Chapter 20:Battle Of Equestria Pt 2
Sounds of clashing metal rang through the or, blood flew in streaks and splatters. The war cries of demon and equine beings mixed with the metal ringing s battle waged. Hammers crushed horses and demons to paste, swords of many kinds butchered and sliced apart demon bodies. Spears rammed through the throats and guts of yaks and ponies as the battle of Equestria waged. The battle filled the plains below with blood as Dylan watched from up top of the city wall.
He breathed heavily, the intensity of this war causing his heart to beat like a drum. He looked up, watching Rain and his griffon brethren slicing and slaughtering airborne demons. His double bladed swords slashed demons apart in the dozens, their bodies fell like rain itself. Griffons chewed and slashed with swords and Talons and axes, she demons scattered with gargoyles. Very few griffons fell, but each fallen griffon was a tragedy, their numbers once again began to dwindle.
"This is insane…! I never thought I would see a real life battle like this…!"Dylan sighed before he heard the beating of wings above his head and quickly reached out, grabbing a gargoyle from out of the blue.
"Some of the flying demons are squeezing through the griffons…!"Celestia warned while Dylan put the squeeze on the gargoyles neck till it's head popped like a zit.
"That means griffons are really starting to perish…! We have to pull them back!"Dylan decided as he waved the griffons down to get their attention.
Rain finished splicing a gargoyle in two before he took notice of the king's signal. Only to see them get surrounded by she demons and multi eyed bat demons. They began to fight the creatures off, Celestia twirled her spear like staff, whipping and breaking heads while plunging into chests. Luna was back to back with Celestia, slicing demons in two, and dismembering the bats. What survived their initial attacks was mopped up by the king and queen of Saddle Arabia.
"RAIN! Pull the griffons back! Too many are dying out there! PULL THEM BACK!"Dylan called before chopping off a she demon arm and plunging his sword into it's chest.
"Very well…"Rain agreed and released an ear splitting screech to the sky to command his griffons to fall back.
"Archers! Focus on the airborne demons!"Celestia called to their wall archers as she ripped her spear from a bat's chest.
While the griffons finally went into a full retreat, they took to the sky to evade the arrows. The arrows that were then redirected to the swarms of flying demons. They once again began to fall like a torrential down pour while the griffons charged the demons at the wall. Their swords plunged into the sticky monsters, their axes hacked the rest to pieces before regrouping. Standing before Dylan while the archers held the armies of flying demons at bay.
"Quick! I want you to take the injured to the castle to get their wounds mended,"Dylan instructed as red giants from down below began to toss boulders at the wall,"Return to us and help us keep straggler demons off the walls, your fighters can battle on safer ground this way…!"
"Fair enough…! Just make sure to leave plenty of demons for the rest of us!"Rain demanded before giving a squawk to direct his warriors to Canterlot castle.
"We will Rain. There's plenty to go around any way!"Dylan replied before the griffon guided his wounded griffons to the castle for treatment.
The cracking rumbles of the wall shocked Dylan back to the battle as red giants continued to pelt their wall with boulders. It directed his attention back down to the mountain base, the center of the battle. The king of the yaks appeared to be holding his own among his soldiers. Battle crying as he swung his hammer, crushing almost hundreds of demons with each swing. Half his demonic victims reduced to puddles of tenderized flesh and blood.
He cheered, watching his soldiers begin to go into their berserker formation. Their mental state was that of pure rage and hunger for violence, their power raised as they charged. Crushing small demons and hacking their way through the crowd to get to two main targets. The Yak king looked forward through the crowds and saw the dark one and his disciple. As they stood upon the hill unfazed and smiling at the chaos they were bringing to the world.
"Push up! Earth ponies and horses! Help us push up to Shade! Together we will take his head!"The king of yaks called before the horses and ponies moved up with them and slammed their shields down.
Against better judgment to remain close to the base wall, the armies pushed up. Letting demons of different shapes smash against their shields before plunging sword and spear into the crowds. While stragglers were hacked apart by the yaks that marched behind the phalanx. They pushed through the ranks, slicing and carving their way through the demons as they made their way to Shade. Dylan and the rest of the royalties looked on in shock by the sudden change of strategy.
"What the hell?! What is he doing?!"Dylan felt his head aflame with outrage at the change of strategy.
"He's switching tactics and trying to charge Shade, it's a common yak tactic,"Sombra explained the highly iron offensive strategy they were doing,"But trying this tactic is dangerous…! He's going to get those soldiers swallowed by the demon army!"
"We have to go down there and regroup our forces to the wall!"Astral insisted before seeing red giants and bat lords were passing the armies if they had managed to get pass the yaks.
"And we need to hurry before those beasts bring down the walls!"Thunder agreed and pointed out before jumping from the wall to the mountain itself.
Astral followed her husband in kind as she jumped to the bare mountain. She followed Thunder as they ran straight down the mountain side, wind and lightning surrounded their bodies. Allowing for them to run smoothly and swiftly like the nature elements they were gifted with. They pulled out their great curve swords, jumping and starting to perform flawless spins. With a strong collection of spirals, they twirled all around the giants with their blades and landed behind them.
Their hooves crashed like a godly smite that blasted rocks in all directions. Some rocks had even shredded the bodies of demons like a shot gun at point blank. At the moment they touched down to solid ground, the giants behind them burst with blood. Before their bodies slowly split apart in slabs of flesh that crushed a bat lord and many tiny demons under their pieces. They spun their swords, ripping demons to shreds to make room for themselves before calling to the Yak King.
"Yak King! You're compromising the strategy! Fall back to the wall!"Thunder demanded their yak friend to cease his offense on the Shade.
"NO! We can force through the demons! Take their leaders life to discourage them,"The king of yaks roared before he war cried and jumped over the horses and ponies with his soldiers,"Your time has come Shade! Prepare to perish along with your precious demons!"
"Oh do try your best my friend…! Just don't be disappointed if it doesn't work out for you!"Shade challenge the yak leader's ability to push up and challenge him.
"We'll see about THAT!"The big yak roared as his soldiers mowed the demons down one by one.
"We have to pull back our troops! The Yak King won't listen to reason!"Thunder warned before the ground below the began to quake.
They turned back to see remaining red giants yanking at the wall and smashing their fists upon it. Splattering and flinging the blood of archers everywhere as the wall began to crack. Pieces of it crumbled and fell to the soil below, a quake then shook their attentions to the ground. Just in time for great red flames to burst from the ground, scorching deep holes in the earth. At that moment, gargantuan three jawed maggot creatures burst from the ground, launching and crushing chunks of the yak army.
The giant maggots collected dozens of yaks that cried for help before it's jaws crushed them to pieces. Many more were coming, smashing through the soil and scarfing up ponies, horses and yaks. While the wall was slowly crumbling away by the forceful strength of the giants. The king and queen were in a panic, they needed to get their soldiers out of the gauntlet they were making. They could already see the demons encircling the yaks as they pushed to Shade.
"YAKS! Look around you! You're being lead into a sea of demons!"Astral called to the few yaks that would listen as they realized their comrades dying all around them.
"MOVE FORWARD!"The Yak King commanded before finally swinging a path open after sending hundreds of demons flying into the air.
"Shall I dispatch of the wretched yak?"Terror asked of his master while the devil simply chuckled.
"Nah… He's a fool, he deserves to look like one if he's come this far…!"Shade decided as he saw the Saddle Arabians starting to pull back their own soldiers and the ponies.
"Your life is mine to take Shade!"The king of yaks called out before charging at the dark one with his hammer reared back for a strong swing.
"They're pulling back to dispatch the giants…!"Terror warned as he backed away from the charging yak.
"I know, just encircle and slaughter his yaks while I handle this light work…!"Shade commanded before lifting his arm and taking the full swing of the Yak King's hammer.
The moment the hammer crashed against the dark one's arm, the momentum ceased. The power of the yak's hammer stopped cold by the simple grip of Shade. He held the Yak King's hammer in place, smiling as the large yak tried to pull his hammer from the devils grip. Shade then begin to chuckle before releasing the hammer for the yak, allowing him to almost fall to his back. This infuriated the yak leader as he reared back and charged again ready to bring it down like a gavel.
"King Yak! Return to the wall! PLEASE LISTEN TO US!"Thunder called after slashing the feet of a red giant clean off to let it fall back like a tree.
"SHADE! YOU ARE MINE! You will not make a fool of ME!"The king of yaks suddenly missed Shade by an inch as the dark one side stepped to the left and pulled out his sword.
The yak then swung the side of his hammer to crack Shade in the side, but only clashed with Shade's black sword. The two were then locked in combat, the king of yaks was strong, but slow. Shade was quick and sleek, each swing of his dark blade knocked the hammer away. He quick stepped and ducked under each swing his yak foe took. His next swing put a chip in the side of the hammer and opened a large cut on the yak's arm, forcing him to battle cry.
"Retreat! RETREAT!"Astral demanded to all including the yaks that fell in rapid numbers.
"NO…! No…! I won't…! Retreat! NEVER!"The Yak King growled while his man began to fall back behind the shields that held the demons at bay.
He roared and slammed his hammer against the blade of the devil. He turned red, letting his rage boil over as he swung wildly, pounding the ground while Shade dodged and evaded it's swing. His sword knocked away the more vital swings away before he then jumped to the Yak King's head. Stomping down on his noggin and shattering his iron helmet to pieces. Blood gushed from the yaks head before he shook the dark one off and tried to slam his hammer into Shade's back.
Only for Shade to grip his hammer from under it's mass and force it to the ground on his left. The king of yaks once again growled and tried to yank his hammer out of the dark one's grip. Shade simply shook his head and chuckled, before rearing his sword back. He tilt his head and rammed the sword straight into the gut of the yak with a loud slice of metal and flesh. His groans of pain sounded as they all turned to see the yak take dark cold steel to the belly.
"NOOOOOO!"Dylan called from above as Shade gripped the yak by his shoulder and whispered into his ears.
"You yaks overestimate yourselves so much…! Thanks to you, many of your own have perished within moments,"Shade gestured to the straggler soldiers that were swallowed by demons and butchered to nothing,"Now do what you should have done… And go back to your wall my woolly friend…!"
Shade reared back a solid punch and got into a sturdy stance. Focusing power into his fist before throwing a strong jab to the yak's chest, feeling the iron plates scatter and shatter. Red magic pulsed through the yak's body before the force of Shade's fist launched sent the king flying. The king of yaks soared like a speeding meteor as all breath left his body. All hope and all strength departed from the Yak King as he then suddenly crashed with immense power through the base wall.
The combat ceased momentarily as the yak came to a smashing halt after slamming against the mountain side. He groaned in pain as blood leaked from the corners of his mouth. Slowly he slid down the mountain wall, his blood staining and drenching the rocks. While he got a front row seat to the final red giant suddenly tumbling to it's back after giving one last fist to the wall. It's attack counted before the wall suddenly rumbled and began to fall apart like a sand castle swept by the waves.
The wall slowly came down, reducing itself to rubble and stones. A trembling breath left Astral Wind as she then swung her blade up to slice the giant in two. While Thunder climbed upon the dead giants head and twirled his blade in two to obliterate the head of a giant maggot. Bug blood coated the king of Saddle Arabia as he recalled all forces with a lift of his weapon. Pointing towards the right secret entrance into the mountain where they had another advantage.
"ENTER THE MOUNTAIN! SET UP PERIMETER AND DEFEND!"Thunder commanded to the soldiers before they all went into a full retreat through the ruined wall.
"Thunder! Help me here!"Astral called to her husband as she ran to their injured yak friend and moved a chunk a rock off his body.
"I'm sorry… I ruined… Everything…!"The Yak King groaned in heavy coming sorrow as he saw Shade simply discard his weapon.
"Do not worry, we can continue our defensive position within the mountain,"Astral explained while trying to help their injured friend to his hooves,"Can you walk?"
"Yes… But not fast enough to keep up…"The yak replied before Thunder came over to assist.
"Then we'll carry you up to the awaiting medics at castle Canterlot…!"Thunder decided before the cries of agonized soldiers drew their attention to the field.
Soldiers were still falling, and progression into the mountain was slow with their numbers. This was basically trapping them in a corner with demons big and small. Scratching, slicing, hacking and smashing crowds of pony, horses and yaks to pieces. The king of yaks growled and stomped his hoof in the dirt before shoving the Saddle Arabians off him. Before taking up two battle axes and staring down the demons, the king and queen were baffled by his unrelenting strength.
"You two… Help the soldiers inside the mountain… I'll hold them off…"The injured royal yak spoke sternly with great solemness.
"Whatever do you mean…? You are a king of your people, you can't just-"Thunder was silenced at a strong snort of anger growing from within the yak.
"My pride, stubbornness, and my carelessness for others caused the death of the griffon's king and most of their people,"The woolly king's tone changed to grief to go with his solemn feeling,"And that same nature of mine has just costed me half my best soldiers… I have a piper to pay for my mistakes…!"
"You don't need to blame yourself for what happened…! We beg you to reconsider and join us inside…!"Astral begged the stubborn king, only to get a shake of his head.
"I have a son… He is kind and gentle… So very open minded unlike me. He will take control of the Yakyakistan,"The Yak King growled before he finally turned red with berserk rage,"In time… He will understand what I did here today… For our home… For our people…! AND FOR OUR FRIENDS!"
With that said, the king raised both axes to the sky and war cried before charging. Pushing the Saddle Arabians out of his way before charging into the crowd and trampling dozens of demons. The two horses were baffled, but finally ignored their feelings and rushed to the troops. They wielded their curved swords and sliced a smooth and swift path through hundreds of demons. Blending and butchering demons to pieces and mush before offering extra protection for the soldiers.
With their elemental gifts, they performed a flawless crowd control on the demons. Slicing and pushing them back from their soldiers as best as they could. While the armies traveled into the torch lit inside of the great mountain, where a cavern with spiraling stone stairs awaited. There was plenty of places for them to set up a defensive perimeter and hold their own. Though their dwindling numbers were still great, and it slowed the process of moving soldiers inside
The real attention however was directed at the king of yaks swinging and twirling his battle axes. The spun and hacked apart his enemies, bat lords lost their legs, and ended up gutted after falling to their backs. The giant dual wield glutton demons burst like ticks to a flame. Smaller demons did their best to surround the yak, but many were even carved in two. Finally, one of them jumped and managed to ram a spear into the yak's left arm before getting head butted off.
The king of yaks bit onto the spear's staff piece and yanked it out of his arm. Roaring as he then continued to swing and cleave demons of all sixes apart, but they were closing in from all around him. Dylan put his hand over his heart, seeing the yak struggle to keep the demons at bay. While the mountain was being filled with all three groups of soldiers. It was moments later that the Saddle Arabians had finally began to secure all the soldiers, and turned to the Yak King.
"Come on…! Come on, get him out of there!"Dylan growled in fear before suddenly seeing the yak begin to get overwhelmed.
Demons began to jump on his back, slashing and thrusting blades into his armor. Some piercing his back while he tried to shake them off, Shade smiled for what came next. The Yak King roared before a demon managed to make him lift to swing his axes. Leaving his underside wide open for the large machete like blade of a bat lord to plunge clean through his chest. It froze the king of the yaks in his place as blood burst from his mouth, demons finally had him swarmed in pain
"No! You crazy yak…!"Thunder said to himself before their friend disappeared in the crowd of demons.
"No… NOOOOOOO!"Dylan roared from up top and raised his glowing hand to the demons below.
As he remembered with Anguish and the sun, he focused and let the light of the moon flow into his body. He growled and fully opened his hand as his black hand filled with white light. He aimed for the demons around the fallen yak before an immense column of light blasted out of his hand. Slowly soaring down the mountain as it blotted out the sky for many. The king of yaks could barely see, but the white light of what he thought was the moon gleamed through the crowd.
He looked around to the blackness before demons of many suddenly crumbled around him. As if the moon light was vaporizing them, and liberating him from evil itself for his sacrifice. He felt life dwindling for him, but his spirit felt free as he suddenly felt the ground disappear under him. His vision went white for a moment, and the ground had then turned to stone. Before the white light around him began to dissipate, turning into a lovely night sky that peaked through storm clouds.
His breathing began to turn labored as he slowly tried to look around. Feeling the smooth stone ground underneath him, his head finally made a turn to the left. Allowing him to see the blurry sight of Dylan and the rest of his comrades before him. He smiled at the sight of so many friends being before him, something Twilight taught him about when it came to friendship. Now they saved him, and even protected his integrity for death as his vision went dark.
"Thank you Discord…! Hey! Hey are you ok?!"Dylan called as he raced to the Yak King as he released his final breath and went limp.
"Dylan…? Dylan…!"Sombra tried to stop the human as he dropped to his knees.
Dylan pressed a hand to the yak's wound to the chest to try and stop the bleeding. He panted and tried his best to use his magic, but he knew nothing about treating wounds with magic. He turned to his queens that ran to him while Sombra slowly approached with a lowered head and closed eyes.
"Come on…! Help me…! We can still save him! Some pony! Some one get a medic!"Dylan begged before every pony surrounded him and the yak.
"Dylan… He's gone…"Twilight sighed heavily with tears in her eyes for her lost friend.
"No! We can't just let him die! He can still make it, we don't have to just let him go!"Dylan wanted to deny the yak's death as he listened for a heart beat that didn't come.
"Dylan… Let him go… He chose to give his life for us all… Let him have peace…"Sombra insisted as Dylan struggled with emotional pain within his chest an the denial of death.
"It's ok Dylan… Trust us… Let him sleep a proud and free…"Luna whispered gently as she walked to the yak's side and gently closed his eyes to let him sleep.
Dylan choked on a sob, trying to hold back his urge to cry for the yak. It felt a little like the loss of Tyranus all over again, his heart felt as if it were ready to break once more. He remained on his knees while slowly taking his hands off the fallen king of yaks.
"Death comes for many this night. We can only hope we are not on it's list,"Sombra advised while looking to see the king and queen of Saddle Arabia finally securing all soldiers inside the mountain,"Thunder an Astral have retreated into the mountain caverns… We'll let the rest of archers continue to drop the demons till we can regroup for another charge…!"
"We should have went down there…! We should have helped him…"Dylan mumbled as he let a small tear roll down his left cheek.
"He chose to go out a true fight for his people. To atone for his mistake,"Celestia helped Dylan to his feet while justifying the sacrifice their friend made,"You've come a long way Dylan… Just accept his sacrifice with honor, and keep your mind moving forward."
"And hurry! We may need to go down there and enforce our soldiers within the mountain,"Sombra insisted as demons began to surround the mountain like a swarm of ants,"Those demons are going to find their way into both entrances into the mountain, and we're going to have a fight on our hooves…!"
"Fine…! Lets keep the archers pelting those fuckers, but move them higher up the mountain to stay out of range,"That was a decision that Sombra could agree on with Dylan as he looked back to the king of yaks,"Princess Cadence… Princess Twilight. Would you do us the favor of giving him a proper burial?"
"Of course… The rest of you stay safe out there. I'd hate to bury any more friends."Cadence bowed in respect while Sombra gave the order for archers to move up the mountain.
"Come! We must hurry to the mountain caverns!"Rain had suddenly called from the skies as he took the lead.
Against their feelings for their fallen friend, every pony and horse bolted into the city. Watching as their archers continued to fire from above the city upon the mountain. Their arrows and bolts continued to dispatch the swarms of flying demons that dared to approach. Sombra lead them from the ground, turning to the right of an old building before blasting away a boulder. Allowing for an iron barred door to be revealed in time for Rain to touch down before the door.
"Situation looks dire down below…! I apologize for being late,"Rain kindly opened the creaking metal door where a dimply torch lit hallway awaited them,"And… I'm sorry for the Yak King… His sacrifice will not be in vain. This is a promise."
"Yeah… I know… Care to lead the way?"Dylan gestured Rain to lead the way before the griffon was more than willing to oblige.
He took the lead, with Dylan and his queens following closely from behind. Sombra and the rest followed the trio as they entered the barely lit caverns, they could barely see ten feet in front of their faces. Dylan took up a torch, and gave them light as they traversed down the hall. Searching and making out the path, it's cave like structure seemed a bit unsettling for Rain. For a griffon was meant to fly free in endless space, rather than be forced to travel through the tightest of spaces.
Thankfully they came to another iron barred door that lead to a more open and better lit area. Upon opening and walking through the door, they came to the great pit within the mountain. The area was simply a gaping hole that lead all the way down to the mountain base. A spiraling mass of stairs that coiled against the walls served as they way down or up from the pit. Where they saw horses, ponies, and yaks setting up with bows and crossbows along side the steps.
"They're already setting up for round two."Dylan pointed out the obvious while the distant crashing of a door was heard.
"They must have barricaded the doors already as well."Celestia added to the obvious assessment while Rain finally sprouted his wings freely.
"But the demons are already forcing their way through. The time has come for us to join this fight…!"Luna suggested the more agreeable idea as Dylan began to tense up his body.
"Then lets not waste any time then!"Rain insisted before taking to the air and swan diving down the pit to reach the bottom faster.
"I like his idea way better than the long way down. Celestia? Luna?"Dylan took up his loves hands as they sheathed their weapons behind their back.
"Of course, it's about time we helped you get use to your new wings."Celestia agreed with what Dylan was thinking while spreading her wings wide and proud.
"Just watch closely and learn from our experience, and you'll be a pro in no time!"Luna did the same and was first to jump into the pit with Dylan and Celestia right behind her.
Dylan felt an initial fear, falling from a great height through the dark depths. His heart beat rapidly, pounding like a drum from within as he watched the queens flap their wings lightly. Before he knew it, their falling speed began to drop, and their tumble turned to floating. It was like they were clouds, floating gently down from the heavens where they could see soldiers setting up down below. He chuckled, before his head blinked with magic, and he was suddenly feeling a rush of experience rush through his head.
At that moment, he sprouted his own wings and watched as they mimicked his queens. It was like he was learning more than a thousand years of flying within seconds. Simply by sharing a connection of mind and body with his lovers, he already felt like a pro. His loves smirked at the thought, and immediately ceased the flapping of their wings to see what he learned. Only for him to counter their sneaky plan by suddenly ceasing his flapping as well, allowing them to fall.
The queens were a bit taken by surprise, but knew what he truly intended. He slowly manage to lean forward and aim his nose to the ground in the form of a swan dive. The queens decided to stay safe and stay prepared to land on their feet, but they didn't mind Dylan having a bit of fun. Finally he had just made it side by side with Rain before swinging to his feet. Landing strong and hard on his feet, sending a cloud of dust in all directions and putting a deep crack in the stone ground.
Just as Rain made a smooth landing, his talons latched deep to the stone for stability. The queens of day and night touched down ever so gently with a click of their heeled long boots. They looked around to the horses, ponies and yaks that remained in defensive position. While Astral and Thunder slowly quickly tended to the minor injured ones personally. Dylan rushed to the Saddle Arabians, ignoring the slams of demons pounding against the gate ways that lead into the room.
"Thank god you two made it. We're sorry we didn't come to your aid…!"Dylan apologized upon approaching the king of Saddle Arabia as he bandaged up a horses leg wound.
"Do not blame yourself Dylan. We failed to keep the defensive strategy in play,"Astral spoke for her king while he tended to the soldiers,"We failed… And our failure has caused the death of the yaks great king…"
"I know… If I can't take blame for this. Then you shouldn't either. He gave his life to hold the demons at bay,"Dylan spoke against his own nature and sensitivity towards death,"Thankfully, you and Thunder got in safely with a bit more than half the armies still kicking…"
"Indeed… We're setting up formation for when those demons break through the barricades to the gates,"Thunder finally stood up and gestured to some support beams and heavy iron shields lodged in for extra barricading purpose,"Archers are already set up on the stairs, and the troops are laying in wait… Though I fear they may have wavered under the pressure of battle…"
"I don't blame them… Watching their main means of defense on the front lines fall can be demoralizing,"Dylan looked around to the soldiers, wounded, scared, and a bit unnerved,"Mind if I try to say a little something to pick their spirits up?"
"Of course, but make haste. They're about to break through the eastern gate."Astral warned as she pointed to the gate that cracked and bent against the claws of numerous demons.
Dylan nodded and looked to the gate that neared the verge of giving in to the demons strength. He slowly walked through the crowds of nervous soldiers of every race. Slowly he withdrew his great sword, empowered with the magic of his solar and lunar lovers. Finally he made it to the front of the formation with his loves as they withdrew their sword and staff and aimed them at the gate. Rain did the same with his dual blades while Dylan swung his blade to the side and turned to the armies.
"Warriors of Equestria! Of Yakyakistan! And Saddle Arabia! Please hear me and find comfort in my words,"Dylan called to the soldiers as they readied their swords for the approaching threat,"Our loss out there at the mountain base was tragic for all of you! I understand that, and you have every right to be unnerved from the base walls fall…!"
"Some more than others do to the fall of a powerful king and a strong friend…!"Celestia decided to join in the pep talk as the gate was on the verge of bursting to shreds.
"But we want you to know that the king of yaks is now with us…! Within our very hearts,"Dylan shouted and pounded his fist against his chest,"With his strength now within us, we can shed our fear and doubt! Then we can face that gate, and prepare to strike back hard and valiantly for the friends we have lost!"
"No matter what comes through that gate. Try to stand firm and show them what they dared to challenge!"Luna ended the speech before they could see somewhat of an improvement with the soldiers.
"Now be ready every one!"Dylan announced as they readied for the gate to come down and a rush of demons to enter.
They waited, firm and ready to start the second round of battle, all royalties included. This battle felt like it would swing more in their favor, together they were invincible. The door was on it's last bolt before it then filled with black magic, it's power melted the hinges. Before the whole gate had then exploded from it's entry way and skipped like a rock into the wall. Letting smoke and black flames pour out of the entrance as they all prepared to start fighting.'
Red eyes gleamed through the black smoke, all had then went silent. Foot steps could be heard as they thud upon the pure rock floor, laughter then followed as fiery eyes appeared as well. Dylan's own eyes widened a bit before the face of Shade himself peeked through the smoke. Laughing before Terror traversed the black smoke as well, stomping and cracking the stone floor. Shade held his own sword at his side, watching Dylan appear somewhat confused but holding a stern poker face.
"Hope you didn't mind, but we decided to just let ourselves in, if you don't mind."Shade slowly ceased his chuckles as he swept his hand against his pitch black blade.
"Not at all, but I hope you're ready to get kicked the fuck out,"Dylan responded and stepped forward to challenge the dark one,"You're going to pay for what you did to the Yak King by the way…!"
"If I had a bit for every time a pony, horse, yak, griffon, dragon or whatever the fuck else said that,"Shade chuckled and slowly aimed his sword directly at Dylan,"Though I must admit. You have been quite the nuisance for the longest time…! And I think I'm done playing with you…!"
"Then come and kill me. If you can, that is?"Dylan dared Shade to attack, only for the devil to already oblige.
He had quick stepped forward, and met face to face with Dylan as he thrust his sword forward. Thankfully, Dylan's gold and silver sword slyly blocked and redirect the thrust. It just barely grazed Dylan's cheek before he lifted up his free hand to block a hook from Shade's free hand. Shade felt shock hit him, after noticing that his fist was stopped cold by Dylan's arm. He grunted and pushed his fist to strike the human, but it was like trying to push a wall of steel.
"I've grown since we last fought each other…! How's it feel to have your power challenged?"He asked the devil as Shade growled and reared his fist back one more time for a jab.
Dylan was quick to then lift his right foot up and throw a fast kick to his chest. Gold magic pulsed from his kick before Shade felt the full force knock him away and slamming against a wall. Pebbles and dust fell into his hair as he fell to one knee to recover. While Terror had then roared from the sudden act and charged towards Dylan. Along with many small demons that poured forth from the destroyed gate and mobilized to attack.
"KILL THEM ALL!"Shade demanded after he slowly stood back up and dusted himself off.
"FOR EQUESTRIA, ATTACK!"Dylan called out and lead the charge to the demons before the armies had then clashed.
Dylan swung his sword, and clashed against the wrist spike of lord Terror. He went to throw a hook to Dylan's head, but was grabbed by the wrist before his other spike could reach his face. Dylan yanked at the demons arm and pulled his face in close and personal. Before he berated Terror with a series of strong headbutts directly to the face. His nose shattered and his forehead split open as blood quickly leaked before Dylan's final strike, shattered his center horn before yanking him forward face to face.
"You murdered my best friend and pushed his people to the brink of extinction…! Your demon ass is mine!"He growled before giving another headbutt to the lord of Terror.
His foe was stunned and leaned back to collect himself before Dylan took him for a ride. Swinging the demon by his arm before slamming him through a chunk of demons. He watched Terror roll and crush demons under his massive body before he came to a crashing halt against a wall. A small collapse of rocks and dust littered his body before Dylan took a strong swing at the demons that entered. A streaming slash of moonlight shot from his swing, beheading hundreds.
He felt the force of an large ax shatter against his right shoulder. He turned to see a fatty demon reeling back from his failed attack from behind and falling to one knee. The human simply back slashed his blade and slit open the demons gelatinous belly. Watching tons of blood and guts pour from it's body as it slowly fell forward and crashed into it's own innards. His sudden show of power was a wonder and an inspiration to the soldiers that fought tooth and nail with demons.
The Saddle Arabian leaders were already on crowd control with their curve blades. Together they danced with their weapons together, spinning elegantly and splicing dozens. Fighting among friends and allies of all races, all united against one great foe. A foe that was currently in a battle of his own with Celestia and Luna, and they proved much stronger than the last time they met. They had easily carved a path to him, using Celestia's solar magic to scorch a clean path through almost a hundred demons.
Shade struck down, and clashed his sword with the sisters staff and sword. He was then forced to fight defensively as he fought off the ranged swings Of Celestia's staff. While ducking and knocking away the slashes and thrusts of Luna's sword. It forced him to try and separate them for a more even match, and it started by kicking Luna away and into the arms of a bat lord. The bat lord held the night goddess while Shade went on the offensive with Celestia.
But Luna was beyond the bat lords comprehension as she simply yanked his arm clean off. Turning around as she came to a landing before the demon. Throwing a fast back swing, and slicing the head clean off the demons body, before falling back on top of smaller demons. She was just in time to see Shade striking and slashing at her sister's staff and backing her into a corner. With a flap of her wings she quick rushed through two demons and sliced up the back of the dark one's thigh.
It threw him off, allowing Celestia to raise her foot up and kick him in the jaw. Right before she then threw her foot straight at his face and put her whole heel through his right eye. He growled loudly and finally backed away swiftly, groaning sharply as the heel dug it's way out of his face. His dark magic already began to heal his wounds, but he was back at square one with them. And the sisters had yet to show any signs of wavering before they all clashed together once more.
One fatty demon was ready to even the playing field for it's master by sneaking up from behind. Only to suddenly turn red and burst apart into bloody chunks. Thanks to the flawless dual blades of Rain as he flew through the crowds that sudden;y came smashing through the other gate. His blades twirled and slashed in rhythm, cutting up demons like steaks. With the strength of his people guiding his blades to cast down evil, he was reaching speeds that surpassed sound.
Blood of his fallen enemies stained his feathers, but his mind remained strong as steel. Grinding his blades together as he sliced an X through a fatty demon and slammed clean through. Listening as the creature fell back, dead upon more demons before slicing a bat lords head in two. He quickly scooped up a small devilish demon and smashed his head to pieces against a wall. Just before swan diving back down and performing a tornado like barrage of slashes.
Many demons were obliterated at once, their blood was starting to fill cavern. They were almost to the point where they all stood and fought in a giant puddle of blood. Bodies of many were piling up, dozens fell per second, but neither side was giving an inch to the other. Dylan swung his blade, slashing dozens more of the demon scum before tapping his blade tip with the side of Rain's right sword. Substituting the gesture of a hi five before continuing to push the demons back.
"I hope you're all having the time of your lives!"Dylan yelled as he slaughtered five more enemies before him.
"You might say that! Perhaps if we're lucky we'll run out of demons to kill!"Thunder joked before snapping the neck of a juvenile mole demon.
"Some how I highly doubt it…! The ground!"Astral pointed out just in time for the stone ground to suddenly explode around them.
The bloody heads of maggot demons and adult mole demons raised from the ground. Engulfing both demons and soldiers alike into their toothy jaws, devouring them whole or in pieces. Their rise from the earth rumbled the cavern, shaking the queens off from their fight with Shade. They looked to the ground demons that had suddenly began to turn the tide of battle. Shade saw his opportunity, and reared back to slice Celestia in two.
Only for his dark sword to suddenly be stopped cold by the bright red blade of crystal. Sported by none other than Sombra, as he finally made it down the steps and jumped in right on time. He forced Shade back with a defensive push of his sword before letting a beam of red shoot from his horn. Shade held his hand up to block the incoming stream of red magic. At the very least it kept the devil pushed back to a wall long enough for Sombra to give quick instructions.
"DYLAN! MOVE THE SOLDIERS UP THE STAIRS! WE'LL HAVE AN ADVANTAGE ON THE GROUND DEMONS!"Sombra called to Dylan as the human finished a small demon off and got the message.
"Right! We're sitting ducks with these ground creatures popping up,"Dylan called to the others while his queens rejoined at his side to fulfill Sombra's demand,"MOVE UP THE STAIRS! GET AWAY FROM THE FLOOR!"
"YOU HEARD THE KING! MOVE UP THE CAVERN!"Rain hollered to the troops as he took to the air nice and high, away from any underground surprises.
Quickly the Saddle Arabian king and queen got the soldiers in full retreat up the stairs. Dodging and weaving pass the demons that sprouted like weeds through the ground. Dylan and his queens rushed to catch up with the rest of them while Sombra hung back. Keeping Shade back as long as he could to keep him from enforcing the demons. He looked back to see the forces moving up and away from the demons, only to suddenly feel a sharp pain drive through the right of his chest.
"AAAGGHH!"Sombra groaned as his head lowered to see a wrist spike going clean through his body, just barely grazing his lung.
Dylan looked back and gasped to see Terror ramming a wrist spike through his friend. His heart turned cold with shock before he began running back down the steps. Just as Sombra's red magic ceased, and Shade was freed in time to watch Terror attack again. Ramming his other wrist spike clean through the chest of Sombra and forcing screams of pain. The lone unicorn fell to one knee as Shade approached him with his sword drawn, and ready to go for the kill.
"You have successfully annoyed me Sombra… Sooooo so much! You and your…KING,"Shade chuckled as he tapped his blade upon the neck of Sombra,"Now this is where you stand… Or in this case kneel... At my feet and at my mercy… But the thing is… There is no mercy for you this time…!"
"Time for the Crystal Empire's king to finally move on to the place that he belongs in,"Terror hissed and slowly chuckled as his master reared his sword back to take the head,"See you back in hell Sombra! And this time…! It will be foreve-"
Suddenly the golden slash of magic metal sounded, and silenced the demon. Shade turned to his pupil with a raised eye brow before he then saw a splice of wind through Terror's neck. He frowned and ceased his swing before witnessing his lord of Terror going limp. His head slowly sliding clean off his body and falling to the ground at his feet. Shade groaned as he then lifted his hand up to brace for the giant red body to fall forward and come right down on him.
This gave Dylan the opportunity he needed to rush in, swinging at dozens of demons. Clearing some space before slicing off the wrists spikes and getting Sombra to his hooves. He put one hoof around his neck, and ran with the stallion in his care. They were a bit slow, but the gloves came off and the queens were breaking out the magic for cover fire. They shot beams of solar and lunar energy into crowds of demons, two blasts of which blew the head of a maggot to pieces.
The maggot toppled upon a row of demons, giving Dylan the room he needed. Finally he reached the steps and began to carry Sombra up the steps. He stopped for a moment to pick up his queens and meet up with the others that continued to go higher.
"ASTRAL! THUNDER! RAIN! I have to go to Discord! Sombra's wounded!"Dylan called to his friends as they froze and turned to see the damage that was done.
"Be quick! We'll blow the stair well to block them off and give you time!"Astral agreed just in time for Dylan to pass right by them and rush as fast as he could up the steps.
"Sapphire… I'm sorry…"Sombra groaned quietly as they ran as fast as they could up the steps.
"Don't you dare start talking like that you son of a bitch…!"Dylan growled as he tried to go faster while his queens were falling behind.
Several moments later he finally made it to the small iron gate. He swung it opened and allowed his loves to go through first and run for the light of the night that guarded their city. Dylan was finally starting to slow down as he slowly followed behind with a morbidly injured Sombra. His breaths were becoming labored as he tried his best to see Dylan still trying to save him. The moment Dylan ran into the city, he went to the first house he could see and laid Sombra against the wall.
"DISCORD! DISCORD! Where are you!"Dylan called as his queens tried to tend to Sombra.
"I'm here! What happened, what I miss,"Discord quickly appeared in a flash and saw the injured stallion,"Oh… Goodness he's hurt…!"
"I need you to get him to the castle. He needs help Discord, please."Dylan begged as he struggled to catch his breath from the worry that grew from within.
"No problem, this one won't be dying on my wat-"Discord was then interrupted by Sombra raising a hoof to the draconequus.
"No… Dylan… Come here…"Sombra moaned as he gripped his wounds that never stopped bleeding.
"Dylan…!"Luna worried as she moved back at the sight of a tear escaping Sombra's left eye.
"Sombra…? What is it? We need to get you help…!"Dylan spoke as he knelt down to the stallion before Sombra pointed to the left.
"I've lost too much blood… My wounds bled all the way up through the caverns,"Sombra pointed out the trail of blood that had dragged behind the group from down below,"I need you to know something… Something… I wish I could have said sooner…"
"But.. Why can't you just save it for when we get you patched up…?"The human asked before he did in fact see blood starting to puddle around the unicorn.
"Dylan… I know death is a scary thing for you… You've dealt with it… So many times,"Sombra understood the pain he could feel growing in the human's heart,"But… Death is a part of life… And for some… It puts people to peace… This has been a long time coming…"
Dylan felt his lip tremble as he saw the tears escaping Sombra's eyes. He wanted to hold back another urge to cry, and this one came stronger than the other. He took up the stallion's hoof as he felt the life slowly draining from his former mentor.
"I… Made so many mistakes…as a king…! I pursued unwanted dark magic for power,"Sombra tried his best to take a deep breath as the memories flooded his mind,"I enslaved my own people… Tried to conquer the world for a dark mad devil. And I hurt the one I loved… Sapphire…"
"You made up for it though… You came back, and you helped prepare us for war,"Dylan sniffled and felt the tears streaming down his own cheeks as he tightened his grip on Sombra's hoof,"We wouldn't be where we are now without you Sombra…! You atoned for all your mistakes…!"
"Yes… And that means I can be at peace with myself… You made this possible for me,"Sombra did his best to smile as their teary eyes met,"You have grown, and succeeded me… You're like the child I know that Sapphire will give birth to in the future… Please make that future bright for my child…"
"I will…!"Dylan choked as his eyes closed and his head lowered to his mentor's chest.
"Good… You've become a fine king Dylan…"Sombra sighed with happiness as he looked to the trusted new king of Equestria.
With one more breath, he exhaled and let his head lower to the side before his body was limp. The queens put their hands to their hearts, letting tears began to flow, while Discord simply lowered his head. Dylan felt the beats of Sombra's heart cease against his head before he finally began to weep. Quietly he sobbed and sniffled, never wanting to let go of his teacher's hoof. His goddesses went to their knees and put their hands to his back, letting him mourn for the old king.
"This is too much chaos… Even for me…"Discord admitted with a shaky tone as he too mourned for his friend.
Canterlot Mountain Cave
"Sombra…"Sapphire Joy froze from within the caves after giving a cold child a blanket.
She looked to the entrance that lead out to Castle Canterlot and the Alamo for Canterlot. Slowly she placed a hoof to her heart, feeling a morbid emotion chill her heart. Sombra came to her mind, and before she knew it, her heart had spoken to her. Letting her know that her love had perished, the news came grim and strong for her. She walked to the entrance, only to drop to her belly, and begin to cry for the love that she had now lost.
Give this chapter time to settle my friends, I know it hurts, but as he said. It brought him peace after so many mistakes that he made in the past, but now he can rest peacefully knowing that he has atoned for his wrong doings. The way I personally come to see death, it is not something to ever seek, but it's something to be ready to welcome after you've lived your life to the fullest, so don't be afraid of it, and peace will find you. Let the thought of sacrifice be something to think about as well my friends, and brace for the true battle to begin, next time. Stay pony every one.