> Dovahshy May Cry
>  by Draconis187
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Partycrasher
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
The Partycrasher
Author: Draconis187

The Changelings had finally taken over Canterlot and Ponyville. Queen Chrysalis had employed an effective stratagem against the ponies. Their attack began four months prior, mainly involving small, probing attacks meant to weaken and assess the defences of the ponies. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance from the Crystal Empire tried to lend assistance but their train was captured whilst in transit to Canterlot.

Once the Changelings understood the magnitude of the ponies’ defences, they launched a massive air and ground assault on Canterlot. Most of the forces stationed there rushed to intercept them, but left themselves wide open for a surprise attack which was led by the Queen herself. The Elite Royal Guards were amongst those who stayed behind to protect Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna. Sadly the Queen brought her own Royal Guard which defeated Canterlot’s Elite.

With their Guards defeated and with any form of reinforcements too far away to assist them in time, the sisters surrendered on the condition their subjects would be spared. Chrysalis agreed and imprisoned the sisters in a cocoon in the main throne room as an example to any opposition. When the news spread to Ponyville, the town panicked. Many left for the furthest borders of Equestria, some to the Griffon Empire and Cloudsdale was moved to Appleloosa in the west.

Five ponies were amongst those who stayed behind to fight. Twilight Sparkle, a purple unicorn under Celestia’s personal tutelage; Rarity, a white unicorn and the local fashion designer/ seamstress; Rainbow Dash, a blue Pegasus whose flying skills were unmatched in Ponyville; Applejack, an orange Earth Pony who was the owner of the local apple farm; the last was Pinkie Pie, a pink Earth Pony and the best party planner this side of Equestria. The only pony missing from their group was Fluttershy: a yellow Pegasus who went missing one year prior to these events.

The five tried to get to Canterlot through the series of tunnels and caverns that laid under it. Twilight remembered about them from the time Chrysalis put her there during her sister-in-law’s wedding to her brother Shining Armor. The caves were dark and damp. Rarity tried to complain about it several times but the rest made her keep quiet by telling her they could be captured. They neared their goal, an opening that led into a storeroom in the main castle. As they got into the storeroom they realised that Chrysalis remembered the underground system as well. The Changelings on duty captured them after the group tried to run.

They were led through the castle towards the throne room where Chrysalis spent her time. The group were shocked to see their princesses suspended from the ceiling. As further torture, the sisters were completely aware of their surroundings but they were unable to do anything. As the group were presented to the new Queen of Equestria, she cackled.

“My my, look what we have here. You thought you could just come in uninvited and free your princesses? Or were you after your precious Elements of Harmony? If it was the latter and if memory serves there were six of them and six of you. Ha-ha!” She was right. Twilight planned on freeing the princesses as Plan A. Plan B was to try use the Elements despite being one short.

The five were placed in cocoons and suspended on the ceiling next to the princesses. Twilight could see the despair in her teacher’s eyes. There was nothing she could do or say to make her feel better, all hope had been lost.

Within a week, the Changelings invaded and took over Ponyville. The ponies were not trained fighters and couldn’t fight back well enough. Each Changeling had a pony they could suck the love out of. Many ponies became slaves to the Changelings, serving as their food or whatever they desired. Vinyl Scratch, a white unicorn with two-toned blue hair was spared only so she could play her music to them. The same went for the Octavia Quartet in Canterlot. If they were drained of their love, their music would suffer and the Changelings seemed to enjoy their music.

A month later, a Pegasus returned to Ponyville. It had been a long, life-changing year for the yellow Pegasus and it showed. She walked on her hind legs with surprising ease whilst wearing a deep red coat that went down to her knees. Just above her flanks were two pistols: a pink one with the word ‘Pity’ etched on the handle and a cyan one with the word ‘Fool’ also etched on its handle. On her back was a large metal tube-like object with a bayonet under the front, it had the words ‘Kalina Ann’ etched on its handle. She had a small black dagger hidden under her right wing and two long black curving blades that stood as long as she was tall on her back, under the Kalina Ann: one crackled with electricity while the other was encased in fire. She wore a small ornate cross around her neck. Despite their weight, she carried them with surprising ease. 

Her face had a very serious, cold expression as well as three small scars on her left cheek. As she reached the outskirts of Ponyville she could tell something was amiss. It wasn’t until she got close enough to see a Changeling flying by that her heart sank. As she got to the town square, a Changeling landed in front of her, barring her passage.

“What have we here? You must have a death wish for coming here.” It said with a grin. “We could always use another slave though.”

She didn’t respond, she just looked around and saw some Changelings carrying Vinyl Scratch’s equipment. The unicorn looked at Fluttershy in disbelief. “You had to go and throw a party without me? Oh well, better late than never I guess. Vinyl, play me something good will you?” Fluttershy said with a smile.

Before the Changeling in front of her could say anything, a resounding bang echoed through the quiet town. The Changeling collapsed, green blood pouring out of the new small hole in its forehead. A small faint trail of smoke was coming from the barrel of Pity which Fluttershy was holding in her left hoof. The other Changelings then attacked her. Fluttershy wasted no time and pulled out Fool and fired both guns. Bullets flew and hit them either in the chest, head, legs and neck. They all fell, bleeding from their multiple wounds. Those that weren’t dead yet were well on their way to the afterlife due to excessive blood loss.

Vinyl had finished setting up her equipment once the last Changeling fell. Fluttershy looked to Vinyl and said: “Let’s party!” taking the hint Vinyl put a record on the table and played at the highest possible volume setting. All the Changelings within earshot flew towards the source, wanting to find out what was going on.

This was according to Fluttershy’s plan. She wanted to lure as many Changelings as possible to one location. As they got close she put her pistols away and pulled Kalina Ann over her shoulder and aimed. As she pulled the trigger, a rocket flew out the tube. It screamed towards the Changelings who panicked and tried to avoid it. The rocket impacted with one unfortunate Changeling and sent its guts flying all over the place. The shockwave from the rocket’s explosion also took out a few more Changelings, knocking them against the walls of nearby buildings and to the ground. They still didn’t give up trying to kill the Pegasus who only smiled sadistically as the rest of the Changelings living in Ponyville finally arrived. 

She put the Kalina Ann back and pulled out her pistols again. She fired several rounds, killing off a few as they got closer. She put the pistols away and proceeded to take out the two greatswords from their holders on her back and readied herself for their onslaught. She severed a Changeling’s head, and then kicked it towards the others. Its horn impaled another Changeling in its chest, killing it instantly. The force also sent it flying into the group, bowling them over. As they kept coming, she slashed the air in front of her, sending two waves of fire and lightning at them. She kept her murderous rampage until they were reduced to three. She severed the legs off one and left it for dead; another had a gash across its throat, it was slowly suffocating as the gash was burnt and had made it too hard to breathe properly.

The last one tried to fly off but Fluttershy pulled Kalina Ann out and fired the bayonet. It imbedded itself in the coward’s flank, and the rocket launcher retracted the blade with the Changeling still attached to it. After it got close to the ground, she pulled out her dagger and held it to its throat. She had her face very close to the Changeling and whispered in a slow, foreboding tone.

“Where are my friends?” she asked. The Changeling – fearing for its life – told Fluttershy everything it knew. It also warned her that Canterlot was heavily guarded and Chrysalis’ Elite protected the throne room. She just chuckled and replied: “Is that all? I thought it was going to be hard.”

The one-pony-army decided to head for the Ponyville Train Station. The conductor there was nervous about travelling to Canterlot. Fluttershy convinced him by promising to protect his train until they got there; after he dropped her off he was free to head back. He told her it was suicide but she smiled and replied: “It’s not suicide, it’s a party.”

As the train got ready, Fluttershy could see the Changeling she spared flying off towards Canterlot to warn Chrysalis. Fluttershy chuckled and then checked her gear before boarding the train.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot…

Chrysalis was sat in the throne room with a variety of maps on the table in front of her. She planned to invade the Griffon Empire nearby but she decided to bide her time, Equestria still had more than enough love to sustain them for a while. As she went over possible strategies with her advisor, the doors opened.

“Who dares disturb the Queen?!” The advisor shouted. The Changeling Fluttershy spared was thrown on the floor by the Elites that dragged it in. It was still bleeding out from the hole the bayonet made in its flank. It began stammering, finding it difficult to form a coherent sentences due to fear. 

Chrysalis raised her hoof and spoke, “Take a deep breath and tell me – slowly – about what matter is of such great importance that you would disturb your Queen.”

The Changeling took a deep breath and managed to calm down enough to be able to speak properly. “It’s about the Changelings in Ponyville my Queen.”

“Yes?”

“W-well, they are all… t-they are, t-that is to say… how can I say this? They're… dead, Your Highness.” It said, cowering before the Queen

“WHAT?!!” she screamed. She had screamed so loudly that the windows reverberated audibly. “How is this possible?!!”  She demanded.

“It was a yellow Pegasus Your Majesty. She came in to the town about two hours ago and killed every single one of my brethren, all by herself. She fought like a demon possessed her. She only spared me so I could warn you. As I left I saw her at the train station so she seems to be coming that way.” It replied.

“Is she THAT arrogant that she would let me know of her coming? What game is she playing at?” She muttered under her breath. She noticed the Changeling was still there, looking up at her. “You may go.”

“Now, send every Changeling guarding the skies to guard the railway leading here!” She said to one of Elite guards, who flew off to carry out her orders. She then turned her attention to the rest. “Put every other Changeling on high alert! This mare must not get into the castle, is that understood?!”

As the rest went off to spread the word, Twilight was thinking. Who was this Pegasus that could rattle these Changelings so? Did she really kill every Changeling in Ponyville on her own? She only knew of one yellow Pegasus but it couldn’t be timid, caring Fluttershy, could it?

Back at Ponyville Train Station…

Both the conductor and Fluttershy were ready. The train consisted of just the engine and one carriage. Once they got through the third tunnel along the route to Canterlot, Fluttershy would get up on the roof of the carriage and take out any Changelings that got close. As they left the station, the conductor turned to Fluttershy.

“You're a Pegasus, why don’t you just fly to Canterlot?” He asked.

“It’s a one and a half hour flight. I would be quite drained once I got there and I can not afford to be if I want to save my friends.” She replied. The conductor nodded, understanding her reason.

Fluttershy was leaning against on of the walls inside the engine room. She looked out the engine’s window and saw the countryside roll past them.

“How long ago did all this happen?” she asked.

“You mean Ponyville? It happened about a month ago. Canterlot was taken before that. Did you live in Ponyville before? You seemed to know Vinyl Scratch.” He replied.

“A month… I'm not sure how long I've been gone for but yes, I used to live near Ponyville. I was the animal caretaker there.”

“Wait, you're Fluttershy?!” He shouted with surprise. She nodded her head. “Damn, I heard you vanished over a year ago! Your friends had been searching for you for seven months! What happened?”

“Believe me, it’s a very long story.” She replied solemnly. 

“Why didn’t you visit Spike while we were still in Ponyville? I'm sure he missed you just as much.” He said.

“I considered it, but that changed when I saw the Changelings. I can't think of myself right now.” She replied sadly. The conductor decided to not pursue the matter.

As they came out of the third tunnel leading to Canterlot the conductor turned to Fluttershy again.

“It’s time Miss Fluttershy. You keep them Changelings away and I’ll get you to Canterlot Station.” Fluttershy nodded and flew up onto the carriage’s roof.

The skies in front of them were packed with Changelings, all wearing a form of light green armour similar in design to the Royal Guards’ Ceremonial Armour. They saw the approaching train and flew in to attack. Fluttershy readied her pistols and took a deep breath…

“TIID KLO UL!!” she shouted at the top of her lungs. All of a sudden the Changelings slowed down, you could see their wings slowly flapping. Fluttershy on the other hoof was not affected and opened fire. Her bullets tore through the armour with ease, killing them. The Changelings even fell slowly to the ground as they were fatally wounded from the gunfire. Soon the effect was wearing off and the Changelings were returning to real time. Fluttershy was still keeping up her onslaught though, much to the Changelings’ dismay. She pulled out Kalina Ann and fired it into a group of Changelings, killing them instantly.

Of the 50 Changelings that were on guard above Canterlot’s railways, only 4 made it back. They were still bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds but they were still somewhat alive. Fluttershy went back inside the train and nodded at the conductor. She looked back out the window, watching Canterlot Station come into view.

As Fluttershy got off the train she saw the station was completely deserted. She kept her pistols at the ready just in case. The conductor waved to Fluttershy and locked up his train. He would only stay for two hours, after that she would have to fly back to Ponyville. With the Castle looming in front of her and Changelings undoubtedly readying to try and stop her, the stage was set. She set off to make the reign of Queen Chrysalis a short one.

> Bullets and Flashbacks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Bullets and Flashbacks
Author: Draconis187

As Fluttershy walked down the deserted streets of Canterlot she saw that the Changelings were being awfully lenient with her. She only encountered two or three at the most and even then they flew off in terror when she looked at them. This made her smile though: “Barely an hour in Canterlot and my reputation precedes me.”

As she carried on through the desolate streets she found herself wondering how she could have been gone for a year? She reminded herself of the day it all started.

***			***			***

It was a normal day in Canterlot. Twilight and Fluttershy had just got off the train and headed to the Archives. Twilight was after a particular spellbook she couldn’t find in her own library/ home. The guards let them in without a fuss, one even asked how they were doing.

“Uh, T-Twilight. What was that name of the book again? Why did you need me though? Couldn’t Spike o-or Rainbow Dash be more helpful?” Fluttershy asked. Twilight looked at her with a smile.

“It’s called an Elder Scroll, it’s not a book. Princess Celestia said that there may be one here. I read a small description about it in the library but it was quite vague. All it said was that it contains increadible magic so I want to see if the spells inside would be useful. Isn't it exciting?” She replied with cheerful glee, not answering the rest of Fluttershy’s questions. “Now you look over there and I’ll look over here.”

“Oh, o-okay” She muttered back.

Twilight was fully immersed in her little world thanks to the sheer number of scrolls, books and various loose pieces of parchment that lay around on the floor and in the bookshelves. Fluttershy on the other hoof was scared that she might break something and gingerly moved the books and scrolls apart.

“Find it yet?!” Twilight yelled from across the hallway. Twilight went through 16 bookcases and Fluttershy had only just finished going through one.

“Not ye- um Twilight?”

“Yes?!” 

“Is it a rather large scroll with a sun marking in the middle and gold in colour with some purple gems on it?”

“That might be it. Bring it over here and I’ll take a look.”

Fluttershy tried to grab the scroll but it was pretty heavy for the weak Pegasus. Whether it due to the weight, the poor hold she had on it or one could argue that it was fate, she dropped it. As it hit the floor with a resounding clang it rolled open. As it did a bright light started to envelop the entire room. Fluttershy screamed and Twilight tried to run to her aid but the blinding light hindered her movement and she collided with a bookcase. Fluttershy stopped screaming and as the light dissipated Twilight knew why: both the scroll and Fluttershy were gone.

***			***			***

Unbeknownst to her while she was reminiscing, the Changelings were lining up in the streets and rooftops ahead. They were carrying crossbows, bows and one had a ballista that they disguised under a small tent. Some others were hiding behind dustbins in the alleyways carrying cudgels and axes amongst other melee weaponry. They were muttering to each other, wondering if the rumour they heard was true: that she killed every Changeling in Ponyville by herself and if they stood a chance against her. They feared that this creature was not even a pony but a demon sent to eradicate the Changeling race. She was certainly had the abilities for it.

The Canterlot Gardens were a few short kilometres away from Fluttershy’s current standpoint. She had the odd feeling that she was being watched by something but she couldn’t find it. Readying her pistols, she flew up to the roof of the nearest building for a better view of the area.

“BUCK!!” she shouted as a crossbow bolt whizzed past her, taking a small lock of her pink mane with it. She turned around and saw a – now quite physically shitting himself – Changeling across the street on a rooftop with a crossbow in its hooves. It fumbled to reload the crossbow only to receive a well placed bullet to the skull. Its head exploded, splattering green blood and whatever was left of its brain all over the rooftop.

The other Changelings came out from under cover and attacked. Three pulled the tent off the ballista and aimed it at the maniacal Pegasus. The ballista fired and Fluttershy noticed it hurling towards her. Taking out her greatswords, she jumped and landed on top of the ballista bolt and by using her wings and swords to change the bolt's direction, she rode it towards a group of changelings. She sliced them apart as she flew past them, creating a shower of blood and body parts on the ground below.

The Changelings cut their losses again and fled, leaving the ballista behind. Fluttershy continued to ride the bolt until it crashed on the other side of Canterlot. She jumped off it before it made contact with the ground, shattering into splinters of wood and glided down onto the street. Even this side of Canterlot was deserted, nopony anywhere. She tried to open one of the doors and found it unlocked.

The room was deserted, no signs of struggle and yet the place was fully furnished as if there were tenants living inside. As she wandered through the empty home her mind went back to the events just after she vanished.

***			***			***	

A Redguard named Baral was on his way to Whiterun to request guards to help protect the small town of Riverwood. The reason was that the nearby keep Helgen was destroyed by a large black dragon that made fire fall from the skies. He walked on the road along the river, dealing with the odd wolf that popped up but something caught his eye. On the other side of the river bank was an odd, yellow creature he had never seen before. He waded through the river in order to reach it and found it resembled a horse albeit it was as tall as his abdomen and it… had wings?

As the dark skinned Redguard examined it he saw it was covered in bruises and a few cuts, “either from the journey through the river or from whatever caused it to wind up in the river. Better not leave such a strange creature to be eaten, Divines know what it could be worth.” He thought. Picking the pony up he found she was relatively light and carried her all the way to Whiterun.  He got to the stables and asked the owner to look after it until he got somewhere to put it. The owner agreed and promised to not sell it, after Baral removed his sword from his throat. 

***			***			***	

Fluttershy snapped back to reality, remembering she still had a job that needed to be finished. Pulling herself away from the various family pictures, she looked to the castle through one of the windows on the second floor.

“Hang on girls, I will be there soon.” She muttered under her breath. Pulling out a jammed round from Fool she looked around the second floor and found something that brought a tear to her eye. Laid on the floor was a filly’s doll, it looked like the filly had hoofstitched it herself. The family’s rush to leave must have made the poor filly forget her doll; either that or they got taken by the Changelings. Putting the doll in one of her pockets inside her coat she brushed her hoof past the Elder Scroll that started this mess.

She left the house through the door she came from. Wiping the tear from her face she told herself: “No crying, you still have a job to do. You can cry when your friends are free.” Closing the door behind her, she set course for the castle once more.

***			***			***	

A Changeling came into the throne room, informing Chrysalis of the failed ambush. Twilight and the others were looking at each other, their eyes filled with hope for the first time in weeks. Chrysalis on the other hoof was worried that this pony might actually get to the castle. She sent out every single Changeling, including three of her Elite which left six to guard the throne room. She also sent a small group to call the rest of the invasion force back to Canterlot, she needed this pony dead NOW. She made for the observation tower outside and looked feverishly for this Pegasus and after two minutes she found Fluttershy leaving the house. Further up the street by one of the larger plazas another ambush was being readied with one of her Elite coordinating the attack.

***			***			***	

Fluttershy continued her trek through the streets heading obliviously towards the ambush. A small flash appeared off in the distance somewhere around the castle and caught her eye. She searched for her spyglass inside her coat and pulled it out. She extended it and searched around the castle’s towers and battlements. She saw Chrysalis staring back at her from the observation tower Luna and Celestia use. The two didn’t move or do anything else other than stare at each other for a few seconds. Deciding to react first she put the spyglass away and pulled out Kalina Ann. She aimed for the tower and fired a rocket. 

***			***			***	

Chrysalis spied this metal object whistling as it flew… directly towards her. She flew off the platform in time to watch the rocket fly straight past where she was just standing. Finally realising the extents this pony was prepared to go, she felt she was still shaking. She realised she was experiencing true fear for the first time.

***			***			***	

Fluttershy kept her eyes open this time and her pistols in her hooves, prepared for an attack. She checked through the alleys as she went by but found them completely vacant. She eventually arrived at the plaza and stopped near the centre. She looked around at the various buildings in the plaza, thinking that there was something weird about the fact that she hadn’t seen another Changeling. Shrugging off the feeling, she moved on towards the castle.

As she got to the edge of the plaza a strange wind blew, making Fluttershy feel uneasy. She turned around to see a single Changeling standing in the centre of the plaza. It looked very sure of itself but that changed once Fluttershy aimed at it. Before she could fire, a voice said: “Hold it!” The source of the voice came out from behind a sign saying: ‘Buy one cone get one free!’ It was a changeling unlike the rest. As it came out more Changelings came out of various hiding places, some were aiming at her with ranged weapons from the rooftops like earlier.

This Changeling stood slightly taller than the others and her; its chitinous plating was a pale blue and covered a greater portion of its body. The only unnatural armour was the steel kettle helmet it wore. It stood on its hind legs like Fluttershy but it looked as if it was hatched that way. It was bulkier than the rest and carried a large double sided axe over its shoulder.

“No further. You will not reach the Queen.” It said in a very deep voice. Fluttershy kept her guns pointed at the changeling and smiled at it.

“And how do you think you will stop me?” It grabbed its axe and slammed it into the ground. The force cleaved the ground apart, the crack continuing past Fluttershy and collapsing the building behind her.

“Try me.” It replied with a snide smile.

Fluttershy opened fire, bullets deflecting off its chitinous armour. The bullets that did connect with its body didn’t deter it from getting closer. Cutting her losses with bullets, she took out her greatswords and blocked the axe that came at her. The Elite was standing over her, trying to force the axe through her swords but to no avail. They were made in the Skyforge which made them tougher than regular Ebony weaponry. The Elite then brought its leg up, kicking Fluttershy in the gut and sent her flying backwards into the three story building behind them.

She crashed through three bookcases before hitting the wall. Slightly dazed, she saw the Elite coming for her again. Knowing this thing was prepared to fight dirty, she decided to treat it with the same conduct. She picked up her swords, got into a battle stance and inhaled deeply.

“ZUN HAAL VIIK!!” she shouted. A powerful wind blew up and hit the Elite, sending its axe flying backwards. The axe stopped after it collided with an unfortunate Changeling, cleaving its head and body in two. The shocked Elite took one look back at its axe, then back at Fluttershy and charged at her. He brought his hooves down in a double overhead haymaker but Fluttershy dodged it by rolling backwards and sliced into the air. The waves on lightning and fire found their mark, scorching it around its forelegs.

Enraged further, the Elite came at Fluttershy with another double overhead haymaker, this time it missed again but it he continued until his attack collided with the ground. The shockwave it created shook the building to its foundations, creating cracks all along the supporting walls. Fluttershy noticed this occurrence and had an idea. She stood in front of one of the supporting walls and put her swords away. She raised one hoof and made the universal ‘Bring it on’ sign. The Elite charged and just before it got too close, Fluttershy shouted once more. 

“WULD NAH KEST!!” she shouted, thrusting herself forward at incredible speed. She appeared a short distance behind the Elite who crashed into the wall. Fluttershy bolted out the hole she made earlier as the building collapsed on the Elite. The other Changelings watching the fight outside the building took a step back and continued to do so as Fluttershy stepped forward. Their fear was so thick she could cut it with her dagger. She pulled out Kalina Ann and slammed it into the ground, burying the bayonet in the plaza’s gravel-covered ground. She smiled at them and pressed the third trigger near the back of the rocket launcher. The butt fired a salvo of mini missiles at the Changelings who tried to flee in terror of this new attack. The missiles homed in and blew up several Changelings into a shower of green blood and body parts.

She put Kalina Ann back and took out her pistols. The remaining Changelings that were too stupid to leave were killed in the resulting hail of gunfire. Fluttershy put her guns away and looked towards the rubble of the collapsed bookstore. The Elite didn’t come out, clearly crushed underneath three floors of bookstore.

“Twilight would kill me if she knew I did that on purpose. I wonder if there are any more of those strange Changelings?” She said to herself as she dusted her coat off and checked for jams in her pistols, ejecting the current rounds in them to be sure. She began her trek towards the Canterlot Gardens as the castle lay just beyond them.

***			***			***	

Baral’s meeting with the Jarl went well, Riverwood was getting its support and he was being given the task to retrieve a Dragonstone from Bleak Falls Barrow which lay in the mountains between Riverwood and Whiterun. He was warned that the Ancient Nords defend their tombs as undead known as Draugr. Baral went to the stable to see how the creature was doing.

When he got there he found the creature went missing. After interrogating the owner he found out that it woke up and spoke in plain English! Terrified, the creature ran off to the south, in the direction of Bleak Falls. Sighing Baral went off in search for the creature.

He found hoofprints too small to be a normal horse and followed them. As he neared the mountain he spotted a pack of wolves acting in a strangely bizzare manner. They saw him but seemed to be more concerned with defending their den. He had to go in since the hoofprints went in. As he got closer the wolves started to growl at him. Drawing his blade in one hand and raising his shield in the other, he readied himself for combat.

As one charged for him he attacked with a back-hand slice. He caught the wolf’s head, taking its lower jaw clean off. He then kicked it into the rest of the pack and shouted: “Who’s next?!”

The wolves dispersed, leaving him to search their den. Laid in the middle, caring for an injured wolf was the creature. It was speaking to it.

“There, there.” It said in a soft female voice. “Now you just stay off that leg for a few days and you’ll be right as rain.”

She turned around and saw Baral standing there with a blank expression on his face. Not only was this creature moving but it spoke like the stable owner said, and was treating a wolf like one of the Priestesses of Kynareth do for the sick. They stood there, looking at each other in silence. Baral decided to break the silence.

“Who are you?” he said slowly.

“F-Fluttershy.” She replied softly.

They spent the next few minutes getting acquainted with one another. Baral found out that Fluttershy was a Pegasus pony from Equestria and Fluttershy learned she was in Skyrim. Baral told her of how he found her laid on the river bank, unconscious and said that was how she was in the stables. She seemed scared when he told her about the dragon that attacked Helgen so he proposed that she should journey with him and he will help her find her way back home as well as protect her. She accepted and as the two left she saw the wolf Baral killed. After he explained what had happened she still decided to go with him since he seemed like her best chance at going home. A few off the wolves came back and decided to follow them. Baral was apprehensive about it but Fluttershy promised they would help and not attack them. With three wolves ready to help, they set off for Bleak Falls Barrow.

***			***			***	

She saw the Gardens weren’t too far anymore and kept her pistols ready. Her thoughts were now centred on freeing her friends and nothing was going to stand in her way and live. 

> Garden of Storms
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Garden of Storms
Author: Draconis187

Chrysalis was pacing up and down the throne room, clad in full battle armour. The black steel covered almost every part of her body. It wasn’t very elegant nor was it very light, going for protection over form. She had two pouches of green crystal daggers, a lance and a very large broadsword on her. She used her magic to wield them in combat. She was getting more worried ever since one of the Changelings came in to tell her that Fluttershy dropped a building on top of one of her Elites, killing it.

The other Elites looked to each other, wondering what this creature is if it could kill an Elite. Whilst Chrysalis’ back was turned they discussed whether if was better to surrender rather than fight. They decided to forget it since that was against a single Elite and they were six, they should be able to deal with one supernatural pony hell bent on killing them. Right? 

***                      ***                     ***              ***

As Fluttershy got to the Canterlot Gardens she noticed that even the animals had left. She shed a small tear after searching high and low for any sighs of an animal of any kind. Empty nests, burrows and no sound of any bird saddened her. She hadn’t seen another Changeling since that Elite she buried in the plaza. She found a bench and sat down, killing so many Changelings was starting to take its toll on her body. She didn’t need much time to recuperate but it was a necessary move.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Snow was starting to fall as the group made their way up the mountain to Bleak Falls Barrow. Baral; Fluttershy and three wolves saw a lone tower guarded by two bandits. Hiding behind a few rocks and a tree, Baral turned to Fluttershy.

“Now, see those people over there?” Fluttershy nodded. “Now those are bandits, mainly murderers, rapist and thieves. They will kill you or sell you without a second thought but stay here. I’ll call you once I've dealt with them, ok?”
As he began to head towards the bandits he heard Fluttershy softly say, “Be careful.” Keeping his shield raised, he crept around the rocks and bushes as he made his way towards the tower. He was spotted as he came out of cover. An arrow flew towards him but it got deflected off the shield.

The archer tried a few more arrows but Baral kept deflecting them. He cut his losses and pulled out his Iron sword and charged at Baral. Hearing the commotion, the bandit on the top of the tower started to come down to assist her comrade. Baral blocked the first bandit’s attack with his shield and thrust his own blade into the bandit’s sternum.

The second bandit got down the steps and came at Baral with a greatsword. Before Baral could attack, one of the wolves jumped and bowled over the bandit. The other two were just behind the first, tearing at the bandit’s flesh. She was screaming helplessly as the wolves had knocked her weapon out of her hands. Baral watched this brutal savagery and turned to look at the rocks Fluttershy was hiding behind. He could see her head peeping over the rocks, looking at him and the wolves. He gestured for her to come and she flew over.

The bandit had stopped screaming, bleeding profusely from multiple bite wounds and scratch marks, evidently dead. As Fluttershy joined the group Baral was searching through the bandits’ pockets, pocketing some gold; the bow and a quiver of arrows; a pair of fur boots and gloves which he put on. He wasn’t interested in the greatsword but he turned to Fluttershy and presented the bow and quiver.

“From what you told me about yourself and Equestria, you are capable of using your hooves like hands, correct?” Fluttershy nodded. “As I'm sure that you don’t want them to see you, I believe you may want to use this.” Raising the bow and quiver, Fluttershy took a step back. ”Don’t be like that, look as much as the wolves are a great help, people won't let a pack of wolves into the city but you may just be an exception since you can speak. I need someone I can trust. I trust you and I would be honoured if you would accept.”

One of the wolves nudged Fluttershy, encouraging her to take the offer and the weapon. She took a big gulp and reluctantly took the bow and arrows.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Feeling better Fluttershy got up and proceeded to go further into the Gardens. The trip through was still uneventful… until she got halfway through the Gardens. Standing with near to one hundred Changelings and three ballistae was another Elite Changeling.

Unlike the first, this one was much leaner. It had dark blue chitinous plating that cored its chest and knees; and it carried two long curved blades in its hooves. It let out a high pitched laugh at Fluttershy who drew her pistols, ready to unleash a hailstorm of lead.

“Now, now my little Pegasus. I heard what you did to my friend, and I have no intention of fighting you.” It said, even its voice was high pitched, as if it swallowed a tank of helium. It moved to the side, as did the rest of its forces giving her a clear path through the Gardens. Fluttershy moved slowly towards them and kept her guns pointed at the Elite’s head.

As she got closer the Elite shot past her with blinding speed. Due to reflexes she let off a few rounds indiscriminately. Four Changelings fell to the ground and she noticed her head felt a little lighter. She looked down and saw that one side of her mane was cut off, what was left reached her shoulder instead of her flank. The Elite was looking at her with a sadistic smile on its face and came for her again but this time Fluttershy was ready.

She shot up into the air and flipped herself upside down. Using her wings, she spun herself around while sending a hailstorm of bullets towards the Elite beneath her. The Elite deflected them with its swords and cut a few in half in the process. She landed on the ground, standing between the Changelings and the Elite.

“Attack!” the Elite said with a shrill cry. Believing they had the upperhoof, the Changelings began their assault. The situation started to deteriorate very quickly for Fluttershy who took a deep breath once more.

“TIID KLO UL!!” Time slowed down enough for Fluttershy to look around and get a grip with the situation. The Changelings were coming at her with a variety of melee weapons; there was a number of arrows and crossbow bolts heading towards her; the three ballistae had fired at her and the Elite came at her again, swords raised.

Time was starting to return to its normal speed but now Fluttershy had a plan. She turned to the Elite and shouted once more.

“FUS RO DAH!!” She shouted with all her might. The force hit the Elite square in its chest and sent it flying out the Gardens and into the streets Fluttershy came from. There was a sound of a faint crash in its direction indicating it landed… 5 miles away. She pulled out her swords and deflected the arrows, which killed a couple of the charging Changelings.

She sliced into the air, in the direction of the Changelings. They scattered as the two waves of lightning and fire flew at them. She then sent off a couple more, ending it with one single strike by putting the blades close to one another as she sliced vertically, hitting the ground. This sent a larger, combined wave of electrified fire at the Changelings, who were starting to panic. Using their panic to her advantage she pulled out Kalina Ann and impaled it into the grass and fired a mini missile salvo. Placing it back on her shoulder, she aimed and fired at a ballista. The Changelings scattered as the rocket collided with the ballista’s wooden frame, sending chunks and splinters of wood all over. One chunk hit a Changeling, knocking it unconscious; some splinters hit some other Changelings in the rear - of the formation, not their flanks - causing them to panic as well.

She put away Kalina Ann and pulled out her pistols. Realising that discretion is the better part of valour – that and the fact they planned on living for longer than the next few seconds – they began a very hasty retreat. As the last Changeling left the scene Fluttershy heard a shrill voice from behind her.

“Cowards!! I guess I’ll have to kill you myself!” The Elite had returned, evidently seething with rage. Pulling out her swords and getting into a battle stance (the sword in her right hoof was in front of her, held horizontally while the left sword was over her head the tip pointing in the same direction she was facing. Her right hoof forward while her left hoof was at the side). The Elite came charging for her at that same blistering pace but Fluttershy wasn’t falling for it any longer.

There was a huge sound of metal colliding with metal as Fluttershy used the swords as shields. This Changeling was faster but lacked the same strength of the first one she fought. It tried to run with their blades still connected in an attempt to topple her and make her drop her weapons. As they started to move along the grass she caught on to his plan and used the momentum to make herself fall backwards on purpose. The Elite didn’t expect it and fell with her, but as she hit the ground, her hind hooves were… pointed directly at its chest. It a split second the Elite realised it had made a fatal mistake, a look of sheer terror on its face. Fluttershy bucked the Elite with all the strength she had in her legs, the force winded the Elite and forced it to drop its weapons as it flew directly upwards, towards the clear blue skies. 

She pulled out Kalina Ann once more and shouted, “Smile and say ‘Cheese’!” She pulled the trigger and the rocket flew towards the now helpless Elite. Its reliance on speed over defence was its downfall as the rocket collided with it, creating a small downpour of green blood and body parts that showered over the Gardens. She walked up to the Elite’s swords and picked them up.

“No, something feels off with these.” She remarked after giving the blades a few experimental swings. The blades felt… wrong as if they were filled with sorrow and regret, it depressed her. She impaled them into the dirt and looked towards the piece of her mane that the Elite had cut off. She looked at herself and noticed she had some of the Elite’s blood on her coat and fur. Luckily since this was the Gardens, there were a number of ponds nearby. After finding a large enough pond, she took off her coat, her armaments and walked into the water. As she got herself a little spruced up, she took her coat from the bank and gave it a little wash. Good thing it was leather.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

There were more bandits around the entrance to Bleak Falls but this didn’t deter Baral, in fact he relished the challenge. Fluttershy on the other hoof was frightened by the fact that she had to take another being’s life. She wouldn’t even hurt so much as a fly, she’d rather nurse it back to health and then release it. Baral had given Fluttershy the basic rundown of how to use a bow and arrow after they left the tower.

She had tried to use it but fell over since she had to stand on her hind legs since she needed both her front hooves to use the bow. One of the wolves helped her by having her lean against its body. They had spent a good hour at it and she was getting the hang of using the bow but she still needed practice with her standing though. Baral told her he’ll help her once they're done in the Barrow.

Two of the wolves distracted the bandits while Baral got closer. Fluttershy notched an arrow and aimed, she looked away as she let go. A dull thud was heard just after she released the arrow, confirming her kill. She fell onto her flank, crying. She had just killed someone… killed someone. Baral and the wolves mopped up the rest of the bandits with relative ease and – after the inevitable looting – returned to the crying Pegasus.

Baral hugged the sobbing Fluttershy who was mumbling incoherently. “There, there Fluttershy. Let me tell you a little secret: the first time I took a life was one of the worst times of my life. What was worse still is that it was my own father.” Fluttershy stopped crying to look up at Baral who was looking at her, with a small tear forming in his eye.

“He was one of the local bandits’ right hand men and was wanted all over Hammerfell. Not to mention he was drunk whenever he came around to ‘visit’. He would beat my mother, my sister, me or all of us. One day he had beaten my mother so badly she wound up in a coma. When he came back the next time I took his sword and slit his throat. I was 12 years old at the time. After that I ran away and met a travelling merchant caravan. I have been on the move ever since and I've never returned home after that. Trust me; the first kill is always the hardest.”

Fluttershy looked shocked at Baral’s story but it strangely consoled her somewhat. She collected herself and the group moved into Bleak Falls. The group found two bandits near a fire that was set up by the stairs, leading down into the Barrow itself. Baral signalled for Fluttershy to stay back while he snuck up behind the bandits, wolves in tow. Taking a deep breath, she picked up and readied an arrow, aiming at the other bandit. Baral got up and slit the throat of the bandit he came up behind, as he did so, Fluttershy let the arrow loose and turned away so she didn’t see it hit him.

After sifting through the bandits’ inventory, picking up a few coins and potions along with the odd book, the group went down into the bowels of Bleak Falls Barrow. Baral warned Fluttershy about the Draugr but she seemed fine with taking out what was already dead, it was the living she worried about. A few of them awoke to the intruders’ exploring but Baral stabbed one in the chest while Fluttershy sent a few arrows flying. 

“How is your aim that good?” Baral inquired after another of Fluttershy’s arrows hit their target… through its eye socket.

“Pegasi tend to have better vision than regular ponies.” 

“That doesn’t explain how you are holding the bow without shaking.”

“That’s because I needed to have steady hooves when tending an animal’s wounds. Sometimes there is a small object lodged deep inside an animal, usually a tooth or something similar. So if my hooves were too shaky I’d end up doing more damage than the object.”

With some thanks to the wolf that was being used as a crutch, Fluttershy was getting a little better at standing on her hind legs. “Lyra would be proud.” She thought to herself.

They soon came across a chamber with some overly large spiders living in. Fluttershy tried reasoning with them but they were beyond her capability and attacked. They were easily dispatched but something caught their eyes or more accurately, their ears. They turned to see a man trapped in a web, blocking the passageway beyond.

“Please, cut me loose!” he shouted pitifully. He was holding a golden claw in his right hand.

“Why?” Asked Baral with a stern look on his face.

“I know how to get into the inner sanctum.”

Baral sighed and grabbed his sword.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

After getting herself cleaned up, Fluttershy grabbed her swords and began to clean the blood off them in the now slightly green tinted pool.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

After taking the claw from the bandit’s dead body the group made for the inner sanctum of Bleak Falls.

“I should have known he was going to run, nice shot though, aiming for his knee.”

“I didn’t want to kill him. You did that.”

“He would’ve stopped us from our mission and besides, he stole that claw from a merchant in Riverwood.”

That ended the conversation as they got to a dead end, almost. Their way was barred by a large door with strange symbols above a slot that the claw appeared able to fit in. Baral put the claw in the slot and turned it. Fluttershy and the wolves pressed themselves as low as possible while Baral was against the stone door, as the claw had triggered a dart trap. After reassessing their situation Baral noticed the claw had symbols similar to the ones on the door. Cue lightbulb moment. He grabbed the symbols on the wall and turned them, checking the claw each time to make sure he got each symbol correct. He placed the claw in the slot one more time and the door slide into the ground.

The group went into the cavern and found what they were looking for: the Dragonstone. A map of every buried dragon in Skyrim, Farengar would be pleased. They didn’t take much notice of the large wall behind them, which started to emanate a strange aura, transferring a strange power to them. With their prize in hand, they left the Barrow without delay. They went to Riverwood to return the claw – with the wolves staying outside the border, for safety reasons – and got some gold for their trouble. Baral suggested heading for the inn for bedrest as night had fallen on the town.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Fluttershy dried off her swords and put on her coat. Feeling better from washing herself she looked back into the reflection, her attention brought to her mismatched mane. Taking her dagger she cut off her mane on the other side so it was even.

“Hopefully Rarity can fix my mane.” She said quietly to herself, remembering what her friend did for a sea seprent when it lost part of its moustache. As she put the cut hairs in one of the coat's many pockets. "Why Dante needs this many pockets is beyond me but I wont deny they are useful."

With just the Castle overhead, she was ready for Chrysalis’ next play. She got into the Castle’s grounds and still found nopony.

“Where could they all be?” she wondered. As she observed her surroundings she noticed this place would useful in an ambush, with all the high points crossbow and bow wielding Changelings could hide and attack from. She also spotted the observation tower she fired the rocket at. Despite the tactical advantage of the grounds, she didn’t get any strange feelings like at the plaza or at the Gardens, indicating an ambush.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

The third Changeling Elite was with its subordinates… heading through the caverns under Canterlot. One of the lesser Changelings came up to the Elite, an expression of worry across its face.

“S-sir? Why are we going through the caverns when the pony is on the surface?”

“That is because we won't be fighting that demon pony. We are leaving, if our loving Queen is too arrogant to see when she is beat and insists on sending more of us to the slaughter then I have no Queen.” It replied in a semi-normal voice. It sounded like it was speaking through a fan, while carrying a modified ballista over its shoulder. The Changeling understood and reported to the others behind them. They all agreed that they were prepared to be branded traitors in return for keeping themselves alive.

Soon the echoes of their hoofsteps and buzzing wings faded from the caverns, never to set foot in Equestria again for fear of what would be waiting for them.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Fluttershy entered the halls of the Castle and looked around. Still more desolate, empty halls, stretching to the left and the right. She knew where the throne room was albeit faintly since she hadn’t been inside the castle in over a year. After a while she began to wander around aimlessly, evidently lost. So much for knowing where the throne room was.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

The group headed for Whiterun once morning had arrived. The wolves were helping Fluttershy with her walking and she was getting better with every attempt.

As the group neared Whiterun, the wolves went back into the wilds but would return once Baral and Fluttershy left the city. She gave them some comfort though, saying they won't be too long. The guard was suspicious of the yellow Pegasus but let her through once Baral informed him of her involvement in Jarl business.

As they went through the city, towards Dragonsreach in the Cloud District, Fluttershy noticed all the stares she was getting. She was getting embarrassed but Baral reassured her by placing his hand on her shoulder and smiling at her.

Jarl Balgruuf the Greater was sat in his chair at the end of the hall but their business was not with him. Going through the door on the right hand side of the hall, they entered Farengar’s little ‘home’ within a home. He was talking to a woman wearing dark clothes with a hood.

Fluttershy stayed outside the doorway while Baral dealt with Farengar. As she waited a guard came running towards the Jarl, clearly scared. She watched the guard speak feverishly to the Jarl, whose face started to lose colour. Baral came out, his blade emanating a faint green glow from its sheathe.

They learned a dragon had just attacked the tower to the south west of Whiterun. Baral saw Fluttershy shudder as the guard said the word ‘dragon’. Baral gave her some comfort again as she saw he was just as worried.

The Jarl’s housecarl: Irileth was going to lead a team of men against the dragon. Balgruuf wanted Baral to help as well since he met a dragon back in Helgen and his knowledge – albeit limited – may come in handy. Fluttershy tugged on his newly acquired boots.

“I'm coming too.”

“Are you sure?”

“No, but it is hurting people so I have to help.”

“Okay. We’ll stop by Warmaiden’s and get you some armour and maybe a better bow.”

While Irileth rallied the guards, the duo went to Warmaiden’s just across the guards’ barracks, near the entrance to the city. Baral seemed to know how to forge and purchased the materials he required. Looting dead bandits and crypts never seemed like a more profitable profession. He made her a Steel Composite Bow (from a mod, can't remember which), a quiver of Elven Arrows and Steel Armour. He made sure each piece fit Fluttershy perfectly, not too tight and not too loose. Two sets of Steel Armbands completed her armour but she wouldn’t wear a helmet since she was weighed down enough from all the metal.

She managed to get used to the armour after a few minutes and found she could still stand so she tried walking on her hind hooves once more. Irileth had finished inspiring the guards for battle and the group left Whiterun course set for the tower. The tower looked as if it had seen better days, multiple parts of the brick and mortar were strewn across the ground. The wolves appeared amongst the rubble, their eyes focused on finding the dragon.

Fluttershy readied her bow but she was shaking, she was petrified of dragons. Spike was a baby dragon so that never bothered her, but this was a fully grown dragon and to make it worse, this dragon was from another world so she wasn’t sure if it would listen to reason. They soon heard a roar overhead and they all scattered for cover.

It appeared: large, brown scales, two black horns on its head and – to Fluttershy’s dismay – breathing fire. A guard screamed as the dragon swooped down and caught him, later dropping him from a great height. Fluttershy heard one of the guards muttering to another from behind a collapsed wall.

“His wife isn't going to be too pleased when we tell her this.”

“I doubt she would even believe us, I still don't and yet I'm looking at it.” the other guard replied.

Fluttershy got into a rage and shot up after the dragon. She landed on its back and punched with her front hooves in several key areas around the base of its wings. She may not be fond of dragons but she does know about pressure points. These dragons seemed to have the same pressure points like the ones back in Equestria and the result of her punching was hardly surprising. The dragon roared and plummeted to the earth, colliding with the earth with enough force to cause a mini earthquake. It opened its eyes to see Fluttershy giving it ‘The Stare’ (Stare Master S1 E17).

“Well, what do you have to say for yourself mister?!” she shouted. “That man you killed had a wife, you inconsiderate jerk! Apologise!”

The Dragon chuckled and took a deep breath. Just as he brought his head down to incinerate Fluttershy, one of the wolves knocked her out of the way at the last minute. There was nothing left of it except for the long scorch mark the dragon made. The other two attacked the dragon as well but one got bit in half while the other got crushed by the dragon’s claw.

Standing up as well as she could and readying her bow, Fluttershy fired at the dragon, aiming at the pressure points in its legs. Baral had appeared and was keeping the dragon distracted while Fluttershy fired. The other guards tried to help as well but were knocked back by its tail, and the arrows they fired were having little effect. The ones Fluttershy used did penetrate its scales and bit by bit, the dragon was losing use of its appendages. Seeing this, Baral made one final charge and as the dragon breathed in, he threw his blade at the dragon, aiming for the area between its lower jaw and its throat. One gargled roar later, the dragon fell, defeated by the duo adventurers. 

As they were about to celebrate their victory something weird happened. The dragon started to burn and parts of its flesh was flaking off at an astonishing rate. As it did so a strange light began to envelop the dragon and it flew towards both Fluttershy and Baral. Once the light faded, the dragon had become a skeleton and the duo looked at each other with a ‘Dafaq!?’ look on their faces. Baral felt the strange desire to shout a word he had never heard before, the same went for Fluttershy. Then together they Shouted.

“FUS!!” A powerful wind shot out from both of them and travelled a short distance until it ran out of momentum. They looked at each other with massive shock.

“Dragonborn.” A guard said, looking at the pair in awe.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Searching through the castle was starting to yield results as part if her memory returned. She now remembered where the throne room was. Readying Kalina Ann she made for the throne room and her friends. One more battle, one more victory and she can wake from this nightmare of events that had taken a year away from her.

> A Blade's Reprieve
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
A Blade’s Reprieve
Author: Draconis187

The sounds of hooves echoed through the halls of Canterlot castle, belonging to a particular yellow Pegasus. After deciding that running around with her rocket launcher ready was probably a bad idea since this was not Chrysalis’ castle but the Princesses’ she showed her restraint by taking out her pistols instead. As she went through the passageways, she would buck down the doors she passed, to ensure she wasn’t going to get ambushed.

One of the doors she opened revealed three Changelings, but as they saw her they cowered, shaking almost violently with fear. Fluttershy left them be as she knew that they knew better than to attack her. Every once in a while a Changeling did try its luck, only to become closely acquainted with a bullet travelling at 253m/s (the muzzle velocity of your average .45 bullet).

She soon came across the large double doors that lead into the throne room. Checking her weapons and her appearance – she was still a little upset about her shortened mane – she took a deep breath. Taking out Kalina Ann, she aimed at the door and pulled the trigger.

The door blew open as the rocket collided, sending splinters flying around like high speed confetti. What did remain of the door got blown off its hinges and crashed to the ground with a massive bang. The shockwave cracked a few windows in the process and one of the door pieces fell on an Elite, crushing it into the floor. She walked over the rubble that was now in the throne room and looked at the shocked Chrysalis. Her friends and the princesses gasped at who they once knew as the shyest and most timid of the Mane Six was now a gun toting killer. To see her look so cold was… unsettling.

“Sorry, doorbell was busted.” She smirked as she aimed the launcher towards the ceiling. She launched the bayonet and let the launcher haul itself upwards. She pulled out her pistols and turned to the – just as shocked – Elites. The short silence was broken by Chrysalis’ voice.

“What are you waiting for?! Attack, kill her!!” she shouted. The four out of the five Elites charged at Fluttershy, their weapons raised in a form of ‘battle mode’.

One was completely encased in blood red chitinous armour from head to hoof (will be referred as Red Elite) including its face. It was carrying a large steel, bell-shaped hammer. It made the first Elite she fought look like a weakling as the hammer came down at her, creating a shockwave that threw her backwards into the wall.

The next Elite was as scrawny as the second one she faced in the Gardens: its chitinous plating was a dark green (will be referred to as Green Elite); its ‘armour’ covered the same portions of its body as the one from the Gardens. This Elite carried a 6 foot long halberd (think a combo of an axe and a spear). Sadly though since this Elite was so similar, Fluttershy knew how to deal with it as well as to watch out for the speeds it is capable of.

The third was dark blue in terms of its chitin. It looked average – for an Elite anyway – and carried a broadsword in its hooves. Its chest, forehooves, abdomen, were all covered by its chitin and yet there was none on its hind legs. To Fluttershy though, it just meant she found a weak spot she could exploit.

The fourth was identical to the Red Elite in terms of chitin and body structure, the only differences were that its chitin was purple in colour and it carried a large executioner’s axe.

The last one carried a bow as big as Fluttershy was tall. It had the normal chitin Fluttershy saw on the normal Changelings. It was skinnier than the Blue Elite but had a bit more body to it than the Green Elite. Its chitin was a dull yellow.

Fluttershy rolled to the left as the Green Elite’s halberd crashed into the spot she had just occupied. Knowing her guns wouldn’t be too great a help she pulled out her blades and went for the Green Elite who was trying to remove the halberd from the wall. As she got near the bell hammer came crashing in front of her, the Red Elite glaring at her. Fluttershy needed to get a grip on the situation, and fast.

“SU GRAH DUN!!” She felt a surge of energy enter her hooves, as if she could attack forever. With increased vigour, she attacked the Red Elite.

She was assaulting it a pace she normally would not be able to, her actions a near blur of yellow and black. The sound of metal crashing on metal echoed through the hall. The captive audience above stared in shock at this Fluttershy as she was making the Red Elite back up with every blow. The Yellow Elite fired a few arrows at her, only to see them casually sliced in half and receive a few waves of fire and lighting as a thank you.

The Purple Elite swung its axe horizontally at Fluttershy from behind her while the Blue Elite threw its broadsword like a boomerang at her. She jumped and did a 180° twist as well as a 360° flip, landing on the axe and avoiding the broadsword in mid-air. As the Purple Elite and Fluttershy looked at each other for a split second, she smirked. “WULD NAH KEST!!” she shouted, flying past the Elite and bucking the Green Elite – who still hadn’t gotten its halberd out – with her left hind hoof, sending it flying out the open window with a scream.

She looked behind her to see the Purple Elite’s chitin around its face and chest were shattered, fragments of it laid around the floor where it stood. It looked at her with fear in its eyes.

“What are you?” It asked in a deep, frightened voice. The other three Elites stood there, scared about what the answer could be. Chrysalis was paralyzed with fear, seeing her Elites being trounced by the once timid, caring Pegasus.

“Your worst nightmare!” Shouting her reply, she threw her dagger in the air. Pulling out Pity, she ran up to the Purple Elite and jumped on its head. The other Elites charged at her while the Yellow Elite fired more arrows. Using the Purple Elite’s head as a platform, she launched herself into the air with a backflip and was behind her – now falling – dagger. “Too slow!”

She fired the pistol, the bullet collided with the bottom of the handle and propelled the dagger at the Yellow Elite at 239m/s (it’s a form of kinetic energy transfer. The bullet lost a lot of its energy as it collided with the dagger which absorbed it.). The Elite tried to dodge it and fell to the floor. As it got up it saw the dagger in the floor, about two metres away.

“You missed.” It said… before dropping to the floor with a thud. As much as it dodged and prevented the dagger from impaling itself in the Elite’s body, it failed to notice that the dagger cut one of its jugular veins as it flew by.

That left three more Elites: Blue, Red and a damaged Purple Elite. Chrysalis screamed at them.

“Kill her already!! She’s just one mare!!”

Fluttershy’s throat was feeling better after her Shout, she knew she could use another but she needed the right moment to unleash it again. 

“No more of this foolishness!! Die!!” shouted Chrysalis as she used her magic to throw her daggers at Fluttershy, who used her blades to deflect them, one of which impaled the Blue Elite in its right shoulder. It pulled the dagger out but only got the hilt, leaving the blade inside (the blades were crystal, designed to break when the victim tried to remove it from its body). It brought down its broadsword with crushing force. As the blade hit the ground, the force cracked the floor and sent a trail of energy towards Fluttershy who flew upwards to avoid it.

She had to quickly adjust her flight as Chrysalis threw her spear at her. The spear missed and went flying out the window, after it smashed it. Fluttershy landed in front of the Purple Elite and with both greatswords firmly in her hooves, Shouted.

“WULD NAH KEST!!” Fluttershy appeared in front of the Red Elite, missing one of her swords. She had impaled the Purple Elite in its chest, through one of the missing parts of its chitinous armour. It was laid on the floor, shaking as if it was having a seizure, the blade impaling itself all the way to the hilt. The Red Elite swung its hammer in an underhand arc (akin to a golf swing) and Fluttershy was unable to dodge the incoming blow. She got hit in the chest, feeling a few ribs crack from the impact and dropped her other sword.

She flew backwards, straight through the window, shattering the glass. She got several cuts compounded on her broken ribs. With the aid of adrenaline to numb the pain, she managed to correct herself as her horizontal fall became a vertical one and spread her wings. As she glided around to the window she kicked the Green Elite out of and saw it didn’t fall to its death but rather got impaled on one of the castle’s spires, green blood dripping off the sides. 

She pulled out her pistols and flew threw the window, following the thunderous noise coming from them. The remaining two Elites were not fast enough with their weapons and received several wounds but they were undeterred and attacked as soon as she landed inside. Chrysalis brought her broadsword to bear and charged.

Dodging the swings from all three weapons, Fluttershy got close to the Purple Elite and pulled out her sword from its chest. She saw her other blade on the far side of the room and flew to grab it, with success. As if on cue she brought the blades up in time to deflect the blow from Chrysalis’ broadsword. Next to come at her was the Blue Elite’s broadsword, as it came at her she ducked, the blade swinging past her harmlessly. The Red Elite’s hammer came crashing to the floor and had missed Fluttershy yet again but this time the floor couldn’t take the abuse anymore and caved in. the two Elites looked at each other just before they plummeted an entire floor downwards. Seeing her opportunity, Fluttershy flew up to the ceiling and pulled Kalina Ann’s tertiary trigger, firing the mini missiles.

The Blue Elite was knocked unconscious by the fall and was blown apart by the mini missiles. The Red Elite’s armour was to thick for a blunt force attack to have a good enough effect and began to try to find the nearest staircase so it could rejoin the battle.

Chrysalis flew up to Fluttershy who then pulled Kalina Ann out and fired. Chrysalis dodged it and the rocket collided with the throne, creating a small crater. Fluttershy then pulled out her blades again and flew towards Chrysalis. Her blades collided with Chrysalis’ broadsword, the force of the collision caused the windows to reverberate violently, shattering the already cracked ones.

“Give it up Chrysalis! You’ve already lost!” Shouted Fluttershy.

“Never!!” Fluttershy breathed in deeply.

“FUS RO DAH!!” Due to their close proximity to one another the shout’s effectiveness was increased and blew Chrysalis into the wall above the broken throne before she fell to the ground with a thud. Her chitin had cracked in several places and as she put her hoof to her mouth, she saw her own blood on it.

She threw the rest of her daggers at Fluttershy but Fluttershy deflected a few and a couple of others got shattered. Chrysalis then used her broadsword, swinging wildly. Fluttershy noticed her attacks were becoming more wild, unfocused even, since that every time she attacked Fluttershy either blocked it easily or she dodged the attack completely.

The Red Elite eventually got back to the battle… only to find the crater it made left too large a hole in the floor for it to be of any help to its Queen. Flight and magic seemed to something it lacked.

The sound of the bashing of metal was getting more intense as the battle waged further. Chrysalis tried to shoot a few bolts of magic at her opponent only for her to deflect them back at her or at the Red Elite, who was feeling rather useless at that point. 

Fluttershy hit Chrysalis’ blade with enough force to press it against her body. As they stared at each other Chrysalis saw the look in Fluttershy’s eyes. They looked cold, remorseless and it was truly frightening the Changeling Queen. With almighty push, Fluttershy knocked the broadsword out of her magic’s grip. Before Chrysalis could pick the blade up again Fluttershy had her blades by her throat as a pair of makeshift scissors.

“Now, release my friends!” she shouted putting a small amount of pressure against Chrysalis’ neck as ‘encouragement’. Her horn and the cocoons above began to glow green. The seven cocoons then detached from the ceiling and were slowly placed on the ground. The goo began to ‘melt’ off the bodies of her friends and the monarchs. 

Fluttershy smiled and eased her ‘grip’ on Chrysalis’ throat. As Chrysalis sighed Fluttershy sprung into one final brutal act. She sliced off Chrysalis’ head and launched it before performing another 180° twist with a 360° flip but as the head came back down to the ground, Fluttershy bucked it with her right hind hoof. Flying like a missile It collided with the Red Elite’s chest, the horn penetrating straight through it like wet tissue paper. The Elite fell forward, back through the hole again only this time it was not going to get up.

The group stared at her, this was the most brutal display her friends had ever seen and the last display of such savagery was a very long time ago for the Alicorns. She dropped her blades and sunk down onto all fours, sobbing with her head under her hooves.

It was finally over, Chrysalis was no more. But the cost? Would she now be seen as a homicidal mare or will they still think of her as the caring pony she used to be before she vanished? Fluttershy looked to her friends and before she could explain everything, exhaustion had finally taken her, making her collapse on the floor. She quickly fell into a deep sleep.

***                      ***                      ***             ***

The news of the Queen’s death had reached the invasion force who were heading back to the castle. They realised it was better to never set hoof or wing in Equestria ever again. Without a Queen to guide them, they had no purpose, they were destined to wander the world without direction.

> Journey's Start
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Journey’s Start
Author: Draconis187

“It’s just a few more steps Fluttershy!” Baral shouted towards his yellow companion who was struggling against the infamous 7000 steps that led to High Hrothgar.

“We’ve been climbing for two hours and I don’t see the building yet! This blizzard isn't helping me either!” Fluttershy shouted back.

They had been on a journey to High Hrothgar ever since Jarl Balgruuf told them the reason why they all heard “Dovahkiin!” shouted across Skyrim but with no determinable source. He informed them that the Greybeards had summoned them and also told them that the journey would be harsh but meeting the reclusive monks was amongst the highest honours in Skyrim. As they turned to go to the inn for rest, Balgruuf called to them.

“Hold on! There is one more matter I wish to discuss with you. I have not yet truly thanked the both of you for ridding us of that dragon. As a reward I am bestowing the title of Thane, the highest position in my court. This means you may purchase property, have your own housecarl and the guards will be informed of your title so they won't treat you like a commoner. Proventus hasn't Breezehome recently gone for sale?” 

Proventus nodded his head. “Pardon me my Jarl but you seem to have forgotten something.” Balgruuf looked puzzled for a second until it dawned on him.

“Yes, a weapon from my personal armoury. It will serve as your badge of office. Now go, you mustn’t keep the Greybeards waiting.” He gave Baral a two-handed axe while Fluttershy received an Ebony dagger.

That was a week ago. The duo had been journeying to High Hrothgar, passing the odd, small village or bandit camp on the way. They refused having a housecarl as their supplies were stretched thinly enough as it was. Fluttershy was becoming proficient with her bow. She was almost always on her hind legs as a result, with a surprising lack of discomfort. They came across some bandits trying to extort them for gold so they could pass as they went by a dilapidated tower. When the duo refused, they were subsequently attacked. Baral stabbed the one bandit while Fluttershy shot and killed a bandit before it could get any closer. She didn’t look away anymore but she did cringe as the arrow hit.

***                  ***                      ***                    ***

Fluttershy was on a stretcher that was carried by Applejack and Dash as they rushed to Ponyville Hospital. The Canterlot Hospital was out of the question since the residents of Canterlot were all sealed in the caverns below, weak from the Changelings’ feeding. Luna stayed behind to free all the captives while Celestia – with the help of Twilight and Rarity – teleported to the Town Hall. Celestia fell onto her haunches from the exhaustion but she managed to get back up.  As the group got Fluttershy to the Hospital, her breathing was becoming erratic.

After handing Fluttershy over to the doctors, Celestia left for Canterlot to assist her sister and repair the damage caused by Fluttershy’s fighting. Nurse Redheart took Fluttershy to the I.C.U. ward where nearly every doctor and nurse was waiting. Since Ponyville was the first town she freed, the doctors managed to get everypony back on their hooves since the Ponyville changelings used less straining feeding methods.

The five friends were pacing in the waiting room, worried about their friend. Two nurses came out a minute after Fluttershy was admitted, pushing a trolley carrying Fluttershy’s gear. Twilight examined the strange objects but one caught her eye: the Elder Scroll.

“What do you think happened to dear Fluttershy that could turn her into such a brute?” Rarity asked with concern. Twilight levitated the scroll towards her, lost in thought but she managed to hear her friend.

“Whatever happened to her, it’s all my fault.” She said softly as she began to cry.

***                  ***                      ***                    ***

“Thank Celestia, we finally made it.” Fluttershy said with an exhausted sigh as the duo opened the large doors of High Hrothgar. An elderly man in grey robes came to meet them as they entered.

“And so a Dragonborn appears, at this moment in the turning of the age.”

As he spoke, three other Greybeards appeared. They all wore the same robes as the first.

“We are answering your summons Greybeard.” Baral said with his arms folded.

“We will see if you truly possess the gift. Show us Dragonborn; let us taste of your voice.” Baral nodded to Fluttershy who nodded back. The two looked at the Greybeard and Shouted.

“FUS!!” They cried in unison. Now a normal Unrelenting Force causes one to stagger, two simultaneous Shouts increase its effectiveness.

“Two Dragonborns? So it is true. Welcome to High Hrothgar. I am Master Arngeir. Now what brings you here?”

“You Shouted, we came. Simple as that.” Baral said with some impatience in his voice.

“We are honoured to welcome not one but two Dragonborns to High Hrothgar. We will teach you both how to use your gift in fulfilling your destinies.”

“Which is?” Baral said with a raised eyebrow.

“That is for you to decide.”

“We are ready.” Fluttershy said. Baral nodded in agreement.

***                  ***                      ***                    ***

The Mane Six were finally let in to see Fluttershy as she slowly regained consciousness. She had her ribs bandaged, as well as her wings and her left foreleg. As the group entered the room, Pinkie Pie shot up to Fluttershy as fast as Rainbow Dash’s flying.

The sudden attack caused Fluttershy to react on impulse despite being half asleep. She hit Pinkie in the side of her face with the force of a professional cruiserweight boxer, knocking her off the bed and into the wall with a thud.

“Oof! That was fun! Do it again!” Cried Pinkie, seemingly unhurt or phased by the punch.

“Oh, I'm so sorry Pinkie. I d-didn’t mean to hurt you like that.”

“I’m fine Fluttershy, really. What about you? We were so worried when you collapsed like that. First you were like whoosh and bang when you fought Chrysalis and her meanie friends.”

Fluttershy chuckled a little. “I've really missed you Pinkie.”

Twilight came up to Fluttershy with a sad expression on her face. “I'm sorry Fluttershy. Ever since you vanished I blamed myself. Princess Celestia and I searched the Canterlot Archives, my library as well as her personal library for any clues as to find you. We only ended up with dead ends for our efforts.”

“It’s ok Twilight. I'm fine, really.” She flinched as her wing gave her a sharp pinch of pain.

“No, you're not. You’ve sustained multiple fractures in your ribs and a crack in one of your wing bones.” Nurse Redheart said. “The doctor has specifically ordered you to stay in bed.”

“Fluttershy, what you did there… with Chrysalis and those Changelings.” Rainbow Dash said, her voice solemn and monotonous.” Was… awesome! The way you dodged their attacks while hitting them with your own was incredible!”

Fluttershy gave a meek smile. “I thought you would all hate me when you saw me do those things. I’ve done so many things while I was away, some of which I never want to speak of again.”

Twilight placed her hoof on Fluttershy’s good shoulder. “Fluttershy, we’re your friends. We will always love you no matter what you did. The fact is you did what you had to in order to save us.” Everypony nodded their heads in agreement, grinning from ear to ear.

“So Fluttershy care to tell us more about what happened to you?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded and opened her mouth to explain. Before she could saw anything beyond what happened in the Archives, Nurse Redheart came in with a sad look on her face.

“Sorry everypony but I'm afraid visiting hours are over. It’s time for her medication and it tends to make the patients fall sleepy as a side effect.” The group nodded their heads.

“I'm sorry.” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Don’t sweat it. We’ll be back tomorrow, kay?” Dash said with a grin on her face as she and the others walked out the room.

Fluttershy was left alone with Nurse Redheart who gave her the pills as well as a glass of water. She drank them and laid on her good side. After a few minutes the pills began to take effect, taking her into a deep sleep.

***                  ***                      ***                    ***

“Well Fluttershy, what did you think of the Greybeards?” Baral asked Fluttershy, as they each had a mug of high quality tea prepared by Fluttershy. They bought the ingredients with the gold Klimmek gave them for depositing some supplies in a chest just outside High Hrothgar.

“They seemed nice. We learned so much from them like that second word ‘Ro’ and the first of Whirlwind Sprint: ‘Wuld’. I’m just not sure about this Horn they wanted us to find.”

“The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. The tomb is called Ustengrav, which is in the Hjaalmarch Hold. The capital is… Morthal, according to this map. The trip is going to take a while but we can do some odd jobs for folks along the way, is that ok?”

Fluttershy nodded her head in agreement as she finished her tea. They have been helping many people on their way to High Hrothgar and were getting quite the reputation as ‘knights in shining armour’. Fluttershy tended to get offended when folks mistook her for his steed whenever they saw her on all fours. Whenever Baral heard this he would threaten to kill the offender for making such a remark about his friend. Whenever they entered a town Baral would head to the local smithy or to the markets for food and essentials. He always got a discount thanks to his experience he received from his time with the travelling merchants. Fluttershy would talk to the locals and see if there was anything that needed doing. Sometimes it was a simple errand around the town that the petitioner was too busy to do. Other times it was far different, bandits killing along supply routes or some animals were giving trouble.

If it were an issue with animals, Fluttershy disarmed that situation fairly easily. But if it was bandits, Baral and her usually infiltrated their encampment and kill every one of them. She cringed less frequently and was able to fly for longer periods of time while wearing her armour. Fluttershy was first apprehensive about killing the bandits until she found out she was doing a lot of good in Skyrim and she was getting a lot of praise for their deeds which caused her to blush every now and then. They were also accumulating some wealth between all the extra work.

They arrived in Morthal around midday two weeks later, stopping briefly for food and a decent place to sleep before they attempted to go into Ustengrav. They soon overheard one of the guards talking about a recent fire. Wanting to investigate further, the duo headed for the burnt house. Before they even entered through the open doorway, the devastation caused by the fire was paramount. There were very few and small places where the fire had not burnt. The house was missing almost everything. The walls were almost completely gone while the roof was missing. As they scanned the room, they came across the ghost of a little girl, Helgi.

“I’m so lonely. Wanna play with me?” The young ghost asked.

“Sure, will you tell us what happened here afterwards?” Fluttershy responded.

“Ok, let’s play hide and seek. Find me and I’ll tell you. We have to wait till night time though. The other one only comes and plays after dark.”

The duo spent the rest of the day browsing the merchants. Baral got Fluttershy two Ebony greatswords whilst improving their armour by the blacksmith. It took some getting used to but Fluttershy was able to wield one of the swords. Eventually when night came the duo went back to the house to find Helgi.

“She’s not here Baral.” Fluttershy said. She even flew up over the house for a better view.

“Maybe there she meant her body and not her ghost. Do you see any form of graves up there?!” Baral shouted. Fluttershy surveyed the area. Pegasi have very good eyesight but even that suffers at night. Fluttershy spotted a figure with a torch just outside town.

“I think I found something.” She said as she landed in front of Baral. She led him to the small cemetery and saw a woman exhuming a coffin.

“Hey! What are you doing?!” Baral shouted, startling both Fluttershy and the woman who then attacked them. Fluttershy shot an arrow into her right shoulder while Baral stabbed her through the chest. Baral decided to examine the body while Fluttershy went to the coffin the woman exhumed. As she got close to the dirt covered wooden box, Helgi’s ghost appeared.

“Yay, you found me! Laelette was trying to find me too but I’m glad you found me first. Laelette was told to burn mommy and me, she didn’t want to. She thought she could take me and keep me but she can’t. I'm all burned up. I'm tired, I'm gonna go and sleep.”

“I've heard of these creatures… vampires. Oh, this isn't normal practise for them as far as I know.” Baral said walking up to Fluttershy as Helgi’s ghost evaporated.

A clearly distraught man came running up the dirt path to the cemetery. He ran straight past the two and examined the deceased woman.

“She’s dead. She’s… she’s a vampire?! I thought she ran off to join the Stormcloaks.” He said.

“What is your name?” Asked Baral.

“Thonnir, my name is Thonnir.”

“I’m Baral and this is Fluttershy.” He responded. Fluttershy gave a small, ‘Hi’. “I think Alva may have something to do with all of this.”

“Uh, Baral? Do you think Alva might be a vampire as well?” asked Fluttershy.

“It is a possibility.” He responded.

“No! That can't be right! Laelette must have met her fate out in the marsh.” An aggravated Thonnir snapped. “I refuse to believe such nonsense! You could never prove it to the Jarl.”

The two looked at each other. “Ready for some house breaking?” asked Baral. Fluttershy nodded. “Since it is for a good cause, I don’t mind.”

Fluttershy flew up to the window and saw Hroggar sat on a chair, watching the door. Seeing no other form of entry she flew back to Baral who was waiting behind the house.

“See anything?” Fluttershy nervously dug her hoof into the snow.

“Well, Hroggar is just sitting there watching the door. I didn’t see Alva anywhere inside. Other than the front door and the windows, there is no other way to enter.” Baral stroked his chin, thinking.

“Okay then. We’ll wait till daytime to break in. Alva went to the tavern a couple of minutes ago. Vampires tend to sleep during the day and Hroggar works during that time so it would be a good time to strike then.” Agreeing on the plan, the duo went to the inn and rented two separate rooms for the night.

***                  ***                      ***                    ***

Celestia’s sun broke through Fluttershy’s curtains, waking her up. She was still sore but she knew it was due to the fact she didn’t heal all that quickly.

“I wish I had some of that salve I made back in Skyrim. Too bad Equestria doesn’t have any Red Nimroot. Oh, hello Angel Bunny.” She said to the small white rabbit that was asleep on her bed.

Upon hearing Fluttershy’s voice Angel awoke with a jolt and smiled from ear to ear. He hopped up to her and gave her a big hug. After a few minutes they let each other go and Angel proceeded to show Fluttershy his frustrations and sorrow caused by her absence.

“I'm sorry Angel.” Angel still gave her some flak though. She knew Angel wasn’t going to let it slide unless he got a ‘proper’ apology. Fluttershy rolled her eyes. “Ok Angel, how about I make you a nice salad once I get out of the hospital?”

Angel shook his head vehemently. “Ok, what do you want then?” She asked. Angel just hugged her, nuzzling her body. He accidentally touched her wound which made her flinch a bit but she kept a poker face so he didn’t notice.

Angel hopped off her bed and went out the door. A few minutes later he came back but he brought her friends with him. Pinkie wheeled in a cake so tall it almost touched the top of the door frame. It was a myriad of yellow, blue, pink, purple icing with a small statuette of the Fluttershy in her red coat.

“What do think? Is it amazing or is it amazing?” Pinkie Pie said whilst bouncing up and down. Twilight rolled her eyes and stepped forward. Before she could say anything, there was a knock at the door. Redheart opened it and bowed low to the two Princesses who entered the room.

“Fluttershy, I told the Princesses you were about to tell us what happened. The repairs don’t need their supervision and the rescue efforts are still underway. So we all decided to hear your story together.” Twilight said with a small smile.

Fluttershy smiled back. “That’s okay. I wanted to tell you as well anyway since I thought you would’ve asked. It all started…”

As Fluttershy recited her journey through Skyrim, Rainbow had her head resting on her hooves, intrigued by how Fluttershy took to being in another world.

***                  ***                      ***                    ***

Meanwhile, whilst Fluttershy was telling her story to her friends, a storm was brewing in Fillydelphia. A number of Changelings were gathering in the centre of the city where a large podium stood. A pitch black Elite carrying a ballista was kneeling before King Clavus. His black tattered mane brought out his blood red eyes. He wore tarnished steel-grey armour over his dark brown coat.

“You made the smart decision for evacuating your unit. I need a new general to lead the counter-attack against Canterlot since my wife is no longer able to fulfil the role. Step forward.” King Clavus said with a dark, commanding voice.

The Elite placed its ballista on the ground next to it and walked up to the King. As it knelt down, the King brought his golden greatsword down on the Elite’s head. The other Changelings were scared and a few stepped back.

“No! No retreat! You will fight to your last breath if need be! We will take back Canterlot, and then the rest of Equestria will be ours for the taking!” The King roared. The Changelings cheered, some thrusting their weapons in the air. King Clavus chuckled to himself.

“The fight for Equestria… has only just begun.” He said softly.

> Life and Death
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Dry
Life and Death
Author: Draconis187

“Careful Fluttershy, we don’t want to wake her up.” Baral whispered to Fluttershy as she attempted to get Alva’s journal from her coffin while Alva was still sleeping in it. Fluttershy got very close to her head as she reached for the little book.

“I wish I was a unicorn right about now.” She whispered. She was so close to Alva’s face that if she were to awaken, Fluttershy would be unable to defend herself.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So, let me get this straight.” Twilight said, deep in thought. “You broke into somepony else’s house and tried to steal their journal?!”

“Yes, we had our suspicions since Hroggar moved in with her the day after the fire occurred. Not only that, he also acted as if he never cared about them and everypony in Morthal knew he was a kind, loving man to his family.” Fluttershy responded.

“Twilight! You shouldn’t interrupt somepony when they’re telling a story!” Pinkie Pie said with a frown.

“Ok, I’m sorry. Continue Fluttershy.” Twilight said, looking a little disheartened.

Fluttershy nodded and continued her story.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Glad that’s over.” Fluttershy said as she wiped the sweat from her brow as she and Baral left the house. “What next?”

“Well, we read the journal for a start. If we are correct and she is a vampire then we present the journal to the Jarl. If we are wrong, then this is one messed up town.” Baral responded as he opened up the journal.

As Baral read the journal, the colour began to leave his face. His expression became very solemn. Seeing she was worried, Baral read out a few arts of the journal to her. 

“There are more of them?” She wheezed. Baral just nodded at her. The duo ran off to the Jarl’s home. Baral went in to speak with the Jarl while Fluttershy went off to collect some herbs and berries that were native to Hjaalmarch’s climate. After a good hour Fluttershy returned to see several men and women, all kitted in armour. She spotted Baral ahead of the group with Thonnir. She landed next to them and they headed for Movarth’s lair.

“The Jarl mobilized a task force to help kill the vampires.” Baral pointed out as they ran outside Morthal’s borders.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Wow, you were going to do battle with vampires?” Cried Rainbow Dash, clearly in awe over her friend’s guts. Fluttershy nodded and giggled after Dash got hit with a cupcake from Pinkie Pie who gave her an angry look. As Pinkie turned to Fluttershy, she pulled out some popcorn and a soda seemingly out of nowhere and proceeded to eat it with vigour.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The group arrived at the entrance to Movarth’s lair and were about to enter until they noticed the apprehensive movements of the guards.

“What’s wrong?” Baral asked.

“They’re worried about fighting vampires.” Thonnir replied.

“Fine they can stay here like sissies while the real men do their job.” Fluttershy said, hurting the guards with her choice of words. Without another word, Fluttershy went into the cavern with Baral in tow.

“Damn, that is one hell of a talking horse he’s got.” Thonnir said, scratching his head.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“You seriously said that?” Princess Luna inquired. Fluttershy nodded.

“The one vampire, Alva manipulated Hroggar into killing his family. She was under Movarth’s orders so it made him equally responsible for their deaths. A young, innocent girl… died so young. She… could have done a great many things when she grew up… but she never got the chance.” Fluttershy said with tears running down her face. Pinkie gave her a light hug, giving Fluttershy time to let her feelings out. Pinkie’s mane got so wet that went flat.

“Thanks Pinkie. Sorry about your mane.” Fluttershy said. To her surprise, Pinkie’s mane blew back up into its original shape with a comical popping sound. 

“Don’t be a silly filly! My mane is completely waterproof!” She said with a huge grin. Everypony shared a good laugh as Fluttershy continued.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Uh!”; “Oof!”; “Ahhh!”  Amongst other noises were heard through the caverns as the duo killed the vampires they came across. Fluttershy wasn’t cringing as she killed them though. In fact she seemed to be trying to hit them harder with her arrows. She had even crept up behind one and slit his throat with her dagger.

They soon came across a large banquet table with Movarth sitting at the head. The duo just attacked him without a second thought. He blocked Fluttershy’s arrows and blocked Baral’s sword. Changing tactics, Fluttershy flew up into the air and flew straight at Movarth, her greatsword held high. Movarth tried to avoid her attack and had foolishly stepped into Baral’s backhand slice. There were two thuds as Movarth’s head and body fell to the floor.

Sweeping the cavern for any more vampires, the duo eventually emerged from the cavern victorious.

“Go tell the Jarl that the vampires will no longer be a problem. If you need us we’ll be in Ustengrav.” Baral said to the shocked guards. Fluttershy giggled and followed Baral to their next destination.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What were the vampires like? Did they have red eyes, big teeth… oh oh wait! Did they turn into bats and fly off into the night?” Pinkie Pie squealed. Fluttershy shook her head.

“These ones were heartless, remorseless monsters. They loved to inflict suffering on others. When they tried to take over Morthal, I-I snapped. I wanted to hurt them so badly, I couldn’t control myself. I became as heartless as the very monsters I wanted to kill.” Fluttershy said with her head hung low, her shortened mane still managing to cover her face.

“No Fluttershy, you did what you thought was right.” Princess Celestia responded, finally deciding to contribute her thoughts to the Element of Kindness. “You were doing it for the safety of Morthal in the same way you did for us and Equestria. I know you made the only possible choice.”

Celestia smiled at Fluttershy as she tried to smile back.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

In Fillydelphia King Clavus was walking through the jails they were using as a makeshift prison. He stopped by a cell in which was a particular pink Alicorn. Her hooves were in shackles and her horn had a magic clamp on it, preventing her from using any form of magic. He chuckled at her.

“How is my lovely Crystal Princess doing?” He sneered. Princess Cadance looked at Clavus, desperately wanting to kill him.

“You… will never… get away… with this. T-Twilight will come for you.” She said softly. She was so weak, she barely had the strength to move let alone fight the King of the Changelings. 

Clavus just laughed and carried on walking further into the jail. He saw many ponies, all chained, weak and seemingly near death. Twenty-three died in the past two weeks from unnatural causes. Their bodies had finally given up on them after all the love was drained from their bodies. The Changelings didn’t bury or even remove the corpses from the cells since the only things they could smell were emotions.

Clavus stopped by another cell, smiling at the white unicorn held within. He was as weak and thin as his Alicorn wife, with the same small, magic-negating clamp on his horn. He looked at the King with disdain.

“Why are you here? Have… you come… to gloat again?” Shining Armor said between the odd cough of blood. His coat was dirty and scratched. He had multiple cuts that were still trying to heal but a guard would always come by and make sure they didn’t.

“Hah! As much as I’d love to partake in a lovely pastime, I'm afraid I’d have to decline. No, I've come to ask you a question. How does the Crystal Empire look this time of year?” King Clavus asked with a cruel laugh as the rest of the colour in Shining’s face left.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Wait, the Horn wasn’t there?!” Pinkie squealed. “What big meanie pants take it?”

“Turned out a woman named Delphine, the innkeeper in Riverwood had taken it, or so the note said. We both prepared ourselves for a trap just in case.” Fluttershy responded.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The duo entered Riverwood’s local inn, the Sleeping Giant. They met the owner Delphine who lead them into a secret room behind a cupboard in on of the rooms. The room they entered had an alchemy lab, an enchanter’s table amongst some chests.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Good news Miss Fluttershy! The doctor says you are able to go home but he advises you to not do anything too strenuous.” Nurse Redheart said, almost bursting into the room.

“Well, I’d best get home and feed the animals.” Fluttershy said, getting up. “I’ll tell you the rest along the way.”

Fluttershy collected her gear and noticed her locks of hair were still in the pockets of her coat. She pulled them out and turned to Rarity. “Um, Rarity, could you please do that thing you did for that sea serpent's moustache?"

“Of course darling! Just hold still for a few seconds.” Rarity responded. The locks of pink hair were wrapped in Rarity’s magical aura. The hair strands attached themselves to the severed locks and became whole without any pain or discomfort.

Fluttershy gave her mane a twirl and smiled. Her mane was back to normal. She turned to Rarity.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t worry darling, it’s the very least I can do.”

The group left the Hospital and headed for Fluttershy’s cottage. As they got out the doors they were greeted by the population of Ponyville and a very large number of Pegasi. As they looked up they saw Cloudsdale was moving across the sky.

“I didn’t know Cloudsdale could do that.” Fluttershy remarked.

“Of course not, it’s not common knowledge. It takes a lot of category 5 storm clouds to make Cloudsdale move. It was a last resort since category 5 clouds are extremely hard and dangerous to get.” Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

Fluttershy nodded and continued her story…

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Well this is interesting.” Baral whispered to Fluttershy as the duo hid behind a rock. Delphine was hiding behind a tree, watching the scene unfolding in front of them. A black dragon was seemingly resurrecting another dragon. They spoke to each other in a language that sounded like their Shouts. They were waiting to see what the two were going to do until they heard the black dragon say something.

"Sahloknir, krii daar joorre." (Sahloknir, slay the mortals, they don’t know that though). The brown dragon turned to the rock the duo were hiding behind.

As it came swooping down, it breathed fire down on them. Baral and Fluttershy split up in opposite directions. Fluttershy pulled out her bow and shot at Sahloknir’s wings. The arrows were hitting their marks, some even went through his wings. Baral used Whirlwind Sprint to stay ahead of the dragon’s breath attacks. Delphine was giving them assistance by using an Iron Bow but her aim wasn’t as good as Fluttershy’s.

“Any ideas Fluttershy?!” Baral shouted between his dodging. Fluttershy turned to Baral with a smile.

“Remember Whiterun? Same thing, just keep him busy!” She shouted back. Baral nodded as Fluttershy threw her bow and quiver to him. He shot at the flying dragon while Fluttershy flew up towards him.

“FO!!” he shouted. His ice breath hit Fluttershy before she could dodge it. She fell to the ground with a thud. Baral ran to her as she got back up.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Didn’t it hurt?” Twilight asked as they passed Town Hall. Fluttershy shook her head.

“That armour was tougher than it looked, not too mention it was heavily padded on the inside.” Fluttershy responded with a smile as she waved at Vinyl who had apparently been playing since Ponyville was freed.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Fluttershy! Are you okay?” Baral said. Fluttershy rubbed her head as she got off the ground. Her chestplate was cracked and her left hind leg was hurt but she was alive.

“I’m fine.” She responded as she tore off her armour. 

As she shot off towards the dragon once more she noticed that she was flying a lot faster. She dodged the dragon’s attack as she wasn’t weighed down by her armour. She landed on his back and targeted his wings’ pressure points. He let out a cry as he couldn’t feel his wings anymore and he came down to earth with a huge crash. Fluttershy landed next to Baral who gave her back her bow. Fluttershy then took cover behind a large formation of rocks, pelting Sahloknir from afar.

Sahloknir wasn’t going to let Fluttershy get away with hurting his flying capabilities and went for the rocks she was hiding behind. He sadly was so filled with rage that he didn’t notice Baral jump on his back. As Sahloknir got to the formation and breathed in to Shout at Fluttershy, he felt something slide under his throat which stopped him dead in his tracks. He looked down and saw Baral wielding an Ebony greatsword. It was covered in blood, and he saw why: his throat was bleeding. Baral had cut a jugular vein. As he was about to attack with his last few moments, Fluttershy shot an arrow into his left eye and then fired another one into his right eye, effectively blinding him.

The group stood back and watched this newly resurrected dragon thrash about as it slowly died. The duo felt that same feeling identical to the one they felt back at Whiterun. Delphine watched in awe as the duo absorbed the dragon’s soul.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What happened to that armour?” Twilight inquired.

“We left it there. After the battle we saw the armour was far worse than I thought. I was glad it protected me from the fall. After that I stopped flying up after the dragons, it was too dangerous to try on my own.” Fluttershy said as they reached Fluttershy’s cottage.

As they entered, Fluttershy got mobbed by her animals as they were overly happy that their caretaker and friend had returned. As Fluttershy put her weapons on a table, Princess Luna pulled her to one side.

“Fluttershy, I must ask of you to let us examine your weapons. I think the magic and materials they are comprised may serve us well. Not to mention if you teach your skills to our troops, it might give them an edge against the Changelings.” She said. Fluttershy just looked at Luna.

“Well, it won’t work with my pistols since the demonic energy in them makes them very temperamental if tampered with. You can take my swords though.” She said, giving the Princess her Ebony greatswords and dagger. Luna took her three weapons and left for Canterlot with Celestia.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The sisters returned to Canterlot and gave Fluttershy’s weapons to the Royal Armourer. As he left to study the weapons Luna turned to her sister, concern written all over her face.

“Sister, Chrysalis may be no more but there is still one more issue: King Clavus.” Celestia nodded her head.

“I agree but we’ve had reports from scouting parties near Trottingham; Manehattan; Fillydelphia amongst other locations, all stating that King Clavus is there. The strange thing is that the reports are saying he at every one of those locations at the same time. I’m sure one of them is the real one but the problem is which one? Our forces were almost completely devastated.” Celestia responded. Luna looked out into the distance with Ponyville in the horizon.

“We have no choice but to try each location. We will never know even if he leads the next attack.” She said, not looking at her sister.

“We must do something sister, and soon. The fate of Equestria may just rest with Fluttershy.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

As her friends left, Fluttershy put her jacket back on and went out into an open meadow outside her house. Tom was left there after the events with Discord. She looked around and noticed nopony was around.

“Perfect.” She muttered. She reached into one of her pockets and pulled out a flat, small, black bat brooch and threw it up. As it flew up it came to life and multiplied until there was a huge cloud of them. As she put her hooves forward the bats began to land on them and each other until they created a strange shape. They flew off and vanished, leaving Nevan behind: a purple guitar with lightning bolts for strings.

She started to play a slow, sorrowful melody. A few bats appeared and started to circle her. As she stopped, they flew off. After looking around to make sure nopony heard her, she took a deep breath.

She began to start playing a faster tune. More bats appeared to encircle her. She increased the tempo until she was playing at the same tempo as a rock song. Electricity crackled as she played, the bats flying around her at high speed. She then tosses the guitar into a 180° flip and grabbed the other end and the guitar switched into its scythe mode.

She swung it around her body, and swiped at Tom with an underhanded slice and swung the scythe around her body again but she shot up into the air as it spun. She then dropped to the ground, slicing the scythe down into the earth. She pulled it out and put it into guitar mode. She swiped the electric stings at once, sending out a shockwave. Tom then broke into rubble, all no larger than a bread box. Fluttershy threw Nevan up into the air as a score of bats covered it. They all flew off and left the bat brooch it came from behind. Fluttershy caught it with a smile and placed it back into her pocket and headed home.

She began to search through her pockets as she walked. “How did Dante get these to fit inside the coat?” She said to herself as she pulled out two peculiar, serrated swords.

One was blue in colour with a blue skull as the pommel. The other was red-orange and also was adorned with skull of the same colour as its pommel.

“ How are you miss Fluttershy?” Asked the red-orange blade, Agni.

“Fine thanks Agni. How are you Rudra?” Fluttershy inquired.

“I guess I’m ok, uh thanks?” The blue blade replied.

“That’s good. I hope you two are ready, I have a feeling this battle with the Changelings isn't over… not by a long shot.”

> Welcome to Hell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Welcome to Hell
Author: Draconis187

Two weeks have passed since Fluttershy’s return. She tried to train so her skills wouldn’t dull as often as she could but it meant she had less time to spend with her friends. They brushed off her absence as her way of saying she needed time to readjust to coming home. Pinkie threw a ‘thanks for saving us otherwise we would be stuck in green goop FOREVER’ party the day after Fluttershy was discharged from the hospital. The festivities lasted two days and the cake they made for her was a storey tall.

Pinkie and Rainbow had been pestering their friends to get Fluttershy to finish her story since Fluttershy didn’t want the others to miss out. So far Baral and Fluttershy had fought several dragons; learnt several Shouts; became members of the Blades; met the leader of the Greybeards: the dragon Paarthurnax and learnt the dragon responsible was called Alduin. This was amongst her multiple tales of dungeon raiding. The duo had made an impression on Skyrim but whether it was for the better, one couldn’t truly say with absolute certainty.

“I have to ask Fluttershy. That Elder Scroll you brought back with you…” Twilight inquired as the group sat a table in Sugarcube Corner, all of them had milkshakes in front of them. “Is it the same one that sent you to Skyrim?”

“Yes, yes it is.”  Fluttershy responded as she took a sip of her milkshake. “We found it in a hermit’s home along the river some time back. The hermit seemed to have been killed by some form of rabid animal, judging by the marks he had all over his body. I didn’t realise it at the time but it was soon after we found it… that my adventure in Skyrim ended.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So we now have an Elder Scroll for Paarthurnax.”  Baral said as the duo climbed the 7000 steps once again. Fluttershy nodded her head. The blizzard was still going strong along the mountainside but it stopped bothering them after the third trip back. 

Fluttershy had long since replaced the armour she broke during the fight with Sahloknir. She wore a modified version of Ebony armour. It was only modified in the sense it would be able to fit her body shape since it was originally made for a bipedal creature in mind.

“I guess so. Thanks again for the swords.” Fluttershy responded. She was carrying two enchanted Ebony greatswords and a normal Ebony dragger. Baral had also gotten her an Ebony Composite Bow.

“You're welcome Fluttershy. I’m just glad Eorlund allowed me use the Skyforge to re-forge them and Farengar was more than happy to enchant them for me. So, do you really think that Elder Scroll is yours?” Baral replied with a small smile.

“Yes, or at least I think it is. I’m not too sure. Although it feels like it is.” She said as she held the golden scroll.

The two adventurers walked through High Hrothgar and greeted the Greybeards as they passed. The trip to the Throat of the World was filled with them recounting their latest adventures together, complimenting each other on how they reacted to the various situations they found themselves in. Once they reached the top they greeted the wise, old dragon who was sat on a large, slightly broken wall.

“Paarthurnax, we brought the Scroll.” Baral said, presenting the Scroll to him.

“Yes, that is truly what we need. Hold on… krosis. As much as it is an Elder Scroll, I do not believe it is from this world, like your friend here is.” He spoke slowly and monotonously. The duo could hear sadness in his voice as he turned to Fluttershy. “Although, I think that if you were to use it on the Time-Wound, it may send you home.”

Fluttershy and Baral were shocked, Fluttershy could go home! She would be able to see her friends again and forget this whole nightmare. As she thought about it, she realised she would be leaving Baral to fight Alduin on his own. While she was lost in thought, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Go Fluttershy, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much, I’ll just find another Elder Scroll. Now don’t give me that look.” He said, seeing Fluttershy’s sad expression. “I’ll just get Lydia or Delphine to help me out if I need it. This though, it may be your only chance to go home. Here, take this before you go.”

Baral gave Fluttershy a small ornate cross attached to a simple necklace. Fluttershy remembered seeing a few with Baral on their treks through Skyrim: an Amulet of Talos. These were banned by the Aldmeri Dominion since they banned all forms of Talos worship. Fluttershy put it around her neck with a weak smile on her face.

“I-I’m sorry. T-thank you Baral, f-for everything.” She said as the two hugged each other. Fluttershy was crying, she was going home but it meant she would be losing a good friend.

As Fluttershy entered the area the Time-Wound was, she took out the Elder Scroll and turned around to see Baral for the last time. He just nodded at her, she knew it was for the best and there was no telling if she would ever get this opportunity ever again. She opened the scroll and the area around the Time-Wound lit up from the blinding white light coming from the scroll. As the light faded, Fluttershy and the scroll were gone. Baral sighed and turned to Paarthurnax.

“Right, do you know where I can find another Scroll?” He inquired…

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So ya’ll came home after that right?” Applejack asked. Fluttershy shook her head.

“The next place I woke up in looked like a ruined building. I wouldn’t have survived there for very long if it wasn’t for three people.” She responded, her voice filled with pain as she recounted her adventure in the next world.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Wh-where am I?” Fluttershy asked softly to nopony as she got up off the ground. She dusted herself off and found the Scroll a few metres away from her. As she walked up to it a humanoid monster with blood red eyes, carrying a large scythe appeared to bar her way. 

As it came towards her, she pulled out her greatswords and got ready. It swung at her with the scythe but Fluttershy swung her lightning blade with her left forehoof and cut off the scythe’s blade, sending it straight to the floor with a clang. As she did that, she impaled the Pride in its chest area with the fire blade which was in her right forehoof. As the pride roared at her she swung the lightning blade and severed the Pride’s head. The Pride then turned to sand and fell into a pile on the ground.

“What was that?” She asked out loud.

“A demon.” A voice replied.

“Who’s there?!” she shouted, raising her blades in a battle stance. As she turned to face the voice, a strange man appeared.

The man wore a black suit and carried a book in his left hand, close to his chest. His eyes were different colours. One was blue and the other was red. His face looked like a burn mark, but it pulsated from time to time. He walked up to her calmly.

“Yes, a demon. A creature brought forth from the depths of Hell itself. That particular one is called a Hell Pride and represents one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Who or what are you?”

“I-I'm Fluttershy, a-a Pegasus from Ponyville.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“You told him where you lived?!” Twilight gasped. She was about to protest as to how that was a terrible idea but the looks Rainbow and Pinkie gave her stopped her. Fluttershy took a few sips of her milkshake before continuing.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“I am Arkham. You are in the Temen-ni-gru. It is a tower designed to bridge the gap between the Human World and the Demon World. You shouldn’t be here, I suggest you leave. Now.” Arkham said in a flat tone to Fluttershy as he bowed to her.

“What’s happening here?” She asked.

“A demon is trying to open the gateway to Hell. I suggest you leave now, there is nothing a ‘pony’ like you can do to stop Vergil.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So what did you do dear?” Rarity asked.

“I flew past him and tried to find my way through the tower in search of this ‘Vergil’. I knew that it wasn’t my world but still, I was there and so I had to at least try.” Fluttershy responded. “Oh, sorry girls I have to get going. Angel has been getting very anxious whenever I'm gone for too long so I had better get home.”

“Aw, poor Angel. Come back tomorrow so we can hear more, okay?” Pinkie said with a small disappointed look on her face.

As Fluttershy left, Rainbow decided to follow her. She noticed along the way that Fluttershy was not taking her usual route to her cottage. As she hid behind a bush she spoke to herself under her breath.

“What could she be up to?”

“Dunno, isn't it fun?!” Pinkie said, causing Rainbow to leap into the air.

“Pinkie! What do you think you’re doing?” Rainbow said softly but with an annoyed tone. She flew back down into the bush as quickly as possible to avoid being seen by Fluttershy.

“Duh! I'm following Fluttershy, same as you silly.” She replied with a smile.

"Ok but just keep it down, alright?" Rainbow asked. Pinkie nodded her head so hard Rainbow could swear she heard Pinkie's head rattle.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

As the two friends were following Fluttershy, a disaster had struck Canterlot. The two sisters were talking to each other in the throne room with panic in their voices, which was scaring the guards standing outside.

“What are we going to tell her?” Luna asked, her face looking as if she was on the verge of tears.

“I don’t know Luna, I don’t even know how it happened.” Celestia responded.

The Royal Armourer had gone missing. The worrying part is that he went missing just after he was given Fluttershy’s Ebony greatswords to study. The sisters learned the day after that the real Royal Armourer was actually still trapped in the Canterlot Caves. This report scared the sisters as they realised they were deceived.

“We will have to tell her sister. We don’t really have a choice but if I know Fluttershy, she will forgive our mistake.” Luna said, trying to comfort Celestia who was silently crying.

“But that was the old Fluttershy sister. How do we know she is still the same one we all knew and loved?”

“I could see it in her eyes, her actions may have been unsavoury, given her nature but we both know they were necessary. It will be fine.” Luna said, hugging her sister.

“I hope you're right Luna, I hope you're right.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The Changeling posing as the Royal Armourer had finally reached Fillydelphia. It was an exhausting trip, flying all that way whilst carrying a pair of very heavy swords. This Changeling wasn’t very strong physically but it was one of the best shapeshifters in the Changeling army. It had to avoid every pony town along the way as the weapons would have drawn too much unwanted attention.

It reached Fillydelphia City Centre where King Clavus had unceremoniously made his residence until he took over more befitting accommodations. He was going over several maps and reports on the Crystal Empire.

“We will attack at dawn in three days. Rotate the attacking Changelings every five hours until we breach the shield. I doubt we will have to keep it up for too long, Crystal Ponies are fragile in terms of – why are you interrupting me?! This had better be good pawn!” Clavus shouted. He hated being disturbed when he was talking, strategising, or pretty much whenever, he hated the sound of everyone’s voice other than his own.

“S-sir. I have brought you these…” the Changeling says, fear written on its face and body. It was so afraid it was visibly shaking as it presented Fluttershy’s weapons.

“What am I looking at pawn?! Tell me!” Clavus boomed.

“T-these are two of the weapons a Pegasus used, s-sir. She was the one who saved the Princesses and the Bearers of the Elements. She was also… the one w-who k-killed Her Majesty.” Clavus’ eyes widened at the news.

“And what – prey tell – is her name?” He said more softly but his voice sounded more menacing as he walked up towards the shaking pile of flesh that was a Changeling.

“F-F-F… l-lut…t-ter…shy sir. H-her n-name i-is Flu-Flu-tter-tter-shy.”

“Her name is Fluttershy?” Clavus said with disbelief. “Not only did a pony kill my wife, the assailant was a mare as well?!” His voice was now booming once again. “But you did do me a service by bringing me these. For your brave deeds you shall be rewarded.”

He gestured for the Changeling to follow him. They walked further into the City Centre and stopped once they reached their makeshift Armoury. There were a multitude of weapons of varying style, size and purpose. It felt like it had just won unlimited access to the Royal Family’s Love source.

As it looked around it began to feel cold and weak. It turned around and saw the two blades it stole sticking out of its back. He saw the face of its King: there was no care, no remorse. The king didn’t even flinch as he noticed a genuine tear fall down the Changeling’s face.

“Why my King? Why?” Those were its final words as its life was extinguished by a horizontal slice with the fire sword, taking off its head.

The King said nothing. Instead he just walked out with his new prizes. The Changeling was left there to forever rot, in the Royal Armoury. The King returned to his maps and reports.

“Now, as I was saying…”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy got to her clearing and took out Nevan. As she began to play, her ‘audience’ were enraptured by the bats that came out of nowhere and circled her. Every once in a few notes Fluttershy strung all the strings at once, which sent some of the bats out in front of her. The bats looked as if they were carrying lightning in the space between them.

Before the two’s eyes, Fluttershy switched to Nevan’s scythe and swung it around, leaving a trail of lightning as she did so. She then threw it into the air and pulled out the demon sword brothers: Agni and Rudra.

“SU GRAH DUN!!” She shouted as her swings became a blur of fire and wind. She sliced the air, sending shockwaves of fire and air in front of her. As Nevan began to fall back down to earth she slammed the blades into the ground, sending a trail of fire and air across the ground. It left the earth scorched a charcoal black colour. Fluttershy put Agni and Rudra away and caught Nevan just as it was about to hit her. In one movement from catching Nevan, she slammed the scythe into the dirt and it sent a shockwave of lightning, cracking the scorched earth apart whilst sending a wave of bats behind it.

“That was awesome!!” Rainbow said as she came out of the bushes, followed by Pinkie Pie.

“Yup! That was super-duper spectacularly awesomely brilliant!” Pinkie cried out.

Fluttershy got a fright and accidentally dropped Nevan, causing all the remaining bats to disperse.

“W-what are you doing here?” She squeaked.

“We were going to ask you the same thing until we saw you in action. Those moves were incredible!” Rainbow said with a smug grin.

“Thanks Rainbow, Pinkie.” Fluttershy said sheepishly.

“Is it possible to teach anypony to use that?” Rainbow asked, pointing at Nevan. Fluttershy thought for a moment and placed Nevan in Rainbow’s hooves.

“Well, how about we start with the basics?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you know how to use a guitar?”

“Yup! Dashie took up guitar lessons ever since you left to help cope with you being gone.” Said Pinkie, hugging Rainbow tightly and ignoring the fact the Nevan’s lightning strings was making her mane stand on end.

“Pinkie! Why’d you have to go and tell Fluttershy that for?!” Rainbow protested. She looked at Fluttershy for a moment and sighed. “But she’s right, I have been taking lessons and I've gotten pretty good.”

“That’s good. That means all I have to teach you is how to use the scythe part of the guitar, as well as the other differences between this and a regular electric guitar.” Fluttershy said, patting Nevan on the side. “Let’s first get your guitar and we can start.”

“Here you go!” Pinkie said, handing Fluttershy a dark blue Gibson Explorer electric guitar.

“Uh, thanks Pinkie.” Fluttershy said with a nervous grin. She knew it was best to not ask how she did that. She turned to Rainbow and slung the guitar around her neck. “Let’s start with something simple…”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Meanwhile back in Canterlot, the Princesses were in the Canterlot Gardens. They were awaiting the arrival of a representative from the Griffon Empire.

“Do you know who this griffon is Tia?” Luna asked.

“I’m afraid I don’t and please don’t call me that when we are meeting dignitaries from other Empires.” Celestia responded with a bit of annoyance in her voice.

“Ok I won't call you that when the dignitary arrives. I Pinkie Promise.” She said with a snigger. Celestia looked at Luna for a second before the pair shared a small laugh.

The Princesses then saw one of their guards being followed by five figures. As they got closer, the sisters recognised the shapes as griffons. The delegation soon landed in front of them, they consisted of four armoured guards and the representative. She walked up the Princesses and bowed.

“Sup, sorry I mean, greetings Your Highnesses, I am the representative from the Griffon Empire, here to speak about a possible alliance to help deal with the Changelings that are threatening all of our borders. My name is Gilda.” She said with a slight air of arrogance in her voice.

I have a bad feeling about this. Luna thought.

> Interlude: When Wub and Cello Collide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Interlude: When Wub and Cello Collide
Author: Draconis187

A gray pony with a dark grey mane with a purple treble clef Cutie Mark was standing at Canterlot Station with her friend: a blue Earth pony with two eighth notes for a Cutie Mark named Noteworthy. Noteworthy was carrying Octavia’s cello in its case. 

“Remind me again: why are we going to Ponyville?” Noteworthy asked, a small bead of sweat running down from his dark blue mane, struggling with the cello’s weight.

“I wish to see if a friend of mine is still alright. I have been worrying about her for ages and it hasn’t helped my rehearsals. I need to focus and I can't do that if my mind is not on my music.” Octavia responded with a dignified tone in her voice.

“Okay then. The train is about to leave, after you.” Noteworthy responded. The two of them got onto the train and headed for Ponyville.

****             ********               ********            ****

A white unicorn with a two toned blue mane was slowly getting out of bed, her head pounding as if somepony used a jackhammer on it. She had been partying harder than usual since Fluttershy had killed all of the Changelings in Ponyville.

As she stumbled into her kitchen she spotted her partner in crime: a pale blue unicorn with a black mane. His black shades were laid on the floor and his white could be seen lying over a chair’s arm. Vinyl Scratch gave a small snigger as she made breakfast for the two of them. Ever since Neon’s house got destroyed in the initial attack, Vinyl took him in since they worked together on gigs.

Vinyl heard a mumble coming from the couch, “What happened last night?”

“You drank too much and collapsed again. I really need to show you how to hold your liquor.” She replied with a devilish grin. “Come on now and eat breakfast.”

There was a sound Neon’s body colliding with the floor as he tried to get up. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a plate of flapjacks with his mouth since his head hurt too much to use magic.

The two walked into Vinyl’s dining room to eat. The mahogany table had cost Vinyl quite a bit of bits but since Neon was paying for half the rent, she could afford to decorate her home a little.

“I still don’t get why the Changelings destroyed the club.” Neon remarked, eating his flapjacks with a knife and fork in his hooves while Vinyl levitated them. Vinyl put down her fork and looked into Neon’s pale blue eyes with her dark purple ones.

“Honestly dude? I don’t have a clue. I mean they liked my jams and yet they destroyed the club during their attack. I was busy getting drunk for Celestia’s sake! Now I have to go to and get from Berry Punch instead of my own bar whenever I want a drink.” Vinyl said with a small frown. “Where were you though? I was far too busy running around in a stupor to see clearly.” She sniggered. “32 shots of vodka and half a bottle of whiskey will do that to a mare.”

“I was by the turntables, making sure the beats kept coming while you we- wait… 32 shots of vodka and half a bottle of whiskey?!” Neon shouted while Vinyl nodded her head. “Damn, you can really drink. Well, long story short I ran off and tried to find you once I got out of the club. I didn’t succeed since I only saw you the next day with those Changelings.”

“Yeah, well now they're gone and it’s all thanks to a particular yellow mare with those cool weapons!” Vinyl cried, finishing her last flapjack. “The only question for me now is: how are we going to repair the club? I had an assessment done and it’s going to cost a lot more than what we have and we still haven’t finished paying back the bank for the loan we took to build the club in the first place!”

“I don’t know Vinyl, but I think we will manage. I just know it.” He said, finishing his flapjacks.

****             ********               ********            ****

Octavia and Noteworthy arrived in Ponyville Station. They got off the platform and made their way to Vinyl’s club, passing some old acquaintances of hers who waved at her.

“How do you know these ponies Octavia?” Noteworthy asked. She blushed a little with embarrassment.

“That’s because I used to live here. I made that story about me being from Manehattan up so the other ponies would give me the chance to prove my musical talent. I had lost my parents when I was just a young filly and instead of winding up in an orphanage, a unicorn family took me in. They had a filly of their own as well. She was white with a dark blue mane. Shortly after she got her Cutie Mark she dyed her mane and tail with highlights that were a lighter shade of blue.”

As they walked over the bridge to Town Hall Noteworthy saw she had began to cry softly.

“I laughed at it but then she did too. She was always the rebel in the family while I tried to be dignified whenever possible. Back in music class I tried every instrument you could possibly imagine because something about it talked to me. It wasn’t until I played the cello or specifically that cello.” She said, point to the one on Noteworthy’s back. “That I discovered my passion for the classics.”

They were now walking down one of Ponyville’s many streets. There were a great many ponies that would either wave to Octavia and some that talked in hushed voices as she walked by.

“Eventually Vinyl’s family moved to Fillydelphia to retire, leaving the two of us on our own. As musicians we did what we did best: make music. She became a DJ for a local radio station while I contributed some of the music. Soon our tastes in music began to cause friction, especially once I heard how many ponies here didn’t really like classical music. When I found out… we fought.”

She had tears streaming down her eyes as she recounted the pain of her fight with her best friend and sister.

“In the end I left for Canterlot and applied in the College for the Musical Arts. My entrance exam had me play one of Ludwig Manezart’s incredibly difficult symphonies. As I played they asked me questions, asking where I was from, why I wanted to apply, where my parents were and a variety of others. I knew they did it to break my focus and make a mistake but I was determined to prove myself to them and to Ponyville. I needed to prove that classical music wasn’t dead.”

Noteworthy nodded his head, understanding the amount of dedication she had. They were now getting close to Vinyl’s club: Wub Rock. As the duo arrived they saw the place in a huge shamble. There was paint stripped off by what seemed like fire, there were chunks of the brickwork missing and a wall had a huge hole in it. When they entered they found table broken or overturned, broken glass everywhere and some of the overhanging lights had fallen and broke apart.

“Sweet Celestia, what exactly happened here?” Noteworthy asked as he looked at the broken building that was once Vinyl Scratch’s pride and joy.

“It must have been during the Changeling attack.” Octavia stated. “We should try her house. Follow me, I think she may still be living there.” Noteworthy nodded his head as Octavia continued.

“Needless to say I passed my exam with flying colours. I graduated top of my class of talented cellists and was asked by Princess Celestia herself to be a part of the Canterlot Royal Orchestra. Sadly I tired of being part of a crowd after a while, I didn’t want to fade into obscurity and with Princess Celestia’s permission and help I organised the Octavia Quartet band. I never heard from Vinyl again after I got a message two years back saying she was building a club to ‘rock Ponyville so hard they would think they were back in the Stone Age’ as she put it. Here we are.”

The two had stopped just by the door of Vinyl’s house. Octavia was visibly shaking. After all it had been a while since they last had contact. Noteworthy put his hoof on her shoulder and smiled. She smiled back nervously and knocked on the door. Vinyl answered and saw her old friend staring back at her. Vinyl’s eyes went wide as she opened her mouth.

“’Tavi!! You're back! I'm so happy to see you, how have you been?!” She screamed, causing Neon to come running to the door. “Come in, come in. Hey Neon, get out the good bourbon! I feel like celebrating!”

Neon rolled his eyes and walked off, muttering something about ‘any reason to start drinking before 10’. Vinyl and Octavia sat down next to each other on the couch while Noteworthy placed the cello against the wall.

“So how was Canterlot and the Octavia Quartet eh? I'm sure- why are you crying ‘Tavi?” she asked.

“Two years, two years and that’s all you can say? I thought you would be mad at me for not responding to your letter.” She said. She got startled as Vinyl hugged her.

“I could never be mad at you ‘Tavi. We’re sisters and sisters have to stick together, no matter how big a fight they have. So what brings you and…?”

“Noteworthy, miss.” Vinyl laughed so hard she fell of the couch with a thud. Neon arrived with the bourbon and four glasses. He was levitating the tray since his headache felt a bit better.

“I am Neon Lights, pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” He said, putting the tray down on the coffee table and shaking Noteworthy’s hoof.

“Likewise Neon. What’s up with her though?” He asked, pointing to Vinyl who was getting up again.

“She finds it funny whenever somepony calls her ‘miss’. It’s a recurring joke to her ever since fillyhood.” Octavia said, shaking her head. “But I am glad to see you haven’t changed Vinyl.”

“You too ‘Tavi.” They exchanged a hug. “Back to my question though: what brings you two here?”

“I wanted to make amends. Ever since the Changelings took over Canterlot all I could think of was never being able to see you again to say how sorry I was for yelling at you all those years ago. We parted on such a sour note I-I thought you may have never wanted to see me again. When I saw the club destroyed I feared the worst.”

“’Tavi, my club may be gone but our friendship… that will never fade for as long as I draw breath.” Vinyl said with a smile.

“That’s pretty deep of you Vinyl.” Octavia remarked.

“That’s because I've just had two glasses of bourbon while you were talking.” Vinyl laughed. “The only problem for me right now is that neither Neon nor I have the bits repair the club.”

“Well, I may be able to help out there. I had made quite the small fortune during my time in Canterlot. I never spent my bits on very expensive dresses and outings. Between you and me though… I ordered my dresses from Rarity under an assumed name. I will gladly help you with the reconstruction. I just need a place to stay though.”

“Well my house is your house… literally! Your old room is still vacant if you want it.” Vinyl said. “Oh and ‘Tavi? Thank you.”

“Thank you Vinyl.” The two hugged each other, silently crying. 

Two weeks later…

The club had finally been rebuilt and fully refurnished. Vinyl agreed to open the club in three days since Neon wanted to give the lighting a test run while Noteworthy wanted to check the acoustics. Octavia wanted to get some practise in and Vinyl was dealing with promoting the club’s re-opening by asking Pinkie Pie to help. They renamed it: The Wub and Cello. Octavia was going to play every second day while Vinyl played every first day. On the third day the two of them decided to combine their music together.

“Well then ‘Tavi, you nervous?” Vinyl asked as she rechecked the bar stock. She needed to make sure that would be enough for opening night. Pinkie said the whole town and Canterlot were buzzing with talk over the club.

“About as nervous as I was during my entrance exam. I think I’ll manage.” She replied with a smile as she played a slow tune.

“Thanks again ‘Tavi. I want you to know that no matter how much we may fight, I will always love you as my sister.”

“I love you too sister.” They hugged as Neon finished his testing. Both he and Noteworthy looked at the scene with a smile on their faces.

> Unlikely Allies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Unlikely Allies
Author: Draconis187

Two days of practising had yielded results for Dash and Pinkie. Dash’s natural athleticism and speed made her pretty effective with wielding Nevan in scythe mode. Fluttershy gave Pinkie Kalina Ann, the moment they would finish practise Pinkie would hide it in her mane which seemed physically impossible since the bazooka was as big as her and yet it vanished inside her mane.

Pinkie blurted out that she and Dash were training with Fluttershy to Twilight who ended up wanting to watch. Rarity didn’t since she found it barbaric. Applejack was the only other one who wanted to watch but she was helping Berry Punch and Vinyl Scratch with stocking the Wub and Cello’s bar.

Vinyl Scratch called out to Rainbow the next day, having heard the rumour that Fluttershy and Dash both play the guitar. She wanted a big headliner for the re-launch of her club. Three Bearers would be the best way to get attention for the club, especially if one of them was the one that saved both Canterlot and Ponyville.

“Sup Dash.” Vinyl said as Dash was walking by. She was wearing a bat brooch in her mane. Fluttershy managed to get the brooch changed into a hair clip which made her more comfortable with carrying it. Dash noticed her and waved.

“Sup Vinyl. So I hear ‘Tavi is back in town?” She said with a smirk.

“Yup, she says she is here to stay. At least for a while anyway… Listen I’ve got a favour to ask of you.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Is it true that you and Fluttershy play the guitar?” Dash looked to her left and then to her right before replying.

“Yeah and Pinkie sings too.” She said in a low whisper. Vinyl smiled broadly as she heard that. Her large, one-way glasses kept Dash from seeing her on the verge of tears.

“Brilliant! I need a headliner act for the Wub and Cello. I think you three would rock the place to its foundations! What do you think?” Dash rubbed her head in thought.

“Well I’d have to ask Pinkie and Fluttershy First.”

“I’ll do it!” Shouted a voice from behind them. It was Pinkie. Both mares jumped into the air in fright.

“Ah! Pinkie, don’t do that, ever again.” Dash said with a scowl.

“Oh Dashie, you say the nicest things. I’ll just go ask Fluttershy if she would like to play and I’ll get back to you.” With that Pinkie left in a cloud of dust… in the opposite direction of Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Don’t worry about her, she’s just being Pinkie Pie.” Dash said with a worried expression on her face. “But she will ask Fluttershy, she never says she's going to do something and not do it. So what are your plans for opening night?”

Vinyl smiled evilly and raised her glasses so Dash could see her eyes.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

On the outskirts of the Crystal Empire…

Clavus’ forces were nearing their positions to begin their siege. The Empire has a permanent shield that protects it from the elements of nature since it snows for most of the year. Its alternate function is its ability to stop those who wish to harm its citizens from entering the city. Its major flaw is that it receives its power from the Crystal Heart that the Crystal Ponies power by feeling happy. Clavus knew this and was going to wear them out with fear.

The invasion force found a small train on its way to the Crystal Empire. Onboard were several ponies wearing blue flight suits. The Wonderbolts were going to the Crystal Empire to perform and help lift the ponies’ spirits since Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were still missing.

Spitfire looked out to the right of the carriage she was in and caught a glimpse of the invasion force… before it attacked them. The carriage was stopped by a bunch of massive bull-like Changelings. They were twice the size of the average Changeling but they had no wings nor did they have a horn on their head. Changelings like these are specifically bred to perform this type of combat or hard labour that requires more brute force than a normal Changeling can provide.

“Wonderbolts! We need to get out of here and back to Canterlot!” Spitfire shouted as she led her team through to the rear of the train.

As she bucked the door open to escape, the six pony squad were faced with the Changeling Army. Spitfire gritted her teeth and turned to her team.

“All right Wonderbolts! We need to get to Canterlot no matter what! For Equestria!” She shouted, flying out of the carriage at breakneck speed. The others didn’t need any more encouragement and followed suit within milliseconds. As they tried to escape Spitfire got an arrow stuck into her right flank while she had the back of her neck cut by another but she managed to keep flying with all her strength.

Soarin and the others weren’t so lucky. Soarin had his wing nearly taken off by a ballista and fell while Fire Streak got overwhelmed by Changelings. Surprise was killed when an Elite threw a Changeling at it like a javelin. Its horn impaled her in the chest, killing her instantly. Blaze got hit with a trebuchet, the boulder it threw crushed his skull into paste the moment he collided with the ground. Misty Fly wasn’t fast enough and got her throat slit by one of the airborne Changelings. Silver Lining got dragged down to the ground where his screams could be heard as the Changelings literally tore him apart.

Spitfire tried to block out their cries for help, tears streaming down her eyes as she flew towards Canterlot. King Clavus came out from behind the treeline and saw the fleeing Spitfire. He just smirked as her silhouette disappeared into the horizon.

“Things are about to get interesting.” He mused.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

In Canterlot, the alliance negotiations were falling apart. Gilda wasn’t giving into Celestia’s demands. Luna had taken a stroll through the garden to clear her thoughts.

I remember this griffon. Twilight spoke of her in one of her reports, she was arrogant and quick to anger. Her temperament was foul and her attitude left a lot to be desired. It seems that she was quite correct. I wonder what the Emperor was thinking, appointing her as an ambassador. Luna thought angrily.

Meanwhile inside the ancient War Room that had not been used in centuries, Celestia and Gilda were having a war of their own: a war of words.

“No!” Gilda yelled, banging her claw against the table, making it shake from the impact. “We want you to send your unicorns to our borders first and then we will send you some of our warriors as fair trade!”

“I understand that Gilda.” Celestia began. “But wanting several territories as compensation is out of the question! Many ponies call those places home and I know that the Griffon Empire will forcibly evict them without prior warning.”

“Those are our terms Celestia! You can take them or you can shove them up your sunny backside!” Gilda shouted, visibly fuming since Celestia wasn’t the pushover she was told. “You also forgot that we aren't your nice neighbours, we don’t help for the sake of your pathetic ‘friendship’! We only help when it is in our best interests.”

Celestia sighed, “So we are at an impasse… again.” Gilda scowled at her.

“I guess so. When you decide to agree to our terms come and find me in Ponyville. Got some unfinished business with somepony.”

With that the two left the room and went their separate ways. Celestia’s pet phoenix Philomena flew up to her and landed on her horn. Celestia looked up at her with a smile.

As much I would hate to do this, I don’t have any alternative.

“Philomena, would you mind getting me some parchment and a quill please?” Philomena nodded her head and flew off.

Celestia joined her sister in the Gardens. Luna smiled at her sister until she saw the look on her sister’s face.

“Negotiations failed again?” Celestia just nodded. “What are we going to do now?”

“I have an idea but I am not fond of it, I know Twilight won’t.” At that moment Philomena returned with a piece of parchment and a quill in her claws. Philomena dropped them in front of Celestia who grabbed them before they fell to the ground. She began to write a letter to Twilight.

“Tia, you aren't seriously considering that option are you?!” Luna gasped with surprise. Celestia only nodded with a solemn expression on her face.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Care to tell us more about this place Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. The gang were all inside Twilight’s Library. Dash had Nevan out and was strumming a few chords absent-mindedly while Pinkie ran her hoof through her mane subconsciously, Kalina Ann still hidden inside. Fluttershy had left her coat and weapons at her cottage.

“Ok. After I left I was running upwards through the Temen-ni-gru since the pathway down was blocked.  I faced countless demons of various sizes and types. I even went up against several large, possessed chess pieces.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy was getting exhausted. The constant fighting was getting to her. The more she shouted, the more she fought, all it did was tire her out even further.

She was in the chamber of the Three Trials. Specifically she was in the Trial of the Warrior. The demons she was facing were tougher than the rest. A Hell Gluttony blew sand into her face and got temporarily blinded. A Hell Pride brought its scythe down on her but she managed to dodge it. As she was getting back up, she got blown back up against the wall by a Hell Wrath. As she looked on at the sheer number of Hell Prides and Hell Sloths coming towards her, she felt that this was the end, she would never get home to see her friends again.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What happened dear?” Rarity asked.

“I got help from someone who would become an unlikely ally in that literal hell-hole.” Fluttershy deadpanned.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Gunshots ran throughout the room, the demons trying to kill Fluttershy had all been turned to dust. Her saviour stood in front of her wearing a red coat and carrying two pistols: one black one and one white one. On his back was a sword with a skull adorning the hilt. He looked around the room and then turned his attention to her.

“Well, demons don’t tend to attack their own unless they are betrayed. So what kind of demon are you?” He asked calmly, with his pistols aimed directly at her.

“I'm not a demon. My name is Fluttershy and I'm a pony from Ponyville in Equestria.” She responded.

“Well that’s a sissy name for a spot in Hell. I guess you can't be a demon but hey, who am I to judge?” He said as he began to walk away.

“Wait!” He stopped. “Can I please get your name since I told you mine?”

“Dante.” With that he walked out the room.

Fluttershy noticed something glint in the side of her eye. Turning around she found a small sparkling object. She decided to take it and follow this ‘Dante’. She found him go through a set of doors at the far end of the room. Following, she saw a purple beam fire from a statue onto a pile of rubble, destroying it. Dante turned to Fluttershy with a small smirk.

“Well what do we have here?” Dante reached out and took the gem from Fluttershy’s hoof and placed it in a slot amongst two others that were placed on the statue.

The statue started to react. The laser weapon above them began to get closer to them as the top portion of the statue retracted. As soon as it was finished Dante pulled it off and placed it on his arm. With a smirk he turned to Fluttershy.

“You’re not half bad kid. Why don’t you tag along? It seems like that you could use a little help. Take this.” He said, tossing her his shotgun. “It’s better than using that old thing, besides you’ll injure my reputation if you kill demons with such an old weapon. What is a strange creature like you doing here anyways?” He said, pointing to her bow.

“I found myself here when I woke up. I heard from some weird guy that a demon called Vergil is trying to open the gates to hell. Is it true?” She said with sad eyes.

“We-”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

At that moment the Library door opened with a bang, making everypony jump. Spike had gotten back from grocery shopping earlier than usual. He was out of breath, as if he had just finished a marathon.

“What’s wrong Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I-It’s Gilda. She’s back.” He responded before collapsing from over-exhaustion. Dash looked worried as she turned to her friends.

In the distance they could just make out Gilda’s loud, angry voice busy insulting somepony again. Fluttershy looked to her friends and walked out the door. Everypony followed except for Twilight who took Spike up to the second floor to lie him down.

“Hah! These ponies are just as pathetic and lame as the last time I was here. You call this fresh?!” She shouted at Carrot Top, who ran off screaming. “You call these flowers?! I've seen better looking compost win flower competitions!” She shouted at Roseluck who burst into tears. Gilda’s bodyguards laughed as Roseluck ran off.

“Hey Gilda! Leave them alone!” A voice rang out behind her. Dash was standing with her friends.  “Why are you so nasty towards ponies?!”

“So, Lame-bow Crash is here to save the day? Look who’s here with you! Dear snivelling, pathetic Fluttershy.” Gilda sneered. Fluttershy smirked. “Why are you smiling?”

“I am not the same as I used to be when we first met.” She responded.

“You mean when I made you cry like the pathetic, lame and stupid pony that you are? Please, you can talk all you want but it will be just that… only talk.” She said matter-of-factly.

“Gilda! I will not have you insult my friends!” Dash shouted.

“What about me Dash?! I was your friend and you abandoned me!” Gilda shouted back.

“It wasn’t my fault your parents left for the Griffon Empire! That was their decision! I tried for days, trying to convince them to stay. I went there every day after Junior Speedster Flight Camp! In the end they didn’t change their minds, it was the worst day of my life when I watched you leave.”

“W-well that still doesn’t change the fact that you took your friends’ side!” Gilda snapped.

“That was because you were falsely accusing Pinkie Pie for setting up all those pranks!” Dash snapped back, getting right up to Gilda’s beak.

“Hah! Did you know I'm now an ambassador for the Griffon Empire? The job comes with some nice perks… including diplomatic immunity.” Dash turned to Twilight who had caught up with everypony. She sighed deeply as she gave the short explanation. 

“It basically means she can do whatever she wants and we can't do anything about it.” She deadpanned.

“You can't be serious?!” Dash furiously shouted.

“Afraid it is Dash. You can't touch me!” Gilda laughed. Fluttershy came up to Gilda and pulled out one of Gilda’s feathers. She shrieked in pain.

“How dare you!” She screeched.

“What are you going to do about it?” Fluttershy remarked, her expression stone cold. Gilda was visibly fuming with rage.

“I’ll pound you into paste you little cretin!!” She creamed but then her expression softened but grew dark just after as she began to smile wickedly. “Why should I dirty my claws when I have bodyguards to do it for me? Boys! Teach this annoyance not to mess with griffons.”

The four armoured guards walked up to Fluttershy who pretended to cower in front of them.

“Ha! I knew you were all talk!” Gilda sneered. “Well what are you ingrates waiting for?! An engraved invitation?!”

The most experienced guard walked forward and lifted his one claw, ready to strike. As he brought his claw down, Fluttershy smiled. He had brought his claw down with so much force that he created a small indentation in the ground. Everyone looked around but Fluttershy wasn’t there.

“Up here!” Came a voice… it was Fluttershy! All four of her hooves began to emanate a bright white light. After a few seconds parts of the light faded, creating a pair of silver gauntlets and greaves. They had lines of white light running down them. 

“Get her!” Gilda shouted.

Before the griffons could fly up, Fluttershy smashed into one with her right hind hoof with so much force it created a four metre wide crater around the griffon. He was knocked out cold from Fluttershy’s kick. Without waiting for the others to react, Fluttershy leaped off the defeated griffon’s body and spun herself in several circles like a wheel (Vergil’s Lunar Phase), smashing the one griffon several times on his head and forcing him to the floor.

He refrained from rising and Fluttershy turned her gaze to the other two still able to fight. The moment they saw that killer look in her eyes they raised their claws in surrender. Gilda’s anger reached boiling point. Alliance or no alliance, she was not going to have her report on visiting Ponyville saying her guards were beaten by a single Pegasus.

“You're all useless, pathetic wastes of feathers, the lot of you!! I’ll do it myself!” She said, grabbing one of the fallen guards’ weapons: a mace. 

As she readied to strike at Fluttershy, a greave caught her in the face. Her face contorted in pain as she flew backwards from the impact. She collided with Roseluck’s flower stall, crushing it and her flowers. She got up in time to see Fluttershy’s gauntlet collide with her face.

“This is for falsely accusing Pinkie Pie!” Fluttershy kicked Gilda in the stomach, causing her to rise up off the ground slightly. “This is for insulting Dash!” She used an uppercut, the force of which caused her to rise into the air with Gilda (Dante’s Rising Dragon). “This is for ruining Pinkie’s party she made just for you!” She then smashed Gilda with an overhead haymaker (Dante’s Hammer). As Gilda fell Fluttershy launched herself at her target, striking her with her hind hoof (Vergil’s Starfall/ Dante’s Killer Bee). Gilda collided with the ground with so much force that not only did Fluttershy create a six metre wide crater but she also created a griffon shaped hole inside the crater.

“And that was for making me cry.” She said, her face nearly touching Gilda’s – now almost broken – face. She had several large bruises covering her body. If Gilda wasn’t such a great athlete she would have had been killed. Fluttershy raised her left hoof, looking as if she was preparing for the finishing blow.

“I-I'm sorry! J-just please no more! No more!” Gilda cried out, tears rolling down her face. Fluttershy dropped her hoof and the light encased gauntlets disappeared in a flash of the same white light that brought them into existence. 

Dash walked over to Gilda’s bruised body and raised her hoof to her.

“Gilda please, I would like things to go back to the way things were. I want you to be the friend I once knew back at school. I want that Gilda back.” She said with a tear in her eyes.

Gilda thought about Dash’s words for a short while and just as Dash was about to withdraw her hoof, Gilda grabbed it with her claw. Dash smiled as she helped Gilda climb out of the crater.

Gilda looked over at Fluttershy with genuine fear on her face. Dash looked to Gilda with a small smile.

“Come on Gilda, I’ll take you to my place.” Dash said.

“I’ll come too and help.” Fluttershy said.

“Why would you help me?” Gilda protested.

“You just needed to learn a lesson. I won't beat you up again unless I need to teach you again.” Fluttershy said, looking at Gilda with a small smile.

“Don’t sweat it Gilda. Fluttershy isn't one to go against her word. Come on now.” Dash said as she and Fluttershy carried Gilda to Dash’s home, followed – from a great distance – by her guards. 

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Meanwhile in Las Pegasus a few Changeling scouts were trying to sneak through the once bustling gambling and performance capital of Equestria. ‘Trying’ being the operative word since their movements were being watched from a rooftop above. A blue unicorn with a wand Cutie Mark was standing on said rooftop, levitating one of her firework launchers. She aimed at the Changelings and fired.

There was a huge explosion of red and green sparks as the improvised weapon hit its mark. The Changelings screamed and ran as Trixie Lulamoon picked up several more launchers and fired a barrage of fireworks at them as they retreated.

She didn’t give chase as she had been at this for weeks now, keeping Las Pegasus safe from the Changelings with a few other mares and stallions. Despite their efforts, they have been losing more territory to the Changelings each day. They could repel a good number of Changelings but once an Elite showed up, the battle became one-sided. Trixie managed to kill an Elite once but it nearly killed her in the attempt.

As she returned back to the temporary Headquarters the group had set up in a casino, Trixie was relieved that it was till standing. A green unicorn with a pale blue mane and tail came running up to her, carrying a scroll.

“That is Princess Celestia’s seal. I wonder what she could want?” Trixie said softly as she opened it.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Pinkie! Do you know how long it took me to build this place?!” Dash shouted as Pinkie clutched to Kalina Ann’s handle.

“About four days; six hours; thirty-four minutes and seventeen seconds to be exact!” Pinkie cried out. “But that’s not why I am here. We are going to be late for the Wub and Cello! Hurry up you slow ponies!” She said, lowering herself back down through the hole she made. The bayonet soon got yanked out the ceiling and took a chunk out of it too.

“Oh my gosh I totally forgot!” Dash shouted. She flew over to her cupboard and tossed her guitar to Fluttershy. Gilda’s expression changed to one of utter shock as she looked at the guitar.

“You still have the guitar I got for you before I left?” She said. Dash looked slightly embarrassed, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof.

“Yeah, I never got rid of it, it stayed in my cupboard for years. I only took up lessons on how to play it a year ago. I didn’t want to use it since it constantly reminded me of the friend I lost so many years back. I couldn’t deal with the pain anymore so I left it in there.” Dash said with a tear falling down her face.

Gilda got up and limped over to Dash, wiping her tear away. “Come on now, where is the Rainbow Dash I used to know? The mare that would stare down bullies bigger than her and still kick their cans? The mare that was the first to perform a Sonic Rainboom as a filly? Where is the mare that would charge an opponent at mach one and worry about the consequences later?”

“I'm still here. I never changed Gilda, you did.” Dash replied, smiling softly. “Fluttershy if you tell anypony…”

“Tell them what Dash? I was busy tuning the guitar.” She replied innocently but she wore an evil grin as she spoke.

“Thanks Fluttershy. Now Gilda, you stay here and rest while we go.” Dash said.

“Where are you going anyway?” Gilda asked.

“The Wub and Cello. It’s a new club that Vinyl Scratch and Octavia set up. The layout is awesome and we’re headlining the grand opening.” Dash responded. Fluttershy looked up at the two friends.

“The only problem is we don’t have a drummer.” She said flatly.

“Well count me in! I used to dabble with drums before joining up with politics.” Gilda said.

“What about your wing? I damaged it quite badly, I don’t think you could use it.” Gilda nodded at Fluttershy’s words.

“That’s true but I can use my tail instead. I've had some other griffons try to ‘encourage’ me  to stop. That was when I learned to use it instead. Boy did I turn heads when I showed them!” Gilda laughed. “Ah! My ribs… damn that hurts.” She said, clutching her sides.

The three met up with Pinkie on the ground and together they went to the Wub and Cello.

Noteworthy was waiting for them outside the back entrance, nervously looking around. The moment he saw them, his expression lightened up considerably.

“Where have you been?! Vinyl can only keep the crowd sated for so long! Who is this?” He said, turning his attention to the wounded Gilda.

“I'm the drummer.” She deadpanned.

“Perfect! Get in, get in!” He waved the four of them in. As they walked through backstage they found everything was set up but the sound of Vinyl’s turntables seemed off. They sounded as if it was coming from above them. Brushing it off, the group got set. Fluttershy plugged in the electric guitar while Dash threw her bat hair clip in the air. Gilda got a shock when it became a swarm of bats that turned into Nevan.

“Nice Dash. How did you get that?” Gilda inquired. Dash pointed at Fluttershy. “Decent trade if you ask me.”

Pinkie came up to Gilda with a set of papers. “Read this, its what you need to play on the drums for the songs we are going to do.”

Octavia came up with a clipboard and a stern look on her face. “Right, Neon Lights has gone to inform Vinyl that you have arrived. She is going to play one last song as you all enter the stage area, which is above you.” She said, pointing up at the ceiling.

“Well that explains the music sounding off.” Gilda remarked. Octavia brushed off her comment and continued.

“You have just a few minutes to get ready and good luck!” She said as she walked off.

“Think you can learn the notes in just a few minutes G?” Dash asked. Gilda puffed out her chest and picked up her sticks.

“I was born for this Dash!” She said with pride.

Pinkie finished testing her microphone while Fluttershy had a headset microphone on her head so she could still play. Dash didn’t need to tune Nevan, she couldn’t since the guitar didn’t have any areas to adjust and since the strings were lightning she decided it was best to not mess with it.

The gang heard this song playing above them as the ground below them began to rise. The floor above began to open up and they found themselves behind a red curtain. The music insanely loud from their current position but they got used to it as the song began to end. Dash turned to Fluttershy Pinkie and Gilda in turn.

“Everypony ready?” Everyone nodded their heads. Dash took a deep breath and placed her right hoof over the lightning strings as the curtain rose and the song ended. “Let’s rock!”

They opened up with this song. Vinyl was directly in front of the curtains but to their right. The area they were playing in had the same shape as an amphitheatre but it had no steps. They were playing on a raised platform, just a few inches higher than the floor. The bar was off to the group’s left, near the entrance while the bathrooms were on the other side of the room. Neon Lights had set the lights to flash on and off; rotate and change colour in sync with the song. Everypony was a little nervous at first, seeing Gilda playing drums. 

Soon the short song ended and the group began playing the second. As Pinkie opened up the lyrics her mane and tail instantly deflated. Her voice became frightfully deep.

”Steal a soul for a second chance.” She began, several ponies screamed at the rapid change in her. As the song progressed, they relaxed and gathered it was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.

“Bless me with the leaf off of the tree” Fluttershy began to sing, her voice only changing slightly. The crowd finally relaxed enough to have a good time, they danced, drank and Screw Loose had another epileptic fit and was taken to the Ponyville Hospital… her doctor did warn her about rapidly blinking lights.

”Black night, dark sky, the devil’s cry.” Fluttershy sang while Pinkie finished her side of the vocals.

”But you will never become a man.”

The group then went on to their third and final song. Pinkie’s mane was till flat but her voice didn’t sound demonic any longer.

”Standing where I should be.” She began. The room burst with even more energy, ponies were shouting and screaming their names, some even shouted Gilda’s name.

”Chaaaase after time, chaaaase after time.”

As Pinkie finished singing and her mane physically puffed back up with the sound of a balloon being instantly pumped. Everypony waved and bowed to the crowd who were ecstatically cheering their names. The platform they were standing on then proceeded to lower itself back down with the group still on it.

Octavia and Vinyl came up to them just as Dash put the bat hair clip in her mane. They were both grinning from ear to ear.

“Thanks dudes!” Vinyl said, shaking Dash’s hoof so violently she thought it was going to fly off her shoulder. “We were packed to the rafters thanks to you! Now if you’ll excuse me, I've got several bottles of alcohol playing my song!” With that she ran off in the direction of the stairs.

“Don’t mind her, she is just overjoyed by the fact that her club is back and that you all helped her.” Octavia said with a small smile. “We made quite a bit of bits and the night is still young. Thanks again for your help.”

After the group left the club Gilda turned to Dash.

“Look Dash, even though it was pretty rad jamming with you, I'm afraid I have to get back to Canterlot. I am still a representative for the Griffon Empire. Although I will stop being a hard case with them and reach a compromise with them. After all this is over how about I get you a drink?”

“Sure G. I'm just glad I have my friend back.” She said, shaking Gilda’s good claw with her hoof. Gilda’s guards helped to carry her back to Canterlot. Pinkie ran off to Sugarcube corner to look after Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Nearing Canterlot, an exhausted and bleeding Spitfire could be seen in the distance. The guards got to her in time to hear her mutter one word before she lost consciousness: ‘Changeling’.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Nearing the outskirts of the Everfree Forest a mysterious bipedal figure was about to enter the dangerous, unforgiving place. His blue coat easily visible in the light of Luna’s moon, he was holding onto a katana with a white handle in his left hand. Its sheathe had a long yellow ribbon attached to it. what was strange was the briefcase he was carrying in his right hand.

It was a near black colour with a pulsating yellow light running down the black lines adorning the sides. In the centre of the case was a skull with glowing eyes surrounded by what seemed like wings, arranged in a circular pattern around it.

As he neared the dense forest he placed the case down and reached for the gold pendant around his neck. The large red gem in the centre was glowing slightly and as he turned around it began to glow brighter before glowing dimmer. He turned back to where it glowed the brightest.

“So she is that way. I expected someplace more… civilised, I guess that portal Dante and I opened was defective.” He deadpanned. He picked the briefcase back up and walked on into the Everfree.

> This Means War
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
This Means War
Author: Draconis187

Trixie and her fighters had managed to keep some sections of Las Pegasus free from Changelings thanks to them controlling the train station. After receiving Princess Celestia’s request, she got all of her fighters onto the train and evacuated what remained of Las Pegasus. Their destination… was Canterlot. Trixie had her head out the window as the train barrelled down the tracks.

“Goodbye Las Pegasus. We will free you, one of these days.” She said solemnly. 

Of all the places she visited in her travels, Las Pegasus was the best. After Twilight defeated her not once but twice, she fled here. By the time the news of her transgressions reached the city, she was already making amends. She only kept her showboating to the stage and helped around the city in her free time, which changed the ponies’ opinions of her.

“Trixie, why did you order us all to evacuate?” Asked a dark grey Pegasus named Thunderlane. 

His mane was a pale greenish colour with lighter highlights and his tail was styled the same way. His face had a scar running down his one eye which forced him to keep it closed. Trixie looked at him with a sad expression.

“Celestia herself has requested our assistance with the war on the Changelings. We would have died there if we kept fighting there anyway. I've lost enough good ponies to this war already. It’s time they paid.” She said, gritting her teeth.

Thunderlane nodded his head. “I understand.”

“There is one more reason my dear Thunderlane. I was unable to apologise properly to Twilight after the Alicorn Amulet debacle. When I had heard that Canterlot and Ponyville had been taken, I feared the worst. I've gotten a second chance to make amends to her and I'm not about to let some bugs stop me.”

Thunderlane nodded again and walked back to his seat. Trixie continued to look on to the disappearing Las Pegasus skyline, smoke billowing from the multiple fires the Changelings made as they ravaged the city. She shed a small tear as she closed the window and laid down.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Meanwhile the mysterious figure had not stopped walking through the Everfree Forest for the past day. As he entered a particular area of the forest he began to hear a soft growl coming from his left. A Timberwolf appeared, crouching low and getting ready to pounce. The figure chuckled.

“Well now this is interesting, a dog made of wood.” The wolf growled louder. “I would advise you against this course of action, you will not survive it.”

Ignoring his advice the wolf pounced but flew straight past him. The case was on the ground while his right hand was sheathing his katana. The katana made a clicking sound as he rammed it into its sheathe. The wolf’s head fell off then the rest of its body collapsed into a pile of finely cut pieces.

“I warned you.” The figure said coldly, picking up the case again and continuing on his way, following his glowing gold pendant.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Gilda had arrived back in Canterlot. The Princesses were shocked when they saw her bruises and bandages.

“Don’t sweat it, it was a lesson I needed to learn.” Gilda said with a smirk. Seeing the expressions on their faces, she sighed. “Don’t we have an alliance to negotiate?”

Celestia nodded and Gilda limped into the War Room. Luna turned to her older sister.

“We should thank Fluttershy.” She said softly.

“Provided she didn’t start another war, yes we should.” Celestia replied as she followed Gilda. Luna gave a small chuckle as one of the guards closed the door.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Near Fluttershy’s cottage, the gang were having a picnic.

“Hey Fluttershy, catch!” Dash shouted as she threw a pair of pitch black glasses at her.

“Your glasses?” Fluttershy remarked, holding them in her hoof. Dash responded by pulling out another pair and putting them on.

“Yeah, you are officially cool enough to wear them.” She said with a smirk as she laid down on the picnic blanket. “Would you mind continuing with the story? It’s getting interesting.”

Fluttershy nodded and began to continue as the group huddled together. Pinkie was eating from an enormous popcorn box whilst drinking a milkshake.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The room before the pony and devil hunter split into five doors that went off in multiple directions. The shotgun Dante gave her was working far better than her old bow but she kept it just in case. Dante looked at the three doors in the room, including the one they came through.

“Well, nothing’s ever easy is it?” Dante said, shrugging his shoulders. “I guess we’ll have to split up. I’ll go this way.”

Fluttershy nodded and went through the door to the left while Dante went right.

Far down the passageway, a woman was unknowingly walking towards Fluttershy. Every demon that she saw she shot with a wide array of pistols and sub machine guns. The most interesting feature about her, other than the rocket launcher on her back was her multi-coloured eyes. One was blue while the other one was red. She wore a white school blouse and very short brown pants.

As Fluttershy walked down the corridor several Hell Lusts and Gluttonies appeared and tried to attack her. Fluttershy gripped the Amulet of Talos and breathed in deeply.

“FUS RO DAH!!” She Shouted, sending a huge blast of air that picked up the demons and sent them flying off the edge of the tower. Fluttershy turned around and rolled just in time to avoid a Hell Pride’s scythe. As she rolled she pulled out the shotgun and fired. The pride took two buckshot shells to the chest and turned to dust like all the others.

“What are you?” A voice said behind Fluttershy. The lady was standing behind her, holding the rocket launcher in her hands and aiming it at Fluttershy. Fluttershy put the shotgun away and raised her hooves.

“A pony from Equestria.” She replied, not moving.

“What part of Hell is that?” The lady retorted with her rocket launcher still pointing at Fluttershy.

“It isn't, I've been world hopping thanks to a scroll I found in my world.” She said.

“Likely story demon.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Oh yeah? Show me.”

Fluttershy reached for one of her armour’s secret compartments and – after pulling out several potions, herbs and scrolls – pulled out the Elder Scroll.

“This is it. Just don’t open it, if you do it might send you to another world or temporarily blind you.” Fluttershy warned. The woman wasn’t listening to the ‘demon’ and opened the Scroll.

“AH!! My eyes! What did you do to me?!” She shouted, searching the ground for the rocket launcher since she dropped it.

“I-I warned you!” Fluttershy protested, picking up the Elder Scroll.

“If I ever manage to see again, I’ll kill you!” She shouted as she found her weapon.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So what happened then?” Dash asked. She had taken Nevan out and was strumming a few soft chords so she could still hear Fluttershy’s story.

“I fled, she was carrying a rocket launcher after all.” Fluttershy responded. Pinkie raised her hoof. “Yes Pinkie?”

“What did it look like?”

“You're holding it.” Pinkie’s eyes went wide as did her smile.

“Really?!”

“Yup, the lady’s name was Lady or at least that was what she and Dante told me anyway.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“So what happened after that?” Dash asked.

“After that I had to deal with even more demons but I eventually found myself at the bottom of the tower. On the way down, the tower had shaken and as I looked outside I saw this huge monster fall from the sky. I found Dante and Vergil busy fighting each other in a large chamber but Lady was there as well.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“You!” Lady cried, pointing her finger at Fluttershy. Dante overheard her and called out.

“Hey Lady! You're a bit late to the party and I see you’ve met my friend Fluttershy!” He shouted, parrying Vergil’s Yamato with his Rebellion.

Lady pulled out her pistols and began to fire at Fluttershy. She flew up and dodged the bullets that were coming at her. She took out her Ebony greatswords and used them to deflect the rounds. She didn’t want to hurt Lady since something told her that there was more to this lady than just her hate towards demons.

“What is going on here Dante?!” Fluttershy shouted, dodging Kalina Ann’s rocket just in time.

“My brother and I are having a conversation.” He replied, using his sword to guard against Vergil’s foot. Vergil had gotten his hands on a Devil Arm: Beowulf.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Wait, isn't that the same as you were wearing when you beat Gilda and her guards up?” Twilight asked.

“Yes.”

“Okay, please continue.”

“Yes, continue.” Dash said with a scowl on her face that was directed at Twilight.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“As for Lady over there, she just hates demons. I don’t know why she is trying to kill you though since you're not a demon.” Dante shouted, swinging Rebellion in a circular motion in his hand (Prop Shredder).

Vergil dodged it by teleporting backwards and hunching down a little whilst holding onto Yamato’s handle (Judgement Cut stance). He sheathed and unsheathed his blade at a rapid pace, trying to cut Dante from a distance. Dante had seen his brother’s moves before and dodged them. He did get a few cuts despite his best efforts.

Lady tried to cut Fluttershy with Kalina Ann’s bayonet blade. As she swung it sideways, she got it caught in the wall. As she tried to dislodge it, Fluttershy flew off to stop the fight between the two demon.

“You're brothers?!” She shouted as she came between the demon siblings with her Ebony greatswords.

“This matter is not for children.” Vergil said coldly, knocking her back with an uppercut. As she flew backwards she pulled out the shotgun but Vergil slashed the air with Yamato. The slash caught her in the chest and destroyed the shotgun. As she collided with the wall, a sizeable chunk of her armour broke off. Her left shoulder was now unprotected.

As she began to get up, Lady had entered the fray. Their blades clashed and as they separated from each other, Lady swung Kalina Ann around and fired a rocket. Dante and Vergil dodged it and continued to try and kill each other. Dante pulled out his guns and fired at Vergil who just deflected them by swinging his blade rapidly in a circular motion. He then dragged the blade across the floor, revealing he had actually caught the rounds. He then flung them back at Dante who sliced them in half.

Dante rushed forward and attacked Vergil with multiple, fast stabbing attacks (Million Stab). Vergil kept Yamato in front of him, blocking every attack he made. As Dante let up for a short second, Vergil struck. He swung with an upward strike, slashing Dante’s chest. 

Dante reeled back from Vergil’s attack, clutching his wound with one hand. Fluttershy came back into the fight against Vergil with a dual overhand slice with her greatswords. Vergil disappeared from her sight in a blue blur and reappeared behind her. As she turned her head she saw Vergil about to strike.

“WULD NAH KEST!!” Fluttershy Shouted.

She sadly didn’t see where she was heading and collided with the wall. As she collected her bearings she saw Lady get back into the fight by firing on the demon twins.

As their blades clashed one more time, the sound of clapping was heard ringing through the chamber. Standing on the edge of the combating group was a creature resembling a court jester. He was dressed in purple and his eyes were the same as Arkham and Lady. He had what seemed like a hat with two bells on the ends.

“Well, well, it looks like the little actors have played their parts. I was a little worried that you would upset my plans.” He said, pointing his staff at Fluttershy. “But my dear daughter managed to stop you from interfering thanks to her hatred of demons. If only she was more open-minded, she would have seen that wasn’t the case.”

“I thought I told you: I don’t like anyone who has a bigger mouth than me.” Dante said, firing Ivory.

The jester appeared behind Dante and bashed him over the head with his sceptre.

“Come now dear boy, you are all to weak to fight me.” He said but at that moment all four of them had their weapons by his neck, ready to chop it off. The jester turned into Arkham.

He grinned and performed a spinning kick at their legs, sending them all flying backwards. He then looked at Vergil and Fluttershy as they were knocked back next to each other.

“Do you know why the seal didn’t break? Sparda sealed this place by using his blood, the Perfect Amulet, his sword and the blood of a mortal priestess.” He said as he picked up Kalina Ann and walked up to Lady. 

****                    ****                        ****               ****

At that moment Princess Luna appeared from behind the trees. She smiled as the group greeted the Princess of the Night.

“Hello everypony, did I miss anything?” She asked. Dash smiled.

“Nah, you're just in time.” She said, moving to the side so Luna could sit down.

“Well, please continue.” She requested. Fluttershy blushed but continued the story.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Arkham impaled the blade of Kalina Ann into her thigh, causing her to cry out in pain. Arkham didn’t even flinch, he removed the blade and tossed the weapon away. The ground began to rumble as her blood mixed with the blood already in the etchings in the floor.

A large portion of the room where Arkham stood began to rise. Lady fell off the edge while Vergil was out cold. Dante struggled to get back up and hobbled over to Lady’s body.

The shaking was so bad that parts of the floor were falling. Vergil soon fell down, into a dark abyss. Reacting on instinct, Fluttershy flew after him ignoring the pain she was in. As she flew down through the darkness she reached for a potion in her armour and drank it. Several of her scars healed slightly and the pain was numbed for a short duration.

She managed to catch up to Vergil’s falling body and grabbed him. It was lucky since the floor below was coming up fairly quickly. She landed and slowly placed Vergil on the floor. She began to pull out a few herbs and crushed them together with her hooves. She was making a healing paste to apply to Vergil’s wounds.

As she put it on his chest, Vergil sprang up. He grabbed Fluttershy by the throat and looked as if he was about to crush her windpipe. After he looked down and saw she was trying to help, he let go. He got up and picked up Yamato which had fallen a short distance away. Fluttershy was rubbing her throat and didn’t look at him.

“Why did you help me?” He asked coldly.

“You were injured.” She replied.

“I don’t need your help.” He said. As he looked up, his expression became darker still. “You saved me from falling from that height?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You were betrayed and fooled like the rest of us.” She deadpanned.

“Hmph.” He grunted. He began to walk on towards a door, now hell-bent on getting even with Arkham. Fluttershy followed behind him. “Don’t follow me.”

“Sorry but it’s in our best interests to work together right now.” She said. Vergil sighed.

“Fine, just stay out of my way.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So then what did the two of you do?” Luna inquired as she took a bite out of a sandwich that Twilight gave her.

“He didn’t talk so I did. I told him about Equestria, my friends, Skyrim and pretty much everything else. As we got near the top of the Temen-ni-gru I felt that he was about ready to open up and listen to me.” Fluttershy responded. “That and I think he may have respected the fact that I could kill a good number of demons.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Spitfire had come to in the Canterlot Hospital. She was still disorientated but alive. According to the attending doctors, she had suffered quite a bit of blood loss. That coupled with her pushing herself too hard on the trip to reach Canterlot. One of the guards came in to check up on her. When she saw the guard she motioned him to come forward.

“Tell Princess Celestia… tell her that the Crystal Empire is in grave danger.” The guard was shocked but he nodded, saluted and left the room as fast as he could.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Everything is in place.” Clavus said under his breath as his forces circled the city, cutting off any escape. 

He raised his hoof, calling all of the Changelings attention. He said nothing but he brought his hoof down to the ground, causing an audible bang on the dirt. The Changelings cried out, sending the signal out across the entire army. They began their siege. The trebuchets fired, catapults threw their payloads, Changeling archers fired their bows and the Changeling bulls rammed into the barrier protecting the city.

“Everything is in my favour.” Clavus murmured. “Soon my master shall return to this plane.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The guard had returned to Canterlot and arrived outside the doors to the War Room. The other guards let him after he informed them of the urgency of his mission.

As he entered the room he saw Gilda and Celestia shaking their respective appendages in agreement: the alliance was formed successfully. The two turned their gaze to the out of breath Earth Pony Guard.

“What is it?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah runt, what’s gotten your mane in a twist?” Gilda inquired.

“It’s the Crystal Empire Your Highness! Spitfire has informed me that it could be in grave danger!” He replied.

Celestia looked to Gilda who just smiled.

“So then, that’s their play eh? The Crystal Empire is a stepping stone into the Griffon Empire’s borders. Not to mention that the magical barrier protecting it would make any assault difficult at best.” Gilda said.

“So then what now?” Celestia asked. Gilda’s smile turned more sinister as she replied.

“I will send a message with one of my guards to the Griffon armies. Time to cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war.”

“So then, this means war?” Celestia asked rhetorically. Gilda only nodded as Philomena had left to fetch more parchment and ink.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Deep within the Everfree, the blue coated figure was still casually walking through the forest. Any monster with half a brain steered clear of him. He had already decapitated a cockatrice, sliced a manticore into several bloody chunks and depressed the sea serpent that lived in one of the rivers.

He started to enter the territory of a particular creature that has not one care about one’s capabilities. It has never shown fear. Its strength was unsurpassed in the Everfree Forest. As Vergil walked past huge cave entrance, he heard a very loud growl emanating from it.

“This sounds promising.” He deadpanned, putting the case down on the ground.

Vergil’s opponent exited the cave. The scourge of the Everfree Forest, the Ursa Major faced one problem: it was dealing with a creature that feared nothing and cared for nothing... almost.
> Hell Hath No Wrath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Hell Hath No Fury
Author: Draconis187

The giant purple bear looked at Vergil with fire in its eyes. He had crossed into its territory and that was always a bad idea (unless you are Vergil, who doesn’t know the meaning of the word). The beast was clearly visible as the sun began to set as the stars in its translucent body glowed faintly. The large blue star on its head pulsated from time to time. Its fangs were easily bigger than Vergil who just smiled and placed his hand over Yamato’s handle.

“Finally something in this world worthy to fight the son of Sparda.” He deadpanned.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Ok everypony, I need to go now.” Luna said with a smile. “Royal duties call. Oh and thanks Fluttershy for getting through to the Griffon Empire ambassador.”

“How did you know it was me?” Fluttershy asked, pretending to look innocent.

“Tia and I could only think of one pony that would beat up a delegate without caring about the consequences.” She replied and with those last few words, she flew off to raise the moon.

“So was this near the end of you world hopping journey?” Twilight asked.

“Not really but it was the last place the Elder Scroll sent me.” She said as she began to continue.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Vergil was wondering something as the two of them walked up towards the top of the Temen-ni-gru. Was this creature really that caring? She really seemed hell-bent on helping him for some reason despite the fact that he attacked her. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and continued on.

“Hey, what’s that?” Fluttershy asked, pointing to the huge opening to Hell above them.

“That is the gateway to the Demon World.” Vergil responded coldly.

As the reached the platform Fluttershy noticed a large gun on the floor with a note attached to it. It said: ‘To Fluttershy, regards Dante. P.S. Spiral here has quite the kick.’ Fluttershy picked up the large rifle and – after firing a few test shots to get a hang of the 20mm rifle’s recoil – she placed it over her shoulder. Vergil just looked at it with disdain.

“A true warrior doesn’t use guns.” He said callously. Fluttershy just rolled her eyes and the two continued their journey into Hell.

“This is a strange place.” Fluttershy remarked.

The area they were in looked like a large hall similar to the Temen-ni-gru’s interior but much paler in colour. Parts of the ‘walls’ had broken off and were floating in mid-air. There appeared to be a cross between a black hole and an eyeball hanging in the ‘sky’. Everything was being drawn into the ‘eye’ while it appeared to be looking directly at the half-demon and yellow pony.

“I suggest we hurry, it appears my pathetic brother has already come this way.” Vergil said as he pointed to the pathway made up of varying chunks of the ‘wall’.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement and the two of them rushed towards the portal that was just above the foot of a statue. When they exited the portal they found themselves standing on what looked like an incredibly large pool of blood. There were several pieces of broken statues and tombstones around them, blocking their movement beyond their current position. Several Hells appeared but these were different to the others and Fluttershy had fought all seven types. They were a mixture of red and white, carrying pitchforks. One of them had a scythe blade made of fire emanating from the pitchfork, showing off its affinity for the element.

“Abyss.” Vergil said, readying Yamato. “Finish this quick.”

There were ten in total for the moment with six barring their way to the portal, a short distance away. Fluttershy took out her greatswords while Vergil approached the Abyss in a blur of blue. Several of them liquefied into the blood floor before Fluttershy could land a hit. Vergil had three surrounding him but he knew the odds were not in the Abyss’ favour, it made him smirk.

An Abyss shot up out of the blood floor and was about to attack, but a high penetration 20mm round pierced its head. Its head exploded with the force of a small 100lb bomb, splattering blood all over. Vergil dodged the one Abyss’ scythe and stabbing another with Yamato’s scabbard, knocking it backwards. Another swing from the other Abyss only served as a launch platform for Vergil who jumped high into the air. In a split second he was back on the ground with Yamato out of its scabbard. He sheathed Yamato slowly and then sheathed it quickly once there was roughly an inch of the blade still out. Yamato made a clicking sound and the three Abyss were instantly sliced apart.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The Ursa Major brought its paw down at Vergil with crushing force. Its paw created a small crater as it collided with the ground. As the Major raised its paws, it noticed Vergil wasn’t in the crater it had created. In fact Vergil was nowhere to be seen. As the Ursa Major looked around in confusion, Vergil looked on at the Ursa Major from a tree branch.

“Pitiful.” He said, causing the giant bear to turn in his direction.

The Ursa Major swiped at the tree, destroying the tree in a cloud of leaves and splinters. Vergil had vanished again but this time appeared above the Ursa’s head with his hand on Yamato’s handle. He then appeared and disappeared around the Ursa’s body, beating several spots with Yamato’s scabbard. He had hit the Ursa’s pressure points, causing the Ursa Major to cry out in great pain.

It fell down to the ground with a thunderous crash. The force rocked the surrounding area as if there had been an earthquake. The giant bear was beginning to get angrier and as a result its attacks were getting stronger as the stars in its body glowed brighter with each passing second. It tried to smash Vergil into the dirt but missed once again. The force its stronger attack caused sizable chunks of the ground to fly up into the air in several indiscriminate directions.

“Time to end this.” Vergil said with a small grin.


****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Wow, this Vergil sounds like quite the fighter.” Twilight remarked.

“He was better than Dante when it came to swords. Vergil hated firearms with a passion though.” Fluttershy responded before continuing.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy and Vergil eventually entered an area closed off by multiple rocks. Below them was a pool of purple liquid running down a hole in the centre. The two of them then saw it: a huge disgusting blob with a human head on it. Its body was a translucent purple colour. Attacking it was Dante with Rebellion in hand. Dante got knocked back and as the blob was about to hit Dante with an arm, Fluttershy fired a round from Spiral, blowing its hand clean off.

“What?!” The blob shouted, looking up.

“Are we late Dante?!” Fluttershy shouted from atop the rocks next to Vergil as she ejected the spent round’s casing.

“Just in time little lady! I see you found my present and my dipstick of a brother!” He shouted back.

Vergil scoffed as the two leapt to Dante’s aid. As Vergil landed next to Dante, the blob spoke.

“Damn you! Do you really think that two half-breeds and a pony can defeat me?!” The blob shouted.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Wasn’t that blob Arkham?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded and continued.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Arkham fired off some projectiles while trying to hit Dante and Vergil with his tentacles and arms. Fluttershy destroyed the projectiles by using Spiral’s bullets to intercept them. The twins sliced through Arkham’s membrane skin and launched their blades through his body. The blades crossed paths with each other and the twins caught their other’s respective weapon as they exited Arkham’s body.

They continued to carve through Arkham’s body, blood gushing from his horrendous form. Dante got into Vergil’s Judgement Cut stance and sheathed and unsheathed Yamato at the same blistering pace as Vergil did when performing the same move. Vergil used Dante’s Drive attack with Rebellion, sending a shockwave that cleaved Arkham’s remaining legions apart.

As Arkham kept trying to create more slug-like legions from his body, Fluttershy destroyed a good number of them before they reached the ‘floor’. The two brothers rushed at Arkham, used their Aerial Rave moves, landed on Arkham’s body and jumped backwards towards Fluttershy. The twins landed on Fluttershy’s left and right. As Dante and Vergil swapped weapons, Dante – on her left – pulled out Ebony and Ivory.

“Die!!” Arkham shouted, knocking Ebony out of Dante’s hand… only for Vergil to catch it.

“I’ll try it your way for once.” He deadpanned.

“Remember what we used to say?” Dante asked with a smile. Fluttershy somehow knew what Dante was talking about as she and Vergil smiled.

The three of them put their respective guns next to each other. Dante’s Ivory was on top of Spiral’s barrel and Vergil put Ebony under Spiral’s barrel. 

“Don’t do it!” Arkham shouts.

“Jackpot!” The three of them cried in unison as they fired energy infused rounds.

Dante and Vergil’s respective red and blue rounds circled around Fluttershy’s yellow one as they travelled towards the bleeding damaged abomination in front of them. As the three rounds collided with Arkham’s body, they detonated and sent blood – along with some strange liquid – everywhere.

“I have the power of Sparda!” Arkham shouted as his body fell apart.

“Not very classy for someone’s dying words.” Vergil remarked with an evil smirk as he threw Ebony to Dante who caught and holstered it along with Ivory.

Arkham’s body dissipated, turning back to his human form as he fell through the hole in the ground. The three heroes – which in Vergil’s case was a stretch – noticed Force Edge and the two amulet halves fall through the hole in the centre of the area. Dante and Vergil jumped through after the items. Fluttershy flew down the hole after them.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Vergil dodged another swiping attack from the Ursa Major by vanishing again. He then reappeared in front of the Ursa’s face, Yamato out of its scabbard. He slashed at the air in front of the Ursa Major which gave it numerous large cuts on its face. He landed on the ground and got into his Judgement Cut stance. He sheathed and unsheathed his blade several times, cutting the Ursa in several places across its body.

The Ursa’s body then began to light up and all of its wounds healed. Slightly impressed Vergil turned around and headed towards the case. The Ursa Major looked confused but brought its paws down on him. Vergil vanished and appeared on top of its left paw, shaking his head… Yamato wasn’t fully sheathed.

He then fully sheathed Yamato with a click. Several larger cuts appeared on the Ursa’s body, blood slowly coming out. The Ursa Major then tried to swipe Vergil off its paw, only to see Vergil vanish again. This time he appeared on the ground, next to the case he had been carrying. The Ursa Major’s body lit up again but this time its wounds didn’t heal completely. It looked at Vergil as he raised his unsheathed Yamato.

Vergil sliced in a downward slice, the air slice washed over the Ursa Major but the attack did no damage. The Ursa was bewildered at the lack of damage or even impact. Vergil smirked as he sheathed Yamato with a click. The ground where the Yamato had sliced caved in and the shockwave cleaved the Ursa Major in two. The cave behind them that was the Ursa’s home was also severed in half, it even caved in. Instead of falling into bloody chunks the Major’s body began to fade away as the stars inside flew up into the darkening sky.

“Now then.” Vergil said to himself, raising his amulet and picking up the case. “I'm coming for you Fluttershy.” With the minor disturbance dealt with, Vergil carried on his way out the Everfree Forest.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Vergil and Dante landed on a shallow river that ended in a waterfall into an abyss. As Fluttershy landed next to Vergil, the brothers were in another argument.

“My soul says it wants to stop you!” Dante shouted, pointing at Vergil. 

Fluttershy decided enough was enough. She pulled out the greatswords and held them at both brothers.

“That’s it! Why are the two of you trying to kill each other the whole time?!” She shouted.

“Stay out of my way.” Vergil said coldly. Fluttershy turned to him, giving him The Stare.

“Make me.” She said. Vergil gave a small chuckle and went for Fluttershy.

“WULD NAH KEST!!” She Shouted, flying straight past Vergil. Blood could be seen on the blades of her greatswords. Vergil’s coat had been cut and there were two visible scars on his abdominal area.

“What?” Vergil cried, turning to the mare that just cut him. “How can you be that fast?”

“I can Shout remember?” Fluttershy pointed out. “Now, how about we calm down and get everything out… without trying to kill one another.”

“When we lost our mother to demons, I decided to set out and exterminate them while my stick in the mud brother set out to seek ultimate power.” Dante said with a frown.

“We can not continue this meaningless conversation.” Vergil stated. “Since the Amulet is now separated once more, the gateway will be starting to close.”

Dante decide to hightail it out while Fluttershy was still pointing her blades at Vergil. Fluttershy thought for a moment and smiled at him.

“Come on.” She said, putting her blades away and extending a hoof.

“What game are you playing at?” Vergil demanded.

“No game. I think I understand it now.” Fluttershy said with a sad smile. “Losing your mother must have been so traumatic for both you and your brother. Seeking power will never bring back the ones we love Vergil. The only thing we can do is make sure that their memory and sacrifice isn't in vain.”

Fluttershy walked closer to Vergil, eventually hugging him. “Everything will be alright. You still haven’t come to terms with your pain that came from losing her and if you don’t, you will never move forward.”

“You need to get going, the gateway probably won't stay open for long.” Vergil said with his voice still cold as ice.

“Not without you Vergil.” Fluttershy said adamantly.

“No.” he responded.

“You don’t have a choice… IISS SLEN NUS!!” She Shouted, encasing Vergil in ice and stopping any form of movement. “Sorry Vergil but this is the only way I'm going to get you to come back with me.”

Fluttershy grabbed Vergil’s frozen body and as she tried to fly off, she found out that she was over encumbered. Tossing Spiral away she tried again, this time succeeding in carrying Vergil off and down through a portal off the edge of the waterfall.

“Even a devil may cry when he loses a loved one, don’t you think?” Lady asked Dante.

“It’s just the rain.” Dante replied.

As Fluttershy got near the ground, the Shout was beginning to wear off. Vergil regained the use of his limbs and struggled. Fluttershy let go of him as they neared the ground, allowing Vergil to maintain some of his dignity.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“So what happened after that? Did you find a way back to Equestria?” Dash asked. Fluttershy shook her head.

“There weren’t any Time Wounds or dimensional rifts other than those created by the demons to allow passage to or from the Demon World.” Fluttershy responded. “The Elder Scroll didn’t have an effect whenever I used it near or in the rifts. So in the end Vergil, Dante and I worked at the Devil May Cry. It was Dante’s devil hunting/ detective shop.”

“What happened to that Arkham ruffian darling?” Rarity asked.

“Lady shot him four times in the head.” Fluttershy deadpanned.

“How did you get home then?” Twilight asked.

“Well…” She began until she noticed a large flock of birds fleeing the trees in the distance. “Hold on, look girls. Something is disturbing the birds.”

They had to agree, the local wildlife didn’t feel threatened with the local pony populace so it would have to take some form of monster to make them flee in such a large number. Fluttershy readied Beowulf, Pinkie pulled out Kalina Ann and Dash got ready with Nevan. As the rustling in the treeline grew closer, a tall figure could be seen walking towards them. There was a deep red glow coming from the creature’s chest area. Fluttershy tried to get a good look and something seemed familiar about the figure’s shape.

“That isn't quite the warm reception I was expecting Fluttershy.” The figure deadpanned. “It is good to see you after so long.”

“Vergil?!” Fluttershy cried out. Vergil’s demeanour and outfit were indistinguishable no matter where he went. “How did you find me?”

“With this.” He said, picking up his glowing gold amulet. Fluttershy hugged Vergil around his waist, gripping tightly.

“Let go Fluttershy, I am still not comfortable with your hugging.” He requested.

“Sorry, I'm sorry I never got to say goodbye to you when I got the opportunity to go back home.” Fluttershy said.

“It was I who left Fluttershy. I am relieved to see you keeping Beowulf in good condition.” The half-demon said with a small smirk. “And Dante says hello.”

“Thanks but what’s up with the case?” She asked as she pointed to the demonic looking case.

“This is a Devil Arm called Pandora. Capable of 666 different but destructive forms, it’s a present from Dante.” Vergil pointed out, handing the Pandora to Fluttershy. “Lady says that she hopes you are taking care of Kalina Ann.”

“Thank you Vergil, why are you here though?” Fluttershy inquired, curious as to why the half-demon would travel to another world. It had to be for a reason other than to deliver a briefcase and a message.

“I have my regrets Fluttershy. One of which is not taking you up on your offer to be your friend and ally.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Near the Crystal Empire the siege was intensifying. The barrier protecting the city was starting to strain under the pressure of the Changelings’ assault. The Crystal Ponies were frightened and that was reducing the effectiveness of the barrier created by the Crystal Heart. This was Clavus’ strategy.

Something was amiss from within the Changeling ranks, specifically the 32nd scout division. Each scout division was only ever comprised of two or three Changeling teams. The 32nd was a two Changeling team. Legion and Rebel were their names. The two of them had been partners ever since they had hatched. Sadly the two were an abnormality amongst the ranks: they don’t feed off emotions. They had to eat normal food in order to survive. 

Usually the higher Changelings would kill them outright but the two of them had proven their worth more than one time. As a result they were both promoted and were always given more than enough food to survive since the others never needed it. There was one other oddity about them: conscience. They learned how to take a pony out without actually killing them as they regretted taking an innocent life.

“Rebel, now that the siege is nearing its end, what is going to happen now?” Legion asked. Rebel turned to his partner and shrugged his shoulders.

“Tartarus be damned if I know Legion. All I know is once this is over, our lives will be forfeit as we won't be of use any longer.” Rebel responded.

“Rethinking our position?” Legion asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I know are considering it too Legion.” The two of them had a small chuckle at each other.

“Defection?” Rebel asked rhetorically. Legion smirked and nodded. Taking advantage of the siege and the fact that all the scouts are being sent back to Fillydelphia to be given their next assignments, the two flew off in a different direction… Ponyville.

> Showstoppers and Betrayals 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Showstoppers and Betrayals
Author: Draconis187

“Would you stop pushing me?” Vergil demanded.

The blue coat wearing half-demon was being pushed towards the Wub and Cello by Pinkie Pie.

“Nope! Not until I show you the club!” Pinkie decreed.

“I regret to inform you that I resent clubs and loud music of any kind.” Vergil replied, somehow failing to struggle against the party pony’s will and unnatural strength.

“Don’t be silly, Octavia is playing tonight.” Pinkie said with an enormous grin that made Vergil slightly uneasy.

“And who – pray tell – is this Octavia?” Vergil inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“She’s a classical musician and Vinyl Scratch’s friend.” Fluttershy responded. “She is the best cellist in Equestria.”

Vergil was now actually interested. True he didn’t care much for music but the classics spoke to him in a way that only he understood. He vanished in a blue blur and reappeared next to Fluttershy.

“This evening shows some promise after all, lead the way Pinkie.” Vergil said, gesturing to the pink pony with a casual wave.

Vergil had gotten a few stares on his way to the club with the gang. This was due to the fact that a human was only ever seen or heard of in folklore. There was one particular unicorn that doggedly maintained her belief that humans still existed though.

As the group reached the club entrance Vergil saw the club’s giant neon sign: it had a vinyl record behind the word ‘Wub’ and a cellist’s bow behind the word ‘Cello.’ The record had dark and light blue rings flashing in a random pattern while the bow was just a simple, plain brown and white colour. Octavia wanted her part of the sign to not give entrants a migraine like Vinyl’s did to her… on multiple occasions.

The gang entered the club and there were a number of differences made after opening night. There were no flashing, multi-coloured lights this time. Instead they were all a single, pale shade of white. The amphitheatre shaped area had rows of red leather seats. The separate rows were separated by steps as it now resembled a real amphitheatre. Standing on a raised platform was Octavia with her prized cello in one hoof and her bow in the other.

She impressed Vergil with her music (which is an achievement). There were few that could play a classical song he liked but he liked the one that Octavia was playing. He was mildly surprised that a pony would be able to appeal to his cultured side. The group got Vergil to the bar area and sat down. Vinyl Scratch was acting as the bartender for the evening. There was one thing different about her… she wasn’t wearing her signature glasses.

“Hey dudes what can I- whoa, who is your tall friend here?” Vinyl asked, looking at Vergil.

“Vergil.” He deadpanned.

“He is from another world Vinyl.” Twilight said matter-of-factly.

“Cool, so what’s your poison then Verg?” Vinyl asked with a grin.

“Vergil.” He replied. “Water.”

“Sheesh, not much of a talker are you?” Vinyl said as she gave Vergil his drink. After she did so, Vinyl proceeded to down some bourbon straight from the bottle.

“I hope you are not giving that to the ponies here, it’s unhygienic.” Twilight pointed out.

“Don’t worry Twi, it’s from my personal reserves back home.” Vinyl responded with a grin. “She’s really good isn't she?” Vinyl said to Vergil, who was listening to Octavia’s next song.

“I must agree that she has quite a refined taste for the classic arts.” Vergil said.

“That cello means a lot to her. She’s used it her entire life since she found her talent in playing classical music.” Vinyl responded to an intrigued Vergil.

Vergil didn’t respond, instead he chose to listen to the grey pony’s music. He was fully enraptured by her talent.

‘I'm sure she could get even my uncouth brother to appreciate the classics.’ Vergil thought to himself.

The evening dragged on until Applejack left so she could get up early the next day. Twilight left soon after so she could send a report on Vergil’s arrival to Celestia. Rarity left to start a new project, she was apparently smitten by Vergil’s coat and had to make another one for him in red. Rainbow Dash left since she needed to help out with a thunderstorm the next day. Pinkie Pie vanished sometime during the evening and hadn’t returned. Her friends knew better than to ask about her whereabouts and Vergil wanted nothing to do with that insane mare.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Legion and Rebel had now being flying for three straight hours and had landed near a forest clearing to rest.

“Legion?”

“Yes Rebel?”

“Do you think this is a good idea?” Rebel asked with slight fear in his voice.

“I honestly can not say but this isn't Clavus. I remember he used to be kind to his subjects. Now he has been killing them without any form of remorse or care. I wonder what happened to him that day when he left on that trip.” Legion responded with his head hanging low and his voice solemn.

“Yeah, remember it was him who belayed the order to kill us once they found out we needed to eat actual food?” Rebel recalled with a small tear running down his face.

“I could never forget that act of kindness. ‘No matter what a Changeling’s condition may be, we all have a place in the Hive.’ Even Queen Chrysalis agreed with him.” Legion recounted, his voice starting to choke up as he began to sob as well.

“We s-should rest, w-we’ll need all of our strength to r-reach Ponyville by midday.” Rebel said, now almost come over with tears.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The train was three hours away from Ponyville Station. The train was only going to stop to refuel before continuing towards Canterlot. Trixie was in the third back carriage, her private carriage. She didn’t sleep in there, she actually used it to store her cape and hat, the necklace that had Zecora the Zebra’s doorstop attached to it, several maps of Las Pegasus, and movement reports on the Changelings in Las Pegasus amongst other forms of parchment, charts and paper that held tactical value.

In the two back carriages was Trixie’s ‘artillery’. She used the same fireworks that she used in her shows but several parts of the apparatus she had in her inventory were moderately to highly modified. She even had one that was a barrel of several firework launching cylinders attached around it. The weapon was capable of firing 30 fireworks a minute.

Sadly all her fireworks were not military grade and therefore lacked the required punch to deter the most hardened Changelings. What they lacked in killing power though, they made up in their ability to disorient and confuse. The fireworks were severely bright and loud enough to shatter nearby windows.

Trixie looked at the cape and hat she used onstage. The cape had multiple tear marks and the jewel buckle was missing completely. Her hat was all but destroyed, the brim was almost torn off and the top was completely gone. She shed a small tear as she gazed upon it. As she looked she remembered the circumstances surrounding it coming into her possession.

“Trixie, are you alright?” Thunderlane asked as he entered Trixie’s carriage.

“You know this cape and hat Thunderlane?” Trixie asked without looking back at him. He didn’t need to see her tears; they needed their leader to be strong.

“You wore that whenever you were onstage performing.” Thunderlane replied.

“Correct but you don’t know it.” Trixie began. “I didn’t have a particularly bad time growing up but it had its moments. My father abandoned my mother and I when I was but two years of age. I was never told why since my mother died when I was ten.”

“I had spent the remainder of my fillyhood going from one foster home to another. Baltimare was a harsh place for growing fillies. For three consecutive decades it had the highest crime rate than any other city in Equestria.”

“One day though, something strange had happened. Along with the usual mail my seventh foster family received there was another parcel… addressed to me? Needless to say I annihilated the wrapping to get to the gift I had received.”

“I guess this was inside?” Thunderlane said, pointing to the cape and hat. Trixie nodded, still not looking back.

“Correct, the parcel had no return address or name. I asked the mailmare who gave it to her but she just said it was waiting for her back at the post office. It carried a note with it: ‘Always loved but never forgotten’. The strangest thing was the familiarity of the hoofwriting. I checked through some old love letters my mother used to write to my father and found the styles to be identical.”

“I was at her funeral, I saw her body being lowered down into the dirt and yet I felt like it made sense. Ever since then – and after I discovered my talent for magic shows – I left Baltimare with my first wagon. It was pretty rundown and had seen better days in terms of cleanliness but I made the most of it knowing I had a guardian angel watching over me. After a few years though, I became bitter at the fact that no matter how hard I worked, I never once had another pony who wanted to be my friend. The only ponies that came up to me only wanted a private show, some more ‘private’ than you’d think.” Trixie shuddered as she said this.

“Long story short: I ended up cold and heartless. Always pandering to the screams of delight from the crowds. No matter how much money I made, I was never truly happy. Then I came to Ponyville and the rest is history. Thank you Thunderlane.”

“What for Trixie?” Thunderlane asked, clearly confused as to why she thanked him.

“For listening to me ramble on about my past. I guess you can only keep your skeletons in the closet for so long huh?” Trixie said, wiping a tear away.

“Our past shapes us into who we are today. For better or worse we can let our past haunt us or we can come to terms with it and move on.” Thunderlane said slowly as he gave her a small hug.

“That’s pretty deep for a Pegasus like you Thunderlane.” Trixie remarked.

“There’s more to me than my dashing good looks.” He said with a devilish grin.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy had insisted on Vergil staying in her cottage since he didn’t have a place to stay. As they got close to the cottage, Vergil stopped.

“Vergil what’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked.

“Have you been keeping your skills sharp?” Vergil said.

“Not really, the Changelings haven’t been to great a challenge and I completely thrashed three griffons but I have seen some action.” Fluttershy responded.

“I suggest then that we train. Pandora is a weapon that is best to learn how to use instead of ‘winging it’ as my brother likes to do.”

Fluttershy nodded and pulled out Pandora. The two of them went off into a clearing not far from her cottage. They stood a good few metres away from each other. Vergil had his hand over Yamato’s handle, ready to counterattack Pandora’s attacks. Fluttershy held Pandora in her right hoof. It felt surprisingly light to her despite its size.

“You sure about this Vergil?” Fluttershy asked. Vergil only nodded in response. “Ok, here goes… something.”

She slammed Pandora on the ground and pulled it back slightly. Pandora then emitted a bright yellow glow around it, splitting slightly and a multi barrelled chaingun came out the front, pointing at Vergil (Jealousy). Fluttershy pulled on what looked like a trigger and the gun fired several rounds in rapid succession. Vergil deflected all of the bullets with the Yamato, sending them into the ground to his right.

“Interesting, try something else.” Vergil called out to a bewildered Fluttershy.

She then saw the case turn back to its original form and she then tried hefting it above her. The case emitted the same eerie yellow glow and lengthened and thickened in size, turning into a three barrelled weapon (Hatred). Pulling the – now obvious – trigger the weapon fired three missiles at Vergil. Vergil unsheathed Yamato and sliced at one – which exploded – while dodging the other two. The two remaining missiles collided with the treeline behind them, detonating on impact.

“That was more interesting. Try another.” He said wit a small grin starting to form on his face.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The 54th Griffon Fleet was on standby near the Equestrian border in case something should happen to their ambassador. The Admiral of the airborne fleet was a red feathered Griffon called Bloodwing ‘the Butcher’. Renown for his calm under fire and his determination to chase a target to the end of the world. His ruthlessness in combat has inspired fear and admiration amongst the lower ranks and his superiors. He was nominated seven times for a promotion but he refused to go to a ‘soulless desk job’ as he put it. At 56 years of age, this old battle-hardened griffon still had fire in his heart.

“Sir we have an incoming communiqué.” The sound came through the radio room.

“What does it say?” Bloodwing asked.

“’Time to light the darkness with fate’s arrow’. Sir it’s from the ambassador. The alliance has been given the go-ahead.” 

“Send word to the rest of the fleet. We are moving out to Canterlot… Initiate take off procedures!” He said, pointing into the horizon for dramatic effect.

“Aye aye sir. Initiating take off procedures.” The crew members repeated.

The fleet of 68 heavily armed and armoured airships roared to life as they slowly lifted off the ground.

The Griffon Empire’s main military focus is their air superiority. The airships serve as troop transports, cargo transports even medical assistance. What each one has in common is the fact that every one of them was armed. Griffons aren't capable of using magic so they fall back on steel and ingenuity. Their technology is far more advanced than any other civilisation in the world.

For long distance communication they employ radio signals to broadcast important information from squad to squad. The Royal Sisters know this and know of another use for their radio but in order for it to work they would need Trixie’s ‘artillery’. Even though this technology is beyond anypony else, the griffons still employ coded messages in their broadcasts.

The message was spread across the Griffon Empire in minutes and the 23rd, 98th and 45th Fleets mobilised towards Equestria. The rest were to defend the borders or lend assistance where needed.
****                    ****                        ****               ****

“V-Vergil, that… was very helpful, thanks.” Fluttershy said, almost on the verge of collapse from exhaustion.

In the few minutes they had been training Fluttershy had managed to create a large laser cannon (Revenge), a large bow-like weapon that fired missiles (Epidemic), as well as a large shuriken with swept blades that came back like a boomerang (Grief).

“That is enough for now.” Vergil declared, he placed his hand to his head and styled it back to its original look since it made him look a bit like Dante.

“Yeah, let’s head to my cottage.” Fluttershy said.

As they entered the cottage, Angel leapt at Fluttershy and almost cried since he was worried at this late hour.

“Sorry about worrying you Angel. This is my friend, Vergil. Vergil this is Angel Bunny.” Fluttershy said.

“A rodent… how nice.” Vergil said callously. Angel didn’t like Vergil’s remark and stomped on his boot.

“That is not going to work. I suggest you stop before I decide to make rabbit stew for dinner.” Vergil said coldly.

Angel could see in Vergil’s eyes that he wasn’t idly threatening him and so Angel ran off.

“You didn’t have to be so mean to Angel, Vergil.” Fluttershy said with a bit of disappointment in her voice.

“I don’t like him.” Vergil deadpanned.

“Well, you can sleep on the couch since the spare bed is too small. I’ll see if I can't find a larger one in Ponyville tomorrow.”

With that said and done, the two bid each good night and went to their respective beds. Fluttershy came back down after a few minutes with some blankets for him and found him laid down on the couch in her living room, fast asleep. Yamato was laid on top of him with a hand over the scabbard. Fluttershy threw the blankets over him which caused him to stir a bit.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The 67th Fleet of the Griffon Empire was in an open field, five hours away from Canterlot. The griffons were hauling equipment to and from the airships in a uniform manner which was a testament to their training.

In the radio communications room, a signal was coming in. the griffon on duty decoded the message and ran off in search of their superior officer: Gustav. Gustav was a reckless and terrible griffon. He had a reputation for abandoning the wounded and the captured in the name of victory. There were five things that every griffon recruit was taught in boot camp: Trust, Loyalty, Respect, Dedication and Teamwork. They had to repeat it every day in front of their commanding officers.

Gustav took the message out of the communications griffon’s claw and dismissed him with a wave. As he read, his face curled into a twisted smile. 

“Everyone!” He shouted, grabbing every griffon’s attention. “Get ready, we are moving out!”

“Sir!” Multiple griffons cried out, saluting and hurrying up.

Gustav got onto the bridge of the 67th Fleet’s Flagship: Ares’ Dagger. His first officer came up to him as he entered with a curious look on his face.

“What happened sir?” He asked.

“The Griffon Empire has agreed to an alliance with Equestria. Gilda has failed her mission. Get the doctor who administered that obedience serum and kill him. We will have to do this ourselves.” Gustav replied.

“Yes sir!” He said, saluting his XO. As he went off to kill the doctor Gustav walked up the bridge and looked out the 180° window. He pressed a button to open up communications across the ship and the rest of the 67th.

“Our master’s plan to halt the alliance proceedings while the Changelings attack the Crystal Empire has been foiled. Now we shall be fighting our own brethren as well. Take heart and don’t let the fact that we fight our kin cloud your aim. We are doing this for the betterment of the Griffon Empire as a whole. At the end of this you shall all be known as heroes! Long live King Clavus!” He shouted.

> Second Chances
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Second Chances
Author: Draconis187

Dawn was breaking when the train had finally arrived in Ponyville Station. Trixie, Thunderlane along with a few other ponies were standing on the platform, stretching their legs from the long trip from Las Pegasus. Trixie looked out to the rest of Ponyville a short distance away from the station.

“Go.” Thunderlane said with a knowing smile.

“What?” Trixie responded.

“We all know you want to make amends, go. I’ll tell Celestia why you couldn’t make it. I'm sure she will understand.” Thunderlane said, egging her on.

“Thank you Thunderlane.” She said softly as she walked off the platform and headed towards Golden Oaks Library.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy got up early in the morning to feed the animals as she used to do. As she got to the bottom of the steps she saw Vergil still asleep on the couch. She smiled at the half-demon and tried to tip-toe towards the kitchen. Vergil opened his eyes to see Pinkie Pie’s face two inches in front of his own.

“What are you doing?” Vergil said.

“I'm here to give you your wake up call!”  She cried with glee.

Vergil got up and looked over to Fluttershy who was trying to get to the kitchen silently.

“Sorry Vergil, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Fluttershy responded while Pinkie bounced into the kitchen.

Vergil threw the blankets off himself and folded them up. Angel was near the doorframe that lead to Fluttershy’s kitchen, tapping his foot on the floor impatiently.

“I think the rat wants his food.” Vergil commented to a fuming Angel.

“Angel! Don’t be so inhospitable to a guest. Trust me you don’t want to make him your enemy.” Fluttershy said to Angel. “Would you like some breakfast Vergil? I'm afraid all I have is oats or muesli.”

“If you have plain yoghurt I’ll have the muesli.” Vergil responded, now having gotten up from the couch. “Do you have somewhere I can freshen up?”

“The bathroom is upstairs, the first door to your right. The shower is just a bit short since it was designed for a pony.” Fluttershy said with a smirk.

“I’ll make do. I won't be long.” He said as he walked up the stairs, making sure not to bump his head on the ceiling as he climbed higher onto the second level.

Angel was pulling on Fluttershy’s leg, making crude gestures in the direction of the stairs.

“Angel Bunny mind your manners! You don’t know Vergil like I do, he has been through so much pain in his life that it clouded his judgement.” Fluttershy said with a small tear rolling down the side of her face as she made breakfast for Vergil, herself, Pinkie Pie and Angel.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

There was a knock on Twilight’s door which made the mare fall out of bed with a crash. Rubbing her head, she walked down the steps. Twilight usually got up early to open up the Library but thanks to going out to the Wub and Cello the previous evening made her arrive back home later than usual. Whoever was at the door was still knocking.

“I'm coming! Hold on for a se- Trixie?!” She gasped as she opened the door with her magic. “What are you doing back here in Ponyville?”

Trixie nervously dug at the ground with her hoof, nervous as she carefully thought how to respond.

“I was actually on my way to Canterlot but I thought I should come over to make amends for the Alicorn Amulet incident last year.” She began.

“What’s with the first person? And where is the cape and hat you usually wear?” Twilight asked, noticing the change in Trixie’s demeanour.

“It got torn apart when Las Pegasus was invaded. I still have them though… for personal reasons.” Trixie responded. “ I wish to properly apologise so… I'm sorry.”

“Oh Trixie, I already forgave you when you learnt your lesson after our rematch.” Twilight said, hugging the blue showmare, causing her to tense up. “If anything I was going to ask if you wanted to study magic with me but you left so I wasn’t able to.”

“Thank you Twilight, really. When I heard that Ponyville and Canterlot were taken by the Changelings, I feared the worst. What happened?” Trixie asked.

Twilight explained to Trixie how she and the other four ponies were captured when they tried to free Celestia.

“Sadly we were in a very tight spot, if it wasn’t for Fluttershy-”

“Wait… Fluttershy? The timid yellow Pegasus animal caretaker? That same Fluttershy?” Trixie asked, dumfounded. Twilight nodded. “Forgive me if I find that hard to swallow.”

“I know it sounds crazy, trust me even I still find it crazy but Fluttershy blew open the doors to the audience room with something called ‘Kalina Ann’. The Elites that protected Chrysalis attacked her but, she killed them.”

Trixie’s mouth was agape in shock. “She killed them?! How?! My best fireworks do nothing but make them angrier.”

“She shot them with her guns and killed them with these two big black blades she carried with her.” Twilight responded.

Trixie fell on her rump in revelation of how Fluttershy had changed since she last saw her before she fled. As she tried to process all of this there was a huge thunderclap that had her jump three feet into the air. Twilight shook her head.

“It’s only Rainbow Dash and the weather team preparing the thunderstorm for later today, I doubt the train will be leaving until it’s over.” Twilight said but Trixie shook her head.

“The train would have left without me by now. I asked Thunderlane to leave me behind and I’ll catch up afterwards.” Trixie said with a smile. “But I would like to take you up on your offer to learn more magic. How about after this mess is over we have a fair, proper magic duel?”

“Trixie… it would be my pleasure.” Twilight said.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

After breakfast, Fluttershy went outside to feed her animals. Vergil had long since showered – with some difficulty – and gotten dressed. As Vergil saw her attend her animals, he noticed how happy she seemed to be, even when there were two animals disagreeing: an otter and a seal. If it were Vergil delegating the situation, he would have most likely killed both of them and continued on his way without a single thought.

Fluttershy discussed the situation and both points of view before coming up with a mutually beneficial compromise. He smirked as she walked back up towards him. Pinkie Pie had left for Sugarcube Corner to help out the Cakes with Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake. Vergil thought they were varieties of cake until Pinkie explained – whilst rolling on the floor laughing her mane off – that they were the Cakes’ foals.

“Fluttershy, you haven’t changed since I left that day.” Vergil remarked.

“Neither have you Vergil.” Fluttershy responded with a small grin. “Let me get my things and I’ll introduce you around Ponyville.”

“Hey! That’s my job!” Pinkie cried out, looking angrily at Fluttershy.

“How about we both do it?” Fluttershy suggested.

“Weellll… okey doki loki!” She giggled with her hoof up in the air.

“Sounds logical since I'm going to be here for a while.” Vergil commented.

“Why did you come here? Actually the better question would be: how did you get here when I couldn’t?”

“I believe it was through the same entity: Discord.” Vergil replied as Fluttershy entered the cottage to get her coat and weapons.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Five more hours away, Legion and Rebel were nearing Ponyville. As they were getting closer, they were getting more nervous about meeting the ponies. They landed in a meadow and opened up their bags of provisions to eat.

“Legion, do you have any idea on how we are going to go about this?” Rebel asked, biting into a dandelion sandwich.

“I do have an idea since I doubt two Changelings walking into a pony town going: ‘take me to your leader’ would go too well.” Legion responded whilst having a sip of water from a canteen.

“Well what is it? Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“We do what we do best: hide in plain sight.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Twilight and Trixie were studying magic in the library. Twilight learned very quickly that despite Trixie’s showboating, she was actually a very competent magic-wielder. She had sent Spike to get more ink and parchment for Trixie to take notes. As they went onto barrier spells, they heard a commotion coming from outside.

“I wonder what has gotten the town in such a buzz.” Twilight mumbled as Trixie went to look out the window.

“Well Fluttershy and Pinkie are walking around with some tall blue creature with a small patch of white hair on his head. The rest of him appears to be bald.” Trixie observed.

“Well, let’s pack up the lessons for now and go introduce you to Vergil.” Twilight said as she placed a bookmark in the book and placed it on the table in the middle of the room.

The two mares left the library and caught up with Fluttershy, Vergil and Pinkie Pie as Rarity and Applejack came over the bridge ahead of them. Rainbow Dash could be seen flying across the sky with a few other Pegasi, moving clouds around.

“Hello ev- what is that mare doing here?!” Rarity screamed as she saw Trixie standing next to Twilight.

Having heard this, Dash came careering down from the clouds above and landed with enough force to kick up a dust cloud around her friends. She walked up to Trixie, positively fuming with rage.

“How dare you show your face around here after what you did the last time!” Dash shouted. Vergil raised an eyebrow as he observed the situation in front of him unfolding.

“Dash.” Fluttershy started.

“You first come here with your arrogant, self-serving attitude.” Dash said, not hearing Fluttershy.

“Rainbow.” Twilight said.

“You humiliate all of us in order to make yourself seem superior.” She continued, still not listening.

“Dash!” Fluttershy shouted.

“You make up that fake story about defeating an Ursa Major and once you met an Ursa Minor, you froze in fear.” Dash said, continuing to berate Trixie with her past mistakes.

All of a sudden there was an explosion as Pinkie fired off a rocket from Kalina Ann into the air where it harmlessly detonated. She had a blank expression on her face as the group looked at her.

“There you go!” She said, instantly smiling again as she put Kalina Ann in her mane. Vergil was visibly shaken once he saw the rocket launcher disappear into her mane.

“Don’t ask.” Fluttershy said to a confused Vergil. “Dash, Twilight wouldn’t be hanging around Trixie unless she had a good reason and you know that.” She said to a still angry Dash.

“She’s right Rainbow. She came back to make amends and apologise for what happened all that time ago.” Twilight said, smiling slightly at Trixie who nervously smiled back.

“Why did she take so long to come back to apologise then?” Dash pointed out. Trixie hung her head low.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t accept my apology.” Trixie started.

“Damn right we wouldn’t!” Dash spat back.

“Dash, let her finish.” Twilight snapped back. Dash merely rolled her eyes.

“I'm sorry, to all of you for everything I put you through, for every embarrassing thing I did to you. I was such a fool, so caught up in playing to the cheers of the crowd that I lost the sight of the more important things in life.” Trixie said, tears starting to fall down her face.

“What might that have been?” Vergil inquired.

“Friendship. I saw Twilight’s magical prowess I saw my greatest rival but also somepony who could understand magic like I did. For me it was all about the art behind the magic. I learned that for Twilight it was the history behind it that intrigued her. I learned quite a bit from her in such a short span of time.” Trixie said.

“Humph! I still don’t trust you.” Dash snapped.

“I don’t expect you, or anypony here to trust me immediately. All I'm asking for is the opportunity to earn it and I’ll show you that I can be trusted.”

“Give her a chance Dash.” Fluttershy said to the angry mare. “Everypony has made mistakes, it’s a fact of life but we all deserve a second chance to turn things around. I made that gamble before and I gained a great ally and friend.” She said, looking up at Vergil who looked back with a knowing look.

“Fine, I’ll let you off the hook for now since I have to finish preparing the storm in the next twelve minutes.” Dash said. “I suggest you get indoors, it’s going to be a big one.”

Everypony ran into Rarity’s Boutique since she wanted to show Vergil something. Dash joined in once the storm began to start up. She still got wet and shook herself dry, purposely getting Trixie wet. Vergil noticed this behaviour.

She is just as hard-headed as my brother. Vergil thought.

Rarity came out with a red version of Vergil’s coat. It still had the three tails and the snake like pattern on the right hand side. On the inside it was a light purple colour instead of the original deep orange.

“So what do you think darling?” Rarity asked with a sparkle in her eyes as Vergil took off his blue coat and put on the red one. Surprisingly to Vergil the coat fitted him perfectly.

“I find it strange you were able to create this despite the fact I never showed you my coat.” Vergil deadpanned.

“Oh please you don’t give me enough credit. I saw your coat from enough angles to make it.” Rarity said with a cheerful smile.

“What I was referring to the fact this coat fits me just as well as my blue one. How did you know my measurements?” Vergil replied.

“Oh that, well I have quite a keen eye my dear. I can tell your measurements from a distance without a measuring tape.” Rarity said.

“She used my coat as a base since you and Dante have the same build and height.” Fluttershy whispered to Vergil.

“I see.”

“Fluttershy! How dare you disclose my fashion secrets!” Rarity shouted.

“So Fluttershy, what happened after the Temen-ni-gru?” Rainbow asked.

“Well like I said the three of us ended up working in the Devil May Cry. Lady left after two days, she said something about preferring to work alone.” Fluttershy started. “Vergil took Dante’s bed in the upstairs room since Dante never used it.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Morrison walked into the still broken down shop. The group managed to get rid of the rubble inside but the reconstruction was going to take a while. Dante was sat on his chair with his feet on the desk again. He had a change in wardrobe after the Temen-ni-gru. He was now wearing black gloves along with a new coat that didn’t end in two coattails but it had black cuffs. He also wore a black long sleeved shirt and a red vest with multiple buckles. He had an open magazine over his face as he slept.

“Hey Dante, seems like you haven’t changed.” The middle-aged Caucasian  man said as he took of his hat and coat.

“Well business is slow Morrison since you never get me any good jobs.” Dante replied from under the magazine.

“Well I’ve got a real simple one for you. It’s being a bodyguard for a little girl named Patty Lowell.” Dante removed the magazine from his face and got onto his feet.

“I don’t run a day care Morrison. Why is she so special?” Dante replied.

“Because demons appear to be targeting her. By the way, where is this brother of yours, Vernon?”

“Vergil, and he’s out in the alleyway with Fluttershy.” Dante deadpanned.

“Who the hell is Fluttershy? What kind of name is that?”

“I like my name thank you very much.” Fluttershy said from the doorway, standing next to Vergil. Fluttershy had Beowulf attached to her hooves. She was standing on all fours.

“Wait a minute, did that horse just talk?” Morrison asked.

“Pony.” She replied. Morrison was shocked.

“So how was training?” Dante sarcastically asked.

“She shows more promise than yourself.” Vergil replied coldly.

“So are you letting her keep that then?” Dante responded, pointing to Beowulf.

“Yes. I have no further use for it.”

“Okay Morrison, where is this girl?” Dante asked, changing the subject.

“In my car, you need to get her to the Lowell family mansion by six o’clock tomorrow evening.”

“That’s all?” Dante asked.

“That’s all.” 

“Sounds trivial, yet I sense there is more to this than a simple drop off.” Vergil commented.

“Honestly I don’t care as long as I get paid. Oh Fluttershy, here.” Dante walked up to her and gave her what appeared to be his old coat.

“Your old coat? How chivalrous of you.” Vergil remarked.

“Not really dear brother. It is actually a spare I had in my closet but since Fluttershy’s armour was broken – by you I might add – I though she could do with a change in wardrobe.”

“Thanks Dante.” Fluttershy said with a smile on her face.

“Now let’s get this girl to the Lowell mansion. Oh and Fluttershy, it’s probably best if you don’t say anything. People tend to freak out when they see a talking pony.” Dante said as they exited the building.

Patty Lowell wasn’t a very polite girl as it turned out or at least to Dante who felt like insulting her every five minutes. She wore a pink hat and a white coat with brown pants. Her hair was blonde which brought out her blue eyes.

“I still don’t get why I need two bodyguards, especially such strange ones, I mean who takes their horse with them on a job?” She protested as the four of them went to the train station in Dante’s car. 

Fluttershy felt compelled to say something but she refrained from doing so since Dante told her not to.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

As Fluttershy was recounting the details of her bodyguard job, the barrier protecting the Crystal Empire fell. The Changelings were laying waste to the local militia. They hadn’t fought in over a thousand years and they were paying for it.

A bull Changeling rammed itself through somepony’s home, the pony hiding inside was killed when the supporting wall fell on top of him. The bull Changeling continued to rush through the house until it came out on the other side. The house collapsed into a pile of rubble.

Screaming could be heard all across the city. Several Changelings played tug-of-war with a pony, literally pulling her apart limb-from-limb. Amidst all of this chaos and death, Clavus was casually walking up the main road to the Crystal Heart. Two ponies tried to stop him but one was impaled through the chest with Fluttershy’s fire enchanted Ebony greatsword while another had its head sliced off cleanly.

With the small delay dealt with, he continued walking until he reached the Crystal Heart. He took it with his magic which was a black colour and went up into the throne room inside the castle. He soon could be seen on the balcony overlooking the Crystal Empire. He chuckled as he saw his army destroying the city and massacring the Crystal Ponies. Some were being kept alive to either be slaves or as food.

“Soon he will arrive.” He remarked as he looked into a crystal mirror, revealing a deep red horn. He smashed it and chuckled again. “Yes, very soon.”

> Of Demons and Swords
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Of Demons and Swords
Author: Draconis187

As Dante drove Vergil, Patty, Fluttershy and himself to the train station, Patty was complaining, again. Dante had Rebellion hidden inside a guitar case while Vergil preferred to keep Yamato on hand at all times. Fluttershy still had Beowulf on her hooves whilst wearing the coat Dante gave her to hide her wings.

“Again, I have to say I don’t like sitting next to a horse. Especially this one, I mean who dyed this horse yellow and pink? The colours look like its natural colour, I can't seem to find any patches of what its coat or mane used to look like. Although it is a pretty horse, what’s his name? I can't seem to find it on his nametag.” She said, pointing at Fluttershy’s Amulet of Talos that she still had hanging around her neck.

“Her name is Fluttershy.” Vergil replied coldly. “Now sit down and be quiet.”

Patty was sat in the back with Fluttershy while the demon brothers sat in front. As they drove along the mountainside they came up to a truck so they had to slow down. This did not sit well with Patty, who seemed to be quick in the art of becoming impatient.

“Why don’t we go around it?” Patty asked. “There should be more than enough room.”

“We are on the side of a mountain little girl, if we were to try pull such a ridiculous stunt and there were to be another vehicle coming in our direction, we would most likely cause an accident.” Vergil explained, slowly losing his patience with the young heiress who folded her arms and sulked.

As they drove behind the truck, Dante noticed something and signalled to Vergil who nodded. Dante floored it and grinded the side of the car with the truck. Vergil tapped Fluttershy’s hoof with the butt of Yamato’s scabbard. Fluttershy saw Vergil give her a small nod towards Patty. She then pulled Patty’s hat off which made her mad.

“Hey! Give it back you stupid animal! It’s not food!” She screamed as she tried to wrestle it out of Fluttershy’s teeth.

As the car scrapped against the side of the truck, a demon tried to attack the car. ‘Tried’ being the operative word. Vergil pulled Yamato out in one fluid movement. The demon didn’t seem to be harmed but stayed there on the side of the truck, completely stationary. As Vergil sheathed the blade with a click, the demon’s head fell off, splattering the side of the truck in blood.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Hold on, let me get this straight.” Twilight said, catching everyone’s attention. “This sword, Yamato – a weapon that was designed for close range combat – can cut objects from a distance? Sorry but despite what you’ve been able to do over the past few weeks, I find that borderline impossible.”

Vergil got up and readied Yamato. Fluttershy picked out one of Rarity’s finished rolls of material and threw it up in the air. In one upward slice, Vergil slashed at the air between himself and his target. The roll fell back down to the ground, whole.

“See? Impo-” Twilight started until Vergil clicked the blade into its scabbard. The roll fell apart, cleanly right down the middle. “-ssible.” She finished, her mouth wide open.

****                    ****                        ****               ****


The trio and Patty – who got her hat back once Fluttershy had let go –  entered the train station. The place was filled with people trying to get tickets, trying to find lost luggage, shouting indistinctly about things they had forgotten or someone who had upset them on the previous ride. Normally the station wouldn’t allow a farm animal – Fluttershy – to board the train but after Vergil had a talk with them – he never divulged what was spoken although he had a small chilling grin on his face – they let her on.

The train had a single orange diesel car to carry the metal passenger carriages. Dante and Patty sat on one set of booth seats while Vergil and Fluttershy sat on the opposite side of the car. As they sat in relative silence, Patty opened up the locket she wore around her neck.

“What’s that around your neck?” Dante asked, noticing Patty’s sad expression on her face. She sheds a small tear as she responds.

“I-it’s my mother. She died a long time ago, when I was still a baby.” She replied, silently crying a little.

“Excuse me, do you mind if I sat here?” A man in a green suit carrying a briefcase asked. He had dark hair with bangs just above his right eye while his hair was significantly shorter on his left.

“There are several open seats-” Dante started but he was interrupted by Patty, who threw the guitar case at him and patted the seat next to her.

“Thank you, that looks like quite a beautiful lady who is she?” He asked with a smile.

“My mother.” She replied.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The storm was starting to subside outside, much to everypony’s relief. In the distance, on the far end of Ponyville, a beige coloured Earth pony was nervously waiting around for something. She was running one of her hooves through her pink and blue curled mane. Her Cutie Mark was three blue and yellow striped wrapped candy pieces.

“Oh, were are they? The message they sent said they were going to be here by now, I hope nopony caught on to them.” She said under her breath.

She had left her housemate Lyra Heartstrings asleep in her room as she left earlier. Weathering the storm to reach the outskirts wasn’t a smart thing to do but it was necessary.

“Come on you two idiots… where are you useless piles of Changeling droppings?” She muttered again. “The information you have might just tip the war into the ponies’ favour.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Back at Lyra and Bon Bon’s home, Lyra Heartstrings, a green coloured unicorn and local lyre player was getting up from under the covers. Normal storms were fine for her, sometimes she would go out and either sing or play in the rain. As far as this storm was concerned, she was petrified. She heard Bon Bon leave earlier but that was fine to her, her housemate was always doing odd things: pulling garbage trailers, getting an enormous number of apples when neither of them were particularly fond of them amongst other forms of ‘strange’ behaviour.

“At least the storm has gotten less bothersome.” She said as she got out of bed, landing on her hooves with a thud. “I think I’ll go play my lyre in the park for a bit.”

After picking up her lyre and brushing her green and white highlighted mane, she left her home and went to the park, which passed by Golden Oaks Library. Lyra never really talked to Twilight other than to get any more papers on lyre music for her to try.

“Maybe she has something I haven’t tried yet, she has surprised me on more than one occasion.” She said to herself cheerfully as she made her way to Golden Oaks.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Patty was crying, Dante looked like he hadn’t moved. Vergil was looking out his side, watching the landscape pass by, Fluttershy was laid on the bench with a shocked expression on her face. The man that was sat with Dante and Patty was lying dead on the ground from the moment they left the first tunnel. 

“What happened?!” Several passengers cried out, the train conductor soon came to their car, wondering what had transpired.

“What happened here?” He asked. Dante didn’t answer, Vergil did.

“There are several people in this carriage, seven to be exact. The old man…” He said while still looking out the window. “Didn’t have anything to do with it. The couple over there were otherwise engaged with each other. I was sat over here with Fluttershy and I don’t carry firearms.”

“Which just leaves you!” The conductor shouted, pointing his finger at Dante.

“Incorrect you buffoon. There is one more but he is not on the inside of this car. Dante, you can have the pleasure of disposing of the creature.” Vergil coldly interjected.

“You really know how to spoil family don’t you?” Dante replied, shrugging his shoulders. As the train entered another tunnel, a hail of gunfire ran out through the car.

As they exited the tunnel the demon on top of and around the side of the train was dead, riddled with bullet holes. Its multiple red eyes closed or shot and bleeding. Its moulting body seemed to be attached to the man that was sitting next to Dante and Patty. As the body tried to get up, Dante fired a shot which finished the demon off.

As they left the train station and after avoiding giving a statement to the cops, the group went off to find a place to spend the evening. Patty had her head hung low as they walked.

“That was a demon, wasn’t it?” She said, the three didn’t respond. “Does that mean demons are hunting me?!” She shouted this time. They still didn’t respond and that was the way the conversation remained.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Why didn’t any of you say anything to comfort her?” Twilight asked. Applejack nodded her head in agreement.

“I hear ya Twi. Why didn’t any of ya say anything? She was clearly sadder than Applebloom when she and the Crusaders lost their treehouse to Diamond Tiara.”

“That’s because she already had enough on her mind with getting to the mansion with three complete strangers. At the time none of us thought she would’ve believed us if we told her what the Devil May Cry’s real clientele were asking for.” Fluttershy deadpanned.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Lyra went to Golden Oaks to only find Spike rearranging the Library again. He was standing on a ladder with his back to the door.

“Where is Twilight?” She asked as she began to search the shelves for music notes from olden Equestria.

“At Rarity’s Boutique. She wanted to show this Vergil human something. Now what… can I get you?” He began to say but as he had turned around to help the lyre player, all he saw was the lyre spinning on the floor but the green unicorn was nowhere to be seen. “All you had to do was mention humans and she was gone. Great job Spike.” He said sarcastically as he continued to rearrange the library.

****                    ****                        ****               ****


Dante, Vergil, Fluttershy and Patty entered a seedy looking hotel. The walls were faded and dark, some of the wallpaper was peeling off. There was a poster of some odd woman with long blond hair appearing to be singing on it. Dante was busy talking to some ugly man with several crooked teeth. His eyes were squinty and his short brown hair was a mess.

“Give me your cheapest room, I don’t care if it has light or not, we’ll be gone by morning anyway.”

“Ok then, two adults, one child and a horse. I usually don’t allow animals but I’ll make an exception just this once.” He said as he gave the keys to Dante.

“Mister do you know where this lady is?” Patty asked, pointing to the poster.

“Come on Patty we don’t have the time for this, we need to get up early so we can be at the mansion by six.” Dante said.

“Bu-“

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The door to Rarity’s boutique opened up with such force it flew off the hinges. Standing in the doorway with a grin that could give Pinkie Pie a run for her bits was Lyra. As she turned to see Vergil, her smile seemed to get even bigger.

“A human!!” She screamed, she made Opalescence shriek and jump out the window, she then ran up the tree Rainbow once put her up.

As Lyra ran up to Vergil, he teleported near Rarity’s staircase which led up to the second level in the boutique. At first Lyra was bewildered but that just turned into a fangirl squee as she ran after him. Pinkie Pie, seeing this wanted to join in the fun. Everywhere Vergil teleported, one of them were right next to him. It made him incredibly uneasy and the constant teleporting was starting to cause strain.

"My boutique!" Rarity exclaimed as Vergil teleported around the seamstress' shop with the two mares in tow. 

Rainbow facehooved while Trixie rolled her eyes. Pinkie - who couldn't teleport - was knocking down mannequins, knocking the odd sheet of fabric or knocking over a box of gems, scattering them across the floor. Rarity eventually fainted, falling to the ground with a thud. Rainbow and Trixie were trying to get Rarity to wake up by getting her some water to throw on her face.

Eventually Twilight had enough and used her magic to pull Pinkie and Lyra away from Vergil. Lyra then teleported herself right next to Vergil, who then teleported away as well in order to get away from the human obsessed mare. It ended up into a teleporting match between them. Sadly for Lyra her expertise in teleportation was very limited and when compared to Vergil, it was non-existent. Lyra recieved a running tackle from Rarity who had woke back up and had seen enough destruction being wrought on her shop.

“I… just wanted… to… hug you.” She said between breaths as Rarity was near strangling her, breaking her concentration required to perform the spell. Fluttershy walked up to the two mares, shaking her head.

“I'm afraid Vergil isn't the hugging type but you can talk to him. I can't guarantee he’ll answer.” She told her.

“Pinkie why did you chase Vergil around like that?!” Twilight shouted.

“Because it looked like so much fun when Lyra was doing it, I had to join in!” Pinkie declared with a sad expression on her face.

After Lyra calmed down, Fluttershy continued her story.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Late at night, Patty left the room to find out about her mother she thought was being advertised in the poster. As she began to sneak out the door, she saw Fluttershy was missing. Fluttershy was outside, stretching her wings. Vergil was laid on one of the two beds while Dante slept on the couch. Patty picked up her hat and left.

Vergil was being woken up by something rocking him. He instinctively reached for Yamato but found it wasn’t in his hands. Standing in front of him was Fluttershy and Dante, who was holding Yamato. He tossed the blade to Vergil as Fluttershy spoke.

“Patty’s missing.” She said. Vergil raised an eyebrow but no objection as they walked down the steps.

“Did you see a little girl come down here?!” Dante shouted at the desk. The creepy man behind it shook his head.

“I don’t know who you mean.” He said as he raised his arms. Yamato and the lightning enchanted greatsword that belonged to Fluttershy were pointing at his throat.

“Where… did… she …go?” Fluttershy said slowly. The man gulped and told them about how she was heading to the opera house.

They had arrived just in time to save Patty from being killed by a demon that was posing as her mother. Dante and Fluttershy ran down the steps as Vergil teleported behind Patty and pointed at a few of the demons in front of them.

“I would advise you against this course of action. It will not end well for you, no matter how strong you think you are, you will not defeat the Sons of Sparda.” He said, his hand hovering over Yamato’s handle.

Dante joined Vergil while Fluttershy gestured for Patty to get on her back. Dante opened up his guitar case and pulled out Rebellion. He looked at his brother with a snide smile and then turned his attention to the demons slowly moving towards them.

“It appears they do not understand what they are in for.” Vergil calmly stated.

“Well, let’s give them a show shall we?” Dante asked rhetorically. Vergil nodded and as soon as one of the opera’s canvas background frames dropped down behind them, leaving their silhouettes, they attacked.

Dante stabbed one through its head while pulling out Ivory and blowing the head of another demon off. Vergil dodged an attack by another demon by teleporting behind it and then impaling it with Yamato. As two more came at him from the side, Vergil sliced through the demon he had impaled and as the blade left the demon’s body, sliced through the air which sliced them in half.

As they fought, the creepy guy from the hotel appeared behind Fluttershy, trying to grab her. Fluttershy bucked Patty off and the guy received two Beowulf greaves to his chest, sending him flying backwards into the seats with a crash. Vergil sliced open the canvas background and caught Patty before she hit the ground.

“Good work Fluttershy.” Vergil deadpanned at Fluttershy who smiled at him.

The group had gotten to the mansion somewhat late since a demon was about to kill some woman. As the demon was about to slice her apart with his long, razor-sharp claw, Rebellion flew through the door and sliced it off as it flew into the room.

“It appears our timing is most fortuitous Dante.” Vergil remarked as he walked through the shattered remains of the door Dante destroyed. 

“Yup, looks like it, you know what that makes us?” He said with a huge smile on his face.

“Big damn heroes!” Fluttershy declared, standing on her hind hooves, her forelegs held in a boxing position in fro not her.

“Ain’t we just?” Dante said as he raised his hand, Rebellion flying back into his grip. “Showtime!”

The three attacked the demon. Vergil sliced off its other arm while Fluttershy used Lunar Phase to smash its head into the floor. Dante stood back, Rebellion in Drive position. The demon got back to its feet only for Vergil to fly through his legs, stopping next to Dante. In the next second there was a slashing sound as his legs were chopped off in several places (Rapid Slash). Dante then let loose with a powered up Drive which tore a ‘canyon’ through the mansion and the demon.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

As Bon Bon was about to give up waiting, she saw two Pegasi come flying down. One was a light blue with a swept back manestyle. His mane was a deep crimson and his Cutie Mark was a tower shield. His companion was a medium brown with a black mane. His manestyle had part of his mane covering his right eye. His Cutie Mark was a crossbow.

“Finally you came!” Bon Bon cried out, giving her old friends a hug. “How have you been?”

“Not good thanks to this war.” The blue one said. “Care to show us around Ponyville Sweetie Drops?”

Bon Bon smiled. “Of course. It’s Bon Bon now I haven’t used that name since I left the Hive.”

> Conflicts and Convictions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Conflicts and Convictions
Author: Draconis187

“So what happened after that dear?” Rarity asked.

“Well, Patty decided to live with us in the Devil May Cry despite Vergil’s protests.” Fluttershy responded. “He eventually left one day without telling anypony and left Force Edge behind, mounted on the wall above the old jukebox.”

“What’s a ‘jukebox’?” Applejack asked.

“We-” She began but there was a knock at the door. Rarity opened it to find three ponies: Bon Bon, Rebel and Legion.

“Why hello dear it’s so nice to see you. Have you come to try that fabulous dress I told you about the other day?” Rarity asked with a cheerful smile.

“I'm afraid I'm not here on a social visit. These ponies have some important information for you all.” Bon Bon replied, gesturing to Legion and Rebel.

“Oh okay then, come in.” She said with a slightly confused look on her face. The three Earth ponies walked into the Carousel Boutique.

Pinkie shot up to look at the blue and brown ponies. “New friends?! YAY!” She screamed. “I get to use my new party cannon!”

She pulled out Kalina Ann from her mane and aimed it at them. She pulled the trigger and launched a rocket. They closed their eyes and put their hooves up in front of their faces in fear. As it got near them it detonated in a hail of confetti. As they lowered their hooves they saw they were wearing matching white tuxedos. Pinkie then turned Kalina Ann to the ceiling and fired again. One shower of multi-coloured confetti later and everypony - except for Vergil and Fluttershy – were all wearing party outfits and the boutique was all kitted out for a party: punch bowl and assorted small foods on a table while there were a variety of party games all over. Rarity fainted at the sight of her boutique.

“Greetings I am Legion and this is my brother: Rebel.” Legion said after recomposing himself, addressing the party of heroes and pointing to Rebel. “We have information that you may want to hear.”

“Why not go to the Princesses? If this information is so important, why not inform them of this?” Twilight asked.

The three ponies looked at each other for a few seconds in silence. “The reason is simple: we wouldn’t be trusted if we were to tell just how we came about this information.”

“Why wouldn’t they trust you?” Twilight asked.

“Bon Bon, you aren't saying?” Lyra said from her seat next to Vergil. He was beginning to get a little uncomfortable with how close she was trying to get to him.

Bon Bon nodded her head but hung it low as she spoke. “My real name is Sweetie Drops. I-I… am a-a Ch-Changeling.”

Bon Bon assumed her original, true form: she had the same manestyle as she always had but the colouration was more on the dull side while there were multiple holes near the ends of her mane and tail hairs as well as her legs.

Everypony - other than Lyra and the two other Changelings - were completely shocked. They never thought that Bon Bon was a Changeling. Most ponies knew her for years: living with Lyra, telling her that her dreams of humans were nothing but fantasy, nagging her to stop sitting in that peculiar position in the park whenever she played her lyre.

“A Changeling?!” Dash shouted, fuming with rage at how long she had deceived them. She pulled out Nevan and brought the scythe down on her head, only to be blocked by Lyra’s body. 

“What?!” She shouted in surprise. Nevan’s teeth had sunk deep into her hide, making her drip blood all over the boutique’s floor (much to Rarity’s dismay, needless to say she fainted again). Dash removed the blade from Lyra’s back who then collapsed to the floor.

“Lyra!” Bon Bon shouted, running up to her friend’s bleeding form. “Why? Why did you have to go and do stupid thing like that for?!”

“Simple, they wouldn’t have given you a chance to explain without a reason.” Lyra deadpanned.

“I-I-I'm sorry!” Dash said as she dropped Nevan in shock.

“I’ll be okay Dash, hey… where did Fluttershy and Twilight go?” Lyra pointed out. The two mares were missing.

The others were trying to help stop the bleeding by wrapping up the wound in some of Rarity’s spare cloth (she refused to let them use the good linen). Vergil merely observed the scene from a distance, the scene of friends selflessly helping each other still a foreign concept to him. After a few minutes had passed, the door opened again to the form of Twilight, Fluttershy and the local herbalist and potions master: the zebra Zecora.

“Oh dear, what have we here? I was told of its severity but not of its complexity.” The striped denizen of the Everfree Forest stated as she took out a salve from her side. “You must remain still, to move now would suit you ill.”

Vergil raised an eyebrow at this creature’s word choice as she applied the salve to Lyra’s wounds after they removed the makeshift bandages. After reapplying the bandages, Lyra was able to stand again, only to be stopped by Zecora’s stern face and raised hoof.

“You must lie down, the bed is where you must be bound.” She said as she turned to leave, her job now complete. Everypony waved at her with a smile on their faces as she left (except for Vergil who lost interest after her second rhyme).

“Why did you put yourself between Bon Bon and Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Because, I already knew she was a Changeling. It was how we met each other years back, before I moved to Ponyville.” Lyra responded. “Sadly that’s a story for another day, I've known her – the true her – for years and I trust her so you should too.”

“I dunno…” Dash said as she rolled her eyes. Twilight gave her a very nasty look which made her blush with embarrassment. “Okay, let’s give her a chance, one chance.”

“Thanks everypony.” Lyra said. At that Legion and Rebel changed back into their true forms. 

“Legion and Rebel are a part of the Changeling army. Specifically they run reconnaissance missions. They are also the best at not lethal killing methods.” Bon Bon said. “I left the Changeling Hive many, many years ago. I never knew of this war until Ponyville got attacked. Lyra and I were left alone once I revealed to a few Changelings that I was one of them.”

“So then, this information you were talking about?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. Legion stepped forward.

“Do you have any maps of Equestria as it currently stands?” He asked. Twilight nodded.

“I have a number of different maps in the library. We should continue this conversation there.” She said. With that the group – and the re-disguised Changelings – went off to Golden Oaks.

After the group arrived at Golden Oaks, Twilight sent Spike out early on his errands outside the library while she pulled out a relatively large map (it covered 1/3 of the floor). Rebel stepped forward this time, having turned himself into a unicorn. Picking up a few objects he began to lay out the situation for the ponies.

“Okay, we were stationed here.” He said, placing a marker on Trottingham. “King Clavus was based here, in Fillydelphia. According to reports this is also the largest occupying force in terms of numbers to the size of the city’s dimensions. This is also where Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are being held.”

“What?! They got my brother and my sister-in-law?!” Twilight shouted.

“I’m afraid so and it gets worse. You see Changelings don’t always torture their captives but when they do, it is never pretty. The screaming can be heard for miles, begging for death. I don’t know if they are even still alive. Legion has heard that Clavus himself has been performing the tortures. There is only one thing that bothers me so badly about His Majesty.” He said with a solemn expression on his face.

“What is it?” Fluttershy interjected.

“Clavus was never like this a year or two back. He used to be a fair and kind ruler to us Changelings. Sure he and our Queen Chrysalis would have massive arguments which shook the very foundations of the Hive’s structure but a war on Equestria was never one of the topics. He once went out to contemplate at his favourite spot: an underground waterfall and came back slightly different. At first we all thought it was some form of epiphany or revelation. It wasn’t until we heard him start to issue out orders to scout out the Canterlot borders that we grew suspicious of his actions.”

“What was he asking you to do?” Twilight asked.

“We had to find and collect some strange artefacts. The skull of some creature that wasn’t in any known bestiary logs; a strange black orb that seemed to contain a liquid from some ruins in the Griffon Empire; then there was a silver Amulet with a green jewel inset from the Canterlot Vaults. What he plans on doing with them, I cannot say but whatever it is, it will be revealed in the Crystal Empire. And soon.” Rebel finished.

“Do you possess any images of these items?” Vergil asked.

Legion threw a dossier at Vergil, as it hit and slid across the floor, a few of the images fell out for Vergil to see. All of a sudden his appearance changed, he had activated his Devil Trigger. His coat had turned to scales of the same shade of blue as his coat. The horns on his head gave him a sort of v-shaped look while his green eyes were terrifying to look at. The scabbard of Yamato had become a part of his left arm, covered in the same blue scales.

“Vergil calm down, it’s alright.” Fluttershy said, hugging the demon. Vergil calmed down and returned back to normal.

“I apologise for losing my composure. These objects have a demonic presence about them, they may be able to open a portal to the Demon World but that raises a question: are our worlds connected by the Demon World? If that is the case then are there other worlds that share the same connection? We need to stop this Clavus but we need to upset his forces first.”

“What do you have in mind Vergil?” Twilight asked. The half-demon smirked.

“We go to this ‘Fillydelphia.’” Vergil replied.

“We will need to inform the Princesses of this though and you three will have to come with.” Twilight said, turning her attention to Bon Bon and the other two Changelings.

“But what will they do to us?” Rebel asked.

“We’ll vouch for the accuracy and importance of your story.” Twilight replied. “If Lyra trusts Bon Bon and she trusts you, we can too.”

After a few moments the group consisting of three Changelings, a half-demon, two Pegasi, four unicorns and two Earth ponies left the library and headed for the train station to get to Canterlot.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

King Clavus was walking through one of the ravaged streets in the Crystal Empire. There were huge pillars of smoke towering over the skyline, emanating from fresh fire sources. Clavus had a particular destination in mind: the Crystal Empire Library.

He entered the huge building with wall to wall bookshelves. He knew that what he sought was somewhere inside. As he searched, he was soon alerted to the fact that he was not alone. He looked around and found a few Crystal ponies with some fillies, scared at the sight of the Changeling king. He chuckled as screaming rang through the usually quiet building.

Brushing off a small smudge of blood from his armour, he walked past the mutilated bodies of the ponies and fillies. He had no reason to care about what happened to a few ponies, he didn’t care about the fate of the Changeling race, what mattered to him was a special little book. After a few hours of near fruitless searching, he found it.

“’The Demon World: Myth or Reality?’” He said, reading the cover. He opened it and searched for the ritual he needed. “Ah here we are, ‘How to summon a high level demon.’ This should help keep the ponies occupied for a while.”

He collected the bloody remains of the ponies he had murdered and used the lightning Ebony greatsword to carve the etchings into the floor in a circular pattern which he then filled with the ponies’ blood. He then began to speak in tongues as he read the passage from the book.

Outside the building, the clouds were moving on their own accord and turning an unnatural black colour. Thunder rolled and lightning flashed through the skies, petrifying the remaining ponies and unnerving a large number of Changelings.

Inside the building a large four-legged was beginning to emerge from the pit the ritual circle had created. The creature was encased in ice and possessed three heads. It actually resembled a dog, it even had a collar on it. The beast towered over Clavus and tore the ceiling above it off.

“Cerberus!” Clavus shouted. “I called you here to do my bidding.”

“Understood master.” The demon-dog said, bowing its three heads at Clavus’ hooves. “How may I be of assistance to you?”

“To the south of here is a place known as Canterlot. I want you to go there and destroy it by any means necessary.” Clavus replied.

“It shall be done.” Cerberus responded. With that, Cerberus tore through the remainder of the library and charged off into the south.

“Enjoy your little present Celestia.” Clavus said softly as he lit the – somewhat still standing – library up. He walked off towards the centre of the Crystal Empire, where a cart containing three particular items was being stored.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“How long until we reach Canterlot?” Bloodwing cried out, getting impatient. He had always been impatient when getting to a battle.

“We should arrive in two more days sir.” The helmsgriffon replied. Bloodwing sighed.

“Why couldn’t I be in command of those new jet powered models?” He said to himself.

“Because you said you don’t trust anything that flies faster than you?” The helmsgriffon replied softly.

“Ah, that’s right.” Bloodwing commented.

An alarm went off in the bridge which caused Bloodwing’s eyes to open wide and his ears to perk up. “What is it helmsgriffon?”

“Sir, multiple contacts bearing 250° and closing. They appear to be on an intercept course with us sir.”

Bloodwing cried out in happiness and rubbed his claws together. “Finally something to break my boredom! All claws to battlestations, red alert. You there with the radar, can you tell me who or what we are facing?”

The scared griffon replied. “It’s the Ares’ Dagger! It’s the renegade 67th Fleet!”

“So Gustav, you have finally decided to come out of hiding.” Bloodwing mused under his breath. “All cannons, open fire!”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What?! Cadance and Shining Armor are held in Fillydelphia?!” Celestia cried out.

The group had arrived in Canterlot and met with Celestia, Luna and Gilda. Gilda hung her head a bit – as did her retinue – when they saw Fluttershy. The events that had transpired were still very fresh on her mind… and her body.

“So then, how did you two come across this information?” Celestia asked, Rebel and Legion.

The two Changelings revealed themselves to the Princesses and the Royal Guard. At first they were shocked but Celestia composed herself and began to speak after she stopped the Guards from attacking them.

“That would make sense. What I must now ask you is: why are you prepared to be branded traitors to your own kind?” She asked.

“We have a very specific dietary requirement: actual food. We are the only Changelings currently alive who possess this strange and unique trait. We were kept alive thanks to our king but we fear that now he may change his mind, should he succeed.” Legion replied.

“So now we head for Fillydelphia and free my brother.” Twilight said. Gilda shook her head.

“Sorry but that would be suicide. Fillydelphia is fortified at every entrance and the airway above is tighter than Rainbow Dash’s old camp locker.” Dash’s face went a little red as Gilda said this.

“We need a plan Twilight.” She said.

“So we need to come up with a proper plan to figure out how to bypass their defences?” Twilight asked. Celestia nodded her head.

Legion and Rebel were taken to the War Room along with everypony else, and Vergil. They opened the city map of Fillydelphia and used the magic in their horns: Legion’s was the same shade of blue his coat was when in disguise while Rebel’s was brown, which also matched his disguise’s coat colour. With a number of markers, they began to lay out the situation for the ponies.

“We can’t tell you much since we were based in Trottingham but we studied the city before the attack and the defensive strategies they used would remain the same as for Trottingham.” Legion began. “There are always several teams of five to ten Changelings on the outskirts of the city, they all stay in constant contact with each other so once you attack, they will know you have arrived. I would be prepared to find an Elite or two in the defence groups if I were you.”

“Now I suspect that Clavus would have used this building as his centre of operations.” Rebel added, pointing to the City Centre. “Not only does it have a library and small, hidden armoury but it also serves as a makeshift prison facility since the lower levels have jail cells.”

“So we have our target: the City Centre.” Vergil stated.

“You got it bub. We hit ‘em hard and fast.” Gilda said with a snide smile.

“Now to the defences: there are a number of varying breeds of Changeling.” Bon Bon spoke up. “The first is the most common: us. Normal Changelings are the most versatile and make excellent spies as you already know. The next would be Changebulls. These hulking creatures are still Changelings but have lost their capacity for flight and magic, which also means they can't shapeshift. They are very tough and strong, they used to do the hardest forms of manual labour.”

“So you’re a Changeling too, huh?” Gilda said. Bon Bon nodded her head. “Never would’ve guessed.”

“Thanks, I used to be called Sweetie Drops but I prefer Bon Bon now.” She replied. “The next are the Elites: Heavy Elites love their clubs, hammers and greataxes. Note they are almost always encased in armour. These are the toughest to fight but are the slowest. Time your attacks and they will fall. Next: Pyro Elites: Like their name suggests, their expertise lies in causing fires. They either set their weapons alight or use incendiary bombs. It is rare but not unheard of for them to use both.”

“Hold on, ‘to use both.’ Ok got it!” Twilight said, quill and parchment floating in midair.

“Next are the Rangers. These use ballistae or large bows. If they are carrying smaller weapons, they will throw them at you. Best advice: dodge their attacks and get close, they suck at close quarters combat. Next are the Blademasters or Melee Elite. These carry a variety of balanced close quarters weapons like swords, axes, even the odd shield. You will have to keep your wits about you and adapt when one tries to kill you. Lancets now are the last on the list. They revel in using polearm class weapons to keep their opponents at a distance. Use long ranged attacks to deal with them or if you’re fast enough, get in between the polearm and them before they strike.”

“And that is all I know of the Changelings. Anything new you find that I don’t know about, I have this one piece of advice: adapt. That’s all!” Bon Bon cried out. “Come on Lyra, we should head home. I’ll make your favourite.”

“Yay! Stir Fry! I’ll get the chopsticks!” She screamed and ran off to the train station.

“I’ll see you all later… and good luck.” She said as she left the War Room.

Legion and Rebel looked at each other and nodded. “We should be going too, we might be able to stay with Sweetie Drops but if it makes you uncomfortable we’ll move somewhere less conspicuous.” Legion remarked to the group as they assumed their disguises.

“No it is quite alright. I’m sure Bon Bon can help you fit in better so you don’t draw unwanted attention.” Twilight said with an approving nod from Celestia.

“Thank you all for being so understanding, Bon Bon! Hold up, we’re coming with you!” Rebel shouted.

“I wonder if she still likes raw meat.” Legion asked.

“One way to find out brother.” Rebel winked. “Oh, don’t worry. It’s not an animal native to this part of Equestria. We keep this with us to cook ourselves. It is tender and juicy, just thinking about it makes me salivate.”

“I thought only you two could eat normal food.” Twilight said with a confused look on her face.

“We are, Sweetie Drops just likes the taste of it.” Rebel replied.

The two Changelings left the War Room, giving chase to Bon Bon and Lyra. Celestia turned to the group with a determined look on her face. She looked towards Gilda who nodded her head and laid out some new markers: each one represented one of the group, there was even one for Vergil.

“Now listen up wimps. Celestia and Luna will be staying behind to help co-ordinate with the Griffon Air Forces. I was informed that the 23rd, 45th, 54th and 98th Fleets were on route to Canterlot. Once they get here, we can attack the Crystal Empire and take out Clavus. They will be here in three days so we have until then to take out Fillydelphia and rescue the Princess and your brother Twilight.”  Gilda said with an air of pride in her voice.

“Now here is what we are going to do. Fluttershy, Vergil: you two will distract and take out as many Changelings as possible. Send them home crying to their mothers or kill them. Dash and I will be keeping an eye out in the air. Trixie, you and Rarity will pelt ‘em with your fireworks, keep ‘em confused. Everypony else will head for the City Centre and free the captives.” She continued. “Right, that’s basically what we will be doing. You all have an hour to collect your gear before we head out.”

“I’ll send you home.” Celestia said. “I will be at Twilight’s library after one hour.”

Celestia then teleported the group to their respective homes, one after another. Dash made sure her home was locked up; Applejack said goodbye to her family and picked up an old hammer Big Mac used to crush apples with before they got the miller; Rarity gave Opalescence a hug – which she didn’t like – and sent out messages to her clients stating that she will be unavailable for an unknown amount of time. Twilight said goodbye to Spike and her nocturnal assistant: Owlowiscious. Fluttershy made sure she had Beowulf, Pandora, her pistols and Agni and Rudra. Vergil left his red coat on Fluttershy’s couch. Pinkie did a small ‘farewell for now but it’s not really farewell it’s more of a see you soon than a farewell’ party. The Cakes didn’t get it either.

After an hour the group was waiting outside Twilight’s Library. Celestia arrived to teleport them back to Canterlot. As they went out the eastern gates of Canterlot, Celestia stopped them.

“Before you go my little ponies I have a special gift for you.” She said, teleporting a box next to her. “Here.”

Inside were varying sets of armour. On top of the armours were the six ponies’ Elements. The group wore the armour, except for Fluttershy.

“Is there something wrong with your armour dear?” Celestia asked.

“I learned a long time ago that armour slows me down too much, I‘ll be fine.” She responded as she clipped her Element around her neck.

“I understand. Be strong, the fates of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor rest in your hooves.” The group went off along the mountainside and once they were out of sight, Celestia turned around to walk back into the castle. “Good luck.”

A small tear fell onto the ground as the Princess walked back inside.

> Obedience School
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Obedience School
Author: Draconis187

The sound of armoured hooves and wheels could be heard through the mountain trail that led out of Canterlot and towards the Wailing Woods. Past this was the Serene Plains and beyond that was Fillydelphia. The group heading on the rescue mission only covered Gilda, The Mane 6, Vergil and Trixie Lulamoon.

Gilda was wearing deep blue battle armour. On her left side was a typical halberd. On her right was a crude rifle. Since griffons had no capability with magic, industry and invention made up for the shortfalls. Trixie was wearing a light silver helmet with a matching chestplate and greaves on her four hooves. She was also pulling her cart loaded with fireworks. A loud thump rang out through the – almost – still fading light.

“What was that?!” Rarity jumped. As the group looked around they saw that it was only Trixie’s cart that rode over a rock, causing the sound.

“Sorry.” Trixie apologised.

“We’re all on edge and sadly the closer we get to Fillydelphia, the worse it’s going to get.” Twilight said with a sigh.

It was true, tensions were already running high.  Fluttershy was less nervous since she did save Ponyville and Canterlot on her own but she didn’t know what to expect at the time. Now she knows what is ahead of her, she preferred blindly charging to battle. Vergil kept his usual cool, not phased when he heard the bump. Despite he knew that the lives of many rested on everyone’s shoulders – including his own – he felt no reason to worry, it was inefficient.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

In the far distance Cerberus was charging through the forests and plains towards Canterlot at blinding speed, crushing everything under his paws. He came past a small pony town: Trotawa, crashing through several buildings and crushing a few ponies into paste in the dirt as he barrelled through. He paid their terrified screams no mind, he had a job to do. He left the town picking up cold, broken pieces of their homes and loved ones, crying softly.

As he barrelled through the countryside, one of the heads raised itself up and sniffed at the air. In seconds Cerberus stopped, all three heads sniffing the air that was coming from the southeast. 

“That smell, I know it. Where did I smell that before?” One head asked the others.

“A demon maybe?” Another head answered, sniffing again. “Yes a demon but it smells different, a different kind of demon.”

Then a realisation came to the demon dog, the memory of the one demon came back to Cerberus in a flash. There was only one demon it knew of that had that smell.

“Sparda…” All three heads growled. Cerberus changed course, heading towards the smell of the betrayer.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The group set up camp in a clearing on the edge of the Wailing Woods. They still had another day of travelling ahead of them in order to get to Fillydelphia.

“Hey G, why did you leave those other griffons behind in Canterlot?” Dash asked, lightly strumming Nevan.

“I underestimated the time it would take us to get to Fillydelphia. We are going to be gone for a minimum of four days and that’s just to get there. If I know Bloodwing, he’ll try to start a war with Equestria if he doesn’t see any of us there. He’s one of those old coots that just don’t like anyone else who looks or thinks differently than them.” Gilda replied, taking off her helmet.

“Sounds like quite the guy.” Dash sarcastically remarked.

“He’s a piece of work alright. One time he tried to start a war with frogs if you can believe it.” Gilda said with a laugh. “It would’ve been one terribly one-sided battle.”

“Yeah, the frogs would’ve wiped the floor with you.” Pinkie called out, cleaning the inside of Kalina Ann with her tail with a huge grin on her face.

Gilda looked a little shocked but then everyone shared a good laugh at Pinkie’s comment. Twilight was reading a spellbook with Trixie. As Twilight mentioned a spell, Trixie would tell her of its combat implications if any. They were expanding their repertoire of spells to use against the Changelings once the group reaches Fillydelphia. Fluttershy was standing a short distance away from the group, talking to Agni and Rudra.

“Are you two ready?” She asked as he hefted the blades up into a battle stance.

“I am ready master.” Agni replied.

“Uh, ready for what?” Rudra asked. Fluttershy shook her head as she turned her attention to the opponent in front of her: Vergil.

“Are you ready yet Fluttershy? I am growing impatient.” He said callously as his right hand hovered just an inch from Yamato’s handle.

“Sorry, ready wh-” Fluttershy said as Vergil struck.

Vergil brought Yamato down in an overhead strike but Fluttershy blocked it with Rudra while slicing at Vergil with Agni in her left hoof in a horizontal strike. Vergil blocked it by using Yamato’s scabbard but his face scowled when he saw Fluttershy breathe in deeply.

“FUS RO DAH!!” She Shouted. Vergil got blown a number of metres away but he landed on his feet with a thud and got into his Judgement Cut stance.

Fluttershy flew up and around the area they were fighting, dodging Yamato’s Judgement Cut strikes. Fluttershy landed on the ground with a thud and with the demon swords impaled into the ground. The instant they landed, Agni and Rudra sent a wave of fire and wind towards Vergil who rolled to the side to avoid it. Vergil swiped at the air with Yamato, cutting the air itself as it travelled towards Fluttershy as she countered by sending a combined wave of fire and wind to meet it.

The two attacks collided with each other it created a shockwave that sent birds flying out of their nests. Nearby animals fled in terror as the trees were pushed around as if a strong wind was blowing them over. The centre of the shockwave was a huge scorch mark and on either end of it were a panting Vergil and Fluttershy. Vergil was the first to recover as he sheathed Yamato and ran his hand through his hair, putting it back into its original style. Fluttershy blew a piece of her mane out from her face as she smiled. 

“Not bad for a small practice, huh Vergil?” She inquired as she sheathed Agni and Rudra on her back.

“Yes, your skills are still sharp but I fear that your complacency is hindering your abilities.” Vergil replied as the two returned to the campsite. “I saw in your actions that you were holding back. I had to hold myself back as a result.”

“Sorry Vergil but you're my friend.” She replied. Vergil raised an eyebrow. “You still don’t believe me after all this time, do you?”

“You forget my dear, that the world is filled with those who wish to further their own goals and nothing more.” He said callously.

“That may be so where you're from but not here. We all help each other because we want to and we enjoy doing it. If you can give it a chance I'm sure you will come to enjoy it too.”

“We’ll see.” He muttered, effectively ending the conversation. Twilight and Trixie raised their heads from the book as the two sat down.

“So, how did it go?” Twilight asked.

“The same as always when I train with Vergil. Keep on your toes and you’ll live.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Oh… okay.” Twilight replied nervously as Vergil remained silent.

Applejack was polishing her brother’s hammer, making it shine under the moonlight and the fire’s glow. Pinkie had finished cleaning Kalina Ann and shoved it back into her mane. Dash was still idly strumming while Gilda was recounting her tales of her various jobs during their time apart.

“So that’s why you ended up in politics G?” Dash said.

“Yup, if anything I loved a good scrap so getting paid to do it seemed like the most awesome deal ever.” She replied with a grin.

“Where are you going Trixie?” Twilight asked as Trixie suddenly got up.

“I wish to check on something in my cart.” She merely replied as she walked to it.

The cart was going to serve as Trixie’s launch platform for her fireworks. The cart had a container underneath that stored her various completed fireworks. On the top of it was an angled rack, a piece of wood with several grooved holes on the top where the fireworks would be launched from and a number of small hammers. Beneath all of that, there were several compartments containing various ingredients to create more of them. Trixie pulled out a few materials and proceeded to create a flash firework, also known as a flare.

Applejack hefted up her hammer and went off to the clearing where Fluttershy and Vergil fought, wanting to practise wielding it.

She stood on her hind hooves with her hammer in her forehooves. Bucking apples all her life made her legs very strong and as a result, made it easier to stand on them with little effort. She hefted the hammer onto her left shoulder and with her hooves firmly holding onto the handle, swung it in an overhead strike. The hammer collided with the ground, causing the dirt to fly up into the air and cracking the scorched earth.

She lifted the hammer and walked up to a tree. She then swung the hammer around with as much force as she could muster. The hammer collided with the tree, shattering the half metre wide trunk into a number of fragments. They flew away to the right while the top part of the tree fell in the opposite direction. The hammer carried on its momentum, taking Applejack with it.

“Tarnation! I didn’t think this blighter would cause me to gallivant with it.” She muttered as she picked herself up off the ground, dusting the armour off and picking up her Stetson hat.

She had red tinted silver armour that covered her hooves, back and flank. In between the sheets was chainmail armour, so she still had free range of motion. She refused to wear the helmet, opting to wear her beloved Stetson instead. Twilight walked up to Applejack, handing her the hammer with her magic.

“Applejack, you have to learn to not put your whole body into the attack. Just use your forehooves and upper body. You need to keep yourself balanced as you strike.” She said, not looking at her stubbornly proud friend in the eye.

“And you who made you the expert in hammering?” She retorted.

“Fluttershy told me.” The purple unicorn replied. “She and Vergil were watching you and I overheard their comments. I decided it was best to let you know otherwise we might lose you in Fillydelphia and I wouldn’t be able to take that. Fluttershy disappeared into another world but I was sure she was still alive. If we lose you there, we are going to wait forever for you to return.”

Applejack hung her head. “I'm sorry Twi, I didn’t mean ta snap like that. It’s just that these Changelings caught us the last time and I'm hankering for some payback is all.”

“Revenge is not the answer Applejack. If we do that then we are no better than the Changelings themselves.” Twilight responded. “What we are doing now is more a form of self defence. We don’t have a choice in the matter.”

Applejack hugged her friend. “It’s ok Twi. Now would you mind helping me with my swing?”

Twilight chuckled as she wiped away a tear. “Sure.”

The next half hour went by with Twilight telling Applejack where and what was wrong with her swing. At the end of the half hour, Applejack’s proficiency with the hammer was much better than when she started out. She still stumbled a little when she used a full force strike so she kept her strikes smaller and more manageable.

As the two were returning to the campsite, the ground stated to tremble and the air around them started to get colder by the second. Everypony looked to each other with worried expressions… except for Vergil, he was simply wondering what this disturbance could be.

“Is this an earthquake?” He asked.

“It feels too unnatural to be an earthquake.” Twilight responded as she and the rest of the group stumbled around.

Pinkie was bouncing up and down the place with a grin on her face, seemingly unaffected by the quake. Gilda flew up into the air to avoid the embarrassment of flailing around. The sky above started to get cloudy but there were no Pegasi moving them and the clouds were an unnatural black colour. Dash tried to keep herself balanced by using Nevan, which was impaled into the ground. Trixie’s latest concoction blew up in her face while the other components she was working on fell onto the floor. Gilda turned her attention around and saw some trees in the distance falling down. Whatever it was, it was headed in their direction.

“We got company!” She squawked, landing on the still shaking ground to pick up her weapons.

“Sparda!!” A voice shouted. Cerberus broke through the last of the trees and stopped in front of the campsite, growling and baring his fangs. “I have come for you Sparda! I will have my revenge for that collar you placed on me!”

Vergil scoffed. “My father is not here you oversized mongrel. Now leave us before you get injured.”

“You dare mock me?!” Cerberus replied. “If I can’t get revenge on Sparda, I’ll just get it from killing his descendant.”

Cerberus charged as Vergil vanished. Fluttershy pulled out Agni and Rudra while Rarity and Trixie readied the fireworks. Applejack brought her hammer down onto Cerberus’ foot but her attack was stopped as the ice covering his entire body stopped the blow dead in its tracks.

“What in tar-” was all she said as Cerberus knocked her back and into some trees, some distance away.

“Applejack!” Came multiple shouts as the orange mare slowly got back up on to her hooves. She was bruised and her armour had buckled in some areas.

“That’s smarts.” Applejack commented while she returned to the battle.

Fluttershy brought Agni and Rudra down onto the middle head, cracking and simultaneously melting the ice armour he was encased in. As she landed down on the ground, Vergil appeared above the same head, about to drive Yamato into Cerberus’ head. Cerberus saw this and dodged by jumping backwards. Pinkie pulled Kalina Ann out and fired a rocket. He ate it as it was about to hit him. The rocket detonated inside and dealt absolutely no damage.

“Is that all you mortals have for me?” The right head taunted. 

Dash was strumming away at Nevan, summing up some bats in the process and firing them at Cerberus with lightning. Cerberus breathed down a stream of ice down at Dash, freezing the bats that were protecting her and forcing her to play faster to replenish their numbers. In no time even Dash’s high speed playing couldn’t summon enough bats and she got frozen.

“How dare you!” Fluttershy shouts, seeing her friend frozen. “FUS RO DAH!”

Cerberus was hit cleanly but only moved a few feet backwards. All three heads just smiled at her.

“That’s a neat trick, now let me show you mine.” He remarked. 

He howled and shattered into multiple ice fragments. They were then swept up by a chilling wind that started to reform him. As the fragments were nearing his reconstruction, there was a slight but noticeable difference: there were three bodies, each with a singular head.

“Humph, I guess this old dog knows a few new tricks.” Vergil remarked as he charged for the long nosed Cerberus (these will be referred in terms of their eye colours. This one has yellow eyes and is therefore Yellow Cerberus).

As Vergil sliced at the Yellow Cerberus’ face but it caught Yamato in its teeth. The Blue Cerberus fired a huge chunk of ice at him which sent him flying off into the distance. Yamato flew in another direction, landing next to Trixie and Rarity. Fluttershy – having seen this – got angry and readied Beowulf.

“Time for this dog to back to its kennel! Beowulf, lend me your full power!” She shouted as her body began to glow.

Her coat started to shift in colour, becoming the same dark grey as Beowulf itself. Her coat also began to change its texture as it shifted colour, becoming armour. The ‘armour’ then proceeded to split, creating the same white light pathways that the gauntlets and greaves have. Her wings elongated, turning white at the tips before splitting into two pairs of fully functioning wings. Her eyes went red and at the ends of her forehooves, she gained claws made of light. Her Cutie Mark could still be seen, albeit now it was an outline of light pathways.

“What are you?!” The Red Cerberus questioned as it knocked Gilda backwards.

“Just a pony.” She replied, her voice a mix between hers and Beowulf’s, speaking simultaneously.

She flexed her new claws and charged at the Yellow Cerberus, extending her four wings to launch herself towards its head. Her left claw collided with its jaw, the sound of bones shattering ringing through the area. The Yellow Cerberus was also knocked onto its hind legs as Fluttershy brought her hind hoof down on him at speed (Killer Bee/Starfall). The area around the group lit up as Rarity and Trixie fired off some fireworks.

“Ah! My eyes, it burns!” The three Cerberus cried out.

Vergil had re-entered the fight and Trixie threw Yamato to him with her magic. Twilight was using a shield spell to protect Applejack as she hammered at the Red Cerberus’ feet. It retaliated by swinging its paw at her, which sent her flying again. Twilight stopped her by carrying her with her magic. Applejack was looking a little dishevelled but alright.

“I don’t think I'm cut out for this Twi.” She said to Twilight as she picked up her Stetson.

“We haven’t got a choice Applejack, we have keep fighting otherwise it will kill us.” Twilight responded. She ran off to thaw out Dash who was still frozen.

“H-h-hurry u-u-p-p-p! I-I-I c-c-can’t t-take much m-more of t-this!” Dash said as Twilight was defrosting her.

The three Cerberus dogs howled simultaneously and shattered. They reformed back into one whole again, laughing.

“You cannot defeat me that easily! My power is far greater since I'm no longer bound in that accursed tower!” He declared.

The Yellow Cerberus Head howled and several chunks of ice fell from the sky, destroying Trixie’s fireworks cart which exploded and sent her and Rarity flying backwards. Fluttershy extended her wings and – with a single large flap – send some of her feathers flying towards it like missiles, cracking its ice armour in several places. Vergil followed through by throwing Yamato at the largest crack which was the Yellow Cerberus Head, and for an encore Pinkie appeared from behind Vergil with Kalina Ann and fired a rocket. The rocket collided with Yamato’s pummel, sending it through the Yellow Cerberus’ head. The head exploded into several ice fragments.

“Ah!” The two remaining heads shouted. “You shall pay!”

As Fluttershy leapt up to deliver a blow with her claws but Cerberus fired off an ice chunk at her, sending her flying into the treeline like Vergil earlier and sending the demonic blades Agni and Rudra flying. The group saw the light Fluttershy’s body was emitting earlier start to fade as a tree fell in her direction with a crash. Vergil started to grip on Yamato’s scabbard hard, causing it to fracture slightly and with a shout, activated his Devil Trigger but something was wrong.

Instead of his blue scales, he was encased in dark armour. His horns faced forwards and drooped on opposite sides of his head, a mixture of blue and red colours. He wore a purple cape with a large sword-like symbol on it. His face had gold lines running across it. Yamato had mutated, becoming a far larger blade, emanating a dark blue flame. He walked up slowly towards Cerberus as it laughed.

“Did I hurt your mate mortal?! Come on!” It shouted as it charged at Vergil.

In one strike with his left gauntlet, Vergil’s fist connected with Cerberus’ muzzle and sent him careering backwards from the force. Vergil continued to walk forward, undeterred with his left gauntlet erupting in the same blue flame as his mutated sword. Cerberus got back onto its four paws and fired off another chunk of ice. Vergil countered it by firing a blue fireball at the ice chunk, destroying it. Everypony was shocked at Vergil’s conduct, he let Cerberus get back up each time and didn’t attack him while he was vulnerable.

As Cerberus swiped at Vergil, he countered yet again with the mutated Yamato. The blade went straight through the demon dog’s ice armour and went into its foot, causing blood to flow out of the wound. Trixie picked up Agni and Rudra with her magic and went up to Twilight, who was still trying to defrost Dash. Pinkie ran up to Cerberus with Kalina Ann and fired. The rocket found home, detonating at the Blue Cerberus’ head, destroying its armour as well. Trixie thawed out Dash with Agni and threw the blades at Cerberus’ remaining head, piercing its eyes.

“Ah! I can't see!” It shouted as it began to flail about. Fluttershy had returned to the fight but she was back to normal.
Gilda flew downwards, aiming for Cerberus’ head as Vergil appeared next to her, thinking the same thing. Together the force was great enough to force the dog onto the ground with a smash. The demonic dog just laid there as the group readied their weapons and aimed at Cerberus. Pinkie aimed Kalina Ann at him. Vergil had changed back and held Yamato up high, ready to bring it down while Applejack was in the same pose. Dash had Nevan raised above her head in scythe mode, ready to exact her revenge. Fluttershy had Hatred out, pointing at Cerberus. Twilight was readying a spell to hit him with while Rarity had salvaged one last firework and aimed it as well. Gilda had taken out her rifle and was ready to fire while Trixie pulled Agni and Rudra out of Cerberus’ eyes and readied them to impale him again.

“You know what to say Fluttershy?” Vergil asked. Everypony had heard the story of them back in his universe as Fluttershy nodded.

“Jackpot!” Everypony cried out in unison as they bought their weapons down on the dog, utterly destroying him in a flash of bright light. What remained was a bright pillar of blue tinted light.

“You all have bested me in combat and so one of you shall have the honour of taking my soul.” A voice rang out from the pillar of light, Cerberus’ voice to be accurate. The group muttered to themselves, wondering who should take it. 

“I will.” Trixie said, stepping forward. “You destroyed my cart and as such Trixie demands recompense.”

“As you wish.” The voice replied as an orb emanating the same light flew towards her.

As the light dissipated a single, tripartite nunchaku was left behind in Trixie’s hooves. The three parts were blue in colour and gave off a cold chill, cooling the air around it so much that it was visible. The three parts were connected by chains onto a single ring, just like Cerberus’ three heads were attached to a single body.

“Well, that’s interesting.” Twilight remarked. Trixie gave the weapon a few experimental swings but ended up hitting herself in the head.

“I can help you learn to use it.” Fluttershy offered, offering her hoof to Trixie who was flat on the floor. She gave the yellow mare hers as she lifted herself up off the floor.

“I’d like that, thanks.” Trixie said with a blush.

“Right, I don’t know about all of you but I could go for some grub! Let’s see what still remains and get cooking!” Gilda said with a clap of her claws.

Fluttershy picked up Agni and Rudra and sheathed them away as she joined the rest of the group. They still had some supplies left, albeit cold but edible once warmed up. Twilight looked to Fluttershy with concern on her face.

“Fluttershy, do you mind if I ask you something?” She asked.

“What’s wrong Twilight?” She said, biting on a carrot.

“That thing you did earlier, what was that?” She replied. Everypony heard the conversation and came closer so they could hear as well.

“Well, it was kind of a Devil Trigger. A Devil Trigger is when a demon changes into its true form if it was disguised, increasing its power. Vergil is half demon and can use it as well.” She said.

“Does that mean you’re a demon too?!” Twilight asked in shock. Vergil shook his head.

“No, she simply channelled the full power of the Devil Arm, Beowulf. It acts on the same principle as my Devil Trigger, allowing her to take on a small part of Beowulf’s form in order to gain more power.” He said slowly.

“Does that mean that sort of thing can happen to me?” Trixie asked.

“I am unsure but there is a possibility.” Vergil replied as he bit down on his meal: a steak, courtesy of Gilda the Griffon.

****                    ****                        ****               ****
In the Crystal Empire, a large black obelisk began to rise from underneath the Crystal Castle. It destroyed the castle as it gained height, reaching twice the height of the Castle. At the foot of it, amongst the rubble of the Castle was King Clavus. He was bowing at the obelisk as three red orbs appeared near the top.

“So my servant hasn’t failed me. That is good news to me.” A deep voice said.

“I have done all that you’ve asked for my master! We shall rule this world and the Demon World, together!” Clavus shouted.

“Together? No…” The voice replied as a beam of red energy fired from the top orb, splattering Clavus into a red paste on the floor. “I alone shall rule.”

The obelisk began to glow as various demons poured out of it, killing everything in their sight, Changeling and pony alike.

“Soon this world shall be mine.” The voice of the Prince of Darkness said, ringing out into the countryside.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Gustav’s and Bloodwing’s fleets were locked in battle. The sounds of cannons and rifles firing were filling the air. Multiple griffons were tearing at each other’s throats, some literally with a variety of melee weapons and guns. Bloodwing was issuing orders from the bridge of his flagship: the Arbiter.

“Sir, we are losing a number of ships and the 54th are reporting a loss of 23%.” The helmsgriffon said to his commanding officer.

“I can see that you useless lout! Get those weaklings out of there and use the Revengeance!” He shouted. The helmsgriffon nodded and issued his orders.

The Arbiter’s Revengeance was an oversized cannon that fired a large, 40m wide by 70m long explosive shell. Reloading took twelve minutes but the damage it was capable of was immense. The cannon was situated on the top of the Arbiter’s roof, concealed behind a blast shield for protection.

“Sir, the Arbiter! It’s doing something!” The helmsgriffon of the Ares’ Dagger cried out.

“Move this ship… now!” Gustav screeched. The Ares’ Dagger moved higher up into the air and pulled backwards.

The Revengeance fired, the shell careering towards the bulk of the 67th Fleet and detonated. In one shot, their numbers were reduced to a few escorts and the Ares’ Dagger. The griffons around the bridge were scrambling, confused and scared at the prospect of death.

“Order a full retreat!” Gustav shouted.

The Ares’ Dagger as well as the remnants of the 67th went full throttle, flying off towards the Crystal Empire to meet up with King Clavus’ forces.

“Always the coward Gustav.” Bloodwing remarked. “Alright you wastes of fur and feathers! Take a head count and repair what you can, we head back out in two hours!”

> Interlude: Close Encounters of the Discorderly Kind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Interlude: Close Encounters of the Discorderly Kind
Author: Draconis187

The group had finally left the Wailing Woods and entered the Serene Plains. The Plains were a single wide open space that went on for miles. There were no trees, only green grass as well as a wide dirt pathway that cut all the way through it and into the distance.

“This place was named a nature preserve a few years back and as such it will never be developed.” Twilight explained to anypony that would listen.

“Fluttershy, I would like to know how to better use this, thing.” Trixie asked impatiently, pointing to ice-cold weapon on her back.

“I’ll tell you a secret about Devil Arms. They are living beings even if they look like weapons. They still think, feel and talk. Agni and Rudra verbally speak while weapons like Cerberus there would probably talk on a more telepathic level. I’m sure you have heard some strange whispers in the back of your mind by now.” Fluttershy responded matter-of-factly.

“Well I did hear something that sounded like: ‘disappointing’ when I accidentally hit myself in the muzzle last night.” Trixie responded after a few seconds of thinking and blushing as she recounted the incident.

“Listen carefully to what he has to say, you’ll learn a lot.” Fluttershy responded before turning her attention to Vergil. “Vergil, you never said exactly how you got here. In fact, you never looked like that when you went into your Devil Trigger form.”

“I would rather not say.” He deadpanned.

“Please?” She asked, looking up at him with her eyes as big as saucers.

Vergil sighed deeply, defeated by Fluttershy’s gaze. “Fine, on the condition you go first.”

“That’s fine by me.” Fluttershy said with a squee.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“I can't believe it.” Fluttershy moaned as she pulled off her blood-stained coat off. “I've had that bow for ages and now some demon broke it.”

On Dante’s desk was her Ebony bow, shattered into several pieces. The string had also snapped in three locations along its length. Dante just looked at the remains as Fluttershy jumped onto the couch to lie down.

“In his defence, he was twenty feet tall Flutters.” Dante chuckled as he laid back on his chair. “Although I never knew you could get quite that angry.”

“Yeah, you even gave me a scare.” Lady commented as she sat on Dante’s desk.

Patty was fast asleep upstairs since it was three in the morning. The trio took a job that revolved around a nocturnal demon that had been harassing a small village. The village was a two days drive and Morrison agreed to look after Patty despite her many protests. Lady had a bandage over her – still bleeding – left forearm.

“Sorry.” Fluttershy said as she hung her head. “I-it’s just that a friend from the last universe I was in made it for me. It’s that and some other items that I have to remember him by since I don’t think I could go back.”

“Still, you didn’t have to Shout him into that building.” Dante remarked.

“You're just upset the building was apparently famous for making strawberry sundaes.” Lady replied with an evil grin.

“After all that work I never managed to find out if their boasts were true but that’s beside the point.” Dante replied.

“Dante, it’s always the point. You only eat either pizza or strawberry sundaes.” Fluttershy replied before letting out a large yawn. “I'm tired, see you tomorrow Lady.”

“Sleep well Fluttershy.” Lady replied as she got off Dante’s desk. “I'll meet you in the park later on.”

Fluttershy didn’t respond as she had almost instantly fallen asleep. Lady chuckled and walked to the door. She noticed Dante get up from his desk and walk up to the yellow mare’s discarded coat.

“What are you up to Dante?” She asked inquisitively as Dante walked up to her with the coat in his hands.

“Just this.” He replied as he took out a piece of paper from his own jacket pocket. “Go to this address for me and hand them this coat, they know what to do with it.” He then handed the bloody coat to Lady along with the paper but then gave her a card as well. “And here as well afterwards, I called the woman there for a pickup. It’s a present for Fluttershy.”

Lady just nodded. “And just how are you able to afford this and yet still be in debt to me?”

Dante just shrugged his shoulders and turned around. “The folks there owe me a few favours.”

“Fine, since it’s for her. See you tomorrow.” Lady replied as she walked through the door with a disgusted look on her face, aimed at the coat. “She really went all out, didn’t she?”

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“What exactly did you do?” Twilight asked as the group walked across the Plains.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” She replied before continuing.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

The next day Patty woke up Fluttershy who found herself on one of the beds on the upper floor of The Devil May Cry. She rubbed her eyes with her hooves and saw Patty’s cheerful face.

“So how did it go? Dante wouldn’t tell me anything.” She said with annoyance that her ‘guardian’ wouldn’t tell her of the events that transpired on the job or any job they had.

“Patty, there’s a reason he doesn’t tell you.” She replied.

“Not you too! Why does everyone treat me like a kid?!” She shouted, putting her hands on her hips with an angry huff.

“You are Patty.” Fluttershy chuckled. “The things we see and do are absolutely terrifying for young girls like you. These things would scar fillies back home for life. I know it scarred me.”

Fluttershy hung her head as she said this. “I wonder if my friends would look at me the same way if they knew all this? I've seen so much blood, often been in a lot of pain and yet I keep on doing it.”

“Come on now Flutters, don’t be all sad on me. You know if Lady saw you like this she’d blame me for it.” Dante said as he came in through the door. “Come on, we are meeting Lady in the park after all.”

“But won't people notice Fluttershy’s wings?” Patty asked.

“Don’t know but most of them have seen stranger things than her.” Dante deadpanned.

Fluttershy looked at her wings and blushed a little. “I guess I do kind of stand out.”

“Kind of?!” Patty cried out. “You may as well have a giant neon sign with a huge arrow pointing down at you! Come on, you can wear one of my dresses.”

Just like that, Fluttershy got dragged off the bed and – after throwing Dante out – Patty got out a few of her dresses out of her chest of drawers for her to try on. After a good hour of trying everything Patty had in the first drawer, they moved onto the second one. As another hour passed, Dante was getting impatient.

“Oh come on! How many dresses are you going to make her wear?!” Dante shouted from the bottom of the staircase as he paced around the bottom floor.

“Done!” Patty shouted back.

Patty came bouncing out of the room, not unlike Pinkie Pie’s own. She was wearing a simple blue school dress. Why she was wearing that when she didn’t attend school was beyond Dante’s understanding and care. Fluttershy meekly came out of the room.

‘That has got to be the most offensive dress known to mankind.’ Dante thought as Fluttershy got to the bottom of the stairs.

Fluttershy was in a deep purple dress with lime green frills along the hemline. It had a v-neck that went around her shoulders and the edges were a light red, a mixture between red and pink. Even Fluttershy looked uncomfortable.

“You look ridiculous.” Dante said callously.

“I know, Rarity would have a field day or faint. Whichever was worse.” Fluttershy commented as she lifted up her hind leg to look at her green shoes with disgust.

“Well, you didn’t let me go through the others I had.” Patty protested.

“I would’ve burnt that dress and killed the designer if I ever met him.” Dante remarked. Fluttershy nodded her head in agreement.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“Was it really that bad dear?” Rarity asked with a curious look.

“I would have preferred to go through town without it and have everypony looking at me.” She replied.

“That girl is a troublesome one, I’ll give her that.” Vergil remarked.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

After Fluttershy threw the dress off her, she then tossed it into the bin and threw Agni in it to set it alight. Dante sighed and took Agni out and gave Fluttershy his current jacket to wear for the meanwhile. Patty was furious and refused to go with the duo due to Fluttershy’s actions. She went off with Morrison to run an errand with him as he was searching for another contract for the devil hunter.

The two met up with Lady at the park, under the statue of the Legendary Dark Knight. What most people did not know was that this ‘Dark Knight’ was Dante’s father Sparda, a demon. Lady stood leaning against the statue, waiting for them. Next to her was a wooden box and Fluttershy’s coat.

“Hi Lady.” Fluttershy said with a cheerful grin.

“Hello Fluttershy, Dante. Here take this.” She said to Fluttershy, tossing the coat to her. As Fluttershy examined the coat Lady spoke again. “It’s completely clean and it has been slightly altered.”

It was true, there were two holes for her wings to fit through and they were covered by square pieces of leather like flaps but they felt harder. The coat’s arms fitted better around her forehooves instead of hanging loose. It possessed more inside pockets as well. Other than that, it looked just like it used to.

“Those squares are a piece of metal to help provide protection for your wings when you are on the ground.” Dante remarked as Fluttershy tossed him his coat and put hers on. “But the metal is quite light so you shouldn’t have any issues flying with them. Lady, the box if you please.”

Lady gave Fluttershy the box: a dark brown colour, varnished and smooth to the touch. The wood it was made of was mahogany and it had a small golden latch that kept it closed. Lady unhooked the latch and opened the case. Inside were two custom made pistols. A pink one with the word ‘Pity’ engraved in gold lettering on it and a cyan one with the word ‘Fool’ also engraved in gold lettering on it. Underneath each of those words was a sentence: ‘For Tony Redgrave, by .45 Art Works’.

“Those pistols are identical to Ebony and Ivory except for the paint job.” Dante explained. “Pity here is a left-handed pistol or in your case, left-hoofed. Fool here is for your right hoof. Pity’s ejection chamber is to the left, that’s what makes it left-hoofed.”

“Right now that’s out of the way… here.” Lady said, handing Dante a folder. “Last night I found this file in my mail. It speaks of a demon not too far from the city that has been causing some odd things in the town. At one point the water had turned to custard, actual custard and one time the citizens woke up to find their trees were pink while the leaves were blue. Whatever this demon is, it’s strong and weird.”

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“Wait, that sounds like-” Dash said.

“Discord.” Fluttershy and Twilight cut off.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

The trio arrived at the location of the last reported sighting of the demon in question. Fluttershy seemed to be deep in thought and wasn’t paying attention to the warnings Lady received by the various folks nearby.

“Fluttershy, you ok?” Lady asked with a curious look. “You don’t seem like your usual self.”

Fluttershy gave a meek smile as she responded in a low whisper. “I’m fine, it’s just that the description you were given reminds me of somepony I know.”

“And who would be the lucky guy?” Dante said, dismissing a peddler with a wave of his guitar case.

“Discord.” She replied flatly. “He’s a Draconequus, a sort of chimera. He has strong magical abilities and has fun by bending reality, often at the expense of others. Or at least he used to before we became friends, it’s a very long story.”

As Dante was about to respond, he was stopped as he observed the skyline above. The clouds were a hot pink colour and just hung in the air.

“Well, that’s new.” Dante remarked with a grin.

“This must be Discord.” Fluttershy said.

Before they could question the unlikelihood of Discord being in their world, the clouds began to rain… chocolate milk? It seemed utterly impossible and yet there it was, chocolate milk raining from pink clouds. In the distance a chuckle could be heard.

“Discord?!” Fluttershy shouted, running off at high speed.

The two devil hunters gave chase to their friend. They ran through streets that had been radically altered. The signs were bent and made of candy canes while the pavement looked like marshmallow. The roads were made of ice and the buildings seemed to be bending in odd directions. In the distance, they saw Fluttershy entering the local park.

“If this is one of her friends, I don’t want to meet any of her enemies.” Lady remarked after she slipped and fell on the ice road.

“You and me both.” Dante remarked, his foot stuck in the marshmallow pavement.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Meanwhile on the outskirts of Fillydelphia an army was approaching from the Crystal Empire… an army of demons. There were all seven types of the Seven Sins as well as Vanguards by the hundreds and a multitude of lizard like creatures called Assaults. Assaults were tall, green tinted lizards with bone-like shields and helmets on their heads. Their left claws were longer and far sharper than their right which carried the bone shield. They also had long, decorative frills adorning their heads like desert lizards. With them were large, spider-like creatures with glowing green eyes. Their bodies appeared to comprised of rock and each of their limbs made dull thudding sounds as they made contact with the ground.

At the front of this impressive army was a far larger version of the same rock spider. This one though seemed to be made up of lava and rock, steam constantly billowing from its body.

“So that is the city we are to attack?” The demon asks itself as they all get closer. “It is not worth my time but Mundus desires it to be wiped off the face of this miserable world. Go! Attack!”

At these words, various demons vanished from sight, teleporting to the city while the rest charged forwards, still a few miles from the city limits. Phantom continued to lumber on at a leisurely pace.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“Discord?!” Fluttershy shouted with genuine hope in her voice for the first time in ages.

Sitting on a throne made of red and green jelly sat the Draconequus but there was something off with his appearance that shocked Fluttershy. Most of his goatee was missing and the strands that remained were stained with blood. His tail was missing the white tuft at the end and his tail had a – still bleeding – gash running along its length on the underside. His brown coat was dulled along his chest area and he seemed to have suffered multiple bruises across the rest of his body. His Griffon claw was missing a digit as well. As he turned his gaze to Fluttershy she noticed almost a third of his face was covered in a single, horrendous burn mark.

“Who are you?” He asked in a tone he never used when he was good or evil. It sounded distorted, scratchy as if he was talking over a bad telephone connection.

“Discord it’s me Fluttershy, Don’t you remember?” She asked, a tear starting to form in her left eye as she gazed upon her friend.

“Sorry I don’t know a Klutzershy.” He retorted. “I see you brought friends, how fun.”

He was pointing to a panting Dante and Lady, who had only just managed to get there after navigating the street. Dante regained his composure first and smiled.

“Is that all you got? I've fought diseases with more imagination than you!” He laughed.

Discord only smiled and snapped his griffon claw. In an instant the ground shook and tore apart as it rose into the air. Discord remained standing by his jelly throne while Fluttershy flew into the air in order to keep herself from falling. Dante leaped from broken platform to broken platform with ease and style. Lady impaled the ground with Kalina Ann’s bayonet and used it to keep herself upright. After a few minutes and the platforms stabilised The trio regrouped at one of the larger platforms, one that came from the local park.

“Nice going Dante, you just had to open your big mouth, didn’t you?” Lady snapped angrily.

“How was I to know he could do this?” Dante deadpanned as he walked up to the edge. “That would be one hell of a fall.”

“Still think I have no imagination?” Discord said as he materialised out of the ground.

“I still wait to be impressed. Woah!” Dante shouted as a fireball flew past him. “Got quite the temper don’t we?”

Discord had vanished from sight, leaving the group to bunch up and look around feverishly for the disfigured creature.  Fluttershy pulled out her new pistols and got ready while Dante and Lady pulled out their respective firearms.

“Any ideas Fluttershy?” Lady asked. “You know him better than us.”

Fluttershy shook her head with a sad look on her face. “I knew the old Discord, not this monster. Whatever happened to him… we need to stop him.” Fluttershy said.

“Well, I'm not waiting.” Dante said as he charged off. 

As he jumped to a higher piece of ground, another platform came from nowhere to slam into him, sending him flying 800 feet to the earth below. As if it wasn’t enough, the same platform went after him, enveloped in black flames. As it collided with the ground, it detonated like a 400lb bomb.

“Dante!” The ladies shouted. Discord appeared on a platform hovering above them, chuckling.

“Well, that’s one nuisance dealt with. Now then my dear.” He said, addressing Lady with a malicious grin. “I’m in a good mood so I’ll give you a choice: 1. You can try to fight me and you’ll wind up like your hot-headed friend down there. Option 2: I send you to the ground unharmed, with only one string attached.” He said, appearing next to Fluttershy and pulling on her cheeks like a grandmother does to a grandchild. Fluttershy responded by firing a few rounds at him.

He vanished before the bullets could make contact and reappeared above them wearing a suit. “My, my, aren't we testy today?” He turned his attention back to Lady. “The string is that you can’t help Klutzershy here in any way.”

“Here’s my answer!” Lady said, firing off Kalina Ann at him. 

He chuckled and snapped his fingers again. The rocket exploded in a burst of flowers, not even scratching him. He looked at Lady with a slightly disappointed look on his face.

“And here I thought you were smarter than that buffoon.” He sighed as he snapped his fingers. 

In an instant the earth shot up and knocked Kalina out of Lady’s hands. As she saw the rocket launcher fly up into the air, she pulled out her submachine gun and a pistol and opened fire on Discord. Fluttershy joined in and opened fire but to their dismay, he vanished again, laughing maniacally. The two stood back-to-back, keeping their eyes peeled for this transgression against nature.

“Boo!” Discord shot up, appearing between the two, separating them for a brief second.

As he did this, he grabbed Lady and vanished with her. As he reappeared he held her like a human shield. Fluttershy looked up in horror at the evil grin on Discord’s face. Fluttershy kept her pistols up but as she tried to find somewhere she could get a shot in, Discord moved his body so it would be behind Lady’s.

“Still want to shoot? Here let me take those from you dear.” He sneered as he took Lady’s guns of her, throwing them to the ground below.

“My guns, give them back!” Lady protested.

“Where you’re going, you won't need guns.” He said with a smile as he threw her to the ground where Dante was. Looking around with a cheerful grin, Discord turned his attention to Fluttershy. 

“Now that we’re alone dear, shall we?” He said, pulling out a glowing purple scythe similar to a Hell Vanguard’s except its blade was heavily serrated.

Fluttershy wasn’t sure if she wanted to even hurt him since he used to be her friend. Although, this was not the same friend she knew, rather some twisted parody of the creature she once knew.

“Bring it then.” She said rather shakily.

Discord only smiled and vanished with his weapon in tow. In an instant he appeared behind Fluttershy and swung the scythe down towards her. She rolled to the side to dodge and let a few rounds loose. One grazed Discord’s left shoulder while another embedded itself in his right arm. He just smiled, ignoring the pain he should be in.

“Come on my dear, you have be faster than that.” He taunted with another smile before vanishing again.

“You killed them!” She shouted. 

Looking around gave her no clues as to where he was… until a fire ball flew past her, hitting the ground and detonating in a large explosion powerful enough to send Fluttershy into the air.

Meanwhile on the shattered ground Dante spotted something falling from the sky. He ran as fast as he could and grabbed Lady by her ankle.

“We have got to stop meeting like this.” He grimaced as he looked at Lady’s angry face. “Alright, alright.”

After setting Lady on the ground she looked up to the floating platforms above them.

“Can't you fly up there?” Lady asked.

“Sorry Lady, I wasn’t born with wings. Besides my demon ones only let me glide, big difference.”

“So she’s on her own.” Lady said, finding one of her pistols on the ground nearby.

“Yup, sure looks like it. Good luck to her.” Dante said with a serious tone he was unknown for.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“Hold on everypony.” Twilight said all of a sudden. “We need to stop for a bit, it’s almost lunch time.”

The gang stopped and laid down (or sat in Vergil’s case) in a circle. Trixie excused herself so she could practise with Cerberus while Gilda started to polish her halberd. Dash laid back and took out her pitch black sunglasses. Twilight took out one of her advanced magic books and started to read while Pinkie pulled out a basket of food for everypony.

“We are ready when you are Fluttershy.” Twilight said without lifting her head from her book.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Fluttershy got hit with the back end of the scythe as she managed to dodge the blade itself. The force sent her crashing into a platform and breaking it into fragments. As Fluttershy got up, she flew up in time to avoid Discord’s fireball.

Appalling. Came a deep voice. It sounded annoyed.

Fluttershy pulled out her pistols and opened fire at Discord. He vanished again and appeared behind her once more. Fluttershy bucked at Discord’s chest and propelled herself backwards and out of the scythe’s range, firing all the while. Several hit their marks but they still had little effect.

You still don’t know, do you? The disembodied voice said again with contempt.

“Understand what?” Fluttershy said, dodging Discord once again as he sliced at her in a sideway strike.

“Talking to yourself are we?” Discord taunted. “Keep it up and ponies will think you're mad.” He added with a laugh as hit a pink cloud towards her, using the scythe like a bat.

Fluttershy dodged the cloud and dropped the pistols by accident. As she flew towards them, Discord snapped his fingers. In an instant they vanished. She turned around to Discord who had them in his griffon claw. He chuckled and tossed them behind him. Fluttershy wouldn’t be able to get them if she tried.

“IISS SLEN NUS!!” She Shouted, sending a wave of chilling air at Discord who vanished once more.

“Trying to give me the cold shoulder? That’s harsh.” Discord said, sounding hurt. “Keep trying.”

She knew she needed a bit of time before Shouting again but she pulled out her Ebony greatswords and flew at Discord. He sighed and blocked her attack easily with his scythe, which he was holding in his one hand.

You will never win like that. The voice said once more.

“Then what must I use?!” Fluttershy lamented.

“Nothing, give up Fluttershy.” Discord deadpanned, unable to hear the other voice.

You already used me. You should know my name. The voice said once more.

Then it clicked. “Beowulf?”

Correct, little horse.

“I’m actually a pony.” She replied.

“I never said you weren’t. You really need to see a doctor.” Discord commented before vanishing again.

Fluttershy took the short time to ready Beowulf, which appeared in a flash of light. Fluttershy was told by Dante that Devil Arms are weapons that come from a demon’s soul or are made. In either regard, they have the soul of a demon residing within, usually a very powerful one. This demon can take its original shape in order to guard itself against the unworthy. If a wielder is unworthy, they are killed as the weapon’s power could consume said wielder. But should the Devil Arm lose a fight, they will willingly pledge their power to the wielder.

“Now what?” Fluttershy asked.

Behind you! Beowulf’s voice came with a furious shout.

As Fluttershy spun around, the gauntlets came into contact with the scythe, blocking Discord’s attack. She quickly countered with a well-placed punch in Discord’s sternum which sent him careering backwards. As Fluttershy came at Discord at high speed with her forehoof, Discord vanished once more.

Now listen, I will grant you my true power if you can prove to me that you can handle my power. Beowulf’s voice came, ringing through her ears. Above you!

Fluttershy put her gauntlets up and blocked Discord’s attack again. As the weapons collided, Fluttershy used the momentum to spin her body around, hitting Discord with a kick. The bone shattering force sent the embodiment of Chaos into the ground that was still floating around.

“How can I prove it?” She asked.

I am strong but the key with me is timing. Intelligence and patience are required to use me effectively, not wild swinging. Try to predict his attack, wait for it and strike when the moment is correct. Said Beowulf before going completely silent.

Fluttershy saw Discord vanish and began to look around. She landed down on one of the platforms, still searching for Discord to appear. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She felt each breath she took, the wind that blew through the area and… the distortions created by Discord’s teleporting. She felt a ripple come from behind her, reacting she turned around and struck. As she opened her eyes she saw Discord’s dumbfounded face and her fist connecting with Discord’s scythe. But before she could congratulate herself on this achievement, Discord let go of the scythe and grabbed her throat, slowly crushing her windpipe.

You are ready… Beowulf stated softly and with an odd sense of pride in his voice.

As much as Discord was crushing her throat, she began to feel a power begin to come from the gauntlets and greaves, flowing into her body and building up. It began to get to the point where it wanted, no needed to release itself or else it would destroy her.

Now! Beowulf shouted.

In a flash of light Fluttershy let out a shockwave from her body that rocked the very air, causing Discord to release the yellow mare. As Discord was thrown like a rag doll, he teleported to correct himself and get his bearings. He looked at where Fluttershy once stood. In her place was Fluttershy in a Devil Trigger state brought about by Beowulf’s power.

“What is this?” Fluttershy asked, looking at her four wings with uncertainty.

This is my true power given form. As long as you are like this, your strength and speed are unparallel in this world. Beowulf answered. Now go! Release your friend from his corruption! Let my light break his darkness!

Fluttershy let out a demonic yell and flew towards Discord at speeds that would make Rainbow Dash dizzy. The speed of her claw colliding with Discord stunned the both of them, Discord’s reaction was out of fear while Fluttershy’s was out of plain shock. Before the force could send Discord flying she grabbed Discord’s horn and antler, bringing his head down to meet her hind hoof. The greave collided with earth-shattering force, and sent out a shockwave that blew several platforms away from the two combatants.

“Wha-” Discord tried to say, coughing up blood before receiving another light-infused strike from Fluttershy.

A blast of energy hit Discord straight in the chest, sending him flying backwards into a platform. The force of the impact obliterated the platform, leaving Discord floating on a few debris. He managed to teleport and dodge Fluttershy’s next strike as she came down after him at a speed close to the sound barrier. Discord reappeared high above her, hurling fireballs at her.

Flap your wings. Beowulf commanded.

As Fluttershy obliged, she sent several light infused pinions flying upwards like miniature missiles, colliding and negating Discord’s fireballs. Discord pulled out his scythe again and charged downwards at Fluttershy, with the intent to kill.

Wait, be patient. She heard Beowulf say.

She closed her eyes and readied one last punch. She concentrated as much of Beowulf’s power into the punch as possible, causing her claw to shake almost violently. As Discord got close, raising his scythe up high… Fluttershy struck.

“WULD NAH KEST!!” She shouted, using the Whirlwind Sprint to further augment her strike.

As her claw collided with Discord, she saw him start to physically shatter but she did not relent, instead she pushed her claw harder, her heart set to save him. A gigantic bright flash of energy from the both of them caused the platforms nearby to shatter like glass and set the remaining fragments on fire. The force also knocked her out as she had used too much energy in the attack.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“Your attack did what?!” Twilight screamed, completely shocked at Fluttershy’s tale of destruction.

Fluttershy only blushed, and turned her head to the side. Dash’s mouth stood wide open while Gilda looked like someone just told her there would be no more meat in her diet.

“I assume that our little diversion is over?” Vergil remarked, getting up and continuing to walk to Fillydelphia.

“What? Oh, yeah. Sorry.” Twilight said, embarrassed that she forgot they were only supposed to be taking a ten minute breather.

The group packed up and caught up to Vergil. Pinkie ended up calling Vergil a few names, like ‘meanie pants’ to name one. Vergil ignored them and continued to walk regardless as Fluttershy continued.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

As Fluttershy woke up she saw Dante and Lay’s smiling faces.

“Well, it looks like sleeping beauty decided to finally wake up.” Dante remarked, tossing Fluttershy’s pistols to her. “Found them a few minutes ago, thought he got you but you were still up there so I gathered he didn’t kill you.”

“Dante.” Lady started. “She just had an enormous battle, she deserves a rest.”

“If it were me, you wouldn’t have cared. Knowing you, you would’ve thrown me an insult for being asleep.” Dante deadpanned.

“Maybe.” Lady chuckled. “What happened up there Fluttershy?”

“Not to sure. Dante…” Fluttershy said, turning to Dante. “Do you hear voices from those Devil Arms of yours? Other than Agni and Rudra.”

Dante looked a tad confused but answered anyway. “It’s possible. Agni and Rudra are the only Devil Arms that talk to me and even then I just wish they would shut up.”

“Fluttershy.” Came a voice from above.

As the trio looked up they saw Discord hovering above them only this time he was normal once more. He had the white tuft on the tip of his tail and it didn’t have the gash on it. he looked just as Fluttershy remembered him. Overjoyed, she flew up to him and gave him an enormous hug.

“A hug? After what I did?” Discord asked with uncertainty. Fluttershy looked up at him with a huge grin that would make Pinkie Pie proud.

“Of course, you weren’t yourself and now you're back again!” She said with a cheerful tone.

Discord returned her hug and went with the trio back to the Devil May Cry… after fixing the town since it got destroyed by the fight.

Discord sat on a chair he had conjured up. Apparently he was in Saddle Arabia, conjuring up a rainstorm for them since their annual rain had not come for the past two years. While on his trip back to Canterlot he spotted something strange in the distance. It was a bunch of Changelings digging in the ground. It was odd to see Changelings in the desert if at all since their defeat at the wedding.

“Good afternoon fellows. What are you up to?” He asked.

This approach caused them to panic and flee, leaving behind their tools. He sighed and looked at their site. In the centre where they had been digging was a strange gem. It was an opaque black colour that held a chilling air about it.

“The thing is, I don’t remember what happened after I touched it other than seeing three red lights in front of me. The next thing I saw were flashes of me getting pummelled by you Fluttershy.” Discord said, turning to Fluttershy. “I only then remembered the chaos I had caused here in that town.”

“Do you think you can get us home Discord?” Fluttershy asked.

“Of course my dear!” He said with his trademark grin on his face. “We can actually go right now, ready?”

“Yes.” Fluttershy responded.

“Wait, before you go.” Lady said, stopping Discord from performing a spell. “Take this with you.”

She handed Fluttershy Kalina Ann. Fluttershy tried o give it back. 

“I can't, it’s yours.” Fluttershy said.

“Think of it as an extended loan. One you don’t have to pay back, I know it will serve you well.” Lady responded firmly.


“Ok, thanks.” Fluttershy said rather sheepishly.

“Take these.” Dante said, handing her Agni and Rudra. “Their constant talk is really annoying me, the further away from me they are, the happier I’ll be.”

“Thanks Dante.” Fluttershy said, giving the devil hunter a hug. He returned it with a smile. “Be good, alright?”

“Of course!” She said, puffing out her chest.

In a snap of his fingers, Discord and Fluttershy vanished from the shop. Fluttershy opened her eyes and saw a tunnel made up of lights of every conceivable colour. Next to her stood Discord, wearing a pair of sunglasses.

“Ugh, I hate transdimensional travel, too slow. Ah! Look there Fluttershy.” Discord said, pointing to a hole in the tunnel. “Recognise it?”

In the portal was an image of her cottage near the Everfree forest. It looked in top condition, as if she never left it. She began to smile and made for the portal. Discord grabbed her by the tail and stopped her.

“Not yet Fluttershy, I need to tell you something.” Discord said, his voice serious which sounded odd coming from the least serious being she ever knew. “I'm not coming with.”

“Why?” Fluttershy said with a sad look on her face.

“I caused a huge commotion back at that town and I kind of need to make it right. You taught me the value of owning up to our mistakes and fixing them, remember?” Discord said matter-of-factly. “And besides, I actually can't go there. There is a magic that is blocking me from entering. I'm sure that if you find it and get rid of it, I can come home. Until then, ta!”

In an instant Discord vanished, leaving Fluttershy alone in the passageway between worlds. She shed a small tear for her friend and turned to the portal, filled with hope and purpose.

“Right. You’ll be home soon Fluttershy and you will somehow find what stopping your friend.” She walked up the portal, touching it. The portal rippled as if it were water, Fluttershy was starting to apprehensive. “Um, how do I do this?”

“In you go!” Discord shouts, appearing out of nowhere and pushing  Fluttershy into the portal.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“And that sums it up I guess.” Fluttershy said. “After Discord pushed me in, well you know the rest. Your turn Vergil.”

Vergil merely scoffed. “As you wish.”

***                      ***                     ***              ***

A day after he left the Devil May Cry, Vergil began a search for an entrance to the Demon World. His search led him back to the lesser demon Sid. Entering the building the cockroach called home, Vergil found him by a desk, scribbling feverishly.

“What do you want?!” Sid shouted, not looking up.

“It would be advisable for you to know who your guest is before mouthing off.” Vergil replied coldly.

Sid turned around and fell off his chair in shock. “S-sorry! I-I didn’t know it was you, I swear!”

“Hence my warning you miserable wretch.” Vergil spat back. “I haven’t come for useless idle chat. I have my brother for that.”

“Ah yes, Dante and that lovely young girl. Do you still have that creature with you?” Sid inquired, looking behind Vergil who pressed Yamato’s scabbard against his chest.

“Are you still trying to waste my time?” Vergil asked callously.

“S-sorry! What did you need?” Sid asked, clearly afraid of the cold mannered half-breed.

“I’m looking for an entrance to the Demon World.” He replied.

“Why are you wanting to go there?” Sid asked. Again Yamato’s scabbard met the lesser demon’s chest. “Sorry, it’s none of my business. What was I thinking?”

“Speak or I will permanently silence you.” Vergil said, his patience running thin.

“Of course. Give me a minute.” Sid asked, running down into a basement behind him.

A few minutes later he came back out, carrying an ancient looking tome. The book was in remarkable condition despite it’s age, the ancient gold lettering still easily visible with its iron sealing mechanism still intact. Sid opened the book and started to page through it. Vergil caught glimpses of pictures of various demons, both higher and lesser ones. Whoever compiled this book was well informed.

“Right, here we go.” Sid said after twenty minutes of paging through a book the size of a breadbox.

The page showed and arcane illustration on it. Various symbols outlined the circle that they needed to make. Vergil carved them into the ground with Yamato while Sid filled the grooves with demon blood. Sid requested the use of Vergil’s but he was forced to use his own after Yamato nearly chopped his head off in response. In five minutes the ritual circle was ready, with Vergil in the centre. As he stood there, Sid recited an ancient tongue that demons used and man from many centuries previous. The symbols lit up and the ground began to shake. Vergil kept his composure as the ritual concluded and a portal opened under his feet.

Vergil appeared in an area with headstones dotting the landscape for miles. The ground looked like it was composed of a type of liquid. As Vergil contemplated where to head next he was interrupted by various Abyss demons. Vergil merely chuckled darkly.

An Abyss charged at him only for it to miss entirely and receive Vergil’s boot to its face. The impact sent it flying into the distance, breaking several headstones as it went along. Another Abyss attacked but it received Yamato’s blade, slicing through its chest, spraying its blood in a thin line from the wound. Using the momentum from his strike, he parried an Abyss’ pitchfork and impaled another Abyss with it. His parry also lined up his blade with the Abyss’ chest and stabbed it. 

“Enough!” A deep voice rumbled through the area, causing the Abyss to scatter and leave Vergil.

In the air were three red glowing orbs with electricity arcing between them. Vergil only smiled as he gazed on the calling card of Mundus.

“It will be fun to fight with the Prince of Darkness.” Vergil mused. “If my father can do it, I should be able to do it too!”

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“You fought with Mundus?” Fluttershy gasped. Vergil only nodded. “How did that turn out?”

“Unexpectedly disappointing for me.” Vergil replied. “I'm afraid my memory became rather sketchy afterwards until one day…”

***                      ***                     ***              ***

Nelo Angelo felt battered and bruised but alive. As he got up he surveyed the last things that went through his mind. Dante, Force Edge and Dante taking his half of the amulet. He clutched at his chest and found that his half of his mother’s amulet was still missing. As he calmed down, his armour dissipated, leaving behind his blue, three tailed coat.

“What happened to me?” He asked softly.

He looked around himself and saw that he was on an island that appeared to be in the Human World. The trees looked normal and the water on the beach was a light blue. Birds chirped in the distance and the wind blew, making the three tails of his coat rustle in the breeze.

“You got a rather nasty bump on your head dear boy.” Discord mused, hovering above Vergil.

Vergil instinctively went for Yamato… but it was not there. He looked up at the creature above him who only smiled.

“Missing your precious sword? Dante has it.” Discord said with a smirk. “I can take you if you do something for me.”

“I'm listening.” Vergil replied. “I tend to rather impatient if you waste my time.”

“Oh don’t worry, Dante warned me of that.” Discord said, landing on the ground in front of him. “Ready or not here we go!”

He snapped his fingers and in an instant both Vergil and Discord were standing in the Devil May Cry. On the desk was a note in Dante’s horrible scrawl: ‘gone for pizza, be back soon.’

“So my brother still partakes in that horrendous excuse of a meal?” Vergil muttered.

A voice came from behind them. “It’s good to see your opinion of me hasn’t changed after all this time.”

Vergil turned around to see Dante carrying three pizza boxes and Rebellion on his back. He looked older than what Vergil remembered.

“And after I went and got you your favourite pizza.” Dante said, pretending to sound hurt. “On the upside you look as if you haven’t aged at all!”

“And you look… old.” Vergil retorted.

“Don’t I know it. Come, sit and let’s talk.” Dante replied, tossing Vergil a pizza who caught it with absolute ease.

“About what?” Vergil sneered.

“Fluttershy.” Discord replied with a solemn look on his face.

“What about her?” Vergil replied.

“Well, it seems that something big is going on in the Demon World and Mundus is behind it somehow.” Discord said, teleporting one of the two remaining pizza boxes to him. “Fluttershy is a very skilled fighter now thanks to you but I fear that this might be too much for her to handle. This is my condition for saving you: help Fluttershy.”

Vergil looked at Discord and then turned to Dante with a look of disdain on his face. “Fine but I want my half of our mo-” He was cut off as Dante tossed his golden amulet to him.

“Happy?” Dante said with slight impatience.

“Fine, now the other matter-” Vergil said but Dante decided to cut his brother off.

“Yamato is in the hands of a young man known as Nero. Discord, if you would?” Dante asked the God of Chaos as he made a pizza slice tap dance into his open mouth.

“Be back now then.” Discord replied before vanishing. In a few minutes Discord reappeared, carrying Yamato. “Here you go. I explained to Nero that you want it back and he gave it to me without worry.”

“That’s unlike him.” Dante remarked.

“I just told him that Dante’s brother is asking for it back and he obliged saying he owed you one for letting him keep for so long.” Discord replied, giving Yamato to Vergil.

“One last thing before you go Vergil.” Dante said, his hands clasped together in front of his face as he sat at his desk.

“I didn’t agree to go along with your little mission.” Vergil mildly protested.

“Would you have preferred it if I left you dead?” Discord remarked with a sly grin. “I can put you back just as easily.”

“Touché” Vergil conceded. “What is it? I would like to get this over with as soon as possible.”

Dante got up and grabbed a briefcase from his cupboard. He handed the Devil Arm Pandora to Vergil who just stared at it with contempt.

“How thoughtful. I can now beat my enemies while talking them to death with financial reports.” Vergil remarked callously.

“This is a Devil Arm Vergil. It was very helpful and could help Fluttershy out in a pinch. It’s another present from me. Now, get going!” Dante said, giving his brother a push towards Discord who snapped his fingers.

***                      ***                     ***              ***

“I wound up in the same tunnel as you had described earlier and found myself on the other side of the Everfree Forest.” Vergil remarked, wrapping up his story.

“And that Devil Trigger?” Fluttershy enquired.

“I still had it but I would rather not use it as it serves as a reminder of my loss.” Vergil deadpanned.

In the horizon the Gilda could make out the skyline of Fillydelphia. Sighing she turned to the group.

“Alright everypony listen up!” Gilda said in a commanding voice. “I can make out Fillydelphia a good distance away but I suggest that we rethink our attack plan since we lost Trixie’s fireworks cart.”

“No problem!” Cried Pinkie Pie, standing next to… Trixie’s cart.

“Pinkie how did you…?” Trixie began to ask until she saw the looks of the others shaking their heads. “You know what? Nevermind but thank you anyway.”

Pinkie beamed. “It’s ok! Anything to help a friend.”

Gilda cleared her throat, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Ok then, since the cart is in one piece again, we are going to keep to the original plan if there are any objections?”

Everypony looked around and shook their heads.

“Ok then. We attack at nightfall, that will give us time to prepare and work out any kinks in the plan.” Gilda said, taking out her provisions.

> The Lesser of Two Evils
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
The Lesser of Two Evils
Author: Draconis187

The group had set up camp as the sun was nearing its time to make way for Luna’s moon. They all sat in a circle around a fire Fluttershy made, she sliced some wood with Pandora’s Grief form and set it alight using Agni. Whilst Twilight argued over the excessiveness of her methods, Fluttershy brushed them off with a smile.

“If I can have everypony’s attention please.” Twilight requested, pulling out a map of Fillydelphia.

Twilight’s horn lit up with its usual magenta glow as her aura encased itself around the map. In a flash of light the group were standing around a three dimensional representation of Fillydelphia. The tall office buildings stood as tall as an average pony. Just inside the town on the other side of where they were entering was their main target: Fillydelphia Correctional Facility. The prison where Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were being held.

“Okay, I know we went over our duties before we left but I feel that we had best go over it again.” Twilight said, her management skills showing. Her eyes darted to Dash and Gilda who were busy making a joke that nopony else could really make out

“Right, I suggest we stick to the original plan. Pinkie, Applejack and I will head for the Correctional Facility and free as many of the prisoners as we can. Trixie and Rarity, we’ll need you to get that fireworks cart set up on a roof.” Twilight continued as she pointed to a building. “I think here, the local corporate giant: Haytari. Their building is the highest in the area and would provide the best spot to cause the most confusion. Keep the area lit at all times since some of us won’t be able to see too well in the dark and we can not rely on the street lights since they may be defunct due to the Changelings.”

“Now Gilda, Rainbow Dash. We need you to keep an eye on things in the air and protect Rarity and Trixie since they will be the most vulnerable due to being in one place. That leaves Fluttershy and Vergil. Just distract them pull them away from the Correctional Facility so the rest of us can gain entry. Remember everypony: this is a rescue mission, nothing more.”

Everypony nodded, looking at her and then to their respective battle partner, Gilda and Rainbow gave one another a rather unsettling malicious smile before hoofbumping each other. Rarity and Trixie nodded at each other as a token of mutual respect since their lives rested on one another. Fluttershy looked at Vergil who still carried his stone cold expression and gave a small sigh. Twilight ended her spell and placed the map in a saddlebag and looked at Pinkie who gave one of her trademark, enormous grins while Applejack gave her a reassuring nod.

“Ok then wimps.” Gilda said, addressing everypony. “The moon will be out in one hour, we head out then.”

Everypony nodded and proceeded to get themselves ready. Trixie went off to train a bit with Cerberus while Fluttershy asked Vergil with some help with using Pandora. Twilight opened a spell book and studied a section labelled ‘The dark side of Telekinesis.’ Gilda laid down on the ground and went to sleep. Rainbow went off in Trixie’s direction, Fluttershy thought she heard her friend ask the blue mare to spar with her. Applejack in the meanwhile laid down against her hammer.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

In the city, the battle had already begun amongst the streets and airways. A Heavy Elite was doing battle with a Hell Vanguard. It swung its double sided greataxe at the Vanguard but as it sliced through, it appeared to have no effect on it as it continued to attack him with its scythe. The Elite braced itself for the coming attack but the Vanguard vanished instead, as it surveyed the area it failed to notice the patch of pure darkness below its hooves. The last thing the Elite saw was its own heart being ripped from its rapidly dying body.

Phantom lumbered on through the burning streets caused by the fighting. If he could smile, this would be the time to do it. His lesser versions of himself, the rock spiders known as Kyklops rampaged though the city, complimented with two or three Assaults. The Kyklops rammed through several lines of the Changeling forces, crushing them under their many feet. Assaults caught up and slaughtered any fleeing Changelings.

“That’s right, run you pathetic insects!” Phantom cried out as he witnessed the destruction around him. A Blademaster Elite came down from the skies, carrying two short swords and impaled them into Phantom’s back, shattering apart some of his exoskeleton. Phantom gave a laugh as the blades melted into his body. “What a pathetic catch.”

The last thing that went through the Elite’s mind was… Phantom’s foot. Phantom continued to waltz his way unabated to an open area of the city as a building fell due to an intense struggle between three Changelings and four cat-like beings called Shadows. The Shadows shifted from their cat-like form into a form of spear before impaling them into the roof, as they went through the roof with their kills, they went through one too many supporting walls, causing the collapse.

A few Vanguards appeared around Phantom and began to cut large, ornate drawings in a circular pattern around it. An Assault joined the mini ritual and sliced the tip of one of Phantom’s leg, causing him to bleed his demonic energy infused lava into the grooves. As he filled them, they changed colour and texture from the original red-orange lava to a light blue water-like substance that began to emanate black smoke from it.

“The final piece of this ritual.” Phantom muttered as the Assault handed over a strangely shaped object. It consisted of a single skull with red eyes, emanating a black mist from itself. It also possessed two long, thin bone-like protrusions with what appeared to be claws at the tips coming out of it. Phantom then placed the object in the middle of the demonic ring.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Alright, everypony ready?” Twilight asked the remaining part of the group as night fell on Equestria, bathing it in the moon’s soft glow.

“Like this?” Trixie asked to her demonic weapon. She wanted to learn a new move with the chilling weapon. Rainbow actually didn’t want to spar, opting to watch from a nearby cloud.

Channel your cold nature towards yourself and nothing will touch you. Said the demonic voice of one of Cerberus’ multiple heads.

“Channel it into myself? O-okay.” Trixie replied uncertain if the weapon was trying to trick her.

She stood steadfast and motionless as she held the weapon in her left hoof by its ring. She could feel the weapon give off a form of magic that felt familiar to her and yet it felt strange at the same time. She proceeded to swing the weapon around herself, knowing that if she built enough momentum it would carry on around her as soon as she released it. She felt the cold energy of the weapon trying to flow into her and it still sent chills through her as she continued. In a single movement, she released it. The weapon did not perform what she intended: it flew off and hit the ground a few feet in front of her, causing several spikes of below absolute zero temperature to thrust their way out of the dirt.

You are resisting. Cerberus said to the blue mare as she retrieved it with her magic while Rainbow laughed.

“W-what do you mean?” Trixie asked.

Every Devil Arm has its requirements to unleash its true potential. We have heard your friend’s story. Beowulf needed her to learn patience and strike when the opportunity rises. Mine is trust. You must trust not only your own power and abilities, but mine as well. Your friends earned my trust by defeating me but you have yet to put your faith in me. Another of Cerberus’ voices said nonchalantly.

Trixie hung her head at the Devil Arm’s words. Before she could fully process her ‘training’, Twilight found her.

“Are you ok Trixie?” She asked with concern for her former rival.

“Not entirely. This business with this thing is going to drive me insane.” She responded with a few tears beginning to appear in her eyes.

“Why, what’s wrong with it?” Twilight asked as she tilted her head in slight confusion.

“It tells me that I don’t trust it but I've been trying Twilight, I really have.” She said with a tear finally trailing down her face.

“Trixie, I believe it might mean that as much as you trust it here,” She said, placing her hoof on Trixie’s forehead. “You don’t trust it here.” Pointing to her heart this time. “Now come on, it’s time for us to move out.”

Applejack went off to get Fluttershy and Vergil who went off in a different direction so their practice wouldn’t interfere with Trixie’s. Fluttershy was standing behind a large wall with the large skull symbol encircled by wings symbol connected to the disastrous weapon. It also had the yellow pathways of light pulsating across its entire frame. Vergil was standing on the opposite side with several ghostly blades hovering around him. In an instant the swords vanished and appeared just behind Vergil and pointing at Fluttershy’s wall.

They shot off towards it, shattering just inches before they made contact with the wall. For a moment it appeared as if Vergil purposely made the swords shatter before reaching his sparring partner. Applejack could see from Vergil’s not changing stance, this was not the case at all. He hunched down as if preparing for some form of retaliation from Fluttershy. However the wall did not change its form but it began to glow in the same eerie yellow glow before the light concentrated its energy in the centre, just in front of the Pandora symbol.

In an instant the energy fired from the wall, just missing Vergil who teleported himself to left in order to avoid it. Applejack’s mouth fell open: the wall converted an attack and fired it back within two seconds of the original attack making contact with the wall.

“Whoa Nelly! That was sure an impressive light show you did there.” Applejack commented as she approached the two.

“It’s called Retribution, number 340. It takes any attack, converts it into a form of energy and then fires it back, usually at twice the strength.” Fluttershy explained to her impressed friend. “Is it time to go?”

Applejack nodded. “’Fraid so sugarcube.”

Vergil nodded his head as Fluttershy transformed Pandora back into its more dormant state. As the three joined up with Rarity, Gilda and Pinkie, Twilight, Rainbow and Trixie joined up as well. The group looked around and made last minute checks with their gear: Fluttershy ejected a round from each of her pistols so her next shot wouldn’t be a jammed one. Pinkie threw Kalina Ann into the air before it vanished in her mane as it came down. Trixie helped Rarity ensure their ‘artillery’ was in top condition. Gilda checked the straps of her rifle and the holding grip for her halberd.

“Ok then everypony, let’s do this.” Twilight said adamantly, her mind set on freeing her family.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What in the hay?” Applejack said as the group neared the outskirts of the city.

The occupying Changelings were still at war with the demon invaders but they were losing, badly. The streets were lined with the mutilated corpses of Changelings with only a few demon casualties. The buildings were either on fire or were a pile of rubble.

“Looks like we’re not the only ones who made enemies.” Twilight surmised as she examined on of the bodies. “Who would do some thing this brutal?”

“Not who, what.” Vergil spoke as he pointed above Twilight’s head.

She turned around to see four Shadows slowly make their way to the group, like a predator stalking its prey. As the one crept up, it leaped at Twilight who teleported back to the group. As it was about to go after her, Fluttershy opened up a hail of gunfire on the demon until a large, maroon coloured sphere appeared above it. In an instant Vergil swung Yamato at it, severing the orb in half and killing the demon.

The other three Shadows looked at each other for a moment, nopony knew of their weakness to firearms and they just found the only ponies in Equestria who were armed for war against demons. They weighed up their options in a matter of seconds which ended with them turning tail and running.

“Well that was strange.” Twilight murmured.

“Demons.” Fluttershy said, looking up at Vergil who gave an affirmative nod.

“Wait, what are demons doing in Equestria?” Trixie piped up with a confused look on her face.

“One could surmise they were summoned here by someone with knowledge of the demonic arts.” Vergil replied. “I believe Fluttershy and I best find where the portal they are coming from is and seal it.”

Fluttershy nodded at Vergil's response and turned to her friends. “Sorry girls but this is our specialty.”

“Go sugarcube, we’re rooting fer ya.” Applejack said with an encouraging grin.

The two demon hunters ran off into the streets as the others looked at each other.

“Well it looks like we’ll need to improvise from here on out.” Twilight said to the group as she began to pull out the map. “Let’s fin-”

“Twilight, this way!” Pinkie Pie called out. She was standing by a street corner, Kalina Ann in her forehooves, waving at Twilight.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?!” Twilight shouted.

“There is something really bad about to happen down here, come quick!” Pinkie shouted back with an annoyed look on her face.

“Pinkie, how do you know something bad is about to happen? I didn’t see any of your usual twitches!” Twilight said with a confused look on her face.

“I read the manuscript, how else?” She said as Twilight joined her friend.

“What manuscript?” Twilight asked, now thoroughly confused.

“No time to talk about that now, look!” Pinkie said, pointing down the street.

In front of them in the burning street were several Kyklops and some Assaults. They were busy fighting a couple of Changelings, one of them was a Lancet Elite. It carried a black handled halberd with a small green gem near the tip, just under the spear tip part of the halberd. The axe section of the halberd was in the shape of a crescent moon with an intricate pattern of a star constellation known as Luna’s Lament.

The Assault blocked the Lancet’s halberd by deflecting it off its alabaster-bone shield. Another Assault brought its claw down on another normal Changeling but it managed to evade it before a Kyklops pinned it down to the ground.

“What’s going on here?” Twilight thought out loud as Applejack joined up with them.

“What in Tarnation?!” Applejack said loudly… loud enough to be noticed by the several blood-thirsty, merciless demons. “Chocolate milk?”

Two Assaults and a Kyklops began to move slowly towards the three mares. This turned out to be a bad idea as an Assault got magically thrown several feet into the air as the other got hailed with confetti filled mini-rockets, filled with knockout gas. The Kyklops got into a battle of strength with Applejack who pulled out a lasso from under her Stetson hat and got it around its small head. The mares ran up to the other demons as they moved in to finish off the Lancet and two normal Changelings.

A Kyklops jumped into the air towards Twilight, planning to crush her. Sadly it either failed to notice what Twilight did to one of its previous compatriots or it was plain stupid. She grabbed it with her magic before throwing it at an Assault before it brought its claw down on it. Pinkie was dodging three Assaults with complete ease and with a chortling giggle.

“You are so silly!” She cried out as an Assault futilely tried to impale her and simultaneously dodging a Kyklops spitting rock at her.

“Pinkie, focus!” Twilight shouted as she grabbed the attacking Kyklops and began to use it as a makeshift bat, hitting several Assaults around as if they were nothing.

In a few more moments the scene was devoid of any living demons, leaving the three mares and - the three still breathing - Changelings. Applejack managed to stop the Kyklops that she had lassoed up from moving. It gave up and began to follow her orders.

“Wow, Applejack. That’s amazing!” Twilight remarked as her friend sat on the rock-composed spider with her hammer hefted of her right shoulder.

“Nopony can beat this rodeo gal!” She said with a huge triumphant grin.

“Thanks.” The lancet said to the mares as it got up. “Why are you here?”

“We came to rescue our friends, where are they?” Twilight asked.

“If you’re looking for the Correctional Facility you’re wasting your time. The demons overran our position there half an hour ago. Not to mention this is the wrong street to go down if that’s your destination.” It said with a low, droning voice.

“Pinkie!” Twilight shouted at the pink party mare who only smiled in response.

“Sorry Twilight but we really, really, really need to go down this way. It’s really, really important.” She defended.

“Your friend is right. There is a monster down that way that resembles the one your friend is riding.” The Lancet turned, pointing at the Kyklops. “This one though is larger and appears to be made of molten fire. It’s doing something there but I don’t know what. My two scouts who went to investigate got killed before they got close enough to discover their intent.”

“As far as Fluttershy told us, demons have no remorse and will kill anything in their way without fear.” Twilight said matter-of-factly. “So if we can assume that their intentions are impure… we need to stop it.”

“I’m coming. They killed my entire division and I deserve revenge.” The Lancet responded.

“I’m not sure about this sugarcube.” Applejack said with slight apprehension in her voice.

“Me neither Applejack but… we need the help since we are dealing with things we were never informed of. Can we trust you Mr..?” Twilight said, turning her attention from Applejack to the Lancet.

“Call me by my callsign, Broken Skies of the Third Lancet Division.” Skies said as he picked up his halberd.

“Nice to meet to Brokey, I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie said with an huge happy grin. She shook his holed hoof so hard and so fast that once she let go, his hoof was still shaking up and down.

Twilight and Applejack facehoofed. “This is going to be one of those days isn't it?” Twilight said with a sigh.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Through another section of Fillydelphia, Trixie and Rarity heading for the Haytari building. Rainbow Dash and Gilda were keeping an eye on them in the air. Trixie was pulling the cart while Rarity readied the first salvo of fireworks for when they got there or if they got jumped. 

Trixie’s fireworks were the same as any other but they and the cart had one major difference: the fuses. On the cart, at the bottom of the grooves that the fireworks launch from were several, small spring-loaded hammers. A small button next to their base released the tension in the spring, causing the hammer to hit a particular section of the fireworks’ fuse.

The fuses looked normal as well until you took the small foil square at the end of the fuse into account. This was what Trixie loved to call ‘Impact Fuses’. An Impact Fuse is only special because of the mixture of powders in the foil that – when struck – caused the firework to almost instantly fly off.

“Trixie, you ok there darling?” Rarity asked her partner with concern as she walked around the dead body of an Elite that she could gather was of the  Ranger variety since it carried a modified ballista which now lay in pieces. 

“I’m fine, I still don’t see why I should pull the cart since I have a melee weapon.” Trixie slightly complained.

“Sorry darling but there are some things that I can’t do. Pulling a cart filled with explosives is definitely one of them.” Rarity responded. Trixie only sighed in response.

“Hey! You two still ok down there?!” Rainbow shouted to the pair.

“We’re fine Rainbow!” Rarity shouted back. “Although I’d rather not be here though!”

Rainbow shook her head with a sigh. “You’ll never change will you?”

“Dash, incoming!” Gilda shouted, pulling out her rifle and pointing at several of the Seven Sins that were making their way towards the unicorn mares.

“Gotta go!” Rainbow said with a salute as she slid Nevan around its strap, into her forehooves.

“We aren't staying out of this Rarity!” Trixie said to the fashionista who froze as she saw the several scythe and staff carrying demons. “Just great.”

“W-what are they?!” Rarity shouted, finally deciding to get out of her stupor. She turned around to see Trixie arming the cart.

“Demons of course, unless every Changeling decided to have a wardrobe change.” Trixie seethed as the last firework was put into the final groove.

“Now Rarity, use your magic to push these buttons to fire each firework individually.” Trixie said, pointing to the buttons on the base of the small hammers before point to three pins on the side of the cart, near the rear of it. “Pull all three of these to fire the entire salvo, do you understand?”

Rarity nodded slowly, still a tad afraid of the demons coming towards them. As the two mares looked to the advancing army, they saw Gilda impale a Pride through the chest before slamming it to the ground behind her while belting out a war cry. Dash was fairing equally as well, using the scythe of her own – courtesy of Nevan – to slice a Greed in half before making it spin around her body, slicing demons that got too close.

All seemed to be going well as the unicorns got closer to the fight until a Wrath exploded and sent Gilda crashing though a nearby building’s wall. Dash never told anypony this but even Nevan spoke to her as Cerberus had spoken to Trixie. Cerberus spoke to Trixie during her attempted training while Dash spoke to Nevan when she slowly strummed a few strings on their trip here.

Lady Dash. The sultry, calm voice of Nevan rang through Dash’s ears as she played with ferocity.

“Yeah, what do you want now?!” She called out for the first time, finally talking back too the Devil Arm as she initially disregarded the voice when she first heard it.

You need to give in, show everyone how you feel. I told you the same thing when I first spoke to you. Nevan said, neither angry or happy.


“First: it’s ‘everypony’. Secondly: letting everypony know how you feel is too sissy-like.” She retorted as she impaled a Lust through the chest with the pummel at the bottom.

There is no shame in letting out your feelings Lady Dash. But I must warn you again: if you cannot overcome your fears of letting out your feelings, you will never unlock our true potential. Nevan said for the last time.

“Finally I can think!” Dash said, ignoring Nevan’s words again as she strummed the strings, creating a shockwave that sent back several demons.

“Leave some for me!” Gilda screeched as she parried a Gluttony’s attack before impaling it on her halberd.

“Come on, we need to help.” Trixie said to an uneasy Rarity.

“I suppose.” She said as they picked up the pace to assist the mare and griffon.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy threw Grief at a pair of Assaults and fired at a Shadow with her pistols before Grief returned. She exposed the demon’s core, allowing Vergil to kill it. She threw her pistols into the air and Caught Greif, turning it into its dormant state by her feet as she then caught and holstered her pistols.

“Where are they coming from?” Fluttershy asked Vergil as she readied Revenge.

“I am unsure of their origins but we need to finish this quickly!” Vergil responded as he summoned several of his ethereal blades and fired them of at an Assault who then blocked it with its shield.

“Okay.” Fluttershy responded as she fired Revenge, killing the Assault that blocked Vergil’s attack as well as causing several Shadows to reveal their cores.

Vergil sliced into the air with Yamato,  destroying the cores and the Shadows with them. “Come on.”

Fluttershy followed Vergil down the winding, war-torn street that she had now carved a hole through with Revenge.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What is that?” Twilight whispered as the three mares, a Kyklops and a Lancet found Phantom’s ritual site. The Kyklops moved about uneasily.

“Easy there Clunker.” Applejack reassured.

“Really?” Twilight said.

“At least his name is easier to say than that owl of yours.” Applejack retorted.

“Girls, this isn't the time to argue.” Pinkie said as she pointed to the scene around the corner.

The Ritual was beginning to near its completion as Phantom noticed their presence. The circle began to pulsate its demonic energy as the Vanguards channelled the energy to open the gate.

“You can come out, I know you are here.” He said threateningly. The small group came out from their hiding sport around the corner of a toy store. “What a disappointing catch.”

“What are you doing here?!” Twilight shouted, keeping her ground as the demon moved a few steps closer.

“I will not tell the likes of you lesser beings.” Phantom responded. “I will only tell you this: your deaths will come by my power, the power of Phantom!”

In a near instant Pinkie was standing on Phantom’s back, bouncing up and down. “What a silly name! You don’t seem like a phantom or a ghost since I can stand on you! How about a different name like: Big Meanie or Tough Nut? How about Rocky?!” She said with glee.

“Get off me you insect!” Phantom shouted as he tried to throw Pinkie off. It was sadly to no avail as the pink mare just jumped and dodged his every attack. Eventually a lucky swipe got a hold of Pinkie, knocking her off and into the middle of the circle.

“Pinkie!” Twilight and Applejack shouted, concerned for the party pony.

At first it looked like she couldn’t move, until she bounced up and turned around, Kalina Ann in her hooves. “You forgot my one rule!” She shouted, grabbing Phantom’s attention once more.

“What is it you insufferable pest?!” Phantom bellowed as he raised his one arm, ready to bring it crashing on her.

In that moment her mane went flat, her colour faded slightly and her voice sounded menacing and evil. “Don’t buck with Pinkamena Diane Pie.” She said as she pulled the trigger.

The rocket whistled out of the tube and made a beeline for Phantom’s outstretched arm. Instead of the rocket exploding in a cloud of confetti, it exploded like a garden variety rocket akin to when Fluttershy used it to ‘knock’ on the throne room’s doors. Twilight, Applejack and Broken Skies snapped out of the change in Pinkie’s demeanour and attacked.

Applejack kept a good distance away with her newest pet. He spat the rocks upwards so Applejack could use her hammer to propel them at greater speeds than her Kyklops could manage. They made contact and made Phantom physically flinch. Twilight tried to use her magic but the Ritual circle wouldn’t let her, effectively blocking any attempt except for weak telekinesis.

“Here take this!” Skies called as he tossed his halberd towards her. As Twilight was about to question his decision, he pulled out a bardiche. The blade was attached to the far end of the pole but its curve ended at the pole itself, near the grip where Broken Skies held it. The blade extended just a few inches past the end of the pole and curved in front of it, stopping just above it.

“Thanks!” Twilight said, wielding the halberd with her telekinesis. “This is definitely going to be one of those days.” She muttered as he attacked.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Rarity and Trixie finally made it to the Haytari building and hefted the cart up the stairs, stopping every once in a while to deal with a demon or two. By ‘dealing’, Trixie did the work by using Cerberus to bash several Sins about before returning them to the dust they came from while Rarity stayed by the relative safety of the cart. She couldn’t use the fireworks inside of the building just in case they caused it to collapse.

In a few more minutes the two reached the roof with a huff and got ready. Rarity was going to use her attention to detail to call out enemy movements while Trixie operated the cart itself.

“Three demons dear.” Rarity called out. “North by northwest, twenty meters, the wind is blowing at 1m/s  and is coming from the south.”

“Got them.” Trixie called back, using her horn to press one of her cart’s buttons. 

The firework flew into the air with a whistle, leaving a light blue trail of smoke as it headed towards the group of Shadows. It collided inside the group and made a massive shriek as it detonated, deafening the Shadows and causing them to expose their cores. Dash and Gilda saw their opportunity and struck at the cores. The two flyers gave the ‘artillery’ mares a salute.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Hey Vergil, isn’t that the Correctional Facility?” Fluttershy asked, looking at the large, grey bricked building. It stood two storeys tall, just like Twilight’s 3-D representation and was the only building in the city – other than the police station – to have grey brickwork.

“Yes but it is not our job to help them.” Vergil replied callously.

“I’m helping anyway.” Fluttershy retorted as she ran up to the door, giving it a resounding kick from one of her Beowulf encased hooves. Vergil looked on before letting out a deep sigh and letting out a single, small chuckle.

The door shot off its hinges and took a sizeable chunk of the frame with it. Inside the building had several overturned desks, torn or burnt papers strewn across the floor like garbage. The walls were covered in various green and red stains and claw marks. Fluttershy ran to the staircase and saw the stairs leading down.

“It makes more sense for us to go down.” Vergil said, startling Fluttershy but he carried on regardless. “The upper floors would most likely be for the officers and their paperwork which leaves one to believe that this is an underground jail.”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement and lead the two of them down into the first underground level. Their way was once again barred by a door which Fluttershy caved in with a single punch of pure light. The minute she caved in the door, she regretted it as the stench of dead bodies and faecal matter collided with her sensitive nose.

“Please Celestia let us be in time.” Fluttershy whispered as she and Vergil reluctantly walked through the blood stained passageway.

Most cells were already filled with dead bodies, most of them looked like they were tortured, a few looked like they ended their own suffering, if their rotting food was any indication. The scene was depressing Fluttershy and made her heart start to sink into the pit of her stomach. 

There was only two ponies that still held on but the damage to their bodies was too severe and they asked to be put down instead of being free. Fluttershy refused to allow it but Vergil convinced her that their need was greater than her own desire to make them live. She continued to walk to the second underground level as Vergil granted their wish.

“I still don’t agree with it.” Fluttershy began to sob as they neared the bottom of the second flight of stairs.

“It was their decision and theirs alone. You saw the state they were in, multiple fractures, third degree burns and the one looked like her eyes was removed, horribly. They will no longer suffer.” Vergil calmly responded.

“That doesn’t mean I have to agree with it.” Fluttershy retorted.

“I know.” He said with a very slight hint of care in his voice but Fluttershy was too overcome by the events around her to recognise it.

As they got into the second level passageway, the two were greeted by voices crying for help, for mercy, thinking it was their Changeling captors. Fluttershy and Vergil wasted no time to break the locks of the cells, one by one. The shock on the various ponies’ faces changed to the looks of hope even if they were being rescued by a yellow Pegasus wearing a red leather coat, standing on her hind legs and a being they never knew existed.

The more they freed, the more hooves they had to help free the others. Some helped those who were unable to walk either due to injury or exhaustion or a mixture of the two. One particular unicorn caught Fluttershy’s attention. His mane and tail were pitch black with a thick streak of red running through it. He ran his hooves through his mane until he felt it was back to its original style which resembled the movement of fire. His Cutie Mark was of some strange device Fluttershy had never seen before. After dusting off a part of his dirty coat with one of his black tipped forehooves he came up to her with a smile.

“Thanks for the save. Who would have though attending a game convention in Fillydelphia would be so hazardous to my health?” He said with a cheerful grin. “The names Joystick, pleasure to meet you, Ms?”

“Fluttershy, and this is Vergil.” She responded, looking a tad confused at how cool the unicorn was being. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, all things considered. I just hope the shop in Canterlot is faring ok since I couldn’t get back to work.” Joystick said. “Surprised to see me so chilled about a horrendous experience like this?” Fluttershy nodded. “Well, I’ve played enough games to realise, it ain't worth buck to get worked up over getting captured.”

“Ok, I need to ask you a very important question: have you seen a pink Alicorn and a white unicorn with a blue mane?” Fluttershy asked.

“Maybe, let me think.” Joystick responded. “Yeah, further down. ”

“Thanks.” Fluttershy responded. With Vergil and some volunteers, the group made their way through to the third underground level while Joystick ran up to the upper levels. 

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Ah! Stop moving!” Phantom bellowed as the pulsing of the Ritual circle began to quicken. “It is almost time. You are too late! Soon Mundus will have a new general for his army!”

“I don’t think so!” Cried Pinkie, her mane still flat and her colour still a duller pink. She fired off Kalina Ann’s bayonet, wrapping it around Phantom’s legs. “Twilight, now!”

Not wasting a second, Twilight, Applejack and Broken Skies brought down their respective weapons down onto Phantom’s head, causing a large crushing noise to ring out across the area they all stood in. They removed their weapons and turned around to head for the Ritual circle. As they neared it, the floor inside the circle darkened until it became pitch black. The Vanguards channelling the magic of the circle stopped to attack Twilight and the group but as they attempted to attack Applejack and Clunker, one of them collided with over a ton of rock spider, crushing it into the dust is came from.

“Yeehaaaw! Get along rock spider!” Applejack cried out as the duo juggled a rock and sent it flying into the face of another Vanguard, launching it backwards at great speed. “Twilight, you have to stop this magic mumbo-jumbo!” 

“I’ll try!” Twilight shouted as she ran to the pulsating circle as it further increased its pace, signalling the spell’s near completion.

As she tried to stop the ritual from doing whatever its intended function was, she found the ritual was too far to stop. The group saw as the last Vanguard fell – thanks to Broken Skies’ halberd – the black floor begin to shrink in width but also begin to condense, forming a large black mass. The mass began to get as tall a Twilight and Applejack but that changed quickly.

“Get ready everypony! We don’t know what kind of monster this monster summoned.” Twilight said, pointing to Phantom’s dead body.

The mass began to warp and change shape, becoming some form of creature. The creature in question was a pony, or more specifically, an Alicorn if the size and the addition of a horn and a pair of wings were any indication. The creature laid down on its side as the tar-like texture began to turn into fur, pitch black fur. Near the Alicorn’s head and tail base, the mass turned a deep purple and began to sparkle almost as much as Celestia and Luna’s manes. 

Just under the horn a turquoise headband could be seen, keeping the mane back in a fashion only seen by the spa sisters Aloe and Lotus. The creature began to get up on its hooves, rather shakily. It stood as tall as Princess Luna. As it got to its hooves, a bright light shot up into the air. The group didn’t really care, they were more focused on the entity in front of them.

“Uh, what happened?” The creature said in a soft, soothing sounding voice. It also had a very female sound to it so the group assumed it to be female. As it turned to the weapon brandishing group they noticed the turquoise eyes with the dagger-like slits for pupils… the eyes of Nightmare Moon. “Twilight, where are we? And why are you pointing a that at me, did I so something wrong?”

Twilight blinked. “How are you still alive Nightmare Moon?!” She bellowed. ‘Nightmare Moon’ took a few steps back in shock.

“Nightmare Moon? No, I'm Nyx. You’re daughter.” She replied, looking dejected.

Now Twilight was the one confused, now more than ever. “Since when did I have a daughter?”

“Please, Twilight calm down… and please put that away.” She said, pointing to the halberd in Twilight’s magical grasp. “You’re starting to scare me.”

“Hiya Nyxie!” Pinkie cried out, her mane and coat colour having returned to their original state. She gave ‘Nyx’ a hug that only Pinkie Pie could give.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?! Get away from her!” Twilight shouted.

“Why would I do that? It’s only Nyxie, you’re daughter.” Pinkie Pie replied as Nyx returned the insane mare’s hug with a genuine smile, the smile that seemed oddly familiar to Twilight but she couldn’t understand why.

“You know what? I give up with you Pinkie.” Twilight said, with a sigh.

As Nyx walked up to the group with Pinkie, she began to explain the parts of her life: how she is the reincarnation of Nightmare Moon but without the hatred that caused Luna to turn into her in the first place. She even showed Twilight and the group her dark blue kite shield shaped Cutie Mark. It had a pale blue outline while the kite shield itself tapered off to a single point and it had what looked like a waning crescent moon - also pale blue in colour – in the centre of it.

“I’m still not convinced, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt for now.” Twilight said after Nyx finished her explanation.

“Don’t worry Nyxie, she’ll come around.” Pinkie said reassuringly.

“Thanks Pinkie, you always know how to make a pony happy.” Nyx said with a smile.

“Come on, I think we had best get to the Correctional Facility.” Twilight said, breaking into a gallop as the other followed suit.

As they ran through the streets, several more Changelings were now only reduced to the best of the Elites that the Changeling army had to offer. Broken Skies looked at the devastation with a look of pure sadness.

“What’s wrong?” Nyx asked, giving the Elite a reassuring pat on his shoulder.

“I have something I need to do. Just don’t attack me when I get back, okay?” He asked to Twilight and the gang.

“I’m sure you’ve earned our trust for now.” Twilight said with a small grin as Broken Skies ran off.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“They just keep coming!” Dash shouted after blasting away an Assault with Nevan’s shockwave.

“We need to hold this position Dash, no exceptions!” Gilda shouted back.

The Haytari building was getting swarmed by demons, they seemed to these combatants as more of a threat than the rest, why? Demons have no thoughts other than killing their targets with as much brutal force as conceivably possible. As much as the others were in larger groups, this group was doing more damage and was causing more chaos than the others. Rarity and Trixie turned to defending the entrance to the roof rather than take out the ones under them.

“Trixie, I think I’m running out of fireworks here.” Rarity asked fearfully as a firework blasted away another Hell Greed into the next Nightmare Night.

“Sorry but I’ve got my hooves tied up here!” Trixie called back as she slammed Cerberus into the roof, creating ice spikes to shoot out of the roof as it travelled across it.

“I could do with another weapon.” Rarity whine.

As if the universe owed the fashionista a favour,  the light that shot out of Nyx’s body sped towards Rarity’s body with the speed of a Pegasus trying to perform a Sonic Rainboom. She looked up in time to see it but not in time to get out of its way. The light slammed into Rarity but it didn’t send her flying, nor did it harm her in any way. As the light faded, a large metal skull with demonic red eyes and emanating a black smoke from it appeared on Rarity’s left shoulder. She looked behind her and she could see two long, thin bone-like protrusions coming from her back and yet it was all attached to the Skull in some way.

Pull out my blades so we may dance the dance of death. A nearly seductively suave male voice came into her head.

She looked at the claw-like protrusions at the tips and used her magic to grab all three she could see. No sooner she removed them, they replenished. They faded into existence by the same black smoke that came from the skull. She also noticed the bone-like blades she removed had a red glow around them as well as her own magical glow just beyond it.

Throw my lovely lady, throw them with grace. The voice spoke again.

Rarity hardly needed any more encouragement as she hurled the blades like missiles, hitting a Wrath, blowing it  and a part of the roof with it. Trixie was shocked but impressed.

“Now say, bits should be falling from the sky!” Trixie said jokingly, given the timing of the weapon’s appearance.

“Now that’s an un-ladylike request to make.” Rarity giggled back as she pulled as many blades the weapon could replenish. “What’s your name, darling?” She asked the weapon.

Call me Lucifer my dear. I believe this may be the start of a beautiful relationship.  Lucifer responded.

The two flyers came back to see that their assistance was no longer really required as the two unicorns held back and pushed back the angry horde of demons. Dash gave Rarity a smile as she also gave out a low whistle.

“Nice, where’d you get it?” She asked her friend.

“Just appeared.” Rarity responded as she used one of the blades to get rid of a split end.

“Well I think we had best get to the Correctional Facility, the demons are retreating.” Gilda said as she loaded her rifle once more.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy and Vergil were getting the ponies in the third floor out until the yellow mare saw a particular pink Alicorn.

“F-Fluttershy?” Princess Cadance said shakily.

“Princess.” Fluttershy said slowly as she made her way to her cell. “Stand back.”

Cadance moved to the side of her cell as Fluttershy gave it an almighty punch. The door held fast but Fluttershy wasn’t about to throw in the towel, not now , not ever again. She then unloaded a series of kicks followed by a series of lightning fast punches. After the kicks, the door had buckled and as Fluttershy used one last punch, the door practically went ‘buck this’ and gave in.

“Cadance, where’s Shining Armor?” Fluttershy asked as she carefully broke the magic inhibiting clamp on the Princess’ horn.

“Further down, I'm coming with you.” She responded. Fluttershy only nodded and walked with her to Shining’s cell.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Where is it?” Joystick said out loud as he rummaged through the jail’s confiscation section. He was about to give up until he saw his keepsake: a revolver and its holster.

Being a gamer didn’t mean he had no money, he worked in Canterlot’s Game and Comic Store to make ends meet but he always saved up his bits. His friends didn’t believe him to ever be serious about anything in his life, always joking, trolling players and basically being a sarcastic ass. This time, after seeing this, he decided enough was enough.

The revolver was a six chamber revolver based on a game he knew: Ponies Never Cry 4. The revolver had two barrels for twice the damage but even though it was based on a game, the gun worked like any other. It had an intricate blue rose carved into the left hand side of the handle. It was originally a pistol handed down to him by his father before he had it customised.

He also spotted his black glasses. These had thin black strips where the lenses would be except they appeared to impair vision. In reality a one way spell was cast on this particular design which allowed the wearer to see normally and yet still look good.

As he exited the room he cam face-to-face with a Kyklops. He almost fired his pistol but it got taken away by somepony’s magical field. He looked over to where his pistol flew over to, to see a lavender coloured mare shaking her head.

“Well that’s just perfect, take my weapon why don’t you?” Joystick said as he threw his hooves up in the air. He took a closer look and saw the Kyklops had a pony riding on it.

“Well, this day just got interesting.” He mused. “Can I have Blue Rose back?”

The revolver was tossed back to him as he holstered it on his right side.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Twilight Sparkle. This is Applejack.” She said, pointing to the Kyklops riding orange mare with a brown Stetson. “That’s Pinkie Pie.” She said, pointing to the hot pink mare with cotton candy hair. “This is Nyx.” Nyx gave Joystick a small bow. “And you already met Clunker here.” She finished off with pointing to the demon.

“Nice to meet you. Name’s Stick, Joystick.” He said with a mock English accent.

“What are you doing here, Joystick?” Twilight asked.

“Got thrown in there.” He said, pointing to the staircase leading to the lower levels. “Until a yellow mare and some hairless monkey opened the cells, freeing everypony.”

“Fluttershy and Vergil are here? That’s great!” Twilight said with a smile.

“Isn't it just grand?” A mesmerising voice came from behind the group. It belonged to Rarity. “We seem to all have the same thing in mind.”

“Whatcha got there Rarity?” Applejack asked, pointing to Lucifer.

“It’s my Devil Arm, Lucifer. He is quite a charming talker I must admit. He even has roses for me.” She said, pulling out a red rose from under the Skull to prove her point.

“Ok, well… wait what happened to the cart?” Twilight asked as she couldn’t see it outside.

“We kind of don’t need it any more, that and there was also the fact that somepony destroyed the staircase which made carrying it back impossible. It weighs a ton.” Dash responded. “Who the hay are you?” She said, addressing Nyx.

“She’s Nyxie!” Pinkie cried out. “She’s here to help!”

“I might as well until we find a way to get me back home.” Nyx said with a small sigh.

“Don’t get frowny wowny with your Aunt Pinkie! Remember: Smile!” Pinkie cried out, about to break into song but was interrupted by the sound of heavy hoofsteps.

Outside the entrance to the Facility a small group of Elites stood by with their large, small, medium weapons and dead serious faces. In front of them was Broken Skies with his bardiche. Pinkie ran out before anypony could stop her. She gave the Elite a huge hug and her trademark smile.

“Hello to you too Pinkie.” Broken Skies deadpanned. “I rounded up the surviving Elites.” He said to Twilight who walked outside to greet them. “We have two Pyros, seven Heavies, Four Lancets, including myself and three Blademasters.”

“What the hay?!” Dash said, looking at the menacing Elites who just stood there, still as statues.

“They're here to help.” Twilight deadpanned to Dash.

“You now? This war just got 20% cooler.” She said with a smirk on her face.

“Twilight, Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy’s voice ran out from behind. All the prisoners and the rest of the battle group came out of the Correctional Facility. Twilight explained to Vergil and Fluttershy – as well as everypony else – about Broken Skies’ assistance with Phantom. Fluttershy was willing to give them a chance while Vergil just silently nodded.

“Twiley!” Shining Armor’s voice came calling.

“B.B.B.F.F!” Twilight called out, running to her brother and giving him a giant hug.

“Well as much as I’d hate to break this up, we had best get going.” Gilda said, pointing to the prisoners.

“Ok then, we need to get as many supplies as possible and get going then.” Twilight said. 

Everypony nodded their heads and went off in search of supplies. Navigating the Fillydelphia was easier now that the demons turned tail and ran, although a few remained to try their luck. Nyx and Twilight went together as she felt a little safer with her ‘mother’.

“You’d think being older would cure me of my filly insecurities.” Nyx muttered as she and Twilight found some sleeping bags and other camping equipment in an outdoor enthusiast shop.

“Well, we all have our fears no matter how old we are. Celestia still fears for Equestria every day and this is only making it worse.” Twilight responded as the two left with as much gear as their magic would allow them to carry. Nyx smiled at Twilight.

“Just like my mother to say that.” She said, making Twilight blush.

In two hours of scavenging, the army of mismatched heroes and former villains met up by Correctional Facility. They took turns guarding each other and the former prisoners. The Elite also cycled watch duty amongst themselves. The prospect of returning to Canterlot weighed heavily on Twilight’s mind, she had a lot of explaining to do.
> The Ties that Bind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
The Ties that Bind
Author: Draconis187

The sun rose on the aftermath of the previous night’s battles. The streets now stained with the blood of fallen Changelings, dust from killed Seven Hells and the rubble of fallen Kyklops. Phantom’s body lay still on the ground, near the failed ritual circle that brought Nyx into this world. His lava-like blood had gone cold and hard just a few hours ago.

The group were still by the Correctional Facility’s entrance since they all couldn’t fit inside and the smell kept them out of the lower levels. Applejack had fallen asleep on Clunker’s side; Dash and Gilda were laid next to each other, drooling and snoring loudly; Rarity was in her bedroll and her sleeping mask on her eyes. Nyx laid next to Twilight, after she begged Twilight to let her; the Elites were keeping watch as well as Fluttershy, Vergil, Joystick and Trixie. The rest of the rescued ponies were asleep as well in various positions and locations in the centre of the group.

“There’s our wake up call.” Trixie mused as she got up and dusted herself off, looking at the sun. “Time to wake up!” She shouted, causing the sleeping - yet armed - ponies and Elites to get up and spin around to the voice.

“Trixie! Next time, let us sleep!” Dash complained as the group got up and woke those still sleeping.

“As much as I agree with Dash, we need to get going.” Twilight said as she and Nyx got up.

The group rolled up their sleeping equipment and went over their provisions for the trip back to Canterlot. In an hour, the group had already made their way out of the city. Clunker had three injured ponies on his back while the Elites carried some of the wounded. They were pulling their own weight, thanks to Broken Skies. The Serene Plains greeted the group as they entered the area’s wide open, calming atmosphere.

“This is nice.” Nyx muttered, taking a deep breath as she and Twilight walked along the long winding pathway with the others.

“It’s called the Serene Plains.” Twilight said, hearing Nyx’s statement.

“Mind telling me more about it like why it’s called that, please?” Nyx asked, giving Twilight a puppy dog look.

“You don’t have to do that. I would love to tell you.” Twilight said with a small smile. “Not to mention it doesn’t work so well with those eyes.”

“Oh! Almost forgot them.” She said, her horn glowing. In an instant a pair of midnight purple rimmed glasses appeared. As she put them on her nose, her eyes changed shape to that of a normal pony but her irises were still turquoise.

“Where did you get those?” Twilight asked.

“You got them for me and enchanted them so they would change how my eyes looked after Rarity made you get rid of the previous ones. Said something about them being ‘horrendous’? Although, I kept losing them after a while so they got a second enchantment, they reside in a small pocket dimension, ready whenever I need them.” Nyx responded with a smile.

“Sounds like something I’d do.” Twilight said. “How am I as a mother?”

Nyx responded by giving her a kiss on her head which made Twilight blush. “The best.”

After a few hours the group came to a stop to rest. Trixie wanted to train with Cerberus as did Rarity with Lucifer and the other Devil Arm carrying fighters. Vergil and Fluttershy were together, Trixie and Rarity were going to fight together while Dash was going to fight with Applejack despite she didn’t have a Devil Arm. Yet that didn’t stop her from accepting Dash’s challenge.

Joystick got out some empty bottle and placed them on the ground and on various surfaces of various heights. He pulled out Blue Rose and aimed. Of the twelve bottles he placed, all twelve either had large holes in them or were missing their top halves. One somehow had its bottom blown off and the top part remained on the rock it was placed on.

Nyx wanted to watch the fights while the others tended to the injured, making sure that their wounds were not getting worse. Twilight took out a quill and parchment so she could write the Princesses a letter about their success. She may not have Spike but she could still teleport it to Canterlot. Nyx found a cloud with a perfect view of the battles that were about to take place in front of her. The first group she observed was Trixie and Rarity.

“Ready?” Rarity asked to Trixie who nodded and twirled Cerberus around before getting into a battle stance. “You ready Lucifer?” She said softly, addressing the Devil Arm on her back.

Let’s dance my dear. He responded.

Trixie opened up by getting close to Rarity, swinging Cerberus around her hooves, effortlessly switching which hoof she was using to swing the cold weapon. Her attacks met Lucifer’s bone blades, blocking every attack as Trixie continued her assault.

My dear, you're not dancing. Lucifer noted, sounding slightly disappointed as Rarity continued to block.

“I must ‘dance?’ How does one dance when trying to avoid being killed?” Rarity asked, earning a confused look from Trixie until she realised who – or more specifically what – she was talking to. Trixie took a few steps back, letting the two have their conversation.

Loosen up my dear, have fun and be elegant in your moves especially in the midst of battle. The world is a giant canvas with you as the artist. I am your humble brush. Lucifer said.

“I think I understand.” Rarity said with a look of conviction on her face. If there was one thing she knew about, it was elegance.

While Rarity was talking with Lucifer, Trixie was talking to Cerberus. She looked slightly sad as she spoke to her demonic companion.

“I’m sorry.” She said her voice slightly shaking as she gripped the ring tighter.

For what? Cerberus responded, openly concerned for his wielder.

“That I couldn’t trust you.” She replied with a tear rolling down her cheek.

Just learn to trust those around you who wish to help and us, then our true potential will be unleashed. Cerberus said, trying to comfort the blue showmare.

“Ok, I’ll give it my best shot.” Trixie said as Rarity looked to be finishing up with her talk with Lucifer. She wiped away her tear and gripped the cold weapon with as much conviction as Rarity had on her face.

“Ready for round two?” Trixie said, getting a simple nod from Rarity.

Trixie ran up to Rarity, somersaulting sideways with her weapon. Cerberus collided with several bone blades, breaking them just before Rarity jumped out of the way as Trixie smashed Cerberus into the ground, creating several ice spikes to smash their way out of the ground. She pulled another six bone blades from their holders, using her hooves instead of her magic before throwing them at Trixie with blinding speed.

Trixie reacted on instinct and subconsciously created a sphere of ice around herself, shattering the blades as they collided with Trixie’s protective attack. As the ice faded away, Trixie stood differently than before. The ring of her weapon was around her neck and was three times its original thickness, looking like a collar. Around her forehooves’ fetlocks were two rings like the original one, connected to the collar by two chains. The same rings were around her hind hooves’ fetlocks as well, connected to the collar by the same means. Her tail also had a single ring around it, near the end and kept in place by three chains instead of two. Her body was radiating cold, turning the air around her so cold it became visible. She held two longer versions of the original nunchaku in her forehooves, each as long as she was tall. The third one was around her neck but rested on her back. 

“Are you ok darling?” Rarity asked as Trixie looked over herself with her altered eyes. Her left iris was red and yellow while her right was blue and her original greyish dark violet.

“ I should be freezing my flank off but… but I'm not.” Trixie responded with four separate voices including her own, speaking at once. She gave a small smile and closed her eyes. “Thank you.”

You have learned to trust me by trying to defend using a technique you knew how to perform but couldn’t pull off without my help. Welcome to the pack. Cerberus responded, sounding happy.

“Shall we continue, Rarity?” Trixie asked. Rarity pulled out some of her bone blades with one hoof and a rose with the other.

“Of course darling.” Rarity said, throwing the blades by Trixie’s hooves before taking a sniff of the rose. She threw it at the bone blades, causing them to explode.

Trixie began her attack with newfound speed, leaving a frozen trail in her wake. As she bought her one hoof down, all three frozen poles came down with her attack, causing a massive trail of ice spikes to rocket its way from the ground but her attack missed Rarity, who jumped out of the way before landing on her hind hooves. She clapped her forehooves twice as she turned to Trixie. At her hooves was a single blade which detonated the next second.

There you go my dear, you are beginning to understand. Lucifer said with pride.

Trixie looked at Rarity and at her right hoof, where the three poles were dangling to see them at half their original length. As she raised her hoof, two of them slid down the chains until they reached their original locations. As they did, they extended back to their longer dimensions. Rarity looked impressed while Trixie smiled. Trixie returned to normal after that with Cerberus in her left hoof.

“Think that’s enough for today?” Trixie asked as her body caught up, she began to feel slightly dizzy and out of breath. Rarity caught her with her magic and they walked back to the group together.

“That was certainly interesting. Interesting but scary.” Nyx commented as she turned her attention to Applejack and Dash.

Dash was swinging Nevan at Applejack who countered her swing with her hammer. Dash was making sure to hit the hammer with the back of the scythe, so she wouldn’t sever the hammer’s head from its pole and risk Applejack bucking her into the next Winter Wrap Up. The two smiled as they crossed weapons until they saw Trixie and Rarity smiling as they went back to the group’s campsite.

“Whatcha reckon they're up to?” Applejack said to Dash as she swung her hammer in an overhead strike.

“Don’t know.” Dash replied as she rolled backwards to avoid it rather than block it. Applejack was stronger physically and just as athletic as Dash thanks to her rodeo and applebucking. This made it an even match for Dash as she had Nevan to turn things in her favour. 

Applejack brought the hammer around again, swinging from the left in an attempt to get a hit in. Dash retaliated by letting out a shockwave from the guitar. Applejack slammed the hammer into the ground and held on as Dash continued to keep the blast of air going with some maniacally fast strumming. Her playing attracted the bats that the weapon is known for attracting. As the air assault died down, Applejack brought her hammer around again, only to be blocked by the bats that were acting as a shield. The two looked at each other before sharing a laugh and ending their bout.

“I reckon we should get back or check on Fluttershy.” Applejack said to Dash as she placed the bat hairclip in her mane.

“Sure.” She said with a smirk. “Can’t wait to see what those two are up to.”

Nyx observed them walk over to where Vergil and Fluttershy were sparring. She met Fluttershy many times but this was not her Fluttershy. The meek, loving Fluttershy she knew was replaced by a killer Pegasus that oddly still cares for her friends and that – in Nyx’s opinion – was all she needed to know.

Vergil summoned his ethereal blades and fired them at Fluttershy who dodged them with some form of contraption consisting of two interlocking rings, one running vertical while the other was horizontal. In the centre in the front where the rings connect was a round ring with the Pandora symbol on it. Along the horizontal ring were fourteen thin square blocks with a single barrel sticking out of each one.

She was sat on a seat with two joysticks by her hooves and a huge roaring engine with multiple ports sticking out from behind her. Oddly though, it didn’t touch the floor, it levitated just above it. She dodged the blades despite being a larger target, the contraption could really move! As she avoided the last attack, she pressed the little red buttons on the top of the joysticks. The barrels fired off a single missile from each of them, creating a small barrage of yellow and grey coloured missiles, all of which were heading towards Vergil.

He jumped; teleported or simply sliced the attacking missiles as they tried to blow him up. But the few missiles that missed only clanged as they collided with the ground, apparently Fluttershy fired inert missiles. As Vergil looked at them, Fluttershy changed the vehicle back to Pandora’s more dormant state: the briefcase.

“Well that there was mighty interesting.” Applejack said with a grin as she and Rainbow Dash walked up to the demon hunters.

“Thanks, it’s called Argument.” Fluttershy responded to her friends.

“How do you know the names of these things?” Dash asked. “Does it tell you or something?”

Fluttershy smiled and hefted the briefcase into the air in front of her. In seconds it morphed into the bowgun, Epidemic. She lowered the weapon and placed it on the floor. She then pointed to the yellow pathways near the first handle. In small, pulsating yellow letters was the word ‘Epidemic.’

“That’s how: each form or attack has its name written somewhere, usually near where you hold it.” Fluttershy explained as she picked Epidemic back up before turning it back into its briefcase form.

“Vergil, ready for one last sparring match?” Fluttershy asked her demonic friend. Vergil nodded.

“What do you have in mind?” He asked in his cold, callous voice.

Fluttershy only responded by readying Beowulf and then activating her Devil Arm Trigger. Vergil gave a small smile and activated his Devil Trigger. Fluttershy shook her head and pointed to her claws. Vergil got the hint and concentrated before letting to a small explosion of purple energy. Standing where Vergil once did was Nelo Angelo with his gauntlets raised.

“Uh, we’ll let you get on with it then.” Dash said as she and Applejack trotted off to the campsite.

Nyx watched as Fluttershy and Vergil fists collided with each other. Flashes of white light and blue flames, coupled with lightning flew off into the surrounding area as they met each other, blow for blow. Fluttershy came with a right haymaker while Vergil countered with a left jab. Using the momentum from his attack’s recoil, Vergil brought his right foot up in an attempt to strike Fluttershy’s side. She flew upwards to avoid it and came back down with her left hind hoof in a Killer Bee attack. Vergil avoided it, leaving Fluttershy to make a small crater in the dirt.

“Everypony! Time to eat!” Twilight shouted, loud enough for Nyx and the combatants to hear. Fluttershy and Vergil looked at each other with expressionless faces before they ended their Trigger states and went to the campsite.

Nyx had already gotten to the campsite, eating a bowl of celery soup with a smile on her face. Gilda was gnawing on a piece of meat while Dash ate some hay fries. How they were made without some form of fryer, only Pinkie Pie was capable of answering that question. The two demon hunters sat down with the group as everypony talked about their training with one another. Everypony was amazed to hear that Trixie unlocked her Devil Arm Trigger and Rarity gave a small smile when she said she might be able to do it as well… and soon. 

“Hey Nyxie!” Pinkie Pie called out to Nyx as she finished her soup. Twilight didn’t see them as she was more concerned with teleporting her letter to Princess Celestia.

“Yes Pinkie?” Nyx responded, wondering what the crazy, pink mare wanted.

“Just come with me for a second, I have a favour to ask.” She said with a huge smile.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

In Canterlot, a number of airships came into view as Celestia stood on her balcony overlooking a large part of Equestria, with Ponyville easily seen in the distance. Her sister came up from behind her with a smile, she had only slept for two hours and she would have preferred to remain asleep until she had to raise the moon but circumstances beyond her control forced her to get up.

“So is that the griffon forces we were told to expect?” Luna asked her older sister as Twilight’s letter appeared on the balcony before them.

“Yes, it is. Please go and inform the griffons of their arrival.” Celestia said with a small smile. Luna nodded and flew off to the quarters they had given Gilda’s retinue while Celestia opened the letter.

The Arbiter loomed threateningly over Canterlot’s airspace, blocking out a good portion of the sky. The rest of the 54th fleet was on the outskirts of Canterlot’s airspace while the 23rd, 98th and 45th fleets were hovering nearby. A large hatch - normally used for the loading and unloading of equipment - opened. Three griffons flew from the opening and to the grounds below. Celestia stood by the gardens with two Pegasi guards and two Unicorn guards. Luna soon came with her escort: four Night Guards. Behind them, the four griffons were on their way as well.

“Greetings, my na-” Celestia started but got cut off by Bloodwing.

“Sorry ‘Princess’ but I have no need to talk to the likes of you right now since it would most likely take up the rest of my life. Now where is my niece?” Bloodwing asked, looking around behind Celestia as if Gilda was about to pop out the ground.

“Gilda is currently indisposed, I’m su-” Celestia tried again, only to be cut off by Bloodwing again.

“Can’t you speak a simple language?” He sneered. “’Indisposed?’ Death is ‘indisposed’ and the only excuse I will tolerate if one of my soldiers are unable to perform their duties!”

“Admiral Bloodwing, sir!” The four griffons spoke up, turning Bloodwing’s darkening mood towards them as they saluted.

“Ah, at least there is a creature with some common sense!” Blood wing cried out, pushing his way past Celestia. “Now then you wastes of feathers, where is my niece?”

“She went off to Fillydelphia, sir!” One of the griffons said, not lowering his claw from his salute.

“She’s where?!” Bloodwing bellowed, slapping the griffon with a claw. “How could you let her go to some stupid pony city on her own?! Last time I heard, it was overrun by those confounded Changelings!”

“She did not go to Fillydelphia on her own Mr. Bloodwing. She will be back in two days or so.” Celestia said, beginning to lose her patience with Bloodwing’s attitude.

“Oh is that right? And how do you know that you prissy horse?!” Bloodwing shouted, his blood closing to a boil.

“This letter.” Celestia said, shoving the letter in his face with her magic to try and calm him down, or at least shut him up.

“Fine.” He said, pulling the letter off his face as he read it. “’The operation was a success despite the arrival of demons’ what is this supposed to mean?!”

“Apparently the rescue mission was a success but they encountered a variety of demons as they made their way through the city. Just as the letter said.” Celestia explained as the griffon continued to skim through Twilight’s letter. “They are now on the way with survivors as well as some more allies.”

“Well fan-flipping-tastic. We get to interrogate some Changelings. Where can we land our airships? We need to do some proper repairs thanks to an uninvited guest arriving to spoil my fun.” Bloodwing asked callously.

“Just to the north of here is a large enough space for you to land your airships.” Celestia replied, trying to keep her composure and pointing to a large plain that separated Canterlot and Ponyville.

“Good. Right, you heard the white horse! North it is!” Blood wing shouted to his airship as they took off to the Arbiter.

“You alright sister?” Luna asked sincerely. She could see her sister was put off by the griffon’s attitude.

“I just hope we can wrap this war up before I send myself to the sun in frustration. I think I’ll need a drink after all this.” Celestia said, shaking her head.

Luna wrapped her one hoof around her sister’s neck. “If I know your faithful student, you needn’t worry so much.”

“Thank you Luna.” Celestia replied with a small, genuine smile. “I need to go and inform Twilight of these events and scold Gilda for not warning us of her uncle’s behaviour. Do you think you can keep that Bloodwing out of trouble for me please?”

Luna nodded as her Night guard saluted as well. “We shall endeavour to halt his callous behaviour.”

With that, Celestia went off to the library to write a letter back to Twilight, explaining the situation in Canterlot.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

After a few hours, the group set off again. They were hoping to get to Canterlot as quickly as possible, before they run out of food and before any of the former prisoners die from their injuries. Pinkie and Nyx returned just before they were about to set out. They just smiled at everypony.

“Where were you?” Twilight asked. “I kind of got worried.”

“Worried about your daughter?” Trixie sniggered.

“Wha-? No! I was just worried that we might end up leaving Pinkie behind, I don’t know Nyx even if she says I do.” Twilight responded, her ears flat and a small heat in her cheeks.

Nyx and Pinkie only smirked. “Don’t worry about us Twilight, I just needed to ask Nyxie something.”

“What could be so important that you couldn’t say where you were going? What could be so important you couldn’t say it near where I could see you?” Twilight said with worry in her voice.

“Spoken like a real mother!” Trixie laughed at Twilight. 

Trixie gave the three of them a wink and a smile as they continued their journey to Canterlot as the sun had begun to set in the distance.

> Travellers and Trials
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Travellers and Trials
Author: Draconis187

The next morning the group found themselves at the beginning of the Wailing Woods, one day away from returning to Canterlot. Twilight and Nyx seemed to be getting closer, Joystick was still trying to convince the others that he should join up despite all he had to contribute was a dual barrelled revolver and Vergil still spoke with a cold, superior air about himself. Pinkie was overly happy about something and Dash was coming to terms with showing how she felt so she could unlock Nevan’s full potential. 

The morning sun gave the Wailing Woods a calm, beautiful and safe feel to it. The leaves showed signs of differentiating colourations, from the dominating green to the sparse showings of red, brown and orange often associated with the Fall. Dash and Applejack looked at the leaves and turned to one another with a smile on their faces.

“Not long till The Running of the Leaves, right AJ?” Dash said with a smirk.

“Sure looks like it RD. Let’s try to not trip each other up this year, deal?” Applejack replied, spitting on her hoof and then pointing it to Dash who spat on hers and hoofbumped Applejack.

“Would you mind telling me more about that? I remember you ran it Twilight, but not much else as to why you ran it though.” Nyx said, overhearing the two competitive mares.

“You are really keen to learn aren't you?” Twilight said to a nodding Nyx. “Well, Ponyville was started by Earth ponies and they had to manually change the seasons without Pegasi or magic. They run through the forests at high speed and the vibrations caused by their running causes the leaves to fall to the ground. That’s about the gist of it. How di- wait, I told you I ran it didn’t I?” Twilight carried on. Nyx nodded again. Twilight sighed before continuing.

“I was curious about it and I wanted to try it out for fun. The key was to take it slow to conserve your energy and then run as fast as possible as you near the finish line. Rainbow and Applejack tried to outdo each other and as a result, didn’t do too well.”

Princess Cadance got up and off Clunker as he lumbered on through the forest with the rest of the group with Shining Armor still sleeping on Clunker’s back. She walked up to Twilight and Nyx, giving them a cheerful smile as she spoke.

“I really must thank you for rescuing us.” She said to the two.

“Nice to see you again Cadance.” Nyx said.

“Do I know you?” She replied, slightly confused. “You… remind me of somepony.”

“I am the reincarnation of Nightmare Moon.” Nyx replied, taking off her glasses to show Cadance her eyes to prove her point. “Don’t worry… other than the looks, I am nothing like Nightmare.”

“That’s… good to hear.” Cadance responded nervously.

“If you think you’re nervous, I am going to meet the two Princesses who know only of the pony I look like instead of the pony I am.” Nyx said, giving Cadance a very serious look.

“Don’t worry Nyx, I’ll make sure Celestia and Luna don’t do anything to hurt you, I promise.” Twilight said, smiling at Nyx.

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” Nyx replied, feeling slightly more at ease.

“Cadance you don’t have to thank us for the save, we had to come.” Twilight said to her old foalsitter. “I just hope we’re in time to save the Crystal Empire.”

“The Crystal Empire? Where is that?”  Nyx asked, intrigued by the fact that there’s an Empire she has never heard of.

“Egghead.” Dash sniggered as she flew above the three mares.

“Yes, so what Dash?” Nyx said as she rolled her eyes. “Are you still sneaking into hospitals to read Daring Do novels?”

“How the hay do you know about that?!” Dash shouted. Nyx, Twilight and Cadance laughed as they continued their trek through the Wailing Woods.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Celestia just got down from the balcony as she raised the sun. It wasn’t tiring, it was just that sometimes the sun likes to be stubborn and wants to stay down for a few more minutes, like a foal not wanting to go to school. Like a mother, Celestia managed to coax the sun out from its spot after Luna lowered the moon. She remembered the moon to be more agreeable and now she no longer has to do it thanks to Luna. There are times where Celestia wished she was the one who held dominion over the moon.

“Morning sister! How are you this morning?” Luna asked as she came across her sister.

“Not feeling up to talking to that Bloodwing that’s for sure. By my mane, why do we have to get a racist for help?!” Celestia cried out, slamming her hoof on the floor with a thud in frustration.

“Now you know why I’m more nocturnal than diurnal dear sister.” Luna said with a giggle. They both knew that wasn’t why as they shared a laugh. “If you need help with Bloodwing, just give me a call.”

“Thank you Luna.” Celestia said, nuzzling her sister on her neck with a smile on her face.

“We are sisters, we need to look after one another.” Luna said as a Night Guard came up to the sisters. “Yes Sky Shear?”

“Your Majesties, Bloodwing is requesting an audience with you.” Sky Shear said, bowing before the Princesses.

“I swear he’s going make me add alcoholism to my cake addiction.” Celestia complained as the two Alicorns ventured to the throne room as Sky Shear returned to his post. 

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Pinkie was bounding up and down as Nyx walked up to her. The favour Pinkie asked for made her a tad uneasy and afraid.

“Are you sure you want me to do that? I’m not sure it’s even possible. That portal was unstable, how do you even know my body absorbed the energies from it?” Nyx whispered to the party mare.

“That’s easy silly! I checked the manuscript and it said that you absorbed the ambient demonic energies that surrounded the ritual that tried to bring a demon general into the world.” She replied with a grin. “That and I remember the last time I saw you, you were still a filly!”

“How do you know me when nopony else does?” Nyx asked, both intrigued and confused by how she knows her despite she had never existed in this reality.

“Duh! Aunty Pinkie will never forget you!” Pinkie said, giving Nyx a near choking hug.

“Thanks Pinkie. When we stop again, I’ll give it a go.” Nyx said with a smile.

“Oki doki loki!” She said as she continued to bounce along.

“What was that all about?” Twilight asked as Cadance finished thanking Twilight and the others for saving them.

“Just some crazy idea Pinkie had that she wanted to try out.” Nyx deadpanned as the group soldiered on.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Greetings Bloodwing. Why have you requested an audience with us?” Celestia asked, keeping her face as neutral as possible.

“I wished to apologise for my behaviour. My men and I were attacked on our way here by a bunch of traitors which had soured my mood.” Bloodwing said, bowing before the two sisters.

“I accept your apology Bloodwing, was there another reason for your audience request?” Celestia said, her voice warm yet serious at the same time.

“Yes, we need assistance with repairing our airships. Many have sustained damage from the attack, causing major problems for us, should we find ourselves in the middle of a firefight.” Bloodwing carried on.

“So you need our ponies to help you repair your airships?” Celestia repeated. Bloodwing nodded slowly. “I understand, I shall get some of the guards to assist you. You can expect them to meet you by your airships in the next hour.”

“Thank you Princess Celestia and you as well Princess Luna.” Bloodwing said, bowing low to Celestia and Luna.

“Something troubling you Luna?” Celestia asked, looking at her sister with a concerned face.

“Yes, he changed his attitude rather quickly, wouldn’t you agree?” Luna said, having observed the griffon.

“Yes, I noticed that as well. He knows when to kiss even a pony’s flank when he needs something but we have little choice in the matter. Go sleep dear sister, I shall see to the guards myself.” Celestia whispered to her sister.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

In the destroyed Crystal Empire, the bodies of the dead littered the streets like garbage. Buildings were now nothing more than rubble and the only still standing structure was the colossal demonic obelisk that continuously spat out demons of varying type, size and ferocity. A large statue of a human being stood on a throne built out of the rubble of the Crystal Castle. The few Crystal Ponies that survived managed to flee to the east, to the coastline cities of Baltimare and Maneapolis to name a few.

The demons never chased them beyond the city limits but the Changeling army was completely crushed, siege engines lay in ruins, the corpses of Bulls, Elites and normal Changelings alike were strewn across the streets and  unceremoniously stomped over by demons as they were ready to begin a campaign of destruction over all of Equestria.

The statue surveyed the area with marble coloured eyes as a smirk crossed its lips. “I shall soon rule of this world as I do the Demon World.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Okay everypony we rest here for now. Every able pony help set everything up.” Twilight called out to the group.

They had been travelling for the vast majority of the day and their hooves were beginning to hurt. The good news was that the injured were all in stabilised conditions as Nyx helped to heal them by changing their bandage dressings and making sure their wound hadn’t become infected. Twilight was impressed by her ‘daughter’.

“Where did you learn to bandage injuries like that?” Twilight asked.

“Very long story, one I’d feel comfortable not talking about.” Nyx replied as she finished wrapping up a filly’s leg.

“Thank you very much ma’am!” The young pale blue filly said with a smile on her face.

“You are more than welcome, I’m just helping out.” Nyx replied with a smile of her own. As she got up, she turned to Twilight. “I need to help Pinkie out with something, I’ll be back now.”

“Of course.” Twilight responded.

The hot pink mare met Nyx near the borderline of the campsite. She was wearing black, form-fitting clothing and a pair of thick yellow goggles on her head.

“You weren’t followed?” She said in a low whisper.

“Uh no.” Nyx nervously responded.

“Okay! Let’s do this Nyxie!” Pinkie cried out joyfully as she launched herself into the air.

As the duo went off to find a good spot, Rarity was standing facing Trixie, also outside the campsite. Each had their respective weapon.

“What was the plan again?” Trixie asked as she swung Cerberus around experimentally.

“I want to learn how to lose myself to the flow of the fighting.” Rarity responded, pointing to the Devil Arm on her back.

Correct Miss Rarity, let go of your fears, react and attack. Lucifer confirmed to the white unicorn.

“Please don’t call me ‘Miss’.” Rarity asked softly to the Devil Arm.

Of course. Lucifer responded, sounding slightly dejected.

“Right, ready or not Rarity, here I come!” Trixie bellowed as she ran at Rarity, swinging Cerberus around like a mad mare.

Rarity countered by throwing the blades out and detonating them. The shockwave sent both mares reeling backwards. Rarity gracefully somersaulted and landed on her hind hooves. Trixie on the other hoof was not as graceful, she collided into the dirt, skidding across the dirt before stopping a few metres afterwards. As she got up, she saw three blades shoot past her at high speed.

“Rarity!” Trixie shouted as the one blade took off a lock of her mane with it.
“Sorry darling!” Rarity shouted back, levitating the lost piece of mane before reattaching it to the rest of Trixie’s mane.

“Well at least you fixed it.” Trixie muttered as she gave her mane a small flick to see if her mane will stay together. Satisfied that her mane is not going to fall off any time soon, she carried on with her attack.

Trixie slammed the ground with Cerberus, causing a small fracture as the ice spikes burrowed their way out of the ground towards Rarity. She jumped out of the way with ease and landed on her hooves with ease once more.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

As the fight between the two unicorns raged on, Nyx and Pinkie were standing in front of a ritual circle like the one made by the Vanguards back in Fillydelphia. The main difference was the fact that the circle radiated a teal colour as it pulsated.

“Hello? Testing one.. two… three.” Pinkie called out to the circle as the portal opened and stabilised.

Two yellow eyes with red pupils appeared, the one seemed larger than the other though which made Nyx slightly uncomfortable. They were accompanied by two white eyebrows and a floating, white goatee.

“Ah, Pinkie Pie. What can I do for my favourite mare?” Discord’s disembodied voice called out from the portal, causing Nyx to step back. “Don’t worry my dear, I don’t bite. I don’t have any teeth to bite you with anyway.”

“Nice to see you too Discord.” Pinkie said with a smile. “I need to ask you something. Does Dante still have Alastor?”

“Yes, yes he does. It’s still in his cupboard, why? I heard you have Lady’s rocket launcher.” Discord asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s not for me silly! It’s for Nyxie here!” Pinkie said with a smile.

“I’ll ask him, hold the line for me.” Discord said as his facial features faded away.

“Uh, Pinkie? I-I really think this is a bad idea.” Nyx whispered to Pinkie as an unhealthy feeling of fear began to settle in the back of her head.

“Don’t worry, Discord’s harmless ever since he became our friend.” Pinkie jovially replied as she gave Nyx her enormous grin to cheer her up. Thinking for a second pinkie went digging in her mane before pulling out a cupcake with blue frosting and shoving it into Nyx’s mouth. “Have a cupcake! Don’t worry there aren't any hairs in it.”

Nyx had no options other than to swallow. It tasted just as good as the ones her Pinkie Pie baked. It’s rich texture and sponge melted in her mouth as she chewed it, earning Pinkie Pie a giant smile from the black Alicorn.

“Here you ladies go!” Discord’s voice rang out as a blade flew out of the portal. His eyes were back, watching the blade fall down and impale the earth between the two mares and the portal. It had a pair of dragon wings near the guard while the guard itself was that of a dragon’s head with its mouth open, complete with teeth. It’s pommel consisted of four skulls and a spike at the end.

 I am Alastor. The weak shall give their heart and swear their eternal loyalty to me.  A cold, callous voice said to Nyx.

“Uh, d-did you h-hear that?” Nyx said with fear completely taking root in her mind.

“Nopey nope!” Pinkie said with a grin, oblivious to the blade’s voice. “Are you loco in the coco?”

“I'm sure she’s fine. It must be the stress talking.” Discord said, rolling his floating eyes.

You wanted me, now claim your reward! The voice shouted in Nyx’s head, causing her to clap her hooves on the sides of her head.

“Who are you?!” Nyx shouted.

Alastor, now take me up and use me to decimate your foes! The voice shouted once more, clearly getting annoyed.

The blade shot out of the ground and tried to impale Nyx. Fortunately she grabbed it with her magic but was struggling against the sword’s persistent attempts to impale her. The blade was shaking fiercely, moving left and right to try and throw the Alicorn off. All of a sudden the blade stopped shaking, seemingly having given up.

You are worthy. Alastor said softly as it fell to the ground with a clang. The amount of magic she needed to hold off the blade took a bit of her breath out of her. The blade rose off the ground and slowly rested itself against Nyx’s body, not scratching or cutting a single hair on her body. My strength is yours if you can steel yourself in a fight when it is needed.

“That makes no sense!” Nyx complained.

It will be clear to you… in time. Alastor responded before falling silent.

“Thanks Discord!” Pinkie said, waving her hoof so quickly it became a pink blur.

Discord chuckled. “See you Pinkie and please hurry, I can’t stand having to constantly mutate pizza.”

“Oki doki loki!” Pinkie shouted with a grin as Discord’s eyes vanished. The ritual circle faded away as the two turned around… to see twilight standing in front of them.

“Uh, how long have you been standing there?” Nyx asked nervously.

“Oh not long, just long enough to see you get nearly impaled!!” She shouted as her mane and tail erupted in flames, her coat turning pure white.

“We’re sorry!” Pinkie Pie cried out as she grabbed onto Twilight in an attempt to calm her down. It worked somewhat as Twilight’s body returned to normal. “I had a hunch that the energy from the ritual back in Fillydelphia got absorbed by Nyx! I wanted to get her something to defend herself with while she was here. Please don’t be mad at us or just be mad at me.”

Twilight gave out a large, long sigh. “I’m not really that mad Pinkie, or you Nyx. I-I just don’t know what I could say to myself if we manage to open a portal. I don’t want to lose you Nyx. I tried to stop the blade from getting to you but something was blocking my magic.”

“I’m sorry Twilight.” Nyx said, hanging her head in shame.

“Let’s not think about it too much, celery soup?” Twilight asked, trying to smile at Nyx despite she came very close to losing her.

“Yes please.” Nyx muttered softly. 

They were interrupted as Dash came hurtling towards them. “Come check this out: Rarity got her DAT!”

The four of them raced towards the battle between Trixie and Rarity. Trixie had activated her own DAT and was defending against Rarity’s attacks. As Twilight looked to the fashionista, the changes were apparent.

She was wearing a long red dress that billowed near the bottom. She had a rose in her mane, behind her left ear while the blade dispensers totalled four in number while the skull appeared to be playing some form of ballroom dancing music. Rarity looked elegant as she dodged every attack as if it were a choreographed dance move. The blades themselves hadn’t changed though but still maintained their air of danger as they hurtled towards Trixie.

Trixie created her sphere of ice and defended against the attacks. Twilight scanned the crowd to find Vergil and Fluttershy watching them attentively. Twilight walked around the back of the watching group to the two demon hunters and cleared her throat to get their attention.

“Miss Sparkle, what is the matter?” Vergil asked as he removed his hand from Yamato’s handle.

“I would like you to teach me to make those blades you use.” Twilight said firmly.

“Why? Don’t you have your spell books for that?” Vergil asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t have anything regarding offensive techniques. Princess Celestia banned those books from Equestria 790 years ago. Every copy of any offensive spell was destroyed and anypony attempting to create new ones were sentenced to death.” Twilight said, letting her book smarts show.

“What do you think Vergil?” Fluttershy asked as he placed his hand by his chin.

Vergil turned to Fluttershy, giving her a curt nod. “It should be possible, you are the more magically gifted one here. We just need to change the fact that instead of creating them out of demonic energy, you will be creating them out of your magic.”

The three of them walked off as Trixie and Rarity clashed one last time before stopping for the day. The sun had already begun to set as Twilight received her training in summoning spectral swords comprised of magical energy. While Vergil’s swords were more of a teal colour, Twilight’s were magenta in colour as she created them just as Luna’s moon rose into the night sky.

Trixie and Rarity were seen tending their wounds, their battle having gotten too intense for one another’s liking. Nyx had Alastor on her back as it crackled with electricity very now and then while Pinkie was handing out cupcakes. How she managed to bake enough cupcakes to feed everypony, only Pinkie knew and she wasn’t answering.

“I’m surprised you learnt to create them so quickly and I'm impressed.” Vergil said in a neutral voice.

“Thanks, I think.” Twilight said as she saw Joystick walking up and down. “I think my services are needed.” She said with a soft chuckle. “Something wrong Joystick?”

“Oh no I’m fine. Being locked up in a cell surrounded by Changelings is the most peachy experience I ever had.” He said with a sneer before his face softened. “Sorry, I’m just worrying about Canterlot… the Haystation 5 is supposed to launch tomorrow and I’m hoping to get it before they run out of stock. It’s supposed to be the best gaming system ever designed.”

Twilight shook her head. “You are worried about a gaming system, that’s all?” Joystick nodded his head as if Twilight just committed blasphemy.

“Of course! Don’t you see my Cutie Mark?” He said, showing her his flank. “My talent is playing games and trolling gamers.”

“’Trolling’?” Twilight said in somewhat disbelief.

“It’s when you say or do something just to annoy people and see or hear their reactions.” Joystick explained. “I once trolled an entire Equestrian Arts server and never got caught.”

“Well that’s interesting.” Twilight said as her left eye twitched. She walked off back to the group, observing the others as they confirmed who would be watching before those who weren't on watch duty yet went to sleep.

“Something wrong?” Nyx asked as she placed Alastor on the floor next to her so she wouldn’t hurt herself with it.

“Let’s just say that we seem to be picking up all sorts of ponies and leave it at that.” Twilight responded as her head collided with her pillow, sending her on a one-way ticket to Dream Land.

> First Impressions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
First Impressions
Author: Draconis187

The journey had been hard, excruciatingly long for some ponies’ tastes but this part of the adventure was finally over as Canterlot loomed in the distance as the group made their way through the winding mountain trail that lead to Canterlot’s East Gate. The morning barely broke as the guards saw the return of the victors.

“Miss Sparkle, why are there Changelings with you?” The one Guard, Silver Shadow, an Earth pony said in an uneasy tone as he looked at the Elites who were still carrying the wounded.

“Listen here you pathetic excuse for a pony.” Gilda seethed at Silver Shadow. “As much as discussing why we have Changelings with us seems like the most interesting discussion to ever have, we don’t have the time. Get these ponies to the hospital… now!”

“O-ok.” He said shakily as Gilda’s terrifying demeanour shook his resolve like a leaf in a hurricane.

“Sorry about that.” Autumn Breeze said in a calming voice. The Pegasus looked to the Elites before turning to the rest of the group. “He’s still a rookie, only came out of the academy about a month ago. Silver Shadow!”

“Yes ma’am!” Silver Shadow saluted.

“Go and inform the Princesses that the Fillydelphia party has returned. Then I want you to inform them that the group will be at the hospital to drop off the injured.” She commanded. “Dismissed!”

The guard wasted no time and bolted for the castle as fast as his hooves could carry him. At that the group followed Autumn Breeze to the Canterlot General Hospital. As the group made their way through Canterlot’s many streets, the Elites were given scared looks as several ponies locked their doors and barred their windows while others seemed to be just as afraid of the Devil Arm carrying ponies and Vergil. As the group reached their destination, the smell of sterilised floors and medical equipment hit everypony’s noses as they entered the reception room.

“These ponies need medical attention as quickly as possible!” Autumn Breeze bellowed down the white halls of the hospital.

Wasting as little time as possible, a bunch of doctors and nurses scrambled around getting drip stands, beds and stretchers before they managed to see who or what were carrying their patients. The Elites were given a few scared looks but they were dismissed as they saw the conditions their patients were in.

“Let’s go meet the Princesses.” Autumn said with a smile.

The group exited the Hospital to see the Princess of the Night flying down from the clear sky to greet them. She looked slightly uneasy as she noticed the small task force of Elites but that luckily allowed Nyx to avoid her gaze.

“Greeting everypony, I am relieved to see that you all made it back safely and that the mission was successful.” She said with a genuine smile on her face before addressing Gilda. “Your uncle has already arrived Miss Gilda. Would you mind informing me as to why you didn’t see it fit to warn us of his attitude?”

“Oh, I guess it slipped my mind.” Gilda replied with a callous smirk.

“I see.” Luna replied, facehoofing herself. “Regardless, everything seems to be in place for the next part of this horrible battle for Equestria, follow me.”

“This is where we must part I’m afraid since I have to return to my post. Hopefully that rookie hasn’t set our post on fire yet.” Autumn deadpanned as she flew off.

The group then followed Luna though Canterlot as they walked over to the castle, Clunker was getting rather fearful looks as Applejack rode on his back. Cadance and Shining Armor were having a heated argument of some form while Nyx tried her best to keep herself under Luna’s radar. Although, trying to hide when one is an Alicorn that stood taller than the average pony while carrying a demonic lightning blade tends to make things more difficult.

“You okay there Nyxie?” Pinkie whispered, seeing her nervousness as soon as Luna had arrived.

“Yeah I’m fine as long as she doesn’t notice me.” Nyx said in a low whisper.

“I already noticed your presence. I am not some blind foal.” Luna said, not looking back at the two.

“Oops, busted.” Pinkie whispered while trying to stifle a giggle.

“It sure looks that way.” Nyx muttered under her breath as she came out from behind the Elites.

The group found themselves in the castle’s throne room, awaiting Celestia to return from meeting Bloodwing yet again. The griffon had been making several demands during the course of the day. Luna sat on her throne, her attention drawn to the black Alicorn. She piqued the Night Princess’ interest; she seemed very familiar as if she were an old friend she couldn’t remember. The awkward silence was eventually broken as Luna motioned for Nyx to step forward. As she complied, Twilight stepped forward as well.

“Twilight? Is something the matter?” Luna asked her sister’s favourite student.

“Nothing’s wrong Princess, it’s just that anything you say to her, you can say to me.” Twilight responded as she bowed at the base of the stairs to the Princesses’ thrones.

“I… see. Now then, would you care to tell me your name?” Luna asked with a slightly stern voice.

“I-I'm Nyx, Princess.” Nyx nervously responded as she too bowed at the throne.

“I see. Now Nyx, are you a princess as well?” Luna asked, keeping her face neutral as she spoke.

“Not exactly…” Nyx said slowly, her voice beginning to shake as fear began to take root once more. 

“Care to elaborate?” Luna questioned further.

“Well, I seem to have come from a parallel universe.” Nyx explained. “The last thing I remember before coming here was going to sleep in Twilight’s bed- no I don’t mean it like that!” Nyx said in shock, frantically waving her hooves in front of her in a vain attempt to stop Luna’s train of thought at her choice of words. “Let me rephrase that, please.”

“That would seem to be the most prudent decision.” Luna said, having only raised an eyebrow at Nyx’s words while secretly trying her hardest not to laugh.

“Back in my timeline I was still just a filly, like Apple Bloom or Scootaloo.” Nyx said, trying her best to keep her composure at her poor choice of words earlier. “We were having a thunderstorm and it gave me a small scare so Twilight allowed me to sleep next to her on her bed.”

“I see. Is your vision impaired or is there another reason to wearing those glasses? I can sense some magic in them but it is not the corrective magic usually associated with those types of lenses.” Luna pointed out as she looked at Nyx’s glasses but giving the impression she was still looking at Nyx.

“Um… I’m not sure but… um.” Nyx said as she shifted nervously, her heart feeling like it was ready to leap out of her throat and do a tap dance for all to see. She then looked at Twilight who gave her a smile and nodded encouragingly to her inter-dimensional daughter. She raised her hooves and closed her eyes, slowly removing the glasses off her nose as she made them vanish into their pocket dimension.

Luna’s mouth was agape due to shock as Nyx opened her eyes to reveal the very ones she possessed many months ago. “Nightmare Moon?”

This time, Twilight leapt – metaphorically, not physically – to Nyx’s aid, her voice filled with conviction. “She is not Nightmare Moon, not really. she only looks like her because she was created by Nightmare Moon’s fragments through a spell that was intended to revive the true Nightmare Moon. The spell in question was interrupted and Nyx is the result of it. She harbours no hatred for anypony and does not wish to bring about eternal night. She doesn’t even possess the same Cutie Mark.”

“How can you be so sure?” Luna asked.

“She is my daughter, in a sense. The other Twilight from her dimension/timeline/universe, whatever adopted her while she was a filly. I think I feel the same connection they do and it’s strange but at the same time, natural. I love her like my mother loves me.” Twilight responded.

“I hear your words and I know that my sister trusts your judgement. As a result, I shall as well.” Luna replied, her face cracking a smile. “I suggest leaving the report of your adventures in Fillydelphia until my sister arrives. Oh, and Nyx? Come here for a second, I have the most fantastic idea!”

Nyx was unsure but obeyed the request. As the Luna whispered into Nyx’s ear, she seemed distressed but then slowly nodded her agreement in whatever her request was. Nyx looked a little worried as she walked down the steps but gave Twilight a reassuring smile as she turned her body to mist and flew up into a dark corner on the ceiling.

“Princess, wha-?” Twilight asked as she turned her head to Princess Luna… only to see her give Twilight a wink before vanishing in a puff of smoke dark blue smoke.

Twilight remembered that wink but couldn’t place it, she knew Luna winked at her in the self same fashion but before she could place it, Celestia arrived. She looked around in an attempt to find her sister before turning to Twilight with a confused look on her face.

“Twilight have you seen my sister? I was told that she was waiting in here with all of you.” She said, utterly perplexed at her sister’s sudden disappearance. She gave a small sigh as she walked up to her throne.

“She just left Princess but she didn’t tell me where she was going.” Twilight told her mentor truthfully. She couldn’t lie to her mentor and besides, she didn’t know what Luna was planning with Nyx.

Celestia sighed. “I worry about her someti-.” Celestia was cut off as purple crystals encased her hooves and her horn, preventing her from casting any magic. As Twilight and the others ran up to Celestia’s aid, they got blown back by a strong gust of wind. As Twilight got up she found she was the only one in the throne room with Celestia as the large doors sealed themselves.

“Ah, my dear sweet sister.” A cold voice rang out from all directions. Twilight was trying to force the doors open but to no avail.

Everypony on the other side of the door was bashing on it with their respective weaponry but even that had no effect on the door, silently mocking their attempts to enter.

Meanwhile Twilight gave up and tried once more to get to her mentor to assist her. As she reached the steps, the voice rang out once more.

“Twilight Sparkle, you are proving to be quite the pest aren’t you?” A dark mist appeared from above them, solidifying to form Nightmare Moon in all her former glory, from the purple eye shadow she wore to the azure armour on her head, chest and hooves. “All that will end, now.”

The same purple crystal encased Twilight’s hooves and horn from out of nowhere, trapping her. She looked at Nightmare Moon and saw nothing in those turquoise eyes of hers, no pity, and no remorse.

“Why are you doing this?!” Twilight shouted with tears starting to fall from her eyes.

Nightmare chuckled. “Why revenge of course. Now my dear sister, where were we?” She said with an evil smirk as she walked up the stairs towards Celestia.

Celestia looked shocked and frightened as Nightmare licked her lips, baring a pair of fangs she was never known for having. She walked up to Celestia as she tried to break the crystal with brute force, her head next to Celestia’s as she whispered slowly with a devilish grin.

“Gotcha.” Celestia turned to Nightmare in utter shock as she just winked, her body glowing white as she shrank in size. As the light faded, Luna stood in her place, still smiling with a grin.

“Sister, w-what, w-why?” Celestia asked, stammering as she tried to process what had just occurred. Luna just blew a piece of her mane out of her view as she gazed at her sister.

“Come on Tia, it’s not like you don’t pull pranks on me every once in a while. I still owed you for that day when I was bathing.” Luna said, teasingly sticking out her tongue at Celestia. “It’s alright now Nyx, you can stop now.”

The purple crystals encasing the two mares turned to mist as it began to converge next to Twilight, solidifying and eventually becoming Nyx once more. She was not wearing her glasses and so Celestia saw her eyes.

“Sorry Princess, Luna really wanted to trick you and begged me to help her.” Nyx said sheepishly. “Sorry Twilight, I just really want to get the Princesses to like me and I thought that helping Luna with her prank would get her to like me.”

Luna wrapped her hooves around Nyx’s neck with a giant grin. “It’s more than fine with me, did you see Celestia’s face?! She looked absolutely terrified! Oh, we should lower that barrier.”

In an instant the doors burst open with massive force, blowing the doors off their hinges as they rocketed across the room before shattering into splinters. The group were shocked at the fact that nothing went wrong as Luna explained the details of what just occurred. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow, Gilda and Joystick laughed after they learned it was a simple revenge prank.

“Why are you laughing?!” Twilight scolded before clasping her hooves over her mouth. “No offence Princess but that was a little out of line, even for you.”

“I must agree, that was rather stressful for me, I felt like it was that day again. I doubted I could go another thousand years alone.” Celestia said with a saddening expression on her face.

The awkward silence that fell upon the occupants of the room was broken as Joystick spoke up.

“Well, you know what they say? When life gives you lemons, don’t make lemonade! Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! ‘I don’t want your damn lemons! What the hell are these?!’ Demand to see life’s manager! Make life rue the day it thought it could give Colt Johnson lemons! Do you know who I am?! I’m the stallion who’s gonna burn your house down… with the lemons! I’m gonna get my engineers to invent a combustible lemon that burns your house down!” He shouted with an angry look on his face.

“What has that got to do with this?” Twilight asked. 

Joystick chuckled. “Nothing, I thought I should say something to break this tension. What do you think?”

“That was funny!” Pinkie laughed, soon Rainbow let out a laugh and pretty soon everypony shared a good few giggles at Joystick’s comment.

“I'm sorry Luna. I guess I should have seen you taking your revenge sometime.” Celestia said to her sister with a smirk as she lovingly nuzzled Luna’s neck. “Please just don’t do something that drastic next time?”

“Of course.” Luna responded as she placed her hoof around Celestia’s neck. “Now then, Twilight would you mind informing us of what happened during your mission at Fillydelphia?”

“Of course but everypony else has their own side to tell as we separated as we entered the city.” Twilight responded as everypony sat together, regaling their various tales of the battles they fought, the demons they battled. 

They spoke of Cerberus, Phantom, the ritual that brought Nyx into this world and the DATs that everypony had unlocked so far as well as the requirements that the others had. Only two had yet to release their DAT: Nyx and Rainbow. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor spoke of the tortures they faced at the Changelings. Nyx was upset over her aunt and uncle’s fortunes as Celestia and Luna informed them of the Crystal Empire’s fall.

The first thing they were worried about was the safety of their citizens. Celestia hung her head as she spoke of the reports. There were only 243 citizens still alive… from a population of 3412. Cadance wept as the gravity of the news hit her. It hadn’t been long since the Crystal Empire had returned from its banishment.

The atmosphere was dark and unsettling as Twilight tried to turn the subject’s focus by addressing Broken Skies. “What will you do now?”

Broken Skies had kept relatively quiet as along the trip, only offering short sentences like Big Mac since he really didn’t have much to talk about.

“Well, I believe we will help out, isn't that right?” He responded, addressing the other Elites who nodded in response. “We need to find out what happened to the main Changeling army that came from the Crystal Empire. Those demons came from that direction which means that the Crystal Empire is under attack from these demons.”

“Well, we’ll need to come up with a game plan.” Bloodwing’s voice came from behind. “Hello niece.”

“Sup Uncle Bloodwing!” Gilda replied with a grin as the two shook claws. “How are you, you filthy pile of bat droppings?”

“Getting shot at almost everyday of my life. How is everything with you, my pathetic niece who causes me to rinse my eyes after seeing?”

“Nearly getting torn apart by monsters from another world and getting tossed around like a ragdoll. Other than that, I’m awesome.” Gilda said with pride.

“So nothing’s changed? Well, as I was saying: we need a plan as we get to the Empire. The airships can handle transportation easily and give long range fire support. Now anyone know about these demons?” Bloodwing inquired. “Gilda, be a dear and get me a map of Equestria please?”

“Why don’t we just carry on this conversation in the War Room?” Gilda suggested, feeling the I.Q. of her uncle dropping with each passing moment.

“Ah yes, lets. Which way is it?” He asked, looking down the hallway.

One winding trip through the castle and one very colourful one sided shouting match from Bloodwing to a maid who was unfortunate enough to bump into him later, they were in the War Room. The War Room was roomy enough for every combatant to fit in comfortably as Celestia got out the maps of the Crystal Empire that were supplied to Canterlot when it returned as well as several other maps that shoed the pathway to the Empire.

“According to these maps, the trip itself will be a few days despite travelling by airship, then there is the possibility of being ambushed by the Are’ Dagger on the way if Gustav made repairs.” Bloodwing said with acid in his voice.

“Still chasing that waste of feathers?” Gilda commented with her arms crossed.

“His fleet, the 67th ambushed us and took out a good number of griffons in the process. You could say I have a number of bones to pick with him.” Bloodwing said, his voice still seething from barely contained anger.

“Right, now let’s look at this map shall we?” Bloodwing said, motioning everypony to listen in, his rage seemed to just vanish as professionalism took over. “There are two towns and a city that separate Canterlot here.” Bloodwing pointed to Canterlot on the map then to a town called Hoofington, then to another called Detrot City then finally to Stalliongrad. “These are most likely either under Changeling control or are under attack from demons. If they attack us, we fight back.”

“The trip itself should be five days. We leave at first light two days from now since the repairs to the fleet will only be finished then. For now, attend to your family or loved ones. That is all.” Bloodwing concluded.

“You are all welcome to stay at the castle until the airships are ready to depart if you would like.” Celestia offered the group.

“Sure, it is beginning to get late.” Twilight accepted as she noticed the fading daylight from one of the windows. “I will head into Ponyville tomorrow to check up on Spike before coming back.”

Celestia nodded as the others accepted the invitation to stay at the castle. Joystick turned to Luna and gestured his desire to speak privately.

“Yes Joystick, what is the matter?” Luna asked as the two walked out of the War Room.

“I need to ask you: are you a gamer? I've seen a particular gamer with the handle LunarPrincess54 but as far as I've seen, nopony uses ‘Princess’ in their handle names.” Joystick said. 

Behind them the others were walking to the dining hall to chat and await their evening meals that would be prepared by the best chefs Equestria has to offer.

“I don’t know what I am going to do with her.” Celestia spoke up, scarring Luna and Joystick. “Sorry, I did not mean to startle you. Luna has what she calls ‘game days’ were she stays up all day and plays until she needs to raise the moon in the evening. I know our need to sleep is not as strong as the average pony but after a week, Luna could barely stand.”

Luna blushed as Celestia just exposed her biggest habit. “At least I don’t eat my weight in cloud cake, sister.” This time it was Celestia’s turn to blush.

“Mares, who can understand them?” Joystick muttered to himself as the two Princesses giggled at each other’s comments.

“Sorry Joystick. To answer your question: yes I do partake in electronic entertainment programs.”

“Cool, how about we do a game-a-thon tomorrow or sometime? I need a good wingpony to go player trolling with me.” Joystick replied with a malicious grin.

“Deal.” Luna replied, giving her own malicious grin as she hoofbumped Joystick.

“What evil force has just been unleashed on my subjects?” Celestia groaned as the two laughed.

The dinner service was uneventful to say the least. Nyx had something different to eat since it wasn’t Twilight who was going to make celery soup. Gilda and Bloodwing were flinging insults at each other like bitter enemies, laughing every once in a while as one of them said a particularly colourful one. Fluttershy was eating next to Vergil; Rarity and Trixie were still apologising to each other as they ate. 

Luna and Celestia sat at the head of the table as they ate their meals: Luna had Moon Pie while Celestia had a salad despite secretly grabbing a bite of Cloudsdale Cloud Cake which was placed under the table, in front of her seat. Celestia panicked as Luna moved the cake slightly to the left as Celestia levitated a second fork to grab a bite. Luna gave her sister an innocent smile once she found the cake again. The Changelings refused to eat since they actually couldn’t but the chefs and staff that walked past had some of their emotions fed upon by the group. They were reassured that the effects of having their emotions drained would fade in time.

Afterwards the group walked their full stomachs to their chambers, the Mane 6 had their old rooms from when they came to Canterlot either on personal business or when the Princesses summon them. The others were given rooms nearby while the Changelings and Clunker had guards outside their doors. Applejack had Clunker sleep in her room since he seemed to look up to her with the loyalty of a dog. The griffons’ rooms had tougher bedding so they wouldn’t rip the beds apart.

Joystick found his quarters were renovated with the latest form of flat-screen TV  and the latest Haystation 5. Vergil’s room sported a bed large enough for him to sleep on comfortably. The bed was actually a spare for the Princesses since Vergil did stand taller than them. Nyx was sharing Twilight’s room, they placed a second bed, large enough for Nyx to sleep on, next to  Twilight’s own bed.

With the night in full swing in Canterlot below the castle, Celestia went to sleep so she would be well rested for the next day. Twilight and Nyx fell asleep quickly. Pinkie was singing ‘Smile’ in her sleep. Rarity was dreaming of her next fashion line, basing it off Lucifer when she activates her DAT. Trixie was worried about Thunderlane and the others, so she tossed and turned in her bed for a short while. Joystick was playing against Luna (each were in their respective rooms) in Colt of Duty: Modern Warmare 3. Needless to say, they were neck and neck for points until Luna caught a break which secured her lead.

The next few days were going to be interesting for Ponyville when the group arrive to check up on their loved ones.

> War of the Worlds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
War of the Worlds
Author: Draconis187

The next morning, as Celestia begrudgingly got herself up to raise the sun, she noticed the moon was a little late as it hastily went down in the horizon. Even though half asleep, she knew that this was the result of whenever Luna plays games all night instead of tending to night court and attending to her other duties. She sighed with a smile on her face, the benefits of having a little sister.

Everypony got up and out of their respective rooms after tending to their various hygiene requirements. The bathrooms were larger than the one in Fluttershy’s cottage since they were designed with an Alicorn’s height in mind. He was disgusted with himself with how long he hadn’t bathed in any form for ages but the warm shower soon dispelled those thoughts.

After everypony washed up they went to the hall they had dinner in the previous night and sat down for breakfast. Joystick was visibly tired beyond all hope of salvation as he dragged his hooves on the floor as he walked. Luna on the other hoof, was prancing around happily and teasing Joystick that it was ‘only the entire night’. Gilda and Bloodwing entered the room shouting and cursing as if they were the bitterest of enemies. Twilight and Nyx were happily whistling a tune while Dash was talking to Fluttershy.

“Sorry, but if that’s what Nevan said, then that’s the only way you will unlock her full capabilities. It’s impossible to force it, just give it time and it will come to you.” Fluttershy said as Dash seemed to get visibly frustrated by her friend’s response.

Dash’s foul mood persisted throughout the entire breakfast service. Everypony just left her to her own devices as she sulked as they had a variety of meals, from cereals to more fattening foods like flapjacks. As the group boarded the train to go to Ponyville, a number of them had decided to remain behind. 

The Elites knew that their presence would not be welcome in the small town and remained behind inside the castle where the guards would watch over them. Trixie needed to find and meet up with Thunderlane as well as the rest of her ‘artillery squad’. Clunker was a demon and was best not let loose around a small town that had never seen demons before. Joystick was attending the launch of the Haystation 5, only to brag that he played on it before it actually got released as well as gloat that when he did, he was playing with Princess Luna… after he had a quick power nap. Gilda flew off with Bloodwing and her retinue to the airship’s temporary airfield to assist with repairs.

Everypony went their separate ways once they reached the normally empty platform at Ponyville Station. There was an enormous crowd – the whole of Ponyville actually – that came to greet them. Vinyl and Octavia combined their musical tastes for the returning ponies, creating an upbeat and calming atmosphere as the group got off the train. The sight seemed to depress Pinkie as her mane deflated like a balloon letting out all of its air, never a good sign.

“What’s wrong Pinkie?” Twilight asked, concerned for her friend.

“Now I have two parties to prepare. A ‘thank-you-for-greeting-us-at-the-station-after-we-went-to-battle-with-things-from-another-world’ party as well as a ‘we-defeated-monsters-from-another-world-with-really-fancy-weapons’ party.” In an instant the thought of what she had just said hit the mare, causing her face to brighten to inconceivable levels as her mane re-inflated. “I get to do two parties!!”

At that she bolted towards Sugarcube Corner to plan the parties, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake while Twilight and the others just giggled. Rarity walked up next to Twilight.

“I have to go and try to catch up on my orders before we head out again darling. See you soon!” The fashionista said as she cantered off to the Carousel Boutique with her younger sister Sweetie Belle.

Fluttershy and Vergil went off to her cottage so she could check up on her animals. Twilight went off with Nyx and Spike to the library. Applejack went off to Sweet Apple Acres with her family to check up on the farm. Dash flew off to check up on Cloud Chaser and Flitter who took over for Dash so she could go and save Equestria, not like anypony asked them if they wanted to help in the first place.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Inside the Devil May Cry, Dante had just finished eating a pizza while Discord was sleeping in a cloud hammock he conjured up and placed in a corner high in the air.

“It’s been forever since anything interesting happened.” Dante complained as he laid back in his chair.

“Well I could always go and cause some chaos if you are that bored.” Discord offered.

“No thanks, I don’t want to be fighting some custard monster like last time, I’ll pass.” Dante responded, shooting a look back at the God of Chaos.

Discord chuckled as the doors to the shop opened up with a creak, indicating their lack of use or the fact that Dante never oiled the hinges. Lady, wearing reflective sunglasses, a long sleeved white shirt and ridiculously short shorts came into the shop. She carried all of her weapons just in case she came across any demons. In the few years after the events in the Temen-ni-gru, she replaced Kalina Ann with a near replica of the launcher with some subtle differences.

For one the secondary mini missile battery was missing and it didn’t have ‘Kalina Ann’ etched into the side. The launcher was coloured red with a thin white strip running along the horizontal axis. It also sported a long barrel on the side like a rifle whose trigger was next to the main trigger. She had the same expression of indifference on her face that she has usually worn over the past few years.

“Dante, I think I know just what can cure your boredom.” The female demon hunter quipped as a smirk appeared on her face. “There have been reports of the appearance of some strange obsidian obelisk in Fortuna, similar to the True Hell Gate you destroyed. There are also reports that demon numbers have substantially increased during this time. Nero’s on his way there as well, says you should hurry your old ass up.”

“His hot head has always gotten him into trouble. We might as well go and bail him out, don’t want his girlfriend to kill us because of his recklessness.” Dante mumbled as he swung his legs around and onto the ground with a thud. 

“Doesn’t he remind you of someone Dante?” Discord teased as he raised and lowered his eyebrows at a rapid pace.

“Shut up.” Dante quipped as he grabbed his coat and his weapons while Discord snapped his fingers, conjuring up his purple bladed scythe, laughing maniacally.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Hi Angel, I’m home!” Fluttershy called out as she and Vergil arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage.

The multitude of animals greeted her happily, glad that their caretaker had arrived safely despite she would have to be leaving again after the next day. Despite this, Fluttershy was planning on making the most of her time home. Angel came hopping to greet her but stopped once he saw Vergil was still with her. He tugged on her coat as she tried to hug him and pointed to Vergil while making some rather rude gestures.

“It seems your rat still doesn’t like me. The feeling’s mutual.” Vergil snidely commented as he went into Fluttershy’s cottage. “I’ll start some tea.”

“I’m coming now! Now Angel, listen to me: Vergil is a really nice guy if you give him a chance, so will you? Please?” The yellow Pegasus asked to Angel who vehemently shook his head in disagreement. “How about I make you your favourite salad with the cherry on top?”

Angel continued to shake his head as Fluttershy futilely continued to try to bribe the white rabbit. Fluttershy was forced to use her trump card: a Chocolate Fudge Sundae Supreme from Sugarcube Corner and made by Pinkie Pie. Angel still refused, shaking his head vehemently, she gave a huge sigh and turned around and went into her cottage without another word. Angel had his back to Fluttershy the entire time and as she left, a single tear fell down Angel’s face while Fluttershy complimented Vergil’s camomile tea.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Baral had just left Windhelm after completing a task for Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. Ever since the civil war between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks ended by uniting them against Alduin, the World Eater, Skyrim had almost fallen into a state of peace.

Almost being the relative term. The Aldmeri Dominion didn’t take too kindly to the fact that the stationed Imperials refused to betray the Stormcloaks a second time since the first time caused the war in the first place. The Dominion then prepared an invasion of Skyrim to teach them a lesson and crush the Stormcloaks once and for all, only to be stopped by the combined forces of the Imperials, Stormcloaks, even some bandits who enjoyed the prospect of being able to kill some stuck-up elves, Baral and a few dragons that had been taught to curb their desire to rule over the ‘lesser species’ living in Tamriel by Paarthurnax.

The battle was very one-sided as Calcelmo, Markarth’s resident scholar on Dwemer artefacts and machinery made a massive breakthrough in crossbow and Dwemer technology. Some Dwemer crossbows were outfitted with special drums that acted as the crossbow bolts’ quiver. It also had a mechanism that pulled the string back for the next bolt, allowing firing speeds beyond that of a conventional bow used by a professional archer.

He also managed to figure out how to control the various guardians of the Dwemer tombs, using them as support for front line soldiers and causing major confusion and chaos. The Aldmeri Dominion planed on closing the Nchuand-Zel tomb, destroying Calcelmo’s hopes of uncovering the rest of the Dwemers’ secrets and that was reason enough for him to lend his assistance.

The dragons trained by Paarthurnax assaulted the invading forces’ back and middle attack lines, spewing fire, ice or lightning from great heights, out of reach from their rangers and spellcasters. In the end, the Aldmeri Dominion gave up on Skyrim but vowed revenge on the entire Empire… until Elisif the Fair of Solitude and Ulfric threatened the Dominion with a war they would end up losing should they try.

Three months after those events, Ulfric and Elisif made proper peace between their sides and broke up some of their duties as they listened to one another’s propositions. The Grey Quarter in Windhelm was no longer associated with being only for the ‘non-Nords’ as Ulfric saw the errors of his prejudices as the other inhabitants of Skyrim helped defend Skyrim with the fealty that rivalled any Nord. Free worship of Talos was returned to Skyrim, as a thank you and gesture of goodwill from the Empire in Cyrodiil. 

As Baral continued his journey as Whiterun came into view, somewhat shining like a divine beacon in Skyrim’s bright sun, he looked back at his adventure with a smile. From the start with him killing his father and being on the run to getting captured by the Empire as he fled into Skyrim, meeting Fluttershy…

“That pony, I wonder if she made it home alright?” Baral muttered as he approached the large double doors that lead into Whiterun. The guard on duty turned to Baral and bowed low, showing his respect.

“Hail Dragonborn, Farengar is waiting for you in your private residence. He has a matter of great importance to discuss with you.” He said in the same serious tone all guards are trained to use.

“Thank you.” Baral said as the doors opened. “Isn't it always?” He muttered under his breath.

Life in Whiterun was always slow but with the cessation of the civil war and the reports that dragon attacks on caravans have decreased saw a huge boon in trade going through the trading hub of Skyrim. Warmaiden’s was still in business and was seeing even more business as some caravans still desired protection from giants and the like. Baral chuckled slightly as the owner, a Nord woman named Adrianne Avenicci hammered away. Ulfberth War-Bear was left with handling the rowdy customers with their demands for their armour and swords.

As Baral opened the door to Breezehome with a creak, Farengar was sat by the table, watching the door. On top of the table was a map of Skyrim, with a few markings on it. As Baral walked around the firepit and towards the table, Farengar smiled weekly.

“Greetings Dragonborn. I suppose you are wondering why I am here and not in the Dragonsreach?” He wheezed as Baral sat opposite him.

“I am somewhat. This must be very important so let’s skip the pleasantries.” The Redguard said as he placed his short sword on the table and removed his Ebony helmet. 

Its blade was the length of one’s forearm while the hilt of the blade contained a bright, white star in its centre. The sword, Dawnbreaker was gifted to Baral by Meridia after he purged some rather undesirable occupants of Kilkreath Temple for her.

“There have been reports of various forms of mutated Dremora and other bizarre creatures that are not in any book I’ve read appearing in the countryside.” Farengar explained, pointing to the marked points on the map to indicate where the various sightings were. “There is also a large black obelisk here.” He pointed to a point in The Pale, to the west of Lake Yorgrim. “I believe this edifice of darkness is what is sprouting these monsters.”

“So I’m going on a trip to Oblivion itself? My work is never done.” Baral muttered as he considered on how to get there. “Since these Dremora seem to be ground based, I’ll take to the skies.”

“Odahviing was still sleeping in the Dragonsreach when I left there an hour ago.” Farengar noted as the Dragonborn got up from the table after picking up his gear once more.

“Good, I hate waiting for his red hide to show up every time I call.” Baral stopped by the front door. “Make sure you lock when you go.”

Odahviing had already left Alduin’s service before his defeat in Sovngarde but had decided to use the trap where he had been caught as his personal home. He didn’t bother the guards and Whiterun could brag that it had a dragon to protect it rather than a prisoner. Although Odahviing said on multiple occasions that his loyalty was to the Dragonborn and the Dragonborn alone.

“Drem Yol Lok Dovahkiin.” The red dragon said as Baral entered ‘his chamber’. “You seem troubled.”

“We are going on another trip. This time it’s to the planes of Oblivion.” Baral sighed as he walked up to the balcony as Odahviing looked out into the horizon.

Odahviing said nothing but lowered his head and brought it closer for Baral to get on him. With one mighty flap of his wings, the pair were in the boundless skies, heading for the obelisk to Oblivion.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Pinkie, what are you doing?!” Mrs Cake shouted as the pink mare bounced around the kitchen, the ovens were at full blast as she went from mixing bowl to mixing bowl, adding ingredients and whisking as she went along in the mess of a kitchen.

“Baking!” Pinkie replied as another batch of cupcakes exited the oven, only to be replaced with a cake, yet to be baked. “I have two parties that I need to plan and only two days! I love a challenge!”

Mrs Cake just sighed, knowing full well that Pinkie couldn’t be stopped or reasoned with when in ‘full baking mode’. As she returned to the counter, Dash came around with a smile on her face.

“Sup Mrs Cake, is Pinks around?” The cyan mare asked as she looked at the various treats on display.

“I’m afraid she’s in one of her ‘baking moods’ right now.” She replied with a nervous chuckle.

“Ok, I’ll come back later but I’ll take a Rainbow Swirl cupcake before I go.” Rainbow replied, indicating to the multi-coloured treat.

Paying for the treat, Rainbow left Sugarcube Corner and weighed up her options. She could go to the library and see if there was a new Daring Do book but she remembered the series was on hiatus after Canterlot was attacked. So that was out, Fluttershy’s was also out of the question as Vergil hated to be disturbed when he was with Fluttershy. Rarity was going to be busy so that was another friend she couldn’t see and so that left Applejack. Hopefully she had advice for unlocking Nevan’s full abilities.

As she flew off into the blue sky, Pinkie shot out of Sugarcube Corner, trying to call her friend. Her high bouncing and screaming didn’t get any results so she ran back inside the bakery when the scent of something burning reached her nose.

Applejack was busy doing what she did best: applebucking. Big Mac’s hammer was still on her back as she reared up and bucked an apple tree with force. As the apples fell, she tried to remove her hooves from the tree but soon found out they were stuck. She used too much force and had impaled the tree with her hind hooves. At first she looked at her predicament with shock but that soon turned into a fit of giggles as she pulled herself forward in an attempt to separate herself from the piece of forestry.

“Hey-” The athletic Pegasus arrived at the scene to see Applejack struggling to remove her hind hooves. She fell to the ground, laughing her mane off.

“Har har, would ya mind helping out?” Applejack complained before giving a small smile.

“Sure thing, how did you manage this?” Dash giggled as she grabbed Applejack’s forehooves.

“Ah musta bucked too hard and now my hooves are in the tree.” She said as Dash flew backwards, trying to pull her out.

After a minute of pulling, AJ’s hind hooves were pulled free of their wooden prison but the momentum caused Applejack to land on top of Dash who had fallen on the ground. 

“So whatcha here fer?” Applejack asked as she got up and picked up her Stetson.

“I wondered how to get this DAT thing.” Dash said, pointing to the bat hairclip.

“Well, what did it tell ya?” Applejack asked, sitting on her haunches.

“That I need to show my feelings.” Dash muttered just loud enough for Applejack to hear. It was the orange mare’s turn to fall over laughing.

“Oh, now that’s rich! Ya’ll never get it, ah know ya too well to know that you’ll never show how ya feel.” Applejack laughed as she clutched at her sides, laughing hysterically.

“I guess you’re right but still. I don’t know what I’m going to do. It’s like the Wonderbolts problem back at the Gala, I’ve tried over and over to get their attention but all I got was a ruined night. I saved their flanks at that Best Young Fliers Competition for Celestia’s sake” Dash said, a small tear beginning to form in her eye as she threw her hooves into the air.

“There, there sugarcube. None of us had a good night that time, remember?” Applejack said, getting up and giving Dash a reassuring pat on her shoulder.

So you are finally letting others see how you truly feel. You are nearly there. A demonic voice of a woman rang through Rainbow’s mind.

“I know I try to seem all tough but during that entire fight alongside Gilda and you girls at Fillydelphia, I was scared the entire time. Scared I wouldn’t see another day, scared I wouldn’t fulfil my dream of joining the Wonderbolts and scared I would lose all of my friends. ” Rainbow whispered, the tear running down her face finally allowed gravity to take it to the ground with an inaudible plop.

My dear, take heart, for your emotions fuel your actions. They give you your strength: your pride is responsible for your conviction. Your fears give you your drive to fight harder. A pony with nothing to lose has no hope against one that has everything to lose. Nevan’s heavenly beautiful voice said as Dash realised what she was saying.

She got up and removed the hairclip, throwing it into the air as Nevan summoned itself into reality. As she caught it, its power began to surge to newer levels, the lightning arced from her and the guitar. The arcs hit the surrounding trees as swarms of bats began to appear, circling her before slowly closing the gap. Applejack stepped back in both fear and wonder as her friend mentally and physically grabbed hold of the energy as it wrapped around her before the bats dispersed in a flash of multiple lightning bolts.

Dash looked at her DAT from, her forehooves ended in hands with one inch long red nails at the end of her fingers. Her mane was so long it touched the floor while her tail was of the same length but the guitar itself was gone. Two of her upper teeth hung over her lip, sharp as razor blades. She was wearing a long black dress with purple pulsating lines running across her midsection and running down her sleeves. Her wings were that of a bat’s with the same lines of purple light running down the ‘fingers’ between the membrane while they were visibly larger than her feathered ones by a small degree. The whites of her eyes were replaced with red while her irises remained the same moderate cerise.

“How do ya feel sugarcube?” Applejack asked nervously looking at the fangs Dash now sported.

“Strange and yet… totally awesome!!” The combined voices of Dash and Nevan said as she gave a very unnerving smile. “Aw yeah!! See you around AJ, I want to try these babies out!” 

She spread her new wings and shot off upwards with speed, leaving a trail of lighting in her wake while a flock of bats followed behind her, trying to keep up with the speed she was going at. The air pressure around her began to get unstable as she began to reach the speed of sound. As her flight path brought her just outside Ponyville, the barrier shattered and Dash performed a more demonic version of her Sonic Rainboom. The visible spectrum of colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet shot outwards in a single ring. Accompanying the ring was the flock of bats she had with her, seemingly carrying the demonic, purple lightning as it permanently arced between them, following just behind it.

Dash stopped to look at her handiwork as her DAT ended, making her feel drained but she still managed to maintain her altitude. She saw the crowd of ponies looking up at the disturbance and its source. As she landed by Sugarcube Corner, now really tired from the exertion, Pinkie popped out with a smile and grabbed her by her tail. As Dash was about to protest to the offending act against her posterior, Pinkie shot back inside the building… with a shouting Dash in tow.

As Dash’s mind caught up with her body, the familiar sight of her friends greeted her. “Hey Dashie, that was so cool!” Pinkie bounced up and down as she spoke.

“I must admit that was the most interesting Sonic Rainboom I've seen you do.” Twilight giggled.

“So, you have your Trigger as well?” Fluttershy asked. Dash nodded in response. “I guess that just leaves Nyx then.”

Nyx looked at the group, slightly stunned and unsure as she remembered Alastor’s actions. “Am I going to turn into one of those demons?”

Vergil shook his head. “That is not how these DATs operate. The Devil Arm Trigger is merely the result of the weapons’ true power manifesting itself, this can only occur when the two of you reach ‘an understanding’. The forms themselves depend on the Devil Arm’s own form and power or powers. Alastor will tell you how to bring out his full power in time.”

Pinkie popped back from the kitchen, bouncing a cake on her mane. Nopony realised she had left. “Now it’s time to party for our victory at Fillydelphia and then it’s off to the Wub and Cello to give everypony a thank you party for the greeting they gave us!”

The group laughed as the party lasted until the sunset as Pinkie got out an even bigger cake for the second party. The Wub and Cello was packed with the whole of Ponyville as Vinyl played some dance music. Octavia had a pair of earmuffs on as she worked behind the bar section with Noteworthy while Neon Lights was backstage, attending to the lighting and equipment.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The demon hunting party consisting of Trish with the Sparda and Luce and Ombra, Lady with her multiple guns and rocket launcher, Dante with his pistols and Rebellion while Discord carried the scythe over his right shoulder as he floated around. In the distance the large obsidian obelisk towered over the original Hell Gate that Dante destroyed using Yamato.

Trish was a demon in human form. She had long blonde hair that reached her backside. Her eyes were light blue. She wore black leather attire that left part of her midsection as well as her shoulders and neck uncovered while she had long black pants and black shoes with a medium-sized heel on them.

“You’re late!” A voice called out, drawing the group’s attention.

The voice belonged to a young man with white hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a blue and red jacket with the visible marks of some stitching being removed from the shoulders. He also sported a red zip-up hoodie/vest underneath it, with a navy muscle shirt under that, and he was wearing a pair of dark blue pants. On his left ring finger was a silver ring with a rose insignia etched into it while he carried a red coloured blade in his left hand.

His right arm though was the most peculiar part of him, it was a reddish colour with lines off blue running over it, ending in a ‘claw’ with blue ‘fingers’. 

“Whatever kid, we’re here now.” Dante said, throwing his arms behind his head as he chuckled. “That it?” He pointed to the obelisk.

“Yeah, appeared a few days ago. As soon as it got that high, it began spewing demons in vast numbers. Kyrie is gladly nowhere near here since we left a day after you did.”

“Well, I guess it’s Showtime!” Dante said, pulling Ebony and Ivory as a few demons made their presence known. 
> Face to Face
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Face to Face
Author: Draconis187

The next day, The Wub and Cello was in a dire state from the previous night’s festivities. There were overturned tables, faint moans of bellyaches and even worse headaches as a light plum coloured Earth pony got to her hooves. Berry Punch just looked around herself as she hobbled out the door, avoiding the various prone forms of the ponies as if she were in a den of manticores.

“Lightweights.” She scoffed as she turned back to see Vinyl’s head on top of her turntables, looking directly at her. “One heck of a party Vinyl.” She said loud enough for the white unicorn to hear.

Vinyl managed a small wave and one of her big grins before collapsing behind her station as she was exhausted from hours of endless playing… the ten bottles of high grade whiskey that lay near her had nothing to do with it. The Mane 6 and Nyx were somewhere under the piles of sleeping ponies. Vergil on the other hoof was sat on the only chair that had not been thrown across the room… nopony was drunk enough to attempt that when Vergil was sat on it.

“Hey AJ, you dead?” Dash called out from under Carrot Top, Roseluck and Aloe.

“No, Ah’m not dead.” The farm pony replied as she got out from under Snowflake and Lotus.

“Ow, my head.” Twilight complained as she found her hooves. “What hit us?”

As Twilight observed the area, she saw a sight that made her gasp. In a heap were Legion, Rebel and Bon Bon… in their Changeling forms! Lyra got up and looked just as shocked as her.

“Help me get them home, please!” She mouthed from across the room, evidently panicking.

Twilight and some of the others that managed to crawl out from under the bodies and grabbed the snoozing Changelings. The run through the town was simple enough since the whole town was still inside the club. As they went through the town, they bumped – quite literally – into Berry Punch.

“What is that?” She said, groggily giggling as she ran her hooves over Bon Bon’s holes in her forehooves. “You know what? She kinda looks like Bon Bon.”

“Berry Punch, you're drunk. Go home.” Dash said as her head felt like she got bucked in the head by Big Mac. Berry Punch only continued her rather shaky walk back home… if she could remember where home was.

At Lyra’s home the group shut the door with a small and closed the blinds while some of the others went upstairs with the Changelings. Rebel and Legion were actually sleeping downstairs while they were staying with Bon Bon and Lyra. Lyra had the group slowly place Bon Bon in her room while Lyra had the other two Changelings use her room.

After navigating various books on human myths and anatomy, alongside some strange dolls that Lyra insisted were action figures, the group managed to place Rebel and Legion on opposite sides of the bed. Their snoring sounded like somepony was literally sawing logs with a rusty saw. In a way they looked rather peaceful… until Rebel passed gas. Lyra only laughed as the others scrambled for the ground floor.

“Lyra, how can you live with such a health hazard?” Twilight complained, covering her nose with her hooves. “I just considered using one of those magic blades to plug him up!”

Lyra only continued to giggle. “I lost my sense of smell years ago when I got ill as a filly. I couldn’t hear out of my left ear for a month before I got better but my nose never recovered. Every smell is dulled to a point where I can’t tell the difference between any of them.”

“Well, I'm sure Bon Bon is glad about that, that smell she had about her was positively repulsive.” Rarity complained.

“Why did their illusion fail?” Nyx asked, using a brush she found in Bon Bon’s room to fix her bedraggled mane.

“It takes constant concentration to keep up the illusion. Even while they sleep a part of their subconscious makes sure that the illusion is maintained.” Lyra explained, sat in that strange position she has she laid back on her navy blue couch. “We know very little about the Changelings’ physiology and biomechanics but I’m not the pony to go and find out. Maybe after I find a way to Earth.”

“Lyra, would you please not blabber on about those humans again?” Bon bon’s voice called out as she came down the steps The Changeling had turned back into her cream coloured counterpart as she shook her head at Lyra. She grabbed her head with her hoof as the illusion dissipated again. “Oh blast it!”

“Bon Bon, you should be sleeping. You know that alcohol does to you. The three of you would have caused quite the scandal if everypony else hadn’t passed out from the party before you did. And if anypony did see you, they would most likely brush it off thinking it was the alcohol causing it.” Lyra said, walking up to Bon Bon and helping her walk to the rest of the group as the Changeling leant against her.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Oh yeah!” The red leather coat wearing demon hunter, Dante shouted as he shot five Hell Prides from above as they tried to get away.

A part of the area was consumed in flames as Nero sliced at some Scarecrows with his Red Queen blade. Scarecrows were basically mismatched sacks that resembled humans in body structure, stitched together and filled with a number of demonic bugs that animated the limbs. Several of them had a long blade on either their one arm or one leg.

“That the best you got?!” Nero taunted the Scarecrows as he shot one with his double barrelled revolver: Blue Rose. “That’s one way to get yourself shot!”

“Focus on getting to the Hell Gate, Nero!” Trish shouted as she fired Luce and Ombra, pelting a Vanguard with so many bullets that they replaced most of its body structure.

“I heard you the first time!” Nero shouted back as he grabbed a Hell Sloth and threw it into the air with his Devil Bringer where Dante showered it with bullets until it collapsed into a dust pile as it hit the floor.

“Now this is fun!” Discord laughed as he turned the floor into hot pink coloured cotton candy, causing several of the Seven Hells and a couple of Vanguards to become stuck in it.

The cotton candy was so sticky that the Vanguards found it nigh impossible to teleport out. Discord gave a small chuckle as the demons struggled to escape. The demons flailed wildly, trying desperately to hit him with their weapons.

“Cotton candy isn't meant to be like glue! This makes no sense!” Nero shouted as a Hell Pride fell over and was essentially drowning in cotton candy.

“Sense?” Discord replied with a bewildered expression. “Where is the fun in making sense?” 

He then raised his scythe into the air and luminous orange clouds congregated around the area. Discord gave the demons a snide smirk as he snapped his fingers. The clouds then started to rain large globules of flaming yellow custard, each as large as Celestia herself. The globules either set the demons on fire or it shattered them from sheer force alone. As the rain continued, he made sure that the custard missed his allies. 

He sat on a chair, floating just above the floor and conjured up a spoon and bowl which caught a – still flaming – lump of custard. “Nothing better than custard flambé, wouldn’t you agree?” The others just ignored him as he ate the fiery dessert.

The black obelisk still towered over them, still an intimidating distance away from them. They still had to traverse through most of Fortuna’s still destroyed streets and over the ‘corpse’ of the False Saviour. This was a being of stone, powered by condensed demon souls and made to resemble Dante’s father, Sparda. A human tried to use it to destroy every demon in existence despite he became one himself in order to achieve his goal. Nero destroyed it using his Devil Bringer in a massive battle that resulted in Fortuna’s now desolate state.

“Oh, come on! Don’t you have something better to do? Like knitting?” Nero complained at a bunch of Scarecrows appeared to bar his way.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“There are a lot of these Dremora. Unlike anything I’ve seen before.” Baral noted as he used his Dwemer Repeating Crossbow of Paralyzing to take out some strange flying creatures that tried to bar Odahviing’s flight.

They were red in colour, had beak-like faces, bat-like wings and legless bodies. The other thing was the fact that their red colour came from the very blood they were comprised of.

“YOL TOOR SHUL!!” Odahviing Shouted, breathing a column of fire at the Blood-goyles. They seemed to ignore the fire and continued to attack.

“Odahviing, try another Shout!” Baral called out as he fired several Ebony bolts at the Blood-goyles, causing them to turn to stone and fall to the ground before shattering upon impact.

“FO KRAH DIIN!!” Odahviing Shouted, this time his column of ice froze the Blood-goyles into their statue forms, causing them to fall to their end.

“TIID KLO UL!!” Baral used Slow Time and pulled out a second Dwemer crossbow, firing on the large number of Blood-goyles around them as they flew towards the obelisk. “They don’t seem to like crossbow bolts and cold weather!” 

They didn’t seem to be making much headway as their numbers were replenishing as fast as they were being taken down. Baral was beyond angry at their attempts to stop the two of them and began to rant.

“I’ve killed the immortal World Eater in the land of the dead! I’ve ended a several year old civil war! I’ve stopped ancient evils from blocking the sun and shrouding the world in darkness! I’ve even stopped the very first Dragonborn! I refuse to let creatures that look like the back end of a Frost Troll stop me now!” Baral screamed at them. They weren’t really fazed with the Redguard’s accomplishments but their reaction only spurred him on. “For pony!”

“FO KRAH DIIN!!” Odahviing used another Frost Breath Shout, freezing more of the Blood-goyles as the two continued to fly towards the obelisk they were spawning from, killing them as they did so.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Sorry everypony.” Legion apologised he gave everypony a round of warm drinks to help deal with the hangovers. “None of us thought we would get that plastered.”

“He’s right, we would’ve caused quite the ruckus if somepony saw us.” Rebel agreed as he laid on one of Bon Bon’s couches with a cup of coffee in his magical grasp. “It might not taste like much but boy does it help a hangover.”

“There was one pony that saw us carrying you.” Twilight murmured. “Berry Punch.”

“Nopony listens to what she has to say.” Bon Bon giggled. “She’s drunk too often for anypony to take her seriously.”

“Well, everypony knows that.” Twilight commented. “She has so much alcohol in her system that I’m sure it must have replaced her blood by now.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if it were true.” Dash commented with a smile. “I've never once seen that mare sober. It’s probably a curse to her.”

“Well, that aside.” Twilight said, trying to change the subject. “Are you three ok now?”

“We’re fine Twilight.” Bon Bon replied as she and the other two Changelings assumed their pony forms. “Thanks for the help though, I know Lyra would’ve found a way to get us home unnoticed but thanks all the same.”

“You are most welcome.” Twilight said before taking another sip of her coffee.

The group left Lyra and Bon Bon’s house after finishing their drinks. The streets were filled with ponies experiencing varying cases of hangover and alcohol poisoning. Some crawled across the ground, trying to get somewhere to cure their hangovers. The group was at least cured of their hangovers and had nothing planned for the day since they were only going to be leaving the next day once the Griffons have repaired their airships.

“How about we do some training outside Fluttershy’s cottage?” Dash suggested. The group looked around and gave each other a nod.

“Well I would like to learn how to use these magic swords better.” Twilight remarked, creating two magenta coloured blades before making them shatter out of existence to emphasize her point.

“I think that would be alright.” Fluttershy commented as she looked at the group.

“Then it’s settled.” Twilight said with a grin. “Go get your weapons and meet up at Fluttershy’s cottage in one hour.”

After an hour the group had rejoined at the meadow Fluttershy used to train Pinkie and Dash when she gave them their weapons. Nyx looked nervous while Alastor was arcing with lightning, eager to begin. Rarity had just finishing curling her mane so it wouldn’t wind up in her eyes when she fought. Fluttershy had Beowulf ready while Applejack had her hammer over her shoulder. Dash had Nevan out and ready, her one hoof ready to pluck the lightning strings at a moment’s notice.

Twilight flexed her legs, her horn emitting a faint glow as she readied the sword spell. Vergil had his hand over Yamato’s handle, ready to begin. The air around them was deathly still as anticipation began to build among them. They each caught the eye of their chosen opponents: Nyx vs. Twilight; RD vs. AJ; Fluttershy vs. Vergil and Rarity vs. Pinkie Pie. They all nodded at each other and in an instant, the sparring match began.

Applejack’s hammer and Nevan’s scythe collided with each other before a small cloud of bats flew up and swarmed Applejack’s face, causing her to lessen her grip on her hammer. Rainbow Dash saw this opportunity and swung Nevan in an underhoof slice, knocking the hammer out of Applejack’s hooves. As Rainbow grimaced in her little achievement, Applejack backflipped and caught the hammer in her hind hooves before using her momentum to slam it into Rainbow’s side.

“I don’t want to do this Twilight, especially not against you.” Nyx said nervously as her ‘mother’ summoned eight magenta blades that began to circle around Twilight’s body.

“I know Nyx, that’s why I’m your sparring partner. We both want to learn something. You need to learn how to release Alastor while I want to see if I can use these blades defensively as well as offensively. Won’t it be fun?!” Twilight gleefully replied, barely able to contain her excitement before giving Nyx a more serious look.  “We’ll take it slowly, ok?”

“Ok… thanks.” Nyx hefted Alastor of her back with her magic and shakily placed it in front of her, ready albeit uncertain.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie weren’t moving as the battles around them raged. Pinkie was smiling enormously while Rarity gave one of her small smiles in response.

“Shall we dance Pinkie?” Rarity asked as she pulled out a rose from Lucifer.

“Dance? I thought we were meant to be fighting? Oh oh! Let’s do the Pony Pokey!” Pinkie cried out, barely containing her excitement.

“Pinkie, please be serious darling.” Rarity interrupted, causing the pink mare to slowly lose her smile and pull Kalina Ann out from her mane.

“Ok, I’ll be serious. Just this once.” She replied as her smile degenerated into a small frown. “I’m sorry.”

Rarity got down and placed one of her forehooves near one of Lucifer’s blades. “No need to apologise Pinkie dear. You are just trying to have fun. Now let’s crack on, shall we?”

Pinkie’s smile came back faintly as she hefted the rocket launcher and pointed it at the white unicorn. “Oki Doki Loki!”

Yamato sliced through the point where Fluttershy had just been standing not a second ago. As Vergil wheeled around, he used Trick Up to teleport upwards and avoid Fluttershy’s hoof that was aiming for his chest. She collided with the ground and rolled sideways to dodge Vergil’s Judgement Cut counterattack. As she got back up, Agni and Rudra were firmly grasped in her hooves. The pommels gave a slight grin to their mistress as they erupted in fire and wind, ready to trade blows with the Dark Angel.

Rarity jumped and countered Pinkie’s mini-missiles with several blades, continuing the stalemate they were having. As Pinkie pulled Kalina’s bayonet out of the ground, Rarity saw her chance and threw several blades out and made them encircle Pinkie’s body. As they stopped circling, they struck at Pinkie’s body… but Pinkie fired Kalina at the ground, creating a giant shower of confetti. As the coloured paper settled, Pinkie was completely fine. In fact she was smiling insanely at Rarity who smiled back. 

Agni collided with the Yamato, sparks and the odd shot of flame blasting as his brother Rudra collided with the Yamato’s scabbard. Despite being made of lacquered wood, it was tough enough for the demon blade to call home and therefore tough enough to handle Rudra. Fluttershy’s movements were strengthened by the ferocity of Agni’s flames while Rudra helped her moves become as fast a hurricane.

Twilight fired off a few magenta blades at Nyx, who shattered them with quick slicing attacks from Alastor. They were the least serious of the fighters, each not wanting to go all out for fear of hurting each other. Some of the others stole glances at how easy they were being on one another. Dash decided to have a few words after Twilight shattered the blades that she had around Nyx.

“Hey! What the hay are you doing?” She said as she rolled to dodge Applejack’s overhead attack.

“We don’t want to cause injury to each other.” Twilight explained as she made another eight magenta blades appear out of thin air.

The blades formed a ring in front of Twilight to defend herself from Alastor. The hilts were facing outwards as the tips just overlapped each other, forming an iris shield. Alastor shot at the shield but bounced off it. Before Nyx could defend herself against Dash’s accusations, Alastor decided he had enough.

Listen to me pony! Alastor’s voice boomed in her head, making it feel like the Ponyville Express just rammed into her. You are going to be fighting beings that won’t take it easy on either of you!

“Nyx?! Are you ok?!” Twilight asked, her blades shattering as her concentration dissipated.

“She’s fine Twi. Ah reckon that Alastor feller is talking to her.” Applejack commented.

You have such raw untapped power and yet you refuse to use it! Alastor shouted, his voice reverberating in her head. Until you learn to use everything you have, I will be better off as a toothpick!

“But I can’t hurt Twilight or anypony!” Nyx shouted back. The others had stopped their fights as they saw the conflicted Alicorn battle with the Devil Arm.

Empires rise and fall. The ones we care about get hurt despite our best efforts. We strive to protect our loved ones but only when we are prepared to lay everything on the wire, are we able to do something about it. Alastor said, no longer shouting in Nyx’s head but it still pounded from his voice.

“I think I understand. I just want to protect them, to protect my mother, my friends.” Nyx cried, a small tear forming in her eye.

Don’t cry! Take me up in your hooves and show me how far you are prepared to go to defend the ones you care for so deeply! Alastor shouted.

“Hey Nyx! Try going against me.” Dash said as she stood ready to fight, holding Nevan in its scythe mode. She grinned at Nyx as she tried to hold Alastor in her left hoof. “Don’t you dare hold back against me!”

Nyx gulped and took a deep breath as Alastor arced with anticipation for the coming battle with another Devil Arm. Was she prepared to give it her all in a simple training exercise? If she wasn’t, would Twilight be disappointed in her? Alastor would be, that was certain but he was just a weapon with an attitude. She faced Dash with an outlook filled with uncertainty but that began to fade as she lunged for the guitar carrying weather pony.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Thanks for the help Thunderlane.” Trixie said as she just finished checking a few crates of fireworks that her group salvaged from Las Pegasus before they evacuated. She had her performer’s hat and cape on as she felt she needed to wear them, even if for old time’s sake. “Stock count is a pain.”

Celestia had given a section of the gardens to Trixie’s group so they could train with the firework launchers. There were a few types: one consisted of a single tube, the length of which was as long as a train carriage. This was designed for extremely long range attacks and would work perfectly on the Griffons’ airships. The firework they used to fire was the length of two Earth Ponies. 

Another one was identical to Trixie’s, designed as a form of crowd control weapon. It incorporated the perfect blend of speed and firepower thanks to Trixie’s impact fuses. The third type consisted of several small barrels arranged in a circle. The fireworks they used were quite thin and short, about the length of a Unicorn’s horn. These were belt-fed into a special compartment that housed the flame to launch them.

“Ok everypony!” Trixie shouted, getting the various ponies’ attention. “We have one day to get you able to use these things properly! Make it count!”

The mares and stallions saluted Trixie as she turned around and left the area. Around the corner she spotted Joystick about to enter a section of the garden that housed the labyrinth. Trixie followed him and saw him enter the green maze. She took her hat and cape off, placing it on a nearby statue. Under her cape was Cerberus, chilling the air with every ‘breath’ it took. With the Devil Arm at the ready, she chased Joystick’s hoofprints through the labyrinth.

The sky was still a very clear blue as Trixie slowly looked around the corners of the hedges that formed the labyrinth’s walls. Luckily Celestia went with a mediocre temperature for the day since the guards were scheduled to train throughout the course of the day and she knew that they could get heatstroke if she made it too hot. Trixie’s ears were on a swivel, turning and trying to hear every possible sound. Cerberus decided to help her out a bit.

Use us. One of the voices said as Trixie almost suffered cardiac arrest.

“Why?” Trixie whispered as she calmed down.

Our senses could aid you in your search. Another voice replied. To Trixie, it made sense that Cerberus could heighten her senses since it did the same for her physical abilities.

Trixie took a deep breath and Devil Triggered. Her every step left behind a small patch of ice as she continued to stalk Joystick through the labyrinth. She stayed on all fours, her ears able to pick up a butterfly’s wing beats from a great distance away and she could even smell the flowers on the outside of the labyrinth. As she continued to search the near endless maze of hedges, a gunshot ran out. Trixie’s heart pounded as she broke into an icy sprint, turning the nearby hedges to ice as she charged through the maze, the odd gunshot ran out before increasing tempo and then slowing down again.

She could hear his pistol on the other side of one of the hedgerows and leaped over it to land on the other side. To her shock, Joystick had his pistol in his magical grip. In front of him was Broken Skies with a variety of clay plates. A short distance away, within the opening of the labyrinth were shards of broken pottery. She had frozen a section of the labyrinth just to find out Broken Skies was helping Joystick train.

“C-c-c-combo breaker!” Joystick shouted as he fired on another clay plate, shattering it into fragments before turning his attention to Trixie. “Problem?”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Come on Nyx! Hit harder!” Dash taunted as she easily blocked Nyx’s strike with Nevan. “I'm going to fall asleep here, hurry up and actually do something!”

“Oh, I can’t watch!” Twilight cried out to anypony who would listen as the sounds of Alastor and Nevan colliding made her ears flatten against her head.

“Oh, how about I give you a play by play then?” Pinkie Pie cried out happily, bouncing up and down.

“No thank you Pinkie.” Twilight responded as she covered her eyes with her hooves.

“Aw, but I make such a good commentator!” Pinkie complained as she joined the others. “And Nyxie strikes at Dash with an underhoof slice. But Dashie blocks it and counters with the scythe in a sideways slice of lightning and battyness!” Somehow Pinkie found a megaphone and decided to give a running commentary anyway.

You seem to have forgotten what I just told you. Alastor complained.

“I didn’t forget, but I can’t hurt my friends just to train.” Nyx replied as she rolled out of the path of Dash’s Distortion attack as a cloud of bats and a flash of lightning flew past her.

Without willing to sacrifice, you will never be able to unleash our combined potential. Alastor said with a deep sigh. 

Nyx could feel his disappointment in her. She realised that he allowed her to use him as he saw something in her that she refused to see. She knew the last time she went all out nearly killed her. If she did something like that again, she might never get the chance to go home and be with her Twilight ever again. 

The pain Nyx knew her Twilight must be in with her being away from her real home began to crack her subconscious as she became conflicted. Would she let go and give Dash everything she had? Or would she simply give up and try to go home? No, Twilight raised her better than this. She raised Nyx to do her best in everything she did. She refused to let her down.

Yes! That’s it, keep going! Steel your resolve and find strength in it! Show the world why you choose to fight and defend those who care for you with every fibre in your being! Alastor spurred Nyx on, his blade arcing more ferociously with each passing second.

Nyx’s mane began to take on a more ethereal aspect as she looked back at the battle against the creatures that attacked Ponyville while she was Nightmare Moon. She wanted to help them no matter what… and she was prepared to die if it ensured their safety. Alastor fell out of Nyx’s grip but flew back into it, as if to reassure her. The weather began to turn terrible as dark thunderclouds congregated over the group.

“Come on Nyx!” Dash shouted, looking as the arcs of lightning from Alastor got stronger and more frequent.

A single lightning bolt shot down at Nyx’s body from above with enough force to leave a small crater. Nyx though, was unharmed. She looked around her as the group’s jaws dropped, shell-shocked at her new appearance.

Her mane resembled Luna’s in shape and nature but it maintained its original purple colour. Lightning arced through it, sometimes making random pictures out of the stars in her mane. She had a chestpiece that had a small dragon’s head in its centre. The chestpiece covered part of her forehooves, her shoulders and part of her neck in plates of individual pieces of metal interlinking with each other. The armour was steel grey in colour while a thin sheet of metal covered her head. It covered her upper jaw and was open around her eyes, allowing her to see without issue. The pauldrons on her shoulders were in the shape of her Cutie Mark and had the same colours. Alastor itself didn’t change much in form except its blade was placed by a single bolt of lightning, jolting slightly in excitement.

“Is Nyx still ok?” Twilight asked as she only felt the ground shake from the lightning bolt due to her hooves still covering her eyes.

“Nyx looks rather dashing don’t you think?” Twilight heard Rarity’s voice had a hint of awe in it and she opened her eyes, only for her jaw to crash to the floor.

“Thi- Is- Is that my voice?” Nyx seemed rather shocked at her transformation as she noticed her wings took on a more draconic aspect while each third upper tooth became sharp and triangular in shape as they hung over her bottom lip.

“Come on! Don’t get distracted now! It’s just getting good!” Dash shouted, standing in her Devil Triggered state. She used one of her fingers to give the age old ‘bring it on’ sign. Nyx hesitated for a second before she gave a toothy grin, showing her bottom row of teeth suffered the same fate as her upper teeth except the pattern was reversed.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Sir, the 23rd and 98th Fleets are reporting full functionality to all ships!” Bloodwing’s helmsgriffon said, saluting the Admiral and handing him a report.

“Very good. Gilda, get in here you pathetic wretch of a niece!” Bloodwing screeched. 

“I’m coming you old slob! Keep your feathers on before you go bald again!” Gilda shouted back as she reached The Arbiter’s bridge. “What’s up?”

“We’re ready, go get your friends.” Bloodwing said as he handed Gilda the report the helmsgriffon just given him. 

She skimmed over it and smirked. “Right then you lame git, I’ll be back now.” As she walked out The Arbiter’s cargo hold, she sighed before lifting off. “War. War never changes.”
> Discord's Guide to Partycrashing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Discord’s Guide to Partycrashing
Author: Draconis187

Gilda flew over Ponyville as the sun began to set in the horizon. She scanned the area in search of the Devil Arm carrying ponies and the half demon. As she landed at Sugarcube Corner, the memories of the last time she entered the bakery echoed in her head. Worst day ever. She found the gang having a variety of milkshakes: Pinkie Pie had a shake that was as big as Gilda herself and probably thicker than the white, buff Pegasus that lived nearby and yet the pink menace was drinking it as if it was water.

“Hey G,” Rainbow called, giving her friend a wave as Gilda sat next to her.

“Sup,” She replied as she ordered a plain vanilla shake. “You're buying.”

“Oki Doki Loki!” Pinkie said between huge sips, making her cheeks bulge out like a chipmunk. “What brings you back?”

“You know what.” Gilda said as Carrot Cake brought her shake. She took a sip, savouring the last good drink she’ll have for a while. “We’re set for the Crystal Empire.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Oh, come on! These things just don’t want to give up!” Nero complained as the group of fighters ran over the fallen body of the False Savior.

“Quit your complaining and shoot!” Trish shouted as she blasted a Hell Vanguard with lightning bolts before she opened a barrage of bullets from her pistols Luce and Ombra.

“Yeah, yeah.” Nero replied, taking out Blue Rose and blasting the head of a Scarecrow (leg) with a single, double-barreled shot. The small demonic beetles that were residing inside it poured out as the demon could no longer retain its form, collapsing on the ground.

Discord threw his scythe at a Vanguard, wrapping it around him as if it were a wet noodle. The blade impaled itself in the Vanguard’s chest to ensure it held onto the demon properly. As the Vanguard contemplated how to get out, he found himself at the end of a bowling alley with Discord at the end. He was wearing a white and light blue pinstriped shirt and he was holding a large red, green and brown bowling ball in his right paw.

The embodiment of Chaos threw the ball along the bowling alley with a grunt. As it neared the helpless Vanguard, the ball shot up off the ground and collided with its head. The vanguard’s head landed several feet away from the group as Discord searched for another helpless target.

He raised his scythe into the air and the this time giant balls of ice came flying down, obliterating and crushing several demons as the balls of ice shattered on impact. Although, there was something rather… off about what was in the ice balls.

“Discord… were those meatballs?” Dante asked as one of the shards flew past his face, impaling a Hell Wrath and causing it to detonate.

“Maybe.” Discord answered with a smile. “U mad?”

“I’ll eventually learn to stop asking you questions. One of these days.” Dante said, defeated.

“That day may never come, you never learn,” Trish said with a smirk as she used a bolt of lightning to kill a few demons. 

“What can I say? I’m stuck in old ways.” Dante shrugged as Rebellion tore through a Pride’s chest with ease.

The group tore through the demons left, right and centre in their bid to get to the Hellgate. But the more they killed, the more that came to replace them. This didn’t deter the group, in actuality it spurred them to fight even harder. The sounds of crying demons echoed through the streets, coupled with gunshots, swiping sounds of swords, the odd insult and a fire breathing chicken burning the demons with green and pink polka-dotted flames. How it was possible, only Discord could answer but it no longer mattered, their target was within reach.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“More behind us Dovahkiin!” Odahviing shouted as more Blood-goyles tried to force the duo to land into the sea of demons below. Sadly their tenacity was met by crossbow bolts and high volume Shouting.

“They are troublesome to say the least!” Baral shouted as the hail of bolts stopped. “Damn. TIID KLO UL!!”

Time slowed down as Baral ejected the bolt drums and clipped in fresh, full ones. As time resumed he looked to the black obelisk in the short distance ahead.

“Not much farther, just hold on a bit more!” The Redguard shouted as he resumed his long ranged attacks.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The sun had begun to set as the group arrived at the location of the Griffon’s makeshift airfield. Twilight and Nyx were in awe at the large metal behemoths. Most technology in Equestria regarding flight was limited to Zeppelins and normal hot air balloons. The Pegasus pulled chariots didn’t qualify. These were entirely made of steel, with large propellers jutting out from the sides. There were at least four large ones to provide lift while there were several smaller ones to provide horizontal movement.

Most of them were rather streamlined in terms of overall looks while the ones carrying supplies were bulkier in order to fulfil their role. The fronts were rather pointed like the Griffon’s beaks, while some of the ‘wings’ extended forward, past the bridge and - in some cases - the propellers were actually embedded within the wing’s superstructure to save space. 

But what made Twilight and Nyx have an intellectual spasm was The Arbiter. It looked as if it lived on a diet consisting of smaller airships and Ursa Majors. It didn’t just loom over the group, it eclipsed them. The thing was the ultimate pinnacle of Griffon engineering before some smart bird figured out how to safely use jet propulsion but there was nothing in the air that was more imposing than Bloodwing’s flagship. It looked like it was designed from a filly’s worse nightmare.

The bridge section resembled a Griffon’s beak like most of the others but this had serrated, jagged teeth just under the upper beak and was located in the in the middle of the ship instead of the top. This was due to the Revengeance Cannon that was stored above. There were six gigantic propellers built into six independent wings that looked as if they all interlocked with each other to provide lift. The steel that made up the ship was incredibly dark grey with tan lines running long its length and the ship’s personal emblem on the side.

The emblem was a pale blue circle with a gold and red coloured Griffon breathing fire down on a group of indiscernible enemies, incinerating them while holding a large greatsword in its claws. The words ‘Offense is the only defence’ were written in blood red letters in a gold banner under the scene in the emblem.

“Yo Unc!” Gilda shouted. “Get out here you useless rat bag!”

It didn’t take long for the fuming Admiral to come down the ramp and return Gilda’s insult. “What did you call me you pathetic wretch?!”

“I didn’t realise you were going deaf as well as blind!” Gilda retorted, her face contorted with rage. “I brought the group from Ponyville but the others are in Canterlot. Did you send anyone there?”

Bloodwing crossed his arms and spat back with righteous fury. “I sent one of my subordinates to go fetch them over an hour ago. I swear they are more useless than you.”

“Oh shut up you waste of air! We had best find him and drag his feathered behind back here.” Gilda said.

“I doubt there will be any need for that.” Celestia’s voice called out as she and Luna approached with the rest of the group in tow. They could only see Broken Skies as the only Changeling in the group.

“Broken, where are the rest of the Changelings?” Twilight asked the Elite.

Luna stepped forward. “I believe I can answer that. They have gone to Hoofington, Detrot City and Stalliongrad, the towns and city that lies along our route to the Crystal Empire. If the Changelings are still in control, they will join the rest of us in the assault to liberate the Crystal Empire in order to apologise for their mistakes. If the demons have already taken over, then we eliminate them.”

“’We’?” Twilight replied.

“But of course. My sister and I are joining in on this venture. We will not sit idly by and watch Equestria burn.” Luna said, her eyes saying that she was not going to take ‘no’ as an appropriate answer.

“Wait for us!” The group turned around to see Rebel and Legion in full gear, running up to them.

“What about the guards?” Twilight asked as the Changelings caught up, ignoring them for now.

“Shining Armor and Cadance are looking after affairs in Canterlot and we are leaving the guards here as well.” Celestia responded. “They protested, saying they wanted to help their Empire and I sympathise but they have not recovered.”

“Your Majesty!” A voice called out, they all turned again to see Spitfire and what remained of the Wonderbolts: Wave Chill, Fleetfoot, High Winds, Lightning Streak and Rapidfire. “We’re coming too!”

“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow squealed as she saw her heroesin full gear as well.

“Are you sure, Spitfire?” Celestia asked. “You suffered quite a number of injuries.”

“I’ll be fine Princess, I just had to come and keep an eye on these ponies.” The Captain said, pointing to the rest of the Wonderbolts. “Lightning Streak is after revenge for his brother, Fire Streak. I can’t fail these ponies like the ones I failed to protect on the train.”

“You did what you could. Without you, we might not have known about the Crystal Empire at all. You are a hero no matter what you may think.” Celestia said, comforting the mare.

“Right, now that we are all present and accounted for can we get going?” Bloodwing complained as he groaned at the scene in front of him.

“These sappy moments making you feel something for once?” Gilda teased.

The old Griffon didn’t respond as he walked back into his flagship. The group walked into the ship in an orderly fashion, leaving Trixie, Thunderlane, some Griffons and some other ponies outside for a few moments amongst some crates and other equipment.

“Listen everypony!” Trixie called out, looking at her group from Las Pegasus. “Get all our gear loaded into the airships! The Griffons will show you which ships are being outfitted with which fireworks. Now go.”

The ponies saluted her and carried off the boxes of fireworks and their launchers. If Trixie could compliment the Griffons, it would be their teamwork that she admired the most. They worked in unison, in perfect harmony with one another like a well oiled machine.

Trixie eventually joined the others on the bridge as Bloodwing was screeching orders at the top of his lungs, much to everypony’s discomfort. In minutes, the engines roared to life and the fleets took off for the Crystal Empire.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Baral and Odahviing finally reached the obelisk that had been spouting demons in waves. Many began to avoid them as the duo Shouted and fired their way through the demons. The only problem that faced them was: how do you destroy it?

“They didn’t seem to like ice, so one Frost Breath Shout… together.” Baral said as Odahviing hovered in the air.

“FO FRAH DIIN!!” They Shouted, creating a blast of ice that encased the obelisk, stopping it from bringing more demons into Skyrim.

“Well, that was rather anticlimactic.” Baral stated before the ice shattered and a shadowy claw burst out from the obelisk and pulled them into it.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“I thought we would never get here.” Nero complained as the five of them reached the base of the Hell Gate.

“Quit complaining kid.” Dante retorted as he lent against the Gate.

“Well, let’s take it out.” Trish said, pointing her guns at it.

“I’d wait if I were you.” Discord said as he ran his lion’s paw on the side of the Gate. “There is something about this thing that seems familiar.”

“From when you were corrupted?” Dante offered.

“Possible but even more important, it feels related to what sent me here in the first place. But if it’s connected to Equestria, that means Fluttershy and the others are in worse trouble than even I could have predicted.” He snapped his fingers, causing the Gate to open up a reveal a dark passageway through it. “It seems that this thing responds to me in the same way that the object that brought me here did.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nero said, folding his arms.

“It means that I can twist whatever energy is keeping me here and go home.” Discord said, a small tear falling down his face. “I… I can go home.”

“Well, I’m coming with. If this thing is connected to your world as well then that could mean that you will need all the help you can get.” Dante pointed out.

“But what about your own world? It’s not very well equipped to deal with this thing while we’re gone.” Discord asked, turning to the Devil Hunter.

“I’ll stay and keep them busy.” Nero responded.

“Me too.” Lady said.

“Don’t have too much fun without us Dante.” Trish said with a smirk.

“Hey you never know, Discord is a magnet for my kind of fun.” Dante said as he and Discord walked through the portal.

The gateway was similar to the one Discord used to get Fluttershy and Vergil to Equestria except this gateway’s floor was a sea of blood that were able to walk on the surface of. The colours that swirled around them were a mixture of black and various shades of red. The sides were lined with corpses and body parts that still seemed somewhat alive as Dante had to swipe at an arm that reached out to grab him.

“Kind of dreary.” Dante noted as they continued to walk through.

“Red and black were so last millennium.” Discord agreed as he floated next to Dante.

“WULD NAH KEST!!” A voice shouted as the duo came across the sounds of battle.

“Sounds like fresh meat.” Dante commented before stopping. “That can shout…”

“… like Fluttershy.” Discord finished as they hurried to find the scene of the battle.

Baral and Odahviing were surrounded by demons of varying sizes. Vanguards, Prides, Kyklops amongst several more. Odahviing froze a Vanguard and proceeded to smash it with his tail before using said appendage to sweep several other demons away to get some distance between them and him.

Baral had Dawnbreaker out as well as a dragonplate shield which he used to block a Sloth’s strike. Dante and Discord were impressed with the fact that the two in front of them could hold their own so well. Dante watched as Dawnbreaker’s ability kicked in, creating a massive explosion of divine fire that burned the demons, causing them to flee. 

“That’s rather interesting.” Discord noted as he sat in a recliner with a box filled with popcorn in his claw. “Want some? It’s just got butter on.”

“I’m good.” Dante replied.

“Suit yourself.” Discord shrugged as he continued to dig into the white, buttery snack.

“FO KRAH DIIN!!” Odahviing unleashed another torrent of ice from his maw, freezing the demons solid as Dawnbreaker shattered them.

Dante decided he had seen enough and pulled out his guns. Discord sighed as his popcorn and recliner vanished into thin air. “Time to work I guess.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Hey G.” Dash said after the fleet was airborne.

“Yeah Dash?” Gilda responded as the two of them walked down one of the hallways, towards the top deck.

“Why are you and your uncle at each others throats all the time?” Dash asked.

“It’s customary among families. The more insulting you are, the more you seem to respect them. But the concept isn’t the same with ponies so we don’t exercise it with them.” Gilda explained. “After my folks died, he took me in. Sure he was hardly around due to being an Admiral and all but he made it a mission in itself to be there for me when I needed him.”

“I’m sorry G.” Dash said as she noticed the sparkle of forming tears in her friend’s eyes.

“Don’t sweat it. I’m tougher than you give me credit for.” Gilda said with a smile. “So why are you going to the deck?”

“I just feel like letting loose a little.” Dash responded, patting Nevan’s inert, hairclip form on her head. “I’m going to hook up Nevan to the ship’s speakers from the outside and play. After all, what’s an epic journey without accompanying music?”

“I guess. Why not? I’m going to the bridge so I can see my uncle’s expression.”

Gilda turned around and bolted for the bridge as Dash opened the hatch to the deck, on the outside of the ship. The Arbiter wasn’t moving too fast that Dash would lose her grip but the wind still howled fiercely as she closed the hatch. She Devil Triggered and found one of the wires that ran through the ship. Sadly, the Griffons saw it fit to label every cable clearly and Dash quickly found the wires to hack into the speakers.

With her target found, she went out of her Devil Trigger state and readied Nevan for play. She used the scythe to cut the cable and attach it to the Devil Arm. With everything in place she placed her hoof by the strings and began playing.

The effects were instantaneous, Rainbow’s voice was unable to be transported through the cable but the sounds of her guitar playing were. Many Griffons just looked around in shock for a few seconds but just calmed down, it was better than the type of so-called ‘inspirational’ music that Bloodwing liked to listen to.

“What by the Fires of Tartarus is this noise?!” Bloodwing shouted. Gilda could hardly maintain her poker face since she was too used to wearing her heart on her sleeve. “Gilda, What have you done to my ship?!”

“Nothing I swear but you have got to admit: it was hilarious to see your face!” She said, caving in and laughing uproariously.

Bloodwing chuckled as he helped his niece back up. “So what really happened you hopeless pile of filth?”

“Dash just jacked the speaker system you old fossil.” Gilda replied, calming down and wiping a tear of happiness from her beak. “It feels good to laugh again.”

“Been eight years coming you void of life.” Bloodwing responded. “Now, go and get your friend to stop. I need the radio back up, just in case Gustav ambushes us again.”

“I’m going, you back end of a forest troll.” Gilda said as she left the bridge.

Bloodwing sighed slightly as she was no longer in the bridge. “I love you too.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Who are you?” Baral asked as he and Dante squared off, both pointing their respective ranged weapons at each other.

The moment the demons were driven away by Dante’s gunfire, Baral took out his repeating crossbows and aimed them at both Discord and Dante.

“Oh, please.” Discord muttered as he snapped his fingers, causing the crossbows to bend like wet noodles. “There is no need to act so barbaric.”

“What?” Baral was shocked as he just witnessed the God of Chaos’ capabilities first hand. “Who are you?”

“I am Discord, God of Chaos and Disharmony!” Discord replied, striking a pose as several explosions of fireworks appeared behind him. “I can bend all of reality to my whims, my name strikes fear into the hearts of the weak- oh and this is Dante.”

“Very funny.” Dante remarked, holstering his pistols since Baral’s crossbows were no longer a threat. “I take it you’re not from around here?

“You must be a genius.” Baral replied sarcastically. “One minute Odahviing and I are trying to destroy a black pillar in Skyrim and the next, here we are. Fighting more of Dagon’s monstrosities.”

“Skyrim?” Discord said, stroking his goatee. It was a long shot but worth it. “You wouldn’t happen to know a particular yellow horse with pink hair, would you?”

“You mean Fluttershy? Yes but can we get back to the fact that you made my weapons go limp!” Baral shouted.

“Sheesh, don’t get your hair in a knot!” Discord replied, snapping his fingers and returning Baral’s crossbows to their original state.

“Discord, we had better find out where this gateway ends.” Dante said as he walked past the unusually quiet dragon.

“That pathway has already been trekked.” Odahviing stated, causing the Devil Hunter to turn around.

“Then we go this way!” Discord replied, pointing down another passageway whilst wearing a pith helmet and a khaki jacket with four pockets in the front. “Come along!”

“Is he always like this?” Baral asked as he and Odahviing followed behind Dante.

“This is him being serious.” Dante deadpanned. “Discord, wait!”

He appeared next to Dante in a flash of light. “Hm?”

“Can’t you use your magic to get us out and into Equestria?” Dante inquired, causing the God of Chaos to scratch his chin.

“Should be able to now that I have negated the effects of whatever kept me out of Equestria. I’ll give it a shot.” He said, clapping his hands together and snapping his fingers.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Dash had her fun and was relaxing next to Applejack who had found the sauna inside the ship. How or why there was a sauna, let alone a fully functioning spa inside a warship was beyond them but by Rarity’s expression, nopony cared.

Nyx and Twilight were in the main engine room. They found out that the main propellers that were responsible for the ship’s vertical movement were independent, closed systems unless maintenance was required. The two bookworms were pleased as punch to say the least as they were finding out more and more about the unknown ship.

By the time they found out about the Revengeance Cannon, Twilight swooned. The main barrel only stuck a few meters out of the ship when the blast doors protecting it were closed but to be in the room the cannon called home was yet another marvel. 

The cannon itself dwarfed them in size, even Nyx who was bigger than Twilight. It sat on rails that allowed its forward movement. Near the base of the cannon, Twilight could see the cannon had limited independent movement. The space behind it seemed to be accommodation for a firing crew until Nyx pointed out the machinery that lead to the lower deck. The machinery was similar to a conveyor belt, feeding the massive gun its ammunition from a store under it.

“Having fun?” The two mares jumped and saw the face of Celestia. She gave a chuckle as she saw their shocked looks. “Don’t worry, Bloodwing doesn’t mind. In fact he loves this gun. I heard he campaigned to have it installed for years.”

“Two years, four months, six days and five hundred feathers lost in the struggle. Not all of them were my own.” The Admiral said as he looked at his pride and joy. “Now get out, this is not a place for civilians and I don’t care how many times you saved your country. As long as you are in my ship, you will obey my rules as if I am your precious Celestia and Luna wrapped in one.”

“Ugh, lighten up, they are just cur-” Celestia said but she got cut off as the ship rocked violently.

Bloodwing ran up to one of the small telephonic devices that were scattered across the ship. “What by Gryphus himself was that?!”

“Sir! Something just landed on the deck outside!” The helmsgriffon replied, his voice shaking. “It hasn’t appeared to have caused any damage and we are still on course.”

“Keep going, I’m checking this myself! If we are one degree off course, I will personally shove your claw up your rear end!” Bloodwing shouted as he hung up the line. E shook his head and muttered to himself. “Now what?”

“We are coming too.” Celestia said firmly.

“I was going to order you to come along but I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Bloodwing commented as the four of them made their way outside the ship.

A mass of tangled bodies was there to greet them as they opened up the hatch. Celestia’s eyes widened as she saw the red tail with a white tuft at the tip.

“By my name.” She whispered as the God of Chaos appeared in front of them, wearing a blue shirt with a tan floral pattern on it while holding an opened coconut with a bending straw sticking out of it.

“Hiya Celly! Didja miss me?” Discord said, throwing his arms wide open with a big grin slapped across his face.
> Bringing Down the House
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Bringing Down the House
Author: Draconis187

Celestia’s face had the word ‘shock’ written all over it as the God of Chaos stood in front of her. “Discord?!”

“That’s me Celly! Come give Dissy a hug.” He said as he teleported to her and gave her a hug with a genuine smile on his face. “Oh and these are the friends I’ve made during my involuntary vacation. The oversized handbag and his owner, I just met a few minutes ago.”

Dante and Baral managed to get off Odahviing and looked at the growing group of onlookers as everypony began to climb up on the deck. Fluttershy’s eyes bulged as she flew up to Baral, hugging the Redguard tightly in her hooves.

“It’s so good to see you!” She said with joy. “How did you get to Equestria?”

“It had something to do a Hellgate being connected to all of our worlds, Fluttershy.” Dante said with a smirk. “No hug for me?”

Before Fluttershy could answer, a pair of pink hooves grabbed Dante in a huge hug from behind him. He turned around to find Pinkie’s blue eyes mere inches from his own.

“I’ll hug you!” She said gleefully. “I love giving hugs… and parties! Lots and lots of parties! I know, I’ll do a ‘Fluttershy reunited with old friends party’ and then we’ll do a ‘Discord has returned party’ oh, oh and, and then-”

Discord snapped his fingers and Pinkie’s lips zipped shut. “Pinkie, I only just got back and these three need a chance to adjust to the change in scenery.” Pinkie looked rather down as he teleported to her. “But I’ll take you up on your party for me though.”

Pinkie just beamed as she rocketed into the airship to prepare. Odahviing just looked on at the scene unfolding in front of him as Dante and Vergil began to talk about their experiences since they parted, Discord and Celestia went over how he vanished and returned. Lastly Baral was talking to Fluttershy while the others just looked on.

“I see you kept the Amulet of Talos I gave you. I am glad you managed to return to your friends.” He said with a grin.

Fluttershy smiled at him. “Thanks, it comes in handy. Who is that behind you?” She asked, pointed to the dragon.

“Drem Yol Lok Shy of Flutters. I am Odahviing.” The red dragon said.

“Shy of Flutters? Oh, nonono my name is Fluttershy Mister Odahviing.” She said as his greeting was rather lost on her.

“Drem Yol Lok is a greeting in Dragon, Fluttershy.” Baral explained as the Dragon nodded his head.

“Why is he with you? What happened with Alduin? Aren’t the dragons terrorizing Skyrim?” Fluttershy asked, worried that his absence would be detrimental to Skyrim’s safety.

“Fear not Fluttershy. The World Eater is no more thanks to the Dovahkiin.” Odahviing stated as he looked out into the distance.

“Really? That’s great to hear. I knew you could do it.” Fluttershy smiled as everypony was beginning to go back into the Arbiter. “Uh, Bloodwing?”

The old Griffon turned around as he neared the entrance. “Yeah, pony?”

“Do you have somewhere for Odahviing to sleep?” She asked as she realised the dragon is too big to go down the hatch.

Bloodwing scratched his chin for a second as he thought before cracking a grin. “Revengeance. Just wait a few minutes and you’ll see what I mean.”

He went down into the ship and for a few seconds it was quiet, relatively since the wind was howling past them as the fleets still flew towards the Crystal Empire. The ‘silence’ was broken as Bloodwing’s shouting echoed from the open hatch. The deck they stood on rocked a bit as the blast doors shielding the Revengeance Cannon opened up. Odahviing didn’t need an engraved invitation as he entered the cannon’s home. It was luckily large enough to safely hold him.

“We had best join the others.” Baral said as the blast doors closed and sealed the dragon inside.

The two of them entered the ship which impressed the Redguard who only had Dwemer ruins as a small reference point to the scenery around him. The ship had an almost cosy feeling to it despite the age old paranoia that a Dwemer Spider or something was ready to jump him from around the corner. As he and Fluttershy joined the rest on the bridge, he was further impressed. Not by the technology around him but the level of dedication the Griffons gave off from their posts as they handed reports and muttered a few orders.

“Well, it looks like you lovebirds finally decided to join us.” Bloodwing mused as he turned to address the duo.

“Wha? No, I’m afraid you have the incorrect perception of me.” Baral said while Fluttershy just blushed. “I’m merely a friend of hers.”

“She told us of your adventures together, Mister Baral.” Twilight said with a smile but she got a confused look from Nyx. “I’ll tell you what she told us. We better head off somewhere quiet though, it is quite a long story.”

“Use room 213 on Deck 4. I went and assigned several rooms there to your group before we took off so we know where to find you. Can’t have you wandering willy-nilly, you understand.” Bloodwing said. “Gilda! Make yourself useful for once in your life and show them their quarters!”

Gilda scoffed. “Fine then you retarded excuse for a Griffon! Follow me.”

Bloodwing quickly realised something and turned back to the leaving group. “Oh, Miss Applejack one small thing: Clunker is already in your quarters and by what my men are saying, he’s getting antsy.” 

“Mighty kind of ya. Ah’ll get the tyke ta settle don’t ya worry bout a thing.” She replied with a smile.

Dante just looked confused. “Clunker? Who is that?”

Twilight turned to Dante. “He’s a demon that Applejack owns.”

Dante just chuckled. “A pony owning a demon, now I’ve heard everything. What kind of demon is he?”

“A large spider whose body is composed primarily of rock would be the most accurate description. He can spit rocks at his targets as well.” Twilight replied.

“Kyklops. They are a pain to fight when in numbers.” Dante said with a sigh as he recalled the events of Mallet Island. “Congrats on taming him I guess but I don’t trust demons.”

“I thought you were a demon, both you and Vergil.” Twilight responded.

“True but my pain in the backside brother and I are only half demons.” Dante replied with a smirk.

The group walked mainly in silence as they waked down the steps towards Deck 4. Discord was moaning about Celestia making him walk instead of teleporting them all there, something about him not knowing where Deck 4 is and he might end up teleporting them into the engine room by mistake.

Gilda just ignored them as they descended into an argument revolving around Celestia being the only one who still doesn’t trust him. “Rebel, Legion this is your room.”

The two Changelings looked at each other with big grins on their faces. “Score!”

Gilda just shook her head as she continued. “Right next room… Luna and Celestia. It’s the largest of the bunch so it should fit the both of you comfortably.”

Luna nodded but rolled her eyes once she saw her sister was too deep in an argument to hear the Griffon. “Thank you Miss Gilda, I’m sure the accommodations are perfect.”

Luna pulled Celestia in by her tail, earning a squeal and a glare as they went inside. Gilda rolled her eyes. “Twilight, Nyx. Here is yours, there are a few books about Griffon technology that had been declassified last year. It should give you eggheads something to do over the next few days.”

Gilda stopped by another room and smirked at Dash. “This room is mine and Dash’s.”

Rainbow returned the smirk in earnest. “Planning on catching up properly?”

“My uncle’s idea really. I’ll meet you back in there once I’m done.” She replied as the cyan mare entered the room.

“See ya G. Awesome, you have drums!” The sound of drums being enthusiastically used echoed through the hallway as the diminishing group carried on.

“Next is Applejack’s room.” Gilda said as the sound of something breaking exited the room.

“Sounds like he’s mighty upset.” Applejack smirked as she entered. “Hiya Clunker, AJ’s home.”

The sound of a mare getting hoofball tackled rang through the hallway as the others couldn’t suppress a smirk. Gilda stopped again by another room. “Baral, this is your room. There is a line that can reach the Revengeance Cannon if you want to talk to your dragon friend. Why there is a direct line to the cannon here is beyond me but it was my uncle who designed the thing.”

Baral bowed slightly. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t get so formal with me punk.” She smirked as she neared the next room. “Dante, Vergil. I don’t want any complaints.”

“If you insist.” Vergil replied callously as Dante just smirked at him. “We better get there as soon as possible.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Now, Pinkie Pie and Discord, this is your room. Try not to do anything that will, I don’t know… tear the ship apart, cause a rupture in space and time. We all know how you operate.”

A halo appeared above Discord’s head as he looked hurt by Gilda’s accusation. “Who, me? I would never do such a thing. Not with Celestia being in such a bad mood anyways.”

“Whatever Discord, I’m watching you.” Gilda said as Pinkie bounced into the room with glee. “Now we just have Trixie, Thunderlane, Fluttershy, Joystick, Rarity, the Wonderbolts and Broken Skies. Broken Skies, you can take this room.”

The Changeling just nodded his head and entered. “Right, Trixie and Thunderlane in this room. Joystick, you have this one. Fluttershy, you and Rarity have the one next to it while the Wonderbolts can work out who gets the rest. I’ve had enough walking around you.”

The group entered their rooms without much word between each other. Except for the Wonderbolts, Spitfire took over and paired each other up. Nyx and Twilight were fascinated by the volume of books that loomed over them but Nyx looked down and sighed deeply.

“Something wrong?” Twilight asked.

“These will not last five days.” She said, turning her frown into a smile as Twilight giggled.

Fluttershy looked at the room she was sharing with the fashionista and laid down on one of the beds. The room was shaped like a rectangle with a door to the restroom to her right, in a corner. The room was decorated with stuffed heads of creatures native to the Griffon Empire. A particular trophy had four spikes as long as her legs protruding forwards while its face was triangular in design. Despite knowing a large variety of creatures from all over the world, this one she regretfully admitted, she did not know. Rarity complained that it all looked rather dreary.

Time passed as Pinkie threw – at points literally – ideas for a celebration party once all this was done. Even Discord didn’t know where the party mare got five rolls of streamers, enough confetti to plaster their room and a rubber chicken. Nyx and Twilight had read through a quarter of the books that were given to them and the three stacks were Celestia’s height. Odahviing was actually settling rather well according to Baral while Clunker calmed down.

Rebel and Legion found a pack of playing cards and decided to play Changeling Poker. The rules were like regular Poker except the loser had to assume whatever form the other could come up with. It made for a very awkward moment when they left as Legion looked like a pink Celestia in a lime green tutu and covered in magenta spots while Rebel looked like a female Iron Will with a pink beard that trailed on the floor and his (her?) coat was purple with orange spots. Discord and Pinkie laughed their heads off (Discord took the saying literal as it rolled along the floor).

The next day was just as boring as the group couldn’t do much and when they asked to be allowed to train, Bloodwing declined. His argument was that they could tear the ship apart without meaning to and the group knew he was more or less correct with those not used to their DAT states. Fluttershy took an interest in Baral’s weapons as he sat against Odahviing’s side as the red dragon slept.

“I hope I'm not interrupting.” Fluttershy said with a smile as she entered the room.

“He’s actually a heavy sleeper. Nothing short of getting attacked will wake him up.” Baral chuckled. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, I wanted to know a bit more about the weapons you had. They are quite different than what you had when I left, especially those crossbows.” She said.

“Well, the crossbows were made by an elf if you can believe it. He uncovered how to create repeating crossbows from the Dwemer ruins in Markarth. I have a book he made about them and the other things he found in the ruins… after I removed the pests from there anyway.” Baral said as he searched his clothing for a leather bound tome. 

After handing her the book, he got up and searched the bags that his dragon companion came with. “Odahviing and I made sure we made preparations for entering Oblivion so we packed food, spare weapons and armour as well as my books I got on forging. I also picked up this hammer during my travels. It’s yours if you want it.”

He pulled out a huge hammer from the bag. The head had several spikes on the sides and it was surrounded by a green aura. The centre of the sides of the weapon was a small red dot that pulsed menacingly. The dot had a stripe of red that went along the horizontal section of the hammer, pulsing in time with the dot.

“I got it as a gift from someone. It’s called Volendrung. It’s said this thing was instrumental in the founding of Hammerfell.” Baral said with pride.

“Not for me thanks, I have enough weapons as it is but I think Applejack might li-” She began to say but the airship rocked violently. The two looked at each other with wide eyes as the dragon stirred.

“It wasn’t me I swear!” Discord shouted at Celestia as the group made for the bridge.

“I know that Discord, I'm not blaming you!” She seethed back. “Bloodwing, what was that?!”

“Gustav has shown himself again.” The Admiral said with a small grin. “He really wants me dead… I'm flattered.”

In the distance, across the few clouds that separated them apart was the Ares’ Dagger and the rest of the 67th Fleet. The ships had been repaired and now Gustav was after blood. As much as it was impossible, the two Griffons’ gazes looked right into one another’s eyes with hate beyond measure.

“We need to keep going, the first city is not too far now.” Bloodwing said, not averting his gaze. “We also can’t use too much of our ordinance against them since we’ll need it. We’ll keep to countermeasures.”

“Then we go and stop him ourselves.” Twilight said, drawing the attention of everypony. “What? It’s the only plan we have right now. Discord can teleport us there in groups and we can take down the ships simultaneously. We take out the bridge’s controls and we’ll win.”

Celestia nodded and looked at the embodiment of Chaos. “Think you can handle it?”

Discord laughed. “Of course. You may be a problem if you have still been on that cake binge while I’ve been gone though.” Celestia just scowled at him as he continued to laugh. “That look is priceless!”

Joystick grabbed everypony’s attention as he began to speak in a slightly deeper voice. “Time to kick flank and chew bubblegum… and I’m all outta gum.”

“Uh, where did you get those glasses?” Twilight asked as she looked at him. The glasses were similar to the pair that Rainbow Dash likes to wear except there was small, gold lettering on the top. It said: ‘20% cooler than you’ll ever be.’

He smiled and turned his head to a certain pink mare who was sniggering. “Take a guess.”

Discord clapped his hands together and looked at everypony. “Ready everypony?”

“Just a sec mister Discord.” Baral said as he walked up to Applejack with the Daedric Warhammer. “Fluttershy said you might like this.”

“Well, that’s mighty kind of ya. Thanks.” She said, taking the hammer from Baral and placing it on her back, next to her brother’s.

“Now are you ready?” Discord asked. Everypony looked at each other as they nodded.

“Time to dive into the fireworks.” Joystick mused as he took the glasses off and threw them to Pinkie who caught them before shoving them into her mane.

“Okay, let’s play!” Discord said as he snapped his fingers and the entire group vanished. 

“Good luck.” Bloodwing said with a grin.

Discord, Celestia and Luna teleported onto one of the airships and began to force their way in. Dante and Vergil appeared on top of another and Vergil wasted no time cutting into the airship with Yamato. Baral appeared on top of another ship while Odahviing appeared nearby, unsure of how he just appeared out of thin air, he attacked the airship as the griffons fired on him. 

Rarity and Trixie were paired up again while Fluttershy was on her own. Applejack and Clunker were a team with Pinkie Pie while the Wonderbolts were all together as well. Joystick was with Twilight and Nyx as they shook their heads from disorientation. Gilda and Dash were together as well as Rebel, Legion and Broken Skies.

“Okay, you two stay behind me and take out any Griffons from a distance.” The Elite said as he readied his halberd and impaled it into the shell of the airship.

“No need to tell us twice.” The two said as they pulled out normal crossbows with big grins on their faces. Working alongside Elites is an honour beyond words for Changelings.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Twilight stabbed the airship with her magenta blades until giving up as they didn’t even dent it. She was getting highly frustrated.

“What am I doing wrong?!” She cried out. “Where are you going Joystick?!”

The unicorn looked across the airship, searching. “Ah! Over here!”

Nyx and Twilight ran up to him to see he found the hatch. Taking out the dual revolver, he shot at the hinges before Nyx tore the hatch off. As they entered, Joystick gave Twilight a smug grin.

“Hail to the king, baby.”

“What?” Twilight said, taken aback by his random outburst. He just chuckled and ran down the hallway. “Why couldn’t I have had Pinkie with me? On second thought, scratch that.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Here sister.” Luna said as she found the hatch as well. Celestia used her magic and melted the hatch. Discord followed the sisters, his scythe at the ready.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“RRRR! Why does the stupid hatch have to be so hard to open from the outside, couldn’t be easy for once?!” Gilda shouted angrily as she clawed at the hatch once her halberd was doing nothing.

“Let me try G.” Dash offered, holing Nevan in scythe mode.

Gilda moved out of the way as Dash gave a short yell as she struck the hatch. The blade impaled the space between the hatch and the rest of the ship. With one pull, the blade sliced through and cut the lock, forcing the hatch to fly open.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy looked at the ship and readied Beowulf. With one strike she punched a hole that shook the airship, forcing the ship into a diving position before they levelled off. But the metal held fast, it was buckled beyond belief but it still barred her entry. 

With a huff she pulled out Pandora and hurled it. It changed form into Grief and flew down the length of the airship, slicing through it with efficiency. As it came back, it sliced another line as Fluttershy caught it. Using one of the shuriken/boomerang’s blades, she slammed it into the ship and connected the sliced sections of the airship. With one more punch, she fell into the airship.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Ah can’t get this dang thing open!” Applejack said with each blow of her hammer. She even used the other hammer but to no avail, the Griffons knew how to build an airship to last. “Any ideas, Pink? Pinkie?”

She looked around and found the pink mare was nowhere to be seen. She jumped as the hatch clicked open. She readied her family’s hammer as it burst open, revealing a pink pony with cotton candy styled hair.

“Well that’s a fine way to say hi!” Pinkie said with a grin as Applejack tried to figure out how Pinkie got inside to open it up. 

Applejack looked at her friend with bewilderment. “Pinkie… how?”

“Aw that’s easy. I knocked!” She said, her smile still stuck on her face.

With that, the farm pony smashed the sides of the hatch until the hole was big enough for Clunker to get in.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Rarity, I have an idea on getting in.” Trixie said to the fashionista as they got to the hatch.

“I’m all ears dear.” She said with a smile.

“I’ll freeze the hatch then you use those blades and blow it up. The rapid change in temperature should make the metal brittle.” The showmare said. Rarity looked at the hatch and then back at Trixie before nodding.

Trixie took Cerberus and slammed it onto the metal frame of the airship, quickly dropping the metal’s temperature down to absolute zero. Rarity pulled out several blades and ran up to the hatch. She jumped and slammed one down into the hatch. Without even touching the ground, she slammed a blade into the metal, forming a simple square made up of eight blades. One for each corner and in between each pair. She jumped again and landed next to Trixie before clapping her hooves twice. The blades detonated and the hatch flew past them.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The Wonderbolts might have been thought of as being the least advantage, lacking the weapons that the others possessed. But what they lacked in firepower, they made up in improvising. Using a hairpin from Fleetfoot’s mane, they picked the hatch and gained entry into the airships.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Inside the Ares’ Dagger a disfigured form of a Griffon looked at the ships being invaded. His face looked like an amalgamation of different birds fused together to form a single head. His colouration was brown while the primaries on his wings were pitch black. His chest had a gaping hole, filled with demonic energy swirling within. He looked at the bloodied, torn corpses of the Griffons inside the bridge as he looked on.

“Soon I shall have your head Bloodwing.” The monster mused with a twisted grin on its face.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Something is not right here Dante.” Vergil said as he looked down another empty hallway.

“Oh come on, you're just being paranoid.” Dante said with a smirk. “But I will admit this is rather creepy. We should have run into some Griffons about now.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Uh, Pink. Ah got a bad feeling ‘bout all this.” Applejack said as she looked at a long, deep red blood stain. “This ain't natural.”

Pinkie looked afraid, her hooves holding onto Kalina Ann tightly. “This is no party I want to attend. Let’s get to the bridge and stop this thing.”

“Ah ain't gonna argue with ya there.” Applejack replied as the hallway became more and more blood soaked the further in they travelled.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Twilight!” Nyx called out as a translucent green demon grabbed Twilight and began draining her of her life force. She threw Alastor at the Soul Eater and it flew across the room before becoming impaled on the weapon as it collided with the wall. “Are you alright?”

“I feel rather woozy but I’ll be ok thanks. We need to keep our guard up around these things.” Twilight responded, smiling meekly at Nyx. “We need to keep going, the bridge can’t be too far ahead if these monsters are of any indication”

“I think you’re talking about demons.” Joystick responded as he looked around and saw several blue clouds of gas seep into the room they entered. “Keep your guard up and your heads on a swivel.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The Ares’ Dagger rocked violently as the large, three barrelled rocket launcher, Hatred blew a hole in the side. Fluttershy spotted a few Hell Prides and fired without thinking. After picking herself up off the floor, she pulled out her pistols and decided to keep to these until she reached the bridge.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“What are these Discord?!” Celestia asked as a beam of yellow energy took off the leg of a Scarecrow (arm).

“Scarecrows Celly and they aren’t too happy right now!” Discord replied as he threw bananas at them. They detonated with force as they collided with the demons, sending them flying backwards.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Ah!!” Rarity screamed as she saw a few Blood-goyles came flying towards them from around a corner. “Their colour is a crime against the fashion world!”

“Less worrying about fashion and more trying to survive!” Trixie shouted as she slammed Cerberus into the floor, creating ice pillars to shoot out of the ground and impaling them into the ceiling.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Uh, I doubt basic covers demons, sir.” Rebel said as a bunch of Hell Prides, Wraths, Sloths and Gluttony’s came at them.

“We do what we must today so others may live tomorrow.” Broken Skies replied as he pointed his halberd at the demons. “For the Hive!”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

To say the Wonderbolts were not prepared to fight demons would be the biggest understatement to have been uttered the past thousand years. Wave Chill screamed like a filly and tried to fly away but Spitfire stopped him. The acrobatics team stared at their merciless opponents and struck. Their speed allowed them to hit the Assaults before they could react. As they got back to they noticed their shields had been repossessed by the Pegasi in front of them. With a war yell, they charged once more at the demons.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy had been slowly making her way through the Ares’ Dagger and finally reached the bridge. She had walked over the corpses of many Griffons that had fallen victim to the demons’ onslaught. As she blew the locks on the door to the bridge, she gave it a kick that left a large hoof shaped dent in the metal as it slammed open. She looked at the demon before her with disdain.

“What are you doing here?!” She shouted but the demon didn’t respond. “Answer me mister!”

The demon turned to her with a grin that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand to attention. “Hello, pretty pony. Come to play?”

The demon attacked Fluttershy with the speed of the wind but it hadn’t counted on her Shouting Whirlwind Sprint to avoid the attack. She appeared behind the demon and fired her pistols, riddling his body with bullets. He cried out in anger and opened his wings with so much force, Fluttershy collided with the screen that separated them and the world.

“Come on, this little birdy still wants to play with the pretty pony. Pretty pony, pretty pony.” It chanted, getting closer to Fluttershy.

“Sorry, playtime’s over!” She shouted as she Devil Triggered.

Fluttershy flew up to the demon with insane speed from her four wings before landing blow after blow on the demon with her claws. She threw an uppercut that launched the demon into the air with a crack as its bones shattered. She flew up and used a Killer Bee attack before firing several of her feathers at the demon. As it looked like she was about to relent, she threw one more punch at the demon’s chest. The force behind it was so great it created a ripple effect that went through the entire airship, tearing its insides apart and crushing any demons still roaming the ship.

The demon fell onto the ground, its body flaking apart as it faded from existence. It looked up at Fluttershy and smiled. “Thank you.”

Fluttershy fell out of her DAT state and looked completely shocked. The demon chuckled. “I managed to reach the Crystal Empire you know. Something there… c-corrupted me and my men, turned us into monsters but the others were too unstable and he slew them right in front of me. I-I was the only one he spared since I could take orders better than them.”

Gustav coughed as he looked at Fluttershy with demonic eyes. “I-I failed the C-Changelings. They were after the Empire so they would get noticed. The… the real reason behind this i-invasion was tied to their defeat in Canterlot.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy wasn’t sure what to make of this. Gustav’s body had already been reduced to his head and half his body.

“The invasion was never meant to happen in this fashion but something corrupted Chrysalis and Clavus… made them lose sight of why they ruled. T-they always put their subjects’ well being before their own… even if Chrysalis had funny ways of showing it.” Gustav said, trying to smile as his head and neck were flaking and vanishing away. “Promise me, that you’ll help them rebuild… p-promise m-”

Gustav’s body vanished as a tear fell from his face, leaving the yellow mare behind to think about what had just happened.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“…23… 24… 25!” Gilda called out as she shot two Hell Prides and a Scarecrow (Leg) in their heads. 

“28… 29… 30, come on G. I can keep this up all day!” Dash replied as her scythe tore through a Gluttony’s chest cavity before using the Distortion attack to tear through a Pride and a Lust from a distance.

“I’d like to see you try Dash!” Gilda shouted back as her halberd pierced a Vanguard’s chest.

“Oh it is so on!” Dash shouted with a grin.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Come on ya varmints!” Applejack said as she and Pinkie reached the bridge and smashed through. Several Kyklops came at them but Applejack and Clunker kept them at bay by smashing the hallway to make it impassable. “Ah hope there’s another way ta getting out of here Pink.”

“Don’t worry, I talked to Discord before this and he’ll get us out.” Pinkie replied cheerfully as she blew up the controls with her rocket launcher, sending a feedback loop through the circuits, causing major malfunctions throughout the airship.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Hold on.” Discord said stopping as he rolled up the fur on his arm, revealing a watch with a rather large face. “Time to get Pinkie out of there.”

He snapped his fingers and Pinkie, Applejack and Clunker vanished before reappearing on top of the Arbiter. Applejack looked beyond confused but Pinkie merely smiled.

“What was that Discord?” Luna asked after she had bucked a Scarecrow (leg) into another one before firing a blast of energy that impaled the demons.

“Oh, nothing serious my dear Lulu.” Discord replied with a grin but the look on Luna’s face said she was not going to take that as an answer. “Fine, I teleported Applejack, her pet demon and Pinkie Pie out of the airship they were on.”

“How do you know they succeeded?” She asked.

“It would be best if you didn’t know. Trust me on that, and I Pinkie Promised not to tell.” He said as he made a hand from the metal floor launch up and grab a Scarecrow’s (leg) face before slamming it into the hard floor.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“This is not dignified.” Rarity complained as the sheer numbers of demons forced her and Trixie to split up. “Uh, would you care for some tea?”

The Blood-goyles looked at her with hungry eyes and flew up before launching themselves at her.

Time to dance my dear. Lucifer said with a calming tone that caused Rarity to relax. 

The demons struck but collided into the wall in a bloody heap. As one looked up it saw Rarity in her DAT state, using the blades to get higher up and further away. She looked at them with eyes that would melt the hearts of stallions everywhere. The demons flew up at her only for the white unicorn to smile. At the last second she jumped off and down to the ground, landing gracefully and grabbing the rose from her ear in her hoof. She blew the demons a kiss and threw the rose at the lowest blade, causing it to detonate and kill the Blood-goyles instantly.

Rarity looked down at herself before leaving her DAT state. “Not even a single stain on the dress. Too bad I have to give it up everytime I turn back to normal. Better go find Trixie before she lands in even more trouble than she already is.”

Trixie on the other hoof was running as fast as her hooves would allow, Blood-goyles chasing her like an escaped convict. She looked back and saw they were gaining on her. She turned right down the hallway and stopped dead, a dead end mocked her. She turned around and saw the Blood-goyles look at her as they amassed in number. The hallway was too low to allow her to jump. She looked at them and then pulled out her Devil Arm.

She took a deep breath. “Come on then! Let Trixie show you fear!”

The demons charged, forming a wall that came straight at her. She inhaled and performed Ice Age. The first few demons that hit it froze instantly and fell to the ground with a clatter. The others were smart enough to stop and get back to wait for Trixie to stop. And stop she did but the demons were now looking at another DAT pony.

They barely stood a chance as waves of ice slammed into them, freezing many of them on the spot. Trixie slammed two of the poles into the ground, cutting off the demons’ retreat as their passage was blocked by walls of ice, two metres thick. Other demons tried to cut their losses and go through the ice wall but they froze on contact. Trixie swung her head, causing the third pole to slide around as she put all three poles into her one hoof. She slammed them into the ground, creating ice pillars to shoot out of the ground. Bloodwing could see the pillars shoot out of the airship’s shell from his spot at the bridge as the pillars continued until it shattered through the airship her and Rarity’s bridge.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Trixie and Rarity are done.” Discord smirked as the two Alicorns and he arrived at the bridge. He snapped his fingers and the showmare and fashionista appeared on the Arbiter’s deck, getting hugged by Pinkie Pie.

“Ideas sister?” Luna asked, ignoring Discord.

“Discord, this is your specialty. Do what ever you want to it as long as it renders this ship inoperable.” Celestia said, smiling at Discord who returned it with a shocked expression before it changed into a smile.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Henshin a go-go, baby!” Joystick shouted happily as he blasted his way through several Soul Eaters as the three ponies got to the bridge. “So, how are we going to destroy this now?”

Twilight looked at Nyx. “Wh-who me?” Twilight simply nodded her head. “Okay.”

Nyx pulled out Alastor and entered her DAT state. She pierced one of the consoles with the lightning blade, sending a wave of electricity higher than any lightning bolt through the airship. The other panels and controls exploded outwards from the blast and the engines failed instantaneously. 

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“There, now we should get going.” Discord said as he snapped his fingers. 

The bridge looked like it was a dream that only Pinkie Pie could have. The floor was made of liquorice while the walls were made of marzipan. The main screen of the bridge was 100% sugar while the controls were made of various cupcakes, muffins and cookies. In short, nothing was usable or capable of maintaining the ship’s systems and it dropped out of the sky as well.

As Discord and the Princesses appeared with the others, Nyx, Twilight and Joystick appeared with them as well.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“This appears to be our destination brother.” Vergil said as he casually walked into the bridge.

Five Vanguards appeared to bar their way but Vergil ignored them, much to everyone’s surprise. Vergil looked at the controls and pressed a few buttons, deactivating the engine room. He looked at the Vanguards with a stone cold expression.

“Uh, why aren’t we killing them?” Dante asked. “Fluttershy soften you that much?”

“They have already been beaten.” Vergil replied as he walked past them. Before Dante could say anything, a resounding click rang through the room and the Vanguards fell apart in expertly cut slices.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Looks like the twins are done.” Discord said happily, snapping his fingers and teleporting the demons to them. “Now it’s just the hotheads and the Wonderbolts.”

“There is still Baral and Odahviing not to mention the Changelings.” Fluttershy stated, having flown back to the Arbiter.

“Sorry, forgot about them.” Discord chuckled nervously.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Dash and Gilda kept up their competition before finally reached the bridge.

“G, you’re better at stopping this hunk of metal, I’ll keep them off us.” Dash said as she then entered her DAT state.

As the demons attempted to gain entry, they were met with lightning bolts and clouds of bats as well as a mixture of the two. They dropped like flies as Dash tore holes in them from the scorching hot blasts of lightning. Gilda was going through the controls before finding the right one and deactivating the engines and locking out all access.

“Done Dash.” She said with a smirk as she rejoined her companion and looking at her demonic form. “Strange, never thought I’d see the day when Rainbow Dash would wear a dress.”

“Hey!” Dash protested as she and Gilda were teleported out by Discord.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Has Anypony found it yet?!” Spitfire called out, carrying an Abyss’ pitchfork. 

The weapon was rather crude and unsettling but the fireballs it could fire were invaluable. The Wonderbolts got several of them after blitzing a few Abysses. They then kept within earshot as they searched the airship for the bridge.

“I found it!” High Winds called out.

The rest joined up within seconds and looked at the controls. “Ok, we need to take out a critical system like the engines or the power.”

“Got it boss.” The others replied as they searched the controls before Lightning Streak found what they were looking for.

In a few button presses, the ship’s vertical engines were shut down and the airship dropped like a stone. Discord noticed the ship they were on falter and snapped his fingers, teleporting the Wonderbolts back to the Arbiter.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“You all alright?” Broken Skies asked as they reached the bridge of their airship as well.

“I’m good, Rebel you good?” Legion asked, looking at his compatriot with a cocky grin.

“I’m fine, let’s just take this thing down so we can carry on.” Rebel moaned as the three of them searched the bridge.

“Here, found the power controls.” Legion said as he pressed a few buttons. “Right, I've turned off the cooling system so we had best get going.”

The ship lurched as an explosion rocked it hard, causing the Changelings to stumble and fall. Discord looked at them though a pair of ridiculously sized binoculars and snapped his fingers to get them back.

****                    ****                        ****               ****


As the group looked at the last flying airship, they noticed Odahviing breathing a column of fire into the bridge area. The airship fell out of the sky a few seconds after that. Discord snapped his fingers and the dragon was flying next to them with Baral on his back and a smirk on his face.

“Well, I think we can call this a successful day don’t you?” Discord said with a chuckle as the journey to the Crystal Empire continued.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Mundus looked out into the distance, towards the location the Ares’ Dagger and the rest of the 67th Fleet fell.

“So, my puppet failed. You may just be a challenge for me little ones. Come, the Lord of the Demon World awaits your arrival.” His deep voice said into the horizon.
> Would You Kindly...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Would You Kindly…
Author: Draconis187

The fleet made good progress as the sun had begun to set on Hoofington at the end of the day. The town was filled with brickwork buildings that were usually found in the cities. The fleets were hovering in the air as the Changelings stationed in the city during the invasion began boarding the steel airships, slightly fearful of whatever fate they were about to face. The Elites that had arrived earlier had had split up, travelling across Equestria to bring the news of the new alliance.

Many ponies were still scared at the sight of the Changelings and Bloodwing’s fleets but their fears were not put to rest as Celestia told them of the dire situation Equestria had found itself in due to the demons. Bloodwing and Broken Skies worked together to spread out the Changelings amongst the fleets, giving them a job for them to perform whilst on the journey. It was two-fold: it was to get the Changelings to settle easier by making them work and the others would see that there was more to Changelings than what they previously thought.

The next two days were pretty similar until they reached Stalliongrad. Once the occupying Changelings showed signs of weakness, the ponies turned on them. The fleet arrived to find a city in turmoil. There were fires, dead Changelings in the streets… it was not a sight that would look good in any tourist brochure. With the help of Celestia and Luna the situation was diffused and the remaining Changelings joined the fleets.

Now it was the Crystal Empire that remained. The group were gathered on the bridge as the fleet distanced itself away from Stalliongrad, now with an army of Changelings on their side. They promised to help when Celestia offered them a full pardon and assistance in rebuilding their lives.

“So, this is it?” Twilight said nervously as her mentor stood to her right with Nyx on her left, looking out into the distance. “One final battle before we can put this behind us.”

Celestia gave Twilight a small smirk as she looked at her, “Yes but I fear we will not be able to simply ‘put it behind us’ as you say. The Changelings have been wronged and there will be those who will not want to help them as we do since we know the truth. The attack during your brother’s wedding as well as the invasion that took most of Equestria has tainted many ponies’ opinion of them. I will do what I can to help but it will take time.”

Twilight nodded, “I agree, this war has caused many broken hearts and families. I merely meant that after this battle we can stop worrying about war. This will not be something we will be able to forget.”

Nyx remained silent as the sun began to rise from the east. The landscape was bathed in the celestial body’s warm embrace as the land began to brighten. The airships were glistening from the moisture in the air as they had to fly through a very humid area as they neared the Crystal Empire. The Hell Gate could be seen in the distance, still a very imposing sight to behold despite the distance that separated them.

Bloodwing turned to everypony, “Right, this is the part where I give you some heart-warming speech. Sadly, I’m not that kind of Griffon so we’ll be skipping that part. Take out that towering thing ruining my view of the Glittering Rock Empire and remove the rest of the demons. We will be giving you supporting fire from the sky thanks to Trixie’s fireworks. The Changelings will give you close air support while these bull things will help on the ground. Now go suit up, we are airdropping you.”

Everypony looked to each other before nodding and leaving the bridge in an orderly manner. Broken Skies was talking to Legion and Rebel who were growing excited as their conversation progressed. The rest of the group paid little attention to what was being said until the two Changelings jumped into the air and yelled for joy.

“Yes! Of course sir, we won’t let you down.” Rebel said with a grin on his face as he saluted.

Celestia gave them a curious look, “Oh, sorry. Broken Skies told us we will be leading the Changelings in the air while he leads the bulls. This is an honour that only the Elites were capable of having so it’s a big deal for us,” Legion explained sheepishly.

With that, the rest began to gear up in the cargo bay. Twilight was wearing a pale beige trenchcoat with reinforced padding over her shoulders and sides. Nyx forwent armour since her DAT came with its own set. Applejack’s amour was a mixture of metal and leather with tarnished grey pauldrons on her shoulders as the two hammers were resting on her back. Discord conjured up some custom armour for Clunker, mainly a charcoal black with red lines along the edges on his legs and body.

Rarity refused to wear what she was given on the grounds of it being a ‘fashion don’t’ as she put it. Fluttershy refused to wear anything else, as did Dante, Vergil and Discord. Pinkie Pie was wearing baby blue armour with cream coloured etchings of various party decorations on the chestplate and pauldrons. Trixie had her signature – albeit ruined – purple hat and cape but Discord used his magic to repair them, much to the azure mare’s surprise, making her smile. Gilda was clad in her standard blue armour, the same she wore when they assaulted Fillydelphia. Rainbow Dash refused the armour as it didn’t look ‘cool enough for her’ as she eloquently put it.

Rebel and Legion were in matching sets of deep maroon armour, covering their entire bodies. Broken Skies was wearing insanely dark green armour, one would think it was black until the sun reflected off it to reveal its true colouration. The Wonderbolts were in their uniforms while Baral was in Dragonbone Armour forged from the corpse of Alduin himself that Odahviing had stored in the bags he had. The dragon in question was also gifted armour from the God of Chaos. The armour was a mixture of powder white and pale blue hues that covered his entire body from head to tail. 

Celestia was clad in golden yellow armour, the same colour her ceremonial armour was in. This armour covered her entire body, sacrificing range of movement for protection. Luna had something similar but in teal and she was not as protected. The armour covered her head, legs, shoulders, back and chest. The other areas weren’t covered had chainmail in a contrasting light silver colour. Joystick had a dark brown duster jacket with his pistol hidden underneath and a similarly brown, wide-brimmed Stetson hat. The Mane 6 also made sure that they had the Elements of Harmony with them as well, just in case.

As the cargo doors opened, Celestia looked at the group standing before her, “Good luck my little ponies and guests.”

Joystick gave a cocky smile, “Who needs luck when you have ammo?”

The group gave a small laugh as they grabbed some bags that they were to use for their descent. The Pegasi, Alicorns and Discord didn’t require them and were already jumping down towards the Crystal Empire.

“LEEEEEEERRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOYYY JENKINS!” Everypony looked as Joystick jumped out and into the air, followed by everypony else.

As the flight impaired group got free of Arbiter, they pulled the cords on their packs to extend a pair of wings that was controlled by a single metal bar in front of them. Bloodwing called it ‘paragliding’. For most it was a strange new experience that boggled the mind, Vergil could care less. As the Crystal Empire came into view, several Blood-goyles and Soul Eaters attacked them, only to be stopped by the Changelings and Odahviing. The Soul Eaters’ gaseous form turned out to be combustible as Odahviing’s Fire Breath Shout made them explode in a shower of purple cinders.

“We’ll worry about the air!” Baral said from atop Odahviing’s back, dual crossbows in hand, “You just worry about killing the ones on the ground!”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Vergil and Dante landed together and were already surrounded by demons. As the demons howled and kept their distance, considering their next move, the twins were talking.

“Just like old times, huh Verg?” Dante said with a smirk as Ebony and Ivory came out of their holsters and were pointed at two Hell Prides.

“It would be best to focus at the task at hand brother,” Vergil responded, creating a small ‘wall’ of ethereal blades by his side.

“This party’s gettin’ crazy! Let’s rock!” Dante said as the demon brothers opened fire on the demons.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Looks like we’ve been paired again Trixie darling,” Rarity said with a grin as she looked to her companion as she turned to her hooves in disgust. “Ugh, this dirt had better come out when we get home.”

Trixie rolled her eyes, “I’m sure Aloe and Lotus will be more than happy to help you deal with that after we deal with these demons, hm?”

The pair had landed on the outskirts of the city, near the train station but they were already ‘greeted’ by a number of Abyss and Vanguards. The platform was wrecked as a train had somehow jumped the rails and slammed into the main building, causing it to collapse. The result was a charred platform and barely enough room to move about comfortably.

Rarity stared at an Abyss before giving a disgusted look, “Darling those colours are all well and good but… they don’t work for you.”

The Abyss looked at her incredulously but before it could act it received a bone blade from Lucifer, compliments of the white unicorn. A Vanguard vanished and reappeared behind Rarity, charging at her with great speed and spinning its scythe like a fan would spin its blades. But it only caught air as Rarity dodged the attack with grace and retaliating with three blades, one for each eye and one for the mouth. In an instant she detonated them, taking its head clean off.

Several Abysses at jumped Trixie, who decided to remain where she was. As they got close, she unleashed Ice Age and froze her attackers almost instantly. As Ice Age ended Trixie threw the weapon, making it spin around her body with incredible speed and shattering the frozen demons.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Fluttershy had landed and made her way towards the city all on her own. They would all meet up near the Hell Gate since flying directly into the city would not be recommended due to the number of demons that were already greeting the yellow mare. Several Kyklops and Assaults charged for her as she used Agni and Rudra’s Crawler attack to clear a path. 

“Die!” Agni shouted.

“Oh yeah!” Rudra replied as their blast of fire and wind tore a line down the ranks of the demons.

“Looks like we have a lot of fighting to do, you two up for it?” Fluttershy asked as she blocked an Assault’s claw with Rudra before impaling it with his fiery brother.

“We are with you my lady till the end.” Agni replied as Rudra smiled his agreement as Fluttershy tore through an Assault’s shield.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“DECAPITATIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!” Joystick shouted as he landed on the ground with a grin, blasting an Abyss’ head clean off.

Joystick landed with Applejack and Clunker in another section of the city. Luckily the Crystal Empire was a single city that had a circular design to it. It was easy to get around and even easier to find where they needed to go.

Joystick looked at Applejack with a grin, “You know what they say ‘The right pony in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.’ Or at least in our case it’s several right ponies as well as a dragon, an army of Changelings, a fleet of airships armed to the teeth, two half demons, a Draconequus and a fully fledged demon.”

“What’s that supposed ta mean?” The orange mare replied as she took out Volendrung and walked alongside Clunker, heading for the tall obsidian eyesore. Joystick shrugged and followed, ready to pull out his Blue Rose pistol again on a moment’s notice.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Celestia and her sister gingerly walked into the ruined city, appalled by the scene that greeted them. The streets were littered with dead bodies, most mutilated beyond all forms of recognition. Most of the buildings were in ruins and charred from intense fires. Luna looked into the air and saw the Changelings, the Wonderbolts and Odahviing with Baral on his back, putting up a fight with the airborne demons.

“Sister, I must ask: do you believe that the Changelings will be accepted into society once all of this is over?” Luna asked as she saw a Changeling – either Rebel or Legion since only they wore maroon – hurl a Blood-goyle into a Soul Eater before it got impaled by a crossbow bolt from another.

Celestia looked up into the air, “If Chrysalis was a victim in this at the wedding… then I believe we have gotten the wrong impression of them. We must give them the benefit of the doubt. They have earned that much.”

Luna smiled softly as she turned her attention to a horde of Hell Gluttonies and Lusts that was moving slowly towards them. “We have guests Tia, shall we greet them?”

Celestia looked to the horde with indifference that was bordering on righteous fury, “I believe we shall.”

The sisters shouted in unison as they charged the horde without any small indication of fear, “Have at thee!”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Discord had teleported to Nyx and Twilight as they began to engage several Hell Wraths and Sloths. The Sloths’ constant teleporting caused some frustration among the two mares until Discord froze the demons’ feet in chocolate pudding, giving them an opportunity to strike at them.

“How much more of this do we need to do?” Nyx asked as she impaled a Sloth through the sternum with Alastor.

“Just until we can get to that Hell Gate, it’s still further down the street,” Twilight responded as she ‘fired’ off several magenta blades at several Wraths, causing them to self-destruct and taking out several Sloths around them.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Bloodwing looked onto the scene unfolding before him as several demons were getting close to his position. The Griffons around him looked to their leader with fear on their faces. But Bloodwing looked towards the oncoming horde with determination and resolve.

“Hold fast men! Ready the Revengeance and tell Thunderlane he has permission to fire at will!” Bloodwing cried out, causing the Griffons to salute him. “We will walk away from this. Nothing can take out the Griffon Empire!”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Rainbow, Pinkie and Gilda were together as they ventured towards the centre of the city. Their path was blocked by multiple Scarecrows (leg and arm varieties) but this didn’t deter them as Rainbow brought down columns of lightning down on their heads, detonating them as if they were Hell Wraths.

Pinkie pulled out Kalina Ann and slammed it into the ground before pulling the tertiary trigger. The mini-missile pack at the back opened fire, clearing a pathway in front of them as Gilda fired her rifle to keep the demons at bay. But the demons’ numbers were replenishing faster than the trio were taking them down.

“I’m running out of ammo here RD,” Gilda complained as she pulled out another round from a compartment in her armour.

“I know, they just keep coming!” Dash replied as she strummed hard, sending waves of bats and lightning bolts towards the demons.

“Dashie, do that thing you do! That super scary flying thing!” Pinkie said as fired off a rocket, sending several demons flying through the air.

“Ok, ok!” The cyan mare replied as she looked at the Devil Arm in her hooves. “Let’s do this.”

Miss Dash, I shall ensure that your music shall reach the heavens themselves. Nevan replied as Rainbow activated her Devil Arm Trigger.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Just a little further.” Fluttershy muttered as she gave her four wings a single flap, sending her feathers like missiles at the demons below.

The obelisk was getting closer but the resistance was getting fiercer as a result. Fluttershy worried how her friends were coping with them. She came down from the air with her right hind hoof extended, colliding with a Kyklops in the centre of its body, shattering it apart and sending rock flying everywhere. The street she was going down was littered with patches of green and red blood, shed by pony and Changeling alike while the mutilated body parts did nothing to make her feel any better.

“We can’t give up just yet,” She said as several Assaults came running at her, claws ready to strike.

“Somepony call for reinforcements?!” A voice called out as eight Changeling bulls charged past Fluttershy, colliding with the Assaults and crushing them under their colossal weight.

Fluttershy turned around to see Broken Skies with his halberd in hoof and a smile on his face. Behind him were several more bulls, all looking anxious to strike at the demon horde. As Fluttershy flew next to them, the force crushed through the demon ranks, bringing the Hell Gate closer with each mangled demon cry.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Boomshakalaka!” Joystick cried out with glee as he fired several rounds at a few Abysses while Applejack slammed Volendrung into the ground, generating a shockwave that knocked the demons off their feet.

“Come on, is that all ya got?!” Applejack taunted as Clunker spat another rock towards her, sending it flying into the stomach of an Abyss with her hammer, causing it to then fly off due to the momentum before landing in the rubble of somepony’s home.

“We’re getting there AJ!” Joystick called out as several more rounds rang out, punching more holes into the demons. Their destination was close at hoof. “We’ll get there soon if we keep this up!”

“Ah hear that partner!” She replied as Volendrung came down on an Abyss’ head, smashing it into paste.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The demon twins were causing a lot of damage together as Rebellion and Yamato cleaved through their targets with ease. At one moment they were back-to-back once again, facing demons encircling their position only to get riddled with bullets and ethereal blades. Five Vanguards appeared to bar their way but got Vergil’s Judgement Cut and Dante’s Drive attack as a response. The demons barely stood a chance as a swarm of Shadows charged at them.

The Shadows were assaulted with Ebony and Ivory’s .45 calibre slugs until their cores were revealed. Once that was achieved, Vergil sliced through them with Yamato, killing them the instant he sheathed his blade. The Hell Gate was coming up at a rapid pace, causing the demons to begin focusing on them.

“It looks like we’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest, Verg!” Dante smirked as Assaults and Kyklops joined the party, along with the Seven Hells and even more Shadows.

“It still won’t be enough,” Vergil replied, his hand gripping Yamato tightly.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Sister, shouldn’t we be seeing more of these demons?” Luna asked as the two Alicorns galloped through the street, killing some Lusts with their magic.

“It stands to reason that their attention is being diverted somehow,” Celestia replied as they quickened the pace. “Somepony is really making them worry.”

“Whoever it is, I hope they can handle it,” Luna remarked, looking worried.

Celestia returned the look, “I hope so too little sister.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Come now, we better hurry!” Twilight called out as the demons’ ranks were thinning from the trio’s attacks.

Discord was beating the Sloths up using an overly large halibut instead of his scythe. He slammed the fish into a Hell Sloth, causing it to fly into a Wrath, resulting in an explosion. Discord threw the fisherpony’s dream into the air, in an instant it exploded and rained tuna that sliced through the demons’ ranks without mercy. Nyx hurled Alastor at a Hell Wrath with viscous force. As it impaled the Wrath, lightning arced between it and several surrounding demons, killing them before the Wrath detonated. Alastor flew back towards Nyx, who caught it in her hoof.

“Not much farther girls!” Discord cried out, his scythe firmly in his grip. “The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can go home and have fun!”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The Wonderbolts were engaged with the Blood-goyles and Soul Eaters in the skies above the Crystal Empire. If it weren’t for the Changelings and the pair from Skyrim, they would have lost in less than ten seconds. They had to admire their desire to correct the mistakes and the crimes they had committed as they fought with near primal savagery as they saw a few tear a Blood-goyle apart.

Baral had both shown and told them how to defeat the Blood-goyles by using ranged attacks but they had to figure out the Soul Eaters’ weakness on their won as the pair that had fought them before were busy on the ground below. Baral’s repeating crossbows were deathly accurate as they forced the Blood-goyles to harden into their stone forms before falling to the ground below and shattering.

Spitfire looked back to see the Arbiter’s doors open, a large barrel sticking out and pointing in their direction, “Everypony move!”

The Wonderbolts, Changelings as well as Baral and Odahviing moved out of the way as the Revengeance fired, its shell detonating and purging a large portion of the sky of demons with explosive force.

“A little warning next time would be nice,” Spitfire muttered as they all returned to the fight.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Trixie and Rarity had finally reached one of the Crystal Castle’s arches that still managed to stay standing, the Hell Gate towering over them as if they were mere ants. In the distance they spotted Nyx, Twilight and Discord.

“Twi, darling!” Rarity called out, running up and giving the lavender coloured unicorn a hug. “I’m so glad you dears made it.”

Twilight looked exhausted but returned the gesture with a smile, “Thanks, I didn’t think we would have gotten this far if Discord hadn’t helped.”

Discord grinned at them, “Don’t worry your pretty head about it. Have you seen Celly and Lulu yet?”

Trixie shook her head, “Sorry but we only just got here ourselves. The only things we met were more of those confounded demons.”

A voice called out, grabbing the ponies’ and Discord’s attention, “Look who finally showed up!”

They looked to see Dante and Vergil walking up to them. Dante had a cocky grin on his face while Vergil maintained his deadpan expression. The group had to navigate the vast rubble that was the Crystal Castle in order to fully meet up as Fluttershy, Broken Skies, the Changelings, Gilda, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash arrived as well. Soon Applejack, Clunker and Joystick appeared, and then followed up by the two princesses. They were all rather tired from the fighting but they were none worse for wear.

Before the group could do much more than greet each other, a deep, cruel, maniacal laugh rang throughout the area. Vergil had his hand on Yamato and was ready to use it, he recognised that laugh. It was the laugh of the demon that struck him down and used him like a puppet, only existing because his master wished it. The group looked up to see three deep red orbs looming over them as the laughter continued.

Even Dante looked rattled as his one hand tightened its grip on Rebellion, the other on Ebony. He fought this demon before. It was he who forced Dante to strike down his own brother and leave him for dead. The same demon that had an insatiable desire for conquest and a sense of humour that was as twisted as his mind. This demon was powerful but Dante had defeated him once before and now, with all these allies and friends… it was going to be a cakewalk.

“So good to see you again, Dante,” The voice said as a demon as tall as the Hell Gate materialised. “I have been expecting you all. I see you brought Vergil, Discord and Nyx, good for you.”

The demon looked like a giant marble statue of an old angel, complete with a pair of wings and a beard. He had a large hole missing in his chest and an eye-like core inside it.

“Mundus,” The demon twins said in unison, their voices filled with pure hatred as they stared at the towering demon.

“What do they have to do with this?!” Twilight shouted, looking at Nyx fearfully. How did he know Nyx’s name?

“They have everything to do with this my dear,” Mundus said with a small chuckle. “You thought Phantom’s ritual failed? I think not… Nyx! Vergil! Discord! Kill your friends… would you kindly?”

As soon as Mundus finished saying those words, Vergil looked at Dante with fear in his eyes for the first time as his body made him pull out Yamato to strike at him. The same could be said for Nyx as Alastor got within an inch of Twilight’s neck, almost killing her. Nyx was crying as her body tried to perform an act she was never capable of even dreaming about. Discord wore a shocked expression on his face as he raised his scythe into the air, calling down a hailstorm of flaming jelly babies and setting fire to whatever had not already been charred beyond all recognition.

“I-I’m sorry! I can’t stop myself!” Nyx cried as Twilight barely dodged her next strike.

Twilight dodged as much as she could while avoiding Discord’s ‘presents’. She used her magenta blades to block Nyx’s strikes but they were becoming increasingly deadlier, getting closer to a fatal blow with each strike. Celestia and Luna were striking at Discord, keeping his attention off the others and at them instead.

Vergil and Dante were in a dead stalemate with one another as Dante’s nullified Vergil’s strikes and keeping his brother focused on him. They all knew this was not their fault. It was the fault of the towering behemoth that was laughing sadistically at their misery.

“Vergil! Stop toying with your brother and end him!” Mundus said mockingly as Vergil activated his Devil Trigger and then became Nelo Angelo.

In a few swipes, Rebellion flew out of Dante’s hands and impaled itself into the ground. As Vergil was about to bring his zweihänder down on Dante, he managed to stop.

“Kill him pawn! Would you kindly?” Mundus said, sounding annoyed.

“N-no. I w-wil-l no lo-longer be you-your puppet!” Vergil declared, slamming his blade down next to Dante and falling out of his Triggered state.

“I r-refuse. I re-refuse to be co-controlled by anypony again!” Nyx called out, Alastor a few millimetres from Twilight’s face.

“No! Would you kindly kill your friends?! Why isn’t it working? It makes no sense!” Mundus complained.

“Now where is the fun in making sense?” Discord asked, drawing attention towards him as he removed the ‘flaming jelly babies of death’ spell.

“How dar-” Mundus did not get a chance to finish as an explosive shell collided with him, knocking him clean off his feet.

“Remind me to thank Bloodwing when we get back,” Celestia asked Luna as they almost laughed at Mundus’ fortune. Luna nodded her head with a smile.

“Mundus! Time to count up your sins!” Joystick called out, raising his one hoof into the air for dramatic effect. They all chose to ignore his comment and charged as Mundus got up to his feet.

Fluttershy, Gilda, Dash, Nyx, Discord, Broken Skies, Celestia and Luna took to the skies with their weapons raised. Twilight fired off multiple blades in rapid succession, nopony was going to make her daughter fight her against her will and get away with it. The Devil Arm carrying ponies and brothers activated their Triggers as they assaulted the colossal demon.

Trixie encased Mundus’ feet and ankles in several metres of ice, impairing his movement as Rarity threw as many blades as possible. They collided with several nerve endings on his legs as they detonated, causing him to cry out in pain. Pinkie fired several mini-missile salvos, irritating Mundus more than anything.

“You really think that a bunch of farmyard cretins can defeat me?!” Mundus bellowed as he brought his hand down with force, aiming to flatten Twilight.

As Twilight panicked, cowering and looked away as the attack came… but it never connected. Mundus’ palm had stopped inches away from her. She looked up to see Dante in his Devil Form and Vergil as Nelo Angelo, both blocking the attack with their blades.

“Let’s rock Vergil!” Dante cried out as the two of them pushed back at Mundus’ palm, causing the demon to retreat his hand. The two of them leapt up and landed on his hand. They then ran up his arm with incredible speed.

“Insects!” Mundus cried out as he bought his other hand down to squash them. “I wi- agh!”

Mundus received a blinding white claw to his one eye as a lightning bolt struck the other. Fluttershy flew up to avoid Mundus’ reflex as both of his hands flew up to cover his injured eyes while Rainbow smirked at her aim. Broken Skies was near the floor, flying around and hitting several pressure points along Mundus’ marble body. Celestia and Luna were standing with Discord at the top of the Hell Gate, looking at the obelisk.

“Discord, do you think you can do it?” Celestia asked as the God of Chaos scratched his chin thoughtfully, barely acknowledging Celestia’s presence.

He looked through them for a second before snapping out of it, “Yes, I should be able to. I just need time and enough power to perform it.”

Luna smiled at her sister, “Then we shall provide it.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Sir, the Revengeance is ready to fire again!” The helmsgriffon shouted. “Awaiting your command.”

“Hold your fire, they are too close to that thing and we can’t risk killing them. The first shot barely did a thing except knock it off its feet. We will only fire should we get the space.” Bloodwing replied. “Until then, it’s up to them.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

Mundus fired off several meteors at his flying attackers, causing them to break off their assaults as they tried to avoid the attack. Dante and Vergil leapt off Mundus’ arm and sliced at the demon’s body, their blades cutting deep into his marble form. Mundus cried out in pain once more as Nyx brought down a column of lightning the size of the Hell Gate down on him. Fluttershy and Rainbow caught the demon twins as they neared the ground and helped them land safely.

“We need to wrap this up!” Twilight called out as she teleported out of harm’s way as Mundus created several spears of red energy to strike at her.

“You pitiful creatures, I shall annihilate you!” Mundus cried out as he called down another barrage of meteors towards his ground based assailants.

“FUS RO DAH!!” Fluttershy shouted from her position on the ground, her DAT adding more power to her shout and causing the meteors to fly straight back at Mundus. 

He tried to shield himself from his own attack by placing his arms in front of himself. It worked but as he lowered them, a certain orange Earth Pony with a Daedric Warhammer flew straight at him thanks to a boost from Twilight, shouting loudly as the hammer collided with him. The force knocked Mundus out of the ice encasing his feet and he landed several hundred metres away from them.

“Ok, ah’m keeping this hammer,” Applejack said with a grin as Gilda grabbed her and placed her on the ground. “Hey RD! Catch!”

Applejack threw Volendrung up as the cyan mare grabbed it. In her DAT form she flew high into the air before locking on Mundus’ body. As he was getting up, Trixie encased his body in ice. He struggled strongly against the ice and it was cracking, Dash had little time left. She flew down towards him, building up speed as she reached the sound barrier. With Volendrung in front of her, she broke the barrier and made a Sonic Rainboom while Triggered, giving the hammer a throw at that speed.

The hammer collided with Mundus’ core in his chest, generating a shockwave that blew everypony back many metres and sending rubble flying. The Hell Gate still stood and Mundus was showing signs of losing as his marble body had cracked around his core. Volendrung landed near Applejack, ready to be wielded once more, which the farm pony obliged.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“Discord…?” Celestia asked as she began to worry about her subjects below.

“Nearly there Celly, just a few more minutes,” Discord replied with a sigh.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

“SU GRAH DUN!!” The group looked up to see Baral atop Odahviing, bringing a torrent of bolts with him. The crossbows were firing at speeds reserved for firearms which astounded a few of the ponies.

As they landed, Baral looked to Fluttershy, “Need a little more help?”

Fluttershy was about to respond but Celestia interrupted as she landed near them. She looked pleased as she saw Nyx and Dash fire more volleys of lightning down on Mundus while Trixie slammed the dirt and impaled Mundus’ feet with ice pillars. As Mundus furiously tried to kill one of them, he got hit by a number of mini missiles from Pinkie Pie.

“Twilight, force him back towards the Hell Gate and Discord can close it,” Celestia said as the mayhem continued. “We can send him back and seal the Demon World from Equestria forever.”

Twilight nodded and began to shout, “Everypony! Get him to the Gate and we can end this!”

They all acknowledged as Applejack slammed Volendrung into the ground, causing Mundus to stumble slightly as Vergil’s Judgement Cut stopped him from trying to correct himself. Dante and Fluttershy fired a barrage of rounds while Pinkie used Kalina Ann, Gilda fired her rifle, Joystick used Blue Rose and Baral used his crossbows with Odahviing using his Fire Breath Shout once more to push him further off balance.

The combined efforts of everypony began forcing Mundus to move backwards. He tried retaliating but they just dodged his strikes as if they were nothing His marble shell began chipping away and cracking in some spots as the attacks landed with power. Twilight kept up her assault with her blades, as did Rarity. Luna had rejoined her sister and they were both striking at Mundus with their magic.

“How dare you! I shall defeat you ye-!” The Revengeance had fired once more, colliding with Mundus.

He fell backwards, colliding with the Hell Gate. Instead of breaking the Hell Gate, Mundus fell into it and vanished as it pulled him in. Discord appeared next to the group as they all cheered. It was over, they won.

“Okay, everypony. Take positions and get ready to take that thing out,” Dante called out as he readied Ebony and Ivory.

Pinkie Pie tossed Kalina Ann at Vergil and winked as she pulled out her party cannon out of nowhere. Vergil would have complained but he knew better when it came to Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy threw Pandora to Broken Skies, who caught it and activated Epidemic. As they all aimed for the Hell Gate, it glowed red.

An arm, shattered and revealing a grotesque mass of tissue came out of the Gate to grab them, “I refuse to be defeated by the likes of you!”

“Everypony ready?!” Fluttershy called out, Pity and Fool aiming at the nearly destroyed Mundus.

“Oh, can we do that thing you did?!” Pinkie asked, bouncing up and down. “That thing you and Vergil and Dante did with Arkham, can we do that one, pleeeeaaaase?!”

Everypony rolled their eyes but decided to go along with it for her. The Elements of Harmony that the Mane 6 had been carrying powered up, connecting to the weapons that everypony had and around the horns of Celestia and Luna with a rainbow ribbon.

With one look at Mundus, they smirked, “Don’t even think your pathe-”

“Jackpot!” Several rainbow ribbons erupted from various sources, all aiming at Mundus.

“No, no! I will return and when I do, your worlds will burn!” Mundus cried out defiantly as he got blasted into the Hell Gate.

The rainbows combined into a single one, wrapping around the Hell Gate. As it glowed in several colours, two blasts of energy shot out from the sides, reaching the outskirts of the city before travelling around in a circle and meeting halfway. As they combined, they created a dome similar to the one that placed Discord back in stone after he got out the second time. The entire area was wrapped in a bright light, forcing them all to avert their eyes.

As the light dissipated, they opened their eyes to find the city was rebuilt and their bodies were crystallised. The Hell Gate had completely vanished from the plane of existence. They all cheered as Bloodwing came up to them with the remaining Changelings and some of his Griffons.

“So, I guess that’s it?” He asked, looking at them.

“I think it’s time for us all to go home,” Celestia responded, directing her attention to the Changelings. “We have some issues that need sorting out.”

They all boarded the airships once last time. Fluttershy stood by herself atop the Arbiter, looking back at the rebuilt city with a smile. She could barely believe it, after all she and her friends had been through, it was over. Life could only get better from here on out.
> Epilogue: Divergence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Epilogue: Divergence
Author: Draconis187

The group retuned to Canterlot as heroes after another five day long trip but this time there was no war plan, no fear of losing, they won. Celestia and Luna beamed at their cheering subjects, happy that everything has finally turned out well in the end. The Crystal Empire was saved and despite losses of most of the population, it was not enough to render the Crystal Ponies extinct which was of great relief to the Princesses as well as Cadance and Shining Armor. 

There was still work to be done, repairing the damage caused by the Changelings in their invasion. Broken Skies had informed them that the Changelings will help in the reconstruction. In a short span of time he had become an impromptu leader of the Changelings until the monarchy had resolved who was next in line for the throne.

Pinkie Pie wasted no time in getting Discord to help her plan the biggest party in Equestrian history. The cake she had Discord make was five storeys tall and had enough sugar for it to be labelled hazardous to one’s health. Although that didn’t stop everypony from helping themselves to a slice. The entertainment was provided by Vinyl Scratch and Octavia as well as some other, less famous musicians.

The remaining fireworks were fired into the night sky from the deck of the Arbiter, illuminating the sky in a myriad of colours and sounds, signalling the start of the party. Everypony was happy as Changeling, Griffon and pony alike toasted to their fortunes and their futures.

“May I ask what you two are planning to do?” Celestia asked Dante and Vergil as Dante took a big swig of Sweet Apple Acres brand cider.

“Well, I doubt we can go home,” Dante replied, “So I guess we’ll stick around a while and see this world.”

As Dante brought the wooden pitcher to his lips, two eyes stared at him from within it, “Holy sh-!”

He dropped the pitcher and pulled out his pistols as Discord’s eyes rolled out and fell into two holes in the ground where a mouth with a single long tooth sticking out was as well, “I can send the two of you home if you really want to go. It seems that some of the energy from that Hell Gate rubbed off on me so it won’t be that difficult to make a bridge of sorts to your world or any other Mundus had touched. I’d guess what was how Mundus was able to take control me and the others.”

“So he was able to manipulate Nyx because she had some of that energy as well from when she was summoned back in Fillydelphia?” Twilight asked as the two of them approached the group.

“It appears that way Twilight,” Discord replied as he closed his eyes and reappeared on a cloud above them, “I can send Nyx home as well as Baral and his red, talking handbag.”

Nyx’s eyes bulged slightly, she could go home to her Equestria! But suddenly she wasn’t sure now, she would be back with her Twilight but she would be leaving this Twilight behind. This Twilight had fought through demon hordes alongside her and has been as much a mother to her as she has been a friend. Her real Twilight believed in her when even she didn’t in herself and so did this one.

“Go,” Twilight said with a smile, bringing Nyx out of her thoughts, “Your Twilight is probably worried sick about you. I’ll be fine but your Twilight needs you more than I do.”

“Just one thing, Nyx,” Discord interrupted as the two mares hugged one another, “The demonic energy that gave you that growth spurt will be purged as you cross over. You will be a filly again.”

Nyx smiled, “That’s fine but do you mind if I take those books on Griffon technology back with me? I’m sure my Twilight would be fascinated by the advances they made here.”

Celestia smiled, “I’m sure that Bloodwing won’t have a problem with that since they were declassified. Discord?”

The God of Chaos nodded and snapped his fingers, making the stack of books appear next to the Alicorn. Nyx’s magical aura grabbed hold of them and hoisted them slightly into the air.

“You leaving already?!” Pinkie squealed, appearing out of nowhere, “But I had this whole party planned out for you once we got back home to Ponyville, Nyxie!”

Discord chuckled, “I can open the gateway at any time, she more than welcome to come and visit at her leisure.”

Nyx looked up at Discord incredulously, “I-I can?”

Discord rolled his eyes, “Yes-”

He was instantly cut off as a pink blur grabbed him in a hug that may as well have come from an Ursa Major. Pinkie Pie was so happy that her smile looked like it threatened to break the boundaries of her face. Nyx and Twilight smiled broadly at each other, Nyx didn’t have to choose between her two Twilights! She took a few steps forward as Discord vanished and reappeared on the ground, with Pinkie still gripping onto him.

“Pinkie, Nyx needs to get going. You can let go of Discord now, please?” Twilight asked as the pink mare nodded and let go.

The others were gathering around them as Discord snapped his fingers, tearing a hole in time and space. It looked like a ring of green and red mist with a picture in the centre. The other side of the portal was clearly visible as it showed the inside of Twilight’s bedroom. Twilight was there – the one from Nyx’s world – with her head under her pillow, her body convulsing as the muffled sounds of crying reached the group on the other side. Nyx shed a tear as she walked up to the portal, her body shrinking until she was no bigger than any of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Alastor was digging into the earth as Nyx walked as it no longer rested on the back of a full sized Alicorn.

The portal was a few inches of the ground, leaving Nyx with little choice but to jump in order to pass through. As her hooves banged on the wooden floor, Twilight jumped. She looked around and rubbed her eyes. She stared at Nyx for a second in utter disbelief, wiping her eyes again as her mouth hung open in shock as she realised this was no dream.

“Nyx!” Twilight ran up and grabbed hold of her daughter, crying once more but this time it was tears of joy. Tears of a mother reunited with her daughter, “What happened? I was so worried! And what is with that thing on your back?”

“It’s a long story believe me,” Nyx replied, looking back at the portal as Discord threw her a pendant on a silver chain. It had an emerald adorning the centre.

“If you ever wish to visit, touch it with your hoof and speak into it. I will be on the other end. I do hope you visit, for Twilight’s sake,” Discord said with surprising seriousness.

“D-Discord?!” Twilight shouted. Fear and sheer disbelief was etched into every line on her face as her daughter was casually talking to one of the biggest threats in Equestrian history.

“This is what I meant by ‘it’s a long story’,” Nyx said, rolling her eyes as her Twilight was starting to hyperventilate, “Come on, I’m sure Spike will be more than happy to make you some tea.”

With that Nyx and her Twilight went out of the room and out of sight, their hoofsteps fading away as they descended down the steps. Discord sealed the portal with a small grin on his face, “She really cares about Nyx, don’t you think so Celly?”

Celestia nodded, “That was the reaction that any mother would have.”

“As much as this taste of love is all well and good, mind if we get going?” Vergil asked callously, “I'm sure Dante has a number of debts he still has to settle.”

“Only you could ruin a moment like that Vergil,” Dante remarked, shaking his head, “But he’s right, I still have debts to settle and this didn’t pay anything so I need to get a job as soon as possible.”

Celestia chuckled, “Hold on a moment for me please then Dante.”

The Sun Goddess flew off into the castle, returning shortly after with a small leather bag. She handed it to Dante, almost making him fall over from the unexpected weight. Inside was 1000 bits, a fair amount of money in Equestrian currency but since it was 24 carat gold, more than worth its weight in Dante’s world.

“I assume this is more than enough remuneration for you?” Celestia asked as Dante’s eyes widened after seeing the contents.

“Y-yeah, call me anytime if you pay me like this! Wait until Lady sees this. I can finally get her off my back!” Dante chuckled as he joined Vergil by Discord as he opened another portal, this one leading to the Devil May Cry.

“Do say goodbye to that rodent for me will you Fluttershy?” Vergil asked.

Fluttershy nodded, “Of course. I’m sure he’d wish he was here to say his farewells.”

Vergil gave a very small smirk, “I’m sure he would.”

The portal had opened by the door, Trish and Lady had their backs to it, arguing about something while Nero was leaning against the nearby wall with his hands on the sides of his head, begging God to stop them or kill them. Dante and Vergil walked in casually, bag of gold in hand.

“I leave you ladies for a few days and you're already trying to kill each other?” Dante sighed, causing Trish and Lady to look around, “There is more than enough of me to go around.”

“So did you boys enjoy your little trip?” Lady asked, “Because we had to escape a falling Hell Gate that almost crushed us if Nero hadn’t moved it out of the way with that arm of his.”

Nero scoffed, “I guess you two managed to save the world and take all the credit?”

Dante shrugged, “More like a team effort. See you Discord, it has been an… interesting partnership.”

Discord chuckled, “I’m sure it was. You two can stay in contact with those amulets of yours, same thing I said to Nyx. See ya!”

The portal collapsed at that moment, leaving Baral and Odahviing as the last ones to be sent home.

Fluttershy hugged the Redguard, “Thanks for everything.”

“I just helped you take on a demon army, I didn’t really do much else,” He responded.

“If it wasn’t for you teaching me how to fight back in Skyrim, I would never had made it this far,” Fluttershy argued.

“Ah’m guessing ya might want this back, right?” Applejack asked, handing Baral Volendrung.

Baral shook his head, “I think it’s in capable hooves, I doubt the Daedra that gave it to me will be happy that his weapon is in another world but he can go and kiss Meridia’s ass for all I care.”

“That’s mighty kind of ya, thanks,” Applejack replied, smiling as he and the red dragon walked up to Discord.

“Mind if you open it by Whiterun?” Baral asked, “I really don’t want to be trekking across Skyrim right now.”

Discord nodded and the portal opened, showing the area where Odahviing used as his living quarters. Farengar could be seen just inches away from the portal, studying it with the curiosity that Baral had come to expect from the mage.

“Fascinating, is that you Baral? Can you hear me?” He asked as the two walked through the portal.

“Yes Farengar, what happened while I was away?” Baral asked as Odahviing curled up and went to sleep, “Lazy dragon.”

“Well, that obelisk just fell apart and now is nothing more than black sand. We have warned adventurers to avoid the area as there are still some Dremora around it while there are reports of others scattered across Skyrim,” Farengar said, trying to look over Baral’s shoulder and at the Draconequus.

“So I still have a mess to clean up?” Baral complained, “Well, it beats having to fight an endless sea of them.”

“Baral look down there,” Discord said, pointing down at the ground by Baral’s feet where some strange markings had been etched into the ground. Baral recognised this as a Shout, three whole words to be exact: ‘BEX LEIN DAAL.’

“That will allow you passage back here,” Discord said with a smile, “If you ever want to visit, just use that and the portal should open.”

“Thank you Discord,” Baral replied with a smile as the portal closed, “Well, time to get back to work… cleaning up other people’s messes. Some things never change.”

“Well, that’s everypony that doesn’t belong here except for Clunker but I doubt Applejack would let me send him back to the Demon World,” Discord noted before yawning, “Now, I’m off to sleep. Goodnight.”

In a flash Discord was gone, leaving the rest of the group behind at the party. The night continued unabated, Rainbow challenged Applejack and Gilda to a drinking contest until Bloodwing found out and joined in. The table they were at soon degraded into taunts and insults as the mares and the griffons paired up to out drink each other.

Twilight let a small tear fall from her face, “Twilight, are you alright?”

Twilight looked around and saw Celestia standing next to her with a smile on her face, “I’m fine Princess, it’s just-”

“You miss Nyx already. I understand Twilight but remember: we will see her again,” Celestia said, comforting the mare as she draped her wing over Twilight, “You are connected to her through the same bond that she and her Twilight share. It’s a bond that can never be broken and will last for eternity.”

“Thanks Princess,” Twilight smiled at her mentor as Noteworthy ran past, screaming for help, soon followed by Pinkie, Kalina Ann in her hooves.

“Come back! It’s only my party cannon!” She cried out innocently, throwing her hooves up into the air and returning back to the party.

“It’s best we don’t ask,” Twilight said, looking at Celestia’s shocked expression.

The music began to die out as the party dragged on to the wee hours of midnight, making most ponies leave for home. The drinking contest had no clear winner yet as they all still looked sober, despite the five empty barrels of hard cider nearby. Twilight saw Trixie sitting next to Thunderlane, talking about something. As he got up and left, Twilight’s curiosity got the better of her and she walked up to the showmare.

“Mind if I ask what that was about Trixie?” Twilight asked.

“Not at all. I was simply talking to Thunderlane about repairing Las Pegasus since it had been turned into a warzone,” Trixie replied, smiling happily, “It’s going to be hard work but we’ll help restore it, it’s what we fought for.”

“We’ll help,” The two mares turned around and saw Rebel and Legion walking up to them, “Sorry for eavesdropping, old habits and old occupations die hard. We’d like to help you if you’d have us.”

Trixie nodded, “Of course, you helped us so I can return the favour. You know the best thing about this little adventure Sparkle?” She turned to Twilight, smiling maliciously.

“I feel like I’m going to regret asking this but… what is it Trixie?” Twilight asked nervously.

“I’ve now got something rather unique to add to my shows. Trixie will be the greatest showpony to have ever lived!” She declared, raising her forehooves into the air like she used to in her shows, minus the fireworks.

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Don’t let it go to your head Trixie.”

“Of course not, I would never let that happen again,” Trixie defended but she knew what she meant, “Maybe we should have a proper duel with our new abilities one of these days? A friendly one of course that doesn’t involve banishing you-”

“Or getting corrupted by an ancient amulet with mystical powers?” Twilight interjected.

“May we not speak of that thing again? It was not my proudest moment,” Trixie replied rather sheepishly.

Twilight nodded her head and turned her attention to the two Changelings, “What do you plan on doing once you two are finished in Las Pegasus?”

Rebel shuffled nervously, “Well… we’re not entirely sure. Legion and I have been together since we hatched so wherever we go it will be in each other’s company so I’m not that bothered really.”

“I’m thinking about travelling around the world and spreading news of how we’re not the monsters others believe us to be,” Legion said rather quickly, “Knowledge about our species is so small and it has painted us in a rather poor light since there is no other evidence to prove otherwise. I would like to stop that.”

“Good luck then you two,” Twilight said with a genuine smile. 

Who would have thought that she would accept the Changelings as friends and not enemies? If it was a month ago, she would’ve slapped and yelled at herself to get a grip. She walked away from the party and into the castle. The guards greeted her cordially as she walked by. She eventually stopped as she found a balcony that overlooked not only Ponyville but also had a broad view of Equestria itself.

In the dead of night the view was breathtakingly tranquil and still. She cried. Losing Fluttershy because of her insatiable curiosity that has gotten her into trouble a few times before, finding her to be a stone cold killer and yet she was still the mare that she called a friend. She almost lost her brother and aunt to both the Changelings and the demons. She found out she was a mother in some alternate reality and despite she came from another world, she cared for her like a daughter. All this… actually made her happy.

“I will miss you, Nyx,” She whispered, “I have no regrets from the moment I got into this fight to the moment I had to let you go home.”

Around the corner a yellow mare in a red leather coat was eavesdropping on her friend with a smile on her face.

‘At least she isn’t blaming herself for anything,’ Fluttershy thought as she made her presence known, “Uh, Twilight?”

Twilight looked around and saw the walking demonic armoury that was her friend, “Hi Fluttershy, sorry I just needed a moment to myself.”

Her friend nodded, “I know how it feels. All this is a lot to take in, especially once it’s over. I needed a good week to recover from the aftermath of the events in the Temen-ni-gru and Skyrim. It’s how you deal with them that changes you. The question is: will you let it change you for the better or for worse?”

Twilight smiled, “Since when did you become a book of life lessons?”

Fluttershy sniggered, “Not all of us fall asleep when you go on one of your lectures Twilight.”

The two mares laughed into the still night air from the balcony as Dash looked up at them. Well, she tried to look up at them but she saw three balconies and three copies of her friends. She was sober enough to recognise who they were though.

“Hey AJ,” She asked but only got a loud snore in response. Looking down she remembered that she was the last mare standing, Bloodwing and Gilda never stood a chance against the ones who had been drinking the stuff for years. It came down to the two mares to finish the competition. 

“Moron,” Gilda snored.

“Scumbag,” Bloodwing softly retorted with a smile.

All this didn’t stop Dash from rambling to nopony in particular, “I wonder what would have happened if Fluttershy never went on that trip of hers… Yeah, I agree. We would have been so bucked.” 

“Rainbow Dash!” The cyan mare wheeled around and saw Spitfire walking up to her. If there was one thing in Equestria that could make her sober up in ten seconds flat, it would be meeting the Wonderbolts face to face.

“Yes ma’am?!” She half-shouted, saluting the captain of the Wonderbolts.

“Those were some impressive skills you showed back there in the Crystal Empire, what say you to joining up with us? We could use a mare like you,” Spitfire inquired, wearing her blue formal attire with her medals and other accolades.

“Yes ma’am!” She replied, her hoof not wavering from its position.

“That’s good to hear, expect a formal invitation to the Wonderbolts Academy in the mail soon,” She said before turning around and leaving. Dash picked that exact moment to finally collapse and fall asleep.

Joystick was also partaking in the festivities, talking to Rarity of all mares.

“I’m surprised you weren’t as adversely affected like the others where when we rescued you and the others from Fillydelphia,” The fashionista commented, taking a sip of red wine.

Joystick shrugged as he took a swig of the bourbon in his possession, “Well, you know what they say: you can’t break a pony the way you do a dog or  a Timberwolf - the harder you beat a pony, the taller he stands.”

“That’s… an interesting outlook,” Rarity replied, raising her one eyebrow. “What are your future plans?”

Joystick finished his bourbon and placed the glass down with a clink, “Me? Well, most likely return to my job in the game store here in Canterlot. Not much compared to your lifestyle I’m sure.”

“Nonsense darling. You mustn’t think so low of yourself. Tell you what: come around Carousel Boutique in Ponyville sometime and I’ll take you on as an assistant if you’d like,” Rarity offered as her wine was drained.

“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks Rarity,” Joystick responded with a smile.

“Anytime darling,” She smiled back, “Well, it’s about time I got my beauty sleep, until we meet again Joystick.”

The unicorn nodded his head, “Until then I guess it’s time to split!”

The group finally went back into the castle for rest well earned. The next day, a new stained glass window was adorning the hallway with the others. It was pale blue with a large black obelisk in the centre. Around it were small figure representing the entire group with the Changelings and the Griffons in the ‘sky’ above the obelisk. All the figures were pointing smaller versions of their weapons at the obelisk as white streaks connected the said weapons with the obelisk. Beneath it read: ‘The Conquerors of Tartarus.’
> Sequel Teaser: Nightmare Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dovahshy May Cry
Sequel Teaser: Nightmare Night
Author: Draconis187

Nightmare Night in Ponyville has come around once more. A little black Alicorn filly was running around Ponyville in DAT battle armour, much to Twilight’s dismay. It was good to her visit for Nightmare Night – apparently there was a time difference between the different worlds – along with her friends.

Pinkie was dressed as a candy goblin. What is a candy goblin? A standard one made quite literally of candy, how she roped Discord into doing it nopony will ever know. The other question was what stopped her from eating herself? Applejack had dressed as a raven as she ran the bobbing for apples stand as she did every year. Clunker was maintaining the Pumpkin Toss, handing ponies, Griffons and even the odd Changeling a pumpkin. Clunker’s reception at Sweet Apple Acres did not go down as well as Applejack had hoped but once the Kyklops proved he was willing to pull his weight, the tension died out.

Twilight was dressed as Victory, a pony hero from the pre-Discordian era who fought countless wars in defiance to the Old Griffon Kingdom. What many ponies didn’t know was that Victory was also a gifted scholar. Twilight got help from Celestia on her coat, Cutie Mark and even leant her student the original banner she flew when going into battle. Rarity insisted on making the cape but luckily Pinkie’s antics distracted the fashionista long enough for Twilight to run off with the design.

The cape was a deep maroon fastened around Twilight’s neck by a golden chain. The flagpole she would be carrying was highly polished bronze with the flag itself consisting of three yellow diamonds on an orange background. Twilight’s mane was longer than usual and a pale green colour while her coat was blonde. On her flank were two white stars on opposite sides of a shortsword that pointed to the sky.

Twilight was looking around feverishly, growing more worried as she looked for Nyx, “Oh, where is that filly?”

Instead of getting an answer from her assistant Spike – who went with a dragon costume again this year – they were interrupted by the arrival of a certain yellow Pegasus. Fluttershy was wearing the red coat that Rarity made for Vergil but he neglected to take it back with him. Rarity also managed to make the navy blue shirt he wore and a mock version of his amulet on the gold chain. She had her pink mane shortened and styled like Vergil’s: white and swept back. She even cropped her tail to hide it under the coattails. She had Beowulf on her hooves since she didn’t have Yamato and Vergil was the original owner of the Devil Arm.

“Hi Fluttershy,” Spike greeted as he tried to change the subject.

Twilight turned around and smiled as she saw her friend, “Hi Fluttershy. Nice outfit.”

“Thanks, how is everything?” Fluttershy asked, her voice trailing off as she saw Spike waving his arms around like a mad mare.

Twilight sighed, “I'm trying to find Nyx. I left her in the care of a certain assistant but he lost track of her”

Spike tried to make himself seem smaller as Twilight’s gaze threatened to pierce his scaly hide, “She threatened to use that Alastor on me if I didn’t let her go!”

Fluttershy sniggered, “Come on Twilight, it is Nightmare Night.”

Twilight realised something that made her look at her friend, “Speaking of which: this is the first Nightmare Night I've seen you out of your cottage.”

Fluttershy rolled her eyes, “I fought armies of Changelings, been battered and bruised, experienced true fear and beat it. A small holiday like this is like any day in Ponyville, just creepier.”

Twilight and Fluttershy laughed, “Well, I'm glad. I heard that Princess Luna is attending again.”

As the pair walked through Ponyville, four sets of eyes were watching their every step from the bushes. One had a pair of glasses on her face but the blade on her back crackled with electricity which threatened to give away their location, the other looked like a mummy but her light purple mane stuck out at some spots, the other was a vampire but her white horn still stuck out of her black, greased mane while the last one had four fake, black coloured wooden limbs on her sides while the rest of her coat was dyed the same colour. 

“I don’t know about this,” The vampire said nervously.

“What are you talking about? This is going to be awesome!” The mummy whispered back, “And keep your voice down, we are supposed to be sneaking around. Besides, those two aren't our targets anyway.”

“I don’t want to know what Fluttershy might do if we jumped her,” The armoured, black filly whispered, “I've seen what she can do and it’s not pretty.”

The three murmured their agreement. Days after the final battle with Mundus, the story was told across Equestria. Whether in the tabloids or though the grapevine, the news spread faster than any plague known to Equestria. Everypony knew of the fall of Canterlot, the liberation of the same place and then the subsequent stand down orders from the Changelings. The Griffon Empire received the reports soon after the battle from Bloodwing himself. The Empire sent their highest commendations to the fighters: the Star of Defiance. It was a pale brown, four-pointed star with a gold outline and a round amethyst in the centre.

Twilight made Spike promise not to eat her medal when he saw the amethyst inset. Well, she threatened to skewer him with her magenta blades if he so much as licked it. Sounds cruel but she would never do such a thing, not that she was going to tell Spike otherwise.

As Fluttershy and Twilight walked through the town, a bolt of lightning fired at them from above. Neither mare thought, only acted. Fluttershy flipped and fired off a Zodiac attack from her right gauntlet while Twilight fired off six blades. Their attacker was a rogue thundercloud that had now been thoroughly obliterated. The pair received a number of scared looks as their faces began to heat up in embarrassment.

One pony wasn’t giving them a funny look. In fact she was laughing her prismatic mane off. The two looked over at Rainbow Dash who was clad in full formal wear that the Wonderbolts were known to wear. The only medal she had on her was the Star of Defiance but according to Spitfire, she had been setting records that she herself had set. Her display of dedication and loyalty to her fellow flyers helped bump her up the Wonderbolts’ ranks quickly.

“That… was… hi-hilarous!” The cyan mare struggled to say as she was still laughing.

“Ugh, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight scolded, “That wasn’t funny.”

Fluttershy defused the situation fairly quickly as she spoke, “have you seen Nyx?”

Rainbow wiped a tear from her eye as she got up off the ground, “Yeah, she’s with the Crusaders. They're up to something tonight and I can’t wait to find out!”

Twilight gave a sigh of relief, “Well, at least she’s with friends, even if it is those three troublemakers.”

Dash nodded, “Yeah. Come on, I hear Princess Luna is going to be arriving now. I wanna see what she’s dressing up as tonight.”

The three walked off to the Town Hall where Princess Luna was scheduled to arrive. They met the rest of their friends: Applejack, Rarity who was wearing a dark blue dress with teal embroidery along the hemline and Pinkie Pie. Twilight scanned the gathered crown for her other dimensional daughter to no avail.

“This is your fault. I'm going to kill you. And all the cake is gone. You don't even care, do you?” Twilight looked around and saw a stallion speaking through a little device that distorted his voice.

His coat was white while his mane was black and bright yellow. His Cutie Mark looked a little like a camera’s iris shutter. His eyes were yellow and he looked at the group with a smirk.

“How is everypony?” He asked.

“Who-?” Twilight asked before she facehoofed herself, “Joystick.”

“The one and only!” The unicorn declared, “What do you think of my Aperture Science costume? I'm GLaDOS!”

“That’s… nice.” Twilight responded while the rest of her friends were laughing. 

“Nice to see you made it darling,” Rarity spoke up, addressing the unicorn.

“Wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Joystick replied gleefully.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The reason Nyx and the rest of the CMC weren’t there was due to the fact that they were resetting the thundercloud that Twilight and Fluttershy triggered. They were a little upset and moved the cloud to another part of town as they saw their target walking down the street. A pink filly purple and white hair. She was dressed like the Princesses of old, or at least what Celestia used to wear when meeting foreign dignitaries.

Diamond Tiara was wearing a white and pale blue dress that shone in the moonlight. On her head was her trademark silver tiara and she was wearing silver shoes. Her best – and only real – friend, Silver Spoon was wearing a suit with her silver mane tied up in a bun. She looked like somepony’s personal secretary. How she stayed friends with her, nopony knew… not even Pinkie Pie.

“This dress is absolutely perfect for me, don’t you agree?” Tiara bragged at the top of her lungs.

“Yes, it’s lovely,” Silver Spoon replied. Tiara had been bragging about the dress as soon as she went to her house and it was starting to get annoying.

Luckily for Silver Spoon and the CMC, Diamond Tiara was too wrapped up in her little world that she failed to notice the thundercloud she was walking to. In a single blast of lightning, the pink filly had moved from her spot in the middle of the pathway, to the river a few metres away in a matter of milliseconds.

The four CMC couldn’t help but laugh loudly, so loudly that Silver Spoon found them while Tiara flailing about in the river’s cold waters. The CMC stopped as Silver Spoon glared at them for a few seconds. If Nyx hadn’t promised both of her Twilights to not cause trouble, she would have used Alastor fire a blast of lightning that would help mask their escape.

As the five fillies looked at each other, Silver Spoon smiled and gave a small giggle but she was interrupted by a wail, “Silver Spoon! Come help me!”

“I’m coming!” She shouted back with a smile.

After a few seconds of Spoon taking off her costume so she could swim into the river to get Tiara, the pink and soaking wet filly was keeping herself warm with pure rage.

“If I find out who put that cloud there, they will be sorry!” She declared to Silver Spoon as the CMC hid in the bushes again.

“I didn’t see anypony so I guess it will be a mystery,” Her friend replied as she put her costume back on.

“She’s alright if ya ask me,” Applebloom said with a grin.

“Silver Spoon is known to be Tiara’s voice of reason,” Nyx commented, “I guess that’s why she stays with her.”

****                    ****                        ****               ****

The skies darkened as the stars began to fade away, causing the ponies gathered at Town Hall to gasp. The Bearers of Harmony and Joystick knew that this was Luna making her presence known. The wind began to howl as it picked up speed, making Fluttershy’s coattails flap about audibly. A purple fog rolled into Ponyville, lowering visibility greatly. Many of the ponies were getting frightened but the hardened fighters had faced scarier.

“La-lala-lala-la,” Came the sound of a filly’s voice. It wasn’t normal, it felt disconnected and eerie.

“Luna’s pulling out all the stops isn’t she?” Dash whispered to Applejack.

“Don’t spoil the surprise, Dashie!” Pinkie scowled, whispering her opinion.

Dash looked sheepish as the fog grew denser, obscuring her vision and leaving her to see only outlines of her friends. The little voice was getting creepier as it giggled, making Pinkie’s hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Even Twilight was admittedly getting a little afraid, the Lunar Princess was giving them a ride for their bits.

A little shadow could be seen walking up to the podium. It was hard to make out but it had the build of a little filly, “Do you want to play with me?”

It was an odd but not unusual request but as the figure’s head turned to them, it had glowing, deep red eyes as its voice became demonically deep, “’Cause I want to play with you!”

In an instant the filly leapt at the crowd with furious speed, making a lot of the ponies scream as they saw it opening its mouth wide enough to swallow more than a few ponies whole. Everypony averted their eyes, prepared for the worst but it never came. Instead the mysterious fog had vanished instantly and standing at the podium was Princess Luna as… herself.

“I declare Nightmare Night open!” The Alicorn shouted into the air.

The citizens cheered as they realized this was an elaborate scare played by their Princess. Princess Luna’s body glowed as she grew a bit in stature. As the light faded, Nightmare Moon was left in her place. They all knew this was their Princess in a magical costume but the holiday was made in honour of her dark side so the Alicorn decided to look the part.

“Greetings Twilight, what did you think?” Luna asked as the crowd dispersed and the little ones went off to do their Nightmare Night candy hunting. Her voice sounded just like the Nightmare Moon the six of them fought a long time ago.

As Twilight was about to answer, Pinkie decided to voice her opinion, “It was amazing Princess! First we were all ‘this isn't so scary’ then came that little voice and then I was li-”

Pinkie stopped as she received a hoof to her mouth from Applejack, “Sorry ‘bout that Princess. Pinkie still needs ta learn how ta not ramble.”

“Not a problem. Enjoy the girls,” The dark, azure armour clad Alicorn said with a smile as she took to the skies.

****                    ****                        ****               ****

On the outskirts of Ponyville, an Alicorn was watching them intently from his perch on a cloud. He was slightly illuminated by the two long, black blades on his sides. One crackled with electricity while the other burned with fire. His one wing looked like it should not be attached to his body, let alone allow him to fly. His deep red horn on his head looked out of place on his very pale blue coat and deep blue mane. His green eyes were fixated on a particular subject. It was neither pony nor Griffon. The target of his burning hatred was buzzing around the small town, the Changelings.

“They invade Canterlot, they destroy almost everything we loved and yet they just forgive and forget?” He said softly into the night, “I will not sit by idly and give them a chance to attack us again. Once a monster, always a monster and if must become one to prove my point… so be it.”