"Good. They'll all be after him." Nightshade laughed. "I almost pity them. My father is not exactly the... merciful... type. Shall we continue? He may have fooled the Elites, but old Sun-Butt isn't as gullible. She'll be waiting for us, and I'd hate to disappoint her." Blackout looked to Cricket in confusion. Officially, the Changeling songstress was Silver's lieutenant. However, she had only earned the title AFTER Nightshade's death. Silver's daughter had held the title for several years before. Deciding to let the more experienced warrior take charge, Cricket nodded to her husband and followed Nightshade.
Base stood up, completely unaffected by Venquis' attack. "A traitor... is not allowed... to have regrets?" A dark shadow started growing on Moonsaber. "This... I am sorry... Eriborian... It seems I have become... darker..." His entire body glowed a bright purple, while everything around him seemed to be getting darker. "Ah... your friend's catalyst... with the dark matter hammer... I am..." His face seemed to seal closed as the features faded from it. He continued walking towards Venquis, his steps getting louder by the second. Tricorna stood up and shook her head, before turning a horrific glare towards Base. Her face immediately turned to one of fear. "Dear mother..."
With the bunker now on full alert, Celestia surprisingly made no attempt to flee nor fight. She simpily just sat down on her throne and awaited for the others to find her. She was expecting them sooner or later, most likely to finish to job with the rings placed around her horn. Once all five were placed, she could no longer use magic. However, the effects could not take into full effect for several hours, allowing Celestia to finally use the remainder of her magic for the final duel. Once she ran out, it was out completely. Her divine physical abilities were still evident despite the rings power, and little knew or even seen the Phoenix Queen in combat since she assumed full power, since her corruption and insanity set in. When the final battle came, she was still the deadliest Alicorn alive.
As the team progress further in, all that they found were the bodies of Elites, torn to pieces by the Blades of Tartarus. After nearly half an hour of searching the bunker, they rounded a corner and came upon the Phoenix Queen herself, battling Silver Crescent. He was bloodied and bruised, and his left wing was badly broken. Despite his injuries, he was grinning and slashing fiercely at the enraged Celestia. He heard them enter. Without taking his eyes off of his opponent, he greeted his allies. "What took you so long? We've been fighting for a good ten minutes now!" Laughing, Silver threw down his swords and tackled Celestia to the ground. He quickly put her into a headlock, holding her in place. "I can't hold her for long! Go! Do it now!" Without hesitation, Cricket charged forward, taking Earth Pony form as she did so. With a triumphant shout, she placed it on Celestia's horn. Nightshade pushed Robin and Ocean forward. "Your turn! Go!"
Ocean rushed as quick as she could towards Celestia. Celestia, now angered beyond reasonable control blasted Silver straight off her, and got in front of Ocean, despite the Pegasus' ridiculous speed, like it was nothing. However, Celestia underestimated her opponent. Just as Celestia tried to punch a shocked Ocean, her hoof seemed to phase straight through her. Ocean's afterimage went straight through Celestia until she appeared directly behind her. The moment she turned around, Ocean placed the ring on her horn and back flipped away from her, kicking her in the chin in the progress. "I HAVE HAD ENOUGH !!!" Celestia bellowed as she fired the remainder of her magic directly at the ceiling. The fire like aura around her horn made a hole straight through the ground and went back into the surface, surpassing the beams height by the tallest of mountains. It seemed she was making an escape route. Before Ocean could realize about what had just happened, she was sent flying across the entire bunker as she received a blow that would have killed her several times over. She flew across the entire steel bunker, passing straight through steel until she made it near the entrance. Ocean, after taking this blow, fell unconscious. She had just took out the fastest female Pegasus on the planet in a single blow. Celestia looked at Robin and charged.
"You are not escaping me this time, you miserable witch!" Silver roared and rushed at Celestia, sinking his fangs into her throat. As she tried to shake him off, Nightshade, Blackout, and Cricket thrust their spears into her legs, pinning her to the floor. Nightshade, struggling to hold the enraged Alicorn, screamed at Robin, "Do it! DO IT NOW!"
Robin rushed and did a flip over Celestia, proceeding to place the ring mid flip. He landed and fired four ice arrows at each of celestia's hooves. Immobilizing her.
Celestia got back up as quick as she could, sending all those pinning her onto the ground across the room in a single push of her wings. Her eyes were filled with Rage as she looked skyward and smiled. “Well, you’ve got me. Congratulations, was it worth it?” Celestia said looking at her rings. “This looks like you might be able to actually harm me now, plus the added benefit of killing me. I’ll see you soon, I’ll be by myself at Old Canterlot. With all of you and the Republic and your allies basically decimating my forces, and now apparent reports of my army in the south being destroyed in the south by Zebrica, I’m going to issue what I was should sound like music to your ears. “There is no more army, no more provinces, it’s just me left now. The Equestrian Empire is no more, it’s yours now. But i will still fight for her. Enjoy it while it lasts....” Celestia said, looking skywards at the hole she created and vanishing in a blink of an eye. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Venquis flicked the shadow of Moonsaber like it was blood and looked back up to see Base, the monstrous and continuous transformation that was taking place on him. "Goddess..." Venquis muttered before looking at Tricorna. "It's about time we took things seriously now." The Eriborian then raised Moonsaber, the light emulating of it preventing any sort of shadow magic like a holy weapon. He then gave the look of fear towards Tricorna until wiping it away and preparing himself for an attack by a now supercharged Base.
"Venquis! Stop! He's critical mass! Nearly a black hole!" Tricorna yelled too late. Venquis was quickly withing a pulling aura field, bringing him through a force greater than gravity, towards Base. Base's body seemed to slowly become a fluid, dripping down him. "My service..." His mouth peeled open, appearing like the maw of a creature made of water. "to the queen..." The device on his back slid into him slightly. "is... over." The device cracked, and the chemicals withing poured into him, and suddenly, an explosion, the force of a collapsing sun, erupted from him. The force leveled most of the destroyed city, and a fair bit else. The sound echoed clear through Canterlot. At the bottom of the massive crater, as the dust cleared, was a bright yellow prisim, surrounding 3 figures, two of whom were barely conscious, if awake at all. The third just stood looking at them, smiling. (if this is too op, I can change it. But yea, he became a basic miniature black hole, absorbing mass, and... Well long story short, he did not expect that and is now dead.)
Silver swore as Celestia flew away. With his wing broken, there was no way to pursue her. "Blast and Damnation! Yet again she escapes me!" He sighed. "At least we accomplished our mission. Blackout, carry Ocean. We need to get out of here." He grinned slightly "I found the controls for Celestia's super-weapon. I set it to fire at this bunker, and then self-destruct. We have twenty minutes before this place is turned to a puddle of molten glass, so I suggest you all move quickly."
(Original post is slightly OP, since I want to keep the city (at least three quarters of it) intact for plot reasons. Since that the facility is on the far outskirts, and that the underground section of the facility (Where the battle took place) would have absorbed some of the kinetic energy. We can go with the destruction of 25% of the city towards the east (where major facilities were located).This section of the post is while Base was about to go ‘Supernova’.) Venquis then quickly got out of stance, realising what was about to happen and created a large green shield that surrounded both him and Tricorna. He struggled to hold onto the control of the dome, the gravity disintegrating it slowly. Venquis roared as he tried to reinforce it before seeing a brilliant flash of white. The next thing he felt was an seething pain and then nothing. Once the smoke had cleared, he found himself gasping for air as he barely could tell where he was. He knew he was in Neromia in an amazingly deep crater, but did the city even exist anymore after such an explosion? One thought rushed across his mind, his main thought. Was Tricorna safe? Afterwards, he fell weaker and weaker and could feel himself dying as he fell into an unconscious state. Not long after the explosion, the Ryborian Legions began to be spotted across the horizon... ----------------------------------------------- Ocean was carried outside and taken back to Canterlot alongside the remainder of the group as quickly as they could. After making it roughly a quarter of the way back, the sunset sky was broken as Sunburst fired its final beam of immeasurable power on its own facility, turning anything surrounding the underground facility to a cyan glass like substance. Not long after dark, a bright yet incredibly brief light was seen all across Equestria, indicating that Sunburst was no more. Within the destruction of its armies, all civilians leaving for the Republic upon hearing about the atrocities of the Empire, and all organization of the Empire killed during the war, Equestria surrendered for the first time in its history. Celebrations rocked across every nation and city, with the exception of the dark atmosphere in Equestria. Fireworks arched into the sky, music played into the night and millions finally celebrated the defeat of a tyrannical nation. After 176 years of constant expansion by Equestria, almost 2 years of constant war and countless numbers of lost lives estimating at least 90 million soldiers and civilians, The Empire was no more. The Republic and the Allied Nations had won.... -------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia stood proudly on the majestic staircase that formerly led to her palace that was made up of the ruins of Old Canterlot. She was dressed in full armour, a gold suit of armour forged from a mysterious metal recently discovered (Simular to a Diamond/Titanium fusion) simular to a suit of Elite Solar Flare armour and Ryborian Crimson Rose armour was worn by the Phoenix Queen. The armour appeared almost demonic in view, as the armour had a long red cape with the Phoenix Queen symbol. At her side was the “strongest weapon in existence”, a beautiful jewel encrusted golden sword that seemed to spit lightning like the Eriborian’s Moonsaber when powered up. She stared into the horizon, towards New Canterlot. She knew that she was soon going to die, but this thought did not concern her, instead gave her peace as she was going to face her final days on the planet. At sundown tomorrow, she was ready....
As the Ryborians approached, the glowing prisim of light around the trio faded. The leader of the forces approached them, and was greeted with an unexpected voice. "Hello, friend. My sister and your Eriborian could use some medical attention, seeing as they just survived a black hole collapsing in upon itself, and if you could direct me to the current location of the Lunar republic, it'd be much appreciated." The sun glinted off the orange gem in his necklace. After being told a quick story of what happened, and the location he needed to go, he thanked the Ryborian forces, grew wings, and took off. (Was there any way I wasn't bringing him back for the final confrontation? I'm a cheater. I cheat death, so much.)
It had taken Princess Cadence nearly an hour to heal Silver's wounds, most of of which was spent repairing his broken wing. By the time she was finished, the Night Princess had already lowered the sun and brought out the moon. He chuckled to himself. Celestia's sole reason for existing was to control the sun, and her sister had just proven her redundant. Silver knew that the war would not truly be over until the Phoenix Queen was dead. He also knew that, despite the loss of her magic, she would still be the most difficult opponent he had ever faced. With nothing left to lose, she had become infinitely more dangerous. Meanwhile, in a tavern in the Changeling District of Canterlot, Nightshade was having the time of her life. She had picked a fight with the meanest, nastiest General in the Hive, and had just finished beating him and a dozen of his underlings into unconsciousness. Laughing, she tossed a bag of bits on the counter, grabbed a bottle of Dragonfire Whiskey, and walked out. She called to the bartender as she left, "There are seven hundred bits in that bag. That should cover my tab, the damages, and a nice big tip for you. Oh, and when General Locust comes to, tell him I enjoyed dancing with him, and that he can find me at the Night Guard barracks if he wants another go." She was still laughing when she arrived back at the castle, and found her father waiting for her.
The Eriborian awoke in Neromia later into the night, his injuries now completely nonexistent thanks to the medical support of Ardelan’s doctors. By the time it was nightfall, news had spread that the war against Equestria was finally over. The crater, while not incredibly wide was almost half a kilometre deep. Upon climbing out of the rubble left by the top of the facility, he ordered the entire facility to be connected to the river, and drowned the entire facility as it was swept away. He soon found a completely recovered Tricorna nearby. Venquis simply gave her a warm smile as he looked at her. The doe’s companionship had grown on him, he enjoyed travelling with her. As the celebrations in Neromia took effect, he only said five words that would completely settle the age of peace in Ardelan. “Want to go to Equestria?” ----------------------------------------------------------------- After taking a healing potion, Ocean was back on her hooves and at 100%. Her husband would be partaking in the final battle against the queen, taking the role of combat medic. Summer Breeze, the former Solar Flare, was also attending the final battle against the Phoenix Queen and the Flares master, her arrows ready to hit their target. Finally, Midnight tried to hold back Plague until he encountered her and prepared to use his magic while training in his martial arts. Later onwards, Venquis would be rejoining them with Moonsaber alongside Tricorna. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia, all of her magic finally gone, prepared herself against the ones who try and stop her. With the Rings of Power now in full effect, she was vulnerable. However, she was still several leagues ahead of her sister and all of those associated with her. She was going to die, but she was going to make her last day count before she was sent to tartarus. The corruption that took control of her already made her too far gone for redemption, and she had no choice but to fight to her last breath.
Tricorna turned to Venquis. She stood, staring at him. "I would be honored... but I must say my farewell..." Tears formed in her eyes but they evaporated in small sparks. "It has been an honor, but apparently my power came at a cost mother did not tell me... I have only a day before I suffer a fate similar to our friend Base." She jumped him in a hug and the static electricity swarmed between them. Obsidian arrived at the festivities in Canterlot, and wandered slowly, enjoying the lights and sounds, till he found himself at the castle. He entered the building and walked to the room where Silver and Nightshade were. He stood and waited for them to notice him.
Venquis was taken by surprise by the sudden hug from his doe companion. The static made him feel tingly yet warm on the inside. He looked down to see her crying, only to see her tears evaporate into electricity. Venquis tried not to cry, but could not help a few tears streaming down his face, the electricity from Tricorna turning his own tears into static. He hugged Tricorna tighter, knowing it would be the last time doing so. “It was an honour to live at your side.” The Eriborian spoke sadly. “After what happened with Base’s supernova, I think that this would be a better occurrence to try and get you out the city and place you in the ocean, or possibly the sky.” The Eriborian then wiped the tears from his eyes. “I shall never forget you or your actions that have been undertaken for taking our homeland back, and you will be given the highest honour given by my people. You will have a statue of solid gold erected in the city, and the name of the crater...or lake... will also be named after you as well. Anything your heart desires will be granted until your final hours.” Venquis then looked saddened. “I’m sorry....I wish there was a way that I could save you. I’m sure Mother would have been proud of you. May you find peace in the embrace of the goddess, you will always be welcomed by the Divines.”
After several minutes of silence, Silver finally called over to Obsidian. "Well? What are you waiting for, an invitation? Get over here!" He was only slightly surprised to see his friend alive and well. Nightshade looked completely indifferent, and continued drinking.
"As I'm sure you and very few others know, the battle isn't quite over yet, friend." Obsidian walked over to them. "The sun's final fight, as the gods have been calling it... I would like to inform you that since Jack's and my death, the one responsible for the spread of corruption has been apprehended and Jack has returned to his proper place among the good, trying to keep the worlds balance, now with an assistant." He smirked slightly, implying himself. "Sadly, he cannot join me due to... certain other circumstances that don't have to do with the corrupt queen. But I am here, and I can assure you Venquis shall be joining us for the final battle, after he deals with my sister's unfortunate fate." Tricorna backed away and wiped her eyes, despite the tears not actually falling from them. "I thank you... Venquis... and agree completely about my final resting place." She walked to a near window and looked out it for a moment, thinking. "I've never been on a date. I've always been traveling and fighting... I've never been able to stop and relax with anyone for more than a couple days..." She turned back to Venquis. "My final request, is that we relax, together."
Venquis looked surprised at the news, blushing a little bit. In terms of his age, he's 557 years old chronologically, but would only be in his early/mid twenties (About 24 years old.). With him fulfilling his role as the Eriborian only a year ago after spending the years after the Black War running a tavern, he's been so busy with other matters that he's never really had time to himself. He smiled once more at Tricorna, dressed in traditional royal clothing without his weapon. "I'd like that..." The Eriborian said before standing besides the doe. "I'd like that alot."
"Has something happened to Tricorna? That's unfortunate. I only met her once, but she she seemed nice enough." Silver looked curiously at Obsidian. "As happy as I am to see you, I must admit that I am slightly curious why you are here. I seem to recall you being slightly more... deceased." Nightshade laughed. "I'm guessing that Dreamer wanted to..." Silver shot her a furious glare, and she stopped herself. "...Sorry. I forget sometimes that they don't know."
