> Ponies Playing Doom
>  by obake
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The Boutique of Doom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Somewhere, deep in the dimensions of Hell, John Romero's impaled head stood pondering. The Pinkys near him garbled and munched on gore spread around the fiery floor, grunting incessantly. Despite the noise, all Romero could think about was the being from his vision. That white coat, the purple mane. She was the strangest thing he had ever seen, and he knew from the moment he saw her, that she was his archenemy...

Scootaloo raced across the road on her scooter, fast enough that she created clouds of dust marking her path. Coincidentally, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked out of SugarCube Corner at the same time, giving Scootaloo the opportunity to swerve around and send dirt into their faces.
Diamond squinted through the dust, gritting her teeth. Scootaloo smiled from her wicked victory. But that was just the tip of the iceberg in awesomeness that she felt the day would contain. She was going to show her friend Sweetie Belle something so awesome, it would knock her socks off!
Sweetie Belle, waiting outside the Carousel Boutique, bounced happily at her friend's approach. "Scootaloo!" she shouted.
The scooter nearly skidded into a set of garbage cans before Scootaloo came to a successful stop. "Do you have it?" asked Sweetie Belle.
"Do I ever!" Scootaloo replied, spilling the contents of her backpack. A black, rectangular box, fell out onto the still grass. On it's glossy surface were the words "DOOM II".
"Whoa..." Sweetie Belle whispered, in true awe. Below the game's title were demonic eyes, staring evilly above a mouth full of knife-like teeth. Underneath the face were rising flames, with the words "Id Software" spelled out in deep, blood-red letters.
"Let's play it now!" said Scootaloo.
"Okay!" replied Sweetie Belle, "We can use my sister's computer!"
The two little fillies joyfully charged up the stairs while Rarity worked on stitching an dress in the front lobby. "Could you keep it down?" asked Rarity, "I really need to concentrate on making a dress for an important client."
They paid little heed until Rarity took her eyes off of her work. "Hold on," she said, "I want to know what you and your friends will be doing upstairs."
Sweetie Belle came to a halt. "We'll just be playing a video game. We'll be very quiet, we promise." She and Scootaloo smiled innocently. One could imagine halos shining above their heads.
Rarity almost let them go, thinking it would be good if they had a video game to play instead of causing havoc around the house. But she thought to ask "Hold on, show me the game you have first."
The excitement drained from the fillies faces. Scootaloo tried fibbing. "It's just a puzzle game, with pretty pictures."
"Yeah," said Sweetie Belle, "everypony in school has played it."
"Let me see it, now." demanded Rarity.
It was a lost cause for them to try and hide anymore. Scootaloo quietly handed Rarity the game box, with the rating stamped clear on the front: Ponies 17+.
Of course, the grim artwork of the cover did a good job defining itself as something not for young ponies, as well.
"Sweetie Belle," said Rarity, disappointed in her sister's lying, "you know you're not allowed to play these types of games."
"Yes, but-"
"No excuses." interrupted Rarity, "I will leave this on a shelf where I can see it as I work." She turned to Scootaloo, "And you need to go home and tell your parents what you've done. I know they wouldn't approve of this."
"Yes, ma'am." said Scootaloo. Her gaze fell directly to the floor.
"Go, now." demanded Rarity, directing the two fillies downstairs and out the door. "We'll have a talk later, Sweetie Belle."
What had previously been a joyful rush into the boutique, had become a somber march outside.
Rarity resumed to her workstation, placing the game box on a shelf nearby. The stitching process was tedious, and required a lot of time to pull off. Rarity just hoped she could get her mind off of the situation with her little sister until after the dress was done.
Minutes passed by without incident. As Rarity worked, the less her thoughts loomed on talking to Sweetie Belle, and the more they were on the technique she used to create the dress.
But something happened as Rarity glanced up. She saw the game box from a different angle than before. It's coloring, despite being so dark, was intriguing. The fire bordering the bottom half seemed reminiscent of stitched hem lines.
She shook her head and continued back to stitching.
But the box, drew her eyes again.
"Rarity," she said to herself, "you have a very important client waiting for you. You cannot waste any time."
Again, and again, the box would momentarily gain her attention, but Rarity resisted long enough to finish the dress. She admired her hoofwork. "A masterpiece!" she gleamed.
For the first time in awhile, her thoughts were all towards her talent for dressmaking, and the anticipation of seeing her client's reaction towards the effort she put into fashion. Rarity proudly cantered around the room, gathering up the thread and sewing supplies.
As she did so, her eyes once more quickly caught the sight of the black game box. The demon's expression pleaded for attention. Because Rarity was no longer in need to finish a deadline, she paused and stared at the box, just to see if she could figure out why it was so interesting.
It certainly wasn't anything special. Rarity had seen her share of scary art, with all of the Nightmare Night costumes, paintings of The Headless Horse, among other tributes to ghoulish figures of folklore. She had even helped fight villainous tyrants threatening to overtake Equestria on multiple occasions, so she was no stranger to being intimidated.
But, perhaps...
No, no, no Rarity told herself. She wasn't going to indulge in playing the game. It's cover art was entertaining enough to look at, but she certainly wasn't going to stoop down and actually play it. Such things we're not in her tastes. She had paperwork to do, making sure the sale of her newest creation was finalized.
Yet her instincts caved. Rarity sighed heavily, taking the game box down , and setting the disc into her computer. "Let's see what those two were so excited about hiding." she said.
The game started up, a low pitched, drumming tune beginning to play over the speakers. The words Doom II rose from the bottom, followed by the most epic beat in music one could imagine. It set a dark tone. Rarity pressed on, choosing the "I'm Too Young to Die!" difficulty.
The first level started up with no explanation or story, just the view of a pistol staring down a small hallway, where two soldiers stood guard. "What is this?" Rarity asked. She slowly moved forward and fiddled with different buttons. When she left-clicked the mouse, her character shot the pistol straight into one of the soldiers backs.
"Ughh!" he went, both soldiers turning around and beginning to shoot. Rarity hurriedly backed up and went behind a nearby pillar. "I can't believe how violent-"
She jumped in surprise as a soldier circled around from the opposite direction and got right up in her face. His features were ugly, his hair green and his armor stained with blood.
Rarity frantically pressed left click on the mouse until she had exhausted five bullets into his chest, or more like two, in which he fell down, dead. The rest of the bullets carved marks into the brown, tech-ish wall behind him. But Rarity was thinking anything but ammo conservation at this time, as she knew the other enemy was still in her midst.
"It...is...ON!"
Rarity swerved around the pillar and charged directly at the other soldier, blasting him down with multiple shots. She marveled a sigh of relief as she looked over the corpse of the being who had tried to kill her. He had lost his chance for good.
But there was breathing coming from the hallway.
Oh, so cautiously, Rarity moved up the steps, towards the corner. She had no idea whether she would face a friend or foe, so she kept her pistol drawn.
A foe. Definitely a foe!
Four pistol blasts rang out. Rarity could almost see the smoke rising up from the gun. In front of her lied the corpse of yet another demonic soldier. "Think you can get me?" said Rarity, haughty over her victory, "I'll have you know I'm much more than a fashionista. I have both the proper training and the capabilities to defend myself when anypony attempts to get in my way!"
Her determination showed as she walked around another corner. Another enemy, this time a brown, spiked something with red eyes.
Rarity knew from instinct that it was not friendly, so she pumped bullets into its chest. It threw a fireball straight into Rarity's face just before the last shot knocked it on its behind.
"Ow!" Rarity screamed. She was burned, badly. She quickly looked around and saw a room full of blue vials.
Her first thoughts were on Zecora's remedies. Perhaps these were similar. She picked up one of the blue bottles, and felt better instantly. She picked up all of the bottles within the room, until she was back to full strength.
In fact, she felt at MORE strength than she had previously! "Oh, yes," Rarity uttered with a wicked smile, "no demons are going to beat me!"
She pressed on down the hall where the fire monster lay dead. Without any reservations, Rarity preceded to take down a few more soldiers, while another fire monster sat inside a cage next to a door clearly singed "exit".
This time, Rarity was prepared for what got in her way. She dodged the first fireball, then the second. "You dare call me persnickety?" she asked, pumping the last few bullets into the ugly creatures stomach. It fell down with a satisfying groan.
The tension the atmosphere held was now replaced with quiet relief. "I guess I'll be going, then." said Rarity, holding her head up high.
She opened the exit door, relieved to find some ammo lying inside the small room. Once the switch was pressed, the game went to the first intermission screen. Big, red letters indicated her score:
Kills 85%
Items 25%
Secrets 0%
Shocked, Rarity replied "There were secrets I missed?" Thoughts poured into her mind of attempting to find every secret in the entire game. Such a feat would certainly be a nice thing to do on her free time.
All the while, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle moped on a park bench. "I can't believe we got caught." said Sweetie Belle. "Rarity is always too invested in her work to bother us. I guess she just had a lapse today."
"I'm just sad we didn't get to play any Doom." replied Scootaloo, "My cousins have all played it, and they say it's the coolest thing ever!"
Both the fillies lowered their heads, only to raise their eyes again to see Applebloom. "What? Were you going to leave me out of y-your D-doom quest?" her voice shook.
Worry sprouted in Sweetie Belle's expression. "No, no, no. We weren't excluding you..."
Scoot's interrupted more bluntly. "We didn't want you to get scared, like at our Nightmare Night party." The memories of Applebloom's screams at the paper mache ghost, then her looks of sheer embarrassment, flooded back into Scootaloo's mind.
"I told you," said Applebloom, "I was just high-strung that day!"
"The class didn't think so." touted Sweetie Belle, "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon called us the 'Scaredy-Cat-Crusaders' all week."
"Guys..." Applebloom pleaded . It was apparent from her begging expression that she was really hurt.
Scootaloo sighed heavily. "Alright." she said, "We admit, we shouldn't have excluded you."
"Darn tootin'." replied Applebloom, wiping a single tear from her eye. "Besides," she said, "Applejack already bought me a copy of Doom II, and I was just about to invite you over to play..."
Thus far Rarity had made it level 3, "The Gantlet". She tilted her head. "What's a gantlet?" she asked herself, not realizing she was speaking out loud. Suddenly a new type of soldier appeared. But this kind wasn't in gray or black clothes like the other ones; it was in heavy, rust colored armor. It gave a frightening growl as it lifted its chaingun and began blasting away.
Rarity screamed momentarily, lucky enough not to have anypony else inside the boutique at the time, or else they would have thought she was in danger.
Little did she realize what she was getting herself into...
> Chapter 2: Applejack Dooms Everypony!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack, sitting comfortably on the bean bag chair, watched as her little sister and two friends entered the room. She shouted cheerfully. "Hey, Applebloom! Hello Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle!"
The brightness of her demeanor was in redeeming contrast to Rarity's attitude earlier. "We heard you were playing Doom." said Sweetie Belle.
"Sure am." replied Applejack. She lifted the controller in front of her.
The room was dark, save for the light coming in from the TV. On it, Doomguy held the shotgun carefully in front of him, anticipating when he would have to use it next. "Ya'll can come sit down and watch, if you'd like." said Applejack. The Cutie Mark Crusaders hastily agreed.
Dark music rose in crescendo as Doomguy slowly made his way around a maze of brick corridors. All at once, everypony in the room jumped as a pink monster appeared from behind and began biting. Applejack squeed with excitement and adrenaline, while the three little fillies cowered on the floor.
Scootaloo took a moment to evaluate her reaction, and pretend to have not been startled. "Was that it?" she said, raising her head, "That wasn't scary at all."
"You were shaking just as much as we were!" whispered Sweetie Belle.
"Was not." Scootaloo whispered back.
"Were too." said Applebloom.
Another growl emitted from the TV, causing the fillies to huddle together. "We t-t-told you you were j-just as scared as us." said Applebloom.
"Am n-not." shuttered Scootaloo
"Ya'll better stop watching if you're going to have nightmares," said Applejack, "the last thing you need your cutie-marks to be are pictures of 'scaredy-cats'!"
The three little ones gasped in shock at the thought of that being their cutie-marks, causing them to run out of the room at once, without saying a word. Applejack just chuckled to herself, then got bitten from behind by a monster. "Oh, hayseeds." she muttered.
Rainbow Dash stopped to ask the Cutie Mark Crusaders where they were running off to so fast, but they flew past without notice. "What's with them?" she asked Rarity, who had just taken a break from Doom and realized she had work to do.
"It must have something to do with that scary game they had earlier. I'll bet they played it at another pony's house" said Rarity. She tufted her mane, and thought, saying "Can you believe those little rapscallions were going to try playing it in my boutique? Such an atrocious, ugly looking experience!"
Rarity's blue pegasus friend responded by almost dashing into her. "Scary game?" said Rainbow, "What scary game?"
"Why do you need to be in my face to ask that?" Rarity retorted, "Please, it's just a silly little thing titled Doom II. Why would you even be-"
"Interested!?" Rainbow replied, finishing the sentence for her. Her eyes became even wider. "DOOM II?!" Rainbow said.
At this point, Rarity looked back in worry at her friend. She uttered out a simple "Yes, that's it."
Dash looked like she was about to fly into the air in euphoria. "Doom II's just supposed to be the MOST AWESOME GAME EVER!" she shouted so loud she startled everypony around her. "Don't you know that Soarin from the Wonderbolts recommended Doom II as a great way of training to be a great flyer!?"
"Flyer?" said Rarity in skepticism. "How does that game teach anything about flying? Running, yes, and shooting ugly demons in the face, yes, but I never flew..."
The words trailed off quickly. Rainbow's face turned to shock. Rarity quickly tried to hide the secret she had been holding. "I mean, I'm sure that's what I'd say if I actually played the game, but of course, I would never divulge in anything like that."
She hoped Rainbow Dash would believe her, but the pegasus' scorn was painted all over her expression. Rarity decided she needed to get away from the situation. "I have work to do." she said, running as fast as she could towards the boutique. She had more levels to attend to, after all.
It turned out, John Romero was angry. "How did that purple-maned goon already get past the gantlet?!" he spewed angrily.
The Cyberdemon and SpiderMastermind leaned back sheepishly. Cybie said "I don't know, Mr. Romero, but-"
"Don't know?" Romero's eyes turned red. "How can you let that- PONY- gain control of our computer towers, and you, haven't i n t e r v e n e d?" His teeth were clenched tight with the most menacing scowl.
The SpiderMastermind bowed down. She spoke "We are sorry, master. Please, let us get rid of this threat."
"You better!" said Romero. His eyes narrowed. "That monstrosity is not about to ruin my day."

Back in Ponyville, Spike was speaking with Discord. "I still don't get why you have to be helping out at Rarity's boutique." Spike said.
Discord grinned. "I told you, fifty times, I'm here because Miss Rarity requested it. I'm reformed now, you know."
Spike did not give sympathy. He reluctantly picked up a basket of laundry and left the room, thinking Rarity certainly would not be up to inviting someone like Discord to her home. In reality, she had.
Rarity knew from corresponding letters between Princess Celestia and Twilight, that Discord had been recently getting into video games. Apparently, he even beat Princess Luna and the Wonderbolts in a Death-match tournament on "Canterlot Cavalry III: It is ON!!!!"
This was Rarity's oppurtunity to play Doom with somepony (or whatever Discord was), and not have to worry about being told on. For whatever reason, she felt Discord would be trustworthy in this situation, the most ironic choice she could come up with. But it felt right.
Discord was not at all surprised when Rarity told him. "Of course, I knew there had to be an ulterior motive!" Discord said. Rarity assumed he would be displeased by the revelation, but he was the opposite.
"What a nice day." said Discord, "First, I get to see you send that twerpy dragon on a thankless errand, and now, I have a new video game competitor."
It took a second for Rarity to process the words. "Competitor? Oh, no, no, Discord, I invited you over to help me play videogames."
"Help?" asked Discord. "Are you saying you want me to be part of a team." Discord shook his head. "Nope, sister, that's not going to happen." He transported from his place on the sofa over to Rarity's side, putting an arm around her. "I'm no one's team mate, I'm the champion of Canterlot. I beat Princess Luna, you know."
"So I heard."
Discord stuck his chin in the air. "I'm flattered that you'd want to be on my team," he said, "but only one person gets that honor, and that's me."
"I'm not asking you to join a team," replies Rarity, "I just...I just..."
"Just what?" By now, Discord was becoming impatient.
Rarity sighed. "I just want somepony next to me so I don't get too scared."
Complete silence. Discord's mouth dropped in confusion. "You what?" he asked.
"I'm currently playing Doom II," said Rarity, "but I'm finding more and more as I get into it, the more I've started becoming unsettled. I nearly jumped out of my mane just when the entrance bell rang this morning!"
For the first time in the conversation, Discord looked empathetic. He noted his expression and quickly changed back to his pushy demeanor. "Well, I would love to help you, Miss Rarity," Discord said in the most condescending voice he could muster, although he was failing at the moment, "but you will have to find somepony else to help you."
As Rarity looked down in disappointment, Discord reluctantly recanted. "All right," he said, "you'll get to join Team Chaos for one night."
Rarity's eyes lit up like a Hanukkah candle. "Thank you!"
Discord sighed. Spike walked back into the room, his hands full of lawnmower parts. "I...bought...the stuff you wanted." he said, fainting.  
> Chapter 3: The Chaos Crusher
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was now nighttime. Everyone but Discord and Rarity had left the boutique, meaning they were free to play Doom II without interruption. Rarity wished she could be play it in the day, but there was too much risk of her being seen. The dead of night was the only time she had.
Discord watched intently as she booted up the game. The last she played, she had escaped Map 05: The Waste Tunnels, with only a thread of life. Now, she was on to Map 06: The Crusher, with only 3% health, 12% armor. 
"Already, I am not impressed by your skill." said Discord, rather rudely. 
Rarity did her best to ignore his remarks. She carefully walked around, sniping shotgun guys, not expecting anything worse than what she had faced before. 
But through the darkness, there was a faint scream. Discord knew what it was, but did not say anything. He thought it would be more helpful for Rarity to learn on her own.
As slow as possible, Rarity inched forward, passed one column, then passed another. 
Suddenly, a tall and gangly figure was only a few hooves away. Rarity ran backwards and tried circling around a column to avoid contact, but her hope was vain. The thing, which she could now see was a giant skeleton in armor, punched Doomguy in the face. He fell, his death cry raising putting a chill in Rarity's blood.  
"You can't expect to avoid a Revenant so easily." said Discord. He remembered how scary his first encounter with the those skeletons was. Now, looking at it, he found it comical the way it bopped Doomguy on the noggin. 
Rarity had the opposite reaction, dropping the controller momentarily as she shook.
"I...I" Rarity sputtered.
Discord did his best not to be impatient of Rarity's slow reaction to get back to the game. "Revenants aren't so bad once you get used to them." he said, "Try again, and it won't be as scary."
This gave Rarity a little more confidence. Still trembling, she restarted the level. Despite her health being so low, she managed to get rid of the shotgun guys with relative ease. But she knew what lie ahead, and so she was extra cautious. 
There was a knock on the door. Rarity flew out of her seat. "What the?" she said, trembling. Now embarrassed, she went downstairs to check who was at the door this late. It was Discord.
"Your reflexes are still quite good," he said, walking in, "but you must learn not to jump in terror whenever something startles you." 
"B-b-but you are upstairs..."
Discord sighed. "You asked me to help you, and I'm doing that. Don't you know that I am the master of chaos?"
Rarity sputtered. "Yes, I-I"
"I was simply testing you. That knock on the door was by me." 
"But you were sitting next to me!" said Rarity.
"Exactly, and playing Doom is much the same. You may think you know what's to your left or right, in front or behind you, but that is all a false sense of security. Like me, a monster can be anywhere." Discord's tone matched his grin. The two went back upstairs and resumed their game. "Remember," said Discord, "Just because you think you know where something is, doesn't mean it won't go somewhere else." 
Rarity took in his words. Doomguy inched closer to where the Revenant would see him. Its screech echoed through the dark, pillared room. 
This time, Rarity knew somewhat more to expect. She blasted a few shells into the giant skeleton's chest, then retreated behind a column. She knew this thing must have an attack besides a simple punch, and she was prepared to take it down before it had a chance to use it. 
The skeleton screeched again. Rarity strafed directly in front of the creature. Still scared, but with determination to finish it off, she blasted two shots into its face. The Revenant collapsed rather undramatically into a heap of bones. Rarity sighed in relief. 
She half expected Discord to give a sarcastic slow clap, but he remained quiet. Rarity continued past the dark columns, shooting down a few more zombies. She arrived at a primitive elevator in a large, well lit room.
A few hundred yards away, The SpiderMastermind looked directly at Doomguy. "Now's my chance." it whispered. It's screech roared worse than that of the Revenant's. 
Rarity had no idea what made the sound, but she knew full well it would be trouble. Then she saw it, pacing wildly on a platform above a set of stairs. The hulking, mechanical spider stared down and started shooting with its chaingun. Rarity scrambled for cover just below the platforms edge, where the spider could not snipe. 
She remembered the time Spike had grown into a gigantic dragon. He was much bigger than this spider, yet at the same time, he was no where as scary. 
Discord raised an eye, waiting to see what plans Rarity would come up with. Rarity's thoughts went all over the place, like a channel button on a remote being held down nonstop. She knew she had to think fast, because there were imps shooting fire from windows on the opposite side of the room. 
A thought came to her mind. Spiders must be squished. 
But how? This spider was too big to defeat with a rolled up magazine.
Not keeping track of time, Doomguy got hit with not one, but two fireballs. 
Hurting, Rarity recovered, seeing a switch near the elevator. It must be the switch to lower the platform, she thought, wanting desperately to get back into the confines of the dark, columned room above. 
She dove for it, making Doomguy smash the switch down with both hooves. 
The elevator did not lower. Rarity held her breath expecting to be killed, but nothing came.
"What?" Rarity exhaled in a squeak. 
Something was happening, but it was not to Doomguy, it was to the spider. Rarity turned around to see the beast being crushed underneath a ceiling, its metallic legs bending like pretzels until they finally snapped. Its roars of agony went throughout the entire room.  
Of course, the Crusher! she thought, overjoyed. A heap of gore amidst muddled remains of a metal exoskeleton was a sight Rarity never thought she would be happy to see, but she was. "Take that, you pompous, no-good arachnid." she said. Discord rolled his eyes.
"What?" said Rarity, "I just came up with that one on the spot. I can do better when I have time to think about one."

The night went on. Rarity made it through Map 06 with relatively little trouble, something she did not think possible after such a difficult beginning. Map 07: Dead Simple, was a snap, despite having two new enemies: Fat, yellow blokes  and spiders who were baby-sized compared to the one from the level before. In honesty, though, they were still huge and disgusting.
The stats screen popped up, along with the orchestral triumph music. "I'm on a roll!" said Rarity, hoof pumping. Discord smiled lazily. He was tired of watching someone else play a favorite game and not letting him take part in it. 
Map 09: The Pit. Ooh boy,  Discord thought, she'll have fun with this. 
        

	
> Chapter 4: Dealing with the Blues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo could not wait to tell her best friends that she entered them into a gaming competition! This, despite the fact that they had little gaming experience worthy to compete against, but to Scootaloo, that was besides the point. This was no ordinary event: This was the annual Pony Doom Convention Extravaganza, hosted by two of the most iconic influences in old school fps games: John RoMareO and John CarMackintosh! Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were going to faint when they heard the news! 

When Scootaloo reached the door to Applejack's house, she was greeted by a note hanging on the door. "Out of town, back in a week
-The Apples" 
She shook her head. "Out of town...back in a week?" Scootaloo clamped her teeth. She could not believe it. The very weekend she had been counting on Applejack letting her play Doom for real, in order to have some practice for the upcoming competition, and the Apples were not home? She threw her helmet off and stomped the ground in frustration. She wasted all of that energy getting there for nothing. What a waste.

Diamond Tiara's laugh made the moment even worse. "Oh, look." she said pointing to the forlorn Scootaloo, "you're unable to play your little game. How unbearably sad." DT took a moment to snicker again, as wickedly as she could. 

Scootaloo blushed in embarrassment. Then, she realized Diamond was not with her usual friend, Silver Spoon. "I see that you're alone." said Scootaloo, "I guess Silver Spoon is sick at home with the whine-flu?" 

"Ha, ha." said Diamond, "She's on a trip in the city with her mom. You, on the other hoof, have no chance to play your game."

"We'll see about that." snapped Scootaloo, getting off of her scooter. "I'm going to be the next winner of the Pony Doom Convention, and I'll rub it in your face!"

Diamond turns her nose up. "I don't know what that is, but I'm sure a professional gamer like yourself won't have trouble with it. Oh, wait, you're anything but a professional gamer!"

That was enough. Scootaloo jumped up in agony and resolve. "Once I win, I'll bring John RoMareo and CarMackintosh to Ponyville just to prove you wrong!" She fumed as her nemesis ran off into the distance. 



In Canterlot, Princess Luna had waited over an hour for Discord to arrive. Finally the King of Chaos bursts into the room. Luna scowled at him.

"What now?" said Discord, "so I'm a little late getting here."

"It is a big deal." said Luna, "You're supposed to help Celestia and I find a way to garner more attendance for the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration. But instead, you've been off who knows where, doing who knows what."

Discord chuckled. "I wouldn't say I was really doing anything. Just giving advice to a noob gamer." 

Princess Luna looked at him with darting eyes. "A noob gamer?" She shook her head. "This is not the time or place for video game tutoring." she said, "We needed you here over an hour ago, and now that it's passed that time, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"I think the better question is, what do you mean by 'we' needed you? You're alone."

Luna  surveyed the room. "Darn it, you're right." she said. 

Discord grinned. "It looks like Celestia is also late. How ironic!"

"Ironic indeed." said Luna. Worry spread over her face. "But I swear she was here. She must have left to search for you."

For this reason, Discord laughed heartily. He had trouble talking through the gasps of air. "I'm sorry," he said, breathing heavily, "that just makes me laugh."

*CRASH* 

His fit of laughter stopped.

Shards of glass were spread across the floor. Princess Celestia lay on the ground, unhurt but embarrassed. "Maybe I shouldn't go flying when I'm so tired." she said. She laid her head down. Luna and Discord both looked on in silence. Celestia was sound asleep, snoring.

"At least she knows how to make an entrance." said Luna. Discord shrugged. He knew Luna would favor her sister for being tardy, but not him. 

In honesty, Discord knew he deserved the scolding, though. He had, after all, arrived in Canterlot on time, and was set to be early for the meeting. But making the Princesses wait was just too much fun!

> Chapter 5: Meanwhile, in Hell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in Hell.

"Our preparations are almost complete." said Romero's impaled head, "Soon this so called 'Equestria' will be ours. Screw Earth. Screw Mars. Equestria is the true heaven for Hell!" 

The Cyberdemon looked back at his leader. Romero sensed what it was going to ask, so he spoke in reassurance,  "Do not worry. The purple maned one may have gotten far, but once the inter-dimensional teleports are ready, we'll invade her world. No frilly fashionista stands in the way of John Romero!"

The army of imps, seargants, zombies, mancubi, and all of the other Hell Spawn began cheering and reveling in anticipation. Not since their attack on Care-a-lot had forces of darkness been so excited to launch an assault. It was overall good for their spirits, and Hell needed it, badly. Doomguy had ruined most of their attempts to take over worlds, and once news reached that a marshamllow colored horse was assisting him, many hell spawn wondered if there was use keeping a job as evil abominations after all. 

This made Hell's leaders very angry. The Icon of Sin spoke the most harshly. (It is, by the way, a separate entity from that of John Romero's impaled head, who acts as second in command.)

It stated boldly, "How dare our servants think of abandoning us! After multiple millenia of letting them torture, maim, and ruin the lives of the innocent, after countless years letting them feed on the flesh of panicked victims, after all the reputation we have helped them build, THEY THINK OF LEAVING?" 

Its booming voice echoed through the thousands of corridors and chambers carved into the deepest portion of Hell, which resides far below the current room with Romero's impaled head and the army of chanting, shouting demons.

Strangely enough, Hell wasn't the only one wanting to take over Equestria. A certain John RoMareO and John CarMackintosh were planning to take the land by storm. They would do this with their next event: the Pony Doom Convention Extravaganza! This time, thought RoMareO, it's going to be truly extraordinary. How he was able to convince Princess Twilight to let the event be held in the Princesses old, derelict castle in the Everfree Forest is a mystery.

It certainly was going to be a bigger festival this year than in previous years. Over 1000 ponies, griffons, bison, and other intelligent, anthropomorphic animals were invited by staff to attend. Over 3000 more bought tickets independently, among them: Scootaloo.  

Little did she realize that the hellish places she explored in games were about to become much more dynamic. It was only one more day until the event, and Scootaloo was not able to keep patience. School that day felt twice as long, and triple as boring. When Scootaloo went home and had to do chores, it was even worse. At least at school she got to be surrounded by her friends. 

By bedtime, Scootaloo was a total wreck. "What a day!" she said, plopping onto her bed. The only thought that comforted her to sleep was that tomorrow, she would get to be at the convention. Coincidentally, the denizens of Hell planned their attack on Equestria for the very same place and time as the Pony Doom Convention Extravaganza.

That night, Scootaloo had the oddest dream. She dreamt of being in Doomguy's place, exploring creepy tech sites and weird labs, all while holding a shotgun. The weird thing was, there were no monsters. For what seemed like hours, Scootaloo toed around the dark, eerily lit labyrinths, just waiting for something to pop out and give her the scare of her life.

She finally reached a bluish-green door with metal framing. Unlike regular doors in Doom, which go up and down, this door slid sideways, revealing a glowing, red room. Gushes of rock and ash spewed from the lava floor. Rotten corpses, some old enough that they only had bones left, dangled from hooks connected to the ceiling. In the middle of the room was a decapitated head on a pike. Scootaloo had never seen a creature with such an oddly shaped skull before. 

Suddenly, the head opened its eyes and stared directly at Scootaloo. She was completely frozen in fear. The thing's face scowled menacingly.

Scootaloo did the only thing she thought would help her: she raised the shotgun and gave one solid blast.

She woke up with a start. Sweat rolled down the poor filly's frame as she hopped out of bed. It was morning, alright, the day of the Convention. It took a moment for Scootaloo to catch her breath. She thought she had had a strange dream. 

In reality, she had actually had an out of body experience, her spirit wandering Hell's caverns until she came across the strange room where John Romero's decapitated skull chose to sleep. It sensed something watched him, and it awoke immediately to dispose of the intruder. Instead, what he got was a fake shotgun blast, which sounded real enough that it shook napping demons nearby angrily out of their sleep. No damage was done to Romero, though he was seething with rage.

Romero had seen Scootaloo, and now he had two known Equestrian enemies: the purple maned one with the diamond designs, and the small, orange filly. 

Little did he realize another pony would be joining their ranks, making them a trio destined to battle the forces of Hell. This was going to be the toughest of the group to deal with. Who it is, we'll get to later.

For now, the convention must be detailed. 

The crowd during the event was at full capacity. It was the most ponies gathered at one place in the Everfree Forest for centuries. Even John RoMareO and John CarMackintosh were surprised by the sheer number of attendants. They thought Manehattan's "Pony Doom Convention Extravaganza!" was packed in full, but this one at Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's derelict old castle was at least one and a half times that. 

The reason for mentioning all this is that it pertains to why Scootaloo became instantly lost the moment she made it to the Convention. Among hundreds of stands for t-shirts, food, novelty toys and gaming stuff, among all of the death matches (the virtual types played on television screens, not actual battles to the death), and other Doom related scenery, Scootaloo was in an entirely different world. It was so much like the dream, except not scary, because so many fellow ponies of all ages were around. She did not have to fear as long as she was in such a busy place.

Suddenly, a voice echoed from a boom speaker. "H e l l   o!" he shouted, "Welcome to this years "Pony Doom Convention Extravaganza!" 

Stampedes of applause rustled the ground, as nearly everyone stomped their hooves in excitement. The voice continued "I, John RoMareO, ensure you that this is going to to the wildest, most rebellious Pony Doom Convention yet! Let me hear you!"

Another thunderous applause swept across the land. Scootaloo could not hold in her wicked smile at hearing John RoMareO's voice in person. CarMackintosh took his own microphone. "As you all know, I'm John CarMackintosh, Doom's lead programmer. RoMareO and I are here to make this the most extraordinary event you'll ever witness!"

More stamping applause, this time followed by whistles of appreciation. The two programmers bowed on the stage set up in the throne room of the derelict castle. Scootaloo could not see them because she was not inside the castle, but due to plenteous speakers set up all over the place, she could hear them just fine.

Most of all, she knew in her heart that this was the night she was going to prove her skills to the world, and make a fool out of Diamond Tiara in the process, or else she was doomed. 



> Attention! Convention Dimension Distortion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Doom Convention in Ponyville was going excellent throughout the whole night. John RoMareO was beating the socks out of most those who challenged him in deathmatch. He won another round, declaring "Hoo-rah! Nopony can challenge the MareO!" 

This was Scootaloo's chance. Shaking, she stepped up to the pulpet, ready to speak face to face with her hero, John RoMareO, when a group of bigger pony boys pushed her out of the way and snarled "Move, small fry. This game is for the big leagues." 

RoMareO looked scornfully at his three new challengers. "Are you ready to prove yourselves?" he said, "Because I guarantee, you're going to prove you're not as awesome as you think!" 

"Bring it on!" said one of the boys. 

Scootaloo nearly shed a tear, but kept it in just in case RoMareO might catch a glance at her. Scoots did not want her hero to think she was soft. He was too invested in the ongoing deathmatch with the three boys, however, to even notice the little filly. 

Each player sat in a booth with a small television in front of them. They could not see each other's screen. However, for the surrounding crowds, there was a gigantic monitor with each individual players view of the game, meaning those not playing could follow along.

"Are you kidding me!?" RoMareO shouted, as one of the boys picked up the rocket launcher he was going to get, then blasted a rocket into his face. 

The boy laughed heartily, only to be shot in the back and killed with a super shotgun by one of friends. 

RoMareO respawned next to a nukage pool with an invisibility sphere and a chaingun in it. One of the boys, nearby, anticipated John picking up the chaingun and then dodging out of the pool. But RoMareO surprised him by strafe running up a set of stairs first, then opening a wall and snatching a Plasma Rifle. "Oh," the boy said, in fear. Obviously RoMareO knew this map well.

He charged at the hapless boy, who had little to no room to dodge the barrage plasma orbs chasing after him, and indeed fell dead. "Kill one for RoMareO!" said John. 

One of the opponents attempted to get back at John by shooting a rocket. But RoMareO sidestepped out of the rockets way, and instead of using plasma, ran backwards into the nukage pit and picked up the chaingun and invisibility sphere. The opponent scrambled to get in position to shoot, but before he could fire, RoMareO perforated his body with chaingun bullets pointblank. 

That was kill two for RoMareO. Scootaloo watched the giant television. Even if she was feeling hurt, she was glad to see her hero winning against his opponents. 

She still had the chance to play RoMareO in the next deathmatch, and planned to do so. She just needed to gather up courage to speak up for herself if other ponies tried to kick her out again. 

At this point, Scootaloo was sure her lack of skills would show, but she did not care so much, as long as she got to play Doom deathmatch with one of its creators. RoMareO certainly showed passion for the game. He shouted "Another one falls to the ground!" as he garnered a third kill, and then a fourth. His opponents did their darnedest to beat him, but struggled to keep up. 

Finally, one of the boys shot a rocket in a narrow hallway, killing both RoMareO and himself from the close quarters explosion. "Darn." RoMareO mumbled. He was sure the boy was jumping with joy. In reality, though, the boy was face palming for having shot a rocket at pointblank range. 

DING DING DING! The familiar bells signifying the end of the match rang loud. The stats for each contestant glowed bright on the big screen for everypony to see: 

Player:         Frags:               Kills:              Deaths:         Rank:
Harley               1                    3                    3                 2nd
Ricardo             0                    1                     6                 4th
Perry                3                    2                     4                 3rd
RoMareO          4                    4                     2                 1st

The surrounding crowds gave a stomping applause. RoMareO had won 1st place yet again. However, this time his opponents were closer to beating him. "One more round of deathmatch for the night!" shouted RoMareO, "Who will dare go against me one on one?"

He said this with a sinister grin, expecting a big, gruff stallion to be the one stepping up. Instead, he saw a determined, but noticeably shaking, filly standing next to him. "I will." said Scootaloo. She wondered if the crowd would burst out in silly laughter at her requests, and if RoMareO would demand somepony else to challenge. 

Her and RoMareO stared into each others eyes briefly. Without a word to anypony else, he said to Scootaloo "Alright, then. Step into a booth and we'll begin."

Scootaloo was now shivering immensely. She could not handle the situation now that she was in it. "I'm going to make such a foal of myself!" she thought, as she sat in front of one of the monitors. 

Deathmatch loading in 5...4...3...

Even the relatively short loading time for the match to start felt like forever for the little filly. 

2...1!

The match started. The map they were in was a Hell-themed arena of environmental hazards; lava covering the bottom floor, crushers placed randomly above steps of the various staircases leading to the topmost rooms, and explosive barrels littering the ground in ridiculous numbers. This was a map you would have to take slowly, or else die for certain.

Of course, when you are in a competitive battle with a pony you idolize, it's hard being cautious and focusing on your strategies, too. Scootaloo did her best, but her start was not inspirational. 

She glided through lava to pick up the Plasma Rifle. In doing so, she lost over half her health, and as she attempted to snipe RoMareO from a distance, one of the plasma bolts caught the edge of barrel. It exploded, causing the one next to it to explode, and then the one next to that one to explode, and so on, until the comical domino effect reached the barrel next to Scootaloo. Her player burst into gibs. Scootaloo frowned, nervous and impatient as she waited to respawn. 

As soon as she did, RoMareO was next to her, peppering her with chaingun bullets. Scootaloo ran and hid behind a wall. She ascended the steps of a stair case when one of the random crushers smashed her into mush. "Darn!" thought Scootaloo. 

Her character respawned again. This time, she had to defeat RoMareO, at least once. It was her only way of rectifying the dire straits she put herself in. 

She picked up a regular shotgun. RoMareO was who knows where inside this arena of torture. Scootaloo did the only thing she could think of doing: wait. 

Suddenly a fast moving, dark figure descended from an elevator. This was Scootaloo's chance! Shotgun bullets spread wildly from her gun. She had held down the fire button and let chance and sheer wildness determine the outcome. 

The figure in front of her stooped down, choking from the hail of bullets. "Yes!" thought Scootaloo, "Wait..."

It was not RoMareO she had shot at. It was an imp. But how did an imp get in a player only deathmatch? 

Scootaloo's character was blasted in the back with a rocket. RoMareO hooped and hollered for having attained his first kill of the match, Scootaloo having killed herself both times before. 

But Scoot's was not so focused on statistics as she was the oncoming wave of Hell Spawn. Unlike in the game, these monsters were not attacking, no fireballs, or rockets, or green plasma bolts went towards either of the marines. Instead, the monsters formed a line. RoMareO stopped playing and stared at the spectacle as well.

"We greet you, with utmost respect and ridicule." said one of the monsters, from the middle of the line. It emerged into view as the impaled head of John Romero, the second in command to the Icon of Sin. "We respect you for your diligence in keeping up the fight against our forces of darkness. We ridicule you in your beliefs that we can be defeated."

The surrounding crowds watching had varied reactions. Some booed, thinking the game had been hacked. Others thought it was something the developers had put in the last death match to create surprise. The wisest knew it was no joke. 

Among them was Rarity, who attended the convention in disguise. Putting on sunglasses, a sun hat, and the ugliest dress she had in her closet (which she would never wear otherwise) made for an easy costume, so to speak, and it worked. No pony at the event had yet recognized her, not even Scootaloo. 

But her appearance was the last thing on her mind as the impaled head of Romero spoke to the audience of ponies. "You will fear us, Equestria. None of you can stop us! Bow down now, and we make your suffering a bit less!" 

More boos came from the crowd. By now, most everypony thought it was something RoMareO and CarMackintosh had planned. But the two developers watched the monitors knowing they had nothing to do with it.

The army of monsters began marching towards Scootaloo and RoMareO's characters in game. What were the ponies to do once they reached the edge of that screen?













> Chapter 7: Their World's Collide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scootaloo was in so much trouble. Her dream of traversing the caverns of Hell had not been a dream after all, but an out of body experience. Where Scoots got the shotgun was unexplainable, but she knew she ticked off Romero's impaled head. She had shot him directly in the face. No wonder he was so mad.

RoMareO and CarMackintosh shouted to the crowd. "This is not part of the show. Everypony, RUN!!!" 

Murmuring and panic spread throughout the crowd. Ponies everywhere began to flee in every direction, stampeding to and fro like rats lost in a maze. The monsters from the game ripped through the television screens, entering Equestria's reality. Asides from gaining a more colorful, celshaded appearance, they kept their same, sinister goal.

Imps hurtled fireballs at unlucky ponies. Arachnotrons shot wildly into the confused crowd. Demons and Specters bit and chomped at whoever came near. A Cyberdemon shot rockets at nearby concession stands. Ponies there scrambled to get away. But there was a problem.

The ponies hit by projectiles merely yelped in comical pain, running off unharmed. The demons struggled battling the equines, who retaliated and fought back with kicks and punches. Even the ponies caught by the blast of the Cyberdemon rockets, while covered in ash and some even injured, all got away to safety. 

This was a problem the evil army had seen before. Going into a different reality, their attacks played by different rules. Whereas an Arachnotron's plasma bolts were powerful enough to kill in their own universe, there in Equestria, it was not as easy. Attacks were going to be far more silly and less harmful. But Romero anticipated this, and had a plan already in action. 

He was going to "transfer" elements of the Doom universe into Equestria, mixing the two realities together. Thus, his army could retain their destructive powers, spreading annihilation and murder all over Equestria. Romero grinned evilly, ironically looking like the Doomguy when he picks up a new weapon. 

For those wondering, the Doom games in the My Little Pony universe were simply a window the two worlds could see each other from. However, Rarity unintentionally crossed this boundary, by what means or physics is still unknown. But it was she who first aided the real Doomguy on his quest to defeat evil. The whole time, she thought she was simply playing a game. But she was actually taking part in the fight against Hell. This is what prompted Romero to declare war against the world of MLP. 

What follows is an account of their raid on Equestria. Neither Romero and the Icon of Sin, nor Rarity and Scootaloo, knew which side was going to win. It all centered on if Romero's plan to stir the two realities together would work. Rarity and Scootaloo both gulped. Dozens by dozens of monsters were entering their world each minute, tearing and clawing at all surrounding scenery with pure hate in their eyes. 

It was going to take more than a few apple pies as projectiles to solve this problem. 
> E1C8 (Episode 1 Chapter 8)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first horde of hell spawn to invade Ponyville were imps, former humans (including those of high rank), and pinky demons. The towns ponies were frightened by the alien invaders, who grunted and growled in sharp wails. Ponies who were still roaming the shops at night (looking for the best sales, or eager for the night-owl special at the local delis) ran behind any cover they could find. Imps again shot fireballs at their targets, some hitting ponies directly in the face. Of course, the normally deadly projectiles were causing about as much damage as Boston cream pies. 

Zombified humans stormed through the doors of each building and home, expecting their prey to simply cower in their beds. However, the citizens of Ponyville were not as easily dissuaded as Hell's army thought they would be. 

Ponies of all kinds, earth, unicorn, pegasi, and even a few alicorns, donned makeshift armor of things from their homes. Metal pots and pans were now helmets, fire-pokers and dinner forks were now swords, plates as shields. They charged from their hiding places and surprised the Hell spawn who had invaded their properties. 

"Take this!" one small pony said, as she slapped a bowl of salad upside down on a zombieman's head. 

"Playtime is over, scum!" said a pegasi stallion, kicking an imp in the face. The imp reared back for a moment, only to give back a worse expression fury than before. As the monsters eyes glowed in uncontrollable malice, the stallion laughed nervously. "Heh-heh, this is all just for fun, right?"

The Ponyville citizens realized they were in the midst of enemies who were more ruthless than anything they had encountered. 

The pony armies started running, running, running, far faster then they ever thought possible. Pegasi and alicorn ponies retreated to aerial cities like Clousdale or even Canterlot, in order to seemingly avoid the threats roaming the earth. Little did these ponies realize the upcoming swarms of flying ghouls about to take siege of the air. 

All while Ponyville and surrounding areas were going into panic, the city of Canterlot was getting ready to defend their country. How did they know of the menace so early on? 

One name answers that question: Discord. 

He is the one who aided Rarity in helping Doomguy defeat evil Hell spawn. Discord knew much more than even Rarity or Scootaloo, though he was not sure whether he wanted to tell them anything about it. He did not even know Scootaloo was part of the situation, so he of course would not confide with her.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, however, he did talk to. 

They could not believe their ears: Dreams and premonitions of alien invasions? Hellish armies taking over Equestria? Why would Discord say such things? It was not like him to be this helpful during difficult situations.

But Princess Celestia's only choice was to heed his word. 

Therefore, the entire Canterlot armies prepared with armor, shields, spears, bucklers... belts, scarfs, fedoras, etc. Even the Wonderbolts were getting ready for battle. 

What exactly they were going to do to defend themselves, was something they did not know, but hoped improvisation in the middle of battle would quell. 

"Oh, princesses, my dears," said Discord, as the three watched the armies being prepped, "it's such a shame they don't have the elements of harmony. That would make things so much easier for them."

Luna was about to snap back, but Celestia spoke first. "It's not even started yet, Discord. I guarantee, our armies will slay whatever forces are invading."

"You said it, sister," replied Luna. She glared up at Discord, who grinned despite the serious situation they were in. 

"I'm thrilled to be taking part in this, really, I am." said Discord, "Helping Rarity defeat Romero in game was what caused this." 

Celestia's eyes widened. "W-what?" she stuttered, mouth agape. From what he said, Discord had been part of this invasion all along. 

This time, Luna interrupted. She charged towards Discord and shouted "Traitorous fool!"  

An expression of 'who, me?' came over Discord's face. "You think I caused this?" he said, innocently. With him, it was next to impossible to tell whether or not he was being sincere. "Trust me, I didn't create this problem-"

Celestia yelled back. "Cut the bull, Discord, and tell us now what you've caused!" 

Discord used his magic to teleport to a different spot in the room. He was now sitting calmly in a chair against the wall, his arms crossed. "I'm telling the truth. I'm not responsible for this invasion or anything to do with it. But," he said, emphasizing his words with a wily smile, "I do have crucial information as to what needs be done to get rid of this threat. Whether you risk losing all of Equestria is your choice." 

Celestia sighed. Luna was near to using her magic to immobilize Discord and grill him for more information, but she knew her sister would not approve. 

In the most reluctant manner possible, Celestia bowed her head to Discord and said "We'll agree to whatever it takes for your help. Please..." The Princess looked directly into Discord's eyes. "Please," she begged, "help our fight against this great evil."

Discord saw the sincerity in Celestia's expression, but not wanting to visibly show compassion, he played it cool and feigned a grin. "Alright," he said, "we will need just one thing at this moment, and that is Rarity."

"As you command." replied Celestia. She and Luna combined powers to instantly teleport Rarity into the room. 

That was quicker than expected thought Discord.

"Luna, Celestia!" said Rarity, running up to the two sisters. "You must help, there's demons in the base-"

"What?" said Luna.

"I mean there's demons in Ponyville!"

"We know," replied Luna, "that is why we summoned you."

"The invading armies must be defeated," said Princess Celestia, "and I'm afraid the solution lies within you and Discord."

Rarity's mouth fell slack-jawed. "D-Discord!?" 

"The one and only," Discord replied, causing the already shaken Rarity to almost jump out of her skin. He tilted the mares chin up with his hand. "Are you prepared to play one more round of Doom, this time for real?" 

Rarity gulped. 

Next Chapter to begin soon.




> Chapter Nine: Into the Portal and Through the Universes We Go!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity pondered the plans Discord had laid out for her as she packed the last of the supplies into the bag with her cutie mark symbol on it. In front of her was the television screen that the demons had entered through. By now the convention was a ghost town, concession stands and buildings empty of all but evidence that they had recently been inhabitated. 
The conversation with Discord reeled in her mind. 
"You will infiltrate the world of Doom." he said. 
"Are you sure it will work?" 
Discord grinned unpleasantly. "Why, don't you trust that I, a friend, knows what to do?" 
"Well, no."  
The answer was candid enough that Discord simply burst out into chuckles. "Ah, I can't stay mad at you. Even when I know you don't believe a thing I say."
The atmosphere of the room grew more tense as time seemed to melt into more and more oblivion. 
"Please," Rarity begged, "just tell me where to go." 
"Alright," said Discord, "The demons appeared through a giant television screen at the convention."
"Yes, and?"
Discord gave an annoyed glare. "And that television screen is the means by which their world came into ours. It is also the means into which you will travel in to their world."
"Their world?"
Discord used magic to suddenly appear as a Cyberdemon, causing Rarity to jump back. Then, the guise melted into an obviously shoddy, ridiculous costume of a Cyberdemon. Discord lifted the latex mask from off of his face and nearly sang "You will be in the Doom universe for real! Only this time, if you die, it's permanent."
Sweat ran down Rarity's face. "But can't I-"
"Uh-uh-uh" interrupted Discord, waving a finger. "You're the one whose trained to get the job done. All Equestria asks is that you do it well, without failing." An ever widening smile came over Discord's face before he erupted into erroneous laughter. But when he saw Rarity's expression of panic, he toned down. Stifling a smirk, he added "But don't worry about it, you will succeed."
Rarity's voice was quiet, mouse-like. "How do you know?"
"Because the Princesses trust in you, that's why." 
Rarity hoped that was the reason she was going through with these plans, the reason that she slowly stuck one hoof through the TV screen, and then another, and finally walked full force into the depths of an alien world. Her only hopes were to vanquish the evils that had infested her home. Otherwise, she was doomed. 
Little did she realize, that stowing close by, a certain filly followed into the same dangerous portal, right behind her. 
But, it wasn't Scootaloo.

Rarity's surroundings warped and stretched into thin veils, swirling back and forth like curtains in a breeze. All she could see for a moment was total darkness. Then, a faint hint of light. It was impossible to tell whether it was streaming in from the far end of a tunnel, or if the source was simply a tiny, iridescent orb in front of her. 
Whatever it was, Rarity inched towards the light. It was apparent now that it was indeed from a far off source, but what was making it? Surely it could not be the sun, or anything pleasant, right? 
Rarity's mind wandered to Celestia, and how the princess controlled the sun. If anything, Rarity wanted Celestia along her side, seeing as somepony with such amazing magic might be able to add some level of comfort to where she was about to venture. 
But it was not Celestia that hitched along. Rarity heard steps behind her, freezing in place at the thought of being attacked. Instead, she saw her little sister. 
"Sweetie Belle!?" 
Her filly sister smiled sheepishly back. "The Princess wanted me to go with you." said Sweetie Belle, "so she teleported me here."
Rarity scoffed, unable to form a reply. First she was angry, then confused. Princess Celestia? But why would she send Sweetie-
A loud clank from afar broke the silence. Their surroundings had become more clear; they were in some sort of industrial tunnel,  almost like a mineshaft but more advanced. Aluminum signs plastered walls where exposed pipelines and wires stretched from ceiling to floor in curious, maze-like fashions. The stench of chemicals was strong. 
"Where are we?" asked Rarity, momentarily forgetting the discomfort of her sister's presence. 
Sweetie Belle shivered from the cold, moist air. "I d-don't know," she replied, "but I bet we'll not want to stay long."
Seeing as there was no means of getting Sweetie Belle back home, Rarity let her tag along, but only by having her little sister cling tightly onto her back. 
The tunnels seemed interconnected at random, uneven angles, like a scribble. Sweetie Belle felt bad for lying to Rarity about how she got there. Princess Celestia did not teleport her, Discord's did. 
All Rarity could think about was the fact that minutes ago, she was going towards a faint light in the distance, but during the confusion of seeing her sister, the light vanished.
She shook her head and thought that the light's whereabouts was of least importance at the time. "Sweetie Belle, I really don't understand why Celestia would send a filly on a mission like this."
"H-She told me it was what needed to be." said Sweetie Belle, "That, without some help, you wouldn't be able to survive the last boss you are looking for."
"Hogwash! That's like something Discord would say." Rarity snapped.
Sweetie Belle blushed and expected to receive a scolding. But Rarity continued on "The fact that the Princess would say that means Discord's influence must be rubbing off on her. That disgusting creature. Even when he "helps" somepony, it is only to laugh at them behind their back!"
Sweetie Belle tilted her head. 
"Sorry about my ramblings," said Rarity, "I'm just so caught up in the emotions of the moment, being in this dark, treacherous labyrinth. Not knowing where to go..." 
Sweetie Belle tried to interrupt, but Rarity kept speaking, "This place is simply a disaster. Imagine trying to tidy it up to even a decent standard. It would still be more than a century's wor-"
"Rarity!" Sweetie Belle shouted, pointing in front of her.
"What-" Rarity stopped, her mouth agape. Sweat drew down her forehead. Her tongue dried. "Are, are you-"
A figure, covered head to toe in familiar green and grey, space-age military attire, guns protruding from the backpack on his back, and double-barreled shotgun in his hands, stared puzzled. 
"You're the aliens my enemy said were coming to stop him? I expected something...not so colorful."
Without hesitation, Sweetie Belle chimed "We can give you a pair of sunglasses if our colors hurt your eyes!"
"Really!" Rarity yelled back.
The marine held his hand up. "No need to yell, I'm fine with that suggestion. I'm just glad help has finally arrived. Ever since...that day...things have been so much worse."
Sweetie Belle was going to ask what that day was, but Rarity spoke first in shock "Are you saying, you want our help?"
"Exactly," said the marine, "you two may be the only shot this universe has at defeating Hell. The question is, are you ready?"
A moment of complete silence. Then Sweetie Belle gave a military salute. "Yes, Mr. Marine. We are ready to save the world!"
Rarity was not as confident.
The three walked on, visiting areas known to avid Doom fans; UAC bases, hellish dungeons and distant castles. All of it seemed to go by in a blur, yet there were no enemies, as if the two ponies and the Marine were the only beings in existence. But that was to change quickly.
Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. "Uggh." she murmured, "Another techbase? We've been through what, five of these already? I was under the impression there would be lots of action and suspense, not...endless wandering."
The Marine laughed. "Yeah, I guess with most of Hell's army invading your universe, its left ours a little bare."
"That's not smart." said Rarity, "wouldn't Hell keep itself guarded with a sufficient army. What is it's strategy, hope no takes over their bases when they leave them abandoned?"
"I don't know," said the Marine, "but you can bet that they have something in store for us. Maybe they're letting us get to them first, then they'll spring forth their devious plans."
"I hope so," muttered Sweetie Belle.
"Come now, Sweetie," Rarity scolded, "are you really wishing our journey to be treachorous?"
"I don't even know what that means," said Sweetie, "but it sounds better than being bored."
"Hold it," said the Marine. As the sisters arguments went on, they little noticed the areas they were traversing. They were now inside a large, square room surrounded in nukage, with only a small bridge going down the radius, of which they were on.
"It's hot in here." said Sweetie Belle. "Can we get out of here?"
The Marine pondered. There was a lone radiation suit, lots of open nuclear pools,  and an inaccessible door across the other side of the room. "The only way out," he said, "is through that door on the other side, but one of us will have to swim around in the pits until they find the switch to raise the other half of the bridge."  
"Will that 'person' be you?" asked Rarity. The radiation suit in question was clearly not shaped to fit a pony. 
The Marine pondered. "No," he said, "I can't be the one who wears it." 
"Oh, for heaven's sake, why not?" asked Rarity.
"Because that." The Marine pointed towards a large number of Lost Souls rising from one end of the toxic pool."
"Aw shucks." said the Marine, "You'll have to don the suit, Sweetie Belle. Swim through the nukage and find the lever that raises the rest of the bridge."
"Me?" Sweetie Belle gulped. Not wanting to look childish in front of her big sister, though, Sweetie Belle accepted. 
Rarity called in protest, but Sweetie Belle quickly donned the over-sized suit and dived into the sludge, while screaming skulls launched from various directions. The sound of the Marine's chaingun was so much louder in life than it was in the game. Rarity could barely hear herself speak as she ducked to dodge another Lost Soul. Luckily for her, another Lost Soul was launching at Rarity from the exact opposite direction. The two demonic forces smashed face first into each other, bursting into a glorious spark of fire and blood. Rarity was unharmed. 
"Let me have one of your weapons." she said.
"As you wish." 
The Marine threw over a Plasma Rifle. Rarity gave a sadistic grin. She stood on her two hind legs and spammed the trigger all over the place. Plasma bullets spread all across the oncoming hordes of Lost Souls, wounding many, and even killing a few.

Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was swimming in a tunnel connected to a wall underneath the pool. It seemed to be some sort of ventilation shaft that had become flooded. Fans did their darnedest to spin around in the sludgy depths, while overhead lights flickered. Finally, she reached another room, where she swam up and head above the nukage. A set of stairs led out of the nukage and to a door. Somewhere safe, at last! she thought. Sweetie Belle knew the effects of the suit were almost out. Fate had it so that as soon as her last hoof had left the slimy toxic waste, the suits effects were complete. She sighed with relief, pushing back the thought of how she was going to get back. 
All the while Rarity pumped the last Lost Soul full of plasma lead. Her entire frame was covered in dirt and sweat, which in any other circumstance would make her uncomfortable. But for where she was, it seemed appropriate. 
"Good work." said the Marine. 
"Thanks."
"I wonder how Sweetie Belle's doing."
Rarity gritted her teeth. She had been so caught up in fighting off the invading skulls that she had forgotten her sister. "She must be fine, right?" She looked at the Marine.
He shrugged back. "Probably, as long as-" He saw Rarity's disdain and promptly quit talking.
Sweetie Belle, on the other hoof, had her own troubles. Her tiny frame could not lift the behemoth door even an inch. She wished Scootaloo and Applebloom could have been there to help, but of course, how would they get here with just one suit?
She eventually cursed and gave the door a good kick with a hind leg. This gave her an an idea. She knocked hard on it multiple times. She knew that in the Doom universe, it was likely somepony or something would hear her and go to investigate, opening the path for her. The trick was making sure she wasn't caught by whoever opened it. Sure enough, something heard and was getting closer. 
A single pair of footfalls echoed from the other side. The door began lifting at a snails pace. Sweetie Belle prepped herself to run. 
She imagined going through this process in heroic fashion, making a fool of a buffoonish bad guy while hitting a switch, running in more circles, and last of all escaping with an extra radiation suit. Instinct told her that she was in for something less favorable. 
She gave an adorable whimper at what was before her. A single Pinky Demon on foot, and what seemed to be thousands of grinning Cacodemons cackling back at her. 
Sweetie Belle would have said an expletive, but this is a family story. Instead, she merely screamed and ran forwards. The monsters, not expecting the filly to run towards them, jumped back in surprise. A few of the Cacodemons shot lightning balls, but they missed. Sweetie Belle was running through corridors, mazes, hallways, with no sense of direction or idea of where to go. Every door she came across, she kicked with her back legs, causing it to open. Monsters busy inside the other room were suddenly distracted by the hyperventilating filly. Sweetie Belle almost seemed doomed. Monsters of every type from the game were surrounding her in the maze of hallways, set up like...a hospital? A mancubus, more rotund and terrifying in person than Sweetie Belle would have imagined in her nightmares, raised its arms to shoot. Sweetie Belle braced for impact. 
A deep groan of pain, but it wasn't from her. She saw that a Cacodemon's shot hit the Mancubus in the back. The two monsters began charging towards each other in a brawl. The Mancubi's shots hit both the Cacodemon and multiple monsters around it. Monsters from all over the place started hitting each other inadvertently, allowing Sweetie Belle to dive under them and keep running for her life. 
A Former Human holding a cup of coffee tried tripping Sweetie Belle with his leg, not realizing how much she weighed. The two bowled over like pins, the cup of coffee flying backwards and out of the zombies hand, scorching the face of a Chaingunner. Sweetie Belle quickly got back on her feet and ran like the wind, while the temporarily blinded Chaingunner shot wildly at the walls, breaking window glass and knocking over a canister full of cigarette ashes. 
Sweetie found herself at a room called "Maintenance". Without hesitation she smacked into the door, and ran inside. To her astonishment, in the room was lamp illuminating a desk, and on top of that desk: A blue keycard! Sweetie knew she was lucky. She must get that card!
She leaped onto the table, only to find that also on the table was a jacket, underneath of which she had awoken a sleeping Archvile. 
Time goes by fast when you are about to die. That is all Sweetie could think about as she swooped under the desk, the keycard in her mouth. She realized foolishly that the desk had drawers or anything to hide under. The Archvile looked directly at her from under the table. Spinning its song of fire, Sweetie Belle fumbled her way forwards, tripping over a cord. The spell was about to be complete when it was interrupted by shattering of glass over the Archvile's head. The cord she had tripped on had caused the lamp to tip over. Sweetie Belle leapt out of the room, hitting her head on the top of the table as fire and sparks illuminated (caused by the lamp breaking, not the Archvile) spread across the top of the table, the walls, even the carpet. 
Sweetie Belle did not realize until she was halfway down the next hall that her tail was on fire. "Mmmreeg!" she screamed, still clutching the key card tightly in her teeth. She did the best to bat the fire away, frantically stumbling to and fro as she inexplicably set more things aflame. She even knocked over a pedestal with a statue atop it. The marble figure seemed to cling for dear life in mid air before smashing down a Demon that had been chasing Sweetie Belle from the beginning. 

Meanwhile, Rarity and the Marine waited. Minutes went by in silence. The Marine looked at his watch. Rarity sighed uncomfortably. The two had not spoken another word, yet silently, they both had thoughts running through their mind: Do we go for Sweetie Belle, or wait?

Sweetie managed to find a bucket. She batted away the mop and plunged rear-first into the filthy water. The fire died, and Sweetie breathed a sigh of relief. As she realized how disgusting the water was, she dove out, knocking the bucket onto its side and spilling its contents. The stuff bore an unbelievable smell of moldy food mixed with detergent. Clods of dirt and leaves floated along the surface like ant-sized boats. Sweetie Belle's ran far away from the bucket.
When she had a chance to pause, she looked at her surroundings. The office-like corridors and meeting rooms were now furnished with gray bricks and long tables. This made Sweetie wonder whether her ventures  gradually led to this castle setting, and that she was too busy with other things to notice, or if it changed all of a sudden. It was not too-far fetched a thought, at this point. 
In the corner of the long room was a door illuminated on both sides by blue lights. Blood splashed on the door trickled down into a glaring, demonic face. "I-I'm not afraid" thought Sweetie Belle. She had the blue key card, so she would be able to venture into the locked blue door before her, afterall. That was what she was afraid of.
	
	
> Chapter 10 : Ponyville Ago-ago
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in Ponyville, things were not going as well. 

The Princesses sat at the royal table, across from them John RoMare-O and John Carmacintosh. Twilight and her friends, sans Rarity, were on the left, Discord on the right, and in the middle of the table a ton of defeated monsters, groaning in pain and in no shape to get back up for at least a few hours. "RoMare-O, Carmacintosh," Princess Celestia said, disappointed. "How could you let this happen?"

The two game designers bowed their heads in shame. "Aw, shucks, Princess," said Carmacintosh, "We honestly have no idea what happened, but we still feel bad about it."

"You should," snapped Celestia, "What if we hadn't defeated these monsters?"

"Yes, what if." said Discord.

"Stay out of this!" Celestia yelled back. Her usual calm boiled over. Luna was about the only unfrazzled one in the room. Everypony else had bloodshot eyes, sighing breath, and were nervous. Luna figured since she had been in space for a thousand years, she had an advantage in fighting. After all, during her tenure on the moon, multiple alien invasions occurred and it was up to her to put a stop to them. She became a legend among nations across the galaxy. An axiom was made about her that stated "Don't mess with the Horse goddess of Moon 5." 
Then, ironically, Luna got taken back to earth, where she was defeated by an eager Twilight Sparkle. Luna was still happier than ever, if not a little embarrassed. 

Tales of the Horse goddess of Moon 5 still continue to this day despite her disappearance.

As for the two game designers, they were in a tough spot. RoMare-O did his best to woo concerns away from Princess Celestia, but her breaking point for the last few hours had been reached. Carmacintosh tapped his hooves nervously, pondering what could have caused this situation in the first place. His eyes fell upon Twilight and her friends, all of them frazzled or frittering in a corner (Fluttershy); none of them seemed to bear any responsibility for the invasion. 

When Carmacintosh's eyes fell upon Discord, though, he felt different. Discord hid a most devilish, smug grin. Camacintosh suspected Discord had been the curator of all of this trouble, simply for the sake of revenge against him and RoMare-O.

Just two years before, Carmacintosh, RoMare-O, and Discord worked to design the (pony version of) the game Doom, which was a success among the rebellious crowd, yet maligned by many older folks. 

The game's popularity was to bring a sequel, also designed by the two Johns and Discord. However, during the production of the game, Discord was showing signs of bad behavior. He was supposed to have been reformed by a Pegasus and her friends from Ponyville, after all, but subtle hints began indicating that Discord was going back to his old, wicked ways. 

Carmacintosh confronted him about it. Discord denied having any such thoughts towards being evil again. But day by day, his bizarre behaviors grew more alarming. He chanted strange incantations under his breath, painted demonic symbols over his desk and workspace, and stayed in the office all day and night. RoMare-O and Carmacintosh were becoming concerned.

What eventually transpired they held secret, if only to not be criticized as telling lies. The two reentered the office long after closing hours, waiting to see if Discord would show up. Sure enough, he was already there. RoMare-O and Carmacintosh watched silently as Discord gathered around the demonic symbols. With one quick hand motion, the symbols slowly animated with circling fire, their shapes bending and morphing into three dimensions. Voices yelled with thunder; if it had been day, the townsfolk would have seen the accumulation of dark clouds gathering above their office building. 

Discord sensed their presence and spoke in a warped, echoing  voice.  "Foals," he cackled, "you'll never understand the fate that will befall this world."  

Carmacintosh spoke up. "Discord," he said, "we don't mean you any harm. But seriously, what-"

"Oh, put a can in it." said Discord, "I know you're just pandering to me, trying to convince me to stop what I'm doing and go home."

"Yes, but-"

"Silence!" Discord's voice was getting lower in pitch. Animal-like silhouettes faded in and out around him. They seemed to be emanating from the demonic symbols. 

RoMare-O had had enough of the nonsense. He charged at Discord, knocking him off of his feet. Discord gave a pained "oof!" as he fell backward, hitting his head against his desk. The dancing lights and evil aura left the room, save from Discord himself. His voice was reverted back to normal, but the way he spoke was otherworldly. "You failed keeping the ritual from reaching its completion. In time, Ponyville will be the epicenter of a hideous siege."

With that, the evil spirit left the room. A dazed and befuddled Discord woke up, holding his head. "My what a headache...why are you looking at me like that? And where...are...we?" His words trailed off  as he saw the odd symbols drawn over the floor and desk. 

Obviously that event wore heavily on the minds of the two John's. They were going to warn Princess Celestia, but feared ridicule. Discord said they had nothing to worry about, and that he would take care of the situation, but his promise was empty. 

In the tired angst around the table full of monsters, Rainbow Dash surprised everypony by yelling. "Oh, enough of this!" She flew towards Discord, glaring at him with daggers in her eyes. "You caused this whole mess, and it's time you pay-"

"Hold on," interrupted Luna, "We know Discord has had some part in this, but we must not rush judgement-"

"I say let him have it!" shouted Applejack. The rationality in her had all drained as well. 

The ponies rushed towards Discord in fury. Suddenly Fluttershy flew in front of their charge. "Stop!" she yelled, "I mean, stop." She blushed, her legs slightly shaking.

"Fluttershy..." said Discord, but Fluttershy put her hoof on his mouth.

"Please," she begged, "let us know exactly what is going on. I ask you, as a friend." 

The room went silent, save for the crackling of the torches keeping it lit. Discord sighed. "Alright," he said, "I have to admit, this will not be an easy tale to tell, so you better listen." 

He began. "It started when I learned the secret to opening other dimensions..."

Next Chapter (titled "Discord's Story") coming soon!
> Chapter 11: Discord's Story
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It started out innocently enough. As soon as I promised you all that I was going to reform, and that friendship is magic, I became disillusioned. I, Discord, reformed?

Let's just say, that I no longer felt like the lord of chaos. I was merely a..." shivers, "good citizen.

"But then I met John RoMareO and Carmacintosh, and the devil inside me grinned. Helping create Doom was my rebellion against society. I was standing up to the world, shouting obscenities and being rude. And the best part of it was, I was not at risk of being turned to stone.

"However," Discord paused. "The high I got from being a game designer eventually wore off, and I was no longer amused just to simply help create another game."

He turned to Carmacintosh. "You remember those days you'd walk into my office, only to find the work I was doing was overzealous. I adorned my desk and laptop with demonic symbols and gruesome imagery. You were used to that type of thing before, but never to this extent. You must have thought I was either gleeful about my job, or that I had simply gone mad. But it was neither. I was making things ready for a very special spell."

Discord turned to Celestia. "Don't blame either John for their errors. They are good stallions who have, and will do, great work, I'm sure. The Doom games themselves have no ill intent or bad consequences. However, my heart when I was helping design them was  far from well-intentioned. I had always had a tinge in me that wanted to get back at you, Princess. Not just by creating an innovative, rebellious new game, but by causing the most trouble Equestria has ever seen. I wanted the world by storm. 

"King Sombra had nothing on my plans. I was about to open up a dimensional rift that would forever change Equestria. I thought I was going to smile when I looked into the world I had just opened...but, once I saw the grim fire-scape filled with horrible demons and weary souls, how sad and devilish it really was, I felt..." Moments passed in silence. Discord sighed. "I felt compassion, not for the demons or those in the fire-scape, but for all you ponies. Even I wouldn't send such unsavory monsters to this world, no matter how much I wished for your destruction.

Celestia was about to speak up, but Luna raised her hoof to silence her. Instead of Discord continuing, Applejack asked "So if you had a change of heart all of a sudden, why didn't you close the portal back up?"

"Well," said Discord, embarrassed, "you see, the portal itself was directed towards the head honcho of the Doom universe, almost like a phone call with video feed, and I didn't want to be rude and just hang up..."

All of the other ponies, including Fluttershy, either grimaced or gawked with open mouths. "You stayed on the line with the Icon of Sin!?" shouted Rainbow Dash. She was in too much shock to kick the lights out of Discord, which he found some solace in. 

"You idiot!" said Twilight.

"How could you!" yelled Spike.

"Ponies, ponies, please." said Discord, "give me a chance to explain. The Icon of Sin possessed me to keep the spell going at that point."

"Where is she?!" shouted Rarity. 

The rest of the ponies continued bickering, until, all at once, they realized that Rarity was not there!

"Was that any of you?" asked Fluttershy.

"No." replied Rainbow Dash.

The rest of the Mane 6 (sans Rarity, of course) shook their heads.

"It wasn't me." said Princess Celestia.

Everypony looked at Luna. "What?" she said, incredulously, "Rarity and I sound nothing alike!"

"I didn't cause that either." said Discord. He wondered...

Suddenly the double doors to the room bursts open, and dozens of pinky demons ran in. Everypony stood guard. The Princesses revved up their magic, Rainbow Dash and Applejack snarled and prepared to charge. Discord, seeing the opportunity, quietly said "Buh - bye" and teleported out. 

RoMareO saw and replied "Fiddlesticks!", before he and Carmacintosh got ready to kick more demon butt.

Meanwhile, in the Doom universe.

"Oh, where is she?!" said Rarity, her mane ruffled and her expression pouting. 

"I don't know." replied the Marine.

"We have to go after her..." 

"We can't! Not until either a bridge raises or the nukage is drained!"

"I'm going in." said Rarity.

"No, you'll never survive!" the marine said, grabbing the pony by her shoulders. 

A lightbulb appeared and lit over Rarity's head. "That's it!" she said. The marine looked at her and the lightbulb still hanging in the air with befuddlement. "Sorry." said Rarity, using her magic to make the light bulb disappear. "I've kind of gotten used to doing that when I think of something."

Rarity went to the edge of the platform. The marine reached out again to try and stop her, but was surprised that Rarity did not jump into the pool. Instead, she was using her magic to...

Light blinded the marine's eyes for a brief moment. He stepped back, thinking he heard Rarity in pain. Instead, he was met with the sight of her having butterfly wings. "It's a long story," she said, "but I had this spell used on me once, and...secretly taught it to myself." She giggled, but could not hide the embarrassment in her tone. Otherwise, despite the rancid, smelly, and ugly surroundings, she remained nonchalant. 

"Try to bring me a rad suit." the marine said, as Rarity flew towards the door opposite of them. 

She looked back, puzzled. "Sure thing...though I didn't think you of all people would be concerned with your attire at a time like this." She gave the door a swift kick, causing it to veer upwards.

"No," the marine said, trying to explain himself, but Rarity was off into the next room, the door closing behind her, before he could utter another word.

> Chapter 12: Sweetie Belle and the Carniverous Castle of Terror
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweetie Belle was extra careful opening the blue-key card door, peeking from the sides just to make sure she wasn't looking face to face at a whole gang of monsters. The room before her was an empty, stonewalled corridor, lit dimly by green torches, and a peculiar red light from a small alcove. The coast was clear. 

She ventured ever so slowly, sluggishly, into the dark room. Sweetie knew she was too far now to go back to where her sister and the marine were. The only hope he she had was to go forward and possibly find herself back in Rarity's embrace. But things were getting bleak now, as if they already weren't. Sweetie Belle shed a tear, before quickly sidling up to the wall, out of the green torch light. 

Coming from the left at the end of the hallway were heavy footsteps, but they didn't sound natural. From what Sweetie Belle could hear, there was a lot of...clanging. She searched her memory far and wide to see if she could pinpoint what monster this was in Doom that made that sound. She realized she had not played the game far enough to tell. 

Gulp. 

The clattering stopped. At the far end of the hall, Sweetie could see the silhouette of a wide figure atop segmented legs, standing and staring in her direction. She braced herself for what she was sure were going to be her final moment, and...

The monster resumed its pace, the opposite way it arrived. The end of the hallway must have had a connecting passage to both the left and right.  Silently, Sweetie sighed, and let herself rests. Whatever that thing was, it didn't see me... Sweetie told herself. She looked at her hooves. "In fact, I...can't see myself...either."

Believing she must have gone insane, Sweetie was nearly ready to cry out, when she realized what had occurred. The small alcove with the red light... 

I picked up Invisibility! 

Sweetie Belle smiled. She did know stuff about Doom! Weren't her friends going to be jealous when they learned she had gotten powerups in real life! 

She cautiously ventured towards the end of the hall. There were two long, wide passageways she could take. She took the one the creature had arrived from and left. No sense in trying to meet up with the creature. 

The hallway was not as dark as the one she had been in, as torches lining the walls were far more plentiful. Sweetie ran while her invisibility was still in effect. She knew if the powerup wore off, anything else within the room would instantly spot her. She had to keep up the pace, even if it meant running noisily on the cobblestone floor. 

Unbeknownst to Sweetie Belle, she passed by five open rooms with monsters looking in. Luckily for her, they didn't care about the loud stamping of the fillie's hooves, as they could not see her in the first place. 

Quick as a flash of lighting, Sweetie ran down and down the halls. Slowly as each corner she turned, the walls would be covered in more and more layers of blood and skin, until every wall and floor was coated in flesh. This was the descent into Hell. 

Sweetie pulsed back and forth into visibility, until she was normal once more. She grimaced. Why did only the lightamps last a long time? 

She continued on, now walking. She was not tired, but cautious. From the looks of things, the setup of these hallways were like an...office building. I must be in one of the wings she told herself, Yes! Over there are cubicles! 

Sweetie shook her head. What on earth was happening? Office buildings in Hell? She saw that the floor she was now on had ceiling lights. Befuddled, she trudged forward, seeing rows of doors flush with the wall. The doors seemed only half finished, and the ceiling above her was now made up of water. 

"Oh..." Sweetie moaned.

Groans sounded from all directions. A mishmash of monsters began teleporting in, in seemingly random locations. A gang of spectres muddled around a corner, unable to get past a floating fence. A Spider Mastermind teleported into one of the cubicles. It stammered around in vain, helpless to get out of its confinement. Other monsters could be heard but seemed stuck in whatever rooms they were in, unable to teleport. Sweetie gave a wily grin. I'm too good for this.

Sweetie was taken out of her boasting when three fireballs fired forward from different directions, one of them nearly singing the top of her tail. She dodged just in time to see there were at least a few imps coming towards her. "Well, I guess some of you guys are competent." she said. 

She darted to and fro away from and towards one of the imps. Ultimately, Sweetie ran circles around its legs, causing it to turn around too fast until it dived into a spinning fall. "Oof!" it went.

The other imps chased after as Sweetie kicked on a nearest door not big enough to fit its texture. The room before her was a hideous amalgamation with a marble ceiling, floor made of computers, and...ugh...walls of Fireblu. Sweetie closed her eyes and ran forward without looking. She smashed into multiple walls, but by this time, she did not feel hurt, or tired, for that matter. 

In fact, thought Sweetie Belle, I feel completely anew!  

Before her was a drop into a giant square room with a lava floor, and to her left was a small hall with one door. A bungle of rad suits simply floated on top of the lava. "I don't want to go there if I don't have to." said Sweetie, not noticing she was talking to herself. She chose the hallway, kicking the door. 

A trapezoid room with very strange, angled corners. The floor seemed to be some sort of grating. Sweetie could hear the tap, tap, tap of her hooves as she walked across the metallic plates. The ceiling was a dark, grungy brown. Hanging parallel to the walls were white cubes, and in the middle of the room...

Sweetie's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening as the most wily grin brushed across her face. "Could it..."

Sitting at the far end of the room was none other than the B.F.G. 9000! 

The BIG. FANTASTIC. GUN. 

Sweeties drooled as her mouth drooped open. Stuff was about to get real.

She picked up the weapon, oblivious that when she did, a breathy voice whispered in her ear "You've fallen for my trap."

Sweetie Belle continued to admire the weapon, posing and aiming it at the walls, imagining monsters in front of her that she could shoot. The voice grew impatient. "Ahem." it said.

This startled Sweetie Belle. "What, who?"

"I was saying how you fell for my trap."

"Trap?" 

"Exactly." The voice cackled. "You didn't notice the door closed on you, did you?"

Sweetie looked towards what should have been the door outside. Instead, there was solid wall. Before Sweetie could say anything, the floor began to quiver, as if there was an earthquake. The ceiling and floors began closing in on each other. Sweetie suddenly realized what was going on. She was in the mouth of a giant monster, the white cubes lining the back floor and ceiling being teeth!  

She acted quick, dashing to the wall where the door had been. She kicked it multiple times, but nothing happened. The ceiling was closer than ever. She cowered down, knowing surely this was the end. The ceiling nearly reached her when it all suddenly stopped. The "teeth" cubes were crushed together, and must have been attached to the mechanisms of the regular ceiling and floor. Both still tried smashing in towards each other, but the teeth were in the way.  Sweetie sighed, relieved that her small stature was just enough to fit between the empty space. Though she still had to crouch. If Doomguy or even Rarity had encountered this room, they would have surely been flattened into pancakes. 

Sweetie dragged the BFG towards the now open door. The wall that had closed earlier must have gone back up, and the light emanating from the other room was more inviting than ever. She landed back on her feet into the hallway. An Archvile stood waiting for her. It spoke into a microphone, it's raspy voice the same of that as the whisper in the crushing room. "You jerk," it said, "you've only made your fate worse."

It was about to start its ritual summoning fire, when it noticed Sweetie Belle was still clasping the BFG. Unfortunately for the Vile, she noticed as well. "I don't think so." Sweetie replied, running forward and blasting green goop all over the emaciated being. Its microphone fell with a deep CLASP, as its body slumped into a heap. It was dead. 

But Sweetie knew that killing a demonic spawn from Hell was not a sin. In fact, it was likely something considered to put you on good terms with the Stallion upstairs. 

She looked back at the BFG. The meter on the side now read "Low". 

"Darn." she said, "I gotta find more cells." She looked into the exaggeratedly large lake of lava. As before, there was a circle of radiation suits floating in the middle. She perked up her ears and shrugged. "Time to swim." 

She jumped from the ledge into the lava, expecting to plunge deep into the molten liquid. Instead, she landed on top of the lave with a soft grunt. The burning hurt every few seconds, but it was slow enough for Sweetie to quickly grab one of the radiation suits from the middle circle. She simply "picked it up" without even attempting to put it on, and she was already fully equipped with the suit. At least she didn't have to go through any extra work. 

She traversed the molten lake at fast speed, running to and fro towards every wall, kicking to see if there were any hidden doors. When she glanced back at the ledge she had jumped from, she could see that a set of stairs connected the ledge to the lake. It was at such an odd angle that she didn't notice until now. 

Suddenly, an otherworldly growl emanated from the middle of the room. Teleporting in was none other than a Spider Mastermind! 

She scoured the room hastily. Sweetie Belle stood in shock for a few moments, before realizing the Mastermind was confused. "I'm right here!" Sweetie said. The spider turned towards her immediately. Its eyes glistened, drool dripped from its open mouth. It grunted in anticipation, and began shooting. 

Sweetie dashed across the room, hoping to find cover quickly. She noticed that alongside the spider, there were a number of pinky demons and spectres that had teleported into the room as well. She decided they were the best cover she had at the moment. 

She ran up to them, causing the spider to shoot the demons. They instantly turned and ran towards the Mastermind, angry of its blatant disregard. Sweetie weaved around the still oncoming horde of spectres and pinkys teleporting in, finally reaching the stairs and dashing up as quick as possible, going around the edge of the wall out of the Mastermind's view. She was safe here. The demons would not even be able to follow her, as the stairs were too narrow. 

Sweetie took deep breaths. She was going to need more cell ammo in order to deal with the Spider Mastermind. It would only be temporarily stalled by the infighting pinkys. Sweetie knew she had to backtrack. 





> Chapter 13: Confrontation to the Death
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Icon of Sin shouted furiously "Why haven't you stopped the purple-maned one yet?!" Its voice echoes intensely across the walls of the deep caverns. The army of hell-spawn in front of it dared not look up. They were afraid to make eye contact when their master was this upset. 

The IoS sixth sense repeated over and over, images of the small, white furred, purple maned pony making her way across the dungeons, getting ever closer to where he was. He would not admit it, but a tinge of fear entered it as it thought that soon, its archenemy could waltz in carrying that gigantic gun. But the IoS quickly resolved that such a thing wasn't likely to happen. Surely his army would take care of the purple-maned one as soon as they get her in a position where she's unable to run away, right? 

But what about the purple maned ones big sister? the IoS thought, She too, had been proving herself to be quite an annoyance. Though she is teamed up with that pesky marine, so its understandable. 

A dark cloaked being entered the room, interrupting the Icon's thoughts. "M-Masteeeeer," it said, it's demonic voice reverberating with a metallic clang. 

The IoS focused on the dark figure. It continued speaking, "I w-will take c-care of...heeeeeer." 

All at once, the Icon's hopes were back in full force. With this being on their side, there was no question the ponies would lose. What the Icon was confused about was why it chose to join up now. Surely its venture into other universes kept it too busy to want to take care of ponies. But Hell had to take what it could get, and the Icon was more than willing for this help.

Meanwhile, in Equestria:

"Has anyone located Discord?" asked Celestia.

Luna gave a dissatisfied head shake. "He's gone," she said, "The traitor fled our world."

"No matter," said Celestia, with a sigh, "How are all the townsfolk?"

This time, Applejack replied "They're fine," she said, "We've counted them all up, and nobodies seriously injured."

"No one?" asked Celestia in sudden surprise. 

Applejack smiled. She and the rest of the Mane 6 helped gather everypony from every town up into Canterlot to safety. They, and a bunch of other volunteer ponies, made a headcount of every resident. "Everypony is safe, from oldies to fillies."

The Princess breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally some good news, then."

"Yup." 

Luna piped in "Oh,  sister, I should tell you the news on the demon cleanup."

"Really? Any problems?" 

"No, not really. Well..." Luna bit her lip. "The volunteers had no trouble bringing the unconscious demons back through the portals to their world...but..."

"Go on." said Celestia. 

"Some of them haven't been able to get back out."

Celestia pondered a moment. "Pray tell, how do you know they're all safe, then, if-"

"I told them I'd visit their dreams for updates. One of them in a group sleeps while the others take watch. I visit the sleeping ones to see how they're all holding up."

Everypony gave a blank stare. Pinkie joined in "Uhhm, so you can visit ponies dreams in other worlds?"

"In this one I can," said Luna, "don't ask me how, but I can."

"And you're sure all of our guards and volunteers are okay?" 

"Absolutely," said Luna, "From what I've been told, they've been wandering rather strange corridors, but not in any real dangers."

Fluttershy breathed in. Unlike most times she tried speaking in a group, she was not interrupted or spoken over. "I just hope," said Fluttershy, "that Rarity and Sweetie Belle are..." 

Luna gave Fluttershy a reassuring glance. "I've tried visiting their dreams," she said, "but so far neither of them have slept. However, I feel a strong sense of hope that they and their friend are okay. I don't know where I'm getting the sense from, but it's there."

Everypony stayed quiet for a moment. Almost at once, Princess Celestia and the rest of the Mane 6 asked "Their friend?"

----------------

Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was lost. "Darn marble walls. Everything looks the same!" She had found her way to a closed off area, but using some ingenuity, managed to jump over the fenced wall. Now she was in a marble labyrinth. 

She kicked at the ground, and cussed. Her words echoed loudly.

"Sweetie Belle" said Rarity, looking down at her sister disappointed. 

"R-Rarity?" Sweetie muttered. Looking up, she saw Rarity flying high with a pair of butterfly wings. "Ooh," said Sweetie, in awe.

Rarity flew down and hugged her little sister tight. "I'm so glad you're safe." 

"Me too." said Sweetie.

They parted. "So," said Sweetie, "the Morning Dew and Gossamer spell?" 

Rarity nodded. 

Sweetie pondered. "Aren't those things extremely delicate? How are they surviving Hell?"

"My wings?" said Rarity. "She laughed. "Sweetie, all of the rooms I've been too have either been lukewarm or chilly. The temperatures down here in Hell have not been as bad as you'd expect."

"I guess not." said Sweetie. "But what about the Marine? Is he okay?"

"He'll be here, soon, I'm sure. I had to find a rad suit just for him to get across the nukage, but he made it across." 

"So he went the same way I did?" asked Sweetie.

"I suppose so." Rarity yawned. "You know, I had the craziest dream..." 

"You fell asleep while looking for me!?" 

Rarity tried to calm her sister down. "Sweetie, Sweetie, listen. I was just so exhausted at one point that I (yawn) took a minute long nap."

"Sure." Sweetie Belle replied sourly.

"Honest," said Rarity, "and it was the oddest thing, I had a minute long dream where I spoke to Princess Luna, and she and I updated each other on how things are going. I told her that I and the marine were searching for you, and Luna said that the demon forces had been defeated. I recall Luna saying something about Canterlot guards being sent here as reinforcements, or something along those lines."

Sweetie Belle dropped her grim expression at the mention of the Princess. "Luna?" she asked, "You were visited in your dream by Luna?" 

"Oh, c'mon now, Sweetie Belle." said Rarity, "It had to just be a dream this time. I mean, we're in different universes."

"What if it was her?" 

"Well, then..." Rarity did not know how to reply. "I'm sure everyone at home is doing fine. Now lets move along quick and finish this mission." 

"Wait!" said Sweetie Belle, "I need to brief you on everything that I've been through!"

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Okay."

Thirty minutes pass by. Once Sweetie was done recounting her adventures, her sister simply stared back, mouth gaping. "Y-You killed an Archvile, and s-survived a M-M-Masterm-"

Sweetie nodded proudly. She leaned on the BFG.

Rarity did not know whether to applaud her little sister or strangle her. That much danger, being so reckless. Sweetie certainly could have been killed. But she wasn't. 

Sweetie Belle stared back into her big sister's eyes. She was growing concerned over the sudden silence. Luckily Rarity broke it, saying with a sigh "I guess since you aren't hurt, I'm not too mad. But some of what you said sounds like you were being over confident. You know I, and Mom and Dad couldn't stand life without you. Please be more careful next time."

The two hugged, before trudging onward. Rarity suddenly had no sense of tiredness as in earlier areas, and Sweetie was as prepared as ever. They were ready to confront whatever obstacles Hell was going to put in front of them, no matter the cost.  

-------------------------------------
Later, back in Canterlot, Scootaloo was in the presence of the Princesses. "How far did you make it?" asked Celestia. 

Scootaloo answered sheepishly "I eventually made it to map 30, but..."

"Yes?" Celestia asked. 

"But I didn't figure out how to defeat the Icon." 

The Princesses sighed in slight annoyance, but quickly hid it. "Are you sure, little one?" asked Luna. She stared with pleading.

The filly nodded. "Yeah," said Scootaloo, "I got so far, but I just couldn't quite do it, you know. That's part of the reason I was so excited to go to the convention."

"To ask RoMareO and Carmacintosh the secret?" 

"Exactly. I practiced and practiced the lines I'd say to them all day. Are they still here?"

The Princesses both shook their heads. "No," said Celestia, "unfortunately, somepony forgot to ask them before they left for the hospital."  

Luna replied "Just as somepony else forgot to ask any of the Doomers the secret to defeating it." 

Scootaloo's eyes widened. Her lips quivered. "Hospital?" 

The Princesses suddenly snapped out of their feud. "Neither of them have serious injuries, darling." said Luna.

"They're just going in to be checked up on, as everypony else who fought." 

Scootaloo's expression fell to ease. 

Celestia drew closer to the little filly. "Scootaloo, why did you lie?"

Confronted, Scootaloo broke down. "I'm sorry for saying I beat the whole game before. I know how important it is that you guys-"

"Hush, child." said Celestia. "Did you really make it to Map 30?"

"Well, sorta." 

"What do you mean, sorta?"

"I made it to 31 and 32, the two secrets maps, but those are accessed way earlier."

Celestia and Luna gave an awkward glance. 

"So you're saying you made it to maps 31 and 32, and..."

"I admit it." Scootaloo said, sobbing, "I only made it up to map 27, and it was...it was on Hurt Me Plenty, not UV!" 

As Scootaloo's tears soaked the floor, both princesses thought themselves how impressive that actually was for such a little filly. Even if Scootaloo did not know the secret to defeating the Icon, she was still very talented. Luna nodded to her sister, and jumped onto her favorite pillow with her crescent moon cutie mark emblazoned on it. I'll just to have to tell the volunteers we got nothing new on the Icon of Sin's vulnerabilities she thought. 

Back in the Doom universe, the armies of Hell were getting restless. Romero's impaled head grimaced. He knew the Icon was getting angrier and angrier every moment. If the one with the purple mane showed up before additional recruits arrived, then certainly...

"Romero!" the Icon shouted. 

Had Romero not been a head on a stick, he would have jumped up startled. "Y-yes?" he asked.

"Where are the hell spawn you told to come back?" 

"Well, I called them-"

The Icon roared. "Don't tell me the purple maned-one somehow got rid of them." 

"Oh, heavens no," said Romero, "that's just silly, you know." His voice was quivering. The Icon was unpleasant even in a good mood. As it was now, it's anger was boiling to worse than Romero had ever seen. "Icon of Sin?" he asked. It ignored Romero's inquest, the rooms around them shaking in growing rage. Steam flew out of the Icon's nostrils. "I assure you our armies will get here before-"

"They better..." said the Icon. The words repeated in Romero's mind.

------------------

Meanwhile, Rarity and Sweetie Belle fought through hordes of demonic enemies. Hellknights and Barons, Mancubuses (Mancubi?) and Revenants, Arachnotrons and Archviles, oh my! 

Enemies paced around ledges, hid around corners, and overall tried to surround the duo. But the pony sisters were not easy prey. Rarity managed to pick up a super shotgun and began blasting away any low tier monsters. She didn't take time wasting ammo on stuff that wouldn't go down in one shot.

Sweetie, meanwhile, waved around the BFG, threatening loudly that she was willing to use it. Surprisingly, this worked in a few occasions, managing to make specific groups back away, whistling as if they saw nothing. Most of the monsters simply scoffed, charging at Sweetie and Rarity (who was still flying). However, the number of monster varieties was an advantage to the ponies. Revenants, about to send tracer missiles, were suddenly hit by Mancubus fire. Cacodemons became too busy concentrating on Hellknights who hit them on the back of the head with green fireballs. Almost all at once, the monsters turned on one another, and every room the sisters passed by became a cluster of madness, hell spawn beating the tar out of each other, missiles going off in every direction, rockets being fired as if it was the 4th of July. And though the ponies fur were slightly singed, they managed to speed through every room they could until reaching a teleport. 

They entered, teleporting into a small, octagonal room full of goodies. Rarity knew immediately where they were. Sweetie had an idea, but asked her sister first, just in case. "Rarity, is this..."

"Yes, Sweetie, it is. Oh baby, it is."

Tune in next time for the epic, jaw biting conclusio- What's that, Ms. Belle? You and your sister are going to finish it now? But you're not ready yet. What do you mean you can do it with your hooves tied behind your back?

"Oh, okay. Fillies and gentlecolts, prepare yourself for the Battle of the century. First up: Rarity and Sweetie Belle!" The crowd of hell spawn boo and give thumbs down at mention of the ponies.

The two sisters pose menacingly with their weapons of choice. Sweetie Belle holds a rocket launcher, Rarity a chaingun in one hoof and super shotgun in the other, using her magic to levitate a chainsaw in front of her (might as well go all the way, right?)

These two tough-as-nails ponies are as ready to fight, and...who is anyone kidding, they're still adorable! 

"And on the other side is the big, (crowd gasps), the bad (louder gasps), the one and only team up of Romero and IoS! (crowd cheers wildly, throwing severed arms holding flowers.)

"How can they cheer for something so lame as a wall?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"As much as I agree with their lack of proper decorating talent, we still have to fight it." replied Rarity.

The announcer got louder. "Are you ready...for...THE...BATTLE OF THE MILLENIUM?! Or hold on...BATTLE OF THE CENTURY!?" The crowd roared with excitement and buzz. Groups of hell spawn chanted their teams names. "Ro- Mare- O! Ro- Mare- O!" Some of them wore shirts with the letters I, O, or S printed on the front. Vendors with carts full of rotted flesh and other nasties gained great appreciation from the crowd.

The announcer stood on the middle, very low platform of the room, just outside the nukage. "Are you ready to begin, pony peasants?" he asked. 

"Umf!" Rarity scoffed, "Peasants? You don't even know how much more successful I am than you-"

"Let it go, sis." said Sweetie Belle, "Just remember the plan."

"Right." 

"The battle begins in 3..."

Rarity's eyes widened. "Plan?"

"2..."

Sweetie suddenly remembered: they had spoken of making a plan, but they forgot to actually talk about it!

"1...GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Rarity and Sweetie reacted quickly. Rarity ran to the left side of the room, shooting invading Hell Spawn from the crowd. Imps were attempting to rise out of their seats and jump down into the stadium, Cacos were floating into and breaking through the window seats. All while, the Icon used its powers to summon forth members of the crowd at random via floating cubes. Rarity at least had time to explain to Sweetie Belle the dangers the cubes posed, especially if one should land on their head. 

Unluckily for the pony sisters, things were not going great. Rushing into the fight with no previous coordination turned out to be a poor choice. Sweetie's rocket spam almost hit Rarity multiple times, causing the mare to stumble back and forth in the air, eventually having one of her morningdew and gossamer wings grazed and destroyed. Rarity quickly regained her composure, giving an awkward, unhappy glare towards Sweetie Belle. 

Sweetie had her own troubles as Revenants gathered around, too close to safely blast away with rocket power. Romero laughed gleefully at the sight of the two ponies struggling to survive. 

Midst all the chaos, Sweetie saw her sister hit point blank by a Hell Knight fireball. Rarity fell wearily to the ground. "No!" Sweetie shouted. Romero's laughter got louder, as did the crowds cheering. 

Then, Sweetie got an idea. Mustering up as much power as she could from her horn, she teleported Rarity up to the highest step, near the switch. Just in time, the Marine they had met earlier teleported in close to her. Seeing her dire state, he swore and angrily vowed to protect her. 

The announcer gave a confused glare. "Great..." he said, "And again, we mix in tonight's affair with the rivalry of everyone's least favorite hero, Doomguy!" 

The heckling from the crowd got louder than ever. Imps and Barons threw cups of boiled blood and boxes of french fries down at Doomguy in anger. Meanwhile, the IoS continued sending a torrent of cubes into the stadium, drawing more and more monsters from the seats above to get into the action. 

Rarity weakly pulled herself up, only to fall down again. "Got to...got to get the lift raised." 

Unsure of what she meant at first, Doomguy realized what was needed, and charged towards the switch on the far wall. A gang of imps tried blocking his path, and one even scratched his helmet with its claws, but the marine took no mercy. He took one of the imps by the throat, tore off its still screaming head, and shoved the head down another of the imps throats. Then he stomped on their bodies. Now he was clear to get to the switch, which he did activated. 

The middle platform started to ascend, and seeing this, Sweetie Belle acted hastily. She jumped down from the safe flooring of the lowest platform, and into the not so pleasant slime across the bottom floor. She felt her health draining every second she was on it. With immense speed and dexterity, she managed to get onto the platform before it made its full ascent. "Time to show whose boss." said Sweetie, pointing the rocket launcher at the forehead of the Icon. 

Both Romero and the IoS mouthed a surprised "No!" as Sweetie shot a rocket just before the platform made its entire way up. The explosion passed through the Icon's weak point and splashed Romero. He groaned with a terrible wail of pain, and anger. The kickback from the launcher caused Sweetie to fall off the platform, prompting her to lower and step back onto it. 

Meanwhile, Doomguy did his best to protect Rarity, but the oncoming waves of Hell spawn were taking their toll. Barons and Hell Knights, Imps and Demons, all were scrambling their way onto the top platform.

Just as things looked dire, Sweetie positioned her weapon as the lift ascended, ready to defeat the Icon once and for all. Instead of sending forth a powerful explosive to glorious victory, Sweetie heard the weapon make a dull click. 

"Uh oh." She looked down at it. Out of ammo. 

But as the Icon joined Romero in scornful laughter, and as the remaining members of the Hellish audience teleported into the stadium, making their way towards the near dead Doomguy and Rarity, Sweetie had an idea. One possible, last chance. 

She mustered up her magic with all of her might and teleported herself into the Icon's forehead, landing herself in the room with Romero. The impaled head looked at her confusingly, seeing she didn't even bring her weapon. But as it was about to speak out, Sweetie teleported once again, this time in Romero's space. 

His impaled form burst at the seams, bellowing in agony as he, and his boss, disintegrated in a show of epic destruction. The Hell Spawn outside jumped at the sudden chaos, then melted away into pools of colorful gibs, leaving behind various bits of armor, and arm and shoulder cannons. Doomguy and Rarity glanced at each other with great surprise. Everything grew to a brilliant white light.

....

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A deep, disembodied voice spake from the stillness. 

"Well, your years of military training have paid off again. You grin triumphantly as the ugly mug of Hell's master once more disintegrates before your eyes. Nothing new.

The world you protect is at peace, and you have no greater desire than to return back and rest, watching soap operas on your old TV and ordering pizza-"

A small, squeaky voice interrupted the unseen being's words. "Hold on, sir. We're not of your world."

The entity stuttered. "What?"

"Yeah," said Sweetie Belle, "my sister and I kind of helped Doomguy along, and we're from an entirely different universe."

Quick awkward silence. "You're...aliens?" 

"I guess so," said Rarity, 

Doomguy spoke "But unlike the demons from mars, these two aliens are real nice."

Rarity and Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. 

"Hey now," said a voice from behind them, "don't forget our help." Ponies dressed in armor and heavy combat gear stood around the trio. Rarity recognized some of them. The stallion continued "We busted our butts destroying demons, too."

"Well then," said the deep voice, "I guess I'll start over my little narration." 

It cleared its throat. "1, 2, 3, 

"Your years of military training have paid off again, though not without the help of two kind beings from another universe, and their friends. You all rejoice as the ugly visage of the Icon disintegrates before your eyes. This is not the first time you've seen it, and likely won't be the last.

Now you can return peacefully to Earth, rests easy, watch your favorite soaps and order pizza.

As for your alien allies, they've returned happily to their own realm, greeted by every one of their family and friends. No one in Equestria was killed, though the costs to repair property throughout the land is through the roof. But the ponyfolk don't mind too much. After all, when do they get to travel across universes and destroy Hell itself in such epic fashion?  Not often.

Just remember, Hell is an uneasy place to keep control of. You never know when it will again break loose. Until next time, marine."