Inside the dungeon, loud crashing sound followed by screams can be heard from outside.
"What in the world is going on out there?" Rarity asked.
"Not a clue," Shining Armor said.
"But, me know," a voice called out. The troll used the key to unlock the cell. "Ogre bash goaties, while me get ponies out."
Nopony questioned why a troll of all creatures was helping them, but they took the first chance and got out.
"Say, I know you," Pinkie Pie pointed out. "You're that troll from earlier."
"Pink pony give me yum-yum mushroom," she said. "Me help ponies leave here. My name Ree."
"Well, thanks a lot, Ree," Sunburst said.
"Does Me get yum-yum mushroom now?" Ree asked.
"You'll have as many as those mushrooms you want if you open the cells," Rainbow Dash instructed.
"Me open cages," said as she unlocked everyone of the cells; causing the ponies to stampede on out.
Pinkie managed to get her pack back and give Ree the foul-smelling mushrooms.
Outside, the guards were busy dealing with the ogre attacking.
"Kill the ogre!" one of the guards yelled. "Don't let that foul beast get away!"
The ogre swung his club at any charging enemy; they went flying like ragdolls for the ogre was obviously too much for them. Bray hearing the commotion came out to see.
"WHAT IS GOING ON OUT HERE?!" Bray yelled. As he saw the ogre in Tambelon, he panicked. "You idiots! Get rid of that ogre! At any cost!"
The ogre set his club down to grab one of the guards by the horn and tossed him towards another, which landed on Bray. Bray struggles to get loose, as he now noticed that the pprisoners are now escaping and fighting the guards getting payback for the cruelty they were forced to endure. Bray got out eventually, only to be bitten on the tail.
"YEOW!" Bray cried. The donkey ran off with the warg puppy chasing him around while barking. "Get away from me, you mangy little animal! Get away! I said get away!"
The group heard the barking only to see Bray running for his life. Not looking where he was going, he bumped into a large figure, which happens to be Bright Macintosh.
"Ah told ya that we'll get out," the yellow stallion stated.
Fearing what he'll do to him, Bray ran off the opposite direction regretting the path he chose with the warg puppy in front of him, growling at the donkey. Bray looked back, only to see the group coming towards him. Bray was definitely afraid now.
"Who are ya gonna take a chance with?" Applejack asked. "Him? Or her?"
Bray knew that she meant Fluttershy and her Stare. Bray was shaking like crazy.
"Where's Acorn?" Applejack demanded.
"If you're talking about that brown pony, he's in that tower!" Bray said pointing to the tower. "Just call off your attack!"
Ree whistled to the ogre making him stop. Ree handed her the key to Acorn's cell.
Applejack raced towards the tower searching for Acorn. She looked in every room on the tower until she found the cell she was looking for. Applejack opened the door and found Acorn chained up. Acorn opened his eyes and his eyes filled with tears.
"Applejack!" Acorn cried. "You're okay!"
"Ah wouldn't be if anything happened to ya," she said as she undid his restraints, and hugged him tightly. "Ah didn't want to lose ya."
Acorn hugged her back, "I don't want to lose you either."
They kissed each other with so much passion, just like their first kiss. They stopped kissing when she helped him on his hooves.
"I can walk on my own you know," Acorn argued.
"Ah know," she said, "Ah just wanna keep ya safe."
The couple made it out of the tower to rejoin the others. Everypony had an opportunity to escape, but they didn't know their way out of the Shadow Wood Forsest, except for the rescuers.
"We'll have to race back to Equestria and help Twilight and Cadence!" Rainbow Dash stated.
"Even if we did, we would be too late," Sunburst said.
"He's right," Rocky agreed, "we'll need something to get us to Canterlot in time and stop Grogar's invasion."
"Any ideas on how?" Bright Mac asked.
"Not a one," Tempest said.
Everypony thought of what to do when, suddenly, an airship just happen to fly in above them. What caught by surprise was it was Captain Celaeno and her crew.
"Well now," she said, "we meet again!"
"Celaeno!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Ah didn't think that we'd see them here!" Applejack said.
"I take it that you know those birds," Rocky guessed.
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash admitted, "they were slaves to the Storm King, until we gave them back their awesomeness!"
"You helped a bunch of pirates?" Acorn asked.
"They're really nice and fun pirates!" Pinkie Pie said.
Another familiar voice called out, "You ponies are full of surprises."
"Capper!" the Mane Five exclaimed in surprise.
Capper jumped off the ship and landed on his feet. He dusted himself off.
"What are you guys doing here, anyway?" Shining Armor asked.
"We were just sailing the skies when we saw something in the distance, so we decided to look into it," Celaeno said.
"But we didn't expect to run into you out here," Capper finished. "So what's new with you?"
"Lots had happened," Applejack answered the cat's question. "Think that y'all can give us a lift to Canterlot?"
"Sure thing," the pirate captain said. "What's up?"
"We can explain everything on the way," Applejack told her.
"But first," Pinkie Pie announced. She grabbed a loudspeaker and spoke into it. "ALL ABOARD!"
They didn't need to be told twice as they boarded the pirate ship; any ship is better than staying in Tambelon any moment longer.
"I wonder if my ship can support so many," Celaeno wondered. "Set course for Canterlot!"
The crew obeyed their captain as they did that. The crew managed to lift the ship off the ground and sailed off to the skies. Bray and the guards just watched helplessly as they're now tied up.
"Lord Grogar is going to be furious when he gets back," the guard said to Bray.
"Shut up!" Bray roared.
Meanwhile, Grogar and his army marched through the Everfree Forest and made it outside of the forest. One of the soldiers noticed Ponyville in his sight.
"Lord Grogar," the soldier called out, "there's a town over there!"
Twilight and Cadence knew all too well that meant trouble for Ponyville.
"Take half of our forces and turn it into a burial ground!" Grogar ordered.
"Right away, my lord!" The soldier saluted. "You heard him! Half of you with me!"
They did exactly that as he led them to attack Ponyville. Twilight and Cadence's hearts sank as they knew that Flurry was in there, as well as many good ponies, and Twilight's students will be in danger.
The Young Six were taking a field trip with Starlight to learn about enjoying what others like to do. Spike and Grubber were assisting her.
They hung out at Sugar Cube Corner, enjoying some cupcakes Starlight had purchased for the group. Coming in, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, entered with Flurry Heart riding on Apple Bloom's back.
Flurry felt nervous coming back since the Cake Twins got mad at her for breaking their hot air balloon toy. They smiled as they waved at her. Flurry clinged to Apple Bloom not wanting to get off.
"It's alright, Flurry," Apple Bloom told the baby, "Ah won't leave yer side."
Apple Bloom set her down in front of them. The Pound and Pumpkin Cake looked at each other for a second before Pound Cake rolled a ball to the baby alicorn. Flurry returned the favor by rolling it to Pumpkin Cake. Pumpkin rolled it back to Flurry, then back to Pound, and so on. Apple Bloom stayed with Flurry making sure that nothing happens.
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo purchased some cupcakes as they noticed Sandbar and the others.
"Hey guys," Sweetie Belle greeted.
"Hey Sweetie Belle," Sandbar greeted back, "Scootaloo. What ate you three up to today?"
"Just watching Flurry Heart until her mom and dad comes back," Scootaloo answered. "Big Mac was supposed to watch her, but he went off to find Sugar Belle a birthday present. So, we're watching her."
They looked over at where Flurry still rolling the little ball.
"Is that the head-mare's niece?!" Silver Stream exclaimed. "She's adorable!"
Silver Stream went over to where the babies are; the babies stopped what they were doing and looked at the hippogriff. She is joined by Ocellus, and Yona.
"Hello, little babies," Ocellus greeted.
"Do babies like yak?" Yona asked them. "Yak like babies."
The yak and changeling joined them into rolling the ball. Pound Cake rolled it to Yona, who pushed it to Pumpkin Cake, who rolled it to Ocellus, who rolled it to Flurry, and so on. Sandbar, Smolder, and Gallus smiled as they watched their friends play with the babies.
Sugar Belle came out of the back and started to replenish the cupcakes, when the moment was interrupted by a loud crash from outside. Than it was followed a few screams.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and rushed towards the doors. And that was they got a sight of what was going on. The goat-creatures were attacking Ponyville.
"Are they what I think they are?" Spike asked scared.
"I recognize those guys," Grubber said. "Those are the guys that bumped into me and Tempest awhile back."
Starlight rushed out and turned to Sugar Belle.
"Sugar Belle, keep them out of danger!" Starlight told her. "No matter what, protect them!"
"You can count on me," Sugar Belle said. "Kids, stay with me!"
"Yak not scared of goats!" Yona announced.
"Well, babies are," Sugar Belle stated.
Starlight fired at the goat-creatures, going down after every hit. The cretures was crushing everything in sight, Starlight kept firing and firing, until one sucker punched her. Starlight went down for the count.
He was going to finish her off, when suddenly, he took a whiff of something. He turned to see that his tail was fire. The soldier yelped as he ran around trying to find some water to put it out. Starlight opened her eyes to see that it was Spike who saved her.
"Thanks Spike," Starlight said.
"Anytime," Spike said.
Starlight raced towards the other soldiers, while Spike flew into the air and threw in more of his fire breath.
"A dragon!" The soldiers retorted. "Get it!"
The soldiers chased the young dragon around town. Spike looked back and he can see that they were lagging from behind. Spike flew up high, then dove back down and flamed the soldiers right in the faces. They ran off yelping in burning pain. The two of them was doing good until more soldiers surrounded them quickly. There were a couple of soldiers who headed for Sugar Cube Corner, with Sugar Belle in their sight. Sugar Belle was paralyzed by fear to run. She was told to protect the students and the foals; she wasn't sure if she could. She closed her eyes and wished that somepony would come to her rescue.
Her wish was granted when a large figure rushed from behind the soldiers and clobbered them good. Sugar Belle opened her eyes to see that it was Big Mac who saved her.
"Are ya alright, Sugar Belle?" Big Mac asked.
Sugar Belle smiled as she hugged her savior, "I am now, thanks to you. My hero."
Sugar Belle kissed his cheek, as he blushed and chuckled.
"Ah'm just glad that ya'll are okay," Bug Mac said.
"Oh brother," Gallus said annoyed.
Suddenly, pretty much all of Ponyville, began fighting for their town. The battle raged on through the town until the lead soldier made the order.
"RETREAT!"
They didn't need to be told twice as the ran as fast as they could go.It wasn't long until they all disappeared into the Everfree Forest.
"And stay out, ya no good varmints!" Granny Smith called out.
"And good riddance to those things," Grand Pear added.
Meanwhile, at Canterlot, Grogar and what remained of his army arrived at Canterlot.
"After all these centuries," Grogar spoke. "Revenge is within my grasp."
Twilight and Cadence gasped as they both knew that the worst is about to happen.
"We await your order, Lord Grogar," a soldier said.
"ATTACK!"
Grogar's forces charged towards Equestria's capital, charging to burn it to the ground.
The nobles were carrying on with their day as nothing was going on. Jet Set and Upper Crust were sitting at a table sipping some tea when suddenly they felt the ground shake.
They turned to look to where the source of the rumbling. Their eyes widen as they saw what appears a horde of monstrous goats charging.
"This is what we don't need!" Jet Set gasped. "Run dear!"
Upper Crust didn't need to be told twice, she and her husband started to run for their lives. The soldiers began terrorizing the city while Grogar with the princesses as his hostages, made his way towards the castle.
"Break their defenses!" Grogar ordered.
The soldiers pressed on the attack, while Grogar along with Roland, made itbto the castle. The guards tried to stop the two of them, they were too powerful. Roland fired his beam at one guard, while Grogar charged at another.
Inside the throne room, Celestia and Luna are right inside.
"Sister," Luna sqeuaked, "is this what I think it is?"
"Indeed, my sister," Celestia answered, "Grogar once again came knocking on our doorstep."
Outside the throne room.
"Is that where the two sisters are?" Grogar said.
"Yes, Lord Grogar," Roland answered, "With two princesses in your possession, Celestia and Luna won't be a problem for you."
"Good," Grogar smiled. "You go and join my forces."
Roland bowed to his command, "Of course, my Lord." Roland went off to put his own plan into motion. "Now that he's busy dealing with those two, I'll begin to make myself more powerful than ever!"
Back outside, everypony is running around screaming as Grogar's army continued their attack. The guards patrolling the streets were quickly beaten as they were no match for the goat-creatures. Unknown to anyone, the airship makes it's way over Canterlot. The ponies, and other creatures on board were witnessing the attack below.
"It looks like that wewe're too late," Capper pointed out.
"Yeah, but that's never stopped us before!" Rainbow Dash said.
"She's right," Shining Armor stated. "The pirates and I will take the soldiers! The rest of you go after Grogar!"
"And I'll join in the fight!" Tempest added.
Shining Armor nodded.
"We all will!" A unicorn stallion called out. All the former prisoners cheered in agreement.
That just left the Mane Five, Sunburst, Rocky, Bright Macintosh, Pear Butter, and Acorn to deal with Roland and rescue Twilight and Cadence.
"Let's give them Tartarus!" Celaeno yelled out.
Everyone aboard jumped off the ship to fight off the forces of Grogar and save Canterlot before the chaos began spreading across the land.
Shining Armor, the pirates, Tempest, Ree, the ogre, and the former prisoners started to fight Grogar's army, giving them the justice that the ruler of Tambelon had robbed them of.
Back at the castle, Grogar bursts through the doors with his magic, he marches in with Twilight and Cadence still bound in their restraints. He tied the enchanted chains to the doorway as he approached the alicorn sisters.
"Celestia," Grogar greeted. "Luna. It's been centuries since we last met."
"Grogar," Celestia sneered.
"How dare you take Cadence and Twilight as your hostages and enter our home uninvited, you foul beast!" Luna roared.
Grogar chuckled, "It's good to see you, too."
"You abducted a lot of my subjects and made them suffer under your care!" Celestia exclaimed. "You will face the consequences of your actions!"
"Not this time, Celestia," Grogar stated. "I will have what I came her for! And that will be your unconditional surrender!"
"You will find that you will not it here!" Celestia said.
"I thought that you would say that," Grogar said. "Since I can't get you to surrender, than I will take it by force!"
"Bring it on, you fiend!" Luna yelled before she and her sister fired their magic at him. Grogar blocked it with his own magic. He charged at the two of them, they dodged the frontal assault as Grogar smashed the thrones.
Grogar tried again as he charged again, but only at Luna. Luna fired her beam at Grogar again, but he dodged it as he fired his dark magic at Luna. She formed a force field around herher, reflecting the attack.
Grogar fired at Celestia who did the same thing.
Meanwhile, back outside, Starlight, Spike, Grubber, and the Young Six arrived at Canterlot to see the battle just like Ponyville again.
"What's going on here?" Grubber asked.
"It looks like Twilight and the others had succeeded in their mission," Starlight said.
"But where are they?" Sandbar said.
They all looked around and spotted the group heading to the castle.
"There they are!" Gallus pointed out.
"Yak say that we help pony teachers!" Yona stated.
"Yona's right," Starlight agreed. "We can help out!"
The ponies, dragons, badger, griffin, hippogriff, yak, and changeling all headed towards the castle to join the others.
When they all eventually caught up, Rarity spoke up.
"Starlight! What are they doing here?" Rarity asked.
"Blame me, miss Rarity!" Sandbar said. "It was my idea!"
"We know that it was wrong," Ocellus said, "these things attacked Ponyville."
"And we figured that they'd be here, too," Smolder added.
"We can deal with that later," Rainbow Dash stated.
"She's right," Applejack agreed, "We have to help our friends!"
The group entered the castle grounds, hoping that it wasn't too late. Rocky had one thing on his mind right now; that was stopping Roland from carrying out his plan.
"You go save your friends!" Rocky stated. "There is something I have to do!"
"Where ever are you going?!" Rarity questioned.
"Just stopping somepony else," Rocky explained. "I'll meet up with afterwards!"
Everypony knew who he was talking about and let off to find him. Rocky went into the opposite direction to find Roland.
Roland made his way to the castle vault hoping to find what he was looking for. Just as he was about to open it, he was stopped by a magical beam. He turned to see Chancellor Neighsay behind him.
"You are not autauthorized in this area!" the gray unicorn sneered. "Explain your actions!"
"Just here for the Staff of Sacanas," Roland explained. "And use it's power to make myself the most powerful unicorn that ever lived."
Neighsay sternly glared at Roland as he didn't like where this was going, "Are you mad? You would dare to use that accursed staff to your own gain?! And against the princesses?! I will not allow this!"
"You're welcome to try and stop me," Roland taunted, "I doubt that you can."
Neighsay fired his magic at Roland, only for him to teleport out of the way and right in front of him. He tried again only for Roland to fire a stronger beam at the older unicorn, knocking him out.
"The old fool," Roland thought. "Now the Staff of Sacanas."
Roland using the strength of his magic, had opened the vault door by tearing it out of the wall.
Roland was about to claim his prize when he was interrupted for a second time.
"Roland Graves!" a voice called out from behind. Roland turned to see that it was Rocky Beams standing right behind him.
"Beams!" Roland exexclaimed in shock. "You escaped! How?!"
"We had help from an unexpected source," Rocky explained. "I guess when you team up with the friends of the Princess of Friendship, that kind of thing can happen."
"But it will not save you!" Roland stated.
"Maybe. Maybe not," Rocky said. Rocky got a glimspe of the Staff of Sacanas and he put two and two together. "The Staff of Sacanas. Last time I remember, it was in the possession of the Storm King. I assume that you're planning to use it against Grogar."
Roland smiled as he chuckled, "You were never easy to fool, Rocky. Not only I'm using it to on Grogar, but also the other princesses as well. I allowed myself to be captured by Grogar's forces, and that's how I knew about this. He allowed me to return to Equestria to perform a spell to bring Tambelon back from the Dark Realm. I knew that Grogar will eventually discard me as soon as he got what he wanted. So I thought of the Staff of Sacanas."
"But the magic will only enter the staff," Rocky pointed out. "If it's destroyed, the magic might end up being lost or return to their rightful hosts."
"True," Roland said. "But I plan to use a spell that will allow the magic to flow into me. With the magic of all four rulers of Equestria, and Grogar of Tambelon, I will rule not only Equestria, but all the other kingdoms as well! Every other creatures will have to bow to MY whims! Ponies, griffins, dragons, yaks, changelings, hippogriffs! And even minotaurs as well!"
"It's a good thing that I came them," Rocky said. "I won't let you go that far."
"I hope that you put a better fight than that old fool," Roland stated. "Let's go."
Roland's horn began glowing as he prepares to fight.
This is the final battle. Will Twilight's friends show up and save her and the other princesses before it's too late? Will Rocky stop his arch-nemesis before he can reach his goals? Find it in the next chapter.
To be continued...