Yes, I know. A long, long wait. I apologize, I was extremely busy and had little time to type. But don't worry, I'm still going to finish this story.

Chapter 9:Element of Loyalty

Flashback

"Wow… The rain sure is heavy today…"

Twilight was on her way to her tree library after running a few errands. Upon entering her home, she found Rainbow Dash, who was obviously being bothered by something while sulking in the heavy rain. Twilight decided to find out what happened this time.

"Hey, Rainbow! I haven't seen you all day!"

"Yeah… it's good to see you too Twilight…"

Twilight frowned. Something wasn't straight.

"…What's the matter?"

"… It's… It's just…"

"Come on, Rainbow. We're friends. I'm here for you. What's wrong?"

"I-It's nothing, Twilight. I'm fine."

"Are you sure? It doesn't sound too fun out in this rain."

It was true. The weather patrol scheduled rain all day. And Rainbow Dash was out in the downpour, not even showing a glimmer of happiness.

"N-Nothing's wrong with the rain! Heh, I can be here all day!"

She didn't sound too enthusiastic either.

"Alright, Rainbow. I'm going to head back inside. Are you sure you don't want to come? It's getting pretty cold out."

"Nah. I'll just… hang around out here, alright?"

Twilight's face grew weary, "Okay… See you, Rainbow…"

Disappointed, Twilight opened the door to the library and stepped inside, shutting it behind her. Not too long later, the door swung open, with Twilight jumping back outside.

Rainbow Dash jumped at the sudden reaction, "What happened?"

Twilight glared at Rainbow Dash with determination. "Rainbow. Obviously, there's something wrong. And based on many past experiences, talking about it usually resolves it better and quicker. So I want you to tell me right now. It's not good to hold your problems in like that!"

Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight in silence for a minute or two. Here we go with Twilight's lectures again. However, she did agree that it would be better to talk about it. For the moment, the only sound heard was the impact of rain on the ground around them. It made a rather unpleasant environment.

Rainbow sighed. "Twilight. Can you sit down with me, please?"

Twilight smiled to herself. "Of course."

She made her way to where Rainbow was seated on the wet ground and took a seat beside her. A few more minutes passed in silence, with Rainbow thinking about her problem to herself. Eventually, she spoke up. "Twilight, have you ever seen a stallion, and just wanted to be with him? Where you would do bizarre things to impress him?"

Twilight stared at the ground, remembering times when that has happened. "Yes. And sadly, I failed every time."

Rainbow stared at the ground as well, thinking on how to bring up her next words, "Well, there's one I work with on weather patrol, and he seemed like a good guy at first…"

Twilight knew where this topic was headed. And it seemed it really took a toll on Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow continued while still staring at the wet ground. "But yesterday, I really screwed up. I tried to show off how good I am at it too. And I kinda… crash landed in front of everypony…"

Twilight looked up at her friend with a puzzled look. "Is it such a bad thing? Everypony makes mistakes. It couldn't have been that bad…"

Rainbow Dash looked as Twilight as well, "That's not what upset me. I would've been slightly embarrassed doing it in front of him, but there were other ponies around… and they laughed at me."

Twilight felt a tidbit of anger boil up inside her. She now knew what happened. "What did that guy you liked do?"

Rainbow Dash drooped her head low, tears beginning to slide down her cheeks. "He… he laughed too…"

Twilight felt infuriated. It was rare for Rainbow Dash to break down like this. It must've been awful. "Why would somepony do that?"

"Because I'm just a failure. Nopony will ever like me…"

"No…" Twilight replied, "Why… why would somepony down another one? Rainbow, he surely isn't any good if he laughed at you to look good himself. You simply just made the wrong choice. You're not a failure. From what I've known you for, I couldn't live without you." Twilight turned Rainbow's head towards her. "None of us could live without you. You are important, Rainbow. You just have to see it. And for somepony like you, you will definitely find the right one someday. I know you will."

Rainbow Dash stared in awe at her dear friend. Her words made her body tremble as she broke down into tears once more. Twilight, besides Fluttershy, was very well capable of kind words. As in matter of fact, all her friends were. But Twilight…

Rainbow Dash leaped at Twilight, bringing her down into a tight embrace. Rainbow Dash cried tears of relief as she spoke. "I'm so, so glad that you… of all ponies was the one to come to Ponyville."

Twilight smiled once more. The two held each other in a tight embrace. They were drenched, but Twilight didn't give the slightest sign of regret. She was glad to have helped her dear friend. No matter what the conditions were, she would be there for Rainbow. She would never let her down. Ever.

Twilight POV

Present Time

"Rainbow's Death will be my fault. Death. Equestria doesn't even see death often! And now, thanks to me, Rainbow Dash's will be one of those rare cases…"

Boom.

Twilight looked away. She couldn't bear to see it. She… She let Rainbow down…

But for some reason, she felt the ground tremble as something impacted right when the lightning stroke. And that something caused dirt to fling at her.

Suddenly, all was silent, except for the soft breeze that constantly ruffled her mane. She feared for the worst.

Twilight trembled in fear whispering to herself, "Do I dare look up?"

Eventually she mustered the courage to slowly turn her head towards where Rainbow Dash once stood. Was she there? Was she gone? Or had something happened?

Twilight's eyes first met Rainbow Dash's tail, followed by the rest of her body. Twilight's eyes watered.

Everything seemed still. The wind gently blowing Rainbow's mane as she lay there, motionless. Twilight couldn't believe it. Rainbow was… gone.

Twilight heard Applejack shouting behind her, "Come on, Twilight! Get Rainbow and let's get outta here!"

The purple unicorn stared through tearing eyes back at her friends. A chariot with the Royal Guard had landed and her friends were making their way onboard. 'Why doesn't Applejack sound sad? Rainbow is gone…'

Twilight looked back at Rainbow Dash's body. She couldn't be dead. Her body seemed untouched; no burn marks, bruises, or blood. So what had really happened?

Soon Twilight noticed Rainbow Dash's chest slowly heave up and down. 'So Rainbow was in shock…'

Letting out a sigh of relief, Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes with a hoof. Rainbow Dash was okay. But then… what blocked the lightning…?

Twilight's eyes ventured beyond Rainbow Dash and soon found her answer. There, standing in front of Rainbow Dash, was a metal figure. 'How could I have not noticed that? I must've been to distracted by the thoughts of losing Rainbow…'

And soon she realized what, or who the metal thing really was. He was mainly black, just the same as last time he wore armor. And this time, he had green stripes complimenting his armor instead of the original purple.

Twilight felt a smile creep onto her face as she whispered. "Michael…"

As if he had heard, Michael turned his head slightly towards Twilight. His voice was calm, but slightly annoyed. "You idiots. Why would you even…"

His voice trailed off. He was too busy holding off the unicorn's lightning with that shield… the anti-magic shield. Or so that's what Twilight believed it was. And he just saved Rainbow's life, possibly even Twilight's herself. She knew that she now owed a huge debt to Michael. But now was not the time to be thinking about that. She had to get Rainbow to safety.

Twilight looked around. "How will I even move her body…"

It was true. She couldn't levitate Rainbow Dash out from Michael's cover without her getting blasted by lightning. She couldn't find any way to drag Rainbow Dash, since she would be made an easier target. She looked back up at Michael, waiting for any ideas.

Seeming to notice her confusion, Michael spoke back to her, still holding his shield against the powerful lightning. "Just go! I'll grab Rainbow! I'll meet you at the chariot!"

Twilight nodded her head in agreement, prompting a nod back from Michael. The purple unicorn turned and rushed back towards the chariot, boarding it with haste. In her adrenaline rush, she wondered how quickly things changed. One moment she was enjoying a picnic with her most valuable friends, then the next there are weird ponies trudging through the tree line, almost harming Rainbow Dash. What a day.

Michael on the other hand wasn't having too much fun either. Blocking lightning while defending Rainbow Dash wasn't so easy. Sometimes he'd simply have to stand in a single spot to deflect it. But other times, he had to swiftly move to different angles before the lightning hit Rainbow Dash. It's as if the lightning has some kind of homing ability on its target, arcing around the shield to get to her. And since Rainbow Dash was its original target, then it probably still wants her.

Eventually, Michael got sick of just blocking. It was a waste of time. "Take this!" Stepping forward, Michael swung his hard-light shield directly into the unicorn. But, for some reason, his shield went right through as if he was hitting nothing but air. "What the-!" Michael stepped back. Is there no way to kill these things?!

Seeing its opportunity, the dark unicorn launched lightning at Michael himself. Michael, completely defenseless, had no choice but to brace for a probable death. How sad.

Twilight, realizing Michael was defenseless, was immediately convinced he was a goner. "Michael!"

Michael watched his impending doom speed towards him. What have I gotten myself into this time!?

And then the lightning struck, sending Michael sliding back a few feet. After a few seconds of keeping his eyes closed, he slowly cracked them open.

"I'm… alive?"

Michael glanced up at the shield bar at the top of his HUD. About a fourth of it had been depleted from the lightning blast. Michael smirked behind his visor. "Oh. That's it?"

While the dark unicorn was busy recharging, Michael took the opportunity to scoop up Rainbow Dash and sprint towards the chariot. Once there, he laid her down in the back, where she'd be safest. Michael looked at Twilight, "You guys need to get out of here. I'm going to sweep through the town to make sure everyone got out safely, alright?"

Twilight looked as if she wanted to say something, but just said, "Alright, Michael… see you soon."

Michael turned to head towards the town. "Alright, guards! Takeoff! Make sure these five get to Canterlot safely!"

Prompting a nod from both pegasi, they took a running start and lifted off into the daylight sky.

He watched them fly for a bit, before jumping out of the way as lightning struck right where he was standing. Standing before him was about a hundred dark ponies charging up their beams of lighting. He'd best get out of there.

Knowing there was no way to kill off any of these things, Michael headed straight for the town, dodging lightning strikes along the way.

Upon making it to the Town Square at the center of Ponyville, he noticed a bunch of chariots clustered in the center, loading ponies on. Luckily, Spike the dragon was among them.

Michael shouted out a warning. "Guards! The enemy is closing in fast!" He then approached the Guard Captain, known as Shining Armor. "How many more ponies are left to evacuate?"

Shining Armor turned to him. "This is all of them, Michael. I'm glad we made it in time…" He looked down, "Is Twilight okay?"

Michael nodded. "Yep. Her and her friends just left for Canterlot a few minutes ago."

He let out a sigh of relief. "Good. I'm glad she's safe… Losing her… would just-"

Michael stopped him. "Don't think about that right now. We need to get these chariots to leave before those things get here. And they're coming fast."

Shining Armor viewed the chariots. "Is this everypony?"

One of the guards replied. "We got almost everyone, but three young fillies ran off towards Sweet Apple Acres!"

Shining Armor groaned. "What will we do with such little time?"

Michael stepped toward the guard. "Where's Sweet Apple Acres?"

The guard pointed. "Just past those houses. It's hard to miss. You'll notice the apple trees right away."

Michael then turned to Shining Armor. "You get these chariots out of here. I'll get the fillies and figure something out. Just make sure everyone is safe."

Shining Armor was hesitant, but nodded in agreement. Once everypony was on the chariots, the guards boarded and they were in the sky in moments.

Suddenly, Michael's shield took damage as he stumbled forward, taking a blow from behind. He turned to see the dark ponies closing in on the Town Square from the park. The chariots got out just in time.

Not fearing for his life as much since he still had his shields, Michael took off for Sweet Apple Acres. Passing the houses, he immediately noticed a pathway that lead to a farm. And since the fields were practically surrounded by apple trees, Michael assumed this was it. At the center of the fields was a barn house, colored traditionally red like many others. Michael decided to check there first.

Jogging up to the barn's large doors, which were wide open, he peeked in. Gazing around, he saw buckets, carts, and other types of farming equipment. But there was no sign of any of the young fillies that ran off. Not to mention the place was dead silent.

He turned to view the rest of the farm. He viewed the area, seeing practically nothing but fields and apple trees. But right before he was about to head back, he noticed what seemed to be a shack in the dense grove of apple trees. He decided to check there as well.

He broke off into a jog towards the grove of trees. Once there, he peeked through the branches to see the shack clearly.

First off, it was pretty much a tree house, built into a large apple tree. A ramp extended from the balcony to the ground, an easy way to access it. And, the door was open, and he could hear children's voices inside. He needed to hurry. Those dark ponies would surely get here soon too.

Michael approached the tree house and took a step onto the ramp. Forgetting the weight of his armor, his foot easily snapped through the ramp, causing the entire end to fall off. Alerted by the noise, three fillies poked out from the tree house's entrance. Michael waved. "Sorry."

He soon noticed that they were obviously the three fillies. One was a unicorn, with a white coat, and a somewhat curly pink and lavender mane. The second, in the middle of the three, was most distinctive because of the large pink bow atop her head. Her coat was similar to Fluttershy's; a buttery hue, while her mane was red. And, lacking a horn and wings, Michael concluded that she was an earth pony. The third filly was a pegasus. Her coat was a vibrant orange while her mane was pink. Noticing the damage done, the three glared at Michael intently. The earth pony spoke first, with a country accent similar to Applejack's. "Hey! That thing broke our ramp!"

The pegasus spoke next. "It's one of those evil things that invaded us!"

The unicorn spoke last. "Yeah! Let's get it!"

At those last words, the three bounded down the ramp towards Michael, bearing small wooden swords. The pegasus and earth pony had their swords in their mouths while the unicorn used the levitation spell to maneuver it in the air. Michael watched, amused as the three hit him with the swords harmlessly, inflicting little to no damage to his shields. He smiled behind his visor after the three backed away in exhaustion. "Are you three done?"

The earth pony panted a few times before retorting. "We… will… stop you…"

The unicorn was not as tired as the rest, since she used her spells to carry the sword. "Hey! Maybe if we beat it, we can get our cutie marks!"

The pegasus jumped up, suddenly filled with energy. "Yeah! I'm ready to go again!"

Michael rolled his eyes. "I asked a question."

The earth pony jumped as well. "It can talk?"

If Michael wasn't wearing a helmet, he would have face palmed. "Ugh. Are you three done?"

They lost all their interest in getting their cutie marks. They asked in perfect unison. "Done with what?"

Michael stepped forward. "Never mind. Let's just get far away from here."

The earth pony frowned. "Aren't ya gonna eat us or something?"

Michael was literally about to just leave. But, they were just children. Or fillies. "Look. I'm not the bad guy or pony or whatever. I'm a human. And you probably haven't heard of me, but I'm just gonna let you three know that everyone in Ponyville is headed for Canterlot. Do you know why?"

The unicorn spoke. "Because of you?"

Michael groaned. "No, I am trying to save your rears from being blasted by lightning!"

The earth pony spoke again. "Oh! My sister, Applejack, told me about you! She said you seemed to have some sorta problem, you actin' sad and all."

Really, Applejack? "Can we just go before those things in town get here?"

Too late. Marching through the trees behind Michael was the army of dark ponies. At first sight, the three fillies drew their wooden swords to fight. Michael once again groaned. "No you don't!"

He scooped up the three, tucking the earth pony under his left arm and the other two under his right arm. After that, he took off in the opposite direction of the enemy.

Along the way, Michael could feel them squirming in his arms, trying to break free. The earth pony seemed to be the most determined. "Let… er… go! We need to get our cutie marks!"

Michael just about had it with cutie marks. Then again… children from his world were stubborn just like these fillies. And their squirming wasn't making things easy either. As he ran, they would break free every now and then and he'd stumble to catch them.

Looking behind him, he noticed that the dark ponies were far back now, since they only seemed to walk. He wondered what the earth and pegasi dark ponies could do… probably nothing good.

Eventually, Michael slowed to a halt behind a tree and set the three fillies down. Making sure they wouldn't run off again, he asked them, "What are your names?"

The pegasus spoke first. "The name's Scootaloo! I'm gonna be Equestria's best flyer!... well, when I'm able to fly…"

She undoubtedly reminded Michael of Rainbow Dash.

The unicorn seemed to have wanted to say something impressive as well, but simply said, "I'm Sweetie Belle."

The earth pony introduced herself last, placing a hoof on her chest while standing heroically. "And I'm Apple Bloom!"

Michael finally figured out why she sounded so familiar. "Are you Applejack's sister?"

"Yeah! How do you know Applejack?" She asked.

Michael nodded his head in disagreement. "I would explain, but we have no time."

Sweetie Belle pressed with another question. "Who are you?"

"Like I said, we don't have-"

"Are you a robot?" Scootaloo asked.

Michael sighed. "Ugh… Look, I'm trying to help you. We have to find a way to Canterlot."

"Why can't we just fight off those things?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Trust me," Michael replied, "You can't fight them. I already tried. They're like, invincible."

Swetie Belle stepped back. "T-Then what do we do?"

Michael shrugged. "Like I said before, we need to find a way to Canterlot."

"How about the train station?" Scootaloo suggested.

Michael mentally scolded himself for not thinking of that one. "Good idea. Then we'd best get there now before those things get there first."

Apple Bloom spoke in a slow and questioning tone. "Wait! How do we know we can trust you?"

Michael groaned. "Are you really….? Well I did just save your as… I mean flanks just minutes ago… And if you want to go back to those things, then I'm not stopping you."

Scootaloo jumped in excitement. "Alright! Then let's go fight those things!"

The three turned to run off towards the town before Michael scooped them up again. "One, that was sarcasm. Two, I said they're invincible."

At that he took off towards the train station, carrying the three young fillies with him. He had a mission. Though, he still didn't fully understand why he was here in the first place. But these ponies have shown kind hospitality, despite him no being one of their own. This was the way he could repay them. By saving their lives.

On the chariot to Canterlot…

"Ugh… Where… Where am I…?"

Slowly cracking open her eyelids, Rainbow Dash lazily rolled onto her back to see clouds passing by. It took her a moment or two to realize she was airborne. "T-Twilight…?"

Her unicorn friend, who was seated in front of her, smiled warmly down at her. "Good morning, sleepyhead."

Rainbow Dash's sat up. "Am I… dead?"

Twilight smirked. So she did remember her near death experience. "No, Rainbow. You're not dead."

"B-But how?!" Rainbow reacted quickly, though she still seemed drowsy. "I saw that lightning coming straight at me!"

Twilight stopped her. "Hey, slow down. You're alive thanks to… a very, very close friend of ours."

Rainbow Dash instantly knew who. "M-Michael…"

Twilight nodded. They both knew that Rainbow would've been gone if it hadn't been for him.

"Twilight… Where is he now?"

"He stayed back in Ponyville to help with the evacuation… I hope he is doing well…"

Rainbow Dash jumped up. "I've got to find him!"

Twilight sat her back down with easy magic. "Sorry, Rainbow. But it's too dangerous. Those things… we don't know what they can do… but shoot lightning…"

"But, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash moaned. "He saved my life! I've got to make sure he's okay!"

Twilight was about to retort, but stopped herself as something else caught her attention. "Hey! The rest of the chariots are coming! Maybe Michael's onboard!"

The two waited as the rest of the chariots came into view. They saw just about everypony from Ponyville. Twilight smiled to herself as she saw Spike waving at her from one of them. Even Zecora was there! She must've been in town at the ame time the evacuation started. But… where was Michael?

"Twilight… I don't see him."

Applejack suddenly jumped in between them. "Do y'all see Apple Bloom in any of those chariots?"

Soon Rarity spoke as well. "I don't see my little Sweetie Belle anywhere!"

Rainbow Dash scanned the chariots for a moment, and noticed Scootaloo wasn't there as well. "Where's Scootaloo?"

Applejack looked at Rainbow. "Those three probably went off to fight those things. Knowing them and all…"

Twilight's eyes widened. "You guys saw Michael try to hit one of those things, right? His arm went right through… Those three can't do anything!"

Rarity brought up a dramatic pose. "This is the worst possible thing!"

Applejack looked at Rarity. "I hope yer actually serious this time."

Rarity threw Applejack a glare. "I'll have you know I'm always serious."

"Well-"

Twilight stepped between them. "Really? Is this the time to bicker?"

The two stared at the ground in shame. She was right.

Rainbow Dash stared at the ground as well. Not in shame, but in confusion. She didn't know what to do. "Michael is missing, and now Scootaloo… Ugh!"

After a grunt of frustration, Rainbow Dash leaped off the edge of the chariot. Spreading her wings, she immediately sped off for Ponyville. Twilight rushed to the edge. "Rainbow!"

Applejack tried to comfort her. "It's alright, Twi. I'm sure she'll just come back…"

"Guards!" Twilight shouted. "Turn around and head after her!"

The pegasi guards were reluctant, but obeyed. Soon enough, everypony was thrown to the side of the chariot as the guards made a sharp turn. They were headed back into the dangers they tried to escape in the first place.

Back in Ponyville…

"Shhh! They'll hear us…"

"You're the one making all the noise!"

"No she isn't, you are!"

"All three of you, knock it off!"

Michael watched as a group of dark ponies swarmed past their hiding spots. Once they were distant, Michael vaulted over the stand they were hiding in. "You three just don't know how to keep your mouths shut for a single minute, do you?"

Scootaloo hopped over the stand. "Sweetie Belle made the most noise!"

Sweetie Belle followed. "Nuh-uh! I was the quietest!"

Apple Bloom hopped over last, sighing in annoyance as the two bickered. Michael on the other hand, was about to explode. And usually, he's able to keep his cool. "Do you two always… You know what? Forget it."

Apple Bloom stepped up beside Michael. "The train station isn't too far now. A ten minute walk and we'll be there!"

At least someone was thinking straight. "Good. And Apple Bloom, don't end up like those two."

Apple Bloom grinned. "I'm used to it."

Michael nodded before turning to the two other fillies, who were still arguing. "You two coming or not?"

Scootaloo stopped and turned to him. "'Course we are! Why wouldn't we?"

Michael shook his head in annoyance before turning towards the direction of the train station. "Let's go. We've got to get outta here before more of those things show up."

Before he could even take a single step, he heard a familiar voice calling from above. "Michael!"

Michael groaned in response, looking up to see a familiar rainbow mare speeding down straight at him. "Why is she here… She's gonna get herself killed…"

Rainbow Dash didn't even bother breaking her speed. She just flew straight for him. Closer… Closer… closer… she was gonna collide with him and they would fall together, crashing into the ground. Or so she wished. Instead, as soon as she touched him, she just stopped. She looked around. Michael caught her like it was nothing. "Oh come on!"

Michael, still looking straight ahead, replied bluntly. "You shouldn't have come here."

Rainbow Dash felt shocked as Michael set her down. Before she could respond, a small filly tackled her, and brung her down in a playful embrace. "Rainbow!"

Rainbow Dash turned to see none other than Scootaloo herself. "Heya, Scoot!"

The two stood up, with Rainbow Dash speaking first. "I'm so glad you're safe! Is Sweetie and Apple Bloom here too?"

Apple Bloom appeared in front of her. "We sure are!"

"Great! Did Michael find you?" Rainbow asked.

Sweetie Belle replied. "We ran off to fight those evil monsters, but Michael picked us up and said we can't fight them!"

Rainbow dash knew why. She went to look at Michael, but he turned his head away. She sighed. "Well you better listen to Michael. If it weren't for him, you guys would never have been able to see anypony ever again."

Michael let out a sigh of relief. "We really need to get to the train platform."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "Alright fillies. Follow Michael and I. We'll get you to the train safely."

The three jumped in childish excitement and formed a line behind Michael and Rainbow. After all were accounted for, the group set off for their ten-minute journey to the train station.

At first, the walk was uneventful. But Rainbow Dash was quite the one to open up a conversation. "So… why'd you say I shouldn't have come?"

Michael didn't look at her. "Because it's dangerous."

Rainbow Dash wasn't satisfied. "…That it? Come on! I know there's more to it than that!"

"There isn't."

An awkward silence followed as the group moved on. Rainbow Dash broke it. "Michael… Twilight said… that you saved me."

The Spartan was silent for a moment before replying, "I did. You made me jump out of a chariot."

Rainbow Dash flew to his eye level. "Come on, you saved me, big guy."

"Big guy?"

"Well… yeah. You're tall."

Michael groaned. "Rainbow… why did you even go near that thing?"

Rainbow Dash flew in front of his face. "Well, dumb Twilight and her 'research' got her curious. I was just trying to stop her!" Rainbow mocked the word 'research.'

"Then I'm gonna have a nice chat with her and the rest of your friends when we get to Canterlot. There's only one of me. I can't be there all the time."

Rainbow Dash nodded and landed back down next to Michael. "Why do you protect us anyway?"

Michael didn't hesitate to answer. "I come to serve."

"But why us?"

"It's obvious you ponies are the innocent of this world. I serve the innocent by protecting them."

Rainbow Dash grinned. "I think that's cool. Young colts and fillies should look up to you."

Michael was surprised. "You really think that? It's not much."

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I think that's something valuable."

Apple Bloom interrupted their conversation. "We're here!"

Sure enough, the group had already gotten to the train station. "Where's the train?"

There wasn't a train in sight. Michael groaned. "How could I forget? They must've used it for the guards who couldn't fit on the chariots. Civilians were priority."

All three fillies slumped to the ground, groaning as well. "What are we gonna do now?"

On the Chariot…

Twilight and the others were flying over Ponyville in a chariot, looking for Rainbow Dash, who had mindlessly flown away. "She's here somewhere!" Twilight shouted. "Try the train station!"

The pegasi guards who were piloting the chariot nodded and took a sharp turn towards the train station. Twilight shot toward the edge, looking down at the town, scanning the area frantically for Rainbow Dash. "Come on… Come on…"

Finally, her eyes rested on the train station. And down on the platform, was a familiar armored human alongside a rainbow colored pegasus. "There they are!" Twilight pointed with a hoof.

The pegasi pilots confirmed that they saw them and dove down for a landing. Twilight, still at the edge, shouted their names. "Rainbow! Michael!"

Ponyville Train Station…

Michael looked up at the sound of his name. He stared up at the sun to see a silhouette of a chariot come into view. And aboard it was Twilight, staring down at them. Michael groaned once again. "Great. More to protect."

Twilight directed the pegasi to land on the platform. Michael watched as they flew over the platform, made a sharp turn around, and lower them to skid to a stop on the concrete. When all was still, Michael approached the chariot, slightly aggravated from what was unfolding. Twilight jumped off and halted in front of Michael. "Hey, Michael! I'm so glad to see you!"

Michael was silent for a moment. "Twilight. I cannot stress how dangerous it is here! First Rainbow and now you guys!"

Twilight jumped a bit at Michael's sudden outburst. "I-I'm sorry… I was just worried about Rainbow…"

Michael calmed down a bit. "Look, I'm sorry. But I don't want any of you to get hurt, alright?"

"I get it." Twilight said.

Michael turned to Rainbow Dash and the three young fillies behind him. "Let's go guys. I'd rather leave this place ASAP."

Scootaloo looked confused. "What i P?"

Michael ignored her. He could answer questions like that another time. He turned towards the chariot, helping the three fillies on. When he made sure they weren't going to fly off anywhere, he turned back to Rainbow Dash, who still hadn't boarded. She was staring at Ponyville, her back towards everyone on the chariot. Michal let out a sigh and made his way towards her. "What's on your mind, Rainbow?"

Rainbow looked up at him for a moment, then turned her head back to her home town. "Just everything. Everything that happened today. It was just so… fast."

"Well let's end today by getting on the chariot." Michael said calmly. "I'm sure you and I both don't want to see those things anymore."

Rainbow nodded. "Agreed. But can I just sit here a moment? This may be my last look at Ponyville…"

Michael was strongly against it, but he still gave in. "Oh, what the heck. Go ahead. Just please hurry." After those last words, he walked back to the chariot and sat down on the edge. His weight caused it to tilt a bit, but not topple. Twilight sat down beside him, having mixed feelings on what she should say. "Is she just… thinking?"

Michael sighed. "Yeah… I was against it, but I've been hard on her when she arrived. So I decided to just let her, you know?"

Twilight smiled. "I do."

Suddenly, Michael felt a strange presence behind him. It didn't seem threatening, just strange. He slowly turned around to see the pink earth pony mere centimeters away from his visor. He found this somewhat amusing, and let out a chuckle. "Pinkie, was it?"

Instead of a yes or no, the goofy pony disappeared, and reappeared in front of him. "So you're Michael? You look awesome! Especially with that metal shell!"

Twilight facepalmed, er- facehoofed, if I must, and laughed. "Pinkie, it's not a shell! It's armor! Like what the guards wear! Except his is kinda more advanced…"

Michael was bewildered. "Wait, weren't you just-"

Twilight stopped him. "Michael, don't worry about it. It's something Pinkie, and only Pinkie can do. Nopony knows why. So don't kill your brain."

Michael nodded. "Good idea."

Pinkie Pie bounded around the chariot, blabbering multiple things at once. Michael caught a few words of those words, such as 'throw you a party' and 'new to Ponyville.' Man was she weird…

Twilight stood up and hopped off the chariot. "I'm going to talk to Rainbow."

"Alright."

Michael watched as Twilight made her way to where Rainbow was seated and sat down beside her. He noticed a short silence follow before Twilight began speaking to her. Their words were inaudible, too quiet for Michael to hear. He pondered what they'd be talking about, probably just today's tragedy.

The Spartan let out a sigh, slowly lifting his helmet off. A hissing sound let out from the locking joints as air was let out. When it was fully off, he shook his black hair, and set the helmet down next to his hip.

He felt a bit accomplished. But still, he needed to find a way to kill those things. If they can't be killed, then Equestria is doomed…

Unknown POV…

"The voice…. I must obey it… we all most obey it… It has given us life… Given life… to the darkness…"

"There are hundreds of us… the pure ones can't stop us… they will soon become like us… to finally feel the pain we all feel… but still… we obey the voice…"

"Ah, I see a group of pure ones up ahead… Pure ones… they don't feel the pain… not fair… they must… must feel it… I will make them… make them feel it…"

"The purple one… the purple one will know our darkness… soon… and the rest will follow… this land will be consumed… none will escape… none…"

Michael POV

Michael saw it before anyone else. He knew what was about to unfold the minute its head stuck out. He knew that he shouldn't have let Rainbow stay a while. He knew that they should have left. And now he was going to pay for his foolishness.

"Twilight look out!"

Twilight turned to look at him. "Huh?"

Black lightning cracked across the platform. And it was headed straight for Twilight.

From that point on, Michael felt time slow down. He saw Twilight's terrified eyes staring at the lightning. He felt the beaming stares of the others looking at the ongoing danger. And lastly, he saw Rainbow look at the lightning, and back at her unicorn friend. Michael knew what Rainbow Dash was about to do. He gritted his teeth. "Rainbow! No!"

But it was too late. Rainbow had her mind set. She knew what she was about to do.

Michael pushed with all the strength he had, and launched himself towards the two ponies. Diving with all his might, he soared through the air, his hard-light shield arm outstretched, ready to activate and protect the ones his duty demanded. He was fast, but sadly, the lightning was faster. And poor Rainbow was even faster than that. Out of sheer instinct, Rainbow Dash launched herself in front of Twilight, in harm's way. The black lightning struck her body, electrifying her intensely. Her body arced in midair as the electricity coursed through her veins. Michael's eyes widened in horror as he skidded to a stop mere inches away from where Rainbow was. He had failed.

As the painful lightning strike ended, Rainbow Dash fell to the ground. A black mist begun surrounding her body slowly, appearing from the area the lighting struck. Michael and Twilight both immediately rushed to her side. Michael instantly deployed his hard-light shield to protect Twilight and himself.

Michael shook Rainbow gently, yet frantically. "Rainbow! Rainbow! Come on…"

The blue pegasus slowly cracked open her eyes, focusing them on Michael. "M… Michael…"

Twilight went straight to work with her magic. She shot a beam at the blackened area on Rainbow, trying her hardest to heal her dear friend. But she couldn't. She looked up with tearful eyes at Michael. "Michael, my… my magic isn't working! Something's blocking it… I… I can't…"

Michael's heart fell deeper than it had already fallen. "Rainbow…"

Rainbow Dash replied slowly through her pained condition. "M-Michael… Did I… Did I save her…?"

Michael lowered his head as a single tear from each of his eyes hit the concrete below. "Yes, Rainbow. You did." He slowly turned her head towards Twilight, who was vainly trying to heal Rainbow. But it wasn't working.

"Good…" Rainbow Dash said. The black mist was thicker now, swirling faster around her body. "Promise me something, Michael…"

This was her goodbye. "What… What is it?"

"Keep them safe."

And at those last words, Rainbow Dash's body dissolved into the same black mist around her, and drifted away.

Those words pierced Michael worse than any bullet he had ever taken. His anger rose, he could feel it. "Rainbow…"

Tears streamed down Twilight's face. She had thought everything would be okay… and now, Rainbow is gone. For good. This was real.

She watched as Michael stood up to face the dark unicorn. "Michael… you can't… you can't hurt it…"

Michael ignored her. Twilight saw what he was about to do. "I'm sorry Michael… but I'm not losing another friend…"

Her horn began to glow as a pink aurora surrounded Michael. "Wait… Twilight! Stop! No!" Michael struggled, trying to break free of the magic. But he couldn't. The dark unicorn saw its chance and shot lightning at Michael. Luckily his hard-light shield was still functional as he lifted it up and deflected the lightning. "Twilight! Put me down! Now! I'm gonna kill this little-"

Twilight ignored his words. Though she had just lost Rainbow Dash, she was still able to keep a calm mind. With Michael's shield protecting them, she levitated him into the chariot, hopping in behind him. "Let's go."

Though the pegasi guards were shocked at what just unfolded, they still were able to obey this single command. Reluctantly, they pulled up and shot off towards Canterlot, carrying a saddened group of ponies and a Spartan, who at this point felt nothing but bitter failure. He had lost her.