It was mid-evening; the sun was resting on top of the distant mountains. The rays were resting on a dark tent and inside were two ponies. One was a bat-pony with armor as black as night, his mane and tail burning a blue fire and his eyes were red as the blood in his veins with pupils that could cut through a lesser soul with a purple mist emitting from it. His name is Black Wing. The other was a unicorn with eyes similar to her grey-coated colleague. However; unlike him, her mane was a color similar to a traditional fire, she wore a dark grey cloak and always had a book of basic combat spells in her saddle bag, just in case. Her name is Dark Horn.

“No.” Black Wing said.

“It’ll work.” Dark Horn assured.

“How can you be sure? The recon team wasn’t able to get close enough to determine the defenses.”

“I’m starting to get the feeling you don’t trust me Black Wing.”

Black Wing’s mane started to intensify itself. “Damn it sis’! This ‘plan’ of yours includes throwing our newest recruits on the front lines! These men need time to at least have a chance to get their hooves wet before they outlive their usefulness.”

The lightly grey unicorn took a deep breath. “How many times must I tell you? Don’t refer to me as your sister! Just because the same pony created me, you, Black Hoof, and does not mean I am your sister. If you need me you will call me as the name our creator gave us, Dark Horn.”

“Oh my gosh I can’t get just one catapult ready in peace can I?”

An Earth pony walked in, her mane was similar to Dark Horn but it had more orange and yellow. Her coat though was of the dark grey similar to Black Wing, but she did have one thing in common they all shared the same eye color with the shade of green and purple mist emitting from it.

“What is it this time you two?”

“This ‘tactician’ wouldn’t know what potential was even if it slapped her pretty face.” Black Wing answered.

Dark Horn’s cheeks started turning red, but it couldn’t compare to her mane, which was getting flashier and hotter.

“Black Wing! You and I both know that every solider is expendable; in every game of chess each player needs pawns to take the brunt of the attack so that the stronger pieces can clean up any leftovers. But if it suits you we can easily get more ‘recruits’ from up north.”

“No!” Black Wing said angrily. “While that does sound great, there would only be mares and foals left to mine the crystals, and if we lose them we lose their motivation to try and not get killed, and thus we lose our ability to make weapons and armor. The more experienced fighters should lead the front lines and the new guys should give them support.”

Black Hoof then proceeded to groan in annoyance. “Black Wing you of all ponies should know that everypony is expendable, besides if it means getting rid of the ones who are too weak then by all means.”

Black Wing knew that he couldn’t pose a better argument because she was right. Most the new recruits were “volunteers” and he couldn’t shape them up in time even if he trained them from now to when the sun set for the third time they still wouldn’t be ready. Dark Horn grinned with a slight “ha” knowing she had the upper hoof.

“But Black Wing is right.”

“He is?” Dark Horn said with astonishment.

“Yes. While that Chess analogy you posed was true, unlike chess we don’t have the option of simply starting over, once your pawns are gone their gone. No do overs. And if you weren’t busy in here studying battle plans you would know that we are about to face a strong enemy and after this our army is going to be smaller no matter what we do, so why don’t we try to lessen this.”

Black Wing walked over to the map, and did some rearranging of the pieces. “Alright Dark Horn, I rearranged the field a bit.” Dark Horn saw Black Wing’s adjustments to the front lines; her eyebrows began to cross because it might actually work. As Black Wing explains, “It’s simple. We mix the front lines with some of our more experienced soldiers with the new recruits. By doing this will weed out those not necessary for war, and our army won’t be in serious decline. Now when do we discuss the full scope of this plan you came up with Dark Horn?”

Dark Horn grinned when Black Wing asked this question. As soon as he saw this he knew what was coming. More like who was coming.

All the candles in the lanterns suddenly went out, then a cold chill crept into the tent. A normal pony would be paralyzed with fear or at least be miles away running in fear. But what Black Wing, Black Hoof, and Dark Horn had in common were two things: they were created on the same day by the same pony, and they aren’t normal ponies. The three immediately stood in a side-by-side line at attention, as black smoke made its way into tent they didn’t flinch, because after going through it enough times it was the norm to them. The smoke then centered itself near the map but then it moved in front of the ponies that stood before it, then it began to take form, the candles then lit themselves almost as quickly as they went out. When the light reached the figure it showed a unicorn with black and red armor, a grey coat, a black mane, and red eyes with a purple haze emitting from its eyes, and a red horn upon its head. His name was feared throughout the north. His name is King Sombra, the ruler of the Crystal Empire.

“I assume that a plan has been agreed upon.” Sombra said with a hiss.

Black Wing stepped forward “Yes sir. Some parameters to the initial plan had to be modified but it shouldn’t change the result.”

Sombra had look that appeared to be a mix of surprise and anger, but mostly anger. “What kind of changes are we talking about?”

Black Wing and Dark Horn didn’t know how to answer; they never were good when dealing with conversations. Black Hoof decided to snap them out of it. “Sire, we agreed that instead of using the new recruits solely for the front lines here we should let some of our more experienced soldiers lead most of the platoons.”

As soon as Sombra had heard this he laughed and turned his head to Black Wing. “Oh Black Wing, knowing you this had to have been your initial thought yes?”

Black Wing stood firm and with confidence, “Yes my lord, I believe that we shouldn’t underestimate the enemy despite who we’re dealing with.”

“They are nothing but damned insects! We have an empire that could rival that pathetic country Equestria! Now tell me why we should risk some of our best men over some damn slaves?

Black Wing cleared his mind and quickly made a decision. “Never underestimate an animal once its been backed into a corner. Sir.”

Sombra stepped toward Black Wing, and looked straight into his eyes. His stare so stern one would think he was peering into your soul. “Hahaha, that’s good point Black Wing, I knew there was a reason why I put you as my commander. Now then you three come with me to the war table, we need to go through what’s happening and what your orders are.”

The four ponies gathered around the table that appeared to be a detailed model of the environment, mountains and all. On the board there were five different sets of pieces. There were blue pieces on a mountain that overlooked a giant fort like structure that was colored black. Directly across from the black fort there was another set of pieces, these were colored green. Behind the green pieces there was a set of red pieces and behind them were a set of yellow pieces.

“Now Dark Horn give us a run down of each team’s orders.”

Dark Horn nodded her head in confidence. “Yes sir!” She then picked up a stick with her magic and pointed at the red pieces.

“Black Hoof your going to be in charge of the artillery here. But the most you can do is give the front lines covering fire but even then that won’t be enough. Until Black Wing’s team destroys the defenses you won’t be able to get close enough to siege the hive.”

Dark horn then moved the stick to the blue pieces.

“Now then, Black Wing I want you and your pegasai troopers to head to this mountain about five miles away from the hive, your teams will consist of normal fighters, dive bombers, and an elite squad with you at the lead. Your orders are to destroy as many defenses as you can so that the artillery can get close enough, and then infiltrate the main hive under the cover of the chaos and destroy the nest and current queen. With luck our front lines will give the enemy forces such a ruckus that they’ll give their full attention to them so slipping in should be met with minimal resistance.”

Dark Horn then pointed at the green set of pieces.

“The front lines will have some ground to cover so Black Wing, you and your men will have to do some waiting on the mountain side in order to have maximum surprise. It will take some time to get there but if we get there on time, the night watch will be dealing with fatigue and the day watch won’t be up yet. When your men are on the mountain remember to have small fires and stay low to the ground. Last thing we need are those bugs on alert.”

Sombra smiled at Dark Horn’s planning, clearly making her the main tactician was the best idea he thought of. He then turned his attention to the rest of his staff. “Now that you have your orders your dismissed, Black Wing go check on the field commanders and make sure they know what is needed of them. Black Hoof go get the artillery ready to move, we don’t want them collapsing from enemy fire and make sure we have enough fire rounds for maximum carnage.”

Black Wing and Black Hoof knew their orders and proceeded to leave the tent. But Black Wing had a few things he wanted to clear up. “Excuse me milord, I only have a few questions.”

Sombra appeared calm. “Speak quickly.”

“Sir what are these yellow and red pieces on the map signifying?”

“Oh that will be our reserve forces, Dark Horn and I will be handling them. Our task is that we will bring up the rear while making sure none escape or try to run.”

“Are you referring to the bugs or our men?”

Sombra and Dark Horn looked at each other and grinned. “The answer is yes.”

“You know I hate it when you two look at each other, it gives me the creeps. Like what is it some kind of father-daughter unicorn telepathy thing?”

Dark Horn laughed because the one thing she enjoyed was keeping Black Wing in the dark as much as possible, something about it just gave her satisfaction. “Black Wing our King created us in many ways, he made sure you could handle his military style, Black Hoof to have the same ruthless but calculating might, and off course he made me to have his smarts, after all it was his smarts that lead to his conquest for power.”

“Yes, yes now can we move on to the last point? We have no idea what kinds of anti-air defenses they have.”

“Black Wing we don’t know if they have anti-air defenses.”

“Sis with all due respect they have wings and if they were that stupid we wouldn’t need an army to bring them down.”

Dark Horn growled because Black Wing knew he struck a cord but they had bigger things to worry about. “Black Wing none of my scouts reported any anti-air defense of any kind maybe they only scramble them when they need to, which is why we need to get the drop on them. Now unless you have anymore questions you can leave and brief the troops.”

“Yes ma’am I’ll see you when the time comes.” Black Wing then exited the tent, while he wasn’t fond of the field commanders he had to tell them what they needed to know. “Urgh, Okay Black Wing lets just make this as quick and painless as possible, besides there’s not even a guarantee that these guys will survive.” He said to himself.

Luckily for Black Wing one of the field commanders was nearby, and he was…tolerable. His name was Lightning Charge, and like his name suggested he was one hell of a front linesman and was quick on his hooves. As Black Wing approached him he noticed that he was helping a pony up, he looked new most likely one of the new recruits.

“C’mon Scroll, you’ll be fine just remember what I taught you.”

“Sir, I’m s-scared. I’ve never held a weapon before and I’m only just record keeper.” The pony said just before collapsing.

Lightning Charge picked him up. “Hey look at me son, I was just a farmer and just like you I had no combat experience. Once the King conscripted me due to low numbers I didn’t know what to expect but if it meant uniting the land under one banner than so be it. Now look at me, I’m one of the head commanders for our King’s army.”

“You’re right! I’m not one for fighting, but after this the records will show the triumphant victory of our King’s army!” The young pony then left to join the other soldiers in his platoon.

Lightning Charge knelt along side his spear and let a sigh not out of relief but out pity, he didn’t know why but he had feeling that this battle would be different. He then noticed that Black Wing was standing near him.

“Heh, you always were one for the motivational speeches.” Black Wing said.

Lightning immediately went to attention. “Sir! The men are being prepped and will be ready to move out by 2400 hours.”

“At ease Commander, I’m here to brief you on the plan we came up with.”

Lightning Charge then relaxed. “So what is the plan sir?”

“Before that, question. Who was that pony you were speaking to earlier? New recruit?”

“Oh him? Yeah that was Scroll Keeper. He came in with the new batch not too long ago. He’s a bit of a timid one, but don’t worry he’ll be ready for the charge.”

“You like the kid don’t you?” Black Wing pressed.

“Permission to speak freely sir?”

“Well you now have my curiosity so go ahead Commander.”

“These guys he came with; I’d wager these guys are barbarians, mercenaries, criminals. Sir he’s a record keeper, a record keeper! He isn’t a warrior! He should be back in the empire making sure the workers are in good health.”

Black Wing thought about yelling at him but he didn’t have time to deal with it, he did give him permission to speak freely. “Look normally I would yell saying ‘your out of line,’ but I don’t have time so I’m going to be blunt with you. I don’t care.”

Lightning’s attitude immediately shifted to one of anger. “Sir he doesn’t deserve this.”

“Well guess what? Not my problem. I don’t care what his job was, I only care if he can fight and not die within the first ten minutes of a fight. Now stand at attention Commander.” Lightning had no choice but to comply. “Now then, here are your orders, at first you were going to lead from the back while that Keeper kid and the other platoons advance from the front lines. But out of my good graces alone I managed to convince the others to let some of our more experienced men lead with them. You know what that means? You’ll have plenty of time to get all buddy-buddy with him because you’re going with him. Now then you know where to go from here now get out of my sight.”

“Yes sir.” Lightning Charge then left to brief his men on what was happening, praying that at least some of them would make it out.

Black Wing then moved to the armory tent there wasn’t anypony important to talk to on the way there and he wanted to clear his head.

“You know this whole love-hate relationship you have with Lightning Charge is quite adorable to watch. I think you secretly like him.” Said an all too familiar voice from behind him.

“Your sarcasm has been noted and disregarded Black Hoof.” Black Wing said in a disgruntled tone.

“Ha! Lets be honest here that was the most fun you’ll have for the next 24 hours. So what brings you here?”

Black Wing growled. “Don’t you have some catapults to prepare or something?”

“I do but it can wait right now. I know why you’re here and I came here to give it to you.”

Black Wing turned towards her. “You have it? When did they finish it?”

“Shortly before the meeting took place, I was going to give it to you after the meeting to save you the trip but I didn’t know about your little plan. Nice job by the way asserting yourself with Dark Horn. Usually it ends up with you having a black eye and bruises on your face.”

“Thank you. I think.” Black Wing said with a blank look.

“Now then here’s your new toy try not to break it, it’s not exactly easy to make.” Black Hoof then handed Black Wing a triangular object and took her leave.

“Hey Black Hoof!” Black Wing shouted. Black Hoof then turned back to face the stallion. “Thanks, maybe when this is all done we can actually sit down and breathe for a few minutes.”

“Heh, I wouldn’t mind that either Black Wing. Oh and just in case you don’t know we actually do care, Dark Horn, Sombra, and I. You’re one of our sharpest minds and we don’t know what we would do without you. Good luck out there.”

“Thanks Sis.”

Black Hoof then smirked and took her leave.

Black Wing looked around to make sure nopony was too close and then pressed the base of the object and then out of the base came a dark colored metal handle. “Good, extended handle, lets see how far you can go.” He then pointed the spear upwards and twisted it. The blade of the top then opened up into three triangles somewhat resembling a triton and it shot upwards. “Heh, at least it’s nice to know their glad that mission was more than successful.” He then pulled it down for measuring. Noticing that it was six feet in length he knew he would have to be careful when using the extension mechanic. Use it too early the weight of the blade would pull it downward, thus leaving him open to any counter attack. Luckily they would have to be quicker than he was and that rarely happened. He put the spear away on his mount and turned towards a band making some noise. He knew them all too well. They were the men he was leading into battle with.

Black Wing walked over to the tent and didn’t bother making himself known, and then he heard a familiar voice from a red pegasus.

“And then he said ‘please don’t kill me sir I surrender’ well unfortunate for him I wasn’t in the mood to take prisoners so I did the appropriate thing and stabbed him in his ribs he then started to tear up and gasp for air naturally. So I was a gentlecolt about it and apologized since I was aiming for his heart. But clumsy me I wasn’t at my best at aiming so after I got his forelegs and hind legs the old bastard started to shit everywhere anyway I wasn’t going to clean up that mess so I ended it and moved on. And that is how I took out the enemy general.”

There was a collective cheer around the pegasai and it was obvious he was reveling in it. He raised his mug and just laughed.

“Really Storm Starter? You left out the juicy part,” Black Wing said with an evil smirk. The others around him suddenly went silent. “You forgot to mention that you were so tipsy from raiding his cellar that day that while you were leaving you slipped in fell on his corpse! You were covered in his blood AND shit that day!” The other ponies in the tent started laughing like there was no tomorrow. The pegasus in the center of all this however was very embarrassed he took a huge gulp of his mead, it didn’t feel like enough.

After the other pegasai settled down Black Wing sat next to the story telling pegasus “Why do you enjoy ruining my fun?” Storm Starter said.

“Simple, because its fun.” Black Wing said proudly.

“Ah hahaha,” Storm said sarcastically. “So what’s the plan?”

“Simple. Men can I have your attention?” The other pegasai all turned quiet and looked towards their leader. Black Wing then pointed towards the map with his wing. “Men, this is what’s going to happen. We’re going to move out shortly to set up here on this ridge about five miles away from the changeling hive. We aren’t to engage or make our presence known to them until the next night so no large fires.” He then moved his wing to the big X on the map. “Our orders are to move in under the cover of night and the fatigue of their night shift and bomb their position so they don’t have much to hold our ground troops off.” His wing then pointed to a position south of the hive. “The ground troops will move in to distract their ground troops. Officially the ground troops were told that we would secure the area and be ready to open the gate. But unofficially we are to do no such thing, this is because our target is the queen and her nest, if we were to open the gate and then try to over take the hive the queen will grab her eggs and run to start again. So in a sense we are giving her a false sense of security, why run if you think everything is fine?” Black Wing then grabbed a mug of mead. “I’m not going to lie to you, this will be a dangerous mission. We don’t know if they have any anti-air defenses so we’re going have to move fast so they don’t have a chance to use it. Some of you probably won’t be coming back from this and I say this to you. You are all some of the most messed up pegasai I’ve ever had the pleasure to serve with from the extermination of the siren filth to the invasion of that pathetic little town of Las Pegasus. Now raise your mugs together as comrades and enjoy yourselves. Now tell me men are you ready to swash some insects?”

“YEAH!!”

“I can’t hear you? Are you ready to destroy some menial insects?”

“HELL YEAH!!”

“That’s what I like to hear!” Black Wing took a gulp of his mead and slammed it on the table. “We move out at 2400 hours see you there.” Black Wing then proceeded towards the exit of the tent until Storm Starter stopped him.

“After a speech like that you’re leaving?”

“Oh calm yourself Storm I have to go brief the other field commanders on what’s going on, drawback for being in charge. Please make sure they don’t burn down anything.”

Author's Note

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. As most know feedback is much appreciated, I want to thank my friends for helping me proof this and I am so glad I was able to get this out before the spring semester started.

EDIT: Well finally had time to fix this chapter let me know how you guys like it.

"The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse." -Edmund Burke