My Little Fire Emblem – Uprising Generation

In the usual training, Shining and team managed to find a weapon this time. A very powerful weapon known as a spear.

"It's a ranged lance that's more powerful than the javelin and short spear." Flash explained.

"Great. Something I would use." The captain assured. "Let's get back to training." Once everypony has trained their hardest and received ample amounts of experience such as Scootaloo, the party set off for Bellrowen.

A former lance instructor to Shining, Crystalis' General Cheerilee often came to Solaria as an emissary of her empire. Despite their stations, the two ponies share similar dispositions and a warm relationship. Why has Crystalis started this war? What is the miasma of evil emanating from the country? Shining believes that Cheerilee can answer these questions. It is this belief that propels Shining forward into Crystalis territory.

As Shining's team marched down to Bellrowen, a Lunatan messenger stopped them

"Please wait Captain Shining." She stopped "I have a message from Lunata. There's been an uprising in Bitland. Garble is leading a force of renegade Crystalis supporters in rebellion."

"In Bitland..." Shining wondered "any word of Twilight? Is my sister safe?"

"The last word we received was that Twilight was heading off to assist Princess Lyra. We haven't heard from her since."

"... Blast." Shining cursed "I sent Twilight to Fugue thinking that it's the safest mission. If I could, then I'd pull out of here and go look for her but..."

"Captain." Flash comforted

"I know, I know, I mustn't let my emotions take control of my actions." Shining understood. "If Bitland has allied with Crystalis, then defeating Crystalis is our best bet. We proceed as planned, tell them that."

"Understood." Flash nodded

"Be careful Twilight." Shining prayed. Followed by an earthquake

"What!?" Shining gasped "was that an earthquake? I think it's passed."

"Captain" Flash said concerned

"I'm fine, there's nothing to worry about. I was surprised, that's all. You're not shaken in the slightest, are you?"

"Actually, It surprised me as well." Flash nodded "normally, tremors such as these were common in Crystalis. They are usually weak and if they can, would cause very minimal damage to Crystalis."

"Now that you mention it." Shining replied "I remember a while back, when I was first in Crystalis... Twilight and I were startled by a tremor just like this one. Sunset said she had grown used to them and laughed." Flash stayed silent.

"We don't have any time to tend to injuries just now, We need to press forward and see to the capital."

In Bellrowen, Cheerilee was parleying with Trixie.

"I don't understand..." Cheerilee wondered "why this course of action? What is the prince thinking..."

"General Cheerilee." Trixie voice snapped Cheerilee out of her thoughts

"Oh, Trixie. Sorry about that, just muttering to myself." Cheerilee apologised. "So um... Are you assisting me in this... Duty?"

"Yes..." Trixie nodded "Lunata's army will soon be coming in from the north. We are waiting for the order to engage them."

"I see... And Captain Shining Armor is leading the enemy forces. Isn't he?" Cheerilee asked

"That is correct. Captain Shining Armor of Solaria."

"Hmph..."

"Solaria is our enemy." Trixie reminded "general, please give the orders to attack."

"No." Cheerilee refused "all units on hold. Do not initiate the attack. I want to speak with Shining first."

"... I see..." Trixie regretfully lowered her head in disappointment "so it's true... You plan to betray the empire and ally yourself with the enemy."

"What?!" Cheerilee gasped

"General Cheerilee, you stand accused of treason of the highest order." Trixie addressed "lay down your weapons, and follow my commands. If you fail to do so, and resist in anyway possible, I will execute you on the spot"

"This is nonsense!" Cheerilee roared "who is behind this madness!?"

"These are His Majesty's orders." Trixie answered "the prince has anticipated your treachery. Prepare yourself."

"I-Impossible." Cheerilee protested "his majesty?" Realising she was surrounded with allies-turned-enemies, Cheerilee and her loyal group of cavaliers retreated to a dead end near a village.

"Rainbow Dash." Trixie commanded "you and I will bring that traitor down. Go around that fort to the southeast and drive into them from the sea."

"We're fighting General Cheerilee?" Rainbow worriedly asked "but she's one of the cornerstones of the empire. How could-- She's been like a teacher and mother to you and to Soarin. Do you really mean to kill her?" Trixie stayed silent

"... If that is what my ruler commands, then yes." Trixie started "without hesitation. You will do the same if you are a true knight of Crystalis, Rainbow." Rainbow said nothing and flew to her position.

Meanwhile, Shining and his troops arrived in the port town of Bellrowen.

"Captain Shining." Flash assessed "the imperial Crystalis army is before us."

"I know, but something's odd." Shining added "they're chasing somepony down. Is it a deserter?" As Shining got a better look, he was stricken with terror. "No way! It can't be... Cheerilee?!"

"Captain, your orders." Flash responded

"To arms everypony!!! We must rescue Cheerilee!!!"

"Including the captain, anypony volunteering to fight? 11 ponies total." Flash asked

"This is going to be a high mobility battle!" Shining instructed "that's why I've picked all the flyers and riders! Applejack, Applebloom. You are going to be leading the front."

"All right sugarcube." Applejack saluted

"Knights of Solaria! You'll be behind them, supporting the sisters from any sword users. You'll also be essential into rescuing the General!"

"Roger." Flash saluted "you ready?" He asked his knights

"Party time!" Pinkie replied

"I'm as ready as always sir." The Doctor replied

"You bet Lieutenant Sentry!" Pipsqueak replied

"Fluttershy, Derpy, there has been fleets spotted surrounding the port. They carry powerful ballistae. Seek them, then sink them."

"Yes sir!" Derpy saluted

"Cloudchaser, Scootaloo, you're with me at the back."

"Right!" Scootaloo nodded.

"All right everyone. Let's rescue Cheerilee and survive this attack!"

As the Solarian/Lunatan party only managed to move forward. Lightning Dust paid an unexpected visit to the fort Trixie was guarding.

"My my... Have they only just begun? Disappointing..." Lightning shook her head "I've wanted to witness the comedy of the battle between the two generals."

"Lightning..." Trixie spotted "what do you want?"

"There you are Trixie. There are orders demanding that you return to the capital immediately." Lightning informed "Cheerilee is no longer your concern. His majesty has declared you untrustworthy, so he's sent me to relieve you of your command."

"What?" Trixie gasped

"you have proven yourself incapable of dealing with a pathetic teacher. I tell you, it is really difficult to clean up your mess Trixie. Now then" Lightning called a Ranger to her.

"Yes sir." The ranger reported

"I'm leaving." Lightning addressed "I can't leave lonely and sad Twilight in Bitland. You'll be in charge during this conflict."

"I'll take care of things." The ranger grunted.

"What do you think you're doing!?" Trixie roared "I am here at his majesty's bidding and..."

"Did you not hear me?" Lightning interrupted "His Majesty's bidding has CHANGED. You are not to be trusted Trixie. Those are His Majesty's words. You share the same sentiments as Cheerilee. You could turn traitor, just as she has. You should be honoured, he could have me kill you where you stand right now."

"Th-That's absurd!" Trixie protested "His Majesty... He... He knows I am trustworthy"

"Then sort it out when you return to the capital." Lightning replied "go and ask your beloved master if I speak your truth."

"I..."

"What are you going to do Trixie?"

"I will return to the capital." Trixie replied "I know better than to trust your word. I'll speak to the prince myself." And with that, she boarded a fleet and set off for Crystalis.

"Heh heh... Stupid mare." Lightning chuckled "If Crystalis wins too easily, then there will be no more bloodshed. Let's do what we can to extend the fun. I believe it's time for me to return to my darling Twilight. It would never do for Soarin to arrive before me, would it? Take care of things here before I return to you. Understood?"

"Of course." The ranger replied as the wyvern knight flew away. At once, the ranger gave the command to attack. The soldiers guarding the path to Bellrowen advanced on the axe sisters, even though it is useless as they were defeated in one blow.

Once the soldiers were defeated, the cavaliers made their move and zipped into the crowd of enemies, taking them out one by one. The flyers made sure not to stumble in the range of the fleet's ballistae.

As the fighters bravely fought back, Rainbow Dash was thinking to herself at the island fort.

"Tell me Soarin." She thought "what should I do?"

The cavaliers were trying as hard as they can to defeat the enemy easily.

"No fair! How come we get less stat gains whenever we level up!?" Pinkie complained

"I have no idea" came the Doctor's reply

"I mean, we get more stat gains when we are with Princess Twilight."

"Wait... What do you mean with Princess Twilight?" The Doctor replied

"You know! When we were travelling with Princess Twilight, rescuing Princess Lyra was easy and we got plenty of our stats increased!" Pinkie explained

"Pinkie... Are you telling me that there are um... Copies of us travelling with the princess?"

"You know what? Never mind." Pinkie gave up. Fluttershy visited a village and received a torch staff. Pipsqueak ran ahead to provide cover for Cheerilee and her cavaliers.

"Hold... Is that a Solarian cavalier?" One of the cavaliers spotted.

"Solarian?" Cheerilee gasped "If a Solarian soldier is here... That means Captain Shining is close! Hang on! We still have hope!"

The enemies gunned for Cloudchaser and a ballistae managed to hit Derpy. Although she managed to survive, she was greatly injured. More reinforcements were coming from forts and from the island fort, one of the soldiers spoke to Rainbow.

"I understand what I must do." Rainbow concluded "I'm a sworn knight of Crystalis, and I have a duty to fulfill. All right everypony! We're going to cut down that Lunatan army! Move out!" She ordered and flew towards the direction of Shining.

As Derpy retreated from the ballistae's range to heal her wounds, Pipsqueak ignored the cavaliers and headed to another village.

"... No good." A young pegasus colt grumbled

"Sorry?" Pipsqueak asked as if the pegasus was talking to him, only to return silence.

"... This." Rumble started showing a Hero Crest.

"Huh?"

"I found it." The colt explained "but I can't use it yet. Good-bye." The colt said farewell and flew off, not before he handed the crest to Pipsqueak.

"Uh..."

The enemy started to make a move against Cheerilee and her cavaliers, the ships ballistae aimed for Fluttershy and missed.

"Phew... That was close." Fluttershy sighed and added "you're definitely going down. Too dangerous for my friends."

Fluttershy started working out the ballistae and Shining made his way to Cheerilee. Pinkie had some fun with a mercenary and his two retaliating slashes did absolutely nothing to the party pony. As for the rest, the group had cut down most of the enemies.

The battle was intense, everyone targeting Cloudchaser and Pinkie. Cloudchaser did have problems but no pony could ever make a dent on Pinkie, not even a ballistae. Pipsqueak help defended the cavaliers and Cheerilee from any pirates and Rainbow Dash started to get closer to the group. A horde of enemy cavaliers came from the north as backup.

"Cheerilee!" Shining called out

"Is that you Shining?" Cheerilee replied

"Why are those Crystalis stallions after you?" Shining asked "what's going on? On second thoughts, let's talk later. We'll finish these enemies first and get you to safety." He gestured "follow me Cheerilee." Cheerilee went silent

"Cheerilee!" Shining yelled to snap Cheerilee out of it

"I am General Cheerilee, the blooming teacher, of the imperial three..." Cheerilee wept "this name and my service His Majesty and the empire has been my life's blood. Now, it is all gone as of this moment. I don't see any reason to continue."

"Cheerilee..." Shining growled "enough of this rubbish! You are still my mentor and I will not let you die!!!"

"... Shining Armor..." Cheerilee started

"I know about the prince's madness." Shining explained "how will your death serve Crystalis? Who will it help? What of your country? Its ponies? Its future!?!?" Cheerilee still stayed silent

"You will live Cheerilee." Shining concluded "as a traitor... In disgrace... For a mare such as you, I know that it is more agonizing than death. But you will still live nonetheless. You will live for something more important."

"... I understand." Cheerilee nodded "I guess this teacher's life is yours." And Crystalis' imperial general has become a member of Shining's company. No sooner or later than Flash started advancing on the wyvern fighters after dealing with the mercenaries and fighters.

"Dang... This pegasus is good." Rainbow watched "no matter, I'll fight on!"

"Rainbow!" Cheerilee called, but the cyan pegasus did not hear her so Cheerilee started to gallop towards her.

"Cheerilee!" Shining called

"There's another soldier that knows me well!" Cheerilee called back "I need to get to her!" Meanwhile, Fluttershy happily sunk the fleet with a critical blow to the hull.

"Ooh!" Fluttershy managed to recover a secret book before it made contact with the water. "You're something to keep!"

Rainbow made her blow on Derpy and injured her to the most critical condition. Meanwhile, the ballistae made an aim for her and failed. Everypony was packed together being surrounded.

Derpy flew away from Rainbow Dash and the ballistae's range... Again.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash called "come back here!"

"Peace, Rainbow!" Cheerilee started as she came into view "that is you... Right Rainbow?"

"Lady Cheerilee." Rainbow regretfully started "you have abandoned your country and your lord. I have to take your life."

"I know that... I'm ready now." Cheerilee nodded and offered herself to be killed "I have no duty anymore. But you, Rainbow, you're a soldier of the empire. Follow your orders and fulfill your mission. I'm ready." Rainbow hesitated, shaking her lance.

"Rainbow!" Cheerilee snapped "do it!"

"To be honest" Rainbow confessed lowering her lance "I'm confused. Do you truly need to die? Does your crime really deserve death? I know Soarin could have settled this, but... I'm here to stop you, and I find myself that I can't." Cheerilee stayed silent and Rainbow continued

"Actually, I couldn't believe that you would ever turn traitor. And as I stand here, looking at you, Cheerilee of the imperial three, you certainly do not have the eyes of a traitor."

"But Rainbow..." Cheerilee protested "I thought you are loyal..."

"Loyal to the empire, yes. But I want to be loyal to the truth. I can see it, you are definitely not a traitor. I'm sure of it, not like Trixie who always jumps to conclusions." Cheerilee continued to be silent

"No." Rainbow concluded "I can't turn my lance on you, the empire's faithful daughter. General Cheerilee..." Rainbow took a deep breath and vowed "until this entire matter is fixed, I will protect you wherever you travel."

"Rainbow... Forgive me..." Cheerilee wept. It's a touching story, isn't it? Now for some happy news, Rainbow has decided to travel with Cheerilee, meaning that she is now part of Shining's team!

"I'll sink that fleet." Rainbow remarked and with two dive bombs, sent the ship sinking.

"Kill the traitor!" The ranger commanded and every mercenary went to take Cheerilee's head... If they could that is, as no pony could ever pierce her armor and withstand her lance.

Flash and Shining went to help out the forsaken General while the other cavaliers dealt with the cavalier reinforcements.

"Take that!" Pipsqueak cried as he critically drove a slim lance into the cavalier, killing him.

"There's still more! Suppress their attacks!" The Doctor warned.

The cavaliers fought bravely against the enemy cavaliers, taking serious damage, missing some important attacks and when levelling up, only had one of it's stats increased.

"I really hate this level up machine!" Pinkie screamed

"There she goes again..." The Doctor sighed

The Solarian knights have successfully cleaned away the reinforcements and it seems that only the ranger and a troubadour is left. Cheerilee made her move first.

"Captain Shining Armor of Solaria... The Blooming Teacher Cheerilee..." The ranger chuckled "two incredible trophies. Who could ask for more?" As the ranger focused, Cheerilee swung the Silver Axe at him and took dangerous damage. In retaliation, he spun and swung his Lancereaver, missing her by a centimetre.

"Not good enough." Cheerilee taunted

As the ranger could move once more, he tried to attack Cheerilee again, missing and getting hit by the axe.

"One more hit and you're done!" She giggled.

It was the last turn to survive and Fluttershy had the honours of dispatching the troubadour and Cheerilee dealt the finishing blow to the ranger.

"Uwaa..." He gasped "too... Strong..." And fell down dead. Shining raised his Reginleif to the sky, the battle was won.

Once everything had settled down, Cheerilee went to talk with Shining.

"Captain Shining..." She started "you've grown to be quite the impressive commander. I remember what a stubborn young colt you were when I taught you."

"Whatever skill I obtain" Shining replied "I owe it all to you. But I'm curious, why were your own troops pursuing you?" Cheerilee stayed silent

"Please answer me Cheerilee. I want to put an end to this war. I'm sure you feel the same way."

"... As you know" Cheerilee started "the prince was once a stallion of compassion. He loathed war, and he worked to build peace across all nations. Then... One day, that all changed."

"But... Why? Why did he change? What happened?"

"I wish I knew, but if you're looking for a likely cause, I have one. This all seemed to have begun when Princess Sunset and the mages created a strange gemstone they have referred to as The Dark Stone."

"The Dark Stone?"

"That's what the clerics, monks and the Princess calls it, at any rate. Now I'm just a soldier. I don't know anything about these magic things. But they said The Dark Stone was more powerful than the Sacred Stones."

"And the Sacred Stones have the power to defeat the Demon Centaur." Shining continued "If The Dark Stone is stronger than they are..."

"... Shining." Spike piped up

"what is it Spike?"

"The wave of evil that I felt surging from the capital... It hungers... It consumes. It envelops and transforms. The power can tarnish the purest of souls with its corruption."

"Are you saying that this Dark Stone was the one responsible for the change in Prince Blueblood?" Shining asked then thought about it "the timing fits. Doesn't it? The stone is created, and then-- Cheerilee. Where is The Dark Stone now?"

"It's in the capital. With Princess Sunset." Cheerilee answered "she's been carrying it with her ever since the day it was created."

"Understood. Cheerilee, I'm going to the capital." Shining concluded "I must talk to Sunset. Maybe we can restore the prince together."

"... I'm going with you." Cheerilee concluded

"But we'll be fighting Crystalis' army... Your own ponies."

"I appreciate your concern... But I have already been banded a traitor." Cheerilee explained "if you mean to save my lord the prince... If you hope to restore him to his former self... Then I will pledge my loyalty to you until your cause is won."

"General Cheerilee!" One of the cavaliers saluted

"Ponies" she addressed "I owe each of you an apology. You've served me well, and I have betrayed you."

"That is nonsense General!" The soldier replied "we are your stallions! No matter what happens! If you must leave Crystalis to fight with Lunata's mares and stallions... Then our place is at your side. Your road is our road!"

"My brave ponies..." Cheerilee wept

"We'll join the Lunatan army." The soldier concluded "Captain Shining has many soldiers. He doesn't need us with him. Please, send us other soldiers to fight with Lunata. And may Princess Celestia smile upon you, General Cheerilee." And as a parting gift, gave Cheerilee a Knight Crest.

Shining and Flash looked towards the sea

"Captain, we must now take to the seas." Flash explained "the Lunatan army is readying a ship for us now. We have some time to rest until it's ready for us to set sail."

"Right, we'll take a break then. Tell the ponies, the road ahead is bound to be a tough one." As they were still speaking, three ponies galloped up to them.

"Well, hello there!" The pink alicorn greeted "tell me, are you all waiting to board a ship?"

"Er, yes... We are." Shining nodded

"I recommend that you abandon your plans my friends." The alicorn shook her head. "The locals are too frightened to set sail upon these seas."

"Is there a storm coming in?"

"No, no storm... Demons. Some sort of 'phantom ship' commands the seas now."

"A phantom ship?"

"Yes, but you needn't worry for long, my friends." Cadence comforted "I plan to purge the seas of that pesky ghost ship."

"Oh dear..." Octavia sighed "here we go again..."

"Ha ha! Well said, Princess Cadence!!!" Vinyl cheered

"I, Mi Amore Cadenza, am destined to become the protector of the seas! Fare thee well strangers. Come, Vinyl, we must find a ship." She commanded as she galloped off.

"All right! Sounds fun! Let's go Octy!" Vinyl encouraged and galloped off

"Honestly, Cadence, do you even think before you set these plans? Oh please... Someone end my misery!" She wondered as she followed behind.

"... What was all that about?" Shining wondered

"Captain." Flash noted snapping the Captain's thoughts "our ship has arrived. Let us prepare to board." As he looked at the captain, something was amiss. "Something troubling you sir?"

"No... It's nothing." Shining shook his head "all right, here we go!" And with that, Shining's group set off in a ship bound for Crystalis.