My Little Fire Emblem – Uprising Generation

Twilight and company pursue the thief who stole her crown. Their chase leads them to the mountains of the Gallop ridge, where the Dark Horseshoe pillages at will. Twilight cannot ignore her nation's pleas for help and leads her group into the bandits stronghold.

Chapter 3: Bandits of the Ridge

"The local villagers tell me that the Dark Horseshoe's stronghold is nearby." Flash informed Twilight "and a few of them saw a mare matching the description of our crown thief. A prediction could be that this young mare is one of the bandits."

"It can't be Sunset now, could it?" Twilight joked "She normally does steal my crown for fun."

"Rest assured milady." Flash chuckled "Sunset is a princess and she would never group up with bandits."

"Bandits... Here in Solaria, our homeland, I had no idea... They burn our villages and steal from our people without any fear of reprisal?" Twilight asked

"It wasn't like this. The knights used to protect the ponies, but law and order are now hard to find now that Solaria and her army are scattered and in ruins. The Crystalis army doesn't seem bothered to maintain order here. This continues on, and Solaria will sadly plunge into this type of savagery." Flash explained leaving Twilight silent.

"Um... Hello?" A voice called out, Flash and Twilight turned around to see a pale, light-grayish persian blue pegasus with a pink bow on her mane. "Pardon me for asking..." The mare continued "But are you ponyfolk some sort of mercenary troop?"

"Why do you ask?" Twilight curiously asked as the pegasus approached closer and closer

"Please, you have to help Cloudchaser. Please!" The pegasus begged "I told her it was too dangerous, but she wouldn't listen to me!"

"Whoa! Why don't you calm down, take a deep breath, and start over?" Twilight advised the pleading pony

"Okay then..." The pegasus breathed "I'm Flitter, I used to live in a village somewhere near here, but it's now gone."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked, Flash knew the answer but said nothing to let Flitter explain herself

"The Dark Horseshoe burned it down, Cloudchaser and I are the only ones to escape. Everyone else... Well the bandits attacked them and..." She became silent and so did Twilight.

"Flitter" Flash broke the silence "what are you doing here?"

"The Dark Horseshoe has a hideout here in the mountains, and that's where Cloudchaser went... Cloudchaser is my only best friend, and we've known each other since we were little fillies." Flitter answered "She went to steal back something the bandits took from me."

"She went alone?" Twilight exclaimed "That's really dangerous..."

"I know, I told her that but she wouldn't listen to me. If I lose her, I would..." Flitter started to let loose a few tears

"Wait, don't cry, we will help find your friend and see to it that she will not be harmed." Twilight comforted

"Really and truly? Oh thank you very much! I may not have much bits but I'll do anything to help." Flitter thanked

"Well your highness?" Flash asked "Your choice?"

"If the thief we're chasing has gone to the bandits lair, it looks like we share a common cause with Flitter." Twilight answered "She is a citizen of Solaria after all. And its our duty to defend our nationponies." Twilight paused and continued "I'm only sad that we couldn't save her friends and neighbours, so we must help her."

"Very well then Flitter, I trust you can lead the way?" Flash asked turning his attention to Flitter

"Okay then... Follow me." Flitter guided, Flash sensed something strange from this pegasus but he knew it wouldn't be a problem. In fact, it may be an advantage for them so he decided to keep quiet as Twilight and Co followed Flitter.

The group has arrived at the fort and Flash noticed the doors of the fort.

"Yep." Flash concluded "They're locked. We're stuck outside if we don't have any keys or a thief to pick the locks."

"So we are at an impasse then?" Twilight asked

"But..." Flash continued "That part of the wall over there milady, it's cracked. A few-well aimed blows against this wall can cause it to crumble."

"Um..." Flitter piped up in the crowd of Twilight's company "Its there anything I can help with? I should let you know that... When I was young, I always used to go hunting with my Grandad. So basically... I'm not bad with using a bow."

"I knew it." Flash stated, his previous suspicion of Flitter was correct "Since you have experience with a bow before, you must have some skill as an archer, am I right?"

"Uh-huh." Flitter nodded and pulled out an Iron Bow she had hidden in her inventory to prove it.

"What do you think Flash?" Twilight asked

"All units are handy on a battlefield." Flash explained "But an Archer is greatly handy in tight quarters like here. If anyone has the will to help out, I would greatly accept them, so know this milady, whoever you want to recruit, be it from Solaria, Lunata, or any nation, they have my permission to join the cause of Solaria."

"What about a Crystalis soldier?" Twilight tested and Flash stayed silent

"Anyway" Flash changed the subject "With a good bowmare, we can attack from afar without any fear of casualties up front."

"In that case" Twilight turned her attention to Flitter "can you can keep out of danger?"

"I'll do my best, Your Highness." Flitter agreed now knowing that this "mercenary band" was actually the Princess of Solaria and her forces, and approached an enemy brigand on the other side wall. Flitter launched an arrow above the wall and hit the brigand spot on, due to being far away as well as a wall in the way, the brigand couldn't attack back.

"Hmm? It appears we have guests." The bandit leader said "Give them a warm welcome lads! Make sure to use your axes to hit 'em from this side of the wall! They can't hurt what they can't hit! Now cut 'em up!" He ordered

"It's not just bows that can hit from afar" Flash taught the princess "Some swords, lances and axes not only are used for up front combat but can also act as a ranged weapon to attack people at an angle or a space away, that goes without saying that they could also attack above walls. Hand axes and javelins are an example and we have these weapons in our possession carried by Applejack and Derpy respectively. I found them when I was was carrying out the inspection of the inventories of our units, who knows? They could be bringing a faulty item or weapon. Also, I have a feeling that these brigands seem to know about these walls and would be carrying some hand axes of their own."

"You seem to make sure everyone is armed properly." Twilight complimented her Paladin's duty

"I make sure that every unit that goes to battle is well armed and can be pulled out to safety if they are hurt." Flash replied "Now let's begin the attack." Pulling out his Iron Sword ready to charge at Twilight's signal. Twilight pulled out her Rapier and levitated it high in the air to give the order that the skirmish begins!

Flash decided to do some work on one of the cracks, Derpy helped by throwing a Javelin on the cracked wall causing it to crumble and create an opening into the fort revealing a brigand in the way. Pipsqueak charged first and struck the brigand true while the enemy's counter missed him with ease.

"Predictable!" Pipsqueak taunted

As the rest of the units station themselves ready to enter, it was the enemy's turn. The brigand that got attacked gave another go missing once more before he was defeated by Pipsqueak dropping a Door Key. Against all this commotion, a pegasus emerged from a flight of stairs, believe it or not, it was the same pegasus that stole Twilight's crown.

"And here we go!" The pegasus gleefully said "And not a single soul saw me. These bandits are easy picking." She laughed "I'd better start with those chests in that room." Unknowing that there is a thief in their midst, Flash talked to Princess Twilight about thieves

"They always like to steal items from other units, except for weapons and as I said before, they can also open the locks on doors and chests too, they require a lockpick to do that and for some reason, lockpicks have durability like weapons. Despite giving a bad name for a platoon or army, they are actually very helpful allies to have around. That is, IF a thief would BOTHER to join us." Flash concluded

"Who knows Flash?" Twilight said "Any type of unit can join if they want! Maybe a thief will have to join if they don't have any other choice!", unknowingly, she was referring to the nearby pegasus that stole her crown who now decides to pick one of the locked doors and opening them with ease.

"Well" Flash sighed "It's not just that, you also need the right person to convince and fight for us. For example, you were able to recruit Applebloom but only Applebloom could convince her sister Applejack to fight. Some soldiers may listen to you and maybe fight for you, but not all soldiers may want to talk with you, they'd rather talk with their steel if they were against you! However, they may join us if someone else in our platoon would talk to them. They could be other allied forces or even enemy units too! So be careful on which soldier you would send to negotiate with." Flash concluded his lesson "By the way, where's Flitter?"

The thieving pegasus was ready to enter the room of treasure chests until a voice called out her name. The pegasus turned around and was shocked to see the pony that was calling her name.

"Flitter?!" The pegasus blurted "What are you doing here? I told you to wait!" She scolded

"I couldn't, It's too dangerous." Flitter answered " Why don't we go home?"

"We don't have a home anymore Flitter!" The thief scolded again "Why don't you get it? Just leave everything to me. I can take care of this mess in a flash but I don't need a clumsy pony like you to help."

"But... But..." Flitter protested ready to cry again

"Uggh...This is ridiculous!" The thief complained and sighed "Fine, we'll talk later. Stick with me, Flitter."

"O...Okay then." Flitter agreed.

"By the way" Flash taught "Some units can have an invisible bond that ties them together. Units that have such bonds can develop a support relationship. Soldiers become closer and their bonds can become stronger the longer they are adjacent to one another. Eventually, they would be able to share a support conversation. Soldiers that have a support relationship would fight with improved abilities when they are near each other. There are three levels of support the units can share, and they are gained by standing side-by-side as much as possible. I guess that Flitter and her friend Cloudchaser would have a possible support relationship between each other." He paused and prepared to make a list "However, they are not the only ones. There is also a few potential support relationships; Applebloom and Applejack, Applejack and Big Macintosh, Pipsqueak and me, you and your brother Captain Shining Armor..."

"Me and you?" Twilight interrupted showing her special head-tilted smile.

"D-Don't be ridiculous Princess!" Flash bellowed blushing "Do you honestly think that we have a potential relationship? I-Its not that I like you or anything..."

"Ah! Now I see what your weak point is!" Twilight teased "Certainly not a lance piercing your body, but definitely the mention of relationships with you! Look at you!!! You become a Tsundere in a split second!"

"S-Silence!" Flash protested blushing and sweating slightly "Idiot!"

"I rest my case." Twilight laughed. Meanwhile, Flitter and Cloudchaser were sneaking in the room of treasures while the main party made their way in with Pipsqueak unlocking a nearby door leading to a lone chest with a brigand.

"I sense two thieves around here so keep your items close or store them in the convoy." Twilight warned, without knowing that one of the thieves is Cloudchaser, their ally. Caught in a tussle with a brigand guarding the chests, Cloudchaser easily dodged the brigand's swing and made two neat slices with her iron knife (although it was supposed to be a sword) on the the brigand weakening him. The other brigand guarding a lone chest charged towards Twilight and got hurt badly without making single hit against the Princess.

Applebloom finished the brigand that attacked Twilight with her hatchet from afar gaining a chest key from the dead brigand and gave it to Twilight so she could open the chest. Meanwhile, Flitter killed the brigand attacking Cloudchaser.

"I told you I can be useful!" Flitter replied

"Yeah, but he's not the only person here." Cloudchaser added

"Whatever, just get the chests." Flitter ordered. Flash started working on the other cracked wall while Cloudchaser fished out an iron lance in the first chest. Applejack threw the hand axe to break the wall and Pipsqueak was preparing to charge in.

"Here hold this." Pipsqueak said tossing the vulneraries to Derpy "I wouldn't want to lose it to a thief." He noted before attacking the brigand blocking the wall.

The brigand moved back for a ranged throw to prevent a counter-attack from Pipsqueak. Of course, it didn't hit. The enemy archer gave it a go this time and did hit Pipsqueak. The thief started to strike poor Pipsqueak hurting him but at least he could manage a successful counter-attack. After those two hits, Pipsqueak was still standing fine.

Twilight received a javelin from the chest and Pipsqueak stabbed the thief with his spear. Now that the path was clear for an opening, Derpy picked off the Archer while Flitter and Cloudchaser had a little support conversation. That is, Cloudchaser scolding Flitter for using pleasantries instead of focusing in battles although Cloudchaser now sees Flitter differently due to war as she could pull herself together for a short while. Flitter replied that if something had to be done, she does it. After that, it was a trip through memory lane for both of them but for Flitter, the trip was actually a "trip" which then leads to crying. Flitter started crying again as Cloudchaser was being mean once again which made Cloudchaser say that she's still tripping and crying everywhere they go. Now she wants this crying to stop especially when they're on the battlefield to which Flitter nodded... Though Flitter mentioned it was Cloudchaser that made her cry which brings Cloudchaser throwing up her hooves in disgust... Not much of a support conversation is it?

Cloudchaser started on the next chest containing a hand axe while Applejack cut the brigand down.

"Four more enemies to go!" Twilight noted to everyone "that thief is still around too!"

"You mean the thief that's with Flitter?" Bonbon asked

"Oh crap! I forgot to keep an eye on her. Someone protect her!" Twilight ordered frantically

"I think she's more interested in the chests in that room." Bonbon continued "and Flitter doesn't seem to mind her. I also saw them talking before she went opening the chests. Do you think the thief is our ally?"

"Hmm... Does that thief know Flitter?" Twilight asked the group

"If she does" Flash answered "then the thief may be Flitter's childhood friend whom she calls Cloudchaser. What does she look like?"

"A pegasus with a pale-persian coat and a spiky white mane." Was Bonbon's response

"Hmm..." Flash growled, he realised that it was the exact description of the pegasus who stole Twilight's crown. "I'll see them after this is over." Flash replied.

A brigand threw a hand axe at Applejack and missed. Typical enemies, they can overthrow large armies and yet they can't beat a princess and her team.

The last chest gave Cloudchaser an iron sword but she was out of space to carry it. If she didn't talk to Flitter, she wouldn't have access to the supply convoy and that she can't escape without dropping an item. Now that she was recognised as an ally, she happily sent the hand axe over.

"Umm, Flash?" Twilight asked "how did a hand axe get sent to our supply?"

"It seems somepony has ran out of space in their inventory. Normally, ponies that work on their own has to drop one of their items or the item they found. Unlike us, we can send our surplus items or weapons to the supply. I don't think anyone has got a full inventory and if Bonbon said that there is a thief picking open the chests, my guess is that the hand axe was sent over by the thief." Flash answered

"So the thief has become our ally after all!" Twilight exclaimed

"Yes. Now our group can open doors and chests as well as steal the items that are not loosely held by enemies. If we kill the enemy then and there, we may not get the item. That's why thieves can steal these hard-to-get items. However, this thief has stolen your crown." Flash stated getting a gasp of terror from the Princess as her reply "I'll deal with her after you seize the throne."

Twilight's team held her ground while the brigand that attacked Applejack changed his target to Pipsqueak instead. Pipsqueak however, changed his equipped weapon to his sword so he could get a better avoidance rate which successfully worked. Swords beat axes!

Cloudchaser opened the other door and trapped the cutthroat brigand in. Big Mac went to stab the cutthroat first before the brigand launched a successful counter attack with the axe, but Big Mac was a knight so he shrugged off the pain. The damage caused by Big Mac now enabled Applebloom to finish off the brigand to which she did successfully. Bonbon healed Pipsqueak's wounds and the rest of the party advanced towards the throne but the enemy didn't make a move. Cloudchaser went to a certain point where the Cutthroat could reach her and waited with the entire party.

"Is this an example?" Twilight asked Flash giving the low down of the brigand Cloudchaser was attracting "Apparently this enemy has an item but it's not glowing green. Does that mean we can't take it when we kill him?"

"You should know that yourself Princess" Flash replied "I don't have the power to sense how many enemies there are and what they are carrying. I only see the enemies in my view to where I kill them. But with common sense, yes. If we kill him, we can't get his item. However, we can still claim that item for our own, that's what Cloudchaser is doing unknowingly for our cause. Once she gets the brigand up close, she will swoop in and steal the item and there's no chance for the enemy to get it back. That's how thieves work and that's why Pipsqueak gave his Vulneraries to Derpy so it wouldn't get stolen when he faced the enemy thief."

"I see..." Twilight took it all in.

The brigand guarding the passage to the throne room did in fact go after Cloudchaser missing her completely and left open to two true strikes from Cloudchaser.

Cloudchaser didn't finish the brigand, instead was going to steal the brigand's Pure Water. But her inventory was full so she had an idea.

"Here hold this." Cloudchaser asked tossing her iron lance to Big Mac which he caught.

"Umm...  No thanks" Big Mac rejected the weapon since he didn't know who the thief that gave him the lance.

"I'll take it!" Pipsqueak piped up as took the weapon from Big Mac "thanks!"

"No problem." Cloudchaser replied, now she was able to steal the item from the brigand. "Thank you!" She sarcastically thanked the brigand as she snatched the Pure Water.

"Hey!" The brigand yelled as Cloudchaser started galloping away. The distraction managed to set up Applebloom for a final attack which worked as she threw the hatchet.

"Anyone want to take some items off me?" Cloudchaser asked to which Flitter took the Pure Water and Applejack kindly took the spare sword even though she doesn't use swords. The enemy refused to move so with the same tactic again, Cloudchaser lured the enemy mercenary this time and stole the antitoxin though she got hit by the enemy and could only manage a single counter-attack. As support for Cloudchaser and retaliation against the mercenary, Flitter shot an arrow from her bow and Pipsqueak threw the Javelin he got from Twilight. Now the leader of the Dark Horseshoe was the only enemy left.

"Be careful" Twilight warned "he has a hand axe and a dangerous steel axe, but he's not going to leave the throne." Planning an attack, the party knew what to do and started fighting.

"I'm the mighty head of this bandit pack!" He addressed then taunted to Flitter "hope you've enjoyed life, 'cuz it's about to end!" Flitter shot him in reply and he ducked with the arrow sailing harmlessly past him. But he was unable to counter-attack because he had his Steel Axe equipped right now and didn't have enough time to change. After getting healed by Bonbon, Cloudchaser started to attack. She managed to hit him twice and avoiding the dangerous swing of the leader's axe. The leader shrugged off the pain like it was nothing. With Twilight at the back of the party, the team started to surround him staying away from his attack range except for Cloudchaser and Flitter.

The leader healed some of his wounds on the throne and attempted to hit Cloudchaser again. After dodging the attack, Cloudchaser retaliated twice once more.

"Now's our chance!" Flash yelled to signal an all-out attack. Pipsqueak struck first but got hit by the leader taking out a chunk of his health. It was dangerous for Pipsqueak now, one more successful hit from the enemy and he's done for! Cloudchaser allowed a space for Twilight to attack by going off to left-hand side of the leader to attack him there. One more hit seemed enough to take the leader out so Applebloom took the initiative and successfully killed him.

"I'm the mighty... bandit... This... ain't-" He started before he ceased talking permanently. In the end, Twilight reached the throne and raised her Rapier into the sky to capture it and win the battle.

"Cl-Cloudchaser..." Flitter sniffed as she was reunited with her friend again after the battle.

"What now?" Cloudchaser replied harshly "I told you not to worry. I could've robbed these bandits blind on my own, thank you very much."

"I was... Worried." Flitter answered sniffling with tears starting to form

"H-Hold on!" Cloudchaser protested trying to stop Flitter "I'm sorry! C'mon! Don't start bawling!" But Flitter was all ready to cry.

"No more... Dangerous stuff... By yourself." She replied before she started to cry

"Fine, fine. I promise" Cloudchaser promised "But you have to stop crying all the time. Is that a promise?"

"Okay then..." Flitter sniffed, then Cloudchaser took out something from her bag

"Take a look at this." She gestured

"What is it?"

"I got your mirror back." Cloudchaser replied "Remember how you cried when we left our village? You thought you'd lost this." She paused and continued "I know it was your mother's, and that these thugs have taken it. So I went and got it back for you! See what happens when you give me a job? Guaranteed results!"

"Cloudchaser..." Flitter sniffed starting to cry once more but this time with joy "Aa... Waaah... Cloudchaser..."

"Oh no... Why are you crying this time?" Cloudchaser started with fear "Please! Stop! Knock it off! C'mon Flitter..."

"This is quite touching..." Flash interrupted the moment as he walked towards Cloudchaser "But, you'd best return Princess Twilight's crown to her now." He stated as he grabbed Flitter's bags dragging her along.

"Wh-What are you talking about?" Cloudchaser defended trying to wriggle free of Flash's grip to no avail. "Are you trying to say that I--" And immediately obeyed as Flash pulled out his sword threatening to silence her if she doesn't shut up and give it back. "Okay! Okay! Whoa! Hold it there! It's right here! Take it! Just don't kill me!" Cloudchaser fearfully offered Twilight's crown on one of her hoofs to which Flash immediately took it off her and letting her go.

"Tell me young lady." Flash asked as he put away his sword "is this the path you've chosen for your life? Because if this mare matters to you, you must quit this dark road." He advised

"Uh... Sure, yeah, okay, right." Cloudchaser replied with many statements of agreement.

"We're leaving this place now so don't expect to be rescued again." Flash noted "farewell."

"Hey wait!" Cloudchaser called back to which Flash stopped "let us go with you." Cloudchaser persuaded "you can't just leave us here."

"Beg your pardon?" Flash turned his head back towards the duo surprised of her proposition.

"Flitter and I... We've got no home to return to." Cloudchaser explained "no matter where we go, there's just going to be more fighting. You're mercenaries right? Well, take us with you. I'm a handy pony to have around and I know I can help you out, when and where."

"Hmm..." Flash decided "I would prefer not to, but I'll agree with Twilight's decision." He agreed "our duty is a grave one however, and we don't have time to waste shepherding you."

"Fine by me then." Cloudchaser nodded "I promise you that you won't regret your decision. You'll see soon enough."

"I retrieved your crown from the bandits stronghold." Flash reported to Twilight giving back the crown "here you are princess. The thief that stole it from you and her archer friend Cloudchaser and Flitter will also be joining our ranks."

"Thank you Flash." Twilight thanked "you know... Princess Celestia gave me this crown when I was a child. It was made together with a crest and that is worn by my brother."

"Lady Sparkle" Flash advised "you must never lose that crown. Take care of it as it is proof that Princess Celestia has entrusted the future of Solaria to you. Her number one student and commander."

"Flash..." Twilight started getting suspicious "what is it you're not telling me?"

"I apologise your Highness. All in due time, I will tell everything but until then..." He apologised until Twilight raised her hand to stop him halfway.

"I understand Flash. If you tell me that this has to wait, I will wait. I trust you." She concluded

"In that case, we should best get going. We may be safe from bandits but I do not know how long."

"This... This is just the start isn't it?" Twilight fearfully asked "if we are to free our homeland, the battles would be endless..."

"Yes your highness, I'm afraid you are correct. But this will happen and I will put my life on it if it doesn't: The day you and Captain Armor win back the freedom and honour of Solaria will come. But it lies ahead at the end of a long and treacherous road."

"I know" Twilight answered "I must, and will fight for that day. I'll lead us home, for the names of all the ponies I have failed to save. Let's go, my brother awaits!" Twilight commanded and Flash rounded up the party to set off for another long day of travelling.

Meanwhile one of the hall ways of Crystalis keep, the three generals of Crystalis were talking with each other with what happened at Solaria. The Great and Powerful Trixie, the unicorn general, Cheerilee, the earth pony general and Soarin, the pegasus general.

"General Cheerilee" Trixie greeted

"Ah. Trixie, long time till you've come back" Cheerilee greeted with open arms "tell me, how did it go in Solaria?"

"Many signs of chaos abound." Trixie reported "the brigands ride with no fear and the cries of the civilians fill the air."

"Hmm..." Cheerilee wondered then replied "If Crystalis' troops do not enforce public order, this situation will get worse. And yet, His Majesty has still not given us any orders. Maybe I should take the lead for once."

"What is His Majesty thinking?" Soarin asked "to break our long-held alliance with Solaria and invade without properly declaring a war against them and with no warning... He's never been like this, he hates violence." Trixie stayed silent at that response so Soarin continued "and did you know the recent promotions? Who are they going to, and why?" He asked another questioned and put his guess in "definitely not to the soldiers who put the best interests of Crystalis to heart. I fear our recent invasion is the beginning of a much larger war. I also think and feel that His Majesty is no longer the man we knew him to be." Soarin feared

"Soarin" Trixie started "it doesn't matter what any of us might think of our orders. We serve and obey him, and will not question the intentions of His Majesty."

"I know that Trixie." Soarin grumbled "and yet..."

"That's enough both of you." Cheerilee ordered stopping the debate "His Majesty summons us. Maybe we can learn a little during our visit."

The three made themselves present before their ruler, Prince Blueblood.

"I appreciate your work in fulfilling your previous orders." The Prince started "you are the hammers that drive in the nails of the empire's will." He then complimented "you will continue to operate... Without hesitation... Wherever I send you." He finally ordered.

"By your command." Cheerilee replied bowing to him.

"In Your Majesty's name." Trixie replied also bowing.

"Yes sire..." Soarin bowed, but with a little hesitation on his ending phrase. The prince gave the signal for them to rise

"However..." Blueblood continued "I know that you, my imperial three, lack the strength to conquer the remaining nations alone. Certain soldiers performed beyond expectation during the invasion of Solaria. I have chosen them to join you as new generals in the empire's service... Come" He commanded and the doors opened to let three other ponies come in. Only that only that two of them were, one was a griffin. Soarin had a aghast look seeing one of his horrid ponies becoming a general.

"The performance of these ponies and griffin has surpassed even your own." He explained "with the addition of these three, the empire will have six generals enough to conquer this land, do you understand?"

"Heh heh heh..." The black unicorn chuckled "I am Sombra, given the name of Dark Risen by His Majesty. I may be a newcomer, but I pray for your favor."

"Understood." Cheerilee replied, the griffin was next to speak

"Sup losers! I'm Gilda, I was a mercenary that fought in the desert, now It seems I am to be called Eagle Talon though I'm cooler than eagles. You seem cool enough Miss Wizard, I look forward to working with you." She greeted while Trixie stayed silent

"So we meet again." The light opal Pegasus that wounded Flash Sentry greeted "you know me as general Lightning Dust, but you will call me the Triple-Star Lightning Bolt. I'll save you worthless donkeys from your own incompetence. You'll thank me later."

"Lightning Dust... You scum!" Soarin held his anger

"Peace Soarin." Cheerilee calmed.

"Trixie, Gilda." Blueblood commanded "you will bring me Lunata."

"Yes sir." Trixie obeyed

"Good as done." Gilda obeyed

"Sombra, Cheerilee. You are to defend the empire and I will speak to you individually with more details later." He continued

"Heh... Understood Your Majesty." Sombra obeyed

"By your command, sire." Cheerilee repeated

"And me?" Lightning Dust asked

"Lightning Dust, Soarin..." He started again "I have other duties for you."

"Yes, your majesty?" Soarin listened

"Solaria has fallen, but Princess Twilight still eludes us... Her brother, the Captain of Solaria, leads a resistance within our borders." He briefed "Bring them to me."

"Ha ha... Of course." Lightning Dust obeyed but Soarin stayed silent.