PART VIII

"How soon will they make another attempt?" said Corruption. "About an hour, ma'am." said one of her scientists. The scientist was an earth pony, but looked very different than usual. Her eyes had a reddish tint to them, and her coat seemed to be darker than its usual color, which was tan. These were some side affects of being under Corruption's control. Not only did they work for her, she controlled them. And the portal- they discovered that the other dimension attempted to connect at set intervals, but each time so far, something set them back. First, it was not enough power. Then it was an error a technician made in calibration. The latest one was caused by power fluctuations due to the proximity of the Vanguard. They caught Corruption by surprise by joining forces with the griffons, and getting help from the dragons- some smaller dragons that were more able to work with ponies. Because of this, they bore a hole straight through to Canterlot. Only half of the city remained in their control, and Corruption had to open the portal soon. For if not, the castle and caves would be overrun by the Vanguard and their allies. "Can we hold them off for that long?" said Corruption to a commander nearby. "I don't think-" he was cut off by a series of muffled explosions, that sounded close. It was almost immediately followed by a shockwave that shook the walls. A message arrived from the castle's defenders about a minute afterwards, via a corrupted dragon. It read: The Vanguard have used some well- aimed artillery strikes on our walls. They are now infiltrating the outer castle area, and are aided by aerial strikes from the griffons. The dragons are maintaining their flanks. What should we do? She thought for a second, and said "Order all soldiers in the area to defend the castle and caves at all costs. Once we open the portal, we can win this.". The commander looked at her and said "Are you sure ab-" Corruption leaned towards him, her eyes glowing a bright red. "Are you questioning me?" she said. THe commander's eyes returned the glow, and faded. The reddish tint had spread to look more bloodshot. "No, ma'am. I will carry out your orders." he said, in a monotone voice. "I thought so. Let them know that they have about an hour."

Valrek and the legendary six were ducking behind a half- destroyed wall, helping the soldiers push into the castle when a dragon in armor flew up to them. "Sir! we have reports that all of Corruptions forces in the area are moving to defend this castle! What are your orders?" he said. Applejack turned around. "That doesn't sound like a good idea on her part." she said before Valrek could respond. A bullet went whizzing by her ears, and she turned around to spray the area with bullets before finishing. "With all of them moving in on one area, we could drop some explosives, and they would do more damage. It'll be like bucking an apple tree instead of picking them, more gone with one hit.". "Nice thinking, Applejack." Valrek said. He then turned around to the dragon and said "Tell the griffons to drop some bombs on the incoming soldiers. Focus on the more dense groups.". "Yes, Sir." He said as he flew away to deliver the message. Valrek turned around to Twilight, and asked "Do you still remember where the entrance to the caves are?". "Yes, I do. Just follow my lead, and tell the ther soldiers to watch our backs and help clear the way." she said. "You heard her! Follow her lead, watch our backs, and help clear the way! We need the Elements and their keepers!" Valrek told the troops, they immediately complied.

"Fifteen minutes!" announced the scientist. There were now almost constand rumblings and noise. The battle was directly over them. Do they even know how to get in? Corruption thought. Wait- according to Chrysalis's memories, Twilight Sparkle knows! Just then, there was a loud explosion- not muffled this time. "They're in!" shouted a guard. She heard a loud shouting that was like a battle cry. Well, at least they know there is no use in stealth... she thought, as she unsheathed her blades.