “I… I'm sorry, I just find it hilarious that you think I did this on a whim! Now I have you right where I want you!”
Arc raises the Spear of Courage above his head. “YOU WANT TO SEE COURAGE, KING MALEVOLENCE?! THEN TAKE A GOOD LOOK!”
“WHAT?!”
Arc slams the Spear of Courage down into the ground. Waves of pure energy explode outwards in all directions. The demon army is brough to it’s knees. When the dust clears only the king is still conscious, Arc stands over him, spear drawn.
“…go ahead… finish me… human…”
Arc looks down at the king as he rests his spear on his shoulder. “No... I want you to live. Equestria will always endure. Remember this defeat... this humiliation. And remember that you can never win.”
Arc turns around and walks away, leaving the king laying there dumbfounded. He walks back to the barrier and effortlessly walks through it to a sea of ponies who are all standing there wide-eyed. Their jaws hang open silently as Arc turns to Derpy.
“Miss me?”
A second later Arc is tackled by Derpy, Ember, Twilight and the rest of the Mane 6 as cheers erupt all around them Meanwhile, back in Tartarus, a shadowy figure had been watching the events unfold before them.
“Heh, heh, heh... well done Arc... well done. I have waited for a creature such as you. With your power... perhaps finally...”
The creature of light materializes behind him as he frowns.
“Oh… you again.”
“I would not get too excited. Arc does indeed have great power within him. Much of which he is most likely unaware of. But I too have been watching him and can say with certainty that he would never agree to work with slime like you.”
The mysterious creature in the black cloak looks out over the defeated demon army again. “It does appear I was mostly right about his plan though. Although it was quicker than I imagined. Arc didn't need to overthrow the King. He already had followers outside the barrier that had been manipulated into saving him. With the combined might of these outsiders along, with the Vile Tribe, the human should have no trouble infiltrating Canterlot and overthrowing the princesses.
Again, the light speaks. “I doubt that, strongly. Arc does not appear to be like other humans. The light of Righteousness burns brightly within him.”
“Ha! You forget, he is only human. They can't deny their destructive nature indefinitely. As his power swells, so will the urge to use it to obtain that which he truly desires. It is... only a matter of time. And when that time comes... I will be there!”
As the creature fades away, “I have faith in Arc. He will not fail Equestria.”
The Mysterious Figure remains on the hill looking down. “I too have faith... that he will be their doom.”
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God, I play too much total war warhammer. Obviously Arc was the general, Marquis was a monster unit, the Crytal empire and Ponyville were allied reinforcements, and Derpy Hooves was a hero unit.
Did I mention I like total war warhammer?
9633810
Heard of the game, but never played it before.
9633849
I recommend it.
I think that mysterious figure thinking arc is doom is Celestia.
Soo.... Arc can freely pass trough the "one way barrier" both ways, meanwhile everyone else must tear it down? *Did i understand this right?
9752484
He had the option to leave at any time since he had not committed any wrongdoings, he just didn't know that. As for Twilight and the others, they weren't sent to Tartarus at all, so they had to force their way in through the front door.
Why? If you 'didn't commit a crime' / 'don't have ill intent' you can pass right through. They repeated that several times.
Also why didn't the town just go through if they were that close?
10578271
The Vile Tribe could certainly pass through the barrier in theory. However King Malevolence ordered the wagons tipped to attempt to force Rarity to hold the gate open magically as he and his forces can't pass through normally. After all, he has an entire city that would need to escape.
Lookouts from the Vile Tribe's hideout could see the barrier was down. But only with binoculars. So it's close enough that they can see it, but not so close they can just walk over there and leave. That and various demons hang around the Gates trying to think of ways to escape. They were the ones whom went after Ember after she was bested by Arc in their duel.
Although... after that point Arc was pretty well known among the demons for his display of power. He could have led the Vile Tribe past them and out at that time, in theory. The only problem with that is then Twilight wouldn't have had a chance to make up for her mistake. That and I wouldn't have had a climactic conclusion for Volume 2, which was SUPPOSED to be the end of the story.
Hmmmmm a little more peril might have been needed. One or most of mane six or Arc get grievously wounded in battle . Horribly scarred or lamed afterwards. I wasn’t too worried as to who would have made it or wouldn’t ( maybe a little worried for Ember as her plot armor is weak in comparison)
10811993
Fun fact. The ending of volume two was supposed to be 'The End'. However, when the wife and I read the story together she loved it so much she wanted more.
10578271
Because there were always demons hanging out there and kicking anyone who tried butt to the death.
Ok I've got to know but why couldn't Twilight just leave the barrier? She has committed no crime from what I've read. So why was she stuck? Was it because she felt guilty, or was it the illegal cloak she was wearing because Candace hasn't said anything about it so what gives?
11268577
Her crime was banishing an innocent to Tartarus for a crime they didn't commit. At that point in time she hadn't yet come to terms with what she had done, so the barrier would not allow her to leave. She is able to forgive herself only after a certain conversation in the next chapter.
The magic cloak Twilight was wearing didn't look any different from a normal cloak, so Cadance didn't notice it. Even if she did, it's likely Cadance would have given Twilight a pass given the circumstances.