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Post by Red Charge on Aug 11, 2012 6:51:56 GMT -5
Princess Luna was exhilarated, Red Charge had finally been declared Royal Advisor, the Red Barons were given community service for their crimes and joined up with the Stars, founding the new elite unit, the Sky Titans, under Percheron Razorwing and his lieutenant, Valkyrie Razorwing. The Red Mages have become an official part of the Equestrian Army with Watermark and White Fire at its head. Equestria was stronger than ever. The achievement of defeating an ancient deity spread far and wide, even in the colonies and her subjects were feeling safer and more confident in their leadership than ever before.
Laying on her bed, looking out at the night sky, the Princess felt proud of herself, she had done good. That thought allowed her to drift into sleep with a smile on her face.
Far away, on the borders of Fillydelphia a two guard patrol was inspecting the edges of the city. As Fillydelphia did not have a wall and it bordered with a rather large forest, regular patrols went around the borders nightly. The two guards in question, Riposte and Bulk were long time partners and knew the patrol route very well.
"So like I was saying," Said Bulk, "They call me in for the big move against the Cult right? I get stuck in a quick sand pit and then this cultist pulls me out, cleans me up, disarms me and sends me back. Just like that!"
"What a redundant conflict, if Equestria hadn't intervened, we could have had that monster thing on our side now, and we wouldn't have to patrol the same old stinkin' route all the time." Riposte replied with a scowl.
"Ah, you can't blame Princess Luna, really… well… I did hear that the only reason she was so aggressive towards them was because… and don't say a word about this right? Princess Celestia told her to be." Bulk whispered.
"Hey, I don't like that tone of yours." Riposte answered, voice rising.
"Just what I heard brother." Bulk shrugged.
"So what Princess Celestia had it in for the Cult and let Princess Luna take all the blame, is that what yer saying?"
"No! I mean, how the heck would I know what-" And suddenly a loud crack came from the woods. The two guards immediately crouched, alert, staring into the pitch black between the trees.
"Gimme a light Riposte." Bulk the Earth Pony said to his unicorn compatriot.
Riposte lit up his horn as a flashlight, running it through the trees running past dozens of hungry malicious grins as he did. Diamond Dogs.
As the two guards stood with mouth agape, a torch lit in the darkness, then another, and another. There weren't just a couple of dozens in the woods, they were zounds. But before the two guards could as much as recover from their surprise, the ground beneath them gave way, and they fell into dark holes.
Blood curdling howls rang all over Fillydelphia as the Diamond Dogs charged in, overtaking whatever petty defenders were at the borders. The Filldelphia garrison captain, Courser quickly took his best flyer up to one of the rooftops, observing as a Diamond Dog in blood red armor shot flames from his finger-tips, burning through any resistance. A warg was leaping from the ground, snatching a guard each time and then dragging them off into the darkness. A gem whistled past Courser's ear and exploded on the building behind him, fired from a female Diamond Dog in a sleeveless robe, gems floating in the air around her.
"Get out of here, fly out of here and get to Cloudsdale, tell them we're under attack!" Courser ordered his flyer, Quick-Beat, just as something else leapt upon the rooftop. Far worse than any Diamond Dog. It was a Winter Wolf sporting two deadly looking daggers. Courser jumped into action, swinging at the Winter Wolf with his sword, his blows blocked effortlessly each time.
Quick-Beat moved in to help, but a loud, "GET OUT OF HERE" sent him flying high up in the air. Several more gems whizzed past him and exploded in the air before him, he chanced a look back, he could see the torches, thousands of them, spreading so far and so wide… this wasn't just a raid, this was an invasion…
Luna awoke rather disheveled to an ordinary morning, sleepily getting her morning routine over with and going down to her throne room, where Red Charge was already waiting for her to start the issues of the day.
"Do you always wake up so early, Red Charge? Or do you just never sleep?" Luna asked, stifling a yawn as she sat down, starting to review the royal documents.
The armored unicorn shrugged, "It's a routine." He said, "There's not much to deal with this morning at least. We first have to take care of a certain –" He started, but was sharply interrupted as the doors to the hall burst open, the two guards near them springing into positions. Two trails of fire slithered into the room, preceding the large alicorn stepping elegantly behind them.
"Sister!" Luna called out jubilantly, trotting up to Princess Celestia, but the latter's eyes were fixed upon Red Charge.
"So Luna, I see that you consort with traitors now?" The Princess of the sun said coldly, going around Luna and further into the hall. "Seeking to usurp the throne again, maybe?" She called back, Luna felt something sink in her stomach.
"No… no Celestia Red Charge wasn't trying anything like that, he's Silver Dawn! You remember Silver, don't you?" She moved quickly in front of Red Charge defensively.
"I wasn't talking to him." Celestia said, turning her eyes towards Luna, whose mouth fell agape.
"Come now, Princess Celestia, I'm sure there's no need for that sort of-" Red Charge started but was cut across.
"Luckily, I have been able to procure Equestria a powerful ally. One who no monster would dare fight against."
"Celestia what are you talking about?" Luna began to ask, her joy at seeing her sister again all but evaporated.
Suddenly a face swam before her eyes, of the border guard, a unicorn named Looking Glass was now staring at her. "Princess! There's aerials, a whole bunch of them! Looks like the Griffon 5th Mechanized! They've done something to their zeps!"
A picture swam before her, of what appeared to be spiky black zepplins flying in formation towards the border guard garrison, she could see how Looking Glass knew it was the 5th mechanized, the Leviathan was spearheading the formation… but has it grown wings? No, the wings were too big, there was something else behind the zeppelin…
Suddenly the image cut back to Looking Glass, "What do you want us to do Princess?" When a voice in the background piped up, "Oh my stars those zeppelins are covered with drakes and look, look! It's Blackmane!" Looking Glass cut off for several tense moments and then all that was heard was screams, Looking Glass' face swam into focus again, "Princess!" He called, blood running down his face, "Drakes… Dragon… Ponyville!" Was all she could make out of his screaming before something she couldn't see caught his eye and the feed cut off entirely.
"Shining Armor, send word to Twilight Sparkle, tell her to evacuate Ponyville immediately!" Luna commanded, the pony in question bowed slightly and ran out of the chamber in a hurry.
A scroll appeared through thin air and landed at Red Charge's hooves, curious, he picked it up with his magic and began reading it out loud.
"To Princess Luna, from Fire Heart, Unicorn Attachment to Cloudsdale, we have intercepted a flyer from Fillydelphia, who was wounded and panic stricken and has insisted that the city of Fillydelphia has been overwhelmed… by Diamond Dog forces…"
"Diamond Dogs… Blackmane… Drakes… It can't be…" Luna looked up to Celestia for guidance, but her face had broken into a wide smile. "No, Celestia, please tell me you didn't."
"While you were here conspiring to take my throne, sister, I found him, with him, no one can stop us." She said, grinning.
"You… " Luna's face dawned with comprehension, "You were already under his control when you left, weren't you? That's why you wanted us to stop the Cult from summoning Eclipse… he would have gotten in the way!" She sent an accusing hoof at her sister's chest.
"You were always clever Luna, but you're wrong; I am not under his control. I'm doing what needs to be done to ensure the safety of Equestria."
"He wants to destroy Equestria!" Red Charge intervened, "Have you forgotten Princess? About your parents? About Destrier? About Hightower?"
"I have not!" Celestia called back, the fires surrounding her flaring, "He will be back one way or the other, this is how we stop it from happening again!"
"I will not surrender our citizens to his tyranny! I would die first!"
"If that is how you feel, we have nothing more to discuss." Celestia said, evaporating into rainbow colored flames and floating out of the open windows.
"Sister wait!" Luna called desperately after her, rushing to the window. Celestia however, was nowhere to be found…
Ranger was rearing the evacuation of Ponyville, they were at a considerable distance now, climbing a hill leading to Canterlot and all were accounted for. They couldn't see how the village was destroyed, but they knew it was, they could hear the dragon roars and the explosions, see the smoke in the distance. Ponyville was destroyed, and there was nothing the Elements of Harmony could do about it.
Ranger nuzzled his sister as they walked, she was half in tears and he didn't blame her. Equestria was under attack and none of them knew what dire news were waiting for them in Canterlot…
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Post by Red Charge on Aug 13, 2012 11:29:51 GMT -5
It was several days since the invasion began, with Princess Celestia on their side, the invading forces easily overtook Fillydelphia and the surrounding regions, moving rapidly towards Canterlot.
"Alright, so Manehattan is safe and needs no military assistance at the moment." Said a weary Red Charge, "The Rainlock Security Forces have the city locked down tight. Between them and Gale's Equiterian War Golems I don't see the Diamond Dogs getting anywhere near it."
"Looks like Lady Rainlock saved us a heap of trouble. But suppose they do attack Manehattan?" General Gallop asked. Gallop was a hardy soldier and commanded great respect among the Earth Pony Brigades, but he was old. His mind was sharp as ever, and his tactical thinking was ever evolving, but he was no longer fit for heavy battle, and was placed as a rear general, to his great dismay.
"Well then the artifacts Gale has in the Rainlock Vault are more than enough to hold back even the adversary until we can dispense aid." The armored red unicorn replied.
"I see. Well we lost contact with three platoons last night on their way to secure the roads leading from Ponyville. Survivors reported they were attacked from their own ranks."
"Changelings." Luna muttered, a hoof on her forehead in frustration. "We've had reports of Terragons as well, not to mention they've been unleashing wargs into the woods."
"This doesn't look well." Said Scimitar Razorwing, Air Marshal of the Equestrian Air Force. "Blackmane's got the Leviathan, he diverted the entire 5th fleet towards here. If they get here their fire power is more than enough to take down Shining Armor's shield."
"The Royal Guard is ready to defend Canterlot if need be." Shining Armor stepped in, "All the more so if it means we're fighting changelings." Having not forgotten the disgrace they cast upon the ponies under his command, Shining Armor was more than eager for payback.
"Well, we were lucky they attacked at the Red Plains memorial day." Luna uttered and before anyone could ask her why, the door to the hall opened. Three ponies came in dragging a fourth... if you could even call it pony anymore.
In the front was Percheron, looking battered, with a broken wing, rib and a neck brace, as well as a fine coat of dirt and several lacerations. Behind him, White Fire, looking worse for wear with half of her face bandaged an her rear leg in a cask, her pristine fur was now caked with dust and dirt, twigs stuck in her hair and the signs of extreme fatigue showing on her face.
The last to enter was Field Marshal Starling, completely unscathed, not even a dent on his armor. Between them all was a creature known and feared far and wide as none other than the Iron Shoes, now chained with magic and obviously worn out from a prolonged fight.
"Went to visit Caed again, have you?" Princess Luna asked, "I knew there's some sanity left in you when I heard. But until now, I dared not risk anypony to try and take you from there. Especially not since the last incident..." She was of course referring to the Stars' failure to capture the Iron Shoes in Everfree Forest recently.
The char black pony just snarled at her, shaking its ash grey, cobalt tipped mane in derision. Cobalt glowing eyes glaring in defiance. The cobalt mist usually emitting from his mouth and nostrils was gone now, a sign of his fatigue. His cutie mark however glowing brighter than ever, a glowing blue outline of a shield surrounding a tower.
"Field Marshal Hightower, it's time you were drafted back into service. To complete that which you could not so long ago." Princess Luna said, approaching him and tapping her horn on his forehead. The soft glow of magic enveloped the pony, and after several brief kicks, he finally gave in.
"You did this to me..." He whispered, "It wouldn't stop, I couldn't make it stop." His eyes teared up.
"I know," Luna said sympathetically, nuzzling him, "I'm so sorry…"
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Post by Red Charge on Aug 25, 2012 4:09:18 GMT -5
“And then I said, ‘that’s not mine, this is mine!’.”
Said one of two pony guards before both erupted in a bout of laughter, bellowing like a pack of hyenas. They stood on a ridge, beside the tracks leading to Ponyville, tasked with monitoring the invaders for any sign of movement or aggressive behavior. The assignment had grown dull, with nothing of interest or note to report for the last few days so they’ve taken to other means to keep themselves occupied, such as inane chit-chat.
“Poppyseed, you’re crazy.” The other guard commented, reeling down from a laugh-high, catching his breath and composure. “How do you get- Poppy?”
The other pony, Poppyseed was oddly silent, ears flicking back and forth. He looked around curiously; he swore he had just felt something rumble. He looked under his hooves, checking the ground. “Shh, you feel that?”
“Feel what?” Asked the other pony, growing increasingly nervous by his partner’s sudden apprehension. “No-“ Suddenly the ground rumbled, louder and more fierce than before – the earth pony went straight for his spear. “What was that?”
“Not sure…” Said Poppyseed as he extended his wings, ready to move at a moment’s notice. “We should report ba-“ Suddenly the ground beneath the Pegasus rumbled and before he could kick off into the air, a set of dull grey furred claws reached out of the sinking soil and took hold of his rearhooves and pulled him under in a flash. Poppyseed’s screams echoed out from the newly formed pit as the pony vanished into the darkness. A plume of pony-feathers erupted as the screams faded.
The other pony guard gasped and begun to back away slowly from the newly formed chasm before turning and galloping away – to be suddenly cut short as the ground collapsed away. He skidded on his hooves to a short stop, catching himself before falling into the trap. He never had a chance to ponder his good fortune as the ground behind him opened up with many gnarled furred arms reach forth from its edge, snagging the pony’s tail and legs. He slams into the ground with a yelp bumped from his throat. He struggled with his forehooves, scraping against the dirt and rocks, trying in earnest to pull free. He kicked his legs, anything to slough off his attackers grasp. Another set of arms reached out, grabbing his ankles, its claws digging deep into his skin, locking him in their grasp and pulled. The pony couldn’t resist any longer and slipped into the hole with only a gasp.
Moments pass in eerie silence, then out from the holes pop a Diamond Dog each. Both awkwardly donned with the helms of the Equestrian Guard with their spears firmly clasped in their dirty claws. They looked to each other, the shorter of the two Dogs nodding first. The taller lifted up a large horn hung from his shoulder, outing it to his muzzle and blowing. It let out a shattering din which echoed from the low hills and down through the streets of Ponyville. A black wave followed the call, like swarms of insects that spread out from the occupied village, scuttling along the railroad tracks. The ground moved like waves, coursing between the ranks of the Diamond Dog battalion that begun its advance up the mountain towards Canterlot.
As the army marched and dug their way up the mountain side, inching closer and closer to Canterlot, ripping the land in their wake, they came upon the tunnel carved through the mountainside. Cut through hard stone and bed rock, the digging Dogs begun to emerge from their underground tunnels, merging with those on the surface as the wave was forced to bottle neck through this narrow pass. Then there came what sounded like a deafening roar, as if the very fabric of Tartarus broke loose and unleashed itself within the heart of this unnatural cave choked by darkness and soot. The Diamond Dog advance halted, the vanguard stopping suddenly, slamming into each other and reverberating down through the rearguard. The regimental leader pushed his way through the ranks, smacking and shoving dogs out of his way till he reached the front of the vanguard and drew his wicked jewel encrusted 3-ball morning star. It’s spikes carved out of diamond and crafted from rich, hard metals.
“Come out, pony!” He called, his voice guttural and gritty. His demand was met by silence. He waited a moment, then called again, taunting whoever was hiding just beyond the shroud of darkness. Again, only silence. He looked to his left, two weary warriors waited with apprehension, leaning on their spears. The leader pointed to the two and commanded them in the tunnel to deal with whoever waited beyond. They took up their weapons and charged forth into the darkness – within moments, piercing yelps erupted out from the darkness. With two sudden sharp cracks, the two Dogs were sent flying through the air out of the cavern. Their armor twisted and flattened so horribly that no more room resided for their chests within the shell they should of held. All eyes turned to their flung, unfortunate comrades, wincing as they crashed into the ranks somewhere into the vanguard.
Shocked, the commander turned back to the darkness – at a loss. His jaw slacked, he glanced desperately around for another batch to send to their death. The rest of the regiment looked at the darkness with wide-eyed apprehension. He commanded them to charge, none moved. He yelled louder, once more, no one dared advanced. Then came something unexpected, a slow murmur from within the cave.
Live or die Win or lose
Best beware My iron shoes
Suddenly a deep rumble emitted from the bellows of the earth and out from the darkness, the rails of the train tracks whipped forth like a great surge of the sea. A wave of metal bars flowed fourth straight at the commander – his eyes wide, mouth hung open and low as the force flowed toward him. It struck, throwing him into the air, and as it traveled down the track, it kicked up every Diamond Dog standing in its path, throwing them to and fro, many slamming into the side of the mountain, the others tossed off the cliff edge that the rail snaked along. Those within the vanguard who weren’t immediately tossed aside begun to route, turning back against the tide of their fellow soldiers. Their retreat was all for not, for as they ran, came the source of their fright. A large earth-pony emerged from the darkness, the fabled Iron Shoes – a giant beast of a pony. He glanced over the trembling army with a smile of smug satisfaction. He looked to his left, at the side of the mountain, then turned and kicked with both his rearhooves into the rocky soil. The impact sent powerful waves through the ground, dislodging all manner of rocks and soil from the side of the edifice. It all came crashing down in a terrible avalanche. The diamond dogs tried to flee but were quick washed over in a plume of dust and rocks. Those fortunate enough to not be consumed in the cloud scrambled underground while others tried to outrun the tidal wave. Iron Shoes slammed his hooves into the ground once more, the resulting quake exploded with such force that Diamond Dogs erupted out form their collapsing tunnels, expelling them into the air and tossing many to their deaths.
As the dust settled, Iron Shoes turned away from the carnage he unleashed and slipped into the mountain tunnel toward Canterlot. The rail path now littered with debris and the bodies of dead Diamond Dog. Giant rocks covered much of the once level route, the rail destroyed but at the same time, the Diamond Dog army routed, the few survivors left now fleeing back to Ponyville with their tails between their legs.
(This post was written by Retort, kudos!)
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Post by Red Charge on Aug 29, 2012 16:03:49 GMT -5
Princess Luna walked out to the balcony of the Royal palace, her subjects gathered in the plaza before her, perked ears eagerly waiting for her to talk. Luna took the stand once more, ready to speak to her beloved citizens.
"As you know, Citizens of Equestria, the railroad track to Canterlot has been disabled and the tunnels leading up to the city have been blocked. This was a result of a failed Diamond Dog attack. So long as we cannot follow their activities underground, we have deemed it better to seal Canterlot off from all directions. However, do not let these bad news bring you down, for what I have to say now will surely lift your spirits. One of the greatest warriors of Equestrian History, our very first Field Marshal, known for millennia as the monster Iron Shoes has been purged of his corruption and has come back, full time, to defend our nation once more against the invading forces. I present to you all, Field Marshal Hightower!"
At that, the char black pony took the stand, eyes glowing, the thin cobalt veil of energy once again surrounding the powerful creature's form as he took his place besides Princess Luna. "I vow that as long as I stand, Canterlot shall not fall. We have beaten greater odds in the past, far more powerful enemies. We will not fail, but we cannot do this alone. I ask of any artisan to turn their craft to the aid of the Equestrian Fighting Forces, I ask for any able pony to join us in our fight and I ask of any warrior, military or otherwise to help re-form the Shield Walls, you all know the legends of Equestrian past, but now it is time to forge new legends, new stories to tell our foals in the future. Let us rise up to the challenge as only Equestrians can!" He called, the audience roared in approval. Princess Luna was pleased, she gave him a hearty pat on the back as she continued, "To all interested in helping, in the Canterlot Market will be holding recruiting positions, as well as donation stations. Remember Equestrians, united, we stood before greater foes! We survived the Dragon Wars, the Prism Wars, we dethroned Discord, defeated The Adversary, Stopped the swarms of the Changelings and their queen Chrysalis and defeated the chaotic beast that was Eclipse. Stand by us, and we will triumph once again!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd as well as cries to rally and volunteer, they may have been attacked by surprise, the situation might be worse than Luna was letting on… Celestia may have betrayed them… but the spirits of her people were high and they believed in her. She believed in them too, and in what she said. United, Equestria could not be taken, not even by her as Nightmare Moon. Now was her time to redeem her actions in the past, with the help of her friends.
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Post by Red Charge on Jan 17, 2013 3:51:31 GMT -5
Princess Luna could barely drag herself to her station in the war room, where Scimitar Razorwing, General Gallop, Red Charge and Shining Armor were all gathered. They didn't seem to be handling it better than she was.
"How did we go from premature night to boiling heat..." Gallop asked, trying to brave it but it was simply unbearable. All of Canterlot was suffering from horrible heat waves, apparently Celestia made sure that their recent victories at the Leviathan and Whitetail Woods would not go unpunished. Markets closed due to produce getting spoiled in the sun, sunstrokes became common for those who worked outside, dehydration and general anguish. Quite in fact, the only pony who stood to benefit from it all was Mr. Breezy, whose modest fan shop had run completely out of stock within the first day.
Naturally Equestria's mages tried their best to change the weather, but the princess' will was indomitable and the sun remained searing hot and the air choked. "Right now, I wish I wouldn't have sent Watermark to Hoofington..." Said Red Charge, for once, unarmored with a magical frost spell streaming cold air down his body.
"Why's that?" Asked Luna, Red Charge merely shook his head...
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Meanwhile in Hoofington...
"Whee!" Watermark exclaimed, slipping down a slide made entirely of ice and hopping off into the soft snow. Inside his ice dome, the top side of which was now completely opaque, it was snowing lightly, snow pegasi and snow fights were all too common now in Hoofington, the fields have already been harvested and the produce kept in chilled temperatures. All of the Hoofington civilians enjoyed themselves greatly. Frostbite's statue played with the foals, letting them ride on its back as it ran and hopped about, serving as a trot-by snow fight vehicle.
Yep, Hoofington was having a ball.
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"Did you read Crescent's report?" Luna asked, "Does anyone have any idea what were those apparitions he described?"
"Core Hounds." Said a gruff, heavy voice, Iron Shoes Hightower had entered the room, "Members of the Silver Core who refused to fight Equestria and were cursed by the adversary to forever walk, even after their death and be compelled to fight anything they saw. The good news is, they aren't part of the invasion. The bad news is, there's no conventional way of stopping them. I... remember running into one as Iron Shoes. Only died after I smashed its armor beyond repair."
"Then we must capture one and find the source of the binding that keeps them here." Said Red Charge.
"That's madness." Shining Armor said, "Did you not read the report?"
"We don't know enough about Dragon Magic to find a way to unbind them without capturing one for study." Red Charge argued, "If they've been plagueing the Everfree, removing them is important."
Shining was about to say something when he was cut across, "I agree with Red Charge." Luna said, "Gallop and Red Charge, coordinate an operation to capture one as soon as possible."
"The good news is, we've severely crippled their tunneling abilities and they will no longer be able to dig on such scale, at the very least they will have to move the larger troops and the terragons on the surface." Iron Shoes stated with satisfaction, "Which would leave them open to the 5th Fleet's air assaults."
"Excellent." Luna said, as the second Field Marshal, Starling joined.
"Princess Luna, I have urgent news regarding the Changelings. In the past days I arranged for the Necropolis to find them guilty of certain operations within the Necrolord's domain. Fortunately, they were quick to respond and overran the Changeling hive. So far it seems Sharp has abandoned them and they lost a great deal of their warriors trying to defend themselves. They're in a very vulnerable position and scouts have spotted Chrysalis herself in Everfree Forest. Within a temporary Changeling colony."
"Most impressive!" Princess Luna said with a grin, "Well done Field Marshal, organize a troop to raid them and capture Chrysalis. If necessary, you may eliminate her."
"Yes Princess." Starling acknowledged with a bow.
"Now there's one last matter that needs to be closed before we can move on with our plans then..." Said Red Charge.
"Blackmane..." Luna agreed.
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Post by Red Charge on Jan 20, 2013 1:10:27 GMT -5
The searing heat Equestria was now experiencing actually felt rather nice to Field Marhsal Starling, who liked the heat better than most. Even in his cumbersome armor he seemed to be comfortable in the weather. That is to say, he seemed entirely unbothered by it. He has been looking more reflective lately, at least for those who knew him, as though something was on his mind and he couldn't quite figure it out. Like all dedicated warriors, however, he eventually decided to face his troubles head on, rather than stick around and hope for them to be solved.
"So where do we stand, exactly?" He finally caught the Iron Shoes in one of the corridors of the palace. Iron Shoes Hightower, whose coat was unnaturally ash-like in color and texture, whose mane and tail, eyes, nostrils and cutie mark glowed in sinister cobalt light unlike anything the Field Marshal Starling ever saw. Was it all the result of whatever corruption he had been facing in the Everfree Forest for so long?
"We both share not only the same position, but the same dedication for Equestria. I see no reason why there should be anything in the middle of that." Iron Shoes answered, his gritty voice neutral. Starling could only nod in return, pretty much ending the discussion on that particular subject.
"I… I was wondering, what was it like? The Prism Wars? I never knew much about it, not until recently when Soarin' confronted the Princess…" He asked rather hesitantly, not really certain the previous Field Marshal would be willing to speak of the war that drove him insane.
Iron Shoes gestured for him to follow, leading him silently through the halls, but where to? A private corner, perhaps, his old quarters? Exactly when he was wondering that he noticed they were in a section of the palace he had never been in. But that was impossible, as far as he knew, he knew the palace like the back of his hoof!
Even within the palace there was a location who one could only find with prior knowledge of it. Starling never expected the Princesses to have anything to hide. But it was just the other day when he learned that they did, perhaps he should have seen this coming.
A wide open corridor with stained glass that Starling did not remember seeing even from the outside of the palace was now spread before him. Iron Shoes stopped before the first stained glass. It showed a depiction of an army standing on the edge of a wall belonging to a city he did not recognize, ponies lined up with one massive dragon.
Suddenly something in the image began to shift, the ponies began moving around scurrying in panic, the more he tried to focus on the image, the harder it actually got. Before he knew it, he was there, standing on that same wall. He knew what had happened yet it still surprised him. A spell made in the Equiterian Empire meant for story telling of their hieroglyphs.
The first thing he heard was the drums, heavy war drums, he felt the stone rumble slightly beneath him. To his left he saw Sky Titan himself, clad in his sky blue armor, staring intently into the distance of the plains they were in. Starling turned back to look at the city, thinking he might recognize it from within the memory. He recognized the architectural combination of Equiterian and Equestrian that was most common in Canterlot. But this city was not on a cliff side. It was also far, far bigger. It was not a mere city but a sprawling metropolis spreading as far as the eye could see. Where was he…? He could see Dragon Mountain, he could even see Canterlot Mountain, but that made no sense. Turning around he saw to his right Iron Shoes Hightower and he his jaw dropped.
Hightower looked nothing like he did when last he saw him, his coat was ivory white, his mane bright electric blue, his cutie mark was the same shape but of different colors. He looked like a pony, not like a monster. Behind him however was a large blurry form, Starling was not certain who it was, but it was obviously the dragon. Blurred from outside and from within, but why would the Princesses go so far as to remove him from the memory?
Another thump of war drums snapped Starling back to where he was. Suddenly he heard it, marching, thousands of feet striking the ground as they went. Starling, for the first time since he entered the memory turned to the outside of the wall, where the others had been staring the entire time.
He was nearly blinded by the gleam of polished steel in the sun and his mouth fell agape once more. He knew of the Silver Core, he read the stories but he never imagined this…
Before him sprawled an army of professional soldiers. The front lines were spear carrying frozen feral riders, Starling in all his years had never seen a frozen feral look so… regal. The frozen ferals were massive, well groomed and tame. They were armored in steel barding from snout to toe, seeming more like valiant steeds than savage monsters. Starling could not believe it. The lines behind them were filled with archers, soldiers, onagers and ballistrae, as well as salamanders converted into siege weapons and most terrifying of all, dragons. Not vicious animalistic terragons, but actual sentient dragons, escorting the Diamond Dog forces side by side, armored by griffon steel and carrying war drums on their sides, on which their Diamond Dog riders thumped in rhythm with the rising chanting in Equiterian.
One look at the sky made it clear why the dragons did not need to fly, the Griffon Armada, in wedge formation, spearheaded by the Dreadnaught and four other flagships was advancing in the air towards the city; behind them thousands of air ships flew steadily, surrounded by rocs and eidolons and drakes, all as armored as the current Field Marshal had ever seen.
"Was the Armada really that big?" Starling asked, shivering slightly in spite of himself. He had no idea, simply no idea how powerful the Griffons and the Diamond Dogs actually were so long ago. The sheer amount of soldiers and ships he was looking at was monstrously larger than he had ever known any forces to be. That combined army had faced Equestria in a war… and lost?
At that he was shot back to reality. Stumbling backwards and shaking his head out of the illusion, though he had a feeling that the image of that approaching army would come back to haunt him still for a long time.
"How?" He asked, dumbfounded, not being able to organize his thoughts properly his eyes landed on Iron Shoes in his current incarnation and he asked the first thing on his mind.
"What happened to you?"
"Telos." Iron Shoes answered simply, leaving the dumbstruck Starling to wonder the hallway and see as much as he wanted...
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Post by Red Charge on Feb 22, 2013 6:09:35 GMT -5
The journey to the Sky Sanctuary was a long and tiring journey, even for a pegasus of Percheron's caliber. Not only was the Sky Sanctuary hidden where only the Razorwings could find it, but it was also in an extremely hard to reach, very intense location. The heavy winds surrounding it were enough to tire and deter any invader, but unfortunately, it served the same for any Razorwing who came to visit as well.
But finally, after many days of flying, the Red Baron had arrived, landing on the tip of the massive cloud structure. Immediately two armored pegasi jumped, tridents aimed squarely at the fatigued Pegasus' neck. The Razorwing family took turns guarding the sanctuary, one year at a time each. At once there were usually between half a dozen or a dozen pegasi guarding the massive structure. But naturally, it was full of traps and trials, regardless of the protection of its winged guardians.
"Percheron Razorwing, former Stars captain." He announced breathlessly.
"Excommunicated." Answered the pegasus, "Leave this place."
Naturally. The pegasi guarding the sanctuary had no contact with the outside world, as far as they knew, he was still excommunicated from the Razorwing family. It seemed he would have to fight his way through, just like any invader. He sighed tiredly.
In the recent days, what diggers the Diamond dogs had left had dug beneath the city of Fillydelphia, the main base of the Diamond Dog invasion. The diamond dogs created a series of elaborate tunnels, where Sharp and his commanders grouped. Their prisons, their armories, all beneath the surface, safe from harm from above should the 5th Fleet choose to make them a target.
"Sharp." The neutral female voice greeted emotionlessly, as the black clad pegasus known as Blackmane entered the long corridor he was standing in.
"Blackmane." He bowed slightly, indicating for her to walk with him.
"What is this place?" She asked, whether she was being curious or polite it was impossible to tell.
"Our friend the Dragon Emmissary demanded that no pony prisoners be tortured and no war crimes be committed. Naturally the first thing I did was create these torture chambers for that exact purpose." Sharp couldn't be sure, but when Blackmane looked up at him after that explanation, he thought he felt the hint of a smile behind her mask.
"Very well then. I suppose then, that our pony loving friend is not aware of this yet?" She asked, looking through a crystal window at one of the rooms, where a single pony was trapped with a Windigo.
"Ah the windigo... we caught this one earlier today, that room is covered in restraining crystals, we thought of breeding several windigos to aid us in the battles to come. Have you ever seen how windigos are created?"
Blackmane looked through the window at the pony, who spotted her, another pony and made a run for the window, screaming for help. However, this caught the attention of the Windigo and the spirit pounced on its prey...
"Princess Luna!" Twilight Sparkle called, crashing into the war room in the Canterlot Palace, her father, Mr. Sparkle, now two steps behind her, adjusting the bandage on his snout.
"Twilight, you can't just barge in on the princess like that!"
"It's quite alright," Princess Luna said reassuringly, turning away from Red Charge and the generals to approach the distressed unicorn. "What is it, Twilight Sparkle?"
"It's Spike! He's gone!" Twilight said in a shrill voice, "When we just came here, Ranger was talking about retaking Ponyville, and then he disappeared, I think... I think Spike went after him!"
"I'm sure Spike is alright, Canterlot is a big city..." Luna tried to calm, but Twilight shook her head.
"He dreamt about this... the dragon and the drakes and all of it before it happened." She declared, now the generals all turned to look at her as well.
"Dreamt about the dragon attacking Ponyville?" Red Charge asked, now approaching. "What do you mean?"
"He said Ponyville was desolated and deserted and there were drakes everywhere... then a giant feral dragon took him up and told him he forgot who he was... forgot about his family. I think Spike feels guilty, I think that's why he left with Ranger."
"Ranger disappeared?" Asked General Gallop, "He was a good militia pony, when did this happen?"
Twilight tried to think carefully, "I think right about the time they put up the anti-changeling shield? What are we going to do about Spike Princess?"
Luna looked over at Red Charge, who was eyeing her strangely, "I'll send my best to look for him, for now, I need you to stay calm and gather the other elements, okay Twilight? There's something you need to know."
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Post by Red Charge on May 2, 2013 23:49:54 GMT -5
Warlord Sharp waited patiently as Blackmane watched, with something akin to fascination the fate of the pony trapped with the Windigo. At least, it was as close to fascination as Blackmane could get. Sharp had rarely seen her show any emotion other than cold calculation and determination. She often seemed rather bored of this whole affair, even the encounter at the Leviathan did not seem to get her excited. Of course, Sharp has never met Blackmane in person until this point in time. He was always very good at determining character, he couldn't hope to pick up on hers.
"Revolting isn't it?" He asked finally as the dark armored mare turned away from the room now containing two Windigos. She did not reply.
"Regarding our Dragon Emissary, if he confronts you I think it would be best ... if you played him a different tune." She implicated, this time Sharp was sure she was smiling behind her helmet. "Is everything ready then?"
"Quite, the ponies have no idea what we're really planning." The warlord grinned, he wasn't expecting a compliment out of the pony but he knew he had done well. Everything was going precisely as it should.
"And the changelings?" Blackmane asked, her tone dropped in volume, something that sounded dangerous to the Blood Fang, but in this front he also did not disappoint. He had not allowed the changelings in on anything, despite them having hidden themselves in his army. He also made sure to throw them all out the second they tangled with the undead.
"Did everything we needed them to and outlived their usefulness. Now it's just a matter of waiting."
"Excellent." The mare said, "Then I shall be off." Sharp watched her leave, he wasn't sure if her attitude was frustrating... or terrifying...
Percheron stumbled through the last door in the sanctuary. How long was he inside? A day? Two days? Could have even been a week. Even for a Razorwing, the Sky Sanctuary was tricky to navigate and hard to get through... Percheron did not want to imagine how anyone else could ever break in. The pegasus haven threw everything it had at the captain, but he endured and succeeded time and time again. Of course the guards had to be knocked out, non lethally, of course. But now at long last he came facing the door to the tomb he was trying to reach all this time.
Titan Razorwing - the Sky Titan.
He entered without further ado and came face to face with the threatening yet inspiring visage of the Sky Titan's Armor. It would have been an awe inspiring moment for Percheron, had the armor not been moving on its own.
"State your purpose, intruder." The armor called in an etheral bellow. A simple trick to intimidate the cowardly and weak minded, perhaps to cause them to believe they were actually facing the Sky Titan himself.
The suit of armor was spectacular to look at, full plate made of one of the rarest magical metals known to pony kind, the same as the Golem Maker used for his most powerful creations, it was in the color of the skies themselves with a golden trim throughout. The plates were crafted to perfection, Percheron bet that they were perfectly smithed to the nano-meter. Plates over plates with reinforcements at critical areas and unique armor for the joints, a winged full helmet with a visor, thinner more flexible scales covered the weakest areas over the chain mail under-armor which in itself seemed to be meticulously crafted to allow no injury to the wearer. The hoof guards had retractable blades, much like Percheron's armor, but these blades, if legend holds true, were very powerful.
The whole armor in fact was said to be enchanted by a prismatic dragon and capable of generating extreme power where there was none, enabling the pegasus in question to literally use his powers beyond any normal extent all without ever having to use motion or friction like usual and if that alone was not enough, it was also capable of completely nullifying the effects of physics on the user, allowing them to break or accelerate in fractions of seconds without being hurt. With this armor the Sky Titan was capable of defeating Blackmane and fighting off the Adversary's forces. Behind it Percheron could see a wide empty room with a single, plain marble coffin.
"I am here to claim the Sky Titan's Armor as a worthy successor to Titan Razorwing." Titan Razorwing died as the greatest pegasus in Equestria. Saying he was a 'worthy successor' was quite the stretch, but the Princess believed him to be, if Princess Luna chose him, it should be good enough for any old suit of armor and whatever spells were cast on it.
The armor was silent for a few long moments, Percheron wondered if it was going to attack him.
"I've heard much about you, Percheron. Princess Celestia is very fond of you. What makes you think you're worthy of wearing my armor? " It asked,Percheron's mouth fell agape.
"Thanks for picking me up, Trixie, you're the greatest." The small purple scaled dragon said, sitting on the back of the female unicorn, now wearing her distinct robe and wizard's hat, as well as a travelling saddle with bags containing plenty of food for the both of them.
"The great and powerful Trixie needs no thanks, she knows she is the greatest, was there ever any doubt?"
Spike rolled his eyes, he knew they were both probably risking their lives leaving Canterlot while the Diamond Dogs were roaming. But Trixie had been more than keen to adventure with him. Even if he wasn't even sure himself where he was going. He had told her about the dream of course, not just the part he told Twilight, but the other part as well.
"Finding the burial place of one of the greatest mages in Equestria will only further prove my worth. I will be known far and wide as Trixie the Magnificent, discoverer of the most sought after tomb in Equestria!" The pony mused, Spike shrugged.
"Tell Trixie again about your dream." she demanded.
"Well, after the whole dragon burning Ponyville thing, whoa, didn't think I'd ever get to say that line, I found myself all alone, in complete darkness and then this ... floating helmet?" Trixie looked at the dragon, who shrugged again, "Anyway it started talking to me. It said that uhh... hang on..." The dragon seemed to pull a scrap of parchment out of thin air, "I have it written down here, 'evil will only be quelled once the champion blood and champion steel have reunited.' and then I saw you and uh..." He didn't mention the other two he was shown, neither of which was a pony, to her... it seemed too... strange even to him.
"Anyway, it showed me Everfree Forest, that's where we're going. I know once we're on the right track I can remember where to go, I just know it, even if Twilight won't believe me." He had been very sorry he had to bail on Twilight, she must have been worried sick about him. But the dragonling had no choice. If he had some connection to anything that could stop this invasion, anything at all, he had to do it. He just wished he got to say goodbye...
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Post by Red Charge on May 15, 2013 16:22:26 GMT -5
The War Room was gathered with the usual crowd, with the addition of Admiral Tesla and watching from the rear with Red Charge, Stygg Whitefeather. However, there was the notable lack of the Equestrian Airforce Commander and Starling. Starling, after defusing a situation in the Griffon Kingdom was currently managing intelligence and holding up to his promise to the Changeling Hive, which he has recently brought over to the Equestrian side, while Razorwing's location was unknown, it was unlike him to be late, especially to a war meeting.
"Everything is going as planned Princess, with the Changelings now on our side; we have been able to advance them much faster." General Gallop announced happily, "Our preparations are complete, as soon as you give the order we shall –"
"My Lady!" Scimitar Razorwing erupted into the war room, "I've gotten reports, the Dread Talon Clan is approaching! Headed by Blackmane! They will be here in a couple of days!"
Luna stomped her hoof on the floor loudly in surprise and anger at this development, "What?" The Dread Talon Clan was one of the largest pirate groups in the Griffon Kingdom, one which always kept its distance and struck from afar, afraid of Griffon retaliation. In their years they have amassed many war ships and many a griffon into their ranks. They were strong enough to rival a fleet in sheer size and power, but lacked the daring to actually try anything. Until now.
"I'm sorry, my Lady, Blackmane must have brought them as back-up from the Griffon Kingdom." Scimitar bowed his head, "Their numbers are vast and with Blackmane at the helm I am not sure what we can do against them."
"The Royal Guard's air force has been greatly hurt fighting the Leviathan, we don't have the numbers to mount a defense." Shining Armor added severely, "Even with the Barons and the Stars, any Pegasus flying within range of Blackmane's power will be pulverized."
"Then leave it to my fleet." Tesla stated, "We have faced the Dread Talon Clan before and shall do so again." It was his assignment to cripple the Dread Talon Clan before he weakly gave in to their leader, Blackmane's mental suggestions. He should have known they would be coming to attack Equestria, it was his own shortsightedness that put them now at risk.
"Admiral if your fleet is destroyed we will lose our…" Shining tried to argue but was cut across.
"There is no choice, if they reach Canterlot, Blackmane's sheer power will be enough to take down your shield. I will not let Equestrian citizens get hurt while my Fleet is in their sky." He made enough mistakes, enough ponies were harmed because of his incompetence, he will stop the pirates if it meant his death.
"Then I leave it up to you Admiral," The princess bowed her head in thanks, "Hold them off as long as you can, Percheron will return soon, with the Sky Titan's armor. With it, Blackmane will have her match."
Scimitar Razorwing seemed about to say something, the guards at the sanctuary were not yet informed of Percheron's reinstatement into the family. But if anyone could fight their way through that place, it had to be Percheron. He had to be worthy. If he failed to get the armor… perhaps all of Equestria would suffer.
"Spell or no, how can you know about the Princess?" Percheron asked, now somewhat concerned, suddenly the traps and guards of the sanctuary clicked into something different in his mind. As though they weren't trying to keep something out as much as they were trying to keep something in.
"She has consulted me on several occasions." The armor answered cordially, Percheron began circling the tomb of the Sky Titan, trying to think of what to say. "I know she is very fond of you, she has been regretting her decision to discharge you from the Stars from the moment she made it. She had not expected the family to react the way it did."
"You knew?" Percheron asked, "But Grandfather..."
"I have no power over the family now, that's what the Razorwing head is for." The armor answered.
Percheron shook his head, he couldn't get hung up on this, he was there for a reason. "I need your armor to defeat Blackmane."
"I had long hoped she would be defeated by now." The armor said, Percheron detected a change in his voice, something akin to sadness.
"I did defeat her before, but she's back now, more powerful than ever." The pegasus argued.
"You don't understand." The Sky Titan Armor replied, "You are trying to defeat the pony, that's not the way to stop her. I can tell your motivations are pure, but there is something you must know if you seek to stop Blackmane once and for all."
"What is it?" Percheron stopped moving, now staring at the armor, which apparently contained Titan Razorwing himself.
"Do you know anything about the first Lady Razorwing?" The armor asked, The stallion shook his head.
"I never really took the time to look into that." He admitted.
"You wouldn't have found anything if you did." The armor said knowingly, "She was beautiful you know, bright eyes, white coat, she's the one who gave that to the family you know. I was the same color as this armor, maybe a shade or two brighter, I don't really remember anymore."
"She was the original Sky Titan, the best flying warrior in all of Equestria, the only reason I was ever able to beat her was because of Titan's Blade. I served under her in the Dragon Wars, our combined power was more than enough to attract the eyes of the royal family. When the Dragon Wars ended, they wanted her to found her own unit, with me as lieutenant. During this time we married and had our beautiful foals…" The armor stopped as if remembering, "We were just about done, she was given brand new, prismatic-dragon enchanted armor to honor her position… but then… the Prism Wars came." His voice started choking a little bit.
"She was killed?" The stallion asked, the suit of armor nodded. "By the adversary?"
"By me." The armor replied, "More to say, we killed each other."
"What do you mean?" The Stars Captain asked, now confused, he moved closer to the talking suit of armor, "What do you mean you killed each other?"
"You won't find her name on the family tree, just a label of Lady Razorwing, because her real name was Nova Blackmane. Every Razorwing since myself has been closer to Blackmane than any Blackmane ever was." The armor confessed. This was more than Percheron could handle.
"That's right, Percheron." The armor said guiltily, "The hero told of in history was none other than the first Blackmane, who was also the first Lady Razorwing. The prismatic dragons' betrayal caused her armor to turn her into a corrupt, soulless shadow of who she was, forever bound to her armor as I am to mine. The Blackmane you defeated before was just a pony, the Blackmane you face now has long since been one."
Percheron could not bring himself to speak any more.
"To stop Blackmane, you must destroy her armor. There is no weapon you have that can do so… not yet…" The suit of armor opened, "When you put on this suit, I will be gone, there will be a new Sky Titan and my time will have passed. Promise me, Percheron, you will make sure she joins me at last."
The Red baron nodded, his mind was in a storm. From the moment he was born he was brought up on the Razorwing Purity, how a Razorwing could do no wrong, always live honorably and be able to resist corruption. Now he found the darkest secret the family has kept hidden, linking him and all the other Razorwings with their age-old nemeses the Blackmanes. The Sky Titan's words rang in his head, 'Every Razorwing since myself has been closer to Blackmane than any Blackmane ever was.'
The Razorwings were bright shining fires, fires that representing purity and service, honor and goodness. But was it all a lie? Did the strict discipline forced on every Razorwing child meant to make them better servants for Equestria, or merely to stop them from becoming like their pirate ancestor? He looked at the now open suit of armor, it was indeed empty, as though occupied by nothing short of the Sky Titan's soul. He would be gone if he entered? But there was so much he wanted to ask him, so much he wanted to know, so much he could learn from him...
Percheron emptied his mind as he stepped into the suit of armor; it closed around him in a loud clank and he felt the energy seep into him, along with the bitter sensation of knowing he would never be able to talk to the Sky Titan again, no matter how much he wanted. His only chance had been cut short by urgency, it made his stomach twist. He had a promise to keep, he could deal with his own issues afterwards.
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Post by Red Charge on Oct 19, 2013 12:29:03 GMT -5
When the Dragon Council Emissary entered the corridor leading to Warlord Sharp's chambers in the underground base beneath Fillydelphia, the first thing that struck him was the strange organ music playing. He growled and proceeded deep into the chambers where Sharp himself was, sitting in a large hall, playing the organ, every so often muttering something to himself as he did.
The dragon emissary stepped forwards, "Sharp, this has exceeded every boundary. The Dragon Council warned you not to pass the limit. They will not stand for this."
Sharp turned his head slightly in acknowledgement of the emissary's presence, "Well then, High Ordinator, by all means... go and tell them."
"What you are doing may very well be the beginning of another great war. We, I will not allow that to happen."
"Both you and I know, emissary, you cannot issue a challenge unless ordered to do so. Nor can you sabotage my effort before you go groveling before your precious masters like the minion you are."
The Dragon Emissary's heckles raised under his hood and a deep growl began rolling forth from his throat. "Torturing and corrupting war prisoners and then sending them to attack their own people... you are despicable Sharp. Pray that you never see me after this, for the next time would be the last."
Sharp laughed at these words, continuing to play the organ as the Emissary left, noting strangely that even after he had left through the corridor leading to Sharp's quarters that the music had not stopped...
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Post by Red Charge on Oct 26, 2013 5:57:06 GMT -5
Note: This segment continues after the thread "Days Before..." ends. Please read it here if you haven't already.
The eerie silence in the war room has not been broken since General Gallop and Scimitar Razorwing left. The Princess, along with Admiral Tesla and Shining Armor were standing nearly at attention, looking towards Static for any news. The communications officer was listening in and replying at top speed. Until finally, communications became silent. "What's going on out there?" Princess Luna asked fearfully, expecting the worst news, she knew it. Her cowardice, her inability to face her dark side... it cost her subjects their lives... it seems that since Celestia left, all she has been doing was making mistakes... first with Red Charge, now with this attack on Canterlot... But then something sparked in her eyes, making mistakes? Was it not Celestia who convinced Luna that Red Charge could not be trusted to begin with? That he would stop at nothing to dethrone her and take over the kingdom? Was it not Celestia who was aiding this Diamond Dog horde in attacking Equestria? Revealing key weaknesses and manipulating the sun against them, even going so far as to attack the settlement of Hoofington? This was not her fault, this was Celestia's fault. Her eyes flashed with anger, red hot, seeming to shrink her pupils into cat-like slivers... "Princess?" Static asked, for the third time, shaking her out of her anger induced trance. "Yes?" Luna asked, once more the sinking feeling of dread creating a pit in her stomach. "The attack has been halted, all clear flares have been deployed all over the city." The alicorn's chest nearly exploded with the sigh she let out. "Fire the all clear flare and the containment flare, show them where to bring in the injured ponies and where to contain the nightmares." "Yes Princess." Static said, resuming his chatter. The midnight mare found herself nearly shaking, Admiral Tesla looked pointedly at the map and not at her, not wanting to intrude. "I understand we lost a lot of the towers, we'll get my fleet up in the air as it is, we have no choice." The griffon admiral stated, "We'll stall Blackmane until Percheron Razorwing returns with the Sky Titan Armor, or die trying." "We'll do our best to try and improvise some anti air defenses," Shining Armor replied, "I don't know what the state of the Royal Guard is right now, it's taken a beating, but we'll do whatever we can to keep your Griffons alive Admiral." "I appreciate it, Shining Armor. Blackmane will pay for what she has done to our warriors, I will not rest until she does." The two poured over the map of canterlot, trying to find good areas to set up improvised mage batteries, it was doubly hard due to not knowing how many injuries and casualties the Royal Guard had in the attack, but they were able to reach several important conclusions that at the least for the moment would suffice. "Thank you both, this would be too hard to bear without your help." Luna gave them a thankful bow of the head, "This is Equestria, these things shouldn't.." But before she could complete the sentence, Static interjected by yelping "Princess!" Before a loud explosion took place, followed by the entire wall of the war room exploding into the room, knocking Tesla and Static to the other side, while Shining was able to shield himself and Luna from the effects. Immediately as soon as the Princess could recover, she and Shining rushed towards the wall breach, where the open sky were revealed to them through a path of destruction. Had they not cleared the city of Nightmares? A shadow loomed over them as they rushed to the outside, not that of a particular nightmare or other, but that of an entire fleet of airships sailing through the air towards their city. "No!" Luna called, "This can't be! We've had eyes on them, they're days away!" "They teleported, Princess... I just got the call, they teleported here... I don't know how!" A bleeding Static said, a wound on his forehead and chest drawing blood down his face and body. "This was a setup!" Shining Armor called, "The Nightmares... That's why there were so few unicorns among them. They sent the unicorns to teleport the Dread Talons here!" The unicorn focused his magical energy, much like he did during the Changeling invasion and a powerful shield erupted from it, spreading like a dome over Canterlot just as the second volley of cannons was fired from the Dread Talons' fleet. For now, at least, Canterlot was safe from cannon fire. Admiral Tesla, unharmed due to his bulky armor, stepped forwards, no longer his calm self, "They've checkmated us! Raising the fleet into the air while they're in range is suicide!" "How close are they?" Princess Luna asked Static, trying to make sense of this catastrophe. "They're not in full weapons range yet, only their long range cannons are able to reach us, but it won't be long!" Static measured the distance, "I'm getting on the horn, I need to raise any able unicorn to help maintain the shield." He ran back inside in a hurry, leaving the rest to stand in awe at the massive fleet of airships approaching their city. "Blackmane is up there." Tesla said, "Along with General Dreadtalon, if they get in range, no amount of unicorns will be able to hold that fleet's firepower, what are your orders Princess?" The princess tried to assess the situation, but she couldn't. She couldn't focus, her pupils narrowed with fear and panic. She found herself having trouble breathing, she had to take each breath slowly to not let out a loud whimper. "I don't know..." She replied with a helpless whisper.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 23, 2013 16:19:39 GMT -5
Selenia sort of phased out when Red Charge teleported her back to the palace. She next found herself on a surgical table, with Red Charge by her side and several medical staff nearby. She could hear murmuring and talking around her but it was hard to make out. She did notice the unicorn standing next to Red Charge however. Next to the royal advisor was a tall, thin unicorn with a grey mane. There was no doubt about how old and experienced he must have been. “Selenia, this is Dr. Silverlake, he’s the best we have in Equestria, he’ll take care of you.” The doctor bowed his head slightly to Selenia.
“Selenia, please look into my eyes. Trust me, you’re in good hooves.” The Doctor said, but he did not have to ask even once, for as soon as Selenia’s eyes found his own, it seemed she simply could not look away from them. They were silver, bright, lively and mesmerizing. When she looked into them they reminded her of two serene pools of glowing quicksilver. She felt drawn into them and before she even realized it, she *was* in them. Suddenly she felt relaxed, she was lying down inside a pool of bright semi-transparent silver, almost as though she literally fell into the doctor’s eyes. Looking around, the fiery maned unicorn could see she was on a perfectly round island floating in an endless black abyss. Fortunately the glow from the pool of silvery water was enough to illuminate the entire island. The water felt incredible against her skin, refreshing, soothing… she had all but forgotten she was injured. More than anything else, she felt her mind was clear, she could think properly… even better than properly… she felt like her mind was sharp enough to tackle the biggest questions. She continued lying there in peace, relaxing into her own thoughts and ponderings as the island she was on floated peacefully in the silent darkness.
On the terraces above, Luna and Tesla were staring up into the incoming fleet of zeppelins. Luna was still frozen, Blackmane had her beat, she had no plans for this sudden attacks… of course, she was sure if it was Celestia instead of her she would have found something to do. Shining and his wizards couldn’t defend Canterlot forever, especially not from Blackmane. What was she going to do? Admiral Tesla was still waiting for her orders, but she was unable to say anything, her eyes became unfocused, she was beginning to shut down mentally, retreating into her own mind. The batting of multiple wings brought the princess back to reality. Looking to the side, she saw a column of pegasi launching up from the palace. The Wonderbolts? Couldn’t be, the Stars? They were in Cloudsdale… no… it was the Red Barons, followed closely by Blitz Streak, Percheron's Lieutenant during the Eclipse Crisis.
“Where are you going?” Blitz asked the pegasi one after the other desperately, trying to get any of them to respond, but they didn't, they just continued flying, ignoring her please and demands. Jumping in front of any of them right now would get her rammed out of the way, possibly injured. Eventually Blitz managed to catch up to the leader of the column, the lieutenant of the Red Barons prior to her, Red Twister. He was normally a calm and calculated pegasus and loathe to make any rash moves such as this, what could have taken over them? “We’re heading off to stop Blackmane. She was OUR leader, we know her best and we can hold her back until Percheron joins the battle.” Of course, Blitz had almost forgotten, Blackmane had been the leader of the Red Barons before Percheron took over. He enlisted the Red Barons to work under him after defeating Blackmane in one on one combat and refusing to kill her and take her armor. Humiliated, Blackmane fled to the Griffon Kingdom, only to come back more powerful than ever. As for the pirate group, the Red Barons were infamous sky pirates, raiding and looting indiscriminately under Blackmane’s leadership.
Blitz Streak was brought back to when she first joined the Red Barons, back after she was rejected again for the reforming of the Firebolts, the legendary anti-dragon Pegasus unit under the claim that it would add unnecessary stress to the already tense relations with the Dragon Council. She was tracked down by Percheron himself, he had been noticing her outstanding grades at the Royal Military Academy and thought she had potential. He built her up personally from the nothing she was, and she WAS nothing compared to what she was now and offered her a place in the Red Barons. She feared joining the Barons at first, knowing they were sky pirates. However Percheron revealed a fact about them that none other than they knew, they had never killed. The sign of a good pirate, Blackmane taught them to believe, was to be able to raid and loot without taking lives. Be feared for skill rather than blood-lust. But now Blackmane has already taken many lives, so recklessly, was this even the same Blackmane that led them? Wasn't it HER philosophy that called to never take lives?
“I’m coming then.” The Red Baron Lieutenant said, at which point she felt a painful shock from behind, suddenly the power drained from her muscles, she could barely keep herself afloat, she had to land immediately. The pegasus behind her had zapped her, they wanted to incapacitate her? But why?
“Sorry love,” Said Red Twister with a certain finality in his voice that made Blitz Streak shudder, “But this is between us and our former Captain. You're an amazing Lieutenant, but this is our business and we have to take care of it.” Blitz Streak has never felt such despair in her lifetime until that moment. Forced to descend back towards the palace, she looked back at them hopelessly, before nearly being knocked around by a second column of pegasi. She barely managed to shout out a hasty "Hey!" Before they all sped past her, as she tried to discern who they were, her jaw dropped. Shadowbolts, not just the ones she saw during the Final Ritual, but at least two dozen strong, all rising up to catch up with the Barons, flying in perfect formation. She knew Princess Luna could have taken the form of several Shadowbolts, but so many? Were the princesses really so powerful? So competent as to control an entire flock of pegasi?
On the ground, Admiral Tesla gave the sky a hearty salute and headed back towards his marines, Princess Luna had evaporated into the Shadowbolts, all he could do now was ready the ships and hope for an opportunity to get them in the air.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 25, 2013 17:35:19 GMT -5
“How is she?” Red Charge asked Dr. Silverlake anxiously. Dr. Silverlake dawdled before answering. Red’s heart skipped a bit, his mind stormed. Why did he have such a tendency to lose ponies close to him? His parents, his master, his first wife and his son, Gale’s mother and even Whitefire’s mother. Even when in the cult, he lost ponies, precious ponies, all to the mislead conflict with Equestria. Now his apprentice is going to die, so soon into her apprenticeship?
For the longest time he considered Selenia as a potential student. Back during the Eclipse Crisis, it seemed that she participated in almost every operation against the cult and skillfully so. She was involved in the killing of the Hoofington Spider-Abomination, she was there during the first and final rituals… She had such potential as a student, nay, as a pony… If only he had more time to properly train her. But is there any real way to train someone to deal with the powers of Entropy?
“She’s in very great danger still and I won’t lie, it’s not looking good.” Silverlake sighed, “However, I’ve placed her under an illusion that disconnects her body from her consciousness. She is in a tranquil, fearless and painless place, where she can peacefully contemplate everything she wishes. If her body fails, she will be as comfortable as one can possibly be before joining the ether.”
That was small comfort for Red Charge, his new pupil dying, whether comfortable or not was truly a horrible experience for him. The loud quake which signaled the first cannon volley fired by the Dreadtalon’s fleet snapped Red back to his senses, this wasn’t time to mourn for a still fighting Selenia, it was time to make those responsible pay, keep Equestria alive. He thanked the Dr. and turned to leave, Selenia was in good hooves, but Canterlot needed him. With one last look at Selenia’s now tranquil looking body, the royal advisor left the room.
Up on the deck of Dreadtalon’s flagship, the very unoriginally named Dread Talon, the gryphon general stood at attention. The scarred, one eyed pirate lord stood tall for a griffon, he wasn’t Admiral Gregoros, but he was definitely a good match for him in a melee. He craned his neck to look at the devastation below with a grin. The merciless, carnage loving gryphon was already a force to be reckoned with on normal terms, but he was ready for an all-out fight against Canterlot. He came prepared, decked out in his unique hydraulic power armor he was more than ready for anything Equestria could throw at him. Next to him standing silently was Blackmane. Despite the devastation she seemed to feel rather weary of the whole affair.
“The cowards put up a shield.” One of his lieutenants said, indicating the flicker of light coming from the protective sphere around Canterlot. Blackmane took to the air lazily. “It won’t stand for long, load your cannons.” She said flatly. Suddenly catching movement from the corner of her eyes, she turned to watch the incoming Red Barons and Shadowbolts, for what was possibly the first time since General Dreadtalon met her, it seemed like Blackmane had a spark of enthusiasm in her. She launched herself towards them, covering the large distance between the fleet and the Barons in moments and bringing herself to a complete halt before the ex-pirate group as though she hit a wall.
Looking around at the group of her former subordinates, Blackmane sighed with disappointment, Percheron Razorwing was not among them. “We know you’re in there,” Red Twister, her former lieutenant cried out. “You’ll be forcing our hooves if you continue with this useless invasion.” He threatened, the Shadowbolts passed them harmlessly, flying towards the fleet, which in the meantime began deploying griffons and rocs to stop them. A second volley of cannonballs was shot from the pirate fleet, one whistled dangerously close to Blackmane’s head, but the mare hadn't even turned her gaze, instead letting her black mane flutter in the gust.
“I’m not stopping this invasion and neither are you stopping me.” She said dully, dismissing Red Twister’s warning with her monotone voice. Twister seemed taken aback by this statement. It was his former leader’s voice, but the tone… the dialect and diction, what had happened to her in the Griffon Kingdom? She was never a cold pony, she was the life of the party, the nurturing leader… she was more than that to him, she was a friend. But now… he wasn’t even sure he was looking at the same pony anymore. How could she become so emotionless in such a short period? Has her loss to Percheron really affected her so deeply? “Final chance, love, or we’ll…” Twister called out, only to stop in mid-sentence as Blackmane suddenly appeared right in his face, before he could react to this turn of events, she backhanded him out of her way, easily throwing the much heavier pony in the air like a ragdoll. That was enough for the Red Barons, they attacked. Blackmane twisted gracefully, blades extending from opposite hooves to block two incoming strikes at once, the Red Barons attacking Blackmane barely had a chance to react before again she turned her body in between their blades, using the momentum to cause them to overshoot their mark and slide around and past her, while the rear hoof she wasn’t blocking with thrust forwards, kicking a third Baron, who was in the middle of charging her while he thought she was immobilized in the chest, throwing him spinning backwards. A fourth and fifth baron shot up at Blackmane from below, while the first two who attacked Blackmane recovered, making her roll effortlessly in the air to avoid them. “This is not even a challenge.” The pirate lord complained, if you could call an emotionless statement a complaint.
A sudden explosion was heard, not from the Dreadtalon cannons, but from Blackmane herself as she broke the sound barrier to catch the two barons who shot from below her, grabbing them by their rear hooves she spun, swinging them like bats to swat away the rest of the Barons who attacked, before throwing the dazed ponies in the air and impaling them on her blades. Throwing the fatally injured pegasi aside, she launched herself forwards, ripping through another, before Twister’s very eyes, Blackmane became a storm of blades. Any Pegasus near her was immediately cut down. A couple more barons regrouped to try and launch a lightning counter attack, but Blackmane simply swung a hoof at them and a powerful wind blade rushed out, cutting through their rather impressive lighting strike as though it was a pathetic foal’s attempt and slicing both ponies in half. Another three attempted a different strategy and were instantly caught in a twister made by Blackmane, doomed to slam into each other and fall.
Twister was wrong, this wasn't their leader; this was something else… something murderous… this was beyond just a nightmare, this was unrivaled indifference and skill, it was more terrifying than any tale or superstition Twister had ever learned. Struck with a wave of fear after seeing his comrades cut down by the groups, Twister shamefully turned tail. This wasn't just a pony they were fighting… this Blackmane may have once been their leader, but now it was the reaper come for their souls and Twister wasn’t ready to give his up yet. How arrogant they were, to think they could hold her back… how stupid! If only they had stayed in the shield…. If only!
Twister dived with all of his might and speed, if only he could reach the shield, he would be saved. He was just a few hundred meters from it… he can make it… The sky above him became quiet as he sped down, he saw the falling bodies of his now deceased comrades floating about in their descent towards the earth. The Red Barons were wiped out… but he was almost there… just one hundred more meters… eighty meters… fifty meters… ten meters!
Twister almost managed to pass his hoof into the shield before a great pressure erupted in his chest, as Blackmane’s blade pierced him from behind. If only they had stayed in the shield… If only! Vacant of spirit, Twister’s body thudded against the shield heavily and slid down the side, falling into the Equestrian Valley to join the bodies of his former comrades. Blackmane floated steadily above the shield, drenching her now crimson blades into a cloud to remove the blood stuck to them. She wasn't going to tear down the shield just yet, let the ponies feel despair as they waited for their doom. She had in her sights the only worthy target around, the Shadowbolts.
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Post by Red Charge on Dec 7, 2013 15:10:13 GMT -5
General Dreadtalon watched patiently as the battle unfolded before him, black metal talons crossed on his chest as his marines rushed about on the deck, firing harpoons and battle nets on the enemy. The Shadowbolts. He had not heard of these flyers before, but he could not see why. The wing of pegasi was swift and devastating in their attack. They moved with grace and vigor and it seemed like they were capable of feats beyond those of regular ponies, dispersing to and from smoke as soon as any of his pirates were about to hit them. The barrage of nets and harpoons couldn't hold them back either. He'd already lost several frigates to their rage.
He was not afraid that they would destroy his larger ships, no it would take more than just a pegasus's blade to bring down his destroyers, they knew it all too well it seemed as none seemed to target them. At least until one of them spotted him atop the Dreadtalon. The Shadowbolt, a griffon, surprisingly, shot forwards at him. He has seen this griffon perform the same magical feat as the rest of them, how he could not know. As the griffon was nearly upon him, Dreadtalon's shoulder piece realigned itself. A loud bang was heard as his shoulder cannon fired an explosive mortar straight into the griffon's surprised face. It disintegrated.
"Sir, Blackmane disposed of the Red Barons, she's heading back to deal with the Shadowbolts." One of his underlings reported, surveying the field through a telescope.
"Keep firing on the shield, it won't take much more." Dreadtalon commanded, "Oh and unleash Barghest."
"Aye, aye sir!"
"No! You murdering witch!" Blitz screamed, watching Red Twister's lifeless form slide on the shield and disappearing as it plummeted down the cliff side. She was preparing to launch herself upwards before two Royal Guards jumped on her to hold her down. "Let go of me! I'm going to kill her! She has to PAY!" She screamed, tears streaming down her face, Red Twister wasn't always the gentlecolt, he wasn't always nice, Harmony knows he was capable of some horrid things... but she looked up to him. He accepted her as the lieutenant of the Red Barons with no qualms after Percheron appointed her in his place. He guided her through it, calmed down the rest of the pirate gang and made them accept it as well. He supported her through and through whenever she needed him. Being murdered like this, stabbed in the back while fleeing, terrified... she couldn't stand it. She ceased to struggle when the realization hit her, the Red Barons were gone... the unit was annihilated... what was she without them? She started sobbing into the ground helplessly.
Selenia felt as though she was in silvery liquid forever, she's had time to reflect on everything she's ever done and even ponder about the present and the future... philosophical thought of being, of magic and essence came next to her mind, before long she felt everything dim around her. Yet she was calm, it felt like slowly falling asleep, even here where she already felt in a dream. She felt as slowly relief was exchanged with blissful nothingness, the abyss had turned into blurry outline, despite the fact that Selenia's eyes were wide open. She wondered if she should get out of the water before she fell asleep, but eventually resolved to the understanding that it didn't matter either way. She felt too peaceful to move, she didn't think she could if she wanted too, so she let the world around her fade into black and nothingness...
"I'm sorry..." Dr. Silverlake said as he left the operation room, putting a hoof to Red Charge's shoulder. "We're doing our best but... she's already gone, we can sustain the body for a while... but it won't matter."
The Royal Advisor gave out a long, disappointed sigh. Just another pony to add to the list of casualties... another name to be put on a memorial... This wasn't right. She died bravely, in the spirit of a true battlemage. But he warned her, he told her before anything else that she would be up against such powers. No one could have predicted this, but he should have. He should have ignored Luna's orders and taken to the field immediately, he could have saved lives... but he didn't. He made the wrong choice... again.
Blackmane rose up towards the fleet, about to enter the fray. The wing of Shadowbolts seemed far more skilled and powerful than the barons ever were. But that's because the magic forming them was both of Alicorn and Entropic origins... Blackmane felt a twinge of excitement, would Princess Luna provide a worthy challenge?
At Blackmane's arrival, immediately the Dreadtalons took a moment to regroup, giving the Shadowbolts time to figure out that she joined the fray. Immediately the wing turned on the pirate lord. Whose blades immediately cut through two of them, or so she thought. As soon as her blades passed through a pony, it turned to a shroud, to her it felt no different than slicing flesh, for her blades sliced through it as if it were air, but she did feel the double whammy the two ponies she thought she had defeated delivered to her rear. She spun forwards and rolled in mid air to face the two ponies again. This was... interesting.
A few more pegasi launched at her, instead of slicing through, she deflected both of them and attempted a wind blade attack, to no avail. So long as they could see her attacks coming, they were able to disperse as they were struck. Then perhaps it was time that Blackmane made sure they could NOT see her coming. She spun gracefuly in the air and launched several globes of air at her opponents who dodged, only for the globes to explode as they passed by. Again, it was to no avail, as the pegasi simply dispersed into mist once more. This time however, instead of reforming, the mist descended upon Blackmane, trapping her within it.
Foolish strategy, she didn't need her sight to fight. Of course, she wasn't expecting the entire cloud of mist to become electrocuted. She stared blankly with dismay, "You are trying to defeat a pegasus by using electricity?" She asked, immediately creating an expanding sphere of wind-blades around her, so dense that they cut through the mist and dispersed it away from her.
"No, just to distract her!" Luna replied, from behind the pirate lord, unleashing a beam of energy straight at the pirate lord, sending her spinning in the air before dispersing into mist and shadow bolts again.
While the world was fading to black, everything felt calm, but the shroud of darkness and numbness, which Selenia referred to as 'sleep' was immediately lifted. Again she found herself on the floating island in the abyss, but this time, two massive white lights were ope on the fabric of the universe itself. In her mind, they were like a pair of giant white eyes... the island rocked as it seemed everything in existence was being sucked towards the massive lights, Selenia was suddenly reminded of everything that had just happened, reminded that she was dying. Was this Harmony? Was she going to join the Ether? She felt so peaceful before... but now she was terrified, her mind painted the two lights as massive eyes and the massive force sucking her towards them as a mouth inhaling as much as it could, trying to swallow her. She screamed.
It was just then that another set of lights appeared, it was vibrant, colorful and comforting, almost like fireflies. It didn't seem at all affected by the lights or the force pulling Selenia towards them. The fireflies, or will 'o wisps or whatever it was, approached Selenia... immediately she felt empowered and she found herself awake in cold sweat, staring up at terrified looking healers.
The door to the operation room burst open as a healer went out, "Doctor! She's... she's alive, I don't know how, her vitals are going through the roof! She's responding to the healing!"
Dr. Silverlake quickly excused himself and rushed back into the room, leaving a hopeful Red Charge behind.
In the meantime, a barrage of cannon fire struck the shield again. The shield would not take another full barrage like that, Dreadtalon's explosive arsenal was apparently well prepared against magical shield, as each barrage was crippling to the shield, small holes began to form in it, despite the defending unicorns' best efforts.
"Shining, we can't hold this... much... longer!" Twilight grunted, straining under the effort of maintaing the shield. They were a score of unicorns, even with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence on board and they STILL could not hold the shield. Blackmane had them, Shining wanted nothing more than to crush her at that point, but he held his tongue. "Stay strong everypony, we'll hold it long enough!"
Above the city, as the fight between Blackmane and Luna raged on, all seemed truly lost, Percheron could not possibly make it in time before the Dreadtalon fleet fired again.
Once more a bright flash of light erupted over the city and another barrage of cannons was heard. The unicorns braced for impact, but it never came.
From the terraces of the Kingdom Admiral Tesla stared dumbfoundedly at the sky. Another fleet had appeared out of nowhere, firing all cannons from all of their air-ships, tearing through the Dreadtalon ships from the rear.
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Post by Red Charge on Dec 13, 2013 17:58:43 GMT -5
"Get every bird up in the air now!" Admiral Tesla called to his men, before they could even replied he bellowed, "Quickly while their distracted, I want every ship that can fly up there, while we have the element of surprise!" His men were quick to oblige, quickly diving off the Canterlot cliff-side by the droves to get to their airships. Tesla couldn't tell which fleet it was encountering the Dreadtalons, not from this far away and with the sun directly behind them. Waiting just one more moment to survey the situation and appreciate the chance they've been given, the admiral dove off the cliff, getting dangerously close to crashing into the Leviathan before pulling up and landing squarely on the blimp as it blasted into life once more. As the air ship began to levitate upwards, the smaller ships floated past it, the griffon smirked, the 5th fleet was still in the game.
Blackmane turned back at the sound of the Dreadtalon fleet's encounter, looking over as Debris flew her way. She didn't need the Dreadtalon fleet, but neither could she allow anymore delays. She turned over and launched herself forwards, only to face Princess Luna in her path and get hurled back by another energy beam. She quickly straightened herself in the air and glared at the Equestrian Princess.
"You're fighting me now." The princess insisted, focusing her magic on Blackmane and unleashing a fusillade of energy beams at her, originating from her horn and fanning out in a counterclockwise hemisphere and then back clockwise, leaving the pirate lord hardly any way to dodge. Blackmane rushed through the field of energy blasts, a projected wind shield absorbing most of the damage and her armor absorbing the rest. Though her progress was constantly halved by the oncoming fire, she was fast approaching Luna and when finally in range unleashed a devastating wind scythe at the Princess.
Her battle with the Princess was waged for a while, Blackmane unable to get the upper hand or even damaging the Princess with her Shadowbolts. However the Princess was able to score small hits now and then, even though they did absolutely nothing to the pirate lord, she was not getting discouraged, only angrier.
The princess dissolved into shadow, a Dreadtalon frigate behind her took the full brunt of the attack and was sliced in half, immediately beginning its fall towards the valley below. Blackmane was getting tired of this game, as she was suddenly rammed from the side by several Shadowbolts attempting to hold her in place.
"You've caused so much harm to Equestria," Princess Luna shouted at the pirate lord, "Percheron was wrong to spare you, you sought to destroy my Kingdom. MY kingdom, you tortured MY subjects, tried to destroy MY capital, TWICE and thought you could challenge ME." Luna said, horn glowing with magical intensity. "You peasant. You are not worthy of existing in my realm!" Blackmane noticed the sudden change in Luna's eyes, she's seen it before, in the very ponies Sharp tortured. Luna unleashed a focused beam of energy at Blackmane, who deflected it with a precise lightning bolt, having broken free of the Shadowbolts holding her.
"Losing control?" The pirate lord asked, Luna fumed. "I have better things to do than play with the likes of you."
The black armored pegasus hovered in mid air, focusing elemental energy around her into some sort of fine glowing mist. Luna, enraged, launched her Shadowbolts again at the sky pirate, wanting to hurt her... squash her... eradicate her permanently from this world.
Unable to stop herself, Luna launched herself forwards as well, eager to meet Blackmane's face with her hooves, however Blackmane's fine mist, glowing with energy exploded outwards, emitting strange bolts immediately attracted to anything in proximity, disintegrating several Dreadtalon airships, Luna’s Shadowbolts and then striking the Equestrian princess dead on, dissolving her chest armor and flesh and wounding her gravely.
"Plasmatic Nova." Blackmane whispered triumphantly, drawing her blades. He triumph was going to be short lived however, as Princess Luna’s now cat-like eyes glared back into her own cold orbs. Though she did not show it, the pirate lord was beyond surprised at the fact that the Princess’ wounds were healing almost instantaneously, she had almost forgotten that Princess Luna was not at all unfamiliar with entropic energies.
With a bang she launched herself forwards to deliver the final blow before Luna could fully recover. Only to find a familiar blade blocking her own.
Blackmane broke into a full grin, eyes alight with excitement "Welcome... Sky Titan."
Dr. Silverlake entered the room in a hurry and immediately went to sense Selenia’s vital. The open eyed mare looked at him blankly as he began to magically sense her. He was doing it for several minutes and then stopped, along with the rest of the medical staff in the room. He tried again and stopped again, the others in the room looked at each other and back at Selenia, whose wounds were slowly regenerating as a response to the powerful healing magics and solutions. The other healers looked at Silverlake for advice, before he signaled them all to leave the room and he followed them suit, bolting the door to Selenia’s room behind him.
“What’s going on?” Red Charge asked, as the rest of the medical staff rushed off. “There’s a problem with Selenia.” The Dr. replied.
“What is it? I thought they said she was responding to the healing?” Red Charge asked impatiently, stomping his hoof worriedly.
“She’s healing yes, very rapidly.” Dr. Silverlake said, biting his lower lip.
“Then what is it, is she infected? Do we need to isolate her?”
“Like I said before, she was gone.” Silverlake says, “And now she’s alive, with an abundance of energy.”
“And?” Red Charge demanded.
“You don’t understand… the energy flowing through her, where the etheric energy should… is not etheric energy.” Red Charge’s eyes widened, “What are you saying.” This wasn’t a question, this was an order for information, though Red Charge knew exactly what he was saying, he knew exactly what was going on inside the room. But he dared not dream it.
“I don’t understand how it’s possible, her body is alive… but she is no longer one of us.” At that a loud crashing noise made both pony jump in place, as Selenia rammed herself against the window to the operation room.
"Move all broadsides to the enemy, cut us an escape route!" General Dreadtalon bellowed, moving to the starboard side of his zeppelin to survey the new fleet. But it was impossible to distinguish any markings due to the shadow cast by the sun. It was also near impossible to aim at them properly. However it was possible to see the scores of marines and even rocs as they descended upon his forces. One nearly managing to swipe at the General himself before he jumped backwards.
He grabbed the marine and tossed him on board his ship, ready to deliver a killing blow, but he froze in mid motion as he spotted the armor on the enemy marine.
It was Dreadtalon Armor.
A loud bang was heard and one of his lieutenants sailed past him, traces of lightning shooting from his gut. Dreadtalon turned to look at the griffon who struck down the lieutenant, only to notice he had not a single Tesla accessory on their heavy armor nor their steel taloned gauntlets, yet electricity was cackling through their talons angrily. Behind him, the marine who had tried to attack him rose up and jumped off the ship, moving on with a bronze armored roc to attack a frigate. The apparently magical Griffon was clad from head to toe in heavy armor, it was impossible to see who was beneath it. But Dreadtalon didn't need to see, he needed to cut an escape route for his ship and get out of there immediately. It won't be long before that cursed Tesla uses this opportunity to raise his own fleet in the air and they'll be flanked. He didn't trust Blackmane's unicorn nightmares to aid in their escape.
"I don't know who you are stranger," The mighty general said, turning his scarred face to the armored Griffon, "But you better be a darn good fighter to bring your tailfeathers on MY ship."
The griffon took a combat stance, so did Dreadtalon, the time for games was over.
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