An old Crystal Knight from a thousand years has returned and he now seeks revenge on Discord. Charming Thunder must protect Twilight and his daughter, Light Sparkle, from his wrath.
Regal Crescent, also known as Revan, has returned from a thousand years and seeks revenge on the lord of chaos. A mystery will be uncovered about his past life as a Crystal Knight. Charming Thunder will stop his wrath before he could destroy Equestria even his family.
It is a time of peace and justice in Equestria. With the Order of the Crystal Knights keeping the peace there are hardly any disputes between the different nations.
Charming Thunder and Twilight Sparkle now has a daughter named Light as he thought of the words of his father said about being king and hopes that Celestia would approve his father's wish to rule Equestria.
The next day, Charming Thunder has been called to Canterlot to receive an important task from Princess Celestia hoping to tell her what his father told him of becoming king....
Charming Thunder and Twilight looked over the cradle of their new baby girl as she fell asleep. The filly had a mane similar to her mother's and her coat is darker than her mother's. "Beautiful isn't she?" Charming Thunder asked.
"Yeah," Twilight replied. "Light looks a lot like me. Did you ever notice?"
"She does have my eyes but its close enough. I bet that she will soon become a great princess like you." Twilight blushed and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Princess Cadence entered the room and placed a hoof on her brother's shoulder.
"Its time," Cadence said. Charming Thunder and turned to Twilight then back at the filly.
"Are you sure Spike and the others can take care of her?"
"Of course. Pinkie takes care of the cake twins. I'm sure that it won't be a problem for them to handle. Right, dear?"
"Right." Twilight and Charming Thunder followed Cadence to the shuttle that waits for them so that they can travel to Canterlot to visit Celestia.
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The shuttle landed on a platform next to the castle as the passengers began to disembark on it. Charming Thunder and the two princesses entered the castle and as they proceeded through the halls, Charming Thunder remembered what his father said about his destiny and regained his focus on the main topic. The doors of the room the trio were heading opened to reveal Princess Celestia and Luna along with the duke and duchess of Maretonia, the king of the griffins that Charming Thunder rescued, and a delegate of Saddle Arabia seated at the round table. "Glad that you came," Celestia said as Charming Thunder, Twilight, and Cadence sat down on their separate chairs.
"Charming Thunder, allow me to introduce you to the duke and duchess of Maretonia; Ice Mirror and Kyrippos II," Luna started.
"A pleasure to meet the son of the king," Ice Mirror said
"And a delegate from Saddle Arabia; Amira."
"Likewise," Amira said.
"Now for the reason why we have gathered here," Celestia said. "There is a cult called the Revanites. We need to know what they are and whether we need to stop them or not. Some griffons, dragons, even ponies are members of the order. Our only goal is their leader."
"What are you suggesting?" Twilight asked.
"Somepony must go to their and learn about the Order of Revan but it won't be easy. I heard that they allow you to join if you present this medallion." Princess Celestia levitated the medallion and placed it on the table.
"Can you pass it to me?" Charming Thunder asked. Celestia levitated the medallion over to him and Charming Thunder got a closer look at it. Its logo was similar to the mask he found at the Crystal Knight temple. "Where did you get this?"
"I found it from this mare I had to throw in the dungeon. I...persuaded her to tell me what the medallion is." He thought for a moment as the discussion continued.
"Why can't we let a squad just breach their camp and find any important evidence of anything suspicious?" the griffin king suggested.
"But there is only one medallion here," Amira said. "Somepony with mystical knowledge has to--"
"I'll go," Charming Thunder said.
"Are you sure about this, Charming?" Luna asked.
"It could be dangerous for whatever task they send you to prove yourself worthy to meet their leader," Celestia said.
"There is something familiar about the logo on this medallion and I intend to find out what it represents," Charming Thunder said as he stood up.
"Very well. You will go to their camp and show them the medallion. After you find the identity of their leader, report back to Canterlot and we will figure out what to do then."
"I understand. But where exactly is their camp?"
"Last I heard, they are in the Everfree forest," Luna said.
"We will resume this meeting when my nephew returns." Everyone nodded and stood up from their seats and left the room. Everyone except Charming Thunder who walked up to Celestia.
"Can I talk to you about something before I leave to my mission?"
"Of course." Charming Thunder and Princess Celestia entered a room where it is private.
"Its about my father. He...came to me on Nightmare Night a couple months ago and told me something. He said that when my days have come to an end, I shall become a king. I just don't know if I am ready to take a duty as that title."
"I'm sure you'll be fine if you ever become a great king, nephew. Now go and complete the mission you are given and good luck." Charming Thunder nodded and ran out of the room in a hurry to attend to his ship and head to the hidden camp. Celestia however stayed in the room and walked to the balcony to view the kingdom.
Celestia then closed her eyes and said as she was talking to Sombra, "Are you sure he is ready." The ghost of Sombra then appeared right beside her and turned to face her.
"I'm sure of it," Sombra said. "He has something that I didn't have."
"But what of Twilight and their daughter?"
"They will rule right beside him. I have foreseen it."
"Thank you, my old friend. For looking out for him in spirit. Even in death, you are a guide to the Order of the Crystal Knights." The ghost bowed to the princess and then faded away as Celestia watched Charming Thunder's interceptor flew away from Canterlot to the direction where the Everfree forest is.
Charming Thunder landed his interceptor next to the entrance to the camp in the Everfree forest and opened the cockpit. R4 stayed in the ship as he walked towards the gatekeeper at the camp entrance. "Did you loose your way on your flight?" the gatekeeper asked. "You have my sympathies but we can't help. We have no food or water to offer you. Strangers are not welcome here."
"I'm actualy here to join the Order of Revan," Charming Thunder said as he levitated out the medallion out of his saddle bag and gave it to him.
"Ah. You do have the token. You must've been destined to come here. Welcome to the Order of Revan, my friend."
"Why are you guys here? Isn't it dangerous to camp in a scary forest?"
"We are not afraid of anything that is in this forest and I can assure you that we are safe. This haven was built for us to leave the Equestrian Empire behind and learn about Revan, a stallion who was both a Crystal Knight and a servant of darkness."
"What do you mean by servant of darkness?"
"Discord, the lord of chaos corrupted him a thousand years ago. As a knight, he has slain armies of the Old Lunar Republic and griffins. He was eventually destroyed but he was reborn instead."
"I fear that this cult is not about learning."
"We seek to walk the same path as he did."
"Where do I start?"
"You'll find teachers around in this camp. Those who spent their live learning about the works of Revan. Speak to one and complete the task given to you. When you are done, return to me and you'll become an official Revanite." Charming Thunder nodded and walked past the gatekeeper. There was a camp fire in the middle of the tent as some ponies walked around and talking to other members.
"Psst," a voice said. "Come here." Charming Thunder walked up to a dark blue mare with purple eyes. "You seek a teacher to teach you the ways of Revan, yes?"
"That is right," Charming Thunder said.
"Then you came to the right mare. Look what's behind me." Charming Thunder then got a glimpse of a mask that was similar to the one he found but something was different about it. There was a crack on the left of the mask that goes up to the visor. "That is the mask I found at the Castle of the Two Sisters before the Equestrian Empire took it as a base of operations. But did you know that Revan had a second one?"
"No. I didn't."
"The second mask was hidden in the Crystal Knight Temple before it was rebuilt. Along with it was a holocron with his knowledge."
"And let me guess, you seek that holocron to learn about him."
"You have read my mind."
"I know where it is now since I visited the place."
"Then consider this a Trial of Knowledge. Once you have the holocron, bring it to me and all of us Revanites will here his words of wisdom." Charming Thunder walked back to his ship and plotted a course to Twilight's castle.
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Charming Thunder landed his interceptor in the hangar and walked to the door. He then approached his room and entered it without anyone noticing. He looked both ways in the hall to see if anyone was here and walked up to a glass case with the cube shaped holocron. He removed the glass case and puts the holocron in his saddlebag. He then heard voices of Rarity and Spike approaching and hid at the edge of the door. As the two walked past the room, Charming Thunder carefully snuck his way back to his ship and jumped into the cockpit of his interceptor. He then flew the interceptor back to the Everfree forest to deliver the holocron.
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Charming Thunder walked up to the mare as she said, "Did you get it? Did you find the holocron?" He then levitated the holocron out of his saddlebag and gave it to her. "Excellent. I'll gather everyone at once. Meet us at the campfire and we shall soon hear the voice of Revan."
A few minutes later, every member of the order gathered around the campfire as the mare placed the holocron on the ground. "Everypony focus with your mind and the secrets shall be revealed," the mare said. Everyone including Charming Thunder closed their eyes as the holocron began to glow with blue light. Everyone then opened their eyes and the figure appeared above the holocron.
"I was once a pawn to the dark side and I was a slayer of armies during a war against the Old Lunar Republic," the figure said. "If Discord ever returned to the good side, he could never be trusted and he would soon destroy us all. Master Star Swirl had a vision of a new hope for Equestria if Sombra ever returned." The figure faded away and the holocron's color faded away. Everyone around the campfire continued to their business with smiles on their faces as the mare approached Charming Thunder.
"You have done well," she said. "Since you were the one who found it and passed your trial, you can keep the holocron." She then gave him the holocron and he used his magic to place it back in his saddlebag.
"Return to the gatekeeper and you will become an official member of the Revanites." Charming Thunder nodded and began to walk to the gatekeeper as he thought to himself about who the leader is.
"You have prove yourself worthy to join our cause and I am very grateful to have another member," the gatekeeper said. "Welcome to the Order of Revan."
"I thank you, my friend," Charming Thunder said.
"If you have any questions you can feel free to ask."
"Only one; who is the leader of this cult?"
The gatekeeper looked down in shame as he said, "Our leader...was taken as she was on her journeys to learn more about Revan."
"What was she looking for?"
"She was trying to sneak into the temple to find the holocron you brought here and the second mask. Even though the mask looked the same as the one we have but it didn't matter anyway."
"Thank you for having me here. I will make sure that your cult remains a secret."
"Then good luck on your journey to learn more in secret." Charming Thunder waved goodbye to him as en entered his interceptor and plotted a course back to Canterlot to make a full report. The gatekeeper then walked to the tent and entered to meet a hooded pony wearing armor.
The figure turned to face him and asked, "Does he know?"
"No. He doesn't know that you are alive."
"Good. Prepare to move. It is time that I reveal myself to the princesses." The gatekeeper bowed and left the tent.
Chapter 3: Regal Crescent's Revalation to Equestria
Charming Thunder's interceptor landed in the castle hangar and R4 was the first to pop out of the ship. Charming Thunder walked through the hall back to the room where the meeting was held. When he entered, he saw Discord having tea with Celestia as they had a discussion. The dragonques noticed the unicorn and said, "Nice to see you again, Charmy."
"I trust that you have a report about the cult?" Celestia asked.
"Yes and--" Charming Thunder said as he was interrupted by a floating tea cup and a teapot pouring tea into it.
"Have some tea while we talk about it," Discord said.
Charming Thunder levitated the cup as he continued. "It appears that the pony you have in the dungeon was the leader." Celestia was surprised and disappointed that she had wasted his nephew's time.
"I...I didn't know that till now. I'll gather everyone else while you and Discord wait here." Princess Celestia walked out of the room and left Charming Thunder and Discord alone in the room.
"So...how's your newborn child?" Discord asked.
"Fine. Thanks for asking. She almost looks a lot like Twilight and has my eyes." The conversation ended when the doors opened and everyone including Twilight entered. "That was fast." He then walked up to Twilight and gave her a hug.
"How are things?" she asked.
"We have already captured the leader and now we are discussing our next step." He and Twilight Sparkle then sat on their separate chairs and the meeting began to resume.
"As you are all aware, Charming Thunder has returned," Celestia announced. "There is however a problem. The leader of the cult was already taken and is in the dungeon right now. I apologize if I have wasted your time, nephew."
"It wasn't a problem."
"So what do we do now?" Amira asked. "Do we just send a squad down and take the rest in?"
"No. I believe that--" Celestia interrupted when the ground began to shake as a large ship began to pass Canterlot.
A guard entered the room and reported, "We have a large cruiser passing through but we have no ID on who it is." Charming Thunder, Twilight, Luna, Celestia, and Cadence got up from their chairs and looked out of a window to see the ship with gun batteries on the front, sides, and the stern slowly passing through.
"Lord Tirek and Malgus were allies in my cause," a voice said. "But their deaths won't delay what is coming."
Celestia's eyes widened as she remembered the voice before, "Its him," she said. "Regal Crescent." A huge holo projection of a stallion wearing a damaged mask and armor appeared. "Trace that transmission."
"Yes, your highness." The guard then ran off as the others gathered to see Regal Crescent. The town also sees the holo as well.
"My army could've achieved so much. But I still have other weapons in my arsenal."
"You were reported dead," Cadence said. "Was that report wrong?"
"Only somewhat as you can see. When a goal is very important enough, one learns to overcome any obstacle."
The guard returned and reported, "We got the trace of this transmission."
"Why have you returned?" Charming Thunder asked. "Is it because of revenge?"
"You thought right, son of Sombra. I have been reborn, my mind is clearer, and my power has now been intensified. With the order under my command, I am unstoppable."
"You're saying that you are the leader of the order?" Luna asked.
"At first, they were a group of devotees wanting to serve me. To help me save Equestria from that dragonques you have on your side. I was a fool a thousand years ago to confront him. Death couldn't stop me as Discord could not break me. I will finish what I have started and you will not interfere again because now I have finally let my followers enter my world. A world that you will all soon be erased from." The hologram faded away as an explosion emitted from the dungeons.
"He's come for the prisoner!!" Celestia shouted. Charming Thunder along with the guards ran toward the dungeuon to stop the prisoner from escaping. When they got there, it was too late.
"She must be heading for a ship," Charming Thunder said. "I'll go after her and you try to lock it down." As he ran to the hangar, an alarm sounded and he entered the hanger to see the Firespray attack craft taking off. He threw a tracking beacon on the hull of the ship and let it leave the hangar.
As he returned to the meeting room, he looked around the room to see a chatter going on.The guard approached him as he reported, "The transmission came form the ship that passed by. What do you want us to do now, sir?"
"I have placed a tracking beacon on a ship that left the hangar and I want you to trace it to its location. And before you do that, try to get everypony in this room to calm down." The guard drew out his pistol and fired shots in the air. The chatter then became silent and turned to see Charming Thunder with anger in his eyes. The guard then left the room as Charming Thunder walked up to Discord and grabbed him by the beard. "YOU HAVE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!!!"
"What?" Discord said. "I didn't bring him back from the dead. I tried before on somepony, but it wasn't a pretty picture. AND I DON'T LIKE DOING IT!!"
"Calm down you two," Twilight said. "Now that this madness is out of the way, why don't we just go back to our kingdoms and try to figure something out. Especialy YOU, Discord." Everyone in the room nodded and began to walk out of the room.
Charming Thunder sat on his chair in his tower as he looked out of the window. He was thinking about what happened earlier at Canterlot. Twilight came in from the elevator as Charming Thunder sat and watched out the window as a squadron of TIE Fighters flew past the window. He then turned his chair and sat up as Twilight approached. "I know that Regal is bothering you," Twilight said. "You haven't said a word ever since our trip back."
"I know, dear," Charming Thunder replied not looking at Twilight. "I just wonder how he is still alive after a thousand years and that Discord was not responsible for it."
"Discord is out of the picture. Regal knows who you are now. Ask the council to protect Discord in case Regal comes for him."
"Don't ask me to do that. Even if I don't, innocent lives will be at risk here. That is why the empire is tracking that stolen ship."
Twilight walked up next to him and said as she nudged him, "What matters is that nopony got hurt." She then placed her head on Charming Thunder's chest and wrapped a hoof around him. "Hold me. Like you did at our wedding." Charming Thunder then smiled and cuddled with his alicorn wife.
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Charming Thunder sat in the library reading a Daring Do book to clear his head. He then heard Discord's voice in his head as the voice said, "You do know, don't you, if Regal destroys me, any chance of saving Equestria will be lost." He then shook his head and took a breath. He bookmarked his book and walked to the window next to him. He glanced to the direction where Fluttershy's cottage is and wondered about Discord. His eyes then widened and ran out of the room to the room where he had his speeder bike. He flipped some switches on it as the doors opened and the engines roared to life. He swooped out of the room and headed to the direction where Fluttershy lives.
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Discord and Fluttershy were having tea in the cottage as a robbed pony entered the cottage unexpectedly. Discord noticed the stallion and said, "You do know that it is rude to enter without knocking. I must say that you are here sooner than expected."
The stallion grabbed his lightsaber as he said, "In the name of Equestria and the Crystal Knights, you are under arrest." He then activated his purple blade as Discord got up.
"Are you threatening me, young knight?"
"The council will decide your fate." Discord snapped his finger and a lightsaber appeared in his hand.
"Fluttershy dear, you might not want to see this." He then activated his lightsaber and teleported behind him. The stallion blocked his incoming strike as the duel began. The fight then took outside as the strikes scared off some animals. They then clashed their blades as Discord used his strength to break it.
Charming Thunder rode his speeder through the Everfree forest and noticed the Crystal Knight and Discrord dueling. He got off his speeder and rushed to the action. The knight then kicked Discord on the face which caused the dragoneques to drop his lightsaber in the lake and collapse backwards. Charming Thunder arrived as the knight pointed his lightsaber at the downed Discored. "You are under arrest, Discord," he said until he noticed Charming Thunder approach.
"Who authorized you to arrest him?" Charming Thunder asked. Futtershy peeped her head out of the cottage to see what's going on.
"The council only wants him alive."
"You do realize that you need Celestia's authorization to allow this."
"Celestia is the only alicorn that fully trusts him even that yellow Pegasus friend of yours. But now he leaves me no choice. I am going to end this once and for all."
"You can't. Celestia won't allow it."
"He is responsible for Regal Crescent's return. He is too dangerous to be left alive."
"It is not right. He must live." The knight glanced at Discord as he cowered in fear.
"Please don't," Discord said.
"I need him." The knight ignored him as he raised his lightsaber in the air preparing to strike.
"NO!!" Charming Thunder shouted as he activated his lightsaber and chopped the knight's hoof holding the lightsaber. The knight then screamed in pain as Disord then shot out lightning from his fingertips and pushed him far away from the cottage.
"What have I done!!" Charming Thunder sat down on a rock and dropped his deactivated lightsaber as Fluttershy came out of the cottage and placed a hoof on his shoulder.
"You were doing what's right, Charming," Fluttershy said as she comforted him.
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When Charming Thunder returned to the castle, he used the holo terminal to contact Celestia to tell her what happened. The image of the princess popped up as she said, "What is it, Charming?"
"Were you aware of the Crystal Knights trying to arrest Discord?" Charming Thunder asked.
"No. But that has caught my attention. Tell me everything that happened."
"The knight of the order was sent by the council to arrest him. But when I arrived, they were fighting and I had no choice but to stop him from striking Discord down."
"You did the right thing, nephew. I will have to talk to the council about the situation and try to tell them not to arrest Discord."
"Thank you, auntie." The holo figure faded away as Charming Thunder sat down on his rotatable chair and sighed with relief.
As a squadron of TIE Defenders flew over Ponyville, Charming Thunder stood at the castle balcony when a red guard entered. "Charming," the guard said.
The red unicorn then turned to the guard and answered, "Yes what is it?"
"Celestia wants you to make contact with her."
"Be sure that I am not disturbed." The guard bowed as Charming Thunder walked past him and entered the comm room. He pressed a button on the terminal and the holo figure of Celestia popped up. "You called?"
"Yes," Celestia said. "I just spoke with the council about the arrest attempt on Discord and they said that they never sent somepony to arrest him."
"Regal!! He must've had a Crystal Knight on his side."
"That's what I thought as well. In the mean time, our spies may have found Regal's base of operations and I need you to come to Canterlot immediately and meet up with Octavia."
"I'll be there as soon as possible." Celestia nodded and the transmission ended as Charming Thunder walked out of the room to his ship.
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The mare who escaped Canterlot was at the ship she escaped with polishing the armor on it. Regal then entered the hangar walking up to her. She noticed and bowed to his presence. "What brings you here, my lord?" she asked.
"You were being tracked," Regal said angrily.
"Whatever are you talking about?" Regal then pointed to a tracking beacon on the hull of the ship.
"The empire is now planning their assault thanks to you. That is why you must be cast aside."
"My lord, please. I can make it up to you and--" She was interrupted when she was being chocked by Regal's unicorn magic and lifted up in the air. The magic then snapped her neck and dropped her to the ground. The hooded unicorn then walked away from her corpse as he gestured the guards to throw her out.
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Charming Thunder's interceptor landed in the hangar as R4 popped out of the ship and followed Charming Thunder through the castle halls. He then entered the room where a hologram image of a volcano popped up in the middle of a table. He then noticed Octavia and walked up to her. "Great to see you, Charming," she said.
"You, too," Charming Thunder said. "So, what did our spies discover?"
"Regal's base is at the volcano where the dragons migrate. We plan to send our ground forces and eliminate his minions but there is one problem." The hologram then revealed a shield that surrounds the volcano. "A shield is guarding our way inside."
"I suggest that we send down our walkers to destroy the generator. Once the shield is down, I will head inside to deal with Regal Crescent himself while our forces eliminate the remaining ground forces."
"Allow me to lead the walker forces, sir," a voice said from behind.
"Ah, general," Charming Thunder said. "Good to see you."
"If I may, I suggest we send out one of our latest walkers." The general then pressed a button on a console and the hologram changed into an image of a walker with a heavy cannon. "It has enough firepower to destroy its generator as the other walkers protect it."
"Excellent plan. General, prepare your forces. We leave at once."
"Yes, sir." The general saluted and walked out of the room. Octavia followed him as Charming Thunder gestured R4 to leave. He was about to leave as well until he heard a voice.
"Charming Thunder," the voice of Sombra said. The spirit of Charming Thunder's father appeared behind him as the red unicorn turned.
"Father? What are you doing here?"
"I have come to help. Have you ever heard of Spirit Walk?"
"No. What is it?"
"It is a ritual that the ancient Crystal Knights performed to take spirits of the knights and utilize their strength. I want you to take my spirit and use my strength to defeat Regal Crescent. Now, close your eyes and raise your hoof towards me." Charming Thunder did as his father said and focused on his magic. Purple aura surrounded his father's spirit as he lifted up in the air. He then turned into a wisp and flew straight into Charming Thunder. He then opened his eyes as they glowed purple and then collapsed to the floor. "Use my strength well, my son. And end Regal's plan of revenge once and for all." He then got up and shook his head as his father's voice faded away in his head. He then walked out of the room and met up with the others.
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Charming Thunder stood in the Super Star Destroyer hangar as the walkers boarded their transports along with his personal walker. Unlike the regular AT-ST, it has rail guns on both sides of its head and a dark color scheme. He climbed up to is walker and entered the cockpit of his AT-ST. A driver sat next to him as he operated the controls to the walker. The ramp of the transport closed after the last walker entered the transport. "Alright, boys," Charming Thunder said into his comlink. "Our mission is to defend our heavy cannon walker as it makes its way to the shield generator. If we loose that walker we won't be able to get inside the base. Good luck."
Octavia stood at the bridge as she pointed to an engineer and said, "Ahead full." The fleet then began to fly away from Canterlot.
As the fleet arrived at the volcano, the destroyers stopped at the point where the transport ships began to fly out of the destroyers. Charming Thunder flipped switches in his walker and turned to the driver next to him. "You ready?" he asked.
"Right now I fell that I could take them on myself," the driver replied.
"I know what you mean." The ramp to the transport ship lowered and revealed the destination they were heading. a beeping sound came from the communications console and the unicorn pressed it to reveal a holo transmission from Octavia.
"The fleet is in position," she explained. "Our Comm scans have detected defense turrets in the trenches up ahead. They are strong enough to destroy the small walkers and our heavy cannon walker."
"Then they are alerted to our presence then. That admiral came in to close to the base."
"He was surprised and unwise."
"Clumsy as he is stupid. Admiral, prepare the crew to attack the cruiser when the shield is deactivated."
"Yes, sir." the transmission ended as Charming Thunder pressed buttons to contact the admiral that commanded the Star Destroyer next to the Super Star Destroyer. The admiral answered the call as a captain stood next to him.
"Sir," the admiral reported. "The fleet is in position and we are ready to--" He was interrupted when Charming Thunder used his magic to choke the admiral.
"Make ready for the order given by Octavia and deploy the fleet so that nopony will leave." He then used his magic to snap the admirals neck as he continued. "You are in command now, admiral."
"Thank you, sir." The transmission ended and gestured the driver to move the walker forward. The other walkers were ahead of the group leaving the transport. As they proceeded forward, the trench guns fired first and the battle has begun. Charming Thunder controlled the weapons of his walker and aimed at the direction where the turrets fired.
Charming Thunder then saw the target and said in his headset, "Heavy Cannon Walker, I see the target. Be ready to fire and--" He was interrupted when and explosion hit the leg of his walker. He grabbed the controls of the walker so that he could try to balance it. "I'M HIT!!" The walker then collapsed side ways which caused the driver to die from the impact to the ground. The heavy walkers cannon rotated to the direction where the generator was located and began to charge up to fire.
The general in the walker observed as he shouted, "Fire at maximum firepower!" The cannon fired towards the shield generator and destroyed it. The shield surrounding the volcano faded away. As the walkers approached the trenches, the enemy ground troops that mounted turrets began to make a hasty retreat. The hatch from the downed AT-ST opened and Charming Thunder leapt in the air and landed past the turret placement. He then encountered a dwarf spider walker heading his way as the other forces pulled back. It began to fire shots at him but Charming Thunder quickly activated his lightsaber and deflected the shots. He then jumped in the air and landed on top of its head and stabbed it. He then leapt off to the entrance and as he walked away from the spider droid, it began to spark and then exploded. He then proceeded through the hallway and came across a room full of the same spider droids he fought.
The doors closed behind Charming Thunder when he heard a voice saying, "Assesment: You have been excessively sporting during that battle that is going on outside." The hologram then revealed a pony looking droid standing tall in front of him. "I am HK-47, the masters most faithful ally and a mere assassin droid."
"I didn't know that a Crystal Knight believed in assassination," Charming Thunder said. "Or at least build droids to do his dirty work."
"Commentary: I am often surprised by my masters moral compass." Another hologram appeared next to the droid revealing the dwarf spider droid rotating around as HK-47 explained. "These dwarf spider droids are my masters crowning achievement. They are equipped with a self destruct mechanism whenever they are about to be destroyed. Any organics approach that explosion will end up being slaughtered. This includes 97.8% of the Equestrian population."
"Your droids won't get far, HK. Once I deal with you, your master will be next."
"Commentary: As much as I'm looking forward to butchering my enemies region by region, I have missed my personal touch. Your bones will make an excellent trophy along with that soon to be dead draconeques." The hologram then faded as a hatch raised up in the middle of the room to reveal HK-47 itself. Charming Thunder readied his lightsaber as the droid drew out its blaster. "Prejudice set to maximum." HK took its first shot and Charming Thunder deflected it to the wall. The droid then fired rapidly as the unicorn began to run away from the shots. He then jumped into the air and landed behind the droid and tried to strike it. The droid grabbed his hoof and forced him to drop his lightsaber. It then kicked him and pushed him to the ground. He then got up and countered the droids punch. He then grabbed its head and ripped it off of its body. He grabbed his lightsaber and placed it on his belt as he continued to find Regal Crescent deep inside the volcano.
Fighters flew out of the star destroyers and began their attack on the approaching cruiser heading their way. Octavia observed the attack as she commanded the engineers to get in range to attack. "Get on the side of that ship and prepare for attack," she shouted. The engineers operated the controls and plotted their course.
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Charming Thunder approached the center of the inside of the volcano where he saw Regal sitting meditating without his mask on. "That HK unit you destroyed," he began. "He waited loyally for years. I can rebuild him, but it won't be the same." He then got up and turned to face Charming Thunder. "Can't you see you are on the wrong side. Discord is death. For you. For me. For Equestria."
"Discord has turned into a new leaf and is using his magic for good," Charming Thunder said. "You can't just kill him for nothing."
"I am doing that to save lives not for glory. As a young knight, I went to war. I accepted violence and before I was left for dead, Discord founded me and gave me power I couldn't imagine. He made me a dark warrior then named me Revan. I killed for him. I turned on Equestria. But I have found redemption."
"How are you alive from a thousand years then?"
"I nearly destroyed Equestria, and that nearly destroyed me. When the Crystal Knights returned me to the light, the Old Lunar Republic which was lead by Nightmare Moon came. Celestia and I went to the castle and tried to confront her. When I was about to strike her down, Celestia stopped me and used her magic to lock me up in Tartarus. Then memories of my past came back. So I plotted for years along with Tirek to have my revenge on Discord."
"And you sent Malgus to do your work when Tirek revealed himself to Equestria."
"You are correct. All those years in that prison. I can feel Discord's power calling out my connection to magic. But I was in his mind too fighting him. Only I understand both the light and dark. And Discord's death will be my responsibility." Regal then levitated his mask and placed it on his face. He then grabbed his bracelet and placed it on his hoof and the purple crystal covered his hoof forming a blade.
"We both know that we don't have to do this."
"Think what you want, son of Sombra. It will not help. I have saved Equestria twice before. I fought griffons and servants of the Lunar Republic. You won't stop me." Charming Thunder activated his lightsaber as Regal leapt in the air to strike first. The red unicorn then blocked the strikes as they moved in the volcano. Charming Thunder then kicked Regal in the face and leapt up to a platform. Regal followed him as the duel continued. Charming Thunder then charged at him and tackled him to the ground. Regal then grabbed Charming Thunder's neck and started to lift him off the ground. As he was about to make the final blow, Charming Thunder's eyes began to glow purple and magic blasted into his opponent. They both impact on a wall far away from each other.
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The Super Star Destroyer approached the cruiser and began to open fire like a pirate ship battle. The hull on the cruiser took tons of damage as the destroyers cannons destroyed the bridge. The ship then began to fly downwards and crashed into lava and began to sink along with the crew inside it. The engineers inside the destroyer cheered for joy as Octavia gazed at the volcano. She then turned to an officer and said, "Inform the troops on the ground to find Charming Thunder." The officer then saluted and rushed out of the room.
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Regal got up to see Charming Thunder unconscious. He began to approach the downed unicorn as he said, "I see that you have learned that ritual to gain strength. Who's spirit did you take?" He then stopped in front of Charming Thunder as he groaned and struggled to get up. "It doesn't matter anymore. Because now the time has come to end this suffering....forever." As Regal was about to make his final blow, a tail of a dragoneques wrapped his hoof and pulled him away. "YOU!!!"
"Yes me," Discord said. "Who did you expect?"
"I should've known that you would risk your life to save this unicorn. Just as I will soon confront the princesses once I'm through with you. But for now, I'm going to do what I should've done when I first met you." Regal began to charge at Discord and as the draconeques was about to snap his fingers, he was tackled and hung on the edge of the platform holding Regal by his crystal blade. Charming Thunder got up to notice Discord in trouble and rushed to grab his paw hand. Regal then leaned back and forth to grab the ledge as Charming Thunder tried to lift him up from the edge.
"Hang on, Discord," Charming Thunder said as he used his strength to lift him up. He then noticed Regal who successfully climbed up and laughed menacingly as he raised his arm.
"And he shall smite the wicked and plung them into the fiery pit." Purple aura surrounded Charming Thunder as the spirit of Sombra roared at him. He then flew at Regal as he moved back and slipped off the edge. He then fell down into a pit of lava as Charming Thunder successfully lifted Discord up.
"Now we're even. You saved my life now I save yours."
"You were suppose to stay with Fluttershy," Charming Thunder said as troops approached him.
"Sir, I see that you...had things under control," the soldier said. "Where's Regal?"
"Dead. He fell into the pit of lava." Charming Thunder looked down to see Regal's damaged mask he wore during the duel. "Lets get out of here." The group then walked out of the volcano to a transport to go back to the Super Star Destroyer.
As Charming Thunder walked to Celestia's throne room to make his report, he heard a voice telling him, "You have done well, my son." The spirit of Sombra appeared in front of him as he continued. "You have proven to yourself that you will soon be a king just like me. Now, release my spirit as I return to peace." Charming Thunder's eyes glowed as purple aura surrounded him and Sombra and then faded away. He then knelt down to the ground as he struggled to get up. He shook his head as he got up and placed his hoof on the door and looked into the air and smiled. He then opened the door to the throne room and walked to the end of the stairs.
"It is done," Charming Thunder said. "Regal has been dealt with and his cult is finally no more."
"It is finished then," Celestia said as she walked down the stairs. "You have restored peace and justice to Equestria once again, my nephew."
"Thank you, Aunt Celestia."
"If I may asking, what happened out there when you faced him?"
"When I thought I was done for, Discord came to save my life. As Regal was about to strike me, my father's spirit came and caused him to fall down to the pit of lava."
"No need to say more. I think I know what else happened." Charming Thunder turned and walked towards the window close to him. Celestia then placed her hoof on his shoulder as she said, "Your father would be proud."
"I'm just not sure if I am ready to be king. Do you think so?"
"When the time comes. Now go. You have a wife and child to take care of." Charming Thunder nodded and exited the room.
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Charming Thunder stood at the castle balcony in Ponyville starring out to the distance with concern in his eyes. The spirit of Star Swirl appeared behind him as he said, "You have done the right thing you know." Charming Thunder turned to face him as Sombra appeared next to him.
"Master Star Swirl?" Charming Thunder said.
"I am impressed that you used your father's teachings to defeat an ancient knight of our order."
"But why didn't you tell me? You told me that he died a thousand years ago since Nightmare Moon."
"Regal was seduced to dark magic," Sombra said. "He ceased to be Regal Crescent and became Revan. When that happened the good stallion was destroyed."
"So what I told you was true. From a certain point of view."
"I understand now," Charming Thunder said. He then turned away from them as he gazed at the sky.
"I know it seems hard for you to get rid of your guilt of killing me but I already forgive you, my friend." The spirits then faded away as Twilight Sparkle entered the balcony. She then walked up next to him and wrapped a wing around him.
"It is good to see that you made it back alive," she said.
"Twilight, if I ever become king, I fear that I can't rule alone." Twilight then kissed his cheek and nudged him.
"Me and our daughter will always be with you."
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At the base of the volcano, a hooded figure approached the mask on the ground and picked it up with its hoof. The figure took a glimpse at it as it said, "It is not over yet, young stallion."
