Revenge of Fury

Chapter 5

Hunters and Hunted

The group of ponies met at the outskirts of town. The group had everything they needed for travel. They stared out at the desert, ready to plunge headfirst into the direction of the changeling hive. None of them knew what awaited there. Some were scared. Some were excited. And some just wanted the whole ordeal overwith.

A deep sigh escaped from Shamrock. "Well, I suppose we should get going,"

Pinkie leapt for joy. "Yay! I'm so excited! I love desserts! They're so sweet!"

Rarity gave Pinkie a look. "Pinkie, that's desserts, not deserts," she said.

Pinkie just smiled. "I know!"

Rarity groaned, and the group was on their way.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

"On second thought, I don't love deserts," Pinkie panted, sweating under the hot sun.

They had been walking for an hour. Already, they were all exhausted. Rainbow Dash and Lightning Hawk had flown early on in the trek, in an effort to spare their hooves the pain, but the heat eventually got to them. They now used one wing as shade, and the other to fan themselves.

"So, Twilight, you're the navigator. How much longer til we get there?" Lightning asked.

Twilight looked at the map she had, pulling it out of her bag with her hooves. She had forgotten how clumsy it was to use hooves, she had been so used to using magic. She had tried to levitate the map earlier, failed, gave up, and put it away. Her memory was photographic anyways, so she didn't need the map too often.

Pulling it out, she analyzed it for a brief moment, getting her bearings. "It should be at least another hour's walk, everypony. I suggest we find some shade and get some rest," she said.

"That shouldn't be too hard," Willus said. And he was right. Their travels had brought them in front of a large patch of trees in the desert. A few scraggy bushes obscured the inside of the pocket forest, making it seem dark and foreboding. A sigh of relief passed through the group.

"Well, let's go inside, then!" Applejack said.

As the group rested in the shade, they heard the sound of leaves rustling. All heads turned towards the source of the sound. They were surprised by what they saw.

It was the minotaur squad that Shamrock had seen at the bar back in town. The soldiers filed out of the bushes, when the golden armored captain followed after them. His red cape billowed in the light breeze, his tan coat slightly swaying in rhythm with it. He noticed them immediately, specifically Shamrock.

"You! Ponies, I thought I told you not to follow us!" he said in a booming voice.

Lightning immediately flew up in front of the titanic minotaur's face, with no regard for his own safety. "Told us? We don't even know you!"

The minotaur huffed, pushing Lightning away. The golden Pegasus hovered back behind his friends. The minotaur looked directly at Shamrock, and glared a soul-piercing glare.

"We warned this one. He and I know each other very well," he said.

Shamrock's eyes widened, as all the ponies turned to look at him. He was suddenly hit with a wave of recognition. "You? It-it can't be!"

"Oh, but it is, Shamrock. You've come quite a ways, haven't you? From murder and theft to...whatever this is,"

Derpy pulled Shamrock away. "Shamrock," she said. "Who is this minotaur?"

Shamrock gulped, as the two looked into each other's eyes. "Remember all the terrible things I did during my stay in Minos? This minotaur is the leading soldier who investigated my crimes," he said.

The minotaur nodded. "Indeed. Shamrock eluded capture longer than any other criminal I have ever had the pleasure of hunting. In a strange way, he has my respect for that. But you are still a criminal. Were we not in Equestria, and at high risk of causing a diplomatic situation, I'd have killed you myself by now,"

Shamrock glared back at him. "What are you doing here? If you're not after me, then what?"

The minotaurs under the officer's command shuffled uneasily. He raised his right hand, causing them to calm slightly. "If any other being were to have asked me that question, I would have gutted them on the spot," he said, walking up to Shamrock, his intimidating frame shadowing the colt. Shamrock held his ground and showed no emotion, but was terrified nonetheless.

"But you are not any other being, Shamrock. And out of respect to you, I will tell you exactly what we are going to do. Because there isn't a damn thing you can do to stop us,"

The minotaur leaned back, walking away from Shamrock. "We are here on a simple mission. I should thank you ponies, really. Without you, this would have been impossible," he said in a booming voice, his velvet red cape billowing in the wind. "The changelings are vermin. They have infested our kingdom before, and they will only continue to infest other kingdoms as time goes on. Some say that we should ignore them, others that we should find out what they want. I say we should do to them what we do to all other things that dare oppose us - destroy them, without hesitation, prejudice, or mercy,"

A gasp rang out from all the ponies. "That, is what we are here to do," the minotaur said.

"But...but...that's genocide!" Twilight shouted.

"Foolish unicorn, 'genocide' implies we are killing things that matter. Things that have rights, or even count as beings. They are vermin, completely and utterly. This is no more genocide than to rid a house of rats or cockroaches,"

"Of course it's genocide! You may have nothing good to say about changelings, but we do! And we have every right not to! Why, if Reaper were here..."Twilight trailed off.

"Indeed, what Twilight says is true. Changelings may not be perfect, but they are no different than you or I," Willus added.

The golden-clad minotaur snorted. "Idiots. I expected nothing less. I will not let you stop our crusade. And I, Thunder Horn, will ensure the victory of our party over any adversity,"

Before any further retorts could be said, the minotaurs drew their weapons. The ponies all took a defensive stance, when they were interrupted by the sound of something crashing through the bush. Everyone turned.

Reaper picked himself up off the ground, panting, placing his top hat back on his head.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Earlier....

Reaper shuddered, coming to full realization with the horrid revelation. Sputnik was his brother. His flesh and blood. Well, not flesh and blood, more bone and metal. But still - deep in that moronic head was the soul of a brother he had practically forgotten he had.

He couldn't believe it. Was it really true? He felt as though he were in a dream, it was all so surreal. Reaper struggled to come to grips with the new fact. This changed everything didn't it? Every horrid threat he yelled at the robot...was directed at his own brother. Reaper knew he had to change. He would have to be kinder, to at least try to be a bit more understanding.

Understanding.

For a moment, Reaper understood. He understood why Sputnik acted the way he did. He wasn't stupid - he was just young. Probably barely two years old. Reaper could hardly imagine it. To be trapped as a grub forever. It seemed a fate worse than death. Then again, ignorance, he supposed, was bliss. Sputnik had no idea.

Reaper decided that he would continue referring to him as Sputnik. To suddenly call him "Maurauder," would be weird. Sputnik probably had no idea about his name, or origin in any case. Reaper sighed. This was all too much. He would have to think about it more later. For now, the time for rest was over. "Come, Sputnik. We better get moving," he said.

Sputnik saluted. "Sure thing, Boss!" he said. The pair of them got up, when Reaper heard crashes in the bushes behind him. "I think they went this way," he heard a voice yell.

"Damnit all," Reaper muttered.

They had found him.

Suddenly, a changeling burst through the brush. He saw Reaper, and for half a moment, their eyes locked. Finally, the silence was broken.

"He's here!"

Reaper hissed, blasting the changeling with magic. He grabbed Regicide, and began to run. "Sputnik! It's time we made our leave!"

Sputnik nodded, following his master faithfully. Then he stopped. "Boss! My big surprise is right nearby! I'm gonna get it!"

Reaper turned and looked at him. "Sputnik, now is really not the ti-"

But Sputnik had already disappeared.

Reaper groaned. Why did he even bother? He stole one last glance behind, to see the oncoming horde of changelings, before running into the brush.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Even Earlier....

Phasmi, Silicon, and Copperhead walked side by side. A regiment of changeling soldiers marched behind them, keeping a keen eye out for their quarry. "Princess, you really shouldn't be here," Silicon said.

Phasmi huffed. "Silicon, you know very well that I have every right to be out here,"

"Your mother will not be pleased when she discovers that you came without her accord, you know," he said.

Phasmi rolled her eyes. "And what will she do? Scold me?" she chuckled.

Silicon chuckled a bit, too. That's when Copperhead spoke up.

"High General, what are we going to do when we find Reaper? Do you want us to take him alive?" he asked.

Truthfully, Silicon would rather have the treacherous changeling killed. He seemed much more trouble than he was worth. But one look at Phasmi's face stopped him cold. "Yes, Copper. Take him alive, I don't believe we're quite through with him," he said.

"Very well, sir," Copperhead replied, before going to relay the information to the others.

The Princess and High General walked silently for a moment, before Copperhead returned to their sides. "So, Silicon, what exactly are we gonna do to the slimy maggot once we get ahold of him?"

Silicon thought for a moment, choosing to ignore the slightly hurt expression that took hold of Phasmi's face.

"Our first priority is his capture. I don't know why, but the Queen wants him. However, she never stated what condition he had to be in," Silicon added cruelly.

Copperhead nodded. "Sil, buddy, I like the way you think!"

Copperhead punched the High General playfully in the shoulder, causing a slight smile to appear. The two friends shared a chuckle. Suddenly, a voice rang out.

"He's here!" they shouted.

All heads turned in the direction of the shout. Soldiers drew their swords, ready for battle. Copperhead drew his sword, running forward. "Well, don't just stand there, you morons! Let's get this worm!"

Before Silicon could offer a single word of protest, Copperhead and a large amount of the soldiers had disappeared into the brush. Silicon and Phasmi sighed, before joining into the chase.

"Let the games begin," Silicon muttered.

*  * *  *   *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Now...

A moment of stunned silence fell over everybody present. Eyes shifted from the minotaurs, to Reaper, to the ponies, and back to the minotaurs. Finally, Twilight broke the silence. "Reaper?!" she asked, stunned.

"Twilight?" Reaper asked, equally shocked.

"Pinkie!" Pinkie Pie shouted, garnering a few facehoofs.

"Reaper, what are you doing here?" Willus asked. Before Reaper could answer, a yell broke out from the minotaur ranks.

"Changeling!" the voice shouted, the soldier behind the voice pointing at Reaper. Reaper's eyes widened, and his wings buzzed as he darted past his friends.

Thunder Horn roared. "Kill it! And kill the pony conspirators as well!"

The ponies were torn. Half of them wanted to take after Reaper and get to the bottom of the whole situation, while the other half wanted to stay and fight. In the end, once the minotaurs brandished their long spears, the group unanimously chose the option to flee. They all ran off after Reaper when something unexpected happened.

Out of the brush burst a large group of changelings. Reaper stopped dead in his tracks, looking back at them. "Ah, damnit," he muttered in frustration. "Can't a revolutionary escape in peace?"

Copperhead caught sight of Reaper. "I see the traitor! On him!"

Chaos ensued as soon as the minotaurs saw the changelings. Thunder Horn snorted. "Kill all the vermin! Leave no survivors," he ordered. The minotaurs charged forward, intercepting the changeling soldiers. Most were able to fly out of the way before they were hit, but some were not so lucky. A few soldiers speared the soldiers, impaling them with the tips of their weapons. The changelings that did not die instantly were scraped off the spears by the minotaurs, and promptly had their heads crushed by their great hooves.

The rest of the soldiers were fueled with rage by the loss of their compatriots. Copperhead barked orders, but in their anger the changelings hardly noticed. They charged forward, intercepting the minotaurs. The changelings hovered, trying to use their flight to their advantage in combat. Copperhead gave up on trying to coordinate the combat, trusting his soldiers' instincts. Reaper grinned in malicious joy, ignoring the looks a few ponies gave him. He could hear them now.

On queue, another group of changelings burst through the brush, led by Ajax and Vertigo. Reaper's wings buzzed as he lifted off the ground. "Ah, just as planned," he said. The ponies looked on as the new changelings appeared. As the second regiment charged forward, Ajax and Vertigo approached reaper.

"Your highness," Vertigo said, bowing before Reaper. "My brother and his forces are prepared to sacrifice themselves in your name. You are truly the rightful king!" she said.

Reaper smiled, adjusting his hat. "I thank you for your noble service. I trust you can handle the rest of the situation?" he asked.

Vertigo looked back at what was happening. The minotaurs had gone on a rampage. The floor was littered with blood, bright blue from changelings and murky red from minotaurs. The group of ponies watched on in horror as the carnage unfolded. That's when two more figures arrived.

Silicon and Phasmi stopped in shock as they saw what was happening. Silicon drew his sword, pushing Phasmi back. "Get out of here. Run. As fast as you can," he said.

Phasmi was speechless, and only nodded.

And yet, despite all that had occurred, the surprises were not over yet. Everybody paused for just a brief moment when a loud noise was heard.

Thump.

Changeling, minotaur, and pony alike turned in the direction of the sound, with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Thump.

Trees rattled and the ground shook, as whatever made the noise drew near.

Thump.

Thump.

The final trees broke and bent out of the way, revealing the source of the noise. The titanic thing towered over them all, blotting out the sun. A deafening, screeching metallic roar pierced the air. It was huge. At least five times taller than any minotaur. It was something that all beings feared. It was one thing that always caused death and destruction wherever it was found.

It was a dragon.

Or rather, what was left of a dragon. It was a dragon's skeleton, to be precise. Augmented with metal. A massive engine contained in it's ribcage. Its eyes glowed blue. There was another roar, knocking over a few of those with weaker legs.

Reaper couldn't believe it. For the second time today, his mind had been blown.

Sputnik was controlling the dragon.

This must have been the ultimate weapon that Sickle Star referenced in his journal. Clearly, the machine had yet to have an artificial intelligence implemented. That must be how Sputnik was controlling it. For an idiot, Reaper was impressed by the little robot's improvisation.

Sputnik roared again, shattering eardrums. The minotaurs briefly ignored the changelings, ready to take on the larger threat. Vertigo stepped back, afraid. Reaper placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "Fear not, Vertigo. It's on our side," he said. Vertigo grinned a bit, and Ajax adjusted his helmet. "Do you have orders, your highness?" he asked Reaper.

Reaper caught sight of Phasmi, who was walking away slowly. Silicon made sure she was in retreat before charging forth into the battle. A beautifully horrid idea hit Reaper's mind just then.

"Fall back, Ajax. You and all the soldiers," he said.

"What? Your highness, if we strike now, we can take out the Queen's primary forms of defense!"

"I am well aware of that, Ajax. Have you already forgotten my years of training and service as general?"

Ajax was taken aback. "N-no sir!"

"Good. Withdraw, and meet me at Tyrant's Gorge, as planned. Sputnik will cover our retreat, and I shall arrive shortly,"

"Would it not be better if we traveled in a body, sir?"

"Go. I will catch up in due time,"

Ajax wanted to press for more questions, but a changeling sailed past him, mortally wounded. Now was the time to go. He bowed. "Your words are my command," he said, before rallying his troops and disappearing with Vertigo into the brush. Reaper spread his wings, and buzzed into the brush in the direction that Phasmi had gone.

The ponies were dazed and confused. In all the chaos, they had been attacked by minotaur and changeling alike. They had fought back successfully, all making sure to use nonlethal force. Except for Twilight, who, although usually capable of holding her own, seemed unusually helpless in the battle at hand, trying hard to generate some sort of spell, but only managing to make her horn spark pathetically.

Magical blasts flew through the air, Rainbow Dash and Lightning Hawk literally flew through the air, Shamrock and Applejack fighting hoof to hoof, and Fluttershy was hiding. Pinkie Pie watched as Reaper flew away. "Wait! Reapy! Where are you going?"

Reaper paused for a moment, glancing back for a moment. Briefly, he almost seemed to show regret. But that expression was quickly replaced with one of determination and hate, and he disappeared into the brush.

"Pinkie, now is not the time to wor-" Rarity was cut off from finishing her sentence when Thunder Horn suddenly grabbed her from the group, covering her mouth with his hands. His golden armor was stained with blue blood, and he looked Shamrock dead in the eye.

"You killed a lot of minotaurs in our lands. It is only fitting I return the favor," he said. He drew a knife, and plunged it into Rarity's side.

Rarity's screams were muffled as blood began to flow from the wound, staining her white coat. Her eyes rolled over as she passed out immediately, and Thunder Horn dropped her immediately onto the ground. The ponies were shocked, unable to react. But they didn't need to.

During the whole ordeal, Sputnik had been fighting the minotaur soldiers all his own, and proved to be the only one effectively dealing with them. His bladed tail cut through them like butter, and his massive jaws tossed them about like rag dolls. He saw Rarity get stabbed, and suddenly felt something.

Anger.

The anger manifested itself as his light blue eyes flashed red for the briefest of an instant, and suddenly a fireball was expelled from his throat. The ball of flame almost missed Thunder Horn. Almost.

Although he was just grazed, the searing heat was enough to fuse the metal in the armor of his right arm to fuse with his flesh. He screamed in pain, clutching his arm in agony. "We are done for now! Retreat!" he ordered his soldiers. They did not retort. Sputnik saw that victory could be close - but he had orders. He turned as well, making his way towards Tyrant's Gorge.

As the minotaurs tried to escape, Copperhead had an idea. "They're in retreat! Get them!" he ordered.

Soldiers charged forward behind him, but stopped dead in there tracks when a massive minotaur grabbed the general by the throat. Copperhead struggled, but couldn't free himself by either physical or magical means. Silicon could only watch in horror as his best friend was impaled with a spear.

The minotaur dropped the body to the ground with a huff, before following Thunder Horn and the rest in retreat. Changelings no longer followed them.

The ponies looked over Rarity. "Is she okay?" Willus asked Fluttershy, who was determining the health of their friend.

"She's alive, and breathing normally. It's odd, really. The knife didn't even penetrate any organs. Why would a soldier use such an ineffective weapon?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter, just make sure she's okay," Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy nodded, returning to tending for the white unicorn.

Meanwhile, Silicon rushed to the aid of his longtime colleague and friend. Copperhead coughed up blue blood as Silicon tried to sit him upright. "Copper? Cop, buddy, we're gonna get you out of here, you hear me? You're going to be just fine, just hold on!" Silicon shouted in a futile manner.

Copperhead flinched. "You don't have to shout, I'm right here," he managed to force out, coughing violently some more.

The ponies watched as the event played out, unsure of how to react or respond.

"Look, just stay awake, okay? You'll be fine, you'll be fine, you'll be-"

"Silicon....shut up," Copperhead said.

High General Silicon obliged. "Look.... I haven't got much time left. Just make sure...." he coughed violently again, bright blue fluid staining the ground. "Make sure...make sure that this gets finished....don't let the hive die...."

"Copperhead, don't go! We've been through it all, we'll make it through this too!"

Copperhead chuckled, wincing from the pain it caused. "Yeah, we sure have. I...I'm just gonna close my eyes for a second....take a little nap....wake me up....when there's something to eat...."

Copperhead coughed violently one more time, and then his body went lime. "Copper? Copper?" Silicon asked feebly, shaking the body in an effort to wake him up. It was no use.

General Copperhead was dead.

* *  * *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Phasmi panted, running through the bushes. She was horrified by what she had seen. Changelings, her subjects, slaughtered like rats. And then there was that thing. It was huge, and incredibly powerful! And Reaper was controlling it!

Then, she heard a twig snap.

She immediately turned around, trying to find the source of the noise. But nothing was around. She was all alone. For the first time in a long time, Phasmi feared for her life. Panting, she turned around.

"Hello, Princess," Reaper said, standing practically two inches in front of her.

Phasmi screamed, jumping back. Reaper merely advanced, drawing Regicide from its sheath. "What's wrong, dear? Did you not miss your old friend?" Reaper said the last few words as though they physically hurt to say, spitting them out like poison.

"Reaper, please! Don't-"

"Don't what? Kill you? You insult me. I won't kill you. I will make you suffer. Suffer like I did, and then and only then will I allow you to die,"

Phasmi couldn't take it anymore, and ran. She ran as fast as she could - not seeing a sudden drop. She fell down the ditch, causing a minor rockslide. She tried to get up again, but something stalled her. She looked down. Her hind legs had been pinned by rocks. She struggled, trying to get free. Then she heard the buzzing.

Phasmi looked up, and the last thing she saw was Regicide's hilt smashing into her forehead. Then it all went black.

As the changeling Princess fell over limply, now deeply unconscious, Reaper looked at the black sword he had taken. He frowned, looking at Phasmi. Her closed eyes seemed to be resting, as if she had no stress at all. Reaper levitated the rocks off of her legs, before picking her up himself. He balanced her on his back, before walking in the direction of Tyrant's Gorge.

Soon, she would awaken. And soon, she would wish she were dead.