Chapter 28: The Death of a Friend…
***Fort Avalon – 2 days later***
There were no celebrations, no happy thoughts, nor was there not any pony affected by the event. In the sky, a few miles away, were two chariots being drawn by four strong pegasus stallions. One of the chariots had the flag of Fort Caliburn, carrying Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The other was from Fort Valor, carrying Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Flying beside the Fort Valor chariot was the large, muscular, purple dragon Spike, flapping his green membrane wings. The chariots landed in the courtyard of Fort Avalon, with Spike landing behind them then transforming to his regular form.
It was immediately obvious to the six new arrivals that something terrible had happened there, the air was thick and heavy, filled with tension and lingering tinges of sorrow. Overall it was bleak. "What's going on here, why does everypony look sad," asked Spike as he took his place next to Rarity.
Pinkie Pie looked upon on the faces of the different ponies, those who were on the battlements, trotting around, or just off somewhere looking down. All of it was heartbreaking to the pink party pony, the Element of Laughter. Unfortunately Pinkie Pie believed that none of her usual, or unusual, antics would brighten their faces. "It has to be about that crying I heard, I've never heard anything so sad in my life," said Pinkie Pie.
Just then Major Broadside was cantering towards them; even in his battle hardened face it was obvious he was a bit sad. "Thank you all for coming, the Princesses are waiting in the throne room, please follow me," said Broadside.
"Hold up Major, what's goin' on here? Why are both the Princesses here and where's Twilight and Bright Blade?" asked Applejack. Broadside didn't answer; he only turned around and began walking in the direction of the keep. Worried by his silence, the six followed him.
Inside was a different matter, Major Broadside had led them to a makeshift throne room. All the forts had one made for when the Princesses needed to hold meetings with dignitaries or present medals of Honor to soldiers. It was nothing fancy, two throne chairs atop a seven step elevation in the floor, the banner of Equestria draped behind them, and on the left and right walls was the flag of the UEA forces. Princess Celestia had forgone her bronze armor and was wearing her normal regalia, as too was Princess Luna. Celestia's eyes were downcast, contemplating; her normally undulating mane and tail were still, a sight not many ponies have seen. Luna was different, her eyes were red and puffy, and she was sniffling, yet still she held her regal poise like her older sister. The group could tell, whatever they had gathered here for, it wasn't good.
"Your Highnesses…" Major Broadside bowed, to which the others did as well. Princess Celestia nodded her head, prompting the others to rise. Broadside took his place at the foot of the steps, now facing their guests.
"Thank you all for coming, we would've summoned you earlier but we had to make sure that the Daemoni attacks had ceased for now," said Celestia.
"It's no trouble at all, Princess, but we are wondering…Where are Twilight and Bright Blade?" asked Rarity.
"What we have to say concerns them both," responded Celestia.
"Are they alright," asked Fluttershy.
"Are they hurt," asked Spike.
"Twilight Sparkle has fallen in battle…" answered Luna, eyes closed.
The room went silent; the blood in their veins ran cold, looking to each other thinking that they must've heard wrong. "Ha, ha, sorry Princess Luna we must've heard you wrong, cause it sounded like you said Twilight's dead," said Rainbow Dash, trying to lighten the mood.
"YOU THINK THAT WE WOULD JOKE ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS, DOES THOU THINK WE ENJOY THE TELLING OF A FRIENDS PASSING, JUST TO HAVE IT DISMISSED AS MERE WHIMSY!?" shouted Luna, using her Royal Canterlot Voice, and the royal "we."
Rainbow Dash shrank back, the fierceness in Luna's eyes made the cyan pegasus feel as if she were about to attack her, which made Applejack instinctively rush in front of Dash. The others also cringed, fearing that a visit from Nightmare Moon was coming. Celestia turned to her little sister and gave her a stern look. "Luna, calm yourself," said Celestia. Luna only sighed and turned away from the group as tears began to fall.
"Princess…tell us it's not true…in can't be true!?" shouted Spike.
"I'm sorry everypony, I wish it weren't, but it is. Major Broadside would you please deliver your report on the incident," asked Celestia.
Major Broadside cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Ahem, two days ago, at approximately 8:00 A.M., an envoy from the enemy came bearing a letter. Within was a written challenge to Twilight Sparkle for control of the region, to begin at noon of the day in question. We uh…We now know through some recent intel, that the challenger was a mare who went by the name of Trixie Lulamoon," said Major Broadside.
"TRIXIE!?" they all said in unison.
"There is more…" Major Broadside continued his report, telling them of Twilight's duel with Trixie. How she transformed into a flaming, crimson, gold and white mare that was both beautiful and terrifying. How their battle was something to behold, that it felt like the flames of Heaven and Tarturus were called upon and wielded with such mastery. The looks on the group's faces were a mixture of astonishment, fear, sadness, and surprise. At the end Broadside told them of Twilight's death at the hooves of Trixie and how Bright Blade retaliated by utterly destroying both Trixie and the Daemoni army in a single attack. He also mentioned the giant pillar of golden light and the cries of pain that carried on the wind. This, of course, confirmed what Pinkie Pie heard, same was true for all when Broadside quoted the time of death.
"We…we felt it…we all did," said Applejack through her tears.
"Twilight's dead…" said Spike in disbelief.
Fluttershy only sobbed quietly, being comforted by Rarity.
"This…this can't be happening," said Rainbow Dash, angrily stamping at the floor with her hoof as tears streamed down her face.
"What about Bright Blade is he…?" asked Pinkie Pie, afraid to even say the last part of her sentence.
They held their breath, waiting for either the Princesses or Broadside to answer. "Bright Blade is, for the most part, alright. Although… ever since Twilight's passing Bright Blade hasn't left the spot where she…"
"Wait, you left the poor thing out there for two days!? Without anypony to look after him," asked Rarity.
"No, he isn't alone; Lieutenant Big Mac is with him, along with one Brawn Corp. and Mage Corp. soldier guards. Volunteer of course, many were frightened by his display," said Major Broadside.
"Well…Ah know where ah'm a goin'," said Applejack.
"Hold up, I'll go with you," said Rainbow Dash.
"Me too," chimed Pinkie Pie.
"I'm not…" said Spike. The others looked to him, "I…I need to be alone, excuse me Princesses." With that Spike took off down the hallway, not even bothering to look back or wait for either Celestia or Luna to dismiss him.
"Spike, oh please excuse me Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. Fluttershy would you come with me please," asked Rarity.
"What, oh, um, alright…"
"Well then we'll leave you to your own devices then, you all may leave" said Princess Celestia.
Broadside led the remainder of the group out of the throne room, closing the doors behind him. With that the two royal sisters were left alone, Luna was still crying softly. At that time Luna gave Celestia a cross look, "Is that all, Tia? Is that all the emotion you can show for Twilight!? We've been here for two days, and I have yet to see you shed one tear for your 'faithful student,' have you worn the mantle and lived so long that you can't be moved to tears," accused Luna.
Celestia turned her head and looked down at her little sister. "Do you think me that cold Lulu, of course I cry! Can you not see!?" Celestia's eyes began to well with tears, streaming down her face, but still she kept her composure. "My heart tore when I heard of her passing; she was more than my student, more than a friend! She was like the daughter I never had, Twilight was…"
"Forgive me Tia, I'm sorry…Twilight Sparkle was my first real friend, to have lost her in such a way –!"
Celestia brought her left foreleg around Luna's body, bringing her into a tight hug. "I know Lulu, I know…" Luna then broke down into tears, not even bothering to hide her sobs. Celestia then enveloped the both of them in her large wings and lowered her head, joining her little sister in mourning.
***Hours later – Duel Site***
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all arrived at the place where Twilight had died. They were surprised by the amount of damage that was done to the landscape, Applejack could feel it; how the land was ravaged by the fierce battle that took place. She stared off into the distance towards a mountain range, an empty space, like something erased whatever was there to begin with. The trio eventually found the two pony guards, who were standing a safe distance away, the two guards saluted the three mares, to which they responded. Applejack spotted Big Macintosh, garbed in his Brawn Corp. armor. His head turned in their direction; afterwards he got up and started trotting towards them.
"I can't believe Twilight did all this, she must've been really, really, really angry," observed Pinkie Pie.
"In a weird way I wish I could've seen it, the way Major Broadside described, it sounded kinda awesome. I can't believe Trixie did this; she was a boastful, arrogant, self-centered braggart! To think she joined the enemy just so she could one up Twilight, I knew we should've done something about her years ago," said Rainbow Dash.
"Can't do nothing about that now Rainbow, Bright Blade already punished Trixie, besides…Twilight wouldn't want you thinkin that way, she hoped Trixie would eventually become a better pony, that's just how she thought," said Applejack.
Big Macintosh had finally met up with them, giving his little sister a hug. "How're ya doin' AJ," asked Big Mac.
"Holdin' up, and you?"
"Alright, but I'm not the one who needs you right now," said Big Mac, nudging his head in the direction of Bright Blade.
"Is it true that he hasn't moved from that spot for two days," asked Rainbow Dash.
"Eeyup. Hasn't moved, barely eaten or drank anything, and I'm not surprised. He saw Twilight die, right in front of him," said Big Mac.
"This is awful; Bright Blade still doesn't remember where he's from, or who his parents are. Twilight was everything to him, now that she's gone…" Pinkie Pie couldn't finish, feeling the beginnings of tears.
"Well then why are we standin' around here for, he needs us now more than ever," said Rainbow Dash.
"Big Mac why don'cha head back to the fort, we'll stay out here with him, see if we can't get Bright Blade to come back with us." Applejack looked to the two pony guards, "That goes for the two of ya as well, y'all must be tired," said Applejack.
Big Macintosh nodded, then nuzzled Applejack before heading out, the two pony guards then saluted and followed after the red earth pony. With a heavy sigh the three mares began trotting towards Bright Blade.
Upon reaching him they all let out a collective gasp. Bright Blade was lying down on the ground in his original form, with his legs tucked under him, in front of the golden earth pony was a charred outline of their fallen friend. It traced Twilight's body perfectly, her horn, hooves, mane, and tail. Bright Blade stared blankly at it, brow furrowed, his face marked with dried up tears. He was still in his armor, with the specially made sword lying close beside him. Bright Blade didn't seem to notice the arrival of his friends, he just kept on staring at the outline, as if waiting for it to come to life and bring the one he loved back.
"Hey there sugarcube," Applejack was the first to trot up to him. Standing beside him, Applejack had to focus her gaze on him, or else risk breaking down into tears if she looked at the outline too long. No ya have to be strong, we all do! "…you alright?"
Bright Blade lifted his head for a moment, quickly scanned, then laid his head back down on the ground. "Hi Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie…" His voice was distant, emotionless.
"Listen BB, why don't we head back to the fort? Spike, Rarity, and Fluttershy are there, even the Princesses, and their worried about ya," petitioned Applejack.
"Yeah, while we're there we can get somethin' to eat, what do ya say," asked Rainbow Dash.
Bright Blade said nothing.
Pinkie Pie went over and laid next to Bright Blade. She began stroking his mane, gently, comfortingly. "I heard you BB, I heard you all the way to Hoofshire. I could feel your sadness, you cried out, so much so that, I think, everpony felt it. But you know, Twilight wouldn't want you to be like this, she really cared about you, that's why you have to smile for her," said Pinkie Pie.
Bright Blade looked over to Pinkie Pie, who was smiling warmly, he then looked to Applejack and Rainbow Dash who were standing on his right, side-by-side, and they too were smiling warmly. He then returned his gaze to the outline, "It's my fault…"
"What?"
"Pardon?"
"It's my fault that Twilight's dead! If I hadn't interfered with the duel – I mean, Twilight's powerful, she' strong and smart! She didn't need my help! But no, what happened to me caused her to transform into that…that…!"
"C'mon, tell Aunty Pinkie Pie all about it," said Pinkie Pie.
Bright Blade told his side of the story, about getting hit with Trixie's seal spell and losing Excellion. Then he told them about how he intercepted a spell that was meant for Twilight, which inadvertently knocked him out. Leading up to how Twilight regained control of herself, the rest was history.
"Bright Blade that's not your fault, if anything its Trixie's! Your powers were sealed and you were just trying to protect her," said Rainbow Dash.
"If only I had just kept quiet, not said anything, Twilight would've finished Trixie off and she'd still be here –!"
"Stop right there," said Applejack sternly.
"Applejack…!" said Pinkie Pie.
"No, y'all know that Twilight would've never forgiven herself if she'd killed Trixie. She may have been angry, furious, but the real Twilight would've tried ta beat Trixie, not kill her! Ya said it yerself, she was cryin' when she was normal again, do ya honestly think she coulda lived with herself if she did the deed," asked Applejack.
"No…should couldn't…"
"Just remember sugarcube, Twilight cared about ya a lot, and she still does. Like Pinkie Pie said you gotta smile fer her, otherwise you're gonna make her sad."
"We know you're sad Bright, but that doesn't mean you have to be sad alone," said Rainbow Dash.
"That's why you have all of us, your friends, your family," said Pinkie Pie, nuzzling the side of Bright Blade's face.
Bright Blade went still for a moment; he then gazed upon the faces of the three mares around him. I can't believe I forgot they are my family…I'm sorry Twilight I almost… Fresh tears began to flow from Bright Blades eyes, but he was smiling, having remembered that he did have a shoulder to cry on, in fact he had many. "Can we head back to the fort, I'm really hungry," asked Bright Blade.
The three mares smiled at him, a few tears dripping from their eyes. As Bright Blade rose up he wobbled and almost fell, but Pinkie Pie stayed close to him, using herself to support the weakened earth pony. Rainbow Dash stood on his right, also using herself as support for him, with that the four of them started on their way towards Fort Avalon. Bright Blade took one final look over his shoulder, to the charred outline of the mare he cared about, and fell for, at the same time. "Goodbye…Twilight…" he whispered, trotting away.
***Thirty minutes later – Fort Avalon***
"Spike, Spike!? Oh Celestia where is that, dragon!" huffed Rarity.
Ever since Spike left the throne room Rarity and Fluttershy have been searching for the grief stricken dragon. To Rarity it was beginning to feel like the Fort Valor incident all over again, she was even starting to suspect the worst. Calm down Rarity, the odds of that happening again are slim, especially given Spike's current abilities. I know he said that he "needed to be alone," but as his fillyfriend I can't let him be alone, it is times like these that you need your special somepony…Rarity was now in the courtyard looking in every direction, yet still she could not find her dragonmate. DAMN IT SPIKE COME OUT SO I CAN COMFORT YOU, Rarity shouted within her mind, stamping the ground in frustration on the outside. Fluttershy eventually found Rarity, and was quietly standing by, waiting for Rarity to finish venting.
"Um…Rarity, I…"
"Fluttershy, did you find him," asked Rarity.
"Yes, and…well…"
"Oh out with dear, if you have something to say then just say it!"
"SPIKES IN TWILIGHT'S ROOM!" shouted Fluttershy.
Rarity's mane had been blown back from Fluttershy's shouting, she may be soft-spoken, but when she wants to say something she'll say it loud and clear. "Thank you, Fluttershy…would you – would you mind escorting me there," asked Rarity.
And escort she did, Fluttershy led Rarity directly to the room that Twilight and Bright Blade occupied, it was a long walk and Rarity hung her head the entire way. Fluttershy noticed this. "It'll be alright Rarity," said Fluttershy.
"We promised to make it back, to survive this war no matter what, but in the end one of our best friend dies! The one who brought us all together and made our days brighter and more fun," said Rarity.
"I know, we've only known Twilight for a little while and already she's impacted our lives so much…but Spike…"
"Yes, he's been with her for many years, he knows her better than any of us, and now she's…she's –!"
"Don't think like that Rarity," said Fluttershy, turning around and facing the fashionista. "You have to be strong for Spike now, you're his fillyfriend he'll need you now more than ever, do you understand!?"
To say that Fluttershy's new found confidence was surprising was an understatement. Ever since the Fort Valor incident she had become a little more vocal, standing just a bit taller than usual. Although she only did so in the presence of her friends, they were still working on doing so in public. "Fluttershy thank you, I will, but – and don't take this the wrong way dear – I'm surprised you haven't broken down into tears, are you alright," asked Rarity.
"Let's just say that, I can't let any more of my friends die, Twilight will be the last and only one, do you understand," asked Fluttershy sternly. "We're here…"
Indeed they were, Fluttershy patted Rarity on the shoulder and took her leave, making the purple maned unicorn wonder if her friend was really okay. She took a deep breath and exhaled in the same fashion. Rarity then began to knock on the door, "Spike…Are you in there, it's me Rarity," she asked.
"Go away, I don't want to see you right now," answered Spike.
"Well I want to see you. Please you shouldn't be alone right now, especially you," said Rarity.
"I do so, go…."
"Spike listen to me, I am your fillyfriend now and whatever bothers you bothers me, and vice versa! Now I can use my magic to open this door, but I would much appreciate you doing so. If you don't I'll respect your decision."
For a while there was silence, neither one of them said a word. Then Rarity heard rustling from behind the door, the knob began to jiggle and then turn. The door opened, revealing a purple dragon with tear stains tracing a line from down Spike's face. "Come in…" said Spike. Rarity trotted inside and closed the door behind her. The fireplace had been lit with Spikes dragon fire, Spike sat in the center of the room the on rug. He was curled up with Twilight's old Smarty Pants doll, a physical memento of the talented unicorn's past, as well as the time he spent with her. He only stared at the green flames in a daze; it hurt Rarity's heart to see the young dragon in such a state. "Twilight was a strong pony, wasn't she…?"
"Yes, yes she was," said Rarity.
"She always got worked up about her studies, never missed a deadline when we lived in Canterlot, not even when we moved to Ponyville…"
"I'm sure she did."
"Twilight was the one who taught me how to read and write, not all dragons can do that, and it was hard work. But she never gave up, and now thanks to her I can write full sentences, read books, things that some dragons can't do or don't wanna do. Twilight was like my big sister," said Spike.
Rarity trotted around to Spike's left side; she then laid down next to him. "She is a great friend, one of the best any of us could ask for," said Rarity.
"So why did she have to die, and by Trixie of all ponies! Bright Blade should've protected her, he's powerful too, just like Twilight!" cried Spike.
"Spike, don't talk that way! There was nothing Bright Blade could've done; Trixie used her powers to keep him from helping her! Trixie is gone, Twilight's gone, it's all said and done," stated Rarity.
"I know, I just – Aaahhhhhhh!" Spike cried into Rarity's shoulder, she could feel his hot tears staining her white coat. Rarity placed her head on top of his, and let him cry as much he wanted. It wasn't long before the white unicorn did so as well, but she had to be strong, clenching her jaw and letting the tears fall.
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Bright Blade had arrived at Fort Avalon. They took Bright Blade to the Mess Hall, as sad as he was his stomach still wished to be fed. After a while they decided to take Bright Blade to his room, Fluttershy having joined them earlier, but when they got there they noticed that Spike and Rarity were walking out of Twilight's and Bright Blade's room. There was silence; none of them knew quite exactly what to say in this situation. In the end it was Spike who broke the silence as he walked up to Bright Blade and looked him in the eye. It was awkward for Bright Blade, since Spike's new growth spurt had made the dragon tower over him a bit. "Bright Blade…we're going to the courtyard, now," said Spike.
Bright Blade didn't know what Spike was getting at, but he trusted him and followed, after all, the two of them were like brothers. Spike was leading the way, with Bright Blade trotting next to him; the others were close behind them wondering what Spike was planning. They finally entered the courtyard, there were a scarce amount of troops, save for the ones who were on sentry duty on the battlements. Spike stopped in the center of the courtyard, and turned to face Bright Blade. "Okay, so why are we out –?"
"Transform…" interrupted Spike, Bright Blade was taken aback by the request and so were the others, "I said transform Bright Blade, now…!"
Bright Blade gave his adopted brother an odd look, in the end he transformed in a flash of golden light. He was now in his armored alicorn form, but confused as to why Spike asked him to. "Alright Spike, are you going to tell me why I'm –!" Before BB could finish he was struck in the jaw by Spike's right claw, delivering a strong right hook to the alicorn, and sending him fumbling to the side.
"Didn't feel right to do that while you were smaller than me," said Spike.
"What the buck was that for," shouted Bright Blade.
"Is that it, is that how strong you are? If so it's no wonder why you couldn't protect Twilight," said Spike.
The five mares all gasped at what Spike had said, Bright Blade however started to grit his teeth, his eyes narrowing in anger. "Spike that's completely uncalled for," shouted Rarity.
"What the hay's wrong with you," asked Rainbow Dash.
"Stay out of this," shouted Spike. "Well BB, is that all you've got!?"
"Are you saying it's my fault that Twilight's dead!?"
"Show me I'm wrong then!?"
Bright Blade flapped his wings, making him dash swiftly towards Spike, he then smashed his shoulder into Spike's chest sending the purple scaled dragon skidding backwards and holding his stomach. "That good enough," asked Bright Blade. Spike responded by blasting a stream of green dragon fire at him, Bright Blade quickly erected a simple barrier around himself, letting the flames smash against it. "Is that all you've got," shouted Bright Blade.
Spike ceased his dragon fire assault and began running at Bright Blade, to which Bright Blade responded by galloping at Spike. Spike brought up his claws and Bright Blade reared up, bringing his fore hooves up to meet them. The two were locked in a grappling match, Spike holding onto Bright Blade's hooves trying to push him back. The two of them eventually butted heads, pushing into one another, fighting for dominance.
"This is, this is crazy," said Fluttershy.
"We have to stop them," said Pinkie Pie.
"No we don't," stated Applejack.
"Excuse me, you're not suggesting we just stand here and do nothing!?" said Rarity in shock.
"That's exactly what we need ta do. Bright Blade blames himself for not protectin' Twilight, and apparently Spike blames Bright Blade for the same reason. This is just the way boys work out their problems, we just gotta let them work it out, and step in if it gets too serious."
"In a weird way, that makes sense," said Rainbow Dash.
"Well it doesn't for me," said Rarity.
"Just watch," said Applejack. The alicorn and dragon continued their struggle for dominance, if one took a step forward the other would take a step forward, going tic for tat. Even going so far as to trade insults, which weren't all that great insults.
"You give 'dragon breath' a whole new meaning!"
"You give the term 'identity crisis' a whole new meaning!"
"THUMB SUCKER!"
"HALF-PINT!"
"FREAK!"
"SCALE CHEWER!"
"I DID THAT ONE TIME AND ONE TIME ONLY!"
Bright Blade flapped his wings and propelled himself upwards, dragging Spike along with him and taking away his momentum. Bright Blade flew higher and higher into the air, doing a somersault and throwing Spike to the ground below. Spike never made it that far, as his wings sprouted from his back. With a few flaps Spike was airborne, rising up to meet his 'brother' in the air. The two stared each other down, in a split second they took off in different directions, turning around and aiming right at each other. Spike cocked back his right fist, Bright Blade cocked back his right fore hoof. When the two of them thrust forward it was Spike who made contact. Bright Blade stumbled in the air after the initial impact, but regained control and flew back for another flyby. It went on like this for a few minutes each one passing by the other, trading blows in the air one right after the other.
"I don't know how much longer I can watch this," said Fluttershy.
"That's it I'm going up there and stopping this," announced Rainbow Dash.
"Hold on there, look!"
Spike and Bright Blade flew at each other once again; the two of them smashed into the other, entangling themselves and free falling out of the air. The two of them exchanged blows as they fell, not caring that the ground was quickly drawing closer. In the end the two of them fell into the ground, creating a crater with a dust cloud rising into the air. It was Applejack who broke off from the group and started to make her way towards the crater, the rest of them followed close behind. They peered into the crater and saw Bright Blade, now in his earth pony form, and Spike lying on their backs and panting hard. Applejack let out a heavy sigh and gave them a serious look. "Well, y'all feel better now, or do ah have ta set ya boys straight," asked Applejack.
Spike glanced over to Bright Blade; Bright Blade glanced over to Spike. The two of them smiled at each other. "No, we're good," they said in unison.
"Good," Applejack summoned her golden armor, in seconds she was battle ready, which confused the others. Applejack then stomped her right fore hoove onto the ground. The crater began to rumble and shake, and then a pillar the size of the crater popped up and threw Spike and Bright Blade out of the hole. The two of them landed a couple of feet behind the group with a loud thud. Applejack willed the pillar to level out with the ground, after which she turned around. "Now ah don't ever want you two ta do something this stupid again, am I clear!" shouted Applejack.
The two of them brought their heads up quickly, to which they shook vigorously, confirming that they would indeed not do that again. Bright Blade glanced at Spike giving him a sheepish smile. "Spike, we still brothers," asked Bright Blade.
"I never said we weren't," answered Spike.
Rarity quickly rushed to her lover, at the same time Fluttershy rushed to Bright Blade's. Both of them were bruised, but otherwise alright. After a while they all had a laugh, at the expense of Spike and Bright Blade, of which they agreed.
Suddenly all the alarm bells sounded and the troops were scrambling. The group had no idea what was going on, surely there couldn't be another attack, and the Daemoni had been inactive for some time now!?
"Attention all UEA soldiers, this is a call to arms! Ponyville is under siege; all forces are to mobilize! Will Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Bright Blade, and Spike please report to the Princesses throne room immediately!?" said Major Broadside over the Iris Caller.
"WHAT!?" shouted Rainbow Dash.
Spike and Bright Blade looked to each, a thought passed through them at that moment, along with a determined expression. The two of them broke away from the five mares. Bright Blade's body shined with golden light, while Spike's was engulfed by green dragon fire. Two streaks of fire and light shot up straight into the sky. Bright Blade had transformed into his alicorn form once again, and Spike had changed into his adult dragon form. The two of them aimed directly in Ponyville's direction and zoomed off without a word.
"What the hay do they think they're doing," asked Rarity.
"Judging from the angle they're flying, I'd say they're heading for Ponyville," said Rainbow Dash.
"But they'll need back up, they can't go alone," said Pinkie Pie.
"Nuthin' we can do about that now, c'mon y'all let's go see the Princesses! Maybe they have a way of getting us there fast," suggested Applejack.
With that the five of them galloped as fast as they could into the keep, their armor flashing into existence as they did. Above the skies, Bright Blade and Spike were flying side by side at top speed. Their minds set on one goal.
We're not losing anymore friends, not ever again!
Twilight's passing has affected all the ponies of Fort Avalon. The Princesses, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity, but Bright Blade and Spike felt the loss more deeply. So much so that they resolved their sadness with a slug fest, but now their home is under attack once again, and with fierce resolve have taken to the skies to protect their friends. But are they too late…Find out the fate of Ponyville and its citizens in the next chapter of War in Equestria: The Tale of Bright Blade!