Hostile History

by Jest

Chapter 43

Sunset Shimmer shifted uncomfortably in her gown, the girl’s gaze flicking about the area. She couldn't help but glance first at the stage, where principal Celestia stood awkwardly alongside Twilight. Together, they were attempting to figure out how to work the rather primitive sound system they had put together. The retooled karaoke machine had been chosen for its ease of use, though the recent bout of troubles was a clear mark against that notion.

Sunset, as usual, found herself staring at Twilight, noting that she, like the rest of Sunset’s friends, wore a custom gown. They were not all black, as was tradition, but had been designed to suit their wearers with unique colors and patterns. Twilight's was a mix of blue and purple, with stars arranged in a collection of her favorite constellations all over it.

She did wear the usual black cap, though it had a mauve tassel that dangled from its top. The girl was also, stunning in Sunset’s eyes, even though her entire body was covered by the gown. If pressed, Sunset wouldn't be able to explain why she felt that way, but she did so anyway, absent of any concrete reasons.

She tore her gaze from her friend, and sort of girlfriend, and briefly inspected Principal Celestia. The woman was dressed fairly similarly to her usual outfit, with the standard purple pants she probably had a dozen pairs of. Her golden blazer had been switched out for a pure white one, and her undershirt was now the color of the purest wheat. Save for that, she wore the usual soft yellow flats that she wore around school, and that was it. All in all, she looked normal, frustrated, but normal, and was quite at home on the stage.

That couldn't be said for everyone present, however, as a few of her friends were getting antsy. Rainbow Dash was struggling to stay seated, her leg bouncing constantly as she drummed her fingers on her knee. The girl’s sky blue gown was pulled up nearly to the midway point of her thigh, obscuring the ‘cool’ thunderclouds that had been added to her outfit.

Beside her, Fluttershy was much in the same boat, the girl’s soft green gown bunched beneath her clenched fists. Though she was careful to not crinkle the many butterflies printed on her gown. Unlike Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy wasn't sweating profusely and merely seemed nervous about receiving her diploma.

The others weren't quite so concerned with their situation, as both Applejack and Rarity were chatting quietly amongst themselves. Rarity wore a gem-studded white gown and had the most elaborate makeup of the entire group by a wide margin. Where most wore only a little, or just enough to bring out some feature, Rarity had gone the extra mile and looked like she was going to her coronation ceremony as queen of England.

Applejack, on the other hand, had a simple wheat-colored gown that had an apple tree on it. She wore no makeup, and had placed her signature stetson atop her graduation cap, which looked rather silly in Sunset’s opinion. Regardless, the farm girl didn't seem to care and continued her hushed conversation with Rarity.

Pinkie Pie meanwhile, was looking everywhere, the girl watching a butterfly one moment only to stare at a passing cloud the next. Clad in the brightest pink gown imaginable, her outfit was adorned with literal tiny balloons that she had filled with helium. Completely unconcerned with the goings on happening up on the stage, Pinkie Pie indulged her curiosity and waited patiently.

Behind them, grouped into three rows were her friend’s families, Sunset Shimmer noted. They were mostly just bored, though there was an undercurrent of distress that Sunset could detect. Anger directed at those that had forced this ceremony's necessity burned in the background, though it was mostly supplanted by a different feeling. Happiness borne of the beautiful venue, and the joy that they saw on the faces of their children.

Sunset Shimmer beat down the twinge of envy that flashed through her heart but quickly quashed it. Her own family was gone, that much was absolute, but she had found a new one here on earth with her friends. And as much as she wanted to deny it, she was starting to view Perfect Tempo as an extension of that feeling.

Sighing to herself, Sunset busied herself by doing a quick head count of everyone present. Her friends were already accounted for, so she glanced over her shoulder a second time to inspect the families present.

There was Twilight's family which included a beaming Shining Armor, a slightly nervous Night Light, and a smiling Twilight Velvet. Next to them was the Pie clan, each one of whom wore a stony, expressionless mask save for Marble who chewed anxiously on her fingernails. Limestone, Maud, Cloudy Quartz, and Igneous Rock sat patiently, watching the stage.

Behind them were Rainbow Dash’s parents, the two grinning adults seemingly ready to erupt in cheer at a moment’s notice. Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles were clearly excited but contained themselves by carrying on a whispered conversation with their neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Shy were clearly disinterested in the topic but were politely maintaining it regardless while Zephyr breeze snored loudly beside them.

In the back row sat a single member of Rarity’s family, that being Sweetie Belle, though in her hands sat a laptop. Upon which the grinning faces of Cookie Crumbles and Hondo FLanks were visible while in the background a luxurious beach could be seen. Sweetie Belle took her job seriously but was quickly growing bored without anything happening around them.

Thankfully Apple Bloom was seated next to her and was keeping the other girl entertained to the best of her ability. The rest of her family were quiet, and simply waited, or in Granny Smith’s case, occasionally dozed off only to wake back up with a start. Big Macintosh was impassive, the large man’s attention never leaving the front of the stage for even a second.

Sunset Shimmer’s attention drifted over the various decorations, banners, and other small flourishes Rarity had added. Flowers hung from ropes tied between trees, and a large section of canvas proudly thanked the graduating class. Rather than follow some overall theme, the colors were a rainbow mixture that represented them all equally. Sunset Shimmer wasn't sure how Rarity had done it, but it looked amazing, professionally done even.

Sunset was ready to admit that she was properly bored when suddenly the speaker crackled to life.

“Did we get it? Is it working?” principal Celestia asked, only to blink in surprise when she heard her voice. “Oh, wonderful. Thank you Twilight.”

Twilight nodded her head, and sheepishly slipped off the stage, taking her spot to Sunset’s right.

“What was it?” Sunset Shimmer whispered.

“She plugged the microphone into the wrong port but insisted that she hadn't,” Twilight replied.

Sunset chuckled to herself. “Typical.”

“Well then, allow me to welcome students and parents to this year’s rather unorthodox graduation ceremony,” Principle Celestia began. “I know this situation is inopportune, but I believe that you all have done a fine job making the best of it.”

The educator paused, and smiled out at the group, briefly glancing over the faces of the audience. Who seemed mostly attentive, though Zephyr continued to sleep, thankfully he was no longer snoring.

“I have had the wonderful opportunity to know most of the graduating class for almost their entire lives. Why I still remember Rainbow Dash setting the state record in the hundred-meter dash, and the national record in the six hundred meters,” Celestia continued, her words causing Rainbow Dash to sit a little straighter in her seat.

“I remember Fluttershy befriending that terrified moose that somehow found its way into our gymnasium. Rarity winning first place in her very first fashion show and Applejack’s bake sale that saved our spring field trip to camp,” The woman declared, smiling down on each student in turn. “And who could ever forget Pinkie Pie’s amazing summer break celebration last year? Why I think they are still cleaning confetti out of the air ducts.”

“Now that was a party,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Indeed it was,” Principal Celestia agreed, before turning and glancing down at the lone two left unreferenced. “And though I have not had the pleasure of knowing our final two grads I can say that with great pride that they have surpassed all expectations.”

Celestia’s smile softened somewhat. “I know things started off a bit rocky with you, Sunset. However, I knew that once you found something important, something to hold on to that you would reach your true, full potential. And here you are today, with six amazing friends with your whole life ahead of you.”

Sunset couldn't help but blush while still swelling with pride.

“Twilight has also been an amazing addition to our schools, and every class she has been a part of,” Celestia continued. “You, like Sunset, joined us late in your high school career but even on your first day, I knew you were destined for great things. I just know that whatever career you go into, you will push boundaries, and accomplish much.”

Celestia extended a hand and gestured to the students. “And that goes for the rest of you as well. Each one of you has a unique, and valuable skill that will aid you in achieving your dreams. Be it farmer, baker, veterinarian, designer, soccer player, or whatever else you end up choosing to be.”

Celestia dropped her hand back to her side and smiled a bit wider. “You all have grown into amazing young women that no matter where you go, will do wonderfully. Normally I would give you the almost obligatory reading of ‘The Road Not Taken’, but I don't have angry school board members to placate today.”

The crowd chuckled, taken slightly off guard by the comment.

“So I will leave you with some advice given to me by my grandmother,” the educator cleared her throat and seemed ready to give a long lecture. “Care about and excel at whatever you do. Short, I know.”

The crowd laughed again, a little more earnestly this time.

“But she meant it, and I do as well,” Celestia continued. “She told me that even if I ended up as a burger slinger, that I should have pride in my work, and to strive for greatness. She knew I wished to teach, but was adamant on giving advice that would serve me wherever I went. Which is why I give those same words of wisdom to you on this wonderful occasion.”

The woman paused, and the crowd applauded briefly.

“Now, we will give out the diplomas before listening to a speech from our valedictorian, Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia declared, reaching down from inside the podium and producing the first roll of paper. “Rainbow Dash, would you please join me on stage.”

Rainbow Dash hopped up from her chair, and in a flash, appeared next to Celestia, snatching the piece of paper for herself. The principal was confused for a moment before adjusting, and taking the other girl’s hand, shaking it firmly. The moment she released the athlete, Rainbow Dash was gone, repairing a second later in her seat with a proud grin on her face.

“Next is-”

The ceremony continued normally, with each member of the tiny graduating class getting their diploma and a handshake. Once it was all done, and Celestia had no more accolades to give, she took a step back from the podium.

“Please welcome, Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia exclaimed.

Twilight smiled sheepishly, and scampered up to the center of the stage, waving awkwardly at the small crowd. The girl seemed ready to launch into a speech when Shining Armor stood up and pumped an arm into the air.

“Woo, go Twily!” he shouted.

“Th-thank you, Shining Armor,” Twilight whispered into the microphone.

Grinning, Shining Armor sat back down.

“Anyway, uh thank you Celestia for the warm welcome,” Twilight began, gaining confidence with every word she spoke. “Before we begin, I just wanted to mention that the original speech I wrote was nearly four thousand words long.”

The grads all chuckled, along with a couple of the family, none moreso than Shining Armor.

“But I had mainly written all that because I felt… obliged to given the larger audience it was originally intended for,” Twilight began, a smile coming to her face. “So, I will just use the three thousand word one instead.”

She paused for a moment before clearing her throat. “That was also a joke.”

Pinkie Pie laughed heartily while a few others chuckled politely.

Once it was quiet, Twilight began again. “First, I would like to thank principal Celestia for welcoming me to her school. If I had known how easy and stress-free it would be to switch schools I probably would have done so long ago.”

Sunset was curious as to what Twilight's parents felt and glanced hesitantly over her shoulder in their direction. They were happy, though there was a tiny hint of disappointment there, it was far, far outweighed by how proud they were. The only one who was a beacon of pure positive emotion was Shining Armor, who held no resentment towards Twilight's decision.

“I would also like to thank my friends, for making my final year of school the single best out of my entire career,” Twilight continued, a tear coming to her eye. “Before I met any of you I had brushed aside the concept of friends as a waste of time, now I can't imagine living without you.”

Sunset turned back around just in time to notice Twilight's gaze was lingering on her. Then it was gone, the ghost of a blush crossing the purple genuis’ face.

“From the very moment I switched schools my life has improved and I hope, no believe, that it will,” Twilight finished.

The girl’s friends, and family were quickly joined by everyone else present, clapping heartily.

“Woo, go Twilight!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

“You rock, woohoo!” Fluttershy added.

Sunset just chuckled to herself, her gaze never leaving Twilight for a moment. The girl grinned proudly, and silently reveled in the admiration for several seconds. Before Celestia touched her shoulder, and prompted the young woman to scamper off the stage.

“Thank you Twilight for that wonderful speech,” Celestia began.

The educator paused as another brief round of applause was had while Twilight sat down once more.

“You did great,” Sunset Shimmer whispered, leaning in close. “Though something tells me you did actually write that three thousand word backup.”

Twilight coughed into her hand. “I uh, may have.”

“And with that we have concluded our ceremony, congratulations again to the grads,” Celestia exclaimed, only to pause. “Oh and it was my understanding that a short lunch has been prepared along with a few games. So, please do feel free to stay and enjoy all that.”

Sunset stood up as Celestia walked off the stage, intent on heading over to the drink table and quenching her thirst. The girl paused after only a step, however, her gaze fixed on a furiously pacing black soldier partially visible behind a tree. Recognizing her as the commanding officer in charge of security, Sunset immediately grew concerned and tapped her earpiece.

“What's the status?” Sunset barked.

“Were handling it,” replied the soldier simply, turning to stare at Sunset from in the distance.

“I need more information than that,” Sunset demanded.

“It’s-”

“Is that a fire?” Applejack asked.

All eyes turned southward, where they beheld a faint trickle of smoke wafting on the mid-afternoon breeze. Thick and black, its pungent aroma was soon blown away, leaving only a clear blue sky behind them.

“That sure looked like it,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

Sunset glared at the soldier in the distance. “I need more information, now.”

There was a sigh before the distant woman tapped her ear piece. “It is well within our capabilities, though there are a number of Foxtrot’s soldiers attacking from the south.”

“How many?” Sunset asked.

“What's going on?” Twilight whispered.

“Getting attacked, apparently being handled though,” Sunset whispered back.

“It is indeed well within our control,” continued the voice over the radio. “Our efforts to move troops in secret have worked well and they seem surprised to be fighting anyone other than you seven.”

“Well that's good,” Twilight offered.

A sudden explosion launched everyone out of their seats and into the air, panic quickly spreading. Thankfully Celestia was quick to calm everyone down while Sunset tried to think of a plan of some kind. She wanted to leave things to the soldiers, but it was a bit hard to enjoy a party while in a warzone.

“I’m going,” Applejack declared, tossing off her gown to reveal her usual rugged outfit beneath. “Ain't no rapscallion gonna invade my family’s farm and walk out of here without at least a few broken bones.”

“Right, I’ll go get the gun,” Big Macintosh declared.

“Now you wait for a second mister,” Applejack interrupted.

As an argument broke out, and the rest of her friends began consoling their worried family members, Sunset gazed upward. A faint whirring sound had been detected on the breeze, though it was distant, and quickly passed over them. Sunset searched for its origin, peering intently up at the mostly cloudless sky curiously, only to give up soon after.

Glancing about the area, it seemed as though the families were making their way inside somewhat reluctantly. Their worries were mostly dealt with, and though Big Macintosh seemed ready to rush back out in aid of the farm, he did not do so. Sunset pulled off her own gown and tossed it into a growing pile, pausing to make sure that her earpiece had stayed fixed in place. When her friends were once more wearing their usual attire, Sunset immediately knew that they were ready for a fight.

“We're doing this, aren't we?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

Applejack pounded a fist into her open palm. “Heck yeah, we are. I don't care if them varmints get their butt beat by the time we get there I’m gonna at least go spit on 'em.”

“They might need our help,” Fluttershy added.

“What do the rest of ya say?” Applejack asked.

“I think we should allow the professionals to deal with it,” Rarity dismissed. “Though it would be dreadfully uncouth of me to not accompany you all if you do choose to assist them.”

“Well, I say we go give 'em a good pounding,” Rainbow Dash declared.

“They interrupted my party, they deserve what's coming to them,” Pinkie Pie added.

“I think we should stay out of the way, but I also think Applejack is going to go one way or the other,” Twilight offered.

“Darn tootin’,” Applejack exclaimed, puffing out her chest. “I ain't about to let nothin' stop me from defendin’ what's mine, not even y'all.”

“Then we go,” Sunset finished. “But first, enchantments up, and a plan will be made.”

“Formation A one?” Pinkie Pie asked.

Sunset paused. “Err yes, actually.”

“Good, then let's get movin. Fists are gettin’ a little itchy,” Applejack murmured.

Sunset Shimmer exchanged a look and a shrug with Twilight before turning back to her friends.

“Well alright then,” Sunset muttered, pausing to tap her earpiece. “You’re about to get backup, what can you tell me about our enemies?”

“There aren't a lot of them, but they did bring along a new and improved living statue,” replied the voice. “Thing is tough, but the grenades Perfect Tempo delivered this morning are working well on it.”

“Keep them contained for the moment, and then move to cut off any who flee while the rest of your forces remain at the house to protect the civilians,” Sunset Shimmer ordered.

There was a moment of hesitation, and Sunset could tell that the woman was considering following the command. Then it was gone.

“Acknowledged,” she replied before vanishing behind a tree.

“Right then, let’s do this,” Applejack declared.

---

Sunset sprinted down the long row of trees, following behind Applejack as she ran ahead of the group. The ground dipped, and occasionally they had to turn in order to maneuver around a minor ridge that rose to block their way. Though the land was hilly and difficult, Applejack knew the way and guided them all quickly towards their destination.

As they grew closer the group could make out the quick staccato rhythm of automatic gunfire. It was punctuated by the occasional whompf of flames, the crack of trees, or the explosion of a grenade. The shouts of the soldiers could also be heard on occasion, though they were mostly panicked and clearly disorganized.

Then they came across their first body, a soldier clad in what appeared to be the standard camo of the united states army. They bore no insignias, ranks or other identifying marks save for the united states flag on their right shoulder. Their protective equipment covered most of their body, save of their neck which had a hole punched clear through it.

“Poor guy,” Fluttershy whispered.

Sunset grimaced and gestured to Applejack. “Let's keep moving,” she ordered.

“Err right,” Applejack muttered

Together the group began to move once more, this time they were a little more careful, and a little more unnerved. They passed other bodies, most of whom were the same as the first, though there was a single nearly unidentifiable soldier. They suffered perhaps the most gruesome death of them all, as they had been blown apart by a powerful explosive. The only reason Sunset even knew this wasn't one of the enemies was that their weapon was different from the others.

Moving as one, the group crested the top of a slight incline and peered over the other side. There they saw the various black soldiers hiding amongst the trees and firing down at the invaders. Who was stuck out in the open in the middle of a small ravine, with the only protection being a few large rocks as well as a large stone dragon.

Perfect Tempo’s men were more numerous and were positioned higher up, allowing them to stay out of trouble. That likely hadn't been the case up until recently, as several of them lie dead or dying on the banks of the ravine. Even still, they were doing far better than their opponents, some of whom were using their dying friends as cover.

As they watched, the dragon opened its mouth to reveal several mechanical components that made up what seemed to be a flame thrower. Sure enough, fire began to shoot from its jaws, but they never reached their target, however. As a blue-green grenade flew from the other side of the ravine and exploded upon hitting the dragon’s back. Bits of stone went flying and a strange multihued liquid splashed across the thing’s body, burning away small sections before bubbling into nothing.

This had likely happened before as it was the thing that had numerous other sections missing from its rocky form. That wasn't enough to put it out of the fight, merely distract it and allow the soldier it had been targetting to scamper out of sight. Then the harrying gunfire resumed, and the noose tightened around the group of outmatched humans.

“What do we do? That thing’s as big as bus!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Actually the dragon looks a bit bigger than that. Maybe a double decker though,” Rainbow Dash added.

“We whoop its butt, duh,” Pinkie Pie declared.

“They killed Bruce!” Applejack shouted.

The group turned to see the farm girl cradling a broken segment of a tree’s trunk. She then gasped, and ran over to another fallen apple tree and knelt back down.

“And Mildred too!” Applejack added.

“Did you… name all the trees?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously.

“It ain't the time for that,” Applejack dismissed. “We need to deal with these jerks before they wreck up the whole damn farm.”

“I’ll reinforce the enchantments,” Twilight offered.

As the girl began to work her protective magic over them, Sunset Shimmer peeked over the lip. Once she ducked back down, she motioned for her friends to group up.

“Alright, here's what's going to happen,” Sunset began, pointing to each person as she mentioned them. “Pinkie Pie’s going to use her gum grenades on those soldiers. Rainbow Dash is going to get them out of the way, and everyone else will support them. After that, we group up and take on the dragon together. Got it?”

Everyone either nodded, gave her a salute, or muttered a quick agreement.

“Right, go!” Sunset commanded.

Magic flashed, and a protective barrier formed over them all just before Pinkie Pie jumped out of cover. The girl reached into her pockets and produced bright pink grenades in the shape of tiny footballs. Then, with incredible accuracy, Pinkie Pie hit three of the enemy soldiers in rapid succession, covering them from neck to foot in a layer of goo.

The black soldiers stopped firing just after the grenades hit their targets and a wave of confusion washed over the others. By the time they turned to fight their new opponents, three more of their number were incapacitated by a layer of some strange pink substance. With their fighting force nearly cut in half, the dragon was quick to try and free his subordinates using his large claws. Only to be repulsed by a diamond shield that sprung up between him and his target.

“What in the hell,” it muttered.

As the dragon reeled back in surprise, a rainbow blur snagged the six bound soldiers and carried them away. By then the remaining four were able to gather their bearings, and level their rifles in Pinkie Pie’s direction. Two went down in a mass of pink goo before they could fire, but their friends were able to pull the trigger in time.

Once more a diamond barrier appeared and blocked their bullets, protecting Pinkie Pie while she readied her last two grenades. The moment the final two enemy soldiers began to frantically reload, the shield fell, and they were hit by a pair of strangely colored explosives. They were then whisked away to rejoin their comrades before the dragon even had a chance to try and stop this from happening.

“At last, the pawns of harmony make their appearance. How wonderful,” spat the dragon, its voice deep and its tone laden with bitter sarcasm. “Well come on then, test your mettle.”

“You know this is kinda pathetic,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, the girl standing atop a small tree in order to look the dragon in the eye. “Getting your butt handed to ya by the totally normal, and not super-powered humans.”

“Helpin them does feel a bit like overkill, but that's okay,” Applejack declared, pounding her fists together. “I’m fine with a little overkill.”

“Enough of your babbling!” bellowed the stone creature.

A swipe took out the tree Rainbow Dash was standing upon, though she was already in motion. Landing in a roll, the girl hopped right back and dodged under a second swipe of the dragon’s claw. It tried to unleash a torrent of flame on the fleeing speedster but was once more blocked by a diamond shield.

Before it even had the chance to cut off the flow of fire, Applejack punched it in the jaw with enough force to slam its mouth shut. Still reeling from the first attack, the dragon was suddenly knocked to the side when a powerful concussive grenade slammed into its flank. It tried to slam a hand down on Applejack a moment later but like the rest of his attacks, this one was thwarted.

Only this time it was a gout of white-hot plasma that lopped off several of his fingers that stopped the swipe. A second later and an enormous diamond hammer slammed into the side of his face, right before Applejack leaped into the air and punched it in the other cheek. Flames licked at its lips, and for a moment it seemed as though Applejack would end up bathed in fire.

A ball of pink hit the back of its mouth before that could happen, and a mass of brightly coloured goo caused the pilot light to fizzle. Confused and reeling from the sudden beating, the dragon recoiled backward, intent on crushing the gnat that kept punching it. Its hands swept forward in an attempt to squish Applejack, only for its momentum to suddenly vanish when its back legs were pulled out from under it.

Twilight's magical aura dissipated just as the great stone beast slammed into the earth, causing the ground to tremble. Rainbow Dash was on him in an instant, a soldier’s helmet held in one hand. Sprinting up the dragon’s tail, she threw a mass of warm mud into the dragon’s eye before repeating the motion with the other.

“I do not need my eyes to see!” bellowed the dragon.

“I know it's kinda pointless,” Rainbow Dash began, the girl leaning against a tree and smirking at the dragon. “But it's really fun to style on you.”

“That is it! You will perish for that insult!” shouted the stone creature.

“Yeah I don't think your threat means much when we’ve beaten you this bad,” Rainbow Dash taunted.

“Twitchy legs, itchy ears, and… squirmy feeling in my belly?” Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened, and she looked up. “Rainbow Dash, watch out!”

Just as the speedster looked up, the faint whizzing sound grew loud enough to be audible by everyone. Noone save Pinkie Pie noticed the mortar before it was too late, the ten-pound projectile screaming towards Rainbow Dash’s head. Before it could hit, a hastily thrown brown sphere slammed into the earth beneath the athlete’s feet sending her flying.

Pinkie Pie’s bomb carried no shrapnel, or ill intent, as the concussive grenade was made purely to move something. Even then, it wasn't enough to save Rainbow Dash completely, and as she sailed through the air, tumbling end over end, the mortar hit the ground. Bits of hot metal sliced through the air and the shockwave easily eclipsed the power of Pinkie Pie’s grenade.

Rainbow Dash slammed into a tree and slumped to the ground, her defensive enchantment flashing once before shattering. Though clearly wounded, a cursory glance told Sunset that the speedster was alive, and not in critical condition.

Fluttershy was already in motion, running over to her downed friend, hands glowing with healing energy. Rarity had turned her attention skyward and was protecting everyone from a veritable rain of falling mortars. Twilight was using her magic to swat down the drones with beams of energy, and Pinkie Pie was right beside Fluttershy.

“Oh you are going down,” Sunset muttered.

Sunset began to charge a particularly nasty spell, and moved to assault the dragon, but was beaten to the punch. Literally, as a suddenly nine-foot tall Applejack slugged the rocky creature in the face with enough force for a dull boom to echo throughout the ravine. Stoney faced, and utterly focused, Applejack’s muscles rippled as she wound up and struck the dragon a second time.

Teeth went flying, hunks of stone rained down everywhere, and the dragon recoiled in confusion. By the time Applejack struck a third time she was over twelve feet tall, and her fist hit with enough force that each impact sounded like the crack of thunder. A fourth hit knocked the creature’s bottom jaw clean off his head, the hunk of stone landing with a thump in the creek.

“I am going to pull you apart, piece by piece,” Applejack muttered.

Flames sputtered from the half-dissolved pink slime, but Applejack didn't panic and uppercut the dragon in the throat. Whatever fuel tank he had hidden within his stoney body cracked, and with an explosive thwomp, a single gout of fire shot from his mouth. Body now riddled in cracks, and nearly falling apart completely, the dragon tried to swipe at the farmer.

Now larger then even her opponent, Applejack caught the appendage in one hand and crushed it to dust. She then grabbed the second claw by the wrist, pivoted, hauled the dragon up upon her back, and with a heave tossed him clear over her shoulder. For a single confused moment, the stony creature found itself completely airborne before with a cataclysmic crash it hit the ground once more.

Barely holding itself together, the dragon scrambled to right itself, but Applejack was already upon it. The farm girl raised her fists above her head and brought them down with all the force she could muster. The impact sent shockwaves through the ravine, and the ensuing crack deafened nearly everyone present.

The dragon twitched and then split in half, crumbling into tiny pieces and turning into a mound of barely recognized debris. Her foe defeated, Applejack stood there panting and slowly shrinking back down to her normal size. By the time she returned to her regular height, the fighting had stopped, and Sunset saw no more dark shapes dotting the sky.

“Is that all of them?” Sunset asked, glancing expectantly at Pinkie Pie.

The other girl’s eyes remained closed for a moment longer before they snapped open and Pinkie Pie nodded. “Looks like it,” she murmured.

“Good,” Sunset declared. “And Rainbow-”

“Rainbow Dash. Where is she? Is she okay?” Applejack panted, the girl stumbling over to the group.

“Jeese, AJ, you really went to town,” Rainbow Dash murmured, pausing to clutch at her torso.

“She’ll be fine. Just a bruised rib and a mild concussion. The enchantment did its job,” Fluttershy offered.

“What was that?” Twilight asked, gesturing back to the ravine.

Sunset hummed thoughtfully. “Perfect Tempo did say our powers would grow as our bonds deepened. I guess this is it.”

“Great, that stupid teacher of mine was right,” Applejack muttered before collapsing next to Rainbow Dash.

“Babe, that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” Rainbow Dash whispered, leaning towards her girlfriend.

“I thought he was shrinking right up until the end there,” Applejack replied.

Rainbow Dash chuckled briefly before wincing and grabbing her side.

“Normally I’d never say this but maybe you shouldn't laugh right now,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Sounds like a good idea,” Rainbow Dash admitted.

Sunset turned away from the touching scene and tapped her earpiece. “Damage report?”

“One dead, fifteen injured, two in critical condition,” replied the voice, pausing briefly. “Enemy neutralized, radar sweep is bringing back no remaining drones.”

Sunset relaxed and glanced over her shoulder to the pile of still gum-encased soldiers. “Get someone over here to gather up the prisoners, and prepare the wounded for transit. We’ll be adding one of our own as well.”

“I saw. Great work by the way there. Your team sure is something,” remarked the familiar voice of the commander.

Sunset’s gaze lingered over Applejack and Rainbow Dash as the pair held hands while getting fussed over by Fluttershy.

“They are getting there,” Sunset murmured before tapping her earpiece again.

“That was closer than I’d like,” Twilight whispered.

Sunset smiled faintly as her fingers interlocked with Twilight's. “It was,” Sunset admitted. “But I feel like we’ve learned some valuable lessons today.”

Twilight followed her friend’s gaze, standing there silently for nearly a minute.

“So, what now?” Twilight asked.

“We take the fight to Foxtrot. No more letting that jerk push us around. It's about time we started doing the pushing,” Sunset declared.

“But we don't know where he is,” Twilight pointed out.

“We just have to wait until he slips up, and Perfect Tempo finds him. In the meantime, we train,” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed.

Twilight hummed for a moment before nodding. “I suppose that really is all we can do at the moment.”

“Our time will come, I can feel it,” Sunset declared.

Comments

[The Voice in the Water]

Goliath mode activate.

[Luviere]

Alright, it is just me or does it feel like Sunset isn't doing much in these fights. All she does is just cast enchantment magic on the girls and that's it. Hell, in this fight it was Twilight who actually casted it. It was a great chapter with great fight scenes, but please give out Sunset more screen time and more moves.