Hours had passed since they had learned of the presence of a dark demon guild in that world and that their main attack would be in Ponyville. Thanks to everyone's hard work, all the townspony were evacuated as far away from the battle zone as possible. Celestia, Luna and Shining Armor had gathered all their troops, since, although, according to Chrysalis, there were only six demons, they shouldn't underestimate them and had to be prepared for whatever was going to happen.
At that moment, all the Fairy Tail mages, the Mane 6, the princesses, Shining Armor and Chrysalis were in Twilight's palace going over the situation.
"Okay, I've placed troops around the town, both air and ground. If they notice the presence of any of those demons, they will alert us." said Shining Armor.
"Good thinking, since we don't know how or where they will attack." said Levy.
"What can you tell us about the demons of your world?" asked Luna.
"For starters, they don't possess magic. Instead, they possess a power known as curses." said Erza.
"In that case, anti-magic spells won't work on them." said Celestia.
"What if we surround the whole place with the magic stones that nullify all kinds of magic?" asked Chrysalis remembering that in her old hive, magic couldn't be used.
"If we do that, we would run the risk of being without magic ourselves." said Twilight.
"And even if they don't have their powers, they're still strong." said Lucy.
"It was just a suggestion." said Chrysalis.
"Hey, I've been thinking about something." said Natsu drawing the attention of everyone present.
"Natsu thinking about something? That's worrisome." muttered Gray.
"What if they act like Tartaros did?" asked Natsu.
"What do you mean?" asked Gajeel.
"When they attacked us, weren't they aboard some sort of giant floating cube they used as a base?" asked Natsu remembering the Tartaros base.
"Mmm. That could be an option." said Mirajane.
"Guys, I know you have the experience in fighting demons, but how long have they been here? A couple of days? There's no way they could create something like that you said." said Rainbow Dash not believing they would attack like that.
Suddenly, a soldier came running into the room.
"Your Majesties, there's news!" said the soldier urgently.
"Have they sighted anything?" asked Celestia.
"Yes, they've seen it coming from the west through the air! But that's not all. They have to see it!" said the soldier before running out of the room.
Those present looked at each other before following the soldier out of the palace, but once they got outside and looked up at the sky, they were dumbfounded.
There, hovering in the sky and approaching the town was a huge stone demonic claw that appeared to be holding something overhead.
"What were you saying that was impossible to create?" asked Applejack to the speeding pegasus.
"This is what I get for talking." commented Rainbow Dash.
"Get ready everyone. We don't know what might happen." said Erza.
Immediately, everyone got into battle stance with some readying their magic in case of attack.
Everything was deathly silent as the giant floating claw got closer and closer to the town until it was on top of it and stopped. For a while nothing happened, which made everyone nervous, until...
"Greetings, inhabitants of this world!" said Hitlin speaking through a speaker system so that his voice could be heard all over the place, startling everyone in the process. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hitlin, master of the dark guild Hellish War Horse. We originally intended to catch you off guard, but it seems our former prisoner spoiled it by revealing herself to you about us."
Chrysalis grunted at the mention of her as their prisoner.
"But that doesn't change our plans at all. So, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Captain of the Guard Shining Armor, you may bring all your troops with intent to stop us, but I warn you it will be all in vain." said Hitlin.
"Hey, you! Stop making speeches! You're only six against an army! You're at a disadvantage!" declared Natsu.
"You think so? Did you really think that just the six of us would waste our strength on a bunch of... in my companions' words, not mine... pathetic creatures?" asked Hitlin.
"Pathetic creatures?!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash angrily before rising slightly into the air. "Why don't you come down here and we'll see who's the pathetic one?"
"I'd like to, but in a war, usually, the general doesn't attack first, his soldiers do." said Hitlin.
"Soldiers?" asked Erza.
"Allow me to prove it to you." said Hitlin.
A hole opened up in the underside of the claw-like structure and it was then, when they all saw several figures come out of there and float in the air.
Everyone was shocked, as those figures seemed to be some hybrid creatures that came out of a mix between a changeling and a demon.
"W-what are those things?" asked Fluttershy in fear.
"Surprised? This is the result of a little experiment we were able to conduct thanks to our prisoner who 'volunteered'." said Hitlin.
Everyone directed a frown at the former changeling queen.
"Hey, I didn't know about that!" said Chrysalis seeing that they thought she knew but said nothing.
"No, she didn't know, but that doesn't matter now. Soldiers, attack!" said Hitlin.
At the order, the demon changelings rushed down to attack.
"Everyone in position!" ordered Celestia before the soldiers prepared for the attack.
"Alright, guys! Let's show them the power of Fairy Tail!" declared Natsu as he and the other Earthland mages launched into the attack.
"Come on, girls!" declared Twilight as she and her friends also went on the attack.
And so began the greatest battle in Equestria.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" shouted Natsu expelling a blast of fire from his mouth that hit several enemies. "Come on, Happy!" shouted Natsu.
"Aye, sir!" exclaimed Happy grabbing his friend and taking flight high.
Once they were high up several demon changelings came at them through the air, but Natsu gave a toothy grin at that.
"Fire Dragon's Shots!" shouted Natsu shooting fireballs from his hands that hit many flying enemies who then fell to the ground. "Ha. They've ended up scorched."
"I keep telling you I prefer fresh fish." commented Happy.
"Open the Gate of the Maiden! Virgo!" shouted Lucy summoning a servant who appeared in a flash. "Star Dress! Virgo form!" shouted Lucy as her garment changed completely. "Virgo, help me with those guys." said Lucy pointing to a group of incoming demon changelings.
"As you command, princess." said Virgo.
"Dive!" they both shouted in unison as a hole opened up underneath them, causing them to fall through and become trapped.
"Thank you, Virgo." said Lucy.
"You're welcome, princess. Is it time to punish me?" asked Virgo.
"Ice-Make: Arrows!" shouted Gray firing several ice arrows that hit several flying enemies, but after that, he turned his gaze to the front to see a group of enemies approaching from the ground. "I'm not going down that easy. Ice-Make: Hammer!" shouted Gray creating a hammer which he used to hit the incoming enemies like a baseball bat.
"Requip! Flight Armor!" shouted Erza as her armor changed completely, accompanied by two swords. "Sonic Claw!" shouted Erza moving quickly around several demon changelings and attacking them with her swords, knocking them down in the process.
"Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!" shouted Wendy unleashing a pair of tornadoes from her arms that struck several demon changelings. "How are you, Charle?" asked Wendy to her friend exceed who had taken human form to fight the enemy with melee techniques.
"Pretty good! Don't get distracted!" said Charle before striking another enemy.
Wendy nodded to him before focusing on the fight.
"Iron Dragon's Club!" shouted Gajeel turning his arm into a staff which he extended until he hit a demon changeling and then, swinging the staff with a sweep, hit several more in the process before returning his arm to normal. "Iron Dragon's Lance!" shouted Gajeel before turning his arms into lances and shooting several into a group of incoming flying enemies.
"Solid Script: Wall!" shouted Levy writing the word in the air which then materialized in the form of a wall into which some demonic changelings crashed. " Solid Script: Thunder!" shouted Levy writing the word in the air which was made of electricity which then shot lightnings towards the enemies, knocking them all down.
Lily transformed into his warrior form and used his sword to strike any nearby enemies.
"Water Slicer!" shouted Juvia throwing several slashes of water at several incoming enemies. "Juvia won't let you hurt Gray. Water Cane!" shouted Juvia shooting a stream of water that she contorted like a whip with which she struck the enemies.
Mirajane, in her Satan Soul form, soared high into the air above a group of ground enemies.
"Soul Extinctor!" shouted Mirajane shooting a blast of dark magic that struck the entire group below, defeating them completely. She then turned her gaze forward to see a group of demon changelings flying towards her, but she clasped her hands together and formed a sphere of dark magic between them. "Evil Explosion!" shouted Mirajane unleashing another blast of dark magic that hit the target, causing an explosion so loud that it knocked them all down.
Elfman, in his Beast Soul form, was going around the area hitting any enemy that came his way.
"Come on! Come and get me if you're real men! I'll show you how very manly I am!" declared Elfman before slamming both of his fists into the ground, generating a wave that knocked down any nearby enemies.
Lisanna, in her Animal Soul form, went flying through the air on bird wings, kicking any flying enemies. Then, she landed on the ground and changed to her Cat form to move quickly among the demon changelings and hit them by catching them off guard.
Twilight was flying back and forth rapidly as she was shooting magic beams at any enemy in her path.
Applejack was kicking some enemies with her strong hind legs before using her rope to catch one and then spin it around like a merry-go-round, hitting more in the process.
Rainbow Dash was flying quickly, hitting any demon changeling before it could react. Suddenly, she had to stop as she saw that she was surrounded by flying enemies, so with a determined grin, she flew at high speed upwards before descending back downwards, increasing her speed in the process.
By the time she got to where she was before, she quickly turned the other way, which generated a sonic rainboom that knocked down all the flying enemies near the explosion.
Pinkie Pie was hanging out throwing pies in their faces or even throwing a blast of confetti and other party stuff at them from her confetti cannon.
Rarity was going around throwing magic beams at any demon changeling that came near her while trying to protect Fluttershy who was too scared to try to fight them off.
Spike was next to them, providing covering fire. Literally, as he was shooting fire at anyone who approached.
The Equestrian soldiers were able to keep up a fight against the demon changelings, either using their weapons, brute strength or magic.
Celestia and Luna fought side by side, shooting magic beams at the enemy troops, managing to take down a large number of them.
Shining Armor fought against the demonic changelings while giving orders to the troops to hold positions.
Chrysalis used her strength and magic beams to take down as many enemies as she could. As she fought, a part of her mind thought about how much easier things would be for her if she had an army like them. Maybe, when that was all over, she could round up the surviving enemies and turn them into her new hive.
Natsu shot down another group of demon changelings and landed on the ground with the rest of the Earthland mages and the Mane 6.
"This never seems to end." said Rainbow Dash.
"No matter how many we take down, many more show up." said Lily.
It was then that Natsu turned his gaze to the stone claw hovering over the town.
"Then we'd better try another approach." said Natsu.
The others followed his gaze and understood what he meant.
"Natsu is right. If we continue at this rate, we'll end up exhausted, but if we go after the ringleaders and defeat them..." said Twilight.
"Their troops will follow them." said Levy finishing the sentence.
"Then it's settled." said Erza before pointing her sword at the enemy base. "We'll go over there and finish off those demons and stop this fight."
"And we'll go with you." said Twilight speaking for her and her friends.
"Are you sure? It will be a very hard and dangerous battle." said Mirajane.
"It wouldn't be the first one we've had." said Applejack.
"I-I'm a little scared, but if it's to defend my home, I'm willing to fight." said Fluttershy overcoming her fear.
"That's very brave of you." said Charle.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get over there!" shouted Natsu before Happy grabbed him and the two of them flew off towards the floating claw.
Twilight and Spike followed as they grabbed Gray and Juvia. Erza grabbed Applejack before switching to armor that would allow her to fly. Charle grabbed Wendy as she grabbed Lucy before taking flight. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy followed on their own. Lily grabbed Gajeel, who was grabbing Levy, before taking flight as well. Mirajane grabbed her brother while Lisanna grabbed Rarity and Pinkie Pie before the two sisters followed the rest.
Celestia shot another magical beam before she and her sister noticed the others' actions.
"They're hurtling towards the enemy's lair." said Luna.
"Yes, they are. Good luck to everyone." said Celestia.
As they flew along, Lucy noticed something troubling.
"Hey, Natsu. How are we supposed to get in?" asked Lucy.
"The same way we always do." said Natsu with a toothy grin as he wrapped his fist in fire. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" shouted Natsu slamming his fire-wrapped fist into the rock surface, managing to open a hole in time for him and the others to get through, thus reaching the inside of the giant floating stone claw.
Inside the giant claw it was all quiet until suddenly an explosion happened on the floor that generated a hole through which the Fairy Tail mages and Mane 6 passed.
"Okay, we're in. Now what?" asked Rarity.
"It's clear, isn't it? We'll look for them and when we find them, we beat the crap out of them." said Natsu.
"I agree with that plan." said Rainbow Dash.
"While that's fine about defeating them, let's not forget the fact that they are demons." said Erza.
"She's right. We shouldn't underestimate them." said Twilight.
"But we shouldn't waste our time either." said Gray.
"Right. Let's go." said Pinkie Pie before they all ran down the hallway.
For a while, they were going back and forth without running into one of the demons or a demon changeling, which made most of them nervous.
"Uh... I'm no expert on enemy lairs, but shouldn't there be some guards around here?" asked Spike.
"That's right. It's too quiet." said Gajeel.
"Two explanations. Either they've sent all their troops on the attack or they know we're here and want us to find them." said Mirajane recounting her suspicions.
"Whatever it is, we'll be ready for anything." said Natsu.
Suddenly, they were forced to stop when they reached a point where the road split into six different routes.
"Except for this." commented Happy.
"Now which way do we go?" asked Applejack.
"If we go one way, it would take us a while to find the right one. We'd better split up as a group." said Erza.
"But what if we run into one of those demons?" asked Fluttershy.
"If it's only one, the group that finds it will fight it, but if it's two or more, the group that finds them will have to retreat immediately. Understood?" asked Erza receiving a nod from the others.
Natsu put his hand forward.
"Whatever happens, whoever we fight, we will come out ahead and meet again." said Natsu with his trademark smile.
The others also smiled at him before placing their hands over his.
"Even if we're separated, we'll all be together. That's what it means to be Fairy Tail!" said Natsu before he and the others let out a cheer.
After that, they split into six groups and each took a path.
Wendy, Fluttershy and Charle were running along one of the routes.
"I-I hope we don't run into any of those demons." said Fluttershy.
"You never know." said Charle.
"But don't worry, Fluttershy. If that happens, I'll protect you." said Wendy with a smile that the yellow pegasus returned.
They continued on their way until eventually, they ended up coming to an empty room.
"There doesn't seem to be another way from here." said Wendy.
"Then we'd better go back the way we came." said Charle.
"Oh, you're leaving already?" asked a voice that made all three of them stop and look straight ahead. Suddenly, Whamplash stepped out of the shadows with a toothy grin. "But if you're just in time for dinner, and from the looks of it, the menu will be dragon with cat and pegasus as a side dish." said Whamplash licking his lips.
Fluttershy began to tremble with fear as did Wendy and Charle.
Mirajane, Elfman, Lisanna and Rarity were running along another of the routes.
"Do you think this is the right way?" asked Rarity.
"You never know, but better be prepared." said Mirajane.
After a while more running, they came to a room, but that room left them surprised, as that room was full of tubs filled with water.
"Sister, doesn't this place look familiar?" said Lisanna having a déjà vu.
"Yes, it is similar to the laboratory of Tartars where they resurrected their members." said Mirajane.
"And from what I see, I'd say this is where they created their army." said Elfman.
"Whoever did all this must be a genius." said Rarity.
"Wow, thanks for the compliment." said a female voice that made startled the four of them as Mathisa stepped out from behind a tub. "But being modest, I don't consider myself smart enough."
Gajeel, Levy, Lily and Applejack were running along another of the routes.
"I can see the end of the road." said Applejack seeing that they were approaching the exit of their route.
But when they arrived, they found an empty room with no other way out.
"Looks like we've hit a dead end." said Lily.
"Then let's go back and take another path." said Levy.
"Damn. And I wanted to take one of them on." said Gajeel.
"Don't worry." said a voice. Suddenly thick strings of smoke drifted down from the ceiling and swirled around each other before hitting the ground. By the time it dissipated, it was revealed to Genguar with his arms crossed. "If that's your wish, I'll be happy to fulfill it."
"You had to ask, didn't you?" asked Applejack scowling at the iron dragon slayer.
Erza and Rainbow Dash were running along another route, hoping to find their target.
"I hope to meet those demons and teach them a lesson." said Rainbow Dash.
"Don't be overconfident. Remember they are very strong." said Erza.
After a while, they reached the end of the path, but then...
"Watch out!" shouted Erza grabbing the cyan pegasus and diving to the ground in time to dodge some kind of stinger that stuck into the wall behind them, leaving a huge scar on the affected spot.
"Wow, you're really good." the two raised their heads to see Thimchid with one arm stretched out towards them. "A little more and your little friend would have died." said Thimchid as the two stood up.
Lucy, Juvia and Pinkie Pie were running along another of the routes.
"Oh, why isn't Juvia with Gray?" asked Juvia letting out anime tears.
"I'm sorry if we're not the most desirable mates." said Lucy sarcastically.
"Oh, don't worry. The author wouldn't put us together if he didn't have a reason." said Pinkie Pie.
"What?" asked Lucy confused by what the pink pony said.
"Never mind. We're almost there." said Pinkie Pie pointing ahead, where the other two could see the end of the road.
Once they arrived, they found themselves in a rather empty room. They were planning to turn around and go another way, but then, some music started to play, but it wasn't just any music...
"What is that?" asked Lucy.
"Ah! It's circus music! Does that mean there's a circus around here?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"Of course there is!" said a jovial voice coming from Pinkais who jumped down from the roof to stand in front of them. "Welcome to the show of the fabulous demon, Pinkais! Where you will enjoy your first show." said Pinkais.
The two magicians looked confused while Pinkie Pie was excited.
That's when the demon mask turned to give a sad face.
"Unfortunately, it will also be the last, since you are going to die." said Pinkais, making Pinkie Pie and the two mages look shocked.
Natsu, Gray, Twilight and Spike was walking the last remaining route.
"Why are you here, Gray?" asked Natsu.
"Someone had to make sure you didn't get out of control." said Gray.
"What are you implying by that, ice prick?" asked Natsu.
"Guys, please, this isn't the time for your routine fights." said Twilight.
"Yes, in case you've forgotten, we're at the enemy's base. So save your fights for later." said Spike.
Finally, after a while, they came to a room that was at the end of their path, but when they entered it, they were dumbfounded, for in front of them, there was a throne made of swords and sitting on it, was Hitlin, who was looking at them with a smile.
"Well, well, well. I knew some of you would go to this place, but I didn't expect it to be you exactly." said Hitlin.
Just by looking at him, the four of them could feel it, they could tell that the guy in front of them was the leader of the dark demon guild and he was very strong.
